Sunday Property Round-Up 23rd November 2025

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

Message from Carol Tallon:

❝The top line is that the Irish construction industry cannot support the construction of this project❞

– Sean Sweeney speaking before the Oireachtas committee on Transport this week

Upon his arrival in Ireland, the MetroLink chief promised “relentless communications”, and he is delivering on that with rare candour. His recent acknowledgement that more than 8,000 additional workers will be required for the project – and that those workers will need homes that simply do not exist today – is not a complaint. It is a blueprint. Because rather than pointing to the system’s constraints, Sweeney is already behaving as though Ireland has activated a parallel, emergency-style delivery track.

The body is reportedly exploring a whole range of mitigation measures, including collaboration with the Land Development Agency and other housing bodies to accelerate new residential stock that otherwise would not be built. Critically, this would not divert units from existing pipelines.

And once the project is complete?

That housing may revert to the State – a public asset created through catalytic collaboration rather than extracted from scarce supply.

This is what an emergency-response mindset looks like: not panic, not denial, not pessimism – but parallel action that cuts through sequencing failures and treats housing as enabling infrastructure, not a downstream afterthought.

Ireland needs this mindset at a national scale.

Over the past month, I have been convening multidisciplinary professionals – planners, engineers, modular providers, PPP specialists, community engagement teams – all with real delivery experience on the ground, to scenario-plan what an emergency-style response to delivering Ireland’s 250,000-home deficit, built up over a decade, might actually look like – in addition and in parallel to the Housing Department’s renewed efforts to deliver 300,000 homes by 2030.

This is not about speeding up business-as-usual.

It is about building a second, emergency delivery strand that runs in parallel: front-loading infrastructure, de-risking projects, and enabling the agencies tasked with delivery to actually deliver.

Now, Sean Sweeney is showing the way. Not by pointing at the problem – by moving through it.

If you have project-earned insights on what an emergency response to addressing Ireland’s housing deficit might look like, please get in touch.

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:

New investment programme to support housing delivery across Ireland by small and medium-sized developers will be brought forward next month by the new Minister for Finance, Simon Harris https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2025/1119/1544886-harris-investment/

We need 75 firms building 400 units each a year to meet housing targets: International capital rather than labour and skills is what’s required to meet housing targets https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/11/17/we-need-75-firms-building-400-units-each-a-year-to-meet-housing-targets/

Government signals plan to replace apartment planning standards amid legal challenge: Minister for Housing to take ‘precautionary approach’ by assessing impact of new rule on apartment sizes, court hears https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/11/17/government-signals-plan-to-replace-apartment-planning-standards-amid-legal-challenge/ Also: Martin defends apartment standards plan as Opposition calls for end to ‘wrong-headed’ changes: Critics say construction rule amendments would lead to smaller, darker units with potential impact on costs unclear https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2025/11/19/martin-defends-apartment-standards-plan-as-opposition-calls-for-end-to-wrong-headed-changes/

First-time buyers: Housing minister says caps on supports and grants are ‘under review’: James Browne was quizzed about an anomaly reported in the ‘Irish Examiner’ where caps on State-backed mortgages put certain affordable home schemes beyond reach https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41746425.html

First signs of institutional investors returning to housing market: Central Bank report notes increase in activity https://m.independent.ie/business/first-signs-of-institutional-investors-returning-to-housing-market/a1623104320.html

Institutional investment in Irish housing still not ‘viable’ says Elkstone https://www.businesspost.ie/daily-briefing/institutional-investment-in-irish-housing-still-not-viable-says-elkstone/

To solve the housing crisis, the Government needs to address the ‘milestone recession’: Housing affordability in Dublin is measured at ‘severely unaffordable’, highlighting the need for higher incomes https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/david-w-higgins-to-solve-the-housing-crisis-the-government-needs-to-address-the-milestone-recession/a575622034.html#

Galway calls for yearly accountability in ambitious new housing strategy – ‘Targets create certainty and certainty creates homes’ https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/galway-calls-for-yearly-accountability-in-ambitious-new-housing-strategy-targets-create-certainty-and-certainty-creates-homes/a236796281.html#

Housing stuck at the bottom of planning priorities: Ireland may have a crisis in finding homes for its people but when it comes down to it, they are not as important as geese https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/11/18/housing-stuck-at-the-bottom-of-planning-priorities/

Politically: Opposition parties bet on housing backlash, yet voters keep calling their bluff https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/john-deasy-opposition-parties-bet-on-housing-backlash-yet-voters-keep-calling-their-bluff/

