Housing Insights

Housing is about far more than bricks and mortar. In this episode of Housing Insights, host David Silke explores the people behind Ireland's housing sector and the careers that help shape communities across the country. Joining him are Sydney Arthurs of Circle Voluntary Housing Association and Margaret Ralph from the Housing Agency's Mortgage to Rent team. They discuss their different routes into housing, the rewarding and challenging aspects of their work, the impact housing professionals can have on people's lives, and why the sector offers meaningful opportunities for those looking to make a difference. Key Discussion Points Careers and pathways into housing Working in approved housing bodies and the Housing Agency Tenant engagement and resident-focused services The Mortgage to Rent scheme Professional development in the housing sector Advice for early-career housing professionals Future opportunities in social and affordable housing Resources and Links Housing Agency Mortgage to Rent scheme Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) Institute of Public Administration (IPA) Social and affordable housing apprenticeship programme

In this episode of Housing Insights, host David Silke is joined by Julie Cruikshank, Head ofmServices at HAIL Housing Association, and Ciara Whelan from the Housing Agency's Disability Services team, to discuss the importance of housing stability for people experiencing mental health challenges and the role of the Mental Health Tenancy Sustainment Officer (TSO) Service. The conversation explores how housing can be a cornerstone of mental health recovery and how the national TSO Service helps people maintain their tenancies, avoid homelessness, and live independently in their communities. Listeners will hear how tailored, person-centred supports can assist with everything from managing practical tenancy issues to reconnecting with health services, education, training and employment opportunities. The guests also discuss the growth and impact of the service since its national rollout, the importance of early intervention and collaboration between local authorities and support providers, and how housing professionals can better recognise and respond to mental health challenges. Key Discussion Points The link between housing stability and mental health recovery. How the Mental Health Tenancy Sustainment Officer Service works and who it supports. The range of supports available, from tenancy management to accessing health and community services. The service's role in preventing homelessness and supporting independent living. National impact and outcomes since the service launched in 2022. The importance of voluntary engagement, trust and person-centred support. Resources and pathways available for people seeking support. Resources and Links HAIL Housing Association: https://www.hail.ie Home and Supports Hub: https://www.homeandsupports.ie Information on the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People: https://www.housingagency.ie/disability/https://www.housingagency.ie/disability/

This episode of Housing Insights explores the growing role of cost rental housing in Ireland. Roslyn Molloy is joined by Fiona Duncan, Housing Policy Manager with Clúid Housing, and Deirdre Carey, a cost rental resident in Cork, to look at cost rental from both the provider and resident perspectives. Key Discussion Points What cost rental is, who it is intended for and how rents are determined. Clúid Housing’s experience of delivering and managing cost rental homes. Challenges including construction costs, access to affordable land and funding. The application and allocation process for cost rental homes. Deirdre’s experience moving from private rental into cost rental. The benefits of affordability, security of tenure, location and mixed-tenure communities. The future of cost rental and its potential role within Ireland’s housing system. Resources and Links New Starter Homes – information on available cost rental homes: newstarterhomes.ie The Housing Agency – further information on cost rental: housingagency.ie

In this episode of Housing Insights, host Roslyn Molloy speaks with Tommy Moylan, Executive Director of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) and former councillor, about the role of elected members in shaping housing policy and local communities across Ireland. The discussion explores how councillors influence housing delivery through planning, land use, development plans and housing policy, while working alongside local authority executives. Tommy also outlines the findings of the Local Democracy Task Force, a major review of Ireland's local government system, and discusses how its recommendations could strengthen local democracy, improve accountability, and give communities a greater voice in decision-making. Key Discussion Points The role of councillors in housing, planning, land use, infrastructure and community development. Understanding the difference between reserve functions (policy and decision-making by elected members) and executive functions (implementation by local authority executives). How development plans shape housing delivery and the move from six-year to ten-year development plans. The importance of evidence-based housing policies, including schemes of letting priorities for social housing. Why the Local Democracy Task Force was established and the challenges facing local government since the 2014 reforms. The Task Force's eight objectives, including greater local autonomy, stronger democratic accountability, enhanced community engagement, improved Association of Irish Local Government (AILG): https://www.ailg.ie Local Democracy Task Force Report, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage: https://www.gov.ie/housing

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