Midland Steel has inaugurated a new smart factory in Portlaoise, Ireland, with an investment of €16 million. This advanced facility is designed to produce steel reinforced cages that are essential for enhancing the structural integrity of concrete foundations and retaining walls. According to the company’s founder, Tony Woods, the factory will help meet the Government’s annual housing targets, producing enough cages to fulfill these requirements twice over.

The smart factory is equipped with cutting-edge technology aimed at optimizing production efficiency. This innovation comes at a crucial time as the housing crisis in Ireland continues to challenge policymakers. The steel rebar cages produced at this facility are vital components in various construction projects, ranging from large infrastructure developments to residential buildings.

Tony Woods emphasized the transformative potential of this factory, stating, “We want to revolutionise the entire construction industry.” With the new factory, Midland Steel aims to address the growing demand for housing by improving the supply chain and reducing lead times in construction projects.

The establishment of this facility is part of a broader strategy to modernize the construction sector. By leveraging smart manufacturing technologies, Midland Steel hopes to enhance productivity while also maintaining high quality standards. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its approach, which focuses on sustainability and efficiency.

As Ireland grapples with a shortage of housing, the role of companies like Midland Steel becomes increasingly significant. The factory not only promises to increase output but also supports jobs in the region, contributing to the local economy. The positive impact on employment and the construction industry is expected to resonate throughout Portlaoise and beyond.

In conclusion, the opening of Midland Steel’s new smart factory marks a significant step towards addressing Ireland’s housing needs. With the capability to produce a substantial volume of steel reinforced cages, the facility is poised to play a crucial role in the country’s construction landscape. As Tony Woods and his team strive to revolutionize the industry, the implications of this investment extend far beyond the factory walls, potentially reshaping the future of housing in Ireland.

A four-bedroom home in Collooney village, Co Sligo, has been listed for sale at €295,000. This property, situated in a picturesque area, offers an ideal living space for families seeking both comfort and convenience.

The residence is located within a peaceful development, allowing for a tranquil lifestyle while remaining close to the amenities of Sligo town, just a ten-minute drive away. The village itself boasts a variety of local services including a supermarket, bakery, cafes, pubs, and a leisure club, making it a well-rounded community for residents.

Spacious Interior with Modern Features

Upon entering the home, one is welcomed by a spacious hallway that leads to various areas of the house. The living room features attractive wooden flooring, a cozy burning stove, and large patio doors that open to the garden. This inviting space is designed for relaxation and entertainment, complete with a built-in media wall for movie nights.

The open-plan kitchen, dining, and sitting area showcase cream built-in units, wooden countertops, and integrated appliances. Large windows provide ample natural light and beautiful views of the garden. The dining area is equipped with a table that comfortably seats six, perfect for family meals.

The ground floor also includes a utility room, a bathroom, and one bedroom, which boasts fitted carpet flooring and built-in wardrobes.

On the first floor, the primary bedroom features an ensuite bathroom, while two additional spacious bedrooms share the main bathroom. Each bedroom is fitted with carpet flooring and ample storage, ensuring a comfortable living environment.

Outdoor Spaces and Additional Amenities

One of the standout features of this property is its garden, which includes a sheltered patio area suitable for al fresco dining throughout the year. The separate sitting room provides a peaceful retreat with direct access to the rear garden.

The garden is designed for easy maintenance and includes a fully insulated outbuilding with electricity. This versatile space is ideal for a home office, a creative studio, or a personal gym.

Additional amenities in the home include a Nest heating system, double-glazed PVC windows, a Quooker boiling water tap, a filtered water tap, an electric car charger, and a Google doorbell. The property also boasts a commendable BER rating of A1, indicating its energy efficiency.

Collooney is home to the scenic Mill Falls Waterfall, offering residents an attractive walking area for families and pets. Parents will appreciate the availability of various schools within a 10-kilometer radius, many of which provide private bus services. Public transport options are also accessible, with intercity rail services connecting the village to Sligo and Dublin.

This four-bedroom property represents a unique opportunity for potential buyers looking for a family-friendly home in a vibrant community. With its blend of modern amenities, spacious interiors, and proximity to natural attractions, it is certainly worth considering for those in the market.

