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

Message from Carol Tallon: 

Tuesday, the final sitting of the Dáil before the summer recess, brought the last of the policy reforms promised this side of Q3, including local authorities being told to collectively zone enough land for 83,000 new homes per year. I discuss the publication of the local authority league table with Monaghan County Council’s Chief Executive, Robert Burns, on iProperty Radio this week: https://youtu.be/YHiq0Ab_eH0?si=HbdQEeu71jTlQu8Y

It has been a particularly busy few months for policy reform for developers, design teams and their AEC supply chains, with a suite of planning and housing changes. For a list of all built environment policy reforms implemented in Q2 –  together with links to government resources – access Property District’s ‘Policy Watch’ at https://propertydistrict.ie/policy-watch/

Most importantly, the open consultation on exempted planning opened this week and will run to August 26th – it is  CRITICAL that people get involved. Katie Tallon’s social listening honed in on this issue this week and, so far, 92% of respondents are in favour of the proposed exemptions, however, this will not translate into policy unless people register through the government portal and submit their opinion. The full details and how to register to have your say can be found through the Public Consultation Institute of Ireland at: https://www.publicconsultation.ie/haveyoursay/have-your-say-public-consultation-on-planningexemptions-now-open-deadline-august-26th-2025

Internally, we believe there is a missing piece to consider i.e.should Ireland allow temporary homes on people’s own land while they await planning permission for one-off builds – especially in rural Ireland?

To put all of this in perspective, the latest homelessness figures show the number of people using emergency accommodation rose to 15,915 in June, 4,958 of whom were children.

*If you have a view on what needs to be exempt from planning in Ireland – now is the time to get involved and encourage your peers, clients and project delivery partners to do the same. If you are looking for a social value cause to champion in 2025, for the benefit of your local community, this may well be it.

Next week we will take the time to unpack the very damaging CCPC report that showed only 22% of people trust estate agents when buying a home, and just 16% trust second-hand sellers. Developers fared badly too. Why is this important? Public trust enables the passing of policy that facilitates delivery – simply put,, if the public doesn’t trust the industry, they will not accept the data and insights required to shape policy for the greater/common good. 

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

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE 

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

• ‘House prices will keep rising. We can’t get builders in on a €10 Ryanair flight anymore’: Irish economist who predicted the crash on what’s coming next: Former adviser to Micheál Martin on the dangers of over-reliance on FDI, his optimism for the economy and the perils of the Trump world order https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/house-prices-will-keep-rising-we-cant-get-builders-in-on-a-10-ryanair-flight-anymore-irish-economist-who-predicted-the-crash-on-whats-coming-next/a408203071.html#

• Housing Minister ‘determined’ to stop homelessness rising – Department of Housing figures published on Friday showed the number of people using emergency accommodation rose to 15,915 last month, 4,958 of whom were children https://www.roscommonherald.ie/housing-minister-determined-to-stop-homelessness-rising_arid-65989.html

• IMF upgrades growth forecast for euro zone on back of Irish GDP numbers: Washington-based institution warns that political inference in central banks could trigger wider financial instability  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2025/07/29/imf-upgrades-growth-forecast-for-euro-zone-on-back-of-irish-gdp-numbers/

• It has been a busy few months for policy reform for developers, design teams and their AEC supply chains, with a suite of planning and housing changes. For a list of all built environment policy reforms implemented in Q2 –  together with links to government resources – access Property District’s ‘Policy Watch‘ at https://propertydistrict.ie/policy-watch/

• Local authorities told to zone more land for housing, as national target more than doubles: Councils to be asked to collectively zone enough land to hold 83,000 new homes per year  https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/07/29/local-authorities-told-to-zone-more-land-for-housing-as-national-target-more-than-doubles/

• Row erupts over claim in government report there are ‘not enough builders’ for major infrastructure projects — Report shows exodus of construction workers and cites emigration data suggesting between 2,400 and 4,900 are leaving Ireland every year https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/row-erupts-over-claim-in-government-report-there-are-not-enough-builders-for-major-infrastructure-projects/a708638514.html

• Surge in judicial reviews a ‘growing threat’ to housing delivery, Cabinet will be told: Legal challenges are delaying major projects by between three and five years https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/surge-in-judicial-reviews-a-growing-threat-to-housing-delivery-cabinet-will-be-told/a72804973.html

