Meet our members – CIH Futures ROI – John Barrett

We had the chance to catch up with the CIH Futures Republic of Ireland chair, John Barrett, who is Estate Manager at Iveagh Trust on how he started in housing.

Coming from a construction background, I never thought I was going to end up in the housing sector. My career to date was a decision driven by my passion for making a tangible difference in people's lives and contributing to the wellbeing of communities.

Leaving construction behind me I started working for the Iveagh Trust. During the early days I was working closely with seasoned professionals where I gained hands on experience in project management and learned the intricacies of navigating policies and regulations.

This early experience solidified my commitment to a career in housing and provided me with the foundational knowledge and networks needed to pursue more advanced roles.

The opportunity to create and maintain vibrant community environments where residents feel at home.

My role allows me to have a direct impact on people’s lives by ensuring property and estates run smoothly and efficiently. I enjoy the diversity of challenges that come with the job, as these tasks keep me engaged and constantly learning. My favourite part is knowing that my efforts contribute to a safe, comfortable and enjoyable living environment, and seeing residents thrive as a result is truly fulfilling.

There have been many memorable moments to date, the most memorable would have to be during the pandemic. where we were fortunately able to maintain a presence on our estates. This has played a significant part in maintaining a vibrant community and provided tenants with a good sense of security and community spirit.