Sunday Property Round-Up 17th May 2026 

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

It was one of the busiest weeks of the year to date across the built environment sector, with no shortage of headlines, announcements, conferences and Ministers on the road. But beneath the volume of activity, the same structural pressures continue to surface across housing delivery, planning, rental supply and construction capacity.

New CSO figures show residential property prices rose by 6.5% in the year to March, but importantly, the rate of increase is now at its slowest pace in two years. At the same time, the rental market continues to contract. RTB figures show 7,062 notices of termination were issued in Q1 — up 51% on the same period last year and the highest quarterly figure since records began. Regional insights shared at the excellent IPAV Annual Business Conference in Galway this week reinforced again the importance of local market intelligence and on-the-ground knowledge in understanding what is really happening across the country.

The buy-to-let sector continues to shrink dramatically, now accounting for just 2.5% of the mortgage market. The Housing Commission estimated that 42% of landlords exited the market between 2021 and 2023, with the pace of exits accelerating ahead of new long-term tenancy reforms. Meanwhile, construction activity has moved back into contraction, with the BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland Construction PMI falling to 47.1 in April. New orders declined for the first time in five months, while input costs rose at the fastest rate since June 2022.

While Sisk and D/RES announced a €32m super venture aimed at delivering 1,000 homes annually, reports also emerged that one of Ireland’s largest social housing providers is seeking partners to take over unfinished developments as the emerging trend of residential site closures this month continues. 

Planning reform and delivery friction also remained centre stage this week. Objections have stalled plans for 562 apartments on the former Jesuit site in Milltown just as legislation to reduce legal fees in environmental court challenges comes into effect next week — with further legal challenges widely expected. 

Separately, the Galway Housing Delivery Forum called for a unified housing delivery system, warning that fragmented governance, infrastructure delays and siloed decision-making are actively constraining supply. Notably, planning and zoning were identified as the single most persistent friction point, with repeated calls for 3D masterplanning, digital twins and VR-led community engagement to replace the adversarial and text-heavy planning processes currently slowing delivery.

This directly reinforces the growing need for informed participation in planning. I am delighted to share that the first iProperty Radio LIVE podcast this June will focus on 3D Planning and digital engagement, taking place in a very special and unusual venue in Dublin with limited audience capacity. To join us, email hello@ipropertyradio.com.

There were also important conversations this week around skills, education and biodiversity. Writing in TheJournal.ie, Dr Paul Davis proposed that every new school building site should also function as a classroom — using public infrastructure projects to train the next generation of builders, engineers and apprentices. Meanwhile, a new BIO-NEIGHBOUR report from the Irish Green Building Council and Trinity College Dublin calls for biodiversity to become standard practice across all new housing developments, setting out a roadmap to embed nature-led design into the delivery of 500,000 homes by 2040.

Minister Jack Chambers’ call this week for the public service to take greater risks on infrastructure delivery is not a new debate. In this week’s reading section, I revisit two Institute of Public Administration books — one from 1963 and another from 1976 — which show just how long Ireland has wrestled with questions of process, accountability, governance and external influence. The current debate may dominate headlines, but the underlying tensions are generations old.

And finally, one small but significant reminder of the scale of untapped opportunity already sitting within our existing built environment: a new Dublin City Council-commissioned report estimates that up to 16,000 homes could be created from vacant commercial buildings and above-the-shop spaces across Dublin city alone.

📧 All stories are covered in full within 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. If it’s not in your inbox yet, email carol@caroltallon.com to receive a copy.

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE 

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

• Is Ireland’s housing market finally turning? Inflation is moderating and higher interest rates are expected but supply remains a challenge on other side of the equation https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2026/05/14/is-irelands-housing-market-finally-turning/

• Rising inflation likely to make lenders more cautious in giving mortgages to new homebuyers https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/rising-inflation-likely-to-make-lenders-more-cautious-in-giving-mortgages-to-new-homebuyers/a992601264.html

• Rent at LDA developments rises by up to €1,000 a year: following a series of rent reviews, monthly rents have been increased by between 2.5pc and 3.5pc in eight existing developments in Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow. One tenant at Harpur Lane in Leixlip recently saw their rent increase from €1,585 to €1,677 a month, a rise of 5.8pc, after their first rent review https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/rent-at-lda-developments-rises-by-up-to-1000-a-year/a1526660106.html

• Eviction notices up 51% in first three months of the year as new rent rules began to bite:  RTB received 7,062 notices of termination in Q1, 51% higher when compared to the same period a year before, and the highest quarterly figure since the data series began https://www.thejournal.ie/eviction-notices-up-51-in-first-three-months-of-the-year-7039216-May2026/

• Construction PMI falls to 47.1 as Irish sector returns to contraction in April: New orders decline for the first time in five months while input costs rise at the fastest pace since June 2022 https://breakingground.news/construction-pmi-falls-to-47-1-as-irish-sector-returns-to-contraction-in-april/

• Property prices rose in March but the rate of increase is the slowest in two years. New figures from the Central Statistics Office show rises the cost of a home was up by 6.5pc when compared with March last year. https://m.independent.ie/business/money/property-prices-up-again-but-rise-is-slowest-in-two-years/a323399063.html#

• IDA Ireland last year more than doubled its spend on purchasing land holdings to €32.87m for planned industrial sites as it looked to safeguard Ireland as a leading global destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0417/1568807-ida-ireland-land-purchases-rise/

• Sisk and D/RES venture to build 1,000 homes a year: Two of Ireland’s best-known construction and property names are joining forces in a new venture to build 1,000 social and affordable homes a year with initial funding of €32 million https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/10/sisk-and-dres-venture-to-build-1000-homes-a-year/

• One of Ireland’s biggest providers of social housing has asked other associations and developers to take over its unfinished projects. https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/social-housing-provider-circle-seeks-to-back-out-of-unfinished-projects/a1083911329.html#

• Spending on scheme to fix defects in Celtic-Tiger era apartments could be capped https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/05/12/apartment-remediation-scheme-costs-face-caps/

• Council’s Oliver Bond plans would have cost up to €700,000 per flat, housing committee told: Regeneration funds of €20 million still available for complex, senior civil servant tells TDs https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/05/12/councils-oliver-bond-plans-would-have-cost-up-to-700000-per-flat-housing-committee-told/

• TheJournal: Here are the 12 vacant and derelict buildings that Ireland’s councils asked to CPO in March https://www.thejournal.ie/derelict-vacant-buildings-cpo-purchase-an-coimisiun-pleanala-7032092-May2026/

• Vacant and derelict houses bought by Dublin City Council unused due to severe dilapidation: Senior council engineer says a number of houses bought ‘regardless of their condition’ https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/05/11/vacant-and-derelict-houses-bought-by-dublin-city-council-unused-due-to-severe-dilapidation/

• Objection puts brakes on plan for 562 apartments on former Jesuit site in Milltown: Residents association on Ranelagh street behind site lodge appeal with An Coimisiún Pleanala over €356m scheme https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/12/objection-puts-brakes-on-plan-for-562-apartments-on-former-jesuit-site-in-milltown/

• Can Ireland’s current planning legislation be considered “democratically adopted”?  ‘Judge who ordered demolition of million-euro home hits back at ‘under-informed commentators’: Allowing this development to stand would completely negate democratically adopted planning legislation’ https://extra.ie/2026/05/16/news/judge-demolition-home-bohermeen

• BIO-NEIGHBOUR report calls for biodiversity to become standard in all new housing developments: Irish Green Building Council and Trinity College Dublin set out national roadmap to embed nature-led design across 500,000 planned homes by 2040

Biodiversity becomes a development imperative: BIO-NEIGHBOUR sets out the playbook as local authorities recommit to climate action

• Public service must embrace risk to deliver big projects, Jack Chambers says: Minister addresses Fianna Fáil ardfheis in Dublin as party braces itself for possible double byelection loss https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/05/16/public-service-must-embrace-risk-to-deliver-big-projects-jack-chambers-says/

• Law to slash fees in environmental court cases comes into effect next week: But legal challenges are expected to new fee scale, which is opposed by lawyers https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/13/law-to-slash-fees-in-environmental-court-cases-comes-into-effect-next-week/

• Homeowners who build modular homes in their back gardens will be liable for the payment of another local property tax (LPT), Revenue has said https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/05/13/owners-of-back-garden-modular-homes-will-have-to-pay-local-property-tax-on-them-says-revenue/

• Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said confirmation by Revenue that homeowners who build modular homes in their gardens will be liable to pay a separate Local Property Tax on that home will not put people off buying them. https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0514/1573340-modular-homes-property-tax/

• Investor Mel Sutcliffe’s asset vehicle Goldstein attempted to “weaponise” the threat of hefty legal costs in an attempt to intimidate an innocent third party auctioneer into ceasing to act for receivers selling one of its valuable Dublin properties https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/13/mel-sutcliffe-asset-firm-made-threat-to-weaponise-legal-costs-to-auctioneers-judge-says/

• An Taisce calls for repurposing of landmark Limerick buildings to help address housing crisis https://www.limerickpost.ie/2026/05/14/an-taisce-calls-for-repurposing-of-landmark-limerick-buildings-to-help-address-housing-crisis/

