Sunday Property Round-Up 31st May 2026
Weekly Irish property market news and insights – for the industry, by the industry
‘Very disturbing’: The EU Commissioner for Housing has been warning about this at an EU-wide level since his appointment in late 2024 and the Irish Times now reports on how Ireland’s far right has opened a new front by targeting Dublin’s council homes.
Homeless figures hit a new record as 17,548 people live in emergency accommodation: total includes 11,944 adults and 5,604 children across 2,707 families.
This comes in a week where the Chair of the European Parliament’s Housing Committee (HOUS) concludes her official visit to Ireland by giving a damning indictment on our handling of the housing ‘social emergency” pointing to a lack of coordination and governance making Ireland’s housing crisis among Europe’s most severe, as she questions why Ireland is not using EU housing funding.
Simon Harris finally acknowledges “There is a housing emergency in this country” but pushes back on claim Irish housing crisis among ‘most severe’ in Europe – despite housing completions hitting highest first-quarter level since 2011 as construction workforce nears 200,000, the broader data is not on his side.
Property capital flows increased by 13% to €32.38bn in 2025 – Sherry FitzGerald: All counties except Offaly recorded annual growth in capital spending with Louth reporting the strongest year-on-year growth
Welcome – but long overdue – good news for rural Ireland as proposed rural planning overhaul aims to reverse decades of decline: Government moves to ease one-off housing restrictions as debate intensifies over the future of rural Ireland.
Legal challenge launched against new rules for developer-led wastewater treatment plants – Friends of the Irish Environment to test legality of new wastewater treatment plant rules as Government argues measure will help unlock housing delivery.
❓ The Irish Examiner asks the big question: “Are those who in the current environment are fortunate enough to own their homes entitled to stop anything that might, even in a slight way, impact on their way of life?”
Finally. the IMF says Government should lift local property tax, rein-in discount Vat rates, and pull more low-paid workers into tax net, while warning against any repeat of the broad cost-of-living supports.
PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE
Below are the local and international stories that might be of particular interest:
- EU Commissioner for Housing has been warning about this since his appointment in late 2024 — ‘Very disturbing’: How Ireland’s far right has opened new front by targeting Dublin’s council homes https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/30/irish-only-or-it-burns-how-the-far-right-targets-dublins-council-houses/
- IMF says Government should lift local property tax, rein-in discount Vat rates, and pull more low-paid workers into tax net: Report warns against any repeat of the broad cost-of-living supports https://www.independent.ie/business/imf-says-government-should-lift-local-property-tax-rein-in-discount-vat-rates-and-pull-more-low-paid-workers-into-tax-net/a/153150944.html#
- Legal challenge emerges as Dáil debates fast-tracking wastewater infrastructure – Minister says small wastewater discharge approvals cut from 150 weeks as pressure grows to treat all wastewater schemes as critical infrastructure https://breakingground.news/legal-challenge-emerges-as-dail-debates-fast-tracking-wastewater-infrastructure/
- Proposed rural planning overhaul aims to reverse decades of decline: Government moves to ease one-off housing restrictions as debate intensifies over the future of rural Ireland https://ipropertyradio.com/proposed-rural-planning-overhaul-aims-to-reverse-decades-of-decline/
- Ireland’s retrofit slowdown threatens climate targets and household energy savings – EPA warns weaker uptake of home energy upgrades and heat pumps is widening the gap between climate ambition and delivery https://ipropertyradio.com/retrofit-slowdown-puts-irelands-climate-targets-further-out-of-reach/
- Housing completions hit highest first-quarter level since 2011 as construction workforce nears 200,000 – New CSO Housing Hub data shows sharp rise in completions, growing construction employment and continued house price inflation, despite mounting cost pressures across the sector.
- Property capital flows increased by 13% to €32.38bn in 2025 – Sherry FitzGerald: All counties except Offaly recorded annual growth in capital spending with Louth reporting the strongest year-on-year growth https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/27/property-capital-flows-increased-by-13-to-3238bn-in-2025-sherry-fitzgerald/
- House prices forecast to rise 4% as homebuilding predicted to outperform expectations: Data from the Residential Tenancies Board show a 50% year-on-year increase in tenancy termination notices during the first quarter of this year https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41851734.html
- Mortgage approvals top €1.5bn as first-time buyers account for more than six in ten loans: Record early-year activity among first-time buyers pushes mortgage approvals above €17bn on an annualised basis, with lending demand remaining resilient despite a slight slowdown in purchase volumes.
