Vol. 1 Issue 1
€11 Billion worth of Investment to proceed in 2015
Construction projects worth over €11 billion to proceed in 2015.
Wind energy investment tops €350 million.
£9.5 million Environmental Resource Park for Belfast.
Top 10 Irish main contractors. MBO at Walls Construction.
Collen Construction – Building excellence since 1810.
www.constructionbusiness.ie
C o n t e n t s
- 3 C ONSTRUCTION
- 12 P ROJECT M ANAGEMENT
Management Buyout (MBO) of Walls Construction.
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Belview – A fasttrack project delivered on budget on time. P AGE 7
Collen Construction.
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- 4 E NVIRONMENT & E NERGY Belfast to benefit from £9.5 million Environmental Resource Park.
Eugene O’Shea, MD, Walls Construction.
- 15 R ECRUITMENT Skills shortage can’t hamper construction growth.
Irish wind energy investment tops €350 million in 2014. PAGE 12
- 5 P ROJECT A CTIVITY
Construction projects worth over €11 billion to proceed in 2015.
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Irish wind energy investment.
C ONSTRUCTION
Top 10 Irish main contractors.
The HSS Hire and Laois Hire Group reaches new heights.
- 22 R ESTORATION & N EW B UILD
- 7 Collen Construction – Building excellence since 1810.
Project Management.
- 16 E QUIPMENT M ANAGEMENT & H IRE
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€50m National Indoor Arena project.
Sligo’s historic Markree Castle to undergo €5 million restoration. New €44 million Irish whiskey distillery to be built.
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Michael Killeen, MD, Laois Hire and HSS Hire Group Ireland and Scotland.
FOREWORD Dear Reader, Welcome to the launch issue of Construction Business. The magazine, website and weekly e-newsletter will provide you with all of the up to date information required to make informed decisions. The construction industry like most sectors in Ireland is experiencing the first sign of green shoots after a traumatic period of contraction. The challenge facing our industry is to learn from the experiences of the past 10 years and put in place checks, controls and regulations that will safeguard all of the key stakeholders by providing a safe, robust, sustainable and innovative construction industry. Construction Business will source content and opinion from a wide variety of independent sources. Construction 2020, which is the Government backed plan to restore the sector, has laid out the road map to create additional employment, improve innovation and increase exports. The magazine and online platforms will provide a forum to facilitate healthy debate between the various professional bodies responsible for delivering on the ambitious Construction 2020 targets. As a stakeholder in the Irish construction industry we value your contribution. Please ensure Construction Business is on your organisation’s
mailing list for any press releases, new product launches, recent projects, management changes or any other news story of interest to our readers. We will circulate your news through our various media channels including print, weekly newsletter, linkedin and twitter. We look forward to hearing from you. Colin Murphy, Managing Director, Premier Publishing & Events.
Managing Director: Colin Murphy Editor: Mike Rohan Group Operations Manager: Sylvia McCarthy Production Manager: Sylvia McCarthy
Construction Business is published by Premier Publishing Limited, 51 Parkwest Enterprise Centre, Nangor Road, Dublin 12. Tel: + 353 1 612 0880 Fax: + 353 1 612 0881 E-Mail: info@prempub.com Website: www.constructionbusiness.ie Design, Origination and Separations by Fullpoint Design (057) 8680873. (086) 1573510
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS – VOL 1 ISSUE 1
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I CONSTRUCTION
Management Buyout (MBO) of Walls Construction Walls Construction, the leading Irish construction company which was founded in 1950, has been acquired by an investor backed management buyout (MBO). he acquisition includes the company’s headquarters building in Dublin and Munster regional office in Cork. The investors from the management team are the Directors of Walls Construction, Willie White, Joe McGillycuddy, John Cahill, Adrian Corcoran, Frank Kelly and Eugene O’Shea. They are backed by a group of private investors, Gerard O’Shea, John Collins, Gerry Harrington and Peter Boylan. A key second participant is an investment vehicle, headed by Dr PJ Walls and Aidan Walls, representing members of the Walls family not involved in the previous executive of PJ Walls Holdings. The MBO team and investors were advised by Deloitte, Eversheds and Mason Hayes & Curran.
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Time of Opportunity Eugene O’Shea, Managing Director of Walls Construction, comments: “This is a time of opportunity and the investor backed MBO puts Walls Construction in a strong position to benefit from the upturn in construction. With confidence returning to the Irish construction sector, our experienced team of construction profes-
Eugene O’Shea, Managing Director of Walls Construction.
clients from every sector to deliver world class infrastructure all over Ireland. “We look forward to continuing our relationships with clients who have supported us in the past including Live Nation, Kerry Group, Liebherr, Yahoo, Google, Pfizer, RDS, Blackrock Hospital, Mater Private, Bord Gais, University College Dublin, University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin, Health Service Executive, CareChoice and Ziggurat,” adds Eugene O’Shea. Flagship Projects The company has commenced a number of new flagship projects such as the new Central Bank Docklands building, the LinkedIn European Headquarters and the DAA office building redevelopment at Dublin Airport. “We will continue to invest in personnel and in processes to ensure that Walls Construction remains in the top tier of the Irish construction sector in terms of quality and of safety,” says Eugene O’Shea. In 2013 Walls Construction wrote off €19.2 million owed by its parent company which has paved the way for the completion of this MBO. As a result of the MBO, Walls Construction will operate under a new ownership structure and is now separate from PJ Walls Holdings Group. I Walls Construction has commenced a number of new flagship projects such as the new Central Bank building in Dublin’s Docklands.
sionals, which has remained intact throughout the downturn, is ready to deliver key public and private sector projects. With the backing of our investors and the commitment of our management and staff, we are confident that Walls Construction will continue to perform strongly. Turnover in 2014 was €84 million and projections based on the current schedule of projects indicate a minimum turnover of €100 million this year, rising to €125 million in 2016.” Walls Construction has a proud history and has worked with
With confidence returning to the Irish construction sector, our experienced team of construction ofessionals, which has remained intact pro throughout the downturn, is ready to deliver key public and private sector projects.
