Tuath’s Community Funding Continues to Empower Local Projects and Help Build Sustainable Communities
A highlight of Tuath’s commitment to building vibrant and sustainable communities is the Tuath Housing Community Fund. Each year €10,000 is invested through the Community Fund to support projects where Tuath residents live. Applications can be made for €250 or up to €1,000.
In 2024, the Community Fund was increased to €25,000 in line with the increasing demand from communities. Residents’ Groups can apply annually for financial support from this fund, providing them with the means to undertake projects that contribute to the well-being of their communities.
This year, 19 community projects were supported through the fund such as Residents Groups, Family Resource Centres, Tusla-Child & Family Support Network, Youth Centre and many area based local support services to our residents. We supported local communities through funding which has a significant impact on the well-being and overall quality of life for the people living there.
By investing in local services and resources, organisations like Tuath Housing Community Funds can help to strengthen community bonds, promote togetherness, and build more sustainable communities.
Check out some of the groups below that received funding through this years Tuath Community Fund:
Better FinglasLets Grow TogetherKnightsbridge Residents AssociationFinglas Youth Resource CentreBorris Meadows Community Group
Communities Receive Library Boxes as Part of World Book and Copyright Day Celebration
Tuath staff, residents, local Gardaí and staff from Dublin Libraries at Burnell Place, Dublin for the celebration event to mark World Book and Copyright Day
Tuath Housing marked World Book and Copyright Day on April 23rd with a network of events promoting literacy and community engagement across developments in Cork, Dublin, Meath, Wicklow and Kildare. On the day, several community library boxes were unveiled as part of a wider effort to encourage reading and learning, particularly among younger residents.
Member of An Gardaí reading to a young resident at Burnell Place, Dublin
The initiative was the result of wider collaboration between Tuath and several organisaton partners. To produce the boxes, Tuath teamed up with PACE (Pathways to Accessing Community Employment), a voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting individuals reintegrating into society after involvement with the criminal justice system.
Participants in the PACE initiative produced the Libraries for World Book and Copyright Day celebrations
In addition to PACE, Tuath collaborated with children’s book charities, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), and local libraries to ensure a diverse and engaging collection of reading materials for the community library boxes. This effort also included encouraging residents to sign up for local library memberships, strengthening connections between Tuath developments and already established community resources.
Young resident in Wicklow with her new book
Children’s Books Ireland generously donated 30 books to be shared among the schemes, while Coolock local library contributed a substantial number of books. The Community Gardai also showed their support at the events, while at Stepaside in Dublin, Dundrum Library staff were on site to sign up attendees also. In Meath, Navan Library generously donated books for younger attendees while at Arus Mhuire in Cork, residents swapped books and donated for the community library box.
Tuath Tenant Engagement Officer Amanda McDonnell (Left) with staff from Dundrum Libraries at the Woodside, Dublin event
At all the events, residents were encouraged to ‘Bring A Book & Take A Book’. We hope this initiative will give residents direct access to reading material and also provide an opportunity to share their much-loved books with their friends and neighbours in the community.
Residents of Arus Mhuire, Cork (Left) and Tuath staff, residents and Meath County Council (Right) celebrate World Book and Copyright Day
Tuath launched the Year 1 Monitoring Report for the Tuath 2022-25 Tenant Engagement Strategy at events across Dublin on Tuesday 26 March.
Report Launch
The report highlights the events and initiatives facilitated by residents and employees at Tuath throughout 2023 which work towards the goals of the strategy. The strategy endeavours to involve, enable, communicate with, build, integrate, embed and empower residents through positive connection, communication, consultation and support.
Report Launch
Tuath would like to thank all teams in Tuath, residents, residents’ groups, local authorities, community partners, interagency organisations and all those who have transformed the Tuath vision into reality, creating an environment where tenant engagement is not just a strategy but a way of life.
Issue 4 of the Housing Insight Series on office-to-residential conversion developments was launched today. The paper, published by the Housing Agency, features case studies from Tuath Housing office retrofit developments.
Using case studies from the awarding-winning office-to-residential developments Parkwest Plaza, Dublin 12 and Springville House, Cork City, the paper highlights how office retrofit conversion projects contribute to the development of sustainable communities and that repurposing vacant buildings can save up to 73% in embodied carbon when compared to a demolition and re-build project. The study further highlights that collaboration is a key component of successful conversion projects.
