Latest news with #JohnnyRonan
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Johnny Ronan company loses planning appeal for ‘overly dominant' office scheme on Dublin's North Quay
Planning authorities have rejected an appeal by property developer Johnny Ronan for a big development on Dublin's North Wall quay that would include a 17-storey building. An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) found the building was 'overly dominant and isolated'. that would be at odds with the surrounding context' noting it would 'seriously injure' the visual amenity of the area. ACP said the development would be 'overbearing' on nearby residential properties and would lead to an 'unacceptable and unjustified' loss of sunlight and overshadowing of amenity spaces. READ MORE It further noted that the demolition of the existing buildings on the site would 'be both premature and unjustified' and would set an 'unwelcome precedent' for demolition on similar sites in the area. [ Johnny Ronan company and Fortress confirm sale of Spencer Place residential development to Ardstone for €177m Opens in new window ] The appeal was submitted after Dublin City Council (DCC) refused to grant permission to NWQ Devco Limited, a company that is part of Mr Ronan's Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE), which had sought a 10-year planning permission for a four building development. Ranging from nine to 17 storeys, the development was set to be located on the site of global banking firm Citigroup's European headquarters on North Wall Quay on the banks of the river Liffey. The 73.4 metre tall development was set to contain more than 87,200 sqm of floor space, of which some 69,200 sqm would be office space, alongside parking, arts and cultural areas, and a cafe. In the appeal, Mr Ronan's firm requested an oral hearing and argued that the development would aide in the consolidation of development and promotion of building upwards in line with national planning guidelines and would be a 'key economic driver'. It said an interactive gallery housed on the 16th floor of the development 'is believed to become one of the city's most important visitor centre and popular tourist destination'. Dublin City Council (DCC) had refused permission for the 73.4 metre tall redevelopment in April 2024, giving three reasons. It said the 'height and excessive bulk and scale' of the development would impact on a nearby existing residential development and the surrounding area and that the development would be injurious to the 'key views and vistas' along the river. The council further stated that granting the demolition of the existing building, instead of retrofitting, would 'set an undesirable precedent'. Mr Ronan's firm appealed the decision to ACP, with the application being subject to a third party appeal seeking to uphold the council decision. The Clarion Quay Management Company called for ACP to reject the appeal after the publication of an Irish Times article in which the developer indicated it's theintention to appeal the decision. The group, which self-described as an 'owners volunteer management company' for an adjacent mixed-use residential and commercial property, cited a series of concerns including of solar glare into residential properties, overlooking issues, and loss of sunlight.
The Journal
4 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Johnny Ronan's planned 17-storey mixed use scheme for Dublin's docklands is rejected
AN COIMISIÚN PLEANÁLA has upheld Dublin City Council's rejection of Johnny Ronan's RGRE planned 17-storey mixed use scheme for Dublin's docklands. In February, Ronan's Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) lodged plans for the redevelopment of global banking giant Citigroup's current European headquarters at 1 North Wall Quay in Dublin's docklands. The scheme involves the demolition of Citigroup's existing six-storey office building and the development of four buildings in its place, ranging in heights of nine storeys to 17 storeys. According to the plans, the scheme would include office accommodation, arts/ community/cultural uses and a retail/café/restaurant unit. RGRE firm NWQ Devco Limited was seeking a ten-year planning permission The council comprehensively rejected the scheme in April, resulting in applicants NWQ Devco Ltd appealing the refusal to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP). In refusing planning permission, ACP has found that the scheme's excessive height, bulk, massing and form would constitute an overly dominant and isolated tall building that would be at odds with the surrounding context and would seriously injure the amenity of the Liffey Quays and key views along the river corridor. The ACP refusal order pointed out that the planned site is a prominent and sensitive location which fronts onto the River Liffey and within the Liffey Quays conservation area and is in close proximity to neighbouring properties. Advertisement The development was to be located at Citigroup's current European headquarters at 1 North Wall Quay in Dublin's docklands. Dublin City Council Dublin City Council ACP found that the proposed development would result in significant adverse impacts to residential amenity due to the unacceptable and unjustified loss of daylight and overshadowing of a principal shared amenity space. ACP also found that the scheme did not meet the criteria for exceptional circumstances for enhanced height, density and scale for Landmark Tall Buildings. In the second part of the board order refusing planning permission, signed off by Planning Commissioner Mary Henchy, ACP stated that having regard to the age, form and condition of the existing office building and the results of the Whole Carbon assessment, the commission found that the wholesale demolition of the existing building would be both premature and unjustified and would set an unwelcome precedent for the demolition on similar sites in Dublin. As a result, the commission found that the scheme was contrary to a policy in the City Development Plan that supports and promotes the retrofitting of existing buildings. Clarion Quay Management (CQE) Company CLG was a third party appellant in the support of the Council refusal and its appeal to ACP was aimed at protecting the residential amenity of dwellings and maintaining and improving safe and uncongested access to other uses of CQE. The RGRE appeal included an Arthur Cox submission which stated that the application submitted meets the criteria for 'exceptional circumstances' that would allow planning permission to be granted for a landmark building. The letter stated that it appears that the City Council did not engage in any analysis or consideration of the 'exceptional circumstance' and whether it is met by the development. Architects of the scheme, Henry J Lyons, contended that the scheme as submitted is appropriate for the context of the site.
