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: 

 

• Why does the European country with the worst housing crisis have one of the lowest levels of investment in housing? That’s the very basic question that hangs over almost every aspect of Ireland’s political and social malaise. https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/05/09/fintan-otoole-irelands-giant-open-air-experiment-on-property-has-failed/

 

• Gridlock: Special report into a decade of underinvestment in crucial infrastructure – Underinvestment has left the country’s power, water, housing and transport systems at breaking point while an industry source described Ireland’s slow movement on infrastructure in the last decade as akin to ‘economic treason’ https://www.businesspost.ie/news/gridlock-special-report-into-a-decade-of-underinvestment-in-crucial-infrastructure/

 

• Fast-build modular housing held back by resistance at local level, TDs hear – Oireachtas committee told about absence of national standard approach by planners https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2023/05/09/fast-build-modular-housing-held-back-by-resistance-at-local-level-tds-hear/

 

• ‘The wrong types of houses in the right locations’ – €800m Help-to-Buy scheme driving urban sprawl from Dublin: 40,000 claims made under scheme as buyers look beyond capital https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/the-wrong-types-of-houses-in-the-right-locations-800m-help-to-buy-scheme-driving-urban-sprawl-from-dublin/a16337757.html

 

• RTÉ’s Fair City still sitting pretty on prime residential patch in the heart of Dublin 4: Around the Block: ‘Residents’ of Carrigstown to continue filming on one-acre set at State broadcaster’s valuable Montrose campus for another five years at least https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/05/04/rtes-fair-city-sitting-pretty-on-prime-residential-patch-in-the-heart-of-dublin-4/

 

• Many adults risk being ‘left behind’ in jobs due to lack of upskilling: There is a “significant shortage” in digital skills, including software, coding, data analytics and management, with 30pc of adults having less than basic digital skills https://m.independent.ie/business/jobs/many-adults-risk-being-left-behind-in-jobs-due-to-lack-of-upskilling/a41879401.html

 

• Dundalk to become national centre for STEM in Ireland – The first official headquarters for the Engineering Technology Teachers Association is due to open in Dundalk.  https://www.newstalk.com/news/dundalk-to-become-national-centre-for-stem-in-ireland-1462838

 

• Speech by Minister for Finance Michael McGrath at the Irish Funds Annual Dinner https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/14e27-speech-by-minister-for-finance-michael-mcgrath-irish-funds-annual-dinner/

 

• Former CHC executives are sentenced to jail for roles in €61m Celtic Tiger fraud https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/former-chc-executives-are-sentenced-to-jail-for-roles-in-61m-celtic-tiger-fraud/a294234650.html

 

• US commercial property is ‘next shoe to drop’, lenders told: Executives and investors fret about impact of rising rates and empty buildings on $5.6tn market https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/05/09/us-commercial-property-is-next-shoe-to-drop-lenders-told/

 

• Redress campaigners to be briefed by Housing Minister on new scheme: Mica Action Group to be briefed by Darragh O’Brien ahead of publication of enhanced redress scheme regulations https://www.donegallive.ie/news/home/1166396/redress-campaigners-to-be-briefed-by-housing-minister-on-new-scheme.html

 

• Apple paid five times more tax here in last year than in decade under EC investigation: Analysis by the Business Post shows US tech giant handed over up to €4bn compared to €580m in the years from 2003 to 2014 https://www.businesspost.ie/news/apple-paid-five-times-more-tax-here-in-last-year-than-in-decade-under-ec-investigation/

 

• Social Capital: Life Online in the Shadow of Ireland’s Tech Boom explains how Ireland became the centre for tech multinationals – and how social media has become central to our lives as a result.  https://www.newstalk.com/news/we-behave-in-certain-ways-to-get-attention-aoife-barrys-new-book-on-big-tech-and-social-media-1463073

 

