Building Ireland magazine June 2019

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72 DERRY’S

BROOMFIELD CONSTRUCTION

CONTENTS 2

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Shane Glynn speaks to us about the Capital Dock Development on Dublin’s South Docklands.

We speak with contracts manager Norman Lewis.

INDUSTRY NEWS

MCLAUGHLIN TAYLOR DRY-LINING Delivering ceiling, partition and insulations projects across Ireland and the UK.

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CLARKE CONTRACTS The plastering and flooring experts.

JOHN SISK & SON

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C&A BUILD & CIVIL

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GLENBEIGH CONSTRUCTION

TYFER NETWORKS Making huge strides in the fibre communication market.

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BROOMFIELD CONSTRUCTION A multi-disciplined main contractor.

Building Ireland is published by DG Press, Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath

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WOODCO RENEWABLE ENERGY

Award nominated for their work on the Clancy Quay Officers Mess Building.

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MIDLAND STEEL SUPPLIES A market leading steel fabricator in Ireland and the UK.

Tel: (046) 9241923 Fax: (046) 9241926 Email: contact@dgpress.ie

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EVANS & KELLIHER CONSTUCTION Delivering residential and commercial projects to the highest standard.

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LAGAN ASPHALT GROUP Excelled in the delivery of the rehabilitation of Runway 06-24 at Shannon Airport.

RBR

ISSUE JUNE 2019

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A leading manufacturer and supplier of contract and trade furniture.

Specialists in Façade conservation and building refurbishment.

DERRY’S

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WOODCO RENEWABLE ENERGY World leader in the design and manufacture of Biomass Boiler Systems.

RBR

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SEAN HORAN LTD. Recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

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JCA ARCHITECTS A multidisciplinary practice with offices in Cork and Meath.

Web: buildingirelandmagazine.ie

All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be published or reproduced in any way without the 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 May 2019 designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:58 Page 1

FIRST IRISH EFCA PRESIDENT, KEVIN RUDDEN DELIGHTED TO WELCOME ANNUAL EUROPEAN CONFERENCE TO DUBLIN

The European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) hosted its annual general meeting and conference in Dublin on 9th – 10th of May. The event brought industry professionals from Ireland and all over

INITIATIVE IRELAND SECURES €1.5 MILLION INVESTMENT AND LAUNCHES UK SUBSIDIARY

Initiative Ireland, a social impact finance firm specialising in the provision of lowercost alternative finance loans to experienced developers, today announced that it has secured a €1.5 million investment.

The investment will support the strategic growth of Initiative Ireland over the next 3-years. As part of its expansion strategy the company has also announced the establishment of Initiative Financial Services UK Ltd, the firm’s new UK subsidiary. The subsidiary will enable UK investment firms to deploy funds into the Irish property development market.

Initiative Ireland, headquartered at NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs at University College Dublin, was co-founded in 2015 by Padraig W. Rushe, Padraig M. Rushe,

BuildingIreland Building Ireland

Europe to Dublin.

EFCA is the only federation representing the consulting engineering industry in Europe, with a total of 26 member countries included. Ireland is represented at EFCA by the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI). The consulting engineering sector in Europe employs over one million staff, and provides €150 billion worth of engineering services yearly. As the European Union delivers significant pieces of legislation impacting on the built environment, EFCA plays an important role in representing the best interests of consulting engineers at the European level.

The driving force behind the conference is Dr Sarah Ingle, Secretary General of the ACEI. Working with the conference committee, Dr Ingle curated an exciting and diverse programme around the conference theme “Future Trends: Talent, Tools and Technologies”. Industry experts provided attendees with an overview of the changes and innovations facing the industry. Speaking about the event, Ciarán Kennedy, President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI), and CEO of Barrett Mahony Consulting Engineers explained “We are standing on the brink of the fourth industrial revolution… that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work and relate to one another”. The

and Rory McEntee, and is supported by Enterprise Ireland as a High-Potential Start-Up. Padraig W. Rushe, CEO, Initiative Ireland said, “Our offering already enables clients to co-fund secured property loans, leveraging our local lending expertise. In addition to the strong demand we’ve experienced within the Irish market we have had significant interest from the UK,

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conference armed attendees with the information they need to capitalise on new, industrial trends by using technologies, tools and talent to innovate and remain relevant.

The event was moderated by communications expert and ex CNN anchor Gina London, and attendees at the CEO Lunch received a keynote speech from award winning economist David McWilliams.

Visitors also received a pint-sized tour of Dublin at the EFCA Welcome Reception in the Little Museum of Dublin. Visitors had the opportunity to experience Trinity College at the EFCA Gala Dinner which was held in the college Dining Hall.

The conference was brought to Dublin by EFCA’s first Irish President, Kevin Rudden. Mr. Rudden was appointed EFCA President in 2017. He has also served as President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI) during 2015-2016. Speaking about the event Mr. Rudden said “Our Programme guaranteed you a perfect cocktail of inspiration, illumination and entertainment to make your trip to Dublin memorable”.

Kevin is CEO of GARLAND Consulting Engineers, an Irish based international firm of Civil and Structural Engineers. where investors are keen to deploy their funds into euro denominated, institutional grade, Irish property backed loans.”

“Through our new UK subsidiary and the investment secured, we are now in a position to promote our offering in the UK to meet that demand.”

Today’s announcements follow on from the recent launch of the Initiative Financial Senior Credit Property SubFund I (The Fund), a sub-fund of The Davy Platform ICAV. As an appointed representative of Thornbridge Investment Management LLP which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Initiative Financial Services UK will promote both the company’s Fund Offering as well as its peer-to-peer Corporate Lending Accounts across the UK Market.

Targeting institutional and corporate investors within the UK, the firm will provide UK companies with the ability to invest directly into Irish Property Backed Loans, supporting the construction of new social, affordable and min-market housing across Ireland.

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Manufactured using state-of-the-art technology, it is free from added formaldehyde. From a reliable resource of sustainable timber, it offers the ultimate sustainability credentials compared to alternative specifications. When you need a high performance, sustainable structural panel solution – do the right thing with SMARTPLY ULTIMA.

To find out how we are setting new standards in timber panel engineering, go to www.mdfosb.com/ultima

Building news May 2019 designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:59 Page 3

SISK AND DESIGNER GROUP LAUNCH SENSORI, THE NEW FACILITIES MANAGEMENT COMPANY FOR IRELAND AND FOR THE FUTURE

John Sisk & Son, Ireland’s leading provider of construction services and Designer Group, the Dublin headquartered, international electrical and mechanical engineering business, are delighted to announce the arrival of Sensori Facilities Management to Ireland.

This new brand has come about as a result of Sisk acquiring a 50% holding in Designer Group’s Facilities Management business, a subsidiary of Designer Group and a premier supplier of integrated property facility management services to leading organisations across both public and private sectors in Ireland.

This new joint venture business will be positioned to deliver a fully integrated

CIF SUPPORT YOUNG HOMEBUILDERS OF THE FUTURE IN TRIM Building Ireland

facility management service to both the extensive customer bases of Sisk and Designer Group, and to new customers.

The development is very positive and clearly complements the strategic focus of both Sisk and Designer Group.

The business will be led by Mark Cullen as Managing Director, currently FM Operations Director at Designer Group. According to Cullen: “Sensori Facilities Management will define what facilities management will become, not just in Ireland, but further afield. We are incredibly excited by what we can achieve and what we can deliver for our existing clients and new ones that we will welcome to Sensori Facilities Management “As Sisk and DG are both industry leaders in BIM and Data analytics, this will continue be a fundamental part of how we manage all of buildings into the future. We will continue to invest in this technology for the betterment of your built assets into the future.”

Speaking at the launch event, Stephen

Bowcott, CEO of John Sisk & Son said: “Sisk is a long established family business. Our journey to a Facilities Maintenance business started well over 20 years ago when we established Sisk Rail in the UK, which at its core is an FM business. More recently we created a JV with Designer Group FM in August 2018 for the PPP Schools Bundle 5 and working with DIF and the NDFA. Our relationship with Designer Group also goes back over 20 years, and we have completed many fantastic projects together and as a result we have built up a very strong working relationship and the businesses share many core values.

“We look forward to the growth of this new business which has great teams throughout the country. We expect to strengthen our relationship with our existing customers and expand our service offering.”

Also speaking at the launch event in City Hall, Dublin, Michael Stone, CEO of Designer Group said: “This new partnership with Sisk will enable us to provide a complete turnkey solution to our existing customers, thereby enhancing the service we are offering and win new ones. We can assist with design to make your buildings easier to maintain, by installing additional sensors and controls.

“As part of our strategy for Managing Buildings for Lifewe have developed a wealth of experience in the area of energy management and have been helping our customers to reduce their energy costs in the buildings that we maintain.”

The Construction Industry Federation were proud to support the school housebuilding competition, which took place at 10:00am on the 3rd May in St. Mary’s Convent Primary School Trim.

The programme aims to tap into the students’ creativity by challenging them to build their own house.

CIF Director General Tom Parlon assessed all of the projects on the day, and spoke at length to the children about the process of building their house.

