Sunday Property Round-Up 1st March 2026 

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

Unexpectedly, today’s rent reforms – though high on the agenda – are not the main event…

This week brought another record none of us should accept: 17,112 people in emergency accommodation in January, including 5,319 children.

At the Oireachtas Housing Committee, members were told house prices are unlikely to fall for at least a decade. At the same time, longer-term demographic projections warn of a shrinking working-age population tasked with supporting a growing cohort of retirees. The housing crisis is not operating in isolation; it sits within wider structural pressures.

The Committee also examined a housing allocation exceeding €9bn for 2026, alongside €2.25bn for Uisce Éireann. Capital investment is now at record levels. The critical questions are sequencing, infrastructure readiness and the speed of execution.

Separately, the Minister for Housing, with the Minister of State for Planning, has again written to local authorities urging accelerated land zoning. Seven months on from initial correspondence, Government has stated that progress is insufficient and that no authority has moved quickly enough.

At the RIAI and Department of Housing National Housing Conference in Sligo on Monday/Tuesday,  discussion was robust – at times tense, with direct pushback – but it felt genuinely constructive. There was a clear and wholly appropriate sense of urgency around delivery, particularly in relation to procurement reform and the structural barriers slowing progress. We also received an update on the work of the Housing Activation Office, with a focus on identifying and unblocking infrastructure constraints that are preventing zoned lands from coming forward. The emphasis on sequencing, inter-agency coordination and targeted infrastructure investment reflects a more systemic approach to activating supply.

I was personally encouraged to hear placemaking – and references to New European Bauhaus principles – embedded across the programme rather than treated as an afterthought. Equally, offsite and modern methods of construction featured in almost every housing delivery conversation – in fact, it is clear that the conversation around modular for housing is moving on, after a slow start (Rory Bergin shared some lessons from UK practice that are relevant for the Irish market, including our flawed approach to pilots without pipeline). 

At a European level, the Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis, Vice-Chaired by Irish MEP Ciaran Mullooly, has now issued its report – formally recognising housing as a SOCIAL EMERGENCY (aligning with recommendation #1 of Ireland’s Housing Commission report, May 2024: ❛❛Recognise and prioritise dealing with Ireland’s housing deficit – as distinct to ongoing/future demand – and address it through emergency action❜❜).

Across the EU, house prices have risen 60% since 2015, but in Ireland, 102%. EU rents are up 28.8% since 2015; Irish rents have risen 117%. As Ireland prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency in July, leadership will require a whole-of-government emergency response.

On Friday we convened a focused workshop on State aid reform and its impact on housing and infrastructure delivery. My thanks to the representatives from industry bodies across the built environment for their informed, constructive engagement. The discussion extended beyond State aid to procurement reform – particularly in the context of offsite and other modern methods of construction – planning processes, and how Ireland develops domestic legislation and transposes EU law in practice.

Next on the agenda is rural proofing and private sector rural development. Confirmation from the Planning Minister that modular unit planning exemptions are due before Committee after Easter, with a view to summer implementation, brings a further policy lever into focus.

For developers/project owners, the OPR just published its review of planning in Galway County Council – there is an update on the OPR’s Review Programme within.

Finally, it’s encouraging to see so many Irish teams attending MIPIM for the first time next week. As always, the iProperty Radio studio will be popping up in Cannes. If it’s your first time and you would like to connect, feel free to get in touch at hello@ipropertyradio.com 

As always, you can contact us on editor@ipropertyradio.com

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE 

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

• EU Parliament Committee Elevates ‘Housing Crisis’ to ‘Social Emergency’ – Report calls for Affordable Housing Plan to respond to escalating price and rent pressures https://ipropertyradio.com/eu-parliament-committee-elevates-housing-crisis-to-social-emergency/

• New record as more than 17,000 people in emergency accommodation last month: Of the 17,112 people living in emergency accommodation in January, 5,319 were children. https://www.thejournal.ie/homeless-figures-january-2025-6969343-Feb2026/

• ‘Most of the energy of political work is devoted to correcting the effects of mismanagement of government,” the economist Milton Friedman said. It could be argued that no single issue illustrates the truth of this better than our national housing emergency https://m.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/the-irish-independents-view-homelessness-crisis-can-be-solved-but-it-will-take-bold-action/a1250640378.html#

• Minister for Housing James Browne has again urged local authorities to zone more land for housing: In a letter, which was also signed by Minister of State for Local Government and Planning John Cummins, councils were told that seven months on from the first correspondence issued to them, it was a matter of serious concern that they have not made sufficient progress. The view of Government is that no local authority has moved quickly enough. https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2026/0223/1559909-housing-local-authorities/