• ‘Opportunity is massive’ – from childcare to HR, demand for the Irish language economy is growing https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/opportunity-is-massive-from-childcare-to-hr-demand-for-the-irish-language-economy-is-growing/a1739575726.html

• Allegation ex-UL president misled PAC over €12.5m property deal can’t be revisited, court told: Kerstin Mey, a UL professor of visual culture, resigned as president in 2024 as part of a settlement agreement https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/13/allegation-ex-ul-president-misled-pac-over-125m-property-deal-cant-be-revisited-court-told/

• O’Callaghan hotels patriarch Noel O’Callaghan claims his lawyers were secretly recorded by son Paul: Fresh twist in bitter row that has split family behind €400m empire https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/ocallaghan-hotels-patriarch-noel-ocallaghan-claims-his-lawyers-were-secretly-recorded-by-son-paul/a2052110942.html

• Digital Infrastructure Ireland appoints Ronan Kelly as chief executive: Former AllPoints Fibre Networks managing director to lead industry body as Ireland seeks to strengthen its position in global digital infrastructure investment https://breakingground.news/digital-infrastructure-ireland-appoints-ronan-kelly-as-chief-executive/ 

• “My competition was fairly asleep. They didn’t have a strategy; they simply wanted to fund their lifestyle. And I had my future ahead of us, and my generation had its future ahead, so I kind of sold a story, ‘Listen, we’re going to go on a journey here, we’re going to take on the establishment, and see how we get on.’ We didn’t know where it was going to end up, but we had a hunger, and I was prepared to offer directorships and career opportunities when the other firms weren’t”: Mark FitzGerald on ambition, property and the lessons of entrepreneurship – The Currency https://thecurrency.news/articles/226616/my-competition-was-asleep-mark-fitzgerald-on-ambition-property-and-the-lessons-of-entrepreneurship/

EU POLICY & RESEARCH IMPACTING HOUSING DELIVERY 

🇪🇺 EU launches first European Housing Alliance as Ireland prepares for Council Presidency: New platform aims to coordinate housing policy and investment across Europe amid mounting affordability pressures

EU launches first European Housing Alliance as Ireland prepares for Council Presidency

WHAT I AM READING THIS WEEK

When Minister Jack Chambers told the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland conference last week that “risk aversion is holding us back” — as reported in The Irish Times under the headline ‘Government to encourage public service to take more risks for infrastructure’ — he was calling out a debate with a longer history than this week’s coverage suggests. Two books I picked up recently in a secondhand bookshop speak directly to that history. Both were published before I was born (and I am nearly three decades in this industry), and both are worth dusting off now.

The first is The Irish Civil Service by Seán Dooney, published by the Institute of Public Administration in 1976 (https://amzn.to/4deW62a) — written, in its own words, in response to “the growing size, power and cost of the public service” having become “a controversial subject”. Fifty years on, that controversy has not gone away; it has direct relevance to the question of infrastructure delivery.

The second is Advisory Bodies in Irish Government by Donald E. Leon, published by the Institute of Public Administration in 1963 (https://amzn.to/42EWVLG). It is, as far as I can establish, the first sustained examination of the use and growing influence of interest groups and outside experts on the Irish public service. Leon opens with a definition worth sitting with as we debate where decision-making authority should now sit: “Democracy can perhaps be defined and measured in terms of the number and variety of persons and interests whose views are taken into account in deciding policy…”

The Dooney is still available on Amazon at the link above; the Leon is not currently in stock, but you can add it to your list in case a copy surfaces.

PS — an architect told me recently that his office had cleared their library of old books to make room for renovation. Please don’t dump these; let me know if you are looking to “rehome” any old books touching on place and the built environment. There is still insight to be captured from these early records.

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

• Beautiful – Sustainable – Together: Aligned with Aarhus Convention transparency and New European Bauhaus principles, PLACEengage empowers communities, planners, and developers across Ireland’s public and private sectors to collaborate more effectively — Learn more at www.PLACEengage.com PLACEengage: Better placemaking, together.

