Citation for the Distinguished Alumni Award January 2024

This award was presented by U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire. D. Cronin.

Respond is proud to confirm that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Declan Dunne, was honoured with the Distinguished Leader Award by the Ireland United States Alumni Association (IUSA). The prestigious award was presented to Mr. Dunne by the US Ambassador to Ireland, Clare Cronin, at a ceremony last night in Dublin.

Since joining Respond as CEO in August 2016, Declan Dunne has been a driving force in the organisation’s significant growth and impact in the housing and services sector. His extensive experience and dedication to social causes have been instrumental in advancing Respond’s mission of providing secure, affordable housing and community services across Ireland.

Declan Dunne conveyed his appreciation, stating:

“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition from the Ireland United States Alumni Association. This award reflects the commitment and hard work of everyone at Respond, striving to have a positive impact on people’s lives daily. Our accomplishments are the result of a collective endeavour and I take immense pride in being part of a team that is positively impacting communities across Ireland. I extend my gratitude to Ambassador Cronin for presenting me with this award last night, and I thank the Ireland United States Alumni Association for honouring me in this way.

Respond approves plans to build 2,906 new homes across large-scale mixed-tenure developments in Dublin

• New Dublin developments in areas including Charlestown, Tallaght, Clonburris and Donaghmede to be the first large-scale mixed-tenure schemes delivered by an Approved Housing Body (AHB) in Ireland.
• The mixed-tenure schemes will feature an approximately 50:50 split between cost rental and social homes.
• New developments will increase Respond’s cost rental housing stock to 1,896 homes.
• Respond is unique as a construction-led AHB, 85% of its homes are built using Respond’s construction model.

Respond’s board of directors has agreed to move forward with several new home-building construction projects in Dublin that will deliver 2,906 new social and cost rental homes upon completion.

The new large-scale mixed-tenure developments will be located throughout Dublin, including sites in Charlestown (590 homes), Tallaght (502 homes), Clonburris (318 homes), and Donaghmede (397 homes).

The developments will be the first large-scale mixed-tenure schemes delivered by an Approved Housing Body (AHB) in Ireland, with the first homes completed by September 2024. With 1,508 homes already in construction, this will bring the number of homes Respond currently has in construction to 4,414, expanding the value of its construction programme over the next 12 months to €2bn.

The large-scale mixed-tenure schemes will feature an approximately 50:50 split between cost rental and social homes. A total of 1,378 new cost rental homes will be delivered, increasing Respond’s cost rental housing stock to 1,896. Last month Respond received 575 applications for 13 new cost-rental homes in Swords in just three days, emphasising the high demand for such secure, affordable homes.

Niamh Randall, national spokesperson for Respond:

“This is a landmark moment not just for Respond but for the future of housing in Ireland. These mixed tenure developments are a testament to our commitment to creating diverse, inclusive communities. By integrating social and cost rental homes, Respond aims to build vibrant neighbourhoods that will enhance the quality of life for all tenants and the wider community that benefits all tenants. Respond has over 40 years of experience in building homes and communities and our staff have a wide range of expertise from architects, quantity surveyors, planners, construction and project managers to housing management and the delivery of services within communities.”

“We are only able to deliver on these homes with the partnership and support of Local Authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Finance Agency and the Housing Agency. In addition, we are very proud to be working with a number of leading developers and Tier One contractors to build these homes, including Cairn Homes (Charlestown and Clonburris developments), Bluemont Developments (Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede development), Ardstone Homes and Walls Construction (Airton Road, Tallaght development). This initiative is a step towards alleviating the housing crisis in Ireland, providing secure, affordable housing options for thousands of individuals and families. Respond’s commitment to quality housing management and community integration stands at the forefront of this project, ensuring that these new developments will be more than just houses – they will be homes in true, thriving communities.”

Darragh O’Brien, T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage:

“We are delighted to support Respond in building 2,906 new homes across Dublin. We share commitment to addressing Ireland’s housing needs through innovative, sustainable solutions. Respond’s construction-led approach, particularly in these large-scale mixed-tenure developments, sets a new standard in housing provision in Ireland. Their focus on creating not just homes but communities, resonates with our Housing for All plan which seeks a future where every citizen has access to quality, affordable housing. The Government is committed to supporting and collaborating with organisations like Respond, who are at the forefront of tackling our housing challenges and making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of people.”

Concerning Respond’s urban village placemaking approach, Niamh Randall added:

“Working from an urban village placemaking approach, these large-scale developments will have Respond staff based on site. The role of the housing team in Respond is to provide a high level, professional service to our tenants. We have been working with the Centre for Effective Services, developing a new housing management service to tenants and support the building of communities. Our work in these communities will include tenant engagement and tailored supports, developing and improving public spaces, fostering a sense of identity and community connection, and local business and stakeholder engagement. These are lifetime homes and Respond has a long term commitment not only to the tenants but also to the wider communities around them”.

