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

Message from Carol Tallon: 

This week’s activity can be summed up in one stat – there were only 1,356 commencement notices for new homes lodged in June, the lowest total for that month since Covid, according to the Independent. Total H1 commencements is 6,325, compared to 34,581 for H1 2024, or 15,561 for H1 2023.  

Even in advance of that data release by the Department, the  ESRI confirmed housing targets are to be missed, this year and next – also,  just 116 of the 1,000 ‘emergency response’ student beds will be delivered this year.

Infrastructure is undoubtedly the issue of the day and the Joint Committee on Infrastructure and NDP Delivery published its first report that shows workforce shortages (100,000 worker shortfall), funding uncertainty, and procurement delays remain the primary barriers to industry participation in Ireland’s substantial infrastructure pipeline. However, there is a particularly interesting take on what is deterring competitive bidding that is worth a read (including the 294-day tender evaluation process, compared to the EU average of 96 https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/34/joint_committee_on_infrastructure_and_national_development_plan_delivery/reports/2025/2025-07-16_report-no-1_en.pdf)

While homebuilders are laying off staff or exporting their talent outside of Ireland, we probably need to stop talking about labour and skills shortages  for the moment (which will likely upset all of the competing state agencies and over-resourced state-supported training initiatives…) and focus on planning and infrastructure enablement.

And this appears to be happening — the Housing Minister will on Tuesday present changes to the way judicial reviews are handled, intending to speed up and simplify the planning process.  

🙏 Help needed please:  Within Property District, we are creating a dynamic policy map of Ireland’s built environment to reflect where the most recent planning, social housing, and apartment policy reforms fit in ( but I ended up confusing myself before I got through the sub-headings…) Is anyone else working on this at the moment?

Building upon the Place Engage: VR/XR Town Hall‘s ArcGIS‑powered platform on Esri Ireland, we can layer many of the government’s Data.gov.ie‘s GIS datasets (which are, very helpfully, open source), but there are still so many gaps in mapping how delivery of infrastructure and housing is currently being enabled. How are planning teams navigating this? (ESB Networks‘ capacity heatmap is a great resource)

Also, the structure below – is this even the most logical way to segment? Should different infrastructure types/utilities be mapped separately? Governance, regulatory and finance/funding got lumped together but that doesn’t seem right…) If you have any ideas or wish to collaborate, please email carol@propertydistrict.ie and I will add to the Miro board to collaborate.

Finally, thanks to Katie Tallon MPRII for running a poll across iProperty Radio social media channels this week in response to the latest vacant and derelict homes grants data drop, which confirmed that a whopping 86% of would-be buyers would be willing to relocate to an Irish island in order to access affordable housing…

 

PROPERTY DISTRICT PRESS OFFICE 

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

• Housing targets to be missed this year and next, says ESRI: Tight construction labour force, especially among small and domestic firms, mean housing outlook is bleak, think tank says https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/15/no-major-uptick-in-housing-supply-this-year-or-next-esri-warns/

• Student accommodation: Just 116 of 1,000 ‘emergency response’ beds will be delivered this year: Oireachtas committee hears of shortfall in €100m plan for accommodation with planning permission in place  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/07/15/student-accommodation-just-116-of-1000-emergency-response-beds-will-be-delivered-this-year/

• What builders are telling Government about fixing the housing crisis: Government sources say extra €30bn will be injected into capital infrastructure as part of updated National Development Plan (NDP) https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/what-builders-are-telling-government-about-fixing-the-housing-crisis/a520398900.html#

• Here’s how much the government says tiny apartments will save — Some of the biggest savings for each individual apartment are found by cutting down on floor space. https://www.thejournal.ie/new-apartment-costs-6763508-Jul2025/

• ‘Unacceptable’ that Longford towns haven’t sufficient wastewater systems for new homes: Deputy Micheál Carrigy presses for urgent action on sewage upgrades in Ballymahon and Edgeworthstown to unlock housing development https://www.longfordleader.ie/video/pictures—videos/1849261/unacceptable-that-longford-towns-haven-t-sufficient-wastewater-systems-for-new-homes.html

• Businesses and individuals face new curbs on judicial reviews as date set for rules to kick in: Housing Minister, will on Tuesday present changes to the way judicial reviews are handled, intending to speed up and simplify the planning process  https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/businesses-and-individuals-face-new-curbs-on-judicial-reviews-as-date-set-for-rules-to-kick-in/

