In November 2022, residents moved into newly constructed A Rated apartments in Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary. This beautiful new development on Kickham St, in the heart of Carrick-on-Suir, consists of 13 one, two and three bed apartments. Following receipt of CAS Stage 4 approval, Tuath entered a Design & Build contract with the developer JSF Construction. The Kickham Street apartments are now home to older persons and those with specific disabilities on the council’s waiting list.

During a pre- move in coffee morning our housing and tenant engagement teams spoke to residents about how they would like to get involved in tenant engagement projects once settled into their new homes. Many residents spoke about their keen interest in gardening, which inspired our staff to start work on a resident-led communal garden project. Funding for the garden project was secured through the support of developer JSF construction and the Tuath Housing Community Fund 2022. The Tuath Housing Community Fund was set up in 2020 to assist both residents’ groups involved in the Tuath Housing Tenant Engagement initiative and local community groups who provide support to vulnerable people in communities where Tuath Housing residents live. Over the past three years the fund has supported an array of community led projects around the country.

In March 2023 the design and consultation process for the garden began with residents, staff and a horticulturist from  local Clonmel garden centre. Residents chose the theme for the garden as biodiversity with planting that will encourage birds, bees and butterflies to create a natural eco system in the space. It was important as part of the design consultation process that the garden was accessible for residents with planting focused around raised beds and easy to access planters.

On a sunny day in April staff from Tuaths Galway office, Tuaths Green team staff, Kickham Street residents and our advisor from the garden centre set to work on putting the garden design into place. Fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs formed are a large part of the design.  Tuaths’ Green Team is a staff-led group focused on being champions for green initiatives across all areas of Tuath – from our head office to the homes of our residents. The Green Team has representatives from all areas of Tuath’s operations to ensure that all areas of the business are considered. This includes New Business and Development, Finance, Corporate Services, Property Services and Housing.

The garden has many seating areas for residents to come and enjoy this shared space with neighbours, but it is also a sunny quite area to come and relax and listen to the chimes. There are two raised beds in the garden that contain tomato plants, carrots and strawberry’s. There is also a herb area with parsley, sage, chives, coriander and a host of other herbs for residents to share. Apple and Pear trees were planted, and which will provide food to bees when in flower but also fruit when they mature. A bird feeder and bird water fountain was put in place to encourage birds into the garden. A wildflower area was also seeded during the planting day to provide food for bees and butterflies.

The garden was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Carrick on Suir Municipal District Cllr. Kieran Bourke photo exhibition celebrating old photos of the area was also held as part of the official opening of the new communal garden area. Local historian Walter Dunphy  also gave a talk to attendees on the local history of the area and spoke about Kickham street. Resident Cora donated a framed photograph for the communal space of Ormond Castle located on the River Suir on the east side of Carrick-on-Suir. Old photos of Carrick on Suir were sourced through the Tipperary Studies Digital Archive and support was also provided through the Sean Healy Memorial Library, Carrick on Suir.

 

Residents will be able to come and enjoy many days in the garden, which is not only a great way to meet neighbours but also to come and relax for mindfulness and well-being. We wish residents many years of happiness in the communal garden and look forward to seeing the garden grow and mature over time.  We would like to thank Bakers Lot residents and neighbours, Tuath staff, JSF Construction, Tipperary County Council, Clonmel Garden centre, Carol Delaney, Sean Healy Memorial Library, Mary Guinan Darmody, Tipperary Studies and local residents Walter Dunphy and Denis Landy.

Results from the Tenant Satisfaction Survey carried out during Q2 in 2023 have just been published. Tuath is delighted to announce that more than four-fifths of residents are satisfied with the overall
services provided by Tuath Housing (86%).

Carrying out this survey is just part of the work Tuath Housing does to involve residents in developing services. As well as publishing the results of the survey, Tuath Housing plans to put the findings to good use by working with residents to further improve the services provided to them.

Please click on the image below to view the Tuath Housing Resident Satisfaction Survey Q2 2023

Click on the image to download the report.

