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

Message from Carol Tallon:

This week’s housing data is messy.

Housing commencements fell off a cliff last year, with only 16,400 new homes started. And the mix is tilting fast towards apartments. Last month, apartments were more than half of all units. That’s not “momentum” – that’s a pipeline narrowing into the most subsidised, hardest-to-deliver product type.

On the plus side, offsite and other modern methods of construction are being explicitly recorded in government commencement data for the first time. Latest government data shows MMC used in seven in ten scheme homes in the second half of last year.

Given the spate of collapses across UK MMC manufacturers, government will surely be mindful that once you put MMC on the monthly record, you don’t get to use it as spin. It has to stand up in procurement, warranty, funding, skills, and programme certainty for a policy-supported pipeline the sector can bank.

And the policy architecture is lining up behind it. From this month all new-build social housing projects up to €200m move to a single approval process, with standardised design intended to cut delays and support MMC at scale. Fewer gates, fewer pauses, less procedural drag [https://breakingground.news/government-announcement-single-approval-process-and-mmc-standardisation-to-fast-track-social-housing-delivery/]. 

The question is whether this becomes genuine acceleration, or simply a tidier version of the same bottlenecks. 

Meanwhile, government has also published its Large Energy User Action Plan, trying to balance attracting industry while protecting grid security and affordability, and steering demand towards renewables. This is welcome; housing delivery and infrastructure delivery are not separate conversations. They never were. 

One of Ireland’s most in-demand jobs is up for grabs: The Great Blasket Island caretaker roles are open again for 2026 – attracting global attention [https://ipropertyradio.com/live-and-work-on-the-edge-of-the-atlantic-as-great-blasket-island-caretaker-roles-open-for-2026/]. And it got us thinking about island endurance –  Would you consider living on one of Ireland’s uninhabited islands? [‘Island Futures, Taskscapes and Rural Policy – What Ireland’s Offshore Places Teach Us About Viability Beyond Resilience’ https://caroltallon.com/island-futures-taskscapes-and-rural-policy/ ]

Last year Ireland failed to make a splash a MIPIM (*we referred to the national effort as being “MIPIM-adjacent”, which was a step up from conspicuously absent), so we welcome news that Ireland Inc. will be getting a bit closer to the action for 2026 [https://irishrealestate.news/ireland-targets-global-capital-at-flagship-international-property-investment-event/]. If you are wondering why this is important, catch up on our most recent ‘MIPIM Diaries’ – perhaps we might learn from London, fronted by Mayor Sadiq Khan, who really nailed the place pitch in 2025, showing what “open for business” looks like in practice: https://caroltallon.com/category/mipim/   

*EMERGENCY RESPONSE: We repeat the call for Government to take action under recommendation #1 of the Housing Commission’s report to ❛❛Recognise and prioritise dealing with Ireland’s housing deficit [as distinct to ongoing/future demand] and address it through emergency action❜❜.

As always, you can contact me in confidence at carol@caroltallon.com.

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE 

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

• Housing commencements hit 16,412 in 2025 as December sees sharp year-end surge – Department data shows December starts doubled month-on-month, with modern construction methods now planned for most scheme housing https://ipropertyradio.com/housing-commencements-hit-16412-in-2025-as-december-sees-sharp-year-end-surge/

• 📢 GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT: Single approval process and MMC standardisation to fast-track social housing delivery – New system to cut delays, standardise design and support modern construction methods: All new-build social housing projects with a value of up to €200m will move to a single approval process from January 2026, following reforms announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD https://breakingground.news/government-announcement-single-approval-process-and-mmc-standardisation-to-fast-track-social-housing-delivery/

• ‘MEP urges one stop planning reform as EU housing commissioner signals openness to change’: Ciaran Mullooly, MEP, cites Ballymore Athlone proposal in European Parliament exchange on housing delivery, short term rentals and cutting red tape https://breakingground.news/ec-special-committee-on-the-housing-crisis-hears-call-for-radically-overhauled-planning-citing-ballymore-athlone-proposal/ 

• Government sets out new plan to manage energy-hungry industries and protect power supply: Large Energy User Action Plan aims to steer data centres and major industrial projects towards renewables while safeguarding energy security and affordability https://ipropertyradio.com/government-sets-out-new-plan-to-manage-energy-hungry-industries-and-protect-power-supply/

