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Industry News

Apr 11
0

Minister for Education confirms that 20 school building projects to progress to tender stage

By | Industry News

Minister Norma Foley

“I am pleased that this programme will provide significant additional provision for children with special education needs at post-primary level and in special schools. This will be an important feature for post-primary school projects generally given the need to enhance our capacity to deliver provision for children with special educational needs at post-primary level.

The Department of Education

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD confirms that 20 school building projects, being managed and delivered on a devolved basis by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) on behalf of the Department, are expected to progress to tender stage.

The Minister can confirm that the first phase of the process for the procurement of design and build (D&B) contractors for the ambitious programme has been completed through the selection of five D&B contractors.

The second phase of the procurement process will involve the tendering of the first bundle of projects by these D&B contractors and the establishment of a contractor framework to tender for each subsequent bundle of projects as they become ready (design work completed and planning permission etc. obtained).

The 20 school building projects are being delivered in three distinct project bundles: Project Nore, Project Boyne and Project Dargle. Subject to the timelines for obtaining planning permissions, it is envisaged that these projects will proceed to tender and ultimately construction over the course of 2022 and 2023.

Project management and design team consultants have already been appointed for all projects within the programme. Each project bundle is currently progressing through a different stage of the design development process and, once they have completed the statutory approvals process, they can all then be expected to proceed to tender to the contractor framework.

These projects when completed will deliver in excess of 14,000 permanent school places (additional and replacement places) which includes over 50 special classes. It also includes new and modern facilities for 22 classrooms in two special schools. The overall list of 20 projects included in the programme is set out below.

Minister Foley said:

“The rollout of these projects to tender and construction is an important aspect of the Department’s overall delivery under the Government’s National Development Plan 2021 to 2030. They will assist in delivering on the provision of modern and sustainable infrastructure for the schools sector.

“I would also like to acknowledge the work of all the school communities, stakeholders and particularly the NDFA in driving forward with this major programme of school building projects. The NDFA is an important strategic delivery partner for the Department and I look forward to continuing to build on this relationship in the future with the rollout of further programmes.”

Welcoming this announcement Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan said:

“I am pleased that this programme will provide significant additional provision for children with special education needs at post-primary level and in special schools. This will be an important feature for post-primary school projects generally given the need to enhance our capacity to deliver provision for children with special educational needs at post-primary level.

“As a Government we are committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities for our students and I look forward to seeing these projects continuing to progress.”

ENDS

Apr 01
0

Observatory at the top of the Spire in O’Connell Street

By | Industry News

An application has been received for the construction of an observation platform at the top of ‘The Spire’ on O’Connell street #Dublin.

The 40m2 single storey building, which will be accessed by a lift and a stairway up the middle of the structure, will be primarily for the housing of telescopes to study the night sky, but will also be used for traffic reports in the city centre.

More details on this project here:

Mar 31
0

US Pharma giant submits plans for €76 million factory in Limerick

By | Industry News
Eli Lilly Limerick Plan

Proposed site

US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has put forward an application for a €76 million factory in Co Limerick.

The company is seeking a 10-year permission to develop a four-storey Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Campus with an overall floor plan of 47,384 sqm.

The main building will be approximately 18,534 sqm and 33 metres high with roof-mounted plant/equipment and solar panels.

Eli Lilly submitted the planning application to Limerick City and County Council on February 28 – but had made the big announcement in January of this year.

The proposed site is Raheen Business Park, a 5km distance from Limerick’s city centre.

A decision date from the council is due on April 14.

The new factory expects to deliver 300 jobs from engineers, scientists and operations personnel and a further 500 jobs during the plant’s construction with the corporation intending to invest €400 million into the new facility.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD welcomed the US company’s decision as “fantastic news”.

“The Mid-West has become a real hub for leading biopharma companies such as Lilly and I’m really pleased that the company has chosen Limerick for its new manufacturing centre, investing over €400m and creating 300 new, permanent jobs and a further 500 jobs during construction,” Mr Varadkar said.

“This new manufacturing centre is a significant expansion of that work and I wish the entire team the very best with the project.”

Eli Lilly Limerick Plan

Credit: Jacob’s Engineering Limited

Eli Lilly currently hires more than 2,500 employees in Ireland across its manufacturing campus in Kinsale, Co Cork as well a global business services centre in Cork’s Little Island and a commercial team which operates across the country.

The company first began its operations in Ireland back in 1978.

“Over the past 40 years, we have continued to invest in Ireland in part because of supportive government policies that value life science innovatio,’ said Senior vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations Edgardo Hernandez.