• PICTURED: 📍 9 days left to help shape the Galway you want to live in

Galway City Council and Galway County Council, supported by Grant Thornton, have opened public consultation on a joint Economic Development Strategy that will guide decisions across the city and county for the next decade and beyond. This isn’t only a conversation for businesses. The strategy will shape decisions that touch daily life across Galway:

→ The towns, villages and rural areas you live in

→ Local infrastructure and connectivity

→ Skills, education and research opportunities

→ Sustainable development across the county

→ The kind of jobs and enterprise that take root near you

Whether you’re in the city, a coastal village, or somewhere in the Gaeltacht — your perspective on what works, what’s missing, and what Galway should prioritise matters here. Deadline: 22 May 2026

Residents Survey: https://surveys.grantthornton.ie/s/Galways-Joint-Economic-Development-Strategy—Residents-Survey/tt-YUfTw

Business Survey:  https://surveys.grantthornton.ie/s/Galways-Joint-Economic-Development-Strategy—Business-Survey/tt-88iNH

• Galway by-election hopeful Noel Thomas objects to €10m expansion plans for Salthill GAA club https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/galway-by-election-hopeful-noel-thomas-objects-to-10m-expansion-plans-for-salthill-gaa-club/a917656255.html

• Strong opposition to plans for 115 homes on grounds of historic Kildare property: Residents say the proposed Celbridge Lodge development would worsen traffic and place further strain on infrastructure https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kildare/news/strong-opposition-to-plans-for-115-homes-on-grounds-of-historic-kildare-property/a1222291500.html

• Information evenings in Kerry to outline new opportunities to avail of vacant property grant, including above-the-shop living https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/information-evenings-in-kerry-to-outline-new-opportunities-to-avail-of-vacant-property-grant-483371

• Tipp information event on developing vacant property | Nenagh Guardian https://www.nenaghguardian.ie/2026/05/15/tipp-information-event-on-developing-vacant-property/

• Plans to transform former Clare cinema into multi-use community hub confirmed https://m.independent.ie/regionals/clare/news/plans-to-transform-former-clare-cinema-into-multi-use-community-hub-confirmed/a66634930.html#

Rural, Coastal & Islands

• Proposal to give Údarás power and funding to deliver housing in Galway Gaeltacht  https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/proposal-to-give-udaras-power-and-funding-to-deliver-housing-in-galway-gaeltacht-8517267

• Stop demonising one-off rural housing. Not everyone wants to be surrounded by neighbours — If town and village life is so much more sensible and attractive, why do so few people choose to live over the shop? https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/13/michael-mcdowell-stop-demonising-one-off-rural-housing-not-everyone-wants-to-be-surrounded-by-neighbours/

• Kerry school principal says planning problems impacting on pupil numbers: Lisselton National School will be making a submission on Kerry County Council’s Settlements Plan for the Listowel Municipal District, to try and encourage change in the council’s policy on planning in the area. https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/kerry-school-principal-says-planning-problems-impacting-on-pupil-numbers-483243

• PICTURED: An unusual Galway byelection canvass involves a seven-minute flight: Fine Gael’s Seán Kyne heads to Inis Oírr, while Sinn Féin contender Mark Lohan pounds pavements in a Galway city suburb https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/05/15/an-unusual-galway-byelection-canvass-involves-a-seven-minute-flight/

• Our self-build story: ‘Being refused planning twice was definitely a very large blip in our road’: After years of setbacks, experienced renovators Juanita and Kieran Brennan built their dream home in rural Kilkenny, with a modern spin on a traditional farmhouse https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/interiors/our-self-build-story-being-refused-planning-twice-was-definitely-a-very-large-blip-in-our-road/a1443738176.html#

• Midlands Rural Pubs Diversify To Survive As VFI Calls For Government Support https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/midlands-rural-pubs-diversify-to-survive-as-vfi-calls-for-government-support/

• Some houses in Tipperary are being deemed “too derelict” to get planning permission, in a situation that has been described as “hindering” people who are trying to create a home for themselves https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/homeowners-in-tipperary-being-denied-permission-for-renovations-as-properties-deemed-too-derelict/a1708542248.html#

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CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news 

• PICTURED: GOVERNMENT committed to removing barriers as Minister tells industry “the best time to build a project is now” — Speaking at the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Western Region Gala Dinner, Minister Sean Canney, TD said the Government is committed to removing barriers that delay infrastructure delivery and ensuring Ireland continues to invest in housing, transport and regional development. https://breakingground.news/government-committed-to-removing-barriers-as-minister-tells-industry-the-best-time-to-build-a-project-is-now/

• First ever all-island safety campaign targets high-risk quarry industry: HSA and HSENI join forces to raise awareness and address risks in the manufacturing of concrete blocks https://www.hsa.ie/eng/news_events_media/news/press_releases_2026/first-ever-all-island-safety-campaign-targets-high-risk-quarry-industry/

• Waste to infrastructure: TCD demonstrates cement‑free biomass ash concrete on live construction site https://www.engineersireland.ie/Engineers-Journal/Civil/waste-to-infrastructure-tcd-demonstrates-cementfree-biomass-ash-concrete-on-live-construction-site

