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

Message from Carol Tallon: 

In a week of headlines confirming that asking prices for houses and apartments are rising at 7% pa (MyHome.ie and Bank of Ireland), Dublin is now the fourth most expensive European city in which to build with average build costs of €3,692 sqm (Turner & Townsend), and Irish property investment “tumbles” 34%  in Q2 to €381.5m (Savills), Minister James Browne justified further policy reforms by stating “…because ultimately we’re in a housing crisis I’m treating as a housing emergency”. I write about the Minister’s  recent ‘solo run’ on a whole series of policy reforms in the Business Post today and why I believe it is the right approach for delivery.

The Minister’s new guidelines on building apartments which will see changes to minimum sizes, will allow for the reduced provision of private open spaces and will preclude local authorities from requiring communal, community and cultural facilities as mandatory for individual apartment schemes, was met with mixed response as you will read below (public and planners not impressed but investors have already given the thumbs up). 

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

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE 

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

• Irish property investment tumbles in second quarter of 2025 amid uncertain backdrop: Investment drops 34pc to €381.5m, but outlook ‘positive’ https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/irish-property-investment-tumbles-in-second-quarter-of-2025-amid-uncertain-backdrop/a2029431888.html

• Revealed: Dublin on list of EU cities with most expensive building cost: Turner & Townsend’s Global Construction Market Intelligence report shows that average construction costs in the capital are now €3,692 sqm https://extra.ie/2025/07/09/news/dublin-most-expensive-for-building

• Minister for Housing James Browne has issued new guidelines on building apartments which will see changes to minimum sizes, will allow for the reduced provision of private open spaces and will preclude local authorities from requiring communal, community and cultural facilities as mandatory for individual apartment schemes https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/Planning_Design_Standards_for_Apartments_080725_FINAL.pdf 

• Developers with permission for apartments will not need fresh application to change plans in line with new standards: More than 50,000 apartments are approved in Dublin alone, but could now be built with less floor space than originally agreed https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2025/07/08/new-design-standards-for-apartments-likely-to-cut-building-costs-by-tens-of-thousands-minister-says/

• Apartment design changes will not be enough to close ‘viability gap’ , top housing expert warns: The changes to apartment standards will see average construction savings on the building of an apartment unit in a typical development of between €22,000 and €30,000, according to a high-level analysis undertaken by Paul Mitchell of construction consultancy Mitchell McDermott https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/apartment-design-changes-will-not-be-enough-to-close-viability-gap-top-housing-expert-warns/a758925295.html

• Planners ‘deeply concerned’ about consequences of new minimum apartment standards: It’s the latest criticism of the new requirements, which the government didn’t consult tenants or homeowners on either. https://www.thejournal.ie/planners-deeply-concerned-about-consequences-of-new-minimum-apartment-standards-6760226-Jul2025/

• Builders blindsided by Browne’s apartment changes (*but investors seem to approve) — Business Post https://www.businesspost.ie/property/analysis-builders-blindsided-by-brownes-apartment-changes/

• Ires Reit shares climb after state unveils plan to cut apartment build costs by up to €100k  https://www.businesspost.ie/property/government-unveils-guidelines-to-reduce-cost-of-new-apartments-by-up-to-e100000/ Also: Activist investor that went to war with Ires Reit completes exit https://www.businesspost.ie/markets/activist-investor-that-went-to-war-with-ires-reit-completes-exit/ 

• The Housing Minister is now moving faster than the system around him: “The Minister is, by all appearances, on a solo run; as was the Taoiseach when he appointed a relatively unknown TD to one of the most challenging and trap-laden ministries. And frankly, thank goodness for that… James Browne is moving with a speed and clarity of purpose we have not seen in years.” https://www.businesspost.ie/property/in-housing-as-in-life-we-must-work-alone-together/

• Limerick auctioneer raises concerns over potential ‘dumbing down’ of housing market https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/limerick-auctioneer-raises-concerns-over-potential-dumbing-down-of-housing-market/

• Micheál Martin puts the brakes on First Home Scheme being used for second-hand homes: Taoiseach says concerns have been raised that the expansion could increase house prices. https://www.thejournal.ie/first-home-scheme-6753854-Jul2025/ 

