The Irish construction industry concluded the first quarter of 2025 on a positive trajectory, as indicated by the latest AIB Ireland Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). The seasonally adjusted index rose to 53.9 in March, up from 50.6 in February, marking the strongest growth in construction activity since July 2024.
New Orders and Sectoral Performance
A notable driver of this growth was a sharper increase in new business, reflecting improved client demand and a healthier market environment. The housing sub-sector experienced a significant uplift, with activity reaching its highest level in eight months. Commercial construction also saw modest gains, while civil engineering continued to face challenges, registering a decline for the ninth consecutive month.
Employment and Supply Chain Dynamics
In response to the uptick in new projects, construction firms expanded their workforce, leading to the fastest rate of job creation in nine months. Additionally, purchasing activity among companies increased, driven by the need to support ongoing and upcoming projects. Despite this rise in demand, suppliers managed to deliver inputs more promptly, resulting in the first improvement in vendor performance since December 2023.
Inflationary Pressures and Business Outlook
Input costs continued to rise, attributed to higher prices for materials such as insulation and cement. However, the rate of input cost inflation was the slowest recorded since November 2020. Looking ahead, construction firms expressed optimism, with 46% of respondents anticipating increased activity over the next twelve months, buoyed by strong pipelines of new work and expectations of further improvements in market conditions.
Commenting on the findings, Oliver Mangan, AIB Chief Economist, stated:
"The March PMI data are encouraging, showing a strengthening in activity and new orders in the construction sector. The rebound in housing activity is particularly welcome, given the strong demand for new homes. The improvement in supplier delivery times and easing of input cost inflation also suggest that supply chain pressures are abating."
Read the latest AIB Ireland Construction PMI® here.
IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMINGJOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 7th June, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin
EXHIBITORS 20+ Companies
SEMINARS Full Day Of Industry Talks
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMINGJOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 7th June, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin
EXHIBITORS 20+ Companies
SEMINARS Full Day Of Industry Talks
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
This Telescopic Handler / Teleporter Training Courses Ireland (CSCS) is an O'Reilly Training Ltd CSCS Safety Training course for experienced operators to demonstrate their competence through skills, knowledge and attitude in the Safe Use of the Telescopic Handler or Teleporter for telescopic handler, teleporter, telehandler, cscs teleporter.
The plant training and assessment programme enables experienced plant operators to gain recognition for their achievements by the way of certification, and provide an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and attitudes associated with plant operations, which provides suitable certification.
Telescopic handlers (also called teleporters, telehandlers, or reach forklifts) are versatile machines commonly used in construction for lifting and placing materials at height and reach. Proper training is essential for safe and efficient operation of these powerful machines.
Telescopic handlers feature:
IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMINGJOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 7th June, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin
EXHIBITORS 20+ Companies
SEMINARS Full Day Of Industry Talks
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
ATU has won first place in the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) “Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge Ireland” competition which took place in Dundalk IT on Thursday 27 February.
The team from the ATU Galway Dept of Building & Civil Engineering beat 10 other university teams - The challenge involved coming up with a strategy or methodology for tackling the global housing crisis.
Sarah Hallinan, Regional Manager Ireland at CIOB, says: “A huge congratulations to the team from ATU for winning our CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge competition. This incredibly difficult challenge really puts aspiring construction professionals’ minds to the test, asking them to come up with complex sustainable solutions which they must present to a panel of experts in a very short space of time. I was delighted with the level of professionalism and awareness of environmental sustainability on display, as well as how well the students were able to communicate their ideas – these talents will stand them in good stead for their future careers.”
Mary Rogers, Head of Dept of Building & Civil Engineering, ATU Galway-Mayo, says: “It is a wonderful achievement and privilege for the ATU team to have won the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) “Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge Ireland” competition 2025. This year’s challenge required teams to address the global housing crisis, something that has certainly engaged our students. Congratulations and well done to all concerned.
