Clúid Housing Association

Contact Centre launch announcement for ICSH website

Clúid is delighted to officially open its new Contact Centre today, Tuesday 31st January 2012.

The Contact Centre will act as the first point of contact for our residents and all other customers and business partners. Full contact details are available on www.cluid.ie

The Contact Centre team

The new team of eight Contact Centre Advisors, Barry, Breege, Eileen, Elizabeth, Marian, Phill, Ruth and Sean, are looking forward to dealing with all queries. The Contact Centre Manager is Kate Noonan.

Clúid aims for the Contact Centre

The opening of the Contact Centre is an important part of continuing to improve our customer services. We are keen to make it a success and hope that we can meet and exceed our tenants’ expectations!

i. We want to make it easier for tenants to get their repairs and queries responded to quickly.

ii. We want all tenants across the country to receive a consistently good service.

iii. We want to be better able to monitor our customer service – and improve it!

iv. We want to have the right set-up, so that we can grow and provide more housing services to people who need a home.

The Contact Centre and our tenants

The Contact Centre will be based in Dublin but will take calls from residents all over the country. Our regional offices in Cork, Dublin and Galway will remain open only as a base for staff. Full details of implications for tenants are available on www.cluid.ie.

The Contact Centre and local authorities and partner agencies

Your contact in Clúid will remain the same e.g. Clúid Regional Director, Housing Officer, Development Manager, except you can also contact them at the Contact Centre as well as by email or mobile.

The Contact Centre and other Clúid services

There is no change to our estate-based services. We will still have a Housing Officer, who will continue to make regular estate visits. Where we have a Scheme Manager or Caretaker on estates, he/she will remain working on the scheme, just as before.

The Contact Centre will help Housing Officers and other staff by booking repairs and handling general queries. If the Contact Centre cannot address a query, the call will be passed to the relevant staff member and responded to as quickly as possible.

October 2011

Clúid Housing Association are inviting ICSH members to the opening of their new office and the launch of their 2010 Annual Report.

The event will take place on Friday, 4th of November at 63-66 Amiens Street, Dublin 1 at 11.15am. Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague will officiate at the event.

Full details are available on the event invitation here.

July 2011

Clúid Housing Association is officially launched of a new housing project at Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford.

The launch was officiated by Mr Willie Penrose TD, Minister of State for Housing and Planning on Wednesday the 27th of July at 11am.

This project represents Clúid's first acquisition under a new funding model.

The invitation for this event is available here.

European Neighbour's Day

People across Ireland came out in force on Friday 27th May to host a fun day of celebrations to mark European Neighbours Day.

One of the biggest Neighbour’s Day events was held in Clontygara Court, Muirhevnamor, Dundalk, Co. Louth where the residents of five Clúid Housing Association estates across Dundalk came together to celebrate. Childrens entertainment, music and games were provided for the open air event which was a great success.

May 2011

Housing Minister Willie Penrose TD Launches Clúid Housing Association Regeneration Project

Minister of Housing and Planning Willie Penrose recently launched the final phase of an innovative housing regeneration project in Longford carried out by Clúid Housing Association. This will involve Clúid in the demolition, refurbishment, and new build construction of St Michael’s Road housing estate in Longford Town, which comprises both social housing and privately owned housing.

Speaking at the event, Simon Brooke, Chair of Clúid, said, “It is a sad fact that many local authority estates built in the 1960s and 1970s have fallen into disrepair, with negative economic and social consequences for entire neighbourhoods. Regeneration is a cost-effective way of providing a high standard of housing and rejuvenating local communities.

“As a country, we can’t afford not to invest in regeneration, because without such spending estates will continue to deteriorate and social problems will multiply and ultimately result in greater costs to the exchequer.

“Successful regeneration supports the Government’s commitment to sustainability because it makes best use of existing dwellings by improving energy efficiency with more efficient heating, a reduction in pollution and CO2 emissions., and a cleaner and healthier environment.”

