Industry News

Mar 19

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€137m plans lodged for the delivery of 580 new homes in Douglas, Cork

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

Plans have been lodged for the construction of 580 homes in Douglas, Co Cork.

Applicants Murnane & O’Shea (MOS) Homes Ltd. lodged a €137m plan with Cork County Council to build a new ‘village’.

Plans see the demolition of an existing dwelling house and agricultural outbuildings to make way for new houses and apartments.

In total, there will be 263 houses and 317 apartments delivered to the area.

Of the houses, there will be 88 four-bed semi-detached homes, four four-bed townhouses, 136 three-bed semi-detached homes,18 three-bed townhouses and 17 two-bed townhouses.

For the apartments, eight will be three-beds, 218 will be two-beds and 91 will be one-beds.

Douglas Cork Homes Credit: Deady Gahan Architects

Applicants Murnane & O’Shea (MOS) Homes Ltd. lodged a €137m plan with Cork County Council to build 580 new homes in Douglas, Co Cork. Credit: Deady Gahan Architects

These will be built across 27 buildings, measuring up to four storeys at the highest.

A two-storey building for a creche will be created to support the new community, providing spaces for 122 children.

A two-storey mixed-use building is also planned, with a retail unit and café at ground level and two more commercial units on the first floor.

Developers have proposed an extension to the Ballybrack Valley Pedestrian & Cycle Route as part of the application to provide connections for future residents.

In terms of access, a vehicular bridge over the Moneygurney Stream is proposed, which will lead to a new junction on the existing Carr’s Hill/Carrigaline Road (R609).

A decision on the 10-year planning permission is due in late March. Credit: Deady Gahan Architects

Once the new M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway is up and running, alternative access is suggested from the planned Carr’s Hill Junction.

This motorway will upgrade the N28 National Primary Route – connecting the port of Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour to both the M8 Cork-Dublin motorway and the Jack Lynch Tunnel.

Bicycle parking, bin storage facilities, landscaping and servicing proposals are also included in plans.

Murnane & O’Shea put forward their application to Cork City Council for ten-year planning permission in February.

Feature Image Credit: Deady Gahan Architects

Mar 04

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€46m hotel in Dublin City shot down but apartments get green light

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

Planning permission has been refused for the development of a €46 million hotel on Mount Street in Dublin city.

In December last year, Esprit Investments put forward an application for a mixed development on the site of the 19th-century buildings.

However, Dublin City Council granted partial permission and refusal.

On the residential side, the council approved the conversion of offices on 37 and 41 Mount Street into eight one-bed apartments, one three-bed apartment and one four-bed apartment.

The mews building at 50 James’s Place East is also to be converted to a residential dwelling with two bedrooms.

In December last year, Esprit Investments put forward an application for a mixed development on the site of the 19th-century buildings. Credit: Digital Dimensions

A three-storey building is to be constructed at the rear of 50 Mount Street and 50 James’s Place East for a studio and two two-bed apartments.

A public park was also approved for the grounds of 33-34 Mount Street Upper.

However, Dublin City Council shot down the demolition of existing buildings 38 to 43 James’s Place East to make way for a 7-storey, 300-room hotel.

At 11,550sq.m, it would have been one of Dublin’s biggest hotels.

Offices on 38, 39 and 40 Mount Street Upper would also be converted for hotel use.

A glazed link and bridge from the rear of 38 and 39 Mount Street Upper was planned for ground floor level. Then at the front, there will be two platform lifts.

Dublin City Council shot down the demolition of existing buildings 38 to 43 James’s Place East to make way for a 7-storey, 300-room hotel. Credit: Digital Dimensions

A multi-use school space and an arts/cultural space were also planned for the ground level of the hotel.

Dublin City Council refused permission for the hotel as its height and scale would “not contribute positively to the local area character and distinctiveness”.

The local authority also stated that the hotel “would have a significantly adverse and injurious impact on the special architectural character and setting of the Protected Structures”.

It is unknown if Esprit Investments will appeal this decision.

Feature Image Credit: Digital Dimensions

Feb 21

2

Building Information Index 2023 Q1-Q4

By Danny O Shea | Building Information Ireland, Industry News

Building Information Index 2023: Highlights and Outlook

Overall: Positive short-term outlook, but concerns exist for the long term due to a decline in new applications, particularly in the residential sector.

Key Metrics:

Commencements: Up 21% across all sectors.
Granted permissions: Steady (1% increase).
New applications: Down 41% (52% decrease in residential).

Sector-specific findings:

Residential: Positive short-term outlook due to high commencements, but negative medium to long-term due to the sharp decline in applications.
Commercial & Retail: Positive short-term outlook due to high commencements, but negative medium to long-term due to a decline in applications.
Medical: Neutral outlook due to strong current activity but a weakening pipeline with fewer applications and grants.
Education: Neutral outlook due to stable funding and pipeline despite a decrease in applications.
Agriculture: Positive outlook due to increases in all metrics.
Industrial: Positive outlook due to strong demand and increases in all metrics.
Social: Positive outlook due to strong demand and increases in applications and grants, but commencements decreased in 2023.

Additional notes:

The average time from application to commencement is 75 weeks across all sectors.
The LRD scheme appears to be functioning more efficiently than the previous SHD scheme.
Material costs and labour shortages are ongoing challenges for the industry.

Overall message: While current activity is strong, the decline in new applications paints a difficult picture for the future. More needs to be done to encourage and facilitate new projects, particularly in the residential sector.

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Feb 16

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Feature Image Credit: Fingal County Council

Construction of 300 homes begins in north Dublin

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

Work is now underway on the construction of 300 new homes in north Dublin.

Phase 1 of Fingal County Council’s Church Fields housing and community development in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 began on February 6, 2024.

The €133 million project will deliver 300 new dwellings with the majority to be houses.

The 220 houses are to measure up to two to three storeys of varying types – 68 two-beds, 133 three-beds and 19 four-beds.

The development will provide 80 apartments over three four-storey blocks. These will include 27 one-beds, 50 two-beds and three three-beds.

The site will have 180 affordable purchase homes, 80 cost-rental homes, and 40 social homes.

The construction of a creche, a communal facility and two retail units will also take place, on top of three public open-space pocket parks.

Work on access roads, footways, site boundaries, open space, drainage, public lighting, utilities and services will commence.

The development is part of the broader Church Fields Master Plan which hopes to build 1,000 new properties within the area.

Church Fields Credit: Fingal County Council

The €133 million project will deliver 300 new dwellings with the majority to be houses. Credit: Fingal County Council

At the sod-turning event, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar welcomed the commencement.

“The Government is committed to increasing the supply of housing,” he said.

“That’s why we are continuing to push forward with our large-scale building programme to provide new social, affordable and private housing right across the country, and in doing so give people tangible choices in their living and working locations.”

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien hailed Mulhuddart as a “vibrant community” where these new homes will “add further to the area”.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, stated that the Church Fields development represents “dedication” to providing housing solutions during a time of great demand.

“The commencement of these 300 new homes is a testament to Fingal’s hard work and its commitment to deliver sustainable, attainable, and quality housing. What’s more, it is not simply about the bricks and mortar of building homes, but about crafting a community.”

Feature Image Credit: Fingal County Council

Jan 02

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Construction begins on €55m residential development for Drogheda

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

Work has started on the €55 million Strategic Housing Development (SHD) on Old Slane Road in Drogheda, Co Louth.

The development, spearheaded by Lagan Homes Ireland Ltd, promises 237 new homes – 86 of which are houses and 151 duplexes and apartments.

Houses will range from one to three storeys with offerings of detached, semi-detached and terraced/townhouses.

In regards to the apartments, they will be hosted in buildings ranging from one to five storeys tall with 19 one-beds, 98 two-beds, 99 three-beds and 21 four-beds.

