Irish property market news and insights – for the industry, by the industry  

 

 

Before we get stuck into the general property news of the week, below are the local and international stories that might be of particular interest: 

 

 

• Housing solutions as critical to our lives as health and education: New national housing plan must make major policy shift away from Rebuilding Ireland in order to solve crisis https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/housing-solutions-as-critical-to-our-lives-as-health-and-education-1.4542809?mode=amp

 

• Housing shortage: Ireland ‘nowhere near’ meeting demand: The Think Tank for Action on Social Change (TASC) with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) suggests the construction industry could be unable to meet pent-up demand https://www.newstalk.com/news/warning-that-ireland-nowhere-near-meeting-demand-for-housing-1183354

 

• Opinion: Every government has a choice – this one could ban [incorrect terminology removed] funds from buying up Irish homes https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/cuckoo-funds-housing-market-5416160-Apr2021/ Also: Varadkar rejects call to ban ‘[incorrect terminology removed] funds’ from buying up Irish homes | Newstalk https://www.newstalk.com/news/varadkar-rejects-call-to-ban-cuckoo-funds-from-buying-up-irish-homes-1184903

 

• Housing: Independent audit to be carried on housing construction costs paid by Dublin City Council – The inquest has been launched following a Business Post report that council executives were concerned a ‘premium price’ was being charged to the local authority https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/independent-audit-to-be-carried-on-housing-construction-costs-paid-by-dublin-city-council-3de4604c

 

• ‘Reality check’: What it’s like being a woman in the construction industry: Engineer Mary Cate Smith talks of her career in the construction industry; how it varies from place to place, and what it’s like to be a woman in the field. https://www.image.ie/agenda/work-woman-construction-industry-145810

 

• Waterford unveils ambitious plans to designation city as decarbonising zone https://www.thejournal.ie/waterford-city-decarbonising-zone-5416577-Apr2021/

 

• The RIAI has published a guide for architects to integrate sustainability in their projects and practices. The RIAI Guide: Sustainable Design Pathways  https://www.irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2021/04/21/riai-launches-sustainable-design-pathways/

 

• Brokers form action group for investors hit by German ‘pyramid scheme’ https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/brokers-form-action-group-for-investors-hit-by-german-pyramid-scheme-1.4545139?mode=amp

 

• Numis Securities ponders Irish post-Brexit trading hub https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/numis-securities-ponders-irish-post-brexit-trading-hub-1.4544965?mode=amp

 

• Breaking the rules and smashing the gender barriers:  Not many girls had the chance to study woodwork in the 1990s but Tricia Harris was lucky to start at the right school to carve out a life as a furniture maker https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/breaking-the-rules-and-smashing-the-gender-barriers-jj7jpq7s3

 

 

 

If you missed last week’s round-up, you can catch up here: https://propertydistrict.ie/category/sunday-property-review/ 

 

As always, you might let me know if I have missed out on any relevant property news by emailing  carol@propertydistrict.ie.

 

(Apologies in advance for any typos, it’s difficult to get good help on a Sunday. Also, I use voice to text dictation so just sound out anything that really doesn’t make sense in a strong rural accent and that should help!)

 

SUNDAY LISTEN

 

 

Property Matters: Ireland’s First Weekly Property Radio Show & Podcast

 

Ireland’s first weekly property radio show, Property Matters, launched In January 2019 on Dublin South FM 93.9 and is now available internationally via iTunes and Spotify podcast (www.iPropertyRadio.com). The team delivers 60 minutes of industry chat weekly with guests from the areas of planning, construction, property and proptech.

 

 On #PropertyMatters IPropertyRadio this week we are joined by autoplan founder Dr Greg Jackson and Vince Harney, Commercial Finance Director and Real Estate Consultant with Anisorian to discuss digitising pre-planning processes for architects and the likely asset valuation adjustments post-Covid19

 

Watch back part 1: https://youtu.be/2xE83KEtMMk

 

 

Watch back part 2: https://youtu.be/LQAFt8UpaqI 

 

 

*Listen back to all shows at: https://ipropertyradio.com/property-matters/

 

Email the Property Matters team at info@propertydistrict.ie 

 

 

 

PLACEMAKING

PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The LDA’s proposed development at the former St Kevin’s Hospital site in Cork. Picture: Cork_CGI

 

• Planet Smart City – a community-first approach to PropTech? https://techhq.com/2021/04/planet-smart-city-a-community-first-approach-to-proptech/

