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:
- 🚴 PLACEengage – Your Virtual Town Hall is delighted to sponsor the ‘John Behan Memorial Cycle’ in An Cheathru Rua, Connemara, 16th September 2023. I know we have lots of cycling enthusiasts in the industry so details of the planned routes (110 km and 65 km) and how to get involved are on the Club Rothaíochta Chonamara page 👉https://eventmaster.ie/event/YAyDcrOFjv Bígí linn!
- European Commission report has said Ireland’s housing targets likely need to be “substantially” revised upwards, even though the government is struggling to hit its existing targets. Rising population here means the current bar is already too low https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/eu-says-irish-governments-housing-target-too-low/a2128269254.html
- Political and policy responses to urban vacancy, challenges that these policy objectives face, and lessons rom the experience of those implemented, by Cian O’Callaghan, Kathleen Stokes and Maedhbh Nic Lochlainn http://www.tara.tcd.ie/handle/2262/103170 Also: Housing policy may be ‘incentivising’ vacancy: Trinity College Dublin report says current policies and systems are not working to tackle urban vacancy https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/08/16/housing-policy-may-be-incentivising-vacancy/
- Housing crisis was years in the making, and more money alone will not solve it https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/richard-curran-housing-crisis-was-years-in-the-making-and-more-money-alone-will-not-solve-it/a1403817631.html
- The Irish Times view on the property market: stuck at every level: New figures show a very low number of second-hand houses up for sale, which is just another signal of dysfunction in the sector https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2023/08/15/the-irish-times-view-on-the-property-market-stuck-at-every-level/
- Harris criticises Sinn Féin’s ‘Goldilocks’ approach to housing objections https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/harris-criticises-sinn-feins-goldilocks-approach-to-housing-objections-1515328.html
- Peter McVerry Trust informs Department of Housing of ‘potential financial issues’ at charity https://www.thejournal.ie/peter-mcverry-trust-potential-financial-issues-6144685-Aug2023/
- Land Development Agency may receive up to €8bn from Coalition for home-building: Plan involves agency establishing panel of five or six private developers with whom it would work on specific construction projects https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/08/14/land-development-agency-may-receive-up-to-8bn-from-coalition-for-home-building/ Also: Even with an extra €8bn, can the Land Development Agency deliver enough new homes? Housing crisis: Five years in, the much-criticised agency hasn’t built the first 10% of its original 150,000 target https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/08/15/even-with-an-extra-8bn-can-the-land-development-agency-deliver-enough-new-homes/
- More than 13,000 homes could be built under new LDA plan: Detailed negotiations around budget of Land Development Agency ongoing for last number of months https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/08/16/more-than-13000-homes-could-be-built-under-new-lda-plan/
- Partnership with credit unions enable the building of 52 homes by Túath Housing https://www.echo.ie/partnership-with-credit-unions-enable-the-building-of-52-homes/
- ‘Game changer’ law to allow credit unions play with the big boys: Once new reforming legislation comes into effect at the end of the year, credit unions will be targeting a greater share of the €12.5 billion mortgage market https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/game-changer-law-to-allow-credit-unions-play-with-the-big-boys/
- UL paid €8 million for Dunnes building without seeing a structural report https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/08/18/ul-paid-e8-million-for-dunnes-building-without-seeing-a-structural-report/
- Dublin needs a Georgian house museum worthy of its rich heritage: The ESB has plans for 12 Fitzwilliam Street Lower but the selected house, which dates from the 1820s, is quite unremarkable, and fails to convey the grandeur of Georgian Dublin https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2023/08/20/frank-mcdonald-dublin-needs-a-georgian-house-museum-worthy-of-its-rich-heritage/
- Galway Deputy says An Bord Pleanála continues to fail the public in failing to make decisions on appeals within acceptable timeframes https://midwestradio.ie/index.php/news/69480-galway-deputy-says-an-bord-pleanala-continues-to-fail-the-public-in-failing-to-make-decisions-on-appeals-within-acceptable-timeframes
- Ruling on Clare County Development Plan ‘further evidence of move towards centralised planning system’ https://www.clareecho.ie/ruling-on-clare-county-development-plan-further-evidence-of-move-towards-centralised-planning-system/?utm_content=cmp-true
- Rural Independent Group of TD’s claim rural Ireland is being cast ‘into the shadows’ https://www.midwestradio.ie/index.php/news/69491-rural-independent-group-of-td-s-claim-rural-ireland-is-being-cast-into-the-shadows
