Social Housing Projects and Procurement

Social Housing Projects and Procurement

The Housing Agency's Projects and Procurement Department has a full technical team available to offer professional support to Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies for social housing construction, regeneration, infill, upgrade, and procurement projects. We have specific expertise, knowledge, and experience in the planning, design, and construction of public housing and have worked with Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies across Ireland on a range of housing projects. We offer technical assistance and support for all stages and sizes of public housing projects.

Our team includes architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors and technologists. Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies can contact us via construction@housingagency.ie for queries or assistance.

Services

We offer professional technical and procurement advice for all stages of a social housing project, both for the construction of new social housing units and the upgrading of existing houses. Our work procedures are in accordance with the Department Stage approval process for grant funding and the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) for public procurement. Our services include the following:

For properties owned by Local Authorities and AHBs

  • Preliminary site investigation;
  • Feasibility studies;
  • Sketch design for initial stages of CAS applications;
  • Preparation of CAS application documents;
  • Planning stage design and preparation of planning applications;
  • Preparation of complete tender documents and management of assessment process for the procurement of consultants and works contractors in accordance with current CWMF and EU procurement regulation;
  • Compilation of contract documents;
  • General design and procurement advice.
     

Supports for Local Authorities

  • Architectural, civil and structural engineering and quantity surveying services for tender stage, in accordance with required government standards and building regulations;
  • Preparation of preliminary cost plans;
  • Providing services of design team leader and employer’s representative for partial, or all stages of a construction project;
  • Preparation of complete tender documents and management of assessment process for the procurement of consultants and works contractors in accordance with current CWMF and EU procurement regulation.
     

Projects

Since the establishment of The Housing Agency, our Projects and Procurement Department has been responsible for delivering significant architectural social housing projects and urban design master-planning for large regeneration areas for various Local Authorities, while providing procurement and technical support for public housing projects for Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies. Our support has ranged from feasibility studies, detail design and construction management to contract administration, as summarised in the following categories:

Housing Construction Feasibility Studies Energy Upgrades and Public Realm Improvements Master Planning, Urban Regeneration and Development of Infill Sites

Housing Construction

Feasibility Studies

Energy Upgrades and Public Realm Improvements

Master Planning, Urban Regeneration and Development of Infill Sites

Our housing construction projects are diverse, ranging from one off houses to multi-unit housing developments. We have designed high-quality, award-winning projects. Our construction services include architectural, engineering, quantity surveying, ancillary certifier, employer’s representative, project manager and design team leader.

It is a requirement for CAS + SHIP funding applications to provide a well-researched and viable feasibility study for any proposed development. We work closely with AHBs and LAs, reviewing their site and requirements, to provide a tailor-made feasibility study in compliance with all planning, Building Regulation and Department requirements.

We have completed public realm improvement projects for many older housing estates, together with energy upgrades for older public housing stock. These improvements help to counteract anti-social behaviour throughout the estate. They also help create a more pleasant environment and comfortable homes for the residents.

The development of housing will not only provide a new home but can also be instrumental in the regeneration of our urban towns and villages. We provide analysis of these areas to suggest the best development strategy and have completed the development of individual infill units and larger development areas in such locations.