Discovering the Real Estate Moguls Behind the Emerald Isle: An Investigation by Matt Cooper
Strolling the Grand Canal during lockdown, I moseyed from Portobello to the docklands within my 5km limit, noticing the new construction on the horizon. Glassy office blocks and swanky apartment buildings, standing taller than ever, dominated the landscape.
I couldn't help but wonder, who's behind all this development? Who's calling these swanky new digs home or office? Where's the dough coming from to greenlight these projects? Why build now, with uncertainties looming over the pandemic's endgame? Who profits, who suffers? What perks will Dublin's citizens reap as a result—job opportunities, taxes, everyday commerce? And does it make Dublin a better place?
Curiosity piqued, I explored past lockdown restrictions, stretching my walks, jogs, and drives to the furthest corners of the country.
The lockdown was like a pause button, a time of turbulence as we grappled with when the pandemic would end and what normal life would look like after the restrictions lifted. The economic crash of 2008—yep, a different kind of virus, definitely man-made—had left a trail of despair, a deflation in our collective hopes for the future. Yet, Ireland seemed to bounce back, even flourish.
But oh, what a difference a decade makes.
A whole heap of physical assets in our dear country have changed hands since the crash. Lesson learned: going it alone—as we strive for independence from colonial powers—isn't the way forward. As members of the European Union, we embraced shared sovereignty and managed to retain our own national interests.
But wow, the global forces of capital have taken center stage.
Some had their heads buried in the sand when gauging our connections to the world—we can sell, export, and make money, but forget the immense wealth pouring into Ireland from foreign investors.
That's why Who Really Owns Ireland? probes the relationships we have with foreign and domestic capital, aiming to lay bare the players controlling assets within our boundaries.
Sure, the book will give you the lowdown on who's snagging properties post-crash, but it's about more than that. I aim to delve into the expansive concept of ownership, exploring the power dynamic between international capital and our democratically elected leaders and civil servants.
Because that power structure influences the way we live in Ireland today—and will shape our future.
Pre-order Who Really Owns Ireland? by Matt Cooper—today!
P.S.: Amid the construction chaos, dodgy old barge restaurants sit idle, waiting for a buyer, while the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) takes down derelict cottages to address vacancy and dereliction issues. With demolition underway, who knows what potential lies in store for Dublin's Grand Canal area? Investment and development projects signal possible economic growth and job creation. But it's crucial to combat dereliction, revitalize the area, and provide more housing and commercial spaces for a more vibrant community. It's a delicate dance, balancing development with local concerns and the broader societal needs.
- The new construction on the Grand Canal horizon is a result of investments from both foreign and domestic capital, as outlined in the book "Who Really Owns Ireland?" by Matt Cooper.
- As Ireland has seen a surge in foreign investment, it's essential to consider the impact on real-estate and business sectors, particularly the balanced development across Dublin's Grand Canal area, ensuring it addresses housing, commercial, and vacancy issues while fostering economic growth and job opportunities.
