Linesight launches the Ireland Handbook 2017

Industry professionals gathered for the launch of the publication, which provides an industry outlook for 2017 to form a comprehensive overview of Irish construction, collates important industry data, trends and indices. 

The Handbook and Knowledge Center remain valued reference points for the global industry, and these are supplemented this year with videos summarising the key highlights from six regions; Ireland, UK, USA, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. In addition to the data, which is a trusted resource in planning and costing for tenders and projects, the Global Insights section provides expert opinion on a range of topical subjects affecting the industry. 

Addressing those gathered at the launch, Richard Joyce, Managing Director of Linesight Ireland acknowledged the continued growth in the industry, with output reaching €15 billion in 2016 and forecasts of further growth of 15% per annum over the coming two years. However, he reminded the audience that “while this level of growth might cause concern in some quarters, and indeed pose challenges to our industry, it is important to note that while 2017 output of €17 billion is 7.5% of GNP, under recognizable European norms, sustainable construction output should be between 10 to 12%. That means even at current GNP levels, we could have a sustainable construction industry of €25 billion, while avoiding overreliance on the construction sector within our economy”.
 

Following the 2016 trend, the prevalent skills shortage remains an industry issue, with Richard commenting: “We have seen a heartening increase in the levels of employment in the last three years, coming from a very low base in 2012 / 2013, along with sectoral expansion and continued investments in the industry. However skills shortages, in both specialist and traditional trades, continue to impact tender levels and construction inflation.”
 

Visit the 2017 Knowledge Center here.

In Sydney, the team attended the Enterprise Ireland lunch, as well as the Lansdowne Lunch, which is hailed as the largest St. Patrick’s Day lunch in the world, with 1,600 attendees.