- “I love seeing older houses on farms brought back to life but farmers have a set of obstacles like no-one else when it comes to bringing these buildings back into use,” Maggie Molloy, the presenter of the RTÉ programme #CheapIrishHomes said https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/farmers-face-challenges-on-revitalising-old-houses/
- Chaos as €80,000 island homes scheme goes viral for mistaken hopefuls: Initiative to breathe new life into communities off Irish coast led to misleading clickbait articles https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/chaos-as-80000-island-homes-scheme-goes-viral-for-mistaken-hopefuls/a1055623215.html
- Hidden room uncovered during renovations at Wexford’s historic Johnstown Castle https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/hidden-room-uncovered-during-renovations-at-wexfords-historic-johnstown-castle/a1367133433.html
- ‘It’s become a lot more like a share house’: When adult children stay in the parental home: More young people are staying at home longer and moving back with parents as adults. What’s it like in the homes where the kids never left? https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/parenting/arid-41205532.html
- Property sales are falling through due to “lethargic” conveyancing, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV) found – Some 84% of estate agents surveyed said property sales have fallen through due to delays in conveyancing https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41205040.html
- Separated couples forced to stay under the same roof https://connachttribune.ie/separated-couples-forced-to-stay-under-the-same-roof/
- Student woke up to find 12 people moving into his apartment in rental scam https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41205745.html
- Kids in poverty denied ‘equal access’ to the Gaeltacht: The State has a “small scholarship scheme” https://www.newstalk.com/news/kids-in-poverty-denied-equal-access-to-the-gaeltacht-1496534
- Your Wellness: ‘I can’t imagine giving up’: The benefits of working past retirement age: More and more people are choosing to use their good health and curiosity to put off retirement https://www.irishtimes.com/health/your-wellness/2023/08/14/forever-young-how-to-stay-active-and-working-for-as-long-as-you-like/
- Euro zone’s industrial sector rebounds, but data distorted by Irish multinationals: Eurostat says industrial production across currency bloc grew by 0.5% in June https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/16/euro-zones-industrial-sector-rebounds-but-data-distorted-by-irish-multinationals/
- Institutional buyers won’t stay on the housing market sideline forever: ‘this is temporary’ https://fortune.com/2023/08/19/housing-market-institutional-homebuyers-wont-stay-sidelined-forever-home-prices-mortgage-rates/
- TV presenter Phil Spencer’s parents ‘killed in car accident near their home https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/uk/1276665/tv-presenter-phil-spencers-parents-killed-in-car-accident-near-their-home.html
- Youths sued Montana over climate change and won. Here’s why it matters. The ruling, the first of its kind, is reverberating worldwide, especially among young climate activists. But it still faces hurdles. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/08/17/montana-climate-lawsuit-impact/
*Reminder that the Property District offices in Dublin and Galway will close on Wednesdays for July and August as we let our creative talent run wild – you are welcome to join us for #WildWednesday, details here: https://propertydistrict.ie/wildwednesday-challenging-techies-to-disconnect-and-creatives-to-reconnect/
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.
Do you 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 – in June 2023, for the first time since we emerged from the pandemic lockdown, monthly ORGANIC digital impressions across Property District’s owned construction and real estate brands exceeded one million (*1,009,883*) – up from a monthly average of 765,876 in Q1! Huge thanks to all of you for your continued support!
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out all of the other real estate and construction shows on https://ipropertyradio.com/shows/
This week on iPropertyRadio…
#Property Roundup
On #PropertyRoundup host Carol Tallon chats to Setanta Landers, Partner at Setanta Solicitors. Setanta joins Carol to discuss the “Locals Only” Rule and the Sustainable Rural Housing guidelines established in 2005.
This rule prioritises local residents in rural construction projects to protect rural culture and integrity. Its potentially discriminatory nature has been criticised, with the European Union highlighting legal concerns reminiscent of the 2013 ‘Flemish Decree’ case in Belgium. The Court of Justice of the European Union found such rules restrictive, potentially infringing on EU Free Movement principles. While many Irish authorities maintain the rule, efforts to reconcile it with EU Law are ongoing, indicating a complex balance between local preservation and EU standards.
