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

Message from Carol Tallon: 

It was a huge week for placemaking – at local, national, and international policymaking levels.

RURAL FOCUS: Firstly, well done to Leitrim County Council for hosting Reimagining Rural Ireland: Smart Towns & Villages Programme 2025 at Lough Rynn Castle. The event marked the launch of Digital Placemaking: A Strategy for a Connected Leitrim– a people-centred plan linking digital infrastructure with local economic resilience. Minister Dara Calleary TD reminded us that “people need to be given new reasons to visit towns.” Karen Keaveney (UCD) called for long-term thinking beyond the five-year political cycle, while John Daly (NWRA)pressed for decentralisation – noting that over 90% of local expenditure in Ireland is still controlled centrally. Mary Reynolds (Mohill Town Team) captured the essence of partnership-led placemaking: “Build relationships first, programmes second.”

Data from AIRO (Maynooth University) confirmed that most Irish towns are growing – yet around 10% of settlements, mainly along the west coast, declined between 2016–22.
As someone who works daily with people trying to live, build, and work in these areas, that figure is difficult to ignore.

URBAN FOCUS: Dublin City Council this week agreed a new pathway to rezone land for up to 25,000 new homes by 2032, alongside a pilot to tackle dereliction and vacancy.
Over recent weeks, we’ve seen clear pushback from some local authorities to the Housing Minister’s directive to increase zoned lands.

Is DCC’s decision signalling a willingness to engage proactively with national housing objectives rather than resist them? And if so, are regional authorities likely to follow?

NATIONAL FOCUS: With housing commencements up 43% in September and house prices  7.4% higher in August, the Taoiseach confirmed that among the revised Housing for All measures will be moves to allow more people to build on their own land – one of five headline items.

EU FOCUS: In Brussels, there was standing room only for the launch of Housing Europe’s State of Housing in Europe 2025 – hosted by Irish MEP Ciarán Mullooly. The mood was tense but focused: Europe’s housing output is falling even as demand reaches record highs.
John O’Connor (Housing Commission) reminded us that Ireland’s challenge is not just demand but an accumulated deficit – around 250,000 homes short of need – calling for emergency delivery mechanisms.

Mullooly is currently exploring VAT exemptions for self-builders and greater use of offsite construction/MMC, reflecting long-standing community and industry demands.

*The closure announcement this week of Modern Homes Ireland’s manufacturing facility in Cavan, with up to 70 jobs lost, brings home the consequences of delays turning policy into action. The factory had supplied off-site homes for State programmes – but confirmed low demand made operations unviable.

And finally…Irish Rail launched a new campaign encouraging passengers and staff to use Irish on trains — a small but welcome step for everyday placemaking. Maith sibh, Iarnród Éireann – agus comhghairdeas leis an bhfoireann! 👏

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

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE 

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

• 🇪🇺 Europe’s Housing Reality Check: A Standing-Room-Only Debate in Brussels: Earlier this week, the European Parliament was packed beyond capacity for the launch of Housing Europe’s ‘State of Housing in the EU 2025: Trends in a Nutshell’ – hosted by Ciaran Mullooly MEP, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis.Full report from Brussels on iProperty Radio: https://ipropertyradio.com/europes-housing-reality-check-standing-room-only-launch-in-brussels-for-housing-europes-2025-report/

• Irish house prices were 7.4% higher in August: New CSO figures suggest annualised rate of increase was unchanged from previous month https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/10/15/irish-house-prices-were-74-higher-in-august/

• National governments and Brussels policymakers need to address the housing crisis facing Europe if they want to overcome growing support for populist politicians, according to Dan Jørgensen, the first European commissioner for housing https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/10/14/eu-looks-to-play-bigger-role-in-tackling-housing-crisis/

• Housing Europe: Irish voices lead EU to edge of breakthrough on housing https://www.businesspost.ie/property/addressing-irelands-housing-deficit-not-just-demand/

• One year in, has government already lost race to build 303,000 homes? https://www.businesspost.ie/property/killian-woods-one-year-in-has-government-already-lost-race-to-build-303000-homes/

• Dysfunction of our construction sector is a troubling reality https://m.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/the-irish-independents-view-dysfunction-of-our-construction-sector-is-a-troubling-reality/a1208366845.html# Also: Construction activity in crisis following September slump in housing projects https://m.independent.ie/business/construction-activity-in-crisis-following-september-slump-in-housing-projects/a384999977.html# 

• Modular home builder in Co Cavan closes factory, citing lack of work in Irish housing market: Up to 20 full-time jobs and approximately 50 part-time contractor roles have been lost. https://www.thejournal.ie/modular-homes-closed-cavan-6847739-Oct2025/

• Plans for greater use of timber in housing construction put forward by minister Michael Healy-Rae: The move could help to deliver more homes more sustainably, experts say https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/plans-for-greater-use-of-timber-in-housing-construction-put-forward-by-minister-michael-healy-rae/a706254165.html#

• Finance Bill restricts 9pc Vat cut to sales of finished apartments https://m.independent.ie/business/finance-bill-restricts-9pc-vat-cut-to-sales-of-finished-apartments/a2027796522.html

• The Debate: Will the new measures to boost apartment building deliver more homes? Or will they simply turbo charge profits for developers? A construction industry representative debates with an economist https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/10/14/the-debate-will-the-new-measures-to-boost-apartment-building-help-ease-the-housing-crisis/

• Failure to consult on reduced apartment standards a ‘gross undermining’ of democracy, High Court told https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/failure-to-consult-on-reduced-apartment-standards-a-gross-undermining-of-democracy-high-court-told/

• Pat McDonagh to oppose legal costs exemption for environmental group challenging new plaza https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/pat-mcdonagh-to-oppose-legal-costs-exemption-for-environmental-group-challenging-new-plaza/

• Ex-pat construction giant was asked for its advice on the State’s national children’s hospital: The Gilbane Building Company, founded by Famine-era emigrants from Co Leitrim, is one of the largest developers of healthcare facilities in the US  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/10/13/construction-giant-asked-for-advice-on-childrens-hospital/

• Housing Minister James Browne brings a memo to Cabinet on legislation to create an all-Ireland Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) next year https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/housing-minister-to-bring-legislation-to-extend-rent-pressure-zones-nationwide-to-cabinet-today/a89550619.html#

• Minister for Enterprise committed to deliver 100 new IDA-backed investments across the West as part of agency’s 2025–2029 strategy. Minister also confirmed that a Cabinet memo on the proposed Oranmore semiconductor site was expected in coming weeks https://connachttribune.ie/idas-promise-to-deliver-100-new-ida-backed-investments-across-the-west/

• Boundary limbo for residents in Waterford and South Kilkenny https://www.waterford-news.ie/news/boundary-limbo-for-residents-in-waterford-and-south-kilkenny_arid-73735.html

• Government scrapped deal after €6m office revamp for international protection accommodation: Lonadale Ltd said it agreed to convert 2 sites for 158 people at €90 per day  https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/10/13/government-scrapped-deal-after-6m-office-revamp-for-international-protection-accommodation/

• People living in constant stress because of defects in their homes, Dáil hears: Homes in Clare, Donegal, Limerick, Mayo, and Sligo are damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks containing excessive amounts of mica or pyrite https://www.roscommonherald.ie/people-living-in-constant-stress-because-of-defects-in-their-homes-d%C3%A1il-hears_arid-74286.html

• Way is clear for Bankinter to zero in on PTSB: A Spanish bank is eyeing a major acquisition in the Irish market. PTSB could cost as much as €1.8bn, yet a regulatory review next year could transform its value https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/way-is-clear-for-bankinter-to-zero-in-on-ptsb-d6m82lwvw

• Homesick by Peter Apps: How houses went from homes for families to income-generating assets for investors: The in-depth story of London’s housing crisis is very relevant to Ireland https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2025/10/11/homesick-by-peter-apps-how-houses-went-from-homes-for-families-to-income-generating-assets-for-investors/

