Events

The Housing Agency will launch new guidance Multi-Unit Developments – A Guide to Insurance at a webinar to be held at 12.30pm on Tuesday 30 January 2024.

Expenditure on insurance is one of the biggest costs incurred by an owners’ management company (OMC) of a multi-unit development such as an apartment block.  This new guide to be launched at the webinar is intended to help directors of OMCs to navigate the subject of insurance. 

The guide will be of interest to Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities, licensed property management agents, homeowners, renters, investors / landlords, insurance professionals, and others providing services to multi-unit developments.

Registration for this free event is required via this link.

Upon registration a confirmation email will issue with information about how to join the webinar.

The session will be recorded for future use.

Places are limited to 1,000 attendees on a first-come first-served basis.

By registering for this webinar you consent for the purposes of event management to the processing by The Housing Agency of your personal data (name and email address).

 

Disclaimer:

Information provided during the webinar is general in nature.  It should not be considered to amount to legal advice, and no reliance should be placed on it.  The Housing Agency and webinar speakers cannot be held responsible for actions or failure to act on foot of the information provided.  Legal or other professional advice should be sought on individual circumstances.

The Housing Agency's online webinar series Trauma Informed Care continues on January 29th 2024 with a highly insightful webinar for housing practitioners, Implementing Trauma Informed Care in Professional Practice. 

In this session, Dr. Maria Lotty, Lecturer and Senior Coordinator for Health and Social Care Programmes at the Centre for Adult Continuing Education, University College Cork will provide an overview of Trauma Informed Care from the perspective of direct, front line professional practice including the use of the highly practical TARA model (Trauma, Attachment, Resilience into Action), which she has developed.

The webinar will be chaired by Patrick McCarthy, Head of Local Authority Services at The Housing Agency.

NOTE: A previous webinar in the series entitled, "An Introduction to Trauma Informed Care for Housing Practitioners" is available to view and recommended viewing before attending this event. You can view the recording of the webinar here - webinar.

The event takes place at 12 noon on Monday January 29th. Register now at this link - Registration 

Please note that these online events do not train participants to become trauma therapists but assist in helping housing practitioners become trauma aware.

Press release originally issued by Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on 11th December 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Monday December 11th 2023 

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has today announced the opening of the Interim Remediation Scheme (Scheme) for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013.

The Scheme will be administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis. The Scheme will be open to applications from Owners' Management Companies (OMCs) from 1pm today December 11th 2023. Applications can be made via the Housing Agency’s website at www.housingagency.ie

The Scheme opening today will provide for the full funding of interim measures in order to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings, pending completion of the full remedial works.

Full remedial works, which will include all necessary fire safety measures as well as those related to water ingress and structural damage, will be funded under a statutory scheme that will be legislated for next year. Work is already underway in the Department on drafting this legislation.

The Minister commented:

“The Scheme I am launching today is an important next step in helping affected homeowners to help get their homes and lives back together. It will ensure that important measures can be put in place immediately to guarantee the long-term safety of the many thousands of apartment residents across Ireland.

“I am delighted that the Housing Agency have committed their knowledge and resources to helping to design and now operate this Scheme on a nationwide basis. Their experience and expertise gained over many years in, for example, the Pyrite Remediation Scheme and the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme will I am sure, prove to be invaluable in helping to ensure the successful implementation of this Scheme during 2024.”

The Minister noted that:

“This Interim Scheme is the result of a significant period of consultation with homeowners' representatives. I would like to pay tribute to their professionalism, diligence and patience through this process, I have engaged with them regularly on this issue throughout the last number of months. Their insights have been an essential element that has allowed my Department, the Housing Agency and Local Authority Fire Services to put together this Scheme that will release funding for vital emergency measures in advance of the full statutory scheme being ready next year.”

ENDS

Further information

• In January 2023, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien T.D announced plans to draft legislation to support the remediation of apartments and duplexes with fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects, constructed between 1991 and 2013. The proposed legislation will provide a statutory basis for the establishment of an Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation scheme aimed at protecting the safety and welfare of those living in apartments or duplexes with such defects. The scope, eligibility criteria and conditions of the statutory scheme will ultimately depend on the legislation that is passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas and signed into law by the President.