• Residential Tenancies Board to seek extra €5m funding ahead of rental market reforms: RTB says new teams needed to handle changes to rental market, including end to no-fault evictions and national rent controls https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/housing-planning/2025/07/15/residential-tenancies-board-to-seek-extra-5m-funding-ahead-of-rental-market-reforms/

• Should single people get more help to buy a home? https://www.newstalk.com/news/should-single-people-get-more-help-to-buy-a-home-2178747 Also: David W Higgins: If we solve the housing crisis for single people, we might just solve it for everyone — A levelling of the playing field between couples and singles might best be achieved through the Central Bank’s lending rules https://m.independent.ie/opinion/comment/david-w-higgins-if-we-solve-the-housing-crisis-for-single-people-we-might-just-solve-it-for-everyone/a367936674.html 

• Dublin artist turns spotlight on derelict housing by creating miniature models of city-centre buildings in decay: Frustrated by the housing crisis, Nathan Wheeler came up with idea when he couldn’t find a home of his own to buy in capital, while many properties are lying idle https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/dublin-artist-turns-spotlight-on-derelict-housing-by-creating-miniature-models-of-city-centre-buildings-in-decay/a358692600.html 

• Davy has shuttered its ESG consultancy arm after the EU’s move to slash green tape on businesses https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/davy-scraps-esg-consultants-as-eu-green-tape-slashed/

• JP Morgan has reduced its shareholding in Irish Residential Properties (Ires Reit) from 5.8 per cent to 4.79 per cent, according to a filing  https://www.businesspost.ie/article/jp-morgan-reduces-shareholding-in-ires-reit/

• US court upholds conviction of Kerry brother and sister in Navillus construction fraud case  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/south-kerry-news/us-court-upholds-conviction-of-kerry-brother-and-sister-in-navillus-construction-fraud-case/a471170885.html

• Online search is moving from keyword searches to questions asked of search engines, similar to ChapGPT or other GenAI interactions – how can you position your company as the answer to your target audience’s questions and be the brand Google’s AI recommends? https://propertydistrict.ie/from-seo-to-geo-its-google-search-but-not-as-you-know-it/

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.

• Modular housing units are to be introduced as emergency accommodation in south Dublin. The pilot scheme is a pillar of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive’s (DRHE) 2025 to 2027 strategy, to reduce reliance on private sector for emergency accommodation https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/modular-housing-units-to-be-used-for-emergency-homeless-accommodation-in-south-dublin/a1133808274.html

• Construction begins on Dublin’s historic fruit and vegetable market  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/construction-begins-on-dublins-historic-fruit-and-vegetable-market/a1130530427.html

• Huge local opposition to drone delivery hub on Dublin’s southside as over 100 observations lodged: Over 110 observations have been lodged with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council ahead of its decision. https://www.thejournal.ie/manna-drones-ireland-6763619-Jul2025/

• Traffic changes in Dundrum, Dublin: ‘If a dead village is what they want, a dead village is what they’re going to get’: New bus-only stretches and cycle lanes sharpen anxieties in locality struggling with dereliction  https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2025/07/16/mounting-concerns-in-dundrum-over-traffic-changes-with-potential-to-produce-dead-village/

• Plans for Iveagh Gardens in Crumlin to be part of new architectural conservation area https://m.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/plans-for-iveagh-gardens-in-crumlin-to-be-part-of-new-architectural-conservation-area/a1883893640.html

• Ringsend locals praise ‘great community’ but slam house prices: Dublin Live paid a visit to the area to speak to locals about the pros and cons of living in the south inner city community https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/ringsend-locals-praise-great-community-32058795#

• Martin: We’ll have to reimagine Cork city centre for the future: Mr Martin said he had given “careful consideration” to the future needs of the city, and believed that the terms of reference needed to be correctly identified for any examination of those needs https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41672069.html

• Changes made to Cork City Development plan following lengthy debate about a proposed Luas bridge https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41669765.html

• New grant scheme to enhance Cork town centres — The streetscape enhancement scheme will allow owners and tenants to apply for financial assistance to improve the appearance of their buildings, with priority being given to occupied commercial premises. https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41670053.html

• The Lough needs some love – residents plea for toilets, shelter and water fountain: The Lough is one of Ireland’s oldest protected areas https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/lough-needs-love-residents-plea-32049514#

• The future that could have been for Cork’s South Docks from hotels to event hub: There have been big changes from first plans for a vibrant cultural quarter https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/property/gallery/photos-future-could-been-corks-32069330

• Cork people give their views on renaming of redeveloped city centre park: The park was named in Bishop Lucey’s honour when it opened in 1985 as part of Cork 800 celebrations. Cork City Hall heard that much of the documented clerical abuse occurred during his time https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41672135.html

