Aubrey McCarthy

Seanad Éireann | Independent

Aubrey McCarthy

Aubrey McCarthy has spent decades turning vision into reality for individuals and communities across Ireland. Born into a family that faced the challenges of addiction and deprivation, Aubrey understands the transformative power of opportunity. Through determination and education, he not only overcame adversity but also dedicated himself to helping others do the same.

Aubrey's Priorities Contact Aubrey
Aubrey McCarthy
Record of Action, Agenda for Change

A graduate of Trinity College Dublin (BSc ’93, MA ’23), Dublin City University, and the University of Wales, Aubrey McCarthy has combined his education and lived experiences to lead transformative initiatives that create real change. As the founder of Tiglin, Aubrey launched a charity dedicated to providing housing, rehabilitation, and access to education and employment opportunities for those impacted by poverty, homelessness, and addiction. Under his visionary leadership, Tiglin achieved a groundbreaking milestone: Ireland’s first carbon-neutral social housing project.

In addition to his charity work, Aubrey is a successful entrepreneur, leading two businesses that employ over 40 people. His ability to bridge business acumen with social advocacy earned him prestigious accolades, including the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award (2024) and the Trinity Alumni Award (2023).

Through roles such as Chair of the Bluebell Community Council and Tivoli Training Centre, Aubrey continues to champion the causes of education, housing, and sustainability. His deep commitment to making a difference is reflected in every project he undertakes.

Awards and Recognition:

  • Trinity Alumni Award (2023)
  • RDS Hon. Lifetime Membership Award (2024)
  • Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year (2024)
  • Rehab Kildare Person of the Year (2016)
  • Pride of Place Award (2015)

Aubrey's Priorities

Aubrey's Priorities

Housing

We need affordable housing for all. I have just completed Ireland’s fi rst carbon neutral social housing development in Bluebell, Dublin 22, with Tiglin. I am also working as Chair of Bluebell Community Council to develop 388 new social and affordable homes. I understand fi rsthand the issues of getting housing built. If elected to the Seanad, I will:

  • Campaign for measures to help ordinary people afford a house by supporting increased council development of mixed housing.
  • Everyone’s situation is different: housing allowances should be targeted towards different needs.
  • Promote liveable communities which allow residents to remain in their homes and provide opportunities for all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.

Education

I witnessed family addiction as a child and suffered the deprivation that goes with it. Access to education helped me overcome my disadvantage and see the opportunity for others in similar situations. I have worked with the South East Technological University to establish a unique third-level campus outreach at Tiglin. I am also the Chair of the Tivoli Training Centre in Dún Laoghaire. If elected to the Seanad, I will:

  • Fight to remove barriers in education for the most vulnerable in society.
  • Call for greater access to play therapy and family support for children affected by the trauma of addiction/violence in the home.
  • Promote tailored programmes and methods of training working with individuals to identify their individual educational needs and pathways to achievement.
  • Campaign for pathways to help homeless people exit homelessness and earn a living.
  • Prioritise increased funding to maintain Trinity’s position as a world class university to train the leaders of tomorrow

Sustainability

I run a small business and we are committed to becoming environmentally sustainable. I am currently working with the EPIC Conjoint, Irish Trees and Lord Dunsany to renew Irish woodlands with native Irish trees in Co. Meath. Tiglin also built Ireland’s first carbon neutral social housing. If elected, I will:

  • Campaign for improved access to electric charging points for cars. Ireland can do better on this.
  • Push for the rapid retrofitting of our current housing stock.
  • Call for the introduction of green tax credits to enable households to invest in reducing their carbon footprint.

Business

Having started two successful businesses which today employ 40 people, I understand the difficulties faced by SME’s in developing and maintaining their vital enterprises. Inflation and labour shortages has brought new challenges and stresses for people in business and those who depend on them. In the Seanad, I will:

  • Champion entrepreneurship;
  • Use my voice to support small and medium Irish business;
  • Promote inclusivity in employment practices – those impacted by homelessness and persons with disabilities need special support to get into the workplace.

Tackling Violence Against Women

Having witnessed violence in the home as a child, I have a deep commitment to creating a society where men and women are always respected equally.

