Weekly 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:

• From the strategic to the creative, Property District is Ireland’s leading communications agency for the planning, construction and property sectors. As a full-service communications agency, we specialise in helping your business create a dynamic brand, generate buzz around its projects, products and services, and we help you to attract new customers and team members. Our experienced team includes strategic marketers, PR/publicists, journalists, copywriters and social media experts who know what it takes to make sure your message is heard. We offer customised integrated tactics and creative campaigns, executing them with precision to ensure you stand out from the competition and achieve your goals. Email info@propertydistrict.ie to chat through some strategies for your business.

 

• Housing for All encourages the use of modern methods of construction to improve, support and accelerate delivery of housing. To facilitate the adoption of #MMC, The Housing Agency’s Procurement unit have developed a “design and build” guidance document  👉https://mmcireland.ie/report-on-housing-for-all-plan-and-modern-methods-of-construction/

 

• Dáil struggling with housing crisis despite TDs experiencing issue from both sides: The Dáil includes TDs who are landlords but TDs on both sides of the House have experienced eviction  https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/04/01/dail-struggling-with-housing-crisis-despite-tds-experiencing-issue-from-both-sides/

 

• Eviction ban ends amid claims its removal will increase homelessness  https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0401/1367618-eviction-homeless-government/

 

• Green leader Eamon Ryan admits he was ‘not as clear as he could have been’ on eviction ban  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/green-leader-eamon-ryan-admits-he-was-not-as-clear-as-he-could-have-been-on-eviction-ban-42413019.html

 

• Eviction ban: Government defeats Sinn Féin Bill to extend measure by 81 votes to 67: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says extending the eviction moratorium not the solution and would make homelessness worse  https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2023/03/29/government-defeats-sf-bill-to-extend-eviction-ban-by-81-votes-to-67/

 

• Protesters take to the streets in Dublin as eviction ban ends  https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/impassioned-protesters-decry-end-of-eviction-ban-1456901.html

 

• The number of pensioners in emergency accommodation has jumped by over a third in the last year, forcing many into homeless hostels as local councils struggle to house them.  https://extra.ie/2023/04/01/news/irish-news/pensioners-homeless

 

• Council planned to lease more homes from British arms firm before government intervention: Last-minute intervention by Department of Housing meant Fingal County Council did not go ahead with leasing of 70 homes from pensions arm of BAE Systems  https://www.businesspost.ie/news/council-planned-to-lease-more-homes-from-british-arms-firm-before-government-intervention/

 

• Overhaul of planning system rejected as ‘unworkable’ by Irish Planning Institute: Legislation includes contentious measures to bar residents’ associations from taking judicial review cases  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/03/27/government-overhaul-of-planning-system-rejected-as-unworkable-by-irish-planning-institute/

 

• Paul Hyde appears in court on nine counts of failing to comply with planning laws: Ex-An Bord Pleanála deputy chairman stood back from his duties in May following allegations  https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/03/28/paul-hyde-appears-in-court-on-nine-counts-of-failing-to-comply-with-planning-laws/

 

• 67,000 homes could be built on State land, says Land Development Agency  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41103157.html

 

• Cianan Brennan: Report from Land Development Agency only highlights its toothlessness: The new report from the Land Development Agency is full of lofty ideals but short on demonstrable plans for delivering housing https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41104006.html

 

• Lie of the land – LDA alone cannot solve housing crisis: The role of the Land Development Agency in providing new homes is restricted by issues outside of its control, so the private sector remains a crucial part of the solution  https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/matt-cooper-lie-of-the-land-lda-alone-cannot-solve-housing-crisis/

 

• New Govt proposals to increase density and slash residential car parking spaces in cities: The Government have proposed eliminating residential car parking spaces in areas where there are good public transport links.  https://www.thejournal.ie/government-housing-proposals-density-car-parking-6031507-Mar2023/

 

• LIMERICK CHAMBER: EXAMINING THE SHORT-TERM LETTING MARKET IN LIMERICK  https://www.irishrealestate.news/limerick-chamber-examining-the-short-term-letting-market-in-limerick/

 

• How does Ireland compare with other EU countries when it comes to renter rights? With the debate around tenant rights top of the agenda again this week, here’s how Ireland measures up.  https://www.thejournal.ie/how-irish-tenant-rights-compare-with-european-countries-6026428-Mar2023/

 

• High Court steps in to stop sale of rural Limerick home  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/1073025/high-court-steps-in-to-stop-sale-of-rural-limerick-home.html

