Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) has announced the appointment of, Gerry McDonogh as its new Chairperson. Gerry is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in finance and governance, including the co-operative movement.

Gerry is a Cork native and has served on the Board of Douglas Credit Union. Having served on the CHI Board for the past two years, Gerry has already been actively involved in shaping the organisation’s direction and supporting its objectives. This invaluable experience will help ensure a seamless transition as he steps into his new role as Chairperson and at a pivotal time, as the organisation continues to deliver increasing numbers of social-rental homes while exploring the delivery of other forms of affordable housing throughout Ireland.

Gerry’s appointment follows the dedicated tenure of outgoing Chairperson Pearse O’Shiel, who has played a key role in championing co-operative values and highlighting the critical importance of providing social-rented homes. During his time as Chairperson, Pearse’s focus was on promoting the importance of building communities, not just homes, and the benefits of the co-operative principles in achieving this —fostering collaboration, empowering local communities, and ensuring dignity and security for member tenants.

“We are delighted to welcome Gerry as our new Chairperson. His broad professional expertise and commitment to the co-operative movement and its values will guide us as we continue expanding high-quality, truly affordable housing throughout the country. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Pearse for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening co-operatives and advocating for more socially rented homes in Ireland” said Kieron Brennan, CEO at CHI.

Building on Pearse’s legacy, CHI remains focused on delivering high quality, affordable and secure homes for individuals and families, building co-operative communities where everyone can thrive. Under Gerry’s leadership, the organisation looks forward to furthering its objective of providing innovative and sustainable homes for communities across Ireland.

CHI has delivered 903 social rented homes throughout Cork with more plans for the future. CHI is unique within the Irish housing sector in that its Board includes up to seven elected members most of whom live in a CHI home, making them key decision makers in the organisation.

In addition, CHI welcomed new Board members Caitríona de Búrca, Kevin Byrne, and Brian Vaughan, whose expertise will further strengthen its governance and strategic vision. CHI also expressed its gratitude to the outgoing Board members, including Nuala Savage and Derek Maher, Ken Burke, Michael Heaney, and Regina Coakley, and, for their valuable contributions and years of dedicated service.

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