National Conference 2026
Infrastructure and the Weather: Climate Resilience and Ireland’s Role in Europe’s Digital Construction
How Ireland plans, delivers and operates infrastructure under changing environmental conditions.
Concert Hall, TU Dublin, Grangegorman, Dublin 7
Resilient infrastructure is built on good information.
Ireland’s infrastructure is being asked to perform under increasingly complex environmental, economic and delivery pressures. Building resilience will require not only better physical assets, but better information, better decision-making and more connected ways of working across the full infrastructure lifecycle.
The Build Digital National Conference 2026 will bring together leaders from government, infrastructure, industry and the digital construction community to explore how Ireland can respond to these challenges. The conference will consider the relationship between climate resilience, digital transformation and information management, and how these areas can combine to support more effective planning, delivery and operation of the infrastructure Ireland depends on.
It will also look outward, examining how Ireland can both contribute to and benefit from wider European and international developments in digital construction, standards and emerging technologies.
- The morning session addresses climate-resilient infrastructure and the systems required for Ireland’s infrastructure network to both withstand and respond to changing environmental conditions. It considers how the sector can deliver that infrastructure more effectively through digital technology and structured information workflows, and how the Irish BIM mandate, aligned with ISO 19650, is improving delivery, governance and lifecycle asset management across public projects.
- The afternoon turns to Ireland’s international engagement, and the value of connecting the Irish construction and infrastructure sector to global digital transformation work. Sessions will cover Ireland’s participation in the EU BIM Task Group, the European open, BIM Forum, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), buildingSMART UK & Ireland and buildingSMART International, alongside emerging European standards for artificial intelligence in the built environment.
The conference is delivered by Build Digital, the national programme supporting digital adoption across Irish construction and the built environment under Project Ireland 2040, working through its three hubs: Digi Adopt, Digi Implement and Digi Innovate.
Who should attend
- Public-sector infrastructure clients and policymakers
- Engineers, architects and contractors
- Information managers and digital construction leads
- Technology providers working in the built environment
- Researchers in climate resilience and digital construction
Programme
Ireland is entering a period of major infrastructure investment at a time when our climate, technologies and ways of working are changing rapidly.
This year’s Build Digital National Conference will explore how we can deliver infrastructure that serves Ireland for generations. The programme moves from the changing conditions our infrastructure must face, through resilience and better use of information, to the future of BIM, AI and Ireland’s role in European digital construction.
8.50 | Registration, Tea/Coffee & Networking | |
9.20 | Conference opening | Dr Deirdre Lillis | President of TU Dublin |
9.30 | Ministerial address | Minister of State Frank Feighan | Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. |
9.40 | Introduction from Build Digital | Dr Clare Eriksson | Project Director, Build Digital |
Ireland’s Changing Climate: Ireland’s Changing Climate: What Our Future Infrastructure Must Be Ready For
Ireland’s climate is changing, and the infrastructure being planned today will operate in those changing conditions for many decades.
The presentation will explore what we are learning about Ireland’s future climate and what this could mean for the buildings, infrastructure and long-term investment decisions being made today.
Setting the Scene Panel: Delivering Infrastructure for Generations
Ireland is preparing for significant infrastructure investment to support a growing population and the future needs of the State.
This leadership discussion will consider the bigger picture: how we ensure that the Irish infrastructure being planned and delivered today provides lasting value, remains fit for purpose and continues to serve society for generations.
9.50 | Ireland’s Changing Climate: | |
Host | Damien Owens | Engineers Ireland | |
Presenter | Keith Lambkin | Met Éireann | |
Panellists | Michele Connolly | Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce Dr Roseanne Reilly | Turner & Townsend | |
10.40 | Morning break |
Managing Risk Through Information: Delivering Resilient Infrastructure
Resilient infrastructure depends on understanding where risks exist and where action is most needed.
Using experience from major infrastructure networks, this presentation will explore how better information about assets, changing conditions and risk can support stronger decisions, better investment and more resilient infrastructure.
Panel Discussion: From Risk to Resilience: Using Information to Support Infrastructure Decisions
Infrastructure owners must balance long-term asset management, changing risks, investment priorities and the continued delivery of essential services.
The panel will explore how better information and evidence can help organisations understand risk, establish priorities and make more informed decisions about the infrastructure they manage.
Information Management in Action: An Elite Athlete’s Perspective
What can professional practice learn from elite sport? This session offers a unique perspective on balancing a career in BIM and engineering with competing internationally in athletics.
Drawing on experience across both environments, it will explore the shared importance of preparation, teamwork, resilience, feedback and continuous improvement — and the lessons that an elite sporting mindset can bring to a developing professional career.
11.00 | Managing Risk Through Information: | |
Host | Andrew Brownlee | CIF | |
Presenter | Kathleen Jacobi | TII | |
Panellists | Marcella Murphy | DCC Dr Julie Clarke | Trinity College Dublin Emer Bambrick | Irish Rail Dr Beatriz Martínez-Pastor | UCD | |
11.50 | Information Management in Action: | Sarah Leahy | BIM Engineer & International Sprinter |
ISO 19650 and the Irish BIM Mandate: Lessons Learned from the implementation of ISO 19650 to Inform Future Practice and the evolving Irish BIM mandate
ISO 19650 has now been used across many countries, sectors and projects, providing valuable experience of how information management works in practice.
The presentation will reflect on lessons learned, areas where greater clarity or simplification may be beneficial, and how that experience is helping to shape the future direction of the standard.
