CIF Southern Construct

2025 Agenda

7:15am

Registration, Networking Arrival Break and Exhibition Viewing

ELEVATING CORK

8:00am

WELCOME

Director Southern Region, Construction Industry Federation (CIF)
8:05am

OPENING REMARKS

Broadcaster, Newstalk

FUNDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSITION

8:10am

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Fostering an environment for infrastructure investment over the long term

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.

Deputy Chair of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), UK
8:25am

PANEL DISCUSSION

Funding Cork’s infrastructure transition

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
Delivery Manager, Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, Irish Rail  
CEO, Housing Infrastructure Services Company (HISCO)
Head of Public Transport Capital Programmes, Transport Infrastructure Ireland
Regional Manager, IDA

INNOVATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR CORK

8:55am

Developing a more digitally enabled city 

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.

Chief Information Officer and Head of Information Systems, Cork City Council
9:10am

PANEL DISCUSSION

Educating our students for jobs that don’t even exist yet! 

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 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. The availability of a skilled and innovative workforce, coupled with strong R&D capabilities, makes Cork an attractive location for FDI companies. The region’s commitment to education and training is seen as a key factor in its success in attracting international investment. 

Topics will include:

·       ensuring Cork is an attractive location for FDI companies

·       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

·       futuristic technologies, the impact of AI,  and the impact of new techniques and methods on construction education

Chief Executive, Cork Education and Training Board
Dean of Engineering, Munster Technological University (MTU)
Group HR Director, Dornan Group
9:40am

LEARNINGS FROM EUROPE

The European perspective on housing

How the EU can formulate policy to meet its housing needs, reflecting changing demographics and harnessing the potential of modern methods of construction, AI, financing instruments and energy efficiency. 

Commissioner, Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, European Commission
10:00am

Networking Coffee Break & Exhibition Viewing

10:30am

TRUMP, TARIFFS, AND TRADE WARS: BUILDING IN UNCERTAINTY

After emerging from the effects of Brexit and COVID in the last decade, the Irish economy now faces the uncertainty of a Trump-driven global trade war. Domestically the Irish economy is strong, though infrastructure and housing bottlenecks remain a strategic weakness. What do the new global economic threats mean for the Irish construction sector and Irish economy generally?

Professor of Economics, Cork University Business School, University College Cork

FUNDING HOUSING DELIVERY FOR A GROWING POPULATION

11:00am

PANEL DISCUSSION

Funding housing delivery for a growing population

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
Divisional Manager, Cork County Council
Group Operations Director, O’Flynn Group
Director of Investment and Development, Respond
Director, Land Development Agency (LDA)
11:30am

FIRESIDE CHAT

Celebrating 90 years of the Construction Industry Federation 

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.

Former President, Cork Branch, Construction Industry Federation (CIF) 2009-2010
Managing Director, Astra Construction Services and President, Construction Industry Federation (CIF)

SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS

11:45am

SPOTLIGHT ON…

Building a gender-balanced future in construction

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.

Technical Director- Sustainability and Circular Economy Biodiversity and Environmental Solutions Energy Systems Synergy Environmental Limited
Maintenance Electrician, Freefoam Building Products
12:00pm

Networking Lunch Break & Exhibition Viewing

1:00pm

WELCOME BACK

Director General, Construction Industry Federation (CIF)

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

1:20pm

PANEL DISCUSSION

The critical role of innovation in the construction industry – what you need to know

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

Technical Director, NTI Diatec
Director, Construct Innovate
Managing Director, Clancy Construction
AI & Data, Driving Responsible Innovation, Women in AI
1:50pm

SPOTLIGHT ON…

CIRI – the Statutory Register for providers of building works in Ireland

Registrar, Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI)
2:00pm

SPOTLIGHT ON…

The Lighthouse Charity

Partnership Manager, The Lighthouse Charity
2:05pm

REVIEW & PREVIEW

Delivering on the ambitions

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.

Contracts Director, Cumnor Construction and Chairman, Cork Branch, Construction Industry Federation (CIF)
2:15pm

CLOSING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR – SUMMIT ENDS

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