Author: Tina Calder

An internationally acclaimed, award-winning interactive VR adventure that transports you into the heart of the Acid House movement is heading for Belfast early next year.

In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats, produced by East City Films and created by Darren Emerson, has added Belfast to its eight-city UK tour.

In partnership with Belfast XR Festival the experience will take audiences back in time to the beginning of the Acid House movement and the creation of UK rave culture telling a multicultural story of collaboration and unity that celebrates music, friendship, and the joy of youth.

Belfast XR Festival, entering its fourth year, specialises in curating worldclass immersive technology content that takes the art of storytelling to a new level.

Extended Reality or ‘XR’ is the collective name for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). VR is a computer-generated artificial environment with scenes that appear to be real, while AR is a digital overlay onto the real world, which is viewed through your phone or an iPad. 

Deepa Mann-Kler, director and curator for Belfast XR Festival which is an annual gathering for the XR arts – storytelling, visual arts, music, drama, dance, literature and theatre, said she is delighted to be showcasing In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats at the forthcoming 2025 festival.

She said: “Northern Ireland has an incredible track record when it comes to music which is internationally recognised. 

“It made sense to bring this work to Belfast as it also features music by a leading Northern Irish artist Max Cooper. Belfast also holds the prestigious UNESCO City of Music title. 

“This marks a debut and premiere for the work on the island of Ireland. We are looking forward to this exciting collaboration with East City Films.”

The experience, which is jointly supported by Arts Council England and BFI, will take audiences on ‘a multi-sensory joyride into the heart of a working-class revolution in dance’.

Viewers of the experience will witness the joy of tracking down and arriving at an all-night illegal warehouse party at the height of the rave scene in Coventry, 1989 by stepping into the shoes of rave culture pioneers.  

“Bringing to life the stories of the promoters, police officers, pirate radio stations, and secret warehouse rave-goers, whose rivalries and relationships drove a revolution in music and society, the film features euphoric rave anthems such as Chime by Orbital and Energy Flash by Joey Beltram. 

Beats uses Virtual Reality (VR) technology to fully immerse audiences in a one-hour multi-sensory interactive experience that is awash with meticulous period detail. It surrounds participants with the sounds, senses, and the thrill of being young (again).  

Director Darren Emerson, East City Films said: “With In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats I wanted to take audiences back to a moment where a community formed from their passion for music, dance and freedom of expression.  

“In a modern society where we are constantly monitored, and tracked by devices, this experience, although using technology, seeks to reunite audiences with the thrill of freedom and those important, crazy nights where we not only find our friends, but truly find ourselves.

“The response to Beats has been overwhelming; seeing people emerge from VR moved and excited and wanting to connect with each other has been so rewarding.  

“After success touring Internationally, I’m delighted we are now bringing Beats back to the UK, to connect with the audiences that were shaped in some way by the cultural revolution that was Acid House.”  

The creative team behind Beats spent time making the experience fully accessible to all audiences, accessible to wheelchair users with a seated version and d/Deaf audiences with subtitles, Haptics (vibration), Access Packs, VR Explainer and scene descriptions and Touch Tour.

To further enhance the experience, East City Films has partnered with Woojer. Woojer’s innovative haptic vests will add to the multi-sensory journey, immersing users in a vibrant auditory landscape and enhancing accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This collaboration aims to deliver an inclusive experience that resonates deeply with all audiences.

Hundreds of manufacturing companies and supply chain experts from Northern Ireland are set to travel to Dublin this week for the 2024 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin.

Following this major event, the same organisation will bring the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition to the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in September 2024.

Incorporating a comprehensive conference programme and an extensive exhibition area displaying the latest technological solutions and business services available, the 2024 National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will be held over two days on May 28 and 29.

The largest event of its kind in Ireland, the National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition serves as a national forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Ireland to gather to discuss pressing issues facing Irish industry. 

As such, the Event successfully connects key stakeholders across the full spectrum of Irish manufacturing, including the food, drink, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, life sciences and electronics sectors.

Accounting for almost a third of Ireland’s GDP and employing over 270,000 people, the manufacturing industry is crucial to the Irish economy and also helps to redress regional imbalances as more than 80% of operations are based outside of Dublin.

However, Irish and international manufacturers are currently facing serious challenges due to disruption to supply chains and markets caused by Brexit, the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and the Red Sea region, and soaring energy, transport and raw materials costs. 