• Tiny homes Ireland: this company is bringing design-forward modular housing to Ireland https://www.image.ie/living/tiny-homes-ireland-this-company-is-bringing-design-forward-modular-housing-to-ireland-745237/amp

 

• Connection error results in no electricity bills for Facebook Data Centre in Clonee for 18 months https://www.lmfm.ie/news/lmfm-news/connection-error-results-in-no-electricity-bills-for-facebook-data-centre-in-clonee-for-18-months/

 

• Norman Foster at 87: ‘You need to be where the action is’: The architect isn’t slowing down after surviving cancer and a heart attack — he’s alive with new projects from rebuilding Ukraine to planning homes on Mars https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/norman-foster-at-87-you-need-to-be-where-the-action-is-qf5c7m757

 

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!

This week on iPropertyRadio… 

 

#Proptech Hot Seat

In the iPropertyRadio.com Proptech Hot Seat with host Carol Tallon this week is Nitin Govila, joining us from Dubai, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Serge Ferrari & Sr VP for Asia Pacific + MEA. Headquartered in France (close to Lyon), Serge Ferrari is a company that specialises in the manufacturing and selling of composite materials, specifically technical fabrics for both interior and exterior applications.

 

The company has facilities located in France, Germany, Switzerland & Taiwan and caters to market needs in nearly 80+ countries across the world. During the interview, Govila explains that Serge Ferrari offers unique fabric solutions for interior blinds, exterior blinds, acoustic solutions, tensile architecture, exterior facades, furniture, marine, lodges & events tents, that help manage nature elements related to thermal insulation, light, combustibility, living comfort, energy usage etc. 

 

He also highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability, with an emphasis on innovations using alternative materials, non-combustible materials and other innovative products like their patented STFE technology. 

 

Watch/ listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/proptech-hot-seat/

 

 

#BreakingGround

*Construction people solving construction problems*

This week on #BreakingGround host Carol Tallon chats to Ciaran Brennan, CEO LiveCosts and host of the Time Materials podcast on iPropertyRadio about the company’s recent investment/funding from Nemetschek and their mission of Digital Transformation for SME builders in Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.  

 

*Breaking Ground is sponsored by PLACEengage – Your Virtual Town Hall, a data-driven platform for more successful public consultation and community engagement for your next development project*

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

 

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

 

 

PLACEMAKING

OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Ag crúthú Luach Sóisialta  Trí Comhforbairt Áite (Creating Social Value Through Placemaking) 👉https://placeengage.com/ag-cruthu-luach-soisialta-tri-comhforbairt-aite/ 

 

• The Irish language has become cool, and the time is now to revive Gaeilge: The past decade has seen the buzz around Gaeilge build and build, and now is the perfect time to bring our beautiful language into mainstream life https://www.irishstar.com/culture/irish-language-become-cool-time-29894087

 

• Fionnán Sheahan: The 500 acres in Dublin city that are primed for housing but are ignored or just unseen https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/fionnan-sheahan-the-500-acres-in-dublin-city-that-are-primed-for-housing-but-are-ignored-or-just-unseen/a967603405.html

 

• Dublin Port expansion plan will increase truck traffic on M50 by 75 per cent: Transport Infrastructure Ireland has warned that such a rise would require the introduction of new tolls on the motorway https://www.businesspost.ie/news/dublin-port-expansion-plan-will-increase-truck-traffic-on-m50-by-75-per-cent/

 

• Trader criticises construction of 1916 monument on Moore Street: Moore Street is set to become home to a commemoration centre honouring the 1916 Rising but a trader has argued that its construction could negatively impact trading https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/trader-criticises-construction-1916-monument-26863182.amp

 

• 14 Henrietta Street: Inside Irish tenement life reveals dire conditions in 19th and 20th centuries: The old tenement house in Dublin gives visitors a glimpse into the dire conditions many people had to live in through the 19th and 20th centuries https://www.irishstar.com/travel/ireland/14-henrietta-street-inside-irish-29903835

 