• Minister threatens to override councils on land rezoning in bid to speed up delivery of housing: Local authorities get dressing down after just two changed land designation since request from government https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/minister-threatens-to-override-councils-on-land-rezoning-in-bid-to-speed-up-delivery-of-housing/a1060716020.html#

• ‘House prices unlikely to drop for at least another decade’: Oireachtas housing committee is also warned that in future decades there may not be enough people working to cover the pensions of Ireland’s growing proportion of retired people https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41799587.html

• PLANNING MINISTER: Modular granny flat exemptions expected by summer –  Regulations for domestic rear units to go before Oireachtas committee after Easter with the aim of measures being ready for summer https://ipropertyradio.com/modular-granny-flat-exemptions-expected-by-summer-says-minister/

• Could modular homes be the answer to solving Mayo’s housing crisis? Members of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee have agreed to visit modular home factories as part of a fact-finding mission to assess the potential for a pilot modular housing scheme https://m.independent.ie/regionals/mayo/news/could-modular-homes-be-the-answer-to-solving-mayos-housing-crisis/a315315523.html#

• Metrolink workers could be housed in modular homes officials suggest: Visas, planning and accommodation are among issues facing ‘three solid consortia’ https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/metrolink-workers-could-be-housed-in-pre-fabs-officials-suggest/a340525686.html#

•  RENTAL REFORM: As of today – 1 March 2026 – there are three distinct private residential tenancy types in Ireland, determined solely by commencement date: ‘IRELAND’S Three Tier Private Rental Market Begins as New Tenancies Law Takes Effect – What landlords and tenants need to know as sweeping reforms reshape the private rental system from March 2026’ https://ipropertyradio.com/irelands-three-tier-private-rental-market-begins-as-new-tenancies-law-takes-effect/

• Ireland’s biggest landlord tells investors new rent rules will be major boost for shareholders https://www.thejournal.ie/rental-sector-ireland-6966431-Feb2026/

• Minister threatens to override councils on land rezoning in bid to speed up delivery of housing: Local authorities get dressing down after just two changed land designation since request from government https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/minister-threatens-to-override-councils-on-land-rezoning-in-bid-to-speed-up-delivery-of-housing/a1060716020.html#

• HOUSING COMMITTEE this week examined a €9bn+ housing budget for 2026 – alongside €2.25bn for Uisce Éireann: Capital is at record levels, the question now is sequencing, infrastructure readiness and execution speed  https://breakingground.news/housing-budget-tops-e9bn-as-committee-scrutinises-uisce-eireann-and-homelessness-funding/

• Senior official with Cork County Council has confirmed that they are actively looking at Fermoy as a place for additional affordable housing https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/cork-county-council-actively-looking-to-provide-additonal-affordable-housing-in-cork-town/a2103313089.html

• Healthcare education projects to benefit from €75m capital investment: New buildings and refurbishments approved across Galway, Waterford and Sligo under Project Ireland 2040 https://breakingground.news/healthcare-education-projects-to-benefit-from-e75m-capital-investment/

• €20bn data centre investment drives launch of new supplier alliance: Data centres used 22% of Ireland’s electricity in 2024 as industry group calls for islanded utility parks to support future growth https://irishrealestate.news/e20bn-data-centre-investment-drives-launch-of-new-supplier-alliance/ 

• STATE STEPS UP second-hand housing acquisitions with €373m intervention in 2026 market: Dublin to account for almost half of purchases as councils authorised to forward commit into 2027 https://irishrealestate.news/state-steps-up-second-hand-housing-acquisitions-with-e373m-intervention-in-2026-market/

• Jack Chambers says planning decisions ‘out of control’ after Rotunda Hospital refusal https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/jack-chambers-says-planning-decisions-out-of-control-after-rotunda-hospital-refusal/a1450041669.html#

• Supermac’s owner fails in bid to block legal costs protection for environmental group: Friends of the Irish Environment challenging wastewater connection agreement for new motorway service station in Co Clare  https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/02/26/supermacs-owner-fails-in-bid-to-block-legal-costs-protection-for-environmental-group/

• Five TDs tell Dáil register they have stopped renting out properties: Overall, 58 TDs declared land or properties aside from their own homes in their returns for 2025 https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/02/26/five-tds-tell-dail-register-they-have-stopped-renting-out-properties/

• Recently established property section in Mayo County Council unveils ‘solid agenda’  https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/councils-new-property-section-unveils-solid-agenda_arid-88532.html

• People ‘should be fed up’ with lack of housing and infrastructure in Ireland, says John Collison https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/people-should-be-fed-up-with-lack-of-housing-and-infrastructure-in-ireland-says-john-collison/a931169993.html#

