housing

The National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (2011-2016 (extended to 2020)) will come to an end this year. A new national strategy is now being developed. The strategy is about facilitating the provision of housing options and related services to disabled people to allow individual choice and support independent living. 

Do you have a disability, care for a disabled person or work in supporting independent living for disabled persons? If yes, have your say on the plan.

We want to hear your views on the current strategy and what you would like to see included in the new national strategy. In order to get involved today, fill out this 10-15 minute questionnaire. The survey is anonymous and confidential. 

The closing date for this round of consultation is Friday 23 April. A further round of consultation on the drafted aims and objectives will be carried out over the summer and autumn months.

Thank you for taking the time to let us know your views, which will feed into the development of the new strategy.

Information you supply as part of this process will be handled in line with our Privacy Notice (read here).

Take the Survey in English   |   Take the Easy Read Survey   |   Tóg an Suirbhé as Gaeilge

	Survey Documents - English	Easy Read Survey Documents - English	Cáipéisí Suirbhé as Gaeilge
	Click here to download an editable Word version of this survey. this can be filled out and emailed to disabilitystrategy@housingagency.ie.	Click here to download an editable Easy Read Word version of this survey. this can be filled out and emailed to disabilitystrategy@housingagency.ie.	Cliceáil anseo chun leagan ineagarthóireachtas Word den suirbhé i nGaeilge a íoslódáil. Is féidir é sin a chomhlánú agus a chur ar ais tríd an ríomhphost chuig disabilitystrategy@housingagency.ie
	Click here to download and print a PDF version of the survey. This can be filled out and posted to: Disability Strategy, The Housing Agency, 53-54 Mount Street Upper, Dublin D02 KT73.	Click here to download and print an Easy Read PDF version of the survey. This can be filled out and posted to: Disability Strategy, The Housing Agency, 53-54 Mount Street Upper, Dublin D02 KT73.	Cliceáil anseo chun leagan PDF den suirbhé i nGaeilge a islodáil agus a chur i gcló. Is féidir é sin a chomhlánú agus a chur ar ais tríd an bpost chuig: An Stratéis Michumais, An Ghníomhaireacht Tithíochta, 53-54 Sráid an Mhóta Uachtarach, Baile Átha Cliath D02 KT73.

If you would like a copy of any of the above to be posted to you, please contact The Housing Agency on +353 (0)1 656 4100. 

• Watch our video to guide you through the survey.
• Watch this message from Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD .

Why and how governments intervene in land markets; land value tax; public land leasing; and inclusionary zoning are just some of the topics set to feature in a new series of talks organised by The Housing Agency, The Land Development Agency, and the Geary Institute of Public Policy, UCD.

“Talking about Land” is a series of seven talks which will examine how governments in other countries intervene in the management of state lands and land markets to ensure there is adequate affordable housing supply. International experts will share their experiences with Irish practitioners and explore how they can apply their practices to an Irish context.  Each event will see an international speaker sharing a case study of land management in their respective country, followed by a speaker working in housing and land management in Ireland. 

The events will take place at 12pm on Tuesdays between early October and February 2023. The full programme is as follows:

The first session took place on Tuesday 4 October, 2022, 12pm-1pm. Speakers included Prof. Julie Lawson of RMIT University Melbourne, and Prof. Michelle Norris, Director of the Geary Institute for Public Policy, UCD. If you would like to rewatch the first session visit our YouTube channel. 

The second session took place on Tuesday 18 October, 2022, 12pm-1pm. Speakers included Silvia Hofer, Wohnfonds Wien and Niall Cussen, Office of the Planning Regulator. If you would like to rewatch the second session visit our YouTube channel. 

The third session took place on Tuesday 1 November, 2022, 12pm-1pm Speakers included Sami Haapanen, Helsinki City Council and Tom O'Donnell, Self-Organised Architecture Ireland. If you would like to rewatch the third session visit our YouTube channel. 

The fourth session took place on Tuesday 15 November, 2022, 12pm-1pm.  Speakers included Benjamin Davy, University of Johannesburg and Dearbhla Lawson, Land Development Agency. If you would like to rewatch the fourth session visit our YouTube channel. 

The fifth session took place on Tuesday 17 January, 2023, 12pm-1pm. Speakers included Professor Tony Crook, University of Sheffield and Damian Thomas, NESC.  If you would like to rewatch the fifth session visit our YouTube channel. 

The sixth session took place on Tuesday, 24 January, 2023, 12pm-1pm. Speakers included  Dr. Fabian Wenner (University of Munich) and Dr. Ronan Lyons (Trinity College Dublin). If you would like to rewatch the sixth session visit our YouTube channel. 

The seventh, and final session in the series took place on Tuesday, 7 February, 2023, 12pm-1pm. Speakers included John Wacher (Greater London Authority) and Daniel McLoughlin (South Dublin County Council). If you would like to rewatch the seventh session visit our YouTube channel. 