Notes to editor:

This ambitious project will see the construction of a mix of social and cost rental homes across several key locations*including:

• 590 homes at Pipers Square, Charlestown, Finglas, Dublin (284 cost rental homes and 306 social homes) in partnership with Fingal County Council.
• 502 homes at Airton Road-Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, (289 cost rental and 213 social homes) in partnership with South Dublin County Council.
• 318 homes at Seven Mills, Clonburris, Dublin 24, (170 cost rental homes and 148 social homes) in partnership with South Dublin County Council.
• 397 homes at Clarehall Avenue, Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13, (153 cost rental homes and 244 social homes) in partnership with Dublin City Council.

*Not all locations can be named at this time.

About Respond

Respond, a construction-led Approved Housing Body and service provider, has been working all around Ireland for over 40 years. Our vision is that every family and individual in Ireland will have high‐quality housing as part of a vibrant and caring community. Housing and decent accommodation, in the areas where people want to live, are central to improving people’s lives and enhancing the health and well‐being of society.

16,541 tenants live in 7,084 properties across the 26 counties that we either own or manage; of these, there are 6,264 Respond social housing tenancies. Respond also provide a range of services for families and individuals within our communities. This includes emergency accommodation with 24/7 support for families who are homeless in six Family Homeless Services, three Day Care Services for Older People, 17 Early Childhood Care and Education, Family Support and Refugee Resettlement services. We provide person centred services to support people to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

About Respond’s urban village placemaking approach

Respond’s urban village placemaking approach focuses on creating small, integrated neighbourhoods within larger urban areas. These “urban villages” are designed to be pedestrian-friendly, diverse and self-contained, with a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces. The key characteristics include:

• Human Scale: Designed to be walkable and human-scaled, meaning they are built to a size and scale that feels comfortable for people, rather than for cars or large-scale infrastructure.
• Mixed-Use Development: These areas typically combine housing, shops, workplaces, parks, and recreational facilities in close proximity. This mix encourages a vibrant street life and reduces the need for long commutes.
• Community Focus: Public spaces, like squares and parks, are central to the design, encouraging social interaction and community activities.
• Diverse and Inclusive: A variety of housing types are included to accommodate a diverse population.
• Sustainable Design: A focus on reducing carbon footprints through energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and encouraging walking, cycling, and public transport over car use.

Respond is a member of the Housing Alliance, the collaboration of 6 of Ireland’s largest Approved Housing bodies (AHBs). The Housing Alliance’s purpose is to work with Government and Local Authorities to promote the delivery of social and affordable homes, address barriers to delivery and advocate strongly for responsible, professional housing management. In 2022 our 6 not-for-profit members delivered more than 4,000 of Ireland’s voluntary housing stock delivered that year

Respond welcomes Government announcement on funding changes for building Cost Rental homes.

Respond, a leading Approved Housing Body (AHB) and service provider, has said they can triple the number of social and Cost Rental homes they have in construction to over 4,100 in the coming months. The organisation currently has 1,396 homes in construction. Respond, supported by Local Authorities, have secured fixed price contracts with major developers and construction firms and can vastly increase their social and Cost Rental homes in construction, subject to Government support. These comments were made welcoming the Government’s latest housing initiative regarding Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) which enables Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) like Respond to deliver Cost Rental Homes.

Niamh Randall, spokesperson for Respond, expressed the organisation’s support for the initiative:

“We are excited about the potential as we prepare to break ground on several large-scale developments that will deliver thousands of new homes for people who urgently need them. We have been working in the background on this for some time, today’s announcements look very promising and we are looking forward to receiving more detail.”

“We could triple the number of social and Cost Rental homes we have in construction up to 4,100, subject to greater clarity and the workability of the new scheme. People urgently need the security of a place to call home, they don’t have the time to wait. We are anxious to step up and put our experience and expertise to good use, building more homes for individuals and families who urgently need them.”

“We fully understand the complexity of housing delivery and have been working with key stakeholders on our plans. We are poised and ready to move on this immediately, subject to details being finalised. We are focused on delivering homes at the lowest possible rents while ensuring that our actual costs are fully covered and all risks are managed. As a not-for-profit Approved Housing Body (AHB) and service provider, we must continue to fulfil our obligations to our existing tenants and service users.”

Niamh Randall, spokesperson for Respond, emphasised Respond’s collaborative efforts with their partners to achieve these accomplishments.

“We have secured fixed price contracts with major developers and construction firms, in principle, supported at the highest level in Local Authorities,” she added, highlighting the positive engagement with the State in the development process. “We have been working closely with the State for some time now to help develop a sustainable and replicable Cost Rental model for the AHB sector, which could more deliver affordable Cost Rental homes in areas where they are most needed.”

With an extensive portfolio of 1,396 homes already under construction, Respond stands out as a construction-led AHB. An impressive 85% of their development schemes are construction-led, demonstrating their commitment to adding to the national housing stock through their home building program.

Respond actively collaborates with local organisations, tenants and residents to create inclusive communities, providing support and resources that contribute to the overall well-being and development of these communities.

