Averil Power to Lead Clúid: A New Era for Irish Social Housing
Ireland faces a housing crisis of unprecedented scale. Over 600,000 individuals and families are on local authority housing waiting lists – a figure that underscores the urgent need for innovative leadership and a renewed focus on delivering affordable, secure homes. The appointment of Averil Power as the new CEO of Clúid, a leading Approved Housing Body (AHB), isn’t just a change at the top; it’s a potential inflection point in how Ireland tackles this challenge.
From Cancer Advocacy to Housing Leadership: A Unique Skillset
Power brings a wealth of experience to Clúid, having most recently served as Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society since 2018. Prior to that, she led the Asthma Society and held a seat in the Seanad, alongside experience as a political advisor. This diverse background, coupled with her personal experience growing up in social housing, positions her uniquely to navigate the complex landscape of Irish housing policy. As Power herself stated, she understands “firsthand the lifeline [social housing] provides” and the detrimental impact of housing insecurity on health and wellbeing.
Her track record at the Irish Cancer Society is particularly noteworthy. Under her leadership, the organization doubled its income through key fundraising campaigns, significantly expanding its reach and impact. This demonstrates a clear ability to drive growth, manage resources effectively, and build strong public support – skills directly transferable to the challenges facing Clúid and the wider AHB sector.
The Expanding Role of Approved Housing Bodies
Approved Housing Bodies like Clúid are playing an increasingly vital role in addressing Ireland’s housing shortage. Traditionally focused on providing social housing for those with the greatest need, AHBs are now expanding their remit to include affordable housing and age-friendly developments. This shift is driven by several factors, including government policy, increasing private rental costs, and a growing recognition of the social and economic benefits of mixed-tenure communities.
The government’s ‘Housing for All’ strategy relies heavily on AHBs to deliver a significant portion of new homes. However, AHBs face their own challenges, including access to finance, land availability, and navigating complex planning regulations. Successfully scaling up operations while maintaining quality and affordability will be crucial. This is where Power’s advocacy experience and proven fundraising abilities will be invaluable.
Future Trends: Sustainable Housing and Community Integration
Looking ahead, several key trends will shape the future of social and affordable housing in Ireland. One is a growing emphasis on sustainable housing. Building homes to high energy efficiency standards, utilizing renewable energy sources, and incorporating green spaces are no longer optional extras but essential components of a responsible housing strategy. Clúid, under Power’s leadership, is likely to prioritize these elements.
Another crucial trend is community integration. Moving away from segregated social housing estates towards mixed-tenure developments that foster social inclusion and reduce stigma is paramount. This requires careful planning, collaboration with local communities, and a commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods. Power’s background in social justice advocacy suggests a strong commitment to this principle.
Furthermore, the rise of modular construction and other innovative building technologies offers the potential to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes. These methods can reduce construction costs, shorten build times, and improve quality control. AHBs like Clúid will need to embrace these technologies to meet the growing demand for housing.
The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making
To effectively address the housing crisis, a more data-driven approach is needed. This includes collecting and analyzing data on housing needs, affordability levels, and the impact of different housing interventions. Leveraging data analytics can help AHBs like Clúid to optimize their operations, target resources effectively, and demonstrate their impact to stakeholders. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) provides valuable data and research on housing in Ireland, offering insights that can inform policy and practice.
Brian O’Gorman, the outgoing CEO of Clúid, highlighted Power’s “commitment to Clúid’s social mission” and her “vision for inclusive and sustainable growth.” This suggests a clear alignment between Power’s values and the organization’s strategic objectives, setting the stage for a period of continued innovation and impact.
What are your predictions for the future of social housing in Ireland? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
