Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) are independent, not-for-profit organisations. They provide social and affordable housing for people who cannot afford to buy or rent their own homes, or for particular groups, such as such as those experiencing homelessness, older people, or people with disabilities.
AHBs work in close co-operation with the Government, and in particular with local authorities – the largest providers of social housing in Ireland, with a current housing stock of approximately 140,000 dwellings – to support the provision of housing and, in many cases, additional supports.
There are over 540 AHBs currently operating in Ireland. Further information and a register of all AHBs is available here.
Playing a Key Role in Delivering Social Housing
AHBs are increasingly important in providing social housing and the Government recognises their vital role in meeting Ireland’s social and affordable housing needs.
Approved Housing Bodies’ current stock exceeds 50,000 homes which, in essence means that AHBs are providing affordable rented housing for more than 50,000 families who cannot afford to buy or rent their own homes.
AHBs are regulated by law: Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992, empowers the Minister for Housing to grant approved status to suitable organisations, so that they can work with statutory authorities to provide housing. AHBs are also regulated, on a voluntary basis, by the Housing Agency, with statutory regulation of the sector expected in the very near future.
FAQs about the Housing Alliance
► Who are the HA members?
The Housing Alliance is a collaboration of seven of Ireland’s largest Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs): Clúid Housing, Circle Voluntary Housing, Co-operative Housing Ireland, Oaklee, Respond, The Iveagh Trust and Tuath Housing.
► What is our mission?
Our mission is to promote the delivery of social and affordable housing by larger AHBs, to address barriers and challenges to delivery, and to promote strong professional approaches to housing management.
► How many homes do you manage?
Collectively, the Alliance is responsible for over 45,000 homes across Ireland. In 2024 alone, Alliance members delivered 6,025 new cost-rental and social homes.
► How is The Housing Alliance funded and governed?
Each member AHB maintains its own governance structure, files audited financial statements, and is regulated by the Housing Regulator and the Charities Regulator.
► Who do AHBs support?
Approved Housing Bodies support people who cannot afford to buy or rent their own homes. Various criteria apply for people to be eligible to receive support from an AHB.
► How can people access support from an AHB?
To receive support from an AHB, you must be on your local authority’s housing list and approved for social housing support. To quality for social housing support, you must be eligible for and in need of social housing. For further information on how to access this support, people can contact their local authority or the AHB directly.
► How are AHBs run?
AHBs operate in close partnership with the Government, local authorities and relevant agencies. AHBs get government funding from local authorities to provide affordable rented housing. They use this funding to: build new homes; buy existing homes and lease private homes.
AHBs are regulated by the Housing Regulator and Charities Commissioner and all exercise good governance and accountability, filing annual audited financial statements with the Companies Registration Office.
► How can I contact AHBs?
Contact Housing Alliance member AHB at the following links:
