What RTÉ’s ‘Who’s Building Ireland?’ Reveals About the Industry
Ireland’s construction sector is under intense scrutiny as the country races to deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030. RTÉ’s recent documentary ‘Who’s Building Ireland?’ takes a different approach to covering this challenge. Rather than focusing on policy debates or project statistics, the programme puts the spotlight on the people actually doing the building.
The documentary offers construction professionals a valuable perspective on the workforce driving Ireland’s building boom. From crane operators and hoist engineers to family trades and apprentices, it explores the human side of an industry operating under pressure. For contractors, suppliers, quantity surveyors and architects working on Irish projects, the programme provides insight into the challenges facing those who make construction happen.
The Programme’s Focus
‘Who’s Building Ireland?’ goes behind the scenes of the nation’s construction boom during a critical period for the industry. The documentary takes viewers onto sites and into the working lives of tradespeople, rather than dwelling on planning processes or political debates. It captures the reality of building during Ireland’s most significant housing push in decades.
Who You’ll Meet
The programme features diverse voices from across the industry. Kate Fahey, operating a Saez tower crane supplied by Mantis Cranes, discusses her work and efforts to encourage more young women into construction careers. Lorna Peate, Managing Director Builders Hoists Ltd, shares her experience in the sector. You’ll also meet Lukas Suska, chief executive of the Roofing Cartel, who offers frank views on work culture and standards. The documentary includes perspectives from migrant workers who’ve brought their skills to Ireland, including tradespeople from Poland, Congo and Colombia working as plumbers and carpenters.
The Challenges Highlighted
The programme doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable realities. It touches on the cost-of-living pressures affecting construction workers, with some featured professionals explaining how saving for a home remains difficult despite steady employment. The documentary also addresses workforce diversity and the experiences of international workers contributing to Ireland’s building projects. These insights reveal the human pressures within an industry tasked with solving a national crisis.
Why It Matters to Construction Professionals
This documentary offers perspective on the people behind the projects, the challenges they face, and what motivates them. For those managing sites, procuring labour, or planning projects in Ireland, the programme provides useful context about the realities facing today’s construction workforce.
How to Watch
‘Who’s Building Ireland?’ is available on the RTE Player: https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/who-s-building-ireland-s1-e1/697924136388
Mantis Cranes are a leading crane hire company, and supply self-erecting cranes, tower cranes, luffing tower cranes, and construction hoists. We are established throughout the UK and Ireland. For information on hiring or buying cranes and crane attachments, email us on info@mantiscranes.co.uk or info@mantiscranes.ie or visit www.mantiscranesgroup.com
Share This Article, Choose Your Platform!
continue reading
Related Posts
A tower crane rising above a site tends to draw every eye, but the real story starts long before it arrives on site. It's this quiet groundwork that sets the stage for everything that follows.
Tower cranes are one of the most efficient lifting solutions available on construction sites, offering exceptional height, reach, and lifting capacity that few other machines can match. Unlike mobile cranes, they occupy a small footprint while still serving the entire site, making them ideal for congested urban locations.
Mantis Cranes had two brilliant days at ICE Expo 2026, and what an event it was. Held at Punchestown Racecourse, Ireland's biggest construction and plant machinery expo delivered on every front with record attendance, a buzzing atmosphere, and an incredible line-up of live machinery demonstrations and industry innovation all in the one space.
