Denis O'Brien lashes Ireland's reliance on FDI over homegrown firms
• O'Brien's proposal for how Irish firms can be supported to not sell out
• His views on Big Tech's energy drain as metric which shows overreliance on FDI
• What he told the US ambassador about Donald Trump, and the businessman's views on Ireland and Nato membership
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Irish Examiner
9 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
No 1 in more ways than one: €640k artist's home is aesthetic and aspirational
ARTIST Tara Szuch got in early at 1 Fern Dale — a detached home which was due to be the show home for the developers here at Kilmoney Heights — and made it very much her own: it's both picture perfect and full of personality, if not two personalities. Brimful of personality: yes, vendor Tara has lived in even larger homes in the past... Part one is packed with collectables and personal treasures, testament to a woman with collector's eye. Part two is a contrasting calm reserve and contemporary design with knowing elan, meaning just about every aspect of this fully delivered home feels lighter, brighter, and airier than you'd ever expect from the exterior. Corner setting for 1 Ferndale Former gallery owner and National College of Art and Design (NCAD) trained artist, Tara Szuch arrived at Fern Dale on Cork's Carrigaline fringes by a circuitous route, from Delgany in Wicklow via Tacumshane in Wexford, New Mexico and other US hot spots, the UK and, more recently, starting back around 14 years ago, in Monkstown in Cork where she rented for a number of years while her daughters did their school and college-going years. Now with offspring's studies proceeding to PhD levels and the like, she's free to move on again and follow what she says has been a dream for, oh, about the last 20 years. Tara's setting up an artists' retreat and study centre with lifestyle add-ons in terms of gardens, orchard, hens — the lot, and has bought by the water at Rathanna in Wexford, with an 18-month delivery plan kicking off, based around a property purchase there (watch this space). Cool, calm and collectables A big step on the way to hens and studios at Rathanna now is to sell No 1 Fern Dale, Tara's fully-fledged family home, where the front room harks back to the past, full of antiques, collectables, family heirlooms, musical instruments including an elegant silver flute, oversized sofas, gild edged mirrors, 19th-century framed still life paintings, sculpture, nest tables, the works. Oh and also squeezed in is a piano (there used to be two pianos, Tara reveals) and, almost invisible in a far corner, a grandfather clock. There aren't too many modern Irish family homes where you could miss the sight of a grandfather clock, but No 1 is one: it may not be a surprise to learn Tara has lived in larger houses in the past, and aims to again, so her stuff stays with her.... The front room is in contrast with the calmer, more moderated spaces beyond, such as the expansive hall, gleaming bright in white, with white painted staircase and glass balusters, with glazed internal doors, all throughout the upper two floors, and into the T-shaped rear kitchen/ dining/ family room, a masterclass in spatial planning and interior design: who needs 'predictable' show unit design when individuality trumps all? Smart kitchen design with display space Being able to buy off plans (via Hallmark Construction) meant Tara could make her own changes from the start, such as the stairs, the bathrooms, and especially in the kitchen where she reconfigured a back wall for double doors to the rear. Sink in the island Instead, she replaced the kitchen sink that would have been under a window (traditional, familiar but not for her) in an extended island with breakfast bar in a kitchen which she commissioned and refined from suppliers Kube. Wall units are framed in a bulkhead which creates a 'deep wall' feel to the link between kitchen and good-sized utility (also by Kube) giving open display space for art and books and curated curios. In some ways, it's all 'small' stuff but, allied to generous sized rooms with extra height ceilings it works so well in creating a private home that feels anything but standard (the occasional animal skull displayed on walls adds to the sense of individual expression). It's no surprise either to find that Tara's previous career post graduating in 1992 from the NCAD include owning and running art galleries and even an art rental business for corporate, commercial, and hospitality clients, with her own work in a mix from private homes to hotels. Smart garden too Here, wall space is shared with Tara's own art along with graphic work by Sarah Nee and by the likes of NCAD-trained Peter Monaghan, with some of his large graphic works in relief/3-D given pride of place. One was given to Tara decades ago by her mother … who also gifted older furniture items here, clearly, adding to the eclectic mix of old and new. Tara's next project in Rathanna will have a 'Japandi' aesthetic, a fusion of Japanese and Scandi design elements: No 1 Fern Dale also picks up on Japandi, Mark l. Selling to facilitate the move is Fiona Waldron of DNG Creedon Finn O'Connor who has already fallen for the airy offering that feels as if it could be a calm retreat anywhere in the country, or the world, and not just in the midst of Carrigaline's Kilmoney. 