Building Ireland magazine January 2021

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INDUSTRY NEWS

8

McHugh & Gallagher Builders

The Sligo firm has more than 40 years’ experience in the industry.

12

Avondale Projects

Providing residential and commercial building services.

16

Michael Giggins & Sons

Delivering specialist design and build capabilities.

22

Healy Construction

One of Kilkenny’s premier residential building contractors.

26

Energywise Ireland

Total mechanical, electrical and renewable energy solutions.

31

Clarke Construction

“Perfection is what we regard as a minimum standard.”

34

Dartmouth Building Works

Offering refurbishments, renovations, extensions, fit-out contracts and new builds.

39

63

John Frazer Building Contractor

Putting quality above quantity.

66

South Dublin Electricians

Durkin Bros

42

70

Hugely successful in its first five years.

Sycamore Construction

Part of the huge success that is DIY SOS.

A leading electrical contracting firm.

Greyville

Offering an extensive range of high-quality building services.

74

Offering turnkey construction services to domestic and commercial clients.

Specialising in one-off housing and renovation work.

50

P Loughran Construction

Involved in a number of prestigious projects.

54

Suirside Construction

The Waterford based company deliver projects of the highest standards.

58

MacKee Construction

Delivering outstanding healthcare projects and plenty more besides.

Building Ireland is published by DG Press, Tel: (046) 9241923 Kells Business Park, Fax: (046) 9241926 Kells, Co. Meath Email: contact@dgpress.ie

Established over 40-years ago.

91

AMC Construction (NI)

46

John Gray

88

David Lilley Construction

P&M Burke

78

Ryan Building Contractors

A family run business offering a wide range of services.

81

Kieran Projects

Building top-quality new homes in the North-East region.

84

Debcon Construction Founded by three Nolan brothers in 2004.

Providing bricklaying, masonry and stonework expertise.

94

David O’Mahoney Electrical Services

Offering commercial and residential services nationwide.

98

Jackie Folan Limited

One of Connemara’s leading building companies.

103

Fitzpatrick Construction

We talk to company owner and founder Mick Fitzpatrick.

106

RD Plumbing

At the forefront of the plumbing industry.

110

DS Construction Service

Delivering building excellence for 15-years.

Web: buildingirelandmagazine.ie

All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be published or reproduced in any way without written permission of the author or DG Press © Copyright DG Press. The opinions expressed in Building Ireland do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers, their agents or Building Ireland. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear

building news new.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2020 16:10 Page 1

HOUSING MINISTER HANDS OVER HOME TO FRONT LINE WORKER Tuath welcomed Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien to present keys to Cooleven’s first tenant, where 83 newly-built family homes will be let before Christmas, under South Dublin County Council’s choice-based lettings scheme.

The 20 apartments and sixty-three houses were built by Grandbrind Ltd under contract to Tuath. Total loan finance of €24.1M was provided to Tuath by AIB Corporate Banking (AIB) and the Department of Housing. Tuath acquired the scheme with the support of South Dublin County Council and will manage the development as part of their expanding 6,000 homes portfolio across the country.

The average cost of a two bed apartment is €233k and a 3 bed house costing €300k, representing good value for money for A rated homes in the area. Tuath Vice Chairman, Paddy Gray and the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien were delighted to hand over the keys to Cooleven’s first resident, Amy Collins, who is a health care attendant in St. James’s hospital. Amy is thrilled to “start a new beginning, making memories’ in her new home.

Tuath, who recently launched a new five year Strategic Plan; Resilience, Recovery, Rejuvenation; ‘Building a better future’, have plans to deliver 5,000 more social and affordable homes across the country by 2025. Tuath sees investment in social and affordable housing as an investment in the country’s infrastructure, an investment for future generations and an important driver of economic activity today.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to witness families moving into these new homes and commencing a new phase in their lives. I believe this Tuath development is a great example of how our AHB’s, local authorities and our financial institutions can all work together with my Department for our collective goal of increasing social housing stock and providing homes to those who need them.”

Colm Ward, Director of Housing, Social & Community Development in South Dublin County Council said that: “The Council welcomes the development of 83 new homes at Cooleven. Households from our social housing list will be delighted to be moving into their new homes before Christmas. This high-quality development is an important part of our social housing delivery programme in South Dublin in 2020. We see working together with Approved Housing Bodies like Tuath Housing as central to housing delivery in the County and we look forward to continued partnership with Tuath the future.”

Paddy Gray, Tuath’s Vice Chairman advised that: “It is more obvious now than ever that nothing is more important than a safe, secure, affordable home. Despite the challenges of covid we are still on course to provide over 900 new homes this year which is a testament to the dedication and determination of Tuath and its local authority partners, funders and other important stakeholders. We wish each and every family here in Cooleven, health and happiness in their new homes.”

LIGHTNING PROTECTION INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENT GRACE NOLAN AS MARKETING MANAGER Lightning Protection International (LPI), Europe’s leading suppliers of lightning protection, electrical earthing systems and surge protection devices, have announced the appointment of Grace Nolan as Marketing Manager.

Grace joined Lightning Protection International in 2017 and has since held a number of executive roles including accounts assistant and marketing executive prior to her appointment as Marketing Manager. Graduating with a MSc in Digital Marketing form the Institute of Technology Carlow, Grace has been instrumental during her time with the dynamic organisation, assisting with the implementation of the groups marketing strategy as leaders in the sector, enabling them to secure several major data centre projects in Denmark and Sweden.

Lightning Protection International has seen significant growth in sales over the past five years, with their expertise allowing the business to expand operations further across Europe and into the UAE. As LPI continue their European expansion, Grace’s responsibilities will include ensuring the strategic direction of the company is fully aligned with the marketing tactics implemented and executed with a focus on continuing to build customer relationships within Ireland.

Paudi Reidy, Group CEO adds “Grace’s appointment to Marketing manager is testament to the strategic direction she has helped the business to move in, and the continued growth and brand awareness that LPI has received over the past three years, further enabling us to be positioned as leaders in this sector. We wish her the best of luck in her new role”.

The Irish headquartered company will be celebrating their 10year anniversary in 2021 and are expected to mark the occasion with a major announcement in January 2021.

BuildingIreland Building Ireland

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GALWAY PICTURE PALACE WINS 38TH IRISH CONCRETE SOCIETY AWARD Excellence in concrete design and construction was celebrated at this year’s Irish Concrete Society’s Awards, which were announced virtually in October 2020.

This was the 38th Annual Awards which recognise excellence in both design and construction in concrete and are adjudicated by a distinguished, independent jury of industry professionals. The main awards jury reviewed a total of forty one projects nominated in three categories of main awards – Element, Infrastructure and Building. There were also eight projects nominated for the 8th International Award, which is sponsored by Enterprise Ireland. In addition, the winners of the biennial Sculpture Award and the annual Séan de Courcy Student Award were announced.

Speaking of the awards Chairperson, Eamon Booth stated: ‘While we were unable to hold our annual awards

WINNERS AT 2020 SEAI ENERGY AWARDS ANNOUNCED The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) announced the winners of the 2020 SEAI Energy Awards during an online awards ceremony which saw Kildare based company, Green Generation Ltd., take home the Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy Award.

Green Generation offer an excellent example of the circular economy working in practice. The company is using anaerobic digestion to convert agricultural and food waste to renewable energy. Green Generation harnesses natural microbial activity to break down organic waste into biogas and an organic fertiliser by-product. Half of the biogas is used to produce renewable electricity which is sent to the national grid. The rest is upgraded to ‘biomethane’ which is injected into the natural gas grid. Unsold food from Tesco is fed to the anaerobic digester, and the biogas generated is sold back to Tesco for use in their stores.

The plastic packaging from the food is processed to manufacture durable plastic products, using ‘waste’ heat from electricity generation and finally the digestate from the process is once again used as fertiliser to grow food.

Upon receiving the Award, Billy Costello,

evening this year, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our winners and to recognise all of this year’s entrants for raising the benchmark in quality and excellence in concrete construction through their combination of skill, ingenuity and teamwork. All nominees deserve great credit for setting such high standards for others in the industry to follow.

‘I hope to see you all in person next year and to celebrate your achievements with you’.

The Main Awards The main awards jury consisted of Michael Moriarty (TJ O’Connor and Associates), Peter Carroll (A2 Architects), and John Keaveney (John Paul Construction).

Building Category and Overall Winner: Galway Picture Palace, Galway City Infrastructure Category Winner: The Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare Elemental Category Winner: Grangegorman TUD Campus, Dublin Winner of the 8th International Award: Shay Murtagh Precast for ‘Meridian Water Rail Station, Enfield, London’ Sculpture Award Winning Piece: Reflectors by David Beattie Director of Green Generation said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the Innovative Deployment of Renewable Energy Award at this year’s SEAI Energy Awards. It means an awful lot to this company and it is a credit to the staff who have put such effort into it down the years. I really am happy for them and for the positive impact our work is having on the environment.”

A total of ten awards were presented to individuals, businesses, communities, and public sector organisations in recognition of their commitment and dedication to sustainable energy and climate action. The online awards ceremony was hosted by broadcast journalist, Andrea Gilligan, who was joined by Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan T.D. for a special interview.

Commenting on the leadership shown by all the finalists and winners, Minister Ryan said: “The SEAI Energy Awards celebrate success, leadership and ambition in sustainable energy. I believe Ireland’s energy transition is going to be good for us as a country and our people are going to be good at it. We have real skills and capabilities and it starts with everyone in their own way making change, demanding change and delivering it. I congratulate those participating in the SEAI Energy Awards who are committed to the change that’s needed and are already helping to create a cleaner energy future.”

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Jury Quote: Séan deCourcy Student Award Winner: Cillian Collier (University College Dublin) The Irish Concrete Society is a learned society founded in 1973 to support and encourage technical excellence in concrete. It is a cross-sectorial, independent, impartial, science based organisation. With membership open to all who have an interest in concrete.

The Society acts as a focal point for industry debate, research, education, standards development in the field of concrete technology, design and construction. The Society is a not for profit organisation funded by membership subscriptions and the services it offers.

SEAI received 124 entries to the 2020 SEAI Energy Awards with projects delivering combined energy savings of €42million. Commenting, William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, said: “Despite the significant challenges this year, the volume and quality of entries reflects an unwavering commitment of individuals, and organisations to sustainable energy and climate action. The next decade will demand accelerated and significant change in every part of our society to reduce our carbon emissions. SEAI will support those who want to take such action. The commitment shown by each of our finalists is hugely inspiring and now we want others to see how they too can benefit from sustainable energy.”

Other 2020 SEAI Energy Award winners include; Seamus Hoyne (Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy); Jessica Kelly (Emerging Sustainable Energy Champion); Astellas Ireland Kerry Plant (Energy Team of the Year); Danone Wexford (Large Business – Exemplary Energy Management); Terra Spirits & Liqueurs, Cavan (SMEExemplary Energy Management); Dublin City Council (Public Sector – Energy Leadership); Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community (Inspirational Energy Community); SSE Airtricity Energy Services (Energy in Buildings); and NUI Galway (Excellence in Energy Research and Innovation).

For full details on all winning projects, visit www.seai.ie.

Building Ireland

building news new.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2020 16:10 Page 3

PRE-COVID TURNOVER OF CIF’S TOP 50 EXCEEDED €10BILLION The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Top 50 Contractors 2020 had a combined turnover of just over €10bn in 2019, according to a survey carried

by Construction magazine on behalf of CIF. The CIF Top 50 Contractors survey gives a snapshot of the overall performance of the Irish construction sector, as it delivers many large-scale projects throughout Ireland and the world.

The Top 50 contractors had a combined turnover of just over €10bn in 2019. This is an increase of €1.7bn on the previous year’s total turnover figure of €8.3bn. They recorded €6.7bn in construction activity in Ireland, which is an increase of €800m on the corresponding Republic of Ireland (ROI) figure of €5.9bn for the

previous year.

The Irish construction sector continues to meet the construction and engineering needs of global leaders, bringing foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland. In 2019, the Construction CIF Top 50 Contractors exported over

BuildingIreland Building Ireland

€3.3bn in construction expertise in 2019. The most interesting trend is the continuing surge of mechanical & electrical contractors into the top 10.

This sub-sector of construction continues to expand rapidly and increasingly internationalise.

Enterprise Ireland has reported a 19% increase in construction exports to €2.24 billion and a 9% increase in engineering. This makes construction the second largest export category for EI clients behind Ireland’s food industry.

Director General, Tom Parlon, said: “The total turnover figure gives a clear indication that Irish construction is a dynamic industry sector looking to the future with ambition at home and overseas. Not only are Irish contractors delivering complex projects across Ireland, they are also gaining an increasing foothold in the UK, Europe, particularly in the Nordic region, the Middle East and the USA. Irish construction companies are increasingly sought out by global corporation HQs to ‘manage’ billiondollar construction projects due to our

industry as simply bricks and mortar.

The construction industry has been on a transformative journey over the past 25 years starting with improvements in safety and now progressing to innovative and sustainable digitalisation. Our larger companies are at the forefront of digital construction and smart ‘green’ innovation. The global construction market is forecast to grow by 85% to $15.5trillion by 2030 and Irish companies are well-placed to dominate niches worth billions.

“The past five months have shown the importance of the construction industry to the domestic economy. We are privileged to be able to continue to operate during phase 5 lockdown due to our adaptability and strong safety record. It is worth noting that every €1billion invest in infrastructure, housing, or industrial results in €1.85billion output, 1200 jobs and €680m in wages and profits circulating in the Irish economy. The industry’s reputation overseas is hugely positive where we collaborate with highly sophisticated global multi-nationals. ”

expertise. We have seen that our Top 50 companies are world leaders and are amongst the most competitive, productive, and advanced construction firms globally.

“These global construction companies challenge the tired stereotype of the

Over the past few years, the Top 50 CIF Contractors listing has seen a year-on-year increase in the turnover.

In 2016, the total turnover was €4.9bn, jumping to €6.7bn in 2017, €8.3bn in 2018, and €10bn in 2019.

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building news new.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2020 16:11 Page 4

JOHN REDDY APPOINTED AS ECOCEM GROUP QUALITY AND INNOVATION APPLICATION MANAGER The Ecocem Group, Europe’s premier producer of high performance, low carbon cement, have announced the appointment of John Reddy as Group Quality and Innovation Application Manager.

John has been instrumental in his time in Ecocem, assisting in the implementation of ISO 9001 and implementing quality assurance laboratories acrossthe group. His contribution to the cement industry has been well documented with his master’s thesis “Investigating the thermal activation of GGBS concrete” being published at the 9th International Concrete Conference and subsequently winning the Irish Concrete Society, Sean DeCourcy student award in 2017 for this work.

As Ecocem develops further across an increasing variety of markets and applications, John will ensure that

quality remains paramount across all of the group’s operations. Leading a growing technical team across Europe including Ireland, UK, Sweden, Benelux and France, John is tasked with developing the innovative product pipeline for the group and assisting with product commercialisation across Europe.

John’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the Irish headquartered group as Ecocem prepare to launch the fruits of a seven-year investment plan in innovation, through a series of new product launches and partnerships.

Conor O’Riain, Group Managing Director adds; “John joined Ecocem Ireland in 2004, and has worked his way up through the group across various technical roles. His undeniable commitment to Ecocem and the cement industry is unquestionable and this new role signifies the growth of Ecocem products across Europe. His appointment marks his advocacy to improving the standard of GGBS cement production across the industry”.

John is a chartered Engineer and is a graduate of Civil Engineering in TU Bolton St. and holds a MSc in Advanced Concrete Technology from Queens University, Belfast. John is also a CSR community liaison officer and a board member of Ringsend College in Dublin.

NEW KOMATSU MIDI EXCAVATOR AN EARLY 2021 ARRIVAL The ongoing drive by manufacturers to produce machines that deliver added value in terms of features designed to meet current and future regulations whilst satisfying market needs for greater productivity are factors evident in the new Komatsu PC88MR-11 midi excavator, first versions of which will arrive in Ireland from January onwards.

Successor to its acclaimed MR-10 predecessor, the new Dash 11 unit comes packed with numerous new features that Komatsu distributor in Ireland, McHale Plant Sales director, John O’Brien says: “brings even more unrivalled value to the midi excavator sector”.

Said by Komatsu to have the ‘highest levels of standard specifications’ ever seen in the industry, the new PC88MR-11 is driven by a more powerful EU Stage V emissions compliant engine with DPF and without need for SCR. Compared to its predecessor, it comes with an even more modern and distinctive body styling and an operationally attractive 20mm lower transport height. Stats wise, it delivers 7% greater productivity with speedier hoist / swing operations; 6% lower litres-per-hour fuel consumption; a 14% increased levelling speed: and a 12% boost in attachment oil flow.

With an improved blade shape, intuitively positioned for dozing operation with switchable hi/lo travel, its other operational features include a low noise and reduced fuel fan clutch system; LED work lamps; safe, fast and versatile automatic 2-way to 1way to 2-way attachment switching; easy-to-monitor attachment flow settings; ‘all on one side’ engine maintenance items accessible from ground level; and easy radiator cleaning. Other operator-pleasing features include Bluetooth radio, new large access doors, and easy floor mat cleaning.

Following the success of its MR-10 predecessor and the popularity it achieved amongst Irish users, the new PC88MR-11 is viewed by John O’Brien as ‘a timely arrival that raises the bar in a number of important respects’.

“With growing environmental concerns, and urban areas becoming increasingly sensitive to emissions, the PC88MR-11 Stage V midi will enable customers to future proof their investment whilst equipping them to participate in any tender process in which environmental credentials must be demonstrated,” he said.

Building Ireland

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A thatched cottage and modern extension in Bundoran

QUALITY REMAINS KEY AT MCHUGH & GALLAGHER BUILDERS LTD

Molloway House – a neurology support centre at Sligo University Hospital that received a full renovation and fit out

Building Ireland

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With more than 40 years’ experience in the industry, McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd provide all types of building services for their clients. Building Ireland touched base with co-director Glenn McHugh to hear all about the Co Sligo-based business.

T

hese are the busy times at McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd and the plan for directors Glenn McHugh and Ross Gallagher is to keep things that way right through 2021.

Based in Cliffoney, Co Sligo, the company covers all types of building works (big or small) and have earned a reputation over the years for quality work.

Right now, the business employs 11 staff between a full-time and part-time basis and is headed up by two cousins whom are second generation builders.

Building Ireland learned more from Glenn McHugh about the origins of the company and the state of business at the moment.

“The company would’ve been set-up by Liam McHugh and Padraig Gallagher back in 1968,” he stated.

“They were cousins that started the business together and they ran up until 2015 when myself and Ross, who is Padraig’s son, took it over. Liam and Padraig still have an active role within the company today offering experienced advice on the running of the company.

“At that stage, myself and Ross had been working with the company long enough and when we took over it was very much a clean swap, nothing changed and it was just a small bit more responsibility for the both of us.”

The new directorship would weather the storm in the recession years that quickly followed the taking over of the business and they didn’t change their stripes along the way either.

At McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd,

Woodhaven – MS North West Therapy Centre, Sligo they provide all types of building services and are members of the CIF and CIRI. “We’re a general building contractor,” Glenn put it plainly. “We cater for very small projects, whether it be domestic or commercial and some of our projects can range from €5,000 up to €1million.

“We do new houses, new builds, extensions, fit-outs, Council grant work and HSE work.

“We do a lot of work with HSE in hospitals and small bit of school work between extensions and new builds.”

Indeed McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd cover the whole spectrum when it comes to building services and the company’s work over the decades has seen it develop a glowing reputation amongst clients.

Right now, business is booming, according to Glenn, who has been flat out with the rest of the team in Cliffoney

A split level residence and boat house apartments in Milk Harbour, Co Sligo

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since lockdown was lifted back at the start of the summer.

“It’s very busy at the moment, I have to say,” he said.

“I’m Project Manager here and also look after all the Quantity Surveyor work as well, and I can tell you that that side of things is mental busy right now.

“We are getting our fair share of work and I suppose you could say that it has been fairly busy here since lockdown was lifted on May 18th.”

The projects continue to come thick and fast too, with the company specialising in developments all around the Yeats County.

At the moment, McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd are immersed in a residential unit project for the HSE, which Glenn was able share some details about.

“The project is being carried out by the HSE to help re-localise people from Cregg House,” he said.

“It’s a full retro fit-out and it’ll be a very high spec house once it’s finished.

“We’re also finishing off two private domestic houses in the local area and then we’re starting some renovation work in Manorhamilton Hospital for the HSE.” He added: “We have two new builds starting in the next couple of weeks, an office fit-out in Grange and another office fit-out in Sligo Town.

“We also cater for a lot of grant jobs for Sligo County Council for elderly people, which involves putting in showers and helping to facilitate for mobility.”

Building Ireland

An outstanding school project in Sligo McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd cater for a large range of fit-out jobs valued between €10,000 and €1million.

So, what has been the secret to success for the company down through the years?

As far as Glenn is concerned, quality work on a consistent basis has earned McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd the reputation it has today.

The company is tried and tested, with a proud name and its origins dating all the

A contemporary extension and refurbishment of Scoil Naomh Mhuire

way back to 1968.

“We’re on these tender lists for different projects and I suppose we have a good reputation to keep being on them,” said Glenn.

“You’re only as good as your last job.

We’ve never had any complaints from clients and have always managed to have a good reputation for our work down through the years.”

As strange and unprecedented a year as 2020 has been, business continues to thrive for McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd. A new year is just around the corner and, between Brexit looming and the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s an impossible one to try and predict for any business.

Glenn, Ross and all at McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd remain optimistic as ever though.

“We’re just going to hope that everything is going to keep going the way it is at the minute,” he said “Down the west in Sligo, it has actually gotten busier lately despite the Covid-19 pandemic if you can believe that.

“Hopefully, we can all just keep working away here and keep producing the work we have been down the years.”

