Pipelife host Guaranteed Irish forum in Little Island
Industry leaders recently gathered in Cork to discuss how infrastructure delays are no longer just a planning problem but a supply chain challenge too.
Leaders across construction, energy, transport, logistics and digital infrastructure sectors met at the Guaranteed Irish Infrastructure Forum held at Pipelife in Little Island.
Panel members included Ann Doherty, CEO of Port of Cork, Dan Twomey, MD of Cork Builder Providers, TJ Malone, CEO of National Broadband Ireland, Alan Lord, Director Development & Design & Capital Investment at Iarnrod Éireann, and Orla Stevens, MD of Certa.
The panel called for a stronger focus on building resilient local supply chains to support Ireland’s infrastructure ambitions, highlighting that delivery timelines for critical projects are increasingly dependent on the strength, capacity and resilience of the wider supply ecosystem working in tandem.
Representatives agreed that infrastructure delivery can no longer be viewed separately from supply chain resilience.
Recent global disruptions, including material shortages, energy volatility and international logistics pressures, have exposed vulnerabilities across critical supply networks and reinforced the need for more resilient, diversified supply chains.
The call comes as Guaranteed Irish is advocating for a stronger local supply chain as a strategic national asset, with greater recognition and support for Irish-based suppliers and infrastructure partners, which will in turn assist with housing development.
Speaking at the event, Brid O’Connell CEO, Guaranteed Irish said: “Ireland’s ability to deliver housing, transport, energy and digital infrastructure at the pace required increasingly depends on the strength of our supply chains.
“The discussion highlighted that resilience is no longer simply about responding to disruption; it is about building stronger connections between Irish businesses, infrastructure providers and local suppliers so that we can deliver critical projects faster, more sustainably and with greater certainty.”
She added: “A stronger local supply chain ecosystem is a strategic national asset. By supporting Irish-based suppliers and infrastructure partners, we can strengthen economic resilience, reduce risk and create a more secure foundation for Ireland’s future growth.”
Also at the event, industry leaders highlighted how supply chain capability must be considered at the earliest stages of infrastructure planning and procurement, ensuring that the capacity exists to meet Ireland’s long-term infrastructure requirements.
Those at the event heard that to keep local supply chains attractive, it requires investment in skills, manufacturing excellence and efficiency.