• Over 7,600 buyers approved under First Home Scheme  https://www.roscommonherald.ie/news/over-7600-buyers-approved-under-first-home-scheme_arid-63794.html

• Investing in the future: Ireland’s housing crisis, part 3 https://www.businesspost.ie/property/investing-in-the-future-irelands-housing-crisis-part-3/

• MEP for Offaly demands ‘emergency legislation to break planning gridlock’: Former RTE man Ciaran Mullooly says lack of housing is a major issue https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/tullamore-tribune/1843788/mep-for-offaly-demands-emergency-legislation-to-break-planning-gridlock.html

• Offaly Independent TD asks: ‘Do we really need 437 approved housing bodies’: Carol Nolan seeks value-for-money assessments from Housing Minister https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/tullamore-tribune/1843797/offaly-independent-td-asks-do-really-need-437-approved-housing-bodies.html

• The institutional investors we need have withdrawn from the Irish housing market: First-time buyers and the State are buying most of the Republic’s dwindling supply of new homes https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2025/07/09/the-institutional-investors-we-need-have-withdrawn-from-the-irish-housing-market/

• Specialist property lenders reduce lending to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) much more sharply than mainstream banks and general non-bank finance providers during periods of market shock, according to a new Central Bank study  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/08/non-bank-property-lenders-cut-small-business-loans-most-sharply-during-market-shocks-central-bank/

• As the Housing Minister only found out in an Oireachtas Housing Committee meeting yesterday, Galway developer JJ Rhatigan and Spanish construction firm Obrascon Huarte Lain (OHLA ) have launched legal proceedings against him and Dublin City Council after his department “decided not to proceed with contract award on a value for money basis” https://www.businesspost.ie/daily-briefing/jj-rhatigan-and-spanish-firm-launch-legal-battle-against-department-of-housing/  Also: https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/builders-suing-state-argue-suggested-cost-of-e1m-per-home-a-misrepresentation/

• Revenue will investigate real estate agents who attempt to ‘scam’ the Help to Buy (HTB) scheme, Minister for Housing James Browne has warned https://extra.ie/2025/07/07/news/help-to-buy-scam

• An investment fund with assets managed by Mel Sutcliffe’s Quanta Capital has lodged High Court proceedings against Paul Dowling’s Relm Finance. https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/mel-sutcliffe-quanta-capital-connected-fund-files-case-against-relm-finance-over-27-properties/

• Kerry landlord forced to spend €18,000 repairing property after tenant: Landlord wants more robust protection against tenants who disrespect and damage property https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/tralee-news/kerry-landlord-forced-to-spend-18000-repairing-property-after-tenant/a1183263799.html 

• KILDARE county councillors have called for an immediate meeting with the Minister for Housing following a major setback in the delivery of social housing in the county https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/meeting-demanded-with-housing-minister-over-shelved-kildare-housing_arid-63205.html

• A company controlled by construction magnate Maurice Regan provided a loan to the firm which owns a valuable property at the centre of a lawsuit with John Magnier https://www.businesspost.ie/daily-briefing/maurice-regan-firm-gave-loan-to-corporate-owner-of-barne-estate/

• ‘I’ve built houses in Cork for 20 years and now I’m stuck living in a caravan’ — ‘It’s like waking up in a nightmare, I’m doing all the right things and trying my hardest to find somewhere to live https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/ive-built-houses-cork-20-31996051

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.

• Tallaght site with potential for 700 homes acquired by LDA: Subject to planning permission, the 3.95-hectare (9.76-acre) site has the potential to deliver over 700 new homes along with associated amenities, facilities and a pocket park. https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/tallaght-site-potential-700-homes-32014519

• BANTRY residents are being urged by Cork County Council to share their hopes for the future of the West Cork town. https://www.southernstar.ie/business/bantry-residents-urged-to-have-their-say-on-its-future-4333478

• Galway’s first year-round market and ‘repair café’ opens https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/galways-first-year-round-market-and-repair-cafe-opens/a679809669.html 

• Southill celebrates opening of new community play space: A design is also underway for a multi-use games area https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/southill-celebrates-opening-of-new-community-play-space/ 

• COULD Kildare be getting a brand new town in the coming years? https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/should-kildare-get-a-new-town_arid-63723.html