2022 was the most successful year to date for Tuath; some major highlights from the year include:

• 1,983 New homes delivered nationwide
• 4,520 Tenants housed
• 59 New hires with a total of 181 staff
• €422 million spend on new homes
• 256 Cost rental homes delivered
• 342 Community and tenant engagement events
• €102 million annual income
• 87% Tenant Satisfaction
• 10,141 Total number of homes nationwide
• 26,000 Total number of tenants
• Release of new Tenant Engagement Strategy

Today, at Tuath Housing’s Dublin Office on James Place East, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, officially launched Tuath’s Annual Report 2022. The event brought together esteemed professionals from various government bodies, statutory organisations, local authorities, and the public and private sectors.

2022 was a groundbreaking year for Tuath, surpassing all previous records by delivering an impressive 1,983 homes, catering for the housing needs of over 4,000 people. Moreover, the association achieved an exceptional annual turnover of €102 million, spending €422 million on the delivery of new homes nationwide.

Furthermore, Tuath significantly strengthened its workforce by welcoming 59 new staff members. With a dedicated team now exceeding 180 employees stationed across five offices throughout the country, Tuath is well positioned to continue delivering high quality homes, at scale, while delivering exceptional services to tenants.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O Brien said, “I want to congratulate Tuath on what has been another outstanding year. One of the many highlights of my job, is getting to visit new developments and see people get the keys for their forever home. Tuath made that a reality for more than 4,000 individuals and families in 2022. Through Housing for All, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) such as Tuath will play an increasing role in the provision of social and affordable housing and I look forward to continuing to work with them,” he concluded.

Reflecting on the launch event, Prof. Paddy Gray, Chair of Tuath Housing, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “Tuath is an organisation driven by its people, and our unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional customer service remains at the forefront of our mission. This Annual Report showcases the remarkable achievements, hard work, and investments made in 2022, ensuring the continuous provision of social and affordable housing in the years to come. We are thrilled to present our Annual Report 2022, highlighting the progress and success we have achieved throughout the year. Despite the challenges posed by inflation and the increasing cost of living, our commitment to providing top-quality housing to those in need remains steadfast. This report is a testament to the dedication and efforts of the entire Tuath team, supported by our experienced and devoted voluntary board.”

Tuath Community Comes Together to Celebrate European Neighbours Day, Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Tuath staff and tenants around the country gathered for European Neighbours Day celebrations that took place during the week in several counties, including Cork, Kildare, Meath and Dublin. The theme of the day was diversity and inclusion, with the events offering a range of activities for tenants to engage, share, and encourage unity within their communities.

Celebrated since 1999, European Neighbours Day aims to promote community engagement, foster good relations, and enhance social cohesion among neighbours in European countries. In celebration of this day, communities arrange events emphasising the importance of being a good neighbour and fostering a sense of unity within neighbourhoods and communities. It allows people to break down social barriers, build trust, and promote mutual support among residents. Some of the highlights from the week’s celebrations included:

Goolds Hill, Cork
Tenants enjoyed a wonderful afternoon tea and ice cream van for children at The Blue Cube Community Centre. Being one of the bigger schemes in the area, Goolds Hill is a mixed estate with other social housing tenants. The event was a great opportunity to promote the European Neighbours Day theme of inclusivity and diversity by facilitating an event that includes all tenants living in Goolds Hill.

Knightsbridge, Trim, Co.Meath
By organising a planting day and appreciating the beauty of nature, the residents at Knightsbridge Retirement Village Garden Club demonstrated the spirit of their community and inclusivity and diversity for European Neighbours Day. Residents engaged in various activities throughout planting day, such as planting flowers, herbs, and vegetables in the communal gardens. They also shared gardening tips and worked collaboratively to create a vibrant and thriving environment where they live.

Oakpark, Naas, Co.Kildare
A fantastic multicultural day took place in Oakpark as all neighbours prepared traditional dishes and shared stories from their countries. Tenants also celebrated the diversity within their communities by wearing clothing that reflected their culture.

Dublin Area
Several events took place in communities around Dublin. There was a mindfulness self-care morning for residents at the Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre, an Arts and Craft event, at Raeligh Court, an older-persons scheme in Crumlin, while Hansfield residents in Fingal held a neighbours day event with tea, coffee, cake and music.

