Politician(s) lobbied: James Browne (Minister), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Intent: To attend the conference. Fold Housing CEO also spoke at one of the workshops which was on Strengthening AHB Delivery: Data, Discipline, and Scalable Processes.
Methods: Event / Reception
Details by Method
Event / Reception
The Housing Agency and the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) hosted the 2026 Housing Practitioners’ Conference - Working Together to Deliver Ireland’s Housing Ambition, in Whites of Wexford, County Wexford on Thursday 23rd April and Friday 24th April (half day).https://www.housingagency.ie/news-events/housing-practitioners-conference-2026-0
Politician(s) lobbied: Coilín O'Reilly (Chief Executive Officer), Carlow County Council
Intent: To show an example of an age friendly housing development as requested by Carlow Co. Co. On 25 Feb 2026, Tina Donaghy, Director of Development & New Business received a text from Coilin O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Carlow Co. Co. advising that they are continuing to develop their age friendly town centre concept for Carlow Town and requesting a visit for Carlow Co. Councillors and staff to the Fold Housing scheme at New Dolphin Park. The visit was facilitated by Fold Housing.
Methods: Event / Reception
Details by Method
Event / Reception
There were a number of emails between Fold Housing and Carlow Co. Co. to determine numbers who would be attending. The visit consisted of a tour of the development, visits to some of the apartments and lunch at the on site cafe.
Politician(s) lobbied: Eoin Ó Broin (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Joe Cooney (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Aubrey McCarthy (Senator), Seanad; Micheál Carrigy (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Maria McCormack (Senator), Seanad; Seamus McGrath (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Rory Hearne (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Anne Rabbitte (Senator), Seanad
Intent: To provide information and material on Fold Housing as requested by the Joint Committee in their invitation letter.
Methods: Email
Details by Method
Email
Information and Material requested by the committee was emailed to them on 22nd January 2026. This included the names and contact details of the three Fold Housing representatives who would attend the committee meeting as well as attachments: 1) Opening Statement; 2) Fold Housing Overview; 3) 2025-2027 Strategic Plan; 4) 2024 Annual Review and Accounts.
Politician(s) lobbied: Eoin Ó Broin (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Thomas Gould (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Attended at the invitation of the ICSH who were briefing on their strategy for the social housing sector ahead of the 2026 Budget announcements.
Methods: Meeting
Details by Method
Meeting
Attended at the invitation of the ICSH who were briefing on their strategy for the social housing sector ahead of the 2026 Budget announcements.
Politician(s) lobbied: James Browne (Minister), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Jack Chambers (Minister), Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform; Kieran O'Donnell (Minister of State), Department of Health; Tom O'Leary (Councillor), Fingal County Council; Tom Kitt (Councillor), Fingal County Council; Angela Donnelly (Councillor), Fingal County Council; AnnMarie Farrelly (Chief Executive Officer), Fingal County Council; Eimear Carbone-Mangan (Councillor), Fingal County Council; Ellen Troy (Councillor), Fingal County Council; Gerard Sheehan (Councillor), Fingal County Council; John-Kingsley Onwumereh (Councillor), Fingal County Council; Emer Currie (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Paul Donnelly (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas; Paul Carroll (Director), Fingal County Council
Intent: Ireland is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with the population aged 65 and over projected to rise from 15.7% in 2022 to over 25% by 2040. As people live longer, the demand for homes that support independent, safe, and connected living is growing rapidly. The event was scheduled to demonstrate how innovative partnerships between local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) can respond to this challenge.
Methods: Event / Reception
Details by Method
Event / Reception
Calendar invites were issued to invited guests. The date and time of the event changed three times so emails were sent to invited guests to inform them accordingly. There were calls with staff at FCC regarding scheduling and rescheduling (due to Ministers' availability). Briefing documents were also sent to Ministers' offices regarding the housing scheme - number of homes, number of residents etc. There was no lobbying carried out during the event.
Politician(s) lobbied: Paul Benson (Acting Assistant Secretary), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Intent: We invited our partners from across the statutory, voluntary, and private sectors as an opportunity to thank them for their support as they provide an important contribution to meeting our vision of visibly improving the quality of people’s lives through the accommodation and support we provide. This may be considered a networking event rather than lobbying as no lobbying was carried out at the event.
Methods: Event / Reception
Details by Method
Event / Reception
The Reception took place in the Coast Restaurant at the Grand Hotel, Malahide. It was an informal event with general conversation at the dinner table around housing for older people that support independent, safe, and connected living; the work of AHB's and the partnerships with local authorities. No targeted lobbying.
Politician(s) lobbied: Unknown
Intent: Unknown
Methods: Unknown
Details by Method
Method not specified
Unknown
Politician(s) lobbied: Paul McAuliffe (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Advice on how to proceed / explore the possibility of accessing funds for the programme.
Methods: Phone call
Details by Method
Phone call
1st call on 3rd March, 2nd call on 25th April - Mr. McAuliffe was not available. On both occasions I spoke with Keith Connolly and left a message. I missed a return call from Mr. McAuliffe and have yet to speak with him about this matter.
Politician(s) lobbied: Paul McAuliffe (TD), Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas
Intent: Advice on how to proceed / explore the possibility of accessing the funds.
Methods: Email
Details by Method
Email
We are currently in the process of developing an exercise program for our tenants and residents aimed at enhancing their overall well-being. Many of our tenants are on low incomes and unfortunately cannot afford to pay for these classes. Reaching out to see if we could explore the possibility of accessing some of the funds the government received from Apple to support this initiative and to get guidance on how we might pursue this.
Politician(s) lobbied: Aine Stapleton (Assistant Secretary), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Caroline Timmons (Assistant Secretary), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Intent: General conversation at the dinner table. Sought to increase the profile of the CIH, and the understanding of the work, to Senior Leaders in the Dept. of Housing.
Methods: Event / Reception
Details by Method
Event / Reception
Had a conversation regarding housing and policy whilst attending a dinner for the CIH Awards in Belfast on 21st February 2025.Sought to increase the profile of the CIH, and the understanding of the work, to Senior Leaders in the Dept. of Housing.
