Plans for a new 273-bed tourist hostel on Dublin’s Drury Street by Eamon Waters’ company, Balrath Investments, have sparked significant objections from local businesses. Concerns focus on the potential for increased on-street drinking and the transformation of the area into a tourist hotspot similar to Temple Bar.

The proposed development involves converting the first to fourth floors of Maryland House, located at 20-21 William Street South and 50-51 Drury Street, from office space to tourist accommodation. The design includes a total of 44 bedrooms, which would house up to 273 guests in a mix of four- to eight-person dormitory-style units.

Local retailer Madeline Blaine, owner of The Collective Jewellers, voiced her objections to the Dublin City Council, stating that the area already struggles with issues related to public drinking. “This is an ongoing problem that the council is already well aware of. Allowing yet another unneeded bar is just worsening the existing situation,” Blaine emphasized. She expressed concern that the hostel’s budget-friendly approach would attract lower-spending tourists, which could detract from the shopping experience in the area.

Blaine further remarked, “If businesses like mine are going to survive, we should be attracting a higher money bracket to this street, where people can browse and shop in relative calm and ease.” She believes that the plans could cause “irreparable damage” not only to her business but also to other nearby establishments.

Another local business, SW Restaurant Ltd, which operates SOLE Seafood and Grill at 18/19 South William Street, does not oppose the development outright. However, the firm’s solicitor, John McMullin, urged the council to consider the application carefully in light of ongoing issues with crowd control and littering in the area. He warned that the proposed hostel could “exacerbate those problems.”

In defense of the project, Brock McClure, a planning consultant for Balrath Investments, argued that the development would enhance street activity during evenings and create job opportunities in what he described as a pivotal location.

As the controversy unfolds, the Dublin City Council has placed the application on hold, requesting that the applicants address various design and transport issues. The outcome of this proposal could significantly impact not only the local economy but also the character of Drury Street.

Two brothers, Colum and Ciaran Butler, have secured a stay on a court order that barred them from acting as directors of companies. This decision follows a judgment issued by Ms Justice Nessa Cahill, which determined that the brothers had not sufficiently demonstrated responsible management of their company, Downtul Ltd. This company previously operated a Starbucks franchise at St Stephen’s Green in Dublin.

Downtul Ltd was placed into voluntary liquidation in November 2022, leading to the court’s restriction on the Butler brothers from serving as company directors or secretaries for a period of five years. The ruling specified that they could only resume such roles if any new company had a minimum share capital of €100,000 or €500,000 for a public limited company, as outlined in the Companies Act 2014.

Legal Proceedings and Arguments

The Butler brothers’ legal representation applied for a stay on the court’s order, arguing that they needed time to reorganize their business affairs. Counsel Brian McGuckian highlighted the extensive involvement of the brothers in the corporate sector, noting that Ciaran is a director of 134 companies and Colum oversees over 170 companies.

McGuckian sought a six-month stay, citing the necessity for the Butlers to arrange their affairs properly. He also mentioned that the court typically grants directors time to comply with similar orders. The opposing counsel, Padraic Lyons SC, representing the receiver, contended that while a stay for organization was reasonable, the six-month duration was excessive.

Judge Grants Four-Month Stay

Ms Justice Nessa Cahill ultimately granted a stay of four months for the Butlers to organize their affairs, but did not allow for a stay pending a potential appeal against the High Court ruling. She clarified that the stay would maintain the same conditions as if she had approved a stay pending an appeal.

The judge emphasized that it was up to the Butlers to present any grounds for an appeal if they chose to pursue that route. While the court acknowledged the need for the brothers to manage their business responsibilities, it also highlighted the importance of providing the necessary legal framework for their future operations.

As the Butler brothers move forward, the implications of this legal decision will be closely monitored, particularly given their significant roles in managing various prominent franchises in Ireland.

Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris has expressed optimism regarding a potential EU-US trade agreement, despite recent threats from US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs that could significantly disrupt transatlantic trade. During an interview with Pat Kenny on Newstalk, Harris emphasized the importance of maintaining a composed approach as negotiations continue.

