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

*Note from the editor: This morning we need to start by thanking you all. Last year, Property District hit a new milestone across our brands – primarily iPropertyRadio and Irish Real Estate (Google News accredited since 2022) –  with almost 7.5 million digital impressions (not including radio listenership and website visits!), which is a huge reach for such a niche real estate and construction brand in Ireland. This is growing at pace and we are currently averaging 765,876 digital impressions each month. We are genuinely grateful to you all for your weekly and daily support, thank you.

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:

Housing for All: Q4 2022 Progress Report published https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/1792c-housing-for-all-q4-2022-progress-report-published/

Minister Donohoe launches updated Project Ireland 2040 Progress Tracker  https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ed922-minister-donohoe-launches-updated-project-ireland-2040-progress-tracker/

Green light for €450m state scheme subsidising private apartments: The Croí Cónaithe Cities scheme will provide builders with between €25,000 and €144,000 per unit https://www.businesspost.ie/news/green-light-for-e450m-state-scheme-subsidising-private-apartments/ (State media release: Minister O’Brien welcomes approval for scheme designed to deliver thousands of build-to-buy apartments  https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bd7cc-minister-obrien-welcomes-approval-for-scheme-designed-to-deliver-thousands-of-build-to-buy-apartments/)

Why builders won’t build in the middle of a housing crisis – Renovations are far more economically viable for builders but they are absorbing resources and making it increasingly hard to build new homes  https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/02/11/cliff-taylor-boom-in-home-improvement-means-new-homes-arent-being-built/

Planners will face fines for missing deadlines under proposed new planning law  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41066312.html

An Bord Pleanála and planning regulator caution against fines for delayed decisions: Draft planning Bill includes penalties for failing to meet decision deadlines  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/02/09/an-bord-pleanala-and-planning-regulator-caution-against-fines-for-delayed-decisions/

An Bord Pleanála being ‘overwhelmed’ with surge in judicial review cases https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/planning-body-being-overwhelmed-with-surge-in-judicial-review-cases-1430194.html

An Bord Pleanála’s 15-person board down to six members: Between 700 and 800 planning decisions delayed due to lack of board members https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/02/09/an-bord-pleanalas-15-person-board-down-to-six-members/ Also: Homes on hold as not enough An Bord Pleanála board members to make decisions  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41067629.html

Planning change in bid to stop homeowners hiding extension notices from neighbours: An upcoming bill aims to stem complaints over hard-to-spot planning notices and would mirror rules in North and Britain – Proposed amendment to upcoming bill is that any homeowner or developer seeking planning permission would have to contact all the immediate neighbours, rather than just erecting notices outside their homes https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/planning-change-in-bid-to-stop-homeowners-hiding-extension-notices-from-neighbours/

Increasing spending on Housing Assistance Payment is a bad sign: ‘We need both wage increases and serious efforts to bring down the cost of housing,’  https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41065418.html

What’s Next For The Multifamily Industry? https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/02/10/whats-next-for-the-multifamily-industry/

10 of Ireland’s best buildings, from prehistory to the 21st century: As entries open for the RIAI Awards 2023, we nominate contenders for an all-time list of the best Irish architecture  https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art/2023/02/06/10-of-irelands-best-buildings-from-prehistory-to-the-21st-century/

Growing unease over Chinese domination of applications to Irish ‘golden visa’ scheme: Anxiety in Government as all but 41 of 1,316 applications last year came from people in China amid geopolitical tumult  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/02/07/growing-unease-over-chinese-domination-of-applications-to-irish-golden-visa-scheme/

Fear shortfall of surveyors will impact Ireland’s housing and construction output: Room at the table for 1,100 more surveyors by 2026, the mammoth ‘Burlo’ gathering of 1,300 SCSI diners hears  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41067182.html

Going is good for Paddy Jordan, the agent behind some of Ireland’s most lucrative stud sales: Stud farms for oil-rich sheikhs, mansions for media moguls, humble three-bed semi-Ds: Paddy Jordan has bought and sold them all in the course of a storied career  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/02/08/you-have-to-meet-face-to-face-to-sell-a-house-you-cant-beat-meeting-people/

Leading estate agent Paul Grimes snr saw his family as his greatest achievement: Real Estate Alliance (REA) co-founder, who died on Sunday, excelled at building working relationships  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2023/02/09/leading-estate-agent-paul-grimes-snr-saw-his-family-as-his-greatest-achievement/