• Dun Laoghaire residents call for Dunnes Stores building to be declared derelict: The building has been left vacant for almost 20 years https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dun-laoghaire-residents-call-dunnes-26878279

 

• ‘Risk’ coastal protection works on Dart won’t work, says Irish Rail boss: Jim Meade says current projects should stop erosion but there is still a possibility the line will eventually have to be moved inland https://www.businesspost.ie/news/risk-coastal-protection-works-on-dart-wont-work-says-irish-rail-boss/

 

• Seminar on derelict and vacant housing to take place in Cork: The event will highlight the supports available to people aiming to bring new life to derelict or vacant properties. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41138353.html

 

• Galway city residents invited to have their say on Green Spaces Strategy https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/galway-city-residents-invited-to-have-their-say-on-green-spaces-strategy/

 

• Port of Cork to leave city centre by 2050 to facilitate urban regeneration: Chief Executive of the Port of Cork Company, Eoin McGettigan, said one of the city quays and another in Tivoli “are very suitable for compact living”. https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41136100.html

 

• Communal accommodation for people with brain injuries to be built as part of innovative housing project in Macroom https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41133124.html

 

• Hopes a walkway can be developed between Garryvoe and Ballycotton in East Cork: Proposed route would cross Special Area of Conservation and any development would have to be ‘very sensitive’ to the local fauna and flora, councillors told https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41132221.html

 

• 30% of planning applications for one-off houses in Loughrea/Gort have been refused this year – one couple who have made numerous attempts to get an application over the line, costing them up to €10,000, “the level of refusals in rural areas is too high” https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/30-of-one-off-houses-in-loughrea-gort-area-refused-planning-since-january/

 

• People in Kilkenny village currently ‘can’t even build a house’ https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/your-community/1163045/people-in-kilkenny-village-currently-cant-even-build-a-house.html

 

• Westmeath County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland are planning to construct the greenway between Mullingar and Kilbeggan: A public consultation on the matter will be held in the Bloomfield House Hotel, on Thursday May 18th. https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/potential-new-greenway-for-a-midlands-county/

 

• ‘Moving to Ireland from the US is like moving to Canada: nobody’s getting shot at schools and they speak English’: New to the Parish: Mike and Emily Sugrue arrived from California in 2022 https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2023/05/09/moving-to-ireland-from-the-us-is-like-moving-to-canada-nobodys-getting-shot-at-schools-and-they-speak-english/

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION, MMC & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

• Bad news for home buyers as material costs continue to rise: With no sign of material prices falling, the cost of housing in this country will remain high and continue to climb  https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/ellie-donnellys-stock-take-bad-news-for-home-buyers-as-material-costs-continue-to-rise/

 

• Government to research skill-sets needed to move toward offsite construction: Housing for All  calls for “a culture of good-quality sustainable innovation in residential construction through the development of modern methods of construction (#MMC).” https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/government-to-research-skill-sets-needed-to-move-toward-offsite-construction/a1753742327.html

 

• UK Government plans to standardise modern methods of construction (MMC) would remove barriers to innovation -Ireland required a similar approach https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/tech/offsite-mmc/govt-appoints-firms-to-standardise-mmc-for-housebuilding-12-05-2023/

 

• Inaugural MMC Ireland National Conference set for Croke Park on 06 June https://constructionnews.ie/mmc-ireland-national-conference-2023/

 

• Screening Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Construction Safety Licensing Bill, 2022 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/42e00-screening-regulatory-impact-assessment-for-the-construction-safety-licensing-bill-2022/

 

• Builders of the world – this country needs you: Attracting back the estimated 100,000 builders who left the trade or the country after Covid and the boom, must be front and centre to any policy to end the emergency https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/tom-mcenaney-builders-of-the-world-this-country-needs-you/a1162322878.html

 

• Only 1% of vacant site levies collected in 2021: A total of 12 councils do not have a vacant sites register and have never imposed a fine on any landowner https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/05/08/only-1-of-vacant-site-levies-collected-in-2021/