 

• Aidan Regan: The house price effect is shaping our society, and not for the better – The increasingly unequal distribution of wealth and property ownership is helping to remould class politics in this country https://www.businesspost.ie/economics/aidan-regan-the-house-price-effect-is-shaping-our-society-and-not-for-the-better-f8557a49

 

• Have your say on Fingal Coastal Way  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/news/have-your-say-on-fingal-coastal-way-40330181.html

 

• Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown told to scale back housing plans https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/d%C3%BAn-laoghaire-rathdown-told-to-scale-back-housing-plans-1.4546039?mode=amp

 

• Dún Laoghaire rezoning row won’t halt march of mass housing schemes: Thousands of homes in the works already contravene county development plan https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/d%C3%BAn-laoghaire-rezoning-row-won-t-halt-march-of-mass-housing-schemes-1.4546057?mode=amp

 

• An act of cultural homicide in Dublin’s south docklands – Hugh Linehan: The City Arts Centre was once a reservoir for the quirky, the creative, the insurgent https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/an-act-of-cultural-homicide-in-dublin-s-south-docklands-1.4544797?mode=amp

 

• Jeanie Johnston ‘next best viable option’ if Dublin’s whitewater centre plan is shelved – Previously unpublished documents show that Dublin City Council has been advised on other potential uses for George’s Dock if whitewater facility is ultimately shelved https://www.businesspost.ie/Planning/jeanie-johnston-next-best-viable-option-if-dublins-whitewater-centre-plan-is-shelved-a60ca374

 

• Objectors ‘surprised’ Sandymount cycleway does not need planning permission https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/objectors-surprised-sandymount-cycleway-does-not-need-planning-permission-1.4545035?mode=amp

 

• First homes at major Cork housing development available within two years https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40269728.html

 

• QUIZ: Can you translate these Kilkenny towns/villages back to English? https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/flipside/625830/quiz-can-you-translate-these-kilkenny-towns-villages-back-to-english.html

 

• Greenway through South Kilkenny will bring ‘huge boost’ to the South East region https://kclr96fm.com/greenway-through-south-kilkenny-will-bring-huge-boost-to-the-south-east-region/

 

• Plan for water sports centre at Curracloe: State-of-the-art facility will cater for range of activities https://m.independent.ie/regionals/goreyguardian/news/plan-for-water-sports-centre-at-curracloe-40331978.html

 

• Uproar Over Portlaoise Carbon Report Written By Wind Turbine Manufacturer https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/uproar-over-portlaoise-carbon-report-written-by-wind-turbine-manufacturer/

 

 

 

*PLACEengage: The future of speedy, successful placemaking for property developers is here – Property developers and project owners ready Public Consultation are encouraged to contact the PLACEengage team for full details*

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Business Post: Luke Comer interview

 

• Construction companies hit by UK firms poaching skilled builders from Ireland: Fears are growing that the flow of builders across the Irish Sea will become a permanent skills drain https://m.independent.ie/business/construction-companies-hit-by-uk-firms-poaching-skilled-builders-from-ireland-40347504.html

 

• Covid restrictions: Taoiseach hopeful of all construction re-opening in May: ‘If we can maintain control of the virus we will go as fast as possible in lifting more’ https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/covid-restrictions-taoiseach-hopeful-of-all-construction-re-opening-in-may-1.4540622?mode=amp

 

• Construction Report warns of rising houses prices and delays https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1211038/

 

• Intel confirms Covid outbreak at Leixlip construction site: About 70 cases confirmed at location of new manufacturing facility https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/intel-confirms-covid-outbreak-at-leixlip-construction-site-1.4544900?mode=amp

 

• Apprenticeships to hit 10,000 a year under new plan https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/apprenticeships-to-hit-10-000-a-year-under-new-plan-1.4540738?mode=amp

 

• Construction company and owner fined over workplace fatality | BreakingNews.ie https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/construction-company-and-owner-fined-over-workplace-fatality-1116646.html

 

•  Six things to consider when preparing for a professional indemnity insurance renewal https://constructionnews.ie/six-things-to-consider-when-preparing-for-a-professional-indemnity-insurance-renewal/

 