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I ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY
Belfast to Benefit from £9.5 Million Environmental Resource Park world class Environmental Resource A Park is to be established at Giant’s Park in Belfast. Part of Giant’s Park, the biggest regeneration site in Belfast spanning 340 acres, is to be transformed into an Environmental Resource Park by the site’s owner, Belfast City Council, attracting local, national and international investors and delivering physical, social and economic benefits for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Enterprise Trade & Investment Minister Jonathan Bell says: “Bringing together companies working in renewable energy, recycling and other environmental technologies the Environmental Resource Park will develop an innovative Cleantech business cluster, the first of its kind here. This has the potential to make Northern Ireland a world leader in investment in green technology and attract further opportunities. He adds: “It has the potential to create up to 400 green collar jobs, enhance Northern Ireland’s economic infrastructure, encourage innovation, collaborative research & development and develop the green economy.” The project is jointly funded by Invest Northern Ireland (£2million), Belfast City
Enterprise Trade & Investment Minister Jonathan Bell is pictured cutting the first sod for the development with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Arder Carson, and Councillor Declan Boyle.
Council (£3.5million) and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland under the Local Economic Development (LED) Measure (£4 million). Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Arder Carson, says: “The development of infra-
structure to create an Environmental Resource Park at Giant’s Park is the latest project to be delivered through Belfast City Council’s Investment Programme. This is a welcome first step in turning our ambitious plans for Giant’s Park into a reality, transforming a former landfill facility into an environmentally sustainable asset.” I
Irish Wind Energy Investment Tops €350 Million in 2014 rish wind energy projects developed and I€352 brought into operation in 2014 constituted a million investment, and enough clean electricity generation capacity to power an additional 144,000 homes nationally, accord-
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ing to figures compiled by the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA). A total of 222MW of new wind generation capacity was installed in 2014 in the Republic of Ireland delivering a total installed capacity of 2263MW, enough to potentially displace over 2.3 million tonnes of CO2 when compared to traditional fossil fuels. There are currently 188 wind farms operating in Ireland with the industry employing over 3,400 people nationwide. Kenneth Matthews, CEO of IWEA, comments: “2014 was another strong year for wind energy in Ireland with the sector delivering €350 million of vital investment, whilst at the same time helping us to reduce our dependency on foreign fossil fuels. As a country which is currently 89% dependent on foreign energy imports, costing Ireland approximately €6.7 billion per year, wind energy is helping Ireland to secure our own clean energy future, meeting 19% of our overall electricity demand CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS – VOL 1 ISSUE 1
in 2014, and is making a positive contribution to communities across the country.” Throughout 2014 Irish wind energy regularly delivered over 50% of Ireland’s entire electricity demand, a trend which is set to continue into 2015. According to research by Poyry and Cambridge Econometrics into the economic impact of wind energy development in Ireland, approximately 1,500MW of wind energy is still required to ensure that Ireland meets its 2020 EU renewable energy targets. Equating to approximately 250MW of additional capacity required annually over the next six years, the wind energy sector looks set to deliver an additional €2.4 billion investment into the Irish economy. I
I PROJECT ACTIVITY
Construction Projects Worth Over €11 Billion to Proceed in 2015 BY THE RESEARCH TEAM AT CIS IS is Ireland’s leading provider of business leads and project activity updates to the Irish construction industry. We have covered all significant planning applications from preplanning through to on-site across all 32 counties since 1972. At the beginning of 2015 we published a report highlighting over 500 major projects which had either recently commenced or were due to start on-site during 2015, to a value in excess of €11 billion. Since this report, the CIS research team has experienced a 26% increase in planning applications granted. Our estimated value of this increase in projects granted permission is in excess of €750m. This figure does not include extension durations. A comparative analysis of applications granted between Q1 2014 and Q1 2015 for major developments by sector are as follows: * Industrial +43% * Commercial +25% * Education +25% * Hotel & Catering +31% * Sport & Leisure +42% * Medical & Care Residential +82% * Residential +27%. The following are examples of major construction projects taking place across Ireland at this time.
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Residential Sector In the residential sector, over 100 separate housing projects are expected to commence as part of Phase 1 of the Social Housing Strategy. This phase will create upwards of 3,000 construction jobs and over 1,700 social housing units will become available
Plans have recently been announced for the €2.5 Cherry in south Co. Dublin.
by 2017. In Phase 1, a total of €312m has been allocated to social housing projects as part of the Government’s €3.2 billion social housing strategy. Education Sector Activity is buzzing in the education sector with an investment of €50m in the Schools Bundle 5 Programme. A preferred tenderer is expected to be announced in Q3 2015. This will provide state-of-theart facilities to Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford and Meath.
