Sunday Property Round-Up 7th June 2026 

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

The latest Sunday Irish Independent/Ireland Thinks poll confirms that housing is once again the biggest issue in voters’ minds on 49%, up four points.

 An international capital trend is emerging, with €5 billion of new private capital available for housing delivery through Greystar (International), Kennedy Wilson and APG, and IPUT Real Estate Dublin (partly domestic).

Another potential trend (based on my LinkedIn and text messages this week) started in Carlow this month where a homebuilder switched half of the homes in a new social housing estate to private market at the last minute. Homebuilders I spoke to this week indicated this is a regional strategy for the first time in over a decade.

This coincides with the opening up of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) screening rules for review. We need developers and homebuilders nationwide need to speak up and share their experiences trying to deliver on the ground. For that reason, the Property District team has put together a comprehensive piece on what’s changing, why it matters for delivery, and how to make a submission that lands.

 It was a good development week for both Cork and particularly for Limerick, which is seeing increased activity – notwithstanding Limerick Chamber’s call to address huge housing deficit – including an update on Opera Square, and a modular building exemplar in education.

📍 Well done to all at the Comhar Caomhán, together with Údarás na Gaeltachta and The Commissioners of Irish Lights, on an important first step in the development of Inis Oírr Lighthouse, ensuring its future, for the benefit of the island community. On a personal note, it was great to climb the lighthouse tower for the first time, and to explore the Keepers’ dwellings. This is a special piece of heritage for the island. Also, thanks to the team at Áras Éanna for hosting the community afterwards in this super facility.

A working landscape (or taskscape) stays alive BECAUSE people are doing things in it – and securing Inis Oírr’s lighthouse for the island community, rather than embalming it as a monument to the past, is exactly the livelihood approach rural and coastal Ireland needs.

👏 While on the island, I got to see the great work by Ward and Burke on the new pier, which is such a critical piece of infrastructure for the island, and from the top of the lighthouse, I could see the ESB Networks team working away (zoom in on the image that you think is just stone walls!)  – although water is the most urgent issue for islanders right now…

🎓 Finally, well done to BAM UK & Ireland on their digital twin that helped the world’s largest Passivhaus school exceed energy targets!

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE 

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

• Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll: Housing is once again the biggest issue in voters’ minds on 49pc, up four points https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/sunday-independentireland-thinks-poll-by-election-boost-for-soc-dems-and-fine-gael-as-support-for-mary-lou-mcdonald-drops/a/155660229.html

• Increased cost of raw materials is the most significant issue facing construction companies, an industry survey has found, while disruption to supply chains is now the most widespread concern. https://www.independent.ie/business/irish-business/construction-industry-federation-survey-finds-94pc-of-firms-hit-by-raw-material-price-hikes-in-first-quarter/a/154842039.html

• Hidden Killer on Site as All-Island Silica Dust Inspection Campaign Begins: HSA and HSENI launch summer enforcement drive targeting exposure risks linked to lung disease, cancer and premature death

Hidden Killer on Site as All-Island Silica Dust Inspection Campaign Begins

• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) screening rules are open for review, homebuilders nationwide need to speak up: Here’s what’s changing, why it matters for delivery, and how to make a submission that lands https://propertydistrict.ie/?p=20769

• BAM digital twin helps world’s largest Passivhaus school exceed energy targets – Construction Management https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/bam-digital-twin-worlds-largest-passivhaus-school-dunfermline/

• GALWAY Ring Road Legal Challenge Creates Fresh Uncertainty for Regional Transport Strategy – Judicial review proceedings filed as Government-backed project remains central to Galway’s 20-year transport and development plans

Galway Ring Road Legal Challenge Creates Fresh Uncertainty for Regional Transport Strategy

• Greystar raises €2.7bn for Europe’s largest residential property fund with major Irish housing investments – Global rental housing giant includes Ireland among its priority markets as new fund targets build-to-rent and student accommodation opportunities across Europe. https://irishrealestate.news/greystar-raises-e2-7bn-for-europes-largest-residential-property-fund-with-major-irish-housing-investments/ 

• BREAKING: €2bn housing joint venture to deliver 3,400 rental homes as construction starts on 700 Dublin units: Kennedy Wilson and APG form major residential platform with immediate commencement of works at Player Wills and a further 1,500 homes scheduled to enter construction in 2027 https://breakingground.news/e2bn-housing-joint-venture-to-deliver-3400-rental-homes-as-construction-starts-on-700-dublin-units/

