Delivering on our promise

As one of Ireland’s leading Approved Housing Bodies (AHB), Clúid Housing is proud to continue delivering quality housing and services in these challenging times. The organisation remains focused on supporting residents across the country and committed to delivering more social housing. Clúid identifies its robust, established partnerships as the key to being able to continue planning and delivering sustainable, high-quality homes.

Brian O’Gorman is Chief Executive of the housing provider. Commenting on the road ahead he says: “The AHB sector is now facing unique challenges and the Covid-19 restrictions have had a deep effect on us all. Despite this, Clúid is committed to supporting the Government’s programme of housing delivery. We are a resilient and innovative organisation that has weathered many storms over the course of our 25-year history. Our construction sites are back up and running and complying with all relevant protocols. Clúid’s New Business team are working hard to ensure the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions have a minimal impact on our planned programme for delivery whilst ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all parties.”

Clúid firmly believes that having your own front door, your own place to call home, opens the door to opportunities like seeking out employment, accessing education and other services that enable people to contribute to and enrich communities. The AHB rounded out 2019 with the delivery of over 720 new homes, a figure the organisation says is the beginning of its commitment to deliver 3,000 new homes before the end of 2022.

Clúid’s latest high quality Part V housing scheme, The Grove in North Dublin.

There are pressing issues to consider first, comments O’Gorman: “The impact of Covid-19 is not the only challenge ahead for the AHB sector. The CSO’s decision to reclassify AHB debt as government debt coupled with the economic uncertainty following the Covid-19 crisis will place unprecedented demand on government resources. Together with our Housing Alliance partners, Clúid continues to advocate for a reversal of this classification so that we can continue delivering up to 40 per cent of new social housing. We welcome the new Government’s commitment to resolving this issue.

“Affordability has been and will continue to be a serious concern for many households across the country. In particular, key workers, who have given so much over the past few months, need to be provided with affordable homes within easy reach of their jobs. The introduction of an affordable rental scheme, providing quality, secure housing, can, and will, address this need. Such a scheme will also aid post Covid-19 economic recovery through construction projects and create long term stability in the Irish housing market.”

Clúid Housing residents and employees were invited to a reception hosted by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins in recognition of the organisation’s contribution to Irish society.

Clúid recently launched its Annual Report 2019, the backdrop of which was its 25th anniversary. O’Gorman knows the organisation’s achievements over the past 25 years would not have been possible without the support of partners along the way: “Together with local authorities, developers, funders, government departments, and agencies, Clúid has become one of the leading AHBs in Ireland.”

Over the past year, Clúid had the opportunity to come together and reflect on the organisation’s journey so far. This pause for thought also served to remind the team of their commitment to the future housing needs of the many people still waiting for a place to call home. Furthermore, O’Gorman says: “The past few months have also given us pause for thought as we do our part to keep each other safe. The importance of home is clearer than ever right now and this acknowledgement will continue to be a driving force behind our mission to deliver quality housing into the future.”

“Affordability has been and will continue to be a serious concern for many households across the country. In particular, key workers, who have given so much over the past few months, need to be provided with affordable homes within easy reach of their jobs. The introduction of an affordable rental scheme, providing quality, secure housing, can, and will, address this need.”

Continuing to deliver on its mission during the Covid-19 restrictions, Clúid’s team has shown itself to be resilient and innovative. “We’re now looking to the future and our professional team are continuing to find innovative solutions to both the immediate and longer term challenges ahead. I would like to acknowledge the great work being done by all our stakeholders, including our inhouse teams, during this time. Together, we have continued to deliver on our promise.” adds O’Gorman.

Clúid is the Irish word for ‘the seat beside the fire’, vacated for the guest or venerable elderly family member. Perhaps now more than ever the significance of this can be directly linked to Clúid’s work. O’Gorman is hopeful for the future: “Now, we look to the road ahead of us and renew our commitment to achieve our vision of a society where everyone has a great place to live. We have ambitious growth targets and we are committed to achieving these. Together with our partners, the entire Clúid team look forward to the next chapter with renewed confidence and an acknowledgement that we are having a real impact through our work.”

James Harold
Communications Manager
Clúid Housing
159-161 Sheriff Street Upper
Dublin D01 R8N0
T: +353 1 707 2088
W: www.cluid.ie