🇪🇺 Sunday Property Round-Up 20th September 2026

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

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE

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

MetroLink to use different contract style to prevent ballooning costs that plagued children’s hospital: Groundwork to begin next year after green light for project to go out to tender https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/metrolink-to-use-different-contract-style-to-prevent-ballooning-costs-that-plagued-childrens-hospital/a/161512880.html Also: Here’s the plan to ensure MetroLink’s costs don’t spiral like at the Children’s Hospital https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/heres-the-plan-to-ensure-metrolinks-costs-dont-spiral-like-at-the-childrens-hospital/

Revealed: State spending on top consultancy firms nearly triples to €519m https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/revealed-state-spending-on-top-consultancy-firms-nearly-triples-to-e519m/

Planning permissions for new homes jump 60%: CSO says total number of dwelling units approved in between April and June was 11,912 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/17/planning-permissions-for-new-homes-jump-60/

❌ A row has broken out between the national planning regulator and Housing Minister James Browne, after the minister accused the state body of overextending its reach and delaying housing development. Niall Cussen, head of the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR), has now written a letter to Mr Browne, questioning his remarks and calling for a meeting with the minister and his staff. In a recent interview, Mr Browne said the OPR had become “this big, complex consultative body that I think has over-reached”, adding that it was “delaying the delivery of homes… and infrastructure”. Mr Cussen’s response can be revealed after a week in which it emerged that housing developments are taking twice as long to get from planning to completion as they did a decade ago https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/regulator-hits-back-at-james-brownes-comments-over-housing-delays/a/161645784.html

Building a home in Ireland takes twice as long as it did a decade ago: Average duration from planning to completion is now four years, Central Bank says https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/16/dysfunctional-planning-system-blamed-for-drastic-slowdown-in-home-delivery/

‘It’s easier to prevent homelessness than tackle it after it’s happened’ — Finnish expert on how Ireland can tackle crisis https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/its-easier-to-prevent-homelessness-than-tackle-it-after-its-happened-finnish-expert-on-how-ireland-can-tackle-crisis/a/161360889.html

Developers are facing a cliff edge to get almost 40,000 homes built as they race against the expiry of planning permissions within the next two years. New data published by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) shows almost 89,000 housing units approved since 2021 have yet to commence construction. Of these, some 37,919 will see their five-year planning approval lapse by the end of 2028. https://www.businesspost.ie/property/race-against-time-tens-of-thousands-of-homes-face-planning-cliff-edge/

Environmental assessments are to be scrapped for housing developments of up to 250 units under new regulations set to be introduced by the government at the end of this month. John Cummins, the minister of state at the Department of Housing with responsibility for planning, is axing environmental impact assessments for certain developments in an effort to cut red tape, speed up delivery and reduce costs https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/environmental-screening-to-be-scrapped-for-certain-housing-and-infrastructure-projects/

Ireland has a chronic housing problem – but is it finally turning a corner? After years of rising rents, soaring house prices, and a chronic shortage of homes, Ireland’s housing crisis may finally be showing signs of improving – even if it’s far from over. Construction has accelerated by some metrics, public investment has increased and there is an expanding pipeline of new homes. This doesn’t mean the housing crisis is behind us. Ireland still has one of the lowest levels of housing stock relative to population, and serious obstacles remain around planning, infrastructure, land and affordability. https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/ireland-has-a-chronic-housing-problem-but-is-it-finally-turning-a-corner/

James Browne pushing for massive increase to bridge affordability gap https://www.independent.ie/videos/james-browne-pushing-for-massive-increase-to-bridge-affordability-gap/a/161559548.html

Newstalk: Housing Minister wants to hike help-to-buy tax refund. Minister for Housing James Browne wants a boost to the help-to-buy tax refund for first-time buyers LISTEN: https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/clairebyrne/housing-minister-wants-to-hike-help-to-buy-tax-refund or WATCH: Watch “Should Help to Buy scheme be increased? | Newstalk” on YouTube https://youtu.be/b7HyvOAk3Ps?is=r-BypQ_6DD4pfh7S

Budget bust-up as Simon Harris and Micheál Martin clash over crucial plans for housing: Taoiseach insists removal of stamp duty for first-time buyers ‘still on the table’, despite Tánaiste ruling out €61m proposal https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/budget-bust-up-as-simon-harris-and-micheal-martin-clash-over-crucial-plans-for-housing/a/161582955.html