McHugh & Gallagher Builders Ltd Cliffoney, Co Sligo Mobile: 087 6529081 E-mail: mchughandgallagher@gmail. com

Building Ireland

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Building Ireland

Providing building services for residential and commercial businesses

The firm operate in Kerry, Cork and Limerick

BUSY TIMES AT AVONDALE PROJECTS

Avondale Projects provide building services for residential and commercial businesses in Kerry, Cork and Limerick. Building Ireland caught up with its Managing Director Noel Leahy recently to learn all about the Killarney-based business.

B

usiness is good right now at Avondale Projects and the plan for its owner and founder Noel Leahy is to keep things that way right through to 2021.

The company became Limited in 2014 and is today specialising in New Builds, Roofing, Renovations, Extensions, Attic Conversions and first and second fixing.

Coming from a carpentry background, Noel took the decision himself to go out on his own back in 2007 and since that

Monastery school Killarney

Building Ireland

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time hasn’t looked back.

Building Ireland spoke with the Co Kerry native and got the lowdown on what Avondale Projects is all about.

“We’re based in Avondale House, Rockfield, Tralee Road, Killarney, Co Kerry and the company itself Limited six years now,” said Noel.

“We’ve five full-time staff and focus a lot on new builds and renovations all around the Killarney area. It’s all Killarney based work, so we don’t have to go too far from home with our

Recently renovated coach house in Cahernane Hotel Killarney

New builds keep Avondale Projects busy projects.”

One local project which Avondale Projects has been immersed in for some time now is the Cahernane House Hotel in Killarney.

In fact, Noel and his team have been working on renovations at the popular hotel for the best part of four years now.

The Cahernane House Hotel was constructed in 1887 and is situated on a private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park.

Its renovation programme cost €6million and saw the Avondale Projects team working alongside Prem Group on the hotel’s extensive refurbishment.

Specialising in refurbishment and extension projects for both the residential and commercial sector, Avondale Projects also has a wealth of experience when it comes to working on historical and listed buildings.

Noel himself has 20 years’ experience in the industry and has worked on numerous of different projects all over Kerry, including Kenmare Adult Education Centre, the West End House, the Black Sheep Hostel and up on 50 one-off new builds.

Alongside the Prem Group, the initial works for Avondale Projects on Cahernane House Hotel saw them

repairing the hotel’s roof to the main house and also restoring the original slate and re-leading the valleys.

“During the first phase, my team undertook the restoration of the original timber sash windows, restoring them fully, thus preserving the integrity of this historic old house,” Noel outlined.

“This phase of the renovations saw the Herbert Restaurant tastefully redecorated, the bedrooms and attic in the main house fully renovated and brought up to current legislative specifications.

“It is great to see Cahernane House Hotel being brought back to its former glory, as a lot of Killarney people have links to the house, including my wife,

Simone.

“Her great grandfather was a grounds man and gatekeeper, and her great grandmother was a housekeeper, so it is a very special place.”

Indeed the Cahernane House Hotel was one of many unique projects taken on and successfully completed by Avondale Projects.

Next up is another project in the town of Killarney as business continues to boom since the government lifted lockdown restrictions for construction companies on May 18th.

“We’re very busy at the moment. We’ll be starting an extension on the Killarney Fire Station in August,” said Noel.

“This year has been busy so far even

The company is built on a strong foundation

Newly refurbished bedroom Cahernane House Hotel

13

Building Ireland

Noel is keen for more of the same with Immersed in the industry two decades regards to his company’s workload since now, what does Noel Leahy see as mid-May and the lifting of government being the key ingredient to success in restrictions. this game?

“We just hope that things can keep Since ‘Day One’ at Avondale Projects, going the way they are going at the he has always placed an emphasis on moment and just see how we get on quality of work, along with competitive next year,” he concluded. pricing for projects, and it’s an ethos Avondale Projects which looks to have paid off half a Avondale House, dozen years later.

Rockfield, “I think it’s down to the quality of work BestWishes Wishesand andContinued ContinuedSuccess Success Best Tralee Road, that we Success do and the consistent rates that Best Wishes and Continued AvondaleProjects Projects totoAvondale Killarney, Co Kerry give our clients,” said the MD. to Avondale we Projects Mobile: 087 2948944 “I stand over the work that I do E-mail: noelscarpentry@hotmail.com and have a good relationship with all BestWishes Wishesand andContinued ContinuedSuccess SuccesstotoAvondale AvondaleProjects Projects Best Best Wishes and Continued Success to Avondale Projects of the clients we work with here.”

Always striving to be the best, ensuring attention to detail and a goal COMMERCIAL of delivering� DOMESTIC � AGRI COMMERCIAL � DOMESTIC � AGRI � DOMESTIC � AGRI COMMERCIAL a top quality finish, Tel: 0874116637 4116637 Avondale Tel: Projects 087 Tel: 087 4116637 prides itself onorgoing 087 9944847 or 087 9944847 or 087 9944847 the extra mile and timmyfoxoleary@gmail.com E:E:timmyfoxoleary@gmail.com completing contracts E: timmyfoxoleary@gmail.com Gneeveguila, Rathmore,Co. Co.Kerry Kerry to schedule for its Gneeveguila, Rathmore, Gneeveguila, Rathmore, Co. Kerry clients.

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“We’re doing a self-build at the moment and we’re actually using clay block on it. Clayblock Ireland is the product we’re using on that project which is situated in Killarney as well.”

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Building Ireland

14

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Avondale Projects

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Avondale Projects

E&S HOBBINS LTD

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Coolroe, Killorglin, Co.Kerry

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Best Wishes and Continued Success to Avondale Projects

O’FLYNN’S FLOORING

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Fossa, Killarney, Co. Kerry Telephone: 087 9933159 Email: dineendecorators@gmail.com 15

Building Ireland

Contemporary living

A FAMILY BUILT ON QUALITY Building Ireland

16

A family home in Boycetown

Based in Richardstown, Ardee, Co Louth, Michael Giggins & Sons provide specialist design and build capabilities. The knowledge, skills and intellectual capital of their people ensure they are able to manage and integrate all aspects of a project.

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hey take pride in bringing specialist knowledge, sector-leading experience and fresh thinking to create workable solutions for their

clients on a huge range of projects. No challenge is too great or too small, as their portfolio proves.

Together they have the scale and breadth of skills of a major company, while retaining that local focus and local pride that comes from never being far from their clients.

The family run business takes a collaborative, partnership approach to projects, building professional relationships based on mutual respect and trust. They operate a culture of teamwork, openness, and support,

A house completed in Newrush

in which everyone is encouraged to strive for excellence. Social value and sustainability are at the heart of everything they do, and their health and safety record is second to none.

Dedication to their clients and projects is something that the company’s reputation has been built on and with over 40 years’ experience in the construction industry, their knowledge and expertise is second to none.

For this month’s edition of Building Ireland, we profile the company and speak to Michael Jnr who along with his

A new build in Sligo

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Building Ireland

Best wishes and Continued Success Michael Giggins & Sons from

AIDAN GERAGHTY B.Sc. BUILDING SURVEYOR GREENLANES , DROMIN, DUNLEER , CO LOUTH Tel : 041-6862945 Mobile : 086-8611478 E–mail : aidangeraghty26@gmail.com Best wishes and Continued Success to Michael Giggins & Sons Ltd

Congratulations to Mickey Giggins & team on 40 years in Business!

From all at Thomas Rice & Co

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Michael Giggins Michael Giggins Michael Giggins & Son Ltd &&Son Ltd Son Ltd

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CATION: Building Ireland ICATION: Building Ireland ION: Building Ireland

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Michael Giggins & Sons Ltd

PROOF PROOF KEOGH PROOF DECORATORS PROOF

Best wishes Success Michael Giggins & Son Ltd FOR ALLto DECORATING Bestwishes wishes and and Continued Continued Success toYOUR Michael Best and Continued Success to Michael Giggins &NEEDS Son Ltd SSREP: Frank 6 Moorhall Rise, Ardee, Co. Louth REP: Frank � BondedBead BeadCavity CavityWall Wall Insulation Insulation P: Frank Bonded Tel:Bonded 041 6856084Bead / 085 2494700 Cavity Wall Insulation dd � Attic Insulation & Dry Lining Email:Attic keoghdecorators@gmail.com Insulation & Dry Lining Best wishes to Michael Giggins Son Ltd Bestwishes wishes and and Continued Continued Success to to Michael Attic Insulation & Dry Lining �& Grant Best and ContinuedSuccess Success Michael Giggins &Approved Son LtdInstallers Grant Approved Installers � Spray foam Insulation �Best Bonded Bead Cavity WallSuccess Insulation Grant Approved Installers Bonded Bead Wall Insulation Best wishes and Continued to Michael Giggins & Wishes andCavity Continued Success toInsulation Michael Giggins & Son Son Ltd Ltd Spray foram External Insulation Bonded Bead Cavity Wall � External � Attic Insulation & Dry Lining Insulation

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Drummond, Inniskeen, Drummond, Inniskeen, Monaghan.

Drummond, Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan.

Tel: Co. 087-9537426 Tel: 087-9537426 087-9537426 E: info@meeganinsulations.ie info@meeganinsulations.ie Tel: E: E: info@meeganinsulations.ie www.meeganinsulations.ie Drummond, Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan. www.meeganinsulations.ie www.meeganinsulations.ie

Tel: 087-9537426 E: info@meeganinsulations.ie Drummond, Inniskeen, Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan.

Drummond, 18 www.meeganinsulations.ie Tel: 087-9537426 087-9537426 E: E: info@meeganinsulations.ie info@meeganinsulations.ie Tel: Drummond, Inniskeen, Co.colour Monaghan.

Please checkall allthe thespelling, spelling, colour and positioning positioning accuracy. accuracy. Please Please note that once Please check and Business Park, usiness Park, www.meeganinsulations.ie www.meeganinsulations.ie theproof proofhas hasbeen beensigned signed off off or or replied replied to to no no amendments amendments can can be be made the Tel: 087-9537426 E: info@meeganinsulations.ie Road,Kells, Kells,Co. Co.Meath Meath Road, W867 DGPress PressLtd. Ltd. 867 ©©DG Please check all the spelling, colour and positioning accuracy. Please note that once www.meeganinsulations.ie ess Park, Building Ireland

brother Robert and wife Ann who looks after the administration help Michael Snr run the business on a daily basis.

Michael Jnr revealed that one of the secrets to their success is their ability to work in tandem with the client to ensure that the end result is to everyone’s satisfaction.

“We liaise closely with our clients throughout each project, ensuring that their vision and plan are delivered on time and within budget. The details of every build, regardless of complexity or function, are given the time and attention necessary to guarantee they are completed to our own and the clients satisfaction. We use only the very best and proven materials, helping keep down costs and providing a build that is both safe and economical. All aspects of every build, from foundation to roof, are carried out with a level of professionalism, commitment and scrutiny that will not be surpassed.”

The majority of their work is carried out in the domestic sector and ranges from new builds to extensions, while they also do some commercial work, mainly for Louth County Council.

Michael Giggins & Sons dedicate their services to both the domestic and commercial markets, delivering high standards to each and every project that they are involved in.

“The high standards that we set ourselves are achieved through the expertise and experience of our dedicated team. At Michael Giggins & Sons we combine best practice with best materials. Our work speaks for itself and our long list of satisfied clients is a testimony to our experience and success in the construction industry.

Every project, from attic conversion to new build, is built with a full commitment to our client, their vision and their expectations.”

As a fully insured and CIF registered company, there are 11 experienced staff employed, while a number of tried and trusted sub-contractors are used.

“We would have lads here over 15 years and it is a very experienced team.

The sub-contractors that we use would be with us for years as well and they know the level of work that we expect from them and they deliver every time.”

Michael Jnr added that they are kept busy and at the moment it is a matter of playing catch up due to the time lost during the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Yeah, we have a good bit of work on now. We were busy before the

Work in progress in Dalkey

A renovation project in Dunleer

Stunning renovation work

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Building Ireland

Continued Best Wishes to Michael Giggins & Sons

Building Ireland

21

level of co-ordination and co-operation between Michael Giggins & Sons and Management.

Michael Giggins & Sons executed their works safely and professionally facilitating the Supermarket’s customers at all times.”

Thomas Mc Guinness, Lead Engineer DCE Engineering.

“The performance of the Michael Giggins & Sons team was exemplary in relation to schedule, quality, cost control and safety.

Working to a very tight schedule, high density of labour and winter conditions, Michael Giggins & Sons had a cooperative, pro-active, can do attitude and provided solutions rather than questions so that the schedule was maintained on track. Michael Giggins & Sons led the way to deliver high quality construction”

Exacting work

Louise Courtney, Project: Total Refurbishment and Extension, Ardee, Co. Louth.

“We found Michael

Michael Giggins & Sons provide specialist design and build capabilities lockdown, so we are just finishing off those jobs now and we have other work to keep us going for the remainder of the year at least.

“Our catchment area would be mainly Louth and Meath, but we did do a job for a client in Dalkey last year, however, we are fortunate that the majority of our work is local.

Michael Jnr stressed to us that your reputation is everything and there is no doubt that word of mouth is the best form of advertisement.

“We have a well-established reputation for delivering small to medium sized projects within a specified time frame.

Each aspect of every build is overseen and managed with diligence, scrutiny and attention to detail. We use only the most trusted and reputable materials and equipment, delivering safety, quality and reliability to every project. Every job,

including carpentry, plumbing, electrics, roofing and more is done to comply with all necessary regulations.

“We deliver our services to our customers with a pride, commitment to excellence and affordability that will not be found anywhere else.”

Here are some of the testimonials that past clients have said about the family run business: Paul Lanney, Owner – Supervalu, Ardee, Co. Louth.

“I found Michael Giggins & Sons to be a highly progressive, quality driven and competent contractor. They completed the works within the contract period and to our great satisfaction within budget. During the construction period the existing Supermarket was open for business and this involved a high

21

Giggins & Sons to be co-operative, dedicated and considerate whilst focused on ensuring that cost control and quality were not compromised.

Michael Giggins & Sons were found to be customer centered, flexible and committed to ensuring that the project was delivered successfully and on schedule.”

Contact Details: Michael Giggins & Sons Building Contractors Richardstown, Ardee, County Louth.

A92 F7D3 Mob:087 247 6969 Mob: 087 210 8177 e-mail: info@giggins.ie www,giggins.ie

Building Ireland

One of Kilkenny’s premier residential building contractors

ATTENTION TO DETAIL ELEVATES HEALY CONSTRUCTION TO THE NEXT LEVEL Since its inception in 2005, Healy Construction has earned a stellar reputation as one of Kilkenny’s premier residential building contractors. Building Ireland travelled to Knocktopher and met founder / proprietor Brian Healy to find out more about this exceptional, industry-leading operation.

enowned for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, Healy Construction invariably deliver high-quality projects within budget, safely and on time. Brian and his team boast a wealth of experience working within the residential sector, specialising in one-off houses, from prestigious new builds and extensive refurb projects to conservation work, carpentry

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Building Ireland

and roof construction Coming from a carpentry background, Brian insists on a high-quality finish every time and this results in a steady flow of business through positive referrals and strong working relationships with key architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and assigned certifiers in Kilkenny.

“A lot of our work is routed through local architects, which results in ongoing repeat business” the amiable Kilkenny contractor confirms. “We have built our reputation on quality, using highly-skilled tradesmen and proven

22

subcontractors. We have a keen eye for detail with the fit out and finish being an area that we strive to excel in, especially where we bring a project to a turnkey finish.”

The result is a series of beautiful modern homes completed all over Kilkenny and beyond- and just as many glowing testimonials. “We started predominantly as a carpentry contracting firm, doing domestic one-off fit outs and new roof construction,” Brian reflects.

“After several successful years, mainly involving work on bespoke homes and with a skilled team built up within the

Healy Construction deliver high-quality finishes

Specialists in one-off houses company, I felt that we could provide a complete quality building service.”

Thus, in 2014, Healy Construction became a main contractor. This has proven to be an inspired move and Brian has never looked back. Does he feel that carpentry is perhaps the best background for a building contractor to come from?

“In fairness, it probably is. I was always hands-on as a carpenter and remain hands-on today. When you are involved in the fit out and finishing of buildings and also the structural side that comes with roofing, you tend to get a really good idea of how a house comes together. This gave me a great foundational knowledge of what main contracting would entail.”

By consistently delivering homes of

The team at Healy Construction keep their clients happy

a very high quality, with stunning finishes, Healy Construction has organically evolved into one of Kilkenny’s most in-demand residential building contractors. “It’s all residential work at the minute – specifically high-end new builds and extensive renovation work,” Brian continues. “We’ve also completed some conservation work as well and it’s always nice to work on these listed structures.”

While conservation work is prestigious, it’s also quite time-consuming and meticulous and as a result some contractors prefer the more straightforward work that comes with a new build. Brian sees it as a great way to keep the company challenged and maintain a good mix of work, “When conservation work comes in to us for tendering, it’s

23

definitely something I’d have an interest in, as there’s a real challenge in going into an old building and restoring it to its former glory. Yes, it commands more of our time but I find it very rewarding personally and it’s always worth it in the end.”

To this end, Healy Construction masterfully renovated and extended the old parochial house in Ballyhale Co Kilkenny, painstakingly transforming this listed protected structure, while retaining the character and eminence of the original building.

With regards to the catchment area covered, most of our work is based in the Southeast with an occasional project taking us further afield. At the time of writing, Healy Construction had numerous new builds at various stages

Building Ireland

of completion. “We try to keep a bit of separation between them, so that we can work on them simultaneously. We work with a core group of subcontractors who maintain the high standards we’d expect. Between our own tradesmen and general operatives, we have six direct employees and we then bring in the specialist trades such as mechanical and electrical contractors and plastering specialists etc. We have all our own modern plant and equipment. I’ve invested considerably in this area over the last number of years and feel it is worthwhile in the long term, as it also helps us stay competitive when tendering for new contracts. ” Brian notes that safety on site is of paramount importance to the company. “All our staff are regularly briefed on updates to site safety and are actively involved in upskilling where they can in this area. This is essential to maintain the safety of our employees and clients every day on site.”

As for the attributes that elevate Healy Construction above much of the competition, being upfront and transparent ranks highly, as well as providing a personal, friendly and honest service.

“First and foremost I have a hands-on approach, which begins with meeting clients and sitting down with them before we turn a sod. I like to talk things through and get a real feel for what the client wants as opposed to just looking at plans exclusively. I like to get into what they want and what they would like to see out of the project.

“We are always available to take a call at any time of the day or evening and clients will often avail of that as they may be tied up with work during the day … I am happy to speak to them any time. I’m more than happy to provide that personal touch and I am generally in direct contact with clients on a daily basis to ensure that we are giving them exactly what they want.

“We don’t ever assume that because something is on a drawing that it will definitely go ahead. We will give the client the benefit of our experience. We may have an idea that will improve their design or finish and we are willing to discuss changes or will flag a potential issue if we identify one in the interest of the job.”

Brian’s outstanding reputation precedes him and he intends to preserve, nay embellish it… “It only takes one misunderstanding for your reputation to be tainted, so I aim to keep my clients happy and to deliver a high-qual-

Building Ireland

Creating modern family living

Healy Construction have a keen eye for detail ity building with a great finish, to programme and on budget.

“The feedback we’ve had to date from both clients and architects has been excellent. We look after all our own pricing in-house where we strive to be competitive for the quality of workmanship we provide.”

Brian insists that every home he builds is finished to the highest standard – with no exception. “I’d be of the mindset that quality is of utmost importance,” he concludes. “We are known for genuinely leaving quality work behind us and that’s why most of our work is through referrals from previous clients and architects.

“We pride ourselves on having a keen eye for detail and maintain a continued presence on site throughout the build.

While the tradesmen and subcontractors all know their respective roles, I will have a picture in my mind of how

24

it should all come together at the end in accordance with the client’s wishes.

“To be successful in business you need good people around you, to this end we work with the same core group of subcontractors and specialist trades who know our way and know the standards we expect. Once we all have the same understanding of what is required, it’s easier to get the desired results.”

Countless owners of dream homes in the Southeast will readily testify that Healy Construction has successfully brought their concept to creation.

Healy Construction, Barrettstown, Knocktopher, County Kilkenny.

Tel: 056 7766811 Mobile: 086 8562574 Email: info@healy-construction.ie Web: healy-construction.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Brian Healy Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Healy Construction

Doyle Seamless Gutters Ltd

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HEALY HAULAGE LTD

Larry O’Neill

Barrettstown, Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny

TILING

Sand gravel and aggregates

087 9115256

Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny Tel: 087 2849389 Email: larryoneill@live.com

Best wishes and Continued Success to Healy Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Healy Construction

Gittens Murray Architects.

Architects. Interior Designers & Project Managers

Tel: +353 56 7753933 No. 5 William St. Kilkenny.

Email: martin@gmarch.net Web: www.gmarch.net

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hether you are thinking of a new build, commercial development, domestic extension or conversion the first step GMA Ltd advise is to engage with a fully qualified R.I.A.I. registered Architect .

Unit 3 Portlaoise Enterprise Centre, Portlaoise

Due to radical and much needed reform from March 1st 2014 all Mortgage requirements for new builds and or extensions/ conversions require the formal signature of a Professionally Qualified R.I.A.I. Registered and Accredited Architect.

Their professional training goes beyond design and problem solving.

Air to Water Heat Pumps Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal Heat Recovery Ventilation Demand Control Ventilation

GMA Ltd. high design standards and talent is unmatched and reflected in their unique exciting and innovative houses, commercial developments, renovations and extensions enjoyed by satisfied clients throughout the South East.

Gittens Murray Architects are a Kilkenny based design focussed R.I.A.I. registered practice with a proven track record of producing high quality energy efficient projects on time, within budget & focused on our clients needs.