• High rent, huge demand, poor supply, flaky landlords – young Irish emigrants discover housing crisis isn’t just at home: With thousands leaving the country the US, UK, Canada and Australia, many are finding that the grass is not always greener… https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/high-rent-huge-demand-poor-supply-flaky-landlords-young-irish-emigrants-discover-housing-crisis-isnt-just-at-home/a1879274065.html#

• Yesterday was ‘Ireland Reads Day 2026’: This week I picked up New Housing 3 at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Housing Conference. Curated by Paul Kelly, this 564-page publication showcases 100 high-quality Irish housing projects across scales – from small infill to large masterplans. The essays alone make it essential reading for anyone involved in housing delivery. Contributors include: Paul Altman, Karen Kenny, Paul Keogh, John O’Mahony, Tony Reddy, Charlotte Sheridan  FRIAI MIPI, and Jason Taylor. Even though I still have about 550 pages to go, I can heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in placemaking in practice, and best practice housing design – in a housing system under pressure, quality cannot be an afterthought https://caroltallon.com/ireland-reads-day-2026-case-for-quality-in-a-housing-emergency/

EU POLICY & RESEARCH IMPACTING HOUSING DELIVERY:

• Housing Recognised as a Social Emergency: Parliament Backs HOUS Report – The European Parliament has now formally recognised the housing crisis as a social emergency https://caroltallon.com/housing-recognised-as-a-social-emergency-parliament-backs-hous-report/

• Ireland’s EU Presidency outreach reaches Laois and Offaly: Department Of Foreign Affairs And Trade – Community Engagements Ahead Of Ireland’s Presidency Of The Council Of The EU, Commencing 1 July 2026 https://publicconsultation.ie/irelands-eu-presidency-outreach-reaches-laois-and-offaly/

• Departments ask to borrow corporate firms’ staff for Civil Service during EU presidency: Senior officials warned to not let extra workload during EU presidency pull focus from domestic agenda  https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/02/28/departments-ask-to-borrow-corporate-firms-staff-for-civil-service-during-eu-presidency/

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.

• Public Consultation Institute of Ireland: Grow College Green Public Realm Project: Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority consultation open until 11 March 2026 – Have Your Say Public Consultation Institute of Ireland https://publicconsultation.ie/grow-college-green-public-realm-project/ 

LACK OF TRAUMA-INFORMED PLACEMAKING 

• Bessborough is a place that holds “so much trauma.”: “Was it too much to ask that the last 60 acres surrounding the buildings be preserved as a park of remembrance for the 923 babies that died, the 31 women and the nearly 19,000 women and children that went through Bessborough, the majority separated through forced adoption? https://www.thejournal.ie/bessborough-campaigners-shocked-that-apartments-will-be-built-on-site-of-former-mother-and-baby-home-6967750-Feb2026/

• Couple who are living in Ireland’s first purpose-built social housing with supports for older people have said it is “like living in Spain” https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2026/0226/1560465-housing-older-people/

• Fifteen capital projects valued at €150m now underway in area | Westmeath Independent https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2026/02/24/fifteen-capital-projects-valued-at-e150m-now-underway-in-area/#

• LOCAL DEMOCRACY ‘Task force must deliver real reform and not more window dressing’ https://www.echo.ie/task-force-must-deliver-real-reform-and-not-more-window-dressing/

• Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary is attending multiple sod turning and openings of housing developments across the county. https://www.midwestradio.ie/news/minister-turns-sod-on-multiple-housing-sites/

• Relocation request for casual traders to new public realm space in Mayo town https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2026/02/27/relocation-request-for-casual-traders-to-new-public-realm-space-in-mayo-town/#

• Help needed for major Ballina event as meeting scheduled: The Ballina Salmon Festival committee are having a meeting in the tourist office on Wednesday, 11th March at 7pm.  https://www.westernpeople.ie/whatson/help-needed-for-major-ballina-event-as-meeting-scheduled_arid-89357.html

• London Irish Centre redevelopment secures additional €3.4 million in Government funding: Total State investment in project reaches €6.75 million https://ipropertyradio.com/london-irish-centre-redevelopment-secures-additional-e3-4-million-in-government-funding/

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/ 

• Rural road funding rises to €17.55 million under 2026 Local Improvement Scheme: Budget increase brings total investment since 2017 to more than €201 million https://ipropertyradio.com/rural-road-funding-rises-to-e17-55-million-under-2026-local-improvement-scheme/

• TII role in rural planning decisions to be reviewed: Final week of Farmers Journal Building a Home in rural Ireland series examines Government intervention to review roles of Transport Infrastructure Ireland in rural planning decisions for farm families https://www.farmersjournal.ie/amp/life/features/tii-role-in-rural-planning-decisions-to-be-reviewed-904614