Tony Reddy: Housing supply won’t increase simply because councils set higher density targets: Homes will only be delivered at scale if planning, infrastructure and development economics are aligned https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/14/housing-supply-wont-increase-simply-because-councils-set-higher-density-targets/

Cost Rental REIT?— Glenveagh boss sees fresh risk to Ireland’s housing push: “Is there an opportunity to attract private sector capital to participate in that, in owning it or participating in the funding of it, could we create a Reit for that product?” https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/glenveagh-boss-sees-fresh-risk-to-irelands-housing-push/

Corporate landlord credits profit surge to housing shortage: Firm backed by French insurer Axa nets €24m profit in part from ‘significant undersupply’ in Irish housing market https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/19/landlord-with-3500-irish-homes-links-profit-surge-to-housing-shortage/

Number of vacant social housing units fell to its lowest level in a decade last year, but the number of social housing units being acquired by local authorities decreased by nearly a fifth when compared to 2024 https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0917/1591829-social-housing-vacancy/

The GAA can build Croke Park. So why not build houses? South Kerry’s radical solution: Falling school numbers, soaring house prices and rural depopulation are forcing clubs to rethink how Gaelic games survive https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41913049.html

Mortgage lending cap eases life — outside of Dublin: Lending limits allow borrowing up to four times income, boosting housing access for many, but not all, in Ireland https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/mortgage-lending-cap-eases-life-dublin-5fw3mpb5v

‘We should consider expanding’ rent-a-room scheme, Taoiseach says https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41912965.html

Target of retrofitting 36,500 local authority homes by 2030 unlikely to be met https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41911726.html

Rural Ireland Thinks: Majority of rural dwellers welcome new rules on one-off housing: Reforms were popular across all age demographics, with a 90% approval rating from those aged 65+ and an 82% approval rating from those aged 16-24. https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41911717.html

South Dublin apartment portfolio primed for €130m sale: Total of 293 homes next to Dundrum Town Centre to be offered in single lot at an average of €444,000 per unit https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/09/16/south-dublin-apartment-portfolio-primed-for-130m-sale/

Tipperary store that has been at the centre of a planning battle with the county council has informed staff and customers that they are planning on closing their doors next month, with the loss of 14 jobs https://www.independent.ie/county/tipperary/mr-price-confirms-tipperary-store-closure-after-long-running-planning-dispute/a/161598883.html

Calls for public inquiry into ghost estate in County Limerick town https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/planning/calls-for-public-inquiry-into-ghost-estate-in-county-limerick-town-9066751

Oprah Winfrey searching for an Irish property in Roscommon, Mayo, and Galway: It is understood that a real estate adviser travelled with her as she viewed several select properties across Roscommon, Mayo, and Galway https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41911168.html

Wicklow couple granted injunction over crane allegedly swinging over their home https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/wicklow-couple-granted-injunction-over-crane-allegedly-swinging-over-their-home/a/161233997.html

🇪🇺 Over the past 12 weeks we have been on a 26-week, 26-county non-political placemaking tour of Ireland with Place Engage that will run for the duration of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency; meeting and listening to people on the ground about the lived expereinces of their places. As there are no established metrics for good placemaking in Ireland, each week – before arriving in each county – we undertake desktop research of 60-70 local data points, and publish the most relevant points (selection below; full Placemaking Data Baseline series available at https://placeengage.com/news/). IPAV – Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers members in each county are sense-checking our data generally, then sharing their insights from transactions so far this year, and letting us know who is buying what, for how much, using cash or finance… Our series features Sinead Beggan MIPAV of McGuirk Beggan Property; Pat Quirke of PF Quirke & Co.; Boyd Robinson M.I.P.A.V of Robinson Estate Agents; Declan O’Leary of Sherry Fitzgerald O’Leary Kinsella; Paul Clarke of DNG Duffy; Lorraine Moloney MIPAV TRV of DNG Ella Dunphy; Nessa O’Farrell MIPAV TRV MMCEPI of O’Farrell Property; Hubert W Morris MIPAV REV of Hugh Morris Alliance Estate Agents; Cormac Sheehy MIPAV MMCEPI of Sheehy Meares Real Estate; Gary O’Driscoll, with more to follow. With huge thanks to Genevieve McGuirk and all the IPAV team. And we’re not quite halfway there… The latest IPAV Property Professional Magazine is now available at: https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=the_property_professional_autumn_2026&u=ashvillemedia