Visit our website at www.gmarch.net, telephone us today at 056 7753933 for a no obligation consultation.

Best Wishes & Continued Success to Healy Construction

Best Wishes to Healy Construction

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T: 059 8622017 sales@kelticrenewables.ie www.kelticrenewables.ie

Building Ireland

Energywise Ireland is Munster’s premier provider of renewable energy solution

TOTAL MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS FROM ENERGYWISE With offices in Cork and Kerry, Energywise Ireland is Munster’s premier provider of renewable energy solutions, specialising in the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a full range of mechanical, electrical, ventilation, solar PV and automated systems. Building Ireland had a chat with managing director Berth Sheehy to find out more about the full range of products and services offered by this award-winning family-run operation.

Building Ireland

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An award-winning family-run operation

ith an emphasis on quality products, professional workmanship, outstanding service levels and embracing the latest M&E technologies, Energywise Ireland has within a relatively short period of time developed a stellar reputation as one of Ireland’s most progressive and dependable electrical, mechanical and renewable energy solutions providers, providing a comprehensive range of products and services to both the domestic and commercial sectors, from new builds to retrofits or energy upgrades.

Deploying a strong in-house team of experts across all the disciplines, Energywise is the No.1 port of call in Munster for the design, installation and commissioning of a full selection of cutting-edge renewable energy solutions including heat pumps, underfloor heating, heat recovery ventilation, solar PV and smart home and building automation.

“We have a great array of in house talent in-house from electrical engineers, building service engineers, software

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engineers, project managers and many others who all contributes to a fantastic team.” notes Berth, who started out as an electrical contractor in 2004 before rebranding as Energywise Ireland five years later, having recognised the huge potential in renewable energy and the undeniable benefits that homes and businesses could gain from adopting such solutions.

Berth runs the business alongside his wife Rosemarie and co-director Darren Vaughan. He knew that by combining electricians, plumbers and building service engineers in one company that Energywise could fill a huge void in the market. Energywise offers customers a one-stop shop solution combining all these services through one dedicated, multi-skilled point of contact.

“We can design the solution exactly how we know things are going to work,” Berth continues. “With Energywise, you are dealing with one company and one project manager, whereas if you deal with separate companies you could have anything from three to six different parties involved, which can obviously make things unnecessarily complicated. This coordinated approach works very well and both home owners and builders like this approach.

Since opening up a showroom and office in North Point Business Park in Cork

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in September, 2012, Energywise Ireland has enjoyed steady growth, expanding from four employees eight years ago to currently general direct employment for a team of 65. Built on great staff and strong client relationships, reputation and trust, Energywise’s excellence has seen the company recognised at a variety of awards ceremonies. To this end, they were voted Green Energy Company of the Year at the Cork Business Awards in 2017 and ’18, following up with the Energia Tech Family Business of the Year award last year.

TRADECENTRE A spin-off company of Energywise - Trade Centre – was established two years ago to supply products to the trade. “It makes life easier for plumbers and electricians who don’t have their own in-house design capabilities as we can design, size and commission the heat pumps on their behalf.”

Energywise Ireland work with global leaders such as Daikin, Mitsubishi, ABB and many more. They are the largest installer of Daikin heat pumps (Europe’s No.1 selling heat pump) in Ireland and are also agents for Wiseair heat recovery ventilation and SoliTek solar panels.

They also have their own brand products including app-controlled ventilation systems tailored for the Irish market.

Building Ireland

Energywise install heat pump technology to generates heat and hot water. They give fresh filtered air through their heat recovery ventilation systems, produce electricity with solar PV and incorporate energy monitoring into the overall project so that end users can see how their home or building is performing on a daily basis.

All these systems can be tied together through automation such as Knx or AbbFree@home to maximise the efficiency of a building as well as reducing carbon emissions and giving greater comfort and control.

Arguably Energywise’s greatest endorsement of all is the fact that the majority of their work comes from repeat business and customer referrals. No project is ever considered too large, small or complex and they are as comfortable working on a new or existing homes as they are providing solutions at retail units, schools or factories.

“Combining all the services together as part of one package helps keep us competitive,” Berth continues. “We also import a lot of products from across Europe and can pass on a lot of savings to our customers that way, too. We are a premium partner with Daikin and were their No.1 dealer partner in each of the last two years.

The Energywise team are regularly upskilled to ensure that they are kept up to date with innovative new products, technologies and solutions in order to provide clients with the best-possible service, with the stated objective of invariably exceeding expectations while delivering quality and value. Regardless of the size or nature of a project, Energywise are committed to generating personalised, innovative and quality-driven solutions.

Energywise Ireland’s Air-to-water heat pumps, underfloor heating systems, heat recovery ventilation, solar PV panels, aluminium radiators, LED lights, home automation systems and much more can all be examined at their modern showroom in Blackpool, Cork.

Prospective customers can book an appointment to speak with a technician to talk through the different systems and can give advice on any stage of a project from start through to finish.

Berth is keen to stress that Energywise’s winning team plays a central role in the ongoing success and growth of the business. Combining decades of experience with progressive and innovative thinking, the dedicated, motivated, friendly team can design, supply, in-

Building Ireland

Solar PV panels stall and commission bespoke solutions customised to each specific project and can also provide an aftercare package for the annual servicing and maintenance of units, giving peace of mind to customers that their system is operating to its maximum efficiency.

Although there is demand for Energywise’s services nationwide, Energywise are focussing predominantly on the Munster region so they can guarantee the best-possible level of service and aftercare. “We feel that with heat pumps and ventilation systems it’s imperative that you give that back-up service and cover the warranty,” he states. “You need to be able to do this quickly. Also, for commissioning and set-up, it’s important to be as close to your client as possible.

“Back-up service is vitally important and we stand over everything we install.

We offer warranty on our equipment and repair all the products ourselves as we have all the necessary expertise in-

28

house. We do get a lot of enquiries from all over Ireland but it’s better to keep it close to home.”

Energywise has come a long way in the past decade or so, to emerge as a proven industry leader in providing domestic and commercial renewable energy solutions, and Berth is confident that there is room for further growth going forward: “We envisage the solar pv market will continue to grow which is why we set up PvPanels.ie.

“We have a number of solar PV commercial projects coming on stream and this is a part of the market where I can envisage a lot of growth,” he concludes.

“The payback on commercial PV is phenomenal.

“There are a lot of factories and commercial properties in this area who could produce their own electricity at a fraction of the price, so why wouldn’t they? With grants factored in, the system could be paid for inside five to

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Building Ireland

seven years and they can then save thousands per year depending on the size of the system installed. There is no commercial solar PV grant available to businesses at the minute but we may secure grants by incorporating Pv it into the SEAI’s community-based schemes.

“Our bestselling PV panels we use are a glass / glass panel and they come with a 30-year product and performance warranty. Because there is glass on both sides – and they are completely sealed – they are ideal for coastal locations in Ireland and extremely durable.”

“While there are great opportunities in solar PV, demand is strong locally for all our products and services, so I definitely think there is scope for further growth across all areas of the business. We’ll remain focussed on giving the utmost attention to detail to every project and looking after all our customers.”

Energywise Ireland Ltd., Unit 6, North Point Business Park, New Mallow Road, Blackpool, Cork.

Tel: 021 430 8185 / 066 401 7028 Email: info@energywiseireland.ie Web:www.energywiseireland.ie/ www.pvpanels.ie / tradecentre.ie

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30

A new build in Kinsealy

BUILT TO PERFECTION For the past 12 years, Clarke Construction Ltd has consistently lived up to its slogan, “Perfection is what we regard as a minimum standard”, when it comes to new home builds, extensions and renovations in the greater Dublin area. Managing director Colin Clarke explains more.

hinking of building your dream home or renovating / extending your existing property? If so, look no further than Clarke Construction Ltd which is one of the foremost contractors of its kind in Dublin.

Choosing Clarke Construction Ltd means choosing a professional builder renowned for exceptional workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to meeting and exceeding its clients’ expectations. The company’s reputation for quality construction, honesty and ability to complete projects on time and within budget is borne out by the amount of repeat business and referrals it receives from satisfied clients.

New one-off home builds, extensions and renovations are just some of the services offered by the Raheny-based contractor. By providing a highly con-

T

Building Ireland

sultative and tailored service, Clarke Construction is able to bring home the benefits of choice to all customers and can custom design and build your new home to suit your specific needs. The company boasts a wealth of experience in the new home building sector and will guide you through every step of the journey. All costs are crystal clear and transparent. The Clarke Construction team keeps you in the picture at all times.

In summary, Clarke Construction offers you specialist consultation regarding the various options available in a new home, a transparent pricing package with no hidden costs and advice on finance options and land purchase contracts. Clarke Construction is a local Dublin building firm with unrivalled local building expertise.

Home extensions have never been so popular thanks to COVID-19. Extending your home can increase your home’s resale value as well as giving you extra living space or additional bedrooms. Clarke Construction has a proven track record of working with clients to bring their house extensions to a very

31

successful finish. In addition, it can organise an architect to draw up detailed house plans and arrange planning permission if required.

Renovations are another company speciality. Clarke Construction can transform your house into the home you’ve always wanted and remove all the stress and worry that comes with such projects. It provides a full range of tradespeople, thus allowing for the smooth running of every project it undertakes.

The business has gone from strength to strength since it was founded in 2008 by Colin Clarke. It initially traded as Clarke Home Improvements before rebranding and changing its name in 2017.

“We’ve a good name in the trade and pride ourselves on the quality of our work, attention to detail and tidiness,” says Colin, who is joined by an 18-strong permanent team of highly skilled foremen, supervisors, carpenters, electricians, block-layers, plasterers and roofers.

“When people see our sign over a site, it shows that we’re a professional

Bringing modern living to a house in Maywood, Raheny outfit who take great pride in our work.

I’d be very particular about the detail and finishing on every job we complete. By directly employing our own staff, it gives us greater control over the finishing, and all of our staff know the minimum standard that we expect.

The only tradespeople we don’t employ directly are plumbers. The rest we have inhouse.

“We’re very mindful of the fact that the vast majority of our clients are putting their life-savings into the projects we do for them, and that we have a responsibility to ensure that everything is done to their exact requirements and that they’re getting value for their money.”

Colin values his staff highly, so much so that he continued to keep them on the payroll during the two-month lockdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak earlier this year.

“Our people are our greatest strength so when the shutdown happened, we felt it was only right that we stayed loyal to them and kept them on full pay.

Good tradespeople are extremely hard to come by and I’d like to think that we have a happier workforce as a result,” he explains.

COVID-19 put an unexpected financial strain on many and this is something that Colin and indeed his wife Anne Marie, who also works in the company, felt they had to be mindful of.

“We had clients who lost their jobs or saw their incomes dramatically reduced. We had started projects for them and they were caught in a situation where they needed to get their exten-

A project on Ormond Road South sion or renovation finished. We tried to bring down the costs for them as much as possible and ease the financial burden for them.”

According to Colin, the pandemic has prompted more people to renovate or extend their homes with the aim of making better use of their space.

“During the lockdown, most of the population were forced to stay at home and it made them think about renovating, extending or rejigging their space.

We really felt that with families sitting at home for weeks on end during the lockdown it made them consider how well the space was working for them in today’s world. What worked for families 20 years ago, or even 10 years ago for that matter, may not work for them today as families are using the space within the home differently, and our own home was no exception. We can help

32

and advise them on how to best utilise that space.

“If someone is thinking about buying a new home, we would always suggest buying a house that feels right as opposed to a house that just looks liveable. Inevitably, all families want to put their own stamp on their new home.”

Clarke Construction have a number of projects currently taking place in the capital. These include a house extension / renovation in Dalkey, a large new build house in Kinsealy, extensions / renovations to two houses in Clontarf and a house extension / renovation in Raheny. One of the company’s most challenging projects was a large renovation to a Victorian-style protected building in Clontarf which involved restoring the main house to its original glory and adding a large modern style extension to the rear

Building Ireland

A stunning extension on Victoria Road

Clarke Construction is one of the foremost contractors of its kind Another property that Colin was particularly proud of was a house in Howth which had all living space on the ground floor and bedrooms on the first floor.

The architects flipped the house upside down and moved all of the living space to the first floor where there were fabulous views out over Howth Harbour. This was a project where it was all about utilising the footprint that was already there and only adding on approx 8m2 of additional floor area while bringing the house up to an A rated standard. This goes to show that you do not always have to add on a large extension to make a house work for you.

Clarke Construction’s most high-profile project to date featured on RTÉ’s ‘Room to Improve’ programme in February 2017. It involved taking an old family home in Sutton and turning it into a new, modern version that would be suitable for creating new memories for the family concerned. Colin and his team completely renovated what was the existing house and extended the rear of the home with a new L-shaped extension which created a larger open plan kitchen with a lower level living room, complete with stove to allow the family to feel like

Building Ireland

Exacting standards delivered in Clontarf

en very seriously by the company. they could get away from the open plan “We would like to take this opportunity space and into a more secluded, cosy to thank our customers, suppliers and living room with views of the garden. architects for their support and cooperWithin the house, there were three enation,” he concludes. suite shower rooms and one bathroom along with five double bedrooms. All areas were altered to make the new layClarke Construction Ltd out more suitable for the family. “It was a Unit 4A, Floor 1, Howth Junction very interesting and enjoyable project to Business Centre, work on. We got a lot of recognition from Dublin 5. it,” the affable Dubliner remembers.

Telephone: 1890 911 007 Health & Safety has always been parEmail: info@clarkeconstruction.ie amount with Clarke Construction and Web: www.clarkeconstruction.ie never more so than in the wake Best Wishes and Continued Success to Clarke Construction of COVID-19.

Colin ensures that his team follows all the relevant guidelines and takes all the necessary precautions at all times. The health and wellbeing of Unit 7 Burnell Court, Malahide Road, Clarke ConstrucNorthern Cross, Dublin 17 tions staff and Tel: 01 820 3722 | Email: hello@jvhutton.com also that of their Web: www.jvhutton.com clients and subcontractors is tak-

33

A refurbishment and major extension in Killiney

DARTMOUTH BUILDING WORKS APPROACHES 35 YEARS Established since 1986, Dartmouth Building Works Ltd are building contractors that specialise in refurbishments, renovations, extensions, fit-out contracts and new builds. Building Ireland touched base with Managing Director, Paul Merriman to learn more about the Dublin-based company.

ext year will see Dartmouth Building Works Ltd mark 35 years in existence and right now business is thriving for the firm in south Dublin.

Originally founded by business part-

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ners Paul Merriman, Gerard Doherty and the late David O’Brien, the company has grown a reputation for delivering quality projects down through the years.

Today the company is headed up by Paul Merriman and employs 25 direct staff from its base at Dartmouth House, 11 Turnpike Road in Ballymount, Dublin 22.

Building Ireland caught up with Paul

The team at Dartmouth Building Works

Building Ireland

recently to hear about some of the origins of the business along with some of the projects it has on-going at the moment.

“We employ 25 staff here which includes Alan Merriman and Martin Doherty (Directors/Contracts Managers), Lorraine Moran (Financial Director), Eamon Mulqueen (Quantity Surveyor) and Samantha Lyons (Office Administrator)

A garden room at the rear of a house in Enniskerry

34

A fit out of offices in Stephens Green all involved in the running of the company. We also have a fantastic team of experienced operatives and trades people who contribute to the success of the company. Our philosophy and approach is a straight forward commitment to provide the best possible service, quality and value for money for our clients.

“On the domestic end, we carry out a lot of high-end refurbishment jobs in Dublin in general and specialise in oneoff houses and high-end extensions.”

Examples of such work can be found on our website www.dartmouth.ie “We specialise in office refurbishments in and around Dublin for offices that have become vacant. Some buildings built in the 80’s and 90’s are in need of upgrading to align with the current building standards. We also carry out an increasing number of civil works in factories where upgrading of machinery and equipment means major bases, pits and adjustments are required within existing structures.

Due to our varied experiences and shared passion for the Irish construction industry, our extensive knowledge and

A rear and side extension, and major renovation to the existing house in Sandymount expertise is often called upon to assist with carrying out essential maintenance on office and apartment buildings where roof works are failing and causing problems. Recent works in the south Dublin area included replacing all parapet cappings, installing new flashings over bay windows and works to screens to pre-

A refurbishment of a commercial unit in Carrickmines

vent water ingress beneath them.

The company also supplies general maintenance work for both commercial and domestic clients.

Dartmouth Building Works Ltd has experience in all aspects of building work and has worked with many clients, architects, engineers and interior

Dartmouth Building Works Ltd was established in 1986

35

Building Ireland

A new kitchen, utility and ding room extension to the rear of a house in Carrickmines

design teams on major projects all over the capital over the past three-and-ahalf decades.

In 1986 Paul, Gerry and David set up the company after having gained years of experience with one of the biggest construction companies in the country at the time.

“Originally, myself and Gerry (Doherty) were Contract Managers with McLaughlin & Harvey before it moved out of the republic of Ireland in 1986,” he explained. McL&H was a large building 19 12:05 Page 1 company around Dublin during the 60’s, 70s and ‘80s and when it closed its of-

fices in Dublin, we set up a new company. The name ‘Dartmouth’ comes from ‘Dartmouth Road’ in Ranelagh where McLaughlin Harvey’s main offices was based.”

Today the company is managing with an array of projects in and around Dublin City Centre and county Dublin.

These are challenging times indeed for Dartmouth Building Works Ltd and the company takes pride in the fact that it hasn’t had to decrease its staff, even a decade ago during the most testing times for the Irish construction industry.

We have 20 operatives, tradespeople

Best Wishes & Continued Success to Dartmouth Building Works

Building Ireland

36

on site and we have access to almost 20 regular sub-contractors and suppliers.

Over the years, we have had to adapt the business to meet the changing influences within the construction sector.

Whether this is keeping up to date on the ever changing statutory and regulatory requirements of our industry, with greater emphasis being placed on CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and training of all staff, or the ever changing building regulations and product changes, and sustainable construction practices.

A full refurbishment of bedroom, bathroom and the roof in Kilcock Best Wishes and Continued Success to Dartmouth Building Works

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Building Ireland

Experience and reliability are what sees Dartmouth Building Works stand out from its competitors, working closely with clients, architects and design teams so that they can achieve the finished project that all parties are working towards.

The company works from the initial design phase to completion and it ensures that each project runs smoothly and within budget.

DBW understands that all projects are a partnership between the design team, contractor and most importantly the client. We believe that our clients deserve honesty and trust so we work with a cooperative team approach eliminating any form of confrontation.

The company has grown an excellent reputation for quality work when it comes to its projects, and will no doubt continue the trend through 2021 and for many more years to come.

Repairs to roof/balcony and screens in a South Dublin Apartment Block

Dartmouth Building Works Ltd Dartmouth House, 11 Turnpike Road, Ballymount, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Tel 01 4594011 Email: info@dbw.ie

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Best Wishes and Continued Success to Dartmouth Building Works

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38

Managing Director Martin Lavelle

COMMITMENT TO HIGH STANDARDS South Dublin Electricians is an electrical contracting company which has enjoyed a quick rise over the past five years. Building Ireland heard all about the company, from its origins to the state of business at the moment, from Managing Director Martin Lavelle recently.

F

rom their centrally located commercial unit in Dublin 12, South Dublin Electricians provides solutions tailored to its clients’ electrical needs right across Dublin City and County.

The company currently employs 18 staff and are proud to offer top-quality home electrical rewiring along with other domestic electrical services.

South Dublin Electricians operate with an expert team of registered and qualified electricians, with customer satisfaction being paramount to the

company since ‘Day One’.

Building Ireland touched base with its Managing Director Martin Lavelle to learn all about the ins and outs of what is a thriving and award-winning business.

“We specialise primarily in domestic and commercial maintenance in the south Dublin area,” Martin outlined.

“We’ve vans on the road every day carrying out service jobs, so it’s maintenance and reactive maintenance that we specialise in.”

With a vast and varied customer base, South Dublin Electricians complete commercial and industrial electrical contracts competitively and competently.

These include large corporate or business fit-outs and LED lighting projects for high-visibility clients.

With close to 20 staff in total and half a dozen vans on the road from ‘9 to 5’, the company has enjoyed a quick rise over

39

the past half-decade to the point where it is now “very busy”.

It’s all a far cry from where Martin first started out in the electrical contracting business, as he explained himself.

“I served my time with O’Hara Engineering and following completion of my apprenticeship spent a number of years working for Instrotec, during this time I gained vast experience in the electrical contracting industry and in business operations through the mentoring of Donal Johnston, Instrotec’s founder and managing director. This industry experience and insight was a great help when setting up on my own.

“It definitely had its challenges getting off the ground and competing against established companies but we persevered.

“Looking back at it, a lot of it came down to value for money and quality of

Building Ireland

Martin Lavelle and some of the award winning team at South Dublin Electricians work.”

The company’s growth continued into another year in 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic stalled some of its projects.

Government lockdown this past March closed companies all over Ireland and Martin and his team certainly felt the effects last Spring.

“80% of operations were grounded for eight weeks during the Covid lockdown,” he said.

“However, we did have two guys doing essential work on different projects, so we can’t complain that much I suppose.

“Since May 18th, we’ve found it has

been very busy and more people are now spending money to upgrade their homes rather than spending it on a holiday or whatever.

“Another thing is that we also find it easier now to schedule jobs with customers because more and more of them are working from home.”

It seems the jobs keep on coming thick and fast for the company.

Repeat business has been a major aspect of South Dublin Electricians’ success to date and Martin is intent to keep it that way going forward.

“We’ve just finished an Italian restaurant in Rathmines, which is our

Specialising in domestic and commercial maintenance

Building Ireland

second one now for Sprezzatura,” he stated.

“We’ve done a couple of period houses in Rathmines and Ranelagh recently, and are currently working on LED lighting fit-outs for a couple of offices and a new gym in Sandyford.”