The transfer of social housing stock from a local authority to a voluntary housing association is often the best approach for regeneration projects, claims Clúid. It facilitates access to additional funding sources, reduces the pressure on local authorities’ already overstretched internal resources, and allows for flexible and creative responses. In addition, the active involvement of the local community in regeneration projects is crucial to their success. In St Michael’s Road the partnerships between the residents and local community, the local authority, local representatives, Clúid, and other local groups have all been key to the project’s success. Four years of consultation between Clúid and its design team and the local community and the local authority has resulted in a design for the new street that will not only address the housing need but be a place that people will be proud to call home.

“Clúid has a proven track record in this area,” said Simon Brooke. “We have successfully managed regeneration projects in inner-city Dublin and in rural towns such as Ballina, as well as St Michael’s in Longford. Regeneration makes social and economic sense, and we would like to see voluntary housing associations becoming involved in more regeneration schemes around the country.”

Clúid has produced ‘A Stock Transfer and Regeneration Guide’, which outlines the rationale for stock transfer from a local authority to a housing association; the processes involved in that transfer; and the various options for an estate or area, from basic refurbishment to full social and physical regeneration.

Elaine Keogh, chair of the Harmony House Management Committee said “With the regeneration comes the rebuilding of a new community bringing new life and activity to an area that has long since been forgotten. We are very enthusiastic about the new development and wish to thank Clúid, who have been very supportive, for all their assistance in bringing this to a reality as residents were becoming despondent in ever seeing it happen.”

Notes:

About Clúid

Clúid Housing Association has been developing and managing rented housing for people on low incomes across Ireland for 15 years, and currently provides housing for over 4,650 households. Clúid is a registered charity and a non-profit making organisation.

‘A Stock Transfer and Regeneration Guide’ is available to download here.

About the St Michael’s Road Regeneration Project

The new street when complete will be comprised of 17 new houses; 18 refurbished and 11 privately owned houses. The works consist of the demolition, refurbishment and new build construction of a housing estate in Longford Town. The owners of the privately owned houses will be offered 50% of the cost of the refurbishment of the outside of their property under the Remedial Grants Scheme.

The original street was comprised of 58 houses and some of the houses date back to the late 1800s. The houses were uniformly 2 storey 2 bedroom and the average unit size was 40M2.

By the late 1990’s the estate was suffering from serious social and physical decline. Many of the houses were unoccupied and due to the poor condition of these homes and the reputation of the estate it was difficult to re-let these.

Clúid completed phase one of the regeneration project in 2004 and the refurbishment of the estates of Lanna Aoibhinn and Annaly Gardens on either side of St Michael's Rd. The local authority made the decision to transfer the stock to Clúid in 2007 and to support an application by Clúid to the DoEHLG for funding to refurbish the street as phase two of the regeneration under the voluntary housing capital grants scheme.

The new houses will be constructed to a very high standard and will attain an A3 Energy Rating when complete. They will have a very high level of insulation, solar panels and energy efficient gas boilers. They are designed with families in mind in accordance with Clúid’s own social housing design brief and the recommendations of the Department of the Environment, Herritage and Local Government for Sustainable Communities. During the period 2008 to 2010, a series of consultations took place with all residents and other stakeholders, and a detailed plan for the redevelopment of the estate was agreed. This included the demolition of some existing units; the refurbishment of others; and the building of new units. The aim of the redevelopment was to design out areas that supported antisocial behaviour; improve the standards of the properties in terms of space and energy use; and create an enhanced estate that would encourage new people to take up tenancies and so improve the social mix.

January 2011

Clúid announce competition for the Adrian Norridge Housing Research Bursary

Clúid Housing Association is pleased to announce its competition for the 2011 Adrian Norridge Housing Research Bursary which has been established in honour of the founder of Clúid, Adrian Norridge, who has recently retired from the Board of Directors. The bursary aims to support applied research on housing issues that will be of relevance to the social housing sector in Ireland. One research grant will be awarded annually, commencing in 2011.

