To begin the construction Industry is used to cyclical downturns. But with Covid 19 being unprecedented it threw a spanner in the works. Projects were delayed all over the world and restrictions effectively shut down almost all construction output at the height of the crisis, except for a limited number of essential projects.

The health and safety of workers was the main priority throughout the pandemic. We believe the Construction Industry Federation is the main point of contact for Health and safety within the sector. They will be running a Construction safety week beginning on the 25^th of October. The main goal of Safety week is to eliminate work-related accidents and injuries and to drive continual improvement in safety and health performance.

We recommend keeping an eye out for Construction safety week to keep up to date with guidelines from the CIF. we have partnered with CIF for Construction safety week and will be posting updates on our social platforms.

Numbers are a key aspect to understanding how the sector is performing, At the end of Q4 2019 the Irish construction sector employed over 147,700 people directly (CSO Labour Force Survey, Q4,2019).

The pandemic reduced that number significantly to an estimated 128,500 in Q2 in 2020. (CSO Covid-19 Adjusted Estimate). This number went up to 136,400 by the end of Q4 in 2020. Despite the Covid-19 crisis, Irish building contractors continue to meet the needs of global leaders at home and abroad. This is a resilient industry and one to be proud to work for. It continues to be a dynamic sector and its presence is growing substantially.

On October 22^nd our country will see almost all restrictions being lifted. With public transport being back to full capacity this is a vital step for our industry as a lot of sites are in the heart of the city.

This date is significantly important for everyone in the country, it will see the reopening of venues such as Nightclubs and a return to normal opening hours for pubs and restaurants with vaccine certs required. This is great news meaning a safe return to a normal social aspect to our country.

Generally, the outlook for the construction industry in 2022 is overall quite positive. Although this is contingent on the re-opening of labor-intensive sectors and there not being any further measures related to Covid-19.

If one positive was to come from this situation it is that the construction industry is being jolted into a technological revolution, the pandemic could have very well been the catalyst needed to spring it into action. So, watch this space!

The Government in Ireland has shown an evident commitment to infrastructure as a response to the economic situation caused by the pandemic. With the Budget in 2022 allocating over €10 billion to capital investment. And on top of that, the National Development Plan, part of Project Ireland 2040, is currently being reviewed. Which will create an influx of employment within the industry.

The construction industry is a key sector in the Irish economy, an important industry to be a part of and to work for, a growing sector with immense opportunities.

If you are looking to fill a role or seeking a role within the Construction, Mechanical or Electrical fields do not hesitate to contact Sherlock Recruitment.