ATU hosts largest construction event in West and Northwest

Organised by ATU's Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, a one-day conference drew approximately 250 attendees, featuring 13 esteemed speakers and 21 industry stands addressing crucial matters within the construction and built environment community. Notably, this year's conference ran concurrently with the CIOB Student Challenge competition, where ATU’s 4th-year Construction Management students from the Donegal Letterkenny campus, Matthew Sharkey, Liam Doherty, Cathal Rogers, and Kevin McGarvey, won gold, marking a significant achievement for the university.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Una Parsons, Head of College Sligo and Head of Faculty of Engineering and Design, ATU Sligo, said:  

"I was delighted to see so many construction students take part in the challenge and attend many of the conference talks. They are the future problem solvers of our housing, infrastructure and sustainability challenges.”

Trevor McSharry, Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, ATU Sligo, emphasised the conference's role in shaping the industry's future:  

"After the resounding success of the 13th ATU Construction Management Conference, it is evident that synergy between academia and industry is crucial for advancements in our field. There was robust engagement between students and professionals reaffirming our commitment to fostering the needed innovation and collaboration in the civil engineering and construction sector. ATU looks forward to strengthening and supporting our industry relationships and this conference provides a great opportunity in that endeavour.”

The conference is an annual opportunity to network, grow business and discuss the current topics driving the industry for those in the West and Northwest, commented Lisa Brennan, Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Design, ATU Sligo, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the CIOB Student Challenge and chairing the conference. 

"We at ATU Sligo were delighted to take over the 13th International Construction Project Management Day Conference from the reins of Dr Martin Taggart, our Galway colleague. Although the day offered a wide variety of presentations, much of the discussions centered around housing and planning in Ireland and possible solutions to existing barriers. The event was a huge success, with very positive feedback from attendees and students. Long may it continue to offer networking and CPD opportunities for construction professionals and academics in the region”, she added.  

Image: L-R: Patrick Sweeney, Business Development & Account Coordinator, Centre for Online Learning & Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, ATU Sligo, Una Parsons, Head of College Sligo and Head of Faculty of Engineering and Design, ATU Sligo, Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, Lisa Brennan, Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Design, ATU Sligo, Trevor McSharry, Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction, ATU Sligo.  

Ivana Hanjs 
Digital Communications Officer  
Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh (OTA), Éire 
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland 
Tel: +353 89 963 9559  
www.atu.ie/communications