Radical thinking – Is living in an empty office the answer to the housing crisis? Remote work has emptied downtowns across the US – and that space could be used to create desperately needed affordable housing https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/10/us-cities-affordable-housing-commercial-residential-buildings

Sarah Paulson Shows Off Her 500-Square-Foot Mobile Home in Malibu — See Inside! The beachside property is “tiny, tiny” in scale, says Paulson, but bold design choices give it major character  https://people.com/home/sarah-paulson-mobile-home-malibu-see-inside/

EU at 50: Ireland’s love affair with Europe is still going strong – but the potential for even greater success is still huge  https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/eu-at-50-irelands-love-affair-with-europe-is-still-going-strong-but-the-potential-for-even-greater-success-is-still-huge-42337242.html

Oireachtas body asked to examine immigrant investor programme: Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy asked the Public Accounts Committee to discuss a number of issues as government considers suspending the scheme entirely  https://www.businesspost.ie/news/oireachtas-body-asked-to-examine-immigrant-investor-programme/

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

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

This week on iPropertyRadio…

Bringing Ireland’s Town Centres Back to Life

This week on ‘Property Matters’ on iPropertyRadio, host Carol Tallon is joined by Ali Harvey, founder of the Collaborate Town Centre Health Check  (CTCHC) Programme in the Heritage Council, to discuss the latest CTCHC research, current initiatives – including the vacant homes supports and other State initiatives dedicated to bringing unused properties back into use.

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

ESG drivers – Greenwashing  – What technologies can make a difference?

In the iPropertyRadio.com Proptech Hot Seat with host Carol Tallon this week is Tim Streather, Managing Director of Spica Technologies, to discuss ESG drivers, including financial incentives, legislation and corporate PR/reputation building and management.

We also explore why there isn’t more being done today and what technologies can make a difference, with a focus on AI building automation.

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

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

PLACEMAKING

OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Céard é Comhfhorbairt Áite? “Teastaíonn dea-áitíocht saineolaithe ildisciplíneacha freagraí a chur ar fáil, ach tugann áitíocht maith guth don phobal chun na ceisteanna cearta a chur ar bun.” 👉https://placeengage.com/ceard-e-comhfhorbairt-aite/
• Disproportionate burden put on working class areas to house refugees  https://www.newstalk.com/news/disproportionate-burden-put-on-working-class-areas-to-house-refugees-gannon-1436459
• Meet Fred Logue, Dublin’s David to the development lobby’s Goliath: Dublin solicitor takes a strategic approach in his David-and-Goliath battles against developers  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/meet-fred-logue-dublins-david-to-the-development-lobbys-goliath-3zcqddgbh
• As NIMBYism Wanes, Cities Balance New Development With Community Needs https://www.propmodo.com/as-nimbyism-wanes-cities-balance-new-development-with-community-needs/
• Hollywood’s love affair with Ireland’s western isles: The Irish coast’s ancient forts, Gaelic legends, and starkly beautiful landscapes provide the magic for many movies, from Star Wars to ‘The Banshees of Inisherin.’  https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/movies-irish-islands-star-wars-banshees-of-inesherin
• Iput leads five-year study to evaluate impact of placemaking: Hassell, PRD and Gehl are working together to assess the economic, social, cultural and environmental effects of placemaking at Iput’s Wilton Park development https://www.businesspost.ie/article/iput-leads-five-year-study-to-evaluate-impact-of-placemaking/ Also: IPUT appoints three international design and placemaking firms to lead long-term research study, Making Impact  https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230206005663/en/IPUT-appoints-three-international-design-and-placemaking-firms-to-lead-long-term-research-study-Making-Impact

• The Ultimate Guide To Understanding Sensory Urbanism  https://parametric-architecture.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-understanding-sensory-urbanism/

• Event centre construction could start in Q2 of 2023: “We are currently working on completing our designs and costings for the event centre in conjunction with Live Nation, all going well we would hope to commence construction in the second quarter of 2023” https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41065712.html

• Multi-million redevelopment of Crawford gets go-ahead from Council: The proposed redevelopment is a milestone project for the gallery, which hasn’t seen a significant State investment in over 20 years  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41065544.html

• Planning application for Mallow relief road expected to be lodged before end of year: The timeline was confirmed in a response to a parliamentary question to the Transport Minister Eamon Ryan from local Labour TD Sean Sherlock  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41064575.html