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• Public safety ‘continues to be threatened’ by Kingspan – UK minister: Housing secretary Michael Gove has written to CEO of Irish insulation giant seeking meeting on payment of remedial costs  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/03/28/public-safety-continues-to-be-threatened-by-kingspan-uk-minister/

 

• Over 1,200 asylum seekers will have to leave their hotel accommodation next month  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41105059.html

 

• Total value of Irish pensions fell almost 16% in 2022  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0328/1366668-total-value-of-irish-pensions-fell-almost-16-in-2022/

 

• Minister for Finance Michael McGrath will today seek Cabinet approval for Ireland to apply to become the base for the new EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).  https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2023/0328/1366681-michael-mcgrath-cabinet/

 

• Launch of book on Liebherr, the company that changed Kerry  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/news/launch-of-book-on-liebherr-the-company-that-changed-kerry-42406074.html

 

• After Luxembourg, Ireland is the second-richest country in the world on a GDP per capita basis with $107,000, followed by Switzerland at nearly $94,000. Ireland’s GDP per capita has seen a significant increase in recent years due to its pro-business environment, low corporate tax rates, and a highly educated workforce that attracts foreign direct investment. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/worlds-richest-countries-2023-gdp-per-capita/

 

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

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

We are excited to share the growth of iPropertyRadio! What started as #PropertyMatters, a 60-minute weekly show on Dublin South FM 93.9FM over 4 years ago, has now evolved into a global online station for the best construction, urban planning, property and proptech content. Check out our website, iPropertyRadio.com, brought to you by Hear Me Roar Media for live and recorded access to all the week’s built environment news.

Want to have your industry podcast included or be a guest on our shows? Reach out to us at hello@ipropertyradio.com. Last year, we hit a massive 7.5 million digital impressions across our brands and this figure is growing – Q4 2022/Q1 2023 we now have an  average of 765,876 digital impressions each month, not including radio listenership and website visits. Huge thanks to all of you for your continued support!

Listen back to iPropertyRadio…

 

 

Produced by Hear Me Roar Media https://hearmeroarmedia.com

Watch back and listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/

*iPropertyRadio is part of Ireland’s Property District: https://propertydistrict.ie

 

PLACEMAKING

OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

• How to engage the community in placemaking in 2023 | PLACEengage  https://placeengage.com/how-to-engage-the-community-in-placemaking-in-2023/

 

• Dublin’s 260-hectare golden opportunity: Can you imagine any other European maritime city treating the sea with the same disregard Dublin does?  https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/04/01/david-mcwilliams-dublins-260-hectare-golden-opportunity/

 

• When a ‘dungeon’ on Leeson Street cost £2 a week and swarmed with literary life: A new book explores Dublin’s literary past, an active part of living or working in the city  https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2023/03/21/a-writers-map-of-dublin-when-i-walk-our-citys-streets-they-swarm-with-literary-lives/

 

• Public pressure brings changes to NTA’s BusConnects Cork plan  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41104882.html But… NTA must protect 700 trees facing chop under BusConnects plan, expert warns  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41106286.html

 

• Cork City Hall to be transformed into pop-up beach with 15 tonnes of sand and sun-loungers this summer – “Everyone is going to be talking about this show.”  https://www.corkbeo.ie/culture/whats-on-news/cork-city-hall-transformed-pop-26570056

 

• LDA identifies Galway Harbour lands as premium site for affordable housing  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/lda-identifies-galway-harbour-lands-as-premium-site-for-affordable-housing/

 

• New Galway transportation strategy will be published by end of year  https://connachttribune.ie/new-galway-transportation-strategy-will-be-published-by-end-of-year/

 

• Transport concerns over Knocknacarra high-rise apartments plan  https://connachttribune.ie/transport-concerns-over-knocknacarra-high-rise-apartments-plan/

 

• Galway Airport site to be considered for use as live entertainment venue  https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/galway-airport-site-to-be-considered-for-use-as-live-entertainment-venue/

 

• Renovations bring new lease of life to 200-year-old community hall in Kilkenny  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/your-community/1075367/renovations-bring-new-lease-of-life-to-200-year-old-community-hall-in-kilkenny.html

 

• County Carlow is a haven for lovers of nature, heritage and beauty  https://www.irishcentral.com/explore-ireland/carlow-county/county-carlow-nature-heritage-beauty.amp

 

• Laois council gets cash to buy vacant property for community use  https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/1071397/laois-council-gets-cash-to-buy-vacant-property-for-community-use.html

 