The deadline for applications has now passed. Further details are available on www.cluid.ie under the latest news section of the website.

November 2010

• Clúid have 4,487 homes in management; 3,502 of which are owned by Clúid and the remaining 985 of which are managed on behalf of local authorities or other groups.
• Clúid expect to take over 400 units into management in 2010
• Clúid currently have a further 165 units on site

Clúid take more homes into management

Clúid have recently moved in new residents into a selection of houses and apartments in Navan, Co Meath. The units were built by Meath County Council and offer excellent quality housing accommodation.

In nearby Dundalk Clúid are due to move new residents into new quality homes in the Lis na Dara development on the Carrickmacross Road. All the residents are delighted with their new homes and look forward to settling in.

Clúid wins Cork Better Building Award

On 2nd November 2010 Clúid’s South West Regional Director, Tim Porter, was presented with the Cork City Better Building Award for its development at Joyce’s Court in Cork City. The scheme was completed in 2009 and comprises 25 units of general needs accommodation.

October 2010

• Clúid have 4,480 homes in management; 3,502 of which are owned by Clúid and the remaining 978 of which are managed on behalf of local authorities or other groups.
• Clúid expect to take over 400 units into management in 2010
• Clúid currently have a further 165 units on site

Official Opening of St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina

Clúid are currently in the process of regenerating St. Patrick’s Estate in Ballina and are pleased to say phase one is nearing completion. Clúid will hold an official opening of phase one of Saint Patrick's Estate at 12pm on Friday 22nd October 2010.

When complete there will be 79 homes in St. Patrick’s Estate. Phase 1 will comprise 23 units in total.

Michael Finneran, Minister for Housing with the Department of the Environment will officiate at the event. Further details including venue will be announced shortly.

August 2010

• Clúid have 4,395 homes in management; 3,468 of which are owned by Clúid and the remaining 904 of which are managed on behalf of local authorities or other groups.
• Clúid expect to take over 400 units into management in 2010
• Clúid currently have a further 165 units on site

Official Opening of St Patrick’s Estate, Ballina

Clúid are currently in the process of regenerating St. Patrick’s Estate in Ballina and are pleased to say phase one is nearing completion. Clúid will hold an official opening of phase one of Saint Patrick's Estate at 12pm on Friday 22nd October 2010.

When complete there will be 79 homes in St. Patrick’s Estate. Phase 1 will comprise 23 units in total.

Michael Finneran, Minister for Housing with the Department of the Environment will officiate at the event. Further details including venue will be announced shortly.

If you would like to attend this event please RSVP to Pamela Southern at psouthern@cluid.ie before 8th October 2010.

Great Northern Haven, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Clúid Housing Association are delighted to announce that the first residents have moved into Great Northern Haven in Barrack Street, Dundalk, Co Louth in early June. An Official Opening was held on the 25th June last to celebrate the launch of Great Northern Haven.

Great Northern Haven is a cutting edge scheme for older people which was a unique collaboration between Louth County Council, Dundalk Town Council, the HSE and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT). Clúid are proud to have been chosen to manage the scheme which has been fitted with sophisticated technology, which is designed to meet the changing needs of its residents over time.

The aim is to enhance the quality of life of older persons through the use of cutting edge technology. The Netwell Centre in DKIT has set up an Ageing-in-Place research project on the Great Northern Haven project which will provide valuable research in relation to housing for older persons. The project also provides a number of sustainable design features from high levels of insulation, a central wood pellet boiler, mechanical ventilation heat recovery and a green roof for water attenuation.

July 2010

• Clúid have 4,334 homes in management; 3,430 of which are owned by Clúid and the remaining 904 of which are managed on behalf of local authorities or other groups.
• Clúid expect to take over 400 units into management in 2010
• Clúid currently have a further 162 units on site

Clúid publish Annual Report 2009

Clúid have published their annual report for 2009. The report is available on their website www.cluid.ie or by contact Pamela Southern in the National Office on 01-7072253.

