Housing Insights

This episode of Housing Insights features hosts David Silke sits down in conversation with Martin Whelan, CEO of The Housing Agency. The discussion covers Whelan's professional background across the construction sector, NAMA, and the NTMA, alongside a strategic examination of Ireland's housing landscape, policy implementation, and long-term sector transformation. Key Discussion Points & Analysis Professional Background & Perspectives on Past Bubbles: The discussion traces a career path originating in the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) during Ireland's mid-2000s housing bubble and progressing to NAMA (joined in 2011 as a workout vehicle for roughly €74 billion in impaired assets). Structural groupthink across financial, political, and policy systems is identified as a primary driver of unsustainable development projects that culminated in the economic bust. The Transformative Value of Housing: Housing is defined as society's primary anchor where families are raised, neighbourhoods are built, and communities are sustained for the long term, extending far beyond basic shelter. The Role and Impact of The Housing Agency: The agency is characterised by a strong sense of national and social purpose. The agency's primary impact stems from its unique role as a central connector between government policy and real-world implementation, working in collaboration with local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), and state partners like the Land Development Agency (LDA). Meeting the 2030 Delivery Targets and Tackling Costs: Achieving state delivery targets (such as 300,000 homes by 2030) requires structural costs to align with affordability levels. Scaling up Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and attracting private sector equity and development debt are noted as essential for supporting output. Positive momentum in apartment construction is highlighted as a vital component of compact urban development. International Investment & Economic Stability: Insights from events like MIPIM indicate that international institutional investors look primarily for policy certainty and political stability when deploying capital into Ireland. Future Outlook and Careers in Housing: A 10 to 15-year outlook suggests cautious optimism that a more mature policy system can help Ireland break out of historical cycles of crisis. The discussion concludes by highlighting the launch of the Housing Agency's new housing apprenticeship scheme as a vital pipeline for future professionals entering the sector. Resources & Links The Housing Agency Website: www.housingagency.ie

About 1 in 10 Irish households live in social housing, which provides below-market rental homes based on a tenant's ability to pay. Host David Silke sits down with Patrick McCarthy (Head of Local Authority and AHB Services, Housing Agency) to unpack the social housing process in Ireland. The episode covers the difference between social housing and cost rental, eligibility criteria, the application process, Choice-Based Lettings (CBL), the differential rent system, and tenant responsibilities. Key Discussion Points Social Housing Basics: Defining social housing, how it differs from cost rental, and the various delivery streams including Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), RAS, and HAP. Eligibility & Application Process: How to apply through your local authority, establishing local connection links (family, work, education), and the importance of submitting a fully completed application with supporting documentation. Allocation Systems & Choice-Based Lettings (CBL): How homes are allocated via local authority allocation schemes and how Choice-Based Lettings allow applicants to proactively bid on advertised properties to potentially speed up housing. Differential Rent & Income Changes: Understanding how rents are calculated based on net household income and why tenants must report any income or household changes immediately. Moving In & Tenant Responsibilities: What to expect when taking up a tenancy, managing initial setup costs (including DSP Additional Needs Payments), and adhering to tenancy agreements and house rules. Resources & Links The Housing Agency: www.housingagency.ie Citizens Information – Social Housing: citizensinformation.ie Department of Social Protection – Additional Needs Payment: gov.ie