• Don’t miss your chance to voice your thoughts on future plans for Kilkenny  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/kilkenny-city/1073505/dont-miss-your-chance-to-voice-your-thoughts-on-future-plans-for-kilkenny.html

 

• Bid to overturn planning refusal for north Longford mast fails  https://www.shannonside.ie/news/bid-to-overturn-planning-refusal-for-north-longford-mast-fails-221459

 

• Third Public Consultation to be held for N13 Bridgend to County Boundary Project  https://www.donegaldaily.com/2023/03/30/third-public-consultation-to-be-held-for-n13-bridgend-to-county-boundary-project/

 

• Islands of Ireland: Rolling hills and peek-a-boo goats at Hog Island, County Clare: Legend has it that Gráinne defeated her lover, Diarmuid, in a stone-throwing contest from Kilrush. The winning rock measured 8 feet by 8 feet and landed on Hog Island — and it’s still there  https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/outdoors/arid-41103823.html

 

• Ukrainians and their Irish hosts one year on: There are stark reminders. This is not a cultural exchange: For many it has been a rewarding experience, but figuring out what comes next can be tough  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2023/04/01/ukrainians-and-their-irish-hosts-one-year-on-there-are-stark-reminders-this-is-not-a-cultural-exchange/

 

• Homes for refugees delayed until summer https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/homes-for-refugees-delayed-until-summer-bdk9377jj

 

• RTÉ to show revamp of injured Westmeath firefighter’s home  https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2023/03/30/rte-to-show-revamp-of-injured-westmeath-firefighters-home/

 

CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

• Deloitte’s 2023 Crane Survey analyses Ireland’s real estate landscape, from planning applications to completions – download the report here: https://deloi.tt/3nvLu7F

 

• Donnelly plans €1bn rapid delivery of 1,500 hospital beds – Minister has pushed for relaxation of capital spending rules to expedite health projects under €200 million  https://www.businesspost.ie/news/donnelly-plans-e1bn-rapid-delivery-of-1500-hospital-beds/

 

• One solution to the housing crisis: Let Respond start building thousands of social homes – Housing association CEO Declan Dunne has the sites ready to roll, once the Government can give him a guarantee  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/one-solution-to-the-housing-crisis-let-respond-start-building-thousands-of-social-homes-42413595.html

 

• Bord Pleanála refuses planning permission for Balbriggan housing scheme: Board says proposal’s lack of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure would largely render residents car-dependent  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/03/27/bord-pleanala-refuses-planning-permission-for-balbriggan-scheme/

 

• Dublin City Council gets tough on city centre hotel ‘overconcentration’: The Council has refused three planning permissions for hotels and aparthotels in city centre in recent months  https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dublin-city-council-gets-tough-26554913.amp

 

• Ires Reit agrees deal to sell Sandyford site with permission to build 428 apartments  https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/ires-reit-agrees-deal-to-sell-sandyford-site-with-permission-to-build-428-apartments-42410005.html

 

• Grosvenor joins forces with Fine Grain Property in Irish commercial real estate fund: UK-headquartered property giant commits €40m in debut investment involving purchase of offices at Citywest from Iput and Davy https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/03/30/grosvenor-joins-forces-with-fine-grain-property-in-irish-commercial-real-estate-fund/

 

• Firm hopes to start building long-stalled Cork event centre this autumn: BAM also confirmed it intends to progress its plans for a hotel and offices on the site of the former tax office in Cork City https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41103787.html

 

• Brakes put on Bishopstown student accommodation development following appeals: In a bid to overturn the decision by Cork City Council to approve planning, three third-party appeals have now been lodged  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41105176.html

 

• Lack of housing is stunting Cork’s economic growth, says Ibec: Housing shortage is seen as a Dublin issue but it’s across the country, business group says  https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41103997.html

 

• Six-story apartment block planned at central Cork city site: Of the nineteen being marked as two-beds, fifteen were defined as being “four person units” while two were described as being suitable for 3 persons  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/six-story-apartment-block-planned-26589007

 

• First-time buyers frustrated as works stopped over dispute at Cork site – Both parties say they’re in talks to get them back at the new estate  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/first-time-buyers-frustrated-works-26603722

 

• Appeal lodged against the decision to shoot down 88-unit Mallow residential development: Developer says there is a clear need for new homes in Mallow given population growth predictions  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/news/appeal-lodged-against-the-decision-to-shoot-down-88-unit-mallow-residential-development-42412753.html

 

• Wexford construction company nominated for prestigious award for work on upgrading Arts Centre  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/business/wexford-construction-company-nominated-for-prestigious-award-for-work-on-upgrading-arts-centre-42407879.html