Housing Insights Issue 4
The two featured Tuath developments are an example of a sustainable housing solution which can help to regenerate areas suffering from vacancy and dereliction. Parkwest Plaza, overall winner for ‘Best Large Housing Development for Families’ and ‘Best Creative Delivery, Supply and Collaboration’ at the ICSH 2023 Awards was the first office retrofit development at Tuath. The conversion of a four-story office block, derelict for over 20 years in to a five-story 86 apartment building was funded through Capital Advanced Leasing Facility (CALF) and Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) funding with private finance from AIB’s Social Investment Fund.
Parkwest Plaza, Dublin 12
Springville House, National Property Awards ‘Social Housing Development of the Year’ 2024 and winner of ‘Excellence in Housing Innovation’ at the 2024 ICSH Awards is a ‘Rightsize’ development for residents over sixty years of age looking to move from their current property to one more suitable to their needs. A 1970s vacant office block was converted in to a 35-home residential building on behalf of Cork City Council through partial demolition and third floor construction on part of the existing office building and was funded through CALF and Housing Finance Agency (HFA) private finance.
Springville House, Cork City
Through this publication, Tuath and the Housing Agency hope to provide good practice learnings to other social housing providers to be able to replicate with similar innovative projects. These conversion developments and paper further highlight Tath’s strategic focus on sustainability, a core principle of Tuath’s development strategy. In particular, Tuath recognises that the most sustainable and green projects are those that are already built and that sustainability also refers to providing top quality, warm safe and comfortable housing and communities.
Further insight into the Tuath Housing Case Studies can be found here.
Tuath Housing today announced a groundbreaking development that will introduce Galway’s first cost rental homes.
L-R: Peter O’Connell, OCC Construction, Bronagh D’Arcy, Tuath Deputy CEO, Mayor of Galway Cllr. Eddie Hoare, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, Tom Coyle, Lizamber Ltd., John O’Connell, OCC Construction at the sod turning of the Clai Mór development, the site of Galway’s first-ever cost rental housing development.
In collaboration with Galway City Council, the Housing Finance Agency (HFA), the Housing Agency, and the Department of Housing, this significant initiative underscores Tuath’s commitment to providing sustainable and affordable housing solutions across the country.
The Clai Mór development, comprising a total of 102 homes, is being constructed through modern methods of construction, utilising a prefabricated steel modular system designed and manufactured offsite. It represents a pivotal step towards addressing the housing needs of the people of Galway City. The diverse housing mix will include 28 cost rental homes, 33 CAS (Capital Assistance Scheme) homes, and 41 CALF (Capital Advance Leasing Facility) funded homes.
Tuath Housing works closely with local authorities and government agencies to deliver high-quality, affordable housing solutions across Ireland. The collaboration with Galway City Council, the HFA, the Housing Agency, and the Department of Housing exemplifies Tuath’s dedication to fostering partnerships that make a meaningful impact on communities.
Tuath Housing manages over 12,600 homes nationwide, accommodating more than 30,000 people. Tuath Housing’s dedicated office in Galway, staffed with a team of committed professionals, oversee all properties in the city and county areas, reflecting the association’s local approach to community development. Currently managing 275 homes in Galway, Tuath Housing continues to expand its footprint in the region.
This announcement follows Tuath’s successful delivery of over 370 cost rental homes, with an additional 1,500 homes in the pipeline. Tuath remains steadfast in its mission to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable housing options for communities throughout Ireland.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “This is a very exciting day for Galway, breaking ground on the City’s first affordable cost rental homes. Cost Rental is a new form of tenure in Ireland and it is key to addressing the affordability and security challenges faced by renters. The homes we’re delivering are at rates which are a minimum 25% below local market rates and are long-term secure rentals. We now have a healthy pipeline of affordable cost rental homes across the country and I want to thank Galway City Council, Tuath and our State Agency partners for bringing this much needed development to fruition.”
Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Eddie Hoare said: “This is a very positive development that will provide a further supply of social homes in Galway City. The development mix is really important too, with 28 Cost Rental homes, 41 CALF homes and 33 CAS homes included. The Cost Rental model is a very attractive option and I’m delighted to see a cost rental element included. I’d like to wish the team at OCC Construction the very best with the project and look forward to seeing families being allocated to these properties in the near future.”