Read more: https://setantasolicitors.ie/locals-only-rules-in-irish-planning-law/
*Property Roundup is sponsored by Irish Property District, your industry communications partner: https://propertydistrict.ie*
Watch/ listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/property-matters/
#Proptech Hot Seat
*Proptech Hot seat is sponsored by Proptech Ireland, the hub for innovators, investors and industry leaders.*
Watch/ listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/proptech-hot-seat/
#BreakingGround
This week on #BreakingGround host Carol Tallon talks to Stephen Barrett, Whole Life Carbon Project Lead at the Irish Green Building Council. Stephen joins us to discuss INDICATE Clinics and The Climate Action Plan (Action 198). Contact Stephen directly to join the next INDICATE clinic on August 23rd at 12:30pm. For more information, read Stephens article here- https://lnkd.in/e6wyBKS3
*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* www.placeengage.com
Watch back and listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/breaking-ground/
Watch back and listen back to all shows at: 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/
- Putting People at the Heart of Place ESG: An important aspect of placemaking centres around sustainability. This means designing and maintaining public spaces in an environmentally friendly way that preserves natural resources for future generations. 🔗https://placeengage.com/putting-people-at-the-heart-of-place-esg/
- O’Connell Street is just one example of zoning and planning confusion: Our housing failures stem from a lack of financial control, lack of oversight and, above all, hesitancy https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/08/16/michael-mcdowell-oconnell-street-just-one-example-of-zoning-and-planning-confusion/
- New plans unveiled to upgrade Meath Street in the Liberties https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/new-plans-unveiled-to-upgrade-meath-street-in-the-liberties/a771204927.html
- Work starts on 6km Malahide cycle path 14 years after rail viaduct collapse: Scheme is the first of three projects to run from Sutton to Balbriggan https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2023/08/15/work-starts-on-6km-malahide-cycle-path-14-years-after-rail-viaduct-collapse/
- City Hall to assess 800 historic buildings in Cork city to determine those in need of repair work https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41204929.html
- Cork village protests as it is ‘forgotten’ on N22 bypass signage https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/cork-village-protests-as-it-is-forgotten-on-n22-bypass-signage/a343580135.html
- Cork council tells Douglas GAA club to drop contentious plans for access road: Planners told club it ‘had not provided a reasonable justification for the proposed access road’ and the existing access routes should be used to facilitate the proposed extension of pitch three https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41207086.html
- Nostalgia: Development of Cork city allowed citizens to stroll – Historian Richard T. Cooke takes a look at how Cork’s old promenades https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41208283.html
- Ardú Street Art kicks off 2023 edition with new large-scale murals for Cork https://ipropertyradio.com/ardu-street-art-kicks-off-2023-edition-with-new-large-scale-murals-for-cork/
- Western Development Commission appoints new chief executive, Allan Mulrooney, who steps into the role from next month, has a strong track record in both the private and public sectors and has been acting as Interim CEO at the WDC since December 2022 https://connachttribune.ie/wdcs-interim-ceo-gets-permanent-post/
- Newest Galway bridge name favourite emerges as city gets behind ‘forgotten hero’: The petition has shown one clear favourite https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/newest-galway-bridge-name-favourite-8682086
- New Gaeltacht grants scheme being considered to boost Irish language use https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/new-gaeltacht-grants-scheme-being-considered-to-boost-irish-language-use/
- Galway County Council urges the public to take part in survey about local government online services https://connachttribune.ie/galway-county-council-urges-the-public-to-take-part-in-survey-about-local-government-online-services/
- New coastal maps showcase Galway Bay and Aran Islands in unprecedented detail https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/new-coastal-maps-showcase-galway-bay-and-aran-islands-in-unprecedented-detail-2/
- Galway County Council is introducing an interest-free loan for members of the Travelling Community to buy caravans once they moved into halting site bays in Tuam. https://connachttribune.ie/interest-free-caravan-loans-for-travellers-in-tuam/
- Kilkenny County Council presents digital recordings of historic medieval buildings https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/your-community/1270073/kilkenny-county-council-presents-digital-recordings-of-historic-medieval-buildings.html
- Wicklow public to have its say on proposed N11 Park and Ride facility https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/bray-news/wicklow-public-to-have-its-say-on-proposed-n11-park-and-ride-facility/a186229685.html