• Revealed: Estate agent Sherry FitzGerald on the verge of major expansion deals https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/revealed-estate-agent-sherry-fitzgerald-on-the-verge-of-major-expansion-deals/

• Tesco Ireland boss Geoff Byrne: ‘We need houses, and houses need shops. I’m very positive’: The Tesco boss plans to spend €100m a year building new stores in Ireland  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/10/17/tesco-ireland-boss-geoff-byrne-we-need-a-lot-of-houses-and-houses-need-shops-im-very-positive/

• Ireland failing to press home ‘massive advantage over UK’ to attract high net worth people https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/ireland-failing-to-press-home-massive-advantage-over-uk-to-attract-high-net-worth-people/

⚠️WORK AT HEIGHT

❝Two Hours Ago, I Was Drinking Tea on Site❞ – Adrian Keogh

Joan Flynn, Senior Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority, talks to former civil groundworker and Kiltegan Senior hurling team captain, Adrian Keogh, about the fall that changed his life — and that of his family and friends — and his recovery experience.

Produced by Katie Tallon MPRII

🎙️Listen: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RQQubz5h3jlgYMNZPd6Yo?si=AYfTc5LzSdyhtcSuAlhNVA

🎥Watch: https://youtu.be/U9fmeMq1KfY?si=6jl2ZWQp1_kcUCxh


⚠️WORK AT HEIGHT
Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in construction and agriculture. To tackle this, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSE NI) have today launched a month-long, all-island inspection campaign.

Running throughout the month of October, this joint initiative will see inspections taking place on construction sites and farms of all sizes across the island, with the goal of reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities linked to work at height: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/news_events_media/news/press_releases_2025/all-island_safety_campaign_targets_deadly_falls_in_construction_and_farming.html

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.

• Plans for the Kilbeggan to Mullingar Greenway have entered their final consultation phase following Westmeath County Council’s announcement of the preferred option route https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2025/10/17/new-local-greenway-route-published/#

• Irish Rail launches new campaign to encourage workers and passengers to speak Irish on trains https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41723733.html

Rural, Coastal & Islands

• RIGHT TO STAY: Changes in ­relation to one-off housing will also be outlined in the final housing plan after Taoiseach Micheál Martin last month signalled moves to allow more people to build homes on their own land https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/revealed-coalition-plans-shift-to-state-run-housing-for-homeless-in-bid-to-slash-360m-bill/a612685668.html#

• Appeal for action to revive once-bustling Mayo lakeside community https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2025/10/16/appeal-for-action-to-revive-once-bustling-mayo-lakeside-community/#

• The Head of Marine with Mayo County Council has said plans are in place to launch a new maritime strategy for the county https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/new-maritime-plan-for-mayo_arid-72902.html

• Community chat — as Gaeilge agus as Béarla — including local calls for the Galway Hooker to be protected under UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, similar to status given to dry stone wall construction  https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/podcasts/galway-talks/community-matters-leitir-moir-205229

CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news 

• 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/

• Housing commencements jump 43% in September: Work began on 1,653 new homes, says Department of Housing  https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41725392.html

• Civil engineering giant Wills Bros reports sharp rise in profits as sales top €240m https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/civil-engineering-giant-wills-bros-reports-sharp-rise-in-profits-as-sales-top-e240m/

• Maple 10 developer Sean Reilly’s firm launches judicial review against €600m Dart North https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/maple-10-developer-sean-reilly-firm-launches-judicial-review-against-e600m-dart-north/

• Capital Group Companies, the US investment fund, has increased its stake in Cairn Homes, with the firm now holding an above 7 per cent stake in the Dublin-listed group https://www.businesspost.ie/markets-audio/capital-group-increases-cairn-stake-to-over-7/

• Data centre tycoon Barry English nets €500m profit in same year as Winthrop sale https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/data-centre-tycoon-barry-english-nets-e500m-profit-in-same-year-as-winthrop-sale/