• Given the overall potential scale and estimated cost associated with rectifying these issues, it is likely that it will take many years to remediate all affected buildings. Resources and works, therefore, will need to be prioritised. Acknowledging this and considering that interim measures might be necessary in certain instances to ensure an acceptable standard of fire safety in buildings before the comprehensive completion of remedial works, the Government is currently introducing an Interim Remediation Scheme on an administrative basis.

• The scale of defects in apartments and duplexes is significant. The Working Group to Examine Defects in Housing that reported to Minister O’Brien in July 2022, estimated that between 50% and 80% of apartments and duplexes (or associated common areas) constructed between 1991 and 2013, may be affected by one or more fire safety, structural safety or water ingress defects. This equates to between 62,500 and 100,000 apartments/duplexes. The average cost of remediation is approximately €25,000 per unit, which means the full statutory scheme could have a potential cost to the Exchequer of between €1.5 billion and €2.5 billion.

• Only defects that are attributable to defective design, defective or faulty workmanship, defective materials (or any combination of these) and were in contravention of the relevant Parts of the Building Regulations applicable at the time of construction will be eligible for inclusion in the statutory scheme. Any defects that originate from inadequate maintenance, poor management etc., will not be included within the scope of the scheme.

• It is intended that a whole building approach will be taken to remediate relevant defects and to improve the safety of all occupants in the building. In light of their existing legal responsibilities and ownership of common areas, it is intended that Owners’ Management Companies will be funded to carry out the necessary remediation works, with specific limitations or exemptions on certain commercial owners.

• A Code of Practice for the Remediation of Fire Safety Defects in the context of the Fire Services Acts, to provide guidance to relevant professionals, including guidance on interim safety measures was published in July 2023. The provisions of this Code of Practice will also ensure a consistent approach nationwide to remediation.

• The scheme will provide for a form of certification, based on the Code of Practice, in relation to the works carried out to remediate defects in an apartment/duplex building. This is important for a range of stakeholders and processes e.g. insurance bodies, financial institutions, conveyancing etc.

• Additional special resources have been allocated in the Department and the Housing Agency to co-ordinate and oversee the administration of the Interim Scheme.

 

You can access the application portal here: Interim Remediation Scheme of Fire Safety Defects in Eligible Apartments and Duplexes 2023 | The Housing Agency

On 1st December, The Housing Agency, working in association with the Land Development Agency (LDA) and the Geary Institute for Public Policy, UCD, will deliver a conference entitled “Land for Affordable Housing”.

The management of land to produce affordable housing options is a central issue facing the housing sector in Ireland. The Housing Agency, the LDA and the Geary Institute for Public Policy, UCD, have previously collaborated on this topic at the ISHF in Barcelona and the "Talking About Land" series. This half-day event will continue these conversations and feature experts from organisations in Ireland dealing with these issues such as the LDA, OPR, and NESC, with a format based on questions and discussion.

Expert panellists from across the sector will review the work of the previous events and discuss the solutions and a way forward that will help manage Irelands precious land resources to further support the delivery of social and affordable housing.

Registration for this event is at capacity, and a waitlist is in operation. If you wish to be notified about future events, please email training@housingagency.ie.

More details on our event at ISHF Barcelona in June 2023 are available on our website here: The Ground Beneath Our Feet - public land use and delivery of affordable housing

The “Talking About Land” series is available to access here: “Talking about Land” series.

The agenda for this in-person conference is available to download here - Conference Programme

You can view the highlights reel from the day here - YouTube

The Summary Report from the conference is available to download here - Conference Summary Report

 

The Housing Agency is delighted to launch its Leadership in Housing Bursary Award for 2024.

The delivery of sustainable, affordable, and high-quality homes is one of the key issues in Ireland today. Agile and impactful leaders are crucial to developing a well-resourced, motivated, and expert housing sector that can effectively adapt to change and overcome challenges to deliver new homes and thriving communities. The Housing Agency wishes to further support the development of leadership skills in the housing sector through a bursary award for further education in this field.