• Luke Comer interview: ‘I play the world, as long the market has been good there before, I will buy’: From humble beginnings, the Galway developer now presides over a vast property and business empire. Here, he holds forth on the future of the high street, old-fashioned Irish begrudgery, his enduring love of horseracing and the deal Tully Rinckey, a law firm he champions, has reached with the international company Hatstone: https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/luke-comer-interview-i-play-the-world-as-long-the-market-has-been-good-there-before-i-will-buy-de7f07aa

 

• CURRENT S02 Wk07: Docklands South Central – Frank Mcdonald Vs  Johnny Ronan https://youtu.be/xVhZ6p6TZ-0

 

• Construction Information Services Round-up: Your weekly guide to the most significant building developments taking place around the country https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/construction-information-services-round-up-2953c989

 

• Hines gets green light for apartments scheme at Player Wills factory in Dublin 8: The development includes four apartment blocks with one reaching 19 storeys in height. https://www.thejournal.ie/hines-gets-green-light-for-apartments-scheme-at-player-wills-factory-in-dublin-8-5414041-Apr2021/

 

• Dublin site earmarked as prime location for 2,200 homes and major job boost https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dublin-jobs-finglas-site-earmarked-20447037

 

• Plans for 400 homes on Auburn House estate | Ireland | The Times https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/plans-for-400-homes-on-auburn-house-estate-53brxl2fc

 

• Johnny Ronan secures permission for Cherrywood scheme: Mixed-use development will incorporate 198 apartments, as well as offices and café space https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/johnny-ronan-secures-permission-for-cherrywood-scheme-1.4542641?mode=amp

 

• National Children’s Hospital budget and timeline revision still  incomplete https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40270067.html

 

• Construction of 1,034 new homes  started this week in Kilcarbery https://www.echo.ie/clondalkin/article/construction-of-1-034-new-homes-started-this-week-in-kilcarbery

 

• Planning permission granted for 55-bed hotel in Dublin 2 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/planning-permission-granted-for-55-bed-hotel-in-dublin-2-1.4541390?mode=amp

 

• Former Bank of Ireland building in Tallaght Village demolished https://www.echo.ie/show/article/former-bank-of-ireland-building-in-tallaght-village-demolished

 

• From grain farm to server farm: Amazon buys €20m Dublin site for 12th data centre – The Currency https://thecurrency.news/articles/43699/from-grain-farm-to-server-farm-amazon-buys-e20m-dublin-site-for-12th-data-centre/

 

• Investment funds are becoming major players in land development market: Roll away the stones? Blarney’s long-stalled Stoneview site taken on from Nama for €7m,  by fund called Elkstone Partners https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-40271816.html?type=amp

 

• Cork County Council will not meet housing delivery target this year https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40269905.html

 

• An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to the Land Development Agency for the re-development of St Kevin’s Hospital in Cork city https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1210753/

 

• Planning granted for 1,000 new homes on Cork’s Live at the Marquee site: Development involves the construction of 12 buildings some up to 14 storeys high. https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-40272707.html?type=amp

 

• Bessborough: Planning board must address concerns, says Minister https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/bessborough-planning-board-must-address-concerns-says-minister-1.4544515?mode=amp

 

• Uninest to operate third Cork student accommodation centre: Melbourn Point is currently being developed by Citidwell Homes and is due to open in September 2021 https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40270427.html

 

• Limerick council confirms plans to CPO dozens of vacant buildings – Limerick Leader https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/news/627069/limerick-council-confirms-plans-to-cpo-dozens-of-vacant-buildings.html

 

• Developer launches fresh application for new housing estate in Limerick https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/626196/developer-launches-fresh-application-for-new-housing-estate-in-limerick.html

 

• Bus Éireann announces commencement of redevelopment works at Roxboro bus depot and maintenance facility https://www.limerickpost.ie/2021/04/23/bus-eireann-announces-commencement-of-redevelopment-works-at-roxboro-bus-depot-and-maintenance-facility/

 

• High Court action to block Glanbia cheese factory in south Kilkenny fails https://kclr96fm.com/action-block-glanbia-factory-fails/

 

• But… An Taisce considers further legal action to block €140m Kilkenny cheese plant – Kilkenny Now – Your City. Your County. Your News. Now https://kilkennynow.ie/glanbia-welcomes-positive-high-court-decision-on-e140-million-kilkenny-facility-while-an-taisce-considers-next-step/

 

• LDA seeks planning for 221 homes on former Army barracks site in Naas https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/lda-seeks-planning-for-221-homes-on-former-army-barracks-site-in-naas-1.4542401?mode=amp

 