• Mick Bailey’s Bovale one of the last developers to leave Nama after Sretaw deal: Agency once had 5,000 borrowers and loans with a €32bn discounted value  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/10/16/bovale-one-of-the-last-to-leave-nama-after-sretaw-deal/

• M3 motorway lands primed for logistics development seek €5.25m: Site at Bracetown is located just seven minutes’ drive from M50 motorway https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2025/10/15/m3-motorway-lands-primed-for-logistics-development-seek-525m/

• The O’Flynn Group, headed by well-known developer Michael O’Flynn, has lodged a planning application for a development of 1,150 new homes in Ballincollig, a suburb to the west of Cork City https://m.independent.ie/business/oflynn-group-lodges-plans-for-development-of-1150-new-homes/a941715318.html#

• Developer behind €350m Cork Docklands project seeks to remove commercial units for five more apartments: Developer is seeking to convert units set out for bars, cafes and gyms into additional residential accommodation https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41723850.html

• Housing commencement notices substantially down in Galway this year https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/housing-commencement-notices-substantially-down-in-galway-this-year-205201

• Minister break ground on Galway’s €23m social housing development https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/minister-break-ground-on-galways-23m-social-housing-development/a996317611.html#

• Minister turns sod on €23.6m housing scheme in Claregalway – Clare Echo https://www.clareecho.ie/minister-turns-sod-on-e23-6m-housing-scheme-in-claregalway/

• Decision made on planned tower block of apartments in Limerick: Development proposes a mix of single and double rooms in city centre street https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/planning/1918131/decision-made-on-planned-tower-block-of-apartments-in-limerick.html

• ‘Viability issues’ halt plans for Mayo housing schemes https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/viability-issues-halt-plans-for-mayo-housing-schemes_arid-73818.html

• Planning sought for new Ballina hotel https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/planning-sought-for-new-ballina-hotel_arid-73945.html

• A 21-unit housing project in Knock has been granted planning permission by Mayo County Council https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2025/10/15/positive-housing-news-for-mayo-village-with-21-new-units/#

• Construction to begin on major extension to Mayo school https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2025/10/16/construction-to-begin-on-major-extension-to-mayo-school/

• Huge price reduction leaves Atlantic Mills in Longford looking well priced https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/huge-price-reduction-leaves-atlantic-mills-in-longford-looking-well-priced/a744282636.html

• Planning decision expected soon on proposed residential development in Leitrim town: Moda Construction Ltd has applied to build apartments and terraced houses in Carrick-on-Shannon, with a decision anticipated in the coming week https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/carrick-on-shannon/1917526/planning-decision-expected-soon-on-proposed-residential-development-in-leitrim-town.html

• A former managing director of a supplier of materials to the construction industry has taken commercially sensitive information belonging to the firm and is now working for one of its direct competitors, it is claimed in the High Court. https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/10/16/former-md-has-taken-commercially-sensitive-information-for-use-by-rival-firm-tells-court/

• Opportunity to shape new neighbourhood in Tralee as lands near MTU come to market for €4.5m: Described as “probably the most exciting land sale in Tralee in a long time” https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41724780.html

• Kerry hospitality company seeks permission to build a dozen ‘starter homes https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/south-kerry-news/kerry-hospitality-company-seeks-permission-to-build-a-dozen-starter-homes/a171743335.html

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.

Get all the latest job details straight to your inbox: Sign up https://breakingground.news/sign-up-form/

PODCAST:  

Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Construction Safety Campaign 2025

*Produced by Katie Tallon MPRII

Further podcast episodes in this series will involve on-site interviews with construction safety teams to understand real issues on the ground. 