How does Housing First transform lives and break the cycle of entrenched homelessness? Host Roslyn Molloy introduces Rob Lowth (National Director of Housing First, The Housing Agency) and Housing First tenant John for a powerful conversation. Drawing from his lived experience of youth homelessness, addiction, and incarceration, John shares his journey to securing a permanent home, highlighting the vital role of wrap-around support services, personal purpose, and compassionate frontline workers. Key Discussion Points The Housing First Model: A joint person-centred initiative by the Department of Housing and Department of Health across all 31 local authorities, offering immediate housing with intensive, multi-disciplinary wrap-around supports. Understanding the Journey into Homelessness: John’s candid reflection on becoming homeless at age 17, navigating rough sleeping, emergency hostels, and deep-seated addiction. Turning Points & Rock Bottom: Overcoming personal loss, addiction struggles, and health crises, culminating in a three-week detox in Beaumont and moving into his Housing First tenancy. The Power of Permanent Housing: Transitioning from the insecurity of emergency accommodation to finding stability, dignity, self-worth, and a sense of belonging in his forever home. Consistency & Future Outlook: The critical importance of continuous support from dedicated care workers, maintaining a strong work ethic, finding personal purpose, and rebuilding family relationships. Resources & Links The Housing Agency – Housing First: housingagency.ie Simon Community: www.simon.ie Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI): www.mqi.ie

With nearly a quarter of a million Irish households living in apartments, multi-unit developments (MUDs) like apartments play an increasingly vital role in Ireland’s housing system. Host Roslyn Molloy sits down with David Rouse and Lisa Marie Sheehy from The Housing Agency’s MUDs team to explain how MUDs and apartments are managed. The conversation explores the mechanics of owners' management companies (OMCs), service charges, sinking funds, legacy construction defects, supports available, and the potential shape of MUDs regulation in Ireland in the future.   Key Discussion Points MUDs & OMC Basics: Explaining how managed estates like apartments function, distinguishing between the non-profit OMC (controlled by property owners) and the contracted Property Management Agent handling daily operations. Sinking Funds & Financial Health: Highlighting the legal requirement for long-term building investment reserve funds (or sinking funds) to cover major capital replacements like lifts or roofs, alongside common challenges with under-funding and fee collection. Emerging Challenges & Legacy Defects: Addressing legacy construction defects, the remediation pathways available via The Housing Agency, and retrofitting existing developments for EV charging and other energy saving measures. Resources & Policy Outlook: Signposting The Housing Agency's training, regional outreach meetings, and MUD Matters newsletter aimed at volunteer directors of OMCs, while considering potential upcoming legislative reform, to transfer MUDs oversight to the Department of Housing.   Resources & Links Housing Agency MUD Matters Newsletter: MUD Matters Newsletter - The Housing Agency  Housing Agency – Multi-Unit Developments / Managed Estates: www.housingagency.ie/housing-information/multi-unit-developments-managed-estates/    The Housing Agency YouTube channel, MUDs Playlists:  Information and Guidance Webinars for Multi-Unit Developments / Apartments   Multi-Unit Developments Training Series  Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA): www.psr.ie  Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Grants: www.seai.ie 

How do we meet Ireland’s housing needs while protecting our natural environment? Host Roslyn Molloy sits down with Susan Vickers (Clúid Housing) and Haley Curran (The Housing Agency) to discuss integrating biodiversity into housing developments. The episode highlights Clúid’s Landscaping and Biodiversity Guide and a resident-led project in Ballygraigue Court, Co. Tipperary, showing how nature-based solutions and community co-design enhance local environments and resident well-being. Key Discussion Points The Biodiversity Imperative: Addressing Ireland's biodiversity crisis by designing housing developments that build climate resilience against flooding and overheating. Clúid’s Practical Guide: Overview of Clúid Housing's 60-page Landscaping and Biodiversity Guide, created with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to guide developers and planners. Ballygree Court Case Study: How residents in an 81-home estate transformed a green lawn into a community space featuring a poly-tunnel, sensory area, orchard, and 6,000 wildflower bulbs on a €12,000 budget. Challenges & Support: Navigating funding and ongoing maintenance while leveraging local resources like Biodiversity Officers, Tidy Towns, and Trees on the Land. Resources & Links The Housing Agency: www.housingagency.ie Clúid Housing: www.cluid.ie All-Ireland Pollinator Plan: www.pollinators.ie Trees on the Land: www.treesontheland.com

