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Pub Conversions Surge: Over 150 Vacant Pubs to Become Housing Units

by Emma Walker – News Editor
written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Pub conversions Surge as Ireland Tackles​ Housing Shortage

Table of Contents

Dublin, Ireland – A growing number of ‍vacant pubs across Ireland are undergoing a remarkable transformation, being ⁣converted into residential housing units to ⁤address ⁢the nation’s ongoing⁣ housing crisis. As 2018, local authorities have received notifications for more than 1,457 conversions of commercial properties, with over 150 specifically⁢ involving ⁢former ‌pubs.

Easing the⁤ Housing Crisis Through Adaptive Reuse

The ​shift comes after the Department‌ of Housing introduced new regulations‌ in‍ 2018, streamlining the process for converting vacant commercial buildings ‍into homes. These rules were expanded in ⁢2022 to explicitly include former pubs, removing the previous requirement for full planning permission. This strategic move aims to unlock the potential of underutilized spaces and ⁢rapidly increase housing availability.

Between 2018‌ and 2024, these conversions have the potential​ to create up to 3,429 new homes nationwide. Specifically, the 154 pub conversions notified to local authorities could yield as many as 459‍ additional housing units.

Did You Know? Ireland’s ‍housing crisis has been exacerbated by factors⁣ like population‍ growth, limited construction, and economic fluctuations.

Key Locations and Conversion Numbers

Several notable ⁣pubs have already been earmarked for conversion. These include The Players Lounge in dublin​ 3, Sean Mac D’s pub in ‌dublin ​6, The Chimes Bar in​ Cork, and Epic Bar and Nightclub in Ballyhaunis, County Mayo. Dublin City⁤ Council has received the highest number of conversion⁣ notifications,‍ totaling 153, while Limerick ⁣City and County Council‌ follows ‌closely with‌ 125.

Local Authority Conversion Notifications (2018-2024)
Dublin City Council 153
Limerick City and County Council 125
Total National 1,457

Government Support ‍and Future Outlook

Minister‍ for Housing James browne emphasized the vital role of these planning ⁢exemptions in unlocking the potential of vacant buildings. ⁣He‌ stated, “I feel very strongly about ‍buildings⁤ lying often​ vacant in the middle of a housing crisis and to be honest, it ⁢is​ not acceptable if a conversion is possible. It is imperative that we convert suitable properties‌ into homes and give people the opportunity to do that.”

Minister of State with responsibility for planning, John Cummins, added that⁣ the exemptions ​have been effective​ in “encouraging the transformation of vacant commercial buildings,‍ including space above shops, into residential use.”⁤ Last year alone saw a record 292 conversion notifications,signaling⁤ a growing trend.

Pro ‌Tip: Adaptive reuse​ projects, like pub conversions, frequently enough require careful ⁣consideration of building codes and accessibility‌ standards.

What impact will these ​conversions ⁢have on the‌ character ​of Irish towns ⁤and cities? And how can⁣ similar strategies be applied⁣ in other ‌countries facing housing shortages?

The ​Broader⁢ Trend⁤ of Adaptive Reuse

The‍ conversion of pubs into housing is part of a larger global trend of adaptive⁣ reuse – repurposing existing buildings for new⁢ functions. This approach offers several benefits, ‌including reducing construction waste, preserving architectural heritage, ⁤and ⁣revitalizing communities. According to a report by the National Trust,⁣ adaptive reuse can reduce the carbon footprint of⁢ construction by up to​ 80% [[1]]. This ⁤strategy ‌is especially relevant in historic ⁤urban areas ⁤where‍ land⁤ is scarce and expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • what ‍is ⁢driving the increase in pub-to-housing conversions? The primary driver is Ireland’s⁤ ongoing housing crisis and ‍government policies designed to streamline the conversion process.
  • Are there any restrictions on converting a⁢ pub into ⁤housing? While full planning ​permission is not always required, conversions must still comply with building regulations and accessibility standards.
  • how many ⁤homes are ‌expected to be ⁣created through​ these conversions? Up to 3,429 ⁢new homes are possibly achievable through the 1,457 notified conversions, with 459 stemming from‍ pub conversions.
  • Which areas of Ireland are seeing‍ the moast⁢ activity? Dublin ⁤and Limerick are currently leading ⁤the​ way ⁢in terms of conversion notifications.
  • What are⁣ the benefits of adaptive reuse like this? Adaptive​ reuse reduces waste, preserves heritage, and provides much-needed housing in a ⁤sustainable manner.

This innovative approach to housing offers a promising ⁣solution to Ireland’s⁣ challenges, demonstrating how​ creative thinking ⁢and‌ policy changes can ⁢revitalize communities and address⁣ critical needs.

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Business

Property Disclosure Laws: CCPC Calls for Government Action

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Here’s an introduction to new laws that would require home sellers to provide additional pre-sale details to buyers, based on the provided text:

New Laws Proposed to Enhance Transparency and Efficiency in Home Sales

A recent report from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has highlighted meaningful information gaps in the home-buying process, leading to delays and potential sales falling through. The CCPC is calling for new laws that would mandate home sellers to provide a greater level of pre-sale information to prospective buyers. This initiative aims to address critical issues identified at both the initial viewing stage and during the subsequent conveyancing process, ultimately protecting consumers from financial loss, stress, and wasted time.

currently,the principle of “buyer beware” in the Republic of Ireland places the onus on the buyer to investigate a property’s condition and legal standing. However, the CCPC’s findings indicate that this approach has resulted in “widespread consumer detriment.” To combat this, the proposed legislation would require that no property be put on the market without essential details being confirmed. This includes verifying tax compliance, ensuring the seller possesses the title deeds, and confirming whether the property is undergoing probate. Furthermore, sellers and estate agents would be obligated to readily disclose any publicly available information regarding environmental risks associated with the property, such as flood, noise, or radiation maps.

The report also advocates for the creation of a new conveyancing profession to streamline the legal aspects of property transactions. with property transactions on the rise, the CCPC emphasizes the growing importance of skilled conveyancers to navigate legal complexities and ensure smooth sales. The CCPC’s research underscores the public’s desire for a more transparent system, with a significant majority believing that information shared with one buyer should be disclosed to others. This push for greater transparency and proactive disclosure aims to create a more equitable and efficient market for all involved in buying a home.

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Business

Is it sensible to buy a house together in Ireland if you’re not married?

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

This text discusses the legal and financial implications of cohabitation, notably in Ireland, focusing on the Cohabitants Act 2010. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Rights for Cohabitants (under the Cohabitants Act 2010):

Redress Claims: Cohabitants are not automatically entitled to financial redress upon relationship breakdown or death.they must apply to the court and prove they were financially dependent.
 Time Limits: Applications for redress must be made within two years of the relationship breakdown or within six months of probate being granted if a cohabitant has died.

Cohabitation Agreements:

Purpose: Couples can protect their financial interests by entering into a cohabitation agreement, especially if they don’t intend to marry.
 Opting Out: This agreement allows couples to “opt out” of the right to make a redress claim against each other under the 2010 cohabitants Act.
Asset Separation: It can specify how assets will be divided if the relationship ends, allowing for amicable agreements. Property Protection: It’s highly advisable if one partner is bringing someone into a property they own or that has been in their family, as it can prevent claims on that property. validity Requirements: For a cohabitation agreement to be valid and enforceable, both partners must:
 Get self-reliant legal advice.
Sign the agreement.
 Benefits: Having everything in writing reduces the likelihood of disputes and court involvement, as everyone knows their position.

Inheritance Implications:

No Automatic Rights: Cohabitants have no automatic right to inherit from their partner’s estate if there is no will, nonetheless of the relationship’s length. Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT): Even if a will exists, cohabitants will pay CAT at 33% on gifts or inheritances exceeding €16,250.
Comparison to Marriage: Married couples have automatic inheritance rights (spouse gets the whole estate tax-free if no will, or two-thirds if no will and children exist). Cohabitants can face significantly higher inheritance tax.

advice for Breaking Up:

Seek Legal Advice: If cohabiting couples are considering a breakup and are concerned about their finances, they should seek legal advice before ending the relationship. Plan ahead: It’s recommended to sit down and plan for potential outcomes with an impartial advisor. Mediation: If agreement on financial matters is difficult, mediation is a less costly option than legal proceedings.
* Clarity Prevents Disputes: Being clear-headed and having open conversations at the outset of living together can mitigate future disputes. The text emphasizes that contentious breakups are stressful, upsetting, and time-consuming.

In essence, the text highlights that while the Cohabitants Act 2010 offers some protections for cohabitants, these are not automatic and require proactive steps. Cohabitation agreements are presented as a crucial tool for financial security and dispute prevention,and the significant inheritance tax disadvantages compared to marriage are also emphasized. The overarching message is to be proactive, communicate openly, and seek legal advice to protect financial interests in cohabiting relationships.

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Business

Irish mortgage rates fall to two-year low – The Irish Times

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Irish Mortgage Rates Dip, Still Above Euro Zone Average

Mortgage interest rates in Ireland have hit their lowest point in two years, yet remain higher than the average across the euro zone. New data highlights the nuances of the Irish mortgage market.