Rural & Islands

• Údarás na Gaeltachta announces initiative to bring vacant houses back to life: 11% of Gaeltacht houses were vacant, significantly higher than the national figure of 8% — An effort is now getting underway to bring those Gaeltacht houses back to life, with a particular focus on areas that are losing population https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/udaras-na-gaeltachta-announces-initiative-to-bring-vacant-houses-back-to-life-197691

CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news

• Dublin Now Europe’s 4th Most Expensive City to Build As Data Centre Boom and Housing Ambitions Converge – Turner & Townsend https://breakingground.news/dublin-now-europes-4th-most-expensive-city-to-build-as-data-centre-boom-and-housing-ambitions-converge/

• Construction sector records fastest activity decline in almost 18 months: Residential construction activity slowed last month at a faster rate compared to May https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41665142.html

• Tricky aspects with revamp of apartment regulations: New regs aim to slash building costs by €50,000-€100,000 per unit but open space requirements could face legal challenges https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/tricky-aspects-with-revamp-of-apartment-regulations-c59fz35h6

• New report ‘important for advancement of timber construction’ in Ireland https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/new-report-important-for-advancement-of-timber-construction-in-ireland/

• McEvaddy group seeks permission for major Dublin Airport freight hub: Move is seen as a potential first phase of a new campus that would eventually lead to a third terminal https://m.independent.ie/business/irish/mcevaddy-group-seeks-permission-for-major-dublin-airport-freight-hub/a1628324993.html

• Hines submits new plans for 1,130 apartments at former religious site in Dublin https://www.businesspost.ie/property/hines-submits-new-plans-for-1130-apartments-at-former-religious-site-in-dublin/ 

• Cal Craven’s Badlands Property plans new luxury hotel in Ballsbridge with rooftop pool https://www.businesspost.ie/property/cal-cravens-badlands-property-plans-new-luxury-hotel-in-ballsbridge-with-rooftop-pool/

• Sandyford apartment scheme given go ahead: Council gave permission for the scheme after ordering the removal of two floors https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/09/sandyford-apartment-scheme-given-go-ahead/

• Kimmage ex-cinema with residential development potential seeks €3m: Apollo House could accommodate 24 apartments or 50 student beds by adding new floors, study suggests  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2025/07/09/kimmage-ex-cinema-with-residential-development-potential-seeks-3m/

• Kerry developer still committed to 34-storey hotel on historic Cork City quay: Time runs out next March for Tower Properties’ Custom House Quay plan  https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/developmentconstruction/arid-41666855.html

• Permission has been granted for a 53-home housing development in Letteragh in Galway despite its proximity to a proposed ring road https://m.independent.ie/regionals/galway/news/galway-city-council-give-53-homes-the-green-light-despite-concerns-about-location/a1266039750.html 

• Appeal lodged over refusal of planned Waterford city apartment blocks https://m.independent.ie/regionals/waterford/news/appeal-lodged-over-refusal-of-planned-waterford-city-apartment-blocks/a963574972.html 

• Bishop’s Palace unveiled as construction company give a positive update  https://www.waterford-news.ie/news/bishops-palace-unveiled-as-construction-company-give-a-positive-update_arid-64084.html

• Appeal lodged against previously approved 155-home Dungarvan development https://www.wlrfm.com/news/dungarvan-housing-duckspool-1101377

• Plans Submitted for 99 New Homes in Phase 3 of Sea Cove Tramore https://www.wlrfm.com/news/plans-submitted-for-99-new-homes-in-phase-3-of-sea-cove-tramore-1126320

• €4.7m residential development to go ahead in Kildare: Planning permission granted following a ‘thorough review on appeal’ https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1843843/4-7m-residential-development-to-go-ahead-in-kildare.html

• Go ahead given for 24 apartments in centre of Dundalk: Planning permission granted for new mixed use development https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/local-news/1842258/go-ahead-given-for-24-apartments-in-centre-of-dundalk.html

• 37 new houses in north Louth refused planning: Lack of adequate capacity at Blackrock Wastewater Treatment Plant highlighted https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/local-news/1846032/37-new-houses-in-north-louth-refused-planning.html