The CIF Construction Safety Campaign 2025 ‘Back to Basics’  will take place from October 13–24th 2025

REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential 

• Two thirds of homebuyers on shared equity scheme use second State program to complete sale https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41723322.html

• Landlords will have to reveal how much rent they charge tenants: Landlords will have to publicly disclose rent prices under new Government laws aimed at improving transparency and compliance https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41722674.html

• Around 1,600 properties have been investigated by councils as suspected illegal short-term lets in the last three years https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/around-1600-properties-have-been-investigated-by-councils-as-suspected-illegal-short-term-lets-in-the-last-three-years/a616928173.html

• Tens of thousands now eligible to defer Local Property Tax, potentially until after death: New legislation raises income thresholds to qualify for postponing payment https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/tens-of-thousands-now-eligible-to-defer-local-property-tax-potentially-until-after-death/a2062594693.html#

• How to avoid overspending on home renovation: Start with strategy: Optimise Design’s Denise O’Connor gives her top tips to help you stay on budget  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/interiors/2025/10/17/how-to-avoid-overspending-on-home-renovation-projects/

• Over 100 Galway properties investigated as suspected illegal short-term lets since 2023 https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/over-100-galway-properties-investigated-as-suspected-illegal-short-term-lets-since-2023-204798

• 4 of a Kind: Homes across Ireland with bright, open plan spaces: This week, we visit Cork, Mayo and Kildare. https://www.thejournal.ie/cork-mayo-and-kildare-house-for-sale-6844068-Oct2025/

• Final flourish of six luxury homes launches at Silverbrook, Rathfarnham https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/final-flourish-of-six-luxury-homes-launches-at-silverbrook-rathfarnham/

Property of the week 

Scotts Avenue at Tyrells Road, Puttaghan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly is a stunning new development of brand-new A-rated 3 & 4 bedroom houses within strolling distance of Tullamore, brought to you by Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes

Contact: Hooke & MacDonald or LEAHY Midland Auctioneers & BER Assessors

https://scottsavenue.ie

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/

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

Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2025 Irish technology providers for the built environment – sign up here: https://prop-tech.ie/register/  and email product or service details to hello@prop-tech.ie

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

PODCAST: The Proptech Hot Seat on iPropertyRadio.com

Produced by Katie Tallon

All previous episodes of the Proptech Hot Seat can be found at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vnSmFt4WXloS0IQNfUkdw2G&si=qeT3RSVaXBPX3Sxd

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

• ‘Out of control’: Critics slam use of judicial reviews in wake of legal challenge against Dart North https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/out-of-control-critics-slam-use-of-judicial-reviews-in-wake-of-legal-challenge-against-dart-north/

• MetroLink’s cost overruns to be split between State and contractors: Logistical challenge of housing the workforce necessary for the project set to become a headache https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/metrolinks-cost-overruns-to-be-split-between-state-and-contractors/a2131562397.html

• Data centres costing €5.6bn have planning approval but no electricity, industry warns: Access to electricity and gas restricted because of blackouts risk due to power-hungry sector https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/10/13/data-centres-costing-56bn-have-planning-approval-but-no-power-industry-warns/

• Eirgrid has appointed Turner & Townsend, the professional services firm, to oversee its multi-billion-euro investment programme that will transform the Irish energy grid. The firm has won a five-year contract to combine its programme management skills with technical expertise to help Eirgrid deliver an electricity grid that runs entirely off renewable energy: Business Post: https://www.businesspost.ie/esg-energy/eirgrid-appoints-turner-townsend-for-multi-billion-euro-grid-build-out/

• Ireland West Airport site earmarked for major development which would ‘open up the county’: However, concerns are mounting over critical infrastructure works as Uisce Éireann has indicated it will not fund water and sewerage upgrades https://m.independent.ie/regionals/mayo/news/ireland-west-airport-site-earmarked-for-major-development-which-would-open-up-the-county/a1593800110.html#

• ‘Once-in-a-generation’ €49m upgrade approved for wastewater treatment plant in Tipperary https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/once-in-a-generation-49m-upgrade-approved-for-wastewater-treatment-plant-in-tipperary/a1073238402.html#

• Misery for investors as report overstates Arena Capital assets https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/arena-capital-examinership-report-error-ztn509rtb

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• Report warns of disastrous “self inflicted” slump in housebuilding in London: Molior report says just 15,000 homes will be under construction across the capital by the end of next year  https://www.standard.co.uk/business/housebuilding-london-molior-slump-sadiq-khan-b1252777.html