Phelim O’Neill, Director of Development, Land Development Agency

Ireland's Land Development Agency (LDA) is poised to significantly increase its housing output, projecting over 2,400 unit deliveries in 2026, a surge driven by maturing direct delivery projects on public land. Phelim O’Neill, Director of Development, highlights the LDA's pivotal role in stabilising the construction sector amidst private rental sector slowdowns, maintaining critical skills by keeping developer and contractor teams active. The LDA is standardising apartment designs to optimise Modern Methods of Construction, enhancing sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Strategic land acquisitions, notably in Clongriffin and Baldoyle, will facilitate large-scale, mixed-tenure communities. The LDA is actively engaging with SMEs and prioritising implementable masterplans, exemplified by the Lissenhall Metro terminal development. Navigating the planning process, particularly judicial reviews, has necessitated robust internal legal reviews. The agency seeks innovative approaches to expedite quality, affordable housing delivery, fostering collaboration and standardised innovation across Ireland's cities and regions. Read More