Courses
Construction sector leaders gather in Sligo to discuss the future of industry
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) welcomed construction professionals, students and industry leaders to its Sligo campus on Thursday, 5 March 2026, for the 15th ATU Construction Management Conference, hosted by ATU’s School of the Built Environment. The event is the largest construction gathering in the West and North-West of Ireland.
More than 150 delegates attended the one-day conference, which brought together experts from across the construction sector to discuss key issues shaping the industry, including housing delivery, innovation, and skills development.
The event was attended by Seán Canney, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, who joined delegates and speakers in highlighting the importance of collaboration between education and industry in addressing Ireland’s infrastructure and construction needs.
The conference provided an important forum for engagement between industry, academia and students, with presentations and discussions focused on current challenges, emerging technologies and opportunities within the sector. The event also featured industry stands and networking opportunities, allowing organisations to connect directly with students.
Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of the School of the Built Environment at ATU, said:
The Construction Management Conference continues to be an important opportunity to bring industry and academia together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Events like this help ensure our students graduate with the knowledge, skills and industry connections needed to contribute to Ireland’s construction and infrastructure ambitions.
Patrick Sweeney, Business Development and Account Coordinator for the School of the Built Environment at ATU, said:
“It was fantastic to see such strong engagement from across the construction sector, with professionals, students and researchers all contributing to the conversation. The continued growth of the conference reflects the strength of the construction industry in the region and the value of collaboration between education and industry.”
ATU also welcomed the continued support of conference sponsors, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).
Photo caption: L-R: Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of the School of the Built Environment at ATU, Seán Canney, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, and Professor Jacqueline McCormack, VP for EDI and Online & Flexible Learning at ATU.
For any media inquiries, please contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Atlantic Technological University
086 086 6913
aidan.haughey@atu.ie