• Large scale rural regeneration fund opens with grants of up to €10m: Applications invited for shovel ready projects as over €614m already allocated to 273 schemes nationwide https://ipropertyradio.com/large-scale-rural-regeneration-fund-opens-with-grants-of-up-to-e10m/

• Community biodiversity projects secure €1.1 million in State funding: 53 initiatives across 20 counties to support peatland restoration, species protection and Natura 2000 sites https://ipropertyradio.com/community-biodiversity-projects-secure-e1-1-million-in-state-funding/

---

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/

• OPR Reviews Programme – Developer Update: The OPR is conducting a rolling programme of reviews of local authority planning systems and procedures to ensure statutory functions are effective and aligned with national policy. Reviews are not of individual development plans per se, but of how planning authorities deliver their planning functions. For developers, the findings and recommendations from reviews can influence how local authorities manage forward planning and enforcement, affecting development timelines. Local Authority Reviews completed so far include: Tipperary County Council, Louth County Council, Kildare County Council, Galway City Council, Waterford City & County Council (2023), Offaly County Council (2023), Meath County Council (2024), South Dublin County Council (2024), Roscommon County Council (2025), and most recently, Galway County Council (2026): https://www.opr.ie/reviews-programme/

• PICTURED: Modular Housing at Scale and the Architecture of Quality: Can Ireland industrialise housing delivery without diluting design quality? The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Housing Conference this year was framed around housing activation through collaboration: One of highlights of this two-day conference was the MMC Exemplars session was chaired by Éadaoin Ní Fhearghail MRIAI, Architectural Advisor at DHLGH, with a keynote was delivered by Rory Bergin of HTA Design (UK), followed by contributions from Brian Kennedy of Vision Built and President of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF)‘s Smart Offsite Association (SOsA), and Brian Mallon of Hawkins\Brown 

• Construction inflation and labour shortages could hit major health projects, HSE says: Health service to open five surgical hubs and submit planning permission for two hospitals this year https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2026/02/24/construction-inflation-and-labour-shortages-could-hit-major-health-projects-hse-says/

• Government officials warned a new corporation tax break for apartments could cost up to €120 million a year while delivering a saving of just one per cent on development costs  https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/officals-warned-tax-break-for-apartments-could-cost-e120m-a-year-1868245.html 

• Fresh legal challenge to almost 1,000 new homes at former Central Mental Hospital Dundrum: Land Development Agency first produced plans for south Dublin site five years ago https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/02/24/fresh-legal-challenge-to-almost-1000-homes-at-former-central-mental-hospital-dundrum/

• Planning permission for apartments at Bessborough mother and baby home site ‘devastating’ https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/planning-permission-for-apartments-at-bessborough-mother-and-baby-home-site-devastating_arid-89115.html

• KEOHANE Readymix has been granted planning permission to develop a 3.5 hectare quarry at Knockroe outside of Innishannon https://www.southernstar.ie/subscriber-exclusives/innishannon-quarry-given-permission-as-locals-raise-concerns-4355543#

• HSE reveals €63m 2026 building plan for Galway https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/hse-reveals-e63m-2026-building-plan-for-galway-214631

• Plans for apartment complex on edge of Limerick City https://www.limerickpost.ie/2026/02/27/plans-for-apartment-complex-on-edge-of-limerick-city/

• Dromoland Castle secures planning permission for 25 more bedrooms ahead of Ryder Cup: Renovation of stables complex and new four-storey wing will provide an additional 25 rooms and potential revenue of close to €6m https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/23/dromoland-castle-secures-planning-permission-for-more-bedrooms-ahead-of-ryder-cup/?

• Developer to submit planning bid for key Athlone town site: Planning application for a new building on the site of the former O’Neill’s pub in the centre of Athlone could be submitted shortly https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2026/02/26/developer-to-submit-planning-bid-for-key-athlone-town-site/#

• Progress being made on construction of business park on long vacant site in Laois: All plots on the former Avon factory site in Portarlington have been purchased https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/laois-live/2023977/progress-being-made-on-construction-of-business-park-on-long-vacant-site-in-laois.html

• NEW residential development of 24 homes has been granted planning permission in Monasterevin: Applicant Masonbrook Holdings Ltd received approval for the mixed housing scheme comprising 14 two- and three-bedroom terraced houses, along with a three-storey block containing 10 one-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplex units https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/green-light-for-kildare-housing-development_arid-89067.html

• Major Wexford hotel expansion unveiled as Riverside Park reveals redesigned ballroom: Enniscorthy venue to add new arrivals suite, private bar and river‑view pre‑function space as part of a major upgrade opening in 2027 https://m.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/major-wexford-hotel-expansion-unveiled-as-riverside-park-reveals-redesigned-ballroom/a887115013.html#