• What the widening of a Rathgar gateway tells us about Ireland’s planning quagmire https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/what-the-widening-of-a-rathgar-gateway-tells-us-about-irelands-planning-quagmire/

• Kilkenny’s foreign direct investment boost fails to mask regional stagnation: Amid stagnant regional GDP growth since 2018, per capita public investment at just €1,738 (€7,000 below the national average) and a widening Dublin/South-East divide, Kilkenny’s FDI jobs surge simply cannot stem the South-East region’s economic issues – according to South East Economic Monitor 2025 https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/local-news/1858459/revealed-kilkenny-s-foreign-direct-investment-boost-fails-to-mask-regional-stagnation.html 

• Housing bodies fear apartment deal delays amid land cost scrutiny: Concerns are mounting over differing costs for social housing. Delays to apartment deals could cost developers up to €25,000 per home https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/housing-bodies-fear-apartment-deal-delays-amid-land-cost-scrutiny-8zs2q22qz

• Department of Public Expenditure gave green light to higher pay for housing executive https://m.independent.ie/business/department-of-public-expenditure-gave-green-light-to-higher-pay-for-housing-executive/a1133838734.html#

• Only 22% of people trust estate agents when buying a home, and just 16% trust second-hand sellers: The CCPC said buyers are often left ‘confused and frustrated in limbo due to lengthy delays’. https://www.thejournal.ie/only-16-of-people-trust-the-seller-during-homebuying-process-6777894-Jul2025/

• Working group to deal with cash-only sales of ‘mica’ homes https://www.donegaldaily.com/2025/08/01/working-group-to-deal-with-cash-only-sales-of-mica-homes/#

• Basements of former Georgian houses uncovered during roadworks in Dublin https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/basements-of-former-georgian-houses-uncovered-during-roadworks-in-dublin/a670357177.html

• Couple who bought dream Sligo home still haven’t moved in nearly a year later: The couple, who have been left waiting months for the keys to their home, say the delay reflects a broader systemic failure in how new homes are delivered https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/couple-who-bought-dream-sligo-home-still-havent-moved-in-nearly-a-year-later/a1891458374.html?errorCode=0

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.

• ❓Should homeowners be able to build cabins in their gardens and convert their attic WITHOUT the need for additional planning permission: The government wants your views – It is expected that the new regulations will be in place by the end of the year https://www.thejournal.ie/planning-permission-scrapped-attics-cabins-6776209-Jul2025/

• Council meet with Pearse Street area residents who felt “distressed and largely unheard” over Dublin City Centre Transport Plan changes https://irishcycle.com/2025/07/26/council-meet-with-pearse-street-area-residents-who-felt-distressed-and-largely-unheard-over-dublin-city-centre-transport-plan-changes/

• Poet Patrick Kavanagh’s regular haunt along Dublin’s Grand Canal gets face lift: Public space, accessibility and biodiversity enhanced along one of the capital’s busiest waterway paths https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2025/08/01/poet-patrick-kavanaghs-regular-haunt-along-dublins-grand-canal-gets-more-than-a-face-lift/

• ‘Extraordinary public effort’ as 7,500 people sign petition against mussel farm in Kinsale: Campaigners opposing the mussel farm have submitted an unprecedented 147 formal appeals to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board, representing the voices of more than 7,500 individuals  https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41676365.html

• Plans lodged for major redevelopment of Gort Town Centre https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/plans-lodged-for-major-redevelopment-of-gort-town-centre-199291

• Affordable Housing info evening in Knocknacarra next week https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/affordable-housing-info-evening-in-knocknacarra-next-week-199275

• PLANS have been submitted by Limerick City and County Council for a new greenway on the outskirts of the city, stretching just over four kilometres from the Groody Roundabout to the National Technology Park (NPT) in Plassey https://www.limerickpost.ie/2025/07/28/plans-submitted-for-new-limerick-greenway/

• Limerick Show launches its 2025 event to showcase ‘the very best of Limerick’ https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/what-s-on/1860127/limerick-show-launches-its-2025-event-to-showcase-the-very-best-of-limerick.html

• Kildare’s Blueway to open in early 2026 – News – Kildare Nationalist https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/kildares-blueway-to-open-in-early-2026_arid-66279.html

• Every derelict property in Tipperary’s largest town will be examined: Council wants to assist owners of derelict properties https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/clonmel/1856004/every-derelict-property-in-tipperary-s-largest-town-will-be-examined.html

