Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The construction sector group was set up in 2018 by my Department. The group ensures regular and open dialogue between government and industry on how best to achieve and maintain a sustainable and innovative construction sector positioned to deliver on the national development plan and Project Ireland 2040. It is made up of representatives of key industry bodies, as well as senior representatives of relevant Departments and agencies with responsibilities for policy and for the delivery of infrastructure. It is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department.

The construction sector group currently meets quarterly, with the most recent meeting of the group having taken place on Tuesday, 28 January 2025. The group discussed the following items at the meeting: an update on the work of the construction sector group innovation and digital adoption subgroup, procurement reforms, the Planning and Development Act 2024, construction skills and apprentices and an update on Project Ireland 2040 provided by the National Investment Office. A work programme for the construction sector group in 2025 has been developed by my officials following consultation with industry representatives and it will be formally noted at the next meeting of the group. Over the course of 2025, meetings of the group will focus on the following four priority themes: improving regulation and public procurement, supporting innovation and digital adoption, securing the skills pipeline and communicating the public investment pipeline. There was broad agreement among group members on these priority topics for inclusion in the 2025 work programme.

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