The Guaranteed Irish Construction Forum 2025, sponsored by Kingspan, held under the theme “Built in Ireland, Powered by Purpose: Connecting Construction, Facilities, and Energy,” brought together voices from across the construction, facilities management, and energy sectors to address the challenges and opportunities facing Ireland’s built environment.

The forum was opened by Minister of State John Cummins, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, with special responsibility for Planning & Local Government, Members of the panel included Orlaith Blaney, Executive Director Uisce Éireann; Michael Hynes, CEO, Evara; Dan Twomey, MD, Cork Builder Providers; and Cathal Coen, Commercial Director, Kingspan Insulation; with chairing duties falling to Sarah Carey of The Irish Independent.

Opening the Forum, Minister Cummins said, “I know there has been some comment on this topic [Rezoning] in the public space. I understand that without sufficient zoned land in the sector, we simply won’t have a pipeline going forward. So I want to be very clear here this morning, we won’t tolerate anything other than an ambitious, forward-looking approach to zoning by each local authority across this country.” He added, “Any additional measures that have to be taken will be taken in relation to this matter.”

The panel discussed a range of topics, including extension on zoning, viability of apartments, capacity at Uisce Éireann, time delays with ESB connections and the urgent need for an increased pace in planning.

Guaranteed Irish House members are a trusted ecosystem of licensed businesses in the construction sector operating in Ireland and supporting each other in their supply chain.