The young students presented their houses built from materials including cardboard, clay and paper. Each child was presented with their own Hivis vest, hard hat, and personalised certificate of participation.

This is one of the many initiatives that CIF supports to encourage more young people to consider careers in construction.

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Building news May 2019 designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:59 Page 5

NEW LOOK FOR FORMER METROPOLITAN POLICE HEADQUARTERS AS THE DELUXE GROUP COMPLETES £5.5M PROJECT

Bespoke joinery company, The Deluxe Group, has completed a major project at the former Metropolitan Police Headquarters in London’s Whitehall.

The historic landmark building which was developed by Galliard Construction, has been transformed into The Great Scotland Yard Hotel, a 153-key luxury lifestyle hotel featuring several sophisticated food and beverage outlets.

Working in association with Galliard’s inhouse team along with HBA, and EPR Architects, The Deluxe Group was appointed to manufacture and fit all front

of house areas, for the high-end hotel, including double height vestibule, grand entrance lounge, concierge, main cocktail bar, palm court style lounge, whiskey bar/clubroom, signature restaurant, library, gymnasium, 120seater main conference room/ballroom, meeting rooms and function/private dining rooms. The firm also produced the luxury hotel’s sample bedroom, as part of the multi-million-pound development, which is expected to open later this year.

The bespoke joinery project, which was worth £5.5 million was completed in just six months, with all work completed on schedule and within budget.

Commenting on the significance of the project, Colm Connolly, Director of The Deluxe Group, said: “We are delighted to have been part of the team which has sympathetically developed this building to give a classic period interpretation, reflecting the immense history of such a landmark site.

We used the highest quality, detailed joinery and luxury finishes throughout all front of house and public areas, with individually themed areas providing a stylish homage to the crime and policing history of the building.”

“Our commitment to delivering the best in bespoke joinery with the greatest attention to detail and client servicing, ensured the finished project was a true reflection of the client’s vision.”

Constructed in 1910, the iconic Edwardian building served as the Royal Military Police headquarters and the British Army Recruitment Office. It later became the Ministry of Defence Library until 2004.

The famed landmark is known for its rich history, providing guests the opportunity to stay in the location where Metropolitan police pursued some of the country’s most notorious criminals, including Jack the Ripper and the 40 Elephants allfemale crime syndicate. Reflecting on this, the distinct historical character of the building has been preserved throughout the renovation, including maintenance of its original façade.

The central-London hotel will be operated by Hyatt Hotels Corporation as part of its Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand.

The Deluxe Group has worked on projects across Ireland, UK as well as in Europe, the US and Middle East from small budget projects to large-scale including The Dixon (former Tower Bridge Magistrates Court) The Devonshire Club and E by Equinox in London, and Belfast’s new AC Hotel by Marriott.

37% OF CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES RECENTLY HIRED AN IRISH WORKER RETURNING FROM ABROAD

37% of Irish construction companies recently hired Irish workers returning from living and working abroad, according to recent survey findings. The survey, which was conducted by the Construction Industry Federation, also shows that family was the main reason for the returning diaspora.

The housing crisis has seen a huge need for more homes to be built and fast; but with a huge skills shortage in the industry, construction cannot go ahead at the rate that is needed. A recent TU Dublin (DIT) survey

Building Ireland

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LEADING IRISH-OWNED PITCH MANUFACTURER MAKES €2M INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING FACILITY

A leading Irish-owned pitch manufacturing company has invested €2 million (stg£1.8 million) in a new turf production facility, safeguarding more than 50 jobs, and creating an additional 15 positions by 2022.

Despite the uncertainty facing businesses through Brexit, SIS Pitches has re-affirmed its commitment to manufacturing with this major investment.

The purchase of a new backing plant will allow SIS Pitches to extend its current site in Maryport, Cumbria, increase production volumes and grow its workforce. The increased volume of highquality turf available is welcome news for its Irish operations.

SIS Pitches is a world-leading, fullservice provider in specialist sports pitches and landscaping grass. The new factory, which covers an area of more than 2,100 square metres, is one of the most technologically-advanced production facilities in Europe. The company will use the new factory to deliver the highest quality, long-lasting synthetic surfaces.

George Mullan, SIS Pitches Owner and CEO, said: “This investment in new state-of-the-art facilities and technology will support our ambitious growth plans while also creating and safeguarding jobs in the local community.

“The Glasson Industrial Estate has been at the heart of manufacturing for more than 50 years and, despite business uncertainty in the face of Brexit, we are very proud to be able to continue that tradition through this significant investment.

“Our new factory will ensure we continue to provide the highest quality products and increased output, maintaining our position as market leader in the manufacturing of synthetic turf.”

The new SIS Pitches facility utilises the latest technology in thermal insulation, LED lighting, laser-fire detection and advanced cladding systems, while the new backing plant will be the most advanced turf backing system in the UK. The state-of-the-art coating line, the most-advanced in Europe, provides SIS

Pitches with the option to run either new standard latex coating or their new ‘SISBond’ Polyurethane technology, both of which are applied to the back of the synthetic turf during the manufacturing process to secure the artificial grass fibres to the backing cloth.

The line also comprises new straighteners and guidance units to ensure turf products are fit for purpose, plus an advanced roll-up unit to eliminate creasing and enable turf to be rolled tighter than before.

In addition, SIS Pitches has also developed and launched new premium yarn products that are designed to maximise durability and fibre resilience, thus further enhancing their reputation as market-leaders in turf innovation.

conducted in partnership with the CIF, found that 86% of construction companies are experiencing issues due to inadequate supply of qualified tradespeople. Since 2016, the CIF has highlighted a potential shortage of over 100,000 construction workers up to 2020. Some in the construction industry are arguing that more should be done to encourage the return of diaspora to Ireland and to remove the barriers that they can sometimes face.

Dermot Carey CIF Director of Safety and Training said: “We should be building bridges not walls for the construction diaspora to return; the industry needs their skills and expertise to deliver housing and infrastructure.

We are currently facing a housing crisis of large proportions, but in order to build more homes at the speed that is

needed, we first must fill the skills gap and have more qualified construction workers on hand to build these homes.

Construction companies are trying to reach out to Irish diaspora and are trying their best to entice people back from abroad.

The construction industry has undergone a massive adjustment over the last number of years and emerged a much more sustainable and stable place in which to work. We would like to see that any Irish person currently living abroad with construction skills who wishes to return home, is facilitated to do so and that this process is as easy and efficient as possible for them and their families.”

Further results from the CIF survey indicate that 19% of the companies who hired diaspora targeted them to return

to Ireland. Of the companies surveyed, 65% said family was the reason for the diaspora’s return to Ireland, with only 24% saying job opportunities and 0% stating salary as the reason.

Tom Parlon, CIF Director General said: “Returning diaspora can face certain challenges when returning to work in Ireland. When construction companies were recently surveyed about the difficulties faced when hiring diaspora, a whopping 50% said that there were no challenges at all. This is very good news, but we cannot ignore the 19% of companies who said waiting time until the worker could start was an issue. We also cannot ignore that a further 19% stated a difference in work attitude and culture was a challenge, and that 13% felt paper work and red tape posed huge barriers.”

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Building Ireland

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McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining Ltd. has provided its professional touch to a number of landmark projects across the island

QUALITY DRY-LINING SOLUTIONS, DELIVERED TO PROGRAMME With a wealth of experience delivering ceiling, partition and insulation projects cost-effectively, efficiently and to programme across Ireland and the UK, McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining is one of the country’s premier dry-lining contractors. Building Ireland visited their County Donegal HQ and had a chat with managing director Martin McLaughlin to find out more about this exceptional operation.

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ver the past two decades, McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining Ltd. has provided its professional touch to a number of landmark projects across the island, from multiple developments in Belfast’s iconic Titanic Quarter (including the stunning Titanic Signature Building) to Limerick Shopping Centre as well as a vast number of factories, hotels, restaurants, filling stations, hospitals, colleges, banks and commercial premises Ireland-wide.

Building Ireland

Working hand in hand with a who’s who of main contractors, the award-winning company has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading dry-lining contractors, capable of undertaking projects of varied sizes in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors with expertise in metal partitions, MF ceilings and acoustic insulation as well as offering bespoke solutions.

In addition to metal-framed (MF) ceilings and suspended grid ceilings,

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McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining specialise in the construction of load-bearing structural framed systems (SFS) and non-load bearing MF partition wall systems. These wall systems are efficient and cost-effective and can be used in all types of new and existing buildings. Partition walls cover all applications from room division through to high-performance walls designed to suit specific design requirements. The experienced, qualified in-house team

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Exceptional workmanship at KBC Bank

can advise on height requirements, thermal insulation properties and sound insulation as well as fire and impact resistance.

Acoustic insulation solutions are now widely factored into new builds and refurbishments, resulting in dramatically improved outcomes for all. Acoustic products are specially designed to deflect, reduce and absorb sound. These range from cavity insulation and suspended ceiling panels to specialised plasterboards used in wall partitions.

Acoustic insulation products are widely used in many sectors including industry, commerce and healthcare.

McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining’s skilled workforce is trustworthy and passionate about undertaking high quality work using modern techniques. They partner with customers and contractors who share the same vision of quality, professional workmanship and can assist on projects from the design stage through to project completion. One of the keys to the company’s success in Ireland and the UK is the professional relationship developed with clients, guaranteeing an on-time quality finish while adhering to all prevailing industry quality, environmental and safety

The award-winning company has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading dry-lining contractors

standards.

“Keeping the project to programme is the most important factor of all,” states founder / managing director Martin McLaughlin. “Quality is also paramount, in terms of both workmanship and the materials used. So the key is to keep the quality levels high whilst at the same time carrying out the work as quickly as possible. You have to deliver on both fronts – complete the work quickly and also to the highest standards possible.”

At the time of writing, McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining were engaged on a variety of projects nationwide, including work at MSD Biotech in Swords for ADCO, One Microsoft Court in Leopardstown for MAC Interiors and a number of on-going Permanent TSB fit-outs through main contractor Envirogreen, having previously delivered a series of bank refurbishment projects for both Bank of Ireland and AIB. Some of McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining’s other clients would include Abercorn Construction, , EHA Group, Graham, Stewart Construction, Harcourt Construction, HML Plant Hire, Dunne Group, FKM Construction, Parsons and Duey Bros Ltd. The company’s flexibility is matched by

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McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining are capable of undertaking projects of varied sizes in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors

its professionalism, which has seen them set the standards in dry-lining contracting down through the years. In 2010, for example, they scooped two prestigious Saint-Gobain Awards for their breathtaking work at the Titanic Signature Building, Belfast as well as taking the 2018 non-residential award for the Titanic Hotel project.

Equally adept at working on new builds and fit-outs / refurbs, McLaughlin Taylor consistently achieves optimal solutions by insisting on using only the best industry-leading materials sourced from renowned names such as Saint-Gobain, Kingspan, Gyproc, Armstrong Ceiling and Wall Solutions, AMF, SAS International, Rockfon, Siniat, etc.

Although McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining boasts experience delivering projects throughout the UK, most of the work at present is restricted to the island of Ireland, as Martin confirms: “After the recession hit, we started to go over to England with some of our clients, but Dublin is getting busy again now so most of our work is there, as well as some small projects in Belfast. We’ve also just finished a job here in Donegal, for OPTUM Ireland in Letterkenny, again for Mac Interiors.”

Building Ireland

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Building Ireland

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McLaughlin Taylor won two prestigious Saint-Gobain Awards for their work at the Titanic Signature Building, Belfast as well as taking the 2018 non-residential award for the Titanic Hotel project.

McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining’s skilled workforce is trustworthy and passionate about undertaking high quality work using modern techniques.

standards and hopefully to experience a steady increase in business,” he concludes.

McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining Ltd., Letter, Clonmany, County Donegal.

Tel: 087 7738697 Email: martin@mtdrylining.com Web: mtdrylining.com

“You have to have a very good relationship with the main contractor and work hand in hand with them, especially if there are changes in the programme or on site.”

Having peaked at around 100 employees during their busiest times working in the UK, McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining currently generate gainful employment for a crew of approximately 50 between direct employment and subcontracted work. Martin, who learned his trade from his father, Michael McLaughlin, is pleased to report that the order book at present looks particularly healthy: “We have some jobs that will run until this time next year, while others will be finished up in April. Some of them are 1215-month contracts and others are vsmaller, so it all depends, really. We’re very comfortable working on projects of any size, large or small, and we benefit from a large volume of repeat business.

“You have to have a very good relationship with the main contractor and work hand in hand with them, especially if there are changes in the programme or on site.”

Looking to the future, the MD of McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining Ltd. will focus on keeping the standards up, which should in turn lead to sustainable growth: “Our goal is to maintain our

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Building Ireland

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Clarke Contracts are headquartered in Ballymena

THE PLASTERING AND FLOORING EXPERTS Clarke Contracts Plastering & Flooring Ltd are specialists in floor screeding and plastering throughout Ireland and the U.K. From their headquarters in Ballymena, Co Antrim, and with offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dublin, and London, this family run business has built up and extensive client list since its original genesis in the 1970s.

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hey are licensed installers of Isocrete K-Screed (incorporating underfloor heating, while they are approved installers of Flowcrete Epoxy Resin systems, Sto Render & EWI systems, Dryvit Render & EWI systems, Gyvlon Screeds, Cemfloor Liquid Screeds, Mapei Screeds, K Rend and other scraped renders, Weber Rend and EWI systems.

Clarke Contracts have supply their services to a large number of industries including education, housing and accommodation, retail and leisure and healthcare to name just a few.

As stated, they are specialists in plastering and floor screeding as well as BuildingIreland Building Ireland

epoxy resin and specialist floors.

Having started out as plastering contractors, Brendan Clarke and his brothers built the business over the years. Brendan now runs the business on his own, but has never forgotten his roots and they are still to this day one of the main plastering contractors in Northern Ireland.

Their portfolio is vast to say the least as their work has been part of some very distinguished projects both in the north and south of Ireland as well as the U.K. "We started off on a small scale and just built up the business over the years.

When we were established as plastering contractors, we started to branch into

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floor screeding and we developed a good reputation in this area also over the years," said Brendan.

As well as hand applied plasters, Clarke Contracts provide the option of machine applied plaster. Spray applied plaster offers the builder and client a more flexible option to rendering as it overcomes the problem of material access without compromising any attention to a premium finish.

One of the secrets to their success has been the ability to move with the times through continued investment and embracing both new technology and methods.

"We have adapted accordingly over the years and it is a matter of having too or you will be left behind. We have always invested in the business and that has allowed us to maintain a high standard of work which has earned us many contracts over the years.

Concentrating on the latest technology available, we are able to provide a wide range of services - From machine applied render finishes to External Wall Insulation Systems in the plastering sector and from Pumped Proprietary Screeds to Liquid Screeds and Epoxy Resin Finishes in the flooring sector.�

Brendan is in no doubt that the best form of advertisement is through word of

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The company specialises in floor screeding

Modern technology has been embraced by Clarke’s

Various types of screeding are carried out

mouth as he stressed that you are only as good as your last job.

"We have developed a reputation for producing high quality work and customer satisfaction is our ultimate target on every project, from there word certainly filters through and it's the best form of recommendation to get."

Another reason why Clarke Contracts are regarded so highly in the industry is their client list which includes some of the top building firms in Ireland and the U.K. Sisk, PJ Hegarty, John Paul Construction, Collen Construction and Walls Construction are just some of the

clients on their books. Project wise, Clarke Contracts more recent ones include Capital, Docks, Hannover Quay, Centre Parcs, 10 and 40 Molesworth Street, NRH Dun Laoghaire, Trinity Hotel and Donnybrook House.

"We are very busy at the moment. The majority of our work is down south and we are pleased with the way that the business is going currently."

Commercial Finance Manager Conor Kelly revealed that they learned a lot from the recession and they now choose their customers more wisely.

"We don't take on any jobs that are too

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risky. Everyone gets paid on time now and it is a better way of operating. My role is to get money in and pay our bills and you have to be very stringent when doing this."

Conor added that a major focus in the company is on health and safety which they take very seriously and are meticulous about.

"Health and Safety is a huge issue for us. We have our own H&S officer and we would have the Safe-T cert. We are audited on a regular basis and the whole industry has become a lot tighter in this respect. The main contractor expects a

Building Ireland

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Clarke Contract’s expertise has earned them many prestigious contracts

high level of health and safety everything has to be in order."

Brendan had the last word when he revealed that he was pleased with the direction the business has been going for the past few years.

“We a bright future throughout the UK and Ireland, with many successful contracts now completed over the last number of years - showcasing our range of services and commitment to high standards and in turn promoting the company to a growing range of main contractors.”

CONTACT DETAILS: Clarke Contracts Plastering & Flooring Ltd BALLYMENA 89 Bann Road Rasharkin Ballymena Co. Antrim Northern Ireland BT44 8SZ +44 (0)28 2954 0191 +44 (0)28 2954 0401 info@clarkecontracts.com

Building Ireland

ABERDEEN 3rd Floor Riverside House Riverside Drive Aberdeen Scotland AB11 7LH +44 (0)1224 392 421 info@clarkecontracts.com

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LONDON +44 (0) 20 3096 6006 info@clarkecontracts.com DUBLIN +353 (0) 1 556 3308 info@clarkecontracts.com GLASGOW +44 (0) 1 556 3308 info@clarkecontracts.com

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Building Ireland

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CAPITAL DOCK SHORTLISTED FOR MAJOR AWARD

Building Ireland

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Building Ireland

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Continued Best Wishes To John Sisk & Son From All At

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It was no surprise to see Capital Dock on Dublin’s South Docklands – one of the largest mixed-used developments ever created in Ireland – on the shortlist for the 2019 Irish Construction Excellence Awards which took place in the Mansion House on Friday, March 29 last.