Value of Peter McVerry Trust property portfolio downgraded by €23m: Some assets had been double-counted in previous accounts and others did not appear on the fixed asset register https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/11/18/value-of-peter-mcverry-trust-property-portfolio-downgraded-by-23m/

liquidator has been appointed to Meathamatic, a company building a housing development in Co Meath, after a meeting of creditors in Dublin https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/1118/1544663-meath-houses/

Post Script: Bradley Cooper’s bon mot for McKillen; McCabe millions move on DNG; Jamie Dimon’s Dublin trip https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/post-script-bradley-coopers-bon-mot-for-mckillen-mccabe-millions-move-on-dng-jamie-dimons-dublin-trip/

RIAI honours O’Donnell + Tuomey for a ‘defining architectural legacy’ https://www.businesspost.ie/property/riai-honours-odonnell-tuomey-for-a-defining-architectural-legacy/

Everything that’s going wrong with architecture: 12 key problems facing the architecture profession https://www.dezeen.com/2025/11/17/everything-wrong-edwin-heathcote-performance-review/ Also: Architecture profession seeing strongest growth in eight years but small practices still struggling, RIBA report finds https://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/architecture-profession-seeing-strongest-growth-in-eight-years-but-small-practices-still-struggling-riba-report-finds/5139415.article

Goodbye to cement—scientists create building materials made only from soil, water, and recycled cardboard https://unionrayo.com/en/cement-concrete-construction-material-sustainable/#

Paschal Donohoe to resign from Government and take up position at World Bank: Minister for Finance has been offered role of managing director and has informed the Taoiseach and Tánaiste that he will accept it https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/11/18/paschal-donohoe-to-resign-from-government-and-take-up-position-at-world-bank/

State buys 235-acres at Kildare estate in multi-million euro deal far exceeding its market value https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/state-buys-235-acres-at-kildare-estate-in-multi-million-euro-deal-far-exceeding-its-market-value/

Iconic Galway building plans as futuristic ‘gamechanger’ system on way: One of the Galway’s most iconic buildings will get a new lease of life as a futuristic energy supply system for thousands of homes in the city https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/iconic-galway-building-plans-futuristic-10650737#

AS PART of its efforts to accelerate housing activation, Clare County Council have announced the appointment of the LDA’s Sinéad O’Donoghue https://www.clareecho.ie/council-hire-ldas-odonoghue-in-bid-to-accelerate-housing-activation/

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.

Senior official says public given too many opportunities to object to infrastructure plans https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/senior-official-says-public-given-too-many-opportunities-to-object-to-infrastructure-plans/

An Coimisiún Pleanála has given the green light for a long-planned major public realm project in Clifden https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/green-light-for-major-public-realm-project-in-clifden-207087

From the Mona Lisa to answering a call to nature – How a Galway community created model of local town with cheeky details https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/from-the-mona-lisa-to-answering-a-call-to-nature-how-a-galway-community-created-model-of-local-town-with-cheeky-details/a1170450628.html#

Limerick residents want meeting with developer after apartments get green light: Rhebogue set to get new apartment complex after An Coimisiún Pleanála approval https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/planning/1945431/limerick-residents-want-meeting-with-developer-after-apartments-get-green-light.html

State buy lands around Castletown House for €11m following two-year standoff over access: The purchase of the lands should ease the long-running tensions between the OPW and objectors to its use of a pedestrian avenue for vehicular access to the site https://www.thejournal.ie/castletown-house-opw-lands-purchase-6879821-Nov2025/

Rural, Coastal & Islands

Our Rural Future: Public Consultation on Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2026–2031: The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has launched a public consultation to inform the next iteration of Ireland’s Rural Development Policy, Our Rural Future. This phase invites feedback on the draft vision, themes and priorities that will guide rural policy from 2026 to 2031 https://publicconsultation.ie/our-rural-future-public-consultation-on-irelands-rural-development-policy-2026-2031/

Concerns over use of CPOs to buy up land for Greenways https://connachttribune.ie/concerns-over-use-of-cpos-to-buy-up-land-for-greenways/

‘Rural towns in crisis’ warning as members call for balanced housing plan across Westmeath https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2025/11/21/rural-towns-in-crisis-warning-as-members-call-for-balanced-housing-plan-across-westmeath/#