• IPUT secures €300m refinancing package as it extends debt maturity profile and growth capacity – New revolving credit facilities from Bank of Ireland, ABN AMRO and ING increase financial flexibility, maintain low funding costs and support future development and flexible workspace expansion https://irishrealestate.news/iput-secures-e300m-refinancing-package-as-it-extends-debt-maturity-profile-and-growth-capacity/

• Former bankers Boucher and Burrows back probate financing venture https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/former-bankers-boucher-and-burrows-back-probate-financing-venture-3dc9s5625

• Equity investors in Elkstone Cork property to be wiped out https://www.businesspost.ie/property/equity-investors-in-elkstone-cork-property-to-be-wiped-out/

• Lidl claims planning system is being exploited by rival: Supermarket chain wants measures similar to fast-tracking of large infrastructure projects https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/06/04/planning-system-is-being-exploited-for-anticompetitive-purposes-lidl-warns-government/

• Cork County Council has approved the national forecaster’s plans to build a new weather radar outside Cork’s largest and fastest-growing town. The 30m-tall structure will be built in a forested area about a 10-minute drive from Carrigaline https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/met-eireann-granted-planning-corks-34059493#

• Sex-for-rent demands in Ireland: ‘You can sleep with me or I’m not going to help you’: Maria’s story is a snapshot of the situations many international students, migrants and women face in the State’s ‘precarious’ housing market https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/06/06/sex-for-rent-demands-in-irelands-housing-crisis-you-can-sleep-with-me-or-im-not-going-to-help-you/

• Twenty-nine houses built without planning permission must be removed, High Court rules: Judge notes ‘unbelievable chutzpah’ of developers who ignored warning letters and intensified construction at south Dublin site  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/06/04/twenty-nine-houses-built-without-planning-permission-must-be-removed-high-court-rules/

• With the Derelict Sites Register now containing over 80 properties, The Kerryman has compiled the full list of the sites, with a short description and any background details of each — starting with Tralee: https://www.independent.ie/county/kerry/revealed-kerry-towns-derelict-sites-on-council-purchase-list/a/155378161.html

•  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/ 

• PICTURED:Mapped: Where Foreign Investment Is Flowing in Europe https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-foreign-investment-flowing-in-europe/

•  First look: Cúan Greene’s hotly anticipated high-end restaurant and guest house in Co Laois — With funding from Stripe co-founder John Collison, among others, Ómós will open in July following careful restoration of a Victorian house outside Abbeyleix https://www.irishtimes.com/food/2026/06/05/first-look-cuan-greenes-hotly-anticipated-high-end-restaurant-and-guest-house-in-co-la

WHAT I AM READING (RE-READING!) THIS WEEK

I picked up this book on Inishbofin last year and the author’s approach to ‘taskscapes’ makes so much sense in the context of understanding how decades of successive government policies have gotten it so wrong about rural and coastal Ireland. You can read my thinking upon first reading here: ‘Island Futures, Taskscapes and Rural Policy: What Ireland’s Offshore Places Teach Us About Viability Beyond Resilience’: https://caroltallon.com/island-futures-taskscapes-and-rural-policy/

And while it’s good to have the academic rigor applied to the argument in favour of people living and working within a landscape, the BurrenLIFE project demonstrated this on the ground – literally. This project – which went on to become an EU exemplar used to guide future rural innovation partnerships – demonstrated that farming plays a vital role in maintaining the Burren. The diversity and biodiversity of this landscape cannot be managed in isolation from the farmers. In fact, reduced farming activity over decades had led to the slow degradation of priority habitats through under-grazing, abandonment and the loss of land management traditions, namely, Winterage (https://caroltallon.com/walking-the-cattle-home-2025-burren-winterage-and-irelands-living-heritage/), which has now been added to a UNESCO inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage celebrating living cultural heritage practices in Ireland.

The key rule on environmental protection is that when we know better, we do better. So land management now involves implementing such practices as new feeding systems, redeployment of existing livestock, and targeted scrub removal. 

Why is this relevant?

With new rules on rural living promised this summer, there has been an outcry from well-intentioned environmentalists. What the land tells us is that a place stays alive because people are doing things in it. The taskscape – the daily round of work and activity – is the place. Take away the activity and you don’t preserve the place; you embalm it. And only what is dead should be embalmed.

