Galway businesswoman, Tara Flynn, this week completed her year-long term as President of the Master Builders’ and Contractors’ Association, a constituent body of the Construction Industry Federation.
The Director at Paul Flynn Construction, based in Ballinasloe, assumed leadership of this national association a year ago, which represents firms involved in main and general building contracting. She is the second only woman to have held this position.
During her tenure, Tara was actively involved in the Construction Industry Federation’s Careers Campaign, which aims to position the industry as a career destination for young people and women.
Speaking as she rounded out her presidency this week, Tara Flynn said: “Without diversity, construction will never truly modernise. Even though our industry is still somewhat recognised as ‘jobs for men’, our competence, integrity, and poise are winning the respect we deserve. However, we need to take a collaborative approach and combine our strengths to change this perception.
“A diverse workforce makes us more efficient, makes us think differently and in turn we can achieve more. I think we are well and truly breaking down the barriers of prejudice and tradition, while realising our full potential as industry leaders.”
In a concurrent role, Tara is the first female Construction Industry Federation Galway Branch Chairperson, a position she has held for the past four years. As branch chairperson, she has spearheaded a number of fundraising campaigns for charities. Beneficiaries of her many campaigns at Galway and national level include Women’s Aid, St. Joseph’s Special School, Jack & Jill Foundation, and LauraLynn Children’s’ Hospice, amongst others.
Paul Sheridan, CIF Director of Main Contracting, and Master Builders’ & Contractors’ Association Secretary, said: “The members of the Master Builders’ & Contractors’ Association would like to sincerely thank Ms. Flynn for her tremendous work and dedication in representing their strategic interests. While the year of her presidency was another challenging one for the industry, she worked tirelessly to strengthen the community fabric of the association, to ensure that the voice of the Master Builders’ and Contractors’ Association was heard at the highest levels of policy making.”