• 📍 Industry urged to shape digital future through Build Digital annual survey: Short survey aims to benchmark digital adoption and guide national priorities for construction and the built environment: Details and link to complete 👉 https://breakingground.news/industry-urged-to-shape-digital-future-through-build-digital-annual-survey/ 

• Construction PMI at 48.4 as new orders return to growth in December: Employment expands for second month and business confidence reaches 11-month high despite ongoing contraction https://breakingground.news/construction-pmi-at-48-4-as-new-orders-return-to-growth-in-december/

• Mortgage rates fall to lowest level in nearly two years as gap with euro area narrows: Irish borrowers see gradual easing in new mortgage costs, but savings rates remain modest https://ipropertyradio.com/mortgage-rates-fall-to-lowest-level-in-nearly-two-years-as-gap-with-euro-area-narrows/

• New rent rules face implementation risks as March deadline looms, IPAV warns: Landlords and tenants could face delays and uncertainty as RTB capacity and systems come under pressure https://ipropertyradio.com/new-rent-rules-face-implementation-risks-as-march-deadline-looms-ipav-warns/

• Sex-for-rent law ‘will not address wider housing crisis or power imbalances’: Oireachtas Library and Research Service says law will fill a ‘legislative gap’ but problems with Ireland’s rental system remain https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41773718.html

• Views overlooking Phoenix Park – but charity’s €2m apartment block lies empty amid homelessness crisis: Depaul Housing, which routinely criticises the Government when it releases its homeless figures each month, blames remedial works for the delay in activating units https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/views-overlooking-phoenix-park-but-charitys-2m-apartment-block-lies-empty-amid-homelessness-crisis/a885266824.html

• Concerns raised over centralisation and delays in Mayo planning system: The Director of Services assured Councillors that “we have a full team again in planning” and so the process should speed up https://www.mayonews.ie/news/castlebar/1987878/concerns-raised-over-centralisation-and-delays-in-mayo-planning-system.html

• Mandy Johnston appointed new CEO of Irish Institutional Property  https://www.businesspost.ie/article/irish-institutional-property-appoints-mandy-johnston-as-ceo/

• Austrian bid for Finance Ireland seen as positive signal for PTSB: Bawag is seen as one of the most likely industry bidders for Ireland’s third bank as advisers seek firm expressions of interest this month https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/2026/01/14/austrian-bid-for-finance-ireland-seen-as-positive-signal-for-ptsb/

• One in five workers expect to work until 70 to afford retirement: Survey finds women more likely to delay retirement as financial pressures and pension gaps persist https://ipropertyradio.com/one-in-five-workers-expect-to-work-until-70-to-afford-retirement/

• More than one in three adults fail basic financial literacy test: Survey highlights significant knowledge gaps among younger adults as Ireland enters 2026 https://ipropertyradio.com/more-than-one-in-three-adults-fail-basic-financial-literacy-test/

• Microsoft Ireland’s James O’Connor: ‘Dublin is our most strategic hub internationally’: Evolving Microsoft is committed to its Irish operation even in the age of ‘America First’ says the Irish site lead https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/01/16/microsoft-irelands-james-oconnor-dublin-is-our-most-strategic-hub-internationally/

• EY opens nominations for 2026 Entrepreneur Of The Year programme: Search begins for Ireland’s most ambitious business leaders as nominations close on 17 February https://breakingground.news/ey-opens-nominations-for-2026-entrepreneur-of-the-year-programme/ 

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.

• I want my children to be able to stay in this country – that shouldn’t be too much to ask: Is the economic order under which we live even capable of providing us with basic necessities? https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/01/17/i-want-my-children-to-be-able-to-stay-in-this-country-and-preferably-not-at-the-cost-of-living-indefinitely-in-their-childhood-home/

• Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan Sets Out Long-Term Vision for Living Waterfront: Council-led plan proposes 30-plus projects across six harbour quarters, combining public space, watersports, tourism and biodiversity https://ipropertyradio.com/dun-laoghaire-harbour-masterplan-sets-out-long-term-vision-for-living-waterfront/

