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

 

🎉 Happy Father’s Day to the dads online this morning – Irish writers on Father’s Day: Rónán Hession, Kevin Power, Donal Ryan, Joseph O’Connor reflect on what it means to be a father in conversation with Arnold Thomas Fanning, who offers his own observations: https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2023/06/18/children-are-meaning-making-machines-irish-writers-on-fathers-day/ 

 

*And a little something to make you smile today: Midlands Man Becomes Viral Construction TikTok Sensation: https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/midlands-man-becomes-viral-tiktok-sensation/

 

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: 

• Government able to offer accommodation to newly arrived asylum seekers for first time since January: On 24 January, the Department of Integration paused the provision of emergency shelter to asylum seekers. https://www.thejournal.ie/accommodation-newly-arrived-asylum-seekers-6094414-Jun2023/

 

• Housing crisis not just confined to Ireland, Varadkar insists https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/housing-crisis-not-just-confined-to-ireland-varadkar-insists-1490203.html

 

• The piecemeal plan to fix the housing crisis: what have Darragh O’Brien’s schemes delivered? The Fianna Fáil Minister for Housing’s political style faces a reckoning with the substance of delivery: his affordable housing initiatives create headlines but are not backed up by volume https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/06/17/the-piecemeal-plan-to-fix-the-housing-crisis-what-have-darragh-obriens-schemes-delivered/

 

• 1,400 homeless international protection applicants included four children who had to sleep rough https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41159878.html

 

• Does the Government really want house prices to fall? More than 1.21 million permanent private households have a very direct economic interest in house prices not falling. That’s a lot of silent resistance https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/06/17/pat-leahy-does-the-government-really-want-house-prices-to-fall/

 

• “But why does it cost more to deliver housing in Ireland?”  Here’s part of the ‘why’ equation –  SOLICITOR who asked for ‘go away money’ to not block building plans got up to €150k over right of way on same site: Previous owner of land made payment to homeowner over access to property through rear wall https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/solicitor-who-asked-for-go-away-money-to-not-block-building-plans-got-up-to-150k-over-right-of-way-on-same-site/a749332421.html

 

• Developers: paying off locals is just ‘cost of doing business’: Our survey of leading construction firms in Ireland reveals the scale of hidden deals aimed at removing objections to new homes https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/developers-paying-off-locals-is-just-cost-of-doing-business/

 

• Objector culture is all pervasive and acts against efforts to resolve the housing crisis https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/fionnan-sheahan-objector-culture-is-all-pervasive-and-acts-against-efforts-to-resolve-the-housing-crisis/a1532433474.html

 

• Global YIMBY momentum: Over 80% of Americans support building more homes in their local neighborhood https://fortune.com/2023/06/16/yimby-momentum-most-americans-wanter-more-local-building/

 

• DAA ‘delusional’ over plot of land at centre of Dublin Airport, says Ulick McEvaddy: Real estate company handling sale says 20 parties are interested in acquiring land after DAA boss Kenny Jacobs said the semi-state may be sole bidder https://www.businesspost.ie/news/daa-delusional-over-plot-of-land-at-centre-of-dublin-airport-says-ulick-mcevaddy/

 

• New pilot scheme offers grants to ready vacant farmhouses for refurbishment https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/9740f-new-pilot-scheme-offers-grants-to-ready-vacant-farmhouses-for-refurbishment/

 

• Too small, no garden, ‘unsuitable’ location, bad internet: Why one in five on waiting list rejected social home https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/too-small-no-garden-unsuitable-location-bad-internet-why-one-in-five-on-waiting-list-rejected-social-home/a1162198261.html

 

• Landlord put Dublin beach ‘shack’ up for rent at €1,100 per month: Ad for property in Donabate described as ‘off-grid’ prompted call for removal https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/06/16/landlord-put-dublin-beach-shack-up-for-rent-at-1100-per-month/

 

• Alarm systems and increased fire safety inspections recommended to keep residents of defective buildings safe: Emergency lighting also among interim measures recommended to the Government https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/06/12/government-advised-to-adopt-interim-steps-to-keep-residents-of-defective-buildings-safe/

 

• Ireland faces a brewing arrears problem centred on property funds – and usual response isn’t going to fix it: Central Bank is caught between protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2023/06/11/vultures-pile-pressure-on-borrowers-as-central-bank-sticks-to-tired-contact-providers-mantra/?

