RTE has reported on a recent study conducted by property website MyHome.ie that reveals insights into the concerns of homebuyers regarding the current state of the housing market.

A massive 80% of homebuyers are worried about the state of the property market, according to RTE's report.

A mere 13% of survey participants feel positive about the year as a favourable time to buy a home.

The survey also highlights that almost half of the respondents have had to postpone their home purchase due to the cost of living crisis.

The persistent issue of housing supply continues to impact the market with 78% of those surveyed saying that they have extended their property search beyond their preferred location due to supply limitations.

Read RTE's full report here

We are excited to have The Land Development Agency exhibit, as well as recruit, at this year's Construction Jobs Expo 2024. You can meet their team between 10am and 4pm inside the RDS' Industries Hall on May 18th. You can register for FREE ADMISSION here.

About the LDA

The Land Development Agency is a commercial State body focused on increasing the
supply of high quality, affordable and sustainable homes on State owned and private land, through Direct Delivery projects and Project Tosaigh. The Agency is rapidly becoming one of the country’s largest home-builders, and is currently advancing 20 sites, including a number of which are under construction and will deliver homes this year.

The LDA’s Direct Delivery pipeline now involves more than 10,000 homes at various stages from public consultation to construction and the Agency is targeting the delivery of 14,000 homes by 2028, reaching a run rate of at least 2,000 new homes a year by then.

Project Tosaigh is a second delivery stream, enabling the LDA to partner with developers to complete stalled or unviable housing projects, and then make these homes available to renters or buyers. More than 1,000 households already rent or own a home delivered by the LDA through Project Tosaigh.

The organisation also acts as a key service provider to Local Authorities across Ireland,
assisting with master-planning, site appraisal and infrastructure provision, as well as the management of cost rental housing.

Limerick’s H&MV Engineering has won the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Horizon Award at a ceremony in Dublin. H&MV Engineering was recognised for its design and construction solutions across data centres, wind farms and solar and battery projects.

The award was presented by Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Emer Higgins TD  and Enterprise Ireland CEO, Leo Clancy.

Now in its second year, the AWS Horizon Award aims to recognise firms that have helped to improve employment in Ireland, exported their skills or products to other regions and markets, or positively played a part in the wider reputation of the cloud infrastructure industry.

A 2023 study by Indecon International Economic Consultants (Indecon) provided an overview of the scale of investment AWS has made in Ireland since 2012, and demonstrated the positive ripple effects an AWS data centre has on local communities. The report found that AWS has increased economic output in Ireland by over €11.4 billion since 2012, contributing nearly €2.4 billion in additional economic output in 2022 alone.

The event provided an opportunity for a range of companies, service providers and other stakeholders to share their thoughts on the collaboration and relationship between AWS and Ireland’s wider enterprise network.

Minister Higgins said: “The Irish companies that work alongside our multinational base are a vital part of Ireland’s economy. It is excellent to get an opportunity to get to recognise the success of these firms, who are at the frontier of the digital economy. Companies like this create jobs here in Ireland and, in the process, create a platform to expand internationally. I want to congratulate H&MV Engineering, and all the firms that were shortlisted for today’s award.”

Leo Clancy, CEO Enterprise Ireland, said: “In recent years Enterprise Ireland has worked closely with H&MV Engineering as the company has expanded internationally.  It is exciting to see this highly innovative business go from strength-to-strength creating new jobs here in Ireland and overseas and are worthy winners of this award. I also wish to commend AWS as they continue to provide supports to a cross-sector of Irish businesses, including start-ups and scale-ups and play a significant role in nurturing innovation and growth within the overall enterprise eco-system.”

Neil Morris, Country Lead for AWS in Ireland, said: “We have seen the data centre industry in Ireland expand significantly over the last number of years, giving local companies the resources and opportunities to build world-leading solutions in the areas of engineering, manufacturing and logistics. The importance of these companies to the Irish economy cannot be overstated and each have contributed significantly to enterprise and employment in Ireland. The work and success of H&MV Engineering is a prime example of the positive impact that foreign investment can have on the Irish economy, as a result of their collaboration with AWS.

PJ Flanagan, CEO of H&MV Engineering, said: “Ever since we started working with AWS in 2013, this has created many different jobs and roles in engineering, project management and a number of supporting jobs in our Irish offices. The support AWS has provided to us has allowed us to establish a presence globally. We are delighted to have been awarded the AWS Horizon Award this year and it is testament to the hard work and commitment shown by everyone associated with the company.”

Amidst shifting dynamics in the job market, one sector stands out for its resilience and growth: construction. The latest findings from the IrishJobs jobs index reveal that the construction sector has experienced a surge in job vacancies, attributed to a high demand for skilled professionals and ambitious housing targets.

As Ireland continues to grapple with housing shortages and infrastructure needs, the construction industry has emerged as a key driver of economic activity. With ambitious housing targets set by policymakers, there is a pressing need for skilled professionals to meet the demand for new homes and infrastructure projects.

Facilities coordinators, managers, and engineers are among the sought-after roles within the construction sector, reflecting the diverse skill sets required to deliver complex projects efficiently and effectively. The surge in job vacancies underscores the sector's vital role in driving economic growth and addressing critical societal needs.

Employers in the construction industry are actively recruiting talent to meet the growing demand for housing and infrastructure development. This presents opportunities for job seekers with the right skills and qualifications to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of communities across Ireland.

The growth of the construction sector not only provides employment opportunities but also stimulates economic activity through increased investment and spending. As the sector continues to thrive, it reinforces its position as a cornerstone of Ireland's economy and underscores the importance of skilled professionals in driving sustainable growth and development.

The construction sector's growth is a testament to its resilience and importance in addressing pressing societal needs. With a high demand for skilled professionals and ambitious housing targets on the horizon, the sector is poised for continued expansion, offering opportunities for job seekers and contributing to Ireland's economic prosperity.

Are you looking to get into the Construction Industry?

We are delighted to have Pentacon exhibit at our upcoming Construction Jobs Expo 2024. Their recruitment team will be available to discuss job opportunities and collect CVs from 10am until 4pm in the RDS on May 18th. Register today to get your FREE TICKET right here.

Who are Pentacon?

Pentacon Pty Ltd is a distinguished civil construction firm, proudly Irish-owned and operating in Australia. Its Managing Director, Rob Miller, hails from County Kildare, Ireland, and is a Civil Engineering professional who made the move to Australia in 2012.

With headquarters in Mackay and Brisbane, Queensland, Pentacon oversees projects across the state. The company boasts an impressive portfolio, encompassing everything from large-scale earthworks on dams and levees to the construction of local roads and bridges for esteemed clients like the Department of Main Roads and various local councils.

Pentacon offers Civil Engineers a unique opportunity to engage with and manage a diverse array of projects within the construction industry. Joining Pentacon means becoming part of a dynamic team with access to a wide range of projects, each presenting its own set of challenges and rewards.

Working at Pentacon provides an enriching experience for Civil Engineers, allowing them to enhance their skills and expertise across various project types. From overseeing the development of crucial infrastructure like dams and levees to contributing to the improvement of local roads and bridges, engineers at Pentacon play a vital role in shaping the built environment of Queensland.

Furthermore, Pentacon's commitment to excellence extends beyond its projects; the company values professional growth and development, offering engineers the opportunity to advance their careers and broaden their horizons within a supportive and innovative work environment.

We are very excited to have Writech exhibit, as well as recruit, at the upcoming Construction Jobs Expo. Their team will be available to discuss career opportunities and take CVs on May 18th in the RDS. This careers fair will take place in the Industries Hall between 10am and 4pm. You can register for FREE ADMISSION here.

Careers at Writech

Based in Mullingar Ireland, the Writech business was founded by Thomas and  Mary Wright in the 1980s.  Since then the company has grown significantly into one of the largest fire protection and design companies in Europe.

From employing 12 people in 2008, Writech now employs over 140 engineers,  managers, technicians, and installers operating in eight different countries including UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway and Germany.

Writech Ltd is recognised as a great place to work as they put their people first. Developing the skills of their staff is their priority. Improving process-changing procedures to improve safety, to eliminate waste and make working in their roles easier, is their main goal.

Furthermore, they are the number one Fire Sprinkler Installation Companies with an in-house Design team, in-house Fabrication & Assembly teams and Installation & Service teams on the road. Writech prides itself on quality of service and manage projects from Design through to Commission.

Waterland PE Investment

A recent large investment from Waterland PE, gives the company the financial backing to grow their business globally over the coming years.

Waterland is a European investment firm who invest in mid-sized European companies as they grow. Founded in the Netherlands 20 years ago, Waterland now has 11 offices across Europe, including Dublin.

They back successful management teams running high-quality companies in attractive markets where they see significant potential for growth.

Waterland help entrepreneurs and companies to realise their full potential by providing additional funds to invest in people and equipment, and to expand the business into other international markets.

We are delighted to have Walls Construction join our careers fair again. You can chat with their recruitment team on May 18th in the RDS' Serpentine Hall. Register for FREE ADMISSION here.

About Walls

If you work with Walls you will join a company that understands the value of teamwork. It is also one where effort, commitment, and the willingness to go the extra mile is acknowledged and rewarded and when this happens apart from sharing in their success you will be provided with opportunities for additional responsibility and promotion.

Furthermore, Walls encourage innovation and creativity, different ways of looking at things and coming up with solutions to the everyday challenges that work provides. Their teams include some of the best professionals working in the Irish construction sector, managing an array of projects that are both interesting and technically challenging so that they provide considerable career development experience.

Are you thinking of moving or coming home to Ireland?

Walls Construction Limited is hiring, and we have a number of positions which can be viewed here: https://walls.ie/vacancies/.

With a solid pipeline of work, almost 500 staff and a turnover of €570m in 2023, Walls is a place where you can build your long-term future.

If you are interested, please contact Debbie Treacy directly through email at debbie.treacy@walls.ie.

It's time to come home…