Heron Brothers have commenced construction of the €50m National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown.
Medical Sector Looking at the medical sector, the Prime Balfour Beatty consortium has been identified as the preferred tenderer for the construction of 14 Primary Care Centres around the country under a Public Private Partnership. Work is expected to commence in early 2016 and be completed in 2017. The €650m National Childrens Hospital project is at a tender stage. A planning application for this project is expected to be lodged in June/July 2015. Construction work is expected to commence in Q1 2017 and take in the region of 36 months to complete. Commercial Sector On the commercial sector side, the Dublin Docklands has over €1 billion worth of projects in the pipeline including large scale office and residential developments. A €110m commercial development at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay is at planning stage and work is already underway on new €25m Central Bank HQ. Plans have recently been announced for the €2.5 billion Project Cherry in south Co. Dublin. The site, which is bigger than London's Hyde Park will include up to 7000 homes, a new town centre, leisure infrastructure and a business park. In Cork, the €50m Albert billion Project Quay office scheme is well underway, the €50m redevelopCONSTRUCTION BUSINESS – VOL 1 ISSUE 1
ment of the Capitol cinema site has been approved and a contract has been awarded for the €53m convention and event centre at Brewery Quarter. Apple has lodged a planning application for a €850m data centre in Athenry, Co. Galway and work is underway on a €17m project to expand their existing facility in Hollyhill, Co. Cork. Facebook has purchased a site in Clonee Co. Meath for a proposed new €250m data centre. Looking towards the sports sector, Heron Brothers have commenced construction of the €50m National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown, demolition work is underway on the €67m Pairc Ui Chaoimh stadium redevelopment and plans have been announced for the €19m redevelopment of Leopardstown Racecourse. Civil Sector In the civil sector, work is progressing on the €370m Luas cross city scheme in Dublin. Work on the tracks is expected to commence this Summer and the scheme is hoped to be operational in 2017. Two major road schemes are currently underway; the €550 Gort to Tuam PPP scheme has recently commenced and is due for completion in 2018. Also the €180m N11 Arklow to Rathnew PPP Scheme is expected to be open to car traffic in August 2015. To view these and thousands of other construction project leads across Ireland, visit www.cisireland.com and register for your Free 7 Day Trial Today to experience the time-saving and lead generating power of CIS Online. I 5
I CONSTRUCTION
Collen Construction – Building Excellence Since 1810 Having successfully weathered the severe recession within the Irish construction industry, Collen Construction, one of Ireland’s longest established building companies, is now benefitting from the current upturn in activity. stablished in 1810, Collen vices. Indeed, Collen Construction’s abiliConstruction has remained at the ty to consistently deliver quality and meet forefront of the Irish construction client parameters, has often led to a partindustry for two centuries, having nership approach on subsequent projects completed some of the country’s landwith the same clients. mark building and civil engineering projects, including the RDS in Dublin, Services Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, much of Collen Construction has the ability and Dublin Port and part of the Great financial strength to provide clients with Northern Railway Ireland. the service they require, including The family-owned business has earned Construction Management, Frameworks, a strong reputation for building quality The new Blackrock Further Education Institute, designed by Partnering etc. The company operates a and excellence. The company’s ethos is to McCullough Mulvin Architects and sensitively restored by stringent Quality Management System to provide a quality service and to forge long Collen Construction. ensure projects are delivered to the specilasting relationships, and this is reflected fication and timescale required by clients. in its impressive client list. The Collen Construction team has completed a vast and diverse The company has successfully tendered and negotiated projects portfolio of successful schemes covering most market sectors – for a range of clients including large multi-national corporations, Commercial, Residential, Education, Healthcare, Conservation, private companies, local authorities and state authorities. It has Industrial, Date Centres, and Design & Build. established a reputation for providing complex projects on time For example, within the conservation sector, Collen and within budget. Construction along with McCullough Mulvin Architects recently received the Irish Georgian Society Award for Architectural Most Valuable Resource Conservation for the restoration of the Blackrock Institute of Collen Construction regards its staff as its most valuable resource. Further Education (see Panel). The project was a joint winner with It currently employs over 145 full-time managers and in-house the Guildhall, Derry. staff. The skills and technical capabilities of its staff are showcased in each project and Collen Construction recognises the need to fur- Financial Viability ther develop such skills through ongoing training programmes. Collen Construction increased its turnover to Eur190 million for The company’s dedicated teams work closely with design teams the year ended 31 March 2015, up from Eur121 million in 2014. providing a full turn-key service to the client as required. Collen The company exhibited solid growth during the recession, steadily Constuction’s management team ensures smooth co-ordination of increasing turnover from Eur33.1 million in 2010 to Eur55.7 milall aspects of the project including mechanical and electrical ser- lion by 2012 and to Eur95.4 million in 2013. Collen Construction has a robust cash flow and a Eur25 million Bonding Capacity. Its Creditsafe international score is ‘A’ (very Top 10 Irish Main Contractors by Turnover, 2014 low risk).
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Contractor 1 John Sisk & Son 2 BAM Contractors 3 John Paul Construction 4 Roadbridge 5 Collen Construction 6 Bennett (Construction) 7 PJ Hegarty & Sons 8 JJ Rhatigan & Co 9 Walls Construction 10 StructureTone
Source: Bruce Shaw.