 

• State to recruit South African builders to hike housing output – Construction workers are to be given permits to allow them come to Ireland and start building and retrofitting homes https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/state-to-recruit-south-african-builders-to-hike-housing-output/

 

• 74 social housing projects delayed due to building cost inflation https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2023/0507/1381194-social-housing-projects/

 

• Hines fails in move to appeal refusal of Clonliffe seminary plan: High Court refuses developer’s request to appeal decision quashing permission for 1,600 apartments in Drumcondra https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/05/08/hines-fails-in-move-to-appeal-refusal-of-clonliffe-seminary-plan/

 

• Appeals board turns down permission for Johnny Ronan ‘build to rent’ Appian Way scheme: The board found the proposal in Dublin would constitute overdevelopment of the site due to its height, scale and density. https://www.thejournal.ie/appeals-board-turns-down-permission-for-johnny-ronan-appian-way-6060138-May2023/

 

• Planning refused for residential and commercial building at site of former Cork city pub as scale, height, design, and external treatments of the proposed new building would not be appropriate for the site’s location. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41133781.html

 

• PepsiCo confirm €127M expansion in Cork with new jobs on the horizon: The massive investment will help facilitate the company’s ever-growing headcount in Little Island https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/jobs/pepsico-grow-cork-site-127m-26897527

 

• Teagasc to engage with IDA over transfer of Athenry land lease to accommodate Dexcom https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/teagasc-to-engage-with-ida-over-transfer-of-athenry-land-lease-to-accommodate-dexcom/

 

• Plans lodged for 10 new homes in Headford https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/plans-lodged-for-10-new-homes-in-headford/

 

• Permission sought for 92 new homes in Limerick town https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/1161931/permission-sought-for-92-new-homes-in-limerick-town.html

 

• Planning approval for 96-unit Limerick housing scheme  https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/05/09/planning-approval-for-96-unit-limerick-housing-scheme/

 

• Kildare house builder Glenveagh moves to a new state-of-the-art HQ https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/1164697/kildare-house-builder-glenveagh-moves-to-a-new-state-of-the-art-hq.html

 

• Plans for Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) scheme lodged: : Planning documents show that UK-based Pousterle Limited intends to develop land on approximately 5.057 hectares of land located at the Southgreen Road and Old Road in Kildare town https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/1164824/uk-firm-planning-large-residential-development-in-kildare-town.html

 

• Planning permission for nearly 100 new homes in the midlands has been refused, following a number of objections https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/100-new-homes-rejected-by-an-bord-pleanala/

 

• Bundoran’s 42 new housing units – Contractor’s letter of intent issued: ‘Fantastic news’ says Cllr McMahon with hopes that new contractor will be on site in July https://www.donegallive.ie/news/local-news/1165776/bundorans-42-new-housing-units-contractors-letter-of-intent-issued.html

 

• Developer building 472 homes in Cork predicts turnover of €650m this year – Warning that inflation could add €10k to the price of new homes https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/developer-building-472-homes-cork-26889931

 

• Call for IDA to establish greenfield industrial site in Tuam https://connachttribune.ie/call-for-ida-to-establish-greenfield-industrial-site-in-tuam/

 

• Kinnegad retirement village appeal lodged with Bord Pleanála https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2023/05/13/kinnegad-retirement-village-appeal-lodged-with-bord-pleanala/

 

• Development of 30 housing units in Dingle appealed to An Bórd Pleanála https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/development-of-30-housing-units-in-dingle-appealed-to-an-bord-pleanala-330490

 

• SIAC Construction: Appeals for builder to clarify future of 100 jobs as it enters High Court: The High Court heard today that there is insufficient cash to pay roughly 100 workers at two of SIAC Construction’s companies. https://www.thejournal.ie/siac-construction-high-court-6059109-May2023/

 