An Bord Pleanála gave the stamp of approval in February 2022, subject to conditions.

Work has started on the €55 million Strategic Housing Development (SHD) on Old Slane Road in Drogheda, Co Louth. Credit: DWDS

Construction then commenced on November 27 with the erection of 1-7 and 14-30 Gort Mell, Old Slane Road, Drogheda Co Louth.

On December 11, work also began on 8-13 Gort Mell, Old Slane Road, Drogheda Co Louth.

A creche is also set to be built on the site, with the hopes of providing 65 spaces for children.

An undercroft car park will be installed for Apartment Block 5.

Residents will have the option to install photovoltaic/solar panels on the front/rear roof slopes of the buildings, depending on orientation.

The development, spearheaded by Lagan Homes Ireland Ltd, promises 237 new homes – 86 of which are houses and 151 duplexes and apartments. Credit: DWDS

In terms of public open spaces, developers hope to have c.9,240sqm of area for residents, excluding the Mell Stream and the motorway bugger area.

A footpath with public lighting will also be constructed from the northern boundary of the site all along to the southern side – providing pedestrian-only access to the M1 Retail Park.

Feature Image Credit: DWDS

Nov 28

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Plans applied for €45m housing development on historic site in Limerick

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

A planning application has been applied for a €45 million housing development in Limerick.

Developers hope to build the Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) on the site of the former Ardhú House off Ennis Road.

The project hopes to change the use of the historical Ardhú House from commercial to residential use – demolishing all 20th-century extensions to the front, rear and side.

The protected structure will then be converted into four new apartments.

Developers Tribeca Asset Management Limited also hope to build seven detached two-storey houses on the site.

These will be accessed by an existing entrance on Roses Avenue.

Developers hope to build the Large-Scale Residential Development (LRD) on the site of the former Ardhú House off Ennis Road. Credit: G-Net 3D

The largest component of the development will see the erection of 167 apartments across five apartment blocks.

Varying from three to five storeys each, Block 1 will host 46 apartments with 17 one-beds and 29 two-beds.

Block 2 will be a part four and part five-storey building, comprising a creche with an outdoor play area on the ground floor and 26 apartments from the ground to the fourth floor (12 one-beds, 13 two-beds and one three-bed).

At five storeys, Block 03 will have 24 apartments in total (15 one-beds and nine two-beds).

Of the 44 apartments in Block 04(part four, part five-storey) 26 will be one-beds and 18
will be two-beds.

Finally, Block 05 will be a part three to part five-storey building with 25 apartments (11 one-beds, 14 two-beds) and two duplexes (one one-bed and one three-bed).

The largest component of the development will see the erection of 167 apartments across five apartment blocks. Credit: G-Net 3D

Private balconies/terraces for the apartments are proposed on all elevations for each block.

For Ardhú House, once all non-historic extensions are demolished, a new single-storey glazed extension will be added to the front, as well as another glazed addition to the south of the side wing on the ground floor.

On top of the four new apartments, Ardhú House will be refurbished for other residential amenity uses such as a gym, co-working space and administrative space at ground floor level and a lounge, dining, cinema and games room on the first floor.

Renovating the historic building will involve the removal of some internal walls, internal renovations to walls, ceilings, windows and joinery, repair of facades, repair and renewal of roof fabric and chimneys, repair and renewal of rainwater goods, and all associated conservation works.

For Ardhú House, once all non-historic extensions are demolished, a new single-storey glazed extension will be added to the front, as well as another glazed addition to the south of the side wing on the ground floor. Credit: G-Net 3D

Ancillary works include the relocation of an existing vehicular entrance on Ennis Road 5.5m to the west and the relocation of the vehicular entrances on Roses Avenue to the south.

The existing vehicular entrance on Roses Avenue will be kept to provide pedestrian access and occasional service vehicle access to an ESB Substation and Switchroom only.

