Category: Featured News

Historic Building Restored in the Heart of Dublin City

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

Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O’Brien is joined by Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy for the official opening of Ellis Court

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 newly refurbished Ellis Court building on Benburb Street Photo: Karl Hussey Photography 2023

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.

Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O’Brien speaking with Tuath staff at the Official Opening of Ellis Court

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.”

Minister O’Brien Visits New Cost Rental Site in Kiltiernan

New Development  to Deliver 72 Cost Rental Homes

On Friday 27th January, An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Cllr. Mary Hanafin welcomed Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, Darragh O’Brien to Kiltiernan for an official visit to the Bishop’s Gate development site, where 72 cost rental homes are currently under construction.

L-R: Minister Darragh O’Brien, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Mary Hanafin, Tuath Chair Prof. Paddy Gray and Chief Executive of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Frank Curran at the Bishop’s Gate developement in Kiltiernan. Karl Hussey Photography 2023

The new cost rental homes are being delivered by Tuath Housing, in partnership with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, and will consist of 63 x two-bed apartments and 9 x three-bed apartments upon completion. The new homes are being funded under the Department’s Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme, which necessitates that cost rents must be a minimum of 25% below open market values, and private finance via the Housing Finance Agency.

The average rental for a two-bed home in the Kiltiernan area is €2,400 per month and €3,200 per month for a three-bed. The new cost rental homes being delivered at Bishop’s Gate will not only provide more homes in the area , the rents will be set at €1,425 for a two-bed and €1,550 for 3-bed home, representing a 45% decrease in local market rates.

Karl Hussey Photography 2023

The wider Bishop’s Gate development will comprise of 203 homes in total and will contain a mix of private owned, private rental, social and cost rental housing. In addition to the cost rental homes, Tuath will also deliver a further 27 social homes on the same site and these will be allocated to people from the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council housing waiting list upon completion.

Karl Hussey Photography 2023

Tuath has, to date, delivered 256 cost rental homes, offering moderate income households the choice of a more affordable, long-term and stable form of rental tenure. Tuath will deliver more cost rental homes in Cork, Dublin and Louth throughout 2023 and 2024.

Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage Darragh O’Brien commented “Cost Rental is key to addressing the affordability and security of tenure challenges faced by renters. As we scale it up, it will help make Ireland’s housing market more affordable overall. Approved Housing Bodies like Tuath are working hard, with local authorities such as Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and with the support of my Department through Housing for All, to achieve a healthy pipeline so that we can deliver cost rental at scale.”

Councillor Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, said “I welcome the delivery of these homes which are close to amenities, public transport routes, local commercial centres and the nearby Fernhill Park and Gardens. This is another vital step in providing accommodation at affordable prices to citizens of the County.”

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council stated “This collaboration with Tuath Housing and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will provide much needed homes at affordable prices and long-term security of tenure for the people of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown. We look forward to the completion of the first units in 2024.”

Barry O’Leary, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) said “The HFA is proud to have provided financing to Tuath for 72 cost rental homes at Bishop’s Gate and it’s great to see the progress that is being made to deliver these affordable homes. We look forward to visiting the completed development and seeing residents move into their new homes.”

Prof. Paddy Gray, Chair of Tuath’s Voluntary Board of Directors said “We are delighted to be involved in the delivery of cost rental housing, and we will continue to support the Government and local authorities nationwide in the delivery of homes under this model. Cost rental homes offer security of tenure, long-term rent certainty and more choice to those struggling to find suitable rental accommodation on the private market.”

Results Published for Quarter 4 Tenant Satisfaction Survey 2022

Results from a survey carried out during Quarter 4 in 2022 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 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 Q4 2022

Minister Burke Officially Opens New Homes in Kinnegad

On Tuesday 20th December,  Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Deputy Peter Burke officially opened a recently completed 24 home development, delivered by Tuath Housing Association in partnership with Westmeath County Council, at Kinnegad, in his home county of Westmeath. The official opening was part of a wider set of visits to housing developments by the Minister including stops at Westmeath County Council housing developments in Mullingar and Athlone.

All 24 homes at An Garrán Geal have been allocated by Tuath Housing to people from the Westmeath County Council housing waiting list. The new development consists of 12 x two-bed apartments and 12 x three-bed duplex homes. The new A-rated energy efficient homes have been funded via private finance from the Housing Finance Agency and a loan from the Department of Housing. The average price of a home at An Gárran Geal was €201,775 representing excellent value for money.

Tuath delivered its first homes in partnership with Westmeath County Council in 2009 and has continued working with the local authority to deliver a further 227 homes in the county. Tuath now has over 10,000 homes with over 25,000 tenants nationwide, having delivered homes to a further 1,900 families throughout 2022.