• Global failure of off-site homebuilding firms will spook Irish investment, industry group warns: In the past month, two major firms involved in off-site residential construction have announced plans to close down operations in the UK and the US https://www.businesspost.ie/news/global-failure-of-off-site-homebuilding-firms-will-spook-irish-investment-industry-group-warns/

 

• Man (30s) dies in construction site accident in Gorey, Co Wexford: The man, reportedly aged in his late 30s and a native of Co Wexford, was sadly killed instantly following an incident involving a piece of heavy machinery. https://m.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/man-30s-dies-in-construction-site-accident-in-gorey-co-wexford/a2118328073.html

 

 

 

PROPTECH, ESG & 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

 

• Home Q&A: Are smart locks worth buying and can they be hacked? Smart locks  can feature digital keys, codes and fingerprint access and remove the nuisance of physical keys https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41134927.html

 

• VC firm creating a bridge between Europe and the US: Despite the tech slump, Frontline Ventures partners Will Prendergast and Stephen McIntyre are determined to keep backing the right companies in the right sectors. They talk IPOs, exits, AI, and bringing US firms to Europe https://thecurrency.news/articles/117341/on-the-front-line-the-irish-vc-firm-creating-a-bridge-between-europe-and-the-us/

 

• Tom Maguire: R&D tax credit is the perfect lure to draw innovators to Ireland: R&D will always happen, that’s human nature. What is important is where it happens, and raising the threshold is an ideal incentive to keep talent here https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/tom-maguire-rd-tax-credit-is-the-perfect-lure-to-draw-innovators-to-ireland/

 

• Storm Technology lays technology foundation for construction leader Glenveagh https://irishtechnews.ie/storm-technology-lays-technology-foundation-for-construction-leader-glenveagh/

 

• Could Odin be Europe’s answer to AngelList? https://techcrunch.com/2023/05/10/could-odin-be-europes-answer-to-angellist/

 

• Taking A Virtual Home Tour? Here’s A Checklist – Though digital home tours are helpful and alluring, buying a home requires a multifaceted evaluation. Hence, here is a step-by-step guide for a seamless virtual homebuying experience https://timesproperty.com/news/post/taking-a-virtual-home-tour-here-s-a-checklist-blid4509

 

• I’ve seen how Samsung SmartThings works – now I want it in my home – Everything, everywhere, all on one app https://www.techradar.com/opinion/ive-seen-how-samsung-smartthings-works-now-i-want-it-in-my-home

 

• HammerTech Launches Construction Safety Software https://businessplus.ie/news/hammertech-ireland-launch/

 

• Connecting Digitalization and Sustainability: Proptech in the Real Estate Operations and Management https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19498276.2023.2203292

 

• 4 reasons why CRE must embrace technology https://connectedremag.com/uncategorized/analysis-4-reasons-why-cre-must-embrace-technology/

 

• Top considerations for success in IoT https://connectedremag.com/uncategorized/top-considerations-for-success-in-iot/

 

 

 

ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

• Minister Coveney announces plans to develop a National Industrial Strategy for Offshore Wind https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/news-and-events/department-news/2023/may/202305092.html

 

• Is Ireland ready for Big Wind? Meeting renewable energy goals hinges on getting infrastructure in place https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/is-ireland-ready-for-big-wind-wbvz9vkbh

 

• UK energy giant in talks with Echelon over Arklow Bank offshore wind farm: Despite losing out in last week’s first-ever Irish offshore wind auction, the British energy giant says the project could generate its first power in 2028 https://www.businesspost.ie/news/uk-energy-giant-in-talks-with-echelon-over-arklow-bank-offshore-wind-farm/

 

• Cork County Council refuses planning for wind farm: The project would have consisted of seven wind turbines with blade tip heights of up to a maximum of 150 metres https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41136535.html

 

• Climate change will lead to increased premiums, insurance companies warn https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41133634.html

 

