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

Message from Carol Tallon:
2026 must be the year housing policy is allowed to fail – so it can finally change.
- Rebuilding Ireland, 2016, 6,906 people homeless
- Housing for All, 2021, 8,900 people homeless
- Delivery Homes, Building Communities, 2024, 16,766 people homeless
Failing slowly is hurting people, we need the political bravery to fail faster and to fail better.
Since 2016, Ireland has committed tens of billions to housing; multi-billion euro annual budgets, a record €11.275 billion allocation for 2026, and almost €25 billion under the National Development Plan, including nearly €20 billion for social and affordable homes. Yet homelessness is at a record high and housing delivery is still tens of thousands of homes short each year.
Last week at the EU Housing Summit in Galway (https://caroltallon.com/eu-housing-summit-galway-2025/), there was broad alignment on the scale of the problem. This week, the data caught up. The Central Bank and the ESRI have now confirmed that Ireland is not on track. Even under best-case projections, we will remain tens of thousands of homes short every year, with no step-change in delivery expected in 2026. Targets continue to be restated as if repetition equals progress. It doesn’t.
This matters because the EU’s Affordable Housing Plan was finally published this week (https://caroltallon.com/what-the-eu-affordable-housing-plan-means-for-irish-delivery/). For Ireland, it means less room to hide behind process and more scrutiny of planning performance, infrastructure alignment and delivery capacity. It also creates a real opportunity. The funded pilots being discussed for Ireland’s EU Presidency from July 2026 include proptech, digital planning, MMC and democratic participation in New European Bauhaus-aligned public consultation, which will be live tests of whether Ireland can modernise how housing is planned, approved and delivered, without eroding trust or democratic consent.
At home, however, the system continues to move in the opposite direction. Apartment guidelines are now heading to the European courts. Tier 1 contractors are openly criticising the planning regime. Housing legislation is being rushed through the Oireachtas with predictable legal and delivery risk. Public procurement still prioritises lowest cost over lowest risk, even for complex, high-impact projects. We mark NAMA’s final surplus transfer while avoiding the harder question of what durable delivery capacity replaced it. This is not a shortage of policy. It is a failure of execution.
There are counter-signals. Capital is cautiously re-engaging. Senior executives are backing their own housing platforms. New models – intergenerational living, senior living, over-the-shop conversions – are emerging not because the system is working, but because it is being worked around. None of this compensates for a structural shortfall. Housing will not be fixed by public, private or not-for-profit (but problematically profitable) actors each working alone, nor by financial engineering or technological optimism. It requires alignment across planning, infrastructure, procurement and governance, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable trade-offs.
Which brings us to the point both the EU and Ireland are now circling. A decade into this crisis, the choice is narrowing. Either housing is treated as an emergency – with the urgency, coordination and consequences that implies – or government accepts that this is now a permacrisis of our own making. A managed shortage. A policy choice.
As housing policy fixates on cities, rural Ireland – which houses 37% of the population – is being quietly written off. Systematic, policy-driven deprivation has accumulated for decades. Rural proofing commitments are not being honoured by policy-makers.The Planning Statement, first promised in 2005 and now promised in early 2026, will be a test of intent, not process, to redress this generational failure. Anyone serious about rural delivery, please get in touch with me directly.