• Public Consultation – Rinville Park Sustainable Development Plan: Closing Date for Submissions: 27 July 2025: Co-Designing the Future of Rinville Park, Oranmore https://www.publicconsultation.ie/haveyoursay/public-consultation-rinville-park-sustainable-development-plan

• Galway City council officials reveal projects included in newly approved €60m loan – including masterplans at Kingston, South Park and Renmore; and the redevelopment of Woodquay Park and Galway City Museum https://connachttribune.ie/city-council-officials-reveal-projects-included-in-newly-approved-60m-loan/

• As Galway’s arts festival opens, the city’s long-expected cultural space inches slowly towards planning this year https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2025/07/15/as-galways-arts-festival-opens-the-citys-long-expected-cultural-space-inches-slowly-towards-planning-this-year/

• ‘Here comes everybody’: Connemara fishermen lead seafaring pilgrimage to patron saint MacDara: About 500 people on 85 boats made the annual journey to the saint’s uninhabited island off Co Galway’s western shores  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/07/17/here-comes-everybody-connemara-fishermen-lead-seafaring-pilgrimage-to-patron-saint-macdara/

• Wicklow County Council has adopted a new traveller accommodation programme that will cover the period 2025-2029 https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/news/new-traveller-accommodation-programme-adopted-in-wicklow/a335852992.html

• Fáilte Ireland Unveils 5-Year Tourism Development Plan for County Wexford https://www.southeastradio.ie/failte-ireland-unveils-5-year-tourism-development-plan-for-county-wexford/

• Westmeath County Council has formally started the public consultation process to name the Athlone Greenway Bridge in honour of the late Mary O’Rourke https://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/2025/07/17/mary-orourke-bridge-public-views-sought/#

• Progress on long-awaited €11.4m. investment in Mayo urban renewal project https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2025/07/19/progress-on-long-awaited-e11-4m-investment-in-mayo-urban-renewal-project/

• Older people’s council to make Monaghan a ‘great place to grow old in https://www.northernsound.ie/news/older-peoples-council-to-make-monaghan-a-great-place-to-grow-old-in-263305

• Third public consultation on Tralee to Listowel Greenway begins next week https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/third-public-consultation-on-tralee-to-listowel-greenway-begins-next-week-443282

• National planning body overrules inspector to allow Kerry County Council acquire derelict Tralee property https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/national-planning-body-overrules-inspector-to-allow-kerry-county-council-acquire-derelict-tralee-property-443344

Rural & Islands

1. The latest drawdowns are available – 2,856 Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants issued on completion of works up to the end of Q2 2025 –  breakdown of grants issued per local authority available https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/press-releases/155-million-in-refurbishment-grants-restores-almost-2900-vacant-and-derelict-homes-back-into-use/

• MEP wants local authority to work with Europe on vacant buildings https://www.shannonside.ie/news/mep-wants-local-authority-to-work-with-europe-on-vacant-buildings-268342

• ‘Rural self-catering businesses didn’t cause housing crisis’: Property owners, local TDs push back on Government plans for short-term lets: Concerns raised by holiday home owners and politicians over plans aimed at freeing up housing for long-term rental market  https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/07/15/rural-self-catering-businesses-didnt-cause-housing-crisis-property-owners-local-tds-push-back-on-government-plans-for-short-term-lets/

• Government should cut tax on alcohol in order to save pubs, an economist has urged: Since 2005, 2,054 pubs have closed in Ireland – most of which were located in rural areas – have shut, according to new research by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland. It means one in four of all Ireland’s pubs have shut down in the past two decades – or 112 on average every single year https://www.newstalk.com/news/cut-tax-on-pints-to-save-rural-pubs-economist-2178416 Also: Consolation, community, national identity: what is lost when pubs close – and how they can be saved https://theconversation.com/consolation-community-national-identity-what-is-lost-when-pubs-close-and-how-they-can-be-saved-260774. 