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/

MetroLink: ‘Olympic village’ could be built for project workers, says transport expert: Accommodation housing some 8,000 workers could later be returned to State, TCD professor suggests https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2025/11/20/metrolink-olympic-village-could-be-built-for-project-workers-says-transport-expert/

Maslow Capital provides €56.4m Development facility to fund 189 apartments on James’s Street, Dublin 8. Project will be delivered by Kinvara Star Property, which is a JV between Kinvara Property and the Castlestar Property Group IrishRealEstate.news 🔗https://irishrealestate.news/maslow-capital-supports-the-delivery-of-189-social-homes-on-dublins-jamess-street-with-e56-4m-facility/?amp=1

Swords town site offers immediate income and development potential https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/swords-town-site-offers-immediate-income-and-development-potential/a2758449.html

Dublin’s Harcourt Centre set for major revamp as Iput wins planning battle https://www.businesspost.ie/property/iput-overcomes-objection-to-secure-permission-for-redevelopment-of-dublins-harcourt-centre/

Noel Smyth sells Dún Laoghaire site with permission for 74 rental apartments https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/noel-smyth-sells-dun-laoghaire-site-with-permission-for-74-rental-apartments/a1871357506.html

Cork Street pioneer raises the bar for sustainable urban living in Dublin city https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/cork-street-pioneer-raises-the-bar-for-sustainable-urban-living-in-dublin-city/

Safety authority advises refusal of 350 new homes at Galway Port https://connachttribune.ie/safety-authority-advises-refusal-of-350-new-homes-at-galway-port/

Planning application for apartments at Limerick’s Printworks site: Developer seeks to revitalise site which has lain idle for more than 20 years https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/property/1946516/planning-application-for-apartments-at-limerick-s-printworks-site.html

Lofty Kilkenny housing targets amid perceived ‘imbalance of development’: More houses needed in Kilkenny to keep in line with recently revised National Planning Framework https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/kilkenny-live/1947221/lofty-kilkenny-housing-targets-amid-perceived-imbalance-of-development.html

Longford developer given extension to complete multi-million euro Athlone student accommodation https://m.independent.ie/regionals/longford/news/longford-developer-given-extension-to-complete-multi-million-euro-athlone-student-accommodation/a270148326.html#

Plan for 24 new homes at Ardbrae Park in Athlone turned down https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2025/11/21/plan-for-24-new-homes-at-ardbrae-park-in-athlone-turned-down/

French investor to finance construction of €50 million Kildare biomethane plant: Facility will be capable of supplying nearly 11,000 homes each year https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/11/19/french-investor-to-finance-construction-of-50-million-kildare-biomethane-plant/

Plans to build new homes in this long established Kildare housing estate: Kildare County Council says it has funding approval to do the work https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1945451/plans-to-build-new-homes-in-this-long-established-kildare-housing-estate.html

20 acres of land near Monasterevin on market for €200,000: This land presents potential for those who qualify under local needs criteria to possibly secure planning permission https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/life/20-acres-of-land-near-monasterevin-on-market-for-200000-_arid-77783.html

Planning permission sought to complete Laois housing estate left unfinished since 2008: The site of the proposed 32-home development has been vacant since the 2008 crash https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/1945564/planning-permission-sought-to-complete-laois-housing-estate-left-unfinished-since-2008.html

Planning permission for large retail development on busy Portlaoise road appealed https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/portlaoise-/1947832/planning-permission-for-large-retail-development-on-busy-portlaoise-road-appealed.html

Coca-Cola confirms plans for a major extension at Ballina site: One of Mayo’s major employers has submitted a planning application with Mayo County Council https://m.independent.ie/regionals/mayo/news/coca-cola-confirms-plans-for-a-major-extension-at-ballina-site/a565334385.html

Planning granted for ‘boutique’ Mayo hostel despite publican’s objections: An Coimisiún Pleanála grant planning to convert old Cap Factory building in Westport into a hostel despite recommendations of refusal https://www.mayonews.ie/news/westport/1945770/planning-granted-for-boutique-mayo-hostel-despite-publicans-objections.html

Planning granted for 23-unit development in west Mayo town: Mayo County Council granted permission to Belmullet company to construct 23-unit development in Westport https://www.mayonews.ie/news/westport/1946663/planning-granted-for-23-unit-development-in-west-mayo-town.html

€4.5 million zoned land sale sees top developers compete for prime 20-acre site: Neville Development Ltd acquires 20-acre site, highlighting strong demand in market https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/1947989/4-5-million-zoned-land-sale-sees-top-developers-compete-for-prime-20-acre-site.html

Tipperary firm to lead construction as long-awaited garda station project to begin within weeks https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/tipperary-firm-to-lead-construction-as-long-awaited-garda-station-project-to-begin-within-weeks/a1166766617.html#

Plans for 21 new homes for Clare village await green light from council https://m.independent.ie/regionals/clare/news/plans-for-21-new-homes-for-clare-village-await-green-light-from-council/a1735238952.html

Revenues at Limerick’s Kirby Group near €750m as expansion continues https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/revenues-at-limericks-kirby-group-near-e750m-as-expansion-continues/

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.

