Ireland round-up: Millions awarded for urban and rural regeneration; Capital Airbnb crackdown

Millions awarded for urban and rural regeneration

Ministers have announced the first projects that will be allocated a total of €100 million under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, launched in July this year as part of Project Ireland 2040.

The Planner

RTPI makes inclusivity commitment

The RTPI has committed to increase the diversity of the planning profession. It said the profession should be more representative of the communities it serves.

The Planner

Capital Airbnb crackdown

A dedicated team costing €400,000 which will police potentially illegal Airbnb-style rentals in the capital is to be formed by the city council’s planning department which is hoping to attract funding from the government.

Irish Times

Green light for Dublin offices near St Stephen’s Green

Dublin-listed property investment trust Hibernia Reit has received permission for an enlarged office scheme at the current Dublin regional Garda headquarters on Harcourt Street, which is a two-minute walk from St Stephen’s Green.

Irish Times

Rural broadband fast track?

The lead bidder for the National Broadband Plan is preparing to 'fast-track' rural connections next year, it has emerged.

Irish Independent

Sheds in gardens won't solve housing issues

Erecting log cabins or 'sheds' in back gardens will not solve the housing crisis and will set a “dangerous precedent”, the Irish Planning Institute has warned.

Irish Times

Balbriggan harbour scheme

A new harbour is set to be part of an ambitious €20 million investment to rejuvenate the Dublin settlement of Balbriggan, highlighted in the 2016 census as the town with the youngest population in the state.

Irish Independent

Thumbs down for Dalkey homes

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has backed residents, including broadcaster Pat Kenny and his wife Kathy, in their objection to plans for 19 flats and houses on a site adjacent to their Dalkey homes.

Irish Times

Dublin community garden threatened by rapid-build social housing

Residents living in one of the most developed parts of Dublin are protesting against the demolition of a community garden and allotments for rapid build social housing.

Irish Independent

Capital cycle-hire milestone

Just Eat bike users in the capital were treated to a seasonal surprise this week as the city’s much-loved bike hire scheme celebrated 25 million journeys with gift cards worth €25 each, hidden across the network.

Dublin City Council

Limerick masterplan commissioned

Limerick City and County Council has appointed Allies and Morrison, an internationally renowned firm of architects and urban planners, to develop a masterplan for 75 hectares of land, primarily in public ownership, to the south of the city and straddling the M20.

Limerick City and County Council