There’s certainly no shortage of work at South Dublin Electricians, so the burning question is what has been the secret to success thus far?

For Martin, carrying out jobs with quality and a professional service have always been key in this line of work.

“We try and do the simple things right all the time, from the initial point of

Providing a professional service to customers without compromising on quality

40

contact in our call centre, the scheduling of jobs, the continual dialogue with our customer to the branded vans and branded uniforms. Things like that go a long way.

“Right now, we have around 15 lads on the road for us and another three in the office here, so it shows how far we’ve come in the space of five years.

“Hopefully, we can continue to grow like we have been and gain new customers along the way.”

The company’s professionalism was recognised on a national scale at this year’s Irish Enterprise Awards.

South Dublin Electricians offer topquality domestic electrical services South Dublin Electricians won Most Client-Focused Electrical Contractor – Dublin and Excellence in Domestic & Commercial Electrical Services.

Their commitment to high standards was what allowed the company to achieve a success which its Managing Director was delighted with.

“The awards themselves were back in March and it was definitely nice to get that kind of recognition for the company.

We were delighted with it,” said Martin.

“I think it reaffirms all of our structures and qualities and that all of the hard work does in fact pay off, which is nice

Best Wishes and Continued Success to South Dublin Electricians

as well.”

Looking towards the months ahead after what has been an unprecedented year with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic, Martin is keen for the business to keep moving in the right direction.

Growth of staff, more vans on the road and award successes certainly show that the signs are positive for the future at South Dublin Electricians.

“Looking forward, we just want to take more of a market share in our area.

That’s our goal,” he stated plainly.

“There are 90,000 houses in the south Dublin area, so there’s certainly enough work to go around and we’ll look to grow our customer base again in 2021.

“We’ll carry on with our mantra here which is looking after our customers and looking after our staff as well.”

South Dublin Electricians Unit 7, Universal Business Park, Old Naas Road, Dublin 12 Tel: (01) 969 6581 E-mail: Info@sdelec.ie Web: southdublinelectrician.ie

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41

Building Ireland

The Sycamore Construction team on DIY SOS

SENDING OUT AN SOS The year 2020 will certainly live long in our memories and when it comes to the history books, it will go down as one of the worst years known to mankind.

T

here is no doubt that the pandemic, Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our lives as people have suffered greatly whether it be the loss of a loved one and or losing their jobs, 2020 has been cruel to many.

However, in Ireland, it has also shown

Building Ireland

a different side to our nature and one that probably doesn’t get enough exposure as when people are faced with adversity, there is always someone there to help out. During the first lockdown in particular, there were numerous fundraisers held for causes and there were millions raised throughout the year to help those most in need, it was incredible to see the amount of people coming out of their comfort zones to do different things to help out a cause that the majority had no real connection too.

This certainly painted Irish people in a good light and this was seen at a national level when DIY SOS hit our screens in October. Only three episodes of the RTE show were aired, but it had a nation talking once again.

This was not just an ordinary DIY show

42

where a group comes in and does up an old home, oh no, this was much more than that. Hosted by the Baz Ashmawy whose ability to connect with everyone on the show has to be commended. As well as allowing the viewer to feel the emotions of the people involved, the show gave us all a different perspective on life, by showing there is someone worse off than ourselves.

Baz is obviously at the forefront of the show, which includes many different characters, two of which are the Foreman or ‘Gaffer’, Alan Kilkenny and Build Manager, Jonathon Davis or ‘Johnno’ as he is more commonly known. Sophie Pozzey is the project manager.

The guys have been in the building trade all their lives and are business

Sycamore Construction has specialised in one-off houses, extensions and renovations for the past 20 years partners running the very successful Sycamore Construction, a Bray based construction company that has specialised in one-off houses, extensions and renovations for the past 20 years. Sophie project manages and Serena Kilkenny handles accounts.

Alan takes up the story of why they became involved in DIY SOS, a show that has been running on the BBC for many years at this stage.

“I think the producers saw our website and what we specialise in and felt we were the type of company they were looking for, so they gave us a call and we set up a meeting,” said Alan.

“To be honest a number of meetings were held before it was finally given the green light. Obviously we had concerns about continuing to run our own business, but the three projects fitted in well around other work that we were doing.”

The shows were developed in Limerick, Tipperary and Kildare with all three touching the heartstrings of the nation as the programmes left viewers shedding a tear or two on occasion.

Alan admits that they were delighted

The DIY SOS team in Limerick

to get involved in such a project, allowing them to give something back.

“We were delighted to be involved, there is no doubt about that. It was a great learning experience to be involved in such projects. They were so different from anything that we ever did in the fact that you were trying to manage so many people on the one project as the amount of volunteers willing to give up their time on each of the shows was incredible.

“The one thing that struck me was that despite the pressure of getting the work done in nine days, everyone got along and there was a feel good factor on all the jobs. I do think the fact that there was no profit involved meant that everyone was more relaxed and that helped us get through the work.”

The three shows hit a chord with the Irish nation as each story pulled at the heart strings and just showed us that there was always someone worse off than ourselves and there is no doubt that DIY SOS gave the nation a much needed lift.

“Like I said, it was great for us to be involved and it is something that will live with us for the rest of our lives. I

Jonathan Davis

43

definitely believe we have learned a lot from it and hopefully it is something we can continue doing in the future. When the family involved says ‘thank you’ once the work is done, it certainly makes it all worthwhile.”

For now though, it is back to the day job for Alan, Johnno, Sophie and Serena as they focus on Sycamore Construction where they have a busy workload ahead of them.

“We have three jobs ongoing at the moment, the furthest being in Leopardstown, which is only a few miles down the road, but most of our work would be in the Bray area. We’ve actually got a couple of jobs on my road, so we don’t have to travel too much thankfully.”

Sycamore Construction’s reputation for providing quality work precedes them and they have attracted the majority of their work through word of mouth, which in Alan’s opinion is the best form of advertisement.

“We wouldn’t really advertise at all to be honest, usually one job leads to another. We know how important it is that the client is satisfied. We work

Alan Kilkenny

Building Ireland

with us years. We all work well together and have a common goal of delivering to the highest standard possible.

Contact Details: Sycamore Construction 4 Old Brighton Terrace, Bray Co. Wicklow Ireland Mob: +353 (0) 86 172 0124 info@sycamoreconstruction.ie Insta: @sycamoreconstruction Facebook: @sycamoreconst Twitter: @SycamoreBuild Web: sycamoreconstruction.ie Sycamore Construction’s reputation for providing quality work precedes them

A house changing rear extension County Hooper Dolan 3x2

closely with them to ensure this.”

The company employs six direct, but they use a number of sub-contractors that have been with them years and

Alan admits that they work well as a team.

“We would know the subbies well and there are guys that have been

11/7/19

12:31 PM

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Building Ireland

The Fire Training Centre, Hacketstown

PROVIDING QUALITY BUILDING SERVICES IN THE SOUTH-EAST Established in July 2014, John Gray Ltd offers an extensive range of turnkey construction services to domestic and commercial clients in the South-East. The fast-growing company guarantees outstanding workmanship, innovation, complete customer satisfaction and value-for-money.

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B

ased in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford and covering counties Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford, John Gray Ltd specialises in new builds, extensions, refurbishments, alterations, groundworks and demolition.

It aims to provide a professional service to customers without compromising on quality and only uses the very best building materials. The contractor’s reputation for quality construction is borne out by the high volume of repeat business it receives from satisfied customers.

“We do the best that we can. We work with our clients in every aspect of the project and will always go the extra mile for them,” says John Gray Ltd quantity surveyor Douglas Taylor.

“We pride ourselves on our reputation for quality projects, our innovative and hands-on approach along with a proven ability to complete jobs on time and within budget. Our goal is to not only meet but to exceed our customers’ expectations, and to deliver projects in an efficient and safe manner.”

A registered CIRI (Construction Industry Register Ireland) contractor and a member of CIF (Construction Industry Federation), the company was set up by John Gray and now employs 10 people directly as well as many more on a sub-contract basis. The company’s annual turnover has grown significantly in the last six years.

“It’s a real team effort here. We employ a team of highly-skilled and creative people who are passionate

Ballycarnew NS

A house project for Carlow Co Council

The project at Ballyhack NS in progress

A rural house project in Drummin for Carlow County Council

47

Building Ireland

about what they do. We have our own carpentry, groundworks and demolition personnel and sub out the rest of the work to the same tried and trusted roofing contractors, plumbers, blocklayers, electricians, plasterers and other essential trades.”

John Gray Ltd is currently working on 20 different building projects throughout the South-East, including a number of new house builds, rebuilds and extensions. Most projects are typically valued at €250,000-€300,000.

“Thankfully, our business hasn’t been adversely affected by COVID-19.

Most of our work is one-off house builds, residential and commercial refurbishments, school and social housing extensions. At the moment, we’re carrying out a number of rebuilds / extensions around the South-East.

“On the social housing side of things, we do a lot of refurbishments and extensions for Carlow County Council and are currently working on seven houses in Wexford Town,” Douglas explains.

Last year, the company completed one of its largest and most challenging projects to date which involved the transformation of the three-storey former Permanent TSB premises into the new Wexford Borough Office in Wexford Town. The accepted tender was for damp ingress and refurbishment works. On commencement and stripping out stage, the structural engineer discovered a significant structural issue in the basement floor, gable wall and pitched roofs. The project was paused for design development work and to allow shopkeepers to have uninterrupted trading during the busy summer months and Wexford Opera Festival. The building had very restrictive access and controls for traffic management.

John Gray Ltd has completed extensions to national schools in Gusserane, Ballyhack, Horeswood, Rosslare, Graiguenamagh, Thomastown, Castlebridge, Ballygarratt, Ballycanew and Raheen to name but a few. The Rosslare National School extension consisted of a 140m2 singlestorey development, including fairface cavity blockwork, a combination of pitched tile roof and Alkorplan flat roofs, and alterations to the existing school, including forming new opes and associated electrical and plumbing works.

The Castlebridge National School extension was also a single storey

Building Ireland

WSPCA new facilities development which included fair-face cavity blockwork, combination of Tegral pitched and Alkorplan flat roofs, alterations to existing school, including forming new opes and associated electrical and plumbing works.

The extension consisted of 180m2 with one classroom, two resource rooms, assisted toilet and storage area.

The development was carried out in a single phase with painted fairface internal finishes, tile and grid suspended ceiling and timber truss roof.

The Wexford firm also undertook a two-storey development of the Hacketstown Fire Training Centre for Carlow County Council, including fair-face cavity blockwork, precast concrete first floor, including associated electrical and plumbing works. The new 317m2 development was completed in a single phase with painted fairface internal finished, tile and grid suspended ceiling, timber truss and

Kingspan insulated roof panels with upstands for Velux rooflights.

In addition, John Gray Ltd was the main contractor and PSCS on a two-house single-storey extension and two-acre site clearance works in Bagenalstown

A modern house extension in Wexford

48

The new Wexford Borough Office

for Carlow County Council. The project included extension, new roof and upgrade insulation, including associated electrical works.

Another turnkey project involved two two-storey houses in Rosslare for Wexford County Council. Scope of works included cavity blockwork, Tegral pitched roofs and site works. The development was built in a single phase with plastered internal and external finishes, timber truss roof, insulation and electrical, heating and plumbing services as well as connection to utilities

and driveways.

Health & Safety has always been a priority with John Gray Ltd and never more so than in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. John ensures that his team follows all the relevant guidelines and takes all the necessary precautions at all times.

John Gray Ltd would like to take this opportunity to thank its customers and suppliers for their continued support, and its staff and sub-contractors for their skill, hard work and dedication.

Best Wishes and Continued Success to John Gray Ltd.

Contact Details: John Gray Ltd Ballyconnigar, Blackwater, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

Telephone: 2344632

087

2873125

/

087

Email: johngrayltd@yahoo.com

Best Wishes and Continued Success to John Gray Ltd.

AHP Electrical Engineering MOBILE: 087-2609958 TEL/FAX: 053-9123450

Advanced Electrical & Engineering Solutions Commercial - Domestic - Industrial Maintenance + Contracting Services Email: pat@ahpelectrical.com Web: www.ahpelectrical.com

Screen, Co. Wexford Email: patcorrigan10@gmail.com

COOLBALLOW ROAD, WEXFXORD Y35 D8Y2 WWW.AHPELECTRICAL.COM

Best Wishes and Continued Success to John Gray Ltd.

Best Wishes and Continued suCCess to John Gray Ltd from

Tel: 053 91 23392 E info@whelancleaning.com www.whelancleaning.com

49

Building Ireland

A private residence in Kinsealy

P LOUGHRAN CONSTRUCTION OFFERS AN UNRIVALLED SERVICE As we all know there are many facets to the construction industry and the way that any type of building is constructed. Some building firms specialise in certain areas, while there are a few that have a broader spectrum and have experience in all areas.

O

ne of these companies is the focus of our attention for this month’s edition of Building Ireland as we profile Dublin based P Loughran Construction.

Building Ireland

Established by Tyrone native Phil Loughran, the company is now regarded as a leading main contractor and residential development firm.

Since its genesis in 2004, P Loughran Construction has been involved in many prestigious projects throughout the residential and commercial sectors.

A carpenter by trade, Phil has not only picked up extensive experience in the industry in Ireland, but in Australia also where he spent three years running his own business.

50

“I suppose my story is a little different to most as I had the company here before I went to Australia. It was in 2012 and the recession had badly affected the economy and I felt it would be a few years before it would return to normal, so we decided to emigrate and we had a few great years out there,” said Phil.

“During that time, I started a company called Oakleaf Construction, supplying carpenters over there too. We worked on some great projects including converting an old warehouse into a microbrewery

Contemporary design meets expert craftsmanship for Green Beacon in Brisbane. They were great lads to work with.”

Phil admits that he learned a lot about the construction industry during his time over there, which he feels has helped improve their services since his return.

“I came back to Ireland in 2015 and had already contacted work colleagues before I left Australia to see if I could get some work and thankfully I did, so the transition back home was that bit easier, plus the economy had picked up again.”

P Loughran Construction possesses an experienced and highly skilled team of tradesmen as well as a structure

reinforced with a rigorous quality management system in conformance with ISO 9001:2015.

“I’m fortunate to have a very good team here now. The tradesmen are highly skilled, while the management team work extremely well together. We have 12 full time staff and maintain a database of approved suppliers, who are all CIRI registered.”

As stated, P Loughran Construction has carried out projects in both the commercial and residential sectors, but in recent times, their focus has been on one-off luxury homes.

A project in Malahide

Having worked all over Ireland, the business can certainly be considered as a nationwide company as projects have been carried out in Dublin, Wicklow, Mayo, Wexford and many more places.

Their work in Wexford sees them involved in the development of a number of houses in Gorey. Phase one has been completed with 97 homes, ranging from 4-bedroom detached to 3-bedroom semi and apartments all part of the development.

What makes the project unique is that they are modular homes which are manufactured off-site and then brought

The Cambridge modern classic exterior

51

Building Ireland

Best Wishes to P. Loughran Construction

The Spring View Luxury Housing Development in Gorey

A high level finish on a private residence

to the development where they are constructed.

“This is our first time working with modular homes and it is safe to say that we have worked in every form of constructing houses now at this stage.

“Modular offsite construction will play a big part in the future of construction in Ireland and across the world.

Together with the leading suppliers of offsite construction, we are actively collaborating on sites to provide site and project management for developments, in addition to completing all civils and infrastructure works on site. With inhouse experience in the construction Best Wishes to P. Loughran Construction and contracts management of concrete structures (slip form, pre-cast, and traditional in-situ) and offsite modular construction, we are well placed to assist our OSC counterparts on the development of rapid build projects “We are actively involved in OSM think tank groups and regularly liaise with professional bodies within construction and engineering in Ireland on OSM, with a key focus on reducing the barriers to bringing OSC as a de-facto option to the industry, whilst maintaining top quality standards for the end-users.”

Of course, health and safety of all Best Wishes to P Loughran Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to P. Loughran Construction

Alpine Paving & Construction

COVERING WICKLOW & SOUTH DUBLIN Tel: 0402 91547 | 0402 33671 | 087 - 668 3538 Web: www.alpinepaving.ie Email: info@alpinepaving.ie w: www.rooflight.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to P. Loughran Construction

RothwellMcHugh.ie “WE AIM TO BE THE ‘GO TO’ ACCOUNTANTS WHO PROVIDE GREAT SERVICES TO SME’s WHO ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS’’

27 Phibsboro Place, Phibsboro, Dublin 7 | Telephone: +353 1 8827 600 Building Ireland

52

The company’s recent focus has been on residential developments and one-off luxury homes

Sea Haven in Wicklow

so for us to transition into dealing with the Covid-19 has been fairly smooth to be honest. The Construction Industry Federation Ireland (CIF) has been very good in bringing in the procedures to help contractors on site.

“There is always a risk, and a key focus for us is to eliminate and minimise all risks on a project to ensure the safety of all our team and the other personnel on site.”

Best Wishes to P. Loughran Construction Phil feels that the demand is there in the construction industry, especially

employees has never been so paramount due to the pandemic and P Loughran Construction Contracts Manager Brian Farrell revealed that they have worked hard to put all the necessary procedures in place to protect their employees from Covid-19.

“We always placed a massive emphasis on health and safety anyway,

in the residential market where there is a massive need for housing.

“The demand is certainly there. I suppose there are a few issues to deal with in the coming months, obviously Covid and possibly Brexit as well as no one really know how that will impact on any of us.

“But there are certainly signs there to be optimistic. I do think one issue that needs to be addressed is the lack of skilled workers that are about now. It is hard to get good experienced lads that is why it is so important to try and keep the lads that we have.”

Best Wishes to P. Loughran Construction

Contact Details: P Loughran Construction Unit 56 Jamestown Business Park, Dublin 11.

Web: qualitybuild.ie email: info@qualitybuild.ie Tel: +353 (0) 1 564 2168

an Construction

Best Wishes to P. Loughran Construction Best Wishes and Continued Success to P. Loughran Construction

Best Wishes to P Loughran Construction

Alpine Paving & Construction

COVERING WICKLOW & SOUTH DUBLIN Tel: 0402 91547 | 0402 33671 | 087 - 668 3538 Web: www.alpinepaving.ie Email: info@alpinepaving.ie w: www.rooflight.ie Success to P. Loughran Construction

e Paving

ruction

Bringing the outside in

Best Wishes to P Loughran Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to P. Loughran Construction 53

Building Ireland

RothwellMcHugh.ie

In the pharmaceutical sector, the company has been carrying out projects for Bausch & Lomb

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

Based in Co Waterford, Suirside Construction Ltd is a company which has earned a reputation for delivering projects of the highest standards. Building Ireland touched base with Operations Director Eddie Doherty recently to learn all about what is a thriving business.

S

fully limited.

Building Ireland

uirside Construction’s origins date back to 2007 when Ned Doherty founded the company and in 2013 it would become

Since its inception 13 years ago, the company has grown into a recognised main contractor in the South East of Ireland after completing projects of all size and complexity in Public, Private, Commercial and Pharmaceutical Sectors.

Eddie Doherty is Operations Director of the business and was good enough to take some time recently to fill Building Ireland in on the details of current projects, as well as the hopes for the company going forward.

54

“We have carried out projects in different sectors all around the country and also have recently incorporated a fit-out company with ‘Suirside Fit-Out’.

“We have completed projects for clients such as Bausch & Lomb, Eirgen, Port of Waterford, Ardkeen Stores, Carlow Golf Club, Dore Opticians, Loko Restaurant and more.”

2014 saw Suirside Construction Ltd earn its first public sector contract and it seems as though they haven’t looked

Suirside Construciton completes projects of all size and complexity - Thomastown Handball Alley back since.

The company has been consistently growing, particularly in recent years, to the point where it now employs over 30 full-time staff.

By employing a professional office and site in-house team that takes pride in their work, Suirside stands out from its competitors.

The Senior Management at the company adopts a hands-on approach to help clients realise their dreams of building a world-class structure that can compete on a national stage with the best in the construction industry.

Suirside has managed to grow its repu-

tation through a strong client focus, with all of its tradesmen being fully qualified they also encourage their further education to ensure their skills are always up to date.

“I believe clients choose us before our competitors because of the quality of finish and the attention to detail we put on all of our projects,” said Eddie.

“We’re not going to be the cheapest but you definitely get the best end product with Suirside and I think that’s something which has stood to us down through the years.”

Indeed, the company’s approach since ‘Day One’ has always been to deliver

The firm now employs over 30 full-time staff

high quality finished products to clients specialising in the commercial, residential and pharmaceutical sectors.

Using specialist teams and highly trained workforce, Suirside Construction Ltd understand clients’ needs and deliver’s final products that exceed their expectations.

In the pharmaceutical sector, the company has been carrying out projects for Bausch & Lomb for half a decade now and recently completed works for the Ocular products firm in Waterford.

Works on the new Area 8 Solutions Room were completed in conjunction with Weltec Engineering and although

Suirside Construction has a strong client focus - Waterford Gallery of Art

55

Building Ireland

The company have also have recently incorporated a fit-out company with ‘Suirside Fit-Out’.

the team had to adhere to new Covid-19 restrictions, the project was completed on program and within budget in a live pharmaceutical factory during the difficult times. With the success of this project, Suirside Construction LTD have signed contracts to start on another two similar projects within the factory prior to Christmas.

Matthew Haberlin has been Suirside Construction’s Site Manager on the Bausch & Lomb project for the last number of years and deserves a special mention for his contribution to ensure its success.

Among Suirside’s different range of services is also conservation work, which shone through last year when the company carried out work on the Waterford Art Gallery.

It was developed in a previously disused building on O’Connell Street in Waterford, close to the city’s Cultural Quarter.

The purpose-developed art exhibition space allows the Waterford City Council to show off its municipal collection and

Building Ireland

“As with the rest of the country lockdown has affected us this year and you can see it with the lead time now on materials, and the rising prices on raw materials.”