• Council seeks developer for Cherrywood lands with scope for 1,150 homes: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council brings Town Centre 3 site to market following termination of agreement with Johnny Ronan’s RGRE https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/05/13/council-seeks-developer-for-cherrywood-lands-with-scope-for-1150-homes/

• Sisk wins €45.45 contract to build National Cricket Centre in Dublin: Playing surface will be ready for the T20 World Cup in 2030 https://m.independent.ie/business/sisk-wins-first-contract-to-build-national-cricket-centre-in-dublin/a1142894242.html#

• Christian Brothers seeking €3.75m for Synge Street monastery: Congregation to use proceeds from sale of property next to Synge Street CBS to meet ‘charitable and legal obligations’ https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/05/13/christian-brothers-seeking-375m-for-synge-street-monastery/

• Hopes Bullitt Dublin hotel will open in 2028 after nine years in planning: Belfast businessman Bill Wolsey described a very long process which included the finding of medieval skeletal remains. https://www.echolive.ie/nationalnews/arid-41843475.html

• Evara to deliver 205 new homes in Cherrywood for Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council https://evara.ie/2026/05/14/evara-new-homes-cherrywood-dlr/

• Two development sites, each in coastal towns in Dublin’s commuter belt, could appeal to modest developers. The more valuable of the two is located between the north and south strands in the town of Skerries, in north Dublin. The other is located in the sought-after area of The Burnaby and convenient to the beach front at Greystones, Co Wicklow. https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/two-sites-in-coastal-towns-present-a-range-of-opportunities/a1435706685.html#

• Plans for new ‘15-minute neighbourhood’ comprising 300 homes in Ballincollig lodged with council: Major residential scheme comprising 128 houses and 172 apartments will be targeted at younger families and first-time buyers https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41843442.html

• Plans have been submitted for a major housing development in Bandon. Waylead seeks permission to build 240 new residential units, split between apartments and family homes, a new creche and a number of public realm enhancements https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/plans-lodged-240-homes-new-33934146

• Plans for 72 new homes in Rochestown approved by the planning commission: New housing development alongside new M298 is approved despite objections https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41842371.html

• Proposed €50 million commercial development planned for Ballinasloe has the potential to create several hundred new jobs once all of the units are occupied https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/huge-galway-job-potential-in-eu50m-ballinasloe-project-8504300

• Permission is being sought from Galway County Council to build a large-scale residential development consisting of 107 homes near Loughrea, by Jardonelle Limited https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/plans-lodged-for-over-100-homes-in-galway/a1662366014.html

• Galway housing proposal left in limbo as planners seek funding: proposal for 28 homes in Athenry faced a small pause in council chambers this month when planners revealed the expected affordable housing tenure was not yet secured. Part 8 plans were presented before Athenry councillors during the May municipal district meeting, seeking approval for 28 homes in the already existing Gort Mhaoilir Estate in Raheen. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/galway-housing-proposal-left-in-limbo-as-planners-seek-funding/a1042440843.html#

• University of Galway President has said they have identified university-owned sites – including land at Nun’s island – that could be offered to private developers for future student housing projects to help alleviate the current crisis https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/university-of-galway-eyes-nuns-island-site-for-student-housing-8545227

• Boston Scientific’s €75 million Galway expansion delivers major boost for regional economy https://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/150805/boston-scientifics-75-million-galway-expansion-delivers-major-boost-for-regional-economy

• CONTRACTS have been signed for a new €8.23million24- unit housing development in Patrickswell, County Limerick https://www.limerickpost.ie/2026/05/11/contract-signed-for-e8m-housing-development-in-patrickswell/

• REVISED plans to transform a popular former pub and nightclub into a new residential development to bring much-needed housing to the heart of Limerick city centre have been given the go ahead https://www.limerickpost.ie/2026/05/12/revised-plans-for-new-apartments-in-limerick-city-centre-get-the-go-ahead/

• Plans unveiled for new business park on the outskirts of Limerick: Industrial zone earmarked for Dock Road in first development of its kind in over 20 years https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/property/2081127/plans-unveiled-for-new-business-park-on-the-outskirts-of-limerick.html

• Decision upheld to grant permission for new housing estate in Waterford city: The 91-unit development is set to be constructed at an address of Killure Road, Kilcohan, Waterford https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/waterford-live/2080605/decision-upheld-to-grant-permission-for-new-housing-estate-in-waterford-city.html

• Diageo has announced plans to invest a further €400m in its newly-opened brewery in Littleconnell in Co Kildare. The drinks company officially opened the brewery, following an almost €300m investment https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0511/1572730-diageo-littleconnell-guinness/