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:
- Central Bank has said it will be “challenging” for the Government to meet its target of building 300,000 homes by the end of 2030: The bank anticipates 33,000 homes would be built this year, 37,000 next year, 40,500 in 2027 and 44,500 in 2028 https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/1219/1549711-housing-taregt-central-bank/ Also: No increase in housebuilding expected for 2026, as ESRI also warns of risk from AI investment: Just 35,000 homes will be finished this year – but 50,000 are needed https://m.independent.ie/business/no-increase-in-housebuilding-expected-for-2026-as-esri-also-warns-of-risk-from-ai-investment/a837577401.html
- Ireland’s new apartment guidelines to be referred to European court after challenge: Interpretation of EU’s Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive a key issue in case https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/12/17/irelands-new-apartment-guidelines-to-be-referred-to-european-court-after-challenge/
- NAMA has announced its final surplus transfer of €450m to the State and said its overall lifetime contribution had increased by €100m more than projected, to €5.6 bn https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2025/1217/1549449-namas-lifetime-contribution-to-state-up-100m-to-5-6bn/
- Public procurement ‘still heavily favours low-cost bids, even for high-risk projects’ https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41761304.html
- Housing crisis and infrastructure need both public and private entity solutions: As Ireland struggles with infrastructure gaps, sectors must work together in order to overcome housing concerns https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41762333.html
- Proposed amendments to housing law are being rushed through the Oireachtas, raising fears of loopholes, abuse and future legal fallout https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41763254.html
- BAM Ireland criticises Ireland’s planning system https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2025/1216/1549300-bam-ireland-criticises-irelands-planning-system/
- Second Ires Reit executive buys shares in the housing firm in a week https://www.businesspost.ie/markets/second-ires-reit-executive-buys-shares-in-the-housing-firm-in-a-week/
- Attitude towards real estate investment begins to shift across Europe https://m.independent.ie/business/attitude-towards-real-estate-investment-begins-to-shift-across-europe/a1655065113.html#
- The slow death of social housing – and its original purpose | Letters https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/15/the-slow-death-of-social-housing-and-its-original-purpose
- Sligo Councillor hits out at ‘perverse situation’ where ‘tourists are staying in homes and families are staying in hotels’ https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/sligo-councillor-hits-out-at-perverse-situation-where-tourists-are-staying-in-homes-and-families-are-staying-in-hotels/a1986942396.html#
- How a 50-year mortgage could help fix Ireland’s housing crisis: Donald Trump is a fan of 50-year mortgages but would they work in Ireland? https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2025/12/16/bonkers-or-brilliant-how-a-50-year-mortgage-could-help-the-housing-crisis/
- Senior Living; Ireland’s first luxury retirement village opens beside Laois four star hotel: See inside Killenard Village development https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/1967704/see-inside-ireland-s-first-luxury-retirement-village-opens-atlaois-four-star-hotel.html
- Housing Agency has launched a report offering insights into the benefits of intergenerational living through a scheme of 61 homes in Dublin. Paper highlights a housing development delivered by Dublin City Council (DCC) on a brownfield site in Ballyfermot https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/1216/1549309-intergenerational-living-insights/
- Housing charity denies knowing about staff asking contractors to work on their own homes https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41760602.html
- Abuse of staff in the housing department and misinformation online about allocations were highlighted at the November meeting of Westmeath County Council https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2025/12/14/online-misinformation-about-housing-allocations-highlighted/#
- This is very disingenuous: landlords are exiting the Irish market due to understanding housing policies more thoroughly than policymakers… ‘Landlords exiting Irish market due to misunderstanding of housing policies, committee hears’ https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/landlords-exiting-irish-market-due-to-misunderstanding-of-housing-policies-committee-hears/a1986971444.html
- New housing grant introduced to turn spaces above shops into modern apartments https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/new-housing-grant-introduced-turn-33068963
- Movers & Shakers: Cairn Homes, Aviva Stadium, Flutter, CRH, Chartered Accountants Ireland, RTÉ, Pinergy https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/movers-shakers-cairn-homes-aviva-stadium-flutter-crh-chartered-accountants-ireland-rte-pinergy/
- The AI Paradox: The More We Automate, The More Human Communication Intelligence Defines Leadership https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbooksauthors/2025/12/18/the-ai-paradox-the-more-we-automate-the-more-human-communication-intelligence-defines-leadership/
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.
