Not all housing developments are big ugly blots on the landscape, there are those that embrace their surroundings and the people that live in them. One such development is Clarion Quay, a Dublin docklands development of apartments and 'social and affordable homes' which last week scooped the much coveted Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Silver Medal for Housing, for the years 2002-2003 Designed by Urban Projects, the scheme which includes shops at street level and apartments laid out around a series of private landscaped gardens was hailed by the judges as an excellent example of integrated urban design that provided for a sustainable community.

BUILDERS STEAMED UP OVER BATHROOM TAX

Builders and developers throughout the country are launching a nationwide campaign against the proposed tax on homes with more than one bathroom. Set to be introduced early next year, homeowners with en-suites or ground-floor guest bathrooms will find themselves paying as much as 1,200 per year for every extra bathroom or toilet in the home.

The 'waste-water' tax which is part of the Government's commitment to improving 'green' standards in Ireland, has caused uproar among the construction and bathroom manufacturing industry. Co Meath-based builder Patsy Goodwallet is spearheading the anti-tax campaign. "This spells the end for local builders. I've just "nished a scheme of detached houses in Duleek, all with three bathrooms, and who's going to want them now? It's just money down the drain. This Government should think before it acts. Small business will be "ushed out completely, " said Goodwallet.

RENOVATE AND PROFIT WITH OUR HOUSE SHOW

If you're thinking of doing some serious redecoration, don't go knocking down walls, ripping out your old kitchen or adding an extension without visiting the Roadstone 'Our House Show'. With rising interest rates preventing more of us from moving home, making better use of the space we have has become key. This year's show focuses on everything to do with the house from interior design to furnishing accessories, garden design and more substantial building projects. Visit Roadstone 'Our House Show', Friday 13 April, 2pm to 6pm; Saturday 14 April, 11am to 7pm, Sunday 15 April, 11am to 7pm at Punchestown National Events Centre. Adults 12, students and senior citizens 8. www. ourhouse. ie

MARC JACOBS DESIGNS FOR WATERFORD

The creative love affair between fashion designer and crystal company continues unabated with the latest collaboration being that of Marc Jacobs and Waterford Crystal. US-born Jacobs has collaborated on a range of stemware, giftware and "ne bone china, and is the third in a successful design link-up for the company that includes John Rocha and Jasper Conran. It was the move to Paris to work as creative director with Louis Vuitton that sparked an interest in French tabletop design for Jacobs. He has now come up with three distinct patterns named Jean, Elizabeth and Robert. The products were launched exclusively in Ireland last week in Brown Thomas, with Waterford's chief executive crystal clear in his enthusiasm for this latest collaboration bringing "Waterford's hallmark blend of tradition to a new generation of young, fashionable and truly global consumers".

DUBLIN ON THE BRINK OF A HOUSING SHORTAGE

Figures released on Wednesday by the Central Statistics Office reveal that Dublin could soon be facing a housing shortage according to the Irish Home Builders' Association.

A significant drop in planning permissions for new homes is to blame. In 2004, 24,000 new homes were granted planning permission in Dublin.

That figure is now down to about 12,000 despite demand for new homes in the capital estimated to be about 30,000 per year.

According to an IHBA spokesperson, this widenening gap between supply and demand has resulted in rising rents and is forcing people to commute longer distances to their place of work.

PROPERTIES MUST GO AT WILSONS

Ireland's biggest and most successful auction complex Wilsons Auctions is celebrating its third anniversary at its Dublin branch with the launch of its first multi-lot land and property auction on Wednesday, 4 April at its site at Kingswood Cross, Naas, Co Dublin.

On offer is a multitude of properties from bungalows in Offaly to holiday apartments in Tenerife. Interested buyers can check out potential purchases on line before the big event at www. wilsonsauctions. com.

FREE SEMINARS ON INVESTING IN PROPERTY

Think property investment is only for the big boys? Free seminars on how to learn all about investing in property are kicking off tomorrow, Monday 2 April and also on Tuesday 3 April, at the Westbury Hotel, off Grafton Street, Dublin 2. The seminars, organised by the Whitney Information Network, will show how individuals can create wealth in a number of markets, whether at home in either residential or commercial, similarly in the UK, or overseas. Further courses will take place on Wednesday 4 April at the Marriott Druids Glen Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow. For more details, contact 0044-208 996 6700; or visit www. russwhitney. co. uk