Rural and coastal Ireland has always been a working landscape. The stone walls, the field patterns, the harbours, the boreens, the turf banks – none of these are scenery. They are the physical residue of generations of tasks: farming, fishing, cutting, building, repairing, walking the same routes at the same times of year. The character tourists – and tourism policymakers – prize was produced by people living and working there, in rhythm with tides, seasons, and weather. 

The look of the place is downstream of the life of the place.

Current planning policy often gets this backwards. It treats the landscape as a finished object to be protected – fix the view, restrict the building, limit the activity. But preservation by not allowing life is a contradiction. When you stop young families from building a home near where they grew up, when you make it unviable to fish or farm at small scale, when you zone working harbours for amenity rather than work, you don’t freeze the place in its admired state. You remove the very tasks that made it that way. The walls stop being mended. The land goes to scrub or to holiday lets. The school closes. The taskscape thins out, and within a generation the “preserved” landscape is a hollowed-out one – visually declining, and functionally dead. A village of empty second homes has the fabric but none of the rhythm.

The livelihood approach is to protect the place by protecting the conditions for living in it. That means treating housing for local people, viable small-scale farming and fishing, working harbours, and rural enterprise not as threats to the landscape but as the things that sustain it. A home built and lived in keeps a family in the parish, keeps the activity going, keeps the taskscape intact. The goal is continuity of dwelling, not suspension of it.

Experience shows that a working landscape cannot be conserved by stopping the work. The most genuine form of preservation is to keep the place inhabited and active – to let the taskscape carry on. Landscapes are constituted through ongoing human dwelling and activity rather than existing as static objects, so policy that allows life is policy that actually protects what people say they want to protect.

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.

• Will grants worth up to €135,000 to renovate above-the-shop properties increase housing supply? https://www.independent.ie/business/money/will-grants-worth-up-to-135000-to-renovate-above-the-shop-properties-increase-housing-supply/a/155057084.html

• PICTURED: Galway unveils Ireland’s first library buses https://www.independent.ie/county/galway/galway-unveils-irelands-first-library-buses/a/153969357.html

• Draft Galway Wastewater Strategy Open for Public Consultation: Uisce Éireann | Public consultation open from 28 May 2026 to 23 July 2026

Draft Galway Wastewater Strategy Open for Public Consultation

• Kilkenny City 60-acre site to be location for significant housing development: public information session outlining the Draft Masterplan for St Canice’s Campus will be held in the Medieval Mile Museum on Wednesday, June 10 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm  https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/kilkenny-city-60-acre-site-to-be-location-for-significant-housing-development-8661416

• Laois ‘parklet’ replaces two parking spaces in Portlaoise town centre https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/eco-live/laois-parklet-replaces-two-parking-spaces-in-portlaoise-town-centre-8657024

• Meath: Planning application for the rejuvenation of Johnstown Village to be lodged https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2026/05/31/planning-application-for-the-rejuvenation-of-johnstown-village-to-be-lodged/#

• Community group in Leitrim opposing large windfarm calls public meeting as planning permission lodged  https://www.independent.ie/county/leitrim/community-group-in-leitrim-opposing-large-windfarm-calls-public-meeting-as-planning-permission-lodged/a/155059425.html

• Mayo County Council is hoping to progress four or five serviced sites in Mayo Abbey with a view towards a larger scheme in the future https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/council-to-develop-serviced-sites-in-mayo-village_arid-99871.html

• SHANNON town “needs a makeover” so far as its landscaping is concerned with “impactful” designs to be finalised. https://www.clareecho.ie/impactful-landscaping-under-consideration-for-shannon-makeover/

• Kerry residents say a campervan park, less traffic and more development would improve Listowel https://www.independent.ie/county/kerry/kerry-residents-say-a-campervan-park-less-traffic-and-more-development-would-improve-listowel/a/153714280.html

• Trees and greenery can cool cities by as much as 18°C – but only if they’re the right type https://theconversation.com/trees-and-greenery-can-cool-cities-by-as-much-as-18-c-but-only-if-theyre-the-right-type-283071