• Aldi is confident of green light for Shannon – The Clare Champion https://clarechampion.ie/aldi-is-confident-of-green-light-for-shannon/

 

• Gas Networks Ireland and Cosgrave Group partner to reduce emissions on Dublin scheme https://constructionnews.ie/gas-networks-ireland-cosgrave-group-partnership/

 

• Recovery ‘on track’ at Kingspan as sales jump 24% https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/recovery-on-track-at-kingspan-as-sales-jump-24-1.4541139?mode=amp

 

• Also, Kingspan invests in ‘green steel’ firm which will be new supplier https://www.irishtimes.com/business/manufacturing/kingspan-invests-in-green-steel-firm-which-will-be-new-supplier-1.4545547?mode=amp

 

• Etex acquires Cork construction consultancy in strategic partnership https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-40270472.html?type=amp

 

CURRENT S02 Wk07: Docklands South Central – Frank Mcdonald Vs  Johnny Ronan

 

 

PROPTECH, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

Mayo student wins prestigious architectural technology bursary | Connaught Telegraph

 

• Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2021 Irish technology providers for the built environment – From smart design and planning right through to the smart property transaction, where does your Irish-led or Ireland-based proptech  or MMC business sit?  Pease take five minutes to add or update your details to our internationally-shared listing here: SIGN UP HERE: *PROPTECH INNOVATORS and STARTUPS * 

 

• AI helps ease the administration burden for architects: AutoPlan’s time- and money-saving platform streamlines the planning permission process https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/ai-helps-ease-the-administration-burden-for-architects-1.4416914?mode=amp#.YGxC9ruKrfg.twitter

 

• O’Donnellan & Joyce live stream auction success https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/121252/odonnellan-joyce-live-stream-auction-success

 

• E-scooters to deliver new smart city data in Dublin – Cities Today – Connecting the world’s urban leaders https://cities–today-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/cities-today.com/dublin-e-scooters-to-deliver-new-smart-city-data/amp/

 

• Irish co-founded start-up gets drones trial go-ahead in Britain: Sees.AI gets authorisation to begin operating drones beyond the pilot’s line of sight https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/irish-co-founded-start-up-gets-drones-trial-go-ahead-in-britain-1.4543680?mode=amp

 

• Government awards €95 million to projects under Disruptive Technologies Fund – TechCentral.ie https://www.techcentral.ie/government-awards-e95m-to-projects-under-disruptive-technologies-fund/

 

• Mayo student wins prestigious architectural technology bursary | Connaught Telegraph https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2021/04/24/mayo-student-wins-prestigious-architectural-technology-bursary/

 

• Winners of £14m contest make concrete to trap carbon dioxide https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/winners-of-14m-contest-make-concrete-to-trap-carbon-dioxide-1114267.html

 

• Six innovative ‘Energy Positive’ projects to start in Limerick City this summer | Limerick.ie https://www.limerick.ie/council/newsroom/news/six-innovative-energy-positive-projects-start-limerick-city-summer

 

• Love Property offers fresh angle on an ideal homes exhibition https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/love-property-offers-fresh-angle-on-an-ideal-homes-exhibition-8fda4065

 

• Zoopla boss wants to ‘speed up sales’ by putting all property details online https://propertyindustryeye.com/zoopla-boss-wants-to-speed-up-sales-by-putting-all-property-details-online/

 

• A former WeWork exec raised $1.2 million for his new flexible work startup InfinitSpace using this pitch deck https://www.businessinsider.com/wework-flexible-work-startup-infinitspace-technology-pitch-deck-2021-4?r=US&IR=T

 

• Self-Storage Marketplace Neighbor.com Secures $53 Million In Series B Funding https://pulse2.com/neighbor-com-53-million-in-series-b-funding/

 

• Investors Jump Into Proptech Designed To Make Buildings Greener https://commercialobserver.com/2021/04/investment-proptech-buildings-emissions-greener/

 

• Amazon-backed home tech startup SmartRent to go public in over $2 bln SPAC deal https://www.reuters.com/technology/amazon-backed-home-tech-startup-smartrent-go-public-over-2-bln-spac-deal-2021-04-22/

 

• HqO Raises $60 Million to Improve Office Tenant Experience | Millionacres https://www.fool.com/millionacres/real-estate-investing/articles/hqo-raises-60-million-to-improve-office-tenant-experience/

 

• Dubai PropTech startup raises largest seed rounds in Mena http://tradearabia.com/touch/article/CONS/381576