Minister Peter Burke commented “I would like to congratulate Westmeath County Council and Tuath Housing for delivering these quality, secure homes here in Kinnegad. It has been a busy year in the County and we are making real progress on delivering sustainable, high-grade homes for our citizens in Westmeath. The importance of housing on the Government agenda cannot be understated and I am happy to play my part to help deliver on our Housing for All Strategy. I want to take this opportunity to wish each family every happiness for many years to come in your new homes.”

Cllr. Hazel Smyth, Mayor of Mullingar-Kinnegad Municipal District said “In the midst of a housing crisis, it is terrific to see these badly needed additional housing units being opened here in Westmeath. As Mayor of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing people seeking houses and the homelessness crisis. I am hoping that these new homes will form part of a much greater increase in the housing stock and that many more people can enjoy the many benefits of living here in the Lake County. 

Barry O’Leary, CEO of the Housing Finance Agency said “The HFA is proud to have provided financing for these social homes at An Garrán Geal, it’s a pleasure to see them finished and to such a high quality. I want to take this opportunity to wish residents of An Garrán Geal a Merry Christmas and the best of luck in their new homes. The HFA has worked closely with Tuath over the last year and we look forward to a continued partnership, supporting the delivery of more social homes like these in 2023.”

Prof. Paddy Gray, Chair of Tuath’s Voluntary Board of Directors noted “We are delighted to be once again working with Westmeath County Council to provide new social homes in the County. We already manage over 220 homes in the Westmeath area demonstrating the effective working partnership, backed by Government, between Tuath and Westmeath County Council’’.

Tuath Tenant Safety: Dangerous Dogs

The welfare of all tenants, neighbours and the wider community is of the utmost importance. We encourage all tenants to report any dogs of concern that may be residing within a Tuath home to Tuath Staff, An Gardaí or local authority dog warden services.

The Tuath Tenant Handbook specifically states ‘Never keeping dogs classified as dangerous breeds’. Please find in this article below a list of dogs that are considered dangerous breeds.

If you have concerns over a dog in your area, you can speak in confidence with Tuath staff, without disclosing your identity, on: (01) 676 1602

You may also call your relevant local authority, or find out more information on the Animal Welfare / Dog Control section of their website

 

For more information please visit:

gov.ie – dog control

citizensinformation.ie – dog licenses and ownership

Click here to view the Control of Dogs (Restriction of Certain Dogs) Regulations, 1991.

 

The Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998 impose certain rules in relation to the following breeds (and strains/cross-breeds) of dog.

The Tuath Tenant Handbook prohibits Tuath Tenants from keeping the following dogs classified as dangerous breeds

  1. American Pitbull Terrier

The American Pitbull Terrier is a short-haired dog, of a solid build. According to the ADBA, the American Pit Bull is described to be medium-sized and has a short coat and smooth well-defined muscle structure.

Mass: 16 – 27 kg (Male, Adult), 14 – 23 kg (Female, Adult)
Height: 45 – 53 cm (Male), 43 – 50 cm (Female)
Colours: Black, White, Brindle, Fawn, Tan, Brown, Blue, Grey, Red

  1. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a British breed of dog of mastiff type and large size, with a solid build and a short muzzle.

Height: Male: 64–68 cm, Female: 61–66 cm
Weight: Male: 50–59 kg, Female: 45–54 kg
Colours: Brindle, Fawn, Red

  1. Doberman Pincscher

The Doberman is a medium-large breed of strong build with a long muzzle. Traditionally, the ears are cropped and posted and the tail is docked. Dobermanns have markings on the chest, paws/legs, muzzle, above the eyes, and underneath the tail.

Height: Male: 66–72 cm, Female: 61–68 cm
Weight: Male: 40–45 kg, Female: 32–35 kg
Colours: Black, White, Fawn, Black & Rust, Red & Rust, Blue & Rust, Blue, Red, Fawn & Rust

  1. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog breed, originating from the Southern Africa region. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat.

Weight: Female: 29–34 kg, Male: 36–41 kg
Height: Female: 61–66 cm, Male: 63–69 cm
Colours: Red Wheaten, Light Wheaten, Wheaten

  1. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a medium to large breed dog. They have large heads and their ears lie fairly tight to the head, hanging down somewhat. Their muzzles are square and strong.

Weight: Female: 35–48 kg, Male: 50–60 kg
Height: Female: 56–63 cm, Male: 61–69 cm
Colours: Black, Tan, Mahogany

  1. Akita

The Japanese Akita is large dog breed. Characteristic physical traits of the breed include a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck. The two separate varieties of Akita are a pure Japanese strain, commonly called Akita-ken and a mixed American strain, commonly larger.

