Sunday Property Round-Up 3rd May 2026

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

Last week I started by pointing out that the UK construction industry exceeded 300 monthly insolvencies in February, questioning the trend and potential contagion effect here in Ireland. This week we saw 20 SPVs of one of Ireland’s most active homebuilders initiate the liquidation process (7 voluntary, 13 with provisional liquidators appointed). This has led to the closure of residential sites.

With that context, the top three development news stories or the week will confuse people:

Government is celebrating record Q1 completions, with nearly 7,900 homes delivered, as all regions record increases

TheJournal reports that thousands of fast-track homes are still stuck in planning limbo over failure to decide on applications. More than 6,000 homes have stalled because of legal challenges and delays

Also, while there are 40,000 apartments with planning permission, not much building is expected soon: Despite recent changes governing sizes and how the rental market operates, some developers have said the buildings are often still not viable

For development teams under pressure, there are alternative building solutions available through MMC manufacturers that can jump-start and then speed up delivery on these challenged sites, and many of these manufacturers and technical design and engineering teams have capacity right now – contact me directly and in confidence on carol@caroltallon.com to discuss.

Also, we are currently on the lookout for small to medium-sized residential sites with planning (*funding is in place).

In terms of consumer demand, the latest Irish League of Credit Unions survey finds Irish consumer confidence has fallen to the lowest level since December 2022, with 90% saying they would need to cut back spending if energy prices stay high.

Those surveyed might be surprised to read that Ireland is projected to overtake Luxembourg as Europe’s richest country by 2030 on GDP per capita PPP basis, according to IMF projections (World Economic Outlook, 2030).

And in the same week: First-time buyers will be able to borrow up to five times their income for the first time since the financial crash in an initiative from mortgage lender Núa Money. Núa denied this would be a return to Celtic Tiger-era lending standards.

In other development news, the €100 million partial demolition and rejuvenation of ‘iconic landmark’ St Stephen’s Green shopping centre in Dublin has now been stalled by an Athlone-based objector.

🎙️ This highlights the need for INFORMED PARTICIPATION in planning – I am excited to share that the first iProperty Radio live podcast in June will focus on 3D Planning, and will take place in a very special/unusual venue in Dublin, with limited audience seating available!

Email hello@iPropertyRadio.com to join us in-person

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE

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

Ireland’s Diaspora Strategy 2026–2030 Published to Strengthen Global Irish Connections: Department Of Foreign Affairs And Trade – Strategy Covering 2026 To 2030
https://publicconsultation.ie/irelands-diaspora-strategy-2026-2030-published-to-strengthen-global-irish-connections/

RECORD Q1 completions point to sustained growth in housing delivery: Nearly 7,900 homes delivered in first quarter as all regions record increases and pipeline activity strengthens https://breakingground.news/record-q1-completions-point-to-sustained-growth-in-housing-delivery/

Thousands of fast-track homes stuck in planning limbo over failure to decide on applications: More than 6,000 units have stalled because of legal challenges and delays https://www.thejournal.ie/thousands-fast-track-shd-homes-planning-sytem-judicial-reviews-delays-7024961-Apr2026/

There are 40,000 apartments with planning permission – but not much building is expected soon: Despite recent changes governing sizes and how the rental market operates, some developers have said the buildings are often still not viable. https://www.thejournal.ie/apartment-building-numbers-7026187-May2026/

More Than Half of New Dublin Homes Bought by Institutions: Data shows companies and funds accounted for 56% of purchases in the capital last year, limiting availability on the open market https://universitytimes.ie/2026/04/more-than-half-of-new-dublin-homes-bought-by-institutions/

Environmental groups granted leave to challenge data centre policy: High Court told new rules allowing data centres to use fossil fuel power breach climate law https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/04/28/environmental-groups-granted-leave-to-challenge-data-centre-policy/

Ireland’s planning system is ‘challenging’; “complex and uncertain” planning system is one of the main challenges identified by the Port of Cork Company (PoCC) in its new corporate strategy for 2026-2030 https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41837730.html

Expert to determine any compensation for hotel neighbours over alleged construction nuisance, court hears: Alex Hotel operators secured injunction preventing interference with access to the site https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/01/expert-to-determine-any-compensation-for-hotel-neighbours-over-alleged-construction-nuisance-court-hears/

Colin Murphy: Colin Murphy: Class politics is blinding us to the strong case for modular homes — In our dysfunctional housing market, chance to create an extra 7,000 units is not to be missed https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/colin-murphy-class-politics-is-blinding-us-to-the-strong-case-for-modular-homes/a290200640.html#