1 Ferndale's exterior Ms Waldron launched No 1 this past week at €640,000, for a 227 sq m four bed home with c 30 sq m 'up top': after a top-notch attic room was skilfully added. How recently? 'It was finished just two weeks ago,' reveals Tara, who had it planned for quite some time and decided to go ahead and add it in any case, even though she knew she'd be moving on. 'It's there for the next owners and adds so much value and space,' she acknowledges, giving high praise to father and son team at MC Attics, a local firm (the job features on their @mcatticconversion Instagram pages). On the up and up THE duo recreated the same stairs as connects the two lower floors, with an open stairwell, again adding to the overall sense of space with real, additional multi-use space, whether home office, gym, media room, or other. While it can't meet strict criteria for habitable bedroom use, many who come to view might well have that intention in mind? Main bedroom DNG's Ms Waldron says she expects local trade-up interest as well as relocation inquiries given its appeal and immaculate, as-new interiors, in an edge of Carrigaline (it's in the Castle Heights sort of catchment at Kilmoney) setting made more accessible now for a mix of commuters thanks to the town centre bypass that has shifted an axis of development in the c 18,000 strong population community. Light, bright and white 'Architectural intent and artistic flair harmoniously align here,' says Ms Waldron of the accommodating home with two en suite bedrooms and multi-use top floor, all above a really considered ground level floor plan. The kitchen (with Neff appliances), tiling, flooring and sanitary are all quality but of a type and style which are not going to date too rapidly, and other tweaks delivered by a good artist's eye include the positioning of a stand-alone oval bath in the main L-shaped bathroom, set at an angle out from a corner so it's able to 'breathe': it simply works. Main bathroom Little or none of the interior quality is obvious from the outside/ front facade, a mix of brick (with slight bay window) and render, with brick-paved drive for two cars and simple side planting with No 1 in a corner setting. No clues Its landscaped back garden, screened with high boundary walls, is also of a high quality, with acers, slender and non-invasive black bamboo Nigra in raised beds for a bit of architectural oomph, with side access and sizeable brick-paved patio reached from the kitchen and family area alike, ideal for easy entertaining and outside supping, whilst a glimpse at the neighbouring home also shows a keen eye for a garden, with one enhancing the other.
The Irish Sun
9 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Aldi Ireland fans set to rush to try new hairstylers for ‘effortless styling' in middle aisle for just €19.99
SHOPPERS are set for a frenzy over new hairstylers set to hit Aldi Ireland next week. The middle aisle is popular among 3 Aldi Ireland is set to release a new hairstyler Credit: Aldi 3 The Beach Wave Styler is €19.99 Credit: Aldi 3 Or you can get the Dual Air Styler for the same price Credit: Aldi This way, shoppers get a range of different And now, the retailer is bringing out two new From July 31, shoppers can get their hands on the Hairstyling Assortment. Costing just €19.99, it's set to have beauty fans racing to the shops. READ MORE IN ALDI Shoppers can get two choices - the beach wave curler or the dual wave hair styler. And both are available in grey and purple. The Beach Wave Styler is perfect to give your hair a quick styling, and comes with some great features. You can get luscious beachy waves with the styler and its 3-barrel technology. Most read in Money It also has an integrated safety system that means it switches it off automatically after 60 minutes. I tried Aldi's Dyson airwrap dupe at bargain price - and it gave me easy hair salon look It comes with a 180cm long cable, and a 360 degree rotation. EFFORTLESS STYLE In the official item description on the "The integrated safety system switches the appliance off automatically after 60 minutes, ensuring a safe styling experience. "The fast and even heating guarantees salon-worthy results every time you use it." The Dual Air Styler allows you to get a