• 200 jobs to be created as Equinix announce new manufacturing facility in Dundalk https://www.lmfm.ie/news/lmfm-news/200-jobs-to-be-created-as-equinix-announce-new-manufacturing-facility-in-dundalk/

• Planning application submitted for residential development close to centre of Ballina town  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/mayo/news/planning-application-submitted-for-residential-development-close-to-centre-of-north-mayo-town/a1361156733.html#

• Contracts signed for two major developments in Co. Roscommon https://www.shannonside.ie/news/contracts-signed-for-two-major-developments-in-co-roscommon-284144

• Roscommon businessman secures planning for short-stay apartments above well-known department store https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/roscommon-businessman-secures-planning-for-short-stay-apartments-above-well-known-department-store/a439467507.html#

• Construction firm’s bid to overturn multi-million euro midlands housing development hits buffers: Mullingar based firm Andrews Construction saw its plans to build 38 new homes on a near one and a half acre site at Glenmore Wood along the town’s Dublin Road come up short following a county council decision last September  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/westmeath/news/construction-firms-bid-to-overturn-multi-million-euro-midlands-housing-development-hits-buffers/a1776547110.html#

• DONEGAL: Planning permission has been granted for a brand new boutique seaside hotel in Rathmullan https://www.donegaldaily.com/2026/02/19/green-light-for-landmark-boutique-hotel-in-rathmullan/#

• Planning permission sought to complete partially finished Raphoe housing estate: Decision due date for application is April 19 https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/donegal-live/2023075/planning-permission-sought-to-complete-partially-finished-raphoe-housing-estate.html

• Clare County Council has approved planning permission for a 61-house housing development in Meelick, a village on the Clare-Limerick border https://m.independent.ie/regionals/clare/news/green-light-for-controversial-clare-development-comprising-of-61-houses/a907467119.html#

• Plans lodged for rejuvenation of Clare village’s Main Street https://m.independent.ie/regionals/clare/news/plans-lodged-for-rejuvenation-of-clare-villages-main-street/a1997412469.html#

• Kerry council urged ‘not to stand for’ TII objections after hotel denied planning application https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/south-kerry-news/kerry-council-urged-not-to-stand-for-tii-objections-after-hotel-denied-planning-application/a1936462355.html

• KFC confirm that ‘construction now underway’ for its first restaurant in Kerry https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/tralee-news/kfc-confirm-that-construction-now-underway-for-its-first-restaurant-in-kerry/a1550615728.html

• Examinership is ‘exercise in futility’ for developer of €34m St Stephen’s Green offices, appeal hears: Court heard two months of work needed to complete nine-storey office block  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/25/examinership-is-exercise-in-futility-for-developer-of-34m-st-stephens-green-offices-appeal-hears/

• Dublin City Council move to former DIT site from Wood Quay expected to cost €581m: Deal to buy Kevin Street site expected to be finalised in weeks with former offices likely to be replaced with housing https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/02/27/dublin-city-council-move-to-former-dit-site-from-wood-quay-expected-to-cost-581m/

• Planning lodged to build 88 houses on busy Portlaoise residential road: Laois County Council permission sought for new Colliers Lane development https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/newsletter-laois-live/2026320/planning-lodged-to-build-88-houses-on-busy-portlaoise-residential-road.html

• Data centre builder Equinix to create 200 jobs with €590m investment in Louth: Equinix announces partnership with local company Hanley Energy for specialised power-equipment factory https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/25/data-centre-builder-equinix-to-create-200-jobs-with-590m-investment-in-louth/

• Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae said he felt the council weren’t being “ambitious enough” in Farranfore and proposed significant sites be zoned for residential development. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/news/key-kerry-connecting-village-poised-for-residential-development/a1715987229.html

• StoneFacings marks six decades of excellence https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2026/02/27/stonefacings-marks-six-decades-of-excellence/#

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/

• Nigel Tighe appointed Managing Director at Actavo Modular: Senior industry figure to lead growth strategy at Ireland’s most experienced modular provider https://breakingground.news/nigel-tighe-appointed-managing-director-at-actavo-modular/ 

• Working with EirGrid on the Celtic Interconnector: A rewarding role, delivering real impacts — Kieran French, Celtic Interconnector engineering and interface manager with EirGrid, talks about his role on the subsea link connecting the electricity grids of Ireland and France https://www.irishexaminer.com/sponsored/arid-41795183.html

PROPERTY INDUSTRY IRELAND (Ibec)

IRELAND’S CONSTRUCTION workforce must grow by more than 50% within five years to meet national housing, infrastructure and climate targets: New Property Industry Ireland (PII) report sets out the scale of the challenge:

• 177,600 people currently employed in construction

• 95,000–110,000 additional roles required by 2030

• 17,000 expected retirements over the same period

• 22,800–25,800 new entrants needed every year

This is being driven by an unprecedented investment pipeline:

• €400.2 billion total construction-related investment projected between 2025 and 2030

• €57 billion average annual output required to 2030

• €129 billion private housing development capital

• €134.2 billion public Exchequer investment

• €19.5 billion domestic retrofit under climate policy

• €18.5 billion incremental power sector investment

The report also highlights structural pressures:

• 54,400 fewer workers than the 2007 peak

• Apprenticeships at 21,895 in 2024, still below the 2007 high of 28,500

• 3,196 apprenticeship completions in 2024 versus a requirement exceeding 20,000 new workers annually

• Women represent just 9% of the total workforce, with 0.3% representation among bricklayers and plasterers

Modern Methods of Construction could reduce on-site labour requirements by 20% to 50% for relevant tasks, and potentially reduce workforce demand by 10,000 workers by 2030 if adopted at scale.

The question for industry and policymakers is clear: Can Ireland align skills, visas, procurement reform and MMC adoption quickly enough to deliver €57 billion in annual output? https://breakingground.news/construction-workforce-must-grow-by-over-50-to-meet-e57bn-annual-build-target/ 

PODCASTS:

 

HSA: Work at Height 2026 Podcast 

⚠️ This week’s Health and Safety Authority podcast is one that every leader, contractor and site manager should take the time to hear.

Podcast host Joan Flynn, Senior Inspector in Construction Inspection and Policy at the HSA, speaks with Marian Deasy about #LiveForLorcan – a behavioural safety initiative developed by the Electric Skyline Limited team and inspired by the life of Lorcan Deasy.

The #LiveForLorcan campaign connects safety to something far more powerful – personal responsibility, shared accountability and the reality that every procedure exists for a human reason. Through education, storytelling and visible reminders on site, it reframes safety culture around one simple principle: everyone goes home safe.

This conversation lands at a critical moment.

11 people lost their lives while undertaking construction-related activities last year, up from 5 

the previous year. Most of those deaths were linked to falls from height, moving plant and equipment, or being struck by falling objects.

As the Health and Safety Authority and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, supported by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) launched their ‘Working at Height’ 2026 campaign – facilitated by the Walls Construction Limited team on site in Dublin earlier this week, the  focus was clear: Working at height remains one of the most serious risks in our industry, and it is preventable.

Safety culture is built through leadership, safe behaviour, peer intervention and personal commitment.

Today, take time with your team. Share the campaign materials. Watch the videos. Listen to the stories of those living with life-changing injuries from falls. Listen to Marian Deasy speak about her son.

Procedures matter. Systems matter. But culture determines whether they are followed.

Every person who turns up on site deserves to return home safely, every day.

#LiveForLorcan

🎙️ https://open.spotify.com/episode/0BHMjysw5ZqiIVyd2uuJL2?si=508eca888a044e2f 

📽️ Watch the interview in full: https://youtu.be/uOzbyvnFIic?si=gWq5vZzt4GomnlmE

You can view the full HSA: Working at Heights playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vkMufB3bbgNrSiRg4e0AoOw 

Further information about safety in construction: https://www.hsa.ie/your_industry/construction/ 

CIF Safety Campaign 2026 Podcast 

“Pride is something that should be instilled from day one”

“No matter the task, or what you have done on site. It’s something that we struggled with for numerous years… but it is something that should be instilled in everyone on site”

In episode 1 of the Construction Industry Federation’s Construction Safety 2026 podcast, made with iProperty Radio, Safety, Health & Skills Executive, John Egan, joins Donal Cahalane, Director; Jerry Crowley, Site Manager; Eithne Hennessy, Safety Manager; and Gabriel Travers, Project Manager on site at Clonakilty Community Hospital. 

🎙️ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5FoLXg0SJ6jvpuXq6CjkMf?si=YlSnLSmTSKms3-XeBEK_aw

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/daD6UysxqVk?si=phFreTkNTRhl7Lir

Produced by Katie Tallon MPRII, iProperty Radio for CIF

Watch the entire series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vnhCbgSqe6T8TJTfB9mvD6C&si=ity7U_ANvSSyc0bU

REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential 

• Dublin councils to draw down almost half of €373m second-hand housing fund in 2026: Capital accounts for €185.9m of national acquisitions programme as delivery performance varies sharply across counties https://ipropertyradio.com/dublin-councils-to-draw-down-almost-half-of-e373m-second-hand-housing-fund-in-2026/

