WEALTH September 8, 2026 0 Comments

Why Beauchamps’ Bold Call to Revolutionize Housing Delivery Could Shake Up the Entire Market—And What You Need to Know Now

Housing in Ireland: can the country really build 300,000 new homes by 2030? Minister for Housing, James Browne, certainly thinks so — and he’s making it his absolute priority. Speaking at the Beauchamps Housing Conference, Browne laid out a vision that’s equal parts ambitious and urgent. The government’s already committing record investment, but as he candidly admitted, delivering on this promise isn’t a solo act. It calls for a whole cast of characters: planners, architects, construction companies, and local authorities, all moving in sync. The momentum is there – supply is up, pipelines are promising – but the challenge? It’s still massive. With over 500 industry leaders, policymakers, and experts gathering under one roof, the question isn’t just about building homes but about crafting a sustainable, inclusive society that these homes will serve. Beyond the policies and promises, the clock’s ticking — and practical, decisive action is the name of the game. Can Ireland pull it off? That’s what everyone’s here to figure out. LEARN MORE

Minister for Housing James Browne has said strengthening Ireland’s housing sector is his “absolute priority” as the government seeks to build 300,000 new homes by 2030

Speaking at Beauchamps‘ Housing Conference at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on Tuesday, Browne said: “A well-functioning housing system is essential for creating a sustainable, inclusive society. Strengthening the housing sector to be able to meet Ireland’s housing needs is my absolute priority.

“The government is taking decisive action and committing record investment to boost housing supply, but we cannot achieve our ambitious targets alone.

“The support of planners, architects, construction companies, local authorities and other key stakeholders is vital to meeting the scale of Ireland’s housing challenge.

“We now have clear momentum in the sector – supply has increased significantly, and the pipeline is also strong – but there is much more to be achieved.

“My focus remains on maintaining and building on that momentum, as we work together to deliver the homes that Ireland needs.”

Taoiseach Michéal Martin also addressed the event, which was attended by more than 500 policymakers, developers, home builders, funders and leaders, in a pre-recorded video message.

He said the government is committed to addressing the overall infrastructure deficit through the accelerating infrastructure action plan, which is bringing about the legal, regulatory and process reforms needed to deliver large enabling projects.

In a survey conducted by Beauchamps, more than 50% of delegates said they believe that Ireland can deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030.

The majority of respondents called for a sharp and immediate acceleration in housing delivery.

Reflecting this year’s theme, Beyond the Blueprint, the conference focused on the practical actions needed to convert policy into tangible delivery, from unlocking infrastructure and alignment of state agencies, addressing affordability pressures to improving viability and building a stronger, more sustainable delivery pipeline.

Fidelma McManus, partner and head of housing at Beauchamps, chaired two panel discussions tackling the most pressing issues facing the sector.

The first panel, Breaking the Infrastructure Bottleneck, featured Garret Doocey, Deputy Secretary General, Housing Activation Office; Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director, Uisce Éireann; John Coleman, Chief Executive, Land Development Agency; and Alice Charles, Director, Cities, Planning and Design, Arup.

The panel examined how to unblock residential projects by addressing utility deficits, accelerating infrastructure delivery, streamlining planning processes and aligning State investment with national housing objectives.

The second panel, What will it take to deliver Affordable Housing at scale, featured Caroline Timmons, Assistant Secretary, Housing Policy and Standards Division; Mick Mulhern, Assistant Chief Executive, Dublin City Council; Mandy Johnston, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Institutional Property; and Aoife Watters, Chief Executive Officer, Respond.

Discussion centred on current housing output, affordability, viability and the conditions required to attract long-term institutional capital and deliver affordable homes at greater pace and scale.

(l-r) John White, Managing Partner, Beauchamps; Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D.; and Conference Chair Fidelma McManus, Partner & Head of Housing, Beauchamps.

Closing the event, McManus stated: “Beyond the Blueprint is more than a theme. Policy direction is clear and the plan is in place, but delivery now depends on decisive implementation: unlocking infrastructure, improving viability and restoring certainty will be critical to attracting the private and international capital needed to deliver homes at the scale and pace Ireland needs.”

Photo: (l-r) Kate English, Director & Head of Real Estate Research, Deloitte; John Coleman, Chief Executive, Land Development Agency; Maria O’Dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director, Uisce Éireann; John White, Managing Partner, Beauchamps, James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Fidelma McManus, Partner and Head of Housing, Beauchamps; Mick Mulhern, Assistant Chief Executive, Dublin City Council; Aoife Watters, Chief Executive Officer, Respond; Garret Doocey, Deputy Secretary General, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Alice Charles, Director, Cities, Planning & Design, Arup; Caroline Timmons, Assistant Secretary, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.(Pic: Supplied)