🇪🇺 Week 12 of 26: Placemaking across County Offaly – kicking off the week of the Ploughing Championships, on a solar energy development, off the back of local golfing ledgend Shane Lowry’s win (not a bad week to be in the ‘Faithful County’!): https://placeengage.com/%f0%9f%87%aa%f0%9f%87%ba-week-12-of-26-placemaking-in-county-offaly/

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

One of the biggest urban regeneration projects in the country has officially opened in north county Dublin. Locals say the €15m revamp of Balbriggan’s Quay Street and harbour area has already improved business in what is Ireland’s youngest large town and one of the most diverse places in the country https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0919/1592178-urban-regeneration-dublin/

Galway City Councillors have approved plans for the Cross Street Rejuvenation Project. The multi-million euro project aims to create an inclusive and welcoming space, which will improve the liveability of the city centre’s streets, prioritising safety for walkers, wheelers and cyclists while accommodating the needs of other road users too https://www.midwestradio.ie/news/galway-thoroughfare-to-get-pedestrianisation-upgrade/

PICTURED: Young entrepreneurs are cleaning up Limerick city one road sign at a time: “a small thing that builds and rebuilds a community.” https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/young-entrepreneurs-are-cleaning-up-limerick-city-one-road-sign-at-a-time-9047164

‘Charleville cannot wait’ – calls for ring road for Limerick border town: Public meeting in Charleville takes place on Wednesday, September 23 https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/charleville-cannot-wait-calls-for-ring-road-for-limerick-border-town-9078553

€7.5 million was granted for the major project to redevelop the Fort Protector in Portlaoise https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/portlaoise/great-news-for-the-town-eu75-million-for-fort-protector-welcomed-in-laois-9048576

Rural, Coastal & Islands

Government signs off on plan to make it easier for locals to build homes in their own areas: The new plan tells local authorities they are no longer to be ‘over prescriptive’ about rural housing rules. https://www.thejournal.ie/one-off-rural-housing-plan-7084912-Jun2026/?utm_source=shortlink

Family home refused, solar farm proposed: Young Kerry farmer asks what is happening to rural Ireland: Concern for future of rural identity due to solar farm surge https://www.independent.ie/county/kerry/family-home-refused-solar-farm-proposed-young-kerry-farmer-asks-what-is-happening-to-rural-ireland/a/161268847.html

CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news

Six-storey apartment block proposed on site of former Donnybrook Magdalene laundry: Project developer intends to include ‘information sign’ to serve as memorial to site’s historic use https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/15/six-storey-apartment-block-proposed-on-site-of-former-donnybrook-magdalene-laundry/

Dublin 12 bar offers an edge to developers and publicans: It has residential development prospects because of its location within the area designated for the new City Edge Project https://www.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/dublin-12-bar-offers-an-edge-to-developers-and-publicans/a/161529963.html

PLANNING permission is being sought for a 53-home residential development in Dromleigh South and Sheskin in Bantry https://www.southernstar.ie/news/permission-sought-to-build-53-unit-housing-scheme-in-bantry-4374720

Wildlife concerns put brakes on multi-million Clare housing development on former hospital site: Council planners have raised concerns over the impact on protected Lesser Horse-Shoe Bats and the potential displacement of rodents https://www.independent.ie/county/clare/wildlife-concerns-put-brakes-on-multi-million-clare-housing-development-on-former-hospital-site/a/161225638.html

Latest batch of Cork homes in Ivan Yates-backed development to launch https://www.businesspost.ie/property/latest-batch-of-cork-homes-in-ivan-yates-backed-development-to-launch/

Ardcairn Capital opens new Cork office after hitting €1bn lending milestone: Specialist lender has provided finance towards construction of over 5,000 homes, including over 1,500 units in Cork alone https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41911837.html Also: Lender says SME developers are the ‘lifeblood’ of the housing market https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/lender-says-sme-developers-are-the-lifeblood-of-the-housing-market/

📌 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

Planning sought for 40 homes on former mart site in Clare village https://www.independent.ie/county/clare/planning-sought-for-40-homes-on-former-mart-site-in-clare-village/a/161604793.htm

Upper Echelon? Niall Molloy’s data centre firm creating a new tier of shareholders https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/upper-echelon-niall-molloys-data-centre-firm-creating-a-new-tier-of-shareholders/

Limerick-based H&MV Engineering to create 1,000 US jobs https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/limerick-based-hmv-engineering-to-create-1000-us-jobs/

CIF Safety Campaign 2026 Podcast

⚠️ On site with Suir Engineering

The annual CIF Construction Safety Campaign 2026 will run from from 12th to 23rd October and, in advance, Director of Safety, Education and & Skills Sean Downey chats to Amber McGuire, Project EHS, and Billy Kerton, EHS Manager

At its heart, construction safety on site is about leadership, culture, and people. In this latest #CIFSafety26 podcast, we hear from the Suir Engineering team about the practical day-to-day measures in place and what good safety looks and feels like on the ground,

Incidentally, the Construction Industry Federation and iProperty Radio team arrived in County Offaly the day after local golfing legend Shane Lowry’s big win in Doonbeg – but just before the ploughing championships kicked off – so the mood on the ground was high.