• Rural Tipperary home gets green light despite neighbour’s objections https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/rural-tipperary-home-gets-green-light-despite-neighbours-objections/a1983406693.html#

• Clonmel Businesses Being Asked To Approve The Creation Of A Business Improvement District https://www.tippmidwestradio.com/2025/07/15/clonmel-businesses-being-asked-to-approve-the-creation-of-a-business-improvement-district/

• Connolly development for community building gets green light – Plans for a playground, sensory garden and landscaped areas have been approved by Clare County Council https://www.clareecho.ie/connolly-development-for-community-building-gets-green-light/

CONSTRUCTION: https://breakingground.news

• ‘Historic low’ – just 6,325 house commencement notices this year, the lowest rate since lockdown https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/historic-low-just-6325-house-commencement-notices-this-year-the-lowest-rate-since-lockdown/a1138348502.html#

• Construction firm sues for €7.4m over alleged defects in glazing to Dublin office block: It is claimed there was leaking arising out of the works completed by TEF at the Exo Building and glazing supplied was defective  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/14/construction-firm-sues-over-alleged-68m-defects-in-glazing-to-dublin-office-block/

• Dublin engineering firm Adco targets growth in UK and Europe with €1.2m investment: “We’re essentially a construction company working in controlled environments” https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/dublin-engineering-firm-adco-targets-growth-in-uk-and-europe-with-e1-2m-investment/

• Fresh bid for Dublin’s tallest building on City Arts Centre site after High Court quashes An Bord Pleanála ruling: Proposal for 24-storey office scheme to be sent to An Coimisiún Pleanála for consideration  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/18/fresh-bid-for-dublins-tallest-building-on-city-arts-centre-site-after-high-court-quashes-an-bord-pleanala-ruling/

• Local businesses object to Eamon Waters’ planned Dublin hostel over on-street drinking concerns: Balrath Investments wants permission for 273-bed tourist development https://m.independent.ie/business/local-businesses-object-to-eamon-waters-planned-dublin-hostel-over-on-street-drinking-concerns/a1472910338.html

• Former factory site in Clonskeagh approved for 445 housing units despite damage claims: The site has been subject to a number of planning applications in recent years https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/former-factory-site-clonskeagh-approved-32073349

• Application lodged with Cork City Council for massive Mahon Point development: Centre director Justin Young, described it as a “demand-led expansion that enhances Mahon for everyone, and looks forward to the next 20 years” https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41670467.html

• Refusal of planning extension to complete final block at Bonham Quay https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/refusal-of-planning-extension-to-complete-final-block-at-bonham-quay-198533

• Plans have been lodged for a large-scale housing estate at Bothar an Choiste, Castlegar & Ballinfoil, Co. Galway. The project is set to cost €38 million. https://www.galwaybeo.ie/news/galway-news/large-scale-housing-estate-galway-10355270#

• Final refusal for renewed plans for apartment blocks in Newcastle | GalwayBayFM https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/final-refusal-for-renewed-plans-for-apartment-blocks-in-newcastle-198579

• Plans lodged for new 39-unit housing development in Mountbellew | GalwayBayFM https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/plans-lodged-for-new-housing-development-in-mountbellew-198404

• Approval for new housing development in Claregalway https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/approval-for-new-housing-development-in-claregalway-198486

• Limerick City and County Council have passed a resolution to sell lands at Opera Square to the Office of Public Works. Decision will allow works to commence on a new 14-storey office building on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/opera-square-project-boosted-following-land-disposal/

• Plans to develop 30 new apartments on a site just off Clare St in Limerick city have been given the go-ahead. Radnore Ltd applied for permission to develop a six-storey residential development on a derelict site https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/residential-development-given-ahead/

• A nearly-completed 28-unit housing development in Co Waterford may have to be demolished in order to comply with a planning enforcement order issued by the local authority, the High Court has heard https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/estate-of-28-nearly-finished-houses-may-have-to-be-demolished-because-they-have-been-built-too-high/a344501124.html#

• Council’s refusal of apartment development in Waterford’s Ballybricken appealed  – Waterford News & Star https://www.waterford-news.ie/news/councils-refusal-of-apartment-development-in-waterfords-ballybricken-appealed_arid-64369.html

• Site with planning permission for 85-bed Dungarvan hotel put on market https://www.wlrfm.com/news/dungarvan-hotel-on-market-1177862

• Plans for 666 homes, crèche and new Wicklow bridge refused https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/arklow-news/plans-for-666-homes-creche-and-new-wicklow-bridge-refused/a528372611.html

• Kildare building site closed by court order to ‘reduce risk of injury, or worse’: Inspections of development in Kilcock found ‘severe deterioration’ in safety situation over multiple visits  https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/07/18/kildare-building-site-closed-by-court-order-to-reduce-risk-of-injury-or-worse/

• €13m residential development given go ahead for this Kildare town: Development approved for Oldtown, Celbridge, Kildare https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1849850/13m-residential-development-given-go-ahead-for-this-kildare-town.html

• €2m residential development refused planning permission for this Kildare town https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1849898/2m-residential-development-refused-planning-permission-for-this-kildare-town.html