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ohn Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd was in the running for yet another accolade for Blocks A & B of the impressive city campus development which was nominated in the ‘Commercial Over €10 million’ category. The entire “Capital Dock” development located on the south docks spans 4.8 acres and features over 30,000sqmts of office space, 190 residential units, 1.5 acres of public park and a double basement. The development is located on a previously partially constructed site which was a victim to the financial crash in 2009.

The story for Sisk began in June 2015 when Kennedy Wilson engaged Sisk to provide a preconstruction services agreement (PCSA), the purpose of the service was to provide the client with advice and guidance on the buildability of this considerably sized project.

Shortlisted for the award were buildings A & B which consists of two separate commercial buildings with a gross floor area of over 22,000 sq mts. Both buildings rise to seven floors and consists of two storeys below ground level. Both buildings are now housed

by J P Morgan and Indeed.com.

“We were delighted to be shortlisted for an Irish Construction Excellence award,” senior

contracts manager Shane Glynn enthuses.

The award was sponsored by Irish Building Magazine.

“Capital Dock was a very complex and challenging development that took three years to construct. Sisk worked alongside project managers Lafferty Project Management, architects O’Mahony Pike & MOLA Architecture, civil and structural engineers Waterman Moylan and mechanical and electrical engineers Axis Engineering, to complete this fine development. Blocks B and A were handed over to the client Kennedy Wilson last August and September respectively, with Block C recently completed.”

A collaborative design and construction approach were adopted by the designer, builders and cost managers working together to determine the best technical solutions which could be delivered in the Irish market.

Shane pronounces teambuilding and collaborative working as essential to the delivery of a project of this scale. Regular social events with all of the design and construction team were held to promote team building and relationship management.

Former England and current Leinster rugby

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coach Stuart Lancaster presented ideas and advice on leadership management and achieving the best from a diverse team at a social event arranged by Sisk for the project team.

The project was complex and large, thus man-hours were speedily exhausted managing the various interactive work streams. Over 150 professional staff worked on the project from architects to managers.

The most significant challenge encountered was maintaining the programme momentum – endeavouring to keep all parties motivated, both designers and contractors, and ensuring that these disciplines deployed their resources to the Capital Dock project. Huge amounts of information were produced daily which needed to be processed and implemented. Technical delays were avoided by extensive mock-ups and samples being created well in advance of construction.

As the Irish economy emerged from recession the availability of trained and skilled resources became an apparent issue, Sisk’s solution to this problem was diversity of supply.

“We selected structural steel and hollow core slabs for Blocks A & B, post-tensioned Building Ireland

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Capital Dock dominates the skyline

concrete for Block C, precast walls, columns and slabs for Block D and post tensioned concrete floors, with Gypsum quiet wall drylining for the residential Blocks E & F. To maximise programme efficiency all lift and stair cores to buildings A,B,C,E&F were slipformed.�

Prior to works commencing on the commercial buildings, Sisk had to decouple the existing bank from the previously constructed basement which was due for demolition. Works comprised of mechanical

and electrical relocations, new plant rooms, new welfare facilities and two levels of steel flood walls up to 3mts in height. Noise limits of 47dBA for Lags and 57dBA for LAmax were not to be exceeded within the bank. The demolition process involved significant cutting and lifting of concrete to isolate the two structures. This process was then followed by a variety of concrete mulchers and silent hammers to remove the remaining structure.

Four-week look-ahead programmes and

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storyboards assisted in visualising the upcoming works. Plans and elevations were subdivided into phased areas which were used to explain elements of the construction programme that were completely, partially completed or due for completion.

Progress on the development was captured daily and updated into the construction programme fortnightly. Output data was collated on an ongoing basis to facilitate the gathering of a database of useful programming data for future project

Building Ireland

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LEADING SPECIALISTS IN PLASTERING & FLOORING

Clarke Contracts Ltd are delighted to have been part of such a prestigious project like Capital Docks. This included installing floor insulation and floor screeds of over 30,000m2 on both the Commercial and Residential Buildings. We wish John Sisk & Son every success in the future and look forward to continuing our working relationship with them.�

Dublin 01 556 3308 | Ballymena 028 2954 0191 | London 02030 966 006

www.clarkecontracts.com

Emai: info@clarkecontracts.com

Licensed Installers of: Isocrete K-Screed (Incorporating Underfloor Heating) Approved Installers of: - Cemfloor Liquid Screed - Flowcrete Epoxy Resin Systems - Sto Render & EWI Systems - Dryvit Render & EWI Systems - Gyvlon Screeds - Mapei Screeds - K-Rend and other Scraped Renders - Weber Render & EWI Systems

Recent Projects: - Capital Docks (Sisk) - Hannover Quay (Sisk) - Centre Parcs (Sisk) - 10 Molesworth Street (PJ Hegarty) - 40 Molesworth Street (PJ Hegarty) - NRH Dun Laoghaire (John Paul Construction) - Trinity Hotel (John Paul Construction) - Donneybrook House (Collen Construction) - Walls Construction (Cardiff Lane) - Twinlite Construction (Project Trinity)

Clarke Contracts Plastering & Flooring Ltd can deliver specialist plastering and flooring services to individual market sectors such as:

EDUCATION I HEALTHCARE I COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL I RESIDENTIAL Building Ireland

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programmes. Regular design workshops ensured a consistent flow of design information.

Sisk were at the forefront in utilising technology to assist with construction activity.

The adoption of advances in IT allowed a streamlined quality process to develop. A quality control application titled ‘Fieldview’ was used to track and control building defects to ensure speedy resolution for all issues raised. A document collaboration tool titled ‘Viewpoint’ was utilised to share and transfer project information. These drawings could be reviewed on site using an iPad to ensure all changes to design were implemented speedily. A drone was purchased and a staff

member was trained up and licensed to fly the aircraft. The drone was launched fortnightly and footage was used to assist contractors in whiteboard meetings together with assisting progress updates. A Go-Pro video device was used in site inductions to identify the site access routes. Crane block cameras were used on the highest tower cranes. The camera allowed the crane driver sitting at ninety two meters a better view of the lifts, thus increasing productivity and safety for all operatives involved in the operation.

Due to the scale of this large project in a city centre location, Health & Safety was always a significant priority. Directors’ walks were

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held every eight weeks with a view to promoting and continually increasing the standard of safety on site. A Safety Matrix was created, each contractor received a new safety target every eight weeks, contractors were benchmarked continuously measured against their peers. Weekly site safety meetings with site supervisors and fortnightly meetings with the senior supervising team took place to drive safety leadership across the site.

Innovative safety solutions were utilised such as extendable safety fans to the perimeter of the steel framed buildings, a complete steel enclosure extending over three floors to facilitate the R.C frame

Building Ireland

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Building Ireland

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An interior mockup

construction, and installation of GRP flooring to all plant risers. Logistics plans were created weekly, Mini white board meetings took place daily for smaller work crews, behavioural based safety training and safety observation systems implemented. A safety incentive scheme was promoted onsite. Weekly, daily and monthly prizes were issued rewarding good behaviour – breakfast vouchers and One4All vouchers and prizes were issued regularly. Workers’ health screening by the CWHT along with mental health screening were adopted onsite for the benefit of all operatives.

“Overall, the Capital Dock development was a huge success with strong relationships built. Sisk have since commenced another project ‘Ten Hanover Quay’ on an adjoining site for Kennedy Wilson. This is another fantastic project, which involves

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An aeria

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converting a nineteenth century warehouse building which housed the Raleigh Bicycle company into contemporary office space.�

Shane and the team very proud of their work with Kennedy Wilson.

John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd Naas Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

Telephone: 01 409 1500 Fax: 01 409 1505 Web: www.johnsiskandson.com

An aerial shot of Capital Dock

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Capital Dock atrium

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Continued Best Wishes To John Sisk & Son

Clonlara House, Clonlara Road, Baldonnell Business Park, Dublin 22

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

John Sisk & Son From

Partition & Ceiling Specialists DUBLIN OFFICE Unit 293, Blanchardstown, Corporate Park 2, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 Tel: +353(0) 1809 1290 | info@plattreilly.ie LONDON OFFICE 3rd Floor, 78-80 Old Broad Street, London EC2M 1QP Tel: +44(0) 20 3903 5777 | info@plattreilly.co.uk

www.plattreilly.ie

Wishing continued success to John Sisk & Son Building Ireland

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Tyfer Networks Designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:36 Page 1

Their fibre teams are on call to carry out maintenance and repair services

THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS EXPERTS Established in 2016, Tyfer Networks are making huge strides in their field of expertise, the fibre communication market.

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sing the latest technology, the company have been involved in numerous projects both in Ireland and the U.K. Company directors Damien Treanor and Kevin Martin both have over 15 years’ experience working in the telecommunications industry and they have offices in Drogheda and Enniskillen.

Despite only being three years in business, the company has seen significant growth during that period of

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time and the positive feedback they receive from clients is a testament to the high standard of work that they produce.

“Our aim has always been to deliver a quality assured project which meets the customers’ requirements, while also being cost effective,” said Damien.