• Woman (73) faces losing home as granting of retention permission for log chalet overturned after brothers appeal decision https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/woman-73-faces-losing-home-as-granting-of-retention-permission-for-log-chalet-overturned-after-brothers-appeal-decision/a1218033431.html#

Cork town’s housing boom brings acute traffic woes with ‘crazy’ junctions and workers on ‘rat-runs’: That’s according to councillors speaking at a recent meeting on the issue of Carrigtwohill’s increasing traffic https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/cork-towns-housing-boom-brings-acute-traffic-woes-with-crazy-junctions-and-workers-on-rat-runs/a536846594.html

• A call has been made for a ‘retirement village’ to be built on the site of City Hall when Galway City Council moves to its new HQ at Crown Square in Mervue. https://connachttribune.ie/retirement-village-call-for-galway-city-hall-site/

• Blueprint for the future of Salthill due out in March https://connachttribune.ie/blueprint-for-the-future-of-salthill-due-out-in-march/

• Large crowd turns out for Dunmore protest to voice their concerns over the long-delayed Bridge Street renovation project  https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/large-crowd-turns-out-for-dunmore-protest-211761

• Three Cavan County Council projects have been shortlisted for the national LAMA All-Ireland Community and Council Awards 2026 https://www.anglocelt.ie/2026/01/13/three-council-projects-shortlisted-for-national-awards/#

• Clare County Council is being urged to submit “ambitious plans” to ensure communities along the Shannon Estuary see the benefit of a major infrastructural project  https://www.clare.fm/news/council-urged-to-submit-ambitious-plans-to-ensure-clare-communities-benefit-from-cahiracon-development/

• Pedestrians still risking their lives on notorious Kerry road after 50-year struggle – ‘How long do we have to fight?’: Three generations of road safety lobbying in Killorglin has yielded no results https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/south-kerry-news/pedestrians-still-risking-their-lives-on-notorious-kerry-road-after-50-year-struggle-how-long-do-we-have-to-fight/a1219299943.html

• Significant investment delivers new youth club at Buncrana’s Plaza: Following eight months of focused construction work after a devastating fire destroyed the original premises, the youth club project is now entering its final phase https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/donegal-live/1988502/significant-investment-delivers-new-youth-club-at-buncranas-plaza.html

Rural, Coastal & Islands

❓ Would you consider living on one of Ireland’s uninhabited islands? This is a serious question: ‘Island Futures, Taskscapes and Rural Policy – What Ireland’s Offshore Places Teach Us About Viability Beyond Resilience’ https://caroltallon.com/island-futures-taskscapes-and-rural-policy/ 

• Live and work on the edge of the Atlantic as Great Blasket Island caretaker roles open for 2026: One of Ireland’s most talked-about seasonal jobs returns with a call for a hardworking duo to run the island’s coffee shop and accommodation from spring to autumn https://ipropertyradio.com/live-and-work-on-the-edge-of-the-atlantic-as-great-blasket-island-caretaker-roles-open-for-2026/

• Galway Hooker Sailing Club has received €35,000 towards the development of a dedicated boatbuilding and training centre at Galway Docks. Funding has been provided by the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) West programme https://afloat.ie/sail/historic-boats/galway-hooker/item/69972-galway-hooker-sailing-club-receives-flag-funding-for-new-training-centre

• 57-acre Wicklow farm offers tempting value at €589k: Laid out in four scenic divisions, the property consists of 30 acres of good quality grassland, with the remaining 27 acres or so offering some potential https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-41775026.html

• Westport’s Clean Sweep: the volunteers behind Ireland’s third cleanest town: Westport has been ranked the third cleanest town in Ireland by IBAL with local volunteers credited for a year-round effort that has helped maintain the town’s high standards https://www.mayonews.ie/news/westport/1984483/westports-clean-sweep-the-volunteers-behind-irelands-third-cleanest-town.html

• Mayo man denied planning permission to build home beside siblings: Mayo County Council planners claim Westport man does not have social links to build beside brother and sister https://www.mayonews.ie/news/westport/1991049/mayo-man-denied-planning-permission-to-build-home-beside-siblings.html

• Housing hopes at Kerry seaside village with new cluster development changes https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/tralee-news/housing-hopes-at-kerry-seaside-village-with-new-cluster-development-changes/a2025467649.html

