The Ibec-affiliated group’s skills analysis highlights a widening gap between workforce capacity and government targets, driven by a combination of severe skills shortages, an ageing labour pool and ongoing difficulties attracting new entrants.

Although the sector currently employs more than 177,600 people, it remains 54,400 workers below its 2007 peak, a shortfall deepened by the post‑crash exodus of skilled labour. One in five current workers is expected to retire within the next decade, further tightening supply. Retention is also undermined by uncertainty around project timelines.

PII director David Howard said the State’s ambitions — including the delivery of 300,000 new homes by 2030 — cannot be met through policy reform or increased capital allocations alone.

The report estimates that around 25,000 new workers a year will be required to deliver the “unprecedented pipeline” of housing and infrastructure investment planned for the remainder of the decade. However, Ireland continues to lose trained workers to international markets offering stronger commercial returns.

“A commercially sustainable procurement environment is essential to attract this travelling resource back to Ireland,” the report states.

It also argues that outdated perceptions of construction as physically demanding, insecure and male‑dominated continue to deter young people, parents and guidance counsellors from viewing it as a viable career. Meanwhile, “inefficient planning and procurement systems” are said to limit project certainty and discourage long‑term investment in skills and technology.

The report stresses that part of the solution will involve providing accommodation for incoming workers, particularly in areas where construction demand is highest and housing supply is already constrained.

PII calls for a multi‑pronged response, including:

• A clear, reliable public‑sector project pipeline with firm timelines
• Reformed training and apprenticeship pathways to attract and progress new entrants
• Expanded visa programmes and an updated critical skills list covering all trades
• Faster implementation of Government commitments on modern methods of construction

The industry also plans a targeted campaign promoting Ireland’s projects, career opportunities and “exceptional quality of life” to help attract international talent.

“Addressing these issues is a national imperative,” the report concludes. “The recommendations outlined provide a roadmap for Government and industry to collaborate on building the skilled workforce required to secure Ireland’s future prosperity.”