Clúid launch art exhibition

Clúid Housing Association is set to unveil a new and innovative project to the people of Kerry in the Department of Tourism, Culture & Sport in Killarney on Friday, July 2nd. The art project, an exhibition entitled “Home” by Clare based artist Sara Foust, was commissioned to reflect the meaning of ‘Home’ as described by the tenants residing at Clúid’s Sheltered Housing Scheme at Holy Cross Gardens, Killarney. This moving and thought provoking exhibition will be launched by Micheál O’ Muircheartaigh on Friday, July 2nd and will run until August 12th when a ‘Giving Ceremony’ will take place, where each resident will be presented with the painting that reflects their story and a book detailing each of the stories and paintings exhibited.

June 2010

• Clúid have 4,334 homes in management; 3,430 of which are owned by Clúid and the remaining 904 of which are managed on behalf of local authorities or other groups.
• Clúid expect to take over 400 units into management in 2010
• Clúid currently have a further 162 units on site

Clúid to launch art exhibition

Clúid invites all ICSH members to the official launch of HOME - an exhibition of paintings by artist Sara Foust inspired by stories of home told by residents at Holy Cross Gardens, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

This project was funded by the Percent for Art Scheme and Clúid Housing Association. Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh will officiate at the event on Friday 2nd July at 5pm at Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, New Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Please RSVP to Pamela Southern psouthern@cluid.ie by 18th June.

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Clúid residents celebrate European Neighbours Day

The sun came out on Friday 28th May to shine on celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of European Neighbours Day. Clúid Housing Association worked with local residents to arrange community celebrations on housing estates in Dublin, Carlow and Portlaoise.

The European Neighbours’ Day initiative, originally set up in Paris in 2000, aims to foster community cohesion and create better neighbourhoods where people enjoy living. It was celebrated across Europe by over 9 million people on Friday 28th May 2010. This year, there were over 1,200 partners (local councils, housing associations and local organisations) in more than 30 participating countries.

A fantastic day was had by all with the children being entertained by face painters, bouncy castles etc while adults had a chance for them to get to know each other as Neighbours Day aims to encourage neighbours to get to know each other and share a good time together, beyond daily issues and difficulties. By meeting each other at an informal celebratory event Neighbours Day improves the way people live together and improves community adhesion.

Clúid expand in North Dublin

Clúid have recently moved in 14 new residents into Burnell Court, Northern Cross under a leasing arrangement with Dublin City Council. All the new residents are delighted with their new accommodation which is located within the Northern Cross Campus, within the campus there are numerous shopping and leisure facilities on the doorstep.

In an adjacent development, Clúid have moved in 45 residents into Belmayne which is a new high quality development just off the Malahide Road, which is only 5 miles from Dublin's city centre and in recent weeks a new train station has opened at Clongriffin which is only a short walk from Belmayne.

May 2010

• Clúid now has 4,297 homes in management around the country, 3,430 of which are owned by Clúid and the remaining 867 of which are managed on behalf of local authorities and other third party owners.
• Clúid currently have 8 schemes on site around the country.

New homes in management

Clúid recently completed the handover of 30 units at Sutton’s Court in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork

Clúid recently took 8 units into management at Cahereen West, Castleisland, County Kerry.

Leases have been signed with Mayo County Council for 20 unsold affordable houses at Saleen, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Leasing

We have tendered successfully to lease 31 new homes for 5 years in County Carlow. 14 of the properties are owned by Carlow Town Council and 17 by Carlow County Council.

St Patricks Estate, Ballina, Co. Mayo

The regeneration of St Patricks Estate is moving along with phase one well underway. The residents are due to move into their new homes during the summer.