gorgeous hairstyle while protecting your locks. It comes with a 360 degree swiveling cable that measures around 180cm. And it has adjustable heat settings from 150C to 210C. The cooling blast of air ensures you set your locks in place after styling. NO DAMAGE In the official item description on the Aldi Ireland website, bosses said: "The Dual Air Styler offers you effortless styling while protecting your hair from damage. "With even heat distribution and adjustable temperature settings from 150°C to 210°C, you can create versatile looks that suit you perfectly." Shoppers get a three year warranty on both products. Both products are set to land in the middle aisle in Aldi Ireland stores across the country from July 31. But shoppers should be warned that they are set to sell out fast. THE HISTORY OF ALDI The German discount supermarket chain came to Ireland in 1999. Aldi's first few shops opened in November 1999, with locations in Sandyford, Dublin, and Ballincollig, Cork. By the mid-2000s, Aldi bosses had opened numerous stores, focusing on providing high-quality products at low prices. As the recession hit 2008-2012, Aldi's popularity grew as consumers became more price-conscious. The supermarket giant continued it's expansion in Ireland between 2013-2018, while refurbishing existing stores. By 2018, Aldi had over 130 shops throughout the country. The chain began to focus on expanding its range of Irish-made products and supporting local producers. In 2023, Aldi had over 140 stores in Ireland. The store invested in sustainability initiatives, such as reducing plastic packaging and increasing the availability of organic and eco-friendly products. Aldi chiefs said: 'At Aldi we are committed to supporting Irish suppliers. Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi is designed to help the very best Irish suppliers develop their brand. 'To date, we've invested €10 million in our Grow with Aldi development programme in a bid to find the very best Irish suppliers. 'As a result, for a limited time only there are over 47 new products, from 27 Irish suppliers available in store.' Aldi have introduced technological advancements with self-checkout systems and contactless payment options.
Irish Post
19 minutes ago
- Irish Post
Irish spirits brands head for US on mass trade mission despite looming tariffs
TWENTY Irish drinks companies have made their way to the US on a mass trade mission. The firms left Dublin this month to be in the States for this week's Tales of the Cocktail event. Based in New Orleans, the event is billed as the world's leading cocktail conference, which runs until July 25. Among the delegation are firms representing Irish beer, cream liqueur, gin, poitín, and vermouth producers. Bord Bia is hosting the companies at the event as part of a programme of supports for the sector as it deals with difficult trading conditions. It forms one piece of a global plan that also includes new routes to market as a diversification strategy for Irish drinks companies. The firms are in the US at a time where uncertainty continues over the future of trade between Ireland and the US, with President Donaly Trump threatening to impose 30 per cent tariffs on European spirits imports. 'The US is an incredibly important market for Irish spirits, worth €860 million to the economy last year,' Bord Bia CEO Jim O'Toole said. 'We hope that this event will drive commercial opportunities for Irish companies and an opportunity to showcase Irish spirits and their potential use in cocktails, a vastly underdeveloped space for Irish companies in the US.' He added: 'The Irish drinks industry is no stranger to global headwinds with inevitable upturns and downturns, so supporting companies to explore new avenues in the US and abroad at this challenging time is a priority. "The resilience and ambition of these 20 companies participating in the conference in Louisiana next week is a testament to that spirit.' The Irish Spirits Showcase at the New Orleans event will feature Dave Mulligan, owner of Bar 1661 in Dublin, Irish whiskey consultant; Jack McGarry, who is co-founder of The Dead Rabbit bar in New York; and Christy Caldwell, owner of The Ordinarie bar in California. Valentia Island Vermouth from Co. Kerry will use its time at the conference to officially launch its brand into the US market. 'Global reach is essential for attracting the future customers of Ireland and for the long-term development of our drinks industry," Mr O'Toole said. "While the US remains a vital market, diversification is key to building resilience and sustaining growth," he added. "We are continuing to work closely with industry partners to ensure that Irish spirits remain front-of-mind for international buyers, regardless of geopolitical uncertainty.' See More: Ireland, Irish Spirits, New Orleans, US