Suirside Construction Ltd is guided in all of its work by the guarantees that they give to clients.

Forging a long-term relationship is important to the company and its staff and they’re focussed on ensuring the finished project exceeds the expectations set for every project.

Along with father and son, Ned and Eddie Doherty, Project Managers Micheál Fanning and Dean Kearns, William Curtin & Ben Kerwick (Quantity Surveyor), Lorraine Ennis (Accounts & Payroll Admin) and Natasha Holden (Receptionist) all help to lead the business each and every day.

Looking towards the coming months, Eddie can certainly envisage Suirside Construction Ltd adding to its team of staff in order to keep up with the current needs from clientele.

“We have a lot on right now you could say, and in 2021 we would expect more of the same as we are currently tendering for projects further away than in previous years” “With the government after providing more finance for social housing in 2021, I cannot see the construction industry slowing down. We are confident things will get back to some sort of normality next year and we can stay busy like we have been in recent times,” he concluded.

Suirside Construction Ltd were delighted to complete conservation work on the late Georgian, early Victorian building.

Suirside Construction Ltd “Last June we finished the Waterford Gulfstream Ave, Art Gallery conservation project, which Airport Business Park, was done for Waterford County Council.

Waterford, It was officially opened in October and X91 YD65 we’re very proud to be part of the project Tel: 051 307 044 as it means so much to the city in that E-mail: info@suirside.com area,” Eddie stated www.suirside.com Last year also saw Suirside Construction Ltd’s highest turnover reached and Best Wishes and Continued Success while 2020 has saw to Suirside Construction a stumbling block hit with the Covid-19 pandemic, business is still flourishing down on Gulfstream Avenue.

“We have a number of current projects on the table at the Melville, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny moment with another 4/5 to start prior to Mobile: 087 0669930 our Christmas break,” Email: joey_irish@hotmail.com said the Operations Web: www.themobilewelder.ie Director.

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Best Wishes and Continued Success to Suirside Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Suirside Construction

Main Roofing Contractor for PREFA on Respond Waterford Project

• DIGGER WORK AND GROUNDWORK • EXTENSIONS • INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL FLAT ROOF REPAIR

Murrintown, Wexford Tel: 053 9164469 | Mob: 087 255 9818 or 087 258 8370 Email: info@audsleyroofing.ie

Telephone: 087 7430 336

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Suirside Construction

Dublin Office: Tel: 01-2944572 Waterford Office: Tel: 051-323790 Email: liam@logicelectrical.ie Mobile: 086-0484340 Web: www.logicelectrical.ie

INSTALLERS OF COMMERCIAL FLOORING AND FLOORING SOLUTIONS FOR THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Unit 5, Sixcross Roads Business Park, Waterford Contact Bernard Wyse on 087 2311122

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Suirside Construction Best Wishes and Continued Success to Suirside Constrtion

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Suirside Construction

COLM KEHOE

OLIVER MURPHY

Insurance Brokers Limited THE BUILDERS BROKER SINCE 1996 Gladstone House, 50 The Quay, Waterford tel: 051 – 841766 | fax: 051 – 843309 email: info@olivermurphy.ie

PLASTERING PLASTERING

Regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland | Proud BLD Member 2020

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Suirside Construction

Ballykerogue, Campile, New Ross, Co. Wexford Tel: 087 6115299 Email: colm.kehoe01@gmail.com

✆ +353 (0)51448855 Telephone: +353 (0)51448855✉ mail@ompl.ie Email: mail@ompl.ie

ALL ASPECTS OF PLASTERING COVERED INTERNAL | EXTERNAL

OMPL are a Mechanical Engineering Company engaged

OMPL are a Mechanical Engineering Company engaged in a wide range of Commercial, in a wide range of Commercial, Pharmaceutical Pharmaceutical and Large Scale Residential Projects, specialising in Energy Efficient Installations.

and

Large Scale Residential Projects, specialising in Energy Efficient Installations.

57

Building Ireland

The Baltinglass Primary Care Project

CLIENT SATISFACTION A GIVEN WITH MACKEE CONSTRUCTION Mackee Construction Ltd has earned a stellar reputation for delivering a series of outstanding healthcare projects across Ireland but, as we discovered when we travelled to West Cork to meet director JP Keane, the versatile and highly-skilled company consistently brings optimal levels of workmanship to bear on a diverse range of commercial and residential works.

Building Ireland

58

Site work at Carnew Nursing Home

B

oasting 20 years of experience and expertise, Mackee Construction is an industry-leading general building company based in West Cork. Fronted by Bantry

native JP Keane and Bandon man Con McNamara, Mackee is renowned island-wide for delivering high-quality projects across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, leisure and residential.

Mackee Construction consistently delivers optimal levels of workmanshiip

59

Building Ireland

The Carnew Nursing Home Project At the time of writing this, Mackee have two major healthcare projects under construction, one in Baltinglass, County Wicklow a state of the art 18,600 sq. ft. Primary Care Centre development which includes an ambulance base, GP headquarters with health related accommodation, GP suites, offices and staff facilities, due for completion in early November 2020. The second is a 90 bed nursing home adjacent to a newly constructed Primary Care Centre completed by Mackee in 2016.

The Baltinglass development site also consists of 64 residential units (comprising of the redevelopment of Rathcoran House an old presentation convent converting into 16 apartments

along with the new build of 40 houses). Mackee are proud to be chosen as Remcoll Group’s preferred building partners. Remcoll have developed and delivered numerous social and affordable accommodation units across many counties in Ireland.

Remcoll are passionate about preserving the heritage of sites that they have developed including their Skibbereen site which was recently partially destroyed in a fire, however within hours Mackee Construction had their team of specialists on site to stabilise and secure the remaining structure of the Sisters of Mercy Chapel and Convent to prevent further collapse.

Mackee Construction boasts an

Delivering outstanding healthcare projects

Building Ireland

60

excellent track record of successfully completing large scale projects over the years and have worked island-wide with the Remcoll Group on multiple projects.

“Currently our teams are working on the 64 social housing units in Baltinglass.

Remcoll are delivering 56 units to Respond Housing Body and 8 to the Peter McVerry Trust, we also have addition teams delivering 42 housing units in Sneem, Kerry which is a restoration of a ghost estate that has been lying idle since 2008. So, all in all, we have plenty going on right now.”

Meanwhile, the 90-bed nursing home facility in Carnew will cater for up to 90 residents, over an area of 3,753 square metres adjacent to Carnew Primary Care Centre on the Gorey Road. This site is one that Mackee’s team are very familiar with as they completed the Carnew Primary Care Centre in 2016 – a two storey building with 1,232 square metres of floor space. The project included a health centre, clinic, health related units, staff offices and meeting rooms. “The nursing home in Carnew will be the largest and most modern in the area,” JP notes. “We started on site in June and it’s a twelve-month programme so we should be out of there in the middle of 2021. Baltinglass Primary Care Centre is close to completion and will be handed over any day now.”

Mackee are generating direct employment for a team of 30 and with up to 200 personnel on site at any given time, Mackee Construction are also working on a number of other projects at present, including a novel new sports hall at Mount Mercy College in Cork city and the completion of 42 houses in a ghost estate in Sneem, (having previously carried out similar projects for private clients in counties Tipperary and Roscommon) not to mention various one-off houses around County Cork.

“The sports hall at Mount Mercy College is an unusual build in that it’s a prefabricated metal frame structure made by Sprung – with a cladded roof – it is coming from Canada,” JP continues. “It’s kind of like slicing an egg in half lengthways, an oval building looking at it from the sky with the roof curving down to the ground and no walls.”

With the flexibility and expertise to complete any construction project, residential or commercial, large or small, from a new build or restoration to maintenance or even stove installations, Mackee’s dedicated, hardworking team

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Mackee Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Mackee Construction

DOMESTIC ◆ COMMERCIAL ◆ AGRICULTURAL ◆ MAINTENANCE ◆ NETWORK CABLING ◆ FIRE ALARMS ◆ CCTV ◆ EMERGENCY LIGHTING

Kiltilly, Bunclody, Co.Wexford, Y21TP98 Phone: David on 087 090 3975 or Gerard on 087 291 7784 Email: davybolger@yahoo.ie

Tel (Ian): 086 6084024 | Tel (Frank): 087 2510923 Email: info@doylebros.ie

Best wishes to John and all the team at MacKee Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Mackee Construction

• In-Situ Concrete Structures • Formwork Solutions • Concrete Place & Finish • Reinforcement Fixing • RC Structural Elements • Super Flat RC Floors

E: garrett@gredorwood.ie E:diarmuid@gredorwood.ie Tel: 087 6618081 Tel: 087 2064427 Web: www.gredorwood.ie

Phone: 053 9389285 | Email: info@ercon.ie Ballyrea, Wells, Gorey, Wexford

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Mackee Construction

Best wishes and Continued Success to

MACKEE CONSTRUCTION LTD.

DEMPSEY PLANT HIRE

Est 1955

ALL EARTH MOVING & SITE DEVELOPMENT ROCKBREAKING LAND DRAINAGE

Best Wishes to Mackee Construction

Smith Groundworks & Civil Engineering

Tel: 053-9136264 E: dempseyplanthire@hotmail.com M: 087-2632339 or 087-2320517 Bridge Street, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow smithgroundworks@gmail.com

Meelnagh, Oulart, Gorey, Co. Wexford

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Building Ireland

A state of the art 18,600 sq. ft. Primary Care Centre offer high standards of craftsmanship, knowledge, value for money and quality of work. The directors are hands-on and the keenest attention to detail is a given on every project undertaken, from start to finish.

“We project manage the work ourselves, I have been a permanent fixture in Wicklow for the past number of months. Thankfully, it’s been a very busy year for us even with coronavirus, it’s surprisingly difficult to source labour at the moment, it’s a strange time we are in.

“However, we have excellent staff working with us, both in-house and subcontractors, they all play a key role

in the success of our company. We recruit local staff with local knowledge as you cannot beat that, also it is very important to us knowing that we are supporting the economy in rural villages and communities.”

As for the qualities and attributes that have seen Mackee Construction assume a place at the forefront of the industry over the past 20 years, JP replies: “Hard work is key, obviously, and proving your commitment to your client. Understanding the client’s needs and trying to fulfil those needs. Some contractors are only in it for one job and will come in at a low price, but we are more level-headed and grounded going

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Mackee Construction

LK TILING

Ceramic - Porcelain - Marble - Stone

Lar Kelly 086 - 8443215 Email: larkelly79@hotmail.com Garrettstown, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow

Building Ireland

62

in and are always looking at the next job and the bigger picture. You need to be consistently able to meet client expectations and leave strong work behind you.”

While getting projects over the line on time has always been a strength of Mackee Construction, the volatile marketplace that has prevailed since March means this can no longer be guaranteed for obvious reasons.

“Obviously, you are going to do your level best to finish every job within the programme, but to an extent the status quo has gone out the window,” JP concludes. “Everyone is doing their best in uncertain times. We are fully Covid-19 compliant and we are leaving no stone unturned to make sure everybody is 100% safe and satisfied.

It’s more difficult now to meet deadlines than ever before, though. There was a skim / plaster shortage from July until September, when it was being rationed, and now it’s timber along with the many other things Covid brings. There’s something different coming along every week but we are adapting to it and remain fully focussed on project delivery and client satisfaction.”

Mackee Construction Ltd., Bandon and Bantry, County Cork.

Tel: 023 8843282 Email: info@mackeeconstruction.ie

Specialising in one-off house builds, extensions and renovations

JOHN FRAZER BUILDING CONTRACTOR CELEBRATES 25 YEARS The phrase ‘small is beautiful’ could apply to Portlaoise-based John Frazer Building Contractor which puts quality before quantity when it comes to new one-off house builds, extensions and renovations.

I

f you’re thinking of building your dream home or maybe extending or renovating your current home, then look no further than John Frazer Building Contractor which is one of the leading contractors of its

kind in the midlands.

Celebrating 25 years in business, the family-run business specialises in building top quality new homes and extensions. Other services provided include attic conversions,

John Frazer Building Contractor puts quality before quantity

63

plastering, groundworks on new projects, insurance claims, roofing and renovations. The contractor’s reputation for quality construction and ability to complete projects on time and within budget is borne out by the amount of repeat business and referrals it receives from satisfied clients.

John Frazer has over 30 years’ experience as a builder. He served his time as a master plasterer before taking over his late father John Snr’s business, John Frazer Plastering Contractors, and progressed from there to become a building contractor.

Over the past quarter-of-a-century, he has worked with some of the leading architects in Leinster to deliver the highest quality construction to his clients.

Exceptional workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a

Building Ireland

commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of John Frazer Building Contractor. Health & Safety is at the core of the business, and never more so than in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. From concept to completion, John is with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new home is designed and built to your specific needs, and that there are no hidden or extra costs involved.

“We’re well-known and well-respected in the midlands,” he says.

“We’re based in Portlaoise and serve Laois as well as the surrounding counties of Offaly, Carlow and Kildare.

As specialists in one-off residential house builds, we offer a full service from groundworks to plastering to roofing. Our workmanship is top quality and only the very best of materials go into every house we build. We don’t cut corners and never finish a job without ensuring that everything is clean and tidy. We take great pride in every aspect of what we do.”

John spends all of his time onsite making sure everything is done correctly.

“I’m a very hands-on person and am always onsite. That way I know the job is being done right and that I’m on top of everything,” he explains.

The affable builder employs a small team of block-layers, plasterers and labourers, and uses the same tried and trusted sub-contractors. He is happy to keep his business the size it is as he believes going bigger would compromise the quality of his work.

“I’ve had opportunities in the past to buy and develop sites, but I prefer to keep things small. That way you can make sure that things don’t get out of control, there’s less hassle and there’s probably more money in it as well,” he continues.

“We have four or five lads working directly for us and we’re very lucky to have them because good tradesmen are scarce at the moment. We all get along and work well as a team.

“We build upwards of three one-off houses a year and also do a lot of extensions and renovation jobs. We’re never short of work with most of it being secured through word of mouth or referrals from the architects and engineers we collaborate with and have a very good working relationship with.”

The COVID-19 crisis has proved challenging for all builders, including John who ensures that his team

Building Ireland

The firm serve Laois as well as the surrounding counties of Offaly, Carlow and Kildare

One of the leading contractors of its kind in the midlands

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follows all the relevant Health & Safety guidelines and takes all the necessary precautions at all times.

John would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients for their continued support and his staff for their skill, hard work and dedication. Here’s to the next 25 years of this highlyregarded building contractor! Call today Best Wishes and Continued Success Best Wishes Continued toand John Frazer Success to John Frazer

BOWE & & SONS SONS BOWE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Industrial •• Domestic •• Industrial Domestic

Underfloor heating installed on a new build for a free quotation.

Member Member C2 Reg. C2 Reg.

Stradbally, Co. Laois Stradbally, Co. Laois Home: 057 862 5316 057|862 5316 Eugene: 087Home: 250 4226 Paddy: 086 304 3622 Eugene: 087 250 4226 | Paddy: 086 304 3622 Email: boweelectcont@gmail.com Email: boweelectcont@gmail.com

John Frazer Building Contractor Dysart, Portlaoise,

Co. Laois.

Telephone: 087 2367537 (John) / 085 8239225 (Damien) Email: johnfrazerconstruction@gmail. com

Best Wishes and Continued Success to John Frazer Best Wishes and Continued Success to John Frazer

Best Wishes and Continued Success to John Frazer Best Wishes and Continued Success to John Frazer

PLASTERING CONTRACTOR

Telephone: Telephone:087 0871409 1409083 083 Email: info@jkcarpentry.ie Email: info@jkcarpentry.ie

DAVID MURPHY PLASTERING CONTRACTOR

Monasterevin, Monasterevin, Co. Co. Kildare Kildare Telephone: 087 Telephone: 087 1486129 1486129 Email: dmurphyplastering@outlook.com dmurphyplastering@outlook.com Email:

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Telephone: 086 260 4718 Telephone: 086 260 4718

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Building Ireland

Durkin Bros Ltd is a leading electrical contracting firm

DURKIN BROS LTD CELEBRATES 45 YEARS Based in Gurteen, Co. Sligo, Durkin Bros Ltd is a leading electrical contracting firm specialising in domestic and commercial work. The company prides itself in delivering a professional, reliable and affordable service to its customers.

S

ince 1975, domestic and commercial clients countrywide have trusted Durkin Bros Ltd to deliver exceptional, safe and efficient electrical solutions at a fair price. The familyrun business offers a diverse range of services from residential developments to large-scale commercial, industrial and educational projects. The company’s goal is to undertake all projects in a professional and constructive manner, while its commitment to quality and workmanship is of the highest standard.

Together with its partners, Durkin Bros Ltd provides the following electrical services: new builds, extensions and renovations in domestic installations;

Building Ireland

commercial and industrial projects; general and emergency lighting; fire alarms; disabled refuge systems; voice and data systems; access control systems; CCTV systems; intruder alarm systems; TV systems; PA systems; nurse call systems; UPS systems; PV solar systems; lighting protection systems; upgrades to LED lighting; emergency lighting and fire alarm maintenance; periodic inspection reports; annual inspections; operation and maintenance manuals; wall chasing.

Durkin Bros Ltd has been built on the reputation and integrity of the Durkin family over the past 45 years. From humble beginnings, the AECI, RECI and Safe Electric certified company has grown to employ 25 staff directly and can employ a further 60 subcontractors at any one time. The contractor’s electricians are highly-skilled and creative people who take great pride in

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their work.

“The company was founded by my father Tommy and his brother Michael,” explains project manager Aiden Durkin.

“While Michael is now retired, Tommy is still involved as managing director. My brother Robert is also a site foreman with the company. Being a family business, we’re able to offer our customers the personal touch that you don’t get from larger organisations. We’ll go the extra mile for them if we have to.

“We provide a quality, punctual and value-for-money service, and have a great team who are passionate about what they do. Our proven ability to complete projects on time and within budget is borne out by the large volume of repeat business we receive. No job is too big or too small.”

The Sligo-based concern has carried out numerous substantial projects in the residential, commercial, industrial, retail,

Ballymote Primary Care Centre healthcare and educational sectors, and enjoys an excellent working relationship with some of the country’s leading

construction firms, including Sammon Developments, JJ Rhatigan and Glenman Corporation.

Caiseal Geal Nursing Home

St Olivers Post Primary School

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Past projects include Scoil Naomh Molaise in Grange, Co. Sligo, St. Oliver’s Post Primary School in Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Homeland in Sligo, Nazareth House residential units in Sligo, Caltragh housing development in Caltragh, Co. Sligo, Manorhamilton Primary Care Centre, Ballinrobe Primary Care Centre, JJ Ward & Sons Topline in Roscommon, Abbeyfield Hotel in Ballaghaderreen, Sligo Park Hotel, Clarion Village apartments in Sligo, Palmerston Community School in Dublin, Scoil Mhuire in Strokestown, Oakwood Nursing Home in Ballaghaderreen, Ballymote Primary Care Centre, St Matthew’s Post Primary School in Ballymahon, Ballyhaunis Community School, Dorrin’s Strand residential development in Strandhill, Landmark Hotel in Carrickon-Shannon, Bailey’s Nursing Home in Tubbercurry, Summerhill Lodge in Carrick-on-Shannon, Coosan Primary School in Athlone, Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam, Duffy’s SuperValu in Ballaghaderreen, Sligo Racecourse, Caiseal Geal Nursing Home in Castlegar and OPW administration offices in Sligo.

Durkin Bros Ltd recently completed its largest-ever school contract at the new €20.8 million Colaiste Chiarain in Athlone. JJ Rhatigan was the main contractor on the project which consisted of the design and build of a new threestorey 10,000m2 post primary school building, associated car parking access road, demolition of existing school and associate storage and auxiliary buildings. Works also included the relocation of the existing prefabricated school building for the duration of the school construction, construction

Building Ireland

of external ball courts, landscaping, connection to public services and all associated siteworks. The client was the Department of Education & Skills.

“We were awarded the full electrical package, including security, lighting and BMS systems, for this project which took a year to complete. We had a crew of up to 40 working onsite,” Aiden says.

The company has also just completed electrical works on 14 apartments at Cartron Road in Sligo on behalf of Sligo County Council and on the new threestorey Sligo Credit Union, which was formerly the Clarence Hotel. Sammon Developments was the main contractor on these projects.

In addition, Durkin Bros Ltd was the electrical contractor on a 33-unit social housing scheme for Westmeath County Council at Arcadia in Athlone which was completed within a few weeks of the national lockdown being lifted in May. Glenman Corporation was the main contractor on this project.

Wards Topline

Best Wishes to Garry Best Wishes & Continued Success Best Wishes to Garry Best Wishes & Continued Success

and everyone at Las to Durkin Bros Wishing Continued success toLtd. allRadas in Flancare and everyone at Las to Durkin Bros Wishing Continued success toLtd. allRadas in Flancare

Athlone, Co.Roscommon • Tel: 090 64 93488 20+ years in business Athlone, Co.Roscommon • Tel: 090 64 93488 20+ years in business

Grange, Co. Sligo

Services

Security Services Systems Designed, SecuritySystems Systems Designed, Security including Developed & Perfected for Home Business Security Systems including Best Wishes to and Garry Health & Safety has always been Developed & Perfected forAlarms Home and Business Best Wishes to Garry •and Burglar Best Wishes Garry everyone attoLas Radas WishesattoLas Garry •and Burglar Alarms andBest everyone Radas paramount everyone at Las Radas • Fire Alarms Burglar Alarms Access Controland everyone at Las Radasat Durkin Bros Ltd and • Fire --Alarms Burglar Alarms Access Control never more so than in the wake of the CCTV - IP & HD••CCTV CCTVSystems - IP •&Access HD CCTV Systems COVID-19 outbreak. The firm places a Control Automated Gates & Barriers - Fire Alarms • Access Control Automated Gates &and Barriers - Fire Alarms • Monitoring Maintenance strong emphasis on Health & Safety and • Monitoring Maintenance - Audioand & Video - Audio & Video• Tel: 090 64 93488 conducts its business with a safety-first Athlone, Co.Roscommon Athlone, Co.Roscommon • Tel: 090 64 93488 Intercoms - And More Athlone, Co.Roscommon • Tel: 090 64 93488 Athlone, Co.Roscommon • Tel: 090 64 93488 policy.