- Dark clouds over Circle VHA could rain on the Government’s entire social housing parade: AHBs play a pivotal role in delivering social housing, but they’re forced to compete with the market https://www.independent.ie/business/irish-business/dark-clouds-over-circle-vha-could-rain-on-the-governments-entire-social-housing-parade/a/153548120.html
- Activists who broke into a long-closed pub in Dublin’s Liberties area, intending to open it as a community centre and cafe, say they will continue their occupation after gardaí were called to the scene on Monday https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/05/25/activists-occupy-dublin-pub-closed-since-2010-planning-to-reopen-as-community-space/ Also: Owner of Dublin pub Ardee House hits back at housing activists for breaking into premises: Teeling Whiskey co-founder Jack Teeling’s Black Sheep Investment fund claims Revolutionary Housing League’s occupation of Ardee House is ‘illegal and unsafe’ https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/owner-of-dublin-pub-ardee-house-hits-back-at-housing-activists-for-breaking-into-premises/a/153307189.html
- The ‘Taj Mahal of dereliction’: A ghost estate on the outskirts of Castlebar, Co Mayo; Twenty years after the Waterways estate was granted permission, it remains an unfinished, unresolved https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/05/26/the-taj-mahal-of-dereliction-a-ghost-estate-on-the-outskirts-of-castlebar-co-mayo/
- “An architectural style has emerged that I’m calling ‘gentleism’” https://www.dezeen.com/2026/05/29/gentleism-opinion-nat-barker/
- The Race to Build the World’s Tallest Skyscraper https://www.visualcapitalist.com/timeline-the-worlds-tallest-buildings/
- With the UK experiencing its hottest day in May for more than 80 years this Bank Holiday weekend, insulation specialist Actis is reiterating its reminder that some insulation materials reflect heat, helping keep buildings cool, while others make homes unbearably hot https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/energy-news/hottest-may-day-for-80-years-sparks-actis-reminder-certain-insulations-reflect-heat/162413/
- SUSTAINABLE Housing Webinar Series Aims to Build Knowledge Across Ireland’s Housing Sector: Five-part The Housing Agency Ireland programme to explore retrofit, MMC, biodiversity, passive housing and tackling energy deprivation: Registration now open: https://ipropertyradio.com/sustainable-housing-webinar-series-aims-to-build-knowledge-across-irelands-housing-sector/
EU POLICY & RESEARCH IMPACTING HOUSING DELIVERY
Irene Tinagli.jpg © EP
- DAMNING EU INDICTMENT OF IRELAND’S HANDLING OF HOUSING ‘SOCIAL EMERGENCY’ – Lack of Coordination & Governance: Housing crisis among Europe’s most severe says EU committee chair. European Parliament delegation questions Ireland’s use of EU housing funding as affordability pressures deepen https://ipropertyradio.com/housing-crisis-among-europes-most-severe-says-eu-committee-chair/
- Ireland’s housing crisis deepens as EU committee questions why projects cost more and take longer European Parliament delegation says Ireland has failed to fully leverage available EU funding while excessive complexity continues to slow housing delivery https://breakingground.news/irelands-housing-crisis-deepens-as-eu-committee-questions-why-projects-cost-more-and-take-longer/
- Harris finally acknowledges “There is a housing emergency in this country” but pushes back on claim Irish housing crisis among ‘most severe’ in Europe [the data is not on his side] https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/29/harris-pushes-back-on-claim-irish-housing-crisis-among-most-severe-in-europe/
WHAT I AM READING THIS WEEK
When Minister Jack Chambers told the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland conference last week that “risk aversion is holding us back” — as reported in The Irish Times under the headline ‘Government to encourage public service to take more risks for infrastructure’ — he was calling out a debate with a longer history than this week’s coverage suggests. Two books I picked up recently in a secondhand bookshop speak directly to that history. Both were published before I was born (and I am nearly three decades in this industry), and both are worth dusting off now.
The first is The Irish Civil Service by Seán Dooney, published by the Institute of Public Administration in 1976 (https://amzn.to/4deW62a) — written, in its own words, in response to “the growing size, power and cost of the public service” having become “a controversial subject”. Fifty years on, that controversy has not gone away; it has direct relevance to the question of infrastructure delivery.
