🇪🇺 Sunday Property Round-Up 27th 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:
- Homelessness: Record 17,885 people in emergency accommodation last month — Of those, 5,830 were children. https://www.thejournal.ie/homeless-figures-department-of-housing-emergency-accommodation-7173084-Sep2026/
- Delivery of new homes continues to be stubbornly low and slow: Minister for Finance says budget measures will focus on boosting supply of housing, but for who? https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/09/24/delivery-of-new-homes-continues-to-be-stubbornly-low-and-slow/
- Harris points to jobs, housing supports after poll shows young people considering leaving: New Red C polling for the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) found 68 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds said they were considering a move abroad and 71 per cent believed life would be better elsewhere https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/09/23/harris-points-to-jobs-housing-supports-after-poll-shows-young-people-considering-leaving/
- The missing billions: where are the investors for Ireland’s rental homes? https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/the-missing-billions-where-are-the-investors-for-irelands-rental-homes/
- Simon Coveney: Former minister once lobbied by developer Johnny Ronan, now lobbies for him: Former tánaiste joined Ronan Group executives at meeting with Fine Gael leader Simon Harris last month about Bremore port project https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/09/25/simon-coveney-former-minister-once-lobbied-by-developer-johnny-ronan-now-lobbies-for-him/
- How to solve the housing crisis: Ronan Lyons makes a case for the type of homes we really need — and how we should build them https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/how-to-solve-the-housing-crisis-ronan-lyons-makes-a-case-for-the-type-of-homes-we-really-need-and-how-we-should-build-them/a/161655812.ht
- Greystar closes €180m sale of 268-unit apartment scheme to German investor: JLL Ireland advised US property group on sale to Quantum Immobilien https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/25/greystar-closes-180m-sale-of-268-unit-apartment-scheme-to-german-investor/
- Finance firm decides not to move forward with funding for GDL Management https://www.businesspost.ie/markets/finance-firm-decides-not-to-move-forward-with-funding-for-gdl-management/
- Daft.ie founders earn close to €240m in 2024 restructuring deal https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/daft-and-donedeal-operator-reports-loss-despite-record-revenues/
- Deirdre Costello to Become JLL Ireland CEO as John Moran Moves to Chairman: JLL has announced a leadership succession plan for its Irish business, with Deirdre Costello taking over as CEO from January 2027 after more than 30 years with the commercial real estate firm. Irish Real Estate news: https://irishrealestate.news/deirdre-costello-to-become-jll-ireland-ceo-as-john-moran-moves-to-chairman/
🇪🇺 Placemaking in County Waterford: Week 13 of our 26-week, 26-county non-political placemaking tour of Ireland throughout the duration of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency. On the ground, talking to people about place…
“Faigheann cos ar siúl rud nach bhfaigheann cos ina cónaí” — a walking foot finds something the resting foot never would!
Read in full: https://placeengage.com/%f0%9f%87%aa%f0%9f%87%ba-week-13-of-26-placemaking-in-county-waterford/
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
Rural, Coastal & Islands
- RURAL Planning system shifts to ‘culture of facilitation rather than restriction’: “For too long people in rural Ireland have faced a planning system that can feel unnecessarily restrictive, complicated and above all inconsistent,” https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/09/22/minister-signals-planning-system-shifting-to-culture-of-facilitation-rather-than-restriction/
- Darragh McCullough: Could the next big thing in farming be housing? Government’s ambitious building plans may present an opportunity for landowners to cash in https://www.independent.ie/farming/darragh-mccullough-could-the-next-big-thing-in-farming-be-housing/a/161664809.html
- ‘Encouraging’ results as University of Galway joins international mission to restore coral reefs: The research has seen 23 artificial reefs placed on the deep seabed off the south-west Porcupine Bank https://www.thejournal.ie/university-of-galway-joins-international-mission-to-restore-coral-reefs-7167699-Sep2026/
- PUBLIC CONSULTATION: Enhancement scheme in coastal Waterford village set to remove roundabout and link village centre to new relief road https://www.independent.ie/county/waterford/enhancement-scheme-in-coastal-waterford-village-set-to-remove-roundabout-and-link-village-centre-to-new-relief-road/a/161771698.html
