IT’S COMES AS no surprise that the world of property is fast-paced, so it’s understandable that having our fingers on the pulse, constantly, isn’t always possible. That’s why each week, we put together a five-minute round up of the week’s biggest stories.

Here’s what’s been happening…

1. Plans approved for new hotel in Dublin city centre

A proposed view of Motel One's new hotel Source: DCC

A new Dublin city centre hotel beside department store Arnotts has been given the go-ahead.

Property developer Noel Smyth applied for permission to develop the tourism complex on land across Abbey Street Middle and Henry Street, which also includes the top three open-air levels of Arnotts’ car park.

2. A US giant has bought land in north Dublin for another data centre

Source: Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff

US firm Equinix has purchased a new €5 million site in the city, but it is not yet known when development of the new data centre will start.

The 8.2 acres of land is north of the city in Ballycoolin, where the company already operates an existing centre.

3. Irish Rail to spend €5 million on new replacement bus services contract

Source: RollingNews.ie

A contract worth €5 million has been put out to tender by Irish Rail to deliver a bus service when required to customers.

The tender is looking for “competent bus/coach operators to provide transport for both bus hire as alternative transport to complement rail services during planned works and in the event of unplanned rail disruption”. 

4. 23km greenway planned for a disused railway in East Cork 

Cork County Council say that developing a 23km greenway along a disused railway line will boost the local economy, according to the Irish Examiner.

Proposed for East Cork, the Midleton to Youghal greenway, documents were published this week as part of the planning process.

5. Homeowners warned to pay tax on Airbnb incomes

The Revenue Commissioners sent letters to 12,000 homeowners, reminding them that short-term letting income is liable for income tax and that failure to pay could result in prosecution, according to the Irish Independent this week.