• Rents rise 4.4% in 2025 as rental supply falls to lowest February level in nearly 20 years: Fewer than 1,800 homes available nationwide as pressure intensifies across all regions https://ipropertyradio.com/rents-rise-4-4-in-2025-as-rental-supply-falls-to-lowest-february-level-in-nearly-20-years/

• Rent reforms set to drive more large scale investors into Irish market: Radical changes have already sparked interest from abroad, but it could take up to two years before property supply rises https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/rent-reforms-set-to-drive-more-large-scale-investors-into-irish-market/a1574146732.html#

• Apartments at Dundrum Town Centre set to generate €3m a year in rental income for owners: British property group Hammerson reveals that 30 of the 122 new units at The Ironworks scheme have been leased out  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/26/apartments-at-dundrum-town-centre-set-to-generate-3m-a-year-in-rental-income-for-owners/

• Irish Residential Properties REIT buys 77 apartments in Naas for €31.75m https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2026/0224/1560124-irish-residential-properties-reit-buys-77-naas-apartments/

• EXPLAINER: How to make home ownership possible – A guide to the available supports https://www.corklive.ie/news/sponsored-content/2023419/explainer-how-to-make-home-ownership-possible-a-guide-to-the-available-supports.html

• Landlord of protected Dublin building given 9 months to address safety failings https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/landlord-of-protected-dublin-building-given-9-months-to-address-safety-failings-1868402.html

• Cork and Kerry rental market saw supply shock greater than during pandemic: Birthing pains or long term reduction? https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/news/cork-and-kerry-rental-market-saw-supply-shock-greater-than-during-pandemic/a707413389.html

• Wicklow in top five counties as programme supporting people to buy first home hits 5,000 purchases https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/news/wicklow-in-top-five-counties-as-programme-supporting-people-to-buy-first-home-hits-5000-purchases/a1048600314.html#

• Town-centre Wicklow property with development potential hits market at €119,000 https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/arklow-news/town-centre-wicklow-property-with-development-potential-hits-market-at-119000/a2138619266.html#

• Scramble to secure one of Longford’s first ever affordable homes sees demand levels exceed six times above number of newly built housing development https://m.independent.ie/regionals/longford/news/scramble-to-secure-one-of-longfords-first-ever-affordable-homes-sees-demand-levels-exceed-six-times-above-number-of-newly-built-housing-development/a1568763085.html#

• Property with links to Lawrence of Arabia makes €3,232,000 https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2026/02/27/property-with-links-to-lawrence-of-arabia-makes-e3232000/#

• ‘Banks don’t sell the dream of buying a home alone. But that was my reality’: Single women now outnumber men buying property: One woman’s story of finding a home solo
• https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/banks-dont-sell-the-dream-of-buying-a-home-alone-but-that-was-my-reality/a929972864.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/ 

Commercial 

• Ireland’s commercial property problem: 30,000 vacant premises: The national vacancy rate hit 14.6% at the end of 2025, a record high  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/26/irelands-commercial-property-problem-30000-vacant-premises/

• Nearly half of hotel expansion projects in Ireland are on hold: High construction costs and delays in planning system causing problems https://m.independent.ie/business/nearly-half-of-hotel-expansion-projects-in-ireland-are-on-hold/a1053601361.html#

• New entrant to Irish PRS: Greystar has selected a prospective purchaser – understood to be German investor Quantum Immobilien – for a deal to sell apartment complex at Quayside Quarter in Dublin’s north docklands https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/new-entrant-to-irish-private-rental-sector-pays-180m-for-268-docklands-apartments/a1036369700.html#

• Meininger Signs Dublin Site: Meininger, the operator of hybrid accommodation that combines hotel and hostel under one roof, has signed its first site in Ireland. It will launch the brand in the Irish capital, Dublin, in 2028. https://tophotel.news/meininger-signs-dublin-site/

• Ebay tells government it is “restructuring” Irish base as workers wait for news of potential job cuts: The online auction platform, which employs around 1,000 people in Ireland from its Blanchardstown base, is to cut 6pc of staff worldwide https://m.independent.ie/business/technology/ebay-tells-government-it-is-restructuring-irish-base-as-workers-wait-for-news-of-potential-job-cuts/a1314390346.html#

• THE GLOSS MAGAZINE: 10 New Irish Hotel Happenings To Know About  https://thegloss.ie/10-new-irish-hotel-happenings-to-know-about/

• Logistics group and landlord sue each other over losses due to alleged delays in renovation: Primeline Group, accused of withholding rent, says renovation was poorly carried out with business interrupted for 16 months longer than promised  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/02/23/logistics-group-and-landlord-sue-each-other-over-losses-due-to-alleged-delays-in-renovation/

