Sean Pollock

1 week ago | independent.ie | Sean Pollock

Glenveagh Homes recently resubmitted a planning application to build 502 homes near Dundalk, Co Louth. The land has sparked plenty of tensions between the listed housebuilder and a group of councillors in the county. In November, Louth councillors voted to de-zone the land for residential purposes and make it a “strategic reserve” in the Dundalk Local Area Plan. In March, councillors voted to confirm the de-zoning despite an intervention from the planning regulator.

1 week ago | independent.ie | Sean Pollock

Trump’s attack on DEI has prompted several companies to pull sponsorships from Pride festivals, leading to funding difficulties at events around the world. Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that three-quarters of more than 100 Pride organisers in the UK have seen a decline in corporate partnerships this year. According to Pride in London, withdrawals were particularly pronounced from American businesses.

1 week ago | independent.ie | Sean Pollock

Don’t leave money in the banks - Invest instead, says Irish Funds CEO Pat LardnerIrish Funds boss wants to stop people depositing money in the banks at derisory rates, and instead learn how to invest itPat Lardner is CEO of advocacy group Irish Funds, the voice of Ireland’s asset management industryPat Lardner knows the best way to get a room full of schoolchildren thinking about future investments – chicken fillet rolls.

2 weeks ago | independent.ie | Sean Pollock

The latest sign of M&A activity heating up came last week when Ranger Fire and Security, backed by London-based investment firm Hyperion Equity Partners, bought Aqua Fire Prevention. The deal was Ranger’s second acquisition in Ireland, building on last year’s purchase of KSS Fire Suppression and its 10th deal overall since launching in early 2024. Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger, said the seven-figure deal to buy Aqua was the first of many for the private equity-backed group.

2 weeks ago | independent.ie | Sean Pollock |Fearghal O'Connor

The construction activity of these key players will make or break the State planThere is no more pressing issue for Ireland right now than the housing crisis. It is making home ownership or renting increasingly difficult for Irish families, and the knock-on effect is felt in every corner of Irish society. The Government is aiming to ramp up housing supply to an average of 50,000 a year until 2030, and the State has become a big player in the market.