The four eligible proposals received were submitted by the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH), Clúid, Oaklee and Túath Housing.

• The ICSH have established a sector-led financial vehicle to allow AHBs to expand and to facilitate the delivery of additional housing units.
• Clúid are developing a set of procedures, guidelines and templates for mergers and acquisitions.
• Oaklee are working on securing off-balance sheet funding.
• Túath have engaged with external experts to undertake research on two schemes relating to affordable rental.

Announcing the approval of these proposals, Minister English said, ‘the Department of Housing has an important role in facilitating AHBs in their work.  This complements activities that are already underway within the AHB sector to facilitate collaboration within the sector.’  The total amount of funding that will be granted through the Innovation Fund is €104,043.50.