Construction industry expected to grow by 10% in 2020 • • •
Almost 60% believe lack of government planning is the main challenge facing companies trying to deliver largescale projects Talent remains a challenge for the industry 85% of construction companies reported to have less than 30% female employees
Leading construction consultancy firm AECOM has published its annual construction industry review ‘Foundations for Future Growth; Building a Sustainable, Connected Ireland’. The review which is supported by the findings of an industry wide survey analyses the industry outlook and potential barriers facing the construction sector in Ireland focussing on five key areas; Creating Inclusive Infrastructure, Investing in Long-term Growth, Greening Infrastructure, Transforming Infrastructure, and Unlocking Smart Infrastructure. The report indicated that the construction industry in the Republic of Ireland is expected to grow by circa 10% in 2020 while a smaller level of growth is expected in Northern Ireland. However, although the island is expecting a surge of new infrastructural developments, the survey findings show that 46% of construction workers are not convinced Ireland has sufficient infrastructure in place to sustain this economic growth. The survey identified a number of additional challenges facing companies trying to deliver largescale infrastructure projects such as lack of government planning (58%) and lack of government funding (40%). The review also highlighted that Ireland has not yet overcome the talent shortage the country has been experiencing in recent years, backed by the finding that almost 40% of US investors outlined finding the right talent as a challenge when considering relocating to Ireland. One stark realisation from the survey results was the shortage of women working within the construction industry. While 61% believe the Inclusion and Diversity agenda is of high importance within their business for reasons such as increasing the size and quality of the talent pool available and improving equality and social justice across society. The makeup of 85% of construction firms includes less than 30% women working for them. John O’Regan, Director AECOM Ireland said, “we are predicting another strong year for industry with 10% growth rate across the sector. While this is down from last year, it is still an impressive level of output.” “To manage our growth, an increase in the number of people entering into the construction industry will be needed. Showcasing construction as an attractive career choice to young people who are considering their future career prospects will be an important element of recruitment.”
“Unfortunately, we are still witnessing inadequate skilled people which can add to the challenges of delivering large projects on time and on budget. Part of the challenge is that historically we have put a halt on infrastructure investment during downturns. This has resulted in construction workers leaving the industry and emigrating. This exacerbates the problems when we need talent to deliver a significant infra-structure programme” “Our report also identified that inclusion and diversity as well as social impact, has become an integral element of the design process in creating infrastructure as our communities become more diverse. With both in mind, we are seeing developments come to fruition that have revolutionised life for people in the vicinities local to them. Also, of note, after analysing the data, we found that female respondents valued the diversity and inclusion agenda more than their male counterparts. We found similar results for the concept of social impact. Recognising these differences, I think there is an obligation on businesses to introduce initiatives that can help to create a balance in the workforce which would further support an attitudinal change to how and why we are delivering infrastructure”. AECOM’s report is now available online at Ireland.aecom.com
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