Green and Digital Transition

Pillar 4

The construction sector is central to the delivery of Ireland’s climate objectives and national infrastructure priorities, acting both as a major energy user and as a key delivery partner for low-carbon infrastructure. Significant challenges remain in hard-to-abate construction activities, particularly in relation to construction plant, site operations, materials use, and lifecycle carbon.

Members have consistently identified energy system constraints – particularly grid capacity and access to reliable, scalable electricity – as a material barrier to electrification, industrial development, and project delivery.

A coordinated and pragmatic policy response is required to ensure that climate ambition is supported by practical transition mechanisms.

Priority Recommendations

Introduce a Green Construction Plant Scheme

  • 30–50% grants for low/zero emission plant.

  • Support site electrification and battery systems.

Target Transitional Fuels and Practical Pathways

  • Prioritise Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for hard-to-abate uses.

  • Support hybrid and phased transition technologies.

Support SMEs in Transition

  • Establish a Construction SME Sustainability Fund.

  • Fund ESG reporting, digital tools and compliance.

Invest in Circular Construction Infrastructure

  • Develop soil hubs and material recovery systems.

  • Incentivise recycled material use through procurement.

Address Systemic Energy Constraints

  • Develop a technology-neutral national energy strategy.

  • Build capacity for firm low-carbon generation conflict with coordinated phased infrastructure and housing delivery.

See also

Skills and Workforce Development

Strategic Infrastructure Delivery

Unlocking Housing Supply

Competitiveness and Productivity

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