Minister O’Brien announces establishment of Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority and appointment of Board Members

From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on 22 February 2021
Last updated on 22 February 2021

The Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, has today (22 February 2021) announced nine appointments to the board of the newly established Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority, following a process conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

Commenting Minister O’Brien said:

“I am delighted to establish the Regulator and appoint its first members. This is a significant development for the Approved Housing Body sector. This new body – The Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority – will be an important element in support of our ambitious housing agenda – “Housing for All.”

“Approved Housing Bodies play a crucial role across the housing spectrum; delivering much needed social homes, helping families and individuals to exit homelessness and supporting people to live independently in their own homes.

“The Regulator will oversee the effective governance, financial management and performance of all voluntary and co-operative housing bodies, thereby instilling further confidence in the sector.”

The Regulator will have responsibility for establishing and maintaining a register of Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), preparing standards by which AHBs will be monitored and assessed, and encouraging and facilitating the better governance, administration and management, including corporate governance and financial management of AHBs. The Regulator will also have powers to carry out investigations and cancel the registration of AHBs.

The following people have been appointed as ordinary members of the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority for a five year term:

• Mr. Edward Lewis
• Mr. Seamus Neely
• Ms. Eileen Gleeson
• Ms. Geraldine Hynes
• Ms. Jillian Mahon
• Mr. John McCarthy
• Dr. Oonagh Breen
• Mr. Michael Cameron
• Ms. Orla Coyne

The Minister has nominated Mr. Edward Lewis as Chairperson Designate of the Regulator. As is normal practice with such proposed appointments to State Boards, a formal appointment as Chairperson will not be made until the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has considered the matter.

The Board will hold its first meeting on Thursday 25th February.

Ms. Susanna Lyons, was appointed Chief Executive Designate of the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority on 1 December 2020. Following its establishment on 1 February 2021, Ms. Lyons is formally appointed as Chief Executive Officer.

The Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority can be contacted at info@ahbregulator.ie.