A lack of transparency and succession planning is impacting on diversity at board level, according to a report published by the Institute of Directors in Ireland. The Diversity in the Boardroom 2019 report found increased support for gender targets rather than gender quotas - particularly among men. However, it found that a high level of unplanned succession in Irish boardrooms ultimately undermines improving diversity. | An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for the redevelopment of an ESB power station at Shannonbridge in Co Offaly. The decision puts a major cloud over the future of employment of over 300 Bord na Móna and ESB workers. ESB Lough Ree Power had sought planning for the continued operation for the peat-fuelled power station to facilitate the failed transition to firing it with biomass. The planning application had been opposed by An Taisce and other environmental groups. | International investors spent €2bn on multifamily housing in Dublin between 2014 and 2018, according to a report published by CBRE. Apartment blocks are the most common type of these residential portfolios. The report by the global real estate advisor found that multifamily housing is the second largest sector for real estate investment in Europe, with the potential to become the dominant sector. €52bn of cross-border captial was committed to mutlifamily housing across Europe between 2015 and 2018. | The Central Bank has warned people not to access financial services from Legitime Loan Service as it is not an authorised firm. The company advertises the availability of loans on its website but holds no authoritisation from the Central Bank as a retail credit firm. In a statement, the Central Bank said it is a criminal offence for an unauthorised person or firm to provide financial services that would require an authorisation under the relevant legislation. | Oil exploration company Providence Resources has further extended the deadline for the handover of $10m to cover exploration costs for its Barryroe project. The new deadline is now July 26. It is the fifth time that the deadline has been extended The Barryroe prospect lies in about 100 metre water depth in the North Celtic Sea Basin, about 50km off the south coast of Ireland. Providence last month said it had agreed amendments to the Farm-Out Agreement for the Barryroe project with China's APEC Energy Enterprises. | European funds managing almost €2 trillion in assets have called on cement companies to slash their greenhouse gas emissions, warning that a failure to do so could put their business models at risk. With the extreme weather and natural disasters associated with climate change intensifying around the world, some asset managers are ramping up engagement with heavy polluters to demand a faster transition to a cleaner economy.   |||