Since the 1980s, the headquarters of the National Lottery has been a constant fixture on Abbey Street in Dublin, its glass entrance seeing countless winners claim their prizes. Yet, this could soon be a thing of the past. The organisation’s proprietor, Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI), is presently weighing up moving from its Irish Life Centre premises to a new location. Although discussions for a fresh HQ are underway, PLI has been tight-lipped about its potential new abode.
PLI has undergone a host of changes since it was bought out by French gaming titan and lottery operator, La Française des Jeux, in a transaction valued at around €350 million last year. Further transformations will see the farewell of Chief Officer Andrew Algeo next month along with Senior Communications Executive Fran Whearty, who is set to embark on a new chapter elsewhere. Now, out of PLI’s employ, both will at last have permission to participate in the lottery themselves, something that was previously off-limits.
In other news, a private humanist remembrance ceremony was held last week for Teri Hayden, an agent renowned for representing some of Ireland’s most successful actors, like Gabriel Byrne, Brendan Gleeson, and Domhnall Gleeson. Hayden, originally from Derry, passed away aged 75 last month and was notably close to Byrne, having been instrumental in his 1990s rehabilitation. Last year, Brendan Gleeson commemorated his IFTA award victory for ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ to Hayden. Her company, now managed by her son Karl, represents an array of famed Irish actors and actresses, like Owen Roe, Marie Mullen and Bryan Murray. May she rest in peace.
Last year, CRH CEO Albert Manifold was named the most highly compensated Irish executive, raking in over €12 million. Born to hardware store owners in Dublin’s Kimmage district, Manifold has been investing his earnings in a property in Carlisle Avenue, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. The renovation project, however, has not been without hitches. In 2021, Dublin City Council flagged Manifold off for unpermitted work on the €1.45 million Victorian property he owns. Despite living in Co Wicklow, the issue was promptly addressed, with Manifold’s planning consultant explaining his client was unaware of the need for a planning permit for internal changes. Application for retention of various modifications including new roofing and remodelling of interior walls has since been sought. Applications to replace certain windows and interior joinery work are also underway.
In related news, former Fine Gael politician and past EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan has seen financial success from his consultancy work since his Golfgate resignation. The previous year, he reported an approximate €1 million earning from consultancy roles for clients that range from Vodafone to global banking enterprises JP Morgan and DLA Piper on the EU Transparency Register. It seems that Hogan’s future endeavours may involve leveraging his network and influence at home. He recently listed Triton Advisory, his consultancy firm, on the lobbying register, specifying energy and natural resources as his main fields of interest. The exact profits from his Irish lobbying activities may never be disclosed, as Triton Advisory, Fitzwilliam Square-based, is recognised as an unlimited company and therefore not mandated to publish detailed financial records.
Simultaneously, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has been making moves on the lobbying register. This follows the announcement by Catherine Martin, the Minister of Media, of the proposal to classify Six Nations matches as free-to-view, potentially denting the IRFU’s standing in negotiating TV deals.
Currently, free-to-air terrestrial television is only obliged to offer coverage that is delayed. However, Martin is considering making certain key rugby matches, such as the women’s Six Nation games, women’s Rugby World Cup finals, and the finale of the European Rugby Champions Cup, but this is only when an Irish Team is participating, accessible without cost.
Catherine Martin is strategizing to make 14 fresh sporting happenings free to air,which includes Six Nations rugby as well. To debate over the review of free-to-air broadcast listings and the conceivable addition of particular rugby events, officials recently had a meeting with Aoife Clarke, the communications manager for the IRFU, and Garrett Tubridy, the IRFU’s corporate affairs head. In the ensuing months, it’s anticipated that strong opposition to the proposals will arise.
On another front, RTÉ is seeking a new security contractor, a task that is more complex than managing the lighting and ensuring the security of the premises. With the task valued at an estimated €1.5 million, the successful bidder will have their hands full. Owing to the hostility that journalists, especially those from the national broadcaster, face, the winning firm may be required to address protests, handle visitor access and aid with crowd management for specific shows.