The second is Advisory Bodies in Irish Government by Donald E. Leon, published by the Institute of Public Administration in 1963 (https://amzn.to/42EWVLG). It is, as far as I can establish, the first sustained examination of the use and growing influence of interest groups and outside experts on the Irish public service. Leon opens with a definition worth sitting with as we debate where decision-making authority should now sit: “Democracy can perhaps be defined and measured in terms of the number and variety of persons and interests whose views are taken into account in deciding policy…”
The Dooney is still available on Amazon at the link above; the Leon is not currently in stock, but you can add it to your list in case a copy surfaces.
PS — an architect told me recently that his office had cleared their library of old books to make room for renovation. Please don’t dump these; let me know if you are looking to “rehome” any old books touching on place and the built environment. There is still insight to be captured from these early records.
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.
- Blackrock village’s €6m ‘living streets’ project set to be substantially complete early next year:?Work includes a bus stop that was demolished, rebuilt a few metres away, and moved again https://www.independent.ie/county/dublin/blackrock-villages-6m-living-streets-project-set-to-be-substantially-complete-early-next-year/a/153943296.html
- Complete makeover of Laois town moves to the next stage. Mountrath’s town centre will be completely transformed as part of the project https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/mountrath/complete-makeover-of-laois-town-moves-to-the-next-stage-8640860
Rural, Coastal & Islands
- Proposed rural planning overhaul aims to reverse decades of decline: Government moves to ease one-off housing restrictions as debate intensifies over the future of rural Ireland https://ipropertyradio.com/proposed-rural-planning-overhaul-aims-to-reverse-decades-of-decline/
- Returning emigrants among those set to benefit from rural housing rule changes: The government plans to enable those from a rural area to build on their land, regardless of whether they are farming or not. https://www.thejournal.ie/one-off-housing-emigrants-7057104-May2026/
- Government must stop ‘putting barriers’ up to building to rural homes – “If we want vibrant rural communities, we have to make sure it’s possible for people to live there”. “Then you have schools and sports clubs and local businesses; they all depend on having families and young people in the area. “Nobody is suggesting a free-for-all here, but if somebody has roots in an area and they want to raise their family there, the planning system should be helping them, not standing in their way.” https://www.newstalk.com/news/rural-homes-2262684
- Brenda Power: “In the midst of a brutal housing crisis, it has finally dawned on the Government that the blissful bungalows, and their natural successors, the dormer version and stone-clad two-storey homes, may again hold the key to liberating another generation of young Irish adults from emigration, urban migration or cramped lodgings in their childhood bedrooms.” https://www.independent.ie/comment/brenda-power-sorry-housing-snobs-bungalows-are-back-and-they-could-liberate-another-generation/a/153736780.html
- How the Residential Zoned Land Tax became a threat to family farms https://www.independent.ie/farming/how-the-residential-zoned-land-tax-became-a-threat-to-family-farms/a/152668279.html
- ‘It’s not just a boat’ – Calls grow to secure UNESCO status for iconic Galway Hooker https://www.independent.ie/county/galway/its-not-just-a-boat-calls-grow-to-secure-unesco-status-for-iconic-galway-hooker/a/153494648.html
- More progress on South Kerry Greenway as another section opens – ‘It is a great boost for summer’: 10km of the iconic cycleway will now be open to the public https://www.independent.ie/county/kerry/more-progress-on-south-kerry-greenway-as-another-section-opens-it-is-a-great-boost-for-summer/a/153302013.html
- Tucked away in a Donegal valley this abandoned village is one of Irelandʼs best-kept secrets – A valley that swallowed time https://www.farmersforum.ie/trends/tucked-away-in-a-donegal-valley-this-abandoned-village-is-one-of-ireland%CA%BCs-best-kept-secrets/
- Planning refusals causing ‘complete demise’ of rural areas warns Mayo councillor: An Achill-based councillor criticised planning restrictions being put on natives wanting to return to their home parish https://www.independent.ie/county/mayo/planning-refusals-causing-complete-demise-of-rural-areas-warns-mayo-councillor/a/153317440.html#