- Wicklow County Council invite applications to Town and Village Renewal Scheme https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/wicklow-district/wicklow-county-council-invite-applications-to-town-and-village-renewal-scheme/a917427420.html
- Cavan: Masterplan for Con Smith Park moves a step closer https://www.northernsound.ie/news/masterplan-for-con-smith-park-moves-a-step-closer-220436
- Kerry to house 7,000 Ukrainian refugees as 260 more to arrive to three new locations https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/south-kerry-news/kerry-to-house-7000-ukrainian-refugees-as-260-more-to-arrive-to-three-new-locations/a1730638907.html
- Hotel developer believes Tralee’s Bridge Street area is becoming tourism hub https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/hotel-developer-believes-tralees-bridge-street-area-is-becoming-tourism-hub-343600
- Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys encourages organisations in Northern Ireland and Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo to apply to the €75m Re-imaging Communities investment area under the PEACEPLUS programme https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/2b33f-minister-humphreys-encourages-eligible-groups-to-apply-for-shared-spaces-funding-under-new-peaceplus-programme/
- Pól Ó Conghaile: Airbnb lets us live like locals, but for how long can it last? https://m.independent.ie/life/travel/pol-o-conghaile-airbnb-lets-us-live-like-locals-but-for-how-long-can-it-last/a973523597.html
- Ireland’s first known so-called climate migrants. Andrea Busfield is selling her villa in Cyprus as the weather has become too extreme for her and her three horses, five dogs and four cats. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41206309.html
CONSTRUCTION, MMC & DEVELOPMENT NEWS
- Bonkers bureaucracy: catch-22 hinders property grant applications; hiccups over Bolands Mills: The Business Post takes aim at the macro and micro inefficiencies and inconsistencies in administration that are holding Ireland back https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/bonkers-bureaucracy-catch-22-hinders-property-grant-applications-hiccups-over-bolands-mills/
- Deputy Ó Cuív calls for increased staff at An Bord Pleanala to clear backlog https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/deputy-o-cuiv-calls-for-increased-staff-at-an-bord-pleanala-to-clear-backlog/
- Value of development land sales falls 65% during first half of year: From January to June there were only 34 development land sales, well below the 63 transactions in the same period in 2022 https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41207176.html
- Over 11,000 extra tourist beds needed by 2032 – ITIC report https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0817/1400142-over-11-000-extra-tourist-beds-needed-by-2032/
- BNP Paribas Real Estate: After having returned to growth in June, construction activity in Ireland saw a renewed decline in July amid a first reduction in new orders since January. https://www.irishrealestate.news/new-orders-fall-for-first-time-in-six-months/
- Ministers Harris and O’Brien announce plan to develop a design standard for Purpose Built Student Accommodation https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f9a19-ministers-harris-and-obrien-announce-plan-to-develop-a-design-standard-for-purpose-built-student-accommodation/
- OFFSITE HUB: MMC Ireland inaugural National conference a sell out success 🔗https://www.offsitehub.co.uk/industry-news/news/industry-news/news/mmc-ireland-inaugural-conference-a-sell-out-success/
- Iput faces opposition to Earlsfort Terrace development plans: Hibernia Real Estate and AirLease among objectors to plans to demolish Deloitte House https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/14/iput-faces-opposition-to-earlsfort-terrace-development-plans/
- Greenlight for Phibsborough apartment plans: Dublin City Council signs off on plans for close to 200 apartments https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/15/greenlight-for-phibsborough-apartment-plans/
- Plan for 61-room hotel near St Stephen’s Green attracts objections: Eamon Waters-owned hotel group wants to develop site known as Textile House https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/16/plan-for-61-room-hotel-near-st-stephens-green-attracts-objections/
- Plans revealed for twin 12-storey buildings at TU Dublin campus: Application to be submitted within weeks for tech firm Workday’s European headquarters at Grangegorman https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2023/08/16/plans-revealed-for-twin-12-storey-buildings-at-tu-dublin-campus/
- Green light for Sandyford apartment scheme: Midsal Homes had faced local opposition to development https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/18/green-light-for-sandyford-apartments/
- Temple Bar owner lodges plans for new boutique Temple Bar hotel https://www.breakingnews.ie/dublin-news/temple-bar-owner-lodges-plans-for-new-boutique-temple-bar-hotel-1515490.html
- 8,047-plot cemetery on grounds of former golf course given green light in Dublin: South Dublin County Council gives Tetrarch green light for burial ground that will have more than 8,000 plots https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/17/tetrarch-granted-permission-for-cemetery-at-citywest-hotel-golf-course/
