Roy Barrett’s Surprising New Role at Clúid: What This Could Mean for Ireland’s Housing Future

When you think about leadership in the housing sector, does the image of a seasoned stockbroker pivoting to affordable homes cross your mind? Well, it should – because Roy Barrett, after steering Goodbody Stockbrokers for an impressive quarter century, is now at the helm of Clúid, one of Ireland’s longest-standing housing agencies. From managing multi-million deals to managing social homes, his journey isn’t your everyday corporate switcheroo. With a portfolio that spans from financial markets to football clubs, Barrett’s appointment as chairman couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment. Clúid didn’t just have a good year in 2024; they shattered records by delivering 1,525 homes to families in need. As they push for reforms and ramp up to deliver even more next year, Roy’s leadership style—seasoned, strategic, and somewhat surprising—promises fresh momentum. Curious how a financial maestro will shake things up in social housing? So am I. LEARN MORE

Roy Barrett has been appointed as chairman of the board of housing agency Clúid.

Barrett led Goodbody Stockbrokers for 25 years as managing director until its sale to AIB in 2021, after which he served as chief executive of CastleGate Investments before stepping down last April.

Barrett was also recently appointed as an independent director of Bohemian Football Club, and acted as chair of the Football Association of Ireland for nearly four years following John Delaney’s departure from Irish football’s governing body.

During his more than 30-year career, he also held non-executive director positions with Euronext and Fexco. Writing on LinkedIn, Barrett expressed his happiness at his appointment.

Clúid, one of the state’s longest-running approved housing bodies, recently called for funding reforms for social housing and new funding for management of older properties in its pre-Budget submission.

The organisation also asked for new measures to improve the viability of delivering social and affordable homes, and for immediate reforms relating to the management and regulation of apartments and multi-unit developments.

Clúid delivered 1,525 new social and cost rental homes, marking the most successful years since its establishment in 1994.

“2024 was our biggest year for delivery yet – 1,525 new high-quality, secure, long-term, affordable homes for those in housing need,” said Brian O’Gorman, chief executive of Clúid, when the results were published in July.

“As a result of the hard work and dedication of Clúid colleagues, and our partners in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the local authorities, the Housing Agency, the Housing Finance Agency, 3,795 adults and children now have a secure place to call home.

“We also grew our construction programme in 2024 – 649 of our new homes were delivered via our Clúid Design and Build programme or our sector-leading Developer Design and Build programme.

“We continue to work closely with our developer, contractor and construction partners. We’re on track to deliver more than 1,000 homes in 2025, many of them through our construction programme.

“Clúid has been providing great homes in thriving communities for 30 years now. We’re proud to be able to use this wealth of expertise and experience to contribute to addressing the current housing crisis.

“We look forward to the next 30 years, and our continued position as a key partner in delivering and managing social and affordable homes and communities.”

Photo: Roy Barrett. (Pic: LinkedIn)