 

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

City slicker: Modern twist on a classic cottage in Dublin

 

• Dublin needs new buildings to serve its citizens; We cannot preserve the old everywhere if we are to build a city for more people https://www-irishtimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/dublin-needs-new-buildings-to-serve-its-citizens-1.4541388?mode=amp

 

• ‘We need to stand back and ask if housing is working’ https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/we-need-to-stand-back-and-ask-if-housing-is-working-1.4541421?mode=amp

 

• Dwindling Supply Can’t Meet Demand In Property Market Boom https://extra.ie/2021/04/24/business/property/dwindling-supply-property-market-boom/amp

 

• Housing supply warning on Arranmore Island after 13% jump in population | Business Post https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/housing-supply-warning-on-arranmore-island-after-13-jump-in-population-3c02cbb8

 

• The local property tax may soon be a thing of the past as the government considers replacing it with a site value tax. Experts have been asked to examine how the tax works and whether change is necessary. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/local-property-tax-under-scrutiny-in-expert-review-l9pmbhrv6

 

• Landlords adopt ‘incentivised’ rents amid warnings of market distortion: Business Post investigation has found that large landlords and estate agents are using incentivised rates that can mask a decline in rents, and potentially circumvent pricing control rules in the process https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/landlords-adopt-incentivised-rents-amid-warnings-of-market-distortion-946af7c4

 

• Legal & General and Clúid acquire Dublin social housing project https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/legal-general-and-cl%C3%BAid-acquire-dublin-social-housing-project-1.4540765?mode=amp

 

• Clúid set to build on link-ups with international pension funds: The social housing body’s business director says the government cannot pay for all the affordable homes in the country https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/cluid-set-to-build-on-link-ups-with-international-pension-funds-dedc5d49

 

• Article details fixed assets and staffing levels of Ireland’s biggest AHBs but doesn’t mention how many people/families are homed, just the ‘increasing reliance’ of the State on them… ‘The rise in AHBs’ fixed assets has been driven by the state’s increasing reliance on these non-profit charities to provide new social and affordable housing’ https://www.businesspost.ie/houses/six-biggest-housing-bodies-have-assets-of-eur28-billion-f122f57d

 

• Bill aims to regulate private security firms brought in for evictions https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/bill-aims-to-regulate-private-security-firms-brought-in-for-evictions-1.4541857?mode=amp

 

• Man (67) given two-year suspended sentence after removing roof rafters and kitchen from rented house https://www.thejournal.ie/man-suspended-sentence-removal-roof-rafters-rented-property-cork-5417214-Apr2021/

 

• Frustrated buyers turn up on sellers’ doorsteps to ask to view locked-down properties: Easing of restrictions and return of in-house viewings in May can’t come quickly enough https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/frustrated-buyers-turn-up-on-sellers-doorsteps-to-ask-to-view-locked-down-properties-1.4543408?mode=amp

 

• Ischia, on Sorrento Road, which Eddie Irvine has been renting out for €7,000 a week, sold for €3.5 million in an off-market sale on April 15, according to the register. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/atticus-fast-eddie-sells-pad-in-dalkey-after-18-years-m6d05t65z

 

• City slicker: Modern twist on a classic cottage in Dublin – Work has already been done on this extended Victorian home, but its original brick garage could offer a new project https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/city-slicker-modern-twist-classic-cottage-dublin-mq8nnhprt

 

• Property Focus: Clare demand as holiday homes are snapped up https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40268927.html

 

• Irish householders are looking to reimagine their living spaces https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandoutdoors/arid-40273751.html?type=amp

 

• Aoife Gaffney named new managing director of Grayling’s lettings division: Gaffney to put her 13 years’ experience in residential property market to use in key role https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/aoife-gaffney-named-new-managing-director-of-graylings-lettings-division-b31c5554

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

The Currency: Stripped for parts: why a sale of Hibernia Reit could well be on the cards

 

 

• Stripped for parts: why a sale of Hibernia Reit could well be on the cards – Hibernia Reit has a problem: the stock market doesn’t value its offices as highly as independent auctioneers do. There’s a 35 per cent gap between the two numbers. In that gap, there’s a space for a someone to make money by stripping it down for parts. https://thecurrency.news/articles/44648/stripped-for-parts-why-a-sale-of-hibernia-reit-could-well-be-on-the-cards/

 

• Savills: Take up of logistics space in Dublin down 44% https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1210767/

