The Irish Times Construction Supplement is a series of in‑depth special reports that examine the forces shaping Ireland’s built environment. Published within the newspaper’s Special Reports section, the supplement explores themes from skills shortages and housing delivery to digital transformation, planning reform and sustainability. Each edition brings expert analysis, project case studies and industry perspectives to help public bodies, developers and contractors navigate an evolving sector.
Cillian Kelly, Head of Digital Project Delivery at Sisk features in the latest edition.
As the construction industry prepares for a major evolution in global standards, we are strengthening our position as a leader in digital project delivery. The forthcoming update to ISO 19650 will shift emphasis away from the term BIM and toward the broader discipline of information management, a direction that aligns closely with how we already plan, deliver and operate projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe.
Our digital strategy, is focused on enabling teams to work more efficiently, safely and intelligently through the right combination of tools, expertise and processes. While BIM is still often misunderstood as simply 3D modelling, its true purpose has always been structured information flow, governance and clear protocols across a project’s lifecycle. These principles will be further reinforced in the updated ISO framework.
A central pillar of this approach is the Common Data Environment, which ensures clients, designers, contractors and subcontractors can share documents and models in a controlled, traceable way. By eliminating outdated or duplicate information, the CDE reduces delays, improves safety and supports more predictable project outcomes. This structured information foundation also enables the creation of digital twins, increasingly used to support smarter building operations. Real‑time insights into energy usage, occupancy and performance effectively transform a building into a smart asset.
Our digital project delivery team has grown to more than 100 specialists across 3D design, information management, geospatial services and drone operations. As digitisation accelerates, we continue to look ahead. Strategy development now includes anticipating emerging roles, understanding where the industry is moving and preparing for what comes next.
Sisk has long been an early adopter of innovation, from pioneering Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland to achieving ISO 19650 certification in 2016. Through continued investment in digital capability, we are helping to shape the future of how projects are delivered across the built environment.