
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:
- Does your construction or real estate brand need to reach a new audience? Above is a snapshot of the Ireland-based TikTok stats as of mid-2022. Right now, TikTok’s organic reach is unparalleled. Contact the www.propertydistrict.ie team to explore options for your brand info@propertydistrict.ie
- Number of Irish millionaires grows as 12pc of households have net wealth of €1m or more https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/number-of-irish-millionaires-grows-as-12pc-of-households-have-net-wealth-of-1m-or-more-42126368.html
- The industry FINALLY stands up for itself in the face of relentless – and often inaccurate – media commentary: Inflation is the root of our housing problem, not property developers: Michael O’Flynn disputes the idea that the private sector is at fault for the housing crisis has issued a list of questions for Rory Hearne to answer “promptly and publicly” https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41003567.html
- More straight talking from Irish Institutional Property – “Didn’t anybody tell the writer? The reason we have so many apartments is a direct result of government mandated policy of compact growth. In Dublin and the other main cities where most of this development is undertaken (these are the areas of greatest demand), you cannot get permission to build anything other than apartments…” in response to the following opinion piece: https://www.independent.ie/opinion/comment/in-the-middle-of-our-deep-housing-crisis-a-transparent-planning-system-is-essential-42138131.html
- DCC must re-search for records following Ronan FOI request: Information Commissioner is not satisfied that DCC sought all potentially relevant departments for records relating to a collapsed tender process to redevelop the Pigeon House site in Dublin 4 https://www.businesspost.ie/news/dublin-city-council-must-re-search-for-records-following-ronan-foi-request/
- David McWilliams: Have you noticed an increase in the number of houses for sale in your area? Property moves much slower than finance but the iron law of money always reasserts itself. When interest rates rise, prices fall. Simple https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2022/11/12/david-mcwilliams-have-you-noticed-an-increase-in-the-number-of-houses-for-sale-in-your-area/
- New homes in Ireland will be required to install electric vehicle chargers – O’Brien https://www.donegallive.ie/news/national-news/963392/new-homes-in-ireland-will-be-required-to-install-electric-vehicle-chargers-o-brien.html
- Would the Irish property market benefit from more formality? With a growing trend for sales fall-throughs after an offer is accepted, it is astounding that a buyer’s word is all it takes to withdraw a property from the market https://www.businesspost.ie/property/would-the-irish-property-market-benefit-from-more-formality/
- Ireland now has a homelessness sector – employees tasked with ‘managing’ rather than ‘solving’ homelessness: Dublin City Council spends over €140 million on homeless services in 2022 so far: The figure has been blasted as ‘wrong and unacceptable’ https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/dublin-city-council-spends-over-25459691.amp
- Supreme Court rules that litigants challenging planning permissions on environmental grounds are entitled to a special protective costs order (PCO) for all of their grounds of challenge. This overturns a decision of the Court of Appeal, has wide-reaching consequences for judicial review planning actions that cite European law, as it means an applicant who loses their case would not be liable for the successful party’s costs https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/supreme-court-rules-on-legal-costs-facing-litigants-challenging-planning-permissions-1390149.html
- Construction industry lobbying to change law and reduce planning challenges https://www.thejournal.ie/the-construction-network-5903332-Nov2022/
- Bank Of Ireland To Spend €36m On College Green Restoration https://businessplus.ie/news/bank-of-ireland-college-green/
- Shannon Foynes Port Company CEO says masterplan is opportunity for multiple Kerry ports https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/shannon-foynes-port-company-ceo-says-masterplan-is-opportunity-for-multiple-kerry-ports-304676
- Irish banks face less mortgage risk than EU peers as rates rise: Falling mortgage debt, rising household wealth and stricter lending rules have kept mortgage risks lower here https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/banking/irish-banks-face-less-mortgage-risk-than-eu-peers-as-rates-rise-42129582.html
- The Banking Market Where Profits Are Guaranteed: Customers in Ireland pay the price of bolstering lenders, just as they did for bailing them out. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-11-10/ireland-ensures-bank-profits-by-eliminating-competition
- State’s enterprise policy to be revised in wake of huge tech layoffs: Swingeing job cuts at Meta, Twitter, Stripe and other companies have forced the Government’s hand https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/2022/11/10/states-enterprise-policy-to-be-revised-in-wake-of-huge-tech-layoffs/ Also: Big Tech crunch: How badly could Ireland be bitten? Colossal amounts of corporate and income tax are derived from the ICT sector. But as tech giants apply brakes and announce layoffs, indigenous firms may benefit from the staff they liberate https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2022/11/11/big-tech-crunch-how-badly-could-ireland-be-bitten/
