The Build Digital BIM Mandate Conference 2024, which took place recently in Cork, addressed key sector issues and impacts arising from the introduction of the BIM mandate.
Build Digital recently partnered with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to present the BIM Mandate Conference 2024. The one-day event is part of a broader strategy to support public sector clients in adopting the new Building Information Modelling (BIM) mandate, which came into effect at the beginning of 2024 under the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF).
The conference, which took place in the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Cork, marked the third annual conference for the Build Digital Project. Approximately 150 construction professionals and industry leaders gathered to network, hear from expert speakers and participate in workshops designed to enhance understanding of the Irish BIM mandate.
In her opening speech, the Director of Build Digital, Dr Clare Eriksson, said: “Build Digital is essentially a transformation project designed to signpost the answers to the ‘why?’ and the ‘how?’ of driving integrated interoperable digital transformation and adoption across the industry. We aim to innovatively improve efficiency, improve productivity and improve international competitiveness on a sustainable basis in Ireland.”
Attendees at the conference benefited from panel discussions, Q&A sessions and individual presentations throughout the morning of the conference.
Conference speakers included Dr Clare Eriksson; Brian O’Loughlin, NSAI; Joe Mady, DCT Group; Robert Moore, Build Digital Project Lead; Alen O’Farrell, Department of Education; Daniel Crowley, Cork City Council; Dean Murphy, Clúid Housing; Joanne Treacy, CIF; PJ Rudden, Dept of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform; and Charles Mitchell, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP).
The sessions explored the digitalisation journey, CWMF and BIM requirements. Build Digital Project Lead Robert Moore presented the two plans currently available on the Exchange Hub, the organisation and appointed party information management plans; they include templates for clients to prepare tenders compliant with the BIM mandate. Alen O’Farrell, from the Department of Education, followed Robert Moore and presented his experience in implementing BIM within the department and using the appointed party information management plan in current projects.
Robert Moore also presented the new plan, the Delivery Team Information Management Plan, which will be released in the Exchange Hub before the end of 2024. It will include templates for tenderers to create a tender response compliant with the Irish BIM mandate.
Panel discussions were conducted surrounding NSAI initiatives and the opportunities and challenges of implementing the BIM mandate for different cohorts of public clients.
Build Digital’s outputs were outlined by Jimmy Fahy, ATU; Dr Ken Thomas, SETU; Ted McKenna, MTU; and Dr Joe Harrington, MTU.
A regional-specific panel discussion chaired by Joanne Treacy, CIF, Cork, addressed the opportunities and challenges of implementing the BIM mandate for different cohorts of public clients, including national infrastructure, local infrastructure, and housing. The panel consisted of representatives from each cohort, including Alen O’Farrell, Department of Education; Daniel Crowley, Cork City Council; and Dean Murphy, Clúid Housing.
In the afternoon session, attendees participated in industry-specific workshops led by Mary Ryan, Build Digital Operations Lead. Key topics included the impact of the BIM mandate on local councils, the demand for upskilling within teams and the mandate’s importance.
The conference proved to be an excellent opportunity for industry networking between attendees and speakers.
ABOUT BUILD DIGITAL
Build Digital is a government-funded initiative dedicated to supporting the progression of digital adoption in Ireland’s construction and built environment sector. Build Digital is committed to supporting organisations in their digital transformation journey and signposting the construction and built environment sectors in driving digital adoption.