Rate Trends and Analysis

The Central Bank of Ireland reported Wednesday that the weighted average interest rate for new home loans was 3.66 percent in May. This represents a decrease of 0.5 percentage points over the preceding 12 months.

However, Irish mortgage rates still exceed the euro area average by 34 basis points. This places Ireland eighth highest among nations sharing the euro, a slight improvement from fifth place in April.

Darragh Cassidy, head of communications at Bonkers.ie, noted rates are at a two-year low, and further cuts from the European Central Bank (ECB) are anticipated. He advises exploring the variance in rates and using a mortgage broker.

Expert Perspectives

According to Fiona McMahon, senior mortgage adviser at NFP Ireland, some lenders have already responded to recent ECB moves. “Notably Avant Money, which became the first to reintroduce mortgage rates under 3 per cent since 2022.”

McMahon also cautioned, “That kind of competitive pricing remains the exception, not the norm.”

Trevor Grant, chairman of Irish Mortgage Advisors, acknowledged the positive trend but stressed that Irish borrowers are still paying more than their European counterparts. He stated that the gap might narrow if lenders respond competitively.

Market Dynamics

Recent data indicates a surge in mortgage amounts for first-time buyers. Grant noted, “The latest Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) data shows that the median mortgage for a first-time buyer has surged by 36 per cent since 2019, now sitting just shy of €300,000,” adding this figure is higher in expensive areas.

Despite these pressures, mortgage approvals have reached record levels, indicating strong buyer interest, especially among first-time buyers.

Overall Lending Volume

The Central Bank also reported that the total value of new mortgages agreed in May reached €943 million, a 15 percent increase compared to the same month last year. As borrowing increases, the U.S. personal savings rate has fallen to 3.2% in April 2024, suggesting consumers are spending more of their income (Trading Economics).

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World

Irish rents rise by 115% since 2010, more than four times EU average – The Irish Times

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Irish Rents Skyrocket, Far Outpacing EU Averages

Rental rates in Ireland have surged dramatically since 2010, climbing more than four times the average seen across the European Union. A new report highlights the stark contrast.

Soaring Rental Costs

Eurostat data indicates that between 2010 and the first quarter of 2025, average rents in Ireland jumped by 115%. This increase significantly outstrips the EU average of 27.8% over the same period.

EU-Wide Trends

Across the EU, rental prices generally increased, with 26 countries experiencing rises. Estonia (220%), Lithuania (184%), and Hungary (124%) saw even greater increases than Ireland. Greece was the exception, with a decrease of 11% in rental prices.

House Price Fluctuations

Irish house prices have experienced considerable volatility since the 2010 financial crisis, when they initially dropped by 12.5%. Further declines followed in subsequent years before a rebound began in 2014.

House Prices vs. Rents

Eurostat’s analysis reveals that in most EU countries, house prices increased more than rents between 2010 and 2025. Hungary and Estonia saw house prices more than triple. Only Italy saw a decrease in house prices, falling by 4%.

Diverging Trends

While house prices and rents in the EU followed similar patterns initially, their paths diverged after 2011. Eurostat noted that “While rents have increased steadily, house prices have followed a more variable pattern.”

Government Response

In response to falling supply, the Irish government has reformed rent pressure zones (RPZs) to encourage investment. Landlords can now reset rents to market rates when a tenant leaves, although critics worry this could lead to evictions.

Latest Data

The most recent data indicates continued price growth. Across the EU, house prices rose by 5.7% annually in the first quarter of 2025, while rents increased by 3.2%. Compared to the previous quarter, house prices rose by 1.4% and rents by 0.9%.

As of July 2024, the average monthly rent nationwide in Ireland was €1,836, marking a 0.9% increase compared to the previous year (Residential Tenancies Board).

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News

Ireland Housing: New Laws for Foreign Nationals Planned

by Emma Walker – News Editor
written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Ireland Revisits Housing Support Legislation for Foreign Nationals Amidst Opposition

Table of Contents

Dublin, Ireland – The Irish government is making a renewed push to legislate eligibility criteria for housing support aimed at foreign nationals, a move that has already sparked significant controversy [[1]]. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a statutory basis for determining access to social housing and emergency accommodation, but faces strong opposition from campaigners and the Opposition who argue the changes are unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Key Changes to Housing Support Eligibility

The proposed legislation, expected to be presented to Cabinet in the coming weeks, aims to clarify the requirements for foreign nationals seeking housing support. Government sources assert that social housing is a “long-term” support, and therefore, eligibility should be limited to households legally and habitually resident in the State. The legislation will also exclude those under temporary protection, such as individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine, from being considered “habitually resident.” Moreover, it seeks to clarify that local authorities are not obligated to provide homeless services to EU citizens ineligible for social housing supports.