• Rare bee orchids creating quite a buzz in Midleton: The species of bee is set to be introduced at a new location by BAM and Cork County Council as part of infrastructural works currently underway in Water Rock, Midleton.  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41065292.html

• Draft Tuam Local Area Plan now on public display  https://connachttribune.ie/draft-tuam-local-area-plan-now-on-public-display/

• UK website raves over ‘savage beauty’ of ‘dark Galway place’ as reviewer amazed: She tries to unravel its mysteries that locals have been wondering for years  https://www.galwaybeo.ie/culture/uk-website-raves-over-savage-8113013

• The lost village of Ballybought in the city of Kilkenny https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/home/1031639/the-lost-village-of-ballybought-in-the-city-of-kilkenny.html

• Glendalough – A hidden treasure in the Wicklow Mountains https://www.irishcentral.com/travel/glendalough-hidden-treasure-wicklow

• Plan unveiled to conserve Co Meath’s historic Hill of Tara  https://www.irishcentral.com/news/hill-of-tara-conservation.amp

• Louth County Council gives green light to new builder’s merchants in Drogheda  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/louth-county-council-gives-green-light-to-new-builders-merchants-in-drogheda-42336305.html

• Council seeking your views on transport in Mullingar  https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2023/02/10/council-seeking-your-views-on-transport-in-mullingar/

• Westmeath County Council to seek public input on new tourism plan  https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2023/02/05/westmeath-county-council-to-seek-public-input-on-new-tourism-plan/

• One of the most iconic buildings in Wexford was burned to the ground 100 years ago: The building was one of many stately homes that were burned during a turbulent period in Irish history  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/lifestyle/one-of-the-most-iconic-buildings-in-wexford-was-burned-to-the-ground-100-years-ago-42331628.html

• Planning permission granted for new community astro pitch in Arigna  https://www.shannonside.ie/news/planning-permission-granted-for-new-community-astro-pitch-in-arigna-218578

• Take a HD preview of Mayo’s new €200m. roadway ahead of its opening  https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2023/02/09/take-a-hd-preview-of-mayos-new-e200m-roadway-ahead-of-its-opening/

• Native tree planting project takes root in Bundoran: One thousand native Irish trees are set to be planted in Bundoran this year thanks to a unique community collaboration https://www.donegaldaily.com/2023/02/11/native-tree-planting-project-takes-root-in-bundoran/

• Department of Integration breaks silence on plans for Listowel Convent  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/department-of-integration-breaks-silence-on-plans-for-listowel-convent-316481

• Council to request Kerry be included in the Smart Ring Buoys Initiative https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/council-to-request-kerry-be-included-in-the-smart-ring-buoys-initiative-316165

CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Mac Zero
Fennell Photography 2023

• The improvements to Ireland’s planning code proposed by the recently published draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 have been widely welcomed. However, it doesn’t yet offer a solution for historic planning breaches that often blight transactions  https://www.businesspost.ie/property/historic-planning-breach-amnesty-is-glaring-omission-from-upcoming-bill/

• Medium-density builds could significantly increase number of homes per site, architects tell Minister for Housing: Government should be open to new thinking and new initiatives which will help address the current chronic housing shortage, says Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2023/02/08/medium-density-builds-could-significantly-increase-number-of-homes-per-site-architects-tell-minister-for-housing/

• O’Devaney development can finally commence as agreement reached after years of delays: DCC and Bartra have announced that work will start on 1,044 homes at O’Devaney Gardens, in what they claim will be ‘one of Europe’s most sustainable developments’  https://www.businesspost.ie/news/odevaney-development-can-finally-commence-as-agreement-reached-after-years-of-delays/

• Greens seek clarity on judicial review process under draft planning bill: Party supports proposal for free legal aid scheme for challenges on environmental grounds  https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/greens-seek-clarity-on-judicial-review-process-under-draft-planning-bill/

• JJ Rhatigan Appoints New Chief People Officer (CPO) to Lead Talent Management and Drive Business Transformation   https://www.irishrealestate.news/jj-rhatigan-appoints-new-chief-people-officer-cpo-to-lead-talent-management-and-drive-business-transformation/

• John Sisk & Son: Delivering projects for pharma world leaders – Tom Wall, Managing Director of Sisk’s Life Sciences & Technology business, maps the highlights of their four decades in business  https://www.irishexaminer.com/sponsored/arid-41067584.html