• After long planning battle, dozens of apartments to be built on site of historic Kildare building  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1852078/after-long-planning-battle-dozens-of-apartments-to-be-built-on-site-of-historic-kildare-building.html

• Planning refused for housing development in Athy https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/planning-refused-for-housing-development-in-athy_arid-64892.html

• Plans lodged for 96 new homes in Navan | Meath Chronicle https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2025/07/15/plans-lodged-for-96-new-homes-in-navan/#

• Plan to construct 10 homes in Carlanstown | Meath Chronicle https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2025/07/15/plan-to-construct-10-homes-in-carlanstown/#

• Portlaoise seven house development refused for two reasons https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/property/1848954/portlaoise-seven-house-development-refused-for-two-reasons.html

• Incredible move as Kildare firm tries to block Lidl store planned for another county: Laois County Council is due to decide shortly on planning application  https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1851813/kildare-firm-tries-to-block-lidl-store-planned-for-another-county.html

• Decision on plans for quarry in Laois mountains due next month: Breedon Materials Limited is seeking to extract sand and gravel for ten years at a site in the Slieve Bloom Mountains  https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/laois-live/1850225/decision-on-plans-for-quarry-in-laois-mountains-due-next-month.html

• €10.5m plan in Monasterevin gets green light from ABP https://www.kildare-nationalist.ie/news/10-5m-plan-in-monasterevin-gets-green-light-from-abp_arid-63736.html

• Planning granted for 26 new homes and retail units in north Louth: Go ahead given for new mixed use development https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/local-news/1847519/planning-granted-for-26-new-homes-and-retail-units-in-north-louth.html

• Plans for new hotel, apartments and retail in mid-Louth: Planning permission sought for new mixed-use development https://www.dundalkdemocrat.ie/news/local-news/1850447/plans-for-new-hotel-apartments-and-retail-in-mid-louth.html

• Planning lodged for apartments in Lough Gowna, Cavan https://www.northernsound.ie/news/planning-lodged-for-apartments-in-lough-gowna-263360

• Decision expected soon on proposed development of almost 20 homes in Leitrim: Leitrim County Council is expected to decide by July 21 on a proposed 19-home development at MacOisin Place in Dromod. https://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/local-news/1849932/decision-expected-soon-on-proposed-development-of-almost-20-homes-in-leitrim.html

• Design tenders published for Mayo county town regeneration projects | Connaught Telegraph https://www.con-telegraph.ie/2025/07/14/design-tenders-published-for-mayo-county-town-regeneration-projects/

• New apartments planned for Ballyhaunis – Western People https://www.westernpeople.ie/news/new-apartments-planned-for-mayo-town_arid-64331.html

• Plans for 24-bed apart-hotel in landmark Tralee building get green light | RadioKerry.ie https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/plans-for-24-bed-apart-hotel-in-landmark-tralee-building-get-green-light-443265

• Kerry village to get almost 30 new homes: Conditional planning permission has been granted for the construction of a mixed housing development in Barraduff https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/news/kerry-village-to-get-almost-30-new-homes/a616428736.html

• Using WhatsApp to negotiate the terms of a ‘construction contract’ https://www.engineersireland.ie/News/using-whatsapp-to-negotiate-the-terms-of-a-construction-contract

• Public Consultation: Pre-cast Concrete Sewer Pipes and Fittings https://www.publicconsultation.ie/haveyoursay/public-consultation-pre-cast-concrete-sewer-pipes-and-fittings

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:  

The case for positive discrimination for infrastructure investment across the regions

In the wake of a torrent of policy reforms across planning, construction and real estate in recent weeks, host Carol Tallon sits down with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF)’s director for the Northern, Western & Midlands region Justin Molloy to find out if this is this too little–too late for his contractors (from civil to resi to data centres) who are already finding lucrative opportunities across the UK and mainland Europe.


🎧 Listen back to Breaking Ground: Construction News podcast on iProperty Radio 👉https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OGL23SIESz2fSACv8mj7G?si=5f36900e1d344ec8&nd=1&dlsi=ce98086f1de944a3

📹 Watch back: https://youtu.be/xsJtiz8Jcsw?si=lPWYE0FTlpiiNajK

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 

• The Irish Times view on house prices: heading ever higher: The scale of borrowings being taken on by first-time buyers is of concern, given the uncertain economic outlook  https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2025/07/16/the-irish-times-view-on-house-prices-heading-ever-higher/

• Number of homes accepting housing assistance payments drops 22% in three months  https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/number-of-homes-accepting-housing-assistance-payments-drops-22-in-three-months-1784401.html