 

• Eli Lilly to create 1,500 jobs with $1bn investment in Limerick facility: Lilly said its Limerick site will operate at 35% lower energy intensity, use 40% less water, and produce 15% less waste when compared to traditional pharma manufacturing sites https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41103028.html

 

• Developers to chew over plans for 500 housing units at former Limerick toffee factory  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41105683.html

 

• Contractors left out of pocket by Limerick private householders  https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/03/27/contractors-left-out-of-pocket-by-limerick-council-tenants/

 

• 77 new homes planned for Thomastown in County Kilkenny if two separate developers get the go-ahead: 54 homes would be provided in one area with 23 more in another https://kclr96fm.com/77-new-homes-planned-for-thomastown-in-county-kilkenny-if-two-separate-developers-get-the-go-ahead/

 

• Hebron House in Kilkenny to be converted into 136-bed hotel complex  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/kilkenny-city/1075022/breaking-hebron-house-in-kilkenny-to-be-converted-into-136-bed-hotel-complex.html

 

• Plans for large residential building in Kilkenny appealed to An Bord Pleanála  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/kilkenny-city/1074299/plans-for-large-residential-building-in-kilkenny-appealed-to-an-bord-pleanala.html

 

• Planning permission sought for Longford housing development  https://www.shannonside.ie/news/planning-permission-sought-for-longford-housing-development-221226

 

• Major Housing Development Coming To Westmeath  https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/major-housing-development-coming-to-westmeath/

 

• Plans underway for development of 45 new apartments in Dundalk: Planning application lodged with local planning authority  https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/1073075/plans-underway-for-development-of-45-new-apartments-in-dundalk.html

 

• Contracts signed for design of €9.52m scheme to protect Wexford town against major flooding event https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/contracts-signed-for-design-of-952m-scheme-to-protect-wexford-town-against-major-flooding-event-42405637.html

 

• Wexford builder can deliver modular homes with 60-year lifespan in just two days  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/wexford-builder-can-deliver-modular-homes-with-60-year-lifespan-in-just-two-days-42406282.html

 

• Plans for mid-Kerry residential care centre appealed to An Bórd Pleanála  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/plans-for-mid-kerry-residential-care-centre-appealed-to-an-bord-pleanala-324418

 

• UK-based property and construction consultancy Gleeds has appointed Barry Keogh as director responsible for its new Dublin operation  https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/gleeds-targets-irish-business-with-new-dublin-office?amp=1

 

• Top executives at housebuilder Glenveagh get bumper pay rise – Stephen Garvey was paid just over €1.6m in salary, benefits and bonus, while Michael Rice took home more than €1.5m https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/top-executives-at-housebuilder-glenveagh-get-bumper-pay-rise-42405543.html

 

• Ronan to appeal High Court order over Harry Clarke windows – Ronan Group Real Estate, recently judged to own four of the stained glass windows, will return to court to try and prove ownership of all six  https://www.businesspost.ie/news/ronan-to-appeal-high-court-order-over-harry-clarke-windows/

 

• Freezing out Paddy McKillen’s associates ‘a Qatari strategy’ in row worth billions  https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/freezing-out-paddy-mckillens-associates-a-qatari-strategy-in-row-worth-billions-42404926.html

 

• Citadel Corporate Finance claims it is entitled to 25% share of profits for work on Bailey’s Kildare property: Company acted as trustee for discretionary trust involved in the development of a €40m land bank in Kildare for builder Tom Bailey’s family  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/03/27/citadel-corporate-finance-claims-it-is-entitled-to-25-share-of-profits-for-work-on-kildare-property/

 

• Cassidy Brothers in court over planning issues at quarry: The Buncrana-based company has been given two months to decide whether to contest a case over non-compliance with conditions imposed by Donegal County Council  https://www.donegallive.ie/news/crime—court/1072113/cassidy-brothers-in-court-over-planning-issues-at-quarry.html

 

• The British Constructional Steelwork Association for the first time is opening its doors to non-members to sign up to its widely recognised quality scheme. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/03/31/steel-trade-body-opens-quality-scheme-to-all-steelwork-firms/

 

PROPTECH, ESG, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

 

• Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2023 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: *https://prop-tech.ie/register/ * and email product or service details to hello@prop-tech.ie

 

 

• Proptech Ireland: Ireland’s CONSTRUCTION and REAL ESTATE ESG technologies resource hub. Confused about how and where to start on your ESG journey? Contact us 👉https://prop-tech.ie

 