Negotiations and Tariff Threats

Harris stated that a draft document exists between the White House and the European Commission, aiming to establish a framework for an agreement. He described the escalating rhetoric surrounding Trump’s potential tariffs on EU goods, set to take effect on August 1, as a major challenge. “We’ve been here before where President Trump has talked about 50 percent tariffs and hasn’t implemented them,” Harris noted, emphasizing a history of fluctuating threats from the US administration.

The Tánaiste underscored that tariffs at such high levels would not only disrupt trade but could effectively halt it altogether. “In his heart of hearts, he knows, as a businessman, that tariffs of that level would stop trade as we know it functioning between Europe and the US,” he added.

The Importance of Trust in Trade Relations

Addressing the broader implications of Trump’s actions, Harris highlighted the “constant level of volatility and uncertainty” that affects trust in US trade commitments. He pointed to instances where the US has withdrawn from significant agreements, such as the Paris climate agreement, and suggested that these actions have eroded confidence among EU negotiators.

“There are people who voted for President Trump whose jobs and livelihoods depend on that trading relationship,” Harris stated, pointing to the mutual dependency in transatlantic trade.

The Tánaiste called for a balanced dialogue, urging European leaders to communicate clearly to Trump that they aim to avoid retaliatory tariffs. “Of course, we’re not going to just sit idly by and allow our economy and the European economy be hit by very significant tariffs,” he warned.

Harris expressed confidence in Maroš Šefčovič, the European trade commissioner, who has previously collaborated with Ireland during the Brexit negotiations. He noted that Ireland is in a strong position, with full employment and budget surpluses, which could bolster its negotiating power.

In a scheduled online meeting with representatives from multinational pharmaceutical companies, Harris plans to illustrate the interdependence of US and EU economies. He stated, “A lot of what the pharma companies in Ireland send back to the US actually requires further work in US factories, so it creates jobs right across the United States.”

Harris concluded by emphasizing the need for a successful trade agreement, stating, “We have to get a deal. We have to work hard, but we do have to prepare for all eventualities.”

This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.

A recent survey by the hiring software firm Greenhouse reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the job market in Ireland, creating both opportunities and heightened competition among job seekers. Conducted among 2,200 candidates globally, including 169 Irish-based workers, the survey highlights the complex impact of AI on employment dynamics amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

The findings indicate that 73% of Irish workers are leveraging AI tools in their job search. The primary uses include preparing for interviews, cited by 42% of respondents, analyzing job advertisements at 28%, and generating work samples at 25%. While many see value in AI assistance, there are concerns about its implications for job security. Nearly half of the surveyed Irish workers reported feeling insecure in their current roles, and 42% described the job market as very competitive.

According to Greenhouse’s Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Chait, hiring practices are currently “stuck in an AI doom loop.” He elaborated that as AI technology progresses, it simplifies the application process, which floods the system with applications and diminishes clarity for job seekers. This is particularly challenging for younger candidates, with 25% of Generation Z respondents stating that AI has made it more difficult for them to distinguish themselves from other applicants.

Despite the advantages AI offers, the survey also reveals that 54% of Irish job seekers feel the technology is complicating their search by raising skill requirements and intensifying competition. Interestingly, 41% of respondents acknowledged that AI has helped uncover new job opportunities, indicating a dual impact on the job search experience.

A significant finding from the survey is the lack of guidance from employers regarding the use of AI in the application process. A staggering 82% of workers reported that employers provided little to no direction on how to effectively incorporate AI in interviews. This uncertainty further complicates the already challenging landscape for job seekers.

In terms of fairness during the application process, 49% of Irish candidates disclosed experiencing inappropriate or biased questions. The most frequently reported inquiries related to health or disability status at 21%, parental responsibilities at 20%, and age at 18%. Additionally, 69% of respondents admitted to omitting older experiences from their CVs to avoid age-related biases.

These insights underscore the evolving role of AI in the job market and its implications for workers. As businesses increasingly adopt AI technologies, the need for transparent guidance and equitable hiring practices becomes paramount to ensure a fair and accessible job market for all.