Irish Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Bewley's seeks Grafton St rent reduction from Johnny Ronan company
Bewley's Cafe and a company owned by property developer Johnny Ronan have gone to the High Court in a row over €747,000 per-year rent for the Grafton Street outlet. Mr Ronan's RGRE Grafton Limited has said the rent should actually be €1 million, while a valuer called by the famous coffee company said it should be €518,000. The High Court heard that prior to October last year, Bewley's had been paying €1.46 million for the same premises but that figure was reduced following a rental valuation by the Circuit Court. The High Court appeal was taken by Bewley's Café Grafton Street Ltd (BCGSL) through Beauchamps solicitors, led by Simon Murphy, against the rent granted to RGRE Grafton Limited, which owns the building located at 78-79 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. READ MORE RGRE Grafton has cross-appealed the decision. The difference between the two sides' figures over a five-year rental period amounts to over €2.5 million. The case centres on the methods behind the valuations of both sides. The court has been told that BCGSL held the lease on the building from 1987 for 35 years, a deal that expired in August 2022. BCGSL then received a new tenancy under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Act 1980. In October, the cafe had its annual rent halved following a ruling by Judge Jennifer O'Brien, who said it should have to pay a rent of more than €738,000 per year. That figure was later adjusted to €747,000 – still a 50 per cent drop from the previous €1.46 million being paid. The Circuit Court found that this fairly represented what a willing tenant would pay and a willing landlord would take for the premises as of August 2022 over a five-year lease term and that BCGSL was entitled to almost €1 million for rent paid since the expiry of the previous lease. Both sides are appealing the decision of the Circuit Court. Fergus Crosse, an expert valuer retained by BCGSL, told the High Court that improvements to the Bewley's building made by BCGSL also meant that the gross rent should be reduced. Mr Crosse was of the opinion that the statutory rental value of the property was €518,000. David Potter, a valuer with Savills, was retained by RGRE Grafton. He said the statutory rent should be €1 million annually. Mr Crosse told David Whelan SC, for BCGLS, that he employed a 'zoning' of arrears of the floor space at the cafe which meant that Zone A, closest to the entrance, would be the most valuable. Each tranche of zones was measured at 20 feet from the entry. Mr Crosse said he used comparator properties on Grafton Street in his analysis and that Zone B would be valued at 50 per cent of Zone A and that Zone C would be valued at 50 per cent of Zone B. Mr Potter said an 'overall' view was more effective in determining the rent and that the use of the zoning model in this case led to a 'misvaluation'. Mr Potter said the use of the zoning model meant the restaurant floor space far from the door was now valued at a lower rate by Mr Crosse which 'undervalued' the restaurant area. 'Bewley's space at the back is big money, it's the main restaurant,' said Mr Potter. 'It can't be valued as if it is the cheapest, worst space. Zoning undervalues it significantly, as if the rear is ancillary, but it is not – it is a really attractive restaurant.' Mr Potter said that a valuation of €24 per square foot of the restaurant area – while the staff room in nearby McDonald's restaurant was valued at €60 per square foot – amounted to a 'fundamental misvaluation'. He said he was valuing the property as a restaurant and not a restaurant-retail use agreement and that Dublin City Council previously gave an opinion that it would prefer the use of Bewley's to be maintained as a restaurant and not a retail outlet. The case continues before Ms Justice Sara Phelan.
