A recent report from Ireland's Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science outlines the country's construction skills gap and proposes solutions to promote careers in the sector by meeting Ireland's construction skills needs.
The analysis estimates that 50,831 new workers will be needed in construction occupations between 2023-2030 in order to meet Ireland's housing and retrofitting targets under the Housing for All and National Retrofit Plan.
The demand is particularly high for new crafts workers like electricians, plumbers and carpenters, with 30,000 workers required. However, apprenticeship registrations in these trades fell during the pandemic, creating a skills shortfall.
The report highlights the significant gender imbalance in Ireland's construction industry workforce. Only around 10% of the construction workforce are women. Promotional campaigns aimed at females, especially students, will be key to addressing this issue.
Strategies are proposed to reposition construction as an attractive, dynamic career option through initiatives focused on training, recruitment and marketing. There is a need to highlight emerging career paths in areas like offsite manufacturing, technology and sustainability.
Schools outreach to educate guidance counselors and students on career options is recommended. Employers also need to be encouraged to offer more apprenticeships and work placements. The aim is to showcase the diverse roles and high demand for skills.
The Industry Capability Group will receive biannual updates on the promotion plans and skills gap analysis. A Delivery Oversight Group may also be established to coordinate and monitor implementation.
Meeting Ireland's construction industry goals will require drawing more young people into the sector. This report provides a blueprint for promoting construction as an exciting career path with strong future growth and opportunities.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published its monthly data on the number of Commencements Notices (residential construction starts) for July 2023.
The data show Commencement Notices for 2,985 new homes were received by Building Control Authorities in July 2023. This is an increase of 22.4% on the number of new homes commenced in the same month last year (2,438 units).
The strong uptick in commencements this year has continued and 18,546 homes have been commenced in the first seven months of 2023. This is an 11.8% increase on the same period last year.
The full commencement data set can be accessed at: Construction Activity Statistics
An additional funding of almost €16 million for repairs and improvement works on our rural roads and laneways has been announced.
The funding, under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), will support the continued improvement of non-public roads and lanes that are not normally maintained by local authorities.
Such roads represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents - providing access to homes, farms and businesses, as well as outdoor amenities such as our lakes, rivers or beaches.
The funding is more than double the allocation provided last year, and will allow local authorities to address the backlog of applications that they currently face.
The announcement means that almost €30 million has been allocated under the Local Improvement Scheme this year alone.
And almost €130 million has been invested through LIS since the scheme was re-introduced in 2017.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said:
“I’m very pleased today to announce a further €16 million in funding to repair and upgrade hundreds of rural roads and laneways in towns and villages right across Rural Ireland. Good roads are absolutely vital for our rural communities and this record investment under the Local Improvement Scheme will make a huge difference in terms of access and connectivity. We are all familiar with the roads and laneways within our own communities that are full of potholes and in desperate need of repair. The funding being delivered under this scheme will help address this – benefitting so many of our families, businesses and in particular our farmers.
Minister Humphreys continued:
“As someone who grew up on a farm myself, I know all too well what it is like when a milk truck cannot gain access to collect the milk. I know too how poor quality roads in rural Ireland can negatively impact on families and businesses. That’s why the Local Improvement Scheme was re-introduced in 2017 by my predecessor and colleague, Michael Ring. Since its re-introduction, over €130 million has been invested in rural communities the length and breadth of Rural Ireland. This funding is all about making peoples’ lives that bit easier and ensuring we have good access to homes, farms, businesses and local amenities.
Minister Humphreys added:
“This additional tranche of €16 million in funding that I am announcing is on top of the €12.5 million that I allocated earlier this year. The scale of this investment is a clear example of Government’s commitment to supporting our rural communities through our five year rural development strategy, ‘Our Rural Future’. Since the Local Improvement Scheme was re-introduced in 2017, almost 4,000 roads have been funded for repair works. This has made a real difference to the lives of over 16,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland, and many more visitors. I acknowledge that there is strong demand for this funding in many parts of the country with some local authorities having significant levels of applications on hand. And so, I am strongly encouraging these councils to utilise the funding announced today, and complete the repair works on the selected roads as soon as possible in consultation with residents and landowners.”
Construction Jobs Expo is returning to Dublin in Spring 2024!
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Construction Jobs Expo is a jobs and recruitment event for the construction and engineering sectors.
We are delighted to announce that the Construction Jobs Expo is returning to Dublin in Spring 2024!
This careers fair will take place on Saturday, 18th May (10am-4pm) at the RDS. This careers fair will be dedicated to the construction sector and will feature hundreds of active job opportunities . Construction Jobs Expo is the only careers exhibition of its type to feature FREE ADMISSION.
What can you expect at Construction Jobs Expo ?
Agenda Stage
Construction Jobs Expo's Agenda Stage will host talks on a variety of topics including jobseeking skills such as using social media to land your dream job and interview techniques as well as a CV writing workshop. Other seminars include talks by industry insiders on a variety of career topics.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Construction Jobs Expo is a jobs and recruitment event for the construction and engineering sectors.