• Era of change in engineering, project delivery: From increased demand for decarbonisation and digitalisation to less greenfield sites, the PM Group are seeing a number of new trends emerging  https://www.irishexaminer.com/sponsored/arid-41067902.html

• Council will defend ‘de-zoning’ of St Anne’s Park despite DCC boss’s advice: Property Group Marlet, which owns the site, had threatened to sue the Council which they said would “cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of euros in legal costs” https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/council-defend-de-zoning-st-26185149

• National Velodrome gets green light for Sports Ireland campus  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/national-velodrome-gets-green-light-for-sports-ireland-campus-42331194.html

• Construction started at less than 30% of sites with planning permission in Dublin last year  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41065241.html

• AstraZeneca lodges plans for manufacturing facility in Blanchardstown: Proposed plant in west Dublin would create 105 jobs  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/02/07/astrazeneca-lodges-plans-for-manufacturing-facility-in-blanchardstown/

• Glenveagh, Cairn seek judicial review of Kildare development plan: Proposals would limit new homes in the county to just over 9,100  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/02/09/glenveagh-cairn-seek-judicial-review-of-kildare-development-plan/

• Glenveagh executives stand down from Kildare council planning committees ahead of legal action: The developer has sought a judicial review of the new Kildare county development plan which limits the number of homes that can be built  https://www.businesspost.ie/news/glenveagh-executives-stand-down-from-kildare-council-planning-committees-ahead-of-legal-action/

• A nice bit of Joe O’Reilly’s Blarney for €5m: The lands that once housed O’Reilly Travel offices and Joe O’Reilly’s horse-drawn caravans are on the market with Savills  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41067155.html

• Injunction against protestors at Macroom development extended for further week  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41067614.html

• Aldi gets green light for new Cork store in popular coastal town  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41068613.html

• Major Galway housing development planned as green light sought on sizeable build: The plan would bring much-needed accommodation to the area  https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/major-galway-housing-development-planned-8114984

• Plans for new 210-unit housing development in Kilkenny  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/property/1030451/breaking-plans-for-new-210-unit-housing-development-in-kilkenny.html

• PressUp group plan €40m hotel on landmark site in Kilkenny  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/pressup-group-plan-40m-hotel-on-landmark-site-in-kilkenny-0tfxw380x

• The green light has been given for a nine-unit housing development in the centre of Belturbet Town.  https://www.anglocelt.ie/2023/02/11/planning-for-belturbet-housing-development/

• Council in Westmeath ‘struggling with plannning enforcement’  https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2023/02/07/council-in-westmeath-struggling-with-plannning-enforcement-2/

• €80m private hospital to be built in midlands as project gets green light: Work on 99-bed acute hospital in Tullamore is to begin later this year, while the midlands-based developer is in negotiations to secure a tenant-operator for the new medical campus https://www.businesspost.ie/news/e80m-private-hospital-to-be-built-in-midlands-as-project-gets-green-light/

• Major development plans unveiled for pub in Offaly including a caravan park and glamping pods https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/1029964/major-development-plans-unveiled-for-pub-in-offaly-including-a-caravan-park-and-glamping-pods.html

• Extensive refurbishment plan in the works for Sligo City Hotel https://www.oceanfm.ie/2023/02/07/extensive-refurbishment-plan-in-the-works-for-sligo-city-hotel/

• Plans for block of 35 apartments in Dingle  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/plans-for-block-of-35-apartments-in-dingle-316502

• O’Flynn’s attempt to object to neighbour’s insolvency plan goes to Supreme Court: High Court previously ruled the developer had no right to be heard on John O’Driscoll’s insolvency arrangement https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/02/07/developer-michael-oflynns-attempt-to-object-to-neighbours-insolvency-plan-goes-to-supreme-court/

• Modular building specialist, Mac Zero has just been awarded ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems, and ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, following a rigorous certification process with the gold standard of certification bodies, UKAS Accredited Auva Certification: https://www.irishrealestate.news/modular-specialist-mac-zero-scores-iso-certification/

• Former Roadbridge workers awarded €60,000 in redundancy dispute: Payment brings their UK severance pay up to Irish rates  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/02/10/former-roadbridge-workers-awarded-60000-in-redundancy-dispute/

