The much anticipated launch of the IRELAND 2040 policy document was made in Maynooth University recently by Minister for Planning and Housing, Simon Coveney.

Key elements of the policy document;

1. Increase in population by 750,000 to 5.6 million.
2. An absolute minimum requirement of 500,000 new houses needed to be built by 2040.
3. The number of people at work will increase by 600,000 to 2.5 million.
4. An estimated 400,000 post-primary pupils in 2040.

The credibility of the new plan, which aims to spread development towards regional cities such as Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo, will depend on how much compromise will be necessary to get the policy document through the Dail. An encouraging precedent has been set by the Minister in that he stood up to opposition parties, especially Fianna Fail, in resisting any changes to his proposals to fix house rental increases throughout the country before Christmas. The central policy is to shift investment away from the Dublin region, by massive investments, both PPP and State in Infrastructure, Broadband services, Roads and Power.

Architects & Engineers

There is a huge demand currently for Architects, Engineers and Technicians to participate in the roll out of the massive investment in the built environment. There is no expectation of a fall off in the demand for Architects, Engineers and Technicians in the medium or long term future, a major factor in expatriate professionals determining whether to return to Ireland.  Lack of job security was the primary reason for emigration after the collapse of the economy a decade ago.  Job security will be a major factor in determining whether to return home or not.

Irish Emigrants in Australia

In a recent article in the Irish Times, Irish emigrants in Australia were interviewed by Clara Kenny about how they feel about life in Australia, and whether they would consider returning to Ireland and what factors would influence them most. Not surprisingly, the numbers moving from Australia back to Ireland has almost doubled in the past twelve months to 5,500. The number of emigrants to Australia has reduced by two thirds from 2012, to 2016, as Irish unemployment figures continue to fall dramatically. Reasons most often cited for returning home are loss of friends and family; missing out on significant events like friend’s weddings, family funerals and missing out on births of siblings children. The travel time home is another major consideration. In many cases, the desire to return home at some stage is a given, it’s just deciding when is the right time to make the move.

There is little doubt that, taking all the essential factors into account, there has never been a more encouraging a time to consider returning home than in the past ten years.

If you are considering a move back to Ireland and wish to discuss the current opportunities within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industries, contact me on c.herlihy@gpcireland.com or call Caroline + 353 86 8055216.

 

There is a real shortage of skilled Architects and Architectural Technologists throughout the industry in Ireland at present. This shortage is not just confined to the Dublin region but is spread throughout the country.

Global Professional Consultants (GPC) have noted the slowdown in young, skilled Architects and Architectural Technologists returning to the Irish workplace since the surge in returning Architects and Architectural Technologists post Brexit, from the U.K. There may by a number of reasons for this current, if temporary, slowdown in the uptake of new positions being advertised for Architects and Architectural Technologists.

Exodus

Many young skilled Architects and Architectural Technologists, emigrated to Australia, Canada, the U.K. and beyond after the collapse of the construction industry in 2008. Many of these professionals were young, sometimes single, or if married, without a young family. The attraction of the new world, of opportunities and the lure of travel for new experiences seemed like a good alternative to unemployment in Ireland with no prospects for the future. Easy contact with friends and family in Ireland, whether by Skype or Face Time, together with what appeared to be attractive lifestyle options has posed the question as to why they should consider returning home at all.

Recovery

The Ireland of today is a totally different environment from that which gave rise to the mass emigration of young, skilled Architects and Architectural Technologists ten years ago. The economy is experiencing the fastest growth rate in Europe; the construction industry is set to expand by as much as 9% annually just to keep pace with the current demand for offices, housing, hotels and infrastructure.  One of the side effects of the depressed economy over the past decade is that no building has taken place to match even the replacement demand for housing and commercial buildings.

Ireland Today

As we start the new year, the opportunities for Architects and Architectural Technologists are increasing daily. There has seldom been so much being done by Government Agencies and Commercial Institutions to provide the stimulus for young professionals to return to Ireland. From Government program initiatives, such as subsidising first time home buyers, to reduced personal taxation; from resettlement initiatives to healthcare and schooling programs, there has seldom been a better time to return to Ireland and to settle down to a secure career.  Salaries may not match financial packages being offered overseas, but the advantages of being closer to family and friends, take home pay, lifestyle, health and education facilities, may entice Architectural professionals to return.

If you are considering a move back to Ireland and wish to discuss the current opportunities within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industries, contact me on c.herlihy@gpcireland.com or call Caroline +353 86 8055216.