Rural, Coastal & Islands

• Planning refusal for west Mayo house overturned by An Coimisiún Pleanála:  An Coimisiún Pleanála find that Westport man has social links to Rosbeg to allow him to build home beside siblings https://www.mayonews.ie/news/planning-refusal-for-west-mayo-house-overturned-by-an-coimisiun-pleanala-8659242

• World Ocean Week: Regenerative tourism making a splash in Kerry — “Ireland really is the gold standard for marine tourism and wildlife watching opportunities in places like Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara and the Skellig Coast” https://www.irishexaminer.com/special-reports/arid-41855439.html

• ERRIS: Geesala Post Office in North Mayo will close permanently at the end of the month after An Post failed to find a replacement for the outgoing postmaster https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/end-of-an-era-as-mayo-village-post-office-set-to-close_arid-100280.html

• The European Commission is taking Ireland to Europe’s highest court over peat cutting https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22618804/

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CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news 

•  Builders wait on State to seek bids for infrastructure projects: More detail needed on €270bn plan, says industry chief https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/06/03/builders-wait-on-state-to-seek-bids-for-infrastructure-projects/

• Construction Begins on 193-Home Golding Green Development in Kinsealy: A-rated scheme to deliver 193 affordable and social homes as LDA expands north Dublin housing pipeline https://breakingground.news/construction-begins-on-193-home-golding-green-development-in-kinsealy/

• Green light for almost 200 homes at former Woodies site in Tallaght https://www.independent.ie/county/dublin/green-light-for-almost-200-homes-at-former-woodies-site-in-tallaght/a/155025044.html

• Alan Healy: The construction cranes are back, but who is funding them — Cranes fill Irish skies for new housing, signaling economic recovery, but the apartment market is broken, relying on State subsidies to meet critical demand. https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41856864.html

• Green light for 450 Cork homes in major urban expansion zone: Cork County Council has approved plans for 452 Midleton homes, comprising 219 houses and 233 apartments  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41855538.html

• LDA secures Cork Docklands site with potential for 300 affordable homes: 2.08-hectare Monahan Road site transferred from BnM to the Land Development Agency as Cork Docklands housing pipeline continues to expand with almost 1,400 LDA homes already planned or under constructionhttps://breakingground.news/lda-secures-cork-docklands-site-with-potential-for-300-affordable-homes/

• major student accommodation complex proposed by BAM for Sullivan’s Quay in Cork City faces delays after the developer successfully applied for more time to comply with planners’ requests for further information. https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41856465.html

• Appeal against significant housing development in Renmore | Last month, city planners gave the green light for more than 80 apartments and townhouses in Murrough. This project led by Graphite Fusion is for at a site in Murrough, fronting onto Gleann Rua Road. https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/appeal-against-significant-housing-development-in-renmore-222786

• Fit-out contract awarded for Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe / Galway City Council’s new Crown Square civic offices: Flynn Management and Contractors appointed to deliver fit-out works as council prepares for staff relocation to Mervue facility in Q4 2026 https://breakingground.news/fit-out-contract-awarded-for-galway-city-councils-new-crown-square-civic-offices/

• Three-storey apartment block next to the Crown Square development in Galway city has been given final approval following an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála. In December 2025, Galway City Council approved plans for 36 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments on lands at the Glasshouse Commercial Site on the Monivea Road. The application was submitted to the local authority by Green Way Estates (Leitrim) Limited. https://www.independent.ie/county/galway/final-green-light-for-36-apartment-block-near-galway-citys-crown-square-development/a/155208258.html

• New Galway 30-home development proposed near planned Lidl store in Loughrea  https://www.independent.ie/county/galway/new-galway-housing-development-proposed-near-planned-lidl-store/a/155057496.html

• LIMERICK: OPW issues update on progress of Opera Square landmark building: 14-storey building has reached Level 8 and exceeded 40 metres in height six weeks after core construction began, completion expected by 2029 https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/opw-issues-update-on-progress-of-opera-square-landmark-building/

• 750-Unit Plassey Way Scheme Lodged as Developer Targets Mixed-Tenure Housing for 1,000 Residents in Limerick: Planning application includes 200 apartments, 50 houses and 540 student bedspaces, with private, affordable, cost-rental, social and student accommodation proposed on a strategic city site https://breakingground.news/750-unit-plassey-way-scheme-lodged-as-developer-targets-mixed-tenure-housing-for-1000-residents-in-limerick/ 

