Tipperary, Wicklow, Galway and Dublin Schools Named as shortlist for the CIF’s Build the Future Competition

Only eight schools from over 105 teams and 41 schools have been shortlisted for the Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF) Build a School Competition.

These schools will now compete to make it to the three finalist spots at the awards ceremony on April 7^th at 11:30am which will also be live streamed on to the finalist schools, CIF members and relevant committees.

The shortlisted schools represent Tipperary, Galway, Wicklow, and Dublin and are:

• Galway City Youth Reach, Tuam Road, Galway who was shortlisted for its proposed development of housing and apartments on in Ballymoneen Road, Galway.
• Scoil Ruain Vocational School in Killenaule, Thurles, Co Tipperary who made the list for its proposed development of houses in Killenaule supported by Clancy Construction.
• St Mary’s Secondary School in Nenagh, County Tipperary who were selected for its sustainable apartment design for Dublin.
• Coláiste Chraobh Abhann in Kilcoole, County Wicklow who made the list for its proposed K Sea Drive sustainable housing development using the latest in sustainable building techniques.
• New Cross College, in Finglas, Dublin whose entry was selected for its proposed sustainable development with Flynn Construction.
• Mount Sackville Secondary School in Chapelizod, Dublin nominated for its Radharc na Life (“The Liffey View”) proposed housing development on Knockmaroon Hill, Castleknock, Dublin 20. The project, Radharc na Life, is modelled of off an Earth ship model.
• Terenure College, Dublin where two teams made the shortlist, these are:
  • Team A for its proposed development in Newtown, Delahasey, Balbriggan.
  • Team Eco Emus made the shortlist for their sustainable housing development in Shanoo in County Wexford.

“This year’s finalists further raise the standard from last year,” said Frank Kelly, President of the CIF. “The standard across all the entries was exceptional, and the judging process was very challenging. We want to recognise and commend all the schools that entered. The finalists demonstrated creativity and innovation and look forward to naming the winners in April.”

“This competition plays a critical role in encouraging the next generation to consider a career in the construction sector, as it shows the diversity and variety of skills and roles within the industry,” said Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. “The sector will need 27,500 additional workers to achieve the housing targets set out in Housing for All, and we must do all we can to encourage younger people to consider a job in construction.  A job in this sector offers huge growth potential and  multiple entry points and skills that will allow you to work and develop a successful career anywhere.”

Ivan Gaine , Managing Director , Sherry FitzGerald New Homes said, “The brief this year was very challenging and the endeavour and creativity in each submission was wonderful to see. The shortlisted entries really grasped the essence of the project, sustainable and energy efficient development, which gives me great confidence in the next generation of construction and property professionals. Each of the finalists should be very proud to have delivered exceptional development proposals. I hope the students found the project insightful and would now consider a career in this dynamic industry.”

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in association with Sherry FitzGerald has opened this competition (in its second year), which is aimed at Senior cycle and Youthreach students. The competition is a team-based project where students work together to design a residential housing development help address sustainability, climate change, solve the housing crisis and showcase innovation in construction. This competition is aiming to address future skills, as the CIF and National Skills Council reveal 27,500 additional workers needed to achieve annual housing targets by 2030.

The entries were reviewed by and the shortlisted schools were selected by a select group of judges who were:

• Frank Kelly, President of the Construction Industry Federation
• John Sweeney, Senior Contracts Manager, Collen Construction
• Ivan Gaine, Managing Director, Sherry Fitzgerald New Homes
• Marguerite Boyle, Director, New Homes & Residential Investments at Sherry Fitzgerald

The competition winners will be announced at via a virtual event hosted by the CIF on April 7^th at 11:30am.

• The winning team will present their designs at the WorldSkills Ireland Live Event in the RDS. In addition, they will receive a day’s “Construction Experience” provided by Technical University Dublin and a TOPCON Complete construction package to include most up to date laser equipment and ½ day instruction, as well as a prize for each of team members.
• The second team selected will also present their design at World Skills Ireland Live Event in RDS in September 2022 and a TOPCON Construction package to include the latest equipment plus a half day’s instruction with individual prizes for each team member.
• The third team selected will also present their design at World Skills Ireland Live Event in RDS and receive TOPCON measuring equipment, along a prize for each team member.

All entries and team members will receive a certificate of merit in recognition of their work.

Competition designed with education leaders

This programme was developed by the CIF in collaboration with TUI, the Techno Teachers Association Ireland, the Engineering Technology Teachers Association and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. This programme is designed to complement current teaching and career guidance principles.