🇪🇺 Sunday Property Round-Up 13th September 2026

Weekly Irish property market news and insights – for the industry, by the industry

📧 All stories are covered in full in this week’s Sunday Property Round-Up on iProperty Radio, powered by Property District — now the largest weekly newsletter BY and FOR Ireland’s real estate and construction industry. Not in your inbox yet? Email carol@caroltallon.com for a copy

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE

Below are the local and international stories that might be of particular interest:

Irish housing construction shrinks as broader building industry sees ‘slight expansion’: AIB’s monthly index notes growth of employment in construction sector eased to a 10-month low in August https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/08/housing-construction-shrinks-as-broader-building-industry-sees-slight-expansion/

Red C poll: Public feels strongly government is failing on housing https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/red-c-poll-public-feels-strongly-government-is-failing-on-housing/

Dublin Economic Workshop: Councils expected to zone enough land for 1m new homes, conference hears: Revamped local authority development plans will lift the State’s residential land bank to 25,000 hectares by 2040 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/12/councils-expected-to-zone-enough-land-for-1m-new-homes-conference-hears/

Rezone sets up builders for surge of new homes Revised county plans free up developers’ land for thousands of units https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/co-wicklow-rezone-build-thousands-homes-construction-ireland-housing-shortage-dhjgsqf5t

Councils’ surplus property tax must go to housing. Will it move the dial in your county? Minister for Housing James Browne brought a proposal to Cabinet this week that changes how the ten surplus local authorities spend their excess Local Property Tax. From 2027, every euro of that excess must go to housing. Roads are out. https://roundtowercapital.ie/councils-surplus-property-tax-must-go-to-housing-will-it-move-the-dial-in-your-county/

First-time buyers could be in for a budget boost, with the abolition of stamp duty for those purchasing their first home now under discussion. Fianna Fáil is digging in on its push to scrap the levy for first-time buyers, despite its coalition partners in Fine Gael being cool on the idea. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/abolition-of-stamp-duty-for-first-time-buyers-on-table-in-budget-but-workers-are-warned-tax-cuts-will-be-modest/a/161084994.html

‘Concerns’ over impact of 24/7 online bidding for homes: Psychiatrists are to be asked for their opinion on the impact of online bidding platforms for homebuyers https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2026/0907/1590639-minister-homes-bidding/

Ireland’s failure premium: All the property schemes do one thing. It’s not help buyers: Phenomenon of setting out to financially help people only to leave them worse off is so commonplace in Irish economic policy that I have given it a name https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/09/13/sinead-osullivan-all-the-help-to-buy-schemes-grants-and-loans-do-one-thing-and-its-not-help-buyers/

‘Life is on hold just to chase an ever-moving market’: Readers on the reality of buying a home in 2026: Bidding wars, rising budgets and house hunters putting their weddings, travel and lives on hold… https://www.thejournal.ie/your-stories-first-times-buyers-housing-7159397-Sep2026/

‘He’s so content going to bed at night’: Homeless mother says getting a house has made her young son ‘so happy’ https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41908198.html

Managing MetroLink: AECOM and Jacobs, both headquartered in Dallas, Texas, have succeeded in securing the tender after a joint bid for the Dublin rail line, which will be the single biggest public transport project in the history of the State https://www.thejournal.ie/metrolink-tender-7158590-Sep2026/

MetroLink to build housing for up to 2,000 workers: Business plan for 19km rail line includes budget of up to €500m for provision of accommodation for construction workers https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/09/12/metrolink-to-build-housing-for-up-to-2000-workers/

The Irish Times view on data centres: a storm is gathering — If the Government parties wish to avoid a painful reckoning, a radical rethink is required https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2026/09/08/the-irish-times-view-on-data-centres-a-storm-is-gathering/

Mid-rise buildings could fill the gap in ‘missing’ medium-density housing: High-priced housing is not exclusive to Dublin so other governments are also experimenting with policies to fill the gap. https://www.thejournal.ie/housing-essay-international-comparisons-7157316-Sep2026/

📉 GDL’s €275m portfolio valuation would be ‘materially lower’ without assumptions https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/gdls-e275m-portfolio-valuation-would-be-materially-lower-without-assumptions/

Nama pays close to €8m in termination payments as part of wind down: New figures show 54 employees eligible for payments of €7.96m, an average of about €147,000 per individual https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/08/nama-pays-close-to-8m-in-termination-payments-as-part-of-wind-down/

Ten of the best dog-friendly hotels around Ireland, if a holiday isn’t a holiday without your pooch: From five-star luxury in Cork to doggie bags and biscuits in Galway https://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/travel/ten-of-the-best-dog-friendly-hotels-around-ireland-if-a-holiday-isnt-a-holiday-without-your-pooch/a/161078082.html