- State bets on vacancy to help deliver homes with an extended over the shop refurb grant https://www.businesspost.ie/property/state-bets-on-vacancy-to-help-deliver-homes-with-an-extended-over-the-shop-refurb-grant/
- Cork town benefits from €7.67m economic impact following three international festivals https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/cork-town-benefits-from-767m-economic-impact-following-three-international-festivals/a745008907.html
- A clear plan for the future of the St Brigid’s site in Ballinasloe must be brought forward by the HSE, local representatives have insisted https://connachttribune.ie/call-for-clarity-on-sale-carve-up-of-st-brigids-site-in-ballinasloe/
Rural, Coastal & Islands
- The housing crisis in rural Ireland is now so severe it is now “just not possible” for families to bring their children up in the Gaeltacht, Conradh na Gaeilge has warned https://www.newstalk.com/news/gaeltacht-families-2218929
- People in Gaeltacht will have 101 year wait for home, rural future submission:In aighneacht Chonradh na Gaeilge faoi ‘Ár dTodhchaí Tuaithe” tá sé molta go mbeadh faoiseamh cánach suas go €200,000 thar cúig bliana ar fáil do dhaoine óga cónaí sa Ghaeltacht https://www.thejournal.ie/daoine-oga-ag-feitheamh-breis-is-100-bliain-le-h-aghaidh-teach-sa-ghaeltacht-2-6904163-Dec2025/
- ‘I have never seen the peninsula so united’ says Carlingford farmer facing prospect of Greenway going through his land https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/dundalk-news/i-have-never-seen-the-peninsula-so-united-says-carlingford-farmer-facing-prospect-of-greenway-going-through-his-land/a851677774.html#
- Tensions high as Kerry Greenway to open and landowners cite ‘safety and liability’ concerns https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/south-kerry-news/tensions-high-as-kerry-greenway-to-open-and-landowners-cite-safety-and-liability-concerns/a2078518994.html
- Ireland’s fishermen ‘betrayed’ in latest EU deal warns TD https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/irelands-fishermen-betrayed-latest-eu-33054695.amp
- Robin Talbot: Our ‘innocent’ plan to plant trees was no match for the bureaucrats: Numerous applications we’ve made have been rejected for various reasons https://m.independent.ie/farming/beef/robin-talbot-our-innocent-plan-to-plant-trees-was-no-match-for-the-bureaucrats/a504657604.html
- The pressure behind the hedgerows: the mental strain farmers rarely talk about: Farming isn’t a job you leave in a locker at 5pm – the stress is never-ending https://m.independent.ie/farming/sheep/the-pressure-behind-the-hedgerows-the-mental-strain-farmers-rarely-talk-about/a544687993.html#
- INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE: The rural towns fighting for survival as New Zealand grapples with a growing exodus: Ruapehu is emblematic of question facing New Zealand: how to prevent rural regions – and the country at large – from hollowing out https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/17/the-rural-towns-fighting-for-survival-as-new-zealand-grapples-with-a-growing-exodus
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/
- Drop in skilled trades stalling Ireland’s housing goals, report says: In the 12 months to October 2025, 23,599 housing units began construction https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41762384.html
- Most construction companies continue to stay away from public infrastructure projects: CIF’s latest Construction Outlook Survey found that 68% had little or no involvement in public works projects in Q3 https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/most-construction-firms-avoiding-public-building-projects-federation-says/a747539676.html#
- Hundreds of social homes previously part of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bundle 3 will now begin construction in late 2026, up to 18 months after their intended start date of mid 2025 https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/almost-500-social-homes-delayed-by-up-to-18-months/a459640957.html
- Profits halve at Bennett Construction as turnover climbs to €282m https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/profits-halve-at-bennett-construction-as-turnover-climbs-to-e282m/ Also: Bennett Construction plans 753 apartments and hotel in Dublin: Firm aiming to redevelop site close to Dublin Port https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/12/16/bennett-construction-plans-753-apartments-and-hotel-in-dublin/
- Dublin City Council (DCC) is in “exclusive talks” to purchase the Camden Yard site on Kevin Street in south Dublin, with a view to moving their headquarters there and turning their current Wood Quay civic offices into public housing https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/dublin-city-council-in-talks-to-vacate-current-hq-and-turn-it-into-public-housing/a354623283.html
- LDA boss John Coleman on buying RTÉ land, apartment market failure and developer mistrust https://www.businesspost.ie/property/lda-boss-john-coleman-on-buying-rte-land-apartment-market-failure-and-developer-mistrust/
- Dublin City Council has given the green light to home-builder, Cairn Homes for its revised €295m/510-apartment scheme for former RTÉ lands at Montrose, Donnybrook in Dublin 4 https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2025/1219/1549859-green-light-for-revised-development-for-former-rte-land/