• Market rent ‘resets’ may undermine security of tenure plans, Threshold says | BreakingNews.ie https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/market-rent-resets-may-undermine-security-of-tenure-plans-threshold-says-1783646.html

• Wexford County Council expected to purchase just 20 homes under tenant-in-situ scheme in 2025 https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/wexford-county-council-expected-to-purchase-just-20-homes-under-tenant-in-situ-scheme-in-2025/a2076119387.html

• South Dublin property tax hikes https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2025/07/14/south-dublin-councillors-agree-to-cut-local-property-tax-by-75-for-next-four-years/

• Contemporary Bray four-bed adjacent to Killruddery Demesne for €1.45m: A-rated home whose main bedroom suite features a steam room, sauna and hot tub  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/07/15/contemporary-bray-four-bed-adjacent-killruddery-demesne-for-145m/

• What will €300,000 buy in Co Waterford and Balbriggan? Two homes, one price: A period doer-upper in Kilmeaden or a two-bed terrace in north Co Dublin? https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/07/15/what-will-300000-buy-in-co-waterford-and-balbriggan/

• Five homes on view this week in Dublin, Kildare and Mayo from €495,000: New to the market in Inchicore, Terenure, Dún Laoghaire, Celbridge and Foxford  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/07/17/five-homes-on-view-this-week-in-dublin-kildare-and-mayo-from-495000/

• Self-build story: ‘We were very concerned when the planning went up – but there wasn’t one objection’  https://m.independent.ie/life/home-garden/interiors/self-build-story-we-were-very-concerned-when-the-planning-went-up-but-there-wasnt-one-objection/a891394951.html?errorCode=0

• Addressing vacancy in Tipperary is an ‘opportunity’ for property owners, not a threat https://m.independent.ie/regionals/tipperary/news/addressing-vacancy-in-tipperary-is-an-opportunity-for-property-owners-not-a-threat/a1182519777.html

• Beautiful equestrian property for sale in Curhoor, Killeenadeema, Loughrea, Co. Galway https://www.daft.ie/for-sale/detached-house-curhoor-killeenadeema-dalystown-co-galway/6219624

Property of the week 

(Sorry, I couldn’t choose just one today!)

20 best coastal properties to buy in Ireland now https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/irish-seaside-houses-sale-m0g8q7mdm

Commercial 

• Cautious confidence as investment outlook for Irish property market brightens in H2   https://www.businesspost.ie/property/cautious-confidence-as-investment-outlook-for-irish-property-market-brightens-in-h2/

• Pat McCann on Dalata sale: It’s a sad day, but no question the company was undervalued https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/pat-mccann-on-dalata-sale-its-a-sad-day-but-no-question-the-company-was-undervalued/ Also: Dalata’s chief Crowley will stay on as hotel firm bought by Scandinavian consortium  https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/breaking-consortium-to-acquire-dalata-hotel-group-in-e1-4-billion-deal/

• Matt Cooper: Dalata sale marks the end of an Irish champion and a warning to hotel sector https://www.businesspost.ie/uncategorized/matt-cooper-dalata-sale-marks-the-end-of-an-irish-champion-and-a-warning-to-hotel-sector/

• UK investor pays €34m for Arena Centre in south Dublin: Tallaght mixed-use scheme comprises retail space, office accommodation and a Maldron Hotel https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/16/uk-investor-pays-34m-for-arena-centre-in-south-dublin/

• JP McManus company snaps up Massimo Dutti building on Grafton Street:The building was put on the market earlier this year by the commercial property developer Iput, guided at just under €19m. McManus already owns two buildings on the bustling shopping thoroughfare. https://thecurrency.news/articles/196561/jp-mcmanus-company-snaps-up-massimo-dutti-building-on-grafton-street/

• Eclective seeks to rescue Paddy McKillen jnr’s Captain Americas from debts of nearly €2m  https://www.businesspost.ie/legal/eclective-seeks-to-rescue-paddy-mckillen-jnrs-captain-americas-from-debts-of-nearly-e2m/

• Fully upgraded Dublin 4 office investment guiding at €27.15m: Current owners acquired Haddington Road building from Nama at knockdown price in 2014 — One Haddington Buildings on Haddington Road, Dublin 4, has undergone a full refurbishment and now comprises grade A office space with an A3 Ber rating https://www.irishtimes.com/property/commercial-property/2025/07/16/fully-upgraded-dublin-4-office-investment-guiding-at-2715m/

• Almost 400 Cork pubs have called last orders over the past two decades https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41669102.html