- What began as a hellish week for tech business in Ireland and throughout the world has ended with a good news story as Apple has confirmed it is planning a major expansion of its Cork base in Ireland. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/corkman/news/apple-plans-major-expansion-of-cork-plant-at-end-of-terrible-week-for-tech-42137785.html
- A €6bn region: Limerick Chamber provides helicopter view of investments in Mid-West https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/962557/a-6bn-region-limerick-chamber-provides-helicopter-view-of-investments-in-mid-west.html
- Landmark subsea cable connecting Ireland and Iceland now complete https://www.siliconrepublic.com/comms/iris-subsea-cable-ireland-galway-iceland-farice-northern-europe
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
What started as #PropertyMatters, a single 60-minute show on Dublin South FM 93.9FM every Tuesday night, has now evolved into an online station hosting the very best construction, urban planning, property and proptech radio shows and podcasts from around the world. Our new website – produced by Hear Me Roar Media – offers audiences live and recorded access to global built environment content. To have your industry podcast included in the iPropertyRadio line-up, or to contribute as a guest on any of the show on iPropertyRadio.com, email hello@ipropertyradio.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/
- Log cabins proposed to address housing shortage https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2022/11/11/log-cabins-proposed-to-address-housing-shortage-2/
- Challenge for ‘chauffeur mums’: navigating a city that wasn’t planned for women: Urban planning has historically been framed around ‘very white male’ concepts. But with better, safer and more accessible public infrastructure, we can build woman-friendly cities https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/nov/08/the-challenge-for-chauffeur-mums-navigating-a-city-that-wasnt-planned-for-women
- Hugh Wallace: Living over the shop can give a new lease of life to our cities: A seismic shift in building regulations is needed to make good use of the empty upper floors on our high streets https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2022/11/10/hugh-wallace-living-over-the-shop-can-give-a-new-lease-of-life-to-our-cities/
- Charity says it gave 1,200 people keys to their own homes last year https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/1108/1333782-father-mcverry-trust-annual-report/ Also, the number of people assisted by the Peter McVerry Trust jumped by 30% last year, with Fr Peter McVerry saying that if health watchdog Hiqa was drafted in to inspect some homeless hostels, it would close them “overnight”. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41001269.html
- Dublin City Council called on to buy apartment block where tenants face eviction: Councillors also vote to give Moore Street 1916 buildings protected status https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2022/11/07/dublin-city-council-called-on-to-buy-apartment-block-where-tenants-face-eviction/
- Compulsory purchase order for west county Dublin section of BusConnects scheme submitted https://www.thejournal.ie/busconnects-lucan-cpo-5911116-Nov2022/
- €100.6m in Urban Regeneration and Development Fund investment and €70m in National Transport Authority funding to open up access to Strategic Development Zone https://waterfordcouncilnews.com/2022/11/09/waterford-city-county-council-welcomes-todays-government-approval-of-e170-6m-investment-in-north-quays-project/
- Big boost for two Cork towns as €11m granted for major revamps: The grants for Charleville and Bandon will help tackle dereliction, improve amenities and generally brighten up town centres https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/big-boost-west-cork-town-25480355
- Government approval of €170.6 million investment in Waterford’s North Quays paves way for Ireland’s largest urban regeneration project https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/36106-government-approval-of-1706m-investment-in-waterfords-north-quays-paves-way-for-irelands-largest-urban-regeneration-project/
- Details of occupants of houses in Kilkenny in 1808 published https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/features/959900/details-of-occupants-of-houses-in-kilkenny-in-1808-published.html
- Visit billionaire’s Laois manor as John Collison opens Abbeyleix Estate for charity Christmas market https://m.independent.ie/news/visit-billionaires-laois-manor-as-john-collison-opens-abbeyleix-estate-for-charity-christmas-market-42138930.html
- ‘Life-changing’ development as 67 homes allocated in new Wexford estate Barr An Aird https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/life-changing-development-as-67-homes-allocated-in-new-wexford-estate-barr-an-aird-42126024.html
- €4.5-million investment in new ‘urban street’ for Roscrea welcomed by local representatives: Municipal Council say Gantly Road will become ‘an urban street – delivering transformational change’ for Roscrea https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/business/962197/4-5-million-investment-in-new-urban-street-for-roscrea-welcomed-by-local-representatives.html
- PROGRESS with the Scariff Rural Regeneration Project: A Part 8 planning application for a series of town centre works has gone to public consultation, with submissions being accepted up to December 12. https://clarechampion.ie/scariff-regeneration-works-enter-planning-phase/
- Public consultation underway for 70 turbine wind farm off Kerry coast https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/public-consultation-underway-for-70-turbine-wind-farm-off-kerry-coast-305105
- 1,000 more refugees to arrive in Mayo in 2022 https://www.mayonews.ie/news/39086-1-000-more-refugees-to-arrive-in-mayo-in-2022