We need to be building thousands of houses on ‘mega’ sites to solve housing crisis: Housing Activation Office should focus on big strategic sites and let local authorities worry about schemes with a few hundred houses each https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/04/27/we-need-to-be-building-thousands-of-houses-on-mega-sites-to-solve-housing-crisis/

Nearly 80pc back ending supports for Ukrainians, poll reveals: The public are also against these centres being repurposed to house asylum-seekers, with 69pc saying they should return to tourism https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/nearly-80pc-back-ending-supports-for-ukrainians-poll-reveals/a712748902.html#

Property giant to get €526,000 refund after winning legal dispute over meaning of ‘house’: Words used in legislation ‘may not bear the meaning generally understood’, says judge https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/04/30/property-giant-to-get-526000-refund-after-winning-legal-dispute-over-meaning-of-house/

Survey shows public reaction to Mayor’s smart homes plan to tackle housing crisis: 87% of respondents are positive about the concept https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/survey-shows-public-reaction-to-mayors-smart-homes-plan-to-tackle-housing-crisis/

Government insists there is ‘no row’ as Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil clash over new short-term letting rules: Planned Airbnb reforms trigger third upset in Coalition over housing policies https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/conal-thomas-government-insists-there-is-no-row-as-fine-gael-and-fianna-fail-clash-over-new-short-term-letting-rules/a235021469.html

First-time buyers will be able to borrow up to five times their income for the first time since the financial crash in an initiative from mortgage lender Núa Money. Núa denied this would be a return to Celtic Tiger-era lending standards. https://m.independent.ie/business/money/mortgage-shake-up-as-buyers-can-borrow-five-times-income/a1468347405.html

Energy crisis: Simon Harris floats one-off payments for heat pumps and efficient cars: Minister for Finance doubles down on transition from fossil fuels despite mounting pressure over carbon tax https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/04/27/energy-crisis-harris-alludes-to-one-off-payments-for-heat-pumps-and-efficient-cars/

€100 million partial demolition and rejuvenation of ‘iconic landmark’ St Stephen’s Green shopping centre in Dublin has been stalled by an Athlone-based objector https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/athlone-based-objector-stalls-e100m-rejuvenation-of-st-stephens-green-shopping-centre-1892931.html

Laois County Council to ‘keep pushing’ CPOs of derelict properties: Full list of derelict shops and houses being forcibly bought for housing https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/laois-live/2073144/laois-county-council-to-keep-pushing-cpos-of-derelict-properties.html

Homeowner tells of relief as 32-month ‘nightmare’ of living next door to squatters ends: After a prolonged process involving Dublin City Council, gardaí and the High Court, the derelict property in Fairview has been vacated https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/homeowner-tells-of-relief-as-32-month-nightmare-of-living-next-door-to-squatters-ends/a1292648471.html#

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.

PICTURED: Man behind proposal for giant statue at George’s Dock says Dublin ‘needs something mega’: The project’s CEO said the plan would be funded privately and would not require support from Dublin City Council. https://www.thejournal.ie/giant-statue-dublin-georges-dock-mega-7028557-May2026/

Iarnród Éireann outlines strong opposition to proposed Rosslare greenway – ‘These lands are held for statutory functions of national importance’ https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/iarnrod-eireann-outlines-strong-opposition-to-proposed-rosslare-greenway-these-lands-are-held-for-statutory-functions-of-national-importance/a338714120.html#

Local school move to acquire land on site of former Tipperary barracks: Tipperary North TD Alan Kelly recently enquired about the future of Nenagh Barracks https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/local-news/2069412/local-school-move-to-acquire-land-on-site-of-former-tipperary-barracks.html

€28m investment, 52 new homes and a journey since 1999 – old convent site is officially opened https://www.laoistoday.ie/2026/04/29/e28m-investment-52-new-homes-and-a-journey-since-1999-old-convent-site-is-officially-opened/

Rural, Coastal & Islands

RURAL/Urban: 72% of people do not believe urban dwellers unfairly subsidise rural Ireland, with only 44% believing that rural Ireland gets less that its fair share of support from Government: Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/sunday-independentireland-thinks-poll-at-a-glance-bump-for-independents-staycation-once-again-the-urban-rural-divide-and-is-it-time-to-wind-down-supports-for-ukrainian-refugees/a1040309786.html?