Consumers will soon notice changes in how their insurance policies are renewed. Under new regulations introduced by the Central Bank, automatic renewals for certain insurance types, including pet insurance, travel insurance, gadget insurance, and dental insurance, will no longer occur without prior consent from the consumer.

This shift comes as part of the revised Consumer Protection Code, which aims to enhance transparency and empower consumers in their insurance dealings. Michael Kavanagh, chief executive of the Compliance Institute, confirmed that this change is intended to ensure individuals actively agree to the terms of their policies each year.

The update addresses concerns that many consumers are often unaware of automatic renewals and the associated costs. By requiring explicit consent, the Central Bank hopes to reduce instances where individuals are unintentionally auto-enrolled in policies that may no longer meet their needs.

As these regulations take effect, consumers will need to inform their insurance providers if they wish to maintain the convenience of automatic renewals. This adjustment is expected to foster a more informed consumer base, encouraging individuals to review their insurance policies annually.

While the new rules apply specifically to the aforementioned types of insurance, it remains to be seen if similar measures will extend to other categories in the future. The Central Bank has not indicated plans for further changes at this stage, but the ongoing evolution of consumer protection laws suggests that the insurance landscape may continue to shift.

The implementation date for these new rules has not yet been announced, leaving consumers and insurers alike to prepare for the upcoming changes. As the insurance sector adapts, individuals are encouraged to stay informed about their options and the implications of these new regulations.

Penneys, the Irish retailer operating under Primark Ltd, reported a marginal decline in revenue for its Irish stores despite a notable increase in pre-tax profits. For the year ending on September 14, 2024, the company’s pre-tax profits surged to more than €881.5 million, up from €416.63 million in the previous year. However, revenues from the Irish store network dipped slightly from €744.5 million to €741.7 million due to unfavorable weather conditions.

The results, detailed in newly released accounts, indicate that the average daily pre-tax profit exceeded €2 million last year. The directors of Primark noted that trading performance in Ireland remained flat, particularly in the second half of the year, which was adversely affected by poor weather. Despite these challenges, the opening of a new store in Bray during the summer helped mitigate some of the negative impacts.

Investment plans for the future are robust. A Primark spokesperson confirmed the company is committed to a multi-year investment programme of €250 million in Ireland, which aims to enhance existing stores and create new job opportunities. Recent refurbishments included the Penneys location on O’Connell Street in Dublin and a new store in Limerick, with the latter reopening last week following an investment of €5 million.

The investment programme is expected to generate an additional 1,000 jobs and expand retail space in Ireland by approximately 20%. Furthermore, Primark plans to construct a state-of-the-art distribution facility in Newbridge, County Kildare, representing an investment of €75 million set to commence within the next year. Directors emphasized that these initiatives underscore the company’s long-term commitment to local communities throughout Ireland.

Overall, Primark’s revenues increased by 5% year-on-year, rising from €3.91 billion to €4.1 billion. This total includes €2.1 billion from intercompany supplies of inventory and €1.25 billion from the Primark Way franchise, which operates internationally based on Primark’s intellectual property and expertise.

The spokesperson highlighted a positive performance for the year, attributing the growth in turnover and profit to strong trading across key European and US markets, as well as consistent performance from Irish stores. Primark’s strategic expansions included entering Hungary and opening its 450th store in Orlando, Florida.

Financial disclosures reveal that Primark paid out dividends totaling €809 million and recorded a post-tax profit of €771 million, after a corporation tax charge of €109.9 million. The company has also experienced a slight decrease in employment, with numbers falling from 7,064 to 7,054, consisting of 5,033 retail assistants, 595 retail managers, and 1,426 central staff. Staff costs rose from €300.19 million to €319.03 million.

At the end of the accounting period, Primark Ltd’s accumulated profits stood at €1.6 billion. The company initially opened its first store in Dublin in 1969 under the name Penneys and is targeting a total of 530 stores globally by the end of 2026. The profit figures also account for non-cash depreciation costs of €86.53 million and non-cash amortisation costs of €45.35 million.