 

• As Men’s Health Week (June 12-18) continues, here are three common men’s health problems, and advice on how to talk to your partner about them…https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2023/0612/1388667-mens-health-week-how-to-talk-about-sensitive-health-issues/ 

 

• Up to 82 data centres operating in Republic: Not all such facilities are linked to the electricity supply https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/17/up-to-82-data-centres-operating-in-republic/

 

• Highly awaited EU vote on Nature Restoration Law postponed to end of month: A meeting of MEPs to determine the fate of the legislation went well over time. https://www.thejournal.ie/nature-restoration-law-envi-vote-2-6093894-Jun2023/

 

• Ireland’s Land Acts and the decline of the ‘Big House’ https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-65684388.amp

 

• Why now is the time to reform Ireland’s tax system https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/why-now-is-the-time-to-reform-the-tax-system-wv9qspmmj

 

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 targeted digital impressions across our built environment 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!

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

How to prepare your home for a sale This week on ‘Property Matters’ on iPropertyRadio, host Carol Tallon is joined by Lorraine Scully, Real Estate Agent & Associate Director at Sherry FitzGerald Galway, to discuss their recent win – Sherry FitzGerald Branch of the Year 2023 Award! Lorraine gives some insiders tips and tricks for how to prepare yourself & your home for the sales market, for example, picking the right sales agent for you, looking at marketing options and maximising the value of your property. Listen back for more!

Watch/ listen back: https://ipropertyradio.com/property-matters/

 

#Proptech Hot Seat

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.

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

 

#BreakingGround

The Self-Build Journey This week on #BreakingGround host Carol Tallon chats to Tom and Ana Woods, self builders in Mayo who – following a fruitless property search in and around Dublin – choose to purchase a site with a partially constructed building and are now in the process of turning it into their dream home. They are using direct labour hands – mainly their own, relying heavily on Tom’s dad (warning: self builders listening in will want to borrow Tom’s dad!). They join to discuss why they decided on the journey of self building, issues they ran into turn the pandemic and how they managed escalating construction costs.

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 Katie Tallon, with Hear Me Roar Media on sound 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/ 

 

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

 

 

• Welcome to summer in Dublin, with dereliction, degradation and dirt on the streets: The state of Dublin: Olivia Kelly follows in Bloom’s sticky footsteps around the capital https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2023/06/16/the-state-of-dublin-olivia-kelly-follows-in-blooms-sticky-footsteps-around-the-capital/

 

• State mulls how to deliver a renewed GPO and O’Connell Street worthy of their status: With An Post vacating its historic HQ, its future and that of Dublin’s main street is coming into sharp focus https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/state-mulls-how-to-deliver-a-renewed-gpo-and-oconnell-street-worthy-of-their-status/

 

• Public consultation launched for over 1,100 proposed homes in west Dublin; The proposed development will consist of around 905 cost rental and affordable purchase homes and 226 social homes https://www-dublinlive-ie.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/public-consultation-launched-over-1100-27121070.amp

 

• Public access to the vacant Dominick Streets flats and an associated car park are due to be boarded up to prevent “extreme” drug-dealing and anti-social behaviour.  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/dominick-street-flats-to-be-blocked-off-amid-extreme-drug-dealing-and-anti-social-behaviour/a1081924481.html

 

• Council redeploys staff to power-hose streets of Cork amid criticism of grubby pavements: City Hall blamed staining and discolouration of city’s granite paving on drinks spillages https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41161117.html

 

• Prison service apologises for failure to consult with Cork residents on security fence: Residents of two housing estates warned that it won’t prevent people from trespassing in gardens and using the area as a launching point for contraband into the prison https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41162938.html

