Tetrarch seeks rezoning support, consumer sentiment dips, and the benefits of flexible jobs

Irish property investment group Tetrarch Capital has written to 40 councillors in Fingal to seek their support for a rezoning of five hectares at Howth Estate for the construction of 195 senior living residential units and 50 affordable homes for first time buyers, reports Ciarán Hancock. Tetrarch said it would be happy for the zoning to "very clearly condition the lands for the development of a retirement community and affordable homes only and exclude their development for traditional residential use".

Ciarán also reports Irish property developer Ballymore has submitted a planning application for phase two of its Dublin Arch mixed-use commercial and residential development, adjacent to Connolly railway station in Dublin city centre.

In this week's Bottom Line column, Sarah O'Connor writes it'snot only working mothers who benefit from flexible jobs. A recent survey found that 91 per cent of women and 84 per cent of men who work full-time would either like to work flexibly or do already. Yet only one in four jobs were advertised with flexible working in 2021. It is irrational at a time when employers are complaining about staff shortages to rule out so many potential candidates, she says.

Irish consumer sentiment fell to its weakest reading since February this month as concerns around Covid-19 and the cost of living intensified, according to the KBC Bank consumer sentiment index. The drop in the index signals "a clear and material deterioration" in the mood of Irish consumers of late but "not a complete collapse in confidence", according to the bank's chief economist Austin Hughes.

Consumer confidence falls to 10-month low amid cost of living and Covid fears

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Big Irish firms to face 15% corporate tax under EU proposals

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NatWest unit pleads guilty over scheme to manipulate US Treasury debt markets

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Retail sales growth in UK slides as Omicron fears keep shoppers away

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The biggest domestic Irish companies, as well as major multinationals, would face a new minimum corporate tax rate of 15 per cent, under plans to be advanced by the European Commission today. Among the firms likely to be affected would be Musgraves, Dunnes Stores, Eir and several other big retailers and consumer firms. Cliff Taylor has the details.

Are you on the hunt for the perfect wireless speaker for Christmas? Worry not, as Ciara O'Brien has some suggestions on what to buy and where to find them.

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