- Munster’s new homes market in 2025 proves resilient: Aspiring buyers more cautious, looking for value and affordability, says Sherry FitzGerald’s Paul Hannon https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41762843.html
- Cairn Homes expected on site in Blarney in January to begin €1.2bn housing development: The multi-phase development is expected to take 10-12 years https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41762162.html
- Cork council to go ahead with €8.2m redevelopment of Shandon Butter Market: Project to create a community and enterprise hub expected to be completed by mid 2028 https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41760395.html
- Five new affordable houses to be delivered for Cork village https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/five-new-affordable-houses-to-be-delivered-for-cork-village/a1049606531.html
- Prosperous Cork town requires more affordable housing to keep young people in the locality https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/prosperous-cork-town-requires-more-affordable-housing-to-keep-young-people-in-the-locality/a1189852260.html
- Plans put forward for major five-block Galway apartment development: It would see the construction of almost 50 homes in the city https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/plans-put-forward-major-five-10711376#
- Plans for six storey apartment block in Woodquay https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/plans-for-six-storey-apartment-block-in-woodquay-2-210152
- Midwest to get two new hospitals and UHL to undergo expansion, health minister confirms: One of the new hospitals in the region will have an emergency department https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41761181.html
- Construction to start on €50m Wicklow school building projects https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/arklow-news/construction-to-start-on-50m-wicklow-school-building-projects/a1465512818.html#
- Developer planning over 200 new homes in Portlaoise: Laois County Council will decide on alteration of County Development Plan https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/1966376/developer-planning-over-200-new-homes-in-portlaoise.html
- Dublin construction company snaps up Laois enterprise site: Priority Construction expanding to Portarlington https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/business/1968208/dublin-construction-company-snaps-up-laois-enterprise-site.html
- Planning application lodged for 15-home development in North Leitrim: The proposal, which was lodged on December 15, seeks permission for the construction of 15 residential units in Duncarbry, Tullaghan https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/leitrim-live/1970750/planning-application-lodged-for-15-home-development-in-north-leitrim.html
- Plans to demolish 52 houses in Tipperary slammed as public consultation opens https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/plans-to-demolish-52-houses-in-tipperary-slammed-as-public-consultation-opens/a1066777935.html
- Tipperary’s housing supply is set for a major boost as nearly 100 new homes have been approved for construction in one of Tipperary’s busiest towns https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/almost-100-homes-in-tipperary-given-the-green-light/a331389563.html#
- Calls For Investment In Sixmilebridge As 79 Homes Granted Approval – There’s a call for a south Clare town’s services and infrastructure to be improved in line with its growing population https://www.clare.fm/news/calls-for-investment-in-sixmilebridge-as-79-homes-granted-approval/
- Keogh Homes Limited, a Clare construction company, has applied to develop an area between Cappagh Road and Soldiers Hill in Kilrush https://m.independent.ie/regionals/clare/news/planning-permission-sought-for-new-housing-development-in-west-clare-town/a58242168.html
- Clare Construction Activity Down 77% In Last Year https://www.clare.fm/featured/clare-construction-activity-down-77-in-last-year/
- Clare County Council is inviting landowners to zone suitable sites for residential use — short or medium term — in a bid to clamp down on the housing crisis https://www.clare.fm/news/council-seeking-lands-for-short-to-medium-term-housing/
- Kerry County Council invites expressions of interest for development of affordable housing https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/kerry-county-council-invites-expressions-of-interest-for-development-of-affordable-housing-464756
- Kerry builder granted more time to complete construction of housing development https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/north-west-kerry-news/kerry-builder-granted-more-time-to-complete-construction-of-housing-development/a1289899026.html
- Northern Ireland construction industry poised for recovery after challenging 2025 https://constructionmaguk.co.uk/northern-ireland-construction-industry-poised-for-recovery-after-challenging-2025-forecasts-cis/
- Sean Mulryan’s Ballymore negotiates £193.5m (€220.2m) loan with Eldridge Capital Management to finance luxury London development: The loan, to Ballymore and European investment group Penta, will help finance the 247-home The Capston residence https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/sean-mulryans-ballymore-gets-e220m-from-top-financier-to-fund-luxury-london-project/
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.