- Roderic O’Gorman tells TDs about plans for new database so property owners can offer housing for Ukrainians https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/roderic-ogorman-tells-tds-about-plans-for-new-database-so-property-owners-can-offer-housing-for-ukrainians-42132997.html
CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

- Five major flood relief schemes delayed over planning problems: Schemes to protect almost 2,000 homes had been due to begin last year, but are variously subject to planning objections, or stuck in the planning process https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/five-major-flood-relief-schemes-delayed-over-planning-problems/
- Unions representing construction workers are to begin lodging claims with employers seeking pay increases and say they will also consult members on possible industrial action. https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/1111/1335610-construction-work-pay/
- Government still €2bn behind annual expenditure target for housing as end of year approaches: Critics say shortfalls show Housing For All goals won’t be reached this year https://www.thejournal.ie/how-much-has-the-government-invested-into-housing-so-far-in-2022-5903821-Nov2022/
- Incoming finance minister Michael McGrath says he’ll ramp up private and public house building: ‘We need to build far more homes of all different types’ https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/incoming-finance-minister-michael-mcgrath-says-hell-ramp-up-private-and-public-house-building-42140019.html
- Engineering students are being snapped up before graduation: “It really is a jobseeker’s world in engineering right now. Most students are already in jobs before they leave college” https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41004002.html
- Can you dig it? Huge campaign aims to bring foreign builders here: International recruitment campaign to lure construction personnel to Ireland is to get under way this week, with industry representatives saying up to 80,000 workers are needed to meet demand over the next decade https://extra.ie/2022/11/08/news/irish-news/campaign-bring-foreign-builders
- Quarry firm accuses Drogheda Port of preventing it from competing in cement market https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/business/quarry-firm-accuses-drogheda-port-of-preventing-it-from-competing-in-cement-market-1388476.html
- Court upholds €2 million award to Donegal couple exposed to toxic chemicals in insulation: High Court award was ‘on the high side’ but not so disproportionate to amount to an error of law, Court of Appeal rules https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2022/11/07/court-upholds-2-million-award-to-donegal-couple-exposed-to-toxic-chemicals-in-insulation/
- Planning regulator accused of ‘overreach’: Members of Cork County Council are understood to be seeking legal advice on taking court action against directives to reverse decisions affecting its future zoning plans in Carrigtwohill, Bantry, and Fermoy https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41000306.html
- Apartment owners demand Government redress to the tune of billions of euro https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41000864.html
Landowners warned over new residential site tax https://connachttribune.ie/landowners-warned-over-new-residential-site-tax/amp/
- Dublin’s historic heart gets new meeting and events venue: The Dublin Royal Convention Centre forms part of a new complex in the Le Pole Square development, which once housed a church dating back to 1100 https://www.businesspost.ie/property/dublins-historic-heart-gets-new-meeting-and-events-venue/
- Developer appeals refusal of Dublin’s tallest building on City Arts Centre site: Ventaway argues the 24-storey office scheme will bring many benefits to the city centre https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/11/08/developer-appeals-refusal-of-dublins-tallest-building-on-city-arts-centre-site/
- Developers threaten to sue Dublin City Council over St Anne’s Raheny wild geese de-zoning: “We will be compelled to bring legal action which will consume valuable court time and resources and cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of euros in legal costs” https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/developers-threaten-sue-dublin-city-25470418
- Developer seeks to void South Dublin Co Council’s new local development plan https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/ireland/developer-seeks-to-void-south-dublin-co-councils-new-local-development-plan-1388455.html
- Glenveagh To Submit Plans For 853 Subsidised Homes At Council-Owned Site In December https://www.bisnow.com/dublin/news/construction-development/glenveagh-to-submit-plans-for-853-subsidised-homes-at-council-owned-site-in-december-116328
- Google’s landlords seek to block office redevelopment: Irish Life, owner of the Velasco Building, is one of two firms objecting to Hibernia Real Estate’s proposed construction of an eight-storey office block on Clanwilliam Place in Dublin 2 https://www.businesspost.ie/news/googles-landlords-seek-to-block-office-redevelopment/
- Lioncor lodges fresh plans for ‘affordable’ Terenure development: Builder proposes to sell 208 apartments to Co-operative Housing Ireland https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/11/09/lioncor-lodges-fresh-plans-for-affordable-terenure-development/
- Dublin 15 site with full planning permission for 40 new homes guiding at €3m: Lands at Hollystown have approval for 18 houses and mix of 22 apartments and duplexes https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2022/11/09/dublin-15-site-with-full-planning-permission-for-40-new-homes-guiding-at-3m/