• Eirmersive is delighted to announce Onward #3 : Exploring the opportunities and challenges around Immersive Technologies for Civic Engagement – the third in our Immersive Industry event series supported by Meta. Onward #3 takes place on the evening of Thursday April 20th at Meta HQ in Ballsbridge, Dublin.  https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/onward-3-immersive-technologies-for-civic-engagement-tickets-582247978377

 

• Government and construction sector launch new data initiative to drive full decarbonisation of Ireland’s built environment  https://www.igbc.ie/indicate-launch/

 

• How a Limerick student recreated his hometown in Minecraft: Leaving Cert student Mateusz Bartnik is the founder and team lead for Ireland’s affiliate to Build the Earth, a worldwide collaborative effort to  https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/people/arid-41102662.html

 

• Cork-based woman’s business is helping the construction industry access and save money on materials: LINDA KENNY continues her series with women taking part in the New Frontiers Programme at the Rubicon Centre, MTU. She chats to Monika Wojtek of BuildZon  https://www.echolive.ie/wow/arid-41105185.html

 

• A novel concept that saves electricians time and money: Tony Kelly and his company Pro-Tray, which has won the Overall Winner accolade at the Carlow Web Awards, is solving common electrical problems in an uncommon way  https://www.businesspost.ie/article/a-novel-concept-that-saves-electricians-time-and-money/

 

• MMC UK and the Building Safety Act: Offsite construction dovetails nicely with the new legislation’s provisions for tall buildings: Modern methods of construction are well suited to the construction of higher-risk buildings under the BSA 2022… https://www.building.co.uk/legal/mmc-and-the-building-safety-act/5122361.article

 

• Proptech is key to ESG progress: ESG is set to be a key topic for 2023, with investors, operators, developers and asset managers working hard not only to improve their performance, but also comply with a growing raft of legislation.  https://www.propertyweek.com/insight/proptech-is-key-to-esg-progress/5124512.article

 

• Is Airbnb facing an ‘Airbnbust’?  https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/is-airbnb-facing-an-airbnbust-5589220/

 

• RETAIL TECH INNOVATION HUB: Two worlds collide as Sook Founder John Hoyle talks loss of his wife and brutal few months for startups: Sook, a startup focused on vacant retail spaces and giving them a modular, digital fit-out which can be rented by the hour https://retailtechinnovationhub.com/home/2023/3/29/two-worlds-collide-as-sook-founder-john-hoyle-talks-loss-of-his-wife-and-brutal-few-months-for-startups

 

• PropTech platform adds module to speed up conveyancing  https://propertyindustryeye.com/proptech-platform-adds-module-to-speed-up-conveyancing/

 

• Blockchain-based proptech Coadjute raises £4m  https://www.uktech.news/proptech/blockchain-proptech-coadjute-funding-20230331

 

• PropTech platform PeProp.Money closes seed funding round  https://aimgroup.com/2023/03/30/proptech-platform-peprop-money-closes-seed-funding-round/

 

• £620k seed funding for Manchester Exchange-supported proptech  https://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/tech-news/2023/03/ps620k-seed-funding-manchester-exchange-supported-proptech?amp

 

• Proptech Startup Markerr Closes $6.6M Series B Round – Analytics platform for real estate owners and investors plans to invest more in its data products  https://commercialobserver.com/2023/03/proptech-markerr-pretium-ret/

 

• Link Between Entrepreneurship & Mental Health: Entrepreneurship has long been associated with traits like risk-taking, persistence & creativity. It’s no surprise many of the world’s most successful companies were brought to life by neurodivergent founders https://www.visualcapitalist.com/entrepreneurship-and-mental-health/

 

 

ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

• Higher stamp duty on homes with low BER ratings is among measures proposed to try to boost the number of retrofits being carried out. Free BER (building energy rating) assessments, payroll saving schemes to help employees build up a pot for retrofitting, and refer-a-friend bonus schemes are also on the list.  https://m.independent.ie/news/environment/higher-stamp-duty-for-homes-with-poor-energy-rating-among-proposals-to-push-retrofits-42408710.html

 

• Vat rate on solar panels abolished – Eamon Ryan said that it was a step towards cleaner, cheaper, renewable energy  https://www.businesspost.ie/news/vat-rate-on-solar-panels-abolished/

 

• Environmentalist hit out at proposed natural gas facility for Port of Cork: More than 20 environmentalist groups in Ireland have issued a letter calling for the Port of Cork to reconsider its decision  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41106664.html

 

• “The approach should be to minimise the use of concrete and steel” says Lasse Lind  https://www.dezeen.com/2023/03/27/gxn-lasse-lind-timber-revolution-interview/