Tuath Housing recognises it has a role in building sustainable communities by supporting social cohesion and integration where tenants live. As part of the Tenant Engagement Strategy, Tuath continuously promotes integration and understanding of different cultures while celebrating diversity and encouraging a sense of belonging within Tuath communities.

On Friday 24th March, Resident’s of An Garrán Residents’ Association were hosted by Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. John O’Leary, at special reception to commend the groups work in their community in Tramore.

The reception was held to celebrate the Residents’ Association being named as runner-up at the All-Island IPB Pride of Place awards  in January. The Association was nominated by Waterford City and County Council, in the Urban Neighbourhood (Under 3,000) category.

The ‘Pride of Place Awards’ awards, hosted by Dublin City Council and held in the Clayton Hotel in Dublin, celebrate the best in community development, and recognise the efforts of people in making their local neighbourhoods better places to live, work and socialise.

Please see below the speech made last Friday by Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. John O’Leary:

“As Mayor of Waterford City and County, I would like to welcome you all here to the Mayor’s Parlour in City Hall for a Mayoral Reception of An Garrán Residents’ Association.

Built in 2009, the estate development was a joint venture between Waterford City and County Council and Tuath Housing Association. The An Garrán Residents’ Association started out as a very small group coming together to develop a committee that provided a platform to bring people together on both sides of An Garrán and provide a range of supports through engagement with all the residents and the council. 

The estate consists of huge culture diversity with residents from many parts of Europe Ghana, Russia, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, England, and Canadian French empowering a great community of residents. Adults and children learn about different traditions and cultures as part of everyday life and living together in An Garrán, and one of the most significant ventures to have taken place last year by the residents of An Garrán was the European neighbour’s Day this was celebrated by a fun day and barbecue for children and adults and a celebration of local national Boxing champion Dylan Rocket.   

The An Garrán Residents’ Association Action Plan is – To create a sense of community in An Garrán by hosting community events for all residents and ensuring there is a social inclusion for all people who live in the estate. To have a safe, secure place for residents to enjoy, to call home and have a place to live and raise their families and build relationships and with the support both housing authorities Waterford City and County Council and Tuath Housing and have a link to community Garda and other external Agencies. To ensure the people of An Garrán have a voice when it comes to the development of the estate. But most of all to create a Pride of Place.

Since the residents’ group was set up, there have been several environmental awareness projects such as Tree Planting, Clean Up Days, Daffodil planting, National Planting Month, and a Pollinator Projects Meet and greet days and fun events.

The residents’ association, Waterford City and County Council and Tuath Housing have created a very positive link with the community Gardaí for support. As a result, the Residents’ Association have witnessed less antisocial behaviour over the last year.  Residents took an active role to establish ways to deter anti-social behaviour. The community garda, Waterford City and County Council and Tuath Housing worked together to find solutions to stop nuisance fires close to An Garrán.

Thanks to the strong neighbourhood presence, it is fantastic to see such a strong sense of community among the An Garrán residents thanks to the Residents’ Association. I want to congratulate you the residents and the residents’ Committee on your fantastic achievement in the national IBP Pride of place awards held recently and where you were awarded your prize and recognition in this 32 County National Pride of place Competition,

The pride of place judging committee on their visit to the estate last July were delighted to meet such an enthusiastic committee and commended the sense of pride for An Garrán.

I commend you all on the hard work done in the past and hope it continues into the future.

Go raibh mile maith agat.”

If you are interested in setting up or joining a Residents’ Association in your area, please see the ‘How to get involved’ section on website and get in touch with a member of Tuath’s Tenant Engagement team today.

 

This month marks the one year anniversary since Tuath launched their sector leading research on Embedding a Culture of Tenant Engagement. Since then Tuath has launched their Tenant Engagement Strategy, 2022- 2025, and recommendations from this research informed and shaped this strategy, along with tenant consultation and feedback.