The Irish manufacturing industry and its associated supply chain are also trying to adapt to the disruptive changes generated by the digital revolution and the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (Industry 4.0).

 A new wave of advanced technologies is transforming the manufacturing landscape. These technologies include AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), Cloud Computing, Digital Fabrication (including 3D printing), Big Data Capture, Advanced Automated and Autonomous Systems and Collaborative Robotics.

The 2024 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will highlight the key trends and challenges facing the industry, while also offering practical solutions, as well as showcasing the latest innovations, developments in best practice and new technological advances.

The organiser of 2024 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, Dublin-based Premier Publishing & Events, is assembling an impressive line-up of manufacturing leaders, academics and government agencies who will engage in a stimulating blend of keynote addresses and debates. 

Visitors interested in improving the performance of their business can listen to case studies and technical presentations from leading global and local manufacturing experts, whilst also meeting with providers of cutting edge technology.

For instance, Professor Henrik Von Scheel, the originator of the fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0) will examine the future of manufacturing in his presentation titled ‘Factory 4.0: Megatrends that shape the next decade’. Carlos Garcia Santiago, Head of AI Strategy at Irish Manufacturing Research, will discuss the changing interaction between humans and AI in the field of manufacturing during his presentation titled ‘Beyond automation: Human Wisdom in the AI Revolution’. Dr. Yasmine Daher, Project Manager CE at Irish Manufacturing Research, will aim to aims to demystify AI adoption for Irish manufacturers during his talk titled ‘AI-Driven Circularity: Insights & Opportunities for Irish Enterprise’.

Tristan McCallum, Technologist for Engineering and the Green Economy at IDA Ireland, will look at ‘How the Digital Transformation is benefiting Irish Industry’. 

Anne Bannon, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences at AIB, will provide an overview of the manufacturing sector and the changing landscape around sustainability while explaining how AIB can assist customers in this area in her presentation –‘Supporting the decarbonisation of the Irish Manufacturing Sector’. Diana Vaz, Renewable Research Technologist at Irish Manufacturing Research, will consider ‘The Role of Renewable Energy Systems (RES) in the decarbonisation of industry’.

Adam Fox, Ireland & UK Business Development Manager at Swisslog, and Brian Cooney, Managing Director of KUKA Ireland, will deliver a comprehensive insight into the future of robotics in the logistics and supply chain industries and wider manufacturing circles during their chat titled ‘What is possible in the realm of autonomous systems? The answer, anything’.

Brendan McAuley, Director at the International Trade Institute, will look at ‘Changes in international trade and what they will mean for your supply chain’.

Engineering Industries Ireland (EII), the Ibec group representing the engineering manufacturing and services sector in Ireland, is the headline Sponsor of the annual Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition. 

As the industry membership body for engineering and manufacturing, Engineering Industries Ireland connects its members to expert knowledge, advice, and supply chain opportunities, supporting a thriving and sustainable sector to compete effectively on both national and world stages.

The National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition incorporates several complementary events – all under one roof. The co-located events include: the Automation and Robotics Event; the IOT & Industry 4.0 Expo; the Sustainability Summit; the Supply Chain & Logistics Expo; the High Tech Manufacturing & Precision Engineering Expo; the Digital Transformation in Manufacturing Event; the Pharma and MedTech Expo; and the Lean Productivity and Continuous Improvement Summit. The co-located events within the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition are designed to show visitors how to harness new technology to improve their own business performance.

Free registration to attend the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is now open at https://www.manufacturingevent.com/register/ 

12.05.24 – World ME Day – Belfast, Northern Ireland

By Joan McParland, founder, Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI

 

Today, the Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI community stood at the historic gates of Stormont united by our shared challenges and hope for a better future. 

Ten years ago, in 2014, we rallied here with a silent demonstration, collecting thousands of signatures that demanded the attention of our leaders – a call for the urgent establishment of specialist M.E. services in Northern Ireland. 

Our gathering today renews and intensifies this demand, underlining the critical need for immediate action and robust support for those living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.).

The outdated NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS, CG53, in place since 2007 and only revised in October 2021 to NG206, had recommended treatments like Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) which subsequent research and patient experiences proved to be harmful to patients.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), was used as a way to diminish patient experiences rather than help support them to mentally and emotionally manage and cope with living with a very real and physical illness. These changes marked a significant shift in understanding but have yet to translate into improved care for our patients in Northern Ireland, who remain in desperate need of professional and compassionate medical support.