In this episode of Housing Insights, David Silke is joined by Darren Hudson, National Tenant Engagement Manager at Respond and Chair of the Irish Tenant Engagement Network (ITEN). Darren shares his journey from youth development to national housing management, offering a unique perspective on why viewing tenants as partners, rather than just "customers", is the key to building sustainable communities. Key Discussion Points Defining Engagement: Moving beyond "transactional" housing to an "everyday" practice of relationship building. Formal vs. Informal Participation: From community fun days and "cosy farms" to structured regional panels and board-level representation. The Proactive Shift: Why the sector is moving from "crisis managing" groups of tenants to introducing engagement at the very start of a tenancy. Global Context: How Ireland compares to leaders like Scotland and the Nordic countries, where tenant-run boards have existed for decades. Regulatory Standards: The impact of AHBRA (Approved Housing Body Regulatory Authority) in making tenant engagement a formal standard for housing providers. Success Stories: The Respond Roundup: How tenants took over the editorial control of their newsletter to share real human stories. Empty Homes Policy: Renaming "voids" and involving tenants in assessing properties before they are re-let. Service Improvement Groups: Turning around heated relationships through transparency and long-term maintenance planning.   Useful Links & Resources Organizations & Networks Respond Irish Tenant Engagement Network (ITEN) Approved Housing Body Regulatory Authority (AHBRA)   Research & Reports Best Practice in Tenant Engagement (Just Economics) Developing a Tenant Engagement Culture (Housing Agency) Tuath Housing: Embedding a Culture of Tenant Engagement   For Tenants If you are a tenant looking to get involved, your first point of contact is your Housing Officer or your provider’s dedicated Tenant Engagement Team.

Is the housing crisis an Ireland-only problem, or a European emergency? In this episode, Roslyn Molloy sits down with industry expert Carol Tallon to dissect the first-ever EU Affordable Housing Plan. Following her participation at the EU Housing Summit in Galway, Carol explains why Ireland holds an "outsized influence" on European policy and what the 2025 EU Affordable Housing Plan means for housing delivery.   We explore the transition from traditional building to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the reform of restrictive State Aid rules, and why the European Commission is now treating housing not just as a market issue, but as a "social emergency" vital to the survival of democracy.   Key Discussion Points The Irish Influence in Brussels: Why Irish MEPs and experts (like Sorcha Edwards and John O'Connor) are helping shape EU housing policy. The 4 Pillars of the EU Affordable Housing Plan: Boosting Supply: Focusing on new homes and innovation. Mobilizing Investment: Unlocking a €43 billion pot through the EIB and private capital. Immediate Support & Reform: Tackling short-term rentals and market speculation. Protecting the Vulnerable: Addressing the "Right to Live Where You Serve" for essential workers. State Aid Reform: How changing EU rules will allow governments to directly subsidize affordable housing and de-risk construction innovation. The "Right to Stay": A look at rural proofing and ensuring the next generation can live and work in their own communities. Placemaking & Technology: Carol’s PhD research on using immersive tech (VR/AR) to meet citizens "where they are at" to improve public participation in planning.   Resources & Links The Housing Agency: housingagency.ie New European Bauhaus: Official EU Website Property District: propertydistrict.ie Carol Tallon on LinkedIn: Connect here European Affordable Housing Plan: The European Affordable Housing Plan - Housing - European Commission An Overview of the Role of the European Union in relation to Housing Policy and Delivery: Overview of the Role of the EU in Housing Policy and Delivery.pdf