• Our powerful semi-states should not escape public sector climate mandate: Dublin Port and the DAA have either recently expanded or are planning to expand their capacity significantly, with little thought given to the climate consequences of their actions https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/daniel-murray-our-powerful-semi-states-should-not-escape-public-sector-climate-mandate/

 

• Sceirde Rocks offshore wind farm project in Connemara wins Government contract https://connachttribune.ie/sceirde-rocks-offshore-wind-farm-project-in-connemara-wins-government-contract/

 

• An Bord Pleanála concedes in challenge to approval of increased disposal capacity at Russian-owned Aughinish plant: Concession understood to relate to board’s failure to consider submission of An Taisce before approving expansion https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/05/08/bord-pleanala-concedes-in-challenge-to-approval-of-increased-disposal-capacity-at-russian-owned-aughinish-plant/

 

• Major Galway solar farm in pipeline as massive facility plans submitted: It would be one of the biggest in Ireland https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/ireland-news/major-galway-solar-farm-pipeline-8422283.amp

 

 

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• Irish house prices rise 8.9% in first three months of 2023: County-by-county breakdown shows Dublin remains most expensive with the largest volume of transactions https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/05/11/house-prices-rise-89-despite-fall-in-number-of-sales/

 

• Housing for All: Available Supports for Buyers & Renters https://ipropertyradio.com/housing-for-all-available-supports-for-buyers-renters/

 

• Vacant property tax generally backed by public but most want rate to be more penal, survey finds: Seventy per cent of those backing tax feel rate should be increased at least fivefold https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2023/05/09/vacant-property-tax-generally-backed-by-public-but-most-want-rate-to-be-more-penal-survey-finds/

 

• ‘Seriously substandard’ short-let apartments in Drumcondra had no planning permission https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/seriously-substandard-short-let-apartments-in-drumcondra-had-no-planning-permission/a873654921.html

 

• Almost 60 AHB houses estimated to be delivered in Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne MD this year https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/almost-60-ahb-houses-estimated-to-be-delivered-in-castleisland-corca-dhuibhne-md-this-year-329715

 

• RTB: Tenants living in properties without paying rent for months. Rent arrears and overholding the most common reasons landlords took cases. 18 landlords in Dublin, Tipperary, Louth & Carlow took successful cases, tenants ordered to pay €127,912 arrears https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/tenants-ordered-to-pay-a-total-of-130000-in-arrears-to-landlords/a1709879850.html

 

• The High Court has dismissed a Galway tenant’s appeal against a finding by the Residential Tenancies Board that her landlord was entitled to terminate the tenancy. https://connachttribune.ie/high-court-dismisses-galway-tenants-appeal-in-favour-of-landlord/

 

• How can I find out how energy efficient my home is? Property Clinic: What is involved in getting a Ber certificate and how much does it cost? https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/05/10/how-can-i-find-out-how-energy-efficient-my-home-is/

 

• Sustainable home improvement journey explained, step by step: ‘I remain a big believer in the power of incremental sustainability improvement, and that’s how most of us will roll this year’ https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41130565.html

 

• Women go solo as they climb the property ladder – Mortgage lenders are noticing the new trend among those buying alone as the gender pay gap narrows https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/women-go-solo-as-they-climb-the-property-ladder-klgzjktmp

 

• Why it may not make financial sense to buy a home for €30,000 – Certain vacant and derelict properties can be acquired cheaply, but the costs and difficulties in renovating can make it a challenging prospect https://www.irishtimes.com/property/interiors/2023/05/13/why-it-may-not-make-financial-sense-to-buy-a-home-for-30000/

 

• Victorian Rathmines grandeur has links to the viceroys of Ireland: Built in 1859 to architect and civil engineer Edward Carson’s plans, this characterful home retains many of its original features https://www.businesspost.ie/property/victorian-rathmines-grandeur-has-links-to-the-viceroys-of-ireland/

 

