Planning Permission Key to Solving Ireland’s Housing Crisis?
Irish homebuyers face endless frustration from a chronic shortage of properties amid rising prices.
Marian Finnegan, CEO of Sherry FitzGerald, expresses doubt about fully resolving Ireland’s housing crisis. She highlights how a heavy policy emphasis on first-time buyers limits broader supply efforts. Planning permission delays and shortages continue to hinder new developments, exacerbating the issue for families seeking three-bedroom semis with gardens.
Finnegan notes persistent demand for traditional homes over apartments, which sell slower due to higher costs. Irish house prices keep climbing, driven by few homes available for sale. This trend underscores the need for faster planning permission processes to boost supply across urban and suburban areas.
Sherry FitzGerald has grown significantly under her leadership, expanding from a handful of offices to 31 branches plus franchises. The firm now leverages advanced data tools—a game changer—for market analysis and property valuations. Finnegan marks 30 years with the company next May, having risen to head residential operations six years ago and taken the CEO role last September.
The business changed hands in 2022 when Mark FitzGerald sold it to Tommy Kelly’s CastleGate Investments for around €50 million. To diversify revenue, Finnegan eyes a medium- to long-term return to the London market and a potential first-quarter deal to buy Knight Frank, re-entering Irish commercial property.
Looking northward, the group explores opportunities beyond the Republic to spread risk across economies. When asked about solving the housing crisis in the next decade or so, Finnegan remains cautious. She stresses that while efforts continue, deep-rooted challenges like infrastructure and regulatory hurdles persist.
Related issues often involve complex An Bord Pleanála decisions on housing scheme approval amid concerns over flood-risk development and material contravention of plans. Developers must navigate environmental impact assessments to secure permissions, yet supply lags demand.
Key points from Finnegan’s insights:
- Policy tilts too much toward first-time buyers, sidelining family homes.
- Three-bedroom semis with gardens remain top choice for Irish buyers.
- Apartments face slower uptake due to price barriers.
- Data analytics transformed Sherry FitzGerald’s valuation accuracy.
- Expansion plans include UK markets and commercial re-entry.
These trends highlight why accelerated planning permission remains vital for Ireland’s property sector. Without streamlining approvals, the crisis endures, pushing prices higher and choices lower for aspiring homeowners.
Originally reported in The Irish Times on Fri, 13 Feb 2026 06:44:44 +0000. Full story