• McKillen jnr’s Press Up plans to open new Dean hotel in Belfast: Dublin-based hospitality giant in bid to develop 91-bedroom hotel with rooftop swimming pool next to Ulster Hall  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/02/07/mckillen-jnrs-press-up-plans-to-open-new-dean-hotel-in-belfast/

• Call to sanction cladding suppliers that made £7.5bn profit since Grenfell disaster: Manufacturers of insulation installed on the tower have yet to agree a voluntary funding scheme to fix dangerous buildings  https://amp.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/feb/05/call-to-ban-global-cladding-suppliers-that-made-75bn-profits-since-grenfell

PROPTECH, ESG, MMC & CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

• Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2023 Irish technology providers for the built environment – From smart design and planning right through to the smart property transaction, where does your Irish-led or Ireland-based proptech  or MMC business sit?  Pease take five minutes to add or update your details to our internationally-shared listing here: SIGN UP HERE: *https://prop-tech.ie/register/ *and email product or service details to hello@prop-tech.ie

• The Irish Business Design Challenge (IBDC) is open to all micro, small and medium enterprises in Ireland that have designed sustainable products, services, or strategies that have benefited their customers, communities and the environment at large  https://www.dcci.ie/ibdc-2023 (deadline today!)

• Ireland-based property portal Daft launches Advantage Lite Ads  https://aimgroup.com/2023/02/09/ireland-based-property-portal-daft-launches-advantage-lite-ads/

• Lisa Ainsworth predicts sales of €5m this year for her venture Nuwave Sensors: Businesswoman and electronic engineer Lisa Ainsworth together with her husband founded Nuwave Sensors, a company that designs and manufactures smart sensors that monitor air quality in controlled environments  https://www.businesspost.ie/news-focus/lisa-ainsworth-predicts-sales-of-e5m-this-year-for-her-venture-nuwave-sensors/

• Cracking the code: What’s next for digital in offsite manufacturing?  https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/featured/cracking-code-whats-next-digital-offsite-manufacturing/120806/

• A new study has found that the construction industry needs to prioritise innovation and digital technology to ensure a productive and sustainable construction sector in Ireland.  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0208/1354473-innovation-key-for-a-productive-construction-sector/

• How volumetric modular can cut carbon emissions in 2023  https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/mmc-news/volumetric-modular-cut-carbon-emissions-2023/120861/

• Blueprints for a dream: the new age of virtual architecture: Aspiring architects are using social media, AI and digital technology to showcase their fantastical creations to the full  https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/feb/05/blueprints-for-a-dream-virtual-architecture-drawing-attention-architecture-in-the-age-of-social-media-hamza-shaikh-vanishing-points-roca-london-gallery

• What Is PropTech? Top Trends In 2023 and Beyond – Stockhead https://stockhead.com.au/tech/what-is-proptech-top-trends-in-2023-and-beyond/

• Generative AI is building the foundation of proptech’s next wave | TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/07/generative-ai-is-building-the-foundation-of-proptechs-next-wave/

• PropTech Today – Is technology beefing up ready for the future of auctions?  https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2023/2/proptech-today–is-technology-beefing-up-ready-for-the-future-of-auctions

• Proptech company Immo to invest $1.2B in UK residential property  https://aimgroup.com/2023/02/10/immo-to-invest-1-2bn-in-uk-energy-efficient-residential-property/

• Seven week completion ‘shows what can be done’ says UK proptech firm: BreezeMove says completion in just seven weeks proves its software can speed up homebuying https://thenegotiator.co.uk/seven-week-completion-shows-what-can-be-done-says-proptech-firm/

• Prop-tech platform OpenBrix has revealed a strategic partnership with a digital identity provider, Yoti  https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2023/2/proptech-integration-claims-to-reduce-admin-chore-for-agents

• WeMaintain has announced the opening of a new office in Manchester as it begins work on the Metrolink tram network  https://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/news/tech-news/2023/02/paris-proptech-scale-opens-manchester

• France-based proptech Unlatch off to a fast start in Spain  https://aimgroup.com/2023/02/09/france-based-proptech-unlatch-off-to-a-fast-start-in-spain/

• Proptech Firm OfficeSpace Surveys Customers and Suggests Strategy: The takeaways are managing hybrid, creating a work environment with purpose, and adapt with change. https://www.globest.com/2023/02/08/proptech-firm-officespace-surveys-customers-and-suggests-strategy/