 

• Galway City Council accused of ‘dragging its feet’ on greenway https://connachttribune.ie/galway-city-council-accused-of-dragging-its-feet-on-greenway/

 

• Breaking: Planning Boost for Major Limerick Road Project https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/breaking-planning-boost-for-major-limerick-road-project/

 

• Foynes Port ‘shocked’ as property earmarked for housing in State report: Shannon Foynes Port Company said inclusion of its lands had caused ‘serious concern and uncertainty’ https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/13/foynes-port-shocked-as-property-earmarked-for-housing-in-state-report/

 

• Tramore’s Public Realm has been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Award.  The public realm works were designed by renowned Waterford-based firm DHB Architects in collaboration with Waterford City and County Council. https://www.wlrfm.com/news/tramore-public-realm-award-310491

 

• Four country towns win ‘Town Centre Living’ awards for their architectural plans: Winners announced in a joint Department of Housing RIAI competition to design urban, social homes https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/06/14/four-country-towns-win-town-centre-living-awards-for-their-architectural-plans/

 

• Six exciting projects will change face of Offaly town https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/offaly-live/1197383/six-exciting-projects-will-change-face-of-offaly-town.html

 

• ‘A lot of the things we are teaching are not revolutionary, it is just looking backwards to go forward’: Harrison Gardner and Fionn Kidney’s Common Knowledge project in Ennistymon, Co Clare, is teaching people how to build their own homes, with a collective mindset https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2023/06/17/a-lot-of-the-things-we-are-teaching-are-not-revolutionary-it-is-just-looking-backwards-to-go-forward/

 

• Shock as 650 workers to be temporarily laid off at Tara Mines: Parent company says Ireland is a high-cost site https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/shock-as-650-workers-to-be-temporarily-laid-off-at-tara-mines/a1797840770.html

 

• Tipperary man to face council in court over a log cabin erected on his family’s land https://tippfm.com/featured-2/local-man-face-council-court-log-cabin-erected-familys-land/

 

• Every move being watched: the midlands town that is the CCTV capital of Ireland: Fears of ‘breach of privacy’, but others say cameras in Mountmellick help them feel safer https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/every-move-being-watched-the-midlands-town-that-is-the-cctv-capital-of-ireland/a1190234411.html

 

• Boyne River Catchment public consultation being held in Virginia https://www.northernsound.ie/news/boyne-river-catchment-public-consultation-being-held-in-virginia-216661

 

• Plotting County Sligo’s future in a smart, sustainable and inclusive manner: The county’s second Local Economic and Community Plan launched at City Hall https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/plotting-county-sligos-future-in-a-smart-sustainable-and-inclusive-manner/a2145107836.html

 

• Language plan proposed for north Mayo town https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2023/06/12/language-plan-proposed-for-north-mayo-town/

 

CONSTRUCTION, MMC & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

 

• “MMC is Government policy…” Hailed by the Secretary General for the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment as a significant watershed moment for the adoption of offsite and other modern methods of construction in Ireland, the MMC Ireland National Conference 2023 saw Declan Hughes reaffirm the Government’s commitment to collaborating with the sector: https://www.irishrealestate.news/watershed-moment-for-modern-methods-of-construction-in-ireland/  Also, watch the highlights reel: https://youtu.be/eMXszkex9n0 

 

• Glenveagh to create 200 jobs as it opens new timber frame manufacturing facility in Carlow: Nua Manufacturing, a subsidiary business of the listed homebuilder, will produce more than 2,000 timber and steel frames from the state-of-the-art plant in Carlow https://www.businesspost.ie/article/glenveagh-to-create-200-jobs-as-it-opens-new-timber-frame-manufacturing-facility-in-carlow/

 

• Construction firms warn government the sector is becoming ‘uninsurable’: Construction Industry Council claims 100 per cent damages law threaten firms’ ability to deliver housing and transport projects key to the state’s €165 billion National Development Plan https://www.businesspost.ie/news/construction-firms-warn-government-the-sector-is-becoming-uninsurable/

