Only eight schools from over 105 teams and 41 schools have been shortlisted for the Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF) Build a School Competition. These schools will now compete to make to the three finalist spots at the awards ceremony on April 7th at 11:30amwhich will also be live streamed on to the finalist schools, CIF members and relevant committees.
The shortlisted schools represent Tipperary, Galway, Wicklow, and Dublin included Mount Sackville Secondary School in Chapelizod, Dublin nominated for its Radharc na Life (“The Liffey View”) proposed housing development on Knockmaroon Hill, Castleknock, Dublin 20. The project, Radharc na Life, is modelled of off an Earth ship model and Terenure College, Dublin where two teams made the shortlist.
“This year’s finalists further raise the standard from last year,” said Frank Kelly, President of the CIF. “The standard across all the entries was exceptional, and the judging process was very challenging. We want to recognise and commend all the schools that entered. The finalists demonstrated creativity and innovation and look forward to naming the winners in April.”
“This competition plays a critical role in encouraging the next generation to consider a career in the construction sector, as it shows the diversity and variety of skills and roles within the industry,” said Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. “The sector will need 27,500 additional workers to achieve the housing targets set out in Housing for All, and we must do all we can to encourage younger people to consider a job in construction. A job in this sector offers huge growth potential and multiple entry points and skills that will allow you to work and develop a successful career anywhere.”
Ivan Gaine , Managing Director , Sherry FitzGerald New Homes said, “The brief this year was very challenging and the endeavour and creativity in each submission was wonderful to see. The shortlisted entries really grasped the essence of the project, sustainable and energy efficient development, which gives me great confidence in the next generation of construction and property professionals. Each of the finalists should be very proud to have delivered exceptional development proposals. I hope the students found the project insightful and would now consider a career in this dynamic industry.”
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in association with Sherry FitzGerald has opened this competition (in its second year), which is aimed at Senior cycle and Youthreach students. The competition is a team-based project where students work together to design a residential housing development help address sustainability, climate change, solve the housing crisis and showcase innovation in construction. This competition is aiming to address future skills, as the CIF and National Skills Council reveal 27,500 additional workers needed to achieve annual housing targets by 2030.