Tyfer Networks provide a wide range of services within the telecommunications industry and these include full fibre turnkey solutions, including fibre cable installation, splicing and testing, to

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backup network maintenance.

“Kevin and I have many years’ experience in the industry and we have surrounded ourselves with a good team here. We saw a niche in the market and both of us had worked with Obelisk, which meant we had a number of contacts in the industry.

“Some of our biggest customers would be the Obelisk Group and BT. We have been involved in the Siro project for some time and there are 13 employed here at the moment, but we will look to increase that over the next period of time.”

Tyfer Networks use their own custom built workflow management system, which allows them to tailor a client’s specific needs to maximise cost

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effectiveness while maintaining exceptional quality standards.

“Our team of expert fibre technicians are highly experienced and so have the ability to adapt to changes and adversities as they arise on any given project.

“Our fibre optic engineers carry out the installation, testing and maintenance of fibre optic systems using fusion splicing of single and multimode fibre optic cable.

We have extensive experience of blown fibre and FTTP installations and we pride ourselves on great customer service with health and safety a priority.”

The company’s customer base ranges from business installations, single customers, premises where there are multiple tenants/customers(MDU).

“We cater for all. All jobs are treated the same and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our list of services means that we have the flexibility to carry out many functions in the industry.”

Installation services including cabling, switches and patch panels, final termination, testing and commissioning.

Maintenance and service are also a big part of the business as Damien revealed that they are always on hand to deal with any issues that may occur.

Our fibre teams are on call to carry out

maintenance and repair services. The engineers are fully trained using the latest equipment and this helps them to get the work done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Like so many other businesses that operate both in Northern and Southern Ireland, Damien and Kevin are awaiting to see how Brexit may or may not affect them.

“A hard border would have a huge effect on our business. That is something we are clear on. It could have a detrimental affect on our trade, but it is just a situation where we will have to wait and see.”

Damien feels that their success to date can be attributed to the quality work that is guaranteed on every project.

“The quality of our work has been recognised by our clients. We hope to grow with the likes of Obelisk and Siro and as long as we continue to deliver to the highest standards, then we should have no issues.”

Accreditation wise, Tyfer Networks have worked hard to obtain their ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 over the course of the last few years.

“The accreditation is in recognition of the high standards that we set ourselves and of which our clients expect from us.”

The telecommunications market is a very competitive industry and Damien stressed that they cannot allow to let their standards drop.

“In this industry, you are only as good as your last job. So it is imperative to maintain the standards that not only us, but our clients have become accustomed too.

“To ensure this, we use the best of equipment and products on any project.

The equipment is key and we have shopped around to find the best equipment.”

In-house training is a focal point of the business as Damien told us they feel their employees will learn more from training in the business.

“All our staff are qualified in their areas of expertise. We carry out a lot of inhouse training and by doing this we feel

Established in 2016, Tyfer Networks are making huge strides in their field of expertise, the fibre communication market

Tyfer Networks provide a wide range of services within the telecommunications industry

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that they will understand the ethos of the business more and know what we expect from them on every project.”

Damien admitted that the growth of the business has taken them by surprise. “We are happy with the direction of the business. When we started, we wanted to grow and that growth has happened quicker than we thought it would.

“Our name is out there and the business is at a stage where clients come to us and it is a place where every company wants to be in. There is a big demand for our product and hopefully that growth will continue.”

Contact Details: Tyfer Networks 31 Glenlevan Road, Sandhill, Derrygonnelly, BT93 6ER, Co Fermanagh, N. Ireland Tel: +442868641541 Email: info@tyfernetworks.com

Tyfer Networks use their own custom built workflow management system

Wishing Tyfer Networks every success

Tyfer Networks

Best Wishes To Tyfer Networks., From

CONSULTING Auditing | Site Inspections SafeTcert, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, NERS Accreditation | Accident Investigation Risk Assessments | Method Statements Construction Phase Health & Safety Plans | Fire Safety

Contact Gareth McGovern

Email: gareth@gmg-consulting.co.uk

Telephone: +44 7575917671 33

Building Ireland

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The Dawn Tissue Factory in Drogheda

DELIVERING QUALITY OVER AND OVER Established in 1973, Broomfield Construction in Co Monaghan has earned itself an excellent reputation as a multi-disciplined main contractor. Building Ireland learned more from company director Colm O’Reilly about the firm.

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usiness is thriving right now at Broomfield Construction and they intend to keep it that way up in Castleblayney, as they edge closer and closer towards the 50-year mark.

Jason Reilly took over as Managing Director of the business in 2016 and it wasn’t long before he led Broomfield to obtaining Safe T Cert Accreditation, NSAI 1090 Certification and they are currently working towards ISO 19650 BIM level 2 certification and hope to obtain this certification in 2020.

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Colm O’Reilly has been a Director at Broomfield Construction since 2016.

Having started his career with John Sisk & Son Ltd in 2005 working on a large number of projects and gained substantial experience with the company, Colm joined Broomfield in 2011 as a quantity surveyor and in 2013 he was promoted to Commercial Manager.

Three years later, Colm became a Director of the business and looks after the financial end of the company.

He filled Building Ireland in on what

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Broomfield have been up to lately down around Castleblayney.

“We’re going fairly good at the moment and have completed a number of projects recently in the Healthcare and Food industry. The current HSE project we have on is a Mental Health campus at Oriel House on the St Davanets grounds in Monaghan,” explained Colm.

“Repeat business is a big part of what we do. It always has been in fact and clients are obviously happy with the results from us and the quality of the work.”

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The company is based on the Bree Road, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan

Down through the years, Broomfield Construction has amassed a wealth of experience across the Education, Food and Manufacturing, Commercial retail, Healthcare industries, for both government and private bodies.

It also has vast expertise in the construction renovation of both listed and non-listed projects.

The quality of Broomfield’s work is reflected in its continuing growth in an increasingly competitive market, and the portfolio of projects over the past fourand-a-half decades is testament to that

The quality of Broomfield’s work is reflected in its continuing growth

quality.

One of its biggest recent contracts was the complete refurbishment of St. Oliver’s Nursing Home in Dundalk over five phases.

This contract was valued at €4.5 million and Broomfield was also the main contractor on the construction of a new state-of-the-art A&E unit at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan.

Broomfield has also carried out Medical Centres and Pharmacy’s in Dublin located in Collins’ Avenue, Raheney and Ballyfermot, Camden street, Clondalkin.

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Broomfield Construction has been in operation since 1973

February of last year saw the company take on another project closer to home with their work on The Nest Box Egg Company in Castleblayney.

Work on the project earned Broomfield Construction a nomination at the 2019 Irish Construction Excellence Awards in its Industrial category this past March and while they didn’t come away with the award at Mansion House, Colm still views it as an honour for the company to have been nominated.

“We’re nominated for the Nest Box project for the Egg Company Ltd, which Building Ireland

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Wishing continued success

Broomfield Construction Ltd

Manufacturers of Top Quality Trussed Rafters & Easi-Joist Web Floor Joists and Rafters Address : Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth.

Phone : (+353) 419873862 Email : info@magtruss.com Web: magtruss.com / Eircode : A92 Y381

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involved an extension on their factory,” he outlined.

“It started in February 2018 and we had to have it finished by September 17th, which we did so we were very happy with the project.

“It’s great to get the recognition. Last year we were shortlisted for the healthcare project for Navan A&E in 2017, so it was exciting to go back again.”

You get the feeling it won’t be the last time Broomfield Construction will be up for an award either, given the calibre of their work and shining reputation the company has earned.

The driving force behind the business is and continues to be the total commitment to providing the best

possible service and value to clients.

The quality of Broomfield Construction’s work is reflected in the continuing growth rate of the company in an increasingly competitive market and the portfolio of projects since its inception in 1973 stands as a testament to this quality.

Broomfield Construction Ltd Bree Road, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan

Telephone: 042 974 0559 Fax: 042 974 0832 Email: info@broomfieldconstruction.com Web: www.broomfieldconstruction.com

eamoncox4@gmail.com

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Building Ireland

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Crumlin Boxing Club

STUNNING WORKMANSHIP FROM C&A BUILD & CIVIL AT ATHGARVAN ROAD, NEWBRIDGE

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For their exceptional work in delivering 13 residential units at Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, C&A Build & Civil were shortlisted for a 2019 Irish Construction Excellence Award. Building Ireland spoke to contracts manager Norman Lewis to find out more.

aving delivered a best-in-class project in very challenging circumstances - not least of which were the extreme weather conditions experienced during this project – C&A Build & Civil were deservedly shortlisted in the Residential – Social Housing category of this year’s Irish Construction Excellence Awards for their outstanding work on a notoriously tricky 13-unit, €3.75m project at Athgarvan Road in Newbridge.

Working for client Kildare County Council, with David Creighton as senior architect and Letitia Hanratty (from Kildare County Council’s Architectural Services Section, who designed, and project managed the scheme from inception through to completion) as project architect, C&A ticked all the boxes as they achieved a high-quality finish on the project, which was delivered on programme.

The standards implemented by C&A BuildingIreland Ireland Building

(who are a registered contractor with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), in relation to Quality, Health & Safety, Energy Efficiency Ratings and sustainability ensured that expectations were far exceeded for this development.