• Only two weeks after BOMA New York announced the formation of its Proptech Committee, Google’s Sidewalk Labs and BOMA New York hosted an engaging, practical conversation on sustainability and decarbonization  https://rew-online.com/sidewalk-labs-hosts-boma-new-york/

• SFV have co-led Gradient’s Series A financing round. Gradient’s novel technology allows users to access the efficient heating and cooling of a heat pump in a beautiful, affordable, and easy-to-install product. https://sustainable-future-ventures.medium.com/sfvs-investment-in-gradient-a991dc53ff59

• WeWork founder Adam Neumann’s new startup aims to make renters ‘feel ownership’ over their home. He says it has something to do with how you deal with a clogged toilet https://fortune.com/2023/02/08/adam-neumann-flow-real-estate-andreesen-horowitz-startup/

• More M&A activity: MooveGuru proptech service provider acquires Relocator: The “eight-figure transaction” includes Relocator’s platform, employees and its clients  https://www.realtrends.com/articles/mooveguru-proptech-service-provider-acquires-relocator/

• Venture capital firm and Proptech accelerator, REACH Australia has launched a listing portal featuring all the available Proptech tools and platforms across Australia and New Zealand https://eliteagent.com/reach-australia-launches-proptech-listing-portal/

• SQUID-INSPIRED SMART WINDOWS MAKE BUILDINGS MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT  https://www.yankodesign.com/2023/02/05/squid-inspired-smart-windows-make-buildings-more-energy-efficient/

• Proptech startups grew 200% since 2016: The decades-long state of inertia has been broken as Indian real estate gears up to become a $1-trillion industry by 2030 https://www.thehansindia.com/business/proptech-startups-grew-200-since-2016-782321 https://www.thehansindia.com/business/proptech-startups-grew-200-since-2016-782321

ENERGY, CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

• Ireland well behind EU in renewable heating and cooling: The share of renewables in heating and cooling across the EU has seen a significant increase, but Ireland lags behind, according to figures from Eurostat. https://www.farmersjournal.ie/amp/ireland-well-behind-eu-in-renewable-heating-and-cooling-747599

• Wind generates record 41% of Irish electricity: The figures for January easily beat the previous record set in 2022.  https://www.newstalk.com/news/wind-generates-record-41-of-irish-electricity-1435276

• Government faces sparking rural backlash over plan to relax wind turbine rules https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/government-faces-sparking-rural-backlash-over-plan-to-relax-wind-turbine-rules-42330384.html

• Government departments pushed regulator to drop €100m energy levy on big businesses: The Commission for Energy Regulation scrapped its plan for tariffs on certain companies in the face of outside pressure https://www.businesspost.ie/news/government-departments-pushed-regulator-to-drop-e100m-energy-levy-on-big-businesses/

• From Dundalk and Drogheda to Dalkey, Bray and Wicklow – the seaside locations with wind turbines on the horizon: Host of planning applications on the way as pace quickens on first offshore wind projects  https://m.independent.ie/news/environment/from-dundalk-and-drogheda-to-dalkey-bray-and-wicklow-the-seaside-locations-with-wind-turbines-on-the-horizon-42330389.html

• Plans for 67-metre-high wind turbine in Castleisland  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/plans-for-67-metre-high-wind-turbine-in-castleisland-316829

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NEWS (including PRS)

• Huge interest expected in €59m Blackrock apartment scheme: Rockpoint apartment complex will offer 91 units for rent between Blackrock and Seapoint, at anticipated rates of €2,600-€4,000+  https://www.businesspost.ie/property/huge-interest-expected-in-e59m-blackrock-apartment-scheme/

• Businesses struggle with effects of the housing crisis  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0210/1355914-businesses-struggle-with-effects-of-the-housing-crisis/

• New house-buying scheme is skewed in favour of richer  https://m.independent.ie/opinion/letters/new-house-buying-scheme-is-skewed-in-favour-of-richer-42333805.html

• Securing that first home is difficult, but not impossible: Here are some tips and tactics to improve first-time buyers’ chances of getting the key to their own door  https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2023/02/08/brianna-parkins-securing-that-first-home-is-difficult-but-not-impossible/

• More homebuyers now eligible for Local Authority Home Loan  https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/4b19c-more-homebuyers-now-eligible-for-local-authority-home-loan/