- Four housing developments in Dublin, comprising of over 260 modular or rapid build social housing units, which were due to be finished in 2021, have been further delayed. https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2022/1108/1333836-dublin-housing/
- ‘Better buildings’ awards in Cork: The Cork Business Association (CBA), with Cork City Council, Clarendon Properties, and The Echo, announced the winners of the 2022 Cork Better Buildings Awards at a ceremony held at The Metropole Hotel. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41004974.html
- Premier Inn to open on site of Cork’s old Moore’s Hotel by the summer Site of 187-bed hotel on Morrison’s Quay had been declared derelict in 2018 https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41002694.html
- Works under way on Mahon modular homes for Ukrainian refugees: ‘It is expected the rapid-build homes for families fleeing the war in Ukraine will be installed during January/February 2023 as site enabling works are completed in Mahon,’ OPW statement said https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41001218.html
- Nama-ed Midleton landholding with a €2.75m guide and a strong planning history will attract developers https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41003000.html
- Nearly 200 new homes for Mallow under plans for new estate: Plans for the development consist of 188 new houses and a creche https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/nearly-200-new-homes-mallow-25463945
- Kinsale apartment plan refused as it would ‘seriously injure the visual amenities’; Under the plan, the ground floor would’ve been used as an office storage area while the storeys above would’ve housed three apartments https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/kinsale-apartment-plan-refused-would-25486022
- East Cork housing plans appealed to An Bord Pleanála https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41005325.html
- Plans are lodged for 75 apartments at Headford Road. https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/plans-are-lodged-for-75-apartments-at-headford-road/
- First proposal to come before Galway City Council under new Large-scale Residential Development (LRD) legislation: Developer behind plans to build hundreds of apartments in Knocknacarra – turned down by An Bord Pleanála in 2020 – has come back with a new proposal for the site https://connachttribune.ie/second-bid-to-develop-cuckoo-fund-apartment-blocks/
- Hedge fund collapse leads to £500k writedown for Irish property developer: Jersey-based David Kennedy had been planning to build a €50 million cancer treatment centre in Kildare town backed by a Neil Woodford-linked firm, but it will not now proceed after the collapse of Woodford’s hedge fund empire https://www.businesspost.ie/news/hedge-fund-collapse-leads-to-500k-writedown-for-irish-property-developer/
- Center Parcs’ €100m expansion in Longford faces objections due to concerns of strain on infrastructure- Roads and water supply already under pressure from resort, submissions say https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/11/08/center-parcs-expansion-in-longford-faces-objections-over-strain-on-infrastructure/
- Significant Roscommon housing development refused planning permission https://www.shannonside.ie/news/significant-roscommon-housing-development-refused-planning-permission-213860
- Construction on the €8.5m extension to Castlebar Primary Care centre will begin next Spring https://midwestradio.ie/index.php/news/62355-construction-due-to-start-next-spring-on-8-5million-euro-extension-to-castlebar-primary-care-centre
- €9m. investment is approved for Mayo college expansion https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2022/11/08/e9m-investment-is-approved-for-mayo-college-expansion/
- DEVELOPERS aiming to build 41 new homes in the village of Quin have moved to allay concerns over several aspects of the proposed estate. https://clarechampion.ie/quin-estate-developers-move-to-allay-planning-concerns/
- Old hierarchies and culture of fear blocking industry shifts on climate https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/agenda/opinion/expert/old-hierarchies-and-culture-of-fear-blocking-industry-shifts-on-climate-09-11-2022/
- 6 hotel design trends for 2022-2023: Personalization of the hotel guest experience shapes new construction and renovation, say architects and construction experts in this sector. https://www.bdcnetwork.com/6-hotel-design-trends-2022-2023
- Gallagher’s Abbey firms split £203m in dividends https://www.independent.ie/business/gallaghers-abbey-firms-split-203m-in-dividends-42132472.html
- Woodie’s owner Grafton Group launches £100m share buyback https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/woodies-owner-grafton-group-launches-100m-share-buyback-42133174.html
- Roadbridge trade creditors seek wind-up to ensure equal ranking with BoI in debt recovery: Trade creditors were owed €50m and bondholders were due €80m https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/roadbridge-trade-creditors-seek-wind-up-to-ensure-equal-ranking-with-boi-in-debt-recovery-42138144.html
PROPTECH, ESG, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

- Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2022 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
- An exploration of MULTIFAMILY, PROPTECH and SUSTAINABILITY for Irish real estate: Well done to the Bisnow team on hosting an excellent Housing Conference at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday. There were so many highlights from the various panels and presentations across the day, particularly:
- The straight-talking Dr. Brian Hughes, who shared his true feelings about Ireland’s National Planning Framework – it was a view shared by many in the room!