If you have any questions about the series, please contact training@housingagency.ie.

Multi-unit developments (MUDs) are estates where an owners’ management company, or OMC for short, is responsible for maintaining shared facilities such as gardens, amenity spaces, halls, corridors, and parking. These managed estates are often apartment buildings or duplexes, but they can also be townhouses or stand-alone houses that share common facilities. These communities rely on OMCs for them to be successful and sustainable.

With the increasing number of apartments, MUDs, and OMCs across the country, The Housing Agency is holding evening information meetings for stakeholders, including residents, owners, and directors of OMCs.

The meetings will cover:

• Challenges faced by OMCs & managed estates
• Roles and responsibilities
• Resources available
   

Events will be held at:

Clayton Hotel, Sligo
Tuesday, 25 October

Chartered Accountants Ireland, Dublin 2
Tuesday, 8 November

Boyne Valley Hotel & Country Club, Drogheda
Tuesday, 15 November

Glenroyal Hotel & Leisure Club, Maynooth
Tuesday, 22 November

Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone
Monday, 28 November

Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required.

Please register by clicking on your preferred location above, through Eventbrite, or by email to MUD@housingagency.ie.

Evening Programme

6:45pm     Registration (tea/coffee provided)
7pm          Presentation from the Housing Agency
7:30pm     Open forum
8:30pm     Closes

Information and Resources on OMCs and MUDs

Previous events in the series took place in:

• Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown Town Centre, Dublin | Wednesday 15 January 2020
• Red Cow Moran Hotel, Dublin | Wednesday 29 January 2020
• Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport | Wednesday 5 February 2020
• Lord Bagenal, Leighlinbridge, Carlow | Wednesday 12 February 2020
• Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cork | Wednesday 19 February 2020
• Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick | Wednesday 26 February 2020
• Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Dublin | Wednesday 4 March 2020

The Housing Agency Housing Insight Series aims to disseminate good practice in housing and innovative solutions among housing practitioners in Ireland. Issues are published quarterly and provide a case study of effective, practical implementation of a piece of housing policy or practice. The resulting short paper is intended to provide a knowledge base and provide ideas to others in the sector, building the overall capacity of the sector. The Housing Agency sources case-studies from our staff, The Housing Agency panels, housing practitioners and stakeholders. This second issue of the Housing Insights Series was published in September 2022 on the topic of Developing a Tenant Engagement Culture and Structure: The Case of Circle VHA.

This Housing Agency Policy Insights Paper describes how Circle VHA has collaborated with tenants to build a tenant engagement culture and structure. It demonstrates the benefits that can be gained – both for tenants and social housing providers – from a structural approach that embeds tenant engagement policy and practice within an organisation’s strategic vision. With the publication in 2022 by the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) of new standards requiring AHBs to actively seek input from tenants and provide opportunities for engagement on service provision, the aim of this case study is to provide information to other social housing providers developing tenant engagement structures.

You can access and read the full report here

The Housing Agency Housing Insight Series aims to disseminate good practice in housing and innovative solutions among housing practitioners in Ireland. Issues are published quarterly and provide a case study of effective, practical implementation of a piece of housing policy or practice. The resulting short paper is intended to provide a knowledge base and provide ideas to others in the sector, building the overall capacity of the sector. The Housing Agency sources case-studies from our staff, The Housing Agency panels, housing practitioners and stakeholders. This second issue of the Housing Insights Series was published in September 2022 on the topic of Developing a Tenant Engagement Culture and Structure: The Case of Circle VHA.

This Housing Agency Policy Insights Paper describes how Circle VHA has collaborated with tenants to build a tenant engagement culture and structure. It demonstrates the benefits that can be gained – both for tenants and social housing providers – from a structural approach that embeds tenant engagement policy and practice within an organisation’s strategic vision. With the publication in 2022 by the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) of new standards requiring AHBs to actively seek input from tenants and provide opportunities for engagement on service provision, the aim of this case study is to provide information to other social housing providers developing tenant engagement structures.

You can access and read the full report here

The Housing Agency hosted a briefing session on the morning of the 12th of July to discuss the expansion of the Repair and Leases Scheme.

The Repair and Lease scheme has been expanded on a pilot basis to include the following:

• vacant commercial units;
• vacant units associated with a commercial unit (e.g. over the shop);
• vacant institutional buildings;
• unfinished developments which have been vacant for a significant period of time.

Aoife Joyce from DHLGH discussed the objectives, requirements and rationale behind the expansion.

Claire Feeney from The Housing Agency discussed the operation of the scheme to include The Housing Agency’s role.

Paul Johnston from Waterford City and County Council provided an overview of their Repair and Lease activity and the benefits of the expansion.

For further information on the scheme please contact leasing@housingagency.ie

The Housing Agency’s Statement of Strategy, 2022-2024 was launched yesterday by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD.