Patricia Philbin, Interim Chief Executive of Galway City Council commented: “Galway City Council are delighted to be in a position to support the Approved Housing Body, Tuath, to deliver a high quality sustainable, inclusive community at Clai Mór on the Monivea Road, which includes a mix of social housing, as well as housing for specific categories of need, including for age-friendly housing and for persons with a disability and for the first time, affordable rented accommodation to people on middle incomes. This is in line with our Housing Delivery Action Plan, which sets out how Galway City Council and Approved Housing Bodies will provide new social and affordable housing options through direct build as well as turnkey and Part V arrangements to meet the targets in Housing For All.”
Barry O’Leary, CEO of the Housing Finance Agency said: “HFA customers like Tuath Housing have been working incredibly hard in recent years to boost Ireland’s supply of housing and we are glad to support this vital delivery of homes with long-term financing. We’re particularly proud to have facilitated Tuath’s delivery of the first cost rental homes in Galway. This is an important tenure of housing, providing secure homes for middle-income households who may struggle in the traditional rental market.”
Bronagh D’Arcy, Deputy CEO at Tuath Housing noted: “We are pleased to be at the forefront of delivering Galway’s first cost rental homes, in partnership with Galway City Council, the HFA, the Housing Agency, and the Department of Housing. This development is a testament to our commitment to creating sustainable and affordable housing solutions that positively impact the lives of individuals and families.”
As the cold weather sets in, households may face high energy bills. This page includes useful advice and tips including Budgeting/ Financial Tips, Cost-of-living payments & welfare entitlements, Energy Customer Rights/ Entitlements.
You can also find useful information in SEAI’s ‘Reduce your Use’ booklet here:
It is important to stay safe during the colder months. Please visit the Gov.ie ‘Be Winter Ready’ page with lots of information on how to stay safe during the winter months, and where to find help should you need it.
Did you know there are ways you can reduce your energy and fuel consumption in your home? Check out the following energy saving tips:
2. Cost of Living Payments & Welfare Entitlements
Did you know that in the 2023 Budget there are payments to help those households who may be on a lower income. Have a look at our Budget 2023 Cost of Living Payments guide to find what you might be entitled to and when you should receive it.
To view the latest Cost of Living Payments available from Budget 2024, including upcoming energy bill credits, visit the Citizen’s Information page here:
You also might be entitled to social welfare payments and income that you are not already claiming.
3. Information on Electricity Supplier
Make sure you know your rights and entitlements this winter when it comes to your electricity supply and rates. Contact Electric Ireland on 1800 372 372. You can also find more information on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities website on how to deal with your utility supplier or network operator: https://www.cru.ie/home/customer-care/
In 2023, Tuath Housing launched its inaugural “New Horizon” Education Bursary. The funding provided forms part of Tuaths’ commitment under the Tenant Engagement Strategy 2022-2025 to support residents to partake in accredited or non-accredited courses, short or long-term. Funding provided varied from €250 to €1000. The overall funding was €20,000, all of the funding was allocated, the New Horizons Education Bursary received a positive engagement from Tuath residents.
Introduction
The new fund launched in May of 2023 across all of Tuath Housings social media platforms, Tuath Housing website and advertised in the Spring/ Summer residents’ magazine. A trusting relationship was built with residents and Tuaths Tenant Engagement team to assist residents with the application process. Residents expressed different opinions and expectations about starting and returning to education. These included boosting confidence and social skills, meeting new people, and enhancing their employability skills. Tuaths Tenant Engagement team helped with any additional supports required to support applicants. There was a positive response for the bursary, over 120 people expressed interest, whilst 80 applicants completed an application, and overall, 22 residents were approved the bursary.
Below is a summary of the application process, a breakdown of the courses and the funding provided to each applicant.
Application Process
Number of Enquiries and Submission Methods
Approximately 120 people expressed an expression of interest in the bursary. The advertisements for the bursary were on all Tuath social platforms and Tuath Housing website. There were also posters created with QR codes which were disseminated collectively by Housing Service Coordinators and the Tenant Engagement team to the residents whilst onsite.
There were various submission methods for applicants to apply:
QR codes which gave the applicants as an option to scan and access application and apply directly online for education bursary.
Alternative options were also accessible to applicants whereby they could get their applications sent through post or sent by email directly to their email account.
Application Response
Some of the applicants were residents and non-residents as well as applicants who did meet the course criteria. Below is a brief analysis of the applicants that expressed interest and put forward an application.3.
Application Analysis
Breakdown of expression of interest, total applications received, and total applications approved for bursary.
A. – Approval Statistics
Expression of Interest: 120
Total Applications: 59
Residents Approved: 22
Below is a breakdown of applicants that were Ineligible for bursary.