Revenue €m (Global) 898.1 360.0 133.8 126.0 120.9 114.0 111.0 99.0 89.1 83.3
Revenue (of which Irish) €m 381.6 309.6 81.6 63.0 115.1 85.5 94.0 99.0 89.1 83.3 Collen Construction has won the contract for the €50 million extension of the Kildare Village shopping outlet.
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Collen Construction recently completed a €9 million contract for the complete remodeling and fit-out of two multi-storey office blocks over existing occupied basement at the Irish Life Business and Retail complex in Dublin.
Collen Construction has similarly strong safety credentials, holding Safe-T-Cert ‘A’ grade since 2011 and is one of only approximately ten construction firms awarded an ‘A’ grade. This grade, which is subject to annual audit, has been maintained since. Top Five Contractor Collen Construction’s goal is to become the top contractor in Ireland providing a client focused service. It also aims to be an exciting employer for ambitious and talented construction professionals with a business that works closely with like-minded suppliers and subcontractors. Collen Construction is already firmly established as one of Ireland’s top five Irish construction companies. It ranked fifth in 2014 (see Table), according to Bruce Shaw, the international construction consultancy firm.
Highest Standards Leo Crehan, Director of Collen Construction, attributes the company’s success to its ability to satisfy client requirements and achieve the highest standards. “Completing projects within a tight programme, meeting strict budget constraints and at the same time providing a quality service, ensures the company is succeeding in forging strong relationships with its clients. Clients, existing and new, are reassured by the high level of service provided by Collen staff both onsite and behind the scenes.” He continues: “Our attention to detail together with our dedication to meeting targets is leading to direct negotiation on future projects with many of our clients. We continue to tender competitively for private and public sector projects and we have secured a number of new projects due to commence onsite in the coming months. We look forward to seeing these projects progress onsite and to developing positive relationships with new clients and design teams.” Collen Construction built the iconic Finglas Garda Station.
Current Contracts For instance, Collen Construction was recently awarded the contract for the New Student Residential Accommodation and Ancillary Facilities in UCD. The development consist of four blocks with five storeys each, a total of 345 bedrooms and approximately 100 parking spaces. Completion is expected in mid 2016
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Restoration of the Blackrock Institute of Further Education Designed by McCullough Mulvin Architects and sensitively restored by Collen Construction, the stunning new Blackrock Further Education Institute encompasses three heritage buildings in one state-of-the-art educational facility, showcasing the highest standards in design and master craftsmanship. The seamless connection between the historic characteristics and the modern architectural design features, conceals the many challenges posed and expertly executed by the project team. Restoration of the existing features, including mosaic floors, cornices, arches, corbels and exposed rustic red brick chimney stacks, complements the new European oak entrance lobby, the digitally printed atrium floor and various high tech design studios and lecture theatres situated throughout the college. Located on a busy street in the heart of Blackrock village, the project was sandwiched between two fully operational creches requiring a meticulous approach to the programming and execution of the works, safely and to minimize disruption to all concerned. The three derelict buildings, with leaking roofs and broken windows, required extensive internal alterations, stripping out of existing materials and salvaging of doors, floor boards, plaster cornicing and moulding. Protection and conservation works to the original pillar columns in the old Carnegie Library and glass lantern roof above the old council chamber required access from the adjoining premises and this was instrumental in completing the project safely and within programme. The glass lantern roof was relocated fully intact and in one piece to another location within the building where it was fully restored to its former glory. The new extension, incorporating a four storey atrium that rises from the basement, blends seamlessly with the existing buildings providing a connection between existing and new.
with a contract value of approximately €15.5 million. Collen Construction has also won the contract for the €50 million extension of the Kildare Village shopping outlet incorporating 34 new units, including single and double storey retail units, a new tourist information centre, new coffee shops, additional car parking and ancillary services. The new development will add in excess of 80,000 sq ft to the existing outlet. Works are scheduled to complete in Autumn 2015. I
Collen Construction built the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar for Cityjet at Dublin Airport.
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I PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Belview – A Fast-track Project Delivered on Budget on Time n three years Glanbia Ingredients Ireland’s Belview facility has literally come from a green field in County Kilkenny to a world class 24,000 sq m dairy plant built to infant formula standard. The largest single capital investment (€180 million) in Ireland by an indigenous Irish company, Belview was designed and project managed by PM Group to process up to three million litres of milk per day into a range of specialised milk powders and nutritional ingredients to meet the demands of multi-nationals in infant formula and other industries around the world.
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PM Group began the project in 2011 initially working on the concept design and site selection and continuing through planning applications, IPPC licence application, full engineering design, procurement, construction management, commissioning and start up assistance to deliver first milk in December 2014 Projects of this size inevitably pose many challenges around design, safety co-ordination, scheduling, cost control and quality.
