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18th February 2014 • Volume 21, Issue 6 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • Tel: 8•400•200 • www.northcountyleader.ie
North County Primed To Attract Property Investment Best Value For Money Area In Dublin
One of the most accurate measuring devises regarding the economic recovery of the country, is property valuations, both sales and lettings. A recent report has shown that the North County is particularly buoyant in the area of house rentals, which shows a year on year increase of 9.3 per cent. The average monthly rent for a home in the North County is now €1,033. With the creation of more jobs and a particularly bright economic forecast, this can only be good news for the region. This is brought into sharp focus by the fact that, notwithstanding the annual increase, the North County is now the most competitively priced region in Dublin to rent a property. The average figures for the city centre are €1,240, rising to a whopping €1,396 per month average in South County Dublin. This represents an ideal opportunity to attract more people to invest in property in the North County. This
would be expected to have the knock-on effect of boosting the local economy, in terms of added retail activity and consumer confidence. With it’s ideal location, close to all amenities, including the city centre, airport and fabulous beaches, these new statistics seem certain to boost the already high profile of the North County, as an ideal place to live. The County Leader spoke with some local estate agents, who were particulary positive about the new figures. Edel McGuinness from EMG Property Consultants in Balbriggan sees the new figures as a great opportunity to attract property investment into the area, from outside. She said, “We have noticed an increase in activity in the property market, especially from cash buyers, looking for good quality properties. We have noticed a number of potential purchasers looking to move into North County Dublin from the city centre, as there is better value for money here,” she
Love was in the air for the pupils at Gaelscoil Ros Eo, in Rush on St Valentine's Day, when they dressed up for the day in either red or pink. Staff, pupils and parents, alike were all involved in the day of love. Pupils were asked to bring in a €2 contribution for the occasion, with all proceeds given to Temple Street Hospital. Pictured all decked out in their colours are pupils, Jessica Pittmann, Kelli Ní Chártaigh and Lia Ní Chochláin.
said. Anne Marie Tobin, Manager of Fingal Lettings in the onus is now on the government to encourage Swords, also sees increased consumer confidence. She construction in the area. This could be best done with said, “The figures are definitely up and we’re out the reform of land use and the planning process,” he said. All in all, this is a very positive report for the North door, trying to keep up with demand for houses to let. The problem is that we don’t have sufficient supply to County, which is hoped will signal a definite recovery to the local economy, which, in turn, will generate further satisfy this demand. Much of the reason for this, is that job creation locally. people are staying put, due to rising rents.” Whilst this trend is very encouraging, there are many people who will not reap the benefits. For these, any increase in rents represents further hardship for them. We spoke with the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) and their advice is that if anyone is experiencing difficulties, they should contact their nearest office, where they can avail of expert advice on how to cope with their financial situation. Commenting on the report, Ronan Lyons, economist at TCD and author of the Daft Report, told the County A new County Manager has been appointed to succeed David O’Connor, who vacated the post last year. The new man at the helm is Paul Reid, pictured centre, whose previous Leader, “The on-going positions include, Chief Operations Officer at the Department of Public Expenditure and acute shortage of rental Reform. Other posts he has held include, Programme Director, Reform and Delivery at accommodation continues Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and as Director of Networks and to affect rents. With no Operations at Eircom. The new Manager is pictured with County Mayor, Kieran Dennison sign of new supply coming and acting County Manager and Director of Coroporate Affairs, Peter Caulfield. on stream any time soon,
Engineering Success Swords Residents Furious About Proposed Bus Route “It’s A Cheap Solution In The Wrong Location” The proposed new Rapid Transit Bus service for By Patrick Finnegan ation public space Swords is set to be derailed, even before it is @TheCountyLeader for the entire started. That is, if the residents of Pine Grove, community here in Mooretown, Broadmeadows, Castlegrange and Swords West. The people living in the new Castlefarm estates have their way. Many estates and the planned 9000 houses in concerned residents of these estates came out Swords West, will have to walk long distances in force on Friday last, in a defiant show of to access the route.” “Children trying to access strength against the new bus service, which is schools in the area will now have to cross a bus proposed to pass corridor. There are through a green over 700 children in area adjacent to St Finian’s College their homes. Pine alone and children Grove resident, from the estates Frank Walsh was have to attend St furious about the Colmcille’s or St proposal, when he Cronan’s will all spoke to the County now have to cross a Leader. “My feelbus corridor. There ings are the same is no facility or even as they were 40 available land Pictured are some of the protest group, including resiyears ago, when we to provide a stopped the original dents, Frank Walsh, Brigid Manton, Matin O'Neill and little park and ride Kyle Kavanagh, with local representatives, Cllr Darragh road going through. Butler, Senator Darragh O'Brien, as well as Fianna Fail local facility,” she There are four election candidates, John Hennessy and Adrian Henchy. s a i d . estates on either Councillor side of the proposed route, with schoolchildren Darragh Butler (FF) was very angry at the passing through, as well as people going to the short notice provided for an information shops. How can this be safe, with a bus passing evening. He said, “We were told that there up and down every five minutes.? It’s absolutely would be an information session today crazy. The people who came up with this idea (Tuesday) at County Hall, which will be don’t live in the area and they haven’t a bull’s just a person from the NTA with a map. notion,” he said angrily. Another resident, This is not a public meeting. I, along with Brigid Manton said, “This area is the only recreother councillors am very angry, saying we
were being treated with contempt at such short notice about such an important event,” he said Meanwhile, Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) was furious about the secrecy surrounding the issue. “I would like to know how long this has been in the planning. It’s outrageous that the Council have given two days notice. They haven’t even given an alternative route. It’s obvious to all that this preferred route is unacceptable to everyone, and it won’t even service the main population areas within Swords. Make no mistake about it, this project will go ahead instead of Metro North. We were sold a pup. Are the NTA and the Department of Transport telling us that if they allow this proposal to happen and the review of Metro North next year, that we’re going to get Metro North as well.? Absolutely not. This is a cheap solution in the wrong area,” he concluded.
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