- Sands running out: Natural solutions to combat coastal erosion — Experts suggest that by investing in restoration and conservation of dune habitats, we can more sustainably protect against coastal hazards https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/outdoors/arid-41852568.html
CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news
- EPA warns construction sector faces major delivery challenge on climate targets: Commercial buildings and construction activity among sectors furthest from 2030 emissions ceilings as retrofit and renewable delays grow https://breakingground.news/epa-warns-construction-sector-faces-major-delivery-challenge-on-climate-targets/
- ‘We have a job to do to educate people’ – The push for modern methods of construction https://www.businesspost.ie/property/we-have-a-job-to-do-to-educate-people-the-push-for-modern-methods-of-construction/ https://www.businesspost.ie/property/we-have-a-job-to-do-to-educate-people-the-push-for-modern-methods-of-construction/
- PICTURED: Council to plough ahead with planning, as majority support College Green pedestrianisation: Dublin City Council said there is “clear backing for a safer, greener and more accessible city centre”. https://www.thejournal.ie/college-green-pedestrianisation-plans-council-dublin-7053713-May2026/
- Fresh bid to rezone ‘sacred’ lands near Lucan for housing sees vigorous local opposition: Objectors to planned housing at St Edmundsbury, Liffey valley say rezoning would be ‘an absolute disgrace’ and ‘tragic’ for the area
- John Magnier and JP McManus could see rich returns if €4m Liffey Valley lands are rezoned: Council chief backing proposal for 16 hectares of protected lands owned by businessmen to be rezoned for housing https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/05/25/john-magnier-and-jp-mcmanus-face-rich-returns-on-4m-liffey-valley-lands-under-rezoning-proposal/
- Plans for 463-bed hostel on Camden Street get green light: An Coimisiún Pleanála inspector had recommended permission not be given https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/26/plans-for-463-bed-hostel-on-camden-st-gets-green-light/
- Cairn Homes secures permission for 250 new units in Blackrock: Appeal from local residents concerned over density of accommodation in the area was rejected https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/26/cairn-homes-secures-permission-for-250-new-units-in-blackrock/
- ‘Unwarranted’: Residents appeal major Smithfield scheme https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/unwarranted-residents-appeal-major-smithfield-scheme/
- Major housing boost for East Cork as plans for over 450 new homes approved: A new creche will also be built at the site d https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/major-housing-boost-east-cork-34037938
- Cork council to zone enough land for 50,000 homes after requests from housing minister: The bulk of the new homes are earmarked for the commuter rail corridor between Little Island, Glounthaune, Carrigtwohill and Midleton https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41853939.html
Developer lodges fresh bid for major 650-home development in north Wicklow: The development would include 73 social homes https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/developer-lodges-fresh-bid-for-major-650-home-development-in-north-wicklow/a/153761715.html
- An Coimisiún Pleanála gives green light for 99 homes in Waterford https://www.independent.ie/county/waterford/an-coimisiun-pleanala-gives-green-light-for-99-homes-in-waterford/a/152683634.html
- Neighbours object to plans to build 99 homes on outskirts of Waterford city https://www.independent.ie/county/waterford/neighbours-object-to-plans-to-build-99-homes-on-outskirts-of-waterford-city/a/153335601.html
- Ambitious vision mooted as ‘key’ Limerick city site comes to market: The almost one acre corner site on Upper William Street and Sexton Street is guiding at €3m https://www.limerickleader.ie/property/ambitious-vision-mooted-as-key-limerick-city-site-comes-to-market-8649218
- New building at Blessington Community College moves to tender stage after years of delay https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/new-building-at-blessington-community-college-moves-to-tender-stage-after-years-of-delay/a/152647409.html