 

This bursary award will support a student to enroll on the Diploma in Leadership Development course offered by the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School:

Diploma in Leadership Development (30 credits at NFQ Level 9)

(course commencing 8th February 2024)

Further course details are available at the following link: Diploma in Leadership Development

 

Applicants wishing to apply for the bursary award should submit the bursary application form to The Housing Agency on or before the 15^th December 2023.

 

Please note, admission to the relevant course is separate from the bursary award: in order for applicants to be eligible for the bursary award they must also meet the application and eligibility requirements of the course provider.

The course provider application procedures are set out on their website and is available at How to Apply | UCD Smurfit School

Please note that admission to course is separate from the bursary award application, and applicants must also complete the course providers’ standard course application process.

Course application closing dates may differ to those of the Bursary Scheme.

Press release originally issued by Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on 17th November 2023

PRESS RELEASE

Friday November 17th 2023

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD has announced the approval of another proposal under the Croí Cónaithe Cities Scheme, for the development of 274 apartments in Blackrock Villas, Cork. This development is the third one to be approved under this scheme and it is the second one in Co. Cork.

Under the scheme to date, contracts have been signed for:

• The delivery of 53 owner occupier apartments for sale on the open market at Woodward Court, Glencairn, Murphystown Way, Dublin 18 which is being developed by Park Developments
• The delivery of 68 owner occupier apartments for sale on the open market at Castletreasure/Maryborough, Carr’s Hill/Carrigaline Road, Douglas, Cork which is being developed by Cairn Homes
• The delivery of 274 owner occupier apartments for sale on the open market at Blackrock Villas, Blackrock, Cork which is being developed by Glenveagh

The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme supports building 5,000 apartments for sale to owner-occupiers up to 2026. The Scheme aims to bridge the current “viability gap” between the cost of building apartments and the market sale price (where the cost of building is greater). The Scheme is targeted principally at activating planning permissions already in place for such homes.

The Scheme launched in May 2022 with an Expressions of Interest process, which is being managed and administered by the Housing Agency on behalf of the Department.

The development at Woodward Court, Glencairn, Murphystown Way, Dublin 18 comprises 53 apartments with a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments.

The development of 68 apartment at Carr’s Hill, Carrigaline Road, Douglas, Cork will comprise 68 apartments with a mix of 1 and 2 bed apartments.

The development at Blackrock Villas, Blackrock, Cork will comprise 274 apartments with a mix of studio, 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments.

The Housing Agency are continuing to appraise additional proposals that have been received in the first and second calls for expressions of interest under the Scheme.

Commenting Minister O’Brien said:

“This is the third proposal under the Croí Cónaithe Cities Scheme which I have approved and a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to address the current “viability gap” between the cost of building apartments and the market sale price.

“I’d like to commend those developers who have engaged with the scheme at an early stage. Their foresight and willingness to embrace this new approach is very much welcome.

“We want to increase the supply of urban, owner-occupier apartments and provide those who wish to purchase a home with a greater choice. Giving people the opportunity to buy a home in our cities will help make them more vibrant. I look forward to making further announcements in relation to other proposals in the near future.”

The Housing Agency’s Chief Executive, Bob Jordan, said:

“Under the Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme, The Housing Agency is working to increase the supply of new apartments for home purchasers. In addition to increasing supply, the scheme will also help deliver more sustainable places to live in our urban centres.”

ENDS

Additional information can be found at https://www.housingagency.ie/CroiConaitheCities .

The Housing Agency presents a webinar intended to assist users of the portal "Expression of Interest - Defective Apartments and Duplexes (1991-2013)".

The one-hour webinar will take place at 7pm on Monday, 13 November 2023.

Questions may be emailed in advance to MUD@housingagency.ie. 

Registration is free of charge via this Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rHFLeLz1TnemPUqd2zZ6LQ#/registration

The portal is accessible at Expression of Interest - Defective Apartments and Duplexes (1991-2013) (zohopublic.eu). Attention is drawn to the Conditions of Use, and Freedom of Information note, appearing on the home page of the portal.

