North and East Housing Association (NEHA) and Circle Voluntary Housing Association (Circle VHA) have commenced an exploratory process to assess the potential for a merger between the two organisations. While talks remain preliminary, the Boards of both organisations have agreed to progress the dialogue and enter a more formal phase of engagement. Further updates will be provided as this process develops. 

Both organisations believe that a merger could strengthen the long‑term delivery of social and affordable housing and create greater capacity to meet the growing needs of communities. NEHA and Circle VHA are aligned in their commitment to exploring opportunities that would enhance their combined ability to deliver high‑quality housing and services. 

The Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) have been informed that exploratory discussions are taking place. 

Context 

Across the Approved Housing Body sector, organisations are increasingly considering collaboration or consolidation to improve governance capacity, financial resilience, maintenance capability and long-term sustainability. The AHB Strategic Forum Report, published as part of the national review of the sector, highlights the need for a more structured, stable and modernised AHB sector, including greater collaboration and, where appropriate, mergers that support efficiency, capacity and improved services for tenants.  

The Forum points to several sector-wide priorities that are relevant to this exploratory work, including ensuring long-term financial sustainability, strengthening governance, addressing maintenance pressures across legacy housing stock, and enabling the AHB sector to continue contributing effectively to national housing delivery. It emphasises that future reform will involve a sector that is strategically consolidated, financially resilient, and capable of delivering at scale to meet Ireland’s housing needs.  

Both Boards have agreed that: 

1. The interests of tenants will remain central throughout the process. 
2. All services, supports and day-to-day operations will continue as normal. 
3. Staff roles are not affected at this exploratory stage. 
4. All statutory and regulatory obligations, including Notifiable Events requirements, will be met in line with AHBRA guidelines 
5. Any future steps would only proceed following full due diligence, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement and formal Board approval. 

This early-stage work aligns with the national direction set out in the Strategic Forum process, which recognises the need for stronger collaboration, improved sector sustainability, and long-term organisational models that can meet increasing demands on the housing system. NEHA will continue to keep tenants, staff, local authorities, and partners informed as this process develops. 

Our focus remains on the delivery of high-quality homes, strong tenant services and the long-term stability and sustainability of the organisation.