 

• Slight contraction in construction activity in May https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0612/1388391-slight-contraction-in-construction-activity-in-may/ Also: Residential construction slowed in May as inflation bites – Price increases hitting apartment developments before they can start, report finds https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/12/residential-construction-slowed-in-may-as-inflation-bites/

 

• Construction sector appears strong in outlook even as activity levels drop https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/construction-sector-appears-strong-in-outlook-even-as-activity-levels-drop/a1662134144.html

 

• State’s system of earmarking land for new housing is ‘fundamentally flawed’, TDs to be told: The amount of land zoned for new homes is behind the actual need https://www.thejournal.ie/housing-construction-3-6091276-Jun2023/?utm_source=newsshowcase

 

• Decision by Dublin City Council to block two proposed hotels sparks tourism chiefs’ anger: Representatives argue that move to avoid ‘overconcentration’ of hotels will impact supply and affordability https://www.businesspost.ie/news/decision-by-dublin-city-coucil-to-block-two-proposed-hotels-sparks-tourism-chiefs-anger/

 

• Double capacity for apprentices opened at TUS Athlone https://www.shannonside.ie/news/double-capacity-for-apprentices-opened-at-tus-athlone-225311

 

• Plans to pay apprentices more to be signed off by Cabinet; There are calls to pay trainees the minimum wage https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/plans-to-pay-apprentices-more-to-be-signed-off-by-cabinet/a825156401.html

 

• “We’ve got a bit of a crisis in the design industry”: The conversation of sustainability is at the forefront of design but there is “still a long way to go” said designer Caroline Till at the Materials of Tomorrow symposium during 3 Days of Design https://www.dezeen.com/2023/06/16/weve-got-a-bit-of-a-crisis-in-the-design-industry-says-caroline-till/?li_source=LI

 

• Soaring building costs stymie new HSE primary care centres: Up to 30 projects are delayed – including a flagship scheme in Donnybrook, Dublin 4, designed to serve 56,000 people https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/soaring-building-costs-stymie-new-hse-primary-care-centres/

 

• Dublin City Council rejects proposed 570-unit Poolbeg development over ‘lack of affordable housing’ https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/dublin-city-council-rejects-proposed-570-unit-poolbeg-development-over-lack-of-affordable-housing/a779532341.html

 

• Johnny Ronan firm wins appeal on 13-storey Spencer Dock plan: An Bord Pleanála was entitled to permit the height increase for two apartment blocks, says court https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/16/johnny-ronan-firm-wins-appeal-on-13-storey-spencer-dock-plan/

 

• Paddy McKillen jnr seeking €36m for south Dublin residential site: Oakmount had tried to secure €45m from sale of Blackrock lands before the Covid-19 pandemic https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/06/14/paddy-mckillen-jnr-seeking-36m-for-south-dublin-residential-site/

 

• Glenageary 140-apartment scheme faces local opposition: Redrock plan is second attempt to build on site at Glenageary roundabout https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/14/glenageary-140-apartment-scheme-faces-local-opposition/ 

 

• Dublin 14 office investment with residential potential for €2.15m: Churchtown site could be redeveloped into scheme of 35 apartments subject to planning permission https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/06/14/dublin-14-office-investment-with-residential-potential-for-215m/

 

• Cork: ‘Docklands as a location to work and live’: Plans unveiled for more than 1300 homes: “Thousands of jobs have already been created in Docklands and it is imperative that residential development runs parallel, otherwise investment momentum will be impacted.”https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41163472.html

 

• City planners reject proposed retail and office development at Munster Avenue https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/city-planners-reject-proposed-retail-and-office-development-at-munster-avenue/

 

• Nine houses open in South Kilkenny, as council aims to provide 800 in county by 2026 https://www.ireland-live.ie/story-telling/kilkenny-live/1197069/nine-houses-open-in-south-kilkenny-as-council-aims-to-provide-800-in-county-by-2026.html

