The Construction Industry Federation's top 50 contractors had a combined turnover of just over €10bn in 2019, according to a survey carried by Construction magazine on behalf of CIF.

The CIF survey gives a snapshot of the overall performance of the Irish construction sector.

It found that the top 50 contractors' combined turnover in 2019, increased by €1.7bn on the previous year's total turnover figure of €8.3bn.

They recorded €6.7bn in construction activity in Ireland, which is an increase of €800m on the corresponding figure of €5.9bn for the previous year.

In 2019, the CIF's top 50 contractors exported over €3.3bn in construction expertise, according to the survey.

Enterprise Ireland has reported a 19% increase in construction exports to €2.24 billion and a 9% increase in engineering. 

This makes construction the second largest export category for EI clients behind Ireland’s food industry.  

CIF Director General, Tom Parlon, said the total turnover figure shows that Irish construction is a "dynamic" industry sector.

"Not only are Irish contractors delivering complex projects across Ireland, they are also gaining an increasing foothold in the UK, Europe, particularly in the Nordic region, the Middle East and the USA. 

"Irish construction companies are increasingly sought out by global corporation HQs to 'manage' billion-dollar construction projects due to our expertise.  We have seen that our Top 50 companies are world leaders and are amongst the most competitive, productive, and advanced construction firms globally," he said.

Mr Parlon said they are "privileged" to be able to continue to operate during Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions and said this shows the importance of the construction industry to the domestic economy. 

"It is worth noting that every €1billion invest in infrastructure, housing, or industrial results in €1.85billion output, 1200 jobs and €680m in wages and profits circulating in the Irish economy. The industry’s reputation overseas is hugely positive where we collaborate with highly sophisticated global multi-nationals," he said

Over the past few years, the top 50 CIF contractors listing has seen a year-on-year increase in the turnover.

In 2016, the total turnover was €4.9bn, jumping to €6.7bn in 2017, €8.3bn in 2018, and €10bn in 2019.