- Permission granted for huge housing development on site of former Laois shopping centre https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/property-0/permission-granted-for-huge-housing-development-on-site-of-former-laois-shopping-centre-8639590
- Planning permission sought for over 40 new homes in Laois https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/portlaoise/planning-permission-sought-for-over-40-new-homes-in-laois-8646967
- Westmeath: Number of new homes started locally continues to grow — 2,613 new homes were commenced in April of this year, an increase of 152% https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2026/05/26/number-of-new-homes-started-locally-continues-to-grow/#
- Sean Mulryan to be awarded Freedom of Roscommon on Tuesday https://www.roscommonherald.ie/news/sean-mulryan-to-be-awarded-freedom-of-roscommon-on-tuesday_arid-99627.html
- Major jobs and economic boost primed for Castleblayney as construction on €15m regeneration project gets set to commence https://www.independent.ie/county/monaghan/major-jobs-and-economic-boost-primed-for-castleblayney-as-construction-on-15m-regeneration-project-gets-set-to-commence/a/152651687.html
- Residents appeal against multi-million euro Monaghan housing development rejected https://www.independent.ie/county/monaghan/residents-appeal-against-multi-million-euro-monaghan-housing-development-rejected/a/153267671.html
- PLANS are to be lodged in September for a multi-million euro development at the site of Our Lady’s Hospital in Ennis to result in the construction of 160 new homes, commercial space and community amenities https://www.clareecho.ie/multi-million-development-of-160-homes-afoot-for-our-ladys-site-in-ennis/
- LCM Environmental Group strengthens UK and Ireland site infrastructure capability with latest acquisitions – Water Magazine https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/05/29/lcm-environmental-group-strengthens-uk-and-ireland-site-infrastructure-capability-with-latest-acquisitions/
- Mercury revenues hit €2bn last year: Specialist builder boosted profits 13% to €136 million https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/27/mercury-revenues-hit-2bn-last-year/
- Regulators clear Kingspan takeover of Duggan division: Deal will not substantially lessen competition, says mergers watchdog https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/25/regulators-clear-kingspan-takeover-of-duggan-division/
Breaking Ground News: Appointments & Construction Careers
@ University of Galway
- 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/
- Construction permit reforms expand access to overseas workers as five new site roles added – Construction planners and geospatial surveyors added to Critical Skills list as Government widens permit eligibility across housing and infrastructure delivery sectors https://breakingground.news/construction-permit-reforms-expand-access-to-overseas-workers-as-five-new-site-roles-added/
- Builders tell minister that widespread skills shortage is delaying projects: A National Skills Roundtable is taking place today at University College Dublin with builders, representative bodies and state agencies. https://www.thejournal.ie/construction-roundtable-7052551-May2026/
- PICTURED: Ward & Burke investment backs new infrastructure research centre at University of Galway: New Centre for Infrastructure Research & Innovation to focus on sustainable, resilient and intelligent infrastructure as scholarship programme and civil engineering professorship are also announced: https://breakingground.news/ward-burke-investment-backs-new-infrastructure-research-centre-at-university-of-galway/
- Irish architect Níall McLaughlin: ‘Home is home, but moving to London felt like home in a different kind of way’: The Dublin designer was awarded British architecture’s highest honour this year. His buildings prioritise their users’ wellbeing https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art/2026/05/26/irish-architect-niall-mclaughlin-home-is-home-but-moving-to-london-felt-like-home-in-a-different-kind-of-way/
CIF Safety Campaign 2026 Podcast
Join Wills Bros Group on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project
On the latest Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Safety podcast, Sean Downey and John Egan meet members of Wills Bros Group on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project.
This landmark €450m investment will deliver over 33km of new national primary route, addressing long-standing safety and alignment challenges while supporting regional connectivity and growth.
