Women still just 11% of construction workforce as CIF calls for sustained leadership
Industry body says broadening talent pool is critical to meeting housing, infrastructure and climate targets
2 March 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
Women account for just 11 per cent of the 191,000 people employed in Ireland’s construction sector, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), which has said greater female representation is essential if the industry is to meet national housing, infrastructure and climate targets.
In advance of its International Women’s Day Summit taking place on Friday, 6 March at The Johnstown Estate in Enfield, Co Meath, CIF CEO Andrew Brownlee said the scale and complexity of Ireland’s challenges demand a broader talent base.
“To meet Ireland’s urgent, complex and interconnected housing, infrastructure and climate challenges, we require the very best minds and the broadest range of talent available. That must include women,” Mr Brownlee said.
“Right now, just 11 per cent of the 191,000 people employed in construction in Ireland are women. While progress is steady, it is still slow, and that’s a figure we simply can’t ignore. We can’t afford, economically or socially, to draw from only half the population.”
The CIF said the half-day summit, which is sold out and expected to attract more than 600 attendees, will focus on pathways into construction careers for women, including through STEM education and construction-related apprenticeships.
A live-streamed Q&A session will form part of the programme, chaired by reigning Rose of Tralee and apprentice electrician Katelyn Cummins. The discussion will involve graduate apprentices and students from Ardscoil Rath Iomghain in Rathangan, Co Kildare, who are participating in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, supported by the CIF.
Latest national figures show that women account for almost 10 per cent of people undertaking apprenticeships in Ireland, highlighting what the federation describes as a key opportunity for improving gender balance in the sector.
Mr Brownlee said the modern construction industry now spans a wide range of disciplines beyond traditional site-based roles.
“The construction industry is rapidly digitalising and modernising. The on-site roles in trades, engineering and project management are only part of the story. There are careers in digital construction, sustainability, off-site manufacturing, planning, finance, health and safety, design, communications and leadership,” he said.
He added that many CIF member companies are investing in mentoring, inclusive recruitment and enhanced workplace policies to support greater diversity.
Joanne Treacy, Southern Regional Director with the CIF and MC for the event, said the organisation remains committed to building a more inclusive workforce.
“Our industry is changing and evolving every day and we will become even stronger as our workforce diversifies,” she said.
This year’s summit, themed “Give to Gain”, will feature speakers addressing inclusive workplace practices, leadership excellence, digital transformation and the wider value of ESG beyond carbon metrics.
Although the in-person event is fully booked, the CIF has confirmed that a livestream will be available via registration: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/cif-iwd-2026-live-stream-tickets-1980542135843?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=131id7g_upMQ.._gaMTMwMDM0Mzc2MS4xNzY4NDAxMjk1_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3Njg0MDEyOTQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Njg0MDEyOTQkajYwJGwwJGgw