• LATEST: €120m Large-scale Residential Development (LRD) has been approved for Railpark, Maynooth, Co Kildare https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/kildare-now/2080972/approved-massive-large-scale-residential-development-lrd-for-kildare.html

• Sites in Prosperous and Clonee will appeal to residential developers https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/sites-in-prosperous-and-clonee-will-appeal-to-residential-developers/a2031242151.html#

• Planning permission has been granted for a series of alterations and modifications at the Bruach na hAbhainn development on Castletown Road in Dundalk, following a successful retention application. The application was submitted by GK Site Developments Ltd  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/news/green-light-for-retention-changes-at-dundalk-development/a1092548690.html#

• Meath lands zoned for residential development seeking €3.25m: The 4.25-acre holding adjoins Holsteiner Park, the bespoke high-end housing scheme developed by Glenveagh  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/05/13/dublin-15-lands-zoned-for-residential-development-seeking-325m/

• Laois decision looms on Portlaoise housing development at derelict site https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/pictures-laois-decision-looms-on-portlaoise-housing-development-at-derelict-site-8537580

• Bretland wins tender for transformative €15 million library and arts base in Offaly town https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/newsletter-offalylive/2080815/tender-awarded-for-transformative-15-million-library-and-arts-base-in-offaly-town.html

• Confusion surrounds future of vacant Tipperary site despite 2,000 public submissions https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/confusion-surrounds-future-of-vacant-tipperary-site-despite-2000-public-submissions/a2141642986.html#

• Over 50 half-built homes overlooking Rock of Cashel to be demolished: Tipperary Co Council says they can’t be lived in and must come down  https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/over-50-half-built-homes-33957473.amp

• Revised plans given green light to convert iconic former Milford hotel into gym: A creche and coffee shop were included in revised plans https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/donegal-live/2080594/revised-plans-given-green-light-to-convert-iconic-former-milford-hotel-into-gym.html

• Tyrone offsite construction specialist Western Building Systems has secured contract wins worth more than£30 million in the first three months of this year across healthcare, residential and education sectors in Britain and Ireland https://www.irishnews.com/news/business/tyrone-construction-specialist-lands-33m-contracts-in-britain-and-ireland-VQ5TSGOS4RBNVBVCK7A2D6TAZM/

• Glenveagh Properties to deliver 2,750 new homes this year, with over 1,825 units either sold, signed or reserved, up from 1,252 in March. https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0515/1573462-glenveagh-properties-trading-update/

• Glenveagh boss defends €41m bonus after 35% of shareholders vote against https://www.businesspost.ie/markets/glenveagh-boss-defends-e41m-bonus-after-35-of-shareholders-vote-against/

• AtkinsRéalis expands Irish footprint with acquisition of TOBIN: Engineering giant to increase Irish workforce to more than 700 as infrastructure investment pipeline accelerates across transport, water and energy sectors https://breakingground.news/atkinsrealis-expands-irish-footprint-with-acquisition-of-tobin/ 

• Celtic Tiger developer Seán Dunne’s US bankruptcy finally concludes after 13 years: Just €24m of €755m owed by ‘Baron of Ballsbridge’ is recovered after drawn-out proceedings https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/celtic-tiger-developer-sean-dunnes-us-bankruptcy-finally-concludes-after-13-years/a526950144.html#

• Vistry orders workers to down tools to preserve cash: Leaked instructions reveal subcontractors have been told to stop work on new homes — as major joint-venture housing developments fail to file accounts on time https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/vistry-crisis-housebuilder-labour-targets-pwzm0ldff

• Developer claims Eamon Waters tried to ‘freeze him out’ of partnership: Developer Eamonn Duignan has accused waste tycoon Eamon Waters of attempting to freeze him out of the company  https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/developer-claims-eamon-waters-tried-to-freeze-him-out-of-partnership/

• Oaktree eyes fourth quarter IPO for company holding Glass Bottle apartments: Executives are ‘very positive’ about flotation prospects after site visits, source says https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/14/oaktree-eyes-fourth-quarter-ipo-for-company-holding-glass-bottle-apartments/

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/

• Every new school building site should also be a classroom: Dr Paul Davis asks if the State is already spending billions on schools and infrastructure, then why not use these public construction projects to train the next generation of builders, engineers and apprentices? https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/procurement-ireland-7033260-May2026/

CIF Safety Campaign 2026 Podcast 

 Join Wills Bros Group on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project

On the latest Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Safety podcast, Sean Downey and John Egan meet members of Wills Bros Group on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project.

This landmark €450m investment will deliver over 33km of new national primary route, addressing long-standing safety and alignment challenges while supporting regional connectivity and growth.

