Sunday Property Round-Up 8th March 2026

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

9,089 new-build social homes were delivered in 2025, a 16% increase (1,256 homes) compared with 2024.

The housing crisis is not unique to Ireland. On this week’s Property Round-Up on iProperty Radio, I spoke with Matthew Baldwin, Head of the European Commission’s Housing Task Force, about the EU’s response to the affordability crisis. The Commission’s Affordable Housing Plan focuses on four pillar priorities: supply, investment, reform and protection for vulnerable households. As Baldwin noted during our discussion, average figures hide the sharper pressures facing cities and newer rental markets.

Infrastructure constraints continue to dominate. New regulations allowing developers to deliver wastewater infrastructure are intended to unlock housing in towns and villages where treatment capacity has stalled development. Planning and judicial review are also back in focus, following reports that Minister Jack Chambers examined potential restrictions on ‘no foal, no fee’ environmental cases.

More than 1,300 applications were submitted for just 56 cost-rental homes in Dublin, while in Limerick, 600 people attended a vacant property information night, reflecting growing desperation.

Today is International Women’s Day. Across the sector, organisations marked the occasion with events highlighting leadership and participation in the built environment. The John Paul team hosted Dr Norah Patten, the Mayo-born aeronautical engineer preparing to become the first person from Ireland to travel to space. The Construction Industry Federation also welcomed more than 650 industry professionals to its International Women’s Day gathering.

Meanwhile, congratulations to all recognised at the Business Post National Property Awards, which I was delighted to support this year as a returning judge.

Finally, this week’s edition is landing early as the iProperty Radio team travels to Cannes for MIPIM. The studio will be popping up there throughout the week. If you are attending and would like to connect, feel free to get in touch: hello@ipropertyradio.com

📧 All stories are covered in full within this week’s Sunday Property Round-Up on iProperty Radio, powered by Property District – now the largest weekly newsletter BY and FOR Ireland’s real estate and construction industry. If it’s not in your inbox yet, email carol@caroltallon.com to receive a copy.

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE

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

EU Housing Task Force sets out four pillars for tackling Europe’s affordability crisis: European Commission plan focuses on supply, investment, reform and protection for the most vulnerable

EU Housing Task Force Lead Sets Out Four Pillars for Tackling Europe’s Affordability Crisis

Number of people on the live register falls to 170,700: People aged 25-34 made up the largest number of those on the register, at 40,351 https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/03/06/two-hundred-people-came-off-the-live-register-in-february/

RECORD YEAR for social housing construction with more than 9,000 homes delivered: Local authority building programmes drive highest annual output of new social homes in the history of the State

Record year for social housing construction with more than 9,000 homes delivered

Developer-led wastewater scheme launched to unlock housing in towns and villages: New regulations allow developers to deliver wastewater infrastructure to accelerate housing supply https://breakingground.news/developer-led-wastewater-scheme-launched-to-unlock-housing-in-towns-and-villages/

Interesting that opposition has criticised the Land Development Agency for issuing 423 rent reviews to cost-rental tenants in last six months, given its mandate to best use State assets to be able to deliver more housing for thousands more people https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/03/06/land-development-agency-issued-423-rent-reviews-to-cost-rental-tenants-in-last-six-months/

“Modular is the way to go now” — Mayo Council is urged to put more focus on modular homes: Cllr Harry Barrett said that the council should run a pilot modular housing scheme instead of working with housing bodies and developers to build affordable homes https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/council-is-urged-to-put-more-focus-on-modular-homes_arid-89149.html

600 attend vacant property information night in Limerick https://www.limerickpost.ie/2026/03/07/limerick-in-photos-600-attend-vacant-property-information-night-in-limerick/

‘It’s very stressful, I’m pregnant and we thought we’d finally be in our home’ – prospective home buyers left in limbo: Developer blames ‘unreasonable’ Uisce Éireann over delays preventing prospective buyers moving into new homes in Dublin housing estate https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/its-very-stressful-im-pregnant-and-we-thought-wed-finally-be-in-our-home-prospective-home-buyers-left-in-limbo/a1369370086.html#

Jack Chambers suggested ban on ‘no foal, no fee’ environmental cases for judicial review: Minister for Public Expenditure sought ‘radical options’ to deal with judicial reviews of planning issues https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/03/02/chambers-suggested-restrictions-on-no-foal-no-fee-environmental-cases/

More than 1,300 applications received for 56 cost-rental homes in Dublin: Successful applicants will pay €1,547 per month for two-bed units allocated in first phase of Oscar Traynor Woods housing development https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/03/04/more-than-1300-applications-received-for-56-cost-rental-homes-in-dublin/

PLACE PARITY: Mayo, Wicklow and Leitrim recorded only one IDA Ireland-backed site visit by potential foreign direct investors in 2025, figures released by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/03/02/mayo-wicklow-and-leitrim-record-one-ida-backed-site-visit/

First-time buyers with Government grants now 50% of Cairn’s customer base: Dublin-listed homebuilder reports strong growth on back of exceptional demand https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/03/04/cairn-homes-to-ramp-up-output-by-35-as-profit-and-revenue-see-double-digit-bounces/

Sean Mulryan and Marian Finnegan among winners at Business Post National Property Awards https://www.businesspost.ie/property/sean-mulryan-and-marian-finnegan-among-winners-at-business-post-national-property-awards/

The Kerry man who runs one of the last rural grocery stores – ‘There’s been highs and lows’: John Pius Walsh has run his shop in Asdee for 50 years and opens seven days a week without fail https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/north-west-kerry-news/the-kerry-man-who-runs-one-of-the-last-rural-grocery-stores-theres-been-highs-and-lows/a1579942540.html

The billion-dollar infrastructure deals powering the AI boom | TechCrunch: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang estimated that between $3 trillion and $4 trillion will be spent on AI infrastructure by the end of the decade — with much of that money coming from AI companies. Along the way, they’re placing immense strain on power grids and pushing the industry’s building capacity to its limit. https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/28/billion-dollar-infrastructure-deals-ai-boom-data-centers-openai-oracle-nvidia-microsoft-google-meta/

PODCAST: EU Role in Supporting Affordable Housing

EU Housing Crisis, Supply Solutions and Why “Average Figures Mask Quite a Lot of Issues”

On the Property Round-Up on iProperty Radio this week, host Carol Tallon speaks to Matthew Baldwin, who – alongside Stefan Moser – leads the European Commission’s Housing Task Force.

The discussion explores how the European Commission is responding to the housing affordability crisis affecting Ireland and many other EU member states. Baldwin outlines the rationale behind the Commission’s Affordable Housing Plan and the work of the Housing Task Force, explaining how the EU is seeking to support member states while respecting national responsibility for housing policy. The conversation examines the four pillars of the plan – supply, investment, reforms and support for vulnerable households – and what they could mean for housing delivery across Europe.

The discussion also addresses the particular pressures facing Ireland, including rising rents, record homelessness figures and the challenge of scaling up housing supply while maintaining quality and sustainability.

This broad-reaching discussion also touches on MMC, regulatory simplification, investment models, vacant housing potential and the role of European collaboration in tackling housing supply constraints.

🎙️Listen back: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EyzgZSvR4hFk6umOWyDCv?si=af8a709436ff4667

📽️ Watch the interview in full: https://youtu.be/zzwJ_bdlGMQ

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

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026

JOHN PAUL: PATHS THAT HAVEN’T YET BEEN PAVED

The JOHN PAUL team marked International Women’s Day with a thoroughly inspiring event at their offices this week, welcoming Dr Norah Patten, the Mayo-born aeronautical engineer and bioastronautics researcher who is set to become the first person from Ireland to travel to space. As part of the upcoming IIAS-02 research mission with the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, Dr Patten will join an all-female crew of researchers on a Virgin Galactic Delta spacecraft, advancing microgravity research that will contribute to human health studies in space and on Earth. In her address, she spoke about the curiosity that drives scientific discovery, from conducting unusual microgravity experiments to testing new biosuits, while emphasising the importance of teamwork, collaboration and opening doors for the next generation of scientists and engineers. One of the highlights was a short animated film, narrated by a young girl who nominated Dr Patten as her hero, which was particularly powerful and brought home the real significance of visible role models. Huge thanks to the JOHN PAUL team for hosting such a thoughtful and energising event; it was certainly an unexpected way to mark the day and a reminder that when organisations create space for stories like this, they help expand what young people, particularly girls, believe is possible.