- Construction roles most in-demand this year – Project managers were the most sought-after roles in 2025: 8 in 10 of the most in-demand professionals in 2025 were in construction-related sectors, as skills shortages continue across the industry https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2025/1217/1549395-jobs-ireland-business/
Get all the latest job details straight to your inbox: Sign up https://breakingground.news/sign-up-form/
PODCAST:
REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news
Residential
- Property prices up by 7.3pc in October as shortage of homes squeezes buyers https://m.independent.ie/business/money/property-prices-up-by-73pc-in-october-as-shortage-of-homes-squeezes-buyers/a1629218513.html#
- Is now the time to buy a house or should you wait? As the year comes to an end, many putative home buyers may be wondering should they stick or twist https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/12/18/fiona-reddan-is-now-the-time-to-buy-a-house-or-should-you-wait/
- Irish mortgage arrears fall again to lowest level since 2009: Decline in arrears has been helped by strength of economy despite threat of global shocks https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/12/17/irish-mortgage-arrears-fall-again-to-lowest-level-since-2009/
- EU joins the fight against Airbnb and other short-term lets in bid to address housing emergency: European Housing Plan says the continent’s housing crisis ‘weakens our cohesion and threatens our competitiveness’ https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/eu-joins-the-fight-against-airbnb-and-other-short-term-lets-in-bid-to-address-housing-emergency/a1678781796.html#
- Spain fines Airbnb €64m for listing unlicensed properties on platform: Sanction is second-biggest fine ever imposed by Spain’s consumer authority https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/12/16/spain-fines-airbnb-64m-for-listing-unlicensed-properties-on-platform/
- ‘Only switch provider if you will save a significant sum’: Is remortgaging really worth the hassle? https://m.independent.ie/business/money/only-switch-provider-if-you-will-save-a-significant-sum-is-remortgaging-really-worth-the-hassle/a1502619407.html#
- Generation Rent: ‘Me and my colleague are trying to buy a house together but we still can’t find a decent, affordable home in Dublin’: Nhi Thao Nguyen (28) wonders if she will ever be able to purchase a property in the city after various unsuccessful attempts https://m.independent.ie/life/generation-rent-me-and-my-colleague-are-trying-to-buy-a-house-together-but-we-still-cant-find-a-decent-affordable-home-in-dublin/a199724808.html
- Where are the houses in Leitrim to move home? – no family houses, meeting told: Cllr Enda Stenson, said housing is the “biggest issue we face as a local authority and as a nation” adding, “I’m not sure it can be solved.” https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/carrick-on-shannon/1966338/where-are-the-houses-in-leitrim-to-move-home-no-family-houses-meeting-told.html
- Castlerea listed as least expensive area for housing in Ireland: Average median household dwelling purchases in Castlerea stand at €150,000 according to new CSO data https://m.independent.ie/regionals/roscommon/news/castlerea-listed-as-least-expensive-area-for-housing-in-ireland/a205630080.html#
- Here are the vacant and derelict buildings around Ireland that councils asked to CPO last month: Last month, two councils tried to CPO just three properties across the country https://www.thejournal.ie/vacant-derelict-buildings-ireland-councils-cpo-6850587-Dec2025/
- Cheapest way to get your home in Leitrim is through the Croí Cónaithe: ‘We lost two or three generations of young people over the last 15 years and they’re the people who should be setting up homes here now but they are away in different countries’ https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/ballinamore/1968136/cheapest-way-to-get-your-home-in-leitrim-is-through-the-croi-conaithe.html
Property of the week

An A-rated family home in the heart of a village on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way: Contemporary Wild Atlantic Way property with underfloor heating throughout and acres of space to enjoy its bewitching views https://evoke.ie/home-style/an-a-rated-family-home-in-the-heart-of-a-village-on-donegals-wild-atlantic-way
Commercial
- First look at new plans to replace St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre after permission quashed https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/first-look-at-new-plans-to-replace-st-stephens-green-shopping-centre-after-permission-quashed/a1662742008.html#
- Student accommodation landlords should be allowed reset rents for new tenancies: Tweak to rent rules at start pf academic year would help attract overseas funding to Ireland https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/12/15/student-accommodation-landlords-should-be-allowed-reset-rents-at-start-of-academic-year-for-new-tenancies/
- The firm that operates the country’s most celebrated nightspot, Copper Face Jacks, this year recorded pre-tax profits of €2.52 million – or €48,645 on average per week https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/copper-face-jacks-firm-made-over-e48k-per-week-in-2025-1843476.html
- RTB closing in on deal for new offices at Clerys Quarter: Core Capital chief seeking new development opportunities following dismissal of Revenue winding-up petition https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/12/17/rtb-closing-in-on-deal-for-new-offices-at-clerys-quarter/
- Green light for Cork City’s landmark Roches Stores building to be split into retail units : City Hall planners have approved plans to revive the former Roches Stores which is to be split into several new retail units https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41761223.html
- OPW to dispose of five vacant Garda stations: There are also eight former Coast Guard properties in Crosshaven, listed as being ready for transfer to Cork County Council for a social housing scheme. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41760656.html