- Construction projects underway – and one that is still not – in Cork : 2023 has been a busy year so far. Martin Mongan examines the progress of some of the major commercial projects in both planning and construction stages https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41206210.html
- Cork’s ‘stealth-bomber’ Dean Hotel wins international architecture award: Second design award for Wilson Architecture for its “chalk and cheese” designs on Cork’s North Quays https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41206504.html
- Plans for luxury holiday apartments on the Old Head of Kinsale opposed by residents: The developer said the five-star, fully-serviced apartments were part of a wider €32m plan https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/plans-luxury-apartments-old-head-27518300
- Decision due on extension of Athenry housing estate as locals lodge objections https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/decision-due-on-extension-of-athenry-housing-estate-as-locals-lodge-objections/
- Planning approval for Galway City warehouse which will support 50 on-site jobs https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/planning-approval-for-galway-city-warehouse-which-will-support-50-on-site-jobs/
- Holiday home development in Waterford gets planning go-ahead https://www.waterfordlive.ie/news/home/1271591/holiday-park-development-in-waterford-gets-planning-go-ahead.html
- Nick Furlong invests in Providence Resources and Donegal Investment Group, behind a new housing development planned for Tinakilly in Co Wicklow – Keldrum last week applied for planning permission for the large-scale residential development of 352 homes https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pageants-furlong-backs-wicklow-housing-scheme-w8dvpjwrv
- Cascade starts on €4m Wicklow Arboretum Garden Centre project https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2023/08/17/cascade-starts-on-e4m-wicklow-arboretum-garden-centre-project/
- A number of sub-contractors have been appointed on the construction of a new building at SETU Carlow campus https://www.carlowlive.ie/news/home/1272507/a-number-of-sub-contractors-have-been-appointed-on-the-construction-of-a-new-building-at-setu-carlow-campus.html
- Nearly 100 bungalows for elderly residents planned near Kildare town https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/kildare-live/1272481/nearly-100-bungalows-for-elderly-residents-planned-near-kildare-town.html
- Contractor sought to carry out major transformation of Emily Square in Athy https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/1272844/kildare-contractor-sought-to-carry-out-major-transformation-of-emily-square-in-athy.html
- €1m is being invested in Kildare trailer storage park https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/1270026/latest-1m-is-being-invested-in-kildare-trailer-storage-park.html
- Portlaoise Garda station €25 m revamp still on track indicates Garda HQ https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/laois-live/1276250/portlaoise-garda-station-25-m-revamp-still-on-track-indicates-garda-hq.html
- Plans for development at former Ardee Bread Company – Plans lodged with Louth County Council https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/home/1272392/plans-for-development-at-former-ardee-bread-company.html
- Comer Group lodge plans for 716 dwellings in Meath https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0817/1400323-comer-group-lodge-plans-for-716-dwellings-in-meath/
- Wexford builder refused planning to demolish family home and construct 41 houses and apartments – Proposed development’s density deemed too low https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/wexford-builder-refused-planning-to-demolish-family-home-and-construct-41-houses-and-apartments/a319247147.html
- Workers at the Lurgan Vistatherm facility, a subsidiary of Tipperary-based Carey Glass, is urging the company to intervene with local management in Lurgan to resolve an ongoing industrial dispute which saw production halted at the plant last month https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/1272031/vistatherm-workers-to-protest-outside-tipperary-headquarters-in-dispute-over-pay-claim.html
- Planning lodged for 14 houses in small Tipperary village https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/1269617/breaking-planning-lodged-for-14-houses-in-small-tipperary-village.html
- Decision Due On Midlands Housing Development https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/decision-due-on-midlands-housing-development/
- Proposal for 24 apartments at former hotel site in Tullamore https://www.offalyindependent.ie/2023/08/17/proposal-for-24-apartments-at-former-hotel-site-in-tullamore/
- Planning lodged for large housing development in Carrick on Shannon https://www.shannonside.ie/news/planning-lodged-for-large-housing-development-in-carrick-on-shannon-228238
- Planning for three Swinford houses granted: An Bord Pleanála overturns Mayo County Council decision to reduce the number of houses in a Swinford development https://www.mayonews.ie/news/local-news/1272695/planning-for-three-swinford-houses-granted.html