Height: Male: 64 – 70 cm , Female: 58 – 64 cm 
Weight: Male : 27 – 59 kg  Female: 26 – 45 kg
Colour: Ginger, Red, brindle white, sable all white fur on the ventral areas of the dog.

  1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also called the Staffy or Stafford, is a purebred dog of small to medium size in the terrier group.

Weight: Female: 11–15 kg, Male: 13–17 kg
Height: Female: 33–38 cm, Male: 36–41 cm
Colours: Black, White, Brindle, Fawn, Brindle & White, Black & White, Fawn & White, Red & White, Blue, Red, Blue & White

 

  1. Japanese Tosa

The Japanese Tosa is a rare dog breed of medium to large size with a square, usually black muzzle.

Height: 62 – 82 cm 
Mass: 36 – 61 kg 
Colours: Black, Fawn, Brindle, Red

 

  1. German Shepherd / Alsatian

The German Shepherd or Alsatian is a German breed of working dog of medium to large size. They have a domed forehead, a long square-cut muzzle with strong jaws.

Weight: Male: 30–40 kg, Female: 22–32 kg
Height: Male: 60–65 cm, Female: 55–60 cm
Colours: Black, Black & Tan, Sable, Red & Black, Black & Silver, Grey

10. Ban dog

A so called ban-dog is a cross of any of the above breeds mentioned or any strain of the above dogs listed. If you are unsure as to whether this is a dangerous dog, please contact your local authority dog warden or call Tuath on (01) 676 1602

 

 

 

 

 

Parkwest Plaza Office-to-Residential Retrofit Development Complete

Office-to-Residential Conversion Development Breathes New Life into Unused Office Block

The Park West Plaza development contains 86 apartments and is one of the first large scale conversion projects of office accommodation to residential homes in the country.

Tuath Housing, in partnership with Dublin City council, has recently delivered 86 social housing homes at the Plaza building in Park West business park. The former office block, which lay vacant for over 20 years, underwent a major redevelopment which included the conversion of two four-storey office blocks into a five-storey development with 86 apartments. The office complex, which will become home to more than 200 people, is the result of €26 million redevelopment undertaken by Harcourt Developments on behalf of Tuath Housing.

To date, all 86 homes have been allocated by Tuath to people from Dublin City Council’s housing waiting list. Tuath was delighted to be work in partnership with the Council and developers, Harcourt Developments, on this unique conversion project. The new homes were funded via a mix of Capital Advanced Leasing Facility (CALF) and Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) funding from the Department of Housing.  Private finance was secured through AIB’s Social Investment Fund, who also partly financed a previous development that saw Tuath deliver 83 homes in Clondalkin in November 2020.

The Parkwest development is the second conversion project which Tuath has undertaken in recent years. In Cork City, the retrofit of an office block at Springville House, on the Blackrock Road, will provide 35 homes for social tenants looking to downsize. 31 apartments will be built in the existing structure along with four bungalows on the grounds. Sustainability is a “core principle” of Tuath’s development strategy, said  Tuath Communications Manager Fiona Egan, “and one of the most sustainable forms of housing provision is working with buildings that already exist”. She said the project was a “great example of the repurposing model” and “something we hope to replicate”.

Cost of Living Series: Your Personalised Guide to Saving Money

As the cold weather sets in, households may face high energy bills this winter. Tuath are doing a series of messages on the current energy crisis and how tenants can save energy and money during this time.

Each week we will be updating this page to include useful advice and tips including Budgeting/ Financial Tips, Cost-of-living payments & welfare entitlements, Energy Customer Rights/ Entitlements. Keep an eye out on Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp groups , where we will be linking to this page regularly with the release of new info.

You can also find useful information in SEAI’s ‘Reduce your Use’ booklet here:

1. Energy Saving Tips in the home

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

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/

TUATH HOUSING ANNOUNCES BEST KEPT ESTATE 2022 WINNERS

From the 25th to the 27th October, Tuath were delighted to present the  Tuath Housing Awards 2022 for Best Kept Estate in four events that took place on each of the winner estates across Ireland. There was one award for every Region in which Tuath Housing regional offices are based – Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Louth. This year’ Best Kept Estates Awards went to: 

Dublin Regional Office – Overall Winner: Clonattin Lodge, Gorey, Co. Wexford 

Cork Regional Office – Overall Winner: An Radharc (Upper and Lower), Douglas, Co. Cork 

Galway Region – Overall Winner: Leargán, Knocknacarra, Co Galway. 

Louth Region – Overall Winner: Cois Cuain, Upper Point Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth. 

Residents at Leargán, Knocknacarra, Co Galway receiving the Best Kept Estate plaque.