- I was delighted to host a fireside chat with Ben Preece, Managing Director of Hali to talk about community experience in Cherrywood.
- PROPTECH: On the technology front, there was a particularly interesting chat including Claire Percy of IRES, Adam Rooney of SW3 Capital and Occu Living, Benjamin Preece of Hali, Justin Harleyof Yardi, Jon Hammond of Parcel Pending by Quadient and Leo Colgan. There was a great discussion about sustainability – Claire Percy rightly identified this as “existential” to real estate operations today – tenant experience and, critically, the need for technology solutions to be comprehensive and/or to integrate well for frictionless user experience.
- A particular highlight for me was introducing our keynote speaker for the event, real estate investment industry veteran Robert E. Hart, founder, chief executive, and president of Los Angeles-based TruAmerica Multifamily. Bob has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all facets of multifamily and improving the service offering for all tenants.
- Irish Startup Funding & Global Proptech Investment – Proptech Ireland https://prop-tech.ie/irish-startup-funding-global-proptech-investment/
- Proptech On The Rise As Residential And Commercial Real Estate Investors Look To Battle Inflationary Pressures And Rising Interest Rates https://www.realwire.com/releases/Proptech-On-The-Rise-As-Real-Estate-Investors-Battle-Rising-Interest-Rates
- How Alternative Data And Tech Can Influence Real Estate Investment Decisions https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/11/11/how-alternative-data-and-tech-can-influence-real-estate-investment-decisions/
- Hibernia achieves top ESG rating of five Green Stars: Real estate group is the only Irish company to receive this rating in the mid-rise office category https://www.businesspost.ie/property/hibernia-achieves-top-esg-rating-of-five-green-stars/
- Could Big Tech’s retreat pave the way for Irish start-ups? While sympathetic to those who have been laid off, some commentators say the job cuts could be a boon to indigenous companies and help rebalance our economy https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/could-big-techs-retreat-pave-the-way-for-irish-start-ups/
- Proptech – once a trend, now a necessity https://www.lewissilkin.com/en/insights/proptech-once-a-trend-now-a-necessity
- “There is a perception that succeeding in the US and Silicon Valley is really hard and costs $100 million to do and it’s just not true,” he said. “Many brands have done it. It takes a mental shift but it’s very, very possible.” https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/its-not-that-hard-to-grow-your-business-in-the-us-british-tech-firms-told-rnrbccs2n
- I’ve worked with hundreds of unicorns: Here’s what founders and executives need to focus on https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/08/ive-worked-with-hundreds-of-unicorns-heres-what-founders-and-executives-need-to-focus-on/
- Proptech in 2023: Top Principals and Investors Sound Off: They foresee a dip in investment, more mergers and acquisitions — a lot more — and a continued focus on ESG https://commercialobserver.com/2022/11/proptech-2023-forecast/
- Quadient launches Parcel Pending smart lockers in Ireland https://www.parcelandpostaltechnologyinternational.com/news/lockers-pudo/quadient-launches-parcel-pending-smart-lockers-in-ireland.html
- Design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe is implementing a new sustainability reporting system, which will complement its path to becoming Net Zero by 2045. The system – through a new partnership with SustainIQ – will aid the implementation of the company’s sustainability strategy ensuring best practice in construction in line with government policy and guidance. https://www.insidermedia.com/news/ireland/new-sustainability-recording-platform-for-mcaleer-rushe
- Barratt and Saint-Gobain test futuristic house against extreme climate conditions https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/barratt-and-saint-gobain-test-futuristic-house-against-extreme-climate-conditions/
- Spanish Architects Create Moisture-Absorbing Mortar from Construction Waste https://www.archdaily.com/991951/spanish-architects-create-moisture-absorbing-mortar-from-construction-waste
- Construction commences on BIG and ICON’s community of 3D-printed homes in Texas https://www.dezeen.com/2022/11/11/icon-big-wolf-ranch-3d-printed-homes-austin/
- 16 of the Best Smart Home Devices for 2022 https://www.werd.com/smart-home-devices/
- New UK property portal to offer agents free listings as part of ‘a new approach’ https://propertyindustryeye.com/new-property-portal-to-offer-agents-free-listings-as-part-of-a-new-approach/
- 4 Emerging UK PropTech Startups To Watch In 2023 https://www.shoutoutuk.org/2022/11/09/4-emerging-uk-proptech-startups-to-watch-in-2023/
- 10 smart city startups to watch, according to VCs: Cities are a key contributor to the climate crisis, as well as being front and centre of the need to adapt to our changing climate https://sifted.eu/articles/smart-city-startups-investors/
- The future of the office is changing: here’s how to improve the occupant experience – https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/11/hybrid-work-future-of-the-office/