“This new Lilly campus in Limerick will allow us to expand our capacity to make innovative new medicines that can help treat some of the world’s most serious illnesses.

“This facility will use the latest technology to support advancements in science, productivity and sustainability, further establishing Lilly as a global manufacturing leader.”

CEO of IDA Ireland Martin Shanahan also hailed the announcement as demonstrative of the “confidence Lilly has in Ireland” and the Mid-West’s “strong talent pool”.

“I wish to assure Lilly of IDA Ireland’s continued support.”

Mar 22
0

Major construction of €62 million Palmerstown build-to-rent development begins

By | Industry News

Major construction has begun in Palmsterstown on a €62 million development that originally started site work last May.

The building of Block C and E of a strategic housing development at lands on Palmerstown Retail Park, Kennelsfort Road Lower, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 kicked off this month.

Although work originally began in May 28 last year, work on the first two blocks has only begun.

All in all, the development will see the creation of 250 “build to rent” apartments as well as a café and other residential facilities.

Block C will provide 47 of these apartments, 30 of which are one-beds and 17 which are two-beds.

The building will be six storeys high over a basement.

Palmerstown Build To Rent

Credit: Digital Dimensions

Block E, at eight storeys, will contain 63 apartments in total, 40 of which will be one-beds and 23 two-beds.

The development will consist of five blocks in total.

Block A will have 27 apartments ranging from three to six storeys over the basement and a communal roof garden on the third floor. Most apartments in the block will have both private balconies or terraces.

Block B is set to hold 46 apartments — comprising 18 one-beds and 28 two-beds at six storeys over the basement in height. All apartments will be provided with private balconies or terraces.

Palmerstown Build To Rent

Credit: Digital Dimensions

Block D will contain the most apartments with 67 at seven storeys in height. Of these dwellings, 33 will be one-beds and 34 will be two beds. Most apartments in this block will have private balconies or terraces.

The works will see the entire demolition of all existing structures on site.

The development will also include upgrades to vehicular and pedestrian/cyclist access to Kennelsfort Road Lower and landscaping consisting of play equipment and upgrades to the public realm.

While Randelswood Holdings Ltd submitted plans for the development, the McGrath Group is the main contractor of the project.

The property development group recorded profits of €5 million last year.

Palmerstown Build To Rent

Credit: McGrath Group

While work at the Palmerstown site began in 2021, commencements for that year remained static when compared to 2020.

The Building Information Index 2021 Q1-Q4 saw commencements stagnate at €10.5 billion – no change from 2020 and a 10% decrease from 2019.

However, cautious optimism is on the cards for the sector with residential planning applications up 54% in 2021.

This substantial rise is largely attributed to the number of Strategic Housing Development applications submitted in the later months of 2022.

Feb 24
0

New €10 million plan set to renovate historic Howth Castle

By | Industry News
Howth Castle

Credit: Darmody Architects

Howth Castle is set for a huge makeover with a €10 million plan submitted for its redevelopment.

In a joint application, WSHI Ltd. and the Michal J Wright Group submitted planning permission to Dublin’s Fingal County Council which could see the historic site transformed into a tourist hotspot.

The plan includes major restoration works alongside refurbishments and the construction of new buildings.

The development proposes the demolitions of some farm buildings as well as converting both the castle’s ground floors and the stable areas from primarily residential use to hospitality and tourist retail use.

In the stable area, a 150-seat glass pavilion restaurant is planned alongside both gin-making and cookery schools.

On the ground floor of the stable yard, a number of artisan retail stores are envisioned.

Meanwhile, within the main castle building, there are plans to change the use of the upper ground floor into tea rooms and a reception area.

On the lower ground floor, there will be a conversion of rooms to tea rooms, kitchens and storage areas.

No further works or changes have been made for the other floors of the castle other than a fire upgrade.

On the castle grounds and within the renowned walled gardens, there are intentions to construct a garden centre, a falconry and petting farm as well as picnic and play amenities

The erection of a temporary marquee and ancillary facilities for wedding events is also in current plans.

A pedestrian entrance is planned to open from The Howth Road along with schemes for 6km of walks and cycleways through the estate which aim to link Sutton and Howth.

These works will all be undertaken by a single management company which will cover the castle, the stable areas and attendant lands.

In a statement announcing the planning application, the Michael J Wright Group assured that the National Transport Museum will remain in the heart of the new development.

The project promises the creation of 150 new jobs when the redevelopment is completed, with 100 jobs during the construction phase.

Tetrarch Capital has owned the Howth Castle Estate since 2019 with the Michael J Wright Group now taking a 25-year lease.

The plans were submitted to the County Council on January 31 2022.