Clúid Prize Draw For Tenants with No Rent Arrears

At the start of 2009 in order to reduce the number of tenants with arrears Clúid launched a Tenant Prize Draw. All tenants who had no rent arrears during the qualifying period were entered into a free prize draw in September 2009. There were two winners in each region; first prize of €1,000 and second prize of €500. A total of 1,158 tenants qualified to enter the prize draw and winners were announced in the Clúid Tenant Newsletter. Building on the success of last years draw we will hold another tenant prize draw this year.

April 2010

• Clúid now has 4,277 homes in management around the country, 3,430 of which are owned by Clúid and the remaining 847 of which are managed on behalf of local authorities and other third party owners.
• On Wednesday 3rd March 2010 Clúid celebrated the official opening of our first Traveller specific housing development called Castlebrook in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin. A Review of the Castlebrook project – which was independently commission by Clúid was published to coincide with the event. Copies of the report and further information about Castlebrook are available on the Clúid website.
• A Housing Association Consortium of Clúid, HAIL and Sonas Housing Associations recently acquired 75 apartments in Belmayne in partnership with Dublin City Council. The 75 apartments are a mix of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartment and surround an internal landscaped courtyard. Belmayne is located just off the Malahide road and only 5 miles from Dublin's city centre. A new train station at Clongriffin is a short walk from the development. The tenants are due to move into their new homes within the next few weeks.
• Clúid are currently analysing the results of our recent Tenant Satisfaction Survey. The results will be available on our website shortly.

February 2010

Clúid’s new publication “Castlebrook - A Traveller Housing Project” is available to download from the Clúid website or in hard copy by contacting Pamela Southern at 01-7072253. The report reviews the development of Clúid’s first Traveller specific housing development in Rathcoole in South County Dublin.

• Clúid now has 4,238 homes in management
• 3,392 of which are owned by Clúid and 846 of which are managed on behalf of local authorities and other third party owners
• Clúid is proud to have completed 464 units in 2009
• Clúid expects over 400 units due into management in 2010
• Clúid currently has 201 units on site

Clúid to launch report on Traveller housing development

Clúid invites you to the launch of our report reviewing the development of Castlebrook, Rathcoole - a unique Traveller housing development at 12pm on Wednesday 3rd March at the development. This is a 7 unit development and one of the properties will be made available for viewing on the day.

If you would like to attend this event please RSVP to Antoinette Farrelly at northeast@cluid.ie or 01-857 8030 by Friday 19th February.

Clúid Leasing Event

Clúid hosted an information session to celebrate the Government's social housing leasing initiative scheme on Monday 1st February in The Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise. Minister Michael Finneran officiated at the event. Peter Carey, County Manager with Laois County Council, John O’ Connor from the Affordable Homes Partnership and Neil Mc Keever from Clúid’s Board of Directors all spoke at the event. Clúid have leased 58 units in Laois and one of our new tenants, Ramona Clarke, also spoke at the event. The event was very well attended by local authorities, tenants and other people from the housing sector.

Clúid & Meath County Council Social Leasing Partnership

Clúid Housing Association in partnership with Meath County Council is pleased to announce details of new homes which have been made available under the Social Leasing Initiative.

This scheme utilises Affordable homes which have remained unsold due to the economic downturn. The properties will be used for Social Housing purposes for an initial period of five years. So far 20 households from the Meath housing waiting list have been accommodated under this scheme, with more properties becoming available soon.

The homes provided are of a extremely high quality and Clúid Housing Association has been working in partnership with Meath County Council to ensure the smooth transfer and letting of the properties. Clúid Housing Association was selected to manage and maintain the units through a tender process.

January 2010

Clúid Development Brochure

Clúid Housing Association today launched their new Development Brochure.

The brochure contains details of the types of development activity and services Clúid provides.

The brochure can be downloaded from the Publications section of the Clúid website www.cluid.ie

If you would like to a printed copy please contact Pamela Southern at 01-7072253 or psouthern@cluid.ie

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An archive of older Clúid Housing Association news can be found here.