Everything housing from the All-Ireland Summit

This year's All-Ireland Summit explored everything from tackling anti-social behaviour to supporting tenants with complex needs. Representatives from the housing departments of both Ireland and Northern Ireland were also on hand to provide a policy overview.

The annual All-Ireland Summit is the only conference where perspectives from both Ireland and Northern Ireland are shared and discussed. This knowledge sharing ultimately leads to a rich learning experience for all those in attendance, and 2023 was no different, with housing professionals from across the island descending on Fairways Hotel Dundalk. 

However, the day was not just about best practice and innovative solutions. It also provided our members with an opportunity to network and develop those meaningful connections to help them grow in their careers. 

Here are the key takeaways from the day. 

Policy – setting the scene 

Representatives from the housing departments of both Ireland and Northern Ireland kicked off the summit with an overview of the policy landscape.

Aine Stapleton, assistant secretary at the Department for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage in Ireland, gave an overview of the country’s Housing for All policy, along with an update on the Planning and Development Bill 2023. She explained this new bill would improve consistency and alignment throughout all tiers of planning, including the use of certain materials and occasions that require a particular planning application. 

Mark O’Donnell, deputy secretary of housing at Northern Ireland’s Department of Communities, explained that, without a functioning executive in the country, there are significant limitations to decisions that civil servants can make in respect of new policy announcements and funding. 

However, despite these restrictions, decisions around capital funding, new social housing, and resource funds for homeless services must continue. 

Safer communities and tenant engagement – the key to success? 

It was no wonder that this breakout session proved so popular with delegates given the line-up, which included Peter Beck, probation officer, PBNI; Michael Russell, tenancy services coordinator, Circle Housing Association; and Garda inspectors Susan Lawlor and Damien Boland.

The interactive discussion was chaired by Eileen Patterson, member of the CIH Ireland board, who passionately conveyed her belief that the key to safer communities is to provide people with a safe and secure home.

One of the key messages from the panel was the desire to work collaboratively with other partners. Housing officers are managing tenants with more complex needs, and this puts additional stresses and strains on their day-to-day work. But by identifying local partners and organisations that can help support tenants, they said housing providers would be better able to sustain tenancies and enhance communities.

The theme of safer communities also found its way into the tenant engagement and participation session. Here, we heard from Tuath Housing Association resident James O’Neill, who shared insight into his role in setting up the An Garran Residents Group in Tramore to combat anti-social behaviour on his estate; one example of a practical solution to help address an issue affecting many communities.

Managing complex needs to sustain tenancies – ‘turn the tide’ 

We have all heard that the best way to break the cycle of a repeated societal problem is to intervene early. But how do we do that? What does ‘early intention’ look like? 

Declan Morris (Extern) and Paul Fleming (NIACRO) presented on behalf of the Homelessness Prevention Forum, a collective voice for housing support based in Belfast. They explained how the organisation aims to equip the public, private and social landlords, as well as frontline workers to better understand the signs and help prevent homelessness. If this is addressed successfully, tenancies can and will be sustained.

Their ask is for housing associates in Northern Ireland to engage with the forum and utilise the support and resources available.  

We also heard from Oaklee Housing about practical, on-the-ground examples of how they are working with tenants who have complex needs to help sustain their tenancies. 

Director of operations Caroline Casserly Farrar and housing services manager Emma McCormick talked about how support for tenants with complex needs starts with equipping teams. They work to create safe places, training and development opportunities, and local community partnerships to make a real difference to their tenants. 

Their ‘Together We Can’ message reiterates the emerging theme from this plenary session.

• CIH thanks all members who attended the All-Ireland Summit 2023 and encourages everyone to build on their interactions with other attendees – reach out to Caroline or Julie to help facilitate introductions 
• View all presentation slides