Latest news with #JohnMoran
News.com.au
17-06-2025
- News.com.au
Suspicious Geelong West fire triggers rare vacant block sale
A Geelong West property ravaged by a suspicious fire is looking for a fresh start a year on from the blaze. The three-bedroom weatherboard house that formerly occupied 20 Clarence St sustained significant damage when it was engulfed by flames last May and has since been demolished. Now the 418sq m parcel of vacant land has been listed for sale with $675,000-$725,000 price hopes. Geelong's $9m 'best home' to break record A police investigation into the blaze, which long-term resident Avril Leishman escaped unharmed, remains ongoing. 'The fire is still being treated as suspicious, and the exact cause is under investigation,' a Victoria Police spokeswoman said. The destruction of the house creates a rare blank canvas in a premium Geelong West position just a few doors down from Pakington St's shopping and cafe strip. Whitford, Newtown director John Moran said he'd already had an offer on the property and several other inquiries within days of it hitting the market. 'In terms of a block that close to Pakington St I went back the last few years and I can't find anything that has been vacant land in that proximity so it's a pretty rare offering,' he said. 'Obviously it is an unfortunate situation with the fire but with the heritage overlay you would not have been able to pull the house down so every cloud has a silver lining.' The front section of the character house that once stood at the property was burnt beyond salvation. Mr Moran said the fact it had been demolished created a freedom not usually found in the heritage neighbourhood. He expects a stand-alone dwelling to be constructed there. 'With this one you can just go for it,' he said. Only a handful of vacant blocks have been listed for sale in Geelong West in recent times, with only one changing hands last year.
News.com.au
16-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
How a luxe makeover added $1.5m to Newtown home
The luxury renovation of a character house in central Newtown has been rewarded with a sale price close to $2.5m. The five-bedroom house at 17 Austin St had been sitting untouched for decades before the owners snapped it up almost five years ago. The kitchen and wallpaper appeared straight out of the 1950s in the period facade complete with a return veranda and feature turret. Geelong's $9m 'best home' on track to break record A contemporary rear extension that added new living spaces, a swimming pool and a top-to-bottom renovation worked with the fall of the block to create a fresh five-bedroom residence. Whitford, Newtown agent John Moran said the ' beautiful renovation ' was a key attraction during the campaign that ended last week when the buyers posted their best offer. 'It's an amazing house. A beautiful reno, a big family home, the pool and the landscaping,' he said. The location was also a drawcard, offering proximity to Newtown's main shopping strip on Pakington St, along with local primary and secondary schools being close by. The renovation added more than $1.5m to the value of the property. Mr Moran said despite the renovation, the house remains understated from the street. The five-bedroom, two-bathroom residence is essentially a new home that offers a beautiful blend of old and new, he said. As a result, it's well hidden from view behind a charming original weatherboard facade that remains largely unchanged. All the heritage signatures are still there in the bedrooms and front formal lounge (or potential fifth bedroom), from high ceilings and skirts to picture rails and open fireplaces. Built-in wardrobes have been added, including a his and her set in the spacious main bedroom, along with a modern ensuite, family bathroom and powder room. A clever courtyard and a high wall of glazing that rises up to meet a raked timber-lined ceiling that mirrors the finish of those found in the original rooms creates a sunny living area, even though it's a south-facing yard. The large sliding doors topped with extra windows bathe the open-plan hub in natural light and connect it to the pool, lawn, a paved entertainment area and a built-in barbecue. A designer kitchen, featuring stone benchtop, a butler's pantry with a second sink and family-sized oven, is the centrepiece of the dining and living area. It adjoins a sunroom, or flexible additional multipurpose room, with its own sliding doors onto the patio and internal access to the property's garage.