• Kirkland Investments Limited has lodged an LRD planning application with Limerick City and County Council for 403 homes on the long-vacant ‘Parkway Valley’ site on the Dublin Road in Singland https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/more-than-400-apartments-planned-for-parkway-valley-site/

• MODULAR: Limerick school opens multi-million euro “Lego” style modular extension: The rapid construction method saw the main shell of the building erected in under one month, minimising disruption to the school’s 460 pupils. https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/limerick-school-opens-multi-million-euro-lego-style-modular-extension/

•  LIMERICK Nearly 6,000 Homes Short of Need as Limerick Chamber Calls for Urgent Development Plan Changes – Business group warns current housing pipeline will fail to meet workforce demand and risks undermining economic growth across the region https://ipropertyradio.com/limerick-nearly-6000-homes-short-of-need-as-chamber-calls-for-urgent-development-plan-changes/

• Two newly completed Limerick buildings nominated for architecture award https://www.limerickpost.ie/2026/06/05/two-newly-completed-limerick-buildings-nominated-for-architecture-award/

• New plans lodged to restore derelict Waterford hotel to its former glory: Frisby Homes want to turn former Grand Hotel building in Tramore into aparthotel  https://www.independent.ie/county/waterford/new-plans-lodged-to-restore-derelict-waterford-hotel-to-its-former-glory/a/153981380.html

• Permission granted for major redevelopment of Waterford car showroom https://www.waterfordlive.ie/news/permission-granted-for-major-redevelopment-of-waterford-car-showroom-8647754

• Ormonde Homes (Bolton Woods) Limited have lodged plans for a 97 unit residential development and crèche in Callan to Kilkenny County Council https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/callan/plans-for-97-residential-units-and-creche-in-rural-town-in-kilkenny-8660132

• Appeal launched over planning permission for 27 Wicklow homes https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/appeal-launched-over-planning-permisison-for-27-wicklow-homes/a/153147896.html

• North Wicklow: Developers Dwyer Nolan have submitted fresh plans for 53 homes at Lott Lane, just to the east of Kilcoole https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/developer-submits-revised-plans-for-53-homes-in-north-wicklow-village-after-appeal-setback/a/152187793.html

• New Wexford town apartment complex will be ‘fully accessible’ and ‘suitable for older residents’ https://www.independent.ie/county/wexford/new-wexford-town-apartment-complex-will-be-fully-accessible-and-suitable-for-older-residents/a/153960682.html#

• PICTURED: Freedom of Roscommon ‘a deeply humbling honour’ for Sean Mulryan: “Roscommon is not just where I come from – it is home, and it will always be home. The values, work ethic and sense of community I learned here have shaped every part of my life and have guided me throughout my journey in business and beyond.”   https://www.roscommonherald.ie/news/freedom-of-roscommon-a-deeply-humbling-honour-for-sean-mulryan_arid-100221.html

• Council officials in Westmeath and Roscommon have jointly written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin urging the Government to make “an explicit choice” to row in behind developer Sean Mulryan’s ambitious green city plan for Athlone https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2026/06/05/taoiseach-must-make-a-clear-choice-to-back-athlone-city-plan/#

• Future of Leitrim project in question as near €1M property hits market: Site with the potential for a 72 Bed hostel to be built on it has gone on sale in Carrick-on-Shannon https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/property-0/future-of-major-leitrim-development-in-question-as-property-hits-market-8656138

• €13.5m deal to purchase 40 houses in Castlerea has been agreed by Roscommon County Council in a move aimed at boosting its social housing stock https://www.roscommonherald.ie/news/roscommon-county-council-buys-40-homes-currently-under-construction-for-13-5m_arid-100727.html

• Major jobs boost on the cards as Westmeath environmental giant given green light to develop state of the art research and development facility https://www.independent.ie/county/westmeath/major-jobs-boost-on-the-cards-as-westmeath-environmental-giant-given-green-light-to-develop-state-of-the-art-research-and-development-facility/a/154762191.html

• New plan to build houses behind former Laois post office undergoing renovation: New houses for older people are planned behind a vacant Main Street post office in Laois that is being turned into a restaurant. https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/portarlington/new-plan-to-build-houses-behind-former-laois-post-office-undergoing-renovation-8653887

