Greater representation of women in Donegal essential for meeting housing challenges

The Construction Industry Federation is calling for sustained strong leadership to further grow the number of women in Donegal employed in the sector to support the drive to meet Ireland’s housing, infrastructure and climate challenges.

Current CIF figures show that only 11 per cent of those employed in construction in Ireland are women.

Speaking in the lead-up to the CIF’s International Women’s Day Summit, taking place on Friday, 6th March at The Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co Meath, CIF CEO Andrew Brownlee said: “To meet Ireland’s urgent, complex and interconnected housing, infrastructure and climate challenges, we require the very best minds and the broadest range of talent available.”

“That must include women, including in Donegal. Right now, just 11 per cent of the 191,000 people employed in construction in Ireland are women. While progress is steady, it is still slow, and that’s a figure we simply can’t ignore.”

“We can’t afford, economically or socially to draw from only half the population. The challenge is too big, and the opportunity to attract and retain the best talent to our industry is too important.”

CIF’s International Women’s Day Summit is highlighting pathways to careers in construction for women in Donegal including via STEM subjects and construction-related apprenticeships.

A live-streamed Q&A, being chaired by reigning Rose of Tralee and apprentice electrician Katelyn Cummins, between a panel of graduate apprentices and a group of students at Ardscoil Rath Iomgháin school in Rathangan, Co Kildare, who are taking part in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, an initiative supported by the CIF, is a highlight of the half-day event.

Also on the line-up, Marie Gleeson, former Irish Navy captain, will be sharing her expertise on leadership excellence with the expected 600-plus event attendees from across the country.

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Andrew continued: “The construction industry is rapidly digitalising and modernising. The on-site roles in trades, engineering and project management are only part of the story. There are careers in digital construction, sustainability, off-site manufacturing, planning, finance, health and safety, design, communications and leadership.”

“There truly is something for almost every interest and skillset, on site and off site. Construction-related apprenticeships are a key opportunity for more women in Donegal, with latest figures showing that women make up almost 10 per cent of people undertaking apprentices in Ireland.”

Andrew added: “I’m continually encouraged by the work many CIF members in Donegal are doing to lead the way and who are sending a strong message about the kind of industry we want to be. Across our membership, I see real effort going into mentoring, inclusive recruitment practices and enhancing workplace policies in Donegal. That leadership matters. It helps set the tone for the wider sector.”

Joanne Treacy, Southern Regional Director with CIF and MC of the International Women’s Day Summit, said: “The CIF is committed, alongside our members in Donegal, to building a more diverse and inclusive workforce where people can reach their potential. Our industry is changing and evolving every day, and we will become even stronger as our workforce diversifies.”

“Our International Women’s Day Summit, which this year has the theme ‘Give to Gain’, will showcase an exceptional line-up of leading female experts to illustrate to women and girls from school-age onwards in Donegal the vast opportunities a career in construction can bring.”

“The programme features authoritative voices on creating inclusive workplaces, the principles of leadership excellence, the transformative impact of digitalisation, and the broader value of ESG beyond carbon counting. Across the day, attendees will hear from specialists who bring deep insight, practical experience, and forward-thinking perspectives to each of these vital topics, ensuring an inspiring and thought-provoking celebration of women’s expertise.”

The CIF’s 2026 International Women’s Day Summit is now sold out, however a livestream is available by registering here.