• Biodiversity scheme opens in 2026 to support landowners in creating wildlife habitats:The Hare’s Corner initiative returns, offering expert advice and practical supports for landowners and community groups https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/environment/1971654/biodiversity-scheme-opens-in-2026-to-support-landowners-in-creating-wildlife-habitats.html

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CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news 

• 📍 Insights tool: You can get a more comprehensive view of weekly and/monthly planning activities at all stages through Property District’s Development Heat Map: https://propertydistrict.ie/development-heat-map/

• MMC adoption drives sharp rise in housing commencements at end of 2025: Seven in ten scheme homes and over 40% of apartments set to use modern construction methods as December starts double month on month https://breakingground.news/mmc-adoption-drives-sharp-rise-in-housing-commencements-at-end-of-2025/

• Irish construction activity stabilises as new orders return to growth at end of 2025: AIB Construction PMI shows easing contraction, rising confidence and early signals of recovery for residential and commercial development https://irishrealestate.news/irish-construction-activity-stabilises-as-new-orders-return-to-growth-at-end-of-2025/?amp=1 

• Ireland construction output forecast to grow 4% in 2026 as AECOM warns delivery readiness is the real constraint: AECOM forecasts 3% tender price inflation while housing completions continue to fall well short of demand despite €5.2bn housing allocation https://breakingground.news/ireland-construction-output-forecast-to-grow-4-in-2026-as-aecom-warns-delivery-readiness-is-the-real-constraint/

• Green light given for St Stephen’s Green office campus: Dublin City Council has granted planning permission to KW Investment Funds ICAV for revisions to its office scheme that was granted planning permission at Stokes Place three years ago in January 2023 https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/green-light-given-for-st-stephens-green-office-campus-1852051.html

• ​​Construction begins on NCH Discover Centre as first phase of wider campus redevelopment: OPW-led project will deliver 1,400 m² specialist music and learning facility by early 2027 https://breakingground.news/construction-begins-on-nch-discover-centre-as-first-phase-of-wider-campus-redevelopment/

• Griffith College seeking permission for ‘ambitious’ multimillion-euro plans to double student numbers: Work would see four new campus buildings being built on its Dublin 8 campus https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/01/14/griffith-college-seeking-planning-permission-for-ambitious-plans-to-double-student-numbers/

• BAM to lodge plans with Cork City Council to build student accommodation on Sullivan’s Quay: Planning had been in place for a 193-bed hotel  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41775863.html

• Appeal over refusal of student accommodation at former Griffin’s Bakery https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/appeal-over-refusal-of-student-accommodation-at-former-griffins-bakery-211571

• Final refusal has been given for plans to transform long-vacant units in Portumna into apartments. Plans led by Sharpdale Limited related to a development at Dominic Road that’s mostly idle, with one unit occupied by a takeaway https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/final-refusal-for-apartment-plans-in-portumna-210049

• Waterford to get new fire station after €2.7 million funding injection: Station will be constructed on a green field site accessed off the R677 Regional Road and Local Primary Road L3042 approximately 1 km from the existing Kilmacthomas Fire Station https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/waterford-live/1989553/waterford-to-get-new-fire-station-after-2-7-million-funding-injection.html

• Plans for old grain store in Kilkenny to be converted into tourist accommodation https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kilkenny/news/plans-for-old-grain-store-in-kilkenny-to-be-converted-into-tourist-accommodation/a661344342.html

• Blow to plans for 50 new homes in Wicklow as An Coimisiún Pleanála refuses appeal by developer  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/bray-news/blow-to-plans-for-50-new-homes-in-wicklow-as-an-coimisiun-pleanala-refuses-appeal-by-developer/a914455820.html

• Plans lodged for 413-home development in Wexford as housing demand surges: Glenveagh Homes seeks permission for large-scale scheme including creche, cycle greenway and community hub https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/gorey-news/plans-lodged-for-413-home-development-in-wexford-as-housing-demand-surges/a809976966.html

• Creche and 202 houses approved on three sites in Portlaoise: Planning approvals on the three sites paves the way for the second, third and fourth phases of the Sand Wood development  https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/laois-live/1989474/creche-and-202-houses-approved-on-three-sites-in-portlaoise.html

• Hodson Bay Group to open €15m eco-tourism retreat near Athlone https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0116/1553491-hodson-bay-hotel-results/

