The Land Development Agency (LDA) has appointed David Duffy as its Senior Research Economist. With over 20 years of economics and research expertise, Mr Duffy will establish and lead the development of the economics function at the State’s affordable housing delivery body.

Mr Duffy, a native of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, has previously worked as a Director with Property Industry Ireland, and as an economist and researcher with the Economic and Social Research Institute. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s in economics from University College Cork and a PhD in economics from Maynooth University.

David Duffy, Senior Research Economist with the LDA, said: “This is a particularly exciting time to join the LDA.  The Agency’s position as one of the leading affordable home providers in the country has been acknowledged and supported with increased State capital, through which it will deliver thousands of new homes between now and 2030.  This is a critical mission, and one I am proud and enthusiastic about contributing to alongside my new colleagues in the LDA”.

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA said: “David’s appointment marks another important step forward for the Agency as it continues to become the largest homebuilder in the country. David has provided valuable insights into Ireland’s housing market for over two decades, most recently with Property Industry Ireland and previously with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).  His experience will be central in steering the Agency’s growth and investment strategy over the coming years.  I am excited to welcome David to the LDA team and look forward to working closely with him as the organisation accelerates its delivery of affordable housing.”

David Duffy is a highly accomplished economist with more than 20 years experience, with a particular focus on the housing sector.

While at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), David was responsible for the ptsb/ESRI House Price Index and the KBC Bank/ESRI Consumer Sentiment Index. He also contributed to the Institute’s Quarterly Economic Commentary and Medium-Term Review.

He has published on topics such as measuring house price change, the affordability of homeownership, the influence of house prices on the decision of migrants to come to Ireland, negative equity, and forecasts for new household formation in Ireland.

At Ibec, Mr Duffy engaged with government, regulators and other key stakeholders, and led and supported the completion of policy documents for the Ibec Property Sector. He was a member of the Labour Economic and Employers Forum (LEEF) Sub-Group on Housing, a member of the Housing Agency Board and Chair of their Research and Insights Advisory Panel.