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.

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

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?