'I really enjoy being part of something big, and that is what is happening in Cork and around it'
Simon O'Keeffe was elected chairman of the Construction Industry Federation (Cork Branch) at the AGM which took place at Construction House in Little Island. Picture: Brian Lougheed
As the leading representative body of the construction industry in Ireland, the CIF is the collective voice of its members, ranging across large and small companies involved in the various aspects of the construction sector in Ireland.
Earlier this year, Simon O'Keeffe took up the helm as chair of the CIF Cork branch at the organisation's AGM.
“CIF Cork has always been a dynamic and progressive branch, with significant weight nationally,” he says. “My ambition for the term is to bring my particular background, which isn’t purely construction, but rather international management and marketing, to bear on the challenges and find new and creative solutions through working closely with members and stakeholders.”
Bringing a unique perspective to the role, Mr O'Keefe’s background is primarily market-oriented, with market research and product development analysis for manufacturing a key focus of his career. He has years of manufacturing experience, a masters in international selling, an executive MBA from UCC and is an alumnus of the Timoney Leadership Institute.
Having previously worked across Europe, the US and Asia with companies such as Nike, RJ Reynolds and Nobel Industries, he now advises Post Formed Systems, an offsite construction company specialising in the manufacture of washrooms and medical plumbing ducts for construction developments.
Highlighting the sector’s diversity, but noting the prominence of housing in the news, Mr O'Keeffe points to 2023’s 10% increase on 2022 figures, with 32,696 residential units being built, amounting to an increase of 60% on 2021 figures.
In addition, figures from December indicate the number of commencements of new residential units has increased to the highest number in more than 15 years.
“Recent figures are even more impressive, with a 59.25% increase in January 2024 commencements versus January 2023 commencements.”
He points to the impact of the Irish Water Rebate Scheme as the Waiver on Development Contribution charges on Commencements as having supported the construction industry efforts to manage spiralling project costs.
“The rebate and waiver have had a very positive impact on the results. CIF also greatly welcomes Government initiatives such as the new Careers in Construction Action Plan and public promotional and media campaigns to encourage more workers into the sector.”
However, there are challenges, particularly when it comes to infrastructure.
“Delays compound themselves as projects through the system. So, CIF Cork cooperates very closely with stakeholders to take the issues one by one, and work through obstacles toward our objective, to keep moving forward.
"That is how we are determined to progress the issues — by working closely with partners, stakeholders and all relevant parties to keep building and creating solutions in Ireland.”
Helping to speed up the planning process is another area needing attention: “Planning remains one of the most significant constraints to building out the National Development Plan in a timely and efficient manner.
CIF Cork recently engaged Coakley O'Neill Planners to carry out an in-depth analysis on developments in Cork, which will provide a blueprint for the future activities of CIF Cork. This research is expected to be ready for next week’s CIF Southern Construct Summit on May 23 at Cork’s Silversprings Hotel.
The event will showcase a number of the most influential projects happening in the region, and how construction firms are focusing on opportunities across transport, property, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, energy and manufacturing.
In terms of the construction labour force, employment in the sector stands at 170,000.
“Apprenticeships are increasing, with 2023 seeing an increase in registrations of 20% on 2019 figures. This increase is attributable to a significant push by the construction sector and Government to encourage school-leavers into the industry. I welcome the efforts made by UCC, MTU and the CETB to enhance the courses and training available to students looking to work in construction.”
The Government’s overseas campaigns aimed at inspiring people to return to Ireland to work in construction, engineering and other key sectors has also paid dividends.
“Investment opportunities must not be lost by Cork for reasons which we can avoid. We must see the realisation of the Events Centre and the upgrade to the N25 and keep moving forward with the vision Cork has demonstrated successfully. There is no time to be wasted,” he adds.
Wearing his other work hat, Mr O'Keeffe helps guide the commercial fortunes of Post Formed Systems, a family-owned company, founded in 1982 by Eddie Connolly. Having moved to a specialised facility in Ballincollig in 2000, the firm has grown to serve large and small construction companies across Ireland and the UK and has grown substantially over recent years.
Its washrooms and medical plumbing ducts are constructed off-site, and then fitted on-site for a quicker, more cost-effective building solution.
“Offsite construction gives workers a dry and safe environment to carry out construction work and leverages cost efficiencies for developments. I work as a consultant to the managing director, Mark Connolly, who has long expertise in the industry.
"I have matching experience in management, information systems and new product development. We are a great team working hard to be what I call the ‘anchor subcontractor’ in any job that we do. Post Formed Systems is in an exciting place. It operates at the crossover between manufacturing and construction. It must mesh its multiple schedules with complex building projects all day, every day.”
Construction is a very complex, multi-party industry, with every role important to achieving a successful conclusion, Simon points out.
“When it comes to delivering wonderful projects like the Dunkettle Interchange and The Elysian, everyone, from the politician driving policy to the people on the site driving nails, has an equally important role and responsibility. Every time they attend to a loose nail rather than leave it for someone else to sort out, they become the heroes who get the project delivered.”
His position as chair of the Construction Industry Federation Cork is happening in a pivotal period for the city and county: “I really enjoy being part of something big, and that is what is happening in Cork and around it. I love that it delivers jobs and commerce in a highly liveable, diverse county and city.
"You only have to look around you to see how the vision of a ‘splendid Cork’ is being realised project by project — with the construction industry, from infrastructure right through to fit-out work doing its part, all working toward a common goal.”
- The CIF Southern Construct Summit takes place on May 23 at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cork.
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