McDonough has headed up the Confederation of British Industry construction council for three years where he has steered industry lobbying efforts to encourage the Government to invest in construction.

He has been a regulator visitor to meetings with cabinet office minister Francis Maude on how to cut the Government’s outsourcing bills.

McDonough is joined by two other industry leading lights honoured with a CBE.

Terry Hill, chairman of the Arup Group, has also been recognised for his contribution to civil engineering.

Hill recently conducted the Government review into the cost of civil engineering projects as chair of the Treasury’s Infrastructure UK working group. He has delivered several recommendations to transform the way major projects are procured and the supply chain is managed.

Terry Hill CBE

The third CBE went to Paul Jowitt, president of the Institution of Civil Engineers and professor of civil engineering systems at Heriot Watt University for his services to technology.

Paul Jowitt CBE

Meanwhile, David Higgins, the Australian credited with keeping the construction programme for London 2012 Olympics on track, received a knighthood from the Queen.

Higgins stepped down as ODA chief executive in February to take over as boss of Network Rail.

Before moving to the UK he was previously chief executive of Lend Lease, the construction firm responsible for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

MBEs

Dr Donald Lamont, principal specialist inspector of health and safety (Civil Engineering), Department for Work and Pensions.

Joseph Baldwin for service to health and safety in the construction industry.

Joanna Oliver, director, Global Programmes, Construction Equipment Association.