On her election to the Presidency of the Chartered Society of Surveyors, Anne Hargaden became the first female to hold the position in the 102 years the society has existed. In 1996, Anne became the only female on Lisney's Board of Directors. Uninhibited by her singular role, Anne broaches each new challenge with enthusiasm and ability. Sandymount born and bred, I spoke to Anne about her work, life and memories of the area.

Anne Hargaden spent her youth in Claremont Park and attended Roslyn Park, Staying within the area, she now lives off Serpentine Avenue with her husband Michael Kevany and their three children; Michael., Laura and Jennifer. Considering the developments in the area’s landscape since her childhood, Anne recalled the vacant fields at Claremont before the construction of the town houses. Sandymount Village has also transformed over the years. Among the most memorable events was the closure of the Bracken Supermarket, later replaced by Spar, and the grand opening of H. WilIiams. According to Anne, one of the most appealing aspects of Sandymount is the preservation of a village environment centred around Sandymount Green. "Sandymount was a wonderful area to grow up in. There is a genuine community spirit where everybody knows and looks out for their neighbours. The Village provides every convenient facility and is close to the city with the backup of a good transport service."

Graduating from Bolton Street with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Surveying in 1981, Anne began her career in a small surveying practice. In the mid ’80's she joined Lisney and quickly moved up the ranks. By 1989 she secured a director’s seat in the company's commercial division. In 1996 Anne became a full Board Director, in addition to her election as President of the Chartered Society of Surveyors.

Surveying is a blanket term which covers a broad spectrum of professional activities from Quantity Surveying, which outlines the cost for building plans, to General Practice, and is concerned with valuation and sale of property. The Chartered Society of Surveyors represents the surveying profession in Ireland. Now 102 years in existence, it has a membership of over 900 with a further 300 to 400 affiliated student members. The Society works to ensure its members are informed on changes within the profession and of new legislation related to surveying. In addition the Society makes submissions to Government Departments. The Society published the 'Strategic Review of the Construction Industry’ and a report on ‘Housing into the New Millennium. At present the Society is working on a 'Study of Housing for the Elderly'.

Over the years the Society has completed various inner city reviews giving planning guidelines which outline minimum regulations for the construction of new apartment blocks such as; minimum size and minimum space requirements. “A lot of our proposals have been taken on board by developers. The Society has made a submission on the Dock Land development. Our basic proposals concern the welfare of the communities who will live in the area. 75% of the land to be developed is designated for residential areas. We recommended that careful consideration be given for the provision of services to support the communities. Furthermore we advised that the Tax Breaks be applicable for owner-occupiers only. The Society also recognises the importance of protecting the environment in the construction industry, There is a greater awareness of environmental concerns now than in the 1970's and 80's. Purchasers are more conscientious about environmental issues and how this applies to the housing they want. This has ensured the improvement of the product. St. John’s in Sandymount is a good example of attention to landscaping in a residential area".

Working in close proximity to the housing and auctioneering market, Anne spoke of the property boom. "There are always cycles of boom and bust in the property market which is why it is impossible to predict how long the present property boom will last, The market is driven by low interests rates which leads to an increase in borrowing capacity. Ireland in experiencing an economic boom which has increased available income and consumer demand across the board. When predicting the future of the market, everybody is watching the European situation and the effect of joining the EMU. There will inevitably be a few bleeps in interest rates. A lot of people in the property market are borrowing at a Fixed rate to see them through the next 5 to 7 years. Housing Prices are affected by the level of demand for property. I can see prices levelling off over the next year especially at the top end of the market. There are no signs of a drop in prices but nothing is certain in the market."

Anne is honoured to serve as President of the Society. Previously she served as Chairperson for the Society's General Practice Committee. Anne believes her position as first lady President reflects the increase in the number of women in her profession. "Surveying was traditionally a male dominated business. In recent years more women are entering the profession which isa good thing for the overall industry.”