Respond delivers more than 130 social and cost-rental homes across Cork 

More than 130 new social and cost rental homes were delivered across Cork last year by the approved housing body (AHB), Respond.

The organisation, which is Ireland’s largest construction-led AHB, said they are on track to deliver nearly 1,000 new social and cost rental homes nationwide this year, its highest annual output to date.

Respond now owns and manages 1,135 homes throughout Cork, having delivered 133 across the county in 2024.

The organisation, which operates across all 26 counties, expects to hand over 972 new homes by year end, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth in its annual delivery figures.

Respond’s 2024 Annual Report, launched by the minister for housing, local government and heritage James Browne shows the AHB continues to expand its housing pipeline under its multi-billion-euro national development programme. This includes 3,458 homes currently being built across the country.

In 2024, Respond delivered 855 new social and cost rental homes nationwide, representing a 28% increase on the previous year and around 6% of all new social homes built during that time period.

Committed

Respond spokesperson, Niamh Randall said the organisation is “committed to supporting the Government’s programme of housing delivery by increasing the national housing stock through our cost effective, construction-led model”.

“We are providing families with access to stable, long-term homes where they can put down roots as part of a local community,” Ms Randall said.

“Our vision is an Ireland where everyone has a great place to live, and we are building the infrastructure and the communities to make that a reality.

“Each of our developments follow our evidence informed housing services delivery model and includes community hubs.

“As a trusted delivery partners we await the new housing plan due later this month for detailed and targeted housing measures including much needed funding and policy certainty for the AHB sector.

“It is critical we are enabled to continue to deliver homes now and into the future.”

Important role

Mr Browne said Respond’s annual report “showcases the important role that AHB’s play in delivering new homes at the scale required to tackle the housing crisis”.

“My department is proud to lend strong support through multi-million funding for Respond’s construction-led model, which is now providing thousands of homes throughout the entire country,” Mr Browne said.

“Respond now has 3,458 homes in construction nationwide — these strong numbers are encouraging, and behind the numbers are real people who need homes.

“I am determined to deliver homes for people in their communities across Ireland.”