Ireland’s built environment sector is under pressure to deliver at greater speed and scale.
Our 2026 Built Environment Summit examined what that means for infrastructure and commercial property. Held recently at The Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin, the event brought together senior industry stakeholders to discuss the barriers to delivery and the conditions needed to support future development.
Professor Ronan Lyons, lecturer and economist at Trinity College Dublin, delivered an insightful keynote on the housing market and economic trends. Expert panel discussions considered how Ireland can achieve its infrastructure ambitions, and how funding and viability are shaping commercial property decisions.
Property Sector Survey
Our audience poll results, based on 300 stakeholder responses, showed that planning consent delays remain the biggest barrier to infrastructure delivery in Ireland. Two-thirds (66%) of respondents said consenting delays are the main barrier to delivery. Procurement was selected by 14%, followed by funding certainty at 12% and workforce capacity at 8%.
The findings also show improved investor sentiment towards Ireland. Seven in ten respondents (70%) said their confidence in Ireland as an investment destination is higher than twelve months ago.
Discussions & panellists
Ireland's infrastructure deficit: from problem to opportunity
- Sean O'Driscoll - Chair of the Economic and Social Research Institute
- Alasdair Henderson - BAM UK & Ireland's Executive Director of BAM Ireland
- Paul Mitchell - Director, Mitchell McDermott Construction Consultants
- Matthew Biviano - Executive Director and Head of Dublin Office, Plenary
- David Gunn - Partner, Infrastructure, Energy and Construction, Mason Hayes & Curran
Funding and viability of commercial property: insights and market trends
- Daniel Lockley - Partner, Head of Real Estate, Deloitte Ireland
- Michael Griffith - Chief Investment Officer, Hibernia Real Estate Group
- Peter Rowe - Executive Director, Morgan Stanley
- Colley Casey - Head of Living Investment, Real Estate Finance, AIB
- Alan Burns - Partner, Financial Services, Mason Hayes & Curran
Fireside Chat
- Michael McDowell SC - Deputy Chairman of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and Chair of its Finance Committee
- Frances Ruane - former Director of the Economic and Social Research Institute, and former Chair of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council
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