Featured News Archives - Page 5 of 8

Tuath Earns Age Friendly Recognition Accreditation

Tuath is pleased to announce the recent achievement of the Age Friendly Business Recognition accreditation as it concludes its participation in Positive Ageing Week 2023 celebrations. The accreditation recognises the adequate service provision for older persons by retailers and service providers.

In late 2022, members of Tuath Housing’s tenant engagement team underwent training with Age Friendly Ireland to become champions of the Age Friendly Business Recognition programme. Their primary role was to develop a charter of commitments to enhance the living experiences of older residents.

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of older resident’s needs and preferences, Tuath Housing conducted an extensive survey, featuring 26 questions covering various aspects of living conditions. Subsequently, the survey was administered in person by Tuath staff to 213 households across eight pilot schemes between July and August 2023.

The survey delved into areas such as social engagement, communication preferences, accessibility to outdoor areas, mobility and transportation, housing conditions, technology and digital accessibility, as well as health and community support services. The insights gained from this survey have been published in a comprehensive report that outlines findings and recommendations. Read the full report here:

Tuath Housing is committed to using these findings to ensure that older residents continue to feel safe and secure in their homes. By partaking in initiatives such as Positive Aging Week, Tuath is also dedicated to building strong connections within the community and providing meaningful engagement opportunities for its older residents.

Positive Ageing Week, an initiative by Age Action, is an annual event dedicated to promoting and highlighting the positive aspects of aging. This year, Tuath Housing’s tenant engagement and housing teams actively participated in Positive Ageing Week across eight of its older person schemes located in Clonmullion, Co. Kildare, Killinchy, Co. Laois, La Touche, Co. Wicklow, Raleigh Square, Dublin, Castlemanor, Co, Cavan, Knightsbridge, Co. Meath and Castleross, Co. Monaghan.

The events and activities held during Positive Ageing Week included planting days, afternoon tea gatherings, guest speaker sessions, arts and crafts workshops, and healthy eating awareness and chair yoga sessions.

We at Tuath, would like to acknowledge the ongoing contributions of older persons within Tuath communities. Likewise, we would like to thank staff, attendees, and partner organisations involved in the Positive Aging Week celebrations, for helping us foster a sense of community, and create a more age-friendly and inclusive environment.

Tuath Housing Best Kept Estate Awards 2023

2023 Winners Announced for Nationwide Best Kept Estates

After the resounding success and positive response received from last year’s inaugural Tuath Housing Best Kept Estate Awards, we were thrilled to announce the reopening of this now annual award in August 2023.

The award for Best Kept Estate is given to housing estates across Ireland where Tuath residents live to recognise the outstanding contribution of communities who come together to dedicate their time, energy, and resources to improve estates and foster community spirit. Six Awards were made in total this year.

Entries for the Tuath Housing Best Kept Estate Award were submitted by Housing Officers at Tuath and new this year, Tuath Residents could nominate their own estate. Final judgment was made by in September and the six overall winners were chosen based on the following criteria.

Effort Involved
Absence of Litter
Planting of trees, shrubs, flowers in communal areas and gardens
Condition of houses in the Scheme
Absence of unsightly objects
Special Factors

Tuath Housing is delighted to now announce the winners of the 2023 Tuath Housing Awards for Best Kept Estate 2023.

Overall Winners:

Millworks, Islandbridge, Bellevue, Dublin 8
St. Vincents, Collins Avenue, Dublin 9
Fenton Green, Church Street, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Springville House, Blackrock Road, Ballintemple, Cork.
Bakers Lot, Kickham Street, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary
Knightsbridge Court, Trim, Co. Meath

Each winning estate will receive a plaque to be proudly displayed in their estate, a testament to their dedication to creating a truly remarkable place to live. But that’s not all!! In addition, they will also be presented with a €500 garden centre voucher giving the winners an opportunity to further add more splendour and charm to their Estate.

In the upcoming weeks, we will plan and coordinate a visit to each of the winning estates. We eagerly look forward to the moment when we can personally present the well-deserved prizes to the deserving recipients.

We would like to thank residents who nominated for this year’s Best Kept Awards, there was a very high standard of entries for this year’s competition. The staff at Tuath Housing would also like to extend hearty congratulations to the 2023 winners of Tuath Housing’s competition for the Best Kept Estate Awards for their exceptional contribution to the communities in which they live.

Winners Photos:

Baker’s Lot, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary.

BAKERS’ LOT COMMUNAL GARDEN UNVEILED IN CARRICK ON SUIR, CO. TIPPERARY

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.

Bakers’s Lot on Kickham Street in Carrick on Suir, Co.Tipperary

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.

First consultation day between tenants of Baker’s Lot, Tuath staff and Linda from Clonmel Garden Centre

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.

Tuath staff and residents during Day 1 of the redesign

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.

Melanie, Tuath Housing Services Coordinator form Cork, hard at work during the 1st day of the garden redesign

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 communal garden before (L0 and after the redesign (R)

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.