 

• 14-year planning saga ends with An Bord Pleanála backing 32-home Wicklow development https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/arklow-news/14-year-planning-saga-ends-with-an-bord-pleanala-backing-32-home-wicklow-development/a778175170.html

 

• Development consisting of 132 residential units and two-storey crèche proposed for South Kildare https://www.kildarenow.com/news/home/1196674/development-consisting-of-132-residential-units-and-two-storey-creche-proposed-for-south-kildare.html

 

• Work to begin soon on 88 new homes in Athy https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/kildare-now/1192354/kildare-work-to-begin-soon-on-88-new-homes-in-athy.html

 

• Planning granted for new apartments in Athlone town centre https://www.shannonside.ie/news/planning-granted-for-new-apartments-in-athlone-town-centre-225137

 

• 24 new homes are on the way to the midlands. The Athlone development will be called Greally Park and is being delivered under the ‘Housing for All’ programme https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/24-new-homes-coming-to-the-midlands/

 

• High Court challenge brought over permission for 289 homes in Ennis: Kilfenora resident wants order overturning approval for €65 million scheme https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/06/12/high-court-challenge-brought-over-permission-for-289-homes-in-ennis/

 

• Planning permission refused for fifth phase of Ard Uisce housing estate in Wexford town https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/planning-permission-refused-for-fifth-phase-of-ard-uisce-housing-estate-in-wexford-town/a890120489.html

 

• Approval for 40 new homes in Mayo county town https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2023/06/15/approval-for-40-new-homes-in-mayo-county-town/

 

• Electrical contractor has €2.7m of €2.9m debt written-off under insolvency dealhttps://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/06/12/electrical-contractor-has-27m-of-29m-debt-written-off-under-insolvency-deal/

 

• Matheson’s Alison Bearpark now a construction partner – Matheson LLP has named  Alison Bearpark as a partner in its construction and engineering team, which is part of the commercial real-estate department. https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/2023/june/matheson-appoints-alison-bearpark-a-construction-group-partner

 

• MAC Interiors has reasonable chance of survival, says examiner: Construction firm says it was badly affected by pandemic restrictions on the construction sector https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/14/mac-interiors-has-reasonable-chance-of-survival-says-examiner/

 

• Recruiter says Roadstone should foot €55,000 pay claim bill: ISM tells WRC it had no knowledge of a pay rise given to construction firm’s direct employees in 2022 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/12/recruiter-says-roadstone-should-foot-55k-pay-claim-bill/

 

• Buyers sought for pair of stalled Liverpool resi sites https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/buyers-sought-for-pair-of-stalled-liverpool-resi-sites/

 

• The CMG ‘Modern Methods of Construction Conference’ – the only live streamed MMC event this year – takes place next Thursday with an interesting lineup of speakers and topics. Book your place 👉 https://www.cmgevents.ie/events/modern-methods-of-construction-conference-2023#w-tabs-0-data-w-pane-2 
  
  

 

 

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

 

• Touchplan Construction Software Launches In Ireland https://businessplus.ie/tech/touchplan-irela/

 

• Using AI to reimagine Irish towns and cites retrofitted to tackle the heat https://irishtechnews.ie/using-ai-to-reimagine-towns-and-cites-retrofitted/

 

• Qflow secures and closes funding to help decarbonise construction: Construction tech scale-up Qflow has closed a £7.2m Series A funding to support its mission to decarbonise the global construction industry. https://btrnews.co.uk/qflow-secures-and-closes-funding-to-help-decarbonise-construction/

 

• Proptech is most effective when included in CRE design phase https://connectedremag.com/uncategorized/proptech-is-most-effective-when-included-in-cre-design-phase/

 

• Proptech can simplify block maintenance reporting for residents and site inspectors https://www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/proptech-can-simplify-block-maintenance-reporting-for-residents-and-site-inspectors.html

 

