The construction sector in Cork is entering one of the most pivotal decades in its history. From the transformation of Cork Docklands and city centre regeneration, to unprecedented housing demand, infrastructure upgrades and the race to meet climate targets, the decisions made by industry leaders over the next few years will shape the region for generations. This session will explore how local authorities, agencies and industry can better collaborate at regional level to turn plans into projects at pace. Topics will include: • matching unprecedented investment in infrastructure with action and delivery • retaining attractiveness for foreign direct investment (FDI) in a challenging international environment • reducing fragmentation, aligning planning and funding • creating a more predictable, efficient pathway for delivering critical infrastructure • strengthening coordination and collaboration of stakeholders

How strengthening onshore energy resources can provide a stable foundation for long-term energy security and economic growth, and how resilient, locally driven energy strategies can help navigate future challenges while supporting a sustainable transition.

Water capacity, grid connections, serviced or serviceable land and transport infrastructure have been critical blockers to development in Cork. This discussion will look at what has been causing delays, how agencies have been responding to the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan and what industry needs to deliver the next phase of Cork’s growth. By supporting the delivery of key infrastructure in water, electricity, and transport, will the plan create the foundation for the more timely delivery of housing, enterprise and social development across the country? And how can we enhance public understanding of infrastructure benefits, and build societal support? Delays in planning are another obstacle to construction. Speakers will explore how recent planning reforms are working in practice and what further change is required. Topics will include: • availability of buildable land • capacity constraints in water, power and transport • grid readiness for major commercial projects • coordination failures and how to fix them • public acceptance of infrastructure benefits

This presentation will explore how rising sustainability expectations from pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing clients are reshaping the role and responsibilities of construction contractors. She will also discuss practical approaches to balancing ambitious climate goals with project timelines, costs, and overall viability in the construction sector.

Cork’s housing crisis is no longer a future threat, it is a present reality. This discussion will focus on how developers and contractors can unlock stalled schemes, improve apartment viability and scale delivery across both urban and suburban Cork. Expect practical insights on funding, procurement models and new construction methods. Topics will include: • planning, permitting and regulatory reform • cost inflation and commercial survival • how recent planning reforms are working in practice and what further change is required

This presentation will highlight key priorities and strategies driving regional development and explore how thoughtful planning supports sustainable growth, balanced communities, and future resilience.

As digital tools and artificial intelligence reshape many sectors, this panel asks a critical question for Cork’s construction industry on what skills truly matter when it comes to getting projects built? While innovation, BIM and AI-enabled site management are transforming how work is planned and delivered, the industry’s ability to build ultimately depends on skilled craftspeople, experienced site teams and a robust pipeline of talent. This discussion will explore how Cork can attract and retain the next generation of trades, strengthen apprenticeships and training pathways, and use technology to support, not replace, craft skills on site. Speakers will examine how contractors are combining traditional expertise with modern tools to boost productivity, improve quality and create sustainable careers, ensuring Cork has a genuinely shovel-ready workforce capable of delivering at scale in an increasingly digital world. Topics will include: • the enduring importance of crafts and trades in an AI-driven economy • apprenticeships, training pipelines and skills development in Munster • managing labour shortages in critical trades • how BIM, digital tools and AI are supporting productivity on site • practical innovation: from paperwork to performance • leadership, succession planning and preparing the next generation of Cork construction leaders • leveraging Cork’s RDI ecosystem to support skills, innovation and delivery

Following last year’s discussion when tariffs were still largely theoretical, this panel revisits how global trade measures have actually impacted construction delivery in the South West. Expert speakers will assess whether tariffs have materially affected material costs, supply chains and project timelines in the region, while industry voices explore how access to finance, particularly for SMEs, is shaping Cork’s ability to move projects from approval to site. The panel will also examine the real cost of delays, from prolonged tendering and stalled frameworks to planning and procurement bottlenecks. Consideration will be given to whether targeted emergency or fast-track legislation could help accelerate delivery of essential housing and infrastructure. With a clear focus on solutions, the discussion will centre on what is now working, what can be streamlined, and how Cork can convert readiness into real construction activity.