• Planning application lodged in Tipperary for major new residential development: The proposed development, submitted by O’Ceallaigh Westfield Ltd, includes the construction of 52 residential units https://www.tipperarylive.ie/news/thurles/1846834/live-planning-application-lodged-in-tipperary-for-major-new-residential-development.html

• 30 houses planned for Clonmel – Tipp FM https://tippfm.com/news/housing/30-houses-planned-for-clonmel/

• Mayo town centre site is purchased by local hotel https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/mayo-town-centre-site-is-purchased-by-local-hotel_arid-63291.html

• Windyhall houses in Letterkenny taking an ‘exceptionally long time’ to complete: The comments came from Cllr Gerry McMonagle of Letterkenny-Milford MD at a recent special plenary meeting of Donegal County Council on housing https://www.donegallive.ie/news/letterkenny-milford-md/1842670/windyhall-houses-in-letterkenny-taking-an-exceptionally-long-time-to-complete.html

• Planning refused for major tourism and leisure park at long-derelict South Kerry hotel | RadioKerry.ie https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/planning-refused-for-major-tourism-and-leisure-park-at-long-derelict-south-kerry-hotel-442426

• Provisional liquidator for steel fabricator working for blue chip construction firms: Counsel said the company had twice been through examinership https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/03/provisional-liquidator-for-steel-fabricator-working-for-blue-chip-construction-firms/

• BDP has launched legal action against insulation manufacturer Kingspan, saying it may be liable for the cost of recladding a building in Lancashire due to its ‘dishonest’ statements about its K15 Insulation product: BDP is being chased by contractor Laing O’Rourke for £1.83 million in a separate legal case concerning The Rock, a mixed-use development in Bury completed in 2010. https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/bdp-launches-legal-action-over-kingspan-insulation-guidance

• Cairn Homes H1 revenue falls to €280m but shares rise on apartment reform-driven cost cuts https://www.businesspost.ie/markets/cairn-homes-revenue-falls-to-e280m-in-h1-but-cost-cuts-in-pipeline-from-apartment-reforms/

• Ireland House Tokyo opens: a landmark of cultural connection and design excellence — Ireland House Tokyo was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. in Shinjuku, serving as a new hub for Ireland’s diplomatic and cultural presence in Japan — via Arup https://www.arup.com/news/ireland-house-tokyo-opens-a-landmark-of-cultural-connection-and-design-excellence/  

Breaking Ground News: Appointments & #ConstructionCareers

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

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

PODCAST:  

Our iProperty Radio ‘Women in Construction’ podcast host Joanne White, founder of Women in Construction in Ireland (WICI) hosted a superb event in The Connaught Hotel in Galway this week (*Galway is ALWAYS a good idea!) and her interview with the thoroughly impressive Denise Kennedy, engineer and construction consultant at RDJ LLP, was such an inspiring example of how to shape the career in construction that you really want…

📹 Watch back https://youtu.be/z_Gvdh7YST8?si=B-eKZjTfUuZCuT0o

Thanks to Katie Tallon MPRII for capturing the chat!

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

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

REAL ESTATE: www.irishrealestate.news

Residential 

• Asking prices for houses and apartments are rising at 7% annually, according to the latest quarterly report by property website MyHome.ie in conjunction with Bank of Ireland. The report said asking prices outside Dublin are rising by 7.9% and prices in the capital are up 5.1%  https://amp.rte.ie/amp/1522139/

• Should we buy a home with a better Ber, or look for something cheaper and retrofit? Property Clinic: We’ve looked at houses with a range of energy ratings but aren’t sure what is the best value https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/07/15/should-we-buy-a-home-with-a-better-ber-or-look-for-something-cheaper-and-retrofit/

• ‘Will a conservatory built without planning permission scupper our home purchase?’ https://m.independent.ie/business/money/your-money-questions-will-a-conservatory-built-without-planning-permission-scupper-our-home-purchase/a1160734714.html

• ‘Temporary pause’ on housing grant applications in County Carlow: Carlow County Council have announced the measures will be effective from the 30th of June 2025 https://www.carlowlive.ie/news/around-carlow/1840161/temporary-pause-on-housing-grant-applications-in-county-carlow.html

• What will €350,000 buy in Co Cork and Sligo town? A refurbished farmhouse in west Cork or a revamped townhouse in Sligo town https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/07/08/what-will-350000-buy-in-co-cork-and-sligo-town/ 

• Are shoppable room schemes the next big thing in interior design? A ready-to-go room designed by an expert – could this be the future of shopping? https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/interior-designers-shoppable-room-schemes

• What will €215,000 buy in Spain, France, Norway, Mexico and Co Mayo? One price, home and away: A townhouse in Mojácar, a thatched cottage close to Westport and more https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/07/11/what-will-215000-buy-in-spain-france-norway-mexico-and-co-mayo/

• Five three-bed homes on the Wexford coast for under €285,000 https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/five-three-bed-homes-on-the-wexford-coast-for-under-285000/a838173601.html  

• Rare opportunity to own magnificent Donegal eight-bed coastal home — This stunning property previously operated as a hotel and has huge potential as a private home or business venture https://www.donegallive.ie/story-telling/property/1847638/property-rare-opportunity-to-own-magnificent-donegal-eight-bed-coastal-home.html

Property of the week 

This abandoned cottage was transformed into a coastal haven, using four shipping containers: In surfing mecca Easkey, Sligo, a derelict off-grid 200-year old building was renovated over 15 years. 

TheJournal: FOUNDER OF CEARDEAN Architects, Derek Trenaman, has fused a two-hundred-year-old cottage with four shipping containers to create a colourful and cosy home inspired by the sea.

Images by Annette Brock.

https://www.thejournal.ie/derelict-home-self-build-cottage-ireland-irish-shipping-containers-6742319-Jul2025

Commercial 

• Dublin office vacancy rate drops for first time in three years: Completion of two major deals accounted for 75 per cent of overall take-up of accommodation in the quarter  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/09/dublin-office-vacancy-rate-drops-for-first-time-in-three-years/

• ‘Next year’: WeWork’s Irish boss hints at plans to expand Irish portfolio  https://www.businesspost.ie/property/next-year-weworks-irish-boss-hints-at-plans-to-expand-irish-portfolio/

• Kennedy Wilson secures new tenant for Sandyford office block: Leading engineering consultancy signs long-term lease for 14,000sq ft of space at Chase Building https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2025/07/09/kennedy-wilson-secures-new-tenant-for-sandyford-office-block/

• CitizenM has officially opened its first hotel in Ireland, located close to St Patrick’s Cathedral in central Dublin https://ittn.ie/irish-news/citizenm-officially-opens-first-hotel-in-ireland/

• Paddy McKillen jnr fights back: Businessman alleges receivers unlawfully took over Star Bar pub https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/paddy-mckillen-jnr-fights-back-businessman-alleges-receivers-unlawfully-took-over-star-bar-pub/ Also: Paddy McKillen jr and Mel Sutcliffe take separate fights against Relm Finance to court https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/paddy-mckillen-jr-and-mel-sutcliffe-take-separate-fights-against-relm-finance-to-court/ 

• McKillen in fight to regain leases at key Grafter office sites: Businessman Patrick McKillen Jr tells court how borrowing squeeze had a ‘domino effect’ https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/mckillen-in-fight-to-regain-leases-at-key-grafter-office-sites-6hrj2phpd

• Past meets potential: Landmark Dun Laoghaire property with sea views seeks new chapter  https://www.businesspost.ie/property/past-meets-potential-landmark-dun-laoghaire-property-with-sea-views-seeks-new-chapter/

• Cork’s Pana retail revitalisation gets a setback by Penneys decision: While a series of new arrivals is breathing new life into St Patrick’s Street, Penney’s decision to scale back its expansion serves as the latest blow to a changing Cork City https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/economy/arid-41667155.html

• Derelict doer-upper Cork pub for under €100k is ‘opportunity not to be missed’: The vacant bar will qualify for a refurbishment grant https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/derelict-doer-upper-cork-pub-32020859

• Tesco announces new Galway store as part of €40m investment https://connachttribune.ie/tesco-announces-new-galway-store-as-part-of-40m-investment/

• Watch: Limerick publican reveal’s plans for well-known city landmark https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/watch-limerick-publican-reveals-plans-for-well-known-city-landmark/

• Meath Tesco premises at €1.15m offers buyer 7% yield: Tesco Express in commuter town of Ratoath generating annual rent of €88,000  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2025/07/09/meath-tesco-premises-at-115m-offers-buyer-7-yield/

• Historic landmark property in the heart of north Longford town on the market: The historically significant building has been a central fixture on Main Street since 1708 https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/local-news/1842590/historic-landmark-property-in-the-heart-of-north-longford-town-on-the-market.html

PODCAST: The Property Roundup on iPropertyRadio.com

LIFESIZE PLANS IRELAND: Do you need help visualising your self-build or renovation project?

