Here is today's round-up of town planning news from around Ireland, covering a pause in commencing the Planning and Development Act, a reported curb on new homes from leading housing providers, a 70-home scheme at a protected former convent in Donnybrook, a large housing application near Blarney, a third-party appeal against 174 homes in Portlaoise and planning enforcement on O'Connell Street.
Work-to-rule pauses commencement of the Planning and Development Act
Further commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024 has been paused because of the work-to-rule by council staff, with 24 parts of the Act still to be brought into force. The Department of Housing confirmed the pause is due to “circumstances beyond its control”, after Fórsa told members in local authorities to withdraw cooperation from restructuring and new work practices. The Department says it will keep working with planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála to stay ready, and will give a new commencement date as soon as possible.
Source: Irish Examiner (26 October 2026)
Housing providers reportedly told to limit number of new homes
The Irish Independent reports that providers of thousands of new homes have been quietly told by the Government to stop building more houses and apartments. Sinn Féin has described the directive as “ludicrous”, amid fears that middle earners will be hit hardest.
Source: Irish Independent (25 October 2026)
70 homes proposed at former Dominican convent in Donnybrook
Muckross Park Developments has applied to Dublin City Council for up to 70 homes on the former Dominican convent and chapel site at Marlborough Road, Donnybrook, beside Muckross Park College. The plans include a new five-storey block of 29 apartments, partial demolition and refurbishment of Muckross Park House, a protected structure, for 25 apartments, conversion of the former chapel into 10 apartments and six houses in the walled garden. The site was sold by the Dominican Sisters for a total of €8.4 million in 2021.
Source: The Irish Times (26 October 2026)
Kilmoney Homes seeks permission for 319 homes near Blarney
Kilmoney Homes Ltd has applied to Cork City Council for a large-scale residential development of 319 homes on a 10.6-hectare site at Dromasmole, about 2.5km from Tower, made up of 237 houses and 82 duplex and simplex units, with a two-storey childcare facility for up to 110 children. Access would be from a new entrance on the Bawnafinny Road. Submissions are accepted until 19 November, with a decision due by 10 December.
Source: The Echo (25 October 2026)
Appeal lodged against 174 homes at Dargan Woods, Portlaoise
A Forest Park resident has appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála against Laois County Council's grant of permission for 160 houses, 14 apartments and a 67-place crèche extending the Dargan Woods estate off the Borris Road in Portlaoise. The appeal targets a proposed pedestrian and cycle link next to Forest Park, raising noise, environmental and anti-social behaviour concerns; the council had granted permission with 26 conditions after finding the developer's justification for the links acceptable.
Source: Laois Live (25 October 2026)
Planning enforcement steps up on O'Connell Street
Dublin City Council has taken more than a dozen planning enforcement cases over unauthorised shopfronts and advertising on O'Connell Street, following complaints from the new Dublin City Development Company led by Robert Watt, and a new restaurant on the street has been permitted on condition that it has no takeaway element. In an editorial, The Irish Times welcomed the moves as early signs of revival but said investment around the former Hammerson site, MetroLink and the GPO must be brought together in a coherent plan.
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