Entries for the Best Kept Estate Award were submitted by Housing Officers at Tuath and a selection for final judgment was made by the Housing Management Team. The overall winners were chosen based on the following criteria: 

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

Each winning estate received a plaque for display in the estate with a €500 euro voucher for Jones Garden Centre, Donabate.  

Proud winners at An Radharc  estate in  Co. Cork

Tuath launched the Best Kept Estate competition in September 2022 for all housing estates on which Tuath residents live. The awards recognise the outstanding contribution of communities who come together to dedicate their time, energy, and resources to improve estates and foster community spirit. 

The staff at Tuath Housing would like to extend hearty congratulations to the 2022 winners of Tuath Housing’s inaugural competition for the Best Kept Estate Awards for their exceptional contribution to the communities in which they live.  

Residents at Leargán, Co. Galway at the Award’s event

Results Published for Quarter 3 Tenant Satisfaction Survey

Results from a survey carried out during Quarter 2 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 almost nine out of ten residents are satisfied with the overall services provided by Tuath Housing (89%).

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 2022

Tenant Engagement Strategy launched with nationwide events

On Thursday 14th July, seven summer events took place nationwide to release the new Tuath Tenant Engagement Strategy 2022 – 2025 called ‘Your Voice, Your Home, Your Community’. The events were held in six counties: Dublin, Louth, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Cork City, with activities for residents ranging from face painting, soccer and art to digital skills classes and music. 

As the strategy details the seven pillars supporting the plan for how Tuath will involve residents in the delivery, and continuous improvement of services in the next four years, every event was centred around one of those pillars — Involve, Enable, Communicate, Build, Integrate, Embed and Empower. 

The official launch of the Tenant Engagement Strategy was held in Bishop’s Avenue, Co. Cork, with a special guest, former veteran RTE GAA analyst and Cork hurling legend Tomás Mulcahy. Residents enjoyed sports with Cork Women’s Football Club, face painting, ice cream, music and much more! With the EMBED pillar, Tuath will embed a culture of tenant engagement to involve residents in the housing services’ planning, delivery, decision-making and review processes.

Tuath Housing event at Bishop’s Avenue, Co. Cork

 

INVOLVE stands for Tuath residents being aware of and understanding tenant engagement from the beginning of their tenancy so they know how they can get involved. We held a launch in Woodside, Enniskerry, Co. Dublin to celebrate this first pillar. Residents enjoyed ice cream, and a mobile pet farm visited the estate.

Tuath Housing event at Woodside, Enniskerry, Dublin

 

The ENABLE pillar means that all tenants will have a chance to influence how Tuath Housing provides services and makes decisions to provide increased housing services, standards and living conditions. Residents of Knightsbridge Retirement Village enjoyed afternoon tea. They took part in a Hi Digital presentation with ALONE to celebrate the launch and the pillar Enable.

Tuath Housing event at Knightsbridge Retirement Village, Co. Meath

 

A fun-filled community day was held in The Orchard, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, to celebrate the COMMUNICATE pillar. A bike safety workshop, face painting, ice cream and fun games were organised for children. Tuath will ensure effective, timely and relevant communications between residents and Tuath as their housing services provider.  

Tuath Housing event at The Orchard, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

 

Residents in fFrench Mullen, Dublin, came together to celebrate Build with a Lego workshop, the creation of a colourful wall mural and a graffiti artist workshop. Children came together and created art for the scheme while enjoying pizza and ice cream as the sun shone! For Tuath, BUILD stands for ensuring safe physical surroundings to make sure that residents feel connected to their communities and local support. 

Tuath Housing event at fFrench Mullen, Dublin

 

Over 80 local children and their parents participated in a football blitz in Oriel Park stadium, Dundalk, Co. Louth, to celebrate the  pillar. There were also three-legged races, egg and spoon races, dodge ball and penalty shootouts. The day’s highlight for Dundalk FC supporters, young and old, was a meet and greet with members of the squad and management team. With the INTEGRATE pillar, Tuath will support  the development of cohesive, integrated communities by ensuring that  staff have the knowledge and skills to help sustain vibrant, multicultural communities.  

Tuath Housing Event at Oriel Park, Dundalk , Co. Louth

 

Residents enjoyed an afternoon of connecting over tea and refreshments and looking at recent artwork created by residents. With the EMPOWER pillar,  Tuath will provide residents with relevant support, training, and development opportunities to develop the confidence and skills they need to get involved. 

Tuath Housing Event at Clonmullion Retirement Village, Athy, Co. Kildare

 

We would like to thank  everyone who supported and attended all of the events for the launch of the Tuath Tenant Engagement Strategy 2022 – 2025.

You can view the full engagement strategy here  https://tuathhousing.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Tuath-Tenant-Engagement-Strategy-22-25.pdf