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Limerick Mayor to shut down busy city streets to traffic for music, dancing, and fun this summer
Today at 11:52 Limerick city streets are set to close to cars as Mayor John Moran launches 'August Animations', a month-long initiative inviting residents, businesses, and community groups to reimagine and reclaim public spaces across the city. Key city centre locations, including The Crescent on O'Connell Street and Honan's Quay, will be pedestrianised for the entire month of August, giving residents, performers, and local groups the chance to reclaim the streets for public use. Baker Place and John's Square will also be available every Sunday in August for events and activities. From live music and dance to sports competitions, pop-up picnics, and quirky ideas like belly dancing battles or ping pong playoffs, all are welcome. The Mayor's Fund is footing the bill for the street closures and offering stipends of up to €2,000 to cover costs for groups and performers. Bronze, Silver, and Gold tier grants are available, and organisers are encouraged to apply early. Mayor Moran said the programme builds on the success of last year's summer activations: 'When we open up our public spaces, people respond. 'Let's turn a quiet month into something fun and vibrant. It doesn't need to be complicated, grab a chair, enjoy a book or a takeaway outdoors, maybe even under the watchful eye of Daniel O'Connell, whose 250th birthday we mark this August.' To get involved, individuals and groups should email festivalsandevents@ with their idea, space request, dates, and any need for financial support. Confirmed events will be listed on as part of the city's 'What's On' guide throughout August. Related topics Jasmin Griffin
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Limerick set to host Pride of Place 2025 Awards celebrating the ‘heart and soul of our communities'
The event will take place at the Strand Hotel in Limerick on Friday, November 7, 2025, with hundreds of delegates from across the country set to attend. The prestigious annual awards, now in their 23rd year, were officially launched this Wednesday at King John's Castle. Organised by the peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the awards recognise outstanding efforts in community development. Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: 'It's a real honour for Limerick to host this year's Pride of Place awards. These awards are a celebration that really reflects the heart and soul of our communities.' 'The people of Ireland take a huge sense of pride in the areas we call home,' he continued. 'The spirit of collaboration and care is deeply rooted here, so Limerick is a fitting place for this national event.' Dr Pat Daly, Director General of Limerick City and County Council, added: 'These awards are a celebration of community spirit, resilience and collaboration,' he said. 'Hosting the awards marks our commitment in Limerick City and County Council to inclusion, civic pride and empowering local people.' Co-operation Ireland was founded in 1979 by Dr Brendan O'Regan, a key figure in the Mid-West region, to build cross-border relationships. Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland, emphasised the lasting impact of the awards. 'The IPB Pride of Place Awards are our opportunity to celebrate and recognise incredible communities across the island of Ireland,' he said. 'The awards speak to what Co-operation Ireland is all about – bridging communities and building peace and prosperity.' Tom Dowling, Chairman of the IPB Pride of Place, added: 'The purpose of these awards is to meaningfully acknowledge and celebrate the work of our incredible communities. Our judges are looking forward to another year of inspirational judging experiences.' The awards are open to community groups nominated by their local authorities and celebrate voluntary work that enhances towns, villages, and neighbourhoods across Ireland.
Irish Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
‘Fight for us in the communities': Views on ‘rocky' first year of Limerick mayor
St Munchin's Community Centre is buzzing with activity as chief executive Linda Ledger greets locals while leading The Irish Times on a tour last week. Services on offer to deprived communities on Limerick's northside at the centre include social enterprises such as a hairdressers and florist; maternity clinics; training courses; a community cafe; and a Meals-on-Wheels service. 'Everybody and their mother comes through the doors. We're filling all the cracks left by the State,' Ledger says. However, Government funding administered by Limerick City and County Council as part of the city's regeneration programme – which has helped keep the lights on at the centre – has declined in recent times. READ MORE There is concern that there appears to be no tangible stream of funding to replace it, and Ledger wants to know what Limerick's mayor, John Moran, will do about it. A 2019 plebiscite saw Limerick vote to have a directly elected mayor. Moran – a former Department of Finance secretary general turned independent politician – is the first holder of the office having been elected last June. He has launched an ambitious mayoral programme but his first 12 months has also often seen him at loggerheads with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil councillors. Ledger refers to these tensions, saying she has 'huge concern' that the mayor and the councillors are 'taking the eye off the ball' as a result. She says her centre currently gets €70,000 from the diminishing regeneration fund. She is not against doing more fundraising herself but also says she feels Moran should 'fight for us in the communities'. Linda Ledger, chief executive of St Munchins Community Centre in Moyross and local residen Kieran Ring. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times 'We are fighting for that,' the mayor insists in response. Moran says this can be seen in his lobbying of Government Ministers for almost €5 billion in funding for Limerick as part of the review of the National Development Plan (NDP) but also as he looks for funding for the local authority from the national budget each year. Ledger has been 'doing some great work through the previous regeneration funding'. 'The Government is phasing that out as we understand it. Do we want it to be back in exactly the same format? Or do we want actually a more holistic envelope of money given to Limerick, which the mayor and the council can actually distribute where they believe it should be spent? 