John Hanahoe and Michelle Fahey, lecturers and mentors to the students, paid tribute to the students: “We have competed in this event for many years and have been fortunate to win it on many occasions. We know that our students find working with other disciplines really useful and relish the challenge on the day. They also enjoy meeting and interacting with their colleagues from the other universities”
Atlantic Technological University offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Lifelong Learning opportunities for aspiring higher education students. Learning is and will be the core activity of the Institute, bringing students, staff and the region together to share, apply, test and create knowledge. Out of ATU’s five campuses, the Galway Campus is the largest and home of the Institute’s administrative headquarters. Overlooking Galway Bay, the campus remains one of Galway City’s iconic landmarks due to its distinctive architecture and design. The modern building hosts an IT Centre and the Library. Business, Tourism, Engineering, Science a wide range of courses are available on this campus.
RTE has reported on a new initiative aimed at improving air quality on construction sites has been launched to protect workers from long-term exposure to harmful dust and contaminants.
The Clean Air Site Campaign, a joint effort by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), and the Construction Workers Health Trust, encourages construction companies to actively monitor air quality and implement safe work practices.
Companies that adopt these measures can apply for a Clean Air Site Campaign flag, recognizing their commitment to creating a healthier work environment.
One of the key risks addressed by the campaign is silica dust, a common but hazardous substance found in construction materials such as bricks, concrete, and mortar. Long-term exposure can lead to serious respiratory issues, making workplace safety a top priority.
To minimize risks, the campaign promotes the use of filters, vacuums, water suppression, screening, and dampening down areas, alongside comprehensive worker training on the dangers of dust exposure.
This initiative highlights the construction sector’s growing focus on worker well-being and reinforces the importance of safe, clean air on job sites.
IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMINGJOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 7th June, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin
EXHIBITORS 20+ Companies
SEMINARS Full Day Of Industry Talks
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Employment in Ireland’s construction sector declined in February, marking the end of a five-month period of job growth, according to the latest AIB Ireland Construction PMI report.
The report reveals that staffing levels were scaled back midway through the first quarter of 2024, as firms adjusted their workforce in response to evolving market conditions. The downturn comes after a period of steady expansion in the sector, raising concerns about the pace of construction activity in the months ahead.
Despite this decline in employment, other key indicators in the report highlight a mixed picture for the industry. While certain segments continue to show resilience, factors such as project delays, cost pressures, and economic uncertainty may have contributed to the decision by firms to reduce staffing levels.
Site Dumper Operator Safety Training Course (CSCS) at O'Reilly Training is a course a experienced operators to demonstrate their competence through skills, knowledge and attitude in the Safe Use of the Site Dumper.
The plant training and assessment programme enables experienced plant operators to gain recognition for their achievements by the way of certification, and provide an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and attitudes associated with plant operations, which provides suitable certification.
IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMINGJOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 7th June, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin
EXHIBITORS 20+ Companies
SEMINARS Full Day Of Industry Talks
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through a diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
The Atlantic Technological University Sligo is a dynamic event focusing on the latest trends and innovations in construction management. Network with industry professionals, attend insightful sessions, and explore cutting-edge technologies shaping the construction industry.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student eager to learn, this conference offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and expand your knowledge in the field of construction management.
Don't miss out on this exciting event - mark your calendar and secure your spot today!
IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMINGJOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 7th June, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin
EXHIBITORS 20+ Companies
SEMINARS Full Day Of Industry Talks
Looking to pursue a career in the construction industry? Browse through our diverse range of courses below. Whether you're eager to become an Engineer, Estimator or Electrician, there's plenty of study options for the sector on Courses.ie.
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms Course (MEWP) is a Construction Safety Course by Crane & Safety Services Ltd. - Longford
Training on these machines also involves instruction on a number of working at height regulations as well as codes of practice and work equipment regulations, a one day course for experienced operators, two day for new novice operators.
Duration:
3 previously certified candidates 1 Day 3 experienced but never certified candidates 1.5 Days 3 non experienced candidates 2 Days 3 staff converting from one F/Lift type to another 1.5 Days
IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMINGJOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 7th June, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin
EXHIBITORS 20+ Companies
SEMINARS Full Day Of Industry Talks
IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMINGJOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 7th June, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, RDS, Dublin
EXHIBITORS 20+ Companies
SEMINARS Full Day Of Industry Talks