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FEDERATION

Guest-host Meabh Smith, Director of Communications with the Construction Industry Federation, interviewed industry leaders during the CIF’s International Women’s Day event at the Johnstown Estate in County Meath, where more than 650 industry professionals gathered to discuss the future of the sector.

Andrew Brownlee, CEO of the Construction Industry Federation: Watch back – https://youtu.be/q_O4nlMw2WI?si=cN6TXQfPCdw7Ila0

Anne Kinsella of Engineering Manager, Clonmel Enterprises: Watch back – https://youtu.be/lcrhLIdsnxo?si=WtBX8NXGzkR93SPn

Patsy Supple of Mavro and Incoming Chair of CIF Cork [to follow:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vn4kQvpi97pAaD3c5WnLAt9&si=U-usfQdSJyd39TdG]

Sarah Murphy, Pre‑Construction Manager with Carey Building Construction [to follow:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vn4kQvpi97pAaD3c5WnLAt9&si=U-usfQdSJyd39TdG]

🎙️ Listen back to all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QU2UipCdyYe4e154IzhKR?si=16c4894c78224cbe

📹 Watch all videos on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vn4kQvpi97pAaD3c5WnLAt9&si=U-usfQdSJyd39TdG

Produced by Katie Tallon MPRII

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.

Rules for building one-off rural homes will be relaxed by summer, says Housing Minister James Browne: New guidelines will be ‘mandatory’ for all local authorities in bid to preserve country communities https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/rules-for-building-one-off-rural-homes-will-be-relaxed-by-summer-says-housing-minister-james-browne/a1526500298.html#

[pictured] WHAT ACTUALLY MAKES A NEIGHBOURHOOD WORK? At theRoyal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) /Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage National Housing Conference in Sligo last week, DrProf. Husam AlWaer M.Arch, FRTPI, Ph.D, BREEAM AP, AoU, UDG of theUniversity of Dundee presented the 20-minute neighbourhood as something unexpectedly simple: the everyday services that allow people to live well locally. Homes alone do not create community. Schools, shops, health services, green space and mobility connections all need to come EARLY if local living is going to work. Planning and sequencing matters. One particularly interesting point was how this thinking can apply in RURAL areas through “networked villages” – connecting settlements so they can share services and strengthen social capital: https://caroltallon.com/dr-husam-alwaer-understanding-the-20-minute-neighbourhood/

Roscommon County Council has sought ‘further information’ on the planning application for a multi million redevelopment of Boyle’s Lough Key Forest Park https://www.boyletoday.com/further-information-sought-by-roscommon-co-co-in-relation-to-lough-key-masterplan/

Work to begin soon on major enhancement project for a number of Sligo city centre streets https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/work-to-begin-soon-on-major-enhancement-project-for-a-number-of-sligo-city-centre-streets/a274846463.html#

‘It’s a very ‘country’ kind of town, but it has everything’ – how did Gorey get such a glow? Community buzz, lots of blow-ins, attractions within easy reach and a surprising line in boutiques make Gorey a great place to live… and visit https://m.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/its-a-very-country-kind-of-town-but-it-has-everything-how-did-gorey-get-such-a-glow/a124254547.html#

Rural, Coastal & Islands

❓ Would you consider living on one of Ireland’s uninhabited islands? This is a serious question: ‘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/

Dark windows and empty promises: Rural Mayo is being lobbied out of existence https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2026/03/01/dark-windows-and-empty-promises-rural-mayo-is-being-lobbied-out-of-existence/#

Protesters demand action on housing in Gaeltacht areas: Demonstrators outside Leinster House said the housing crisis is having a disproportionate impact on Irish speaking areas https://www.waterford-news.ie/protesters-demand-action-on-housing-in-gaeltacht-areas_arid-89772.html