Did You Know? The number of homeless people in Ireland reached a record high in April 2024, with over 13,800 individuals without a home, according to official figures from the Department of Housing [[2]].

A housing source stated that the government is codifying what has been an administrative policy since 2011, intending to bring clarity and consistency to housing support entitlements. The legislation will include an appeals mechanism and exempt children from residency requirements.

Opposition and Campaigner Concerns

Campaigners and the Opposition have voiced strong criticism of the proposed changes. Focus Ireland’s director of advocacy and research,Mike Allen,described previous legislative attempts in this area as “a poorly drafted response to a problem that does not exist.” He argued that there is no evidence of social housing being allocated to individuals without the right to live in Ireland.

Allen also warned that restricting local authorities’ capacity to provide emergency shelter on a short-term humanitarian basis would lead to more people sleeping on the streets, with “certain consequences” for public health and safety. Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin called the proposals a “deeply disingenuous and dangerous briefing,” accusing the government of shifting blame for the housing and homelessness crises onto migrant communities.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about local council meetings and public consultations related to housing policy to voice your concerns and contribute to the discussion.

Ó Broin emphasized that residency rules are already applied to social housing applications and access to emergency accommodation. He believes the proposed Bill aims to enshrine existing practices into primary legislation, accusing Minister for Housing James Browne of wasting resources on unnecessary legislation.

Existing “Local Connection” Requirements

Minister Browne outlined the conditions applied by local authorities when determining a “local connection” for social housing applications in response to a parliamentary question. These conditions include:

  • Having lived in the area for five years at any time.
  • Being employed in the area or within 15km of it.
  • Being in full-time education or receiving specialist medical care there.
  • Having a relative living in the area for two years or longer.

Impact on Foreign Nationals Seeking Housing

The proposed legislation could considerably impact foreign nationals seeking housing support in Ireland. By requiring legal and habitual residency, the government aims to prioritize those with long-term ties to the State. However, critics argue that this approach could exclude vulnerable individuals and families in need of immediate assistance, potentially exacerbating homelessness and social exclusion.

Key Aspects of Proposed Housing Legislation
Aspect Description
Eligibility Criteria Requires legal and habitual residency in the State for social housing support.
Exclusions Excludes those under temporary protection (e.g.,Ukrainian refugees) from being considered habitually resident.
Emergency Accommodation Clarifies that local authorities are not required to provide homeless services to EU citizens ineligible for social housing.
Appeals Mechanism Introduces an appeals process for individuals denied housing support.
Exemptions exempts children from residency requirements.

What are the potential long-term consequences of these legislative changes on ireland’s social fabric? How can Ireland balance its obligations to international protection with the needs of its existing population?

Evergreen Insights: Ireland’s Housing Crisis and Immigration

ireland has faced a persistent housing crisis for over a decade,characterized by rising rents,limited supply,and increasing homelessness. The situation has been further intricate by increased immigration, both from within the EU and from countries outside the EU [[3]]. Balancing the housing needs of the existing population with the obligations to provide support for asylum seekers and refugees is a complex challenge for the Irish government.

Historically, ireland has had a relatively open approach to immigration, but recent pressures on housing and social services have led to increased scrutiny of eligibility criteria for various forms of support.The proposed legislation on housing support for foreign nationals reflects this evolving policy landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions About housing Support in Ireland

What is considered “habitual residence” in Ireland?

Habitual residence is a legal concept used to determine eligibility for certain social welfare benefits and services in Ireland. It generally refers to the place where a person normally lives and intends to stay for the foreseeable future.

How does temporary protection status affect access to housing support?

Under the proposed legislation, individuals with temporary protection status (e.g.,those fleeing the war in Ukraine) would be excluded from being considered “habitually resident,” potentially limiting their access to social housing and related supports.

What types of housing support are available in Ireland?

Ireland offers various forms of housing support, including social housing provided by local authorities, rental assistance schemes, and emergency accommodation for those experiencing homelessness.

Who is eligible for social housing in Ireland?

Eligibility for social housing is typically based on factors such as income, residency status, and housing need. Local authorities assess applications based on these criteria.

What can I do if I am denied housing support in ireland?

The proposed legislation will introduce an appeals mechanism for individuals who are denied housing support. You should also seek advice from organizations that provide legal and advocacy services to immigrants and asylum seekers.

Disclaimer: This article provides general data and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

share your thoughts on this developing story! what impact do you think these changes will have on communities across Ireland? Subscribe to World Today News for continuous updates.

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