🎙️ Across this 4-part series, recorded on-site in Roscommon, host of the #CIFSafety26 podcast series, Sean Downey, chats to:
Parts 1: Gavin McGeever, Section Agent (Sections C & D)
Watch – https://youtu.be/hhcmaSqDvcg?si=UGfZyvRIOqmDtejL
Part 2: Thomas Mains – Structures Agent & Temporary works Co-ordinator
Watch – https://youtu.be/VPIHcKhkfjM
Part 3: Joseph Carr, Section Agent (Sections A & B)
Watch – https://youtu.be/UOSFrv5NHTw?si=lTKtJBihsZnMrNoH
Part 4: Gavin McGeever takes us on-site across Sections C & D
Watch – https://youtu.be/3xjL97yrMt0
🎧 Listen back to all episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/2SQXVgyerkhnxh80jnEORZ?si=9b099f48aee04b7d
With thanks to Keith Mayock, Gerry Mockler and the rest of the Wills Bros Group project team 🙏
*Produced by Laura Maye
Recorded on sites across Ireland — from a European HQ in Dublin’s Docklands, to the largest Capex energy project in the State — catch up the entire 2025 & 2026 series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vnhCbgSqe6T8TJTfB9mvD6C&si=ity7U_ANvSSyc0bU
REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news
Residential
- Housing crisis: Grants to turn space above shops into homes could be ‘game changer’: Government hopes grants of up to €135,000 will mean thousands of vacant properties return to use https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/05/25/housing-crisis-grants-to-turn-space-above-shops-into-homes-could-be-game-changer/
- People in A-rated homes have been sweltering – here’s an expert’s view on what they could do: While some people may opt for costly air conditioners, cheaper fixes are available. https://www.thejournal.ie/heres-how-to-stay-cool-in-your-a-rated-home-heat-wave-7055556-May2026/
- PICTURED: ‘Outstanding’ Rath House on 52 acres of Laois countryside guiding at €1.7m: The domed conservatory is amongst the more notable architectural features of the house, designed by Richard Turner — a famous creator of glasshouses in Ireland, including the Palm House at the National Botanic Gardens https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-41851248.html
- Here’s what €1.35m can buy you in Dublin this week: Grainne Rothery’s pick of the best properties available to buy in Ireland this week
https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/houses-for-sale-dublin-kildare-carlow-6p8v3l0hf
- ‘Property is where my heart lies’: Marissa McCarthy back in County Clare market https://www.clareecho.ie/property-is-where-my-heart-lies-marissa-mccarthy-back-in-county-clare-market/
- Tipperary family lose appeal to keep rural log cabin home https://www.independent.ie/county/tipperary/tipperary-family-lose-appeal-to-keep-rural-log-cabin-home/a/152382918.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
- Hammerson strikes €45m deal to secure full ownership of Ilac Centre: UK retail property giant to acquire 50% stake held by scheme’s original developer, Irish Life https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/29/hammerson-strikes-45m-deal-to-secure-full-ownership-of-ilac-centre/
- Two An Post Dublin depots offer residential or warehouse prospects https://www.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/two-an-post-dublin-depots-offer-residential-or-warehouse-prospects/a/153518105.html#
- COMMERCIAL: Sustainable Workplace Design Takes Centre Stage at Dublin Showroom Launch – New partnership between S & S Office Interiors Ltd – Dublin Office Furniture & Fit Out and Spanish furniture manufacturer Dynamobel to debut Dolmen collection in Ireland https://irishrealestate.news/sustainable-workplace-design-takes-centre-stage-at-dublin-showroom-launch/
- PICTURED: Plans submitted to revive long-idle Waterford hotel: The Grand Hotel in Tramore has lain idle since 2014 https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41852454.html
- Thérapie Clinic opens first Wicklow branch in Greystones after €500,000 investment https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/therapie-clinic-opens-first-wicklow-branch-in-greystones-after-500000-investment/a/153166405.html#
- Plans lodged to turn Wicklow launderette into retail/café unit https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/plans-lodged-to-turn-wicklow-launderette-into-retailcafe-unit/a/152179592.html
- SUPERMARKET giant, Lidl Ireland opened the doors of its brand new €10 million store in Baltinglass today, Thursday, after a campaign led by local residents https://www.carlow-nationalist.ie/news/supermarket-giant-opens-its-doors-in-baltinglass_arid-99628.html
- Nursing home site on the market in age-friendly housing complex https://www.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/nursing-home-site-on-the-market-in-age-friendly-housing-complex/a/153515694.html
- Wexford council still ‘working’ to find tenants for Technology Park three years on from its opening: Local authority has spent over €2m on the empty units https://www.independent.ie/county/wexford/wexford-council-still-working-to-find-tenants-for-technology-park-three-years-on-from-its-opening/a/152340805.html
- Boots to open new store at Scotch Hall Shopping Centre https://www.independent.ie/county/louth/boots-to-open-new-store-at-scotch-hall-shopping-centre/a/153142779.html#
- Cork businessman Tom Coughlan back in control of The Quays Shopping Centre: UGP secure fresh finance deal to end administration process triggered by London-lender calling in £7.7m debt over dispute https://www.irishnews.com/news/business/cork-businessman-tom-coughlan-back-in-control-of-the-quays-shopping-centre-T6HASCJ7UZGRPGZI5VS3GH7VWE/
iProperty Radio: Property Round-Up
Housing Insights: The Housing Agency Podcast
This practitioner-led series aims to deepen the public’s understanding of housing in Ireland and highlight the work of The Housing Agency.