A ray of hope for Gaeltacht housing as Minister announces survey to measure actual need: Gaeltacht Minister Dara Calleary launched a survey to determine housing need in the Gaeltacht during a visit to the site of an innovative project in west Kerry. https://www.thejournal.ie/gaeltacht-minister-launches-survey-to-determine-housing-needs-6976468-Mar2026/

CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news

📍 Insights tool: You can get a more comprehensive view of weekly and/monthly planning activities at all stages through Property District’s Development Heat Map: https://propertydistrict.ie/development-heat-map/

RECORD 9,089 social homes built in 2025 as local authority programmes scale up – Government data shows strongest year for social housing construction since the foundation of the State, with Dublin authorities accounting for a significant share of delivery https://breakingground.news/record-9089-social-homes-built-in-2025-as-local-authority-programmes-scale-up/

Dublin City Council pauses Johnny Ronan redevelopment plan for docklands Citigroup building: Residents raise concerns about impact on daylight levels https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/03/06/dublin-city-council-pauses-johnny-ronan-redevelopment-plan-for-docklands-citigroup-building/

Park Developments to build new housing schemes after extending debt facility: Deal, which is an expansion of an existing arrangement, will see funding provided on a half and half basis by Bank of Ireland and AIB https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/03/06/park-developments-to-build-new-housing-schemes-after-extending-debt-facility/

Green light for O’Connell Street aparthotel alongside Clerys https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/green-light-for-oconnell-street-aparthotel-alongside-clerys/a301840379.html

Foxrock site with full planning for 21 new homes guiding €5.5m: Mart Lane property has approval for mixed development of duplexes and houses https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2026/03/04/foxrock-site-with-full-planning-for-21-new-homes-guiding-55m/

Plans lodged for 130 new homes at former Dell site in Ballincollig: A welcome housing boost for the town https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/plans-lodged-130-new-homes-33511220

Local authority to commence compulsory acquisition of Central Hotel site in Cork town https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/local-authority-to-commence-compulsory-acquisition-of-central-hotel-site-in-cork-town/a2107941045.html

Issues hindering development of housing in towns and villages in North Cork need to be resolved https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cork/news/issues-hindering-development-of-housing-in-towns-and-villages-in-north-cork-need-to-be-resolved/a661501616.html

Galway is leading the way nationally in the provision of dedicated accommodation for students – with one-third of all student apartments under construction in the country located in the city https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/galway-ahead-on-student-housing-5619720

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of 40 apartments in Knocknacarra, next to the junction of Clybaun Road and the Western Distributor Road https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/go-ahead-for-six-storey-galway-knocknacarra-apartments-5614372

Multi-million euro contract has been signed for the fitout of the new home of Galway City Council at Crown Square in Mervue https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/contract-signed-for-fitout-of-new-council-hq-at-crown-square-215386

Fourth attempt to build new apartment complex in Galway city https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/fourth-attempt-to-build-new-apartment-complex-in-galway-city/a1425794319.html

City planners have rejected proposals to demolish a building that forms part of the Seapoint Leisure complex in Salthill. https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/seapoint-refused-demolition-permission-5614415

Workshops geared towards turbo-charging student accommodation in Limerick: Colleges to hold talks with Limerick Council and Land Development Agency aimed at ramping up student housing

https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/limerick-live/2028627/workshops-geared-towards-turbo-charging-student-accommodation-in-limerick.html

University of Limerick in talks to develop student accommodation near its campus: Upper floors of Park Point complex in Castletroy identified for third-level tenants https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/property/2031453/university-of-limerick-in-talks-to-develop-student-accommodation-near-its-campus.html

212 home landmark development announced for Limerick https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/212-home-landmark-development-announced-for-limerick/

HRP Construction expressed its intention to apply to Limerick Council for planning permission for the construction of 48 new homes in Abbeyfeale https://www.limerickpost.ie/2026/03/08/hopes-for-50-new-homes-in-abbeyfeale/