• Some 20,000 people in long-term mortgage arrears to be targeted in debt deals campaign: Those in arrears for years to be targeted with ads encouraging personal insolvency arrangements  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2023/02/06/debt-write-off-deals-to-be-promoted-to-20000-people-in-long-term-mortgage-arrears/

• Southside property advertises ‘bedroom’ to rent with black plastic sheets instead of walls  https://lovindublin.com/news/southside-property-advertises-bedroom-to-rent-with-black-plastic-sheets-instead-of-walls

• Exiting landlords linked to 21,000 property transactions last year: Sherry FitzGerald warns about impending slowdown in construction, highlighting a drop in commencement notices  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/02/08/exiting-landlords-linked-to-21000-property-transactions-last-year-agent-says/

• No buildings available so far after Minister’s most recent urgent refugee accommodation appeal: Minister Roderic O’Gorman wrote to his ministerial colleagues recently in an urgent appeal for more properties.  https://www.thejournal.ie/urgent-appeal-govt-departments-refugee-accommodation-5992554-Feb2023/

• Government starts work on 61 large buildings to accommodate 2,700 refugees: The Ukraine Refurbishment Project is being coordinated by the Department of Housing and aims to refurbish buildings offered by state and private bodies https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/government-starts-work-on-61-large-buildings-to-accommodate-2700-refugees/

• Derelict Ireland: Government hasn’t paid out any money under vacant property refurbishment grant: More than 100 grant applications have been approved but no money has been paid out yet https://www.buzz.ie/news/irish-news/vacant-properties-derelict-home-scheme-29175251.amp

• Revenue to ask councils to identify empty homes liable for tax: The tax authority will no longer confine its database to self-declared vacant homeowners  https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/revenue-to-ask-councils-to-identify-empty-homes-liable-for-tax/

• Over 2,000 Homes Brought Back Into Active Use  https://www.constructionireland.ie/construction-news/294024/over-2-000-homes-brought-back-into-active-use

• Cork couple who are shining a light on dereliction in Ireland; ‘We fell in love with the people but we were really shocked by the high levels of dereliction, the housing crisis, the homeless crisis and decaying heritage’  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/corks-husband-wife-team-who-26214597

• Cabinet approves increase to Local Authority Home Loans in Galway by €20,000 https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/cabinet-approves-increase-to-local-authority-home-loans-in-galway-by-e20000/

• 15th Century Kilkenny guesthouse right at home in Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book for 2023  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/your-community/1032636/15th-century-kilkenny-guesthouse-right-at-home-in-ireland-s-prestigious-blue-book-for-2023.html

• High prices and low stock in southeast property market  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0210/1355870-south-east-property/

• Leitrim vacant house figures: A complex mix of dereliction and properties being picked up in ‘jig time’: Behind statistics for the county’s unoccupied homes lie a culture of underutilisation, definitions of what’s habitable and family reluctance to sell  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2023/02/06/leitrim-vacant-house-figures-a-complex-mix-of-dereliction-and-properties-being-picked-up-in-jig-time/
• Kerry property vacancy rate over double the national average  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/news/kerry-property-vacancy-rate-over-double-the-national-average-42331087.html
• Over 120 acres of lands just over Tipperary border going up for auction  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/border/1029710/over-120-acres-of-lands-just-over-tipperary-border-going-up-for-auction-kilkenny-live.html
• Brighten up your interiors with these lights designed in Ireland: Here are our top handmade picks for this season  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41066753.html
• Inside Galway ‘self-build’ dream home showing family creating new four-bed house from scratch: One thing in particular really helped the family in the build  https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/inside-galway-self-build-dream-8127787
• Q&A: What’s the best way to use space in my small home office? What’s the best form of storage and separation for a small home office area in an open-plan room?  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41066270.html

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY NEWS

• Commercial property market in a downturn, investors believe: Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland report finds 42% expect to see a decline in office rental values of up to 10%  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/02/11/commercial-property-market-in-a-downturn-investors-believe/

• ‘Significant decline’ in warehouse sector activity despite annual jump: Just 15 deals completed in fourth quarter, the lowest on record, says Savills  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/02/09/significant-decline-in-warehouse-sector-activity-despite-annual-jump/

• Just 10% occupancy in offices on a Monday or Friday, new research shows: Survey by Savills and Dublin Chamber shows half of employers require workers to be in office for two or three days a week  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2023/02/08/three-in-four-companies-keep-office-footprint-despite-remote-working/