National campaign launched to raise awareness of Local Community Development Committees: Department Of Rural And Community Development And The Gaeltacht | Campaign Running From 1 May 2026 For Three Weeks
https://publicconsultation.ie/national-campaign-launched-to-raise-awareness-of-local-community-development-committees/

‘Rural schools must be protected’ https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/north-west-kerry-news/kerry-school-rekindles-125-years-of-memories-rural-schools-must-be-protected/a497722776.html

CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news

Plans are to be lodged for a new six-storey 97-bedroom hotel for College Green in Dublin 2. In the planning application to be lodged with Dublin City Council in the next number of days, businessman Deepak Sharma’s Figs Properties Ltd is seeking planning permission for the hotel at 30-33 College Green and also fronting onto Suffolk Street https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/plans-to-be-lodged-for-new-hotel-at-dublins-college-green-1894655.html

DAA secures planning for large staff car park at Dublin Airport despite council rejection https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/daa-secures-planning-for-large-staff-car-park-at-dublin-airport-despite-council-rejection-1894444.html

Plans lodged with council for new neighbourhood with over 100 homes on Cork City’s northside: Proposed development comprises 53 apartments and 51 houses on a part-brownfield, part-greenfield site at Popes Hill in Blackpool https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41836010.html

Major phase complete to keep Galway train station plans on track https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/major-phase-complete-to-keep-galway-train-station-plans-on-track-7046066

Big housing boost as 100 new homes get approval across Limerick: Councillors give green light to housing developments in Limerick city https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/property/2071213/big-housing-boost-as-100-new-homes-get-approval-across-limerick.html

New planning application made for 99 houses and childcare facility in Dundalk: Planning permission sought from Louth County Council for 99 houses on lands in the townland of Lisdoo, at Armagh Road in Dundalk https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/louth-live/2075377/new-planning-application-made-for-99-houses-and-childcare-facility-in-dundalk.html

Lands near Carlow town zoned for hundreds of new homes seeking €9.5m: The 33.5-acre site previously secured planning for 275-unit residential scheme https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/04/29/lands-near-carlow-town-zoned-for-hundreds-of-new-homes-seeking-95m/

Wexford developers outline plans to build residential scheme comprising 49 homes https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/gorey-news/wexford-developers-outline-plans-to-build-residential-scheme-comprising-49-homes/a959069693.html

Tipperary housing development put on hold following appointment of provisional liquidators: Work has stopped on a 122-unit housing development at Coleville Road, Clonmel https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/tipperary-live/2073072/tipperary-housing-development-put-on-hold-following-appointment-of-provisional-liquidators.html

Council grants planning for €10 million housing development in Tralee https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/council-grants-planning-for-e10-million-housing-development-in-tralee-481623

Major residential development proposed for north Mayo village: Proposal to demolish old funeral home and squash court in Bonniconlon to make way for eight residential units at the rear of pub https://www.mayonews.ie/news/ballina/2072677/major-residential-development-proposed-for-north-mayo-village.html

Grafton Group seals deal worth up to €175m for family-founded Spanish group Mercaluz: Founded in 1986, Mercaluz distributes domestic and commercial air conditioning equipment to professional installers https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/01/grafton-group-completes-acquisition-of-family-founded-spanish-group-mercaluz-for-175m/

Co Tyrone construction firm McAleer & Rushe sees turnover hit a record £628m: Pre-tax profits also up by 37% to £22m after company secured number of significant building contracts https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/northern-ireland/co-tyrone-construction-firm-mcaleer-rushe-sees-turnover-hit-a-record-%C2%A3628m/a/149742487.html#

Breaking Ground News: Appointments & Construction Careers

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

details straight to your inbox: Sign up https://breakingground.news/sign-up-form/

Minister of State, Marian Harkin, with participants of the Safe Pass for Schools programme

“PLEASE STAY IN IRELAND, WE NEED YOU HERE”

Strong call to the next generation of industry talent from Minister of State Marian Harkin TD as she chats with Sean Downey, Director of Safety, Education & Skills, with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) on location with SOLAS (An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna), as the Minister announces €100,000 funding for the ‘SAFE PASS For Schools’ initiative 2026

Listen back: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2GDqikTI8zLfnwv1UXm5pE?si=ca8a2780f8e04ede

Watch back: https://youtu.be/uA7PGNwvyp8?si=8PYDKgemY9CYtzSR

CIF Safety Campaign 2026 Podcast

Join Wills Bros Group on the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project

🎬 BANK HOLIDAY VIEWING!