- Buyer wanted to bring Galway nightclub back to life as price slashed on property https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/buyer-wanted-to-bring-galway-nightclub-back-to-life-as-price-slashed-on-property/a154466418.html#
- Kildare art and tourism village plans appealed — Mels Pub of Narraghmore urges council to reconsider https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/kildare-live/1967480/kildare-art-and-tourism-village-plans-appealed.html
- Council grants permission for 31 residential and two office units at site of former Sligo night club: The former nightclub on Teeling Street, Sligo https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/council-grants-permission-for-31-residential-and-two-office-units-at-site-of-former-sligo-night-club/a674201680.html#
- €4.8m bid for ‘state-of-the-art’ Killarney Brewing and Distilling campus in Kerry sparks hope business can be revived https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/48m-bid-for-state-of-the-art-killarney-brewing-and-distilling-campus-in-kerry-sparks-hope-business-can-be-revived/a1692201887.html#
PODCAST: The Property Roundup on iPropertyRadio.com
Produced by Katie Tallon
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/
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/
INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY
- Unblocking the path to faster, more effective infrastructure delivery: The State has infrastructure gaps, but funding is not the issue. Can new planning laws truly accelerate delivery, or are deeper reforms needed? https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2025/12/18/unblocking-the-path-to-faster-more-effective-infrastructure-delivery/
- Jacobs facing turbulent time as DAA board turns screw https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/daniel-mcconnell-jacobs-facing-turbulent-time-as-daa-board-turns-screw/
- Uisce Éireann submits planning application for largest-ever water project in Irish history: It will have capacity to support the water supply needs of up to 50% of the State’s population. https://www.thejournal.ie/uisce-eireann-largest-ever-water-project-in-irish-history-6909749-Dec2025/
- Turner & Townsend appointed to Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s commercial services framework https://breakingground.news/turner-townsend-appointed-to-transport-infrastructure-irelands-commercial-services-framework/
- Ireland has second highest emissions per head in EU and must do more to reach net zero by 2050: We have made good progress on decarbonising electricity and in retrofitting buildings but are moving too slowly on transport https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2025/12/15/ireland-has-the-second-highest-emissions-per-head-in-eu-and-needs-to-do-a-lot-more-to-reach-net-zero-by-2050/
- Why modern thermal power is key to Ireland’s renewable future: Wind and solar have together generated more power worldwide this year than coal — this marks a turning point https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41760335.html
- Ireland needs to break link with fossil fuels – SEAI https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/1217/1549378-seai-report-ireland/
- Wind farms provided 35% of the country’s electricity last month, new figures from Wind Energy Ireland show – the second highest on record for a November month https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2025/1216/1549235-wind-energy-ireland-figures/
- Wind and solar generation fell to almost zero at points in November, Gas Networks warns https://m.independent.ie/business/wind-and-solar-generation-fell-to-almost-zero-at-points-in-november-gas-networks-warns/a1886508210.html#
- Other countries could follow the Republic’s lead by requiring new data centres to build their own power plants as a condition of connecting to the electricity network https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/12/16/other-countries-could-follow-irish-lead-on-data-centre-rules/
- Flood relief scheme to protect 426 properties in Drogheda and Baltray moves forward https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/news/flood-relief-scheme-to-protect-426-properties-in-drogheda-and-baltray-moves-forward/a1943438819.html
- Riverstown wind farm gets go ahead after appeal rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/riverstown-wind-farm-gets-go-ahead-after-appeal-rejected-by-an-coimisiun-pleanala/a1599780631.html#
- Uisce Éireann to seek planning permission for water supply projects benefitting Tipperary https://www.nenaghlive.ie/news/local-news/1967444/uisce-eireann-to-seek-planning-permission-for-water-supply-projects-benefitting-tipperary.html
- Developer appeals Kerry County Council’s decision to refuse planning for solar farm in Ballylongford: Statkraft Ireland has hit back at the council’s reasons for refusal of the solar farm https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/north-west-kerry-news/developer-appeals-kerry-county-councils-decision-to-refuse-planning-for-solar-farm-in-ballylongford/a164699245.html
- What Ireland’s Data Center Crisis Means for the EU’s AI Sovereignty Plans https://www.techpolicy.press/what-irelands-data-center-crisis-means-for-the-eus-ai-sovereignty-plans/
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
- Lenders set to lower UK mortgage rates in early 2026 https://www.ft.com/content/e3c7ac40-1f0b-4dac-b6f1-e6fd2aaa6c94
- UK Government rolls back nature protections to boost housing: More housing developments will be exempt from rules requiring builders in England to improve wildlife habitats https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3r7zp418p8o
- New long-term strategy for the construction professions has been revealed at the same time as the government published a new prospectus for the single construction regulator | Construction News https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/government/long-term-construction-strategy-announced-17-12-2025/
- More UK construction roles could face licensing and registration | Construction News https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/buildings/building-safety/more-construction-roles-could-face-licensing-and-registration-18-12-2025/