- Decarbonising the built environment by addressing whole life carbon https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/energy-news/decarbonising-the-built-environment-by-addressing-whole-life-carbon/130934/
- Murphy Ireland has officially opened its new 2,200 sq m Steel Fabrication Facility in Newbridge Co. Kildarey, which will double the capacity of the Murphy Ireland Steel business and create up to 30 additional jobs over the next five years. https://irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2023/08/17/30-new-jobs-and-double-the-capacity-as-murphy-ireland-opens-new-steel-fabrication-facility/
- Engineering’s not all oily rags and factories — it’s about helping to save the planet: Irish Dervilla Mitchell, Britain’s top female engineer and Arup deputy chair, warns of a construction slowdown but says ecologists are in high demand https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/engineerings-not-all-oily-rags-and-factories-its-about-helping-to-save-the-planet-q6ns2kwpj
- Former TV star in battle with local council after they shoot down housing plan: The council received 27 letters of objection to the plans for the new houses and apartments. https://m.sundayworld.com/news/northern-ireland-news/former-tv-star-in-battle-with-local-council-after-they-shoot-down-housing-plan/a722089822.html
- Collins Earthworks have invested in two new Cat® 160m graders from Finning UK & Ireland, to meet growing demand on larger infrastructure projects alongside improving sustainability performance. https://premierconstructionnews.com/2023/08/19/collins-earthworks-make-the-grade-with-investment-in-cat-machines/
- CRH’s New York move could prove prescient and profitable: This year looks like being another solid one for the construction materials company, but its long-term growth prospects are even better https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/crhs-new-york-move-could-prove-prescient-and-profitable/
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
- For renters, a new path to home ownership when the mortgage computer says No: Homely is the new venture of Andrew Lynch, the former COO of Huckletree. It’s a bridge between renting and owning a home for frustrated renters trying to buy their own place. https://thecurrency.news/articles/124398/for-renters-a-new-path-to-home-ownership-when-the-mortgage-computer-says-no/
- Galway County Digital Graveyard project officially launched in Letterfrack https://connachttribune.ie/galway-county-digital-graveyard-project-officially-launched-in-letterfrack/
- Tantek 4D helps firms build a digital future: The tech engineering company, which specialises in 3D laser scanning and digital twin development, is doubling staff at its new Sligo facility https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/tantek-4d-helps-firms-build-a-digital-future/
- Street.co.uk launches property descriptions AI tool: Co-founder Heather Staff says agencies could be wasting hours of valuable time and falling behind their competitors by not utilising artificial intelligence https://thenegotiator.co.uk/tech-street-co-uk-launches-property-descriptions-ai-tool/
- Apple Vision Pro Is Knocking On PropTech’s Door: In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, virtual reality and augmented reality innovations have started to impact the real estate industry https://storeys.com/apple-vision-pro-proptech/
- RET Ventures, a leading proptech venture capital firm, is turning its attention to the “S” in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) https://www.claytoncountyregister.com/news2/ret-venturess-jameson-hartman-on-looking-for-the-social-in-esg/97410/
- Juniper Group Acquires Vervotech, a Leading Hotel and Room Mapping Solutions Provider https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230817434096/en/Juniper-Group-Acquires-Vervotech-a-Leading-Hotel-and-Room-Mapping-Solutions-Provider
ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
- Planned ‘second carbon tax’ will add 10 per cent to energy bills: New renewable heat rule will require energy firms to use a certain volume of biogas in their supply to customers https://www.businesspost.ie/news/planned-second-carbon-tax-will-add-10-per-cent-to-energy-bills/
- The reasons behind Ireland’s shocking electricity prices https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-reasons-behind-irelands-shocking-electricity-prices-pqxm3zdq8
- EU data on Ireland emissions ‘does not look good’ https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41207062.html
- €250m – the cost of retrofitting homes in a single Kildare town: ‘This is a massive challenge’ https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/1273651/250m-the-cost-of-retrofitting-homes-in-a-single-kildare-town.html
- Cutting-edge hydrogen production facility planned for Longford https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/home/1273048/cutting-edge-hydrogen-production-facility-planned-for-longford.html
- The UK construction industry is on track for less than half of its government-backed “net-zero priorities”, according to the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) – do we know the Irish equivalent..? https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/news/industry-on-track-for-less-than-half-of-net-zero-goals-14-08-2023/
