The CIH All-Ireland Housing Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the housing sector, recognising the individuals, teams and partnerships that are making a real difference in communities across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the following nine categories:
Working in Partnership: Choice, in partnership with Lighthouse Hostel and Supporting People, relocated specialist homelessness services to our George Street development in Ballymena. The project delivered 18 modern, self-contained apartments and dedicated support space, improving outcomes for residents and demonstrating the positive impact of strong multi-agency collaboration.
Housing Hero: Seamus McKenna from Linen Mews, Lurgan, has been recognised for his outstanding commitment to fellow tenants. From advocating for vulnerable neighbours and supporting repair reporting, to organising a gardening club and delivering Christmas Day meals, Seamus exemplifies tenant-led leadership and community spirit.
Beyond Housing: Choice delivered innovative, nature-based tenant engagement programmes reaching over 1,800 pupils and their families, alongside wellbeing initiatives for older residents. By using creative, inclusive approaches, we have empowered tenants of all ages to become more active and engaged within their communities.
Best Housing Development: The Lagmore Development in West Belfast transformed a long-derelict site into 43 high-quality, energy-efficient homes, including accommodation for older people and wheelchair-accessible properties. Completed ahead of schedule, the scheme demonstrates thoughtful placemaking, strong community engagement and a commitment to sustainable, inclusive design.
Housing Professional of the Year: Megan Hanna has been shortlisted in recognition of her exceptional commitment to housing management. From turning around a challenging scheme through weekly housing clinics, to developing a homelessness training programme in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College, Megan demonstrates professionalism, innovation and dedication to continuous development.
Community Champion: Dirk Lakeman is a remarkable example of a Community Champion who has shown exceptional commitment to tenant engagement and community improvement through his leadership of the Community Garden at Mersey Street Primary School and his blog, ‘Drop in with Dirk’. Dirk dedicates his time to maintaining the garden space while actively involving tenants and families to join in and work together outdoors. By leading through example, Dirk has created a project where people of all ages and abilities feel welcome, inspired and proud to contribute.
Young Professional of the Year: Jake Agnew joined Choice in August 2024 as an Apprentice Housing Officer and since then has shown a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for housing. His caring and considerate approach to tenant engagement has ensured that Choice tenants feel listened to, supported and respected and his commitment and dedication to the job has led him to win a Choice Staff Award.
Housing Team of the Year: Over the last 12 month’s Choice’s Services Centre has demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation in transforming how services are delivered to improve access, efficiency and outcomes for tenants. Customer Satisfaction surveys have consistently demonstrated high levels of tenant satisfaction highlighting that quality and impact of the service delivery has remained a priority for the team despite changes. Choice are proud that the team’s positive attitude and strong commitment to innovation is being recognised.
Striving for Sustainability: Choice has a long history of taking action to manage energy consumption, address sustainability and support our tenants. We continue to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes through deep retrofit pilots, invest in renewable technologies and protect biodiversity. This has all been made possible by the commitment and hard work of our Sustainability & Energy Team and with the guidance of our, 2025-28 Sustainability & Energy Strategy, Choice is on track to be net zero by 2050.
