Ireland’s Construction Industry: 2024 Insights and 2025 Outlook

As 2024 draws to a close, the Irish construction industry is reflecting on a year of significant growth, innovation, and opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the sector, the trends of 2024 offer valuable insights and guidance as we step into 2025.

Key Industry Trends in 2024

1. Unprecedented Growth in Residential Construction

Housing completions reached an estimated 33,450 units in 2024, marking a 7.9% increase from the previous year. Despite the growth, Ireland’s Housing for All plan has set a target of delivering 40,000 homes annually by 2030, indicating continued demand for skilled professionals to deliver critical housing solutions.

Insight: Residential construction remains a cornerstone of the industry, offering long-term roles and career advancement opportunities for site managers, engineers, and project managers.

2. Sustainability Takes Centre Stage

Approximately 30% of new construction projects in 2024 incorporated sustainable building practices, a significant leap compared to previous years. Ireland's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has led to stricter environmental regulations and a rise in green energy projects, such as wind farms and energy-efficient housing developments.

Insight: Upskilling in sustainable construction and green technologies is increasingly valuable. Professionals with expertise in Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) systems or green building practices are poised for success in 2025.

3. Infrastructure Boom

The civil engineering sector grew by 5.3% in 2024, fuelled by transformative projects like the €355 million Cork City Docklands development and the €2.6 billion DART+ Programme.

Insight: Infrastructure projects offer stability and a chance to work on legacy-building initiatives, making them attractive to civil engineers and project managers seeking impactful roles.

4. High Demand for Key Roles

The industry’s expansion has driven significant demand for the following roles:

• Site Managers: A 39% year-on-year increase made them the most sought-after professionals in 2024.
• Site Engineers: Demand rose by 15%, underscoring their critical role in project success.
• Project Managers: Experienced a 10% rise in demand, reflecting their importance in overseeing complex developments.
• Green Skills: Professionals specialising in sustainable construction practices saw demand soar by 25%.

Insight: Strategic planning and investment in training programs are essential to address the skills gap in these high-demand areas.

5. Competitive Salaries and Attractive Packages

Salaries across the construction sector saw a 5.5% average increase in 2024, with key roles offering even higher increments. For example:

• Site Engineers: Average salaries ranged from €50,000 to €70,000, depending on experience and location.
• Quantity Surveyors: Senior QS roles exceeded €100,000, with additional perks like vehicles and bonuses.
• Health and Safety Advisors: Packages often included pensions, private healthcare, and performance-related bonuses.

Insight: If your current package doesn’t align with the market, now is the time to evaluate your worth and consider new opportunities.

6. Returning Talent from Abroad

The holiday season saw a 12% increase in Irish professionals returning home to explore roles with Tier 1 contractors. Ireland’s booming construction sector and competitive packages made it an appealing option for those seeking career progression and work-life balance.

Insight: For professionals considering a move back to Ireland, the market is primed with opportunities across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The growth trajectory of Ireland’s construction industry shows no signs of slowing. Projections for 2025 include a 16% growth in project starts, with residential, civil engineering, and sustainable construction leading the charge.

Key Opportunities in 2025:

• Continued residential construction to meet housing demand.
• Large-scale infrastructure projects like the DART+ Programme and Cork City Docklands.
• Increasing emphasis on green building practices and renewable energy systems.

What This Means for You

At Breagh Recruitment, we’re here to help you navigate these opportunities and make informed decisions about your career. Whether you're exploring a new role or seeking guidance on industry trends, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.

💬 Share Your Thoughts: What trends stood out to you in 2024? Are there particular areas you’re excited about in 2025? Drop your insights in the comments or get in touch to discuss your career goals.

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, success, and ground-breaking projects.

#ConstructionIreland #CareerGrowth #BreaghRecruitment #IrishConstruction #ConstructionRecruitment