🇪🇺 Week 11 of our Place Engage 26-week, 26-county non-political placemaking tour of Ireland for the duration of Ireland’s EU council Presidency found us in County Kerry: https://placeengage.com/🇪🇺-week-11-of-26-place-engage-arrives-in-county-kerry/

Also, on the EU Housing front: New EU rules to help local authorities tackle the housing crisis – https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_1792

📍Right now, we’re packing up and heading for County Offaly – just in time for the National Ploughing Championships; recommendations to carol@placeengage.com

If you missed last week’s round-up, you can catch up here: https://ipropertyradio.com/sunday-property-round-up/

As always, you might let me know if I have missed out on any relevant property news by emailing carol@caroltallon.com

PLACEMAKING: https://placeengage.com

Open public consultations and community engagement, in association with the Public Consultation Institute of Ireland

New €43m swimming pool approved to replace leisure centre being demolished for MetroLink: Facility in Ringsend will be fully funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2026/09/07/new-43m-swimming-pool-approved-to-replace-leisure-centre-being-demolished-for-metrolink/

Glenveagh Properties urged to engage with residents in Louth seaside village over 500-home logjam https://www.independent.ie/county/louth/glenveagh-properties-urged-to-engage-with-residents-in-louth-seaside-village-over-500-home-logjam/a/161148240.html

Tommy Barker: I’m back in love with Cork’s urban core — What are your favourite city sights? The gritty city seems to have reached a turning point given a raft of improvements and investments https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41906941.html

Bishopstown and Ballincollig dominate feedback amid strong support for Cork Luas: Bishopstown was mentioned in almost half of all submissions https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/bishopstown-ballincollig-dominate-feedback-amid-34604262

PICTURED: NEW canopy planned for a city centre street looks set to take inspiration from the Lough Gur stone circle https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/planning/canopy-in-limerick-set-to-take-inspiration-from-lough-gur-stone-circle-8978170

Stalemate over Tipperary barracks as historic site continues to deteriorate https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/nenagh/stalemate-over-tipperary-barracks-as-historic-site-continues-to-deteriorate-8993136

CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news

📌 Build Digital National Conference 2026 – Bookings now open: On 8 October, the people planning, funding, designing and delivering Ireland’s infrastructure will gather in one room to collaboratively explore – in practical detail – what resilient infrastructure actually demands, the systems the network needs to withstand and respond to changing conditions, and how the Irish BIM mandate, aligned with ISO 19650, is already changing delivery, governance and lifecycle asset management on public projects https://www.eventbrite.com/e/build-digital-national-conference-2026-climate-resilient-infrastructure-tickets-1999786855317

Dilosk, Capitalflow… and more? Ireland’s non-bank lending sector is on the cusp of consolidation https://www.businesspost.ie/banking/dilosk-capitalflow-and-more-irelands-non-bank-lending-sector-is-on-the-cusp-of-consolidation/

New 562-home development in Dublin city centre will include Ireland’s tallest building: The project will be built on the site of the former Hickey’s Wholesale Fabrics warehouse. https://www.thejournal.ie/562-new-homes-parkgate-street-dublin-ireland-tallest-building-7159200-Sep2026/ Also: Ireland’s tallest building to form part of 562-home development beside Dublin’s Heuston Station: LDA Housing will be spread across four apartment blocks and include more than 300 cost-rental properties https://www.independent.ie/business/irish-business/irelands-tallest-building-to-form-part-of-562-home-development-beside-dublins-heuston-station/a/161295407.html

Major flaws at new National Children’s Hospital threatens to push opening date back to end of 2027: Serious compliance issue emerges during final stage of beleaguered development https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/major-flaws-at-new-national-childrens-hospital-threatens-to-push-opening-date-back-to-end-of-2027/a/161250496.html

IRFU pitches major hotel plan beside Aviva Stadium https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-real-estate/irfu-pitches-major-hotel-plan-beside-aviva-stadium/

350-home Cappagh road site not rezoned as residential due to ‘lack of infrastructure’ https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/350-home-cappagh-road-site-not-rezoned-as-residential-due-to-lack-of-infrastructure-229461

Decision on a proposed €3.75 million Galway City Council loan towards the new Galway Regional Aquatic Centre in Knocknacarra has been deferred until tenders for the €20 million project are returned https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/galway-aquatic-centre-9019306

523-home Castletroy development in Limerick approved despite objections: Golf club raised concerns over errant shots from the course causing damage or injury https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41907694.html

