Fortress Planning

11/05/2026

We’re delighted to see Brigid Browne, of Fortress Planning, continuing as a regular contributor to the Irish Examiner.

Check out her latest article discussing key planning matters and industry insights. A valuable read for anyone involved in development, construction, or property planning.

09/04/2026

The government has launched an expansion of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) and this is now available for application. The grant makes available funding under a number of different streams including:

• The Vacant Above the Shop Grant, which will provide funding of up to €135,000 to support bringing above the shop vacant spaces into residential use, where the commercial element is remaining.
• Targeted Top-Up of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, aligning it with the new grant for conversion of above the shop vacant spaces, with additional funding of up €40,000 where entire former commercial buildings are being converted into two or more residential units and where the commercial element is not remaining. This provides up to €110,000 in support when bringing back up to 3 or more units.
• The Expert Advice Grant, funding of up to €5,000 towards professional advice on conversion of above the shop spaces and of entire former commercial properties to residential units.
While the grant is referred to as the Vacant Above the Shop Grant, the grant is also available for single storey buildings where additional space outside of the commercial element within the building can be converted for residential use.

More information is available here:
Above The Shop Grant | Tipperary County Council

Please feel free to share with your contacts and if you have queries please feel free to contact [email protected]

27/02/2026

We are delighted to share that Brigid Browne of Fortress Planning was recently awarded the Collaborative Impact Award at the Surveying Excellence Awards, hosted by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).

The Collaborative Impact Award recognises outstanding teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration that delivers meaningful, measurable benefits to the surveying profession and the wider industry. It celebrates initiatives that demonstrate innovation, knowledge sharing, leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing professional standards for the benefit of members, clients, and the public.

This achievement reflects Brigid’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to collaborative excellence within the property and planning sector.

👏 A fantastic accomplishment — well done, Brigid!

27/02/2026

Fortress Planning was proud to be part of the Project Delivery Team for the new Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence at Munster Rugby’s home, Virgin Media Park, in Cork.

The Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence is a brand-new, state-of-the-art training and development facility located at Virgin Media Park in Cork (the home ground formerly known as Musgrave Park).

It was officially opened on 4 October 2025 by Micheál Martin, with senior government and rugby figures in attendance. Read more here: https://www.munsterrugby.ie/2025/10/04/taoiseach-micheal-martin-opens-cork-centre-of-excellence

This landmark facility represents a major investment in high-performance sport and grassroots rugby development across the province. From concept through to completion, it was a privilege to collaborate with an exceptional team to help deliver a state-of-the-art environment that will support players, coaches and the wider rugby community for years to come.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this outstanding project to life. 🏉



Contact Fortress Planning @ 062-65566 & [email protected]

21/01/2026

Today Brigid Browne of this office became the first woman in Ireland to receive the title of Building Conservation Accredited Surveyor (BCAS).

The BCAS is uniquely placed to assess protected structures and heritage buildings for reuse and/or repair because building pathology is the realm of the building surveyor.

This designation would not have been possible if not for David Humphreys and Martin English of ACP Architectural Conservation Professionals whose mentoring and support was constant. Huge thanks to all the ACP staff, both current and past, for their friendship and comradery throughout.

Brigid will soon be added to the list of conservation surveyors hereunder.

Opening Statement Before The Joint Committee On Housing regarding Pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of the Apartment & Duplex Defects Remediation Bill

18/12/2025

18/12/2025

Brigid Browne of Fortress Planning was delighted to be asked to be one of the judges at this year’s South Tipperary Women in Business Gala Awards Night.

Huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees — the standard on the night was incredibly high, which made it a real pleasure (and a challenge!) to judge.

22/10/2025

Brigid Browne was at the Oireachtas yesterday afternoon on behalf of the SCSI - Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland with Nick Taaffe (principal co-author of SCSI Real Cost of Renovation report) as a 'Witness' and to take questions as part of a Government fact finding discussion on property vacancy in Irish cities, towns and villages.

13/10/2025

We are delighted to announce the successful completion of Phase 3 works at Scoil Ailbhe National School in Thurles!

This phase involved the replacement of all 125 windows under the Department of Education CAT 7 funding.

A huge thank you to our partners — Tipperary Windows & Home Improvement (main contractor) and JM Signs & Graphics (signage contractor) — for their excellent work and collaboration.

These works follow the successful completion of:

Phase 2: Fire Safety and Universal Access Upgrades

Phase 1: Toilet Blocks Upgrades

We’re proud to continue contributing to the improvement and modernization of educational facilities.

26/08/2025