Unveiling day L-R: Fionnuala Hanlon, Housing Officer, Tuath Housing, Hannah Butler, Customer Service Advisor, Tuath Housing, Margaret Hanrahan, Tuath Housing Tenant Engagement Manager, Cathaoirleach of Carrick on Suir Municipal District Cllr. Kieran Bourke, Tuath residents Cora and Gosha, Peter Mulcahy, JSF construction, local historian Walter Dunphy and Carole Delaney, Sean Memorial Library.

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 Published for Quarter 2 Tenant Satisfaction Survey

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

Tuath’s Annual Report 2022: A Record-Breaking Year

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.”

L-R: Tuath Chair Prof. Paddy Gray, Tuath cost rental tenant Dominika Werecka and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien

Works Commence on Refurbishment of Comlcille Terrace, Co. Longford

Partnership Project between Tuath Housing and Longford County Council

Tuath Housing, in partnership with Longford County Council, is delighted to announce the commencement of works at Colmcille Terrace, Granard. The project, which will involve the complete refurbishment and extension of 19 houses, and energy upgrades to two homes, at a total cost of €4.9 million, is funded under the Capital Assistance Scheme through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The contractors appointed are Sammon Developments Ltd while the design phase has been carried out by Vincent Hannon Architects. A ceremonial signing of contracts took place on Friday, with residents of Colmcille Terrace attending for an information session on the logistics of the programme of works. The event was attended by elected members of Longford County Council as well as representatives of Tuath Housing Association, the Department of Housing, Local Government and
Heritage, contractors Sammon Developments Ltd, Vincent Hannon Architects and the Housing Department of Longford County Council.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Turlough McGovern welcomed the commencement of works. “We are delighted to be at this stage, and I look forward to seeing residents happy in their new homes at the end of this project.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon also welcomed the news. “Longford County Council is committed to working in partnership with Tuath Housing Association to see this development restored to its former glory for the benefit of current and future residents.”

Martin Loughran, Director of Development at Tuath, noted “We’re delighted to work in partnership with Longford County Council on the regeneration of Colmcille Terrace. Sustainability is a core principle of Tuath’s development strategy, and this extensive retrofit project will bring these homes in line with modern residential standards, providing safer, healthier living spaces fo rcurrent and future residents.”

Colmcille Terrace is an existing development of 31 units which was built in the 1940s and then most recently renovated in the 1980s. Tuath Housing Association have taken ownership of 19 of these units and are undertaking the deep retrofit of them. The Housing Liaison Officer in Longford County Council has been working alongside Tuath Housing Association to support tenants in Colmcille Terrace and will continue to do so throughout this refurbishment project and into the future.

European Neighbour’s Day Celebrations

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.

Self care, Mindfulness and Meditiation, Ringsend

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.

Mayoral Reception for An Garrán Residents’ Association

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.

Tuath Tenancy Engagement Research Report- One Year Anniversary

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.

New Homes in Cork for People of Charleville

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins today turned the sod on a new housing development in Charleville that is currently being delivered by Tuath Housing in partnership with Cork County Council. The official sod turning was part of a wider visit by the Mayor to various housing developments in Charleville.

L-R: Maurice Manning, Director of Services for Housing Cork County Council, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins and Tuath Deputy CEO Bronagh D’Arcy at the Cedar Court sod turning.

The new development at Cedar Court will provide 34 new homes on completion and will consist of a mix of two and three bed terraced and semi-detached homes. The new scheme is being funded via private finance from the Housing Finance Agency and a loan from the Department of Housing. These homes will be the first new build housing built in the area in a considerable length of time. In addition to the 34 homes being delivered by Tuath, 30 more homes are currently being delivered in Charleville on various developments.

Tuath delivered its first homes in partnership with Cork County Council back in 2011 in Midleton and has continued working with the local authority since to deliver over 610 homes throughout the County. Tuath has now delivered over 10,100 homes nationwide in every local authority area, housing some 26,000 people.

Speaking during his visit to Charleville Mayor Collins highlighted that “Cork County Council has been led by housing demand in preparing and delivering projects in our County towns such as here in Charleville, where people want to live and where they will sustain our schools, shops, clubs and services”. He added that “The completion of these 64 social homes will mean permanent, secure housing for families and individuals in Charleville making a real difference to those people’s quality of life”.

Barry O’Leary, CEO of the Housing Finance Agency said “It’s always great to see work starting on a new housing development and we’re proud to have provided financing to Tuath for the delivery of these homes at Cedar Court. We look forward to visiting the scheme when it is completed next year and welcome its new tenants.”

Prof. Paddy Gray, Chair of Tuath’s Voluntary Board of Directors noted “We are delighted to be once again working with Cork County Council to provide new social homes in the County. We already manage over 600 homes in the region, demonstrating the effective working partnership, backed by Government, between Tuath and Cork County Council’’.