These units are expected to be occupied for 60 years or more, an energy-efficient design that will yield considerable savings over its lifetime.

Although some energy-saving measures can be implemented at a later stage, retrofitting is often more expensive and less effective than incorporation at original time of construction.

This project involved the design and construction of 13 energy-efficient, carbon neutral dwellings as part of a Pilot Housing Scheme of approximately 800 m² at Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, County Kildare. Under the Government’s National Climate Change Strategy and specifically with a view to further increasing residential energy efficiency

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standards beyond 2010 targets, the Government proposed a programme of demonstration projects entitled “Towards Carbon Neutral”.

The Athgarvan Road scheme had been selected as one of the pilot schemes under this programme. The project reached energy efficiency performance levels beyond those of the proposed Building Regulations Part L 2010. The units were designed to provide an A2 rating and the bespoke design incorporated innovative and challenging design solutions, non-standard materials and sustainable technologies.

Specialist trades used for this project included: external insulation, external windows and doors, structural steel, metal work, roof trusses, zinc cladding, piling, air tightness, M&E, waterproofing, precast floors, radon barrier and infiltration trenches.

Heavily experienced specifically in civil engineering works, C&A carried out all

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New Priory at Donaghmede, Dublin

Ballyfermot Library benefited from C & A’s excellence

groundworks and external works directly.

The methods adopted for the construction of foundation of the dwellings were determined by the variability of the ground conditions. The existing earthworks profile had been subjected to the various meanderings of the River Liffey in the past, which resulted in an alluvial layer over the old gravel river beds which were at a level approximating to the existing river course.

The topography of the site was of a uniform grade from a high point at Liffey Terrace to the Athgarvan Road. The foundations therefore were a mixture of shallow ground bearing footings, precast concrete piling with ring beams and deep footings using trench-fill concrete.

To maintain an aesthetic and pleasing roof line as well as complying with planning, the ground level apartments were in a basement type format which required a retaining wall surround with access steps from the adjacent pavement. This retaining wall was contiguous with the reinforced floor slabs and had to be constructed as a ‘water containing structure’, i.e. water tight.

As the site was sloping, various retaining walls were required to enable access to open and communal spaces.

To maintain the programme targets and to enable construction of the dwellings to proceed as programmed the retaining walls were constructed using a precast system. The benefits of this were two-fold - maintaining programme and providing an excellent and uniform finish to the walls.

As the existing outfalls for the storm sewer discharges into the River Liffey and as the site has a gravel layer approximately 1.5 m below existing ground level, the design for the new storm system was to utilise the natural soakage in the gravels to reduce and even eliminate the discharge volumes into the river. Consequently, a series of infiltration trenches were provided giving attenuation storage and soakage, designed to accommodate the runoff from the catchment area for a 100-year storm, before discharging excess storm water into the river system.

There was an existing main foul sewer traversing the site which was coincident with the foundations of the apartment block, consequently this live sewer required to be diverted. As the depth of this existing sewer was in excess of three metres and the proposed diversion was very close to the adjacent roadway, it was critical to carry out this work in a safe manner and to protect the integrity of the road structure. The diversion was carried out in a series of trench boxes to ensure the works were satisfactorily completed.

As the existing roadway in Liffey Terrace had deteriorated and was substandard, and to allow for the new frontage on the development, Liffey Terrace and Liffey View were completely reconstructed. These works involved excavation to a firm foundation and disposal of arisings, provision of capping and sub-base material and resurfacing.

This work had to be carried out under a complete road closure to local traffic.

However, pedestrian access for the

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residents of the existing houses had to be maintained along with access for emergency and utility vehicles.

With such a large civil content, C&A Build & Civil was the ideal contractor for Athgarvan Road. “It was a good boost for the company to be nominated for the Irish Construction Excellence Award,” states Normal Lewis, Contracts Manager / Estimator. “It’s the first time we put ourselves forward for an award such as this and to get to the final was an honour.

When you consider that we were up against a lot of the bigger contactors, it was a real feather in our cap.

“This was a very special project for us, not least because it was our first time to work in Kildare. We’d done a lot of work for the local authorities in Dublin and were delighted to win this contract with Kildare County Council. We weren’t the cheapest on the table but the quality of our submission pulled us up to second place. When the first contractor subsequently withdrew, we were awarded it.”

Fronted by founders Colman and Ann Mulgrew, C&A Build & Civil specialises in: General Commercial Construction, Housebuilding, Civil Engineering, Refurbishment & Fit Out and Sports, Leisure and Educational Projects. They boast a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in these areas and this is evidenced by the quality of projects they have been involved in.

Accredited to CIRI, CIF, IHBA, Homebond and Construction line, CHAS, MBCA standards, C&A have over 40 years of experience in Civil Engineering Building Ireland

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C & A has grown to encompass all aspects of construction in both the public and private sectors

A beautiful bungalow at Athgarvan Road

works and thus, their level of expertise in this area is of the highest quality. For example, the company delivered deep trenching at EuroDisney in Paris and was drainage contractor on the M50 motorway.

For over four decades, C&A Contractors have combined traditional values with a dedicated approach to the delivery of a wide range of public and private sector projects in Ireland. The company has developed a strong

Exceptional workmanship at Ballyfermot Library

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reputation for excellence in construction and civil engineering, working closely with clients and design teams on a wide range of projects.

They place a strong emphasis on teamwork with both clients and design teams, to achieve the required project outcomes. Their civil engineering expertise makes them the No.1 choice when it comes to difficult projects and they work closely with design teams to value engineer projects in the early stages, employing a highly-skilled and resourceful workforce who are well schooled in their mission to deliver the highest quality projects. C&A are continually improving and updating their processes and systems to ensure that they can meet and exceed customer expectations.

Established by Colman Mulgrew in 1974 as a civil engineering and tunnelling company, C&A has since grown to encompass all aspects of construction in both the public and private sectors. Their experience has seen them expand into commercial building projects including largescale housing, having completed a number of public sector housing schemes over the last decade. In 2014, they celebrated 40 years in business, making them one of Ireland’s most established and secure construction companies.

Wholly dedicated to implementing the highest possible levels of Health & Safety, C&A Build & Civil are “Safe T Cert” accredited and have invested significant amount of time and resources in maintaining a secure working environment for all staff employed, both directly and indirectly by the company.

“Due to the topography of the site, with variable ground conditions and a lot of deep excavations, Athgarvan Road was more civil engineering based than building based,” Norman continues. “We had to put deep drainage as far down as 3.5metres in poor ground adjacent to a busy residential road and had to take special precautions to preserve the integrity of that road, which was down for reconstruction at the same time, also delivered by us.

“Whilst building the structures close to that road, providing drainage close to the road and reconstructing the road, we also had to accommodate and liaise with the residents. A great community spirit developed on site, as opposed to

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C & A Build & Civil were shortlisted for a 2019 Irish Construction Excellence Award for their work at Athgarvan Road, Newbridge

but, as I said, we’re hoping to get back to that more and more in the coming years.”

confrontation between residents and contractor, and that was one of the real successes of this project from our perspective.”

At the project’s peak, C&A Build & Civil had between 50 and 75 personnel on site at Athgarvan Road. “Although there are only 13 dwellings, because of the restrictions, we had to put a 100-tonne tower crane on site. For that, we had a piled foundation with a heavy reinforced slab on top. After the crane was taken away, we had mosaic artworks installed on that base and left it on site as an added feature.”

The decidedly tricky site was officially opened by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on October 16th, 2018.

“Most of our projects are straightforward but there’s nothing that we would worry about and we would be extremely confident taking on any difficult project with specific challenges or a lot of civil engineering content. Most of our work at the moment is with local authorities but we also work for the IDA and Irish Water, to name a couple.

“Going forward, we’re hoping that the civil engineering side of things will start to grow again after the credit crunch,” Norman concludes. “We’d hope to flex our muscle a bit more in civil engineering but not at the expense of the building work.

We’ve had an interest in builds and refurbs for ten or eleven years now. We’re on Dublin City Council’s framework for the refurbishment of derelict houses to upgrade the existing housing stock and get housing lists down. So we’re busy with building and refurbs, while civil / infrastructure work is slower,

C&A Build & Civil, Unit 9, Keypoint Business Park, Rosemount Park Drive, Dublin 11 Tel: 01 8665738 Email: info@candaltd.com Web: candaltd.com

GARDEN DESIGN, MAINTENANCE PLANTING & LAWNS, PATIOS, DRIVEWAYS & ARTIFICIAL GRASS

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GLENBEIGH’S EXPERTISE SAFEGUARDS THE HISTORY AND FUTURE OF CLANCY QUAY OFFICERS MESS BUILDING Building Ireland

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The dilapidated Clancy Quay Officers Mess Building has been transformed into 13 high-end, bespoke residential units

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Glenbeigh Construction Designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 09:55 Page 4

“Definitely a building to be proud of”

Glenbeigh Construction Ltd. was shortlisted for a coveted 2019 Irish Construction Excellence Award in the Public or Heritage Building category for their exceptional work in transforming the dilapidated Clancy Quay Officers Mess Building – a protected structure – into 13 high-end, bespoke residential units.

