The publication of CIF’s Top 50 contractors 2023 in Ireland goes beyond a celebration, it is an occasion to acknowledge the immense contribution of the construction industry to the nation’s economy.
As an industry, we account for seven per cent of the country’s GDP, equivalent to approximately €32billion, and provide employment to over 177,000 people.
This year’s Top 50 contractors have made a profound impact on shaping Ireland’s built environment and driving economic growth.
The construction industry plays a crucial role in creating an environment conducive to economic prosperity, and it is our members, as evident from this year’s list, that lead the way in establishing the conditions for a thriving Ireland.
At the CIF, it is our responsibility to engage with all sectors within the construction industry and address the challenges that lie ahead.
We strive to achieve this through consistent dialogue, emphasising the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with the various public and private entities that we collaborate with, ensuring our members receive the support they require.
To our valued members, I urge you to engage in ongoing and consistent dialogue with us. Whether it be through our branches located across the country or by contacting me directly, I am wholly committed to working on behalf of all our members.
Your feedback and concerns are essential to my role as President, and I assure you that I am here to listen and take action to
address your needs.
We are well aware of some of the key issues affecting our industry, such as the requirement for a clear pipeline of work to support investments in our workforce.
The continuous impact of material cost inflation, including the forthcoming concrete levy, also poses challenges to the industry. Furthermore, on a national level, the National Development Plan serves as our roadmap to 2030, outlining the state’s commitment to infrastructure development, housing, foreign direct investment and economic growth.
However, it is crucial for the industry to have access to granular data, enabling us to track project progress through preconstruction phases and anticipate their readiness for implementation.
Additionally, our members are recognising the growing importance of corporate sustainability and the key pillars of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
The CIF is here to assist our members to address this area that is likely to have a continuous and increasing impact on the commercial and operational activities of our members in the long run.
That’s why we have set up a new subcommittee to promote ESG within our industry and demonstrate what we can achieve.
Once again, this year’s Top 50 contractors exemplify the resilience of our industry in overcoming challenges and delivering the built environment necessary for a thriving economy to flourish.
I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate, not just the Top 50, but all members, as they endeavour to progress their construction businesses.