Newcivilengineer.com is reporting that a transformative €35 billion railway infrastructure renewal program has been proposed in a joint report by the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, marking the first major cooperation between the two nations on rail development.
Drafted by engineering firm Arup on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport in the Republic, the All-Island Rail Review outlines recommendations to revolutionize connectivity and transport sustainability across the island.
The comprehensive 30-point strategy identifies upgrades to address gaps in the current railway network's coverage, speed, and service frequency compared to European standards. Recommendations include dual-tracking intercity routes, restoring discontinued lines, building new spur lines to connect airports, extending the network to unincorporated areas, and long-term electrification.
To better integrate North and South, the plan calls for faster Dublin-Belfast trips and restoration of the Derry-Portadown line to link major Northern cities. Improved Western corridor service and new connections to places like Letterkenny and Rosslare are advised in the Republic.
Per the report, full implementation could take up to 25 years and cost between €35-36.8 billion, with the Republic contributing approximately 75% of capital. Consultations will continue until late September before finalization.
The sweeping proposals aim to provide expanded transport access, stimulate economic growth, and support emissions reduction targets across the island.
If approved, the initiative could generate substantial engineering and construction jobs over decades of planned upgrades and expansions. Industry professionals will be monitoring developments closely as this historic cooperative rail vision takes shape.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Construction Jobs Expo is a jobs and recruitment event for the construction and engineering sectors.
Irish water and wastewater infrastructure company Glanua has announced plans to create 250 new jobs over the next five years. The company, formerly known as BHSL, is currently recruiting to fill 100 open roles in its environmental and engineering departments.
Glanua aims to boost its workforce from 320 to over 500 employees by 2028. The new hires will primarily be engineers, project managers, and surveyors based out of the company's new headquarters in Loughrea, County Galway. Some positions will also support Glanua's operations in the UK.
The jobs announcement comes as Glanua rebrands and restructures, moving its head office from Limerick to Loughrea. The shift follows a period of rapid expansion for the firm. In 2022, Glanua saw total revenues of €97 million. For 2023, they expect revenues to leap to €150 million.
Glanua CEO Éamonn McCoy said the company's growth plan will enable them to take on more large-scale water infrastructure projects across Ireland and Britain. "We are delighted to be creating high-quality engineering and sustainability jobs, particularly in rural areas," McCoy stated.
With transformative investments planned for water and wastewater systems nationwide, Glanua's expansion comes at an opportune time. The company is poised to play a lead role improving and expanding Ireland's water infrastructure over the next decade. Their job creation will also provide a boost to the Midlands economy.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Construction Jobs Expo is a jobs and recruitment event for the construction and engineering sectors.
RTE has reported that the number of new homes that commenced construction in June was 16% down compared to the previous month. However, on a positive note, when compared to June of the previous year, the number of commencement notices lodged for residential properties rose by 25%.
In June, construction work began on a total of 2,574 new homes across the country, a decrease from May's figure of 3,059, but a notable improvement from the 2,060 commencements recorded in the same month last year.
Year-to-date data shows a promising trend, with a record 15,561 commencements so far this year, marking a substantial 10% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This upswing highlights the continued growth in the residential construction sector and reflects the highest numbers seen since data collection began in 2015.
Delving into regional specifics, the Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown area in Dublin registered the highest number of residential construction starts in June, with 298 new developments commenced. However, Dublin City takes the lead when considering the cumulative commencements so far this year, recording a substantial 2,767 construction starts.
Notably, a significant portion of the total commencements this year, standing at 6,324, has been concentrated in the areas of the four Dublin local authorities. Additionally, 9,166 commencements have been lodged for developments within the greater Dublin area, encompassing all the Dublin local authorities and the mid-east region.
Out of the June total, 466 commencements were attributed to one-off units, contributing to a total of 2,297 one-off units for the year-to-date.
While June saw a slight dip in new home commencements compared to the previous month, the overall year-to-date performance indicates a positive trajectory for the construction industry. As the demand for housing continues to grow, these figures demonstrate a resilient and dynamic sector, underlining the potential for further developments in the months ahead.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Construction Jobs Expo is a jobs and recruitment event for the construction and engineering sectors.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett has announced a call for expressions of interest to participate in a new Timber in Construction Working Group. The group will be tasked with examining conditions to increase the use of timber in construction, assessing regulatory and standardisation challenges to greater use of timber in construction, and maximising the use of home-grown timber. The group will bring together a range of industry expertise and relevant Government Departments and Agencies, with an independent Chair. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine will provide the secretariat to the group and a Chair will be appointed once the group’s membership has been finalised.
Minister Hackett said,
“I am delighted to announce this call for expressions of interest from representative bodies, Universities and industry experts. We want to hear from professionals who have the knowledge and expertise to work together with relevant Government Departments and State agencies to examine how we can increase the use of timber in the Irish construction sector. Right across Europe we are seeing increased use of timber as a reliable, sustainable material in the construction of large-scale buildings. The use of engineered wood such as cross laminated timber is facilitating new methods of construction, and we need to explore opportunities to embrace this shift here in Ireland. We are establishing the Timber in Construction Working Group because we believe that the best way to unlock the potential for much greater use of timber in construction in Ireland is through industry experts collaborating with Government Departments and State agencies to assess where the barriers are, and how they can be overcome.”
