Housing, Planning & Development
Overview
The CIF provides its members with the information and knowledge required to operate successfully in today’s complex, fast-changing and increasingly challenging regulatory and business environment. Supports and services are delivered nationally and through a network of regional branches, giving you unrivalled access to information and channels through which to positively shape the factors driving your business.
With the ever changing landscape of the Irish construction industry in mind and based on over 90 years experience representing the industry, the CIF, through the Irish Home Builders’ Association (IHBA) has developed a range of services designed to support companies engaged in the housing and development sectors and all construction companies that interface with the planning system.
As the leading voice of the home building industry in Ireland, the IHBA, through the grassroots strengths of its members, has effected significant policy change on behalf of the housing industry and is the leading source of information and advisory services on all housing-related planning and development issues.
The IHBA/CIF’s services are delivered through a network of regional branches. With a presence in every county in the country, members are assured of a one-to-one policy, advisory and support service when they need it.
The IHBA/CIF will support and represent members directly when required in discussions with local authorities, state agencies, the construction unions, and at the plethora of labour relations fora including the National Employment Rights Authority, Labour Court, Rights Commissioner Service and the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
On the planning side, members will get expert support on everything from how to get the best deal from your Part V negotiations to issues such as development contributions and taking in charge.
“Members will recoup the cost of membership several times over during the course of the year by accessing the IHBA/CIF comprehensive range of services”
Key Contacts
Conor O’Connell
Director, Housing, Planning & Development
Conor joined the CIF in 2001 and has worked in several roles within the CIF representing members and industry issues to a wide variety of industry stakeholders. Conor is also the Secretary of the Regional Development Committee of the CIF and is responsible for the development of CIF Regional Development Policy as well as stakeholder engagement on construction policy issues across Government Departments, Semi-State Agencies, Local Authorities, Politicians and various regional bodies. Conor is a strong advocate for the role of the construction industry in regional development through the provision of infrastructure. Conor holds a mix of qualifications in Business, Law, Industrial Relations and prior to his current role he worked extensively in employee relations in the construction sector. Until 2022, Conor was the Southern Region Director for the CIF, before taking up the role of Housing, Planning & Development Director.
Aine McGinity
Housing, Planning & Development Executive
Before joining the CIF in October 2021, Aine worked in the UK as Enterprise Manager for Overbury Enterprises, a 6,000-acre rural estate in the heart of Gloucestershire, UK. Aine is Executive of Housing, Planning and Development and offers support and advice to members of the Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA), whilst representing their interests on related committees and working groups. The role also includes developing strategy, as part of a team, and engaging with Government Departments, Local Authorities, agencies and other stakeholders to ensure members’ views are formally considered and communicated. Aine has a Master’s Degree in Rural Estate & Land Management from Harper Adams University and a Certificate in Construction Project Management from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Cathy Gurry
Administrator
Cathy joined the CIF in 2003 and over the following years, Cathy worked in the Industrial Relations and Manpower Department giving advice to members regarding Employment Law and HR issues. More recently in addition to advising members in Employment Law, Cathy now offers full-time support to the Housing Director, in an administrative role.
Associations
Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA)
The Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA), represents home builders across the country and works to advocate on behalf of, promote and protect interests of members of the Association. As the voice of the residential building sector in Ireland we are committed to delivering much needed homes across the country.
See association