Minister Canney welcomes launch of Updated Careers in Construction Action Plan

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch of the Updated Careers in Construction Action Plan by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD and Minister of State Marian Harkin TD.

The updated plan builds on progress made since the original Careers in Construction Action Plan was launched in late 2023 and is focused on increasing skills capacity across the construction sector to support housing delivery, climate action and major infrastructure investment.

It aligns with key Government priorities, including Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030, the Climate Action Plan and the National Development Plan, while also reflecting the growing role of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and the need to widen access to construction careers.

Minister Canney, a former lecturer in the Department of Building and Civil Engineering at GMIT – now ATU, said the plan reflects the changing nature of the sector and the importance of clear education and training pathways.

“Construction today is a modern, skills-based sector with a wide range of career options, from traditional trades to advanced off-site manufacturing and professional roles,” Minister Canney said. “This plan is about attracting new entrants, supporting progression and ensuring we have the skills needed to meet our housing, climate and infrastructure targets.”

The updated Action Plan expands the number of actions from 20 to 36, with a strong focus on widening participation, strengthening MMC pathways and developing new education and training routes into the sector.