Re IFR, you need to ask yourself whether you want to do "proper IFR" (with an IR, European touring) or "UK style IFR" (with an IMC Rating, popping in and out of clouds in Class G while dodging the base of the London TMA...). The equipment carriage requirements for the two are very different. Airways level equipment won't come cheap, especially if you also want to be legal
Lowery gives his location as Dublin.
If their aircraft will be put on the EI register, or if they have an IAA issued licence, then the UK IMC rating will not be available to them. They will have to go for the full IR.
dp