- Matter will finally make my smart home dreams come true – here’s how: Why the smart home of the future is one step closer thanks to Matter https://www.techradar.com/features/matter-will-finally-make-my-smart-home-dreams-come-true-heres-how
- 3 reasons European contractors should be adopting modular construction practices https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/mmc-news/3-reasons-european-contractors-should-be-adopting-modular-construction-practices/118040/
- Engineering & Construction: The rise of the robots in the world of construction https://news.samsungcnt.com/features/engineering-construction/the-rise-of-the-robots-in-the-world-of-construction/
- Minister warns of ‘catastrophic’ power interruptions unless gas accepted as transitional fuel: Friends of the Earth uses submission to call on Government to make current moratorium on LNG and fracked gas imports permanent through legislation https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2022/11/09/minister-warns-of-catastrophic-power-interruptions-unless-gas-accepted-as-transitional-fuel/
ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

- Eamon Ryan says data centres are just a ‘short term problem’ for climate crisis until more offshore wind created https://m.independent.ie/news/environment/eamon-ryan-says-data-centres-are-just-a-short-term-problem-for-climate-crisis-until-more-offshore-wind-created-42126781.html
- Irish renewables firm Source Energie inks new €120m joint venture https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/irish-renewables-firm-source-energie-inks-new-120m-joint-venture-42129578.html
- ‘Here was a bunch of people who had a huge incentive to get offsetting right. What they came up with was a mess’ – Andrew Murphy of the Environmental Coalition on Standards, suggests five policy and personal changes for a greener world https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/we-turned-down-the-heating-for-the-block-and-are-waiting-to-see-if-anyone-notices-andrew-murphy/
- What to expect in Ireland if climate change escalates; It’s not just poorer countries that face disaster from global warming. Floods, droughts, mass migration and political instability will strike here too, experts believe https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/what-to-expect-in-ireland-if-climate-change-escalates-qbb3xcpl6
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

- Nearly 4,500 council houses lie empty around Ireland amid housing crisis https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/nearly-4500-council-houses-lie-empty-around-ireland-amid-housing-crisis-42123802.html
- Local Property Tax should be increased with protections for ‘asset-rich and income-poor’: Oireachtas committee hears that ‘well-functioning’ system should be increased https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/11/10/local-property-tax-should-be-increased-with-protections-for-asset-rich-and-income-poor/
- New pilot scheme will see shared social housing used to prevent youth homelessness: Government to pilot the use of social housing as shared accommodation for young people under new youth homelessness strategy. https://www.thejournal.ie/young-people-social-welfare-homelessness-5914307-Nov2022/
- Investors Snapping Up Properties To Battle Cost Of Living https://businessplus.ie/news/investor-properties/
- Nash calls for action on overcrowding laws after landlord attempts to rent family home to 22 tenants https://www.lmfm.ie/news/lmfm-news/nash-calls-for-action-on-overcrowding-laws-after-landlord-attempts-to-rent-family-home-to-22-tenants/
- EU to get Airbnb and rival rental firms to share user numbers: Under proposed rules, Airbnb and its peers will have to share data about the number of guests and rented nights with public authorities https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41000915.html
- New registration system for self-catering properties to be introduced next year https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41003675.html
- Minister Donohoe announces a new tax incentive to encourage small-scale landlords to undertake retrofitting works https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bc236-minister-donohoe-announces-a-new-tax-incentive-to-encourage-small-scale-landlords-to-undertake-retrofitting-works/ Also: Retrofitting tax incentive for small-scale landlords welcomed: Tax credit will allow retrofit spending of up to €10,000 for each property to a maximum of two properties owned by landlord https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41004029.html
- Mortgage rates drop to lowest level in years – but warning variable rate customers now in ‘last-chance saloon’ https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/mortgage-rates-drop-to-lowest-level-in-years-but-warning-variable-rate-customers-now-in-last-chance-saloon-42130677.html
- Bank of Ireland to increase its mortgage rates https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/bank-of-ireland-to-increase-its-mortgage-rates-42133660.html
- Borrowers should prepare for a new cycle of mortgage hikes by the main banks https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/borrowers-should-prepare-for-a-new-cycle-of-mortgage-hikes-by-the-main-banks-42135722.html
- Will bank allow us to break our fixed-rate mortgage to lock in for longer? Q&A: With fixed rates artificially frozen, it is certainly worth crunching the numbers to see if it makes sense to try to change https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2022/11/08/will-bank-allow-us-to-break-our-fixed-mortgage-rate-to-lock-in-for-longer/