🎙️ Across this 4-part series, recorded on-site in Roscommon, host of the #CIFSafety26 podcast series, Sean Downey, chats to:

Parts 1: Gavin McGeever, Section Agent (Sections C & D)

Watch – https://youtu.be/hhcmaSqDvcg?si=UGfZyvRIOqmDtejL  

Part 2: Thomas Mains – Structures Agent & Temporary works Co-ordinator 

Watch – https://youtu.be/VPIHcKhkfjM  

Part 3: Joseph Carr, Section Agent (Sections A & B)

Watch –  https://youtu.be/UOSFrv5NHTw?si=lTKtJBihsZnMrNoH 

Part 4: Gavin McGeever takes us on-site across Sections C & D

Watch – https://youtu.be/3xjL97yrMt0 

🎧 Listen back to all episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2SQXVgyerkhnxh80jnEORZ?si=9b099f48aee04b7d 

With thanks to Keith Mayock, Gerry Mockler and the rest of the Wills Bros Group project team 🙏

*Produced by Laura Maye

Recorded on sites across Ireland — from a European HQ in Dublin’s Docklands, to the largest Capex energy project in the State — catch up  the entire 2025 & 2026 series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vnhCbgSqe6T8TJTfB9mvD6C&si=ity7U_ANvSSyc0bU

REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential 

• Mortgage holders are rushing to fix their home-loan rates, fearing that a spate of rises are on the way https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/homeowners-rush-to-fix-their-mortgage-rate-ahead-of-expected-spate-of-rises/a1123404364.html

• Buy-to-let share of mortgage market shrinks to just 2.5pc: An estimated 42pc of landlords left the market between 2021 and 2023, according to the Housing Commission Report of 2024. The exodus of small landlords has gathered pace this year in the lead-up to the introduction of controversial new rental rules that include a shift to longer-term tenure rights for renters. https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/buy-to-let-share-of-mortgage-market-shrinks-to-just-25pc/a28407503.html#

• Property industry experts weigh in on back-garden modular homes – from tax to potential income: Government’s proposal to exempt free-standing modular homes in back gardens from planning permission continues to generate debate https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/05/13/property-industry-experts-weigh-in-on-back-garden-modular-homes-from-tax-to-potential-income/

• Retrofitting adds €12.2k to the value of an average Dublin house: UCD researchers believe this could help convince more people to undertake retrofits https://www.thejournal.ie/retrofitting-house-prices-ucd-7036379-May2026/

• New development brings 3-bed family homes to Cork Gaeltacht for under €290,000: The properties can be bought through the Affordable Purchase Scheme https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/new-development-brings-3-bed-33927491#

• Work begins on Cork houses left vacant since being built in 2000s: A spokesperson for Cork County Council said the delay in transferring the homes was due to a legal dispute linked to a developer going out of business https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41843259.html

• Mayo council lodges multiple CPO applications for derelict properties amid enforcement crackdown: Derelict properties in Ballinrobe, County Mayo. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/mayo/news/mayo-council-lodges-multiple-cpo-applications-for-derelict-properties-amid-enforcement-crackdown/a408574565.html#

• Kerry County Council has been urged to locate affordable sites for people to self-build as housing pressures continue to challenge the county, where the average sale price of a new house in Killarney was over €421,000 last year, down from €577,000 in 2024. However, in 2019, prior to the pandemic, the average mean price in the area was only €309,000 https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/south-kerry-news/kerry-county-council-urged-to-find-affordable-self-build-sites-to-alleviate-the-housing-crisis/a566546472.html

• Roscommon County Council’s purchase of 40 houses in Castlerea has been described as “a huge development” to address the growing housing demand https://www.roscommonherald.ie/news/council-buys-40-homes-in-county-roscommon-town_arid-97822.html

• What will €425,000 buy by a lake in Longford or close to amenities in Dublin 12? A detached five-bed overlooking Lough Ree and a two-bed terrace in Kimmage https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/05/12/what-will-425000-buy-by-a-lake-in-longford-or-close-to-amenities-in-dublin-12/

• PICTURED: 6 beautiful homes for sale in Ireland right now for under €200,000: There are some affordable homes nationwide in Ireland for €200,000 and under https://www.irishmirror.ie/lifestyle/homes-and-property/6-beautiful-homes-sale-ireland-37155586

• Turret of this Limerick home contains its ow putting green: Incorporating a restored early 18th-century limekiln, this property is perched within a private woodland setting and the striking tower design has a stainless steel cantilever spiral staircase https://www.image.ie/living/the-turret-of-this-limerick-home-contains-its-own-private-putting-green-990088