Violence comes in many forms and is never acceptable. We must face up to the challenges that face women and children in particular in Ireland and worldwide. We need to further educate people against gender-based stigma. I will campaign to highlight the challenges we still face and the solutions we need to overcome them.

Aubrey McCarthy

Bio

Chairman of Tiglin
Director of AMC Removals
Director of Elms Home & Living
Chairman of DCM
Chairman of Bluebell Regeneration Project
Chairman of South West Drugs and Alcohol Task Force
Chairman of Tivoli Training Centre
Board Member of Casadh

Aubrey McCarthy, a businessman and social entrepreneur from Naas, Co. Kildare, is recognised for his leadership.

Raised on a farm in Punchestown, he experienced significant challenges in his childhood, including family breakdown, custody disputes, and addiction.

He began working at an early age to contribute to his family's finances, and at 16, he travelled to London for work. After saving money in London, Aubrey returned home and founded AMC Removals, an award-winning removals and storage company now employing over 40 people.

His difficult upbringing inspired a passion to advocate for those affected by poverty, marginalisation, and addiction.

In 2008, Aubrey founded Tiglin, a charitable organisation dedicated to helping people struggling with addiction and homelessness.

Over the past 16 years, Aubrey has been a voice for those whose needs are often overlooked, creating pathways for individuals at Tiglin through education and upskilling, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.

Tiglin cares for over 200 people at any given time and provides meals for more than 300 people daily through its homeless services.

Aubrey also serves on the boards of six charitable organisations and has received numerous accolades, including the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year (2023), the Trinity Alumni Award (2023), the RDS Special Achievement Award (2024), and the Rehab Person of the Year (2016).

His company, AMC Removals, is accredited with the FIDI FAIM certification, a mark of the highest quality control in the removals industry.

Achievements

A Legacy of Leadership and Impact

Explore the milestones that define Aubrey McCarthy’s journey—from transforming lives through Tiglin to championing social change and entrepreneurship

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2008–2010

Laying the Foundations (2008–2010)

Founding Tiglin Men’s Centre in 2008, officially opened by President Mary McAleese.

Launch of "No Bucks Café" (2009), a mobile café for Dublin’s homeless.

Acquisition and renovation of Tiglin’s campus and expansion with An Óige youth hostel (2010).

2011–2012

Expanding Services & Impact (2011–2012)

Rebranding as Tiglin Challenge Ireland (2011).

Launch of Tiglin Women’s Centre and Family Support Programmes.

East Coast Rehabilitation Integration Service begins in collaboration with the HSE.

Tiglin’s IT Suite introduces literacy and education opportunities (2012).

2014–2017

Building Community Partnerships (2014–2017)

Arklow Day Programme launches, providing aftercare and housing support (2014).

Tiglin becomes a satellite campus for SETU, offering higher education to residents (2016).

Carraig Eden’s housing programme is saved and expanded in partnership with Wicklow County Council (2017).

2018–2020

Social Enterprise
(2018–2020)

Launch of Rise at the Cove Café (2018) in Greystones, providing employment opportunities.

Establishment of Jigginstown Manor transitional housing for young adults (2020).

Expansion of social enterprise efforts, including bakery initiatives tied to Tiglin's programmes.

2020–2022

Resilience and Growth During Crises (2020–2022)

Transition of No Bucks Café to The Light House during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020).

Support for over 100 Ukrainian refugees at Coolnagreina campus (2022).

Official opening of Jigginstown Manor by President Michael D. Higgins (2022).

2022–2023

A Model for Education & Employment (2022–2023)

Launch of Greystones Youth Café (2023).

SETU partnership secures €833,333 in funding for micro-credentials and higher education tailored to Tiglin residents.

92 residents enroll in educational programmes in 2023.

2022–2024

Recognitions and Awards (2022–2024)

Rise at the Cove awarded "Best Social Enterprise of the Year" (2023).

Aubrey wins Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year (2024).

Acquisition of Loreto Convent in Bray for Tiglin

Future

A Vision for the Future

Continued expansion of Tiglin’s rehabilitation, housing, and educational efforts.

Advocacy for systemic change through leadership in social justice, education, and entrepreneurship.

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Contact Aubrey

Seanad Éireann

Leinster House,
Kildare St.
Dublin 2

Mail: Aubrey.McCarthy@oireachtas.ie

Record of Action, Agenda for Change

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