• ‘We worked hard for 34 years’: Well-known Cork city centre pub up for sale as owner plans retirement — It has an asking price in excess of €1.5m https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41670353.html

• Tap into more potential at Midleton’s €7.75m Watersedge investment offer: Riverside mixed use scheme has a McDonalds restaurant and drive-thru, plus 36 apartments and scope to asset manage a further 33,000 sq ft of space https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/commercial/arid-41671028.html

• Global coffeehouse chain and prominent book store both set to open in Limerick: The American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves has been operating in Ireland since 2005 and has over 15,000 stores worldwide https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/business/1852438/global-coffeehouse-chain-and-prominent-book-store-both-set-to-open-in-limerick.html

• Five Edwardian properties in Limerick city could be yours…for almost €2 million. https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/five-edwardian-properties-in-limerick-city-could-be-yours-for-almost-e2-million/

• Iconic Wicklow hotel goes on the market for €1.75m  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/bray-news/iconic-wicklow-hotel-goes-on-the-market-for-175m/a893050413.html#

• Almost one hundred pubs closed down in Kerry in the last twenty years | RadioKerry.ie https://www.radiokerry.ie/news/almost-one-hundred-pubs-closed-down-in-kerry-in-the-last-twenty-years-443002

• Ireland’s 100 best independent shops: From artisan makers selling uniquely Irish homewares to neighbourhood wine joints and wellness spaces, our writers have compiled their hotlist of the small shops worth a visit this summer https://m.independent.ie/life/irelands-100-best-independent-shops/a1068353864.html#

PODCAST: The Property Roundup on iPropertyRadio.com

SIP Homes for the Irish Market (one-off and scheme)

Ciaran Walshe, CEO of MMC Eco Homes, sits down with Carol Tallon in the iProperty Radio studios this week to discuss the realities of introducing new building methods and new technologies into Ireland’s construction industry.

Informed by decades of traditional construction across Ireland and the UK, through to his introduction to modular over a decade ago (the seed was planted!), Ciaran explains SIP, or structural insulated panels, and how this technology can offer programme savings of 30% through his manufacturing facility in Lithuania.

He goes through the importance of selecting the right MMC technologies for any given project, and how project owners and their AEC teams can get to the right decision faster…

He also shares latest project data and insights from one-off rural builds to mixed-use developments in Ireland and across Europe.


📽️ Watch back – https://youtu.be/hNy_FuY5OJ8?si=4qJKzMLXuqUrIeK4

📣 Listen back – https://open.spotify.com/episode/10Mrc4ejAbyTnrou9rujFY?si=eaYCiCuiTXi2jXdituNh5w

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Tenant ‘chatbot’ popular in social housing launches into PRS: Assist-Me from Converse360 helps dozens of councils talk to their tenants, and MD Richard Brown now believes its ideal for letting agencies too. https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/proptech/tenant-proptech-popular-in-social-housing-launches-into-private-rented-sector/

• 3D‑printed construction: Could this be Roscommon’s next housing breakthrough?  How a quiet technological revolution could ease the housing crisis https://roscommonpeople.ie/3d%E2%80%91printed-construction-could-this-be-roscommons-next-housing-breakthrough/

• Acuthor Launches in Ireland to Support the BMS & HVAC Sector with Siemens Stock and Expertise https://breakingground.news/acuthor-launches-in-ireland-to-support-the-bms-hvac-sector-with-siemens-stock-and-expertise/

• Manna in face-off with church and Fianna Fáil TD over Dundrum drone delivery hub: Bobby Healy, the Manna founder and chief executive, has agreed to meet the south Dublin residents who are objecting to his proposed drone delivery hub in Dundrum  https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/manna-in-face-off-with-church-and-fianna-fail-over-dundrum-drone-delivery-hub/

• Dublin’s quiet tech power: Why the capital is punching above its weight in the global talent war  https://www.businesspost.ie/property/dublins-quiet-tech-power-why-the-capital-is-punching-above-its-weight-in-the-global-talent-war/

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/ 

---

INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY

• ‘Historic’ €100bn infrastructure investment plan to be unveiled: Government is preparing to launch a near €100 billion infrastructure investment plan for the next five years, which will constitute the largest capital expansion programme in the history of the state https://www.businesspost.ie/politics/historic-e100bn-infrastructure-investment-plan-to-be-unveiled/

• Roads and housing to get €100bn capital funding boost https://www.thetimes.com/world/ireland-world/article/roads-and-housing-to-get-100bn-capital-funding-boost-vt7vbvh3x