This is all made possible through the support of Local Authorities and the Capital Advanced Leasing Facility (CALF) and the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) Scheme from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, along with private finance from the Housing Finance Agency (HFA).

We express deep sadness at the loss, describing him as a driving force for change

It is with great sadness that Respond has learnt of the death of Father Pat Cogan ofm., the founder and long-standing former Director and CEO. Father Pat founded the organisation in 1982 and remained involved as CEO and a director until 2016.

The deep condolences of the entire Respond community are with all of his family, the Franciscan Community and friends at this difficult time.

Father Pat, imbued by the Franciscan ethos, was a driving force for change in the development of social housing in Ireland as he sought to provide meaningful solutions to housing insecurity and homelessness. He oversaw the growth and development of the organisation for almost 35 years.

He was a major influence and pioneer in the Housing Association (Approved Housing Body) development sector within Ireland, working in close co-operation and partnership with Government Departments, local authorities, the Housing Finance Agency and others, with a particular focus on social inclusion, personal dignity and building sustainable communities.

Born in Cork in 1945, he became a member of the Franciscan Order in 1962 and was ordained a priest in 1970. He worked tirelessly in community development projects, particularly those that sought to improve the quality of life for low-income families supporting them to reach their full potential in life.

Expressing his condolences, John O’Connor, Chairperson of Respond said: “Father Pat passionately cared about the plight of people experiencing housing instability and homelessness and worked diligently to bring about change and housing security. He turned that vision into real action.”

“While a proud Cork man, he cared hugely for the city of Waterford where he first started tackling homelessness during the 1970s. His work expanded nationally, leaving a positive footprint in every county across Ireland.  I know he was hugely satisfied when Respond redeveloped St. John’s College into a vibrant new space for the Waterford community in 2016, adding to Respond’s considerable output of social homes in the city.”

“His work expand nationally building on those strong foundations, tackling the ongoing housing crisis and supporting communities by providing high quality homes and key support services to people and families at risk. There are now almost 6,500 properties Respond owns and/or manages across Ireland with almost 15,000 tenants supported in their homes and a wide range of services in the community.”

Declan Dunne, CEO of Respond added: “The loss of Father Pat is a source of sadness for all of us at Respond. He worked tirelessly in the housing sector for many years, working to build an Ireland where everyone can have a home to call their own and where individuals, families and communities are empowered to reach their full potential. His founding principles of a right to housing and social justice continue to guide Respond today, and we are committed to continuing the work begun by Father Pat. May he rest in peace.”

Respond in a partnership with Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) are embarking on a ground breaking new concept to develop a ‘Brain Health Village’.

The partnership between GBHI and Respond aims to examine our understanding of brain health and how it can be applied to housing design and to the provision and development of sustainable communities. This approach inherently touches on social justice and equity, reflecting both Respond and GBHI’s core mission and identity. Housing and the built environment can impact on brain health and cognitive development and ‘having a home’ can contribute significantly to an individual’s well-being, quality of life and their capacity to recover from illness and adversity.

This initiative is in its early stages and seeks to develop, implement, and evaluate a model framework for establishing a brain health friendly community. It is envisaged that this project will be a ‘pathfinder’ to establish ‘proof of concept’ for the model framework developed, which will then be replicable in other settings and jurisdictions.

We now wish to contract a consultant, researcher or organisation to develop an evaluation framework for the Brain Health Village Project, who can bring the required ‘academic rigour’ and expertise in developing this exciting concept.

The total budget to develop the evaluation framework is €70,000 (incl VAT).

The deadline for receiving submissions is by 2pm, 11^th November 2022.

Full details on the requirements of the tender and the process for submitting proposals are contained in the tender document that can be found HERE.

If you would like any further information, please contact Reyhana Cushnan, Policy Manager by email to: reyhana.cushnan@respond.ie.

Respond is delighted to offer new Cost Rental homes at Ballinglanna, Glanmire, Cork City.

The 32 new homes are located south east of Glanmire village with convenient access to a range of local services, schools and amenities. The scheme comprises of eight 3 bedroom houses, eight 2 bedroom houses, eight 2 bedroom duplex apartments, and eight 1 bedroom apartments.

Cost rental is not for profit housing where the rent you pay covers the cost of the construction, management and maintenance of your new home. Cost rental offers a long term, secure tenancy that is more affordable than market rents. Under the Government’s Cost Rental Scheme, rents must be a minimum 25% below open market value, with prices for Ballinglanna homes starting at €840 per month. This development will enable more middle-income households in Cork to access high-quality, secure rental homes close to their work and community.

• 1 bedroom apartments – €840 per calendar month
• 2 bedroom duplex apartments – €945 per calendar month
• 2 bedroom houses – €1,015 per calendar month
• 3 bedroom house – €1,085 per calendar month

For information on eligibility and how to apply for a cost rental property, please see our cost rental page: www.respond.ie/cost-rental