• The office market in Dublin proved robust in the last three months of 2022 despite pull-back in growth in the technology sector, according to a report by commercial property specialists CBRE  https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0208/1354307-dublin-office-market-robust-cbre-ireland/

• Meta’s Dublin docklands office primed for €80m sale: Proposed disposal comes as Facebook owner begins move to new European HQ in Ballsbridge  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/02/08/metas-dublin-docklands-office-primed-for-80m-sale/

• DUBLIN OFFICE BLOCK FOR SALE WITH €37.5M PRICE TAG  https://www.insidermedia.com/news/ireland/dublin-office-block-for-sale-with-37.5m-price-tag

• Lululemon, Doc Martens or toy giant Lego: New brands in the running for Cork’s St Patrick’s St: As Spanish chain Mango is set to open, a deal is being finalized to let the former Dorothy Perkins/Evans store and a new tenant is being sought for the former Oasis premises https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41067176.html

• Urban Green Private completes €23m purchase of Cork shopping centre: Douglas Village Shopping Centre is generating a total of €2,407,282 in rental income per annum  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/02/08/urban-green-private-completes-23m-purchase-of-cork-shopping-centre/

• Two landmark Galway City pubs put on the market https://connachttribune.ie/two-landmark-galway-city-pubs-put-on-the-market/

• An Bord Pleanála receives appeal for Waterford Retail Park extension  https://www.wlrfm.com/news/an-bord-pleanala-receives-appeal-for-waterford-retail-park-extension-290593

• Flying Tiger store closed in Killarney Outlet Centre  https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/flying-tiger-store-closed-in-killarney-outlet-centre-316838

• Omniplex group pays €21m for Scotch Hall Shopping Centre: Anderson family say opening of new cinema at Drogheda scheme is ‘top priority’  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2023/02/08/omniplex-group-pays-21m-for-scotch-hall-shopping-centre/

• Golden visa-funded Monaghan hotel closes over cash flow problems: Nuremore hotel and leisure centre is owned and controlled by Kai Dai, one of Ireland’s biggest cash-for-visa brokers, who is facing legal and regulatory issues  https://www.businesspost.ie/news/golden-visa-funded-monaghan-hotel-closes-over-cash-flow-problems/

• The Corner House Of Co. Tipperary Being Sold  https://www.hospitalityireland.com/amp/restaurant/the-corner-house-of-co-tipperary-being-sold-196413

• An application has been made to Carlow councils planning department from Chemist Warehouse to convert a vacant premises in the Four Lakes retail park on the Dublin Road to a retail warehouse.  https://kclr96fm.com/a-new-business-is-being-planned-for-carlow/

• Can-do attitude is in Ardee furniture brothers’ DNA: The 60-year-old family business founded by Ollie and Paddy Farrell has become a huge success supplying furniture to offices and student accommodation. Now run by Paul and Brendan Farrell, the company has never been slow to adapt and reinvent itself  https://www.businesspost.ie/property/can-do-attitude-is-in-ardee-furniture-brothers-dna/

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS

• UK house prices stabilise in January, according to latest Halifax HPI  https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planning-construction-news/uk-house-prices-stabalise-january-halifax-hpi/120900/

• A scion of the billionaire Barclay family has raised £100 million to buy up tired London offices and turn them into the modern, green blocks that tenants are increasingly demanding.  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/barclay-grandson-raises-100m-to-turn-old-office-blocks-green-x7gp2ztk6

• A decline in UK house building sees fastest fall since May 2020 for construction output, as reported by S&P Global / CIPS UK Construction PMI, which is a major concern for the future of the building industry and construction workloads, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).  https://www.fmb.org.uk/resource/decline-in-house-building-is-a-major-concern-for-the-industry-says-fmb.html

• Developer confidence is running high across England’s three major cities despite the present economic headwinds.  https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/02/07/developer-confidence-high-in-big-regional-cities/

• Subcontractors have been leaving sites run by £200m-turnover contractor Tolent after bills went unpaid https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/02/10/tolent-subcontractors-start-leaving-sites/

• LIFTbuild: New game-changing construction system in skyscraper industry: The top-down construction technique isn’t new, but its use in building megastructures could be the biggest change in construction history.  https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/liftbuild-building-towers-top-down?modal-plans

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/