Ronan's return: Johnny to reclaim Spencer Dock jewel

Property developer Johnny Ronan looks set to regain a jewel in his former empire’s crown by acquiring a key six-acre waterfront site at Spencer Dock for an estimated €50 million.

Ronan Group Real Estate, the veteran developer’s property group, is being backed in its bid by private equity fund Colony Capital, which is led by US billionaire Tom Barrack.

Bids for the site, which has planning permission for a 169-bed hotel, 165 apartments ...