• Planning permission for 15-unit development in Westport given full planning permission 97 days after application was lodged https://www.mayonews.ie/news/westport/1988089/mayo-housing-development-given-full-planning-permission-in-less-than-100-days-despite-planner-s-concerns.html

• Construction Of Ennis’s Largest Ever Housing Development Could Begin Next Week  https://www.clare.fm/news/construction-of-enniss-largest-ever-housing-development-could-begin-next-week/

• Kerry developer applies to build more than 120 homes on greenfield site: The 124-home residential development would largely consist of apartment-style homes https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/south-kerry-news/kerry-developer-applies-to-build-more-than-120-homes-on-greenfield-site/a1741053629.html

• Cavan cement maker aiming to trim carbon output with 100-acre solar farm https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cavan/news/cavan-cement-maker-aiming-to-trim-carbon-output-with-100-acre-solar-farm/a2013934412.html#

• Global markets down amid economic uncertainty: The worst performer in Ireland was Cavan-based insulation specialist Kingspan, which finished the day down 3.25% https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/01/13/global-markets-down-amid-economic-uncertainty/

• Lifetime losses approach €100 million at Irish Ballymore property empire subsidiary: Project management sees losses reach nearly €100 million https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/01/15/lifetime-losses-approach-100-million-at-irish-ballymore-property-empire-subsidiary/

• Glenveagh’s 2025 EPS exceeds guidance, revenue up 7%: profit before tax increased by 11% to €125m from €113m https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0115/1553202-glenveagh-properties-trading-update/

• Philip Lee merger with BHK strengthens Cork legal market: Expanded firm to exceed 50 partners as Philip Lee deepens regional presence https://breakingground.news/philip-lee-merger-with-bhk-strengthens-cork-legal-market/ 

Breaking Ground News: Appointments & #ConstructionCareers

• 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.

• ‘When I look back, how we got into glass is unimportant, really. How you get into anything is unimportant. But – are you able to make a success of it?” The Carey brothers certainly were. https://www.nenaghguardian.ie/2026/01/14/only-as-good-as-your-last-day/

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REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential 

• RTB readiness questioned as industry warns new rent register unlikely by March  Letting agents and landlords face uncertainty as IPAV calls for six-month lead-in to new rent controls https://irishrealestate.news/rtb-readiness-questioned-as-industry-warns-new-rent-register-unlikely-by-march/

• Why 30% of Irish property sales hit legal trouble before closing https://www.businesspost.ie/property/why-30-of-irish-property-sales-hit-legal-trouble-before-closing/

• Irish house values 2026: regional markets feel the affordability pinch https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/house-prices-2026-affordable-towns-tipperary-longford-c0zwvckx7

• How much money would I save if I lived in one of Ireland’s cheapest towns? There are cheaper rents to be found in Roscommon, Monaghan, Donegal, Leitrim and Cavan. But what about day-to-day costs? Money reporter Saoirse Hanley spoke to locals https://m.independent.ie/business/money/how-much-money-would-i-save-if-i-lived-in-one-of-irelands-cheapest-towns/a1614543008.html#

• Here is the only derelict building that a council asked An Coimisiún Pleanála to CPO last month https://www.thejournal.ie/derelict-ireland-cpo-an-coimisiun-pleanala-last-month-6919469-Jan2026/ 

• €475,000 Myrtleville site reflects rising prices for sea-view homes near Cork city: A €475,000 Myrtleville site underlines growing demand for coastal living within easy reach of Cork city https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41773127.html

• Glamping with alpacas in a ready-made Galway home and business: On the market with a guide of €670,000, Curraghduff Farm has 22 acres of land divided into two sections https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41773946.html

• Limerick house prices climb fast as new laws see landlords exiting the market https://m.independent.ie/regionals/limerick/news/limerick-house-prices-climb-fast-as-new-laws-see-landlords-exiting-the-market/a1684020477.html#

• Dermot Bannon transforms damp and dated to ‘dream home’ on RTÉ’s Room to Improve: See how Dermot Bannon and Co transformed a troubled house into a modern family home on Sunday night’s Room to Improve https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/national-news/1987407/pictures-dermot-bannon-transforms-damp-and-dated-to-dream-home-on-rte-s-room-to-improve.html