• US multinational in advanced talks to take out lease at Navigation Square One:  NSQ1 is the largest of four blocks in the O’Callaghan Property (OCP)-developed Navigation Square, which it sold to French investors Corum for €60m in 2021 https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41800286.html

• HISTORIC building on Athlone’s Westside is set for a new chapter as design studio Ashen & Cloud prepares to relocate to 7 O’Connell Street https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2026/02/27/a-rising-tide-lifts-all-boats-ashen-cloud-brings-new-life-to-historic-westside-building/#

• Family‑run Tipperary hardware store to close after four decades at heart of community: Customers have paid tribute to an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of treasures run by popular local family https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/family-run-tipperary-hardware-store-to-close-after-four-decades-at-heart-of-community/a1616745345.html#

• More Germany-focused real estate funds stop investor redemptions: The asset management woes stem from accelerating withdrawals across German open-ended real estate funds https://m.independent.ie/world-news/europe/more-germany-focused-real-estate-funds-stop-investor-redemptions/a527760760.html#
• Corporate sleekness at Apple’s new Cork building – just don’t expect any spaceships: Architects Scott Tallon Walker have delivered subtle curves and a muted palette at the tech giant’s Hollyhill Five facility https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2026/03/01/corporate-sleekness-at-apples-new-cork-building-just-dont-expect-any-spaceships/

PODCAST: The Property Roundup on iPropertyRadio.com

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

• ‘Unthinkable’ that AI could replace Rightmove, says portal’s boss: Chief of Britain’s go-to property search website downplays threat posed by artificial intelligence, helping to shore up the company’s battered share price https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/rightmove-to-buy-back-90m-shares-as-ai-fears-hit-valuation-2d2bbkrsq  

• Pivot to construction sector pays dividends for Longford AI business: Scopey Onsite, a Longford-based artificial intelligence (AI) business, aims to raise a seed round of €5 million later this year https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/pivot-to-construction-sector-pays-dividends-for-longford-ai-business/

• Access to funding is still the top issue for start-up and scaling companies https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/access-to-funding-is-still-the-top-issue-for-start-up-and-scaling-companies/

PODCAST: The Proptech Hot Seat on iPropertyRadio.com

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/ 

---

INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY

• Government launches major review to cut infrastructure approval delays: New Regulatory Simplification Unit to target bottlenecks in energy, water and transport projects https://breakingground.news/government-launches-major-review-to-cut-infrastructure-approval-delays/ 

• Ireland’s rapid development is hitting critical energy and infrastructure gaps: Ireland’s rapid development exposes critical infrastructure gaps, with massive energy demands from data centres, EVs, and heat pumps driving future challenges. https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41800646.html

• Infrastructure delivery reforms should speed up two ‘critical’ water projects, says Minister: Jack Chambers plans to bring the Critical Infrastructure Bill to Cabinet next month https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/02/26/minister-says-reforms-on-infrastructure-delivery-should-speed-up-two-critical-water-projects/

• Ireland’s power network will remain strained for nearly three more years – but, according to EirGrid, the construction of as many as 300,000 new homes by 2030 will not overwhelm the system https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/data-centres-will-take-a-third-of-power-by-2030-but-grid-will-have-capacity-to-supply-homes/a1550186998.html#

• PICTURED: New Nenagh wastewater treatment plant paves the way for 3,000 new homes – sod was turned today on the €49 million plant as part of a major investment by Uisce Eireann in the town https://tippfm.com/news/tipperary-county-council/new-nenagh-wastewater-treatment-plant-paves-the-way-for-3000-new-homes/

---

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• Government accused of caving in to building lobby amid plans to shake up housing sector in England: Changes to planning rules would limit scope of English councils and prevent them pursuing improvements to low-carbon homes https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/24/uk-government-housing-lobbying-local-councils

• UK’s biggest student landlord hit as undergrads swap halls for home: Unite warns that more empty rooms and lower rental inflation will have a knock-on effect on its profitability — will a focus on ‘high-tariff’ universities save it? https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/unite-student-landlord-hit-lower-occupancy-3pjrngnfd

• John Lewis scraps £500m deal to build 1,000 rental homes: Retailer said ‘fundamental shift in economic conditions’ made it hard for financial partner Aberdeen to raise funds https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/25/john-lewis-scraps-deal-build-1000-rental-homes

• UK construction activity January 2026: Project starts and detailed planning approvals rose against the previous year, with approvals rising sharply on the preceding three months also. Main contract awards didn’t fare as well, declining on both periods.  https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/cn-intelligence/uk-construction-activity-january-2026-northern-ireland-26-02-2026/

• UK Order books across the civils sector have slumped to their weakest position since 2020 despite workloads edging back into growth at the end of last year. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/02/27/order-fall-deepens-two-speed-civils-market/