• House of the Week: Architect Jim Carroll left a lovely legacy in Sunday’s Well at €575k Carriglee: The period property at No 29 Sunday’s Well Road has been masterfully restored https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41845209.html

*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/ 

iProperty Radio: NEW HOMES OF THE WEEK

Mountain Wood offers A-rated homes in Carrigaline with coastal access and strong connectivity: iProperty Radio New Homes of the Week highlights Cork development with mix of 2, 3 and 4-bed homes

Mountain Wood offers A-rated homes in Carrigaline with coastal access and strong connectivity

Commercial 

• PICTURED: Iconic Offices agrees deal with well-known hoteliers for former bank headquarters building: Flexible workspace provider to occupy all 65,000 sq ft of office space in Sandwith Court https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/05/13/iconic-offices-agrees-deal-with-well-known-hoteliers-for-former-bank-headquarters-building/

• Project management and cost management consultancy GagaMuller is to establish its headquarters at 76 Baggot Street in Dublin after signing up to rent a full floor extending to 8,048 sqft at the building owned by Lanthorn, headed by David Goddard https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/landmark-offices-on-dublins-baggot-st-secure-new-tenant/a994467260.html#

• Tigers Childcare sells 34-creche business to UK group in deal that could be worth €75m-plus: Founder Karen Clince retains reduced stake in fast-growing business and will remain in charge of the Irish operation https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/12/tigers-childcare-sells-34-creche-business-to-uk-group-in-deal-that-could-be-worth-75m-plus/

• ‘Eyesore’ derelict Cork hotel moves closer to redevelopment after CPO lodged: New hope for fire-damaged hotel that has become a symbol of dereliction in Mallow https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/eyesore-derelict-cork-hotel-moves-closer-to-redevelopment-after-cpo-lodged/a761517764.html

• Lift off at Cork Airport Business Park with €1.7m sale: The business park is home to many high-profile buildings https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41844711.html

iProperty Radio: Property Round-Up

Housing Insights: The Housing Agency Podcast

This practitioner-led series aims to deepen the public’s understanding of housing in Ireland and highlight the work of The Housing Agency.

Hosted by David Silke (Director of Insights & Operations) and Roslyn Molloy (Head of Policy, Practice & Communications), the podcast features insightful interviews with housing experts.

 

🎙️ Links to all episodes at 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: ProcurePro raises $11m to scale AI procurement tools for construction: Brisbane-founded platform plans expansion across the UK, Middle East and North America as contractors look to control costs earlier in the project cycle https://breakingground.news/procurepro-raises-11m-to-scale-ai-procurement-tools-for-construction/ 
• 
  US Startups are installing tiny data centers in people’s homes to reduce strain on the beleaguered electrical grid https://fortune.com/2026/05/15/startups-tiny-data-centers-beleaguered-electrical-grid-heata-span/

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/ 

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INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY

• PICTURED: Two new Cork rail stations move into planning as €1bn commuter programme gathers pace: Blackpool and Dunkettle stations are the first of eight planned under the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, with construction expected to begin in 2027 https://breakingground.news/two-new-cork-rail-stations-move-into-planning-as-e1bn-commuter-programme-gathers-pace/

• AWS emerges as 20-year leaseholder of Kildare data centre https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-real-estate/aws-emerges-as-20-year-leaseholder-of-kildare-data-centre/

• Skills shortages one of several barriers to delivering €24bn in transport infrastructure: Productivity way behind Celtic Tiger levels, National Transport Authority warns as it eyes risks to major projects https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/13/skills-shortages-one-of-several-barriers-to-delivering-24bn-in-transport-infrastructure/

• Celtic Interconnector, uniting Irish and French electricity grids: As EirGrid completes onshore cable installation in Ireland, 500 people now working offshore on Celtic Interconnector https://www.irishexaminer.com/sponsored/arid-41839419.html

INTERNATIONAL 

• King’s speech building safety bill puts manufacturers in firing line https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/05/13/kings-speech-building-safety-bill-puts-manufacturers-in-firing-line/

• UK New home builds fall 6% as housing market slows: The industry has been hit by ‘a perfect storm’ as quarterly drop in new home registrations casts doubt on Labour’s housing target https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/new-home-builds-fall-6-percent-as-housing-market-slows-hlmf05jpc

• Almost half of UK homes listed for sale failed to find a buyer: The main culprit is they were priced too high, survey from Zoopla finds https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/property-home/article/half-uk-homes-listed-for-sale-fail-to-sell-scf5frxv3

• AOC says Airbnb is ‘supercharging evictions’ from Puerto Rico to Jackson Hole — and young people will never own a home https://moneywise.com/news/real-estate-news/aoc-airbnb-evictions-housing-crisis-puerto-rico