May 2013. Multiple other trade contractor appointments followed, culminating in the plant being ready to receive first milk in December 2014 on schedule. The construction management approach combined with strong cost management throughout the design and build ensured the facility was delivered on time and within budget. Construction Safety
According to John Harte, PM Group’s Project Manager: “Construction safety was paramount at all times with a peak of 785 workers on site and over 1.5 million construction manhours executed in total. In excess of three thousand people received safety induction training on site during the course of the project.” GMP is a particular focus for a facility of this size which featured 300,000 cu m of excavations, 40,000 tonnes of concrete, 35,000m of pipe, 536km of cable, 10,000 sq m of ducting and 1,180 instruments and all installed to the highest standards. “The Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Belview project had quite an impact on our dedicated food engineering team. We have extensive experience in the design and build
Substantial Design Co-ordination
This type of complex process driven design project required substantial design co-ordination between the various engineering disciplines and the process (GEA) and utility contractors. The main feature of the site is a tower in excess of 40 metres, housing two large spray dryers. PM Group used the latest 3D modelling design tools to design a fully integrated facility. A fast track Construction Management approach was implemented starting with an enabling works contractor appointed in 12
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS – VOL 1 ISSUE 1
of major dairy and infant nutrition projects in Europe and Asia. But to complete such a world class project close to our HQ was a fantastic experience,” says Tom Waters, Food Sector Director at PM Group. For further information visit PM Group at www.pmgroup-global.com. I
I COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
Green Light For Port of Cork Redevelopment n Board Pleanala has approved the planning application for the A Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment project, that will see €100 million be invested into the construction and redevelopment of the Port of Cork. The redevelopment consists of four key areas: Ringaskiddy East (Container Berths and Multi-purpose Berth (CB/ (MPB); Ringaskiddy West (Deep-water Berth Extension); several road improvements; and changes to the Paddy’s Point Amenity Area. Since 2000, the Port of Cork has invested €72 million in improving Port infrastructure and facilities. Its prime location on the south coast of Ireland and its modern deepwater facilities,
ensuring that the Port of Cork is ideally positioned for European trading and potentially for yet unexploited direct deep sea shipping services. The network of advanced infrastructure already in place sees annual traffic of approximately 10 million tonnes passing through the Port. This new construction phase will increase capacity for trade significantly, securing the Port’s position as a vital link in the global shipping supply chain. Conor O’Connell, Regional Director, Southern Branch CIF: comments: “The Port of Cork sees vast amounts of trade taking place on a daily basis, which is vital not only to the economy here in Cork, but beyond this region as businesses throughout the country depend on its facilities as a gateway to their global supply chain. Its success is dependent upon a network of highly advanced infrastructure. The redevelopment proposals, which were approved by An Board Pleanala, will provide much needed jobs in the construction industry locally. This approval and the relocation of Port activities to Ringaskiddy should also act a positive catalyst for other construction projects in Cork.” I
Scheme to Support Grade A Office Accommodation in Northern Ireland plans to develop a scheme to help ensure Northern Ireland IThenvestNI has adequate Grade A office accommodation to meet business needs. announcement comes in the wake of a report commissioned by Invest Northern Ireland to establish the nature and extent of market failure in the commercial and industrial property market; and whether government intervention would be advantageous. The availability of suitable office accommodation is an important part of Northern Ireland’s investment proposition, as is the ability to offer variety and choice to potential investors, both local and international. The report has shown that demand for Grade A office accommodation has remained relatively steady over the past three years but, with limited new development taking place, the supply has fallen. The lack of development may be due to constraints on bank lending to fund Grade A office space developments. Recent increases in office rents should improve the financial viability of projects and help encourage both developers and funders to re-enter the market. To address this, Invest NI will explore whether mezzanine or equity finance to developers on commercial terms would act as a short-term intervention which would stimulate the development of new Grade A office accommodation. Invest NI has started seeking Expressions of Interest from developers – a process that will continue until 31 August 2015. I 14
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I RECRUITMENT
Skills Shortage Can’t Hamper Construction Growth BY FERDIA WHITE, MANAGING CONSULTANT AT HAYS CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY The cranes have returned to the Dublin skyline. However, we need the skilled professionals who left these shores for employment overseas, to return and help plug the ever-increasing skills gap across Ireland. ays Construction & Property has seen a 75% increase, year-on-year, in the number of jobs we’ve registered. There is a seismic change in the mood around the construction industry. The SCSI has predicted that construction output is expected to rise to €12.5 billion by the end of 2015 and it will break the €15 billion barrier in 2016. Contract roles dominated the market over the last number of years as companies shied away from hiring on a permanent basis, due to uncertainty in the industry. However we’ve experienced a 30% increase in permanent construction jobs. The commercial and industrial projects continue to gather pace. Key projects are the New CBI Building (old Anglo Irish Buillding on the quays), the Luas cross city, Grangegorman, The Burlington House redevelopment, Pairc Ui Chaoimh redevelopment, the Events Centre in Cork and the Gort-Tuam bypass.
