Conference Schedule

Conference begins

Welcome from SCSI President Kevin Hollingsworth 

• Kevin will set out the context of this half-day conference. He will discuss the changes and challenges within the property, land, and construction sector, how the SCSI is helping to shape the built environment, and our role in leading the way towards a better future. Kevin will also celebrate work of distinction across the Society throughout the day as we recognise fellow members via our  SCSI Surveying Excellence Awards.

Conference MC Introduction: Claire Brock

• Our conference MC will be Claire Brock, presenter of Virgin Media News’ Current Affairs Show. Claire will be guiding us through our sessions and panel discussions, helping to draw out new insights and ideas.

Political Currents and the Next Wave of Investments

Speaker: Gary Murphy, DCU

Speaker: Dr. Loretta O’Sullivan, Chief Economist EY Ireland

• With an Irish election on the horizon, a change to the political landscape maybe on the cards. What can we expect from the election, and how could the different outcomes shape the next Government’s key policy areas for the industry?

Panel Discussion

Meeting Demand and Public Expectation: A Sectoral Overview

This session will explore the rising pressures as demand grows for housing, infrastructure, and skilled labor, with expert analysis on navigating sectoral strain sustainably. 

Speaker: Kieran McQuinn, ESRI  

• Kieran’s economic research on the housing and construction sector has proven invaluable to SCSI members. His insights into the complex interrelationships between credit availability, house price movements, and the broader economic dynamics have shaped the Irish residential and financial markets over the past two decades. The persistent increase in Irish house prices since 2012, using a newly developed model to assess the contribution of changing credit standards to these recent market developments. These lessons from the Irish experience offer guidance on housing and financial challenges for the future.

Panel Discussion

Perspectives in Sustainable Planning

Speaker: John Moran, Mayor of Limerick

• The first directly elected mayor in Ireland, Mayor Moran, will speak on a comprehensive vision for the city centre, expressed in his Mayoral Programme with a three-pillar approach. The first is making Limerick more liveable, focusing on increasing affordable housing and improving the quality of life for all residents. The second pillar is building a more prosperous Limerick through economic diversification and ensuring equitable prosperity, with opportunities afforded to all communities. The third pillar is creating a healthier Limerick, including supporting healthier lifestyles. Overall, the Mayor’s vision aims to transform Limerick into a more liveable, prosperous, and healthy city for all its citizens. The built environment will play an essential role in his plan for Limerick.

Speaker: Niall Cussen, Chief Executive, Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) 

• The Irish planning system has needed to be adaptable. With the signing of the Planning and Development Act 2024, planners and professionals hope that new and longstanding challenges can be addressed. Niall will discuss how he sees the new Act will impact the sector and what members can expect in terms of changes so that they can advise clients. The planning process is also cognisant of its role in climate change, which is now a central focus, with new language and approaches permeating the planning space while at the same time trying to balance a persistent housing supply and affordability gap. We look forward to discussing density, community, rural towns and affordability as we assess the planning process for 2025 and beyond.

Speaker: Tony Mulhall, RICS

• Reform planning systems is creating an opportunity for better land use and to foster sustainable development. Tony will share his experience and research how other jurisdictions deal with getting the balance for applicants and communities in regard to proposed developments. How can the planning decision-making process evolve to meet policy and societal goals?

Panel Discussion

Embracing the Circular Economy for a Sustainable Ireland

Speaker: Rachel Hoolahan, ORMS

• Rachel is an architect and co-lead of the sustainability consultancy and research work at Orms, has been at the forefront of driving sustainable development through her deep research and innovative approaches. Clients expect their professionals to be able to advise on the circular economy, which is growing. Rachel leads the Design for Circularity working group within the Circular Economy Live Project Forum, which produces a template framework for a Deconstruction Plan. Her talk will also highlight the material passporting process in the context of the built environment’s circular economy.

Speaker: Emer Byrne, TU Dublin 

• Emer is the Chair of the SCSI’s Sustainability Committee and is educating future property professionals. She champions the need for professionals to work across disciplinary lines to ensure the role the property and construction industry plays in climate change and sustainable practices are being realised, given its significant carbon footprint. Emer is keen to bring the lens of value to the sustainability conversation with clients as we adapt our development models for the cultural, financial, and carbon benefits of such an approach.

Panel Discussion

Lunch and Conference Ends

Join delegates for lunch kindly supported by Omega Financial Management