Kenneally Murphy, Architectural, Engineering, and Planning Consultants, on behalf of C&K Collins Builders, expressed intent to apply to Limerick Council for planning permission for 32 new homes at Abbeyfeale West, Abbeyfeale, County Limerick https://www.limerickpost.ie/2026/03/01/expression-of-interest-for-over-30-new-homes-for-abbeyfeale/

German retail giant Aldi has been given the all-clear to build its sixth Waterford store, ahead of its old rival Lidl whose similar application for the area has been refused. https://m.independent.ie/regionals/waterford/news/aldi-gets-green-light-to-build-sixth-waterford-store/a2046524705.html#

Novo Nordisk invests €432m to expand Wegovy pill plant in Athlone https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41802650.html

Nearly 200 apartments get green light beside Canal in Kildare: Plans have been approved for a site at Parson Street, Maynooth, Co Kildare https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/kildare-live/2031991/nearly-200-apartments-get-green-light-beside-canal-in-kildare.html

Conditional planning permission granted for new housing development in county Carlow: The project’s planned for The Green, Templeowen on Abbey Street https://kclr96fm.com/conditional-planning-permission-granted-for-new-housing-development-in-county-carlow/

Minister visits site of new Dunamase College as planning permission granted for new school https://www.laoistoday.ie/2026/03/02/minister-visits-site-of-new-dunamase-college-as-planning-permission-granted-for-new-school/

SMALL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY: Historic town centre former retail business and home has been brought to the Wexford property market by agents Kehoe and Associates for €200,000, with full planning permission for two apartments. https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/historic-wexford-town-centre-property-goes-on-market-for-200000/a1566368041.html#

Plans underway for 67 new homes on outskirts of Dundalk: Mix of houses and apartments planned for Racecourse Road in Dundalk with application for planning permission lodged with Louth County Council https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/louth-live/2027831/plans-underway-for-67-new-homes-on-outskirts-of-dundalk.html

Ten detached dormer style dwellings are set to be developed in the Oldtown area on the outskirts of Cavan Town https://www.anglocelt.ie/2026/02/28/permission-granted-for-10-homes/#

Multi-million euro Cavan housing development hits brick wall as An Coimisiún Pleanála throw out plans on ecological, flood risk and basic building standard requirements https://m.independent.ie/regionals/cavan/news/multi-million-euro-cavan-housing-development-hits-brick-wall-as-an-coimisiun-pleanala-throw-out-plans-on-ecological-flood-risk-and-basic-building-standard-requirements/a1186737379.html#

Aldi appeal Council’s planning conditions for Boyle store as public show of support set to take place: Proposed Aldi store in Boyle now the subject of two appeals to An Coimisiún Pleanála https://m.independent.ie/regionals/roscommon/news/aldi-appeal-councils-planning-conditions-for-boyle-store-as-public-show-of-support-set-to-take-place/a1195950018.html#

Planning approved for housing development in south Mayo as surge in delivery continues https://m.independent.ie/regionals/mayo/news/planning-approved-for-housing-development-in-south-mayo-as-surge-in-delivery-continues/a2124182274.html#

Thurles Planning Alerts From Tipperary County Council https://www.thurles.info/2026/03/04/thurles-planning-alerts-from-tipperary-county-council-16/

Tipperary Co Council is going to tender for works aimed at bringing Nenagh’s nineteenth century gaol block back into public use. Council recently received a €500,000 grant for works on the three-story block https://www.nenaghguardian.ie/2026/03/02/tender-for-nenagh-gaol/

Over 1k-acres of Clare land to be proposed for residential usage in bid to accelerate housing delivery https://m.independent.ie/regionals/clare/news/over-1k-acres-of-clare-land-to-be-proposed-for-residential-usage-in-bid-to-accelerate-housing-delivery/a256042619.html#

Plans put forward for development of 24 houses on Clare-Limerick border https://m.independent.ie/regionals/clare/news/plans-put-forward-for-development-of-24-houses-on-clare-limerick-border/a1485191073.html#

Planning permission application has been submitted for the development of 38 residential properties in the outskirts of Ennis, in County Clare https://m.independent.ie/regionals/clare/news/development-of-38-homes-in-the-pipeline-for-clare-town/a2062199991.html#

