CT Brief - Issue 80 - Campbell Tickell

CT Brief – Issue 80

Welcome to the latest edition of the CT Brief.

As we bring you the 80th edition of the CT Brief, we turn our focus to Ireland at a moment of significant transition and opportunity. Across the island, pressing social issues, from housing shortages to rising poverty and homelessness, demand urgent attention, while at the same time, new strategies, partnerships, and innovations are beginning to reshape the landscape of social provision.

This special edition offers a deep dive into the challenges and transformations shaping the housing, care, and community sectors in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Against a backdrop of political uncertainty and economic pressure, we explore how leadership is evolving, how finance is being leveraged to support critical delivery, and how systems are adapting to better serve communities.

While we put a spotlight on Ireland, this issue’s content is not confined by borders. The challenges explored, whether leadership under pressure, financial resilience, or system reform, are relevant across contexts. Whether you’re working in housing, care, or community development, many of the insights here will resonate regardless of jurisdiction, offering ideas and inspiration for tackling shared challenges in diverse settings.

We begin with a personal perspective in Reflections of a New CEO, and continue with features on Leadership Under Pressure and Financial Leadership, which set the tone for an edition that is as much about resilience as it is about reform. We examine the shifting dynamics of Approved Housing Body (AHB) finance, look closely at the realities of homelessness north and south of the border, and consider the barriers and opportunities facing housing delivery in Northern Ireland.

This issue also highlights key local developments, from the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone to the PEACEPLUS programme, and takes a closer look at the private rented sector, sustainability, and the evolving needs of housing for older people in Ireland. We also reflect on wider European perspectives through the International Social Housing Festival 2025 and the work of the European Federation for Living, situating Ireland’s challenges within a broader global conversation.

Throughout, you’ll find examples of leadership in action. From grassroots initiatives to cross-border policy, the articles gathered here show how people and organisations are working creatively to meet rising need and deliver better outcomes for all.

We hope this edition sparks new thinking, fosters dialogue, and offers practical insights for those working across Ireland’s housing and social sectors and beyond.

What’s Inside?

Reflections of a new CEO, Aoife Watters, Chief Executive, Respond
Leadership under pressure, Sharon Cosgrove, Chief Executive, Oaklee
AHB finance, John O’Connor, Senior Associate Consultant, Campbell Tickell, and formerly Chair, Commission on Housing
Homelessness in NI, Nicola McCrudden, Chief Executive, Homeless Connect
Housing delivery in NI, John McLean, Chief Executive, Radius Housing
CT in Ireland, Greg Campbell, Partner, Campbell Tickell
Homelessness in Ireland, David Carroll, Chief Executive, Depaul
Poverty in Ireland, Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst, Social Justice Ireland
Clonburris, Colm Ward, Chief Executive, South Dublin County Council
Housing strategy in NI, Justin Cartwright, National Director for Northern Ireland, Chartered Institute of Housing
International Social Housing Festival, Ailbhe McLoughlin, Director, International Social
Housing Festival 2025
Sustainability, Jennifer Whitty, Sustainability Manager, Tuath Housing Association
Older people’s housing in Ireland, Liz Zacharias, Director, Campbell Tickell
Social care regulation, Dunia Hutchinson, Group Director of Intellectual Disability & Autism Services, Inspire Wellbeing
PEACEPLUS, Sally McCone, Business and Corporate Services Director, NIFHA Housing Federation
Private rented sector, James McHugh, Senior Consultant, Campbell Tickell
Homefinder UK, Ninesh Muthiah, Founder and CEO, Home Connections
European Federation for Living, Joost Nieuwenhuijzen, Executive Director, European Federation for Living

Read the full issue

Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions expressed in such blogs and articles represent those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Campbell Tickell.

For any enquiries relating to these articles, please email our Marketing and Communications Team on: comms@campbelltickell.com .

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