Check out our most recent visit to Lifesize Plans Ireland – we could not recommend this service more highly!

📹 Watch back: https://youtu.be/zzmzLRKabB4?si=Cgz2JnqO1o2ZqTEk

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

All Property Round Up episodes – https://ipropertyradio.com/property-roundup/

FACEBOOK group for homebuyers and investors in Ireland 2024: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IrishPropertyBuyers/ 

Further property resources at: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Tallon/

PROPTECH & SMART CITIES: https://prop-tech.ie/

Proptech Ireland is updating the database of 2025 Irish technology providers for the built environment – sign up here: https://prop-tech.ie/register/  and email product or service details to hello@prop-tech.ie

• Proptech Ireland: Ireland’s CONSTRUCTION and REAL ESTATE ESG technologies resource hub. Confused about how and where to start on your ESG journey? Contact us 👉https://prop-tech.ie

• Budget 2026 must deliver the supports our entrepreneurs need to succeed on the world stage https://www.businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/budget-2026-must-deliver-the-supports-our-entrepreneurs-need-to-succeed-on-the-world-stage/

PODCAST: The Proptech Hot Seat on iPropertyRadio.com

NSAI: MMC Certification with Martin Searson

Martin Searson, Head of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Certification within the National Standard Authority of Ireland (NSAI), takes iProperty Radio through the certification process for construction manufacturers innovating novel building systems for the Irish market. Martin shares the latest data around the number of manufacturers on the island of Ireland, and the marked increase in certification applications from outside of Ireland and outside of the EU. 

Check out the new MMC Toolkit 👉 https://www.nsai.ie/certification/agrement-certification/modern-methods-of-construction-certification/mmc-toolkit/

📹 Watch back:  https://youtu.be/UXhjM0pPbNc?si=6ggR0GUze7nsury_

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

• Conor Skehan: We are failing to apply a key constitutional test when it comes to big decisions and it could cost us dear — If we don’t start to act for the common good, our society will go into terminal decline https://m.independent.ie/opinion/conor-skehan-we-are-failing-to-apply-a-key-constitutional-test-when-it-comes-to-big-decisions-and-it-could-cost-us-dear/a918049851.html

• Greater Dublin Drainage Project gets green light seven years after it was first proposed: Objections to the development over environmental concerns had slowed the planning process, and had knock-on effects for housing projects in the area. https://www.thejournal.ie/greater-dublin-drainage-project-gets-green-light-seven-years-after-it-was-first-proposed-6758701-Jul2025/

• Galway Deputy tells Dail that Western Rail Corridor must be delivered within lifetime of this Government https://connachttribune.ie/galway-deputy-tells-dail-that-western-rail-corridor-must-be-delivered-within-lifetime-of-this-government/

• Shannon Airport Group sets out top priorities as National Development Plan is reviewed: Shannon Airport Group calls for strategic investment in Southern Region infrastructure, including a rail link to Shannon Airport https://www.clarelive.ie/news/planning/1838261/shannon-airport-group-sets-out-top-priorities-as-national-development-plan-is-reviewed.html

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• Ballymore delays €2 billion London development amid strong opposition https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/ballymore-pushes-back-e2-billion-london-development-start-date-to-late-2026/

• Five UK contractors have become founding members of a new Centre for Construction Best Practice (CCBP), in a coordinated drive to address long-standing problems in project delivery https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contractors/bam-construct/five-major-contractors-back-industry-push-to-tackle-delivery-failings-04-07-2025/

• UK Housebuilding collusion probe set to end after £100m offer | Construction News https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/buildings/housebuilding-collusion-probe-set-to-end-after-100m-offer-09-07-2025/