- Crackdown on vacant homes to solve housing crisis – architect: A crackdown on vacant homes would go a long way to solving the housing crisis, an architect has said. https://www.newstalk.com/news/crackdown-on-vacant-homes-to-solve-housing-crisis-architect-1399814
- Tech job losses will have no impact on rental sector, as Dublin is ‘full’ https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/news/tech-job-losses-will-have-no-impact-on-rental-sector-as-dublin-is-full-42140025.html
- Ex-Bank of Ireland chief rents out luxury Dalkey villa for €12,000 a month https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ex-bank-of-ireland-chief-rents-out-luxury-dalkey-villa-for-12-000-a-month-7t3ctf233
- Two long-time derelict Cork City properties set to be sold: Nos 118 and 119 Barrack St were CPOd by Cork City Council last year https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41001761.html
- ‘If you’ve got the money’ — Dermot Bannon reveals if now is a good time to buy https://extra.ie/2022/11/11/entertainment/dermot-bannon-good-time-buy-a-home
- Blackwater Castle, with 1,000 years of history and one of Ireland’s oldest inhabited keeps, for sale for €2m: The property, which was at one point run as a 10-bedroom hotel, now has nine suites plus courtyard buildings where the current owners live https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2022/11/10/blackwater-castle-with-1000-years-of-history-and-one-of-irelands-oldest-inhabited-keeps-for-sale-for-2m/
- Waterford council leads way in converting vacant homes to social housing – Councils to tell Oireachtas Housing Committee of ambitious social housing programmes over next five years https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2022/11/08/waterford-council-leads-way-in-converting-vacant-homes-to-social-housing/
- 26 New Homes Opened In The Midlands https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/26-new-homes-opened-in-the-midlands/
- How an architect brought ‘serious smarts’ to Sonya Lennon’s period terraced home — and made room for teenagers! Sonya Lennon’s home renovation took five years to plan and 10 months to build from start to finish but it was worth it. During that time she was doing a host of other things, including a master’s degree https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/interiors/how-an-architect-brought-serious-smarts-to-sonya-lennons-period-terraced-home-and-made-room-for-teenagers-42128472.html
- ‘We definitely made the right move’: Life in a prefabricated home that can be built in days: Scandinavian Homes was one of the country’s first low energy building companies and continues to set the standard https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2022/10/29/we-definitely-made-the-right-move-life-in-a-prefabricated-home-that-can-be-built-in-days/
- Looking to buy a home in Co Laois? Try this period six-bed for €450k or a fixer-upper for €99k: What’s the going rate? A county-by-county guide to what’s new on the market https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2022/11/07/looking-to-buy-a-home-in-co-laois-try-this-period-six-bed-for-450k-or-a-fixer-upper-for-99k/
- Photos: 3 properties under €50,000 https://thatsfarming.com/farming-news/cottages-for-sale-in-ireland/
- Three quaint Irish cottages currently on the market for €295,000 and under https://www.image.ie/living/three-quaint-irish-cottages-currently-on-the-market-for-e295000-and-under-611714/amp
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

- Fears grow for jobs at Meta’s Irish operation amid reports of plans for large-scale cuts: Facebook parent company understood to be on verge of announcing global cutbacks https://www.irishtimes.com/technology/2022/11/07/fears-grow-for-jobs-at-metas-irish-operation/ Also: Never say never, but Meta’s future is in Dublin despite cuts: Social media giant has already begun to reduce its global property footprint https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/11/10/never-say-never-but-metas-future-is-in-dublin-despite-cuts/
- Office subletting hike signals occupier wariness about economy: Some sectors of the market are witnessing an increased supply of grey office space due to factors like redundancies and more people working from home https://www.businesspost.ie/property/office-subletting-hike-signals-occupier-wariness-about-economy/
- Shelbourne Hotel slashes loss to €4.5m as revenues rise from Covid lows https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/shelbourne-hotel-slashes-loss-to-45m-as-revenues-rise-from-covid-lows-42126563.html
- MKN Property Group seeks operator for landmark 15-storey hotel in Dublin’s East Wall: 183-bedroom East Wharf Hotel will occupy key position at junction of Alfie Byrne Road and East Wall Road on approach to city’s north docklands https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2022/11/09/mkn-property-group-seeks-operator-for-landmark-15-storey-hotel-in-dublins-east-wall/
- Hammerson: Footfall at its Irish flagships improved to 90pc of 2019 levels in the third quarter of the year. The company co-owns Dundrum Town Centre with Allianz, as well as half of the Pavilions in Swords, the Ilac Centre iand 40pc of Kildare Village https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/hammerson-reports-strong-recovery-as-shoppers-return-to-retail-centres-42126950.html
