Ireland’s planning system is seen as the main obstacle to meeting Ireland’s housing needs into the future, according to a survey of property professionals by law firm Mason Hayes & Curran.

The survey was carried out at the firm’s Future of Property Conference, which attracted c.300 industry professionals.

Housing supply, planning reform and smart cities were all on the agenda at the hybrid event, taking place online and at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin today.

Almost all respondents believe that reforms are needed to Ireland’s planning regulations, with a reduction of judicial reviews being seen as the most important priority, followed by improved resourcing for local authorities and An Bord Pleanála.

More than half of respondents felt that housing supply will not improve in Dublin for four years or longer, with only 2% thinking it would improve in the next 12 months.

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The vast majority of professionals said they do not believe that a change of government would bring about a meaningful improvement in the supply of housing in the short term.

Also, just over three quarters felt that the 2% caps on residential rent reviews are not substantial in the short-term against the backdrop of inflationary pressures.

Housing minister Darragh O’Brien told the conference: “There are significant challenges in housing and government know that. That’s why we have introduced our Housing for All plan which sets us on the path to delivering 300,000 social, affordable and private homes between now and the end of 2030.

“Any long-term solution to our current crisis needs the entire system pulling in the same direction to achieve our common goal, to build more, better, houses and apartments at affordable prices, to buy or rent.”

TCD academic Ronan Lyons told attendees: "Housing need in Ireland over the coming decades is likely to be not only substantially higher than current policy targets,- but also far more diverse in the mix of housing types needed than the country is used to building.

“From pre-family housing, including student housing and co-living, to forms of housing like independent living and assisted living complexes, Ireland will need to not only scale up its build rate but also diversify the types of housing. For that, the State will need to play a leading role."

Broadcaster Vincent Wall chaired the event and panels of key industry stakeholders examined the challenges, trends and opportunities they are encountering in the built environment.