Growing Sustainable Solutions for a Better Housing Future

CHI's Policy Manager Haley Curran delves into Co-operative Housing Ireland's election manifesto, outlining key recommendations to address Ireland's chronic housing crisis. Haley highlights practical steps and innovative solutions that CHI believes are essential to providing sustainable, affordable homes and strengthening communities. This piece offers a clear vision of how co-operative housing can play a transformative role in creating a more inclusive and resilient housing landscape across the country.

As we face growing challenges in housing, Ireland stands firm in advocating for impactful, sustainable change. Our vision for an inclusive future is rooted in key objectives that will shape housing policy and secure brighter, more resilient communities. A steady supply of high quality, affordable homes is vital for a sustainable housing system. Not only that but secure and affordable social housing can transform lives, provide a secure base to grow as an individual and family, as well as improving physical and mental health outcomes, as well as educational and employment opportunities.  

All political parties recognise that there is an acute shortage of affordable housing and choice for a range of income groups. This leaves too many families and households in temporary housing or in private rented accommodation that they struggle to afford and without security of tenure.

Here’s how we aim to contribute to a housing system that works for everyone:

1. Delivering 30,000 Social Homes Per Year

The government has recently announced new housing targets up to the year 2030, with the aim of delivering 303,000 homes in the period from 2025 to 2030. To meet the escalating demand and provide stability for families across the nation, Ireland needs to prioritise building 30,000 new social homes annually. This target will accelerate the expansion of social and affordable housing supply, offering a tangible step towards ensuring every family has a safe and secure place to call home.

The Housing Commission Report also supports this level of delivery and has recommended that 20% of housing stock should be comprised of social and cost rental. If 30,000 new social homes are delivered each year, then Ireland will reach this recommendation within the next 10 years. Housing security is a fundamental right and it’s time to meet the demand and provide stability for families across the nation. There needs to be ambition and a clear plan in place as to how Ireland will deliver these homes over the next few years and decades.

2. Unlocking the Potential of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs)

Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) play a critical role in the delivery of quality homes. To continue this trajectory, it’s essential to empower AHBs through policy support, funding, and strategic partnerships. By unlocking the full potential of AHBs, we can foster innovation, expand capabilities, and better meet the evolving needs of our communities.

AHB social housing delivery has increased in the last decade to 40-50% of all social housing new build homes. Any future social housing delivery programmes will need to account for this growing sector, and there will be a need for increased funding that is stable and diversified for continued financial enablement. This will ensure that AHBs can plan for future pipeline delivery and continue to deliver high quality and affordable new build social and cost rental homes.  

The gearing and debt levels within the AHB sector will need to be addressed immediately and urgently. Gearing without an income financial underpin from the State is considered higher risk. AHB’s have different operating models and risk profiles. If the AHB sector is to continue delivering new social homes at scale and sustain year-on-year growth, the State will have to consider the introduction of a formal State guarantee of AHB debt and debt alleviation measures such as grants, equity investment and debt conversion options. Older AHB homes were historically supported through grant funded ‘loans’, with a small provision for management and maintenance. However, under this funding there is no provision for longer term management and maintenance upkeep or deep energy retrofits. Older stock is more likely to require deeper retrofits and upgrades, which must come from the AHBs’ own funds. There needs to be an 'Operational Cost' model like the current CALF model and P&A scheme to address the underfunding of these older homes.  

With these and other State supports, such as an immediate increase in the management and maintenance payments for older AHB housing stock, access to diversified funding streams, a part grant or a new form of government equity, and the reclassification of AHBs, this sector can continue to deliver much needed new social and cost rental homes in Ireland, a vital infrastructure for any thriving country.  

3. Advancing Decarbonisation in the AHB Sector

Sustainability is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. Investing in eco-friendly technologies and practices within the AHB sector not only helps reduce emissions but also sets the foundation for healthier, greener living environments. This move towards decarbonisation aligns with national and global efforts to mitigate climate change and support future generations.

The AHB sector recognises the responsibility it has to contribute to a more sustainable housing system. AHBs deliver new homes, which dramatically reduces the carbon emissions from energy use in housing. We need to move our existing housing stock to zero carbon energy use and drive-up standards in new homes, reducing their embedded carbon and encouraging the use of modern methods of construction.  

All new homes delivered by CHI have energy ratings of A2. Over the coming years, we aim to deep energy retrofit our older homes to a minimum B2 energy rating. As an Approved Housing Body, we are committed to retrofitting homes and reducing our carbon footprint.

To reach these targets, provide high quality comfortable homes, and reduce energy bills and poverty, State funding and support is required. This should include, 90% retrofit grant funding for AHBs and a dedicated one-stop-shop scheme with SEAI.

4. Strengthening Co-operatives and Community Land Trusts

Communities built on community led housing and cooperative principles are inclusive, resilient, and foster a sense of shared ownership. By strengthening co-operatives and Community Land Trusts (CLTs), we give residents more control and involvement in their living environments. This approach empowers communities, provides a more affordable housing tenure, nurtures long-term commitment, and creates neighbourhoods where everyone has a stake in collective success.

Under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 local authorities can support housing co-operatives, and CLTs, to provide affordable homes, but they need certain measures and interventions from the State to become operational. Necessary policy, including funding and delivery mechanisms needs to be developed and implemented to facilitate this housing model. The current funding and financial systems in Ireland are not conducive for a co-operative or community led housing model to develop and scale up, however there is funding potential through alternative lending from the State, Credit Unions, Banks, and ethical pension funds. If Credit Unions were allowed to lend to housing co-operatives it could be a mutually beneficial partnership as these organisations both have similar values. This is already happening in Europe whereby co-op members pay back these loans, ensuring this remains a sustainable lending mechanism for co-operatives.  

Building Awareness and Encouraging Dialogue

Each of these goals represents more than policy changes—they embody a commitment to a sustainable, inclusive future where housing is accessible, there is choice with housing tenure that is affordable, communities are strengthened, and the environment is respected. As we continue this campaign, we invite engagement, ideas, and collaboration from stakeholders, policymakers, and community members.

The time for action is now. Let’s work together to transform housing into a cornerstone of security and progress.

For more information about CHI’s 2024 Election Manifesto click here or you can contact CHI Policy Manager, Haley Curran at haley.curran@cooperativehousing.ie.

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