Panel Discussion: The Irish BIM Mandate: From Requirement to Implementation
Ireland’s BIM mandate is moving from the introduction of national requirements towards wider implementation across public works and infrastructure.
The panel will consider experience to date, what is being learned through implementation and how Ireland’s approach may continue to develop as both industry practice and international standards evolve.
12.10 | ISO 19650 and the Irish BIM Mandate: | |
Host | Davitt Lamon | NSAI | |
Presenter | Paul Shillcock | ISO 19650-2 Project Leader, Operam Academy | |
Panellists | Stephen Lynam | Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Robert Moore | Project Lead, Build Digital | |
13.00 | Lunch |
The Future of Irish Digital Construction in Europe
Emerging Technology and Information Quality
Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, alongside new European standards and regulation that will influence how it is adopted.
The presentation will explore this changing European landscape, what it could mean for construction and how digital practices and standards can help organisations make effective use of emerging technologies.
Panel Discussion: Irish Digital Construction on the European Stage
Irish construction and engineering organisations are increasingly using digital capability to improve how they work and compete internationally.
The panel will explore Ireland’s growing digital strengths, how these are helping organisations succeed in European markets, and the practical opportunities AI could create for the next stage of competitive advantage.
14.00 | The Future of Irish Digital Construction in Europe: | |
Host | Shane Dempsey | ACEI | |
Presenter | Dr Marzia Bolpagni | CEN standards on AI convener | |
Panellists | Aonghus O'Keeffe | Roughan & O'Donovan Brian Glancy | Manufacturers Information Hub Cillian Kelly | John Sisk & Son |
Five Years of Digital Transformation: A Professional Bodies Perspective
Over the past five years, digital construction and information management have moved significantly closer to mainstream practice across the Irish construction sector.
The professional bodies will reflect on what they have seen change for their members, how skills and ways of working have developed, their engagement with Build Digital, and what will help maintain momentum as the industry moves into its next phase of digital transformation.
14.50 | Five Years of Digital Transformation: | |
Host | Robert Moore | Project Lead, Build Digital | |
Panellists | Shane Dempsey | ACEI Damien Owens | Engineers Ireland Patrick King | Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland | |
15.20 | Conference closing address | Dr Clare Eriksson | Project Director, Build Digital |
Your Hosts
Meet the experts and industry leaders shaping the conversations across the day's sessions.
Damien Owens | Engineers Ireland
Damien Owens is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Ireland. He joined Engineers Ireland in 2010, serving as Registrar and Chief Risk Officer before becoming Director General in 2022. An electronic engineering graduate of Trinity College Dublin, he also holds postgraduate qualifications in computer modelling and simulation, engineering and business administration. His earlier career included roles with Amdahl Computers and eircom, focusing on telecommunications, product development and strategic alliances. He has served as President of the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education and Chair of the International Engineering Alliance, supporting international engineering standards.
Andrew Brownlee | CIF
Andrew Brownlee is Chief Executive Officer of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), having joined in October 2025. He leads the federation’s strategic direction and representation of Ireland’s construction sector. Previously, he served as Chief Executive of SOLAS, the state agency responsible for further education and training, from September 2019, following his role as Executive Director for Strategy and Knowledge. He was also Head of System Funding at the Higher Education Authority. His earlier career included management consulting roles with Fitzpatrick Associates, PA Consulting and PwC. Andrew holds a master’s degree in Economics and Accounting from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Sarah Leahy | BIM engineer
Sarah Leahy graduated from the University of Limerick in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Design and Manufacture Engineering. She has three and a half years’ experience as a BIM Technician in data centre design and construction, developing expertise in Revit and Navisworks alongside strong collaboration and teamwork skills. Sarah is also an international sprinter representing Ireland and holds three Irish national records. Having taken time away from work to focus on athletics this summer, she looks forward to returning to engineering this winter, exploring new opportunities and continuing to develop her technical knowledge, professional experience and skills across disciplines.
Davitt Lamon | NSAI
Davitt Lamon is Head of Building Information Modelling (BIM) at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). His background spans architectural practice, higher education and research, including experience as an Associate Director and lecturer at Technological University Dublin. He holds qualifications in Architectural Technology, Building Information Modelling and Management, and Digital Construction Analytics. His doctoral research explores how data science and machine learning can reduce waste, including carbon, within Ireland’s construction supply chain. Davitt has also been appointed Skills Competition Manager for Digital Construction with WorldSkills International, contributing to the development and recognition of digital construction skills on an international stage.
Shane Dempsey | ACEI
Shane Dempsey is Director General of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI), which he joined in May 2023. He brings experience in construction industry representation, communications, government relations and corporate affairs. Before joining ACEI, he served as Director of Communications and Government Relations at the Construction Industry Federation, Director of Corporate Affairs at Premier Lotteries, and Director of Prepared Consumer Foods within Ibec’s food and drink industry body. At ACEI, he engages with government and industry stakeholders on issues affecting consulting engineers, including procurement, contractual conditions and infrastructure delivery, while supporting collaboration and knowledge sharing across the sector.
Robert Moore | Build Digital
Robert Moore is Project Lead at Build Digital, supporting digital adoption across Ireland’s construction and built environment sector. He has worked in the architecture, engineering and construction industry since 1995 and previously held a public sector client role with the Grangegorman Development Agency. Robert holds a master’s degree in Construction Informatics with first class honours. He has published research on information process standards and Ireland’s digital transformation roadmap, and coauthored CEN/TR 17654:2021, guidance on implementing exchange information requirements and BIM execution plans. His work includes presenting practical information management and BIM supports to help organisations strengthen their digital capabilities sustainably.