B. – Ineligible Applicants
Non-residents
Applicants applied for funding for equipment and materials rather than course fees
Some applicants were in receipt of government and other education funding
Lack of correspondence after application submission did not return necessary documentation
Some residents applying for the bursary next academic year 2024
C. – Eligible Applicants
The following table lists the various courses and college that the 22 residents have signed up to. The majority of funding was paid directly to educational institutions to pay full or partial fees for residents towards short- and long-term courses which are accredit and non-accredited.
Judging Panel
The Education Bursary panel consisted of one member of Tuath Board of Management and two Tuath Housing Managers. We would like to thank the judging panel for their time in assisting the Tenant Engagement team with the bursary process.
Conclusion
In 2023, the New Horizons Education Bursary proved to be an enormous success! Over 22 Tuath residents will benefit from funding that will help them progress on their personal and professional journey. We wish all of the recipients the best of luck this year.
In 2024, we will contact our residents to learn more about their experiences and how they are progressing with their educational journey. We will also open the 2024 bursary in two phases next year (January to May and August to November) due to the bursary’s overwhelming demand. Accessibility will be provided by a biannual bursary opening.
Tuath has doubled down on its commitment to sustainability with the inclusion of a separate key pillar in its Strategic Plan.
The establishment of this new Strategic Objective underscores Tuath’s dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Sustainability, for Tuath, means achieving a harmonious balance between organisational growth, the delivery of homes, environmental care, good governance, ethical responsibility and social well-being for tenants, employees, and communities.
Business Plan ESG Commitment:
Tuath is actively embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices into its operations. The business plan emphasises reducing our carbon footprint, ensuring good governance, and upholding social responsibility.
Tuath is developing a roadmap towards a lower carbon and sustainable future for both the organisation and tenants.
Key initiatives include:
Statutory Reporting Preparation
Tuath is preparing for statutory reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), becoming mandatory from 2026. The organisation is working with Deloitte to establish best practices for its first CSRD return.
ESG Reporting Framework
Tuath has established an ESG Reporting Framework, including targets and metrics, to collate data for future statutory reporting. This framework covers waste management, energy consumption, biodiversity impact, and more.
ESG Working Group and GREEN Team
An internal ESG Working Group and a staff member GREEN Team have been established, comprising senior management, board members, and staff representation. These teams focus on strategic and practical implementation of sustainability initiatives across the business.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Tuath has completed a Scope 1 & 2 carbon footprint analysis of the organisation, demonstrating a 16% decrease in carbon intensity since 2020. Targets for energy efficiency and climate action have been established to build upon this progress.
Sustainable Development and Renovation
Tuath is actively engaged in sustainable development and renovation projects nationwide.
Key Actions & Commitments
Annual ESG reporting in accordance with the ESG Charter and Framework.
Preparation for reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive from 2025.
Continuous reduction of carbon emissions and improved energy efficiency.
A Social Value Framework to assess the impact on tenant and community well-being.
Exemplary governance and regulatory compliance, operating with integrity and transparency.
Tuath remains dedicated to making the social and affordable housing more sustainable, delivering positive environmental and social impacts for residents, employees, and the wider community.
Tuath’s CEO Sean O’Connor said “Tuath’s ESG charter echoes our unwavering commitment to weaving environmental consciousness, social responsibility, and ethical governance into the fabric of our operations. At Tuath, sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s a journey, and our ESG charter is the roadmap guiding us toward a future where every home we build, and every community we are part of is sustainable.”
Will McCabe, Board Director, ” I find immense purpose in Tuath’s ESG commitment. It’s more than a set of principles; it’s our collective responsibility to leave a positive impact. With every decision, we affirm our dedication to sustainable practices, community well-being, and ethical governance. Tuath’s ESG charter reflects not just our values but our promise to stakeholders that we’re shaping a future where social and environmental considerations are integral to our success.”
“Tuath’s Head of Sustainability Kate Joyce emphasised, ‘Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond rhetoric—it is now embedded within our strategic plan. We’re not just building homes; we’re creating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.”
Results from a survey carried out during Quarter 3 in 2023 have just been published, detailing resident’s experiences with the way Tuath delivers key services and maintains their homes. Tuath is delighted to announce that over eight out of ten residents are satisfied with the overall service provided by Tuath Housing (83%).
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 Q3 2023
Housing Insights Issue 4
