Industry Leaders Call for Greater Focus on Local Supply Chains to Accelerate Infrastructure Delivery.

The call comes as Guaranteed Irish advocates for a stronger local supply chain ecosystem

Infrastructure delays are no longer just a planning problem, they are a supply chain challenge, according to leaders across construction, energy, transport, logistics and digital infrastructure sectors. These issues were discussed at the Guaranteed Irish Infrastructure Forum at Pipelife, Little Island, Cork.  Panel members included Ann Doherty, CEO, Port of Cork, Dan Twomey, MD, Cork Builder Providers, TJ Malone, CEO, National Broadband Ireland, Alan Lord, Director Development & Design & Capital Investment, Iarnrod Eireann, and Orla Stevens, MD, 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 advocates 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. There is a need for greater collaboration between infrastructure providers, government, industry and Irish suppliers to strengthen domestic capability, reduce exposure to external shocks and support the faster delivery of critical national projects.

Brid O’Connell CEO, Guaranteed Irish said at the event: “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. 

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.”

Industry leaders highlighted that 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. To keep local supply chains attractive, it requires investment in skills, manufacturing excellence and efficiency.

The construction, energy, transport, logistics and digital sectors all play a critical role in Ireland’s competitiveness. Strengthening domestic supply chains will be essential to delivering the infrastructure required for housing, connectivity, energy transition and economic development.

Guaranteed Irish continues to champion Irish businesses that contribute to national resilience, sustainability and economic progress, advocating for greater visibility and opportunity for locally based suppliers across Ireland’s infrastructure landscape. Supporting Business that Supports Ireland.