Construction SMEs excluded from public sector contracts

Small and medium Irish businesses are excluded from securing public sector contracts by multiple barriers. Currently, SMEs account for 99% of businesses in Ireland but smaller companies deliver less than 33% of public sector projects. A CIF report identified several barriers militating against SME participation in public sector contracts. These were identified as: · a […]

Taoiseach Enda Kenny Officially Launches CQMS’17

CQMS’17 is Ireland’s Construction and Quarry Machinery Show and it takes place in Molloy’s Quarry, Tinnycross, Tullamore, Co Offaly on April 21st and 22nd 2017.  This demonstrative bi-annual show, supported by the Construction Industry Federation and AIB is a hub of innovation and new technology covering 100,000 square meters with 200 exhibitors, 8,000 expected visitors, […]

Construction Employment Growth Accounts For Approximately 60% Of Job Increases In The First Quarter Of 2016

Employment in the construction sector rebounded rapidly in the first quarter of this year, showing an increase of 9,500 new jobs, a rise of 7.8 percent.  This is an increase of 28,000 jobs since the first quarter of 2012. However, as the economic recovery continues, a worrying trend can be seen with regard to employment […]

Construction SME Skillnet to address skills shortages by providing more training options for SMEs

As the skills shortage within the construction industry increases, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and Skillnets – a Department of Education initiative- have joined forces to develop a programme aimed specifically at SMEs that will deliver more industry focused training where the need is greatest.  The roll out of these new training programmes will initially […]

Construction Industry Federation calls for a refocussing on safety on building sites

Tom Parlon, Director General stated: “Construction work is hazardous, and tragically 11 people lost their lives in construction-related activities last year.  This number requires us all to refocus on the importance of safety on our building sites.  The majority of these accidents took place on smaller building sites and the statistics indicate that the greatest […]

Construction Industry Federation calls on the Government to use emergency EU legislation to repair flooding damage and restore access to homes and businesses

Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) stated: “The appalling flooding that has struck the country over recent weeks has destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure.  The number of roads and transport links which were, and in many cases, still are affected, is very high.  The fact that today dozens of school buses […]

New housing package announced by Government will increase the supply of new homes

The announcement yesterday evening by Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly that he is to reduce levies for construction and make changes to planning standards, will increase the supply of houses and lower construction costs significantly, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Director General of the CIF Tom Parlon stated: “The removal of costs […]

Construction Sector has Potential to Double Size in Coming Years

Construction Industry Federation, in association with Maples and Calder, hosts annual conference: Construction industry growth expected The Construction sector in Ireland has the potential to double in size over the short to medium term, according to Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Director General, Tom Parlon. Speaking at the CIF annual conference in Croke Park, in association […]

Construction Industry Federation to outline budget proposals to Ministers Noonan & Howlin

A delegation from the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) will meet with Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin TD in the Department of Finance on 17th September, as part of the pre-budget process currently underway. The meeting in the Department of Finance is to allow the CIF […]

Six steps to increase housing supply and stimulate growth in the economy – CIF

If 10,000 more housing units are built per year, an additional 25,000 people will be employed in the construction sector, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF).  This would also restore residential construction activity to levels needed to meet the growing high levels of demand. The CIF have proposed six steps for inclusion in October’s […]