Founded in 1935 by a visionary group of construction leaders, the federation has grown into one of Ireland’s most enduring, influential, and largest membership organisations. Over the past nine decades, members have played a pivotal role in shaping Ireland’s built environment, from trusted, multi-generational family businesses to innovative new enterprises driving the industry forward.

To make Ireland an attractive place for construction companies to operate, urgent reforms are needed to address the current lack of investment and bureaucratic barriers that are pushing contractors to seek opportunities overseas. Large contractors are increasingly drawn to foreign markets where higher margins, clearer contracts, and more efficient procurement systems offer better returns and fewer risks. In contrast, the Irish construction sector, in working towards NDP delivery, experiences inconsistent project pipelines and a cumbersome public procurement process that discourages participation. 

This panel will discuss:

• The need to create a stable, supportive environment for construction firms as essential to meet Ireland’s growing infrastructure needs
• What the government needs to do to prioritise sustained infrastructure investment 
• How can we overhaul procurement practices to ensure fairer, more transparent, and timely contract awards?

In order for construction companies to invest in upskilling their workforce and scaling operations, they need a strong project pipeline to justify the investment. Essentially, the pipeline of projects provides the necessary foundation for growth and innovation within the construction industry, requiring companies to invest in their people to meet the demands of future work. Alongside this, new construction methods and technological advancements are driving productivity gains and a need for adaptable, skilled workers who can transition between different areas of work. 

Topics will include:

• Connection between pipeline and people
• Productivity gains through innovation
• Skills transfer and upskilling

The construction sector is often hindered by delays in the planning and consents process. Lengthy approval timelines, varying interpretations of regulations by local authorities, and under-resourced planning departments contribute to significant project delays and increased costs. Navigating between planning permissions and building regulations can also be complex, especially when requirements shift or lack clarity. These challenges slow down the delivery of critical infrastructure and impact the quality of life for communities. To address this, there is a need to streamline planning procedures, improve coordination across agencies, and invest in the capacity of planning systems to enable faster, more efficient project delivery.

The current Public Works Contract in Ireland can be unappealing to contractors due to its risk allocation, which tends to place a disproportionate burden on them. This can lead to contractors seeking more favourable terms in the commercial sector. To reform the contract, the government could consider shifting some risk back to the contracting authority, possibly through mechanisms like cost-reimbursement or framework agreements, and offering more flexibility regarding pricing and inflation protection. How can the government can make the Public Works Contract more attractive to contractors, leading to increased competition, better value for money, and a more efficient infrastructure sector? What are the issues with the contract and how should it be reformed?

Topics will include:

• Lack of flexibility, making it difficult to accommodate changes during the project lifecycle
• Improving risk management and allowing for more flexible pricing mechanisms
• Utilising framework agreements to simplify the procurement process and allow for more predictable pricing 
• Fostering greater collaboration between the contracting authority and the contractor 

Private investment is vital for funding public housing and reaching the housing targets but funding faces challenges related to balancing viability and affordability, securing adequate financing, and ensuring effective project delivery. While government initiatives and private investment are crucial, securing long-term, competitive financing and navigating complex procurement processes remain significant hurdles. Additionally, the need for adequate land availability and a skilled workforce contributes to the overall complexity. 

Topics will include:

• The transition from funding allocation to actual project delivery 
• The availability of zoned and serviced land in areas of high demand
• The relationship between state funding and private investment 
• Access to long-term, fixed-rate financing for Approved Housing Bodies