- Wind energy use has increased while gas consumption fell by 20%, Gas Networks Ireland reveal: Gas Networks Ireland said that wind energy had one of its strongest Julys on record – generating 35% of all electricity in the State. https://www.thejournal.ie/gas-down-wind-energy-up-gas-networks-ireland-6141966-Aug2023/
- Irish Solar Energy Association says failure to facilitate hybrid connections creating needless barrier to renewables in Ireland https://irishtechnews.ie/irish-solar-energy-association-says-failure/
- Scrapping of proposed Galway power plant to add to pressure on supply: British company EP Energy says building of gas-fired facility is no longer economically viable due to decisions made by Irish regulators https://www.businesspost.ie/news/scrapping-of-proposed-galway-power-plant-to-add-to-pressure-on-supply/
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)
- Housing body in talks to block-buy 400 north Dublin homes from Cairn: Deal for Parkside project in Balgriffin involves replacing 90 per cent of amenity space in scheme with 13 extra apartments https://www.businesspost.ie/article/housing-body-in-talks-to-block-buy-400-north-dublin-homes-from-cairn/
- The regions where house prices rose the most over the last year https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/revealed-the-regions-where-house-prices-rose-the-most-over-the-last-year/a467175098.html
- Property prices: Salary needed to buy a three-bedroom house in every postcode in Dublin: Property prices in North Dublin decreased by 3.8 per cent in a year https://www.buzz.ie/news/irish-news/dublin-property-prices-average-salary-30740630.amp
- Why are there so few second-hand properties to buy in Ireland? The stock of properties for sale is falling, with housing in lower price categories in particularly short supply https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2023/08/17/why-is-the-supply-of-second-hand-properties-to-buy-so-low/
- Regional taskforces could help cities bring vacant homes back into use, says report: Vacancy ‘a by-product of Ireland’s planning system and property market https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41207209.html
- Irish homeowner hopefuls should invest in derelict buildings and fixer uppers, says RTE building expert Harrison Gardner https://www.thesun.ie/money/11173776/derelict-houses-housing-crisis-harrison-gardner-rte-property/amp/
- Home energy upgrades and retrofitting – The cost of works is a combination of many factors https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2023/08/14/home-energy-upgrades-and-retrofitting/
- Housing charity questions effectiveness of law brought in to prevent upfront rent requests: The charity argues that the wording of the law allows for “an illusion of choice”. https://www.thejournal.ie/threshold-challenging-law-6145401-Aug2023/
- Rent tally at four Dublin student residences rose to €17m last year: German pension funds see income from complexes jump from €4.65m in the previous year https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/rent-tally-at-four-dublin-student-residences-rose-to-17m-last-year/a386031870.html
- Navigating the Fair Deal scheme and the tax, property and financial implications of nursing home support https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/navigating-the-fair-deal-scheme-and-the-tax-property-and-financial-implications-of-nursing-home-support/a1045250565.html
- Four Cork properties on the market for under €325k – Trish Dromey checks out a property with living space upstairs and bedrooms downstairs that should appeal to a multitude of buyers https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41204587.html
- ‘Rare’ Irish period home up for sale in Galway town for under €600,000: The four-bedroom property has been described as a unique opportunity for househunters https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/rare-irish-period-home-up-8674526.amp
- Former city bank to be repossessed by homeowners https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/08/19/former-city-bank-to-be-repossessed-by-homeowners/
- Student Accommodation: Landlords join calls for caution and blame ‘unfavourable conditions’ for scarcity: Three separate warnings have been issued in the last week, as availability of student accommodation continues to dwindle. https://www.thejournal.ie/warnings-issued-rent-scams-student-accommodation-6145143-Aug2023/
- Students told to pay year’s rent of over €8,000 in two cash installments or risk losing tenancy: In the terms and conditions of the tenancy said the tenants must pay €8,340 in cash in two installments. https://www.thejournal.ie/students-rent-cash-installments-6141183-Aug2023/
- Limerick council confirms why social homes are being refused https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/1271659/revealed-limerick-council-confirms-why-social-homes-are-being-refused.html
- Only €45k for this refurbishment project property in Kilkenny https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/your-community/1270223/only-45k-for-this-refurbishment-project-property-in-kilkenny.html
- Racehorse trainer obtains order against landlords in row over tenancy: Brendan Duke alleges yard has been damaged and services cut off in dispute with owners https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2023/08/16/racehorse-trainer-obtains-order-against-landlords-in-row-over-tenancy/?