• Major boost for Longford’s night-time economy as local businesses, community groups and event organisers urged to apply for grant aid https://m.independent.ie/regionals/longford/news/major-boost-for-longfords-night-time-economy-as-local-businesses-community-groups-and-event-organisers-urged-to-apply-for-grant-aid/a1332842825.html#

• Blow to Donegal as planning permission refused for €12.5m upgrade to popular tourist attraction https://m.independent.ie/regionals/donegal/news/blow-to-donegal-as-planning-permission-refused-for-125m-upgrade-to-popular-tourist-attraction/a236801580.html#

Rural & Islands

Public Consultation on Planning Exemptions Now Open (Deadline August 26th): Within iProperty Radio, we welcome the Government’s proposals, however, we believe there is a crucial additional step:

• ⁉️Allow temporary homes on people’s own land while they await planning permission for one-off builds – especially in rural Ireland

Have Your Say: https://ipropertyradio.com/have-your-say-public-consultation-on-planningexemptions-now-open-deadline-august-26th-2025/

• Donegal’s infrastructure and community development priorities stressed to Minister: Cllr Declan Meehan met with Minister for Rural Transport and Community Development, Jerry Buttimer TD, during the Minister’s visit to Killybegs https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/donegal-live/1862253/donegal-s-infrastructure-and-community-development-priorities-stressed-to-minister.html

CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news 

• MMC in Ireland: PJ Rudden, Chairman of Construction Sector Innovation and Digital Adoption at the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation discusses the process currently underway to transform Ireland’s construction industry, PJ breaks down the practical challenges of innovation and embracing digital – both on and off site –  and he gives an update on each of the seven priority actions intended to drive productivity, sustainability and digital adoption https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=2d2a82e2-7fe8-4c19-b3b6-30bff2e36503&pnum=144 

• Ikea’s €100m Irish housing fund nears first deal following three-year delay  https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/ikeas-e100m-irish-housing-fund-nears-first-deal-following-three-year-delay/

• Plans to give the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre a €100m revamp have been rejected: Opening the door for a future application, An Coimisiún Pleanála said the replacement of the existing façade would be allowed if a high quality design was put forward. https://www.thejournal.ie/dome-at-st-stephens-green-shopping-centre-saved-for-now-6778120-Jul2025/

• Hammerson eyes €3.5m rent from Dundrum apartment scheme https://m.independent.ie/business/hammerson-eyes-35m-rent-from-dundrum-apartment-scheme/a1612918775.html#  Also: Dundrum Town Centre co-owner Hammerson reports £79m profit in first half of 2025 https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/dundrum-town-centre-co-owner-hammerson-reports-79m-profit-in-2025-first-half/

• McEvaddy brothers submit outline plan to council for cargo development on land beside Dublin Airport: Consultants submit report to Fingal County Council for cargo scheme on behalf of DA Terminal 3 Ltd https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/29/mcevaddy-brothers-submit-outline-plan-to-council-for-cargo-development-on-land-beside-dublin-airport/

• Planners reject another housing development on site of former mother and baby home https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/planners-reject-another-housing-development-on-site-of-former-mother-and-baby-home-1787540.html

• Permission sought to build 98 residential units near Cobh: The development, consisting of 98 residential units, will be located in Carrignafoy, around 1.4km from Cobh town centre https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41677589.html

• New M18 plaza plans outlining ‘state of the art’ service station dream: It is said to provide ‘essential’ services in area that is ‘underserved’ https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/new-m18-plaza-plans-outlining-10386785

• Plans for new two-storey service station along busy Galway route: Development spanning has been proposed to the council which would be constructed along the N83 in Carraghy, which is a key route for both local and tourist traffic https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/plans-for-new-two-storey-service-station-along-busy-galway-route/a1230303633.html?errorCode=0

• County Waterford Housing Updates: New developments, retrofitting issues and dire need for houses in Stradbally https://www.waterford-news.ie/news/county-waterford-housing-updates-new-developments-retrofitting-issues-and-dire-need-for-houses-in_arid-65811.html

• Ninety-nine houses and creche planned on outskirts of Waterford city https://www.waterford-news.ie/news/ninety-nine-houses-and-creche-planned-on-outskirts-of-waterford-city_arid-65972.html

• Green light granted for two major developments in West Waterford  https://www.wlrfm.com/news/west-waterford-developments-1304945

