Ireland’s top 50 construction contractors report turnover of €8.39 billion in 2018

Dare we say the boom is back?

The top 50 construction contractors in Ireland reported a combined turnover of €8.39 billion in 2018, according to Construction magazine’s annual Top 50 CIF (Construction Industry Federation) Contractors listing for 2019.

The figure represents an increase of over €1.5 billion from 2017 and an increase of well over €3 billion from the turnover for the CIF Top 50 in 2015.

€5.9 billion of the construction activity that generated the €8.3 billion in 2018 took place in Ireland, with almost €2.5 billion resulting from exported construction services, up more than 54% from €1.62 billion in 2017.

A host of recognisable names dominated the top 50 list; John Sisk and Son were named Ireland’s top construction contractor, while Mercury Engineering and BAM Contractors retained their position in second and third respectively.

The list in full can be seen below.

Despite the healthy figures, Tom Parlon, Director General, CIF, warned that “margins are still very tight” and that “there isn’t sufficient work in the regions to maintain a strong, balanced and sustainable contractor sector in Ireland”.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue added that construction must be made more attractive as a career choice in Ireland.

“The apprenticeships system is being expanded, offering an entry for young people into the industry,” Donohue said.

“Much progress has been made over the last year and half on construction projects nationwide, as well as improvements in the construction sector. There is much more to do to ensure that Ireland has all of the infrastructure it requires as we develop further as a country.

“Central to this will be to ensure that the construction sector continues to advance its capabilities and capacity with the support of Government.”

More information is available here.

The Construction Magazine Top 50 CIF Contractors 2019, including 2018 turnover