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he sheer master craftsmanship in terms of conservation, repair and change of use displayed by Glenbeigh Construction working on the Officers Mess Building at Clancy Quay is nothing short of breathtaking and it was no surprise when the project was nominated for an Irish Construction Excellence Award.

As Operations Manager, Cian Ward was involved in the project from inception through to handover and he feels that it was only fitting that Glenbeigh’s efforts were acknowledged at the annual ICE Awards: “Awards are something that we don’t normally put ourselves forward for of seek out but we felt it would be appropriate to recognise the amount of work we carried out on the Clancy Quay campus and the

exceptional results we achieved there.

“Phase II of Clancy Quay comprised nine buildings and this was the tenth building we worked on for the same developer on that site. It’s the pièce de résistance in there, the landmark building of the overall development. We felt that the quality of the work delivered in there – from the client, the design team, the architect and ourselves – was worthy of recognition and that’s why we felt it was appropriate to put forward a submission.”

Clancy Quay Phase II (also with OMP Architects) was a winner in the Housing category at the 2018 Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Awards and it was fitting that the Officers Mess Building would also be considered for a major award…

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“It’s definitely a building to be proud of,” Cian continues. “To be able to take a building of this type back to life and enhance it was an honour as well as a major achievement and we felt that an Irish Construction Excellence Award would have been a nice way to mark it.”

Glenbeigh Construction’s Officers Mess Building project as part of the ongoing Clancy Quay development consisted of the conservation, repair and change to residential use of this protected structure, previously in use as a Mess barracks building within the former Clancy Barracks at Islandbridge on Dublin’s South Circular Road. The conversion allowed for 13 high-end bespoke units.

Glenbeigh’s client, Kennedy Wilson, purchased the Clancy Quay lands in Building Ireland

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Building Ireland

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Glenbeigh Construction Designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 09:55 Page 6

The completed Officers Mess Building project represents a major success.

2013. Upon completion of Phase 3 (currently under construction), the number of units at Clancy Quay will be 845 within an overall site area of 5.6 hectares.

The Mess Building works comprised restoration, refurbishment and conservation to a multi-use residential accommodation in a protected structure.

This involved extensive re-organisation of the internal plans within the footprint of the existing buildings.

Repairs and refurbishment were carried out to both external and internal elements of the protected structure in line with conservation requirements, as well as communal landscaped open space involving the enlargement of basement courtyard and modifications to existing retaining walls and railings to the east.

The project also included associated car parking and landscaping on lands within the overall site of the Clancy Quay development.

The completed project represents a major success. The building has been fully restored with its character and many of its original features retained. A highquality finish was delivered to the exterior of the building, in terms of existing

brickwork re-pointed, all existing sash windows fully refurbished, existing railings refurbished and retained.

The entrance steps to the front door were in a poor state of repair - these were carefully disassembled and fully rebuilt using existing materials, including additions to the existing handrail to meet regulations. High-quality finishes were also delivered to all internal elements.

Existing lime plaster wall and ceilings and cornice were repaired and retained.

A major triumph of the project is that the building that was unused for some time and had fallen into decay is now fully refurbished and accommodates 13 large, distinctive living units. All the existing features of the building have been restored and the character of the building will be safe now for a further 100 years.

Clancy Barracks, previously Islandbridge Barracks, was built, extended, altered and adapted as a Military Barracks for most of its developed life from 1797 to 2004. The works have retained, where feasible, key features of the Mess barrack building, some of which date from 1798.

Glenbeigh had previously carried out the multi-million-euro conversion of the

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extensive Clancy Quay protected structures for client Kennedy Wilson between 2015 and 2017 to bring 163 new residential units to the Dublin market. During these works, the design team and client were reviewing the Mess Building for possible commercial uses.

While many of the older buildings were protected structures, the buildings were more suitable to residential conversions.

The Mess building, due to its grand nature was a more difficult design, and at one point was reviewed for its potential as a boutique hotel. But the client finally decided, due to the scale of their overall holdings at Clancy Quay, to convert the building into 13 ornate and generous residential units.

Kennedy Wilson understood that the budget requirements to do this would exceed that palatable if the unit was viewed on its own, but viewed as the grand centrepiece of the development, the conversion was feasible. A bespoke Guaranteed Maximum Price contract was agreed between Glenbeigh and KW, who had developed a strong working relationship at Clancy Quay over the previous two years.

Energy efficiency was a key clientBuilding Ireland

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Hudson Brothers Limited

Suppliers of Washed Sands and Aggregates, Crushed Rock and Chippings & 1 Tonne Bags

Best wishes to all at Glenbeigh Construction

Head Office: 11 Gorthlum,Brittas,Co. Dublin.

Quarry Office New Paddocks,Blessington,Co. Wicklow.

T: + 353 (0)45 865 880 E: declan@hudsonbrothers.ie www.hudsonbrothers.ie

Best Wishes To Glenbeigh Construction

Building Ireland

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Glenbeigh Construction’s work on the Officers Mess Building at Clancy Quay is nothing short of breath-taking

driven objective throughout the project.

All original period window joinery has been retained and refurbished with additional secondary glazing added internally. All ground-bearing floors have been insulated, as have roofs. The variety of construction to existing external walls of protected structures (i.e. cut stone, random rubble rendered and unrendered, brick, etc.) led towards a full assessment of internal insulation options.

Analysis included water absorption tests and hygrothermal risk assessments using WUFI software. The optimal solution varied from wall to wall, depending on location, and was particularly tailored where existing retained decorative features were to be exposed. In relation to protected structures, different thermal solutions for each type of wall build up based on hygrothermal risk analysis. Apartments within the Protected Structures have high efficiency gas boilers.

At contract agreement, all parties agreed one calendar year for the conversion, beginning in March, 2017.

Completion was achieved in April, 2018, the slight delay due to two factors – an archaeology dig required to the area in

front of the main entrance due to remains of 16-1700 courtyards and a number of weather events within the build period including two status red warnings relating to wind and snow storms.

On the project, Glenbeigh incorporated 3d printing, tool tracking devices, PAT Testing digital equipment, digital surveying tools, mapping tools, drawing controls, P-Cloud for projects live folder including BCAR and OM manual, our site inspection software, Boris management tracking for fire-stopping installation, online dealings with BCAR via Assigned Certifier, and Document Management system to ensure immediate access to the latest construction information, etc.

Restoration and conservation of this scale requires relatively large numbers of skilled labour in each discipline - a risk which Glenbeigh had to carefully manage. When contractors had a shortage of labour, they worked with them and extended their programme where possible on site if it was a not critical task, never allowing it to cause a programme over-run. For example, the brick repointing and cleaning took longer than planned due to an industry shortage

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in this skillset, but the overall programme was not affected.

Inclement weather was another programme and quality risk that required careful management. Extreme weather events such as unusually low temperatures, heavy rain, wind and snow storms were all events that had to be dealt with through the life of this project. All these weather events had an impact on the project as many tasks such as re-roofing, brick pointing, lime render require specific weather conditions. But Glenbeigh managed their team so as to maintain quality and programme despite bad weather.

As with all projects, the programme is a risk item but in particular on this project as there were vast elements of conservation in conjunction with a large amount of new works. Glenbeigh tracked the programme and operated an open book policy with their client and project managers in terms of programme versus % progress. This open book policy worked very well for all members of the team.

Meanwhile, a skilled and dedicated site management team, Glenbeigh’s ISO accreditation and its systems and policies, BCAR inspection and a

Building Ireland

Glenbeigh Construction Designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 09:56 Page 9

Treysta Building Services offers a full range of mechanical & electrical services that will take any project from the construction design right through to final handover of the project.

Treysta are proud to work with and support Glenbeigh Construction Ltd, wishing them continued success for the future Treysta Building Services Limited, Kandoy House, 2 Fairview Strand, Dublin 3 Tel: +353 (0)1 5143630 / Email: info@treysta.ie

www.treysta.ie

Building Ireland

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It was no surprise that the Clancy Quay Officers Mess Building project was nominated for an Irish Construction Excellence Award

dedicated snagging team ensured that any risk with workmanship was managed successfully.

As a company, Glenbeigh have vast experience working and delivering on both new build and restoration projects.

For this project, they ensured that their management team and workforce were selected based on their experience and expertise.

The redevelopment of the former Clancy Barracks has provided a unique opportunity to reimagine an ensemble of historic structures into a new residential city quarter; the impact has been very positive. A new public realm has been created, weaved between buildings, some of which date to the 1790s, now meticulously repurposed to meet contemporary living standards without compromising their historic fabric.

By integrating these historic structures with appropriate interventions and coherent urban design strategies, an important piece of the city’s heritage has been safeguarded.

The Officers Mess Building at Clancy Quay exceeds the expectations of all members of the team. Conservation and conversions are extremely difficult endeavours and rarely achieve a result

The history and future of Clancy Quay Officers Mess Building have been secured

which: does not exceed the agreed contract sum and budget; maintains the programme for completion; and exceeds the expectations of the client and their design team. The works by Glenbeigh Construction Ltd to the Clancy Quay Mess Building successfully achieved all three for their client, Kennedy Wilson.

