Housing Insights

Tenant Engagement

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.

Housing in Europe – A New Strategy for Affordability

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

Designing Homes for Everyone

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.

Security of Tenure and Rent Regulation

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.

Apartment Building – Croí Cónaithe (Cities)

In this episode of Housing Insights, host Roslyn Molloy speaks with Jim Baneham, Director of Delivery and Innovation at The Housing Agency, about the need to increase apartment building and viability in Ireland's major urban centres. Ireland is significantly behind its EU neighbours, with about 13% of its housing stock in apartments compared to the EU average of 46%. Jim explains the national planning push for compact living and urban density to accommodate a growing population, projecting a rise to around 6.1 million by 2040. The core of the discussion is the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme, a €450 million fund committed to incentivise the delivery of up to 5,000 new apartments specifically for owner-occupiers. The scheme aims to address the viability gap (the higher cost of building apartments compared to houses) which has largely pushed apartment building into the rental sector. Jim details how the scheme works through an "open book" process and discusses other government measures, like VAT reduction and design standard changes, intended to make apartment development more viable for purchasers. Links and Resources Housing Agency Website: housingagency.ie (To find more information about the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme Government Policy: Housing for All plan Support Schemes for Purchasers (Mentioned): Help to Buy, First Home Scheme