What We Do
Co-operative Housing Ireland works closely with various stakeholders in the housing sector, including Local Authorities, Government, and developers, to provide high quality social-rented homes across the country.
In addition to the 4,000 homes provided CHI has supported owner-occupier housing co-operatives to deliver 3,000 affordable homes.
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Our Vision
Our vision is of an Ireland where everyone has the option to participate fully in their own and the wider community social, economic and environmental development through co-operation.
Our Mission
Our mission is to lead the development of social, economic and environmental sustainability in Ireland through co-operative effort and the provision of co-operative housing in particular.
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History of CHI
Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI), formerly NABCo, was formed in 1973 to support the growing housing co-operative movement that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s.
View our organisational timelineOur Awards
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Shortlisted
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Our Board
Pearse O’Shiel is the chairperson of the CHI Board. He is a Ph.D. researcher and lecturer in the philosophy of education. He was raised in a home built by the New Homes Housing Co- operative in Dublin. Pearse lives in Co. Clare and is married with three adult children.
Enda Egan is a serving civil servant since 1983. He has been volunteering for many years with the Richard Pampuri Social Club which is a social club for young adults with learning disabilities and special needs.
Cinnamon Blackmore is the chairperson of the Slaney Valley Co-operative. She came to social activism to campaign for support and services for parents of special needs children, affordable housing and increased mental health services for young people in Wexford. She lives in Gorey and is a full-time carer to her son.
Regina works full time in manufacturing and has held positions as Training Instructor, Health and Safety Co-ordinator and is currently Production Supervisor and Planner. Regina lives in a Co-operative Housing scheme in Graiguecullen, Co. Laois.
Michael Collins is an experienced CFO having worked in Construction, Aviation and Food sectors. He is currently CFO with Camile Thai Kitchens. Originally from Tipperary, he now lives in Dublin with his wife and two daughters.
Ken Hanrahan has years of experience in hospitality and recently achieved a Level 5 in Tourism and Events Management. He was formerly a mental health worker. He is a CHI Member and is married with two children.
Frances Kawala, although now retired, uses her arts background to find creative ways to encourage community involvement working with several local organisations to promote the needs of seniors, including their housing needs. She lives in a CHI home in Birr, Co. Offaly.
Lisa Kinsella Colman is a community activist and loves living in a co-operative. She is very active within the local community and co-operative projects and activities. She is a mother of four and grandmother of three.
Enda McGuane (FSCSI, FRICS) has over 20 years’ experience in senior management in Property, in both the private and public sectors. Enda is also Vice President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) as well as a member of the Chambers Ireland Sustainability, Infrastructure and Planning Taskforce.
Derek Maher is the Chairman of Downview Residents’ Association and is currently Chairman of the Co-operative Housing Ireland Munster Co-operative. He is married with four children and two grandchildren.
Claire Ryan is a solicitor with extensive experience in residential and commercial property law, working in private practice in Ennis, Co. Clare. She worked closely in her role as a solicitor with Approved Housing Bodies for many years. Claire lives in Co. Clare with her family.
Carol Tancock is the Branch Manager of FM-WM Service Company. She is specialised in Commercial Real Estate and Infrastructure financing. Originally from Dublin, she now lives in Co. Meath with her husband, two daughters and their dog.
Our Management Team
Our Governance Policies
This Strategy was originally developed by our Board, which consists of democratically elected representatives from our affiliated local co-operatives.
Information and guidance for the members of the Board, executive and staff of Co-operative Housing Ireland about the organisation and the conduct of its business affairs.
The Register of Directors’ Interests Policy is intended to assist Board Members in declaring any interests which might conflict with their work with the Association.
Co-operative Principles
Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.
Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes:
developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible;
benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative;
and supporting other activities approved by the membership.'
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