• Plans lodged for large housing estate on outskirts of Kilkenny City: Oakmane Limited are seeking permission for 39 dwellings at Sion Hermitage, Sion Road, Kilkenny https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/kilkenny-city/1858126/breaking-plans-lodged-for-large-housing-estate-on-outskirts-of-kilkenny-city.html

• Plans lodged for 29 houses on Wicklow site approved for 126-bed nursing home https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/arklow-news/plans-lodged-for-29-houses-on-wicklow-site-approved-for-126-bed-nursing-home/a2026934532.html#

• “Red tape” stopped the creation of 335 homes in Blessington, where planning permission for the homes was supported by Wicklow County Council, but refused by An Bord Pleanála – because the town plan was not updated https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1861636/red-tape-is-holding-up-housing-construction-in-wicklow.html

• Construction of 99 housing units and crèche proposed for Sallins:  The application was submitted by Neville Homes Limited https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1860023/construction-of-99-housing-units-and-creche-proposed-for-this-kildare-town.html

• Permission refused for €5.2m housing development in Kildare: The proposed development was for a total of 32 homes in Athy, Co Kildare  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1860066/permission-refused-for-5-2m-housing-development-in-kildare.html

• Laois taxpayers may have to pay to turn a derelict hotel into 10 small social housing apartments that could cost €1 million each to build: Clúid has pulled out of the old county hotel reconstruction project due to high cost https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/1858984/pricy-portlaoise-apartments-replacing-derelict-hotel-must-be-paid-by-public.html

• Multi Million Euro Westmeath Housing Complex Planning Filed  https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/multi-million-euro-westmeath-housing-complex-planning-filed/

• New Moate school development due to go to tender this summer | Westmeath Independent https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2025/08/01/new-moate-school-development-due-to-go-to-tender-this-summer/#

• Planning granted for 21 houses outside Dundalk: Louth County Council has given the go ahead for 21 new houses at Haynestown https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/local-news/1858483/planning-granted-for-21-houses-outside-dundalk.html

• Construction of 51 council houses in south Roscommon to start early next year https://www.shannonside.ie/news/construction-of-51-council-houses-in-south-roscommon-to-start-early-next-year-269345

• Mayo housing crisis deepens as building commencements drop to 2016 levels: Commencement notices are at a near 10 year low in the county with TD warning the Government’s housing strategy is “failing western counties”. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/mayo/news/mayo-housing-crisis-deepens-as-building-commencements-drop-to-2016-levels/a544043410.html

• PLANS for an apartments complex in Ballyhaunis town are before Mayo County Council for approval: The 10-unit development relates to a site at Knox Street https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2025/07/28/ten-unit-apartments-proposal-for-east-mayo-town/#

• CRH to buy US group Eco Material for $2.1bn: US company uses materials like fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, to partly replace cement in the construction sector https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/29/crh-to-buy-us-cement-substitute-provider-eco-material-for-21bn/

• An Coimisiún Pleanála upholds planning permission for French-style motorhome park in Kenmare https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/an-coimisiun-pleanala-upholds-planning-permission-for-french-style-motorhome-park-in-kenmare-445210

• Coastal Kerry town denied new homes after planning refusal: The council refused permission for the housing in Ballybunion  on the basis of road safety concerns https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/north-west-kerry-news/coastal-kerry-town-denied-new-homes-after-planning-refusal/a59850479.html

• ‘I’ll start 10,000 homes in the next two to three years,’ says developer Ciaran Fitzpatrick – Ambitious builder’s model for new homes will be music to the ears of first-time buyers and could play a significant role in easing the housing crisis https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/ill-start-10000-homes-in-the-next-two-to-three-years-says-developer-ciaran-fitzpatrick/a1408973279.html

Breaking Ground News: Appointments & #ConstructionCareers

• BGN Construction Careers, your weekly newsletter from Breaking Ground news, keeps you updated on the latest job opportunities, while showcasing the very best employer brands and projects, across Ireland’s construction industry. Whether you are looking for your next role or planning your career path, stay connected with us for new openings, upskilling opportunities and industry news.

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

PODCAST:  

🎙️ “It’s going to be difficult to get quick wins… Government today needs to think about doing something that’s going to make a difference in 15 years’ time, not five”

With global housing shortages and a struggling industry, iProperty Radio host Carol Tallon chats to Jerry Ryan, Executive Chairman of HKR Architects to discuss why traditional construction is falling short and how digital transformation, modern methods of construction (MMC), new materials and a total rethink of urban planning can help. 