• Early Georgian city center building has undergone extensive renovation to create a sustainable contemporary home in the heart of Dublin city. https://www.archdaily.com/1000639/smithfield-house-studio-anois

 

• How a Mayo pub has become a home for three families: A Government scheme is making it easier for vacant pubs to be converted into homes – but doing so may not be for the faint of heart https://www.irishtimes.com/property/interiors/2023/05/06/residents-bar-how-a-mayo-pub-has-become-a-home-for-three-families/

 

• #selfbuild ‘I feared losing every penny I’d saved for 20 years’: A first-time homeowner’s renovation project: The wait for the money to come through was tough. Anxiety, exasperation and bafflement were common feelings https://www.irishtimes.com/property/interiors/2023/05/07/savings-were-going-out-at-an-alarming-rate-nothing-had-come-in-diary-of-a-first-time-homeowners-renovation-project/

 

• ‘Downsizing is overrated. Creating a family home is a lifetime’s achievement’: We need to respect the value of house and home to the older generation. They have paid their dues https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/05/11/forget-what-developers-say-downsizing-is-overrated/

 

• Home: How to make small spaces and rooms look bigger: If moving house or extending your home aren’t possible, there are clever ways to make your interiors look and feel spacious  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41135005.html

 

• Of love and war (and fresh fish) in Howth: Long-time Paris correspondent, war writer and hopeless francophile Lara Marlowe is selling up in Howth https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/of-love-and-war-and-fresh-fish-in-howth/a396924006.html

 

• Kilkenny mansion and estate hits the market for €7,750,000 https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/property/1166907/kilkenny-mansion-and-estate-hits-the-market-for-7-750-000-see-pictures.html

 

• My Money: Natalie B Coleman ‘My biggest financial mistake was not buying a property earlier in my life’ https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/my-money-natalie-b-coleman-my-biggest-financial-mistake-was-not-buying-a-property-earlier-in-my-life/a338453078.html

 

• Interiors Atelier has designs on Irish-made customisable furniture market: The IA Furniture Collection provides choice, flair and colour for those who seek beautifully made pieces that offer something a little different https://www.businesspost.ie/property/interiors-atelier-has-designs-on-irish-made-customisable-furniture-market/

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Commercial Property: Feeding the growing appetite for fun experiences: Competitive socialising has reached a new level of sophistication in which people choose Instagram and TikTok-friendly experiences over material things https://www.businesspost.ie/property/feeding-the-growing-appetite-for-fun-experiences/

 

• Hospitality sector hit hardest as 40 per cent of firms struggle post Covid, survey finds: Effects of pandemic linger as majority of SMEs believe it is getting harder to keep their businesses going https://www.businesspost.ie/news/hospitality-sector-hit-hardest-as-40-per-cent-of-firms-struggle-post-covid-survey-finds/

 

• SHEIN is setting up a headquarters in Ireland – this should not be applauded: The MEP looks at the controversial brand and says fast fashion cannot be encouraged on any level in a climate crisis.https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/fast-fashion-shein-6065727-May2023/

 

• EY Ireland begins search for ‘landmark’ Dublin office: Accountancy and consulting giant’s Harcourt Street HQ leases expire in 2027 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/2023/05/08/ey-ireland-begins-search-for-landmark-dublin-office/

 

• Tempting double investment opportunity at College Green for €6 million: College Green Collection in Dublin 2 has the advantage of a prime location at the heart of the capital and high profile tenants Starbucks and Circle K https://www.businesspost.ie/property/tempting-double-investment-opportunity-at-college-green-for-e6-million/

 

• Prem Group ‘actively looking’ for properties to house staff: Housing crisis is forcing operators to weigh up their options, hospitality businesses say https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2023/05/08/prem-group-actively-looking-for-properties-to-house-staff/

 

• Leading interior designer’s D4 showroom and studio for €2.4m: Aidan Cavey seeks buyer for Shaws Lane premises after 35-year career that included projects for K Club and Merrion Hotel https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/05/10/leading-interior-designers-d4-showroom-and-studio-for-24m/

