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
Winner
Winner
Social Housing Award 2021
Finalist
Shortlisted
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.
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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.
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Ken lives in Dublin and has over 25 years experience leading financial services businesses. He holds board positions in regulated firms in Ireland and the UK and was previously CEO of AIB Mortgage Bank and Head of AIB Business Banking. He runs a successful strategic advisory business and has extensive property, commercial and risk skills. Ken is a Certified Director and holds a Masters in Business Administration from Trinity College.
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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.
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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.
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From 2017 to 2022, Michael Heaney served as CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, the state agency with responsibility for economic, social and cultural development in Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. Prior to this, he was Director of Planning, Economic Development, Community and Cultural Services with Donegal County Council. He also served as Chief Executive of the Donegal County Development Board. He has worked in other roles within the state, local development, community development and development education sectors. Micheal is a Board Member of the Irish College Leuven, of Asia Matters and of Donegal Tourism. At present, he is Vice-President of the AER (Assembly of European Regions).
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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.
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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.
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Marianne is a CHI Member, married with five kids and two grandchildren who are her heart and soul. Marianne loves music, cars, animals, and working in the community to help improve the area. She’s proud of where she lives, the progress the community has made in the past few years, and the neighbours and friendships she has made along the way. Marianne looks forward to being part of a team of strong people and working towards more improvements across the board for all CHI members.
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Gerry is a Chartered Accountant and experienced Finance professional having spent his early career working with PwC and subsequently spent 28 years with Musgrave Group in senior finance leadership positions before retiring in 2021. He has extensive experience in financial risk management, Corporate Governance and regulatory compliance. Gerry is a director of Douglas Credit Union, a not-for-profit regulated financial institution and lives in Cork with his family.
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Eugene has over 40 years experience in the financial services industry and has held senior positions in Ulster Bank Group and The National Asset Management Agency. He is a Fellow of The Institute of Bankers in Ireland and holds The Diploma in Company Direction from The Institute of Directors in Ireland. Eugene lives in Dublin and is married with three adult children
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Nuala grew up in Bray, Co. Wicklow, and is the mother of one son. She works as anurse, and previously owned and ran a creche in Leopardstown. Her son has special needs and she actively engages in courses to support his care. Nuala describes herself as a ‘people person’, with a lot to offer and to learn. She loves putting her knowledge to good use in the community and getting things done.
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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 co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible;
benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative;
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 co-operative 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.