From building €2 billion megaprojects in the Middle East to advocating for new towns along Ireland’s Dublin-Belfast corridor, Jerry talks about what the future of architecture might look like and the changing role of architects.

Listen back to the Breaking Ground: Construction News  show on iProperty Radio: 

📽️ Watch – https://youtu.be/D_BMvix04g0 

📣 Listen – https://open.spotify.com/episode/65i0QOsUK4gzLr6M3Wv6rS?si=415e9b3a44704f70 

All Breaking Ground episodes – https://ipropertyradio.com/breaking-ground/

Check out all other iProperty Radio podcasts – https://ipropertyradio.com/

REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential 

• Estate agents expect house prices to rise 5% in next year https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1525653/

• Home sales plummet by 13% in second quarter of 2025 https://www.businesspost.ie/property/home-sales-plummet-by-13-in-second-quarter/

• Couple with combined income of over 100k will struggle to buy new house – report https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2025/07/28/couple-with-combined-income-of-over-100k-will-struggle-to-buy-new-house-report/#

• ‘Cohousing after the age of 50 means having your own space and the sociability of a community’: Plans are advancing for cohousing developments in Ireland. It’s a semi-communal model that has proved popular abroad, particularly among the over-50s https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/cohousing-after-the-age-of-50-means-having-your-own-space-and-the-sociability-of-a-community/a269214643.html

• IPAV Urge Government To Pass Property Buyers Bill https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/ipav-urge-government-to-pass-property-buyers-bill/

• PLANS are advancing for the redevelopment of several council-owned cottages on Canalside, Athy, following confirmation at the Athy Municipal District Meeting https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/progress-on-redevelopment-of-athy-cottages_arid-65636.html

• Five couples living in one home because of the housing crisis says Kildare politician— More land should be allocated to serviced sites for people to build on in Kildare https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1858805/five-couples-living-in-one-home-because-of-the-housing-crisis-says-kildare-politician.html

• Kildare households face elevated LPT rate for further two years  https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/kildare-households-face-elevated-lpt-rate-for-further-two-years_arid-65864.html

• British billionaire’s plan for helicopter pad at €35m Waterford home appealed as neighbours object https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/british-billionaires-plan-for-helicopter-pad-at-35m-waterford-home-appealed-as-neighbours-object/a210101613.html

• What it’s really like to renovate a house abroad https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/how-to-renovate-house-abroad

• Revealed: How much you can add to the value of your home by enhancing its energy efficiency https://m.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/revealed-how-much-you-can-add-to-the-value-of-your-home-by-enhancing-its-energy-efficiency/a1855362724.html

• Billionaire James Dyson faces objection over plans for helipad at his luxury Irish country estate  https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/billionaire-james-dyson-set-to-get-approval-for-helipad-at-his-luxury-irish-country-estate-1788649.html

• BILLIONAIRE John Malone has revealed that he turned down an offer for one of his Irish estates from Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/mark-zuckerberg-made-offer-to-buy-historic-kildare-estate_arid-66316.html

Property of the week 

See inside 19th century Carlow house overlooking the ancestral home of descendants of the ancient Kings of Leinster https://m.independent.ie/regionals/carlow/news/see-inside-19th-century-carlow-house-overlooking-the-ancestral-home-of-descendants-of-the-ancient-kings-of-leinster/a1122940295.html#. 

Modular Home Designs That Are Striking and Solution-Oriented https://interiordesign.net/projects/striking-modular-home-designs/

Commercial 

• McKillen jnr sues receivers over taking possession of three properties: Businessman’s company tells court it understood no enforcement action would be taken during negotiation over rents  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/28/mckillen-jnr-sues-receivers-over-taking-possession-of-three-properties/

• Sons of Noel O’Callaghan allege ‘interference’ by politician in failed Ipas deal, filings reveal https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/sons-of-noel-ocallaghan-allege-interference-by-politician-in-failed-ipas-deal-filings-reveal/

• High Court blocks residents’ bid to challenge use of hotel for housing asylum seekers: They wanted permission to take case over Government’s decision to accommodate 98 people there  https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/07/28/high-court-blocks-residents-bid-to-challenge-use-of-hotel-for-housing-asylum-seekers/

• Landmark Kinsale bistro goes up for sale with harbour views for €700k https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/watch-landmark-kinsale-bistro-goes-32187530.amp

• Wexford County Council refuse leading bookmaker permission to relocate business into vacant building https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/enniscorthy-news/wexford-county-council-refuse-leading-bookmaker-permission-to-relocate-business-into-vacant-building/a1223021613.html#

PODCAST: The Property Roundup on iPropertyRadio.com

In a week where the Housing Minister instructed local authorities across Ireland to double residential zoning, the iProperty Radio team visits Monaghan town to speak with Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, to understand housing delivery on the ground

Robert breaks down demand across social, affordable and private housing, and outlines current infrastructure capacity for developers looking to deliver housing across the five main county towns. 

