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

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 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:

• 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

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. 

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?

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

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.

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.

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.