- RURAL COMMUNITIES: Farmer found dead in derelict home had lived alone in harrowing conditions https://www.roscommonherald.ie/news/farmer-found-dead-in-derelict-home-had-lived-alone-in-harrowing-conditions_arid-111467.html
CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news
- PICTURED: Ireland will struggle to tackle its housing shortage unless it makes a much bigger commitment to apprenticeships, according to Sean Downey, director of Learning and Development at the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). “We’re all talking about future skills,” he said. “But future housing requires a skills commitment today.” https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-real-estate/future-housing-requires-a-skills-commitment-today-cif-warns-apprenticeships-are-key-to-delivery/
- Nine in 10 building-materials firms fear customers will pay late this winter https://www.independent.ie/business/irish-business/nine-in-10-building-materials-firms-fear-customers-will-pay-late-this-winter/a/161737960.htm
- After years of delays, developers say they’re still nervous about building homes along Metrolink line: The MetroLink plans promise to unlock up to 100,000 homes across Co Dublin, but builders are staying in wait-and-see mode https://www.thejournal.ie/metrolink-builders-cif-7171909-Sep2026/
- ‘Dunsink homes won’t get built’: Michael Prenty, property director with Ballymore Group, believes the homes proposed for Dunsink “won’t get built” because the proposals are for “way too dense” apartments, which he claimed will also mean much of the housing will be unaffordable for people. Fingal County Council’s plans will see up to 18,500 homes built on land surrounding a former dump in northwest Dublin. Located between Finglas and Blanchardstown, the 1,000-acre site is viewed by housing experts as the largest remaining land bank inside the M50. https://www.thejournal.ie/dunsink-7172436-Sep2026/
- Green light for 457 apartments up to 12 storeys in height near Omni Shopping Centre in north Dublin https://www.independent.ie/county/dublin/green-light-for-457-apartments-up-to-12-storeys-in-height-near-omni-shopping-centre-in-north-dublin/a/161869129.html
- Cork student apartment plan on site of demolished tax office is appealed: Bam said a City Council condition cutting floors threaten the project’s viability https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41913361.html
- Macroom site for sale for €2.75m with major housing potential: Potential to deliver up to 200 homes near Macroom town centre https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41915056.html
- GALWAY: An appeal’s been lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála against a new housing estate in Athenry. The large-scale residential development is led by Athenry Luxury Housing Developments and would be based at a site at Raheen https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/appeal-against-new-estate-of-136-homes-in-athenry-230602
- Landmark building proposed for former Salthill tourist office site: City Council-owned site is in a highly visible location along the Prom, which the Council itself describes as a gateway to Salthill and the Atlantic coastline https://www.ireland-live.ie/west/galway-live/landmark-building-salthill-9174546
- Limerick city residential development is approved: A substantial 182-home and creche development has been approved for Mungret, Limerick, featuring diverse housing and meeting Part V social housing. https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41913904.html
- Up to 250 separate living spaces could be built on a key Kilkenny city site https://kclr96fm.com/up-to-250-separate-living-spaces-could-be-built-on-a-key-kilkenny-city-site/
- Developer puts 20-apartment ‘shovel ready’ site in Wexford on the market just 14 months after planning win https://www.independent.ie/county/wexford/developer-puts-20-apartment-shovel-ready-site-in-wexford-on-the-market-just-14-months-after-planning-win/a/161264001.html
- Go-ahead for huge rebuild of Athlone Traveller housing site https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2026/09/25/go-ahead-for-huge-rebuild-of-athlone-traveller-housing-site/
- An application for 44 residential homes in Leitrim Village includes a mix of two, three and four-bedroom units, alongside 88 proposed car parking spaces. https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/planning-application-seeks-to-build-over-40-new-homes-in-leitrim-9171469
- Development Plan variation ‘opens up land for housing’ in Mayo https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/development-plan-variation-opens-up-land-for-housing-in-mayo_arid-111658.html
- Plans to demolish storage facility for 50 new homes in Clare town https://www.independent.ie/county/clare/plans-to-demolish-storage-facility-for-50-new-homes-in-clare-town/a/161874898.html
- UK joinery firm Howdens to open depots in Sligo and Carlow https://www.independent.ie/business/irish-business/uk-joinery-firm-howdens-to-open-depots-in-sligo-and-carlow/a/161962415.html
