It would also be in breach of the right to property of Article 1 Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Property developers relying on the European Convention on Human Rights must be a first. The Constitution provides for very strong property rights tempered by a requirement that they are exercised in a way compatible with “the principles of social justice” and “the exigencies of the common good”. On balance, the no-fault eviction ban for large landlords coming in next month should survive a constitutional test. Ireland is overdue a national cathartic moment hooked on a constitutional referendum.

Source: The Irish Times February 04, 2026 15:01 UTC