Intercoms - And More Services Services

Services including Security Systems Services Aiden concludes by saying: “We Security Systems including Security Systems including Tel: 090 64 93488/087 247 4000 Alarms • Burglar Systems including Tel: 090 64 93488/087 247 4000 Alarms Security • Burglar Alarms • Burglar would like to take this opportunity to • Fire Alarms Email: info@xtrasecurity.ie • Burglar Alarms • Fire Alarms • Fire Alarms Email: info@xtrasecurity.ie • Fire Alarmsour customers and suppliers for thank Web: www.xtrasecurity.ie •• CCTV • CCTV CCTV Web: www.xtrasecurity.ie • Access Control • CCTV • Access Control their support and loyalty, and our staff Athlone, Co. Roscommon • Access • Monitoring andControl Maintenance • Access Control Athlone, Co. Roscommon • Monitoring and Maintenance • Monitoring and Maintenance

skill, hard • Monitoringfor andtheir Maintenance

work and dedication.

Here’s hoping the next 45 years will be just as successful.”

Durkin Bros Ltd Kilfree, Gurteen, Co. Sligo F56 XH48.

Telephone: 071 9182165 Email: info@durkinelectrical.ie Web: www.durkinelectrical.ie

Congratulations on Congratulations on 45 years in business, 45 years in business, and continued success and continued success to Durkin Brothers Ltd. to Durkin Brothers Ltd. from CEF from CEF

Duncan’s Island Business Centre, Finisklin Rd, Cartron, Far Finisklin, Co. Sligo Duncan’s Island Business Centre, Finisklin Rd, Cartron, Far Finisklin, Co. Sligo Phone: (071) 915 1820 | www.cefltd.ie Phone: (071) 915 1820 | www.cefltd.ie

Building Ireland

Sligo Race Course

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Best Wishes and Continued Success to Durkin Bros Ltd.

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Durkin Bros Ltd

Collooney, Co. Sligo, F91 N8PE Telephone: 1800 938 881 Email: info@powerrightalarms.com Web: www.powerright.ie

Sammon Developments Ltd. Killaneen, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. N41 YK50 Tel: 071 9644911 Mobile: 087 9109623 Email: info@sammondevelopments.com Web: www.sammondevelopments.com Best Wishes and Continued Success to Durkin Bros Ltd

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Durkin Bros Ltd

Providing complete mechanical services and maintenance solutions serving Industrial, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, IT, Commercial and Public Works sectors ◆ CONSTRUCTION ◆ MAINTENANCE ◆ DESIGN AND BUILD ◆ QUALITY ASSURANCE

PJ TREACY & SONS LTD

Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Tempo Road Business Park | Tempo Road Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 6HR

Eastpoint Business Park, Dublin Road, Loughrea, Co. Galway Phone: 091 880340 | Fax: 091 880341 Email: info@doconnor.ie | Web: www.doconnor.ie

Tel. 0044 028 6632 8100 / 028 6632 6747 Fax. 0044 028 6632 6145 Email. info@pjtreacy.com | www.pjtreacy.com/

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Building Ireland

Offering an extensive range of high-quality building services

OUTSTANDING WORKMANSHIP AT A GREAT PRICE

Based in Co. Wexford, Greyville Ltd provides a wide range of building services to home owners and commercial businesses throughout Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow.

From concept to completion Alan and his team are with you every step of the way

Building Ireland

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W

hile the company was founded in 2013, owners Alan, Kenneth and Edward have over 60 years combined experience in the building trade and have successfully completed numerous projects in that time. Greyville Ltd offers an extensive range of highquality building services, including new builds, general building services, groundworks, house extensions, house renovations, conversions and commercial construction. Its goal is to provide a professional service to customers without compromising on quality.

The contractor’s reputation for quality construction and ability to complete projects on time and within budget is borne out by high volume of repeat business and referrals it receives from satisfied clients along the east coast.

Outstanding workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of Greyville Ltd. Health & Safety is at the core of the business, and never more so than in the wake of the

COVID-19 outbreak. From concept to completion, Alan and his team are with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs, and that there are no hidden or extra costs involved.

“We’re a small, family-run business that prides itself on providing exceptional workmanship at a great price,” Alan says.

“We have eight lads with us. We subcontract work to other tradesmen such as plasterers, electricians, roofers and plumbers. By employing highly-skilled people, working closely with leading architects and engineers, and using only the very best building products, we’re able to deliver the highest quality construction to our customers.”

He continues: “We offer the complete package to both domestic and commercial customers alike. Our main focus at the moment is on new one-off house builds, extensions and renovations. We take great pride in our work and this is reflected in the high number of referrals we get. The vast majority of our work is secured through word of mouth, while we also find advertising on Tradesman.ie to be a good way of getting noticed.”

If you’re thinking of building your dream home or maybe extending or renovating your current premises, then look no further than Greyville Ltd which has a wealth of experience in this area. The contractor is currently constructing new one-off houses in Newtownmountkennedy,

Enniskerry and Ranelagh and is also carrying out extensions / renovations to homes in Bray, Wicklow Town and Mayglass, Co. Wexford.

“We are an experienced, reliable and trusted contractor that can complete your construction project on time and within budget,” the affable company director explains.

“Our strengths lie in our commitment to the highest of building standards, our exemplary safety record, our collaborative and professional approach and, ultimately, our insistence on delivering superb results every time.

“Whether working for you as the main contractor or collaborating with other construction crews, it is our professionalism, cost-conscious approach and our adherence to safe practices that make us a leader in our field.”

Two years ago, the company featured on the popular RTÉ TV programme, The Great House Revival, which sees architect Hugh Wallace follow homeowners who take on the task of transforming derelict properties into fabulous homes fit for the 21st century.

The Greyville team were enlisted to help Eric and Goretti Foreau restore an old derelict farmhouse and agricultural buildings they purchased in Ballinaclash, Co. Wicklow to their former glory. A living space of one large open plan space and a second smaller living room was created downstairs in the farmhouse, while a large ensuite bedroom and second guest bedroom

Providing a professional service to customers without compromising on quality

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Building Ireland

the club won back-to-back Wexford senior hurling championships in 2015 and ’16 as well as a first Leinster club hurling title in 2015. Oulart had heartbreakingly lost four Leinster finals before finally breaking their duck with a long overdue victory over Dublin champions Cuala in the decider.

Despite being short a number of regulars, the home club of 1996 Wexford All-Ireland winners Martin Storey and Liam Dunne reached the semi-finals of this year’s Wexford senior hurling championship, only to suffer a last-gasp defeat to Naomh Eanna.

Call Greyville Ltd today for a free noobligation quotation or to discuss the services it has to offer.

Another home completed on time and within budget was constructed upstairs.

“We got great publicity from doing that show. A lot of people would remember you from being on the telly!” Alan smiles.

Like most businesses in Ireland, Greyville Ltd was impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown earlier this year. However, business remains brisk and the company has a full order book up to the early months of 2021.

“The coronavirus has caused a lot of uncertainty and has led to additional

Health & Safety costs, but we’re kept busy and have a fair bit of work ahead of us.”

When he’s not working, Alan can usually be found down in his local hurling pitch in Oulart-The Ballagh either training the U15s or working with the seniors. He served as a selector when

Attention to detail is evident in all Greyville Ltd work

Building Ireland

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Greyville Ltd Kyle Meadow, Oulart, Gorey, Co. Wexford.

Telephone: 053 9136934 / 087 6092987 Email: info@greyvilleconstruction.ie Web: www.greyvilleconstruction.ie

Best of Luck to Alan and Ken

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Best Wishes and Continued Success to Greyville Construction

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Building Ireland

Ellistown House

QUALITY ASSURED AT P&M BURKE LTD A business with a glowing reputation, P & M Burke Ltd specialises in one-off housing and renovation work around the Leinster region. Building Ireland touched base with company codirector Pat Burke to learn more about the Co Kildare-based firm.

High level finishes are are a trademark of P&M Burke

Building Ireland

P & M Burke Ltd specialises in one-off housing

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B

usiness is thriving right now at P & M Burke Ltd and the plan for directors Pat and Martin Burke is to keep things that way right through to 2021.

Based in Tankardsgarden just outside of Newbridge, the company specialises in building one-off houses all around Co Kildare and has developed a proud reputation for high quality work down through the years.

Pat Burke himself has been immersed in the construction industry for a quarter of a century now and the Burke name has been renowned for producing quality projects all around the Leinster region for some time now.

Building Ireland touched base with Pat himself to learn all about the business and some of its current projects around Kildare.

“I’m at it 25 years now and my son Martin is a director with me now. We’re 50/50 in this business together,” Pat outlined.

“Right now, we are employing five direct staff and it’s mostly one-off houses and renovation work that we’re concentrating on at the minute.”

Since becoming a Limited company last year, P & M Burke Ltd’s books have been full to the point where they haven’t had an idle day.

Government lockdown this past Spring was the exception however, as the company was forced to close down for the best part of 10 weeks.

However, since May 18th, they’ve been flat out with several projects and the plan is to keep things the way right through to next year.

“We are very busy at the moment,” Pat stated. “Right now, we are on three different house projects and we have more lined up after that, so we can’t

A stunning house at Athgarvan

A refurbishment at Chapel Lane, Newbridge complain.

“Lockdown saw us shutdown overnight in March for more than eight weeks, but we’ve been busy here ever since and hopefully that will continue for us going forward.”

Pat and his son Martin are certainly

Producing quality projects all around the Leinster region

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intent on making the most of the busy time with plans to grow the company further in 2021.

Pat himself has vast experience in the construction industry, having previously worked for well-known developer Jack Tierney.

A project nearing completion in Straffan

Building Ireland

advert 90x90mm:Layout & 1 08/10/2019 16:31 Page 1Burke Congratulations Best Wishes to P&M

He worked for the former construction giant for years before taking the decision to go out on his own 25 years ago, and now he and his son run their own business venture together.

Martin Burke followed his father into the industry, having previously spent a stint abroad to help him learn his trade and contribute new ideas to the company.

“My son is 30 years of age now and he previously served his time as a carpenter,” Pat outlined.

“He’s been working with me since he was 18. He spent two years working in Australia, which was a good experience for him and, since he’s come back, he’s been with me and we’re now running the company together.”

It seems the father/son partnership has hit the ground running in spite of some of the early challenges they’ve had to face so far.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected businesses throughout Ireland regardless of what industry they may be in but, since the lifting of government lockdown on May 18th, P & M Burke Ltd have been ‘flat out’ with different projects in and around Kildare.

“We’re building a couple of one-off houses around Kildare at the moment,”

Ltd

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Tel: 071 963 1066 Web: www.lloydsinsurances.ie • Email: info@lloydsinsurances.ie Lloyds Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland Refurbishment work to exacting standards

BOLAND STEEL Best Wishes and Continued Success to P&M Burke Ltd.

Best Wishes and Continued Success to P&M Burke Ltd.

MP B

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Building Ireland

Tel: 087 7701555 / 045 526569 Email: ploakman@gmail.com Seai & C2 Registered

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said Pat. “We’ve one on-going in Straffan, another in Milltown and then we’ve one more just outside of Naas, so they’re keeping us busy for the next while.

“We don’t really advertise, so I suppose our clients are getting in touch with us through word of mouth, which is always a good sign.”

In the business 25 years now, Pat himself knows a thing or two about the building business, especially around his native Kildare where the Burke name is associated with quality work in one-off houses and renovation projects.

So, what has been the secret to his company’s longevity and ultimate success down through the years?

“I suppose a lot of it is down to the fact that we leave a good finish on all of our projects here,” he said.

“That and the fact that we have always had a good relationship with our clients over the years, which I think counts for a lot.”

Going forward Pat and his son will look to grow the company and hopefully

Lovely finish on this Kildare town project avoid another lockdown like the one building firms across the country experienced this past March.

It may be early days for P & M Burke as a Limited outfit, but the company has the perfect blend of youth and experience with Martin and Pat at the helm to succeed for years to come and perhaps expand somewhere along the way as

well.

Watch this space.

P & M Burke Ltd Calbur, Tankardsgarden, Newbridge, Co Kildare Mobile: 086 818 2669 Email: pandmbuild@outlook.ie

advert 90x90mm:Layout & 1 08/10/2019 16:31 Page 1Burke Congratulations Best Wishes to P&M

Ltd

TALK TO US TO GET A QUOTE ON ALL CLASSES OF INSURANCE INCLUDING

HOME INSURANCE BUSINESS INSURANCE FARM INSURANCE BUILDER’S INSURANCE BUIDERS INSURANCE OR TALK TO ONE OF OUR FINANCIAL ADVISORS ABOUT

LIFE INSURANCE PENSIONS SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS INCOME PROTECTION

Tel: 071 963 1066 Web: www.lloydsinsurances.ie • Email: info@lloydsinsurances.ie Lloyds Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

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Best Wishes and Continued Success toBuilding P&M Burke Ireland Ltd.

MP B

MOORES BUILDERS PROVIDERS

B

Before and after shots of a farmhouse project in Ballincarrig

CARLOW’S RENOVATION AND EXTENSION SPECIALISTS Based in Carlow Town, Ryan Building Contractors Ltd is a family-run company which provides its clients with a wide range of professional services. Building Ireland touched base with co-director James Ryan, who is one of three brothers running the business, to learn more.

B

usiness is good right now at Ryan Building Contractors Ltd and the plan for the Ryan clan down in Carlow Town is

to keep things that way right through to 2021.

Owned by brothers Tom, Mick and James Ryan, all three men have been immersed in the construction industry since the mid-1990s and today their company prides itself on providing a wide range of professional services and being able to link these together to give a service which is a step above their

Commercial renovations with Toyota Long Mile, Dublin

Building Ireland

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competitors.

Established in April 2014, Ryan Building Contractors Ltd today employs eight fulltime staff and specialises in large house renovations and extension work.

Building Ireland learned all the details about the company – from its origins to the state of business at the moment – from co-director James Ryan recently.

“We had all been working with large construction companies in Leinster

since graduating from college until they unfortunately closed in 2010 due to the economic downturn,” explained James.

“We then started our own sole trader companies during the recession, doing smaller jobs such as renovating bathrooms and kitchens which quite quickly turned to full house renovations.

“We decided then to join forces in April 2014 and form the limited company Ryan Building Contractors Ltd. “We hit the ground running as a limited company after winning a few very large contracts such as farmhouse renovations and commercial renovations with Toyota Ireland and Volkswagen.

“Usually, we try and keep three large projects running at one time with one of us on each job but find that we also always seem to have a few smaller side jobs running too.”

James also outlined that large house renovations and extension work is the company’s forte nowadays above all else.

As it stands, Ryan Building Contractors Ltd offers services in new builds, renovations, extensions and shop fitting to counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Waterford, Kildare, Wicklow and Dublin.

“Our bread and butter here would really be renovations and extensions,” said James.

“We specialise in all above and I’d like to think that we have a good name when it comes to renovation and extension work all around the Leinster region here.”

Recent times have saw James’s son Jamie and his father Michael come on board with the company, as the family’s third generation begin to filter through at 44 Castle Hill.

Jamie comes in at a time when Ryan Building Contractors Ltd has never been busier, despite the current challenges out there at the minute.

Business has been booming since lockdown was lifted on May 18th – and even before it was initially imposed by the Irish government this past March in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re always busy, but for some reason from January this year we’ve been very busy,” said James.

“E-mails were coming in during the Christmas break and we were busy from the word go at the start of 2020. When lockdown came, we just had to close down the sites and get on with it.

“I’d a lot of work to do on my own house at the time and I suppose the other good

thing was that we are not a big company and it wasn’t a case of us having 40 lads on site or whatever, so it’s not too bad.”

Indeed, the company has been ‘flat out’ since getting back out onto the sites in mid-May. At the minute, there are a couple of ongoing projects in and around Carlow town and two very large jobs just about to start next week in Kildare and Gorey.

“Right now, we’re renovating a house in Hanover in Carlow that was built in 1933,” said James.

“It’s a complete gut out with re-plumbing, re-wiring, Isover optima insulation system to all external walls and a small extension out to the rear.

“Mick was at a renovation of a house on Killeshin Road in Carlow recently, which was a full renovation on the inside of the house with the addition of two extensions to the rear. Tom is at the end of a large kitchen extension to the rear of a house in Larkfield and renovating a large part of the rest of the house also and he’s also renovating three houses for Tintean voluntary housing association so we have quite a few projects ongoing at the moment for us.”

It seems the company has had a quick rise since becoming Limited six years

A refurbishment in Devoys

Ryan Building Contractors Ltd is a family-run company

All the old features and finishes were retained on this beautiful barn conversion

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Building Ireland

A stunning extension project in Sandyford ago, so what has been the secret to success?

For James, a lot of it comes down to consistent quality of work and the reputation that goes along with it.

“It’s word of mouth really,” he stated plainly.

“We have actually won a few decent jobs in the past few years where we found out afterwards that we were not the cheapest price but that we were chosen because we came with high recommendations from earlier clients which is very nice to hear and then motivates you even more to deliver a high quality finish, so you can see why

it’s important.

“We’ve a good reputation for the work we’ve done around Carlow over the years and even into Kildare and Dublin, but not as much as previous years.

“The motto here is to just get the job done right at all costs because it’s better than going back two or three times to fix it afterwards.”

Looking towards the months ahead, the company’s co-director is keen for more of the same with regards to the rate of business since back at the beginning of the summer.

2021 looks hard to predict at this stage, but Ryan Building Contractors Ltd remain as optimistic as ever.

“It’s very busy in Ireland at the minute,” James beamed.

“Come Christmas time, hopefully it will keep going the way it is now and the way it has been since last January.

“We started here really in 2011; in the height of the biggest recession ever and came through it without ever having an idle day so, hopefully we’ll be equipped for whatever else is set to come our way.

“I would just like to use this

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Ryan Contractors

opportunity I suppose to say a big thanks to the main crew that have been with us over the last few years, our father Michael who at 73 would put it up to any young lad on the site. Also theirs Damien Hutton, Janis Zemetris, Jamie Ryan, Karol Ledowski and all the subcontractors that have been battling hard over the last number of years to get the jobs over the line.”

Ryan Building Contractors Ltd will manage your job professionally, delivering your finished product on time and within budget. So why not give them a call today?

Ryan Building Contractors Ltd 44 Castlehill, Carlow Town, Co Carlow Phone: 059 9176452 James 085 178 8643 Michael 086 8262435 Tom 085 281 0442 Email: info@rbcltd.ie Web: www.rbcltd.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to JMT Ryan Building Contractors Ltd

Our wide-ranging services include: • Personal Injuries • Family Law • Medical Negligence • Criminal • Conveyancing • Employment Law • Debt Collection • Wills & Probate • Commercial Litigation 1 Maryborough Street, Graiguecullen, Carlow. R93 P4A9 Telephone: 059-9173247 | Email: joe@fmce.ie | www.fmce.ie Best wishes and Continued Success to Ryan Building Contractors from,

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Ryan Building Contractors

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Building Ireland

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Kieran Projects build top quality new homes

BUILDING DREAM HOMES IN THE NORTH-EAST Approaching its 10th anniversary, Kieran Projects Ltd has earned an enviable reputation for building top quality new homes in the North-East region. The family-run business also specialises in extensions, refurbishments, civil engineering, plant hire, contracts management, setting out and surveying.

I

f you’re thinking of building your dream home or maybe extending or renovating your current property, then look no further than Kieran Projects which is one of the leading contractors of its kind in the Louth / Meath / Monaghan area.

Based in Tallanstown, Co. Louth, the company prides itself on providing a service that not only meets but exceeds

Building Ireland

its clients’ expectations. Choosing Kieran Projects means choosing a professional builder renowned for exceptional workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and an ability to complete projects on time and within budget in the safest way possible.

Catering for one-off residential clients as well as multiple residential complexes, the contractor’s commitment during your home build journey is 100%. Director Thomas Kieran and his highly-skilled team are with you every block of the way, from the moment they come on board until you walk through the front door for the first time. Their commitment comes from taking pride in the quality homes they build, along with the satisfaction of

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helping people realise their ideal home.

While Thomas has worked in the construction sector for the past 25 years, his involvement goes back much further. “I was mentored by my father Joe Kieran, who is a carpenter site manager with Archtree Developments in Dublin, from birth,” he explains.

“He had me on sites from an early age and instilled a passion for the trade in me. I set up the company in October 2011 and he was involved with me up until about two years ago.”

Thomas received a Diploma in Construction Studies from DkIT in 2004 before furthering his education in DIT, Bolton Street which he graduated from

with an Honours Degree in Construction Economics & Management in 2007.

He worked as a site manager for one of the leading construction firms of the Celtic Tiger era, McCabe Builders, for six years, during which he was involved in high-profile developments for pop stars Ronan Keating and Nicky Byrne.

When the recession hit, he worked as an engineer for Gibson Brothers on civil road construction before going out on his own and overseeing the retrofit insulation of the housing stock for Louth, Meath, Offaly, Sligo, Roscommon, Donegal, Dublin and Wicklow County Councils.

Since 2017, general contracting, and one-off house builds in particular, has been Thomas’ main focus. “I have two or three direct employees and use the same tried and trusted sub-contractors to build about four new houses a year.

The one-off houses we build are usually large-scale and in the region of 3,000 sq. ft. Our catchment area is Louth, Meath and Monaghan, but we’re also branching into North Dublin.