'That's what I've been arguing for.' He says St Munchin's needs support for its 'very desirable programmes' and indicates this could come through the annual budgetary process. Moran is positive about his first year in office, saying the highlight is that 'the stuff that we've been waiting for years to happen in Limerick is now kick-started'. He cites progress on proposals for housing development in the city, Government approval for the Opera Square office development, and the expectation that the Adare bypass road will be ready in time for the hosting of the 2027 Ryder Cup golf tournament. Last month Moran revealed his almost €5 billion in NDP asks, saying they are 'not wish lists' but 'catalysts for growth' in Limerick, the Midwest and nationally. Included in over €2 billion sought for housing is €600 million for his centrepiece 'Smart Homes' initiative aimed at delivering 1,000 modular units. These would provide homes as permanent housing solutions, such as the Land Development Agency's (LDA) long-planned Colbert Quarter development, which is under construction. There is another €2 billion sought for transport projects across the city and county including roads and a rail link to Shannon Airport. Aside from the big funding requests, Moran has a mayoral fund of around €40 million to be allocated over his five-year term. He suggests that if a 'proper mayoral fund' of perhaps 'a couple of hundred million' was available to him, 'I don't think we would have had any bickering [with councillors], because we'd have had a bit more money to be able to drive more projects.' [ Mayor's plans for Limerick: Modular homes and fashion museum among proposals Opens in new window ] So how do others view how the mayor's first year has gone? Labour Party TD Conor Sheehan – who also contested the mayoral election – says: 'Obviously some people love change and others don't. From my point of view what has been useful is that the mayor has brought political focus to areas where Limerick is lacking investment – particularly housing.' He also says 'we're the only city in Ireland who has this [directly elected mayor]' and 'we need to prove that this can work'. Michelle Gallagher, chief executive of Limerick Chamber of Commerce. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times Michelle Gallagher, the chief executive of Limerick Chamber of Commerce, says the first year has been 'rocky' but adds: 'We're seeing wins that are coming through.' The chamber wants to see 'more prosperity', 'more housing' and a 'revitalisation' of Limerick city centre from the remaining four years of Moran's term. Independent councillor Maria Donoghue says she agrees with a lot of the strategic proposals in Moran's mayoral programme. She is of the view that 'a lot of energy has gone into defending his position [from critics of the main parties] which is a waste really of the first year', while saying he has 'got certain things over the line'. Proposing Limerick Council's budget each November is a key power of the mayor but the backing of councillors is still needed. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil resistance saw the failure of proposals – supported by Moran – to raise commercial rates by 4 per cent. Even before this, there was a delay in getting his draft mayoral programme approved as councillors sought more time to allow for more workshops on the plans. Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary claimed at the time that Moran's draft programme was like 'a wish list for Christmas from Santy'. [ Limerick Mayor eyes introduction of hotel tax to fund tourism offerings Opens in new window ] Keary stands by his 'Santy' comments, saying he viewed the document as 'aspirational' and there was a need for projects that were 'shovel ready'. 'He [Moran] thinks up all these ideas but he doesn't discuss them with the body of the council. He's a very smart, intelligent man by all means – don't get me wrong – but he's not working with the parties,' says Keary, adding that it was 'disappointing'. Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Collins expresses a hope for improved relations, saying: 'We all need to start working together for the betterment of Limerick.' He adds: 'The mayor will have to realise that the two main parties in Limerick are the majority in the council.' Keary, meanwhile, who represents the rural Adare-Rathkeale district, contends that the mayor 'needs to show more interest in the county [outside the city]'. Moran responds to this by saying: 'If he thinks that he should just look at the NDP asks, and he'll realise that they're not all in the city centre.' He lists several plans for rural parts of Limerick including places such as Kilmallock, Newcastle West and Adare. 'It would have been absolutely amazing to have rocked up to this office and had everything shovel ready ... but that's not what I inherited from the previous council.' Moran says Keary is a political opponent who 'probably wants his team to win the mayoral role in five years' time'. In terms of working with the main parties, Moran sets out a preference for engagement through the councillor holding the Príomh Chomhairleoir office. Issues that arise could be debated in the council's policy committees. He concedes this 'does not seem to be the choice of the council'. Adrian Power, chair of Moyross Partners Group and family support co-ordinator of Corpus Christi Child and Family Centre. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times Adrian Power is the chairman of Moyross Partners and he works as a family support co-ordinator in the heart of the disadvantaged community. He says he has some sympathy for Moran amid tensions in the council but 'what we can see from the outside looking in' is 'just complete division'. He says while this is happening communities such as Moyross are 'in real danger of going backwards'. There was dismay when a planned development of 78 homes at Pineview Gardens that had community support – and seemed on the verge of happening – was delayed by a design review Moran had promised of wider plans for Moyross. It is among a series of such reviews by firms of architects Moran hopes will help set parameters for private and public housing on development sites in Limerick. Power says there are now proposals for an additional 40 homes at Pineview Gardens, and another 110 nearby, and while 'we're not necessarily against it' there are concerns of pressure on school and creche places. Moran says every new mayor or minister looks at plans 'to see if it still makes sense'. He says he met the community and their concern was a 'desperate need of housing'. He argues the 'scheme they were looking at wasn't going to deliver'. He says there are now plans for new roads, a train station and other infrastructure in Moyross. While the area 'is potentially going to get hundreds of homes', Moran says he will 'absolutely' be pushing for delivery of facilities such as schools alongside. Under Government plans Limerick City is to grow by 50,000 people from the current 100,000. 'You cannot do that iteratively and by chance,' says Moran. 'You have to develop a large and thoughtful master plan.' Uniquely in Ireland, the people of Limerick will have a chance to decide on his success or otherwise of his plan in the next mayoral election due in 2029. Moran will 'of course' seek a second term.