Also, coinciding with World Skills 2026 – currently underway at the RDS – the conversation touches on entry into the industry and early stage construction, infrastructure and energy career opportunities.

🎧 Listen back to this wide-ranging discussion on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/19C1sMDVndw5rEpGNprNmy?si=vQMZIkTdRauQKVhIr79ffQ

📽️ Watch back on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T1HxYfGVYzY?si=vASHGacW0dC_cJdr

🎙️ Also, on the day, Safety Executive John Egan caught up with a number of the site team, including Ian Howe, Aoife Sinnott Thomson, John Brown, Tommy Rogers and others – now available on TikTik: https://www.tiktok.com/@ipropertyradio

Huge thanks to the team at Suir Engineering.

📸 Katie Tallon

REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential

Landlord who advertised Co Westmeath house at higher rent after evicting family ordered to pay €15,000 https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/landlord-who-advertised-house-at-higher-rent-after-evicting-family-ordered-to-pay-e15000-1949073.html

‘US business people buy properties in Ireland because they love everything about it’: Desmond Keogh, the first Irish-born president of the Irish Georgian Society in the US, is the proud owner of Oakley Park House in Co Meath https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/09/14/us-business-people-buy-properties-in-ireland-because-they-love-everything-about-it/

Elegant period home with substantial south-facing garden in Rathgar: Victoria Lodge features six bedrooms and three reception rooms and is imbued with old-world charm https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/09/15/elegant-period-home-with-substantial-south-facing-garden-in-rathgar/

What will €650,000 buy in Laois and Dublin? A detached home on an acre outside Portlaoise or a three-bed terrace in Stillorgan https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/09/15/what-will-650000-buy-in-laois-and-dublin/

*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

Dundrum Town Centre to see flurry of new arrivals and store reopenings: Zara, Bershka and Tommy Hilfiger among brands to upgrade their presence this year https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/18/dundrum-town-centre-to-see-flurry-of-new-arrivals-and-store-reopenings/

Everything new at Blackpool Shopping Centre as €2.5m refurb wraps up https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/everything-new-blackpool-shopping-centre-34638244

Quin landmark pub available to rent – 50 years on from ‘Siege of Malachy’s’ – Clare Echo https://www.clareecho.ie/quin-landmark-pub-available-to-rent-50-years-on-from-siege-of-malachys/

Inside Artis: the valuations-led firm taking on the global giants in Irish real estate https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-real-estate/inside-artis-the-valuations-led-firm-taking-on-the-global-giants-in-irish-real-estate/

iProperty Radio: Property Round-Up

🎙️ 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

IVCA raises alarm over foreign VC dominating Irish SME rounds https://www.siliconrepublic.com/start-ups/ivca-raises-alarm-over-foreign-vc-dominating-irish-sme-rounds

Ciaran Bird, who led CBRE’s UK & Ireland advisory business for over 12 years, has joined proptech firm LightWork AI as a strategic adviser https://www.propertywire.com/news/uk/former-cbre-uk-chief-joins-proptech-firm-as-adviser/

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

Data centre opposed by author Sally Rooney has planning overturned on climate concerns: US firm had chosen Mayo because of electricity constraints around Dublin https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/09/17/data-centre-opposed-by-author-sally-rooney-has-planning-overturned-on-climate-concerns/

PICTURED: Wexford town flood relief scheme proposes ‘hard defences’ and ‘demountable barriers’ to protect properties in housing estates https://www.independent.ie/county/wexford/wexford-town-flood-relief-scheme-proposes-hard-defences-and-demountable-barriers-to-protect-properties-in-housing-estates/a/161141410.html

INTERNATIONAL

Battersea Power Station plans in for final 3.2m sq ft build https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/09/14/battersea-power-station-plans-in-for-final-3-2m-sq-ft-build/

Walker Modular lands 2,000 bathroom pods deal https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/09/14/walker-modular-lands-2000-bathroom-pods-deal/