 

• Mace raises carbon ‘handprint’ savings target for clients 10-fold  https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/03/31/mace-raises-carbon-handprint-savings-for-clients-10-fold/

 

• Timber Revolution series on Dezeen: “For most buildings, tall timber does not make sense,” said Arup fellow Andrew Lawrence. “Timber’s natural home is low-rise construction” https://www.dezeen.com/2023/03/29/building-tall-timber-revolution/

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• Zara founder in €100m deal for Dublin docklands apartment block: Family firm of Spanish billionaire Amancio Ortega pays average of €841,666 per unit for 120 high-end rentals https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/03/30/zara-founder-in-100m-deal-for-dublin-docklands-apartment-block/

 

• House prices in Ireland fell by 0.3% in the first three months of the year: The average listed price nationwide in the first quarter of 2023 was €308,497.  https://www.thejournal.ie/daft-ie-first-quarter-2023-house-prices-report-6031649-Mar2023/

 

• Are house prices going to drop in Ireland? Six experts on what’s next- Experts reveal their key conclusions about the latest sales figures from Daft — and it’s bad news for the post-Covid surge in prices  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/are-house-prices-going-to-drop-ireland-experts-latest-2vg8b6brr

 

• Opportunities remain in Irish property market: Legal & General investment head: Sonja Laud said investors are likely to take a “more nuanced approach” to their involvement in real estate in light of interest rate hikes  https://www.businesspost.ie/news/opportunities-remain-in-irish-property-market-legal-general-investment-head/

 

• Supply shortages and strict Central Bank lending rules suggest a property collapse echoing 2008 is highly improbable but a price correction could be on the cards,  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/2023/03/29/repeat-of-2008-property-crash-not-on-the-cards-but-a-price-correction-could-be-coming-says-financial-analyst/

 

• Supply logjam means first-time buyers face an even more intense hunt for a home: Brief trend of house prices sliding backwards in Dublin has halted as demand heats market again  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/supply-logjam-means-first-time-buyers-face-an-even-more-intense-hunt-for-a-home-42404943.html

 

• BANK of Ireland is again putting up its mortgage rates. The bank said the mortgage move follows cumulative increases of 3.5 perentage points in European Central Bank rates since July last year. https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/bank-of-ireland-to-increase-mortgage-rates-again-42412543.html

 

• More homeowners face going into arrears as bank interest rate rises hit home  https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/more-homeowners-face-going-into-arrears-as-bank-interest-rate-rises-hit-home-42413889.html

 

• More than half of eviction notices ‘invalid’, says housing charity – Threshold warns thousands of households could enter homelessness unnecessarily from next month  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/03/27/more-than-half-of-eviction-notices-invalid-says-housing-charity/

 

• Taoiseach calls for ‘accurate’ language, says notices to quit are not evictions: The government has been under scrutiny in recent weeks for its decision to lift the eviction ban  https://www.thejournal.ie/rental-terminations-eviction-ban-judges-6027743-Mar2023/

 

• Revenue figures show they earn between €30,000 and €40,000 a year, are aged between 25 and 34 and have been at the current address for less than three years https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2023/03/28/who-is-the-typical-renter-in-ireland/

 

• Q&A: Am I due a nursing home fees refund over late Fair Deal application? Applying for Fair Deal is a sensible move, but there is no liability on either a home or the HSE to refund any monies billed before a person is approved  https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2023/03/26/am-i-due-a-refund-of-nursing-home-fees-over-late-fair-deal-application/

 

• Information for tenants in Fingal who receive a notice to quit  https://www.fingal.ie/news/information-tenants-fingal-who-receive-notice-quit

 

• The average price of a second-hand, three-bed semi in County Kilkenny rose by 1% in the first three months of the year  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/your-community/1075384/house-prices-rise-again-in-county-kilkenny-according-to-latest-survey.html

 

• Donegal house prices rise 3.4% in three months  https://donegalnews.com/2023/03/donegal-house-prices-rise-3-4-in-three-months/

 

• Cavan County Council has issued a Compulsory Purchase Order in respect of a cluster of derelict houses and disused lands on the outskirts of Ballyjamesduff, which the local authority says are “unfit for human habitation”.  https://www.anglocelt.ie/2023/03/31/council-issues-cpo-for-derelict-bjd-houses/

 

• On the market: your weekly guide to homes for sale around the country – Properties on the market this week include two semi-detached houses, little and large, and three period terraced residences  https://www.businesspost.ie/article/on-the-market-your-weekly-guide-to-homes-for-sale-around-the-country-28/

 

• Dunmore Bay clifftop mansion with private island goes on sale for €9.75m  https://www.irishtimes.com/video/property/residential/2023/03/27/dunmore-bay-clifftop-mansion-with-private-island-goes-on-sale-for-975m/

 

• Four new homes schemes launching in Dublin 18 starting from €365,000: Choice includes apartments and houses in Leopardstown, terraced houses in Cherrywood village and three-beds with an additional livingroom in Kilternan  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/03/30/four-new-homes-schemes-launching-in-dublin-18-starting-from-365000

 

• Park releases two new schemes in south Dublin – Glencairn Gate is a development of three, four and five-bedroom houses, while the apartments in Clay Farm consist of one and two-bedroom units which are eligible for the Help-to-Buy and First Home Scheme  https://www.businesspost.ie/article/park-releases-two-new-schemes-of-houses-and-apartments-in-south-dublin/

 

• Lovingly restored historic country house has echoes of East India Company: €3.5m Ballindoolin House, 238 acres in Kildare, survived an attempt to burn it down during the War of Independence and stands today as a fine example of Georgian architecture https://www.businesspost.ie/article/lovingly-restored-historic-country-house-has-echoes-of-east-india-company/

 

• RTÉ Home of the Year: Forest house gets a perfect 10 from Amanda Bone: See the Antrim home through to final and the other two cool spaces, including a kitchen that made two judges want to waltz  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41104132.html

 

• Modern, mellow mews designed by Home of the Year’s Amanda Bone for €795,000: Detached two-bed by the Grand Canal in Ranelagh has the living space upstairs to maximise light and space  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/03/29/modern-mellow-mews-designed-by-home-of-the-years-amanda-bone-for-795000/

 

• TWO-BED APARTMENT WITH BALCONY IN EXCELLENT LOCATION ON MARKET FOR €385,000  https://www.irishrealestate.news/two-bed-apartment-with-balcony-in-excellent-location-on-market-for-e385000/

 

• Interior Design Masters winner Banjo Beale’s affordable home makeover ideas: Transform your living space in a cost-effective and sustainable way  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41103601.html

 

• Clonskeagh home of leading architect for €3.95m: This large home, shared by the late Cathal and Deirdre O’Neill, is bathed in light and has a swimming pool and stone coach house https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/03/30/clonskeagh-home-of-leading-architect-for-395m/

 

• AUCTIONEER JOHN DOWLING GETS KEY TO THE DOOR AS HE CELEBRATES 21 YEARS IN BUSINESS  https://kildare-nationalist.ie/2023/03/31/auctioneer-john-dowling-gets-key-to-the-door-as-he-celebrates-21-years-in-business/

 

• Top tips on how to garden when you’re renting – Talk to your landlord, join a gardening club, or get tips from family and your local friendly garden centre  https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/gardening/2023/04/01/top-tips-on-how-to-garden-when-youre-renting/

 

• How to find a luxury bathtub to fit every bathroom and budget: Call off the search. We’ve taken the plunge and soaked in the details of the vast array of tempting options out there https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41105767.html

 

• Get creative with the window dressing to light up your property – There’s much to consider when it comes to window treatments for the home from choosing blinds, shutters or curtains to the function, style and cost  https://www.businesspost.ie/property/get-creative-with-the-window-dressing-to-light-up-your-property/

 

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Prime investment portfolio on Grafton Street and Nassau Street seeking €16m: Grafton Port Collection is generating combined rental income of €1,011,500 and sits on site with scope for further development  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/03/29/prime-investment-portfolio-on-grafton-street-and-nassau-street-seeking-16m/

 

• KBC appoints QRE to handle sale of its commercial portfolio: KBC Bank Ireland has a large property portfolio across Ireland to dispose of as it exits the market here, including its HQ on Sandwith Street, in Dublin 2  https://www.businesspost.ie/article/kbc-appoints-qre-to-handle-sale-of-its-commercial-portfolio/

 

• The money fuelling Paddy McKillen Jr’s Press Up: Hospitality group may release equity from its vast empire  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/money-fuelling-paddy-mckillen-jrs-press-up-5nv282hnb

 

• Bricks and mortar spending improves but costs a concern – The future for retail is cloudy, with sunny spells https://www.businesspost.ie/article/bricks-and-mortar-spending-improves-but-costs-a-concern/

 