Our call at Stormont today is charged with urgency. The absence of commissioned M.E. services in Northern Ireland has left our patients without the specialist care they critically require. 

Intermittently for well over a decade, the community relied on being able to pay for a private consultant from London, but this service was disrupted by the pandemic and unfortunately had not been able to be resumed, leaving a void filled only by despair. With the impending retirement of our metabolic/endocrinology consultant who showed a keen interest in M.E., the prospect of having no medical professionals familiar with this complex condition becomes a harsh reality.

This situation has placed an undue burden on general practitioners, many of whom lack the necessary training to effectively manage M.E. and are disadvantaged due to being unable to refer patients to a secondary care specialist or consultant. The disparity in disbelief, stigma of and lack of understanding around the illness among healthcare providers has led to a postcode lottery of care, where the quality of treatment depends heavily on the knowledge and belief of individual practitioners. This is a grave injustice to those afflicted.

What we urgently need is for M.E. to be recognised in Northern Ireland as a legitimate, severe medical condition by all healthcare professionals, organisations, and political figures. 

We demand the immediate commissioning of specialist M.E. services and a dedicated medical lead in Northern Ireland, supported by recurrent financial resources. Furthermore, the newly revised NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS NG206 which were endorsed by the Department of Health and circulated to healthcare professionals by the deputy chief medical officer of Northern Ireland in January 2022 must be implemented across all health and social care services immediately.

Education is crucial. M.E. must be included in the curriculum for medical students and part of ongoing training for all healthcare professionals. This will ensure that future generations of healthcare providers are better equipped to understand and treat M.E. and related conditions. Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI have created a 2-part educational programme for professionals who can earn three hours of CPD points by registering for and completing through the charity.

In fact Minister for Health Robin Swann recently highlighted the need for M.E. to be highlighted in the medical curriculum.

Awareness programs must be extended to dispel the stigma associated with these illnesses, promoting a more empathetic and informed approach within the medical community and beyond.

We call on our politicians to take decisive action. We need the government to facilitate the negotiation and establishment of M.E. specialist services and to ensure that the revised NICE guidelines are applied throughout our healthcare system. Accountability mechanisms should be put in place to ensure these services are not only promised but delivered.

Our political advocates need to speak up in the Northern Ireland Assembly and at Westminster to champion the cause of those living with M.E.. By fostering greater awareness and pushing for the implementation of essential services, they can play a crucial role in transforming the lives of thousands.

The path to achieving these changes has been fraught with administrative and logistical setbacks, as evidenced by the repeated failures to secure a dedicated M.E. consultant. These challenges underscore the systemic issues within our healthcare recruitment and retention strategies, which must be addressed as part of broader reforms.

As part of our ongoing advocacy, Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI has launched the DISCOVER ME campaign. This initiative includes a tour of our educational VR film, Discover ME, across 13 libraries across the country in partnership with Libraries NI, aiming to immerse viewers in the realities of living with M.E.. 

This powerful film, created by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, has already begun to change hearts and minds, providing a visceral, empathetic insight into the daily lives of those affected by these conditions.

It is time for acknowledgement, action, and advocacy. Our community cannot afford any more delays in receiving the care and recognition it deserves. We have united here today to demand immediate change and to assert that we will accept nothing less.

Join us, support us, and help us forge a future where M.E., Fibromyalgia and other related conditions such as Long Covid are not just recognised but adequately addressed within our healthcare system. Together, we can ensure that no one is left to fight alone.

For more information about the campaign go to hope4mefibro.org 

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy has launched the powerful Discover ME campaign which begins on World ME Day.

The Discover ME campaign has been organised by the Charity Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, as part of an ongoing initiative to raise awareness for the medical conditions Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Fibromyalgia, Long Covid and other Post Viral Syndromes (PVS) such conditions can demonstrate overlapping characteristics.

The campaign, designed to deepen public and professional understanding of chronic conditions like M.E., will begin on World ME Day where significant landmarks such as Parliament Buildings at Stormont and various council buildings are to be lit up in blue to symbolise solidarity and support for those affected by M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

Having teamed up with Libraries NI, the campaign will then tour 13 libraries across Northern Ireland giving the public, politicians, educators and healthcare professionals the chance to experience the powerful Discover ME film in Virtual Reality (VR).

Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy said he was delighted to launch the campaign.

He added: “I’d like to commend Discover M.E.’s innovative approach, harnessing some of the best of our innovation talent in Professor Deepa Mann-Kler’s company Neon to create an immersive, hard-hitting campaign. It’s going to increase awareness and understanding of these chronic medical conditions which are unfortunately negatively impacting on so many people’s lives here. 

“Partnerships like these will help to drive medical progress and treatment forward and I encourage people to take the time to discover more about these conditions through the Discover M.E.VR experience at their local library.”

The 13-library tour across the country will start on May 14 at Lisburn and Falls Road libraries before moving on to Holywood Arches and Bangor Library on May 15, Portstewart and Grove Library on May 21, Omagh and Derry City Library on May 28, Antrim and Lisburn Road Library on May 29, Portadown and Newry Library on June 3 and finishing the tour at Belfast Central Library on June 4.

Julie Reid, Deputy Head of Services for Libraries NI said they were delighted to be supporting a powerful educational campaign like Discover ME across their network.

She added: “Libraries NI is pleased to support this initiative as it raises awareness of the significant impact that conditions like M.E. and Fibromyalgia can have on individuals’ lives.

“Our libraries serve as pillars of support and compassion for many members of the local community, offering valuable resources and information on a wide range of health-related topics. We hope that the upcoming events in libraries will provide a platform for people to gain a deeper understanding of the personal experiences of those managing the daily challenges of M.E., Fibromyalgia, and other illnesses.”

At each library location, visitors will be able to have the opportunity to put on a VR headset and experience the six-minute Discover ME film themselves.

Hope 4 ME & Fibro founder Joan McParland MBE said developing the Discover ME film into a VR experience introduces M.E. and addresses the stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.

She explained: “We felt it was important to turn the film into a VR experience because it’s a unique way to view the message. Because it is in VR you are completely immersed in the patient experiences – they’re sharing the hard hitting reality of living with M.E. in their own words” 

Linda Campbell, chair of Hope 4 ME & Fibro added: “The film allows viewers to be immersed in the sight and sound. In the viewings we’ve already facilitated with healthcare professionals and the public we’ve seen an increased impact of the film because it is in VR. The individual is immersed in the experience, which proves to be both memorable and emotive. 

“Increased awareness and education of M.E. is achieved as a result, and this then becomes a learning and discussion point to share with others.”

The Discover ME film was directed and produced by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, chief executive of Neon and visiting professor of Immersive Futures at Ulster University.

“When Professor Mann-Kler first approached us with her previous VR technology used to help self-manage pain, we saw an opportunity not just to educate but to foster genuine empathy towards M.E., amplifying our message through the power of storytelling” said Joan.

“Our mission with the Discover ME campaign is to challenge the myths and misrepresentation surrounding M.E., and other related conditions like Fibromyalgia and Long Covid and to show the harsh realities faced by patients through a compelling VR experience. Professor Deepa Mann-Kler has brilliantly transformed this into an animated VR film that goes beyond conventional awareness efforts.”

Professor Mann Kler said using virtual reality allowed the charity to provide a visceral understanding of the lives disrupted by M.E. and similar conditions.

“How we made Discover ME was as equally important as the final piece, where the process of co-creation has lead to a truly authentic and compelling insight into the lives of people from all walks of life and their lived experiences. As a storyteller, it was an honour to be trusted in this way. 

“This campaign is so important in helping raise awareness. Discover ME also now forms part of the Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast respective Medical Schools course curriculum. That will help change people’s lives, by training future Doctors” she explained.

The Discover ME campaign also includes a series of awareness billboards, social media and a series of additional events for the medical profession and educators in the area of M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

Discover ME Film is a partnership between Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, Silverink, Enter Yes and Neon and was funded by NI Screen.

Additional funding for virtual reality headset equipment was provided by The Hospital Saturday Fund and monies raised by patients and their family members.

For more information about the campaign go to hope4mefibro.org

Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Áine Groogan said Belfast must “support inclusive growth and opportunities in businesses of the future”.

She was speaking at the launch of the TechFoundHer AI Roadshow which will be taking place at The MAC, Cathedral Quarter, later this month.

The women in tech organisation, set up by Co Down entrepreneur Mairin Murray, has announced they will also launch their Northern Ireland community at the event.

The roadshow follows on from the success of the recent TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin, a one-day innovation summit for female founders.

Speaking of the city’s commitment to creating growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Áine Groogan said: “As event co-sponsor, we’re really looking forward to welcoming TechFoundHer 2024 to Belfast, following the successful TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin last month. 

“We’ve made a commitment in The Belfast Agenda to support inclusive growth and opportunities in businesses of the future, so it’s wonderful to see this event encouraging female entrepreneurship and greater participation in Belfast’s burgeoning tech sector. 

“As well as providing valuable learning and networking opportunities for women who want to learn more about emerging technology trends and the funding environment, TechFoundHer is also going to share international perspectives from female founders, with input from investors and entrepreneurs from the US, UK and Ireland. 

“I encourage women at any stage of their tech career or business to register for this event and come along to The MAC.”

The AI Roadshow on Wednesday May 22 will include the premiere screening of the Los Angeles produced award winning movie Show Her The Money, a powerful and uplifting film dedicated to shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in their quest for funding.

The film, produced by Catherine Gray and directed by Ky Dickens, takes audiences on an emotional journey through the lives of resilient and visionary women who have defied societal norms, shattered glass ceilings, and overcome obstacles to build their businesses. Catherine Gray and investor Wendy Ryan, featured in the movie, will be attending the roadshow from the US and leading the post screening panel with a Q&A session. 

The TechFoundHer AI Roadshow has an inspirational lineup of speakers who will lead a series of motivational talks with practical takeaways about the power of tech and the AI revolution that is underway

TechFoundHer founder Mairin Murray said she is delighted to be bringing a prestigious lineup of speakers to Belfast and added that it’s been her goal to run Northern Ireland based events for a number of years.

She added: “TechFoundHer is on a mission to ensure women can fully contribute as tech entrepreneurs and innovators.

“Women are currently massively under-represented as the founders of tech companies. This must change. Tech has no gender, and it’s time we come up with bold solutions to address the underinvestment in women’s startups.

“AI is happening now, and women founders need to be embracing all the opportunities it presents as quickly as possible.”

TechFoundHer was set up by Mairin Murray earlier this year with the mission to “unlock the potential of women to start and lead tech companies for the benefit of our economy, society and world” she explained, adding: “We build tech competence. We advocate for entrepreneur equality and system change. We are data driven and ask questions and look for answers. We connect impact focused women tech founders in our network with peers, champions, supporters and allies.”

Speakers include producer, advocate and She Angels Founder Catherine Gray, diversity champion and CEO Kadabra, Wendy Ryan, innovator and entrepreneur, Dr Lollie Mancey, Belfast based media and marketing expert Tina Calder of Excalibur Press and Mairin herself with more to be announced.

TechFoundHer AI Roadshow is supported and sponsored by Belfast City Council, Queen’s University Belfast Business School, Ormeau Baths, DogPatch Labs, PorterShed, Republic of Work, RDI Hub and Excalibur Press.

For information and to book tickets go to techfoundher.com.

A women in tech organisation set up by Northern Ireland entrepreneur Mairin Murray is set to bring their hugely popular AI Roadshow to Belfast.

The roadshow follows on from the success of the recent TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin, a one day innovation summit for female founders.

The AI Roadshow taking place at The MAC, Belfast on Wednesday May 22 will include the premiere screening of the Los Angeles produced award winning movie Show Her The Money, a powerful and uplifting film dedicated to shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in their quest for funding.

The film, produced by Catherine Gray and directed by Ky Dickens, takes audiences on an emotional journey through the lives of resilient and visionary women who have defied societal norms, shattered glass ceilings, and overcome obstacles to build their businesses. Cathering Gray and investor Wendy Ryan, featured in the movie, will be attending the roadshow from the US to do an after screening panel plus Q&A. 

The TechFoundHer AI Roadshow has an inspirational lineup of speakers who will lead a series of motivational talks with practical takeaways about the power of tech and the AI revolution that’s underway

TechFoundHer founder Murray said she is delighted to be bringing a prestigious lineup of speakers to Belfast and added that it’s been a goal to run Northern Ireland based events for a number of years.

She added: “TechFoundHer is on a mission to ensure women have the opportunity to fully contribute as tech entrepreneurs and innovators.

“Women are currently massively under-represented as the founders of tech companies. This has to change. Tech has no gender, and it’s time we come up with bold solutions to address the underinvestment in women’s startups.

“AI is happening now and women founders need to be embracing all the opportunities it presents as quickly as possible.”

TechFoundHer was set up by Mairin Murray earlier this year with the mission to “unlock the potential of women to start and lead tech companies for the benefit of our economy, society and world” she explained, adding: “We build tech competence. We advocate for entrepreneur equality and system change. We are data driven and ask questions and look for answers. We connect impact focused women tech founders in our network with peers, champions, supporters and allies.”

Speakers include producer, advocate and She Angels Founder Catherine Gray, diversity champion and CEO Kadabra, Wendy Ryan, innovator and entrepreneur, Dr Lollie Mancey, Belfast based media and marketing expert Tina Calder of Excalibur Press and Mairin herself with more to be announced over the coming weeks.

TechFoundHer AI Roadshow is supported and sponsored by Belfast City Council, Ormeau Baths, DogPatch Labs, PorterShed, Republic of Work, RDI Hub and Excalibur Press.

For information and to book tickets go to techfoundher.com. 

Hundreds of construction companies and experts are set to travel to Dublin next week for the annual National Construction Summit at the Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown.

Taking place on Thursday April 18, the event incorporates a comprehensive programme including a wide array of seminars and free workshops, the National Construction Summit, organised by Premier Publishing & Events, will also feature an extensive exhibition area, showcasing the latest products, services and technology for the construction, engineering, sustainable building, maintenance and architectural sectors.

Key Conference themes at the 2024 National Construction Summit include: Jobs, Skills, Training and Education; Infrastructural Investment; Public & Private Housing; Finance; Building Materials & Services Innovation; Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Project Ireland 2040, the Housing For All Plan; Smart Design for Off-site Construction; Construction 4.0; Green Technology; and Sustainability.

Speakers at the conference will touch on a variety of subjects including discussing the fact that construction output in Ireland is forecast to grow by 3.2% in 2023 and 4.4% in 2024, according to Euroconstruct, an independent construction market forecasting network active in 19 European countries. Which is in contrast to output declines in construction across Europe.

Attendees will also hear about the Government’s housing policy for housing for all all to 2030. A multi-annual, multi-billion euro plan, it is designed to improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs. It has a built-in annual review mechanism to respond to progress made in implementing the plan, to challenges in implementation, and to changes in the external environment.

The conference will discuss the fact that housing supply has been increasing, and the continuing increase in house prices and rents indicate that demand for housing is still growing at a faster pace than supply.

The conference will also touch on the challenges being faced by the sector discussing how the construction sector is a vital component of the Irish economy providing the necessary infrastructure required to sustain Ireland’s economic growth and competitiveness and to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). According to a recent EY Economic Advisory report, the value of Irish construction output is projected to reach €35.2 billion in 2024.

Although the Irish construction industry is undergoing a steady recovery following subdued activity in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it faces significant challenges, such as rising materials costs, skills shortages and difficulties in planning and public sector procurement.

Innovation will also play a central role in the event with many speakers discussing the fact that in order to design and construct the sustainable buildings and infrastructure required by a growing population and to help businesses adapt to the challenges of the unfolding fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), the construction industry throughout Ireland needs to rapidly adopt innovative technologies and techniques. However, there is concern that the industry is not evolving fast enough to meet these changing needs.

The National Construction Summit will host over 100 speakers across seven stages. Included in the day will be a series of panels on topics ranging from “Building a Resilient Workforce: Attracting and Retaining Skilled Construction Talent”, “Voices of the Irelands MMC Sector: Priorities and Perspectives for a Sustainable Future”, “How PPPs can help meet Ireland’s infrastructure challenges”, and “Is Ireland Destined to Become a Secondary Data Hosting Location?” 

Agendas for the event are now live at nationalconstructionsummit.ie/agenda and details on all speakers are available at nationalconstructionsummit.ie/speakers 

The National Construction Summit also includes a number of co-located events which include:

• Project Controls Event
• The Architecture, Design and Planning Expo
• BIM & Digital Construction Show
• The Data Centre and Critical Infrastructure Expo
• Fit-out & Interior Live
• Health & Safety
• Lean Construction Show
• Modern Methods of Construction
• Modular & Offsite Construction Show
• The Engineering Summit
• The National Facility Management and Maintenance Show
• Passive Construction & NZEB
• Smart & Green Building Expo

 

Registration is free at nationalconstructionsummit.ie