The development will also provide 94 car parking spaces, including five accessible spaces, 10 visitor spaces and 19 EV charging spaces.

Public open space and a children’s play area are also planned.

Tribeca Asset Management Limited submitted plans to Limerick City and County Council on 17 November 2023.

Feature Image Credit:G-Net 3D

Nov 02

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Construction begins on €72.5m Citywest Drive SHD in Dublin

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

Work on the €72.5 million Citywest Drive Strategic Housing Development (SHD) is officially underway.

On October 25, construction began on the first apartment block of the development on the lands at the Citywest Shopping Centre at Fortunestown, Dublin 24, South of Fortunestown Lane and West of Citywest Road.

The block (which has been dubbed ‘The Hazel’) is set to reach four storeys in height.

Known as Carrigmore Woods, the SHD will provide 290 homes in total across six blocks – Block A (The Oak), Block B (The Birch) & Block C (The Willow), Block D (The Hazel), Block E (The Hawthorn) and Block F (The Alder).

Each block will vary from four to six storeys above ground and provide balconies/terraces on all elevations.

Of the 290 apartments, 106 are set to be one-beds, 144 will be two-beds and 40 are to be three-beds.

Associated residential amenity facilities such as a childcare facility, four retail units and two café / restaurant units are included in current provisions.

Pedestrian walkways and lighting, cycle links, green roofs and waste facilities will also be provided for residents as well as 153 car spaces and 298 bicycle parking spaces.

Of the 2.9-hectare site, approximately 8% will be cordoned off for open spaces such as courtyards, children’s play areas and an outdoor gym.

Developers Ardstone Residential Partners Fund ICAV and OBSF (1) Ltd first submitted plans for the site over four years ago on October 21, 2019.

They received An Bord Pleanála’s stamp of approval with conditions in January 2020 with work finally commencing in October of this year.

Feature Image Credit: 3D Design Bureau

Oct 25

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Work begins on £100m Belfast Airport Revamp

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

Work has begun on the £100 million revamp at Belfast International Airport.

The extension will see a brand new security building for the airport in a five-year expansion plan.

In this building, Generation 3 x-ray equipment will be installed to keep the airport in line with the United Kingdom’s new guidelines.

The plan put forward by the airport’s owner VINCI Airports also sees an update to existing facilities, including an improved airside departure area with additional departure gates and extra seating.

Travellers in the future will be treated to extra shopping and catering facilities.

The Border Force area will also be extended over the next five years.

Phase one began this October with the demolition of the old arrivals terminal. Work will then commence on the construction of the new £25 million security building, next to the departures terminal.

It is estimated that 400 local construction jobs will be created for the duration of the build.

“VINCI Airports’ investment will support Belfast International Airport’s positive dynamic by strongly improving the passenger experience,” said Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions & President of VINCI Airports.

“The airport plays a pivotal role for aviation, tourism and the wider local economy. As a long-term partner, VINCI Airports is committed to sustainably develop the airport and increase its environmental performance”.

In December of last year, the UK government set a deadline of June 2024 for all of its airports to install the new Standard 3 x-ray equipment.

The new x-ray machines will see an end to 100ml liquid restrictions when travelling.

Instead, passengers will no longer have to take liquids and large electrical items out of their cabin luggage while going through security.

“The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change. I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security,” UK’s Transport Secretary Mark Harper said at the time.

“By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threat.”

Feature Image Credit: VINCI-Airports.com

Oct 11

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Plans applied for €193m 716-home residential development in Meath

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

AZRA Property Company Limited has put forward plans to deliver 716 new homes in Co Meath.

The applicants have applied for a ten-year contract to construct the €193 million development on the townlands of Castle Farm, Ruskin, and Clonee on a site of approximately 16.92HA.

Developers hope to build a mixture of apartments, duplexes, and terraced, semi-detached and detached houses of two storeys.

There will be 517 apartments in total –123 one-beds, 378 two-beds and 60 three-beds across eight blocks varying in height from four to seven storeys.