• Smart homes for smart people: If you haven’t started your smart home yet, here’s how to start — or if you have, here’s how to make it better. https://www.theverge.com/23724605/smart-home-apple-google-amazon-matter

 

• 4 ways AI is being used to enhance proptech https://connectedremag.com/uncategorized/4-ways-ai-is-being-used-to-enhance-proptech/

 

• Leading Proptech company, Spike Global, recognised as Sunday Times best place to work https://bdcmagazine.com/2023/06/leading-proptech-company-spike-global-recognised-as-sunday-times-best-place-to-work/

 

ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

• Minister unable to give embodied carbon estimate for Housing For All plan: Darragh O’Brien said the Government was working towards a framework on embodied carbon for new builds. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41163169.html

 

• Ireland’s first triple-platinum green office building scheduled for 2024: The Sidings on Grand Canal Dock is designed to promote staff wellbeing and active travel, while using less water and recycling 90 per cent of construction waste https://www.businesspost.ie/property/irelands-first-triple-platinum-green-office-building-scheduled-for-2024/

 

• ‘You can’t decarbonise without digitisation, you can’t increase digitisation without data centres’ https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-business/you-cant-decarbonize-without-digitization-you-cant-increase-digitization-without-data-centres/

 

• ‘Unprecedented crisis’: Government urged to tackle energy poverty before next winter: The National Economic Dialogue is taking place in Dublin today. https://www.thejournal.ie/national-economic-dialogue-energy-poverty-6090859-Jun2023/

 

• Data centres consume as much electricity as urban houses, CSO figures show: hNational grid operator issues amber system alert due to low winds and and generator outages https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/12/data-centres-consume-as-much-electricity-as-urban-houses-cso/

 

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• Investors in Dublin’s private rented sector more selective as inflation and rising interest rates bite: Government-supported social and affordable sector accounted for majority of investment in final quarter of 2022 https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/06/14/investors-in-dublins-private-rented-sector-more-selective-as-inflation-and-rising-interest-rates-bite/

 

• Private family office pays €2.5m for Dublin 8 apartments: Purchaser secures ownership of newly built boutique development following competitive bidding process https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/06/14/private-family-office-pays-25m-for-dublin-8-apartments/

 

• 18 Vacant Office Of Public Works Residential Staff Properties https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/18-vacant-office-of-public-works-residential-staff-properties/

 

• Wexford tycoons invest in Irish mortgages start-up: Wexford siblings sold stake in Slaney Foods for a reported €250 million in 2016 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/14/allen-brothers-invest-in-irish-mortgages-start-up/

 

• Judge refuses to make orders to arrest people allegedly occupying Dublin city property: Court not satisfied all of alleged occupants of house on Berkeley Street made aware of judge’s orders https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2023/06/14/judge-refuses-to-make-orders-to-arrest-people-allegedly-occupying-dublin-city-property/

 

• Property buying dilemma: Should we buy our first home now or wait until prices come down? https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/business/property-buying-dilemma-should-we-buy-our-first-home-now-or-wait-until-prices-come-down/a1273862182.html

 

• Council investigating erection of fences on beach in apparent ‘land-grab’ by Sutton residents: It has become an increasingly common practice across Ireland’s beaches but can be ‘catastrophic’ for nature, according to Coast Watch Ireland. https://www.thejournal.ie/sutton-beach-fences-6091811-Jun2023/

 

• This tiny Dublin cottage has become a sustainable, stylish and spacious home thanks to clever design https://www.image.ie/living/this-tiny-artisan-cottage-in-dublins-inner-city-has-become-a-sustainable-stylish-and-spacious-home-thanks-to-clever-design-768885

 

• Two landlords fined for discriminating against HAP tenants: One landlord was ordered to pay €12,500 after using “delay and diversionary tactics,” against his tenant https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41160451.html

 

• Foxrock home of late RTÉ chief for €3.35m: Sizeable property replete with broadcasting memorabilia was home to the late George Waters and his family https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/06/15/swiss-style-foxrock-home-of-former-rte-director-for-335m/