 

• ‘We are not at that point yet’ – but when is a return to the office likely to happen? Whether or not you’ll be asked to return to the office – and how often – will likely vary from company to company. https://www.thejournal.ie/when-offices-returning-5407530-Apr2021/

 

• Bank of Ireland launches new hybrid working model, with Naas and Newbridge ser to become bank work hubs https://kildare-nationalist.ie/2021/04/18/naas-newbridge-chosen-as-new-bank-work-hub/

 

• The Office of Public Works (OPW) is preparing to dispose of 33 former Garda stations and repurpose others for state or community use https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40272767.html?type=amp

 

• BidX1 to auction 300 properties guiding at combined €45m in next four weeks https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial/bidx1-to-auction-300-properties-guiding-at-combined-eur45m-in-next-four-weeks-db3216b0

 

• After 30 years, an iconic Dublin shop pulled down the shutters and pivoted online. How many more will follow? – The Currency https://thecurrency.news/articles/43533/after-30-years-an-iconic-dublin-shop-pulled-down-the-shutters-and-pivoted-online-how-many-more-will-follow/

 

• Former Cork pub set for new lease of life https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40270178.html

 

• Iconic Cork Gaeltacht building to get ‘new purpose in new era’ https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40273277.html

 

• Former City Arts Centre hits the market at €35m https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/former-city-arts-centre-hits-the-market-at-35m-1.4541371?mode=amp

 

• Stoneweg SA, the Swiss-based property investor, has acquired Liffey Business Campus, a mix of industrial, manufacturing, and office space across one million sq ft, plus 58 acres of development land, at the former Hewlett Packard campus in Leixlip, Kildare https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/stoneweg-buys-former-hp-business-campus-in-leixlip-40341173.html

 

• Investor buys two properties in prime Stillorgan location https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/investor-buys-twoproperties-in-primestillorgan-location-40341180.html

 

• BREAKING: Retailer confirms closure of Limerick stores https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/626743/breaking-retailer-confirms-closure-of-limerick-stores.html

 

• Carechoice buys Co Kildare nursing home for estimated €10m: Group has acquired 60-bed Elm Hall home and retirement village in Celbridge https://www-irishtimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.irishtimes.com/business/health-pharma/carechoice-buys-co-kildare-nursing-home-for-estimated-10m-1.4545105?mode=amp

 

• Cathaoirleach disappointed that Bank of Ireland won’t gift Ballymote premises as community hub  https://www.midwestradio.ie/index.php/news/46974-cathaoirleach-disappointed-that-bank-of-ireland-won-t-gift-ballymote-premises-as-community-hub

 

• Farmland prices may rise 4% this year despite pandemic – report https://www.irishtimes.com/business/agribusiness-and-food/farmland-prices-may-rise-4-this-year-despite-pandemic-report-1.4541737?mode=amp

 

• €12k per acre for residential farm in ‘historical’ Co Limerick setting  https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-40271396.html?type=amp

 

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

 

• Home ownership unaffordable despite 95% mortgages, analysis shows https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/19/home-ownership-unaffordable-despite-95-mortgages-analysis-shows

 

• London no longer ranked the ‘most expensive’ construction location:  Other cities in the top 10 included Oslo in fourth place, Zurich in fifth, New York slipping to sixth, with San Francisco, Hong Kong, Dublin and Macau making up the top 10 https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/buildings/london-no-longer-ranked-the-most-expensive-construction-location-21-04-2021/

 

• These architects popularized the open office. Now they say ‘the open office is dead’ https://www.fastcompany.com/90626329/these-architects-popularized-the-open-office-now-they-say-the-open-office-is-dead

 

• Kerry invests €30m in Taste facility in Indonesia https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1210766/

 

 

 

FACEBOOK GROUP FOR IRISH PROPERTY BUYERS & INVESTORS

Crowd-sourcing answers topical property questions:    

Irish Property Buyers Handbook annuals

 

As many of you might know, my annual property book The Irish Property Buyers’ Handbook (since 2011) was rebranded in 2018 and now appears as part of The Property Insider series, published by Oak Tree Press, the first three titles are now published and available here: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Tallon/

 

From 2020, the publishers and I wanted to ensure the content remains topical and we are now doing this by crowd-sourcing home buyer and investor queries, with crowd-sourced and editorial team answers. 

 

Join the Facebook Group here to contribute: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IrishPropertyBuyers/