There will be 517 apartments in total across eight blocks varying in height from four to seven storeys. Credit: Plus Architecture Ltd

They will be divided into three sections – the largest being Blocks A1, A2, A3 and A4 with 10 one-bed apartments, 202 two-beds and 24 three-beds in four to six-storey apartments.

These are followed by Blocks B1 and B2 with 55 one-beds, 80 two-beds and 12 three-beds, and finally Block C1 and C2 with 36 one-beds, 78 two-beds and 20 three-beds and finally Blocks C1 and C2 with

Of the 155 houses, six are two-bedroom houses, 69 are three-beds, 74 are four-beds and four are five-beds.

The dwellings will be constructed on lands bordered by agriculturally zoned lands on the east and south, west of the Iarnrod Eireann rail line and north of other residential developments.

Developers have also proposed alterations to two roundabouts on the R147 Old Navan Road to accommodate the new dwellings.

Of the 155 houses, six are two-bedroom houses, 69 are three-beds, 74 are four-beds and four are five-beds. Credit: Plus Architecture Ltd

Applicants Azra Property Company Limited submitted plans to Meath County Council on September 1.

The council are expected to reach a decision on the development by the end of this month, October 26.

Feature Image Credit: Plus Architecture Ltd

Sep 18

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Feature Image Credit: Graham Construction

Official Sod Turning Takes Place For First Build-To-Rent Apartments in Belfast

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

The official sod turning has taken place for the development of £117 million apartments in Belfast.

While preparatory construction work gas began on site in July, the main contractor Graham Construction has officially started work on the site which will deliver 778 apartments in the Titanic Quarter of the city.

Developers Watkin Jones held a ceremony on September 12 to mark the beginning of the first Build To Rent scheme in Northern Ireland.

Known as The Loft Lines, it will house 627 Build to Rent apartments alongside 151 affordable homes (for Clanmil Housing Association) across three different buildings.

Forward funded by Legal & General, they will include studios, one-bed, two-beds and three-beds on the 3.8-acre site.

The official sod turning has taken place for the development of £117 million apartments in Belfast. Credit: Todd Architects

Each block will provide a shared external amenity courtyard on the first floor and another amenity space at the roof level.

There will also be lounges, cinema rooms, sports and recreational spaces and children’s play areas for the apartments.

In a ‘resident first’ approach, cyclists and pedestrians will be prioritised over cars which includes bike storage with wash down and repair facilities as well as covered storage for visitors’ cycles.

The scheme was brought forward by a development partnership of Watkin Jones PLC, Pirrie Belfast Limited and Lacuna Developments.

While securing approval to go-ahead in October last year, construction was delayed due to the financial climate.

Known as The Loft Lines, it will house 627 Build to Rent apartments alongside 151 affordable homes (for Clanmil Housing Association) across three different buildings. Credit: Todd Architects

Speaking at the ceremony marking the dawn of construction, Group Investment Director for Watkin Jone George Dyer hailed the Titanic Quarter as an area ‘steeped in rich history’.

“Transforming this brownfield site into a thriving place to live and acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration,” he said with the backdrop of the Titanic Museum behind him.

“The development is being brought to fruition by a partnership approach between all stakeholders and funders and we are grateful for the genuine collaboration we have experienced with our partners. This event demonstrates the progress the teams are making for the city of Belfast.”

Anthony Best, Managing Director of Lacuna Developments, said it was ‘fantastic’ to see the development come to life.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the dawn of construction, Group Investment Director for Watkin Jone George Dyer hailed the Titanic Quarter as an area ‘steeped in rich history’. Credit: Graham Construction

“Along with public realm, retail for the wider TQ community and a creche which the scheme will deliver, it is hugely exciting to be involved in the event.”

Completion of the apartments is expected in late 2025.

Feature Image Credit: Graham Construction

Building Information Index 2023: Highlights and Outlook

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