Ireland’s logistics and transport sector enters the second half of 2026 with resilience despite global uncertainty. Cushman & Wakefield Ireland Industrial and Logistics Marketbeat Q2 2026 reports 62,500 square metres of national industrial take-up in Q2 and €513 million in investment. Yet higher freight costs, geopolitical disruption and uneven regional demand mean C-suite leaders must look beyond short-term activity. The priority is building logistics networks capable of absorbing volatility while supporting long-term growth.

The market evidence supports continued investment rather than caution. Global goods trade remains resilient, while Ireland’s manufacturing PMI reached a four-year high as companies increased inventories in response to supply chain concerns. This creates an opportunity for logistics and transport businesses to strengthen capacity before the next disruption arrives. Three priorities stand out: investment in modern infrastructure, stronger regional capacity and greater supply chain agility.

Investment is providing a strong foundation. The €500 million acquisition of Horizon Logistics Park accounted for most of Q2’s €513 million investment total, the strongest quarterly figure since Q4 2021. Meanwhile, prime Dublin rents reached €149 per square metre and are forecast to reach €153 by year end. These figures indicate continued demand for strategically located industrial and logistics space, making investment in efficient facilities increasingly important to supply chain performance.

Regional development presents a further opportunity. Dublin accounted for more than 90% of Q2 take-up, while Cork and Limerick-Shannon recorded much lower activity and continued to face tighter availability. The 19,000 square metre development at City Business Park in Limerick, due for completion in 2027, demonstrates how regional capacity can complement Dublin’s dominant position. Greater connectivity between industrial locations, ports, airports and road networks could support a more balanced national logistics system.

Agility is equally critical as supply chain pressures persist. The New York Fed’s Global Supply Chain Pressure Index remained above its long-term average, while the Baltic Dry Index was significantly higher year on year, reflecting elevated shipping costs. Organisations that combine data, inventory visibility and diversified transport networks are likely to respond more effectively to disruption. This aligns with broader trends identified by organisations including the World Trade Organization and McKinsey & Company, which continue to emphasise resilience, digitalisation and nearshoring as defining themes in global supply chains. Irish logistics businesses therefore face a strategic opportunity to move from reactive operations towards predictive supply chain management.

The response should be practical. Policymakers can support regional development through transport investment and planning reform, while businesses can improve supply chain visibility through data sharing and digital tools. Investors should prioritise efficient, sustainable facilities and multimodal infrastructure, with closer collaboration between ports, manufacturers, freight operators and technology providers.

Cushman & Wakefield’s Q2 findings show an Irish logistics market adapting rather than retreating amid global uncertainty. Investment remains strong, trade continues and new regional capacity is emerging. For Ireland’s logistics and transport sector, combining infrastructure investment with regional development and supply chain agility can create a stronger platform for sustainable growth as global trade continues to evolve.