Women in Construction Award shines spotlight on industry innovators

The Irish Construction Industry Awards 2025 spotlights the pivotal Women in Construction Award, a category celebrating individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces. Criteria demand nominees showcase significant professional achievements, actively mentor aspiring talent, and make impactful contributions to addressing industry challenges. Past recipients, such as Dr Aoife O'Connell, lauded for her pioneering work in sustainable urban development, and Sarah Kelleher, recognised for driving digital transformation in quantity surveying, underscore the award’s calibre. These individuals exemplify how women are leading transformative change within the sector. This year’s finalists present a compelling picture of contemporary industry dynamics. Elara Byrne, Project Director at Cairn Homes, is nominated for her decisive leadership in major residential projects, reflecting the sector’s critical focus on housing delivery. Dr Niamh Kelly, Head of BIM at Walls Construction, stands out for advancing digital construction methodologies, crucial for enhancing efficiency and project accuracy. Orla McCann, Sustainability Lead at SIAC Construction, highlights the growing imperative of circular economy principles in infrastructure, a vital area for national climate objectives. Their collective impact illustrates women's increasing influence in steering the industry towards innovation, sustainability, and greater diversity. Readers are encouraged to view the full list of finalists and learn more about their profound contributions on the official awards website.