The Statement of Strategy outlines how more affordable housing, increasing the supply of social and private homes and addressing social inclusion issues such as homelessness and ageing will be the priorities for the work of The Housing Agency over the next three years.

The Statement of Strategy frames the work of The Housing Agency under three broad themes:

1. Being a centre for housing knowledge;
2. Bridging housing supply and demand; and
3. Building capacity for housing

It outlines how, over the coming years, The Housing Agency will use research, informed policy insights and data to work to achieve a housing system that meets the housing needs of our nation and promotes viable, sustainable communities.

The Housing Agency’s Strategic Plan 2022-2024 has been framed in the context of supporting Housing for All, the Government’s housing plan for Ireland and key trends in the housing system including:

• Diverse and changing housing needs for people living in Ireland.
• Long-term government policy and strategic planning for the Irish housing system.
• A continuing focus on building inclusive, sustainable communities.

The Housing Agency’s Statement of Strategy, 2022-2024 can be read HERE 

An executive summary of the Statement of Strategy can be read HERE 

A list of actions The Housing Agency will provide input under Housing for All can be read HERE 

A recording of the session can be found HERE

The slides of the session can be found HERE

The Housing Agency’s Statement of Strategy, 2022-2024 was launched on the 27th of January 2022 by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD.

The Statement of Strategy outlines how more affordable housing, increasing the supply of social and private homes and addressing social inclusion issues such as homelessness and ageing will be the priorities for the work of The Housing Agency over the next three years.

The Statement of Strategy frames the work of The Housing Agency under three broad themes:

1. Being a centre for housing knowledge;
2. Bridging housing supply and demand; and
3. Building capacity for housing.

It outlines how, over the coming years, The Housing Agency will use research, informed policy insights and data to work to achieve a housing system that meets the housing needs of our nation and promotes viable, sustainable communities.

The Housing Agency’s Strategic Plan 2022-2024 has been framed in the context of supporting Housing for All, the Government’s housing plan for Ireland and key trends in the housing system including:

• Diverse and changing housing needs for people living in Ireland.
• Long-term government policy and strategic planning for the Irish housing system.
• A continuing focus on building inclusive, sustainable communities.

The Housing Agency’s Statement of Strategy, 2022-2024 can be read HERE 

An executive summary of the Statement of Strategy can be read HERE 

A list of actions The Housing Agency will provide input under Housing for All can be read HERE 

Press Statement

The Housing Agency to support the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme.

Tuesday, 30th November: The Housing Agency will play a central role in assisting homeowners and local authorities as part of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme announced by Minister Darragh O’Brien today.

As part of the measures introduced to improve the delivery of the scheme, and once a home has met the damage threshold for entry to the scheme, the Housing Agency will assist homeowners by employing engineers to undertake the testing and assessment of their homes. This will ease the financial burden for homeowners in accessing the scheme. The Housing Agency will also be supporting local authorities in their assessment and processing of applications under the scheme.

The involvement of the Housing Agency will ensure the most appropriate remediation option is recommended for each home. The Agency’s role should also help to improve the current lead-in time on the approval of grants and ultimately speed up the remediation of affected homes.

Bob Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of The Housing Agency, said:

“The Housing Agency is committed to supporting people living in homes affected by defective concrete blocks by making it as easy as possible for homeowners to access the scheme. Our involvement in the assessment and testing of homes will ensure a simplified, efficient, and cost-effective process for both homeowners and local authorities.”

The Housing Agency has built up technical expertise and knowledge through its work in implementing the Pyrite Remediation Scheme since 2014. The Housing Agency has also gained a strong understanding of the difficulties faced by homeowners by actively participating in the Working Group on the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme.

For media queries contact Roslyn Molloy on mobile 086 0893157, communications@housingagency.ie

About The Housing Agency

The Housing Agency is a Government body working with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, local authorities and approved housing bodies in the delivery of housing and housing services.

Our mission is to promote the supply of housing to meet current and future needs and demand by being a centre of expert knowledge on housing, supporting housing policy development and implementing effective housing programmes in collaboration with key stakeholders.

For more information visit www.housingagency.ie or follow The Housing Agency on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The Government’s new housing strategy commits to increasing the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 homes per year over the next decade and providing for an optimal mix of social, affordable, and private housing for sale and rent.

Housing for All: A New Housing Plan for Ireland will be the focus of The Housing Agency's Housing Conference 2021, which will take place online from Monday 8 to Friday 12 November.

Through daily webinars, Housing Conference 2021 will provide an overview of the aims and objectives of Housing for All while facilitating in-depth discussion on each of the four pathways set out in the plan.

Participation in each webinar is free, but advance registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Download the Housing Conference 2021 Agenda

To register for each webinar please click one of the links below:

All times above are Irish Standard Time

Please note that these sessions will be recorded for future use.