Ensuring that your country’s policy landscape offers the right mix of incentives and business models to attract the sustained investment required over the next decade and more to grow the economy, deliver net zero and improve the country’s resilience.

Cork is the fastest-growing city in Ireland and plays a key role in the economy of the south of Ireland. In order to facilitate and enhance its ongoing economic development and population growth, Cork needs targeted, strategic infrastructure investment and delivery. This is essential for attracting investment, improving the movement of goods and people, and fostering overall regional growth.  Addressing this critical issue must be a top priority for the Government to ensure Cork can compete effectively on the European stage. Committing to the delivery of strategic projects will help to build Cork’s competitiveness and further contribute to its progress as a true economic counterweight to the capital city.

Topics will include: 

• developing utilities to support Cork’s population and economic growth
• retaining attractiveness for foreign direct investment (FDI) in a challenging international environment
• sustainable and environmentally-friendly ways to improve transportation infrastructure
• ensuring a pipeline of key capital infrastructure projects to enable construction companies to scale up
• expediting the delivery of sustainable infrastructure whilst also decarbonising construction

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

Delivering a roadmap of digital actions for Cork across seven dimensions needs a holistic approach in developing a more digitally enabled city. The dimensions include citizen participation, support services, digital skills, open data, climate action, infrastructure, governance and leadership.

The construction sector worldwide is undergoing a significant transformation and disruption as a result of the adoption of new technologies and in response to the challenges of climate change and the need to improve sustainability. The requirements for education and training of the construction workforce are changing, thereby creating a challenge for Ireland to ensure that education and training programmes keep pace with the global transformation of construction.

Cork is distinguished by a globally recognised quality of place and highly productive economy, supported by an adaptive learning environment capable of skilling and re‐skilling as a platform for growth. It must ensure its workforce is equipped with the right skills to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Topics will include:

• the need to anticipate future skills to foster a pipeline of construction talent 
• supporting construction companies to accelerate digital capacity, transformation and strategic  innovation
• upskilling your current workforce 
• ensuring a diverse and inclusive work culture
• tailored programmes and resources to support construction companies in attracting, retaining, and empowering female employees
• futuristic technologies, the impact of AI,  and the impact of new techniques and methods on construction education

How Europe can formulate policy to meet emerging housing needs, reflecting demographics, modern methods of construction, harnessing AI potential, energy efficiency, finance and more

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

People are drawn to live close to where they work and businesses are drawn to locate where business opportunities exist. It is essential that Cork is given specific attention to increase its attractiveness to large-scale employers and as a place to live. The road network in the city is insufficient in relation to catering for the commuter needs of its Cork-based employees, not to mention the needs of the residents in the area. A new funding mechanism for state bodies that are charged with the delivery of key strategic infrastructure should be introduced that would guarantee multi-year funding or funding on a major project basis. This would enable housing and other projects to be delivered with greater efficacy and cost effectiveness. 

Topics will include:

• raising the ambitions of the National Development Plan to reflect population growth and the inflationary pressures 
• the challenges and opportunities for housing delivery in Ireland
• increasing investment in the people, processes and technology that support the planning system
• streamlining processes within delivery bodies to expedite housing delivery

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

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.

In this session we turn the spotlight on leading women in construction and hear some quick-fire presentations on their experiences. 

Hear about the importance of empowering women in construction, fostering a more gender-balanced workforce,  and how gender diversity at the top can boost the bottom line.

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. 

World-class digital practices, which already exist in certain elements of the construction sector, need to be adopted throughout the industry and supply chain in order to create a more sustainable and innovative sector. To achieve this goal, guidance and leadership is being provided on the digital tools, standards, approaches, education and training required by the sector. The industry needs to prioritise innovation and digital technology to provide the social, economic and productive infrastructure required to sustain economic growth, and to attract foreign direct investment in Ireland.

Topics will include:

·       the potential to increase the speed of new homes through the adoption of innovation 

·       the key barriers preventing firms from implementing new technologies

·       empowering industry ownership of the research, development and innovation processes required to deliver a more sustainable and competitive construction sector

·       key challenges around the adoption of MMC included capital and financing and specialised labour requirements

the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the construction industry

The Chairman of the Cork Branch will summarise the key factors influencing construction projects and infrastructure development in 2025 in the Republic of Ireland. Significant progress was made in the last 12 months in highlighting critical infrastructure issues that directly impact housing, FDI, and national wellbeing. However, unresolved challenges in water supply, electricity, and transport demand urgent, actionable solutions, and strong engagement and collaboration will continue with key stakeholders.