€55m Dromoland Castle redevelopment to include new rooms, glass atrium and lakeside saunas: The castle will close for six months to facilitate the largest redevelopment in its 63-year history as a hotel https://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/travel/55m-dromoland-castle-redevelopment-to-include-new-rooms-glass-atrium-and-lakeside-saunas/a/161075925.html

Planned Laois housing development appealed: Developer says the houses would complete a housing estate which was unfinished due to the 2008 ‘construction crash’ https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/planned-laois-housing-development-appealed-9012483

Portarlington lands with potential for 100 homes guiding more than €3m https://www.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/portarlington-lands-with-potential-for-100-homes-guiding-more-than-3m/a/161204369.html

Site for 75-plus homes on edge of Killarney National Park put on market https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/site-for-75-plus-homes-on-edge-of-killarney-national-park-put-on-market-498132

Glenveagh ups delivery target and doubles share buyback to €100m https://www.businesspost.ie/markets/glenveagh-ups-delivery-target-and-doubles-share-buyback-to-e100m/

Engineering company DECI to open US office, creating 250 jobs: Chicago base development is a major expansion for the Limerick company https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/08/engineering-company-deci-to-open-us-office-creating-250-jobs/

PEOPLE – PLANT – SAFE SEPARATION (Plant & Machinery Campaign) https://www.hsa.ie/your_industry/construction/people-plant-safe-separation-plant-machinery-campaign/

Videos at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vkMufB3bbgNrSiRg4e0AoOw&si=AVjM7CeRSFcp3HeA

Breaking Ground News: Appointments & Construction Careers

BGN Construction Careers, your weekly newsletter from Breaking Ground news, keeps you updated on the latest job opportunities, while showcasing the very best employer brands and projects, across Ireland’s construction industry. Whether you are looking for your next role or planning your career path, stay connected with us for new openings, upskilling opportunities and industry news. Get all the latest job details straight to your inbox: Sign up https://breakingground.news/sign-up-form/

CIF Safety Campaign 2026 Podcast

🎙️ Construction Industry Federation (CIF) #CIFSafety26 Podcast — the full 2025 & 2026 series is now live

Over the past 12 months, we took the mic onto live construction sites across Ireland — from a European HQ in Dublin’s Docklands to the largest Capex energy project in the State — to talk safety with the people building it.

Hosted by Sean Downey, Director of Safety, Education and Skills, and John Egan, Executive, every conversation puts real site experience at the centre of the safety story.

You can now catch up on the entire series:

📽️ Watch every episode → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vnhCbgSqe6T8TJTfB9mvD6C&si=sieKYKVtXiUohkBi

🎧 Listen back → https://open.spotify.com/show/2SQXVgyerkhnxh80jnEORZ?si=94f05ae7c5b04adb

Produced by Katie Tallon MPRII

REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential

Affordable homes on the west side of Galway City is set to go on sale later this month. 25 new homes will be offered at Slí na hAbhann at Ballymoneen Road by Cairn Homes https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/new-city-affordable-homes-to-go-on-sale-this-month-229740

Westmeath County Council is moving to acquire a number of derelict properties in Moate’s Toorvalley housing estate https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2026/09/10/council-moves-to-acquire-derelict-properties-in-moate-estate/

PICTURED: Grand five-bedroom detached home on quiet Rathgar road: Rostrevor Road home features mature wraparound gardens by the Dodder https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/09/10/grand-five-bedroom-detached-home-on-quiet-rathgar-road/

Town centre Wicklow property with shop unit and home hits market for €400,000 https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/town-centre-wicklow-property-with-shop-unit-and-home-hits-market-for-400000/a/160867638.html

Are you trying to buy your first home? TheJournal wants to hear from you: We want to hear from first-time buyers about the compromises, competition and costs involved in finding a home. https://www.thejournal.ie/your-stories-callout-first-time-buyers-housing-crisis-7154833-Sep2026/

*Searching for a new home or investment property in Ireland? Join the iProperty Radio FACEBOOK community of property buyers in Ireland 2026: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IrishPropertyBuyers/

Commercial

PICTURED: Renowned Ranelagh shop for sale along with apartments for €2.6m: Award-winning wine importer and off-licence available as going concern or with vacant possession https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/09/09/renowned-ranelagh-shop-for-sale-along-with-apartments-for-26m/

Anthropic’s Dublin office hunt reveals huge ambitions for Irish jobs https://www.businesspost.ie/tech/anthropics-dublin-office-hunt-reveals-huge-ambitions-for-irish-jobs/

JCD Group secures high-profile tenants at business parks: Harvey Norman one of four significant tenants bedding down at Evergreen and Blarney business parks up https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41909515.html