Feb 11
0

Beacon hospital gets green light for €23 million extension

By | Industry News

Credit: AO VIsuals

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) has approved the €23 million extension of the Beacon Hospital.

This development will see the demolition of the existing eight-storey Beacon Hotel, which was purchased by the hospital from John Malone’s MHL Collection hotel group in 2020.

It will include 70 new hospital beds as well as A&E facilities, oncology facilities and associated in-patient treatment rooms.

Ancillary administration offices and a staff and patient café are also in the proposed development plans.

In a report lodged with the application in August 2021, it was claimed that the private hospital was expecting to see 56,375 inpatient nights that year – a 30% increase from 2016.

Senior planner Orla Casey of Tom Phillips + Associates stated that the current design has “sought to balance the residential requirements of future occupants, patients
and staff in line with sustainable transport objectives, with the minimisation of any potential
impacts on the amenities of adjoining residential properties”.

On January 24, the DLCRR gave the green light to the extension, concluding that the development will not “detract from the amenities of the area and is consistent with the provisions of the current Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Plan”.

The go-ahead was granted despite numerous objections lodged, including by the 70 owners and tenants of the neighbouring Beacon One apartment complex.

Beacon One Management CLG had previously lodged an objection in September soon after planning applications were submitted.

Another submission was put forward in early January.

In the objections addressed to the local council, Beacon One Management CLG relayed their argument that their clients were not consulted on the proposed extension.

Brendan Buck, a director at BPS, affirmed that the development would make it impossible for his clients to access their apartments through the old hotel building — which clients had fought for in the High Court in 2019.

In another submission, Steven and Brid Ann Dag affirmed that the development would negatively impact their tenants both during and after construction work.

“Our tenant works from home and it is hard to see how he will be able to continue to work or even stay in the apartment with the level of noise, vibration and dust resulting from the proposed development work,” they said.

“The impact of noise and vibration will be intolerable for the tenant.”

Jan 12
1

Construction underway for €38m Strategic Housing Development in South Dublin

By | Industry News

The construction of a huge, multi-million euro building providing over 150 apartments in the leafy Dublin suburbs of Deansgrange is now underway.

Lodged by developers under the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) act in June 2020 and was given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála (ABP) in October of that year, it has an estimated build value of €38m.

The site, located to the south of Deansgrange Cemetery, west of Foxrock Close and north of the Deansgrange Neighbourhood Centre, had encountered a number of refused planning permissions in the past.

With the onset of the new year, work officially commenced on January 4 – beginning with the demolition of all existing buildings on site.

This included a two-storey office / car showroom building, a former petrol filling station and affiliated car showroom uses.

In their wake, a mixed use building of four to six storeys over basement will be built.

The new construction will provide 151 new apartment units from ground level to the fifth floor.

The ground floor level will also offer a restaurant/café and five commercial units for the use of either office/professional services, a medical centre, a gym or another restaurant/café.

Current proposals will see the parking (including for motorcycles), bin storage and plant rooms at basement level.

Bicycle and designated car sharing parking spaces with a loading/set down area have been propositioned for the surface level.

Outdoor communal open spaces are planned for both the surface level and on the fifth floor.

For all elevated levels, balconies or terraces will be provided for the units.

Developers also plan to make public realm improvements along Deansgrange Road’s frontage.

To facilitate the development, boundary treatments and landscaping, an ESB sub-station, drainage and service works, the provision of a vehicular access and egress point,  pedestrian/emergency access point from Deansgrange Road and all other ancillary works will be undertaken.

Dec 24
0
Belfast City Council

New £100 million tourism attraction announced for Belfast

By | Industry News

A new £100 million tourism attraction has been announced for the city of Belfast.

Located in the heart of the northern city, the multi-million project aims to tell the stories of the city and its people.

As part of the development, the listed Art Deco former Bank of Ireland building on Royal Avenue will be restored to house elements of the attraction.

The building was acquired by Belfast City Council with the surrounding 4,000sq/m site also set to be developed for an interactive visitor experience.

A state-of-the-art cultural film centre dedicated to showcasing the “best visual storytelling” from Northern Ireland and around the wider world is included in current plans.

In a move towards sustainable developments, a rooftop urban park providing sweeping sights of the city is being considered.

Belfast City Council announced that renewable energy solutions, such as geothermal energy sources, are currently being explored in relation to these projects,

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Kate Nicholl said the announcement represented a “significant moment” for the city.

“Belfast Stories will reflect the unique spirit of our city through a variety of media and immersive experiences. It will drive culture-led regeneration across the city, giving us the opportunity to put the people of Belfast and their stories at its heart,” she said in a statement.

