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On behalf of the Construction Industry Federation, Director General, Hubert Fitzpatrick, wishes all our members a Happy Christmas and looks ahead to 2025.
On behalf of the Construction Industry Federation, I would like to wish all our members a Happy Christmas and to thank you for your support and active participation in the federation throughout the past year.
The Christmas season offers a much-deserved pause for the construction industry with a chance to rest and recharge, after a year of hard work, while providing an invaluable opportunity to refocus on priorities for the year ahead.
Entering 2025, we welcome our new President, Stephen McCarthy, owner of Astra Construction in Cork. Representing members, Stephen’s expertise will guide the federation as we champion the vital role construction plays in shaping Ireland’s future. We are immensely grateful to outgoing President Joe Conway for his dedicated service and leadership during his tenure.
Reflecting on 2024, significant progress was made in highlighting critical infrastructure issues that directly impact housing, FDI, and national wellbeing. Unresolved challenges in water supply, electricity, and transport demand urgent, actionable solutions, and our strong engagement on these matters will continue in the new year.
In 2025, CIF proudly celebrates a momentous milestone—our 90th anniversary. Founded in 1935 by a visionary group of construction leaders, the federation has grown into one of Ireland’s most enduring, influential, and largest membership organisations. Over the past nine decades, our members have played a pivotal role in shaping Ireland’s built environment, from trusted, multi-generational family businesses to innovative new enterprises driving the industry forward.
As we commemorate this significant anniversary, we look forward to celebrating with our members, reflecting on the remarkable achievements of the past, and setting our sights on the promising future that lies ahead. This special occasion is both a tribute to our shared legacy and an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to progress and excellence in the construction industry.
CIF is the government-appointed registration body for Construction Industry Register Ireland. The goal of the register is to advance and foster a culture of competence, good business practises and ongoing professional development within the Irish construction industry. The Admissions and Registration Board has been working on the categorisation of industry sectors for first registration under statutory CIRI, which is projected to commence during 2025. CIF will keep members updated on the registration process as this commences.
The CIF Training Academy offers courses tailored to evolving industry needs, supporting businesses in adapting to changing regulations and technologies. We encourage members seeking high-quality training for their workers to contact the team to discuss the many courses on offer by visiting ciftraining.ie.
Another significant development in 2025 will be the introduction of auto enrollment in pension schemes. The CIF Pension Administration Services (CPAS) is on hand to provide essential support to members, helping them navigate this transition through comprehensive pension services (cpas.ie).
The federation is committed to listening to member concerns, advocating for your interests, and supporting your growth into the new year. We look forward to collaborating with you in 2025 to drive innovation and progress, as we work to support a successful industry and thriving Irish society.
We wish you a happy and restful Christmas season, and a prosperous New Year.
Hubert Fitzpatrick
Director General