The Irish construction sector plays a crucial role in laying the groundwork for a smart economy that attracts and retains inward investment. Its exceptional expertise in creating modern, sustainable infrastructure is a key driver of this success. The contribution of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the Irish economy is far reaching and it is estimated that 20% of all private sector employment in the State is directly or indirectly attributable to FDI. A recent success story of the Irish construction industry has been the growth if its strong global reputation for the development of data centres. The specific expertise held by Irish construction companies in building complex, secure facilities for big tech has positioned Ireland as a key player in the global construction market for high tech facilities and been an important factor in the success of Ireland’s digital economy. It has also been an important factor in the success of Ireland’s digital economy, underpinning Ireland’s ability to attract inward investment, foster economic growth, and advance technology.

This panel will discuss:

• emergence of Irish construction as a key player in the global tech industry
• emerging trends on construction for tech and future developments
• how Ireland can harness this home-grown expertise to its full advantage to boost growth, jobs and productivity
• experience of big tech companies in developing facilities in Ireland
• importance of pro-enterprise policy and an attractive business environment to support our reputation as a great place to do business 
• expediting critical infrastructure investments to futureproof FDI
• developing and nurturing talent so that we remain an attractive destination for internationally mobile, highly skilled people

with Ivan Yates

The construction industry plays a central role in delivering the substantial State-backed investment plans to address Ireland’s housing crisis, infrastructure requirements and climate change targets over the next two decades, to accommodate the extra one million people expected to be living in Ireland by 2040. A strong and competitive construction industry is vital to deliver a sustainable built environment to support Ireland‘s economic growth trajectory over the next decade and beyond. Our cities and communities need billions of investment in infrastructure under the National Development Plan and we need a plan-led approach to infrastructure, ensuring critical utilities, such as water, are built in advance, to support population growth.

The panel will explore: 

• how can we develop utilities to support Ireland’s population and economic growth?
• providing infrastructure to support balanced regional development  
• the role of a clear project pipeline to enable construction companies to scale up
• what strategies, plans and actions are needed?
• expediting the delivery of sustainable infrastructure, whilst also decarbonising construction
• what tech innovations and key trends are shaping a greener future for construction

Delivering a better quality of life, supporting economic growth and respecting the environment.

Ireland reached a significant milestone in 2023, as its population exceeded five million people. This demographic shift carries profound implications for the country’s economic landscape, including labour force dynamics and infrastructure. Our economy is also thriving and last year, despite global challenges, it was the fastest growing in Europe, with GDP growth of 12.2%. These dynamics underscore the need for strategic planning and policy initiatives to ensure we can accommodate the growing nation, while fostering sustainable economic prosperity. 

• how can we increase investment in the people, processes and technology that support the planning system. 
• what are the challenges and opportunities for housing delivery in Ireland?
• how can the Government prioritise its streamlining processes within planning and delivery bodies, so that we can expedite infrastructure and housing delivery?
• what is the impact of the revised National Planning Framework (NPF)? 
• reviewing the National Development Plan – is it reflective of the recent population growth and the inflationary pressures of recent years?

Sarah Ingle talks to Ivan Yates about ensuring increased quality of building construction and a safeguarding of standards across the sector

In the dynamic landscape of the construction industry, upskilling the current workforce and attracting a new talent pool into the industry holds paramount importance. As technologies evolve and advance, empowering our construction professionals with new skills and knowledge is a strategic necessity. Meanwhile positive initiatives are taking place, from the Government’s Careers in Construction Action Plan to committed efforts by the construction industry to showcase the benefits of working in such a dynamic industry, are aiming to reach the next generation of construction workers. Offsite manufacturing, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and digitisation are creating new kinds of roles and setting a pathway for a more diverse workforce with a broader range of career options than ever before. 

Topics include:

·       promoting pathways into construction

·       educating the current and future workforce 

·       the impact of new techniques and methods on construction education

·       ensuring a diverse and inclusive work culture

·       futuristic technologies, the impact of AI, the effect of technology on the jobs market