 

• Tenant wins landmark case against Limerick retirement village https://www.limerickpost.ie/2023/06/14/tenant-wins-landmark-case-against-limerick-retirement-village/

 

• Two hundred social homes officially opened across Cork city: Council plans to deliver at least 5,671 social and affordable homes between 2022 and 2026 — 3,934 social homes and 1,737 affordable homes https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41163817.html

 

• Cork council to purchase two adjoining derelict properties in city centre https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41163859.html

 

• ‘I never imagined such places existed’: What’s it like living in a converted office block? Springville House in Cork, the former headquarters of Pettit Consulting Engineers, has been transformed into a ‘cosy and comfortable’ living space https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2023/06/17/i-never-imagined-such-places-existed-whats-it-like-living-in-a-converted-office-block/

 

• Wexford house which was former home of Bishop of Ferns to go under the hammer: Price of protected house slashed from €625,000 to €495,000 https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/wexford-house-which-was-former-home-of-bishop-of-ferns-to-go-under-the-hammer/a1681929198.html

 

• Census reveals how locals struggle to buy housing in Dingle town: Population has increased by just 26 in six years, in a town with 15% vacancy rate https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/news/census-reveals-how-locals-struggle-to-buy-housing-in-dingle-town/a469589707.html

 

• Q&A: All you need to know about heat-pump technology – We ask the pros key questions about how to attain a sustainable gold standard and whether a retrofit will suit every home https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41159182.html

 

• ‘Our biggest bill was €11.50 on Christmas Eve. My entire bill is just a bit more than that this month’: Meet the home energy savers: More and more homeowners are availing of grants to boost home energy efficiency and in some cases generate extra cash for the household https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/06/15/meet-the-home-energy-police-from-march-to-october-i-will-buy-no-electricity/

 

• 4 vintage lovers share where they hunt for treasures for their home https://www.image.ie/living/4-vintage-lovers-share-where-they-hunt-for-treasures-for-their-home-701642

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Investment property market at risk of €10bn write-down in value: Office market is bearing the brunt of correction, with owners of older office blocks facing significant price adjustments https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/lorcan-allen-investment-property-market-at-risk-of-e10bn-write-down-in-value/

 

• Ireland’s energy policy drives tech giants off course: A creaking electricity infrastructure could end up putting Ireland at the back of the grid when it comes to attracting the multinationals relying on power-hungry data centres https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irelands-energy-policy-drives-tech-giants-off-course-5mjfnxkrw

 

• CEOs are using return-to-office to fight an ‘erosion’ of culture—but it’s a ‘recipe for resentment’ if done wrong, warns workplace strategist: Return-to-office mandates can backfire, even when remote work isn’t working anymore.https://fortune.com/2023/06/16/how-ceo-return-to-office-mandates-can-be-legitimate-but-backfire-rto/

 

• Shopping centres for sale: ‘The problem is, who is going to take them on?’ Experts sceptical about large-scale shopping centre sales but appetite for regional hubs remainshttps://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/16/shopping-centres-for-sale-the-problem-is-who-is-going-to-take-them-on/

 

• Oaktree to put Tallaght shopping centre on market for €170m https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/11/seen-heard-oaktree-to-put-the-square-shopping-centre-up-for-sale/

 

• Corporate travel rebound helps double Staycity revenues: Room rates up 15% after flurry of new property openings https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/12/corporate-travel-rebound-helps-double-staycity-revenues/?