• 300 new Laois social houses to be handed over to tenants in 2026: Progress on homes in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountmellick, Mountrath and elsewhere https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/1985524/300-new-laois-social-houses-to-be-handed-over-to-tenants-in-2026.html

• Disused Tipperary medical centre set for new life as housing https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/disused-tipperary-medical-centre-set-for-new-life-as-housing/a232545193.html#

• Grants offered to convert empty space over Cork shops into homes: Up to €140,000 will be available to bring vacant ‘above shop’ space in the city, towns, and villages into residential use. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41775092.html

• A former Dublin Rose and her fiance bought their first home at just 26 and 27. Here’s how: Music teacher and salesman share their story to show that though it wasn’t easy, through subsidy schemes and by living with family while they saved, it was possible https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/01/13/a-former-dublin-rose-and-her-fiance-on-what-it-took-to-buy-their-first-home-in-their-20s/

Property of the week 

New Homes of the Week 🏡 Luttrellstown Gate, Dublin 15

House hunters looking in Dublin 15 may want to note Luttrellstown Gate, where the final phase of three and four-bedroom family homes is now launching.Developed by Castlethorn and brought to market by Savills New Homes, the scheme offers A2-rated homes designed for modern family living, set beside the Luttrellstown Castle estate and within easy reach of Phoenix Park and the Strawberry Beds.Homes range from well-proportioned three-bedroom houses to larger four-bedroom family homes, with strong transport links via Coolmine station, Dublin Bus services and the nearby M50. Local amenities include Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, schools and sports clubs.Prices start from approximately €550,000, depending on house type and specification.More detail: https://ipropertyradio.com/new-homes-of-the-week-luttrellstown-gate-dublin-15/

Commercial 

• Dublin on ‘cliff edge’ of prime office shortage https://www.businesspost.ie/commercial-real-estate/dublin-on-cliff-edge-of-prime-office-shortage/

• Ireland’s real estate at an inflection point – Cushman & Wakefield maps the road to 2026 https://www.businesspost.ie/property/exclusive-irelands-real-estate-at-an-inflection-point-cushman-wakefield-maps-the-road-to-2026/

• UK developer completes €60m purchase of Dublin logistics portfolio: Chancerygate acquires 12 assets across two schemes from Iput https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/01/14/uk-developer-completes-60m-purchase-of-dublin-logistics-portfolio/

• Penneys’ owners have bigger priorities than stock market spin-out: Retailer has been outflanked by rivals even as consumers decide to adopt more cautious approach to spending https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/01/13/penneys-owners-have-bigger-priorities-that-a-stock-market-spinout/ Also: With Penneys struggling to grow, why is its parent company thinking of separating it? Despite delivering most of the group’s profits, the fast-fashion giant no longer fits neatly inside its food-focused parent. https://www.thejournal.ie/penneys-abf-primark-analysis-6930092-Jan2026/ 

• Sephora to open first store on island of Ireland: Beauty retailer Sephora teases ‘iconic moment’ with new store to open on February 12th https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/fashion/2026/01/13/sephora-to-open-first-store-on-island-of-ireland/

• KFC has opened a new restaurant on Dublin’s Grafton Street and it is set to create over 80 jobs https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/kfc-opens-new-restaurant-on-grafton-street-1852747.html

• Vacant Imaginosity building considered for new community centre in Sandyford https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/vacant-imaginosity-building-considered-for-new-community-centre-in-sandyford/a690430631.html

• Some Stillorgan shopping centre retailers holding back rent due to ‘massive impact’ of parking fees: Delegation from businesses at south Dublin retail complex met centre’s owners amid drop in activity at their units https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/01/17/some-stillorgan-shopping-centre-retailers-holding-back-rent-due-to-massive-impact-of-parking-fees/

• John Cleary Developments buys former Apple offices in Cork City: John Cleary Developments plans €5m upgrade of landmark Cork city offices, with first occupiers expected by mid-April https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41775860.html

• See inside iconic family-owned Galway pub available for lease in city centre https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/see-inside-iconic-family-owned-galway-pub-available-for-lease-in-city-centre/a607133064.html

• Retailers Of Ennis Say O’Connell Street Pedestrianisation Best Outcome They Could’ve Hoped For https://www.clare.fm/news/retailers-of-ennis-say-oconnell-street-pedestrianisation-best-outcome-they-couldve-hoped-for/