• 99 new homes in Dundalk given go ahead by An Bord Coimisiún: Lajona Limited applied in June 2025, for planning permission for the development on a site of 3.26 hectares, in the townland of Lisdoo at, Armagh Road https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/dundalk-town/99-new-homes-in-dundalk-given-go-ahead-by-an-bord-coimisiun-8659625

• Mayo County Council granted planning permission for a 59-unit housing development in Castlebar after concerns regarding the number of units and potential flooding were addressed by the developer. Planning permission was granted to MGB Land Holdings Ltd to construct a housing development at Garryduff Park West, Snugborough https://www.mayonews.ie/news/planning-granted-for-59-unit-housing-development-in-castlebar-8661187

• Mayo Co Council has granted permission for a 68-home development in Castlebar despite some local concerns. The development at Garryduff Park West is being undertaken by MGB Land Holdings Limited and will consist of eight semi-detached, 14 duplex and 46 terraced homes of a mix of one, two, three and four-beds. The site forms part of an overall masterplan development consisting of three sites. It will also include a vehicular and pedestrian/cycle access point to Garryduff Park (also facilitating other/future phases of housing subject to separate planning applications). https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/green-light-for-68-home-estate-in-mayo_arid-100659.html

• Record number of new home completions in Tipperary | 56% increase in new dwelling completions from 116 homes in Q1 2025, to 181 new homes in Q1 2026. This represents the highest number of Q1 completions in Tipperary since the series began in 2011 https://www.nenaghguardian.ie/2026/06/02/record-number-of-new-home-completions-in-tipperary/

• Green light for 42-house estate in West Clare town: Led by Keogh Homes Limited, an area between Cappagh Road and Soldiers Hill in Kilrush will be transformed into a new housing estate. https://www.independent.ie/county/clare/green-light-for-42-house-estate-in-west-clare-town/a/154798053.html

• Data centre off-site manufacturing an opportunity for Northern Ireland https://www.enlit.world/library/data-centre-off-site-manufacturing-an-opportunity-for-northern-ireland

• Housebuilder D/Res sees profits jump to €2.8m https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/housebuilder-d-res-sees-profits-jump-to-e2-8m/

• COWI acquires Irish engineering consultancy PUNCH Consulting Engineers as infrastructure investment pipeline grows: Limerick-founded firm with six offices joins global engineering group to target offshore wind, energy and major infrastructure projects https://breakingground.news/cowi-acquires-irish-engineering-consultancy-punch-as-infrastructure-investment-pipeline-grows/ 

• BAM UK & Ireland secures first contract under new ASTI Framework for delivery of greens substation – Industry News https://premierconstructionnews.com/2026/06/01/bam-uk-ireland-secures-first-contract-under-new-asti-framework-for-delivery-of-greens-substation/

• UK: Tender prices are up – and history says they won’t come back down: Stewart Macleod is market director for buildings and places, UK and Ireland, at AtkinsRéalis https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/supply-chain/tender-prices-are-up-and-history-says-they-wont-come-back-down-01-06-2026/

• World’s first tower crane 3D printer can build concrete high-rise up to 328 feet tall: The construction printer has a working radius of up to 148 feet. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/worlds-first-tower-crane-3d-printer

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/

• PICTURED: Ireland hosts CIOB graduate ceremony – Construction Management https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/ireland-hosts-ciob-graduate-ceremony/

• New Quantity Surveying apprenticeships have been launched at Atlantic Technological University in Sligo. The new programmes offer Levels 6, 7 and 8 qualifications, creating a full pathway into the profession. https://www.oceanfm.ie/news/atu-sligo-launches-new-quantity-surveying-apprenticeships-1275533

• Sligo architect student at UL receives award for his project on Limerick’s Old Dominick Street https://www.independent.ie/county/sligo/sligo-architect-student-at-ul-receives-award-for-his-project-on-limericks-old-dominick-street/a/154785900.html

• Wexford student lands national construction award for skills that will ‘set him apart’ in rise of AI in the workplace https://www.independent.ie/county/wexford/wexford-student-lands-national-construction-award-for-skills-that-will-set-him-apart-in-rise-of-ai-in-the-workplace/a/153132782.html

• Fine Grain Property targets major expansion as Darragh Lennon appointed CEO – Irish real estate investment platform aims to more than double assets under management within three years  https://irishrealestate.news/fine-grain-property-targets-major-expansion-as-darragh-lennon-appointed-ceo/

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 

• Twice as hard to afford a home in Dublin as Belfast, new CSO data shows: Report comparing economies North and South shows greater earnings mean taxes on income are higher in the Republic https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2026/06/03/twice-as-hard-to-afford-a-home-in-dublin-as-belfast-new-cso-data-shows/

• PICTURED: Rathmines residential rental investment at €8.5m offers buyer 4.91% net initial yield: Twenty-four apartments at Pavilion View in Rathmines are fully let and generate annual rental income of €436,000 https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/06/03/dublin-6-residential-rental-investment-at-85m-offers-buyer-491-net-initial-yield/

• Five homes on view this week in Dublin and Wicklow from €325,000: New to the market in Ranelagh, Santry, the Tenters, Dún Laoghaire and Greystones https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/06/04/five-homes-on-view-this-week-in-dublin-and-wicklow-from-325000/

• What will €525,000 buy in Greystones and Co Louth?Two homes, one price: a four-bed cottage on the Cooley Peninsula or a three-bed end-of-terrace in Charlesland Park https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/06/02/what-will-525000-buy-in-greystones-and-co-louth/

• 4 of a Kind: Waterside properties across Ireland — This week, we visit Dublin, Waterford and Tipperary. https://www.thejournal.ie/dublin-waterford-and-tipperary-house-for-sale-7056821-Jun2026/

• ESTIMATED €8m worth of property will go under the hammer in a massive auction in the Woodlands House Hotel on Wednesday, July 1, to celebrate GVM’s 40th anniversary of opening up a Limerick city office.  https://www.limerickleader.ie/property-0/over-eu8m-worth-of-property-to-go-under-the-hammer-at-special-auction-8656626

• Grainne Rothery’s pick of the week — A stunning lodge on 14 acres for €1.5 million https://www.thetimes.com/article/95699052-d36f-4912-985b-048b3a268810?shareToken=0e0cc9323ef0cb635effc3ceb94ddf75

• Restoring a Victorian house in Cork city with space for three families: Sympathetic restoration of Annamount, off Summerhill North, is as a model that may bring people back to https://www.irishtimes.com/property/interiors/2026/06/07/restoring-a-victorian-house-in-cork-city-with-space-for-three-families/

*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

• Two-, three- and four-bed homes for sale at new development in Kilternan: A total of 23 houses are being released in the first phase of Durkan’s latest scheme in south Dublin https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/06/04/two-three-and-four-bed-homes-come-for-sale-at-new-development-in-kilternan/

Commercial 

• Harvey brings three industrial units to the market https://www.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/harvey-brings-three-industrial-units-to-the-market/a/155028460.html

• Head of Liverpool retail complex hired to run Blanchardstown shopping centre: Falcon AM to confirm it has appointed Iain Finlayson as centre director in Blanchardstown https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/06/05/head-of-liverpool-retail-complex-hired-to-run-blanchardstown-shopping-centre/

• Chance to turn a corner on South Mall at up-for-rent No 88, available for €40k pa: The four storey premises was previously home to estate agents Cohalan Downing https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41856468.html

• Holiday complex with private pier and beach on market for €3.5m https://www.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/holiday-complex-with-private-pier-and-beach-on-market-for-3.5m/a/155028288.html

• Sale of Lenaboy Castle on Taylor’s Hill could be in the pipeline after Galway City Council confirmed that interest from an outside party is being considered. https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/potential-sale-of-lenaboy-castle-under-examination-8656227

• Planning sought for new health and medical centre in Waterford city https://www.independent.ie/county/waterford/planning-sought-for-new-health-and-medical-centre-in-waterford-city/a/153998723.html

• Retail unit in thriving town centre location in Co Wicklow is on the market https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/retail-unit-in-thriving-town-centre-location-in-co-wicklow-is-on-the-market/a/153146056.html

• New Bray listings underline strength of Wicklow’s commercial property market https://www.independent.ie/county/wicklow/new-bray-listings-underline-strength-of-wicklows-commercial-property-market/a/153544443.html

• Rosslare hotel at the centre of IPAS controversy is now ‘bordering on being derelict’ as site lays empty for over two years https://www.independent.ie/county/wexford/rosslare-hotel-at-the-centre-of-ipas-controversy-is-now-bordering-on-being-derelict-as-site-lays-empty-for-over-two-years/a/155217362.html

• Well-known Carlow hotel and leisure club for sale seeking €7.5m: Four-star Seven Oaks Hotel has 89 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 500 delegates in conference facility https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/06/03/well-known-carlow-hotel-and-leisure-club-for-sale-seeking-75m/

• PICTURED: Doogue’s Bar, located in the village of Raheen near Abbeyleix, is being offered for sale complete with its full pub licence https://www.irishcentral.com/dream-homes/330sqm-laois-pub-market-tempting-asking-price.amp

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/ 

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INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY

• Plan for major hydro-electric power plant in Tipperary that could power 185,000 homes https://www.independent.ie/county/tipperary/plan-for-major-hydro-electric-power-plant-in-tipperary-that-could-power-185000-homes/a/153714103.html#

• Plans lodged for north Dublin power plant near M50: Kilshane Energy seeks permission for ‘flexible peaking plant’ to provide ‘reliable source of backup generation’ https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/06/02/plans-lodged-for-north-dublin-power-plant/

• Planning application for Mallow relief road could be submitted this year: An Oireachtas transport committee meeting at Dáil Éireann last week heard that the delivery of the Mallow relief road remains a firm priority for TII https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41854557.html

• Hope of breakthrough by July for long-stalled Galway wastewater scheme  https://www.independent.ie/county/galway/hope-of-breakthrough-by-july-for-long-stalled-galway-wastewater-scheme/a/153177055.html

• FLOOD MITIGATION: €33,710 approved for flood mitigation survey at Carna housing estate: Funding for Bruach na Mara estate brings Galway County Council’s total approvals under OPW scheme to 256 projects https://breakingground.news/e33710-approved-for-flood-mitigation-survey-at-carna-housing-estate/

• Upgrade works to Tralee’s water infrastructure are expected to start next week. Uisce Éireann will replace almost 5km of ageing water mains, beginning at Oakpark Road, progressing to the R556, before finishing at Racecourse Road https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/upgrade-works-to-tralees-water-infrastructure-expected-to-start-next-week-486547

• ESB reveals plans for new €15m upgrade in Athlone https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2026/06/05/esb-reveals-plans-for-new-e15m-upgrade-in-athlone/#

• Data Centre campus at Rochfortbridge has been given the go ahead by the Westmeath County Council https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2026/06/03/rochfortbridge-data-centre-approved/#

• Everything you need to know about AWS in Ireland: Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched its first infrastructure Region outside of the US in Ireland nearly ten years ago, in November 2007 https://www.aboutamazon.eu/news/aws/everything-you-need-to-know-about-aws-in-ireland

• EU plans energy standards for data centres amid concerns over soaring power use: EU data centre capacity is expected to more than double in the coming years https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/06/03/eu-plans-energy-standards-for-data-centres-amid-concerns-over-soaring-power-use/

• The Irish Times view on the Government’s data centre argument: how not to make the case: The figures earnestly recited by Minister for Finance Simon Harris deserve scrutiny https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2026/06/03/the-irish-times-view-on-the-governments-data-centre-argument-how-not-to-make-the-case/

• High Court green light for €1.6bn Ennis data centre as leave to appeal is refused: Not in public interest that an appeal be launched on the basis of a tendentious mischaracterisation of the trial judgment, judge says https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/06/04/high-court-green-light-for-16bn-ennis-data-centre-as-leave-to-appeal-is-refused/

INTERNATIONAL

• Why it’s time to end Britain’s house price delusion; Homeowners who still think they will make huge profits on their house sale are not grasping the reality of the market https://www.thetimes.com/money/mortgages/article/britain-house-price-delusion-market-profit-p8kk35vxt

• PICTURED: Modular tower specialist Tide Construction has finally secured building safety regulator approvals on several major schemes, releasing more than £500m of projects after Gateway 2 delays hit turnover last year. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/06/02/tide-unlocks-500m-of-projects-after-gateway-2-approvals/

• eXp UK has continued to expand its network of self-employed estate agents, with the business reporting that more than 1,000 agents have now joined the platform and further growth planned this year https://propertyindustryeye.com/hybrid-estate-agency-exp-uk-surpasses-1000-agent-milestone/

• Data Center Operators Are Trying to Fix Their Water Use Problems: Google, Microsoft, and other hyperscalers have come under scrutiny for their impact on water quality and availability. https://www.wired.com/story/data-center-operators-fix-water-use-problems/