Property
Construction industry needs private sector activity to harness recovery

Galway and the West needs increased private sector investment activity to anchor its recovery – that’s according to the AECOM Annual Review of the Construction Industry.
The international architecture and project management company which worked in Galway most recently on the new, critically acclaimed Engineering Building at NUIG.
AECOM Director John O’Regan – who is based in their Galway office – revealed that the firm anticipated construction industry activity nationally would grow by twelve to fifteen per cent in 2015 with this strong growth pattern due to continue as the economy recovers.
However, the East coast is experiencing faster growth than the rest of the country – including the Galway region.
“As with other regions outside Dublin, construction activity in Galway and the West needs increased private sector investment activity to anchor its recovery,” he said.
“There is confidence that this will be achieved in 2015 and 2016 through the combination of international investors starting to look outside of Dublin for value, coupled with domestic and FDI companies re-investing and expanding,” he added.
John O’Regan said that public capital expenditure has continued to be the primary driver of activity in the western region and this is likely to continue in 2015
“In civil engineering terms, 2014 finally saw contracts signed for the Gort to Tuam extension of the M17 motorway. Due for completion in 2018, it will provide a significant boost to the construction industry in the region.”
He highlighted the importance of development work at NUI Galway such as the Human Biology building and a 450 bed on-campus accommodation project.
Other work in the education sector and at Sligo and Portiuncula Hospitals will also be important for construction in the West.
“The level of private development has been muted, however, there is increased optimism that we see the start of private sector investment in 2015. In residential development, the second half of 2014 has seen the commencement of a limited number of new multi-unit developments in Galway city.
“On the commercial front, Hewlett Packard has taken possession of its new landmark office building in Galway – one of the largest developments of its kind in the region in recent years.”
John O’Regan said that the construction industry in Ireland in 2014 experienced a two-tier recovery.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.
Connacht Tribune
Detached home in Knocknacarra has host of amenities nearby

O’Donnellan and Joyce are handling the sale of a large four-bed detached property located in Shangort Park, Knocknacarra, in Galway.
Located just off Shangort Road, Number 11 was constructed in the early 2000s.
It is a small, quiet development comprised of a mixture or detached and semi-detached homes finished to the highest of standards and overlooking a large green area.
In terms of location, this property has all that one would require and is ideally located within a short walk of quality local schools such as Gaelscoil Mhic Ahmlaigh, Knocknacarra National School and Colaiste Na Coiribe.
An abundance of amenities include the Gateway Shopping Park (B&Q) and Tesco. There are a number of ample green spaces and playing fields close by such as McGrath’s Field, Cappagh Park and Millars Lane.
The property is also located just minutes from the stunning surroundings of Rusheen Bay and Rusheen Woods and the area also boasts a wealth of local amenities.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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Connacht Tribune
Boasting uninterrupted bay views

Property firm iamsold, whose online bidding and auction platform is used by more 300 auctioneers across Ireland, is continuing to take entries for its 2023 auctions with the next dates scheduled for May 18, June 22 and July 20.
Shane May, Sales Manager for iamsold said: “Previous years have shown the May to July period is particularly strong for selling residential and commercial property. We have an excellent variety of properties currently on offer, and we are finding that there is an ongoing appetite for realistically priced property throughout the country. Our partner auctioneers have been kept busy as requests for viewings remain high.”
Among the properties for sale at the moment are:
Sky Road, Clifden. This is a two-bed property described as “character filled” set in a wonderful holiday location.
This is a traditional cottage which has been cleverly extended to retain its character with a modern living interior. The focal point is the extended living area with full and uninterrupted views over Kingstown Bay. The property is offered at bids over €525,000 and for sale by Sherry FitzGerald Mangan.
Main Street, Headford. Currently the property comprises two buildings, one of which was a public house, whilst the other was a private dwelling. Subject to planning, there is potential to extend to the rear of the property and create multiple units which could potentially provide 2 x 2 bed apartments, along with 3 x 1 bed apartments and could be eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, offering between €30,000 and €50,000 towards the renovations. The property is offered at bids over €145,000 and for sale by Michelle Burke Estate Agents.
For more information on the auction, call 091 882121 or visit iamsold.ie
Connacht Tribune
19th Century cottage boasts incredible views

DNG Martin O’Connor Land Sales are holding an online auction on May 11, where two lots of land in Letterfrack will go under the hammer.
The first lot is an opportunity to acquire a cottage with shed ruins on 4.34ha (10.72 acres) of top-quality land at Attirowerty. Enjoying incredible views in all direction, this land is one of the most outstanding opportunities to acquire a lovely holding of meticulously maintained farmland in the Connemara region in many years.
Bordering the Traheen River, the cottage – dating back to the 1800s – is a traditional stone built property under a galvanised roof laid out in two rooms with open fireplaces in each room. Across the yard there are the ruins of a large shed which could be renovated.
Looking south the cottage enjoys views of Ballinakill Bay, Tully Hill and Letter Hill to the west whilst to the north Diamond Hill and the Mweelrea mountains with many more hills of south Mayo are visible in the distance.
Fully enclosed by stonewalls and concrete post with wire fencing, the land laid out in three large sections provides excellent grazing with a cattle holding yard and cattle crush.
The land is suited for all types of livestock grazing with cattle farming been the main enterprise over the years on the holding. Due to its excellent order the land would be the perfect location for breeding Connemara ponies and also ideal for holding sheep due to its field system and good boundaries.
The property presents itself as an excellent proportion for those looking for a cottage hideaway that they can renovate to their own style in this scenic part of Ireland with a wonderful atmosphere surrounding it. The lands are ideally suited to existing landowners looking to expand or those looking to set up a small holding centrally located between Clifden and Letterfrack.
Lot 2, consisting of commonage lands in three sections at Attirowerty and Baunoge, amounts to 25.5 acres and is also for sale by online auction on the day.
For further information, contact DNG Martin O’Connor on 091 866708.