Robert Smith, managing director of Hays Construction & Property, reports on the latest employment trends in Ireland’s capital.

What’s going on?

Most work undertaken in Dublin is in the Docklands area of the city. There are a number of multimillion-pound mixed-use developments under construction, many of which started about two years ago.

Government spending continues to promote growth in the civil engineering sector, and there is no signs of housing development slowing down.

Which roles are most in demand in the area?

Quantity surveyors are in huge demand owing to the lack of graduates entering the market. QS graduates in Dublin tend to go on to further education, travel or work in the UK.

Contracts managers are highly sought after. Employers are increasingly looking to retrain site managers to take on a contracts management role. Now contracts managers from project management are crossing over to the main contractor field and vice versa.

Contractors are always looking for project managers with exceptional communication skills. Employers are addressing the shortage by fast-tracking the careers of established site managers and senior engineers.

How much would I get paid?

Recent appointments have included:

  • A senior contracts manager with at least 15 years’ experience. The chosen candidate had UK and Irish experience working with well-established main contractors and a qualification in construction management. Salary: €100,000 (£68,000) plus bonus, healthcare, pension and company car.
  • A senior quantity surveyor with more than 10 years’ experience. The chosen candidate was degree-qualified and chartered and was returning to work after travelling. Salary: €90,000 (£61,000) plus bonus, healthcare, pension and company car.

How far will my salary go?

  • Pint of Guinness in Temple Bar, Dublin’s party district: €5.20 (£3.54)
  • Ticket for the All Ireland senior hurling final at Croke Park: €60 (£41)
  • Ticket to a play at the Abbey theatre (founded by WB Yeats): €15-30 (£10-£20)

Ireland Special