The Housing Finance Agency plc (HFA) is an Irish state-owned company established under the Housing Finance Agency Act 1981 and incorporated on 8 February 1982.41 It operates under the aegis of Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, while its shares are owned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.3 The HFA’s Board is appointed by the housing minister with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation.3
The agency provides loan finance for housing and related purposes to Irish local authorities, approved or voluntary housing bodies, and higher education institutions.16 Its remit has expanded from financing local-authority income-related loans to supporting social and affordable housing delivered by approved housing bodies, as well as new student accommodation developed by higher education institutions.46 The HFA also lends to local authorities for waste and environmental capital projects.1
To fund its lending, the HFA raises money on domestic and international capital markets, using financing structures and costs suited to its customers’ requirements.1 It provides additional services to local authorities, including a short-term commercial-paper investment facility and treasury-related advice.1 The agency’s activities are focused on Ireland, and its registered office is at 46 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.113
As of the HFA’s 2024 annual-report information, Frank Allen is Chairperson and Deirdre Collier is Chief Executive Officer.1112 Collier was appointed CEO on 1 October 2024, following the retirement of Barry O’Leary, who had held the position for more than a decade.13 The HFA reported a staff complement of 18 in its organisational information.3