• Inside Ireland’s multibillion euro infrastructure plan: Next week the Government will publish a review of its National Development Plan, which adds €20bn to spending https://www.rte.ie/news/analysis-and-comment/2025/0718/1524051-national-development-plan/

• Ministers cannot afford to squander Apple billions: As dilemmas go, the tricky question of how to spend the additional €30bn available ­under the revised National ­Development Plan is definitely among the most gratifying ones for the Government https://m.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/the-sunday-independents-view-ministers-cannot-afford-to-squander-apple-billions/a1570413603.html#

• Political opposition hindering electricity projects: TDs and senators hear how opposition hits power supplies  https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/07/16/political-opposition-hinders-electricity-projects/

• Hospice operator launches High Court challenge to BusConnects corridor: Challenge arises from NTA’s plans to build a 22-space car park on lands owned by the hospice https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2025/07/14/hospice-operator-launches-high-court-challenge-to-busconnects-corridor/

• Transport authority to acquire land for BusConnects in Cork city: FG councillor Joe Kavanagh asked the council executive to provide an update on the current status of the city wide BusConnects programme and when is it likely to proceed as proposed https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41670851.html

• Contractor appointed for road scheme in ‘forgotten’ area of Cork city  https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41668904.html

• Plans for major housing schemes may be scuppered by water and sewerage issues: Cork County Council has been warned it be restricted in several areas for building as Uisce Éireann is not supplying it with plans for water and sewerage upgrades in the region https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41671391.html

• Last day of the Dáil heard of “major obstacles” to development in Galway City. Addressing Tanaiste Simon Harris, Galway West TD Catherine Connolly says there’s a crippling lack of wastewaster infrastructure – and problems with the existing infrastructure https://connachttribune.ie/last-day-of-dil-hears-of-major-obstacles-to-development-in-galway-city/

• Green light for upgrade of city pumping station needed for thousands of new homes: An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for the long-sought major upgrade of water infrastructure on the east side of Galway City https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/green-light-for-upgrade-of-city-pumping-station-needed-for-thousands-of-new-homes-198517

• Plans lodged for a major new development in County Kilkenny: Uisce Eireann has lodged a planning application to Kilkenny County Council https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/north-kilkenny/1850187/plans-lodged-for-a-major-new-development-in-county-kilkenny.html

• Company owned by an Offaly businessman has lodged plans for a €1 billion data centre campus and solar farm on a 600-acre site in Westmeath  https://www.offalyindependent.ie/2025/07/15/offaly-company-lodges-plans-for-e1bn-data-centre-project/#

• Digital Realty wants to build gas plant for ‘stranded’ €100m data centre after energy policy shift https://www.businesspost.ie/companies/digital-realty-wants-to-build-gas-plant-for-stranded-e100m-data-centre-after-energy-policy-shift/

• Infrastructure Pipeline published with 780 UK projects worth £530bn https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2025/07/17/infrastructure-pipeline-published-with-780-projects-worth-530bn/

---

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• Panorama exposes conditional selling by estate agents – Property Industry Eye: Panorama has gone undercover at one of the UK’s biggest estate agencies to investigate claims it is not acting in the best interests of customers https://propertyindustryeye.com/panorama-exposes-conditional-selling-by-estate-agents/

• Propertymark breaks silence after BBC Panorama investigation – Property Industry Eye https://propertyindustryeye.com/propertymark-breaks-silence-after-bbc-panorama-investigation/

• Look inside: Terry Wogan’s £3.75m home with tennis court, swimming pool, croquet lawn and orchard: Limerick-born BBC broadcaster’s Buckinghamshire home sits on 2.84 acres with views of Windsor Castle  https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2025/07/18/look-inside-terry-wogans-375m-home-with-tennis-court-swimming-pool-croquet-lawn-and-orchard/

• The government-appointed Building Control Independent Panel, created in response to a recommendation in the Grenfell Tower part two report to consider the future of building control, has highlighted barriers which could hinder the ending of private sector involvement in signing-off buildings https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/buildings/building-safety/panel-flags-barriers-to-ending-private-building-control-16-07-2025/

• World’s largest crane lifts Hinkley dome: Video https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2025/07/17/worlds-largest-crane-lifts-hinkley-dome-video/

• New ultra-low carbon cement pilot launched https://specificationonline.co.uk/articles/2025-07-14/tarmac-cms-pozament/new-ultra-low-carbon-cement-pilot-launched

• Texas-based developer Hines has submitted an application to build a supertall skyscraper in San Francisco, which would be the West Coast’s tallest building if completed.  https://www.dezeen.com/2025/07/14/hines-supertall-skyscraper-77-beale/