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Glenbeigh Construction, Damastown Way, Damastown Business Park, Dublin 15.

Tel: 01 8227008 Fax: 01 8227009 Email: info@gcon.ie Web: www.gcon.ie Building Ireland

Midland Steel Designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 10:16 Page 1

MIDLAND STEEL COMES OF AGE Column for London Bridge Station being installed

Building Ireland

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Midland Steel Designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 10:16 Page 2

Celebrating 21 years in business, Midland Steel is a marketleading steel fabricator in Ireland and the UK, offering a wide range of reinforcing steel products and services to the construction sector in a diverse range of sectors.

F The innovated prefabricated system requires as little as two steel fixers to install on-site

rom humble beginnings in 1998 when managing director Tony Woods founded Midland Steel in Mountmellick, Co. Laois to service his concrete frame company, Midland Formwork, which he had set up seven years earlier, the business has grown to employ 193 people at its four depots in Mountmellick (Midland Steel Supplies Ltd), London (Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies Ltd), Bishop Auckland (Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies UK Ltd) and Motherwell (Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies GB Ltd). These locations were selected to provide good coverage, ensuring a

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responsive delivery service to the company’s growing client base.

Midland Steel provide innovative prefabricated reinforcement, on-site fixing, cut and bent reinforcement, coupler systems and accessories such as tying wire, ring spacers, concrete spacers and plastic spacers. The company has become a market-leader in 3D detailing, BIM and prefabrication and has supplied reinforcement solutions to some of the biggest names in construction and some of the largest projects over the past two decades. Here in Ireland, high-profile projects have included the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the River Suir Bridge in Waterford, New Ross bypass, Port of Cork in Ringaskiddy, Hanover Quay in Dublin, West Pharma in Waterford, Allegro in Sandyford, Athlone Town Centre in Westmeath and numerous windfarm developments.

Midland Steel expanded into the UK market in May 2008, just before the economic crash happened at home.

Through hard work and no little amount of determination, Tony established the business in the UK which led to him opening his first depot outside Ireland in Building Ireland

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B.WOODS

Wishing Midland Steel Continued Success

ROI 086 8429344 NI 07584474868

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The BIM process is used for making the company's Double Skin Slab product

London Bridge Station column

Installation process

London in 2010. Tony manages group operations, Jo Woods is responsible for Mountmellick headquarters and the founding operation. Paul Woods is Operations Director for London and Ireland with Stuart Watson Commercial Managing Director in London. Gerry Tralongar is Managing Director of Scotland, Motherwell and Bishop Aukland.

The company has grown exponentially since adopting BIM in 2012.

“We decided to go down the BIM route seven years ago and it has opened a lot of doors for us in terms of securing prestigious contracts. I realised back then that it was the future of construction and the future of solving problems before they happen. We’re driving BIM forward and it’s something I’m very passionate

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about. We’re the only company in Ireland and the UK to have BIM Level 2 as a prefabricator in rebar,” Tony explains.

“We provide our clients with quality deliverable products and commercially viable, value-engineering solutions.”

Midland Steel was shortlisted in no fewer than four different categories at the 2019 Irish Construction Excellence Awards which were held at the Mansion Building Ireland

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IAN DUNNE TYRE SERVICES Best Wishes to Midland Steel, from

MOUNTMELLICK - TULLAMORE

24 Hour Breakdown Service

Supplier of Truck & Agri Tyres Telephone

Kilcavan, Geashill, Co. Offaly

086 8511633

Building Ireland

Wishing continued success to Midland Steel 56

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House, Dublin on March 29 last. The first category it was nominated in was, rather fittingly, BIM Excellence for the Wembley Pink Car Park in London. Developed by Huber Car Park Systems and O’Keefe Construction, the Cark Park is a multistorey structure built in the shadow of Wembley Stadium with spaces for 290 coaches and 734 cars.

Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies Ltd provided a full BIM Level 2 reinforcing steel deliverable during this product. The BIM model acted as an information transfer to the BIM team at all times. Requests, design decision and delivery call offs were performed through the BIM software, increasing project efficiency and saving time. The added benefit of clash detection and 3D modelling allowed for a prefabrication of all reinforcing steel elements. This solution saved the client both on-site costs and time which would not have been possible without a BIM process.

The Midland Steel Group was also nominated in the International category for the London Bridge Redevelopment

which delivered a modern, spacious and fully accessible train station fit for the 21st century. Network Rail described this project as “the most ambitious station redevelopment in a generation”. Costain Group PLC contracted this redevelopment with Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies responsible for the design and prefabrication of all reinforcing steel elements.

Midland Steel’s involvement consisted of developing a detail and design of steel reinforcement to allow prefabrication of 24 individual hour-shaped columns and crossheads. The resulting design included 451 bars of which none had the same angle shape or dimension. This was made possible through 3D modelling the prefabrication solutions, with efficiency and safety at the core of the innovations.

The company’s Prefabricated Double Skin Slab Reinforcement product, which was developed in 2016 and has patent pending, was shortlisted in both the Innovation in Construction Process and Construction Product Innovation

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categories. This off-site prefabrication saves up to 75% of time when compared to the traditional on-site method of steel fixing. The product gives the client a distinct time and quality advantage over the traditional method and requires as little as two steel fixers to install the panels on-site.

From the company’s experience during previous projects, a panel up to 50 m2 can be installed and fixed in under 15 minutes. These panels are pre-slung to allow an efficient installation process and are supplied with a Temporary Works Design Certificate and an installation key plan sequence.

The key advantages of Midland Steel’s Prefabricated Double Skin Reinforcement product are: on-site steel fixing time; counteracts the issue of a lack of skilled on-site labour; increases the efficiency of reinforcing steel installation on-site; reduces the number of processes involved in comparison to the traditional method; saves the client on labour costs; increases on-site safety with the elimination of loose bas and the

Building Ireland

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The Midland Steel premises in Mountmellick, Co. Laois

Midland Steel's Prefabricated Double Skin Slab Reinforcement product gives the client a distinct time and quality advantage over the traditional method

reduction in on-site workers.

The Prefabricated Double Skin Slab Reinforcement is designed by the Midland Steel technical department in response to the decreasing availability of steel fixers. It is 3D modelled using BIM software by Midland Steel detailers. This Building Ireland

product offers efficiency to the client from the design phase right through to the installation phase. Using the client’s IFC file or sketch, Midland Steel’s engineers and details can design the product to suit the client’s needs and factor in site constraints or panel size restrictions. A

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key plan and an installation sequence video is provided to the client before delivery to create clarity before the installation phase begins.

The panels are manufactured by Midland Steel employees in the Mountmellick and London depots. A quality product using CARES approved steel and processes are supplied with temporary works design certificates.

Tony expects demand for his Prefabricated Double Skin Slab Reinforcement product to increase after Brexit.

“We believe there will be a labour shortage in the UK post-Brexit and that there will be a greater demand for an offsite product like this as a result. Our focus is on growing our off-site product using the BIM process and our engineering experience as well as on providing good, efficient products for our customers,” he continues.

Tony concludes by paying tribute to his staff.

“We have an excellent team who are helping us to achieve the one vision of being an innovative value engineering firm and being the best in the business.”

Midland Steel Supplies Ltd

Mountmellick, Co. Laois.

Telephone: +353 (0)57 8679650 Email: jowoods@midlandsteelsupplies.ie

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Building Ireland

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The Evans & Kelliher team

QUALITY CONSTRUCTION WITH THE KEENEST ATTENTION TO DETAIL

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Renowned for their attention to detail and high-quality workmanship, County Kerry based Evans & Kelliher Construction Ltd. boast an outstanding track record for delivering residential and commercial projects to the highest standard. Building Ireland interrupted co-founder / director Daniel Evans’ busy schedule to get an insight into this long-established, industry-leading operation.

elebrating 25 years in business in 2019, Evans & Kelliher Construction Ltd. have forged an unrivalled reputation throughout Kerry for delivering top-quality residential and commercial construction projects to both the public and private sectors.

Located in Milltown, at the very heart of the Kingdom, the company is fronted by working directors Daniel Evans and Stephen Kelliher, offering a wide range of construction services, including residential and commercial construction (new builds and refurbs); school and nursing home refurbishment and extensions; apartment and public service developments; bespoke architectural

Building Ireland

builds; and heritage renovations and refurbishments.

Having been a accepted onto Kerry County Council’s framework on the back of their consistently high standards of workmanship and an innate ability to meet programmes on time and within budget, Evans & Kelliher last year completed a five-house development in Caherciveen and are currently working on eight new social houses in Milltown, which will be finished to exacting standards.

“We were delighted to be awarded that project from Kerry County Council. They have exacting standards of workmanship and quality,” states director Daniel Evans. “It’s an eleven-month project,

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which started in mid-December and is due for completion in November, comprising one block of four threebedroom houses and one block of four two-bedroom houses.

“The units are being completed to a very high standard, including air-