In this episode of Housing Insights, Roslyn Molloy is joined by Ruth O'Reilly (National Disability Authority) and Declan Gaffney (Age Friendly Ireland) to discuss the vital role of Universal and Age Friendly Design in Ireland's housing landscape.   Reflections on the National Strategy A critical piece of the puzzle discussed by our guests is the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022–2027. This strategy is central to addressing the housing challenges disabled people face, specifically by: Improving coordination between Local Authorities and the HSE to align accessible housing with necessary support services. Promoting the UNCRPD principle of "nothing about us without us," ensuring disabled people have a seat at the table in decision-making and standard-setting. The Housing Agency’s pivotal role in driving the implementation of these strategic goals.   Featured Resources & Links CEUD Housing Guidelines: Comprehensive guides for designing, building, and managing Universally Designed homes. Home and Supports Hub: A central resource for information on housing options and rights for disabled people in Ireland. UK Research on Domestic Stairs: Scientific evidence supporting how stair design (tread depth) dramatically impacts fall prevention. Age Friendly Ireland: Information on the Healthy Age Friendly Homes programme and local technical advisors. www.agefriendlyhomes.ie Housing Insights Issue 7: Cornamona Court, Intergenerational Living | The Housing Agency Thinking Ahead: Independent and Supported Housing Models for an Ageing Population | The Housing Agency Guest Information Ruth O'Reilly: Senior Policy and Public Affairs Advisor at the National Disability Authority (NDA). Declan Gaffney: National Technical Programme Manager at Age Friendly Ireland.

In this episode of Housing Insights, David Silke is joined by Brian Gallwey (Senior Researcher and Policy Manager) and Sinead Murphy (Head of Communications and Engagement) from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). They dive deep into the landmark legislative changes taking effect on 1st March 2026. Useful Links & Resources The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) Official Website: The primary hub for all information mentioned in the show. RTB Rent Register & API Tool: For landlords to find comparable market rents and for tenants to verify rent settings. New Rental Law Guides (Multi-language): Downloadable summaries available in English, Irish, Portuguese, Spanish, and Chinese. Housing Agency Research & Policy: Information on the 2025 report that informed these legislative modifications. Contact Information If you have questions about your specific tenancy or the new rules: RTB Customer Call Centre: 0818 30 30 37   Online Portal: Access the RTB Online Service Centre to submit notices of rent review or register tenancies.

In this episode of Housing Insights, host Roslyn Molloy explores the growing potential of Community-Led Housing (CLH) in Ireland. She is joined by Hugh Brennan, founder and CEO of Ó Cualann Co-Housing Alliance, an organization committed to building communities, not just houses. Hugh shares his background in construction and humanitarian work, which led him to focus on Ireland's affordability crisis. He explains that CLH is an umbrella term for models like cooperatives, co-housing, and community land trusts, characterized by collective decision-making and shared control. Drawing on Ó Cualann’s first development in Ballymun, Hugh discusses the goal of achieving affordability in perpetuity, a major challenge in Ireland due to banks' historical reluctance to finance schemes with restrictions on onward sales linked to wage inflation. He emphasizes that while the majority of Irish people may be individualistic, there is a 20% segment of the population interested in CLH, including Irish-speaking, LGBT, older people, and self-sufficiency groups. The conversation highlights key barriers, lack of a central CLH Hub for support, access to land, and specialized finance and points to European examples and existing state schemes like STAR (Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental) as potential pathways forward. Ultimately, Hugh’s message is that CLH is a safe investment, essential for tackling the worldwide "financialization of housing," and must be supported by the state to deliver social and affordable homes outside of the private market. Links and Resources Guest Contact (Ó Cualann Co-Housing Alliance): Hugh Brennan: [email protected] General Info: [email protected] Introducing Community-led Housing: Introducing Community-led Housing Community-led housing as Affordable Housing: Community-Led Housing as Affordable Housing Community-led Housing for Age Friendly Living: Community-led Housing for Age Friendly Living State Support for Community-led Housing: State Support for Community-Led Housing Housing Agency News and events page: Community-Led Housing Webinar Series | The Housing Agency Self Organised Architecture roadmapping reports: Roadmapping a Viable Community-Led Housing Sector for Ireland Darinke Czischke’s book Together Towards Collaborative Living: Together: Towards Collaborative Living | TU Delft OPEN Books