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

*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/

iProperty Radio: NEW HOMES OF THE WEEK

NEW HOMES: Mountain Wood offers A-rated homes in Carrigaline with coastal access and strong connectivity

iProperty Radio New Homes of the Week highlights Cork development with mix of 2, 3 and 4-bed homes

Mountain Wood offers A-rated homes in Carrigaline with coastal access and strong connectivity

Commercial

Father and sons face off in court for hotel group control: High Court has ruled that a bitter family dispute over control of the multimillion-euro O’Callaghan Collection hotels group must go to arbitration https://extra.ie/2026/04/29/news/courts/father-sons-hotel-group

Retail warehouses and Grafton St lead the way as commercial property market strengthens https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/retail-warehouses-and-grafton-st-lead-the-way-as-commercial-property-market-strengthens/a788280610.html#

Henry Street retail investment at €4m offers buyer 9.6% net initial yield: Property is fully let and generating €425,000 in annual rental income https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/04/29/henry-street-retail-investment-at-4m-offers-buyer-96-net-initial-yield/

Three deals secured by Park Developments for Apex Hub in Ballymount https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/three-deals-secured-by-park-developments-for-apex-hub-in-ballymount/a725422136.html#

500-acre Irish estate unveils £7m transformation: Mount Juliet Estate has tripled the estate’s premier accommodation capacity, expanding the suite inventory from eight to 24 https://www.boutiquehotelier.com/mount-juliet-estate-ireland-refurbishment/

Upset as €130million factory on sale for €12million and 132 Laois jobs lost: Leprino Foods and Glanbia opened the pizza cheese factory as a joint venture in Portlaoise in 2021 https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/portlaoise-/2074638/upset-as-130million-factory-on-sale-for-12million-and-132-laois-jobs-lost.html

Plans unveiled to turn historic Louth Bank of Ireland building into apartments https://m.independent.ie/regionals/louth/news/plans-unveiled-to-turn-historic-louth-bank-of-ireland-building-into-apartments/a886488005.html#

PICTURED: Killarney brewery sale row as international bidder claims €5.85m offer overlooked; International investor raises transparency concerns after claiming higher bid for former brewery site was overlooked in contested sales process https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41837708.html

Battle for Hastings as hotel group puts itself on the block: Owner of Europa and Culloden Estate valued at up to £200m by sources as PwC appointed to handle sale of Northern Irish hospitality group https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/hastings-hotels-put-up-for-sale-vxtpc8qww

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

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

Windfarms and operators of sub-sea cables are waiting months, and in some cases over a year, to get decisions on maritime licence applications from a new agency the Government set up to streamline the process. https://m.independent.ie/business/companies-waiting-months-for-decisions-on-licences-from-new-maritime-quango/a693214701.html#

MARA Guide Explains Ireland’s Maritime Planning System: Ireland’s maritime consenting system has been outlined in a new guide launched by MARA. The new guide sets out how key State authorities coordinate offshore development. https://afloat.ie/marine-environment/marine-planning/item/71152-mara-launches-guide-to-ireland-s-maritime-consenting

Planning permission granted for North Cork solar farm https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/companies/arid-41836112.html

BREAKING: Plans for wind farm on Offaly / North Tipp border withdrawn: The planning application was withdrawn three days after it was lodged https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/midland-tribune/2071823/breaking-plans-for-wind-farm-on-offaly-north-tipp-border-withdrawn.html

🔴 ‘Megaprojects at home and abroad: Delivery models for project success and dispute avoidance’

Dublin will host the International Construction Law Association ICLA 2026 Conference on 19–20 May at the IMMA – Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).

The theme ‘Megaprojects at home and abroad: Delivery models for project success and dispute avoidance’ speaks directly to questions facing those of us working across planning, infrastructure, and the built environment: how complex projects are structured, governed, and resolved when delivery doesn’t go to plan.

Confirmed speakers include representatives from the National Transport Authority, MetroLink, Addleshaw Goddard, Philip Lee LLP, Beale & Co, Rimkus, HKA, and ICLA Board members, among others.

For practitioners working at the intersection of construction, law, and major project delivery, it’s an important two days in Dublin — and a timely one, given the scale of infrastructure ambition currently being set out across the State.

Early bird tickets close 30 April. Details and registration via ICLA: https://icl-assoc.com/icla-2026-conference-dublin-ireland/

INTERNATIONAL

Groundworks contractor Mackoy Limited has filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator. The Hampshire based firm is one of the biggest groundworks specialists in the South of England focused on infrastructure for housing and commercial schemes. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/04/28/groundworks-firm-mackoy-files-administration-notice/

Sunday Property Round-Up 3rd May 2026