The impact of Brexit remains uncertain
"I would like to see us capitalising on this great start with the publication of a clear timeline on the different projects including details on procurement and contracting structure", SAYS Ferga Kane, Partner, Government and Infrastructure Advisory, EY Ireland
What's your name?
Ferga Kane
What position do you hold?
Partner, Government and Infrastructure Advisory, EY Ireland
What is your day to day responsibilities?
I am a Partner in EY’s Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) group with a focus on Government and Infrastructure (G&I) Advisory Services, providing solutions for Government and private sector clients. This involves working with our experts across G&I, TAS and the wider firm to bring the best solutions to our clients. In my engagement with them, I advise on project feasibility, policy analysis and financial, commercial and strategic considerations, as well as providing procurement advisory for large scale infrastructure projects.
What is your professional background?
I have over 19 years’ experience working on large infrastructure projects.
I specialise in providing commercial, financial and project management advisory services in the infrastructure field to government and private sector clients including project finance and public private partnerships (PPP) transactions. My experience includes business case development, feasibility assessment, commercial structuring, funding and financing analysis, complex financial modeling and pre-qualification analysis and evaluation. I also have extensive experience in project management, tender evaluation, payment mechanism structuring, contractual drafting and the review of commercial aspects associated with project finance (including PPP) deals.
Tell me about yourself away from work?
I’m happily married to Paul and have one daughter, Tilly who is nearly a year and a half. As relatively new parents our time is consumed by our daughter, who is walking now and keeping us on our toes! I’m the youngest of five children and enjoy spending time with my siblings and their families – which can become boisterous affairs given our numbers!
Tell us something very few people know about you?
As a child, I danced on the Late Late Christmas Show!
You are speaking at the 2019 Construction Industry Federation conference. What are you speaking about?
I will participate in a panel discussion on the Irish construction industry, specifically looking at the potential impact of Brexit and the opportunities for the sector arising from Project Ireland 2040.
What challenges do you see for the construction sector?
The National Development Plan (NDP) was published in early 2018 and presents many exciting opportunities for the Irish construction sector. The economic benefits associated with developing the country’s infrastructure are widely recognised by Government and the published plans are very exciting for market participants and citizens alike. However, there are challenges facing the industry such as capacity, skills shortages, pricing and the impact of Brexit which remains uncertain. Therefore focussed initiatives will need to be successfully implemented so that the construction industry can sustainably and effectively deliver on initiatives such as the NDP.
Where would you like to see the industry in 10 years’ time?
The publication of the 10-year National Development Plan was a strategic and progressive step by the Government and has been well regarded by our global peers. I would like to see us capitalising on this great start with the publication of a clear timeline on the different projects including details on procurement and contracting structure. This will give the construction sector the relevant information to efficiently and effectively prepare for these projects including partnering with international parties where required. I hope that this would position Ireland and our construction industry as a leading player in infrastructure – adopting new technologies and innovation and importantly, delivering for our existing and future citizens.
Ferga will be speaking at The construction industry federation annual conference 2019 on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 in Croke Park, Dublin.
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