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Residential Developments Residential has also seen a huge increase in activity, albeit from a very low base. Planning permission has been granted for a number of large residential developments in the suburbs of Dublin. These include areas such as Fortunestown, Lucan, Rathcoole and Coolmine. The recent 400 acre site bought by the Hines Group in Cherrywood, will see an estimated 3,800 homes and
apartments built. Yet, the momentum in residential is tempered by the Central Bank’s recent new regulations that will apply proportionate limits to mortgage lending by financial services providers. This has caused some concern amongst senior figures throughout the industry and caused a number of housing projects to halt, just when they were progressing to construction stage. Nobody wants a return to the situation we found ourselves in, almost a decade ago, but the lack of housing has already created a property bubble in South Dublin as first time buyers and growing families have jumped out of the starting blocks after waiting patiently for years. Increase in Civil and Structural Jobs We’ve seen an incredible 200% increase in civil & structural jobs registered in the first half of 2015, with the biggest requirement for candidates with 25 years’ experience. Chartered status has become a pre-requisite for a number of senior roles in engineering, due to the new building regulations. After years of inactivity we’re finally witnessing a lift in permanent roles for the architectural sector, where there is a high demand for candidates with Revit experience. Similarly, within surveying, we are finding quantity surveyors are also highly sought after, with a strong emphasis on candidates with fit-out and traditional building experience. Whilst all this activity relates to permanent positions, if you’re an intermediate candidate across all construction related industries, with 2-5 years’ experience, you literally have a choice of jobs. A typical example of recent success is an M&E professional, with two years’ experience, for whom we arranged three interviews. He was made CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS – VOL 1 ISSUE 1
three offers, in a short space of time, with upper tier salaries, including benefits. Rise in Salaries After a gradual increase in the second half of 2014, we are seeing salaries rise more aggressively across the construction sector, for example a C/S candidate returned from the Middle East to start a job through Hays with a triple figure salary. These salary increases are due, in no small part, to the ever-increasing skills shortage. There has been a concerted effort by the Construction Industry Council to encourage more school students to take up a construction related, third level course and it is starting to reap dividends. However, we need skilled professionals now. There have been a wide range of ex-pats returning to take jobs across the industry and the government’s campaign to bring more talent back home will certainly help. Nonetheless, the numbers required haven’t responded as yet. It would be a tragedy if we ended up with a skills shortage the equivalent of what we saw during the boom times, just when the industry is getting back on its feet again. Ferdia White is a managing consultant with Hays Construction & Property. If you are looking a more specific market overview, to benchmark salaries or discuss jobs, email ferdia.white@hays.com or call 01 661 2772. I 15
I EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT & HIRE
The HSS Hire and Laois Hire Group Reaches New Heights The HSS/Laois Hire Group is an award-winning tool and equipment hire company, providing a complete equipment management and hire service to big businesses, trade and DIY customers since 1957. t has an established network of 24 hire branches and supercentres across Ireland. Having recently launched two new branches in Ballymena and Galway, the company plan to open a further eight branches this year.
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Branch Network This extensive branch network and Ireland-wide span of logistical capability ensure easy access to an extensive range of tools and equipment. Giving customers exactly what they want is what it’s all about for Michael Killeen, Managing Director of HSS Hire Ireland, Scotland and Isle of Man and the Laois Hire Group. He states: “We have consistently invested heavily in our fleet, even during the recession years, in order to maintain a modern up to date fleet and to ensure our customers receive excellent service throughout Ireland.” The HSS/Laois Hire Group focuses primarily on safety, availability, value and support; working with their extensive customer base to help keep their businesses working safely and efficiently whilst driving down their costs. The group offers a leading training company to ensure customers and their workforce are fully-compliant and safe. Joining Forces In 2005 the Laois Hire Group joined forces with HSS Hire Group and successfully navigated through the recession to see year-on-year growth. Michael Killeen has driven the Laois Hire Group forward despite the collapse of the economy. Spanning over two decades in the
Daniel Doyle, Regional Manager for HSS Ireland; Michelle Morley, Marketing Manager of Laois Hire and HSS Hire Group Ireland and Scotland; Adrian McBride, General Manager of HSS Power; Michael Killeen, Managing Director of Laois Hire and HSS Hire Group Ireland and Scotland.
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Denis Murray, MD, ECI JCB; Mike Killeen, General Manager of Laois Hire Group.
Irish market, Laois Hire are traditionally recognised for their hire of heavy plant equipment such as excavators, diggers and dumpers however, they also offer their customers a wide range of small and large tools, equipment and machinery across thousands of product categories. In recent years the company also worked with customers on some high profile projects in Ireland including the M50, M7 & M8 Motorways, N9, Dublin Airport Terminal 2, Monasterevin Bypass and Intel. “We have an integrated logistics division that moves stock around the country effectively and efficiently 24 hours a day – most impressively when Laois Hire moved an entire plant range across to Beckton in East London for the Olympic Games where we supplied large plant equipment to the large customer demand,” recalls Michael Killeen. Growth and Continued Investment In February of this year the HSS Hire Group plc listed on the London Stock Exchange. “This was a major achievement for the company and puts us in a very strong position to invest in the business on an ongoing basis,” states Michael Killeen. The significant acquisition of Mobile Traffic Solutions, as well as the rolling out of HSS Power has enabled the company to establish the title of leading specialist tool and equipment Hire Company in Ireland. The company have also established a comprehensive Powered Access Division in the Dublin Greenogue Business Park. The addition of HSS Power means that the company now offers a complete power solution service, providing a wide range of power generation and power generation related items. They also offer an
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the HSS Hire/Laois Hire Group can now provide power for all applications up to a massive 1250kVa. Michael Killeen points out that the company is made up of a number of different sectors under the one umbrella, catering for everything from training, cleaning equipment services, Powered Access, Power, Plant, Portable Sanitation Hire to VMS Boards and vast expertise in cleanroom environments. He highlights the company’s immense capability to “supply everything from the start of a site to the finish of a site.” The purchase in early 2013 of a range of new Kubota mini-excavators and a more recent significant purchase of ECI JCB excavators bring the fleet to well over 100. Ranging from massive fleet of electric scissor hoists to alloy towers, welders, coolers, heaters, specialist lifting equipment as well as large plant, diggers, dumpers, rollers, teleporters, and large diesel access.
Michael Killeen, Managing Director of Laois Hire and HSS Hire Group Ireland and Scotland.
efficient 24-hour, 365-day specialist back-up and repair service. New capabilities in larger capacity and specialist generators mean
New Heights Galway Native Michael Killeen has taken the group to new heights in terms of its business turnover, market share and international standing. By working closely with customers, providing them with a first class service at competitive prices and offering innovative hire solutions, Michael Killeen and the team at HSS Hire/Laois Hire Services have hit on a winning formula. I
I GREEN BUILDING DESIGN
FenestraPro Premium For Revit – Efficient Facade Design For Architects enestraPro, a leading provider of software that enables energy F efficient facade design, has launched FenestraPro Premium for Revit, continuing the development of the FenestraPro Add-in range for Autodesk Revit. FenestraPro Premium for Revit is the complete package which enables architects to design environmentally efficient building façades more effectively, while ensuring compliance with increasing environmental standards and requirements thus enhancing green building design at an early stage in the design process. “We at FenestraPro are committed to developing innovative software in the area of environmental building design, to improve energy efficiency and produce near zero energy in new and refurbished buildings,” says David Palmer co-founder and CEO of FenestraPro. According to FenestraPro co-founder and COO Simon Whelan: “By leveraging the emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and in particular Autodesk Revit, we are continuing to ensure that designers can conceive better performing buildings and reduce the carbon footprint of new and existing buildings dramatically.”
As an innovative design tool, as opposed to standard industry analysis tool, FenestraPro Premium for Revit provides key design parameters relating to the façade based on the predicted energy performance of the building itself from the conceptual massing and energy models of Autodesk Revit, the leading BIM software. FenestraPro Premium for Revit will enable Architects to: • Enhance design by considering performance at a conceptual design stage of a facade • Improve design processes significantly, and understand the implication of design decisions • Maintain control over the aesthetic • Balance thermal performance, heat gain and daylighting • Optimise the Glass to Wall Ratio, and the optimal distribution of that ratio around the building based on performance • Maximise passive solar heat gain and establish measures to prevent overheating • Apply design decisions direct to model • Produce detailed report on the design and performance of the facade • Foster stakeholder engagement and collaboration. For further product information, for a free trial or for Reseller information contact FenestraPro on 353 (0) 1 656 6281, info@fenestrapro.com or see www.fenestrapro.com. I
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I DECORATION
Colortrend Introduce New Range of Next-Generation Primers Colortrend, Ireland’s leading decorative paint brand who have been manufacturing a wide range of premium quality paints in a huge array of colours and finishes since 1953 in Celbridge, Co Kildare, introduced their latest range of next-generation primers at the recent Irish Hardware Show in Dublin’s Citywest Hotel.
T
he Colortrend Prime range of primers is the next generation of primer technology, specifically developed to utilise cutting-edge coating innovations. Colortrend’s team of dedicated and skilled chemists formulated four easy-touse primers to answer all your priming needs: from handling problem stains to preparing problematic surfaces for painting, inside and out!
New Range The new primers are: Prime 1 ACRYLIC is a multi-purpose water-based primer. It is great on MDF, PVC, fascia and soffits as well as glass and ceramic tiles. It is an excellent primer for exterior woods, especially hardwoods with outstanding knot and tannin blocking properties along with handling difficult stains such as water, smoke and nicotine. Prime 2 EPOXY is an easy to use problem solver with all the qualities of a traditional shellac primer with none of the hassle! It’s waterbased so is safe to use and virtually odourless too! As well as handling problem stains and odours such as fire and water damage. It’s great for priming kitchen cabinets or preparing furniture for repainting. Prime 3 OIL is a multi-purpose, multi-use oil-based undercoat with excellent coverage and hiding properties. It’s perfect for front doors as it’s easy to apply, even over varnish and woodstain and its outstanding enamel holdout makes your gloss topcoats look great! Prime 4 PSU is a primer, sealer undercoat that gives the best adhesion for your topcoat. It is excellent on plasterboard, brick and concrete and offers superior protection against blistering, flaking or peeling. Prime 4 PSU is the best possible start on bare surfaces fro long-lasting, great looking paint jobs. The Colortrend Prime range is the professional secret to a perfect finish. Colortrend products are available exclusively through a network of expert stockists nationwide. Go to www.colortrend.ie to find your nearest stockist and receive advice on your next painting project from Colortrend experts. I 18
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I CONSTRUCTION
Diatec Help Drive Profitability and Productivity in the Construction Industry The Diatec Group is a family business which was established in 1984. Diatec, a division of the group, is a solutions provider of software, hardware, support, training, consultancy & consumables to the Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Facilities Management sectors.
D
iatec is Ireland’s largest Autodesk® Gold Partner delivering software licensing, training, support & consultancy to clients in “BIM for Building” (Building Information Modelling), “BIM for Infrastructure”, Construction & the GIS markets. Over the years Diatec has seen the transformation of the Design Engineering market from traditional paper-based processes and 2D through to BIM, cloud collaboration technologies and mobile platforms. By leveraging BIM and cloud technologies from project conception to the construction site and on into operation , project stakeholders have seen a huge improvement in quality and sustainability, a reduction of rework, a removal of clashes and minimisation of risks which ultimately ensures projects are delivered on time and on budget. With offices in Dublin, Galway and more recently in Cork, Diatec provides nationwide sales, technical support and consultancy to customers throughout Ireland and beyond. Diatec’s team of account managers and technical staff bring a wealth of expertise and experience to their clients, helping them to drive higher levels of productivity and profitability. In 2014 Diatec merged with Amicus Technology in Galway combining the strengths of both organisations into one team to provide our customers with access to even more support resources and a broader range of products and consultancy services across a wider geographical area. The combination of the AEC industry know-how and technical strengths of Diatec with the experience and expertise of the Amicus Technology team, particularly in the Civil Infrastructure & GIS field, created a strong platform for more support to the construction industry and other stakeholders. The Autodesk range of software available through Diatec and which is used from the early, concept stage of a project to construction, includes Autodesk’s Building Design Suite, Infrastructure
Design Suite & AutoCAD Design Suite not to mention AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, Revit, Revit LT Suite, Civil 3D, Map 3D, Infraworks 360, Navisworks, Point Layout, BIM 360 Glue & Field, Recap and more. As an Autodesk Authorised Training & Certification partner Diatec provides a comprehensive range of Autodesk courses, either instructor led or via eLearning through their partnership with Global eTraining.
Diatec has partnerships with a number of global and local IT companies. As a HP Gold partner Diatec provides certified Autodesk workstations and HP Designjet printers, while the VMware & Microsoft partnerships enhances even further the onpremise & cloud IT technology offerings. Partnerships with a number of other complimentary IT companies allow Diatec to offer applications such as MapInfo GIS Software, TRL Traffic Software, Keynetix Geotechnical Software and FenestraPro Software (early design stage, energy efficient facade design software). The recently relaunched Diatec eStore will allow customers to purchase Autodesk Subscription and other Autodesk products faster and cheaper. Take advantage of various Autodesk discounts before 24th July, including 25% off most Desktop (rental) subscriptions, visit www.diatec.ie for more information. At the National Construction Summit Diatec will be presenting a number of the Autodesk solutions at the Innovation Workshop including Autodesk Infraworks 360 for preliminary design and BIM 360 Glue and Field for online collaboration and construction management. Visit Diatec on Stand 47 to enter a draw for 12 months free subscription to an online training course of your choice including Revit, Civil 3D and Navisworks, and for more information on our products and consultancy services or contact us on 01 8530661 / 091 776122, email us sales@diatec.ie or visit www.diatec.ie I
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I RESTORATION
Sligo’s Historic Markree Castle to Undergo €5 Million Restoration uxury Manor House Hotel owners, the Corscadden family, have L acquired County Sligo’s historic Markree Castle for an undisclosed sum. The family, which now owns four castle hotel proper-
ties (one in each province of Ireland), is about to embark on a €5 million restoration project which will see the castle re-open to the public in March 2016. The acquisition comes little more than a year after the family completed the restoration of Bellingham Castle in County Louth which has since become one of the country’s most picturesque and sought-after four star wedding and conference venues. This is the first time that Markree Castle has changed hands since it was gifted to the Cooper family by Cromwell in the mid17th century. It has been a 30-bedroom hotel and popular location for wedding celebrations for the last 25 years and is situated in 225 acres of parkland. Howard Corscadden comments: “We are about to embark on a €5 million restoration project which will be carried out in three phases over three years. The first phase will concentrate on the public areas and a large number of the hotel’s 30 bedrooms and will be completed before we re-open in March of next year.” This is the fourth castle in the Corscadden collection, which also comprises Ballyseede Castle in County Kerry, Bellingham Castle in County Louth and Cabra Castle in County Cavan. I
A €5 million restoration project is planned for Markree Castle in County Sligo.
I NEW BUILD
New €44 Million Irish Whiskey Distillery to be Built S distillery group Brown-Forman Corporation, which owns the U Jack Daniel’s brand, will invest approximately €44 million ($50 million) to build a new distillery and consumer experience on the historic Slane Castle Estate in County Meath, Ireland, the home of Henry Conyngham, the eighth Marquess Conyngham, and his son, Alex Conyngham, the Earl of Mount Charles. Brown-Forman plans to open the Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery in late 2016, and introduce new Irish whiskeys in the spring of 2017. The announcement follows the completion last year of a new €35 million Irish whiskey distillery in Tullamore by William Grant &
The Tullamore Distillery is the first new distillery to be constructed on a greenfield site in Ireland in over 100 years.
A new €44 million distillery and consumer experience is to be built on the historic Slane Castle Estate in County Meath.
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Sons, the independent family-owned Scottish distiller. The Tullamore Distillery is the first new distillery to be constructed on a greenfield site in Ireland in over 100 years and marks the return of whiskey production to the town of Tullamore 60 years after the original distillery closed. The new facility will meet the long-term production demands for Tullamore DEW, the world’s second largest Irish whiskey brand. There are currently 26 new or proposed distilleries across Ireland and annual exports of Irish whiskey are now valued at over €300 million, up 220% since 2003, according to the Irish Whiskey Association. I
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