Hey Scatriona,
I agree, I didnt get my original rate but it didnt work out too bad either and now I have a house that I can do whatever I want with!
The news about the new housing bill is fantastic for those who want to improve their houses or release some equity, its long overdue and fair play to those who lobbyied for it, I know some of them are regulars on this board so well done to them. It anyone is interested all the details can be found here
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,17936,en.htm
B