Click on the images below to view the Research Report and Strategy:

                            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The aim of the research, which was undertaken by Dr. Joe Frey (University of Glasgow) and Dr. Peter Shanks (University of Birmingham), was to use evidence from good practice in the social housing sector in UK and Europe and examine current policy and practice in Tier 3 Approved Housing Bodies in Ireland.  

 This research has influenced the way in which tenancy engagement is implemented at Tuath. A dedicated team of five Tenancy Engagement Officers has been set up as well as gathering data and research to inform events for tenants to understand their needs, online and in-person communication channels for tenants has also been developed as well as collaborations with local services in Tuath’s communities.  

 This Tenant Engagement research and new strategy is only the start of the exciting and groundbreaking work that Tuath is doing to provide a first class service for tenants and building communities as well as homes. Join us on our Twitter and LinkedIn pages for more updates in the coming weeks about the key findings from this report and the measures that Tuath has undertaken with regards to embedding a culture of tenant engagement in a large AHB.

Minister O’Brien Opens New Homes at Historic Victorian-Era Building in Dublin

Ellis Court, one of Irelands first social housing schemes built in the 1880’s, has been brought back to its original use and now provides 22 homes in Dublin City Centre.

On Thursday 2nd of February, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien was joined by Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy, for the official opening of 22 new social homes at Ellis Court on Benburb Street, a development which saw the refurbishment of one of the earliest social housing schemes constructed on the Island. Originally designed in 1885 by Daniel J. Freeman on behalf of, what was then known as Dublin Corporation, the building would remain in use for social housing purposes up until 2005, when severe fire damage meant it had to be vacated. The building has now been restored to its former use as part of a collaborative project between Tuath Housing, Dublin City Council and the Department of Housing.

The 22 new Ellis Court homes have now been allocated, by Tuath Housing, to people from the Dublin City Council housing waiting list. The project saw the building undergo major  restoration works that has retained most of the structure’s historical integrity, while successfully converting it to modern residential accommodation. The approved plans for the refurbishment included the building of a new extension, with the overall development now consisting of 19x apartments (6x one-beds and 13x two-beds) and 3x townhouses (2 x two-beds and 1x three-bed homes). The delivery of the new A-rated energy efficient homes is the result of a Public Works Contract , which has been 100% funded by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.

Tuath delivered its first homes in partnership with Dublin City Council in 2006 and has continued working with the local authority since then to deliver over 2,600 homes. Having delivered a further 1,900 homes throughout 2022, Tuath has now delivered over 10,100 homes nationwide, housing some 26,000 people.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said “It is a privilege to officially open the newly restored Ellis Court building on Benburb Street. I would like to congratulate my fellow councillors, who approved the transfer of this historic building to Tuath Housing, and congratulate council staff for their collaboration with the approved housing body. It is truly heart-warming to see a piece of Dublin’s history restored, while also providing sorely needed homes in the City Centre. I would like to congratulate the new tenants and hope they will be very happy in them .”

Minister Darragh O’Brien commented “Conserving the historical and cultural landscape of our cities is a key action under Housing for All. By restoring and retaining the rich character of our historical buildings, we can also reinvigorate the areas in which they reside. Ellis Court has a storied history as one of Ireland’s first social housing schemes, built in the 1880’s, so it is fitting that it will remain as such. I commend Dublin City Council, Tuath Housing, and those within my own Department for their collaborative efforts that has resulted in this beautiful restoration, providing 22 new homes in the heart of Dublin.”

Councillor Dermot Lacey, the Chairperson of the Housing SPC stated “This is a wonderful example of what can happen when the different partners in housing cooperate with imagination and good will. We need a lot more of this. It is also a superb example of marrying the old with the new in the physical sense of restoring these beautiful buildings. Again we need more of this. I wish all the new residents every happiness in their new homes”.

Sean O’Connor, CEO of Tuath Housing noted “At Tuath, we look forward to working on many more projects like this one and are delighted to note that we are currently working on four similar refurbishment projects in counties Westmeath, Mayo and Cork. Our aim is to create sustainable communities in places where people want to live, such as here at Ellis Court, where we will soon see the new residents enjoying their new homes in the heart of Dublin’s City Centre.”