- Loughrea-based Glanua expands to US market: The water and wastewater engineering company says it plans to create 200 jobs there, after opening a new office in Radnor, Pennsylvania. https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/loughrea-based-glanua-expands-to-us-market-230555
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
On-Site with Walls at Southwest Gate, Dublin
Keeping Frontline Workers Safe
On-site with Walls: John Egan, Safety Executive with the Construction Industry Federation, chats to Ken Golden, Operations Director, and Alan Worrall, Health & Safety Manager with Walls on the ground at Southwest Gate — a residential development by O’Flynn Group and The Land Development Agency — in advance of #CIFSafety26 next month
🎧 Listen back to this wide-ranging discussion on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Hbbl9VKIjiWuLwInJguvP?si=2a7c69a5e5884a77
📽️ Watch back on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LO1VOFXFjfU
📸 Katie Tallon
REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news
Residential
- New apartments by the sea in Howth from €555,000: Graymount Gardens features one-, two- and three-bedroom homes https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/09/24/new-apartments-scheme-by-the-sea-in-howth-from-555000/
- PICTURED: Newstalk: While there’s good news for buyers as the average rate of house price growth in Dublin has slowed. There has been an increase in the number of landlords exiting the market https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-newstalk-breakfast/some-good-news-for-house-buyers
- COUNTY Clare features on this week’s episode of RTÉ’s Cheap Irish Homes, with a house hunter taken to West Clare in search of a property with a garden and in close proximity to the sea. https://www.clareecho.ie/west-clare-to-feature-on-latest-episode-of-cheap-irish-homes/
- Estate agent shares why he swapped high-flying Dublin career for family firm on Wicklow-Wexford border https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/estate-agent-shares-why-he-swapped-high-flying-dublin-career-for-family-firm-on-wicklow-wexford-border/a/161577396.html
- Ballinamore auctioneer celebrates 25 years in business. Gordon Hughes says lack of housing supply is big issue https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/ballinamore-auctioneer-celebrates-9142557
*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
- George Osborne: OpenAI is ‘doubling down’ on Dublin but we need to be regulated https://www.businesspost.ie/interview/george-osborne-openai-is-doubling-down-on-dublin-but-we-need-to-be-regulated/
- Game on: Jervis Shopping Centre seeks to tackle high vacancy rate with new arcade https://www.businesspost.ie/property/game-on-jervis-shopping-centre-seeks-to-tackle-high-vacancy-rate-with-new-arcade/
- PICTURED: Buildings beside planned O’Connell Street Metro station for sale https://www.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/buildings-beside-planned-oconnell-street-metro-station-for-sale/a/161910053.html
- Fully let Dublin 15 office investment at €9.5m offers buyer 9.11% yield: Cobalt House was developed in 2000 and has been refurbished in recent years https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/09/23/fully-let-dublin-15-office-investment-at-95m-offers-buyer-911-yield/
- LDA closes in on €21m deal for UCC’s IMI campus in Sandyford: The executive education group, Business Post and RedC research company have offices on the land near Dundrum Town Centre https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/09/26/lda-closes-in-on-21m-deal-for-uccs-imi-campus-in-sandyford/
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
- PICTURED: Off-site manufacturing: “The Irish government is the single largest buyer of construction services on the island,” said Sean Downey, Director with Construction Industry Federation, giving it the ability to “change the dial in terms of what way the industry operates because the private sector cannot do that on its own.” Downey argues attracting young people into construction will become even more important as the sector moves towards greater use of modern methods of construction (MMC) https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-real-estate/future-housing-requires-a-skills-commitment-today-cif-warns-apprenticeships-are-key-to-delivery/
- After Manna’s Irish Pause, Drone Leaders Ask: What Comes Next for Ireland? https://irishtechnews.ie/after-mannas-irish-pause-drone-leaders-meetup/amp/
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
- Colm McCarthy: There’s a gaping hole in the case for the €16bn MetroLink https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/colm-mccarthy-theres-a-gaping-hole-in-the-case-for-the-e16bn-metrolink/
- Irish grid slowing down renewable energy expansion – WEI https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0922/1592513-irish-grid-slowing-down-renewable-energy-expansion-wei/
