Martin Hartnett
Martin joined Circle VHA in 2019, boasting seven years of extensive experience within the Social Housing Sector. His background encompasses roles within both Local Authority and AHB settings, providing him with a well-rounded perspective and a diverse skill set. With a formal qualification in Construction Project Management (Dip) and ongoing pursuit of an MSc in Quantity Surveying, Martin demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development. Within Circle VHA, Martin plays a pivotal role in acquisitions facilitated through various funding models, including CALF & P&A, and Cost Rental. He drives projects from initial identification through to sale completion, meticulously overseeing financial viability assessments, contract execution, funding applications, and all intermediary processes. Martin’s adeptness in liaising with a wide array of external stakeholders ensures seamless collaboration and the successful realisation of housing schemes.
Paul Braiden
Paul is our New Business Development manager, having originally joined the organisation as a Senior Development Officer in 2022. He has six years’ experience working in development in the Approved Housing Body Sector. Paul has been the lead on large scale development acquisitions in the Greater Dublin areas with an excellent track record in both delivery and New Business Development. Recently Paul worked with one of the largest construction companies to deliver Limericks first Cost Rental scheme of over 113 units. Furthermore, due to his experience in the sector, he has excellent contacts across all stakeholders in the industry. Prior to that, Paul worked in the Property industry in Abu Dhabi and also holds a MSc in Sustainable Development. Paul’s role involves bringing new acquisition projects to Circle VHA, financial modelling, negotiating deals and guiding schemes through to completion.
Zoe Moorhouse
Zoe joined Circle Housing in 2021. Zoe previously worked in the UK affordable housing sector for over 13 years, most recently at Peabody, one of London’s oldest and largest housing associations. She has extensive experience in managing the acquisition, planning, procurement and construction of high-density new build and refurbishment mixed-tenure and mixed-used developments. With a passion for place-making and design and quality, Zoe has led on several award-winning projects in the UK. In 2024, Zoe was appointed to Director of New Business Development.
Elaine Keogh
Elaine Keogh has been part of Circle VHA since 2018 as Project Co-Ordinator within the Finance and Corporate Services where she was valued for her positive attitude, professionalism, and attention detail. In 2019 Elaine started in her role within the development team as Senior Team Administrator providing support to the department, on the basis of this Elaine was promoted to Development Officer in 2021. In 2023, Elaine completed a diploma in Project Management. Through her exceptional work ethic, drive and professionalism Elaine has been promoted to Development Manager in 2024. Elaine has collaborated with a number of developers to deliver a number of turnkey projects across Ireland.