External Stakeholder Identification on Urban Construction Projects in Ireland

Rapid urbanisation is transforming the world today, and it has led to an unprecedented increase in the scale and complexity of construction projects. In Ireland, the construction industry is renowned for being fragmented and multifaceted, with urban development projects presenting heightened risk factors. Construction sites have become a ubiquitous feature in the urban landscape, as the development and redevelopment of these areas has become standard practice. Furthermore, the identification of external stakeholders on urban construction projects warrants further evaluation, as these stakeholders exert significant influence over the overall implementation of a project, despite lacking formal contractual relationships. Thus, using a sequential mixed methods research approach, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, systematic research aims to identify and document who the external stakeholders are on urban construction projects in Ireland. Results indicate that at least 26 external stakeholders exist, with the local authority; local residents; general public; client; road users and pedestrians; local businesses; utility companies; and regulatory agencies identified as the most prevalent, among a plethora of others. Although considered from an Irish perspective, this identification can subsequently support a broader approach in the effective management and engagement of external stakeholders on urban construction projects.