“It’s an investment, not just in monetary terms, but in our people and the generations to come, and an important investment in our heritage and in our future. This is a hugely positive news story for the city and will reap benefits not just for our tourism sector, but in the creation of new jobs and regenerating communities.”

She said that this project will not just zero in on the city centre but also “connect to the development of neighbourhood tourism”.

This is the flagship project of the “once-in-a-generation” Belfast Region City Deal (BCRD) signed earlier this month and is one of the deal’s seven planned tourist attractions.

Although first announced in 2019, its terms were formally signed off earlier this month.

All in all, 20 ambitious projects have been proposed with the BCRD aiming to promote growth in sectors such as life and health sciences, digital and creative industries and advanced manufacturing.

Costing £1 billion in total, the deal also focuses on infrastructure developments.

A lofty sum of £300 million has been committed to five sectors of excellence across the region.

With both the Stormont and UK governments pledging £350million each, it is estimated that the deal will reel in up to 20,000 jobs over the next 10 to 15 years.

Six councils with proposed projects and universities are also contributing funds.

Other schemes proposed in the deal include a £55 million region innovation fund for Belfast, which is hoped will stimulate innovation in artificial intelligence and data, health and wellbeing and sustainability and resilience — which have been dubbed the three Grand Challenges.

Regeneration projects have also been put forward for surrounding areas of Belfast, including Newry, Hillsborough, Bangor seafront and Carrickfergus.

Dec 02
0

Heuston Masterplan seeks to transform area with over 1,000 new residential spaces proposed

By | Industry News

The Heuston Masterplan is set to completely transform the surrounding areas of Dublin’s Heuston Station into a sustainable, ‘car-free’ territory.

Launched by Córas Iompair Éireann’s (CIÉ) property division, the proposal will see the mass development of housing, commercial and retail space with direct local links to the many public transport systems available. 

More than 1,000 residential units form part of the development on the 10-hectare site, alongside office space for over 8,000 employees and a 250-bed hotel.

In collaboration with partners O’Mahony Pike Architects, the Heuston Masterplan published last month will see the construction of two bridges for cyclists and pedestrians across the River Liffey.

The Conyngham Road Green Bridge will offer a link between Heuston Station all the way to the gates of Phoenix Park.

On top of that, the Phoenix Park tunnel will be extended to provide a second river crossing.

In an effort to encourage more active travel, the plan proposes 5,000 bike parking places around the area.

Existing car parking spaces at the station are also set to be gradually phased out. Drop-off areas and taxi ranks will remain in place. 

Approximately one kilometre of river frontage will open up in order to interlink the green assets and public amenities of Phoenix Park and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).

Previously announced in the Dart+ South West plans, a new train station is set to be developed at Heuston West.

The CIÉ also promised that ongoing transport operations and planned enhancements will be safeguarded.

Current plans see the office district located predominately in the eastern part of the land while residential areas will be situated between the new Dart station and the existing station.

Mixed-uses amenities will be positioned in proximity to key movements, such as arrival points around the site, ‘veneer’ frontages and at transport interchanges.

Although final costs for the ambitious project remain undetermined, gross development value currently estimates it in the ballpark of an eye-watering €1 billion.

Expected to proceed in phases, the plan will take around 15 years to complete.

While working with estate agents Lisney, CIÉ will seek a developer partner in the first half of 2022.

Current intentions see the planning application submitted in 2023 with construction to commence ‘as soon as possible’ after.

Jun 04
1

Residential Pipeline of Construction Works

By | Industry News

Housing stock is continually under scrutiny in the press these days. Whether it is social housing or strategic housing developments, rent inflation or mortgage rates, it all points to one consistent message. There is a perennial need for more housing. Kieran McQuinn of the ESRI stated this week in his recent publication “While there are many pressing demands for additional State capital investment, without significant investment in residential construction, we risk experiencing another decade of inadequate housing supply and resulting upward pressure on residential prices and rents.”

With that in mind we took a deeper look in the BuildingInfo database to try to understand what the pool of planned activity in the housing sector is. We looked at projects that have been granted planning permission, but have not yet started works, and indeed have not yet expired. This represents the intent in the industry to supply housing as it stands which has not yet been acted on. Coupling this with population figures for each county from the most recent CSO census we have compiled the table.

As you can see, there are some stark differences between counties in terms of the pipeline of residential construction opportunity. Does this match with current demand trends? The east coast, and city regions clearly have a higher demand, and this graph matches that demand with potential supply. The problem is, it is still only a potential supply! For more details log onto buildinginfo.com and assess for yourself.