 

• Irish League of Credit Unions seeks €9.5m for Dublin headquarter offices: 33-41 Lower Mount Street offers scope for refurbishment or residential redevelopment subject to planning permission https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/06/14/irish-league-of-credit-unions-seeks-95m-for-dublin-headquarters-offices/

 

• Xavier Niel, the French media billionaire, and a number of associates have purchased a Dublin city centre property from Eir, the telecoms company he controls https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/billionaire-niel-plucks-dame-lane-office-from-eir-ll88nsvk8

 

• Resolution reached in row over ownership of Dublin property assets: Case concerned shares in hospitality businesses in Temple Bar and Smithfield, including the Bad Ass Café https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/12/resolution-reached-in-row-over-ownership-of-dublin-property-assets/

 

• ‘Pichet owners want to move restaurant into Dylan McGrath’s Brasserie Sixty6’: Over €165k spent on legal fees in objections to rescue plan for Brasserie Sixty6 https://www.businesspost.ie/news/pichet-owners-want-to-move-restaurant-into-dylan-mcgraths-brasserie-sixty6/

 

• McCabes snaps up three pharmacies in Dublin https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/mccabes-snaps-up-three-pharmacies-in-dublin/a1755274072.html

 

• Irish arm of Dr Martens contesting Grafton Street shopfront planning refusal: Council found ‘unauthorised’ shopfront at flagship outlet would have serious adverse impact on architectural fabric of the area https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/16/irish-arm-of-dr-martens-contesting-grafton-street-shopfront-planning-refusal/

 

• Clerys Quarter shops and restaurants to begin fit-outs ahead of autumn opening: H&M, Flannels and Press Up expected to open doors on site of former department store in September or October https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/06/17/clerys-quarter-shops-and-restaurants-to-begin-fit-outs-ahead-of-autumn-opening/ 

 

• New Paul Street Shopping Centre owner pledges improved shopping experience for customers: The centre, which includes 19 independent retail units, but not anchor store Tesco or the multi-storey car park, sold at auction last month  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41162983.html

 

• Well-known Kildare hotel planning changes on its premises https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/home/1194496/well-known-kildare-hotel-planning-changes-on-its-premises.html

 

• Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort in Cavan has applied for permission for modifications to the spa upgrade previously approved under a different planning permission application. Modifications include an increase in the number of pod cabins https://www.northernsound.ie/news/farnham-estate-launches-planning-application-216677

 

• Calls for shop front improvement scheme to be set up in Sligo https://www.oceanfm.ie/2023/06/12/calls-for-shop-front-improvement-scheme-to-be-set-up-in-sligo/

 

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• A Georgian time capsule in London is on sale for £3m: The owner excavated the tucked-away grade II* listed Islington terrace himself — with breathtaking results https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a-georgian-time-capsule-in-london-is-on-sale-for-3m-mgjkgwhcw

 

• UK homeowners face ‘mammoth housing crash’, says analyst https://propertyindustryeye.com/homeowners-face-mammoth-housing-crash-says-analyst/

 

• UK Estate agents are overpricing by considerable margin, new data suggests https://propertyindustryeye.com/estate-agents-are-overpricing-by-considerable-margin-new-data-suggests/

 

• ‘This is just ruinous’: the Britons unable to afford their homes: Millions are finding themselves priced out of renting and buying amid high inflation and mortgage rates https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jun/12/this-is-just-ruinous-the-britons-unable-to-afford-their-homes

 

• Knight Frank UK opens door to record revenues https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/knight-frank-opens-door-to-record-revenues-s3rjs86mj

 

• High rents and housing shortage force young adults back to parents https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/high-rents-and-housing-shortage-force-young-adults-back-to-parents-crncxx7f0

 

• A tale of two cities: Paris proves that you don’t need skyscrapers to thrive https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/11/what-low-rise-paris-can-teach-london-about-quality-of-life

 

• €20m Portuguese mansion a masterpiece of modern luxury: Villatura in the exclusive Quinta do Lago resort has a hammam and sauna, three swimming pools, cinema room, glass wine cellar and sublimely designed 110 square metre master suite https://www.businesspost.ie/property/e20m-portuguese-mansion-a-masterpiece-of-modern-luxury/

 

• Texas commercial real estate mogul Ross Perot Jr. says a CRE recession looks likely: ‘It’ll be years before we really understand the damage the pandemic did to the world’ https://fortune.com/2023/06/16/commercial-real-estate-headed-for-recession-says-ross-perot-jr/

 

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/