The session will be recorded for future use. Places are limited to 1,000 attendees on a first-come first-served basis. By registering for this webinar you consent for the purposes of event management to the processing by The Housing Agency of your personal data (name and email address).

 

Disclaimer:

Information provided during the webinar is general in nature. It should not be considered to amount to legal advice, and no reliance should be placed on it. The Housing Agency speakers cannot be held responsible for actions or failure to act on foot of the information provided. There may be other issues or circumstances that would influence the comments provided. Professional advice might be necessary on individual circumstances.

To register your interest in attending the next Tenant Engagement Workshop please complete your information at the following link - register your interest.

Tenant engagement is an important part of international best practice in the delivery of housing & housing services. It includes activities ranging from the effective distribution of information among tenants, through to the involvement of tenants in housing management, governance, and ownership.

International research has demonstrated the benefits that accrue from tenant engagement policies, both for tenants and housing providers. In Ireland, tenant engagement is a growing field. Some housing providers have invested in dedicated tenant engagement teams, but the principles and practices of tenant engagement are of relevance to all those working in housing delivery and management.

The Housing Agency is collaborating with Supporting Communities, Northern Ireland’s Independent Tenant Organisation, to deliver a half-day workshop for Irish housing practitioners working in roles involving tenant engagement practice. The workshop will allow participants to learn about what tenant engagement involves and how they can contribute to the practice in their own work. Topics such as organisational culture and it’s importance to tenant engagement practices, and examples of good practice examples are also included in the training.

Please note that this workshop is a repeat of the workshop delivered in July 2021 and October 2022.

This workshop is aimed at housing practitioners working in roles that involve tenant engagement practices, who are relatively new to those practices and / or have not participated in a previous Tenant Engagement workshops delivered by The Housing Agency in 2021 & 2022.

How do I sign up?

The workshop is free, but places are limited. Participants should be housing practitioners working in roles that involve tenant engagement practices who have not participated in a previous Tenant Engagement workshop delivered by The Housing Agency.

To attend a session, please reserve your place by Monday 6th November 2023 for the session on 9th November, or by Monday 13th November 2023 for the session on 16th November.

Registered participants will receive a Zoom meeting link in advance of their chosen session.

For further information 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. They can also be townhouses or stand-alone houses that share common facilities. The quality and the sustainability of the built environment enjoyed by these communities rely on well-run OMCs.

With the increasing number of apartments 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:

Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan - Tuesday, 10 October 2023

Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown - Thursday, 12 October 2023

South Court Hotel, Limerick - Tuesday, 24 October 2023

Clayton Hotel, Galway - Tuesday, 7 November 2023

Cork International Hotel, Airport Business Park - Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Attendance places, while free of charge, are limited.  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
7:45pm     Q&A
8:30pm     Closes

Information and resources for OMCs and MUDs are available on the Agency’s website.

Information in relation to the remediation of defects in apartments and duplexes is available here.

Previous outreach events took place in:

• Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone | 28 November 2022
• Glenroyal Hotel & Leisure Club, Maynooth | 22 November 2022
• Boyne Valley Hotel & Country Club, Drogheda | 15 November 2022
• Chartered Accountants House, Dublin 2 | 8 November 2022
• Clayton Hotel, Sligo | 25 October 2022
• Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan | 4 March 2020
• Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick | 26 February 2020
• Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cork | 19 February 2020
• Lord Bagenal, Leighlinbridge | 12 February 2020
• Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport | 5 February 2020
• Red Cow Moran Hotel, Dublin | 29 January 2020
• Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown | 15 January 2020
• Clayton Hotel, Galway | 4 December 2019
• Nuremore Hotel, Carrickmacross | 27 November 2019

 

The Housing Agency's Leadership In Housing Conference takes place on September 29th in the Hibernia Conference Centre, Dublin Castle from 8.30am - 2pm. 

The Conference will bring together senior housing professionals working across the sector to network and engage with expert speakers. Attendees will hear from inspiring and motivating experts in leadership from Ireland and abroad. 

You can view the conference programme and speaker biographies at this link: Conference Programme