Irish Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Mary Ronan, separated wife of developer Johnny Ronan, leaves estate valued at €5.6 million
Mary Ronan, separated wife of property developer Johnny Ronan , left an estate valued at €5.6 million, according to documents published by the State's Probate Office in May. Ms Ronan, born Mary Tilson and originally from Newtown, Co Waterford, died at Dublin's Blackrock Clinic on August 14th last year. She and developer Johnny Ronan had three children and while they separated, according to reports, they never divorced. Ms Ronan's address was listed at Leeson Park, Dublin 6 and formerly Dargle, Enniskerry. READ MORE The Probate Office has also published a grant of probate for Pat Veale, former managing director of the property company PJ Walls Group. Mr Veale with an address at Church Road in Killiney, died unexpectedly on 1st of June 2023. He left an estate valued at €6.9 million. During his career at PJ Walls the business became one of the most recognisable names in construction in Ireland. The company was the subject of a management buyout in 2015. Estate agent and interior designer Judith Giltinane of Donnybrook and formerly of Ballyboughal, Dublin, left an estate valued at €28.6 million, according to the grant of probate in connection with her will. Ms Giltinane who whose business Hollybrook Estates dealt in interior design and property in the Ballyboughal and Ashbourne areas, died on January 28th, 2024, at St Vincent's hospital, Elm Park, after a short illness. She was predeceased by her husband John Mullen of Donnybrook and formerly of Ballinasloe, Co Galway. In other wills, Martin St John O'Gara of Hollybrook Road, Clontarf, who died at the Beacon Hospital on August 7th last, left an estate valued at €4.06 million. John James Hurley of Clonpadden, Arklow, Co Wicklow, who died on May 24th, 2023, left an estate valued at €3.29 million. Patrick Brian Timothy Buckley of Oakley Road, Ranelagh, Dublin, who died on October 28th, 2024, left an estate valued at €2.9 million. Michael McCaffrey of Cavangarden, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, who died on May 30th, 2022, left an estate valued at €2.8 million. Dennis Woods of Military Road, Killiney, Co Dublin, left an estate valued at €2.56 million when he died on October 24th, 2024. Mary Donohoe of Sandycove Road, Dún Laoghaire, who died on July 4th, 2024, at the Dargle Vale Nursing Home, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, left an estate of €2.49 million. Michael Conneely of Brighton Square, Rathgar, who died on May 21st, 2024, left an estate valued at €2.235 million. Stephen Brown of Granitefield, Rochestown Avenue, Co Dublin, left an estate valued at €2.32 million when he died on February 9th, 2024. The sums referred to in files are gross values of estates, which include all of a person's assets. This would typically include the value of the family home or farm.
Irish Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Concerns over cost of Johnny Ronan's affordable housing plans at former Glass Bottle site in Dublin
Concerns are mounting over the provision of affordable housing at the former Irish Glass Bottle site in Ringsend with no deal on cost reached between Dublin City Council and a Johnny Ronan -fronted development consortium. Pembroke Beach is close to completing construction of the first 570 homes at the former industrial lands on the Poolbeg Peninsula, designated for an urban quarter with up to 3,800 apartments. However, in an email to Sinn Féin housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin , the council has said there is 'no agreement in place for the delivery of 'affordable homes' in phase one' of the development, with the costs making a deal 'very challenging' to achieve. It was indicated last year that the apartments in the scheme would cost €495,000 for a one-bed and €675,000 for a two-bed. READ MORE While eligible affordable house purchasers are given a State subsidised discount on market rates, the high indicative cost of the apartments would still put them out of reach of most low- to middle-income buyers. The land on the peninsula at the east end of the city has been vacant for more than 20 years following the closure of the Glass Bottle Company in 2002. [ Johnny Ronan venture to seek planning permission for 20-storey tower on Irish Glass Bottle site Opens in new window ] The site was bought in 2006 for €412 million by a consortium involving developer Bernard McNamara and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. The National Asset Management Agency ( Nama ) bought the debt associated with the site from the now defunct Anglo Irish Bank after the property crash. The council drafted plans, approved by the cabinet in 2016, for a strategic development zone designation for the land in order to speed up the regeneration of the area, particularly for housing. In May 2017, the council, Nama and the Department of Housing reached agreement that 15 per cent of the apartments would be used for affordable housing. The council initially entered into negotiations with Nama in relation to the affordable homes and said it would be willing to buy plots of land from the State agency. However, Nama instead offered the site to the market with the Ronan-led consortium confirmed as the preferred bidder in December 2020. The council has since been in negotiations with Pembroke Beach but has been unable to finalise a deal. Sinn Féin senator Chris Andrews , previously a TD for the area, said the community had 'fought for nearly a decade' to secure homes which could be bought at affordable prices '[The council] has informed us that the delivery of these affordable homes is in doubt, and that it is unlikely that any social or affordable homes will be included in phase one of this development,' Mr Andrews said. 'This is entirely unacceptable for local residents, who have had to endure skyrocketing housing prices, insufficient social housing and years of broken promises from the Government.' The council told Sinn Féin there was no requirement for affordable housing to be part of any particular phase, and that the developer was working on a proposal to deliver the 'affordable component across the full development' but there was 'no defined time frame for this as yet'. The council has confirmed there 'is not yet an agreement in place for the delivery of 'affordable homes' in phase 1' and has told the Irish Times the 'affordable housing component is subject to a commercial agreement being reached with the developer that takes account of funding and value for money considerations'. Pembroke Beach, which includes Lioncor and Oaktree Capital , as well as Ronan Group Real Estate , declined to comment. However, it is understood the developer intends to allocate an apartment block in the first phase for social and affordable housing, pending agreement on the affordable element.
