Page 22 - The Iveagh Trust AR 2023

20 Annual Report 2023
JOHN MAHONY
23 years with the Trust
JOHN MAHONY, FORMER DIRECTOR OF HOUSING
I have been invited by the Trust to say a few words about my time at the Iveagh Trust following my retirement in March 2023, after 23 years with the Trust.
I joined in November 2000, and at that time there were three main estates: Bull Alley/Moyne House, Kevin Street Estate, and the Mount Anthony Estate. There were only five staff members working in the Head Office. When I started, the first phase of the 6th floor roof extension at the Kevin Street Estate had begun, providing 36 one-bedroom flats which were greatly needed for single people and couples.
The Mount Anthony Estate was previously comprised of bedsit flats, but a major refurbishment programme was undertaken to convert three bedsit flats into two one-bedroom flats, as people desired separate bedrooms.
The Bull Alley Estate also underwent a major refurbishment programme to replace its roofs, and upgrade flats, hallways, and communal areas. As the Bull Alley Estate and Blocks A-N are protected structures, the Trust was obliged to carry out some works in a very specific way with little scope for change.
During my time, I met all the Resident Committees regularly and would like to express my thanks to all the tenants who serve on these committees, giving their time on a voluntary basis. While there was sometimes disagreement between myself and different committee members, I always felt that people had a desire to improve life for everyone on the estates where they lived. I would like to thank all those tenants, who are too many to name, for their efforts. Sadly, some of these tenants are no longer with us.
When I joined the Trust, I had heard a lot about the community spirit within the estates. This became evident with the onset of COVID-19. There was no policy or procedure on how to deal with
a global pandemic. However, numerous tenants came forward, volunteering to look out for their neighbours, especially the elderly who were most vulnerable to the disease. I saw firsthand how people cared for their neighbours. I would also like to thank the unsung heroes at that time, the Estate Managers and Estate Staff, who continued to work on the estates despite the potential risks.
The need for social housing has never been greater, and I am aware that the Trust continues to add more properties to its stock to assist people who are not in a position to buy their own property with ever-increasing house prices. The addition of the Hallwell Estate, Applewood Estate, Clongriffin Estate, Clay Farm Estate, and Miller’s Glen Estate all occurred during my time there.
I would like to thank all the staff I worked with for their help, assistance, and patience, and the three Chief Executives I worked with: Fred Stephens, Gene Clayton, and Aidan Culhane.
I wish the Trust, its staff, and its tenants continued growth, success, and good fortune in the years ahead.