 

• Gastropub’s Sunday roasts making headlines as it comes to market: Popular Portobello establishment 57 The Headline which has garnered a loyal following for the quality of its food, is guiding €1.3 million https://www.businesspost.ie/property/gastropubs-sunday-roasts-making-headlines-as-it-comes-to-market/

 

• Howth Castle owner calls on council to erect barbed wire fence to protect estate: Fence needed to protect 191-hectare site from vandalism, fires and abuse of staff, Michael McElligott says https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2023/05/08/howth-castle-owner-calls-on-council-to-erect-barbed-wire-fence-to-protect-estate/

 

• New €14.8m Penneys store to open in Dundrum next month: The new store is 64% larger than the current Dundrum space, and will be the third largest Penneys store in Ireland. https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41135035.html

 

• Two of North America’s biggest chicken restaurants are preparing to open in Ireland. Arkansas-based Slim Chickens and the Canadian-owned Mary Brown’s Chicken have requirements for space. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/big-us-chicken-chains-hatch-plans-for-irish-outlets-r72jll5s3

 

• French investor pays €4.971m for Dublin 12 office block: Westland House at Westland Park is fully refurbished and occupied on new long-term lease by Virtual Access (Ireland) Ltd https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/05/10/french-investor-pays-4971m-for-dublin-12-office-block/

 

• Mountpark secures final occupier for €300m Baldonnell logistics scheme: Rexel Group signs for 96,930sq ft unit G on behalf of longstanding Irish subsidiary Kellihers Electrical https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/05/10/mountpark-secures-final-occupier-for-300m-baldonnell-logistics-scheme/

 

• Detached office building with vacant possession in Dublin 4: Quinn Agnew is seeking offers above €2.5 million for this property, which has the potential for a variety of commercial and residential uses, subject to planning permission https://www.businesspost.ie/property/detached-office-building-with-vacant-possession-in-dublin-4/

 

• Cork’s ‘Grande Dame’ set for €25m sale: The 200-year-old hotel on Cork’s South Mall is likely to be sold to Louis Fitzgerald   https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41137081.html

 

• Green light for renovations to popular Galway City hotel https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/green-light-for-renovations-to-popular-galway-city-hotel/

 

• US giant Dexcom’s temporary base will be in Athenry town centre https://connachttribune.ie/us-giant-dexcoms-temporary-base-will-be-in-athenry-town-centre/

 

• University of Limerick seeks permission for ‘change use’ for city centre campus https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/1163969/university-of-limerick-seeks-permission-for-change-use-for-city-centre-campus.html

 

• Wexford County Council to get tough on ‘creeping dereliction’ as rats seen in prominent vacant building https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/wexford-county-council-to-get-tough-on-creeping-dereliction-as-rats-seen-in-prominent-vacant-building/a1160177843.html

 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• ‘Be nice to planners,’ Public Practice chief urges architects: The UK’s chief executive of Public Practice has urged architects to show more empathy when dealing with over-stretched planners https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/be-nice-to-planners-public-practice-chief-urges-architects

 

• British Labour Party plans to restrict foreign property investment https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/british-labour-party-plans-to-restrict-foreign-property-investment/a1922015771.html

 

• About 700,000 UK households missed rent or mortgage payment last month https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/may/09/uk-households-missed-rent-mortgage-payment-which-loans-credit-cards

 

• A new start after 60: I like to keep busy – so I built a hotel: It took Joan Gallagher and her husband three years to renovate a six-storey building in Spain’s Priorat wine region. But they had to do something after the children left home https://amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/may/08/a-new-start-after-60-i-like-to-keep-busy-so-i-built-a-hotel

 

• World’s tallest ‘hemp hotel’ to open in Cape Town https://mg.co.za/news/2023-05-08-worlds-tallest-hemp-hotel-to-open-in-cape-town/?amp

 

 

 

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/