Pictured above are LtoR: John Grogan, Kirby Group Engineering; Andrew Brownlee, CEO of CIF; Stephen McCabe, Jones Engineering and Adrian Corcoran, Walls. All photos by Maura Hickey
The CIF Top 50 Contractors 2026 launch is brought to you by:
Ireland’s largest construction contractors have exceeded €24 billion in combined annual turnover for the first time, recording growth of more than 15 per cent as the sector continues to expand its capacity to deliver major infrastructure, housing and international projects.
The figures were unveiled at the launch of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Top 50 Contractors 2026, published by Construction magazine, the federation’s official member publication.
Based on turnover data submitted directly by contractors, the annual rankings provide a snapshot of the financial strength and growing scale of Ireland’s leading construction firms.
Speaking at the launch event in Dublin’s Merrion Hotel, Construction magazine senior reporter Aidan Priestley said the Top 50 had evolved beyond a simple league table to become a reflection of an industry that continues to adapt and grow despite years of unprecedented global disruption.
“On figures alone you can see members’ determination to deliver, with this year’s cohort sharing total turnover of over €24 billion, a more than 15 per cent increase,” Priestley said. “But this special edition is not just about capturing the vast scale at which your industry operates.”
Construction magazine journalist Aidan Priestley
Instead, he said, the publication recognises an industry defined by “resilience, innovation, and a voracious appetite to take on and overcome some of society’s most complex problems.”
Addressing more than 100 industry leaders gathered for the launch, Priestley reflected on the recent challenges that have shaped the construction sector including the covid-19 pandemic, followed almost immediately by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supply chain disruption, inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.
Gemma Harrington and Richard Leonard, Castlethorn, and Tina Marie O’Neill, Property Editor, Business Post
He said the past four years had repeatedly tested the industry’s ability to respond.
“The past four years have been a troubling time to commit ink to paper, from pandemic to wars, both trade and total. These have been uncertain times,” he said. “And yet, those of you gathered here today, and your colleagues in the industry, innovated, adapted and overcame the impact of tumultuous global events faster than I could ever write.”
Priestley said what stood out most during his time covering the sector was not simply a can-do attitude, but a how-to can-do mentality that continues to drive practical solutions to Ireland’s housing and infrastructure challenges.
Denise Tuffy, CIF Director of Specialist Contracting, John Nolan, Automatic Fire & Integrated Solutions; Tara Flynn, Paul Flynn Construction; Brian Priestley, Leo Lynch and Gemma Harrington, Castlethorn
The annual Top 50 rankings showcase the country’s leading contractors based on turnover while also highlighting the projects, innovation and expertise driving the industry forward.
Introducing CIF Chief Executive Andrew Brownlee to his first Top 50 launch since taking up the role, Priestley described his appointment as evidence of the federation’s continued focus on delivering practical, future-oriented solutions for the industry.
Brownlee said the success of this year’s Top 50 contractors demonstrates the increasingly international reach of Irish construction companies while underlining their central role in Ireland’s economic development.
“We now have strong international construction brands delivering high-tech projects all over the world,” he said. “And at home these companies are delivering transport, water and energy infrastructure, healthcare facilities, sport and cultural amenities, houses, data centres and offices. It really is a phenomenal industry transforming Ireland day by day.”
Enda Murphy, Ardmac; Dominic Donnelly, Cunningham; Meabh Smith, CIF Communications Director; Martin McKinley, Cunningham and Jason Casey, Ardmac Limited
The latest rankings come as construction activity remains strong across housing, transport, utilities, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, with Irish contractors continuing to expand their presence in overseas markets.
With combined turnover now surpassing €24 billion, the 2026 Top 50 reinforces both the financial strength of Ireland’s leading contractors and the industry’s growing importance in delivering the infrastructure needed to support the country’s long-term economic and population growth.
Joseph Haughey, Business Post; Andrew Brownlee, CEO of CIF; Fiona Graham and Ruairi De Paor, Payapps
The CIF Top 50 Contractors 2026 was launched at the Merrion Hotel, Dublin on June 30 with support from event sponsor PayApps, an Autodesk company.
“We were delighted to sponsor the launch of the CIF Top 50 Contractors 2026 and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ireland’s construction industry,” PayApps said.
“It was a pleasure to have Fiona Graham and Ruairi de Paor representing Payapps at such a fantastic evening, recognising the contractors, projects and people driving excellence across the sector.
“Congratulations to everyone featured in this year’s Top 50, and thank you to the Construction Industry Federation for bringing the industry together for this special event.”
Maurice Killeen, PJ Hegarty; Michael Murry, Kirby Group Engineering and Mark McGreevy, Collen Construction
You can read the CIF Top 50 Contractors 2026 edition here:
