Construction industry looks to a digital ‘clicks and mortar’ future

The Construction Industry Federation’s 2021 annual conference examined the delivery of climate goals, a revamped planning system, housing and the digitisation of the industry

Martin Cooney, partner, ByrneWallace LLP; Tom Parlon, director general, CIF; Stephen Prendiville, head of sustainability, EY Ireland; Michael McGrath, TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform; Frank Kelly, president, CIF; John G Murphy, managing director, Murphy Ireland and president, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and Niall Gleeson, managing director, Irish WaterPictures: Maura Hickey

After 18 challenging months with covid-19, 2021’s CIF Annual Conference provided an opportunity for construction industry leaders to review recent obstacles and cultural shifts. The virtual event addressed a construction industry currently standing on a threshold, between the analogue past and a digitally-transformed, post-pandemic future.

After presenter Ivan Yates welcomed viewers, the programme began with an opening address delivered by CIF president Frank Kelly. Saying that the construction industry has weathered the challenges of the ...