The construction sector in Cork is increasingly aware of the need to reduce its environmental impact and the duty it has in developing sustainable construction. It must focus not just on decarbonisation, but also on biodiversity, social value, circularity, safety, health, inclusion and climate adaptation. It is only through a broad range of initiatives that industry can achieve real change. When it comes to addressing the climate adaptation challenges faced by society, construction and infrastructure can justifiably claim to be the industry of the future. Innovation and digitalisation are key to achieving targets, as the industry leverages modern construction methods for enhanced efficiency. 

Topics will include:

• the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionising green construction
• how MMC techniques can reduce energy waste and the impact on the environment
• advancing best practices and promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) systems within Cork’s construction industry
• ensuring continued investment Cork’s world-class research, development and innovation (RDI) to secure a sustainable future for all

Cork has a thriving knowledge technology ecosystem and its rapidly growing investor base is making full use of the world-class research, development and innovation (RDI), top-level educational, business collaboration and sector support for which the city and region has become famous. It has an excellent track record in attracting global foreign direct investment and providing the perfect platform to both large, established multinationals and high-growth scaling companies.

The panel will discuss:

• maintaining investment and growth in infrastructure to enable economic activity to flourish
• delivering the regional projects outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP)
• how industry and academia collaborate to transform research into products in core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, manufacturing, agri-food and the environment
• the opportunities and challenges of constructing a manufacturing plant and investing in R&D in the region

Threats, uncertainties, and market opportunities.

Cork is facing a transformational decade as the city enters into an exciting period of development, investment and expansion. As growth in Cork is fuelled by the city’s high levels of foreign direct investment (FDI), with over 200 international companies making Cork their home, a sustainable infrastructure is crucial. Cork needs to ensure a pipeline of key capital infrastructure projects that will enable the region to invest and procure the resources that are required to deliver on the infrastructure outlined in the National Development Plan. It also needs to deliver the infrastructure that is holding up the delivery of much needed residential accommodation throughout the county. One of the biggest obstacles to delivering on infrastructure is the current under-investment in the people, processes and technology that support the planning system. 

This panel will discuss:

• the importance of the government streamlining processes within planning and delivery bodies in order to expedite infrastructure delivery
• ensuring a pipeline of key capital infrastructure projects
• undertaking flood defence systems to protect Cork’s homes and businesses
• retaining attractiveness for foreign direct investment (FDI) in a challenging international environment

It is acknowledged that there is a far greater housing need than targeted within the Housing for All and the National Planning Framework. A sustained increase in the completion of new homes is required to deliver adequate supply that meets the needs of Cork and beyond.

This panel will discuss:

• key issues around planning policy and the planning system that are hindering the viability and delivery of affordable, high quality and sustainable housing
• the Government’s decision to waive development levies and how these reductions are helping housebuilders deliver more homes
• how the use of innovative construction techniques can keep costs down and ensure the delivery of good high quality, low-carbon developments

The continued sustainable and prosperous growth of Cork city is intrinsically linked to the evolution of port activity together with the re-use of historic port lands in the city centre to provide for new city neighbourhoods. The Port Masterplan is adapting to a shifting landscape in port operations and planning its development as a key global port of the future. Agencies are working together to unlock the potential of the lands for new housing, economic growth and associated services to support the future growth and prosperity of the city. A key focus now is on critical infrastructure to unlock the potential and catalyse the economic growth in support of Cork’s ambitions as a key global city and port of the future. The panel will discuss:

• collaborating with key partners to enable and realise the vision for the future
• expansion of port activity in the lower harbour
• creation of new neighbourhoods and the role of critical infrastructure in unlocking and catalysing the potential of the docklands and port
• consideration of the maritime, landside and transport connectivity constraints and opportunities • adopting agile funding and delivery strategies mindful of medium to long-term delivery trajectories and evolving needs
• developing opportunities in future cargoes such as offshore wind and green energy fuels
• how digitalisation of port services and operations will boost efficiency and sustainability in the port

With Ireland’s population now standing at 5.2 million and Cork on course to see its population soar, the city must accelerate its housing delivery to meet the needs of a growing population. Companies large and small in Cork have one problem in common. They are struggling to house new staff. Plans for a series of major sustainable infrastructural investments in housing, transport and urban regeneration projects, including major greenway, cycle lane and park projects, all aim to dramatically enhance the quality of urban life for city dwellers. 

The panel will discuss:

• the challenges of population growth and how Cork can harness the opportunities this presents
• policy and planning reform with the Planning and Development Bill 2023
• the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the delivery of regional projects

• the National Planning Framework and its impact on national infrastructural and residential development
• the impact of the Sustainable Residential Development & Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities

The role of the construction industry in the future development of the Irish economy

Thematic roundtables are interactive discussions in small working groups. Moderated by seasoned industry experts and practitioners, they will address a compelling trend, issue, challenge, demonstration or an inspiring case study. This is your chance to join insightful discussions and workshops to share experiences and get new and actionable ideas from peers and experts.

Learn how companies bring together best-of-breed solutions to unite office and field teams from design to planning, construction to operations to help make construction more predictable, safe and sustainable.

How to Improve Output, Productivity and Sustainability.

Investing in training and skills initiatives to ensure a strong pipeline of talent to drive your company’s projects to completion.

– Why is mental health an issue in construction safety?

– How can it be addressed?

Cork faces a transformational decade as it aims to boost its population by over 60pc before 2040. It has seen its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) job growth rise substantially over the last decade and the economy is thriving with GDP growth last year 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. The construction industry plays a key role in building this resilience and finding solutions.

Key voices on this panel will discuss how we can accelerate the ambitions in housing, sustainability and infrastructure and how by embracing new trends and leveraging emerging technologies, the construction sector can build a more resilient, efficient and forward-looking future.