“Delivering Ireland’s Future – The Role of Capital Markets and Technology in Delivering Vital National Infrastructure” was the theme of this year’s ULI Ireland annual conference, which took place in Dublin on May 15^th. More than 200 attendees from a range of disciplines heard from an excellent lineup of speakers, including Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and Marie Dormeuil, Head of European Market Analytics at Green Street Advisers. A comprehensive capital markets panel discussed Ireland’s attractiveness as an investment location and the potential to attract further international capital to help deliver critical infrastructure, including housing, water, public transport, and energy. This was followed by two excellent discussion panels with industry experts on various aspects of infrastructure and planning, while a further panel discussed how technological solutions can help to fast-track the delivery of infrastructure. 

In one of the more striking contributions of the day, the Young ULI Ireland group presented the findings of a survey conducted in recent weeks among 20-40-year-olds, which clearly highlighted the frustrations of Ireland’s younger generation in relation to infrastructure provision. Two case studies were presented, one from Laura Carrara-Cagni, Cagni Williams Associates, on the London Community Heat Network project and one from Mikael Lundberg, Areim, who presented on the Swedish data centre project, which was awarded a ULI Europe award in 2024. Both case studies were well received.

Marie Hunt, Head of Research at IPUT Real Estate Dublin and Chair of ULI Ireland said, “This year’s ULI Ireland conference was an opportunity to have a robust discussion on the various infrastructural challenges facing Ireland and more importantly an opportunity to hear from leading industry experts about practical solutions to fast-track implementation and delivery. The timely delivery of infrastructure in all its guises is essential, particularly at this critical economic juncture for Ireland, when competitiveness is so important. It was particularly edifying to hear the frustration of our young people, especially in relation to housing. It is encouraging to see a commitment from the Minister and the Government to prioritise infrastructure delivery. While there are certainly many challenges to be overcome, it is clear that international investors see opportunity in Ireland and are willing to invest alongside the public sector if we can guarantee political, economic and policy certainty.”

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Thank you to our highly esteemed sponsors, PwC, IPUT, Hibernia, and Mason Hayes & Curran, who contributed to the Conference’s success and the development of the ULI Ireland community.

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