The use of timber in construction and the built environment will play an important role in meeting our climate targets. Wood locks up carbon in buildings and reduces our reliance on materials made from non-renewable resources.
The working group will bring together key Government Departments who have important roles in developing the forest resource, the built environment, including innovation and market development. Key to the success of the group will be the input from industry and experts in construction.
Minister Ryan T.D., said,
“I welcome the proposed Timber in Construction Working Group and my Department will engage with work that supports increased use of timber in construction. The role that products such as cross-laminated timber may play, as an alternative to ¬intensive products such as concrete and steel, should be investigated thoroughly. Increasing the availability of alternative construction materials, while responding to pressing construction needs, is an important part of the measures needed for meeting our climate targets.”
Minister Darragh O Brien T.D., stated
“I am very pleased to see the establishment of this working group to promote the use of Timber in Construction. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are a key measure to support the delivery of housing under Housing for All. Government has worked together to put in place a number of important initiatives in the areas of research, demonstration and social housing delivery to support the development of Modern Methods of Construction . The use of timber in construction is an important Modern Method of Construction and helps to improve the delivery of new housing whilst at the same time increasing the sustainability of materials used. My Department will actively participate in this group and I look forward to its outcomes which will support Housing for All and Climate Action targets.”
The Minister of State Hackett made the announcement today while visiting a team of researchers at the University of Galway who have been at the cutting edge of timber research over many years. Minister Hackett stated,
“I am delighted to be here in the University of Galway today to see first-hand the excellent work that my Department has funded over many years in timber research. The research that the University carries out supports the use and development of Irish timber and timber standards from our home-grown resource. My ultimate vision for that home-grown timber is that it will be used at scale to build the homes, schools and offices of the future here in Ireland.”.
Professor Annette Harte from Galway University stated together with Dr Patrick McGetrick,
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to host the Minister today and demonstrate the excellent work that is currently taking place in timber research in Ireland. We welcome the establishment of the new Timber Group in Construction and will be delighted assist in its work”.
The closing date for receipt of applications for expression of Interest is 3pm, 28 July 2023 and details are available on the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s website. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3b5c6-call-for-expressions-of-interest-member-of-the-interdepartmental-industry-working-group-on-timber-in-construction/
The Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, together with The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, have developed a short introductory guide to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
The intent of the MMC introductory guide is to provide information about MMC for the non-technical reader/general public. It has been awarded the Plain English Mark from the National Adult Literary Agency. It is also intended to enhance consistency of MMC terminology used across the public sector, and in turn increase awareness of the range of MMC solutions available in the market. It includes a description of MMC types, such as panelised timber frame and steel systems and volumetric systems and innovative construction methods used on site such as insulated concrete formwork. The guide is supported by illustrations of the various MMC building systems in situ.
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Construction Jobs Expo is a jobs and recruitment event for the construction and engineering sectors.
The latest survey by BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland has found that Housing output remained slow in June while the construction sector as a whole recorded an increase in activity for the first time this year.
According to the report, resilient demand helped the Irish construction sector out of its recent soft patch as we reached the mid-point of 2023. New orders and employment continued to expand in June, and did so at their fastest rate since March. Meanwhile, inflationary pressures in the sector continued to cool, with the weakest rise in input costs since August 2020.
Irish construction companies expanded their workforce numbers for the sixth straight month to accommodate increasing activity levels and new order growth. The rate of employment growth was the most pronounced since March, albeit only modest overall.
Within the overall context of increased activity, growth trends across the monitored sectors of construction were somewhat uneven; Commercial activity drove the overall uplift, while housing activity edged lower, albeit at its softest pace since October 2022. In addition, firms marginally reduced their input purchases for the first time since January, with some quoting sufficient stock holdings and concerns around the potential for a market slowdown.
Reduced demand for inputs served to lower cost pressures during June. While still increasing strongly, input prices rose at one of the slowest rates in the current 38-month inflationary sequence. In contrast, however, supply chain delays continued, and were slightly worse than in May.
Irish building companies remain broadly optimistic and foresee increased activity levels over the coming year. Growth prospects centre around general hopes for a boost in demand. That said, the confidence index remained below its long-term average, and at its joint-weakest in the year so far, with firms still concerned about the inflationary environment.
Commenting on the latest survey results, John McCartney, Director & Head of Research at BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland, said:
“Construction activity rose in June for the first time since last September. However, this has been coming for a while, with building firms consistently reporting increased new orders and staffing levels since the start of this year.
“The pick-up reflects two factors; Firstly, cost pressures have retreated to their lowest level for 35 months. Secondly, population growth, the strong economy, Government supports and increased demand for green buildings continue to underpin the value of newly constructed properties – particularly new homes and warehouses.
“Residential activity edged lower for the ninth successive month, but the rate of contraction continues to diminish. Viability remains challenging, particularly for apartments. However, new homes inflation of 11.1 percent per annum (compared with 3.5 percent for second-hand dwellings) is helping to offset the impact of rising costs, and we expect 30,000 completions this year.”