• Shopping centres around the country selling like hot cakes – Price and vendor willingness to move deals on seem to be the magic formula for nine centres selling over the past year, generating more than €167 million  https://www.businesspost.ie/article/shopping-centres-around-the-country-selling-like-hot-cakes/

 

• PROPERTY business founded by a former financial adviser to Lord Alan Sugar has taken full control of the Red Cow Ibis Hotel that is housing more than 300 asylum seekers. https://www.echo.ie/property-business-takes-full-control-of-red-cow-ibis-hotel/

 

• Dunnes Stores lodges plans with council to redevelop Crumlin Shopping Centre: Retail centre in Dublin 12 would include a new Dunnes anchor unit, a food market, cafe, four independent units, a gym and library https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/03/27/dunnes-stores-lodges-plans-with-council-to-redevelop-crumlin-shopping-centre/

 

• Modern warehouse and office facility close to M50 offered to let – 5 Belgard Industrial Estate includes 724 square metres of fully fitted, refurbished two-storey office accommodation and is renting for €478,000 per annum  https://www.businesspost.ie/article/modern-warehouse-and-office-facility-close-to-m50-offered-to-let/

 

• Grafton St store confirms new spot to open in Cork city – It comes as Krispy Kreme, Mango, and UK brand outlet Flannels all plan  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/grafton-st-store-confirms-new-26611568

 

• A 250-year-old hotel in Clonakilty where General Michael Collins once rallied, is under pressure from a financial fund despite having met all its loan repayments.  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41102335.html

 

• Galway Shopping Centre opening famous new shop next month as store looking for workers: The big name store is opening its doors ‘very soon’ and are recruiting for a number of roles https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/galway-shopping-centre-opening-famous-8299532

 

• Private investor buys Maldron Hotel in Oranmore: The hotel, which was sold by Savills, will continue to be leased and operated by Dalata Hotels  https://www.businesspost.ie/article/private-investor-buys-maldron-hotel-in-oranmore/

 

• Take your business to the next level at Stewart House  https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/1073667/limerick-property-watch-take-your-business-to-the-next-level-at-stewart-house.html

 

• Swedish furniture giant Ikea to open new warehouse in Ireland –  Ikea also plans to open a Plan and Order Point facility in Cork this spring  https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41105620.html

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• UK house prices post steepest fall since 2009: Annual decline of 3.1% in March is larger than drop forecast by economists  https://www.ft.com/content/2f290c38-cc46-4ced-931c-e3b5feb4efda

 

• Planning applications in England fall to record low in housing blow – Experts say developers deterred by changes to planning system brought in by successive Tory governments  https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/apr/01/planning-applications-in-england-fall-to-record-low-in-housing-blow

 

• UK firms report surge in orders amid signs of economic recovery – After UK narrowly misses recession IoD reports rise in business demand, confidence, hiring and investment in March  https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/mar/31/uk-avoids-recession-as-economy-stronger-than-first-thought-at-end-of-2022

 

• Rental Reform laws to be launched in two months time  https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2023/3/rental-reform-laws-to-be-launched-in-two-months-time

 

• Energy rules ‘to make shops and offices unlettable’  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/energy-rules-to-make-shops-and-offices-unlettable-78lzt5xxr

 

• Grenfell Tower fire – ‘People will be disturbed’: Steve McQueen on airing his Grenfell film: Exclusive: Director says it is finally time to screen haunting footage as community awaits inquiry findings  https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/27/steve-mcqueen-grenfell-tower-film-serpentine-gallery

 

• Meet the cladiator who took on his developer over fire safety — and won: How a homeowner with a full-time job, a child on the way and no legal training fought a £3.7 million bill  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/meet-the-cladiator-who-took-on-his-developer-over-fire-safety-and-won-xwk8w086n

 

• Next buys Cath Kidston brand for £8.5m with remaining UK stores to close: About 125 jobs are at risk after British retailer falls into administration for second time in two years  https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/mar/28/next-buys-cath-kidston-brand-for-85m-with-remaining-uk-stores-to-close

 

• What can Rome’s mediaeval towers reach us about high-rise architecture today?  https://www.bdonline.co.uk/opinion/what-can-romes-mediaeval-towers-reach-us-about-high-rise-architecture-today/5122449.article

 

• Ten hauntingly beautiful abandoned palaces around the world: A book charts everything from a castle in Belgium to Russian estates to show us how, even in decay, these once decadent structures still hold a certain allure  https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/abandoned-palaces-manor-houses-around-the-world

 

FACEBOOK GROUP FOR IRISH PROPERTY BUYERS & INVESTORS

Crowd-sourcing answers topical property questions:

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/