• Local buyers secure Killarney’s historic International Hotel in major Kerry deal: Historic 98-bedroom International Hotel sold for €22m as O’Donoghue Ring family deepens its Killarney presence. https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41776763.html 

• Pre-tax losses recorded at the Park Hotel Kenmare after an €18m investment in the property https://m.independent.ie/business/pre-tax-losses-recorded-at-the-park-hotel-kenmare-after-an-18m-investment-in-the-property/a1428547848.html

• group Staycity acquires second site in Vienna: The property will provide up to 300 self-catering apartments, including studios  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/01/16/dublin-based-aparthotel-group-staycity-acquires-second-site-in-vienna/

PODCAST: The Property Roundup on iPropertyRadio.com

All Property Round Up episodes – https://ipropertyradio.com/property-roundup/

FACEBOOK group for homebuyers and investors in Ireland 2024: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IrishPropertyBuyers/ 

Further property resources at: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Tallon/

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INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY

• State’s top 10 infrastructure projects for 2026 – with Government’s reputation on the line: Shane Dempsey, Director General Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI): “Whatever stage these projects are at, momentum is the key to bolster public confidence…” https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/shane-dempsey-states-top-10-infrastructure-projects-for-2026-with-governments-reputation-on-the-line/a2125670362.html

• New figures from EirGrid, the operator and developer of the country’s electricity grid, reveals that 44% of electricity in December came from renewable sources https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0116/1553430-eirgrid-power-figures/

• Ireland ‘losing billions of euro in foreign investment’ due to energy grid constraints: Companies choosing to invest elsewhere in Europe because of infrastructure issues here, adviser says https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/01/16/ireland-losing-billions-of-euro-in-foreign-investment-due-to-energy-grid-constraints/

• Ireland Is Trying to Get Back on the Data Center Bandwagon: The government has a new energy plan to get investment flowing again  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-14/ireland-wants-to-get-back-ai-data-centers-and-is

• Planning Authority says no oral hearing needed for Galway Ring Road project https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/planning-authority-says-no-oral-hearing-needed-for-galway-ring-road-project-211682

• Taoiseach agrees with local TD on TII “overreach” in local planning https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/taoiseach-agrees-with-local-td-on-tii-overreach-in-local-planning-211540

• An Coimisiún Pleanála has again delayed its decision on the proposed development of a liquefied natural gas terminal in North Kerry by the company Shannon LNG https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/further-delay-on-shannon-lng-planning-decision-467651

• ‘We’ve never protected nature well in Ireland:’ Call for investment to protect Ireland’s marine areas https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41775131.html

• Last turbine on Ireland’s first commercial wind farm dismantled https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2026/0116/1553440-mayo-wind-farm/

•  China’s world-first megawatt-level ‘windmill’ airship rises 6,560 ft, feeds grid: The helium-lifted S2000 system uses high-altitude winds and a ducted design with 12 turbines to reach a rated capacity of up to 3 megawatts https://interestingengineering.com/energy/worlds-first-megawatt-airship-rises-6560-ft

• Two wind farms off the west and north Wales coastline have secured UK government funding to supply the national grid, with up to 7,000 jobs expected to be created https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyw8n22gwno

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• Make your move from the UK to Ireland: You don’t need a visa to relocate to the Emerald Isle, which is part of the EU — but property prices are high there https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/property-home/article/oving-to-ireland-from-uk-common-travel-area-guide-gc8r009k5

• Welsh council will force owners of vacant homes to sell up: Owners of ‘eyesore’ long-term empty properties will be forced to sell them after Pembrokeshire council approves new plans — and second-home owners will partly fund the process https://www.thetimes.com/money/family-finances/article/welsh-council-will-force-owners-of-vacant-homes-to-sell-up-g7qrczghm

• The UK’s high streets have reached a tipping point – and Reform will reap the benefits https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/11/uk-high-streets-reform-shops-closing-hope

• The Netherlands: 10 new cities?  Pressure on housing is immense: an estimated shortage of 400,000 homes. It was the number one issue in the recent Dutch general election, with the winning D66 party promising to build ‘10 new cities’ https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/p0mt1w3t