“I coordinate and project manage the entire build. I could be at the drawing table with the structural design engineer or architect one minute and driving the digger the next. You need to be on-site and hands-on to make sure everything is done correctly and to ensure only the best products are used in every build.”

Kieran Projects has a broad portfolio of completed house projects, the most recent of which are in Drumconrath, Co. Meath (x2) and Magheracloone, Co. Monaghan.

“We’ve recently completed a turnkey 2,900 sq. ft. A2-rated house in Magheracloone with geothermal heat recovery, underfloor heating and a builtin hoover system,” Thomas says.

Building Ireland

Exceptional workmanship and an attention to detail

A modern dormer

A turn key house recently completed in Co. Monaghan

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Kieran Projects is approaching its 10th anniversary “We’ve also built a 2,000 sq. ft. A2rated storey-and-a-half style house in Drumconrath on which we collaborated with Paul McMahon Architects. More recently, we’ve built a modern dormer in Drumconrath which was designed by Craft Studio in Monaghan. It comprises AluClad glazing, cedar wood panelling and a zinc roof – a true time grand design.

“We’ve also recently built a twostorey 3,800 sq. ft. A2-rated house with outbuilding, geothermal heat recovery, underfloor heating, triple glazed

windows and a Beam hoover system.”

Kieran Projects is currently constructing five residential townhouses on Main Street, Ardee, Co. Louth. These 1,350 sq. ft. units are A3-rated and feature air-to-water heating systems.

The company is dedicated to maintaining a safe working environment for all employees and ensures best practice in Health & Safety. It has invested heavily in this area since the COVID-19 outbreak with Thomas making sure that his team follows all the relevant guidelines and takes all the

necessary precautions at all times.

Whether it’s for a large-scale development or a small housing project, Kieran Projects has been responsible for establishing and maintaining precise survey control for many years. With architects demanding high tolerances, the Co. Louth contractor understands the importance of setting out to the highest accuracy. With integrated hardware and software systems, it has the technology to digitise coordinates from your design information and input data straight into its instruments.

“We believe in a high standard of work within the agreed timescale and budget.

Most of our work is secured through word of mouth which speaks volumes for the quality of our service,” adds Thomas who concludes by thanking his customers, suppliers, architects, engineers, sub-contractors and staff for their continued support and cooperation.

Kieran Projects Ltd Rathbrist, Tallanstown, Co. Louth.

Telephone: 086 8232198 Email: kieranprojects@gmail.com Web: www.kieranprojects.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Kieran Projects Ltd.

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Kieran Projects

HEAT PUMPS IRELAND Unit 3 Coe’s Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth A91 D1RW Tel: 042 93 38688 | LoCall: 1890 948200 Email: info@heatpumpsireland.com

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Best Wishes and Continued Success to Kieran Projects Ltd

CONSULTING ENGINEERS LTD.

 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING  REPORTING  CIVIL ENGINEERING  ENERGY EFFICIENCY  ASSIGNED CERTIFIER Oriel Hub, Finnabair Industrial Estate, Dundalk, Co. Louth Telephone: +353 86 369 7817 Email: info@thorne.ie | Web: www.thorne.ie

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Building Ireland

IFAC new offices in Carlow

Carlow Hospice

DEBCON – A WINNING COMBINATION In 2004, the Nolan brothers, Brian, Donny and Eamonn established Debcon Construction Ltd, having combined all their wealth of experience in the construction industry to provide a wide range of construction services to a varied client base.

A

s a general building contractor, the Carlow based company offer a wide range of construction services to an ever-increasing customer base.

At the opening of IFAC in Kilkenny

Building Ireland

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Their expertise being in the construction of school projects for the department of education, housing projects for individuals with disabilities and industrial / commercial projects.

At the opening of the Carlow Hospice Development In this month’s edition of Building Ireland magazine, we profile this family run business and speak with Company Director Brian Nolan about the day-today operations of the company. Brian explains that the company employs a team of high-quality tradesmen and that the safety of all employees is paramount to the company’s continued success. Brian is a very much hands on in the day to day operations of the company and also communicating with clients. Brian explains that this personal touch is not a service, which is offered by many of the bigger contractors.

The management team review the progress of each project on a weekly basis and address any issues which may arise. Brian is always happy to work in conjunction with the client architects or consulting engineers to deliver all projects in an agreed timeframe to the highest possible standard.

The majority of Debcon Constructions projects have been in the south east of the country as the company chooses not to tender for projects based in Dublin.

“We don’t really tender for projects in Dublin as we have plenty of work in the south east of the country to keep us busy,” said Brian. “Currently we are very busy, with enough current and future projects to carry us into the second half of 2021.”

The company originally focused on the industrial sector, however, the company secured its first department of education project 2008 and haven’t looked back since. The company have completed approximately 30 school projects to date and this along with industrial projects remains the core of

Ballon NS Carlow

Rathoe NS in Carlow their business today.

The company has a dedicated team of highly skilled employees which plays a massive role in the success of the business. Most of the team have been with the company since the company

started trading back in 2004: “We’re fortunate to have such a fantastic team of loyal employees.”

The company employees a wide range of subcontractors, the majority of core subcontractors have been

St Brigid’s NS in Bagenalstown

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Building Ireland

An industrial project for PB Machine Tech in Bagenalstown with the company for many years this has helped in developing strong relationships and they are aware of the quality of workmanship which is required on each project which is very important for the success of the Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction

Phone: 01 6274103 Phone: 01 6274103 Email: office@galilieoenergy.ie Email: office@galilieoenergy.ie Unit A6, M4 Business Park, Celbridge, Co. Kildare Unit A6, M4 Business Park, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

company.

Brian admits that the sourcing of skilled workers in the construction industry has become something of an issue, which all contractors will be in agreement with: “It is extremely difficult to source skilled workers in the current market. Ever since the last recession a lot of the trades have either emigrated or have retrained in different industries and have not returned to the construction sector, this , along with the younger generation opting to go to university and not to take up apprenticeships in construction.

“We don’t currently have any apprentices as a lot of our qualified staff are in management positions such as project foremen. I feel apprenticeships are better suited to our sub-contractors who specialise in one particular trade.”

Debcon Construction are currently managing a number of sites for clients such as IFAC Accountants, Kilkenny & Tipperary and Department of Education, Heywood and Mountmellick National Schools,

County Laois, Ballinkillen national School Co Carlow, together, with community housing projects in Kilkenny and Carlow and also, Industrial projects in Carlow.

Debcon Construction has developed a reputation of delivering projects to highest standards within agreed budgets and time-frames. It is no surprise that the company’s client base includes State bodies and local authorities. The company’s client base includes, The Department of Education & Skills, HSE, The Office of Public Works and numerous county council projects.

Brian is satisfied with the direction and growth of the business, however, in the current environment Brian also airs on the side of caution as for the future growth in the construction sector as a whole may well have a number of obstacles to overcome.

“So far 2020 has been a strange and difficult year to say the least. The current pandemic has meant a lot of extra restrictions on sites and this means additional resources have to be provided to employees to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

To date the government have provided additional support to ensure companies could retain their employees on the payroll during the weeks of lockdown, hopefully, this support will continue into the future for companies which need it.”

Contact Details: Debcon Construction Ltd. Newtown Bagenalstown Co. Carlow R21 HH52 059 9736153 Phone: Email: info@debcon.ie Web: www.debcon.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction

NIALL BYRNE NIALL BYRNE PLANT PLANT HIRE HIRE ALL ALLTYPES TYPESOF OFGROUNDWORK GROUNDWORK

Debcon Construction have a strong track record delivering high quality school projects

TEL: 087 6834583 TEL: 087 6834583 Building Ireland

86

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction

LEADING MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS

CHRIS DOWLING

Unit D1, Purcellsinch Business Park Dublin Road, Kilkenny R95 E70V Tel: +353 (0)56 7720397/8 Email: info@blanchfieldheating.com

Cloonagh, Ballynagore, Co. Westmeath, N91 YA72 Tel: 04492 26558 / 04493 35226 Mobile: 086 0356567 E-mail: info@chrisdowlingroofing.com

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction

Roofing & Cladding Ltd

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CONSTRUCTION AND PLASTERING SERVICES

PLANT HIRE, CIVIL CONTRACTING, C&D WASTE DISPOSAL, GRAVEL / CRUSHED STONE SELF DRIVE PLANT RENTAL

Thomastown, Kilkenny, Telephone: 087-1308817 Email: davisrcps@gmail.com

Mountmellick, County Laois, Ireland.

Telephone: 057 86 24201 | 057 86 24558 Email: info@hinch.ie | Web: www.hinch.ie

KEALY CONSTRUCTION

Best Wishes & Continued Success to Debcon Construction

J.B Flooring Ltd Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny No Need To Move From Home... ...Just Give Us A Call!

BUILDING & BLOCKLAYING CONTRACTOR

Phone: 056 772 6064 Mobile: 086 264 6115 Email: jbflooring43@gmail.com Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction

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Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Debcon Construction

JOHN NOLAN Painting and Decorating Industrial and Domestic

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Building Ireland

Providing a full building service from new builds to extensions and renovations

FOUR DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

Established over 40 years, David Lilley Construction in Co Cork caters for new builds, extensions, modifications, renovations and custom jobs. Building Ireland touched base with the man himself recently to learn all about the company and the state of business at the moment.

David Lilley Construction is established over 40 years

Building Ireland

An award winning family-run business

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B

usiness is “absolutely flying” at David Lilley Construction right now and the plan for David and his crew down around Mallow is to keep things that way.

A professional family-run business with over 40 years’ experience in the building trade, David Lilley Construction is a company which takes great pride in its work.

That pride is clearly evident in the detail of the company’s completed projects all over the south of the country.

Building Ireland caught up with David Lilley himself to hear more about this thriving family business.

“I took over from my father 10 years ago and altogether the company would be going over 40 years,” David outlined.

“My brother John is involved in the company and my wife Linda would be secretary, and altogether we have five full-time staff.

“We provide a full building service from new builds to extensions and renovations. We’ve someone specialising in interior design for as well and I’ve a brother-in-law who is a stone mason and another brother-in-law a painter. So, it really is a family business here.”

Based in Shanballymore, Mallow, Co Cork, David Lilley Construction has developed a reputation for carrying out its projects to a very high standard.

Once a project commences, David and his team consider all aspects of the build including the current needs of the owner, the future plans of the owner and

any changes that the owner may predict in the coming years.

Every family has a different story to tell and with that story comes different needs and demands on their living space.

At David Lilley Construction, they have always believed that it is crucial to take this into consideration when designing and planning projects.

A home must be able to adapt to the changing needs of its owners as the years progress and this is why they consider the long-term needs of the family or persons right at the outset of the project planning phase.

The company considers the long-term comfort, contentment and the practicality of how a home performs for its residents not just now but in years to come.

Whether you live alone, as a couple or have a family of five, David Lilley Construction consider your living arrangements and the needs that your home must fulfil.

They always look to the end project and, with your involvement, decide on the goals that they want to achieve.

The company’s concepts are delivered through clear and constant communication with you, they listen, advise and most importantly deliver each and every time.

All of this considered, it was no surprise to see David Lilley Construction earning success at last year’s prestigious Irish Enterprise Awards in its Residential Category.

There’s sure to be plenty more award successes for the company down the

line too.

As for the current state of business, things couldn’t be better at David Lilley Construction.

“Business is absolutely flying at the minute, I can’t get enough workers to be honest,” said the Managing Director.

“Thankfully, lockdown earlier in the year didn’t really affect us that badly.

The only thing that really affected us was that materials were slow when we got back, but things are good now.”

At the moment, the company is immersed in council projects around Limerick and Cork City.

Business is indeed booming, so what has been the secret to the company’s success and longevity?

“I suppose it’s because we cater for everything,” David stated.

“A small job is the same as a big job to us and we’re lucky that, with the people we have, we’re able to cater for everything.

“It has been all word of mouth for us really down through the years and we just try and give our customers the best possible service.”

That service was again recognised this year when David Lilley Construction won the award for ‘Best Family Run Construction Company’ at the Build Magazine Construction & Engineering Awards.

Once again, David and his family appreciated the recognition that came with the award success.

“We won last year and we won again this year. This year was the family award,” he said.

A stunning rear kitchen extension

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Building Ireland

“It’s nice to get the recognition and it’s nice to see it on Facebook too, saying that it was ‘well deserved’ because we put in 110 per cent to every job that we do here.”

As a family-run business, David Lilley Construction have always valued the fundamentals of what businesses should be built on which is honesty, integrity and in their line of work craftsmanship.

The company’s ethic of putting customers first and valuing every job regardless of size or budget are at the core of what they do and will continue to be going forward.

Whether you are thinking of a small modification, We at Walsh Heating & Cooling Ltd We at Walsh Heating & Cooling Ltd would like to congratulate David Lilley would like to congratulate David Lilley Construction on winning the “Family Run Construction on winning the “Family Run Construction Company of the year 2020” Construction Company of the year 2020”

David and his team leave no stone unturned

conversion, extension or a complete turnkey project call David Lilley Construction today for a free consultation, they would welcome your call or enquiry.

David Lilley Construction Shanagh, Shanballymore, Mallow, Co Cork.

Tel: 022 40822 Mob: 086 152 2104

HeatPump PumpRepairs Repairs Heat Telephone:086 0868111955 8111955 Telephone: Email: info.walshcooling@gmail.com Email: info.walshcooling@gmail.com

ie ie

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E-mail: info@davidlilleyconstruction.

David Lilley Construction completed a full bar and restaurant re-fit at Cork racecourse

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QUALITY, PROFESSIONALISM AND EFFICIENCY Based in Warrenpoint, Co Down, AMC Construction (NI) Ltd is a nationwide contractor providing bricklaying, masonry and stonework expertise to its clients in Ireland and the UK. Building Ireland heard more recently from Managing Director Antony McCabe and Office Manager/Health & Safety Officer John McCann about the company.

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Building Ireland

At work in Dun Eimear in Bettystown

usiness is booming right now at AMC Construction (NI) Ltd and the plan for its founder Antony McCabe is to try and keep things that way right through to 2021.

Set-up in 2014, AMC Construction (NI) Ltd has grown organically to encompass a highly skilled workforce of over 100 working all throughout Ireland and the UK. The company itself works in a range of different sectors (commercial, residential, education, private), with all of its work being finished to a high quality standard.

Since ‘Day One’, AMC Construction (NI) Ltd has ensured that all of its clients’ needs are met in a professional manner on each project they are involved in.

Managing Director Antony McCabe was good enough to take some time to fill Building Ireland in on the details of his company’s origins and some of its current projects.

“We’re established six years and right now we have 110 plus staff,” he outlined.

“We are bricklaying and mainstream contractors and I’m a third generation bricklayer myself.

B

Building Ireland

A 45,000sq ft house in Sunningdale, England “There’s a good strong bricklaying tradition in our family and it helped me to start up this company six years ago.”

Antony himself has over 25 years’ experience in the industry and has spent the last two decades building a reputation of quality and professionalism.

Since setting up AMC Construction (NI) Ltd, the business has grown year on year and the company itself has grown a reputation for its excellent work.

“When we started up six years ago, there was a big enough demand for bricklayers,” explained Antony.

“We got the office set-up and things just grew from there. We’ve been doubling our turnover and growing our staff every year since.”

The growing portfolio of projects at AMC Construction (NI) Ltd spans from traditional housing to high end educa-

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tional, commercial and healthcare projects.

Over the years, its management team has grown and now provides them with the capabilities to work with clients from pre-construction stage through to completion.

The management team visit each site weekly regardless of location, ensuring that both AMC site operatives and the client are happy with the progress and quality of work carried out.

John McCann is an integral part of that team up in Warrenpoint where he is joined by Paul McCormick, the firm’s Senior Quantity Surveyor.

Having joined the company three years ago as a Quantity Surveyor, John is now AMC’s Office Manager and Health & Safety Officer.

“We’re very, very busy at the moment

17 houses and apartments in Henley on Thames

Five blocks or terrace houses and four blocks of flats in Goff’s Park, Crawley and picking up new stuff every day,” John said.

“We’d a couple of jobs in England recently and, all in all, we probably have 14 live projects. Three of those are in Dublin and then we have the Maynooth Education Campus on Moyglare Road.”

The company’s work in Dublin sees it currently immersed in a new hotel project for M.B. McNamara Construction in Smithfield, just outside the city centre.

Whitecross National School in Julianstown is also a live project for AMC in the Irish capital, with Glasgiven Contracts being the clients.

All of that considered, it’s safe to say that business is definitely thriving for the company in spite of what has been a challenging year with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Government lockdown this past March forced the closure of building sites all over this island overnight before they opened up again in the early part of the summer.

Since then, AMC has picked up right where it left off and is busier than ever with its clients at the present time.

The company has two contracts managers in place that oversee works and ensure quality is of a top standard by carrying out numerous site visits weekly. Gerard Sloan is the Contracts Manager in England and Marty McKibben is the Contracts Manager in Ireland.

The company itself has enjoyed a healthy working relationship with one particular client over the past half a decade or so.

“We are the sole bricklaying contractor for Urban Life,” explained John.

“They are a house building and property development company down in Drogheda and we’ve been doing all of their bricklaying for four years now and continue to have an excellent working relationship with them.”

Born just half a dozen years ago, it’s safe to say that AMC Construction (NI) Ltd has enjoyed a rapid rise under the leadership of Antony McCabe and plans are in place for a presence in Southern Ireland through AMC Construction (Ireland) Ltd. So what has been the secret to success for this company in such a relatively short space of time?

“Our mantra here would be ‘Quality without Compromise’ and that’s what the client gets with us,” said the Managing Director.

“We feel the quality of our work speaks for itself on the projects that we carry out and hopefully we can continue to keep up that quality going forward.

“We pride ourselves on quality, professionalism and efficiency here at AMC.” One of the highlights of 2020 thus far for the company has been the comple-

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A stunning large residence in the Kingswood Warren Estate, England tion of its work on the biggest standing house in the United Kingdom.

The 46,000 square foot house is located in Sunningdale, London and AMC carried out all of the brick work throughout the £55 million project which has been left to a very high standard and top quality finish.

“We just finished work on the biggest house built in the UK,” said a proud John.

“It’s a 46,000 square foot house in Sunningdale beside Ascot that we started back in 2017. It’s an all brick house and, as it stands, it’s the biggest house in the UK.” So what’s next on the agenda for AMC? According to its owner and founder, the sky’s the limit.

“We’re doubling our turnover every year and hopefully we can continue to do that,” said Antony.

“Maybe in the future we’ll look to get into contracting as well – and not just bricklaying – as we continue to grow.”

AMC Construction (NI) Ltd 24B Duke Street, Warrenpoint, Co. Down BT34 3JY NI Tel: 028 4177 2546 UK Tel: 017 377 73470 E-mail: info@amcconstructionltd.com

Building Ireland

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Building Ireland

Building Ireland

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TIPPERARY’S ELECTRICAL EXPERTS Established in 2007, David O’Mahoney Electrical Services Ltd has grown to offer its clients an excellent commercial and residential service nationwide. Building Ireland caught up with its Managing Director David O’Mahoney and General Manager Noel Walsh recently to learn more about what is a thriving business.

Working on modules which will be going into a Data Centre in France

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usiness is good at the moment at David O’Mahoney Electrical Services Ltd and the plan is to keep things that way

Installing an electric gate in Thurles right through to 2021, according to the man himself.

Based in Thurles, Co Tipperary, the company services the commercial, residential, agri and industrial sectors nationwide, specialising in new builds, industrial rewires, CCTV, Fire Alarms, automated gates and Electrical Testing & Commissioning.

The business currently operates with

Working on the finishing touches in Scoil Mochaomhog Naofa in Twomileborris

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30 staff from its base in the Premier County, including its General Manager Noel Walsh who has been on board the company for an even dozen years now.

Noel was good enough to take some time from a busy schedule as of late to fill Building Ireland in on the details behind David O’Mahoney Electrical Services Ltd. “The company was established by

David O’Mahoney in 2007 and I suppose you could say we have been growing every year here since,” Noel outlined.

“Having strong support and partnerships with local building contractors such as Cooldine Construction, JJ O’Sullivan, BCD Energy Consultants, MMT, Daniel Cleary and KCKC Construction, has allowed us to keep our roots grounded locally while partnerships with Premier Engineering has enabled us to broaden our reach beyond Tipperary.

“We cover a very wide variety of services for our clients and have been focused a lot lately on Electrical wiring of new builds and upgrading of emergency lighting and fire alarm systems in schools.”

Indeed the company has come a long way from humble beginnings to the point where it’s at now, employing 30 full-time staff.

For David O’Mahoney, things were slow to start back in 2007 and where they are today is a far cry from where they were then.

“I started out working in and around Tipperary and served my time with Gerard Slattery,” David explained.

“I suppose myself and Noel sort of came together through work 13 years ago and saw the opportunity for this company.

“At that time, it was slow getting off the ground but we got through it eventually.

A lot of local work carried us through and our reputation jst grew from there.”

2007 was undoubtedly a challenging time for most businesses in this country and many were reminded of them again this past March.

The Covid-19 pandemic forced the government to shut down construction companies nationwide for six weeks and David O’Mahoney Electrical Services was certainly one to feel the effects.

Back up and running again since May

18th, the company has been gradually getting back to where it was with housing work in and around Co Tipperary.

“It (business) was definitely slow to take off again after the lockdown but we can see it starting to pick up again now,” said David.

“It’s certainly starting to pick up and we have 60 houses at the minute that we’re working on, with 19 of those being for Premier Engineering Ltd in Thurles.

“We’re also working on a school in Nenagh with BCD Energy Consultants, carrying out the fire alarm and CCTV work on it.”

Noel himself has specialised in alarms and CCTV installation since before the company was started and has continued to be the key man in that department for David O’Mahoney Electrical Services.