Hosted by David Silke (Director of Insights & Operations) and Roslyn Molloy (Head of Policy, Practice & Communications), the podcast features insightful interviews with housing experts.
🎙️ Links to all episodes at https://ipropertyradio.com/housing-agency/
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
- Irish SME Venture Funding Falls 58% in First Quarter of 2026: Irish SMEs raised €221.7 million in venture capital funding during the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest Venture Pulse survey from the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA).
- Irish startup funding holds steady at €992m but scale-up gap widens – Irish startups raised €992 million across 319 companies in 2025, according to the latest TechIreland Irish Startup Funding Review, supported by Enterprise Ireland. While the headline figure represents a modest increase from €978 million in 2024, the data reveals growing challenges for founders seeking growth capital beyond seed stage. https://prop-tech.ie/irish-startup-funding-holds-steady-at-e992m-but-scale-up-gap-widens/
PODCAST: The Proptech Hot Seat on iPropertyRadio.com
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
- Greater Dublin Drainage timeline cut by 12 months as Government says infrastructure reforms gaining traction – Minister says all Q1 targets under infrastructure acceleration plan completed as utilities and planning reforms begin reducing delays
- Regulators green light near €14bn water investment: State company Úisce Éireann will boost supply and treatment facilities needed for new homes https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/28/regulators-green-light-near-14bn-water-investment/
- ‘Planning delays biggest infrastructure barrier’: A survey carried out by business-law firm Mason Hayes & Curran (MHC) has found that planning-permission delays are seen as the biggest barrier to infrastructure delivery in Ireland https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/top-stories/2026/may/planning-delays-biggest-infrastructure-barrier/
- Can Cork’s creaking infrastructure cope with 125,000 new residents? Industry experts say infrastructure and bureaucracy hamper the city’s population 2040 target https://www.independent.ie/county/cork/can-corks-creaking-infrastructure-cope-with-125000-new-residents/a/152603019.html
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland waiting on ‘proposed interventions’ for roads sparks concern from Cork councillors: The council is understood to have highlighted the deteriorating state of the N20 and sections of the N72 and N73 in North Cork https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41853324.html
- PICTURED: Construction begins on major Galway wastewater project to enable development of thousands of new homes https://www.independent.ie/county/galway/construction-begins-on-major-galway-wastewater-project-to-enable-development-of-thousands-of-new-homes/a/153150052.html
- Plans lodged for major Wicklow electricity substation redevelopment https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/plans-lodged-for-major-wicklow-electricity-substation-redevelopment/a/152142210.html#
- New planning application lodged for big energy plant in Ballaghaderreen https://www.shannonside.ie/news/new-planning-application-lodged-for-big-energy-plant-in-ballaghaderreen-290018
INTERNATIONAL
- First-time buyers fall 6% but “drive growth”: Zoopla’s Richard Donnell says buyer enquiries are down, but sales are up with first-time buyers “leading the charge”. https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/uk-housing-market-news/first-time-buyers-fall-6-but-drive-growth/
- ‘It’s like Dunkirk for the construction industry!’ The small team rescuing London’s precious building materials: Joel de Mowbray’s salvage scheme began as a small milk float converted into a logging vehicle – now he’s part of Tipping Point East, a massive site designed to divert valuable waste materials to builders that need it https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/may/28/its-like-dunkirk-for-the-construction-industry-the-small-team-rescuing-londons-precious-building-materials
- Second homes and crumbling piers — a tour round Britain’s embattled coastal towns: They might look idyllic but life is hard for locals in the country’s seaside towns, as Cornish writer Natasha Carthew shows in Rough Edges https://www.thetimes.com/culture/books/article/rough-edges-land-meets-water-untold-stories-coastline-communities-natasha-carthew-review-35nvpx7ks
- SoftBank Group announced today that it plans to spend up to €75 billion (around $87 billion) to expand data center capacity in France. https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/30/softbank-says-it-will-invest-up-to-e75-billion-to-build-french-data-centers/
- 90,300 EMPTY OFFICES ARE BECOMING APARTMENTS ACROSS THE US. “ADAPTIVE REUSE” JUST HIT CRITICAL MASS. https://www.yankodesign.com/2026/05/27/90300-empty-offices-are-becoming-apartments-across-the-us-adaptive-reuse-just-hit-critical-mass/