- Landlord who evicted family illegally then rented out house again at higher rate ordered to pay €7,000 in damages https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/landlord-who-evicted-family-illegally-then-rented-out-house-again-at-higher-rate-ordered-to-pay-7000-in-damages/a748163255.html
- The reason you definitely shouldn’t buy a holiday home in Ireland – A house purchase that seems like a good idea at the time can quickly lead to unforeseen problems https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-reason-you-definitely-shouldn-t-buy-a-holiday-home-in-ireland-3njfwgc0m
- The science behind buying houseplants for home and work – We visit plant scientist and retailer Louise Ryan at her houseplant shop Sunfleck in Dungarvan, Co Waterford https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41203084.html
- Dopamine decor: See inside the homes with the feelgood factor: Dopamine decor boosts the mood of those of us using a living space. We talk to designers and homeowners who love the look https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41204749.html
- 9 unusual bathroom materials designers are using to set the trends for 2024 https://www.livingetc.com/news/unusual-bathroom-materials
- Colourful collaboration as paints from historical houses make a comeback: Kraftsmann Paint and Nathaniel Clements’ Studio unveil a new collection of eco-friendly paints matching those from period homes in 18th, 19th, and 20th century Ireland https://www.businesspost.ie/article/colourful-collaboration-as-paints-from-historical-houses-make-a-comeback/
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS
- Is there an office property crunch coming? https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2023/0814/1399614-offices-space-commercial-property-landlords-outlook/
- Charted: The Rise and Fall of WeWork https://www.visualcapitalist.com/rise-and-fall-of-wework/
- A new survey has found men are twice as likely to go into the office to get away from their family at home. https://www.newstalk.com/news/men-twice-as-likely-to-go-to-office-to-avoid-family-1498087
- Zoom eyes up Irish office: Company currently has Irish presence through its Workvivo business https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/15/zoom-eyes-up-irish-real-estate-in-return-to-office-push/
- Sandbox VR, the virtual reality experience brand whose early investors include Katy Perry and Justin Timberlake, is opening its first Irish base: Kells Icav the developers of a seven-storey retail and office block currently under construction on the corner of Dawson Street and Nassau Street in the capital have been given the green light to change the use of two retail units at ground floor and lower ground floor level to leisure and recreational use to accommodate the entertainment venue https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/15/vr-entertainment-brand-sandbox-come-to-dublin/
- Dunnes Stores begins work on fit-out of Point Village anchor unit in Dublin: Harry Crosbie attributed collapse of his ownership of development to refusal of the supermarket chain to move in as anchor tenant https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/08/18/dunnes-stores-begins-work-on-fitout-of-point-village-anchor-unit-in-dublin/
- Retail giant Primark is preparing to launch a hunt for a development partner to transform Independent House, on Middle Abbey Street in Dublin city centre, a decade after the company bought the property for about €6 million https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/primark-to-develop-former-indo-hq-9zvmm5nd8
- Carroll’s Irish Gifts to take over former Oasis store on Cork’s St Patrick’s Street: It’s believed that Carroll’s will continue to trade from No 10 https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41207341.html
- No mountain to climb at ready to go €500k West Cork bar and gastro restaurant: Successful and mint order Ardfield west Cork hospitality venue is ready to take orders https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41206531.html
- PLANNING BRIEF: Changes planned for this existing retail unit in County Kildare https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/1275416/planning-brief-changes-planned-for-this-existing-retail-unit-in-county-kildare.html
- ‘The customer is always right? That’s the biggest pile of shite I’ve ever heard’ – Jack McGarry of the Dead Rabbit, NYC. The maverick Irish founder of the world’s most awarded pub stands up for his staff… talks about working in hospitality https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/the-customer-is-always-right-thats-the-biggest-pile-of-shite-ive-ever-heard-jack-mcgarry-of-t/
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS
- Number of landlords selling up in UK grows as mortgage rates surge: Those who sold buy-to-let this year made £10,500 less than those who did so in 2022, separate data shows https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/14/number-of-landlords-selling-up-in-uk-grows-mortgage-rates-surge-buy-to-let
- UK construction activity July 2023: Education – Project starts, main contract awards and detailed planning approvals all fell against both the previous quarter and last year. Education overview Education work starting on site totalled £873m during the three months to July, experiencing a 42 per cent decrease compared to the preceding quarter https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/cn-intelligence/uk-construction-activity-july-2023-education-15-08-2023/
- The Scottish Liberal Democrats have warned it could take NHS Scotland up to eight months to properly assess the prevalence of a dangerous form of concrete used in buildings housing patients. https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/scotland/1276676/call-to-speed-up-surveys-of-nhs-buildings-for-dangerous-concrete.html
- How to buy a holiday home in Tuscany on a budget: From €100,000 fixer-uppers to dream farmhouses — buying a home in Tuscany https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-to-buy-a-holiday-home-in-tuscany-on-a-budget-p06rtxw2l
- A new climate law in the Balearic Islands will protect the wellbeing of present and future generations – if such thing can be defined https://theconversation.com/a-new-climate-law-in-the-balearic-islands-will-protect-the-wellbeing-of-present-and-future-generations-if-such-thing-can-be-defined-209946
- Baby boomer housing wealth totals $18 trillion—more than triple the amount owned by millennials https://fortune.com/2023/08/15/baby-boomer-housing-market-wealth-triples-millennials/
- China’s property crisis deepens with developer Country Garden at risk of default: Evergrande has filed for bankruptcy protection and firms covering 40% of Chinese home sales have defaulted https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/18/china-property-crisis-deepens-as-developer-country-garden-at-risk-of-default-evergrande
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/