David oversees general operations and together they’ve managed to grow a thriving business which now employs 30 full-time staff and has 11 vehicles on the road.

So what has been the secret to success?

How has an electrical contracting firm born at the very start of a harsh recession managed to come out the other side to a point now where business is arguably as strong as it has ever been?

“I would think that our growth and success so far has largely been down to the punctuality of our service,” Noel stated plainly.

“We have a crew of lads working here that can clear a job quickly and efficiently. I’ll tell you that tends to go a long way in this line of work.”

For David, the range of services the company has on offer for its clients is also a key element to its success.

“By having a strong team behind us with the likes of Ian Kenrick and Martin Fanning, who are the Foremen who manage and oversee our larger scale projects, from start to finish.

“We go into a job willing to offer the whole package to the client,” said the MD. “At least then they know that they’re not dealing with three or four different

Butler & Young Tyres new garage in Thurles

Pop up sockets installed in the desk tops of CBS Thurles

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Building Ireland

contractors when they’re trying to get the job done.

“It’s all the services combined and I think that’s why our clients tend to choose us – that and the quality that we carry out the services with.”

As for what the months ahead hold for David O’Mahoney Electrical Services Ltd, the man himself sees the immediate

future as being bright.

“We’ve just signed off on 19 more houses in Tallaght with Premier Engineering and 10 houses on our home turf in Templetuohy with Davis Construction that will keep us busy for another while,” David beamed.

“Despite everything that’s gone on, this year has still been pretty good. I actually think things will get a lot busier over the next couple of months but it’s hard to know what next year will bring.

“All we can do is continue doing what we have been doing here for the last 13 years and hopefully we can keep earning more projects down the line.”

Best Wishes to David O’Mahony Electrical Best Wishes to David O’Mahony Electrical

Here’s hoping.

David O’Mahoney Electrical Services Ltd Corbally, Lognafulla, Thurles, Co Tipperary Mobile: 086 896 0524 Email: davidomahoneyelectricalltd@gmail.com

A house finished for Cooldine Construction

Best Wishes & Continued Success to David O’Mahony Electrical Best Wishes & Continued Success to David O’Mahony Electrical

Best Wishes to DavidWishes O’Mahony Best to Electrial David O’Mahony Electrial

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Wishes to David O’MahonyElectrical Electricalfrom BestBest wishes to David O’Mahony

Best Wishes and Continued Success to David O’Mahony Electrical

Housing -- Residential Housing ResidentialDevelopments Developments Commercial Extensions- -Renovations Renovations Commercial- Extensions Best wishes & Continued Success to David O’Mahony Electrical

Specialists in fabrication and installation of industrial security gates and railings and other bespoke fabrications Beakstown, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel: 086 2470291 E: pierce@hillfabrication.ie W: www.hillfabrication.ie Best wishes Best Wishes and and Continued Continued Success Success to to David David O’Mahony O’MahonyElectrical Electricalfrom

- MMT BUILDERS & SON LTD Brodeen, Fethard, Co.Tipperary. T: 052 613 2928 M: 086 172 30303 E: mmtbuilderltd@gmail.com C2 Registered

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Telephone: 087 8378791┃Email: thomas@hybridheat.ie

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Building Ireland

One of Connemara’s leading building companies

THE WEST’S AWAKE One of Connemara’s leading building companies has been in business over thirty years as Jackie Folan Limited continues to build on its already excellent reputation for providing top quality work on every project.

E

stablished by Jackie Folan in the late eighties, the company has grown into a leader in its field of expertise as they provide specialised services in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

Jackie is semi-retired these days and the company is now run by his son Paraic who took time out of his busy schedule to speak to Building Ireland magazine.

Jackie Folan Limited has an extensive portfolio of construction projects ranging from small scale extensions and renovations to larger scale commercial

Building Ireland

Working in the residential, commercial and institutional sectors

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projects. They are proud to say that they can cater for all your building needs.

Based in Carna, Connemara, Co Galway, this family run business carries out the majority of their work in the far west of Ireland.

“We would carry out about 90% of our work in Connemara,” stated Paraic.

“We do a lot of one-off houses as well as school work and work for the OPW.” The company employs ten direct, while they have a number of subcontractors on the books that have been with them for many years now.

“A lot of the staff would be with us for years, while the sub-contractors would be similar. We know the quality of work they can do, and they know our expectations from them, so we work well together.

“We would have a good relationship with both our employees and the subcontractors which is very important as everyone has to be working together to ensure a project is completed to the highest standard possible.”

Paraic revealed that they are quite busy at the moment with a number of projects live including a school in Rosmuc, a number of private houses as well as work for the OPW. “We are busy. We were off for about eight weeks during the lockdown, so we have been playing catch up since then, but there seems to be plenty of work out there. We are building a science lab in a secondary school in Rosmuc, while we have three private houses ongoing.

Then we have a few small jobs for the OPW, so there is plenty to keep us going.”

AS CIF and CIRI members, Jackie Folan Limited is a company that does everything by the book as they have always been focused on the health and safety of their employees, but even more so due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

“We have put in place any regulations that needed to be implemented. The safety of our employees has always been a priority with the company and that has not changed.”

Paraic admitted that one issue within the construction industry which needs addressing is the lack of skilled workers available.

“It is hard to source skilled workers and it is becoming more and more of a problem. When the recession hit, a lot of lads either left the country and pursued other careers, while there were no apprentices going into the different trades, so there is a void there that

Jackie Folan Limited has built an excellent reputation

4 bed dormer bungalow, part of a 5 house development

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needs to be filled.”

Overall though, Paraic is happy with the direction of the business as they continue to grow and their workload increases year on year.

“Yes, we would be pleased with how the business is going. A lot of our work comes through word of mouth. We would be working for many of the same clients for years now and we would have a good working relationship with them all.

“We have built our reputation on providing an excellent service, while completing all projects regardless of size to the highest standard possible.

Our customers appreciate that and they know we will always get the job done on time and under budget where possible.”

Paraic revealed that from his father’s time, they always were conscious of growing too big and are happy to maintain their current level.

“We never stretched ourselves too much as we have never taken on jobs that we felt were beyond us. We have kept things tight and that has certainly stood to us. During the last recession, we had to scale back a bit and to be honest, we were barely ticking over, but we managed to come through it, and we are busy once again.”

There is no doubt that the future of the business is in safe hands as Paraic looks

One-off housing forms a large part of the company’s work

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Best Wishes and Continued Success to Jackie Folan Ltd

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Grimes Ltd

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Industrial - Commercial - Domestic BARR AN DOIRE, AN CHEATHRÚ RUA, CO. NA GAILLIMHE

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Building Ireland

to build on his father’s legacy and continue to improve on their already high level of service.

“It is hard to know what the future holds, but at the moment there seems to be plenty of work on and hopefully that is the way it will be for a while yet. Like I said, we are happy with the direction that the business is going.

Our repeat customers continue to come back to us, so we must be doing something right,” he concluded.

An extensive portfolio of construction projects - Carna Emigrants Centre

Contact Details: Jackie Folan Limited Carna, Co. Galway, H91 D456 Mob: 087 783 5810 Email: paraic@ jackiefolanlimited.com

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Best Wishes and Continued Success to Jackie Folan Ltd

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EXPERTS IN CONSTRUCTION AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS Based in Mountmellick, Co Laois, Fitzpatrick Construction Ltd provides its clients with professional and quality constructed new builds, housing developments, home extensions, renovations and attic conversions. Building Ireland found out more recently from its owner and founder Mick Fitzpatrick.

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hese are busy times at Fitzpatrick Construction Ltd and, as it stands, the Co Laois-based company is booked up with projects until August 2021.

Operating with 12 full-time staff, the company is established seven years now and since ‘Day One’ its core principal

has been to keep its knowledge and skill base to the very highest standards.

Fitzpatrick Construction has a dedicated team of qualified and experienced employees and subcontractors that strive to achieve the highest standard in quality.

It was part of the vision for Mick Fitzpatrick back in 2013 when he took the decision to go out on his own and set-up his construction venture, as he explained to Building Ireland.

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“My family has always been in construction. My father and my brothers are all tradesmen and I’m a carpenter by trade,” explained Mick.

“My father had a joinery shop that I worked in and I took the decision then to get into one off builds and set-up my own company.

“Eventually I would get into doing some nice architectural builds and right now we have six live projects on-going here.”

Building Ireland

Fitzpatrick Construction Ltd provides its clients with professional and quality constructed new builds New builds, housing developments, home extensions, renovations and attic conversions are the services that Mick and his team provide clients all throughout Leinster, with the bulk of their work based in and around south Dublin.

Fitzpatrick Construction is a company which prides itself on satisfying clients and the focused aim of the business is to make the experience of building your dream home a pleasurable one from the initial design through to completion.

The company’s service allows you peace of mind throughout the project, with a fully qualified and professional staff that will gladly guide you through every aspect of the design and build process.

That approach towards clients has seemingly paid off in spades for Fitzpatrick Construction, with its books now full of projects for the next 12 months or so.

“We’re booked up now until August next year,” he stated.

“We’ve just started a small housing development in Blackrock which consists of seven houses in total.

“Predominately, our work is based in Dublin and its renovation and one off builds around areas like Dalkey and Blackrock.”

This past March brought a halt to construction work across the country as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic which enforced government lockdown.

Overnight construction sites across

the country shutdown for the best part of 10 weeks and Fitzpatrick Construction certainly felt the impact, according to its Managing Director.

“We just had to close down. Simple as that,” Mick pointed out.

“So we shut up shop and the weeks off saw a real delay in products and materials, some of them by as much as three months. It’s just starting to get back to normal now.”

Since sites all across the country opened back up on May 18th, there seems to have been no let up for Fitzpatrick Construction.

The company has projects on-going all throughout the capital and even more lined up for the coming months.

So what has been the secret to

The firm make the experience of building a dream home a pleasurable one

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“We provide a personal touch that I think our clients appreciate.” success? How has a company just seven years old managed to earn such a glowing reputation in what is a relatively short space of time in the construction game?

“We’re only as good as our last job here. That’s the way we’ve always seen it,” said Mick.

“We provide a personal touch that I think our clients appreciate. I’m the Managing Director but I’m also the foreman and I’m the person clients come to with whatever they want to discuss with a project.

“I’ve a team of good tradesmen working with me that are all qualified and experienced, so we always have

the right men on the job.”

The proof is very much in the pudding when it comes to Fitzpatrick Construction’s rise, having initially setup in a time when the Irish construction industry was reeling.

Now they are experts when it comes to new builds and renovations & extensions.

When building your home from scratch Fitzpatrick Construction’s professional builders place a high priority on customer care, resulting in an on-time, on budget and professionally managed project.

From renovating your entire house, kitchen or bathroom, Mick and his expert team of builders ensure that your project

Best Wishes and Continued Success to Fitzpatrick Construction

is as smooth as possible. They can also help you build on a new extension or convert an existing loft or garage.

Looking towards the months ahead, Mick says he’s targeting more growth for the business which he has already managed to grow from the ground up since taking the decision to go out on his own in 2013.

“Hopefully, we’ll see a bit of growth ahead of next year,” he enthused.

“We are at a good point now here where I feel we can grow the business further and grow the name too. The numbers are currently going up and we have three new lads starting with us now soon.

“We’ve also had two new apprentices start recently as well, so we have lads coming in and, as I said, hopefully we can continue growing in 2021.”

Here’s hoping.

Fitzpatrick Construction Ltd Acragar, Mountmellick, Co Laois Mobile: 087 067 3333 E-mail: info@fitzpatrickconstruction.ie Web: www.fitzpatrickconstruction.ie

Best Wishes & Continued Success to Fitzpatrick Construction

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U1, 148 Richmond Road, Fairview, Dublin 3 Phone: 086 6025130 Email: info@colinhealystairs.com

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Building Ireland

SPECIALISTS IN ALL THINGS GAS

Established in 2008, RD Plumbing in Kilkenny has remained at the very forefront of the plumbing industry and are continually investing in new plumbing, heating and hot water services and solutions. Building Ireland touched base with the company’s Managing Director David Kearney recently to learn more.

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usiness is good right now at RD Plumbing and co-founder David Kearney intends to keep things that way right through to 2021.

Based in the small village of Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, the familyrun concern provides both commercial and domestic clients with the very best in professional plumbing repairs, servicing and maintenance along with the best in hot water and heating system upgrades and installations.

The company employs 12 full-time staff and David’s wife Maria also acts as a director of a business which is one of the highest regarded plumbing and heating companies operating in Ireland today.

Building Ireland got all the details recently from David himself after the Kilkenny native was good enough to take some time to fill us in.

“We’re established 12 years this August and at the moment we have 12 full-time

staff and that number can go up to 30 depending on how busy we are,” David outlined.

“We built this company in the height of the last recession and it just started off with two of us. As time went by, we got a good reputation for being able to identify an issue and resolve it for our customers.

“So, we started off as a maintenance company and, as it got progressively bigger, we got a big recruitment. My brother Declan got involved and he now heads up the domestic side of the business.”

The domestic end sees RD Plumbing providing property owners with a complete gas boiler servicing.

The company’s gas boiler engineers are available to come to your property and perform a full gas boiler service and gas boiler safety check.

Poorly maintained or neglected gas boilers pose a serious risk to the property’s occupants. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.

RD Plumbing’s gas boiler engineers perform a full inspection of a gas boiler checking for leaks and weak points.

The service procedures include the repair of any compromised areas, ensuring that a gas boiler is running safely, efficiently and to the manufacturer’s specifications.

As for the commercial side, RD Plumbing provides clients all over Kilkenny with

professional oil boiler servicing.

The professional team in Castlecomer have the resources to quickly respond to issues related to oil boilers. They have the resources, manpower and expertise to quickly repair issues related to boiler part replacement, broken boilers and inefficient oil boilers.

Commercial gas is also a key service that RD Plumbing provides its customers.

In partnership with Calor Gas seven years now, the company is legally authorised to install, repair and maintain non-domestic gas appliances in commercial and industrial premises.

The team of gas engineers at RD Plumbing are authorised to provide gas certificates to commercial and industrial properties. All non-domestic properties that use gas are legally obligated to possess an RGI recognised Gas Certificate.

From January 2019 all non-domestic gas installations and appliances must be maintained by a non-Domestic RGI Registered Gas Installer.

RD Plumbing are available to immediately offer services and repairs to non-domestic gas installations and appliances in accordance with the legally enforceable RGII standards.

Every business - with non-domestic gas installations and gas appliances - is subject to the stringent safety standards set by the RGII. RD Plumbing’s team of professional Gas

RD Plumbing are one of Kilkenny’s longest established installers of Thermodynamic systems

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RD Plumbing provides commercial industrial clients with complete gas boiler servicing

At the very forefront of the plumbing industry

Engineers ensure that non-domestic gas installations and appliances are installed, maintained and serviced in accordance with the standards set by the RGII. With such a range of services on offer for clients, it’s not hard to understand how the business is flourishing at the present time.

“I can actually say that we’re in a strong position at the moment,” said David.

“Business is good and combine that with the fact that our office is pretty much run off the ground – and we opened our showroom here five years ago – and I’d like to think that we’re in a good position at the moment.”

He continued: “Thermal Dynamics probably accounts for 30 per cent of our business at the minute and we’ve been partnered up with Calor Gas seven years now.

“We fight to promote the green side of Calor as much as we can here.”

RD Plumbing is in partnership with Calor Gas seven years now

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More information on RD Plumbing leading the way in green systems and innovations, along with quotes from David himself can be found on the news section of the company’s website (rdplumbing.ie).

Indeed, the company has come a long way from its origins. Having spent 13 years in the UK, David came home and took the decision to set-up RD Plumbing with his wife Maria.

The rest, as they say, is history. So, what has been the secret to success over these past dozen years?

“I think it’s down to the fact that we pretty much offer a solution to every problem,” the MD stated plainly.

“We have a good name for stepping outside of the box with our work here and delivering for our clients time and time again.”

Lockdown back in March was certainly a bump in the road in the RD Plumbing success story, but things have moved on and progressed forward since then.

Now operating with 12 staff and six vans on the road, the company is growing and those behind it are relishing the months ahead.

“Hopefully in the months to come we can continue to grow the renewable side of the business. We see it very much as being the essence of what we’re doing here,” David concluded.

RD Plumbing Unit 14B, Castlecomer Business Park, Kilkenny Road, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny R95DAE2 Phone: 056 444 0874 E-mail: info@rdplumbing.ie Web: rdplumbing.ie

Randstad Advert.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2020 12:04 Page 1

Best Wishes and Continued Success to RD Plumbing from Bobby, Evan and the team

ffl

Fitzgerald Fleming Long

Railway House, Cregg Road, Carrick-on Suir, Co. Tipperary.

Email: evan@fitzgeraldfleminglong.ie Website: www.fitzgeraldfleminglong.ie Phone: 051-645666 | Fax: 051-645945

Tel: 0564 440 874 Email: info@rdplumbing.ie

calorgas.ie

Best Wishes and Continued Success to RD Plumbing Group from all the team at Calor

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DS Construction do all their own carpentry and build their own kitchens

DELIVERING BUILDING EXCELLENCE FOR 15 YEARS Celebrating 15 years in business, DS Construction Services has earned an enviable reputation for new builds, extensions, renovations, attic conversations, kitchens and bathrooms in the Dublin area.

Attention to detail is a hallmark of DS Construction’s work

A stunning finished kitchen

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DS Construction was set up by Daniel Slamon

S

ince 2005, the family-run business has been providing top quality domestic building services to a long list of satisfied customers. Based in Castleknock, DS Construction is committed to offering an exceptional building service and maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of its work. The company combines traditional values with a modern approach to efficient, best practice methods and is renowned for delivering projects on time and within budget. It is passionate about providing superb customer care at each stage of your building project.

DS Construction was set up by Daniel

DS Construction Services has an enviable reputation

Slamon, who takes a hands-on approach to every job. Daniel served his time as a carpenter with a small building firm before deciding to go out on his own. He employs six staff directly (two carpenters, two labourers, one plumber and one apprentice carpenter) and uses the same sub-contractors and architects.

“We’re a one stop shop for all your domestic building needs,” he explains.

“We can look after everything, from new builds and extensions to fitting new kitchens and bathrooms. We deal with the same reputable suppliers. By letting us manage your entire construction project, we can save you time, money and hassle.

“We do all our own carpentry and build our own kitchens. We are in the process of opening a small workshop which will speed up the production of kitchen units and will allow us to build kitchens offsite. We offer a complete, customised solution for your perfect kitchen.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of our workmanship and our ability to complete projects on time and within budget. Our finish is of a very high spec’ and we only use the very best materials. We’re booked up until the middle of next year, so business is good at the moment.”

DS Construction insists on working with builders who share its enthusiasm for beautifully-finished projects. Each member of the team is experienced, friendly, efficient as well as being fully trained and safety compliant. They will always respect your home and will leave it spotless when they’re finished.

When it comes to building a home that meets your budget without compromising on your dreams, DS Construction has few equals. The company has

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extensive experience in completing new builds for both private customers and property developers alike. Designing and building a new home is one of the biggest projects you can undertake and DS Construction is here to help, advise and make your new build a stress-free process with superb results. The DS Construction team will take you through the process, advising on structure, safety and energy efficiency as well as on other lesser known aspects of new builds such as local planning laws and regulations.

They are with you every step of the way and will still be there for you after the project is completed to make sure that you are 100% satisfied with your new home.

It makes good economic sense to ensure your home is built to the best energy rating possible and, in this regard, DS Construction can offer advice on the most effective methods and features to use so that you can conserve energy and costs in your new home. Its new build architect is skilled at combining your budget with your goals so that you can achieve what you want without spending more than you intend to. The company will give you a clear, detailed quotation and talk you through each aspect of the price. By combining its experience with innovative thinking, it can offer cost-effective solutions without ever compromising on quality or safety.

House extensions / renovations are another speciality. An extension is all about creating more space in your home and also adds value to your property, meaning you’ll get a return on your investment if you decide to sell at a later stage. As part of its free quotation, DS Construction can advise on how

Building Ireland

Delivering top quality domestic building services

to create an extension that not only maximises space within your home, but also increases its resale value.

The contractor has completed numerous building projects over the past 15 years. It recently finished a new build in Coolmine along with extension / renovation projects in Knocklyon and Porter’s Gate, Clonsilla.

Current projects include extensions to homes in Charnwood, Clonsilla and Blanchardstown Village, and a house

renovation in Castleknock.

“Most of our work is carried out in the Dublin 15 area – Clonsilla, Blanchardstown and Castleknock. But we will go wherever the work is,” Daniel says.

“At DS Construction, customer satisfaction is always guaranteed. Our reputation for quality construction and attention to detail is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals we receive. Most of our business is

Best Wishes and Continued Success to DS Construction

GRAB HIRE SPECIALISTS KILDARE & DUBLIN SITE CLEARANCE AVAILABLE

045 397 066 Building Ireland

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secured through word of mouth. It’s the best form of advertising.”

Health & Safety has always been paramount with DS Construction and never more so than in the wake of COVID-19. Daniel ensures that his team follows all the relevant guidelines and takes all the necessary precautions at all times.

“Everyone has their Safe Pass and Manual Handling training done,” the affable managing director continues.

“We were in the middle of a few jobs when the national lockdown was announced. We were expecting cancellations and to lose work, but the opposite has happened and we’ve had to take on an extra labourer. People who were thinking of moving home decided to stay and extend or renovate what they have, and that has obviously created more work for us.”

Daniel concludes by saying: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers, suppliers, architects and sub-contractors for their support and cooperation. And not forgetting our brilliant staff for their skill, hard work and dedication.”

Here’s to the next 15 years of this exceptional building and renovations specialist!

DS Construction Services, Castleknock, Dublin 15.

Telephone: 087 2265559 Email: info@dsconstructionservices.ie Web: www.dsconstructionservices.ie

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