Town centre Wicklow property with shop unit and home hits market for €400,000 https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/town-centre-wicklow-property-with-shop-unit-and-home-hits-market-for-400000/a/160867638.html

One of Clonmel’s best-known hotels has been placed on the market with a guide price of more than €2m. Raheen House Hotel, the long-established boutique hotel and wedding venue on Raheen Road, is being offered for sale through CBRE https://www.tipperarylive.ie/property-0/popular-tipperary-hotel-goes-on-the-market-for-more-than-eu2-million-9021351

iProperty Radio: Property Round-Up

🎙️ COMMUNITY VOICES: Carol Tallon in conversation with Frank O’Connor of #DerelictIreland

One of the richest, most wide-ranging, placemaking conversations of this 26-county, 26-week non-political placemaking tour so far

📽️ Watch in full: https://youtu.be/S8M44XTYrxY

Full details 🔗 https://caroltallon.substack.com/p/community-voices-carol-tallon-in?r=5v30&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

*A note on the video — by way of apology, and fair warning. This conversation was not on the iProperty Radio production schedule and I was without crew, so it is the first time we recorded on a mobile phone only: no microphones, on a busy quay in full sun, beside a working street. The camera angles were under the direction of a lovely dog of indeterminate breed — Rico, taking his first production credit. If you listen closely you will hear passers-by stopping to tell him what a beautiful creature he is, which is true 🐾

🎙️ Housing Insights Podcast by The Housing Agency

The latest series of Housing Insights is out now, bringing expert analysis, practical advice, and real lived experiences straight from the heart of Ireland’s housing sector.

Hosts Roslyn Molloy and David Silke explore four critical areas shaping housing today:

The role of apartments and MUDs in Ireland’s housing system: Roslyn sits down with David Rouse and Lisa Marie Sheehy to break down OMCs, service charges, sinking funds, and future regulations for managed communities.
Social Housing Options: David speaks with Patrick McCarthy to unpack eligibility, Choice-Based Lettings, differential rents, and navigating local authority application processes.
My Homelessness to Housing First Journey: A powerful conversation between Rob Lowth and Housing First tenant John on lived experience, breaking the cycle of homelessness, and the transformational impact of permanent housing with wrap-around support.
Biodiversity in Housing: Roslyn is joined by Susan Vickers (Clúid Housing) and Haley Curran to explore nature-based design, estate retrofitting, and resident-led biodiversity projects.

Whether you are a housing professional, local authority officer, resident, or policymaker, there is an episode for you – listen to all new episodes now:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dSJNN6dyWZ4Wp6Of95l1D?si=48457d360fb74213&nd=1&dlsi=444fb6f5b1a8444f

The Housing Agency’s website: https://www.housingagency.ie/news-events/housing-insights-housing-agency-podcast-series

🌏 Links to all episodes at iProperty Radio: https://ipropertyradio.com/housing-agency/

PROPTECH, CONSTRUCTION TECH & SMART CITIES: https://prop-tech.ie/

Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2026 Irish technology providers for the built environment – sign up here: https://prop-tech.ie/register/ and email product or service details to hello@prop-tech.ie

Proptech Ireland: Ireland’s CONSTRUCTION and REAL ESTATE ESG technologies resource hub. Confused about how and where to start on your ESG journey? Contact us 👉https://prop-tech.ie

PODCAST: The Proptech Hot Seat on iPropertyRadio.com

Proptech Hot seat is sponsored by Proptech Ireland, the hub for innovators, investors and industry leaders https://prop-tech.ie/

Produced by Katie Tallon, with Hear Me Roar Media on sound https://hearmeroarmedia.com

All Proptech Hot Seat episodes – https://ipropertyradio.com/proptech-hot-seat/

INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY

Westport native appointed to senior role with EirGrid – Liam Moran has been named Director and Group Financial Controller with the organisation, which operates and develops Ireland’s national electricity grid. https://www.midwestradio.ie/news/westport-native-appointed-to-senior-role-with-eirgrid/

INTERNATIONAL

The UK housebuiling slump is holdng back overall construction output, according to the latest official figures https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/data/housing-downturn-holds-back-construction-growth-11-09-2026/

It was billed as effortless London luxury. Then tenants found out the rules: Shard Place’s policies, including those on guests and delivery riders https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/09/it-was-billed-as-effortless-london-luxury-then-tenants-found-out-the-rules/

PICTURED: Plans lodged for one of Europe’s tallest student towers: Student accommodation developer Scape has submitted plans for an 851-bed tower near Elephant & Castle in south London. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/09/08/plans-lodged-for-one-of-europes-tallest-student-towers/