- Nursing Homes Ireland to host EGM with cost crisis not addressed by Government: Scheme to support nursing homes completely ill fit for purpose https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/959003/nursing-homes-ireland-to-host-egm-with-cost-crisis-not-addressed-by-government.html
- Office investment on Dublin’s New Street offers 7.36pc net initial yield https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/office-investment-on-dublins-new-street-offers-736pc-net-initial-yield-42132500.html
- RDS buys St Mary’s church in Ballsbridge for €4m: Royal Dublin Society plans to integrate the one-acre site into its plan for a refurbished stadium https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/11/09/rds-buys-st-marys-church-in-ballsbridge-for-4m/
- Closure of Argos Stephen’s Green announced https://lovindublin.com/news/closure-of-argos-stephens-green-announced
- Retail unit in prime north Dublin location guiding €525,000: The 110 square metre property in Malahide is expected to attract substantial interest https://www.businesspost.ie/property/retail-unit-in-prime-north-dublin-location-guiding-e525000/
- Sale of four high-profile derelict buildings in Cork City delayed https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41004848.html
- Iconic Cork retail gem Winthrop Arcade is up for grabs for €1.7m – Ireland’s oldest covered shopping arcade is fully tenanted with an annual rent roll of €150,000 https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41003231.html
- Planning permission has been granted by Westmeath County Council for development of a private members card club at a premises on Oliver Plunkett Street. https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2022/11/09/private-members-card-club-granted-permission/
- Wines Direct reveals plans for new Athlone store https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2022/11/11/wines-direct-reveals-plans-for-new-athlone-store/
- Revenues triple at exclusive Ballyfin Demesne hotel https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/business/revenues-triple-at-exclusive-ballyfin-demesne-hotel-1390900.html
- Court refuses landlord’s request for judgment against Supermacs over alleged unpaid rents https://www.breakingnews.ie/amp/business/court-refuses-landlords-request-for-judgment-against-supermacs-over-alleged-unpaid-rents-1390675.html
- First Look: Brennan brothers’ new hotel and 15th-century castle make Blue Book for 2023: Renowned collection of country houses, historic hotels and restaurants has announced 63 members for 2023, its largest ever https://m.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/first-look-brennan-brothers-new-hotel-and-15th-century-castle-make-blue-book-for-2023-42125622.html
- CBRE executive director departs: Former RICS president had pushed firm into new areas https://reactnews.com/article/cbre-executive-director-departs/
- Savills works in tandem with charities to raise vital funds: Volunteers will ‘stationary cycle’ the equivalent distance from Dublin to Lapland in support of the Solas Project and Friends of St Luke’s Cancer Care https://www.businesspost.ie/property/savills-works-in-tandem-with-charities-to-raise-vital-funds/
INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

- Monthly property transactions in the UK fall by almost a quarter https://propertyindustryeye.com/monthly-sales-fall-by-almost-a-quarter/
- Private renters twice as likely as homeowners to have anxiety, UK study suggests: Anxiety Nation report finds clear links between financial insecurity and poor mental health https://www.theguardian.com/money/2022/nov/10/private-renters-twice-as-likely-anxiety-homeowners-uk-study
- UK Property Market: Keep Calm and Invest On? An Expert’s View on How the Current Tumult Impacts Investment https://www.loopnet.com/learn/uk-property-market-keep-calm-and-invest-on/880658875/
- UK construction forecast to fall by nearly 4% next year https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/11/07/construction-forecast-to-fall-by-nearly-4-next-year/
- Grenfell firms accused of spinning a ‘web of blame’ https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/11/11/grenfell-firms-accused-of-spinning-a-web-of-blame/
- Dutch, Irish and Norwegians are buying twice as many homes in Spain: The post-pandemic boom in foreigners buying homes in Spain is continuing, with a few new nationalities buying at record rates. https://www.thelocal.es/20221109/dutch-irish-and-norwegians-buying-twice-as-many-homes-in-spain/
- Profits Soared For Publicly Traded Landlords In Q3, With Rental Income Outpacing Property Costs https://www.bisnow.com/national/news/multifamily/publicly-traded-landlords-huge-profits-rising-rents-flat-expenses-inflation-116250
- Airbnb reports most profitable quarter ever https://shorttermrentalz.com/news/airbnb-profitable-results-q3/
- Tech-30 2022: Measuring the tech industry’s impact on U.S. & Canada office markets https://www.cbre.com/insights/reports/tech-30-2022
- Australia’s rental housing is a national disgrace – and improving it will combat the energy crisis https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/nov/08/australias-rental-housing-is-a-national-disgrace-and-improving-it-will-combat-the-energy-crisis
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/
