Construction Jobs Are Picking Up – Here’s the Report You Should Know About

If you work in construction or you're looking for your next role, there’s one report you should be paying attention to – the AIB Ireland Construction PMI. It’s released monthly, and while it may sound technical, it tells us something very simple: is the construction industry growing or shrinking?

The good news? Construction activity in Ireland is growing. Again.

 

What Is the AIB Construction PMI?

The PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) measures whether construction activity is going up or down. A score above 50 means the industry is expanding. In April 2025, the score was 52.4, which means more projects are happening and more jobs are being created. That’s the second month in a row of growth.

This report is based on surveys from real construction companies across Ireland – and it's used by employers, banks and government to understand what’s happening on the ground.

 

What the Latest Report Tells Us

• Jobs are being created: Construction companies are hiring again. Many are building their teams as new orders come in. If you’re looking for a role, now’s the time to be ready.

• Commercial and civil engineering are busy: These two areas saw the biggest increases in activity. If you work in these sectors, or are open to trying them – you could be in demand.

• Housing is still growing: It’s the eighth month in a row of growth for residential projects, even if at a slower pace. Good news for those with experience in housing delivery.

• Subcontractors are back in demand: After a dip, usage of subcontractors is on the rise again. If you’re self-employed or work project-to-project, this could be your moment.

• Costs are still high: Materials and subcontractor rates have gone up, which puts pressure on employers, but also pushes them to secure quality workers quickly and hold onto them.
  
  

Why Should You Care?

Because it means opportunity is growing. At Breagh Recruitment, we’re already seeing more roles open up across Ireland. Companies are preparing for busier months ahead, and they want reliable, site-ready workers.

Whether you're a general operative, an engineer, a tradesperson or someone looking to step up into site management, the message is clear: the industry is moving, make sure you’re ready to move with it.

 

About Breagh Recruitment

Breagh Recruitment is a specialist agency for permanent construction and engineering roles across Ireland, the UK and Europe. With over 20 years of industry experience, we support contractors, consultancies and developers in building strong, project-ready teams. From site engineers and BIM managers to project leads and site managers, we place people who know how to deliver. We take the time to understand each brief properly and offer a straight-talking, relationship-led recruitment service that prioritises long-term fit over short-term fixes.