From foundations to futures: Respond’s strategic growth in housing delivery

Respond, Ireland’s largest construction-led AHB and a national service provider, have been supporting communities for over 40 years. With more than 18,000 people now living in over 8,000 Respond homes, the organisation is in a significant new phase of growth and ambition.

Backed by government and local authorities, and in partnership with trusted developers and contractors, Respond is accelerating the delivery of social and cost rental housing on mixed tenure developments across the country. Currently, 3,463 homes are under construction, and this number is set to grow in the coming months as the organisation expands its national pipeline.

“It is not just about building homes, it is about providing long-term housing options that help people put down roots and build a future,” says Niamh Randall, Respond’s spokesperson. “We are proud to work alongside local authorities and state partners to make this a reality.”

More than 82 per cent of Respond’s current housing delivery is construction-led, a strategy that enables the organisation to manage cost, quality, and timelines more effectively. This approach also ensures developments are tailored for long-term sustainability and embedded with community infrastructure where possible.

With deep in-house expertise in design, procurement, and delivery, Respond is not only meeting current demand, but also setting a model for housing delivery at scale that is responsive to national priorities and local need.

Spotlight on recent developments

Jacob’s Island

The Crawford Centre is part of a two-phase project due to commence that will see an additional 149 cost rental homes completed at Jacob’s Island by 2027, bringing the total number of homes to 218.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD recently opened 69 new social homes and broke ground on an additional 149 cost rental homes at Jacob’s Island, Cork. In total, 218 high-quality homes will be delivered on this site.

Phase 1, known as The Crawford Centre, is already home to 94 residents living in A2 BER-rated one- and two-bedroom apartments. Designed for comfort and community, each unit is equipped with air-source heat pumps and high-efficiency insulation.

The second phase, due for completion in 2027, will significantly expand Respond’s cost rental offering in Cork, addressing a clear and urgent need for affordable, secure tenancies in the city.

Griffin Point

Respond recently opened applications for new cost rental homes in Griffin Point, Clongriffin (Dublin 13), where 64 cost rental homes have been delivered. These are part of a wider 397 mixed tenure development, providing high-quality, secure housing for individuals and families priced out of the private rental market.

Griffin Point, Clongriffin.

Phase 2 of the development will include a purpose-built Early Learning and School Age Care (ELSAC) centre, which will be run by Respond, offering 55 part-time childcare places. Phase 1, now nearing completion, includes 210 social and cost rental homes while Phase 2 will deliver an additional 187 homes by February 2026.

Mine View

In County Meath, Respond has completed the final phase of its Mine View project. The newly delivered 17 homes bring the development’s total to 63, now home to more than 200 people, including 130 children. This development exemplifies Respond’s people-centred approach, combining high-quality, energy-efficient homes with a layout that promotes safety and neighbourliness.

Adelaide Villas

In Wicklow, Adelaide Villas is now home to 62 residents in 18 bright, modern apartments. These lifetime homes were designed to be safe, accessible, and energy-efficient, supporting residents to age in place or live independently. The development reflects Respond’s belief in housing as a foundation for long-term well-being.

Adelaide Villas, Bray, County Wicklow.

Randall welcomes the increase in scale and acknowledged the collaborative effort involved in bringing these projects to fruition: “At Respond, it is not just about building homes; it is about providing long-term housing options that help people put down roots and build a future. The partnership with local county councils has been key to delivering these developments and we are very grateful for the continued support of our funding partners, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Housing Finance Agency; and The Housing Agency.”

Aoife Watters appointed CEO of Respond

Overseeing this new chapter is Aoife Watters, appointed CEO of Respond in early 2025. She is the organisation’s first female CEO in its four-decade history and brings extensive experience in both the commercial and not-for-profit housing sectors.

Watters has served as a board director and chair of another approved housing body, where she also led its Finance and Audit Subcommittee. She was previously director of finance and corporate services at a large cross-border housing and homelessness charity.

Her appointment signals continuity with Respond’s values and focus on strategic scale, financial stewardship, and community impact.

“I am honoured to join Respond and to have the opportunity to lead this exceptional organisation,” says Watters. “Respond’s strong track record of innovation, growth and community support has had a lasting impact. Together with our board, team and partners, we will continue this vital work in delivering homes, supporting communities and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

W: www.respond.ie