Our Built Environment Summit 2025 was an opportunity to gain actionable insights into the critical issues shaping the sector.

Hosted on 10 June, this high-impact morning was designed for senior professionals to learn more about the key business and legal issues. Delegates left with clear insights into the challenges and potential solutions relating to financing, policy, and infrastructure.

Attendees heard expert analysis from Professor Ronan Lyons, Head of Economics at Trinity College Dublin, on the housing market and economic trends. Leading industry voices shared practical advice during a series of expert panels. Broadcaster Anton Savage acted as MC throughout the event.

Watch our short highlight videos here, click through to view the full panel discussions, or read the key takeaways document for a concise summary of the insights shared.

Event Key Takeaways

Property Sector Survey

Just 8% of property professionals believe the expected revisions to Ireland’s rent caps will significantly improve the housing market, according to our audience poll results.

Almost six in ten respondents (57%) say rent cap changes will be only “somewhat impactful,” while over a third (35%) expect little or no impact.

Over half (55%) pointed to faster planning decisions as the single measure that would most increase rental supply. Only 15% chose rent cap reform, while one in five (22%) said tax relief for landlords would make the biggest difference.

Explore the Full Survey Results

Panel Discussions

Brave Solutions: Planning & Infrastructure

This panel explored the realities of delivery: what’s working, what’s not, and what must change.

Panellists:

• John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor, Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin
• Ronan Columb, Group Managing Director, Castlethorn
  
• Diarmaid Lawlor, Associate Director, Scottish Futures Trust
• Deirdre Nagle, Partner and Head of Planning and Environment Law, Mason Hayes & Curran
  

Watch the Full Panel Discussion

Unlocking Capital: Financing Our Social Housing Future

The discussion centred on what’s stopping the money from flowing, and how do we change that?

Panellists:

• Fiona O'Driscoll, Financial Lead, Irish Council for Social Housing
• Kevin McKeon, Head of European Investment Bank Group Office in Ireland
• Sinéad Walshe, Director, Infrastructure Debt, Aviva Investors
• Eoin Traynor, Senior Associate, Financial Services, Mason Hayes & Curran

Watch the Full Panel Discussion

Breaking Barriers: Rethinking Housing Policy

Our experts discussed policy roadblocks, unintended consequences, and the bold moves needed.

Panellists:

• Michael Hynes, CEO, Evara
• Eddie Byrne, CEO, I-RES REIT
• Stephen Garvey, CEO, Glenveagh Properties
  
• Jamie Fitzmaurice, Partner, Real Estate, Mason Hayes & Curran

Watch the Full Panel Discussion