He also shares his approach to community-led placemaking, aligning with New European Bauhaus principles, and the significance of this for a border county, particularly one that carries the weight of its shared history. 

We learn about the commercial and industry drivers for the county including advanced manufacturing, construction, construction manufacturing/MMC, agriculture, agritech and more. 

Robert speaks frankly about the role of local authority leadership and his reaction to the publication of local authority league tables by the Department of Housing earlier this month (are we asking too little of our local authorities?). 

Watch – https://youtu.be/YHiq0Ab_eH0

Listen – https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ru1430IX4AZzOXc7VYaKu?si=c200052b7b7a4854

Produced by Katie Tallon MPRII

Produced by Katie Tallon MPRII, with Hear Me Roar Media on sound https://hearmeroarmedia.com

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

• Dublin startup Ventry targets €3.5m raise with energy-saving data centre tech https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/dublin-startup-ventry-targets-e3-5m-raise-with-energy-saving-data-centre-tech/

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/ 

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INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY

• INFRASTRUCTURE: A host of problems identified in the report have been clearly evident for years: overly-complicated regulation, often with little purpose; decisions left to the courts due to judicial reviews; and an administrative system stuck in a pattern of risk aversion. https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2025/07/31/the-irish-times-view-on-infrastructure-provision-report-is-a-sad-indictment-of-the-system/

• Three-year construction of €274m Liffey Valley to Dublin bus corridor to begin in September: The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today announced the awarding of the first construction contract under the BusConnects Dublin Infrastructure programme to GMC Group Ltd for the Liffey Valley to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme. https://www.thejournal.ie/onstruction-to-begin-in-september-for-e198m-bus-corridor-from-liffey-valley-to-dublin-centre-6779424-Jul2025/

• Uisce Éireann adopts Water Services Strategic Plan 2050 – Water Magazine – the body’s long-term strategic plan to support growth, protect the environment and deliver resilient water services for customers for the next 25 years https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2025/07/31/uisce-eireann-adopts-water-services-strategic-plan-2050/

• Data centres could consume as much electricity as two million Irish homes by 2030, report predicts: But share of total power demand for data centres predicted to fall to 16 per cent by 2050 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2025/07/30/data-centres-could-consume-as-much-electricity-as-two-million-irish-homes-by-2030-report-predicts/

• Wicklow County Council has reached an agreement with developers to begin construction works on the Northern Ring Road in Blessington https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/west-wicklow-news/work-to-start-on-new-ring-road-in-west-wicklow/a1870681957.html#

• An Taisce lodges appeal against planned Louth data and energy centres: An Taisce opposes proposed development at Premier Periclase production facility https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/local-news/1860109/an-taisce-lodges-appeal-against-planned-louth-data-and-energy-centres.html

• Echelon agrees €2bn data centre investment in Spain with Iberdrola: In May, Echelon launched two new projects in Wicklow to construct data centres as part of a €3.5bn investment https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41677583.html

• Planning approval for new wastewater infrastructure in Galway City  https://www.galwaydaily.com/news/planning-approval-for-new-wastewater-infrastructure-in-galway-city/

• Plans are in place for the potential development of a 24-turbine wind farm in County Waterford https://www.wlrfm.com/news/west-waterford-wind-farm-plans-1266914

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• Desperate for buyers, London’s luxury residences ramp up amenities: On-demand IV drips, dial-a-nannies and vintage Rolls-Royces: the newest branded homes come with money-can-buy services for the super-rich https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/property-home/article/desperate-for-buyers-londons-luxury-residences-ramp-up-amenities-8c860wmt8

• Refurbishment boom in London as firms seek eco-friendly space: It can take six years to deliver a new building but one to lift existing offices to post-pandemic standards. Financial firms are leading the race to occupy https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/economics/article/refurbishment-boom-in-london-as-firms-seek-eco-friendly-space-rdkjplkgz