Dublin MetroLink construction will need 8,000 workers, committee told: Rail project’s director says overseas contractors will bring some of their own personnel from abroad https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2025/11/19/dublin-metrolink-construction-will-need-about-8000-workers-committee-told/

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REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential

A country with a housing shortage needs landlords https://m.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/the-sunday-independents-view-a-country-with-a-housing-shortage-needs-landlords/a589955673.html

Stringent new tenancy rules spark ‘stampede’ of landlords from market as fears for renters grow: Housing agencies urging landlords not to have a ‘rash reaction’ to proposals https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/stringent-new-tenancy-rules-spark-stampede-of-landlords-from-market-as-fears-for-renters-grow/a530056670.html

Property prices surge another 7.6pc, putting huge pressure on buyers https://www.independent.ie/business/money/property- prices-surge-another-76pc-putting-huge-pressure-on-buyers/a363841903.html

Rental watchdog to target landlords suspected of breaching rent pressure zone rules https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41746629.html

Mother of four who relies on Airbnb income to put her children through college has claimed that short-term letting providers are being “unfairly blamed and scapegoated for a housing crisis we did not create” https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/we-rely-on-our-airbnb-money-to-send-our-children-to-college-but-were-being-scapegoated-for-the-housing-crisis/a464494055.html#

Over €3.5 million paid out in vacant property grants this year in Kerry https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/over-e3-5-million-paid-out-in-vacant-property-grants-this-year-in-kerry-460972

What will €325,000 buy in Co Westmeath and Dublin 2? Two homes, one price: An apartment on Pearse Street or a bungalow 20 minutes from Mullingar https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/11/18/what-will-325000-buy-in-co-westmeath-and-dublin-2/

Immaculately designed Victorian home with library in Glenageary for €2.65m: Renovation and extension work added an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area to Eagle Lodge https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/11/20/immaculately-designed-victorian-home-with-enviable-modern-library-in-glenageary-for-265m/

Kilkenny escape offer sylvan setting and equine potential at €725,000 https://www.businesspost.ie/property/kilkenny-escape-offer-sylvan-setting-and-equine-potential-at-e725000/

Property of the week

REA Seamus Carthy proudly presents a landmark Shannon-side residence with historic courtyard and two acres overlooking the Ballyleague-Lanesborough Marina, €400,000 https://www.roscommonherald.ie/news/once-in-a-generation-opportunity-for-sale_arid-77960.html

Commercial

Grafton Street holds its ground as global rents surge on the world’s retail power streets https://www.businesspost.ie/property/grafton-street-holds-its-ground-as-global-rents-surge-on-the-worlds-retail-power-streets/

Musgrave Group’s turnover tops €5 billion in 2024 https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/musgrave-groups-turnover-tops-e5-billion-in-2024/

Irish investor on acquisition trail following €317m bid for UK shopping centre: KLX Real Estate Partners seeks opportunities in Ireland following bid for Merry Hill shopping centre near Birmingham https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2025/11/19/irish-investor-on-acquisition-trail-following-317m-bid-for-uk-shopping-centre/

Fully fitted Dublin 2 office offers turnkey opportunity at €2.9m: Unit 7, Harmony Court, comes for sale with four secure basement car-parking spaces https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2025/11/19/fully-fitted-dublin-2-office-offers-turnkey-opportunity-at-29m/

€1.5m investment brings fresh energy to Cork’s Blackpool Shopping Centre https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/e1-5m-investment-brings-fresh-energy-to-corks-blackpool-shopping-centre/

UPS western distribution hub at €5.95m offers buyer 6.8% net initial yield: Galway property generating €447,545 in annual rent from UPS subsidiary Nightline Logistics Group https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2025/11/19/ups-western-distribution-hub-at-595m-offers-buyer-68-net-initial-yield/

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

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