Paddy McKillen jnr challenges bankruptcy move against him over alleged €2.1m debt: McKillen jnr denies debt and wants bankruptcy summons dismissed https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/03/02/paddy-mckillen-jnr-challenges-bankruptcy-move-against-him-over-alleged-21m-debt/

Cairn Homes reports revenue close to €1bn last year as it targets 6,000 new homes for 2027 https://m.independent.ie/business/cairn-homes-reports-revenue-close-to-1bn-last-year-as-it-targets-6000-new-homes-for-2027/a2087883284.html

Breedon Group has announced its acquisition of Booth Precast Products, a quarrying and concrete business in Co. Laois, following approval by the Competition Authority https://www.buildersmerchantsnews.co.uk/Breedon-acquires-Booth-Precast-Products/59621

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/

Women still just 11% of construction workforce as CIF calls for sustained leadership: Industry body says broadening talent pool is critical to meeting housing, infrastructure and climate targets https://breakingground.news/women-still-just-11-of-construction-workforce-as-cif-calls-for-sustained-leadership/

Kirby Group Engineering has announced the recipients of its third-level bursary awards for this year, as part of the company’s ongoing drive to promote diversity and inclusion in the engineering sector https://clareherald.com/news/education/clare-student-among-those-selected-for-engineering-bursary/

€160 million tender for education and training services collapses over ‘anomalies’: Temporary arrangements being put in place to ensure no disruption for students and trainees in further education https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2026/03/05/160-million-tender-for-education-and-training-services-collapses-over-anomalies/

Mace Group completes demerger and targets defence work boost: Mace Group’s separation from its consulting arm – which completed yesterday – could free it to move into defence sector work and become a top three UK contractor, according to chief executive Jason Millett https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contractors/mace/mace-completes-demerger-and-targets-defence-work-boost-06-03-2026/

PODCASTS

CIF Safety Campaign 2026 Podcast

Critical Risk – Hazardous Energy

In episode 2 of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Construction Safety Campaign 2026 podcast, Director of Safety, Education & Training, Sean Downey, joins Brian Kelly, Site Electrical Lead at SK Pharmteco, pharmaceutical manufacturer, on site at the Irish HQ in Swords to discuss the risks of working on hazardous energy and the mitigation measures that can be taken to deal with that.

🎙️Listen back: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BqYvhbc8dRG6rMBa6VqCv

📽️ Watch the interview in full: https://youtu.be/bVG8F75_QBs

Produced by Katie Tallon MPRII, iProperty Radio for CIF

Watch the entire series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vnhCbgSqe6T8TJTfB9mvD6C&si=ity7U_ANvSSyc0bU

REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential

Calls for more Govt funding to retrofit social homes https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0302/1560730-retrofit-social-housing/

RENTAL REFORM FALLOUT:

Selling investment property — what owners need to know: Mechanics of ending a residential tenancy in Ireland are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (2004), and are closely monitored by the RTB, writes rural solicitor Karen Walsh https://www.irishexaminer.com/farming/arid-41802707.html

‘This is really scary’: Wexford housing estate residents issued with 36 eviction notices: The notices, which affect about 100 people including children, were received on Friday https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2026/03/01/this-is-really-scary-wexford-housing-estate-residents-issued-with-36-eviction-notices/

MINISTER RESPONSE: ‘I won’t stand for it’ – Housing Minister vows to investigate as 36 homes in Wexford estate issued with eviction notices: Well-known property developer and his wife, an ex Irish hockey international and successful pharmacist, behind the company that has issued Notices of Termination https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/i-wont-stand-for-it-housing-minister-vows-to-investigate-as-36-homes-in-wexford-estate-issued-with-eviction-notices/a466890508.html

Five most common interior design mistakes and what to do instead: Bad lighting, lack of contrast and bland colours are among pitfalls to avoid https://www.irishtimes.com/property/interiors/2026/03/02/five-most-common-interior-design-mistakes-and-what-to-do-instead/

What will €650,000 buy by the coast in Co Wexford and Dún Laoghaire? Two homes, one price: A bungalow in Bannow or a fourth-floor apartment at The Anchorage https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/03/03/what-will-650000-buy-by-the-coast-in-co-wexford-and-dun-laoghaire/

Here’s how to improve your home’s Ber energy rating and lower your bills — From a three-bed semi-D to a period cottage: step-by-step advice on how to boost your Ber to reduce your carbon footprint https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/03/04/heres-how-to-improve-your-homes-ber-energy-rating-and-lower-your-bills/

One acre of forestry for sale in County Wicklow with a guide price of €55,000, or €110,000 subject to planning permission https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/wicklow-district/one-acre-of-wicklow-forestry-located-in-heart-of-the-garden-county-arrives-on-the-market/a11013501.html#

RTÉ Home of the Year: Inside the ‘joyful, playful’ first property through to the final: Judges reward garden-focused Kildare home as golden key twist reshapes race to 2026 final https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/homeandgardens/arid-41803721.html

PICTURED: The €1.25m West Cork villa: a rare case where ‘looking 200 years old’ is the ultimate compliment: They can still build them like they used to… as this 20-year-old West Cork Georgian gem proves https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-41804912.html

*Searching for a new home or investment property in Ireland? Join the iProperty Radio FACEBOOK community of property buyers in Ireland 2026: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IrishPropertyBuyers/

iProperty Radio: NEW HOMES OF THE WEEK

Ard na Sailí brings new family homes to the heart of Carrigtwohill: Well-connected East Cork development moves toward first completions as Phase One purchasers prepare for handover

New Homes of the Week: Ard na Sailí brings new family homes to the heart of Carrigtwohill

Commercial

Hoxton vs Yamamori: Weeks of emails show how a noise dispute spilled over into legal action — Legal filings show the origin of the High Court case between the hotel and nightclub https://www.thejournal.ie/hoxton-yamamori-noise-complaint-court-emails-6973073-Mar2026/

Blanchardstown mixed-use village offers 7.06pc net initial yield https://m.independent.ie/business/commercial-property/blanchardstown-mixed-use-village-offers-706pc-net-initial-yield/a995166790.html#

Cork town’s old nightclub will be auctioned off from €200k: The club was a town hotspot for three decades https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/gallery/cork-towns-old-nightclub-auctioned-33541961

Galway’s commercial vacancy rate in Galway was 18.7% at the end of December – significantly higher than the national average of 14.6% https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/small-drop-in-galways-commercial-vacancy-rate-5613233

First look inside Barberstown Castle after €1.8m renovations https://evoke.ie/2026/03/06/life-style/newly-renovated-barberstown-castle

Prime commercial investment or redevelopment opportunity in the heart of Athlone https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2026/03/06/property-a-prime-investment-or-redevelopment-opportunity-in-the-heart-of-athlone/#

Landmark Boyle business premises comes on the market https://www.boyletoday.com/landmark-boyle-business-premises-comes-on-the-market/

PLANNING: Mr Price seeks approval for major expansion of its store in Tipperary: Plan focuses on bulky and comparison goods only with no food or convenience items https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/home/2028058/planning-mr-price-seeks-approval-for-major-expansion-of-its-store-in-tipperary.html

Plans for a so-called “super pub” in Tipperary have been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála: JSF Property Holding Ltd had applied for permission to redevelop The Auld Rogue pub on Kickham Street in Carrick-on-Suir https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/contentious-tipperary-super-pub-plans-approved-by-an-coimisiun-pleanala/a136173472.html#

Yvonne McGuinness and Cillian Murphy’s Kerry cinema plan gets green light:Kerry County Council approves plan for Dingle’s Phoenix Cinema to become a multi-purpose arts centre with bar, café, and restaurant https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41800853.html

Housing Insights: The Housing Agency Podcast

🎙️ In advance of series 2 kicking off, catch up on all episodes of series 1 of The Housing Agency Ireland podcast – Housing Insights – with hosts Roslyn Molloy and David Silke

EPISODE 1: David Silke is joined by Gwen Perry, Head of Affordable Housing at the Housing Agency, for a deep dive into Cost Rental as Ireland’s newest houisng tenure. Listeners will learn about eligibility criteria, the significant advantages like security and stable, professionally managed homes, and how to apply for a scheme:

🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bHLc5FVqzcIAktWpRbjXS?si=ZHIYEu5hT0i1m0QyrMYWHA\

EPISODE 2: Roslyn Molloy explores the growing potential of Community-Led Housing (CLH) in Ireland with Hugh Brennan, founder and CEO of Ó Cualann Co-Housing Alliance, an organization committed to building communities, not just houses.

🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/42nfFUaVMKK7FuQPwWglLY?si=y_pSOaKsQfik4uPZ9dDb3Q

EPISODE 3: David Silke chats to Rob Lowth, Director of the Housing First National Office to breakdown the housing-led approach designed for people with complex needs, a history of rough sleeping, or long-term use of emergency accommodation.

🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Veh0H20LxQS58uIjzb48P?si=zeUXRqEiTj-dAlJbDAbwsw

EPISODE 4: Roslyn Molloy speaks with Jim Baneham, Director of Delivery and Innovation at The Housing Agency, about the need to increase apartment building, the national planning push for compact living, and how Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Scheme is delivering on the ground:

🎧 https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hirVgTsI9OJRBsUVzH1Zc?si=Hlad0w04T9qBeXiEefVXcA

🌏 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

Exclusive: Government plans ‘startup campus’ as part of new accelerator https://www.businesspost.ie/tech/exclusive-government-plans-startup-campus-as-part-of-new-accelerator/

PODCAST: The Proptech Hot Seat on iPropertyRadio.com

All previous episodes of the Proptech Hot Seat can be found at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5hAEpymn6vnSmFt4WXloS0IQNfUkdw2G&si=qeT3RSVaXBPX3Sxd

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

Collaboration at the heart of Cork County Council’s ambitious development plans: Council is engaging with all stakeholders as it develops housing, infrastructure and frontline services to support the prosperous evolution of Ireland’s largest county https://www.irishexaminer.com/sponsored/arid-41803862.html

GLUAS touted as gridlock fix to avoid €25billion climate fine – ‘You’d get a lot of light rail for that’ https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/gluas-touted-as-gridlock-fix-to-avoid-25billion-climate-fine-youd-get-a-lot-of-light-rail-for-that/a1558157780.html#

Shannon Airport included in State regional airports programme after sustained Mid-West lobbying: Limerick Chamber says decision strengthens connectivity, competitiveness and regional development https://ipropertyradio.com/shannon-airport-included-in-state-regional-airports-programme-after-sustained-mid-west-lobbying/

Limerick drivers get first look at major new dual carriageway amid traffic diversions https://m.independent.ie/regionals/limerick/news/limerick-drivers-get-first-look-at-major-new-dual-carriageway-amid-traffic-diversions/a97862196.html#

Boatbuilder turned engineer proves alternative paths can lead to success: This STEPS Engineers Week, EirGrid Graduate Engineer Eoin O’Connor highlights how an alternative route led to a rewarding career at Ireland’s electricity grid operator https://www.echolive.ie/sponsored/arid-41799812.html

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Hawkins\Brown and East get go-ahead for Oxford Street pedestrianisation plan: London mayor Sadiq Khan has approved plans by Hawkins\Brown and East to pedestrianise Oxford Street. Traffic will cease this September https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/hawkinsbrown-and-east-get-go-ahead-for-oxford-street-pedestrianisation-plan

Properties taking longer to let as affordability remains stretched: The latest rental data from HomeLet and Zoopla indicate that affordability pressures are beginning to affect renters, with properties taking longer to let https://propertyindustryeye.com/properties-taking-longer-to-let-as-affordability-remains-stretched/

Probe launched after Falcon tower crane collapse: Full details have been confirmed of the crane collapse in west London on Wednesday first reported by the Construction Enquirer https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/03/06/probe-launched-after-falcon-tower-crane-collapse/

Construction Crews Building Apartments Accidentally Unearth a 500-Year-Old Castle Buried by an Emperor: Massive fortress was built to crush a rebellion, but it accidentally preserved a world we thought was gone forever. https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/03/construction-crews-ghent-find-medieval-cemetery-under-spanish-castle/#