My Job: Cian O'Mahony on bringing new talent to Irish construction 

Background: The CIF celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025, with a number of major projects in the pipeline for the Cork region.

As the incoming chair of the Construction Industry Federation Cork, Cian O’Mahony will be involved in a diverse range of activities for the sector, including advocacy and policy development, as well as events such as the CIF Cork annual dinner and the CIF Southern Construct Summit. 

“It is a very exciting time for the CIF Cork, with many projects in the pipeline, and 2025 also marks the 90th anniversary of the CIF, which is a major milestone for the federation.” 

Founded in 1935 by a visionary group of construction leaders, the federation has grown into one of Ireland’s most influential and largest membership organisations. 

“In addition, there are a number of projects that are nearing completion as well as projects that are planned and need to be completed. We are in the midst of a busy period of building and certainly is an exciting time for the sector.” 

O’Mahony adds one of the key areas of his focus as CIF chair Cork is developing a strong pipeline of talent for the sector: “Trades are the lifeblood of the construction industry, and provide hugely rewarding careers and great job satisfaction. 

I really want young people to see what it is like to work on construction projects, the team work, the satisfaction in developing something from scratch and seeing a building take shape. During my time as chair of the CIF Cork branch, I will be supporting and advocating for apprenticeships in construction. 

"This ties in very much with the reality of the housing crisis which we are in at the moment. We have 178,000 people working in the construction industry, which is equivalent to where the sector was at back in the boom days and testament to the people within the industry. 

"But we need to build further on that and continue to attract more people into the industry, and show young people the incredible variety of potential careers within the industry. CIF works closely with schools across the country, rolling out the CIF Schools Initiative to increase awareness of construction as a career path.” 

The initiative aims to inspire secondary school students to consider rewarding careers in the construction sector, offering an insight into the diverse roles and opportunities available. As part of the programme, students actively engage in hands-on tasks and research, exploring the tools, technologies, and skills used in construction, and the prospects available to those who choose to pursue a future in this vital field. 

“The SafePass programme, which is rolled out in partnership with Solas, is an incredible experience for students, with fully funded training provided to over 250 students from 15 schools between just September and December 2024, for example.” 

"In addition, for the first time since covid, the backlog in apprenticeship applications has been cleared so apprentices can begin and complete within the scheduled four-year timeframe. 

“CIF has a great relationship with the Cork ETB and this is really supporting the talent pipeline, as well as career fairs and the recent IWish event at the RDS promoting Stem to young women. CIF will continue to share what a really great career awaits, for both genders, in this sector.” 

Going straight to university is not the only route to rewarding career opportunities, he stresses. 

"College is not the be all and end all, there are many people for whom trades are more suitable and rewarding. I want to highlight this wherever I can during my tenure as chair.

Investment in Cork

Lobbying Government for more investment in infrastructure for Cork also forms an important part of his agenda as chair. 

Key projects that need to progress include: Port of Cork transfer from the city: Northern Distributor Road; Enabling N28 Works; M20 Cork Limerick Road; N25 Waterford Road upgrade; and the events centre. 

It all ties back into what is the biggest problem in our society today — the housing crisis. In order for us to be able to solve this crisis, we need a collaborative approach between the construction industry and the State. 

"For the construction industry to meet the demands on housing and commercial projects, there must be availability of serviced, zoned land that is accessible and affordable. A pipeline of suitable sites and land for development must be available to ensure momentum in the industry for the delivery of projects to support Government needs — including housing and commercial buildings for FDI.” 

He cites in particular the N28 to Ringaskiddy and the M20 Cork Limerick road: “We need to put pressure on the State to make these things happen, so that we have the infrastructure and services for the houses to be built.” 

He underlines the planning process needs urgent attention and resources to meet the needs of the construction industry, and our growing population requirements. 

“The construction industry is keen to work with Government, and we see the relationship very much as a symbiotic one of collaboration and communication. That is why CIF continues to engage very positively with Government to support the development of cohesive planning and construction development.”

Construction is deeply embedded in the O’Mahony family, with his father Eddie and uncle Michael having established Cumnor Construction in the 1980s, and which has since grown to one of the largest public and private sector construction companies in the country. 

Qualifying as a chartered civil engineer from University College Dublin (UCD), Cian O'Mahony initially worked for SIAC Construction before taking up a role with Cumnor Construction in 2011 as civil engineer. 

In 2020, he was appointed director of the company, in addition to being an active member of the CIF. 

Looking ahead to a busy year ahead in his new role, he points to Cork having been identified in the National Planning Framework as the counterbalance to Dublin, and the funding needs to follow that policy. 

“It is vital to support the Cork region to ensure a vibrant, dynamic and prosperous country. There has to be a renewed focus to deliver infrastructure and investment beyond the capital. During my chairmanship, I will be committed to collaborating with Government, and working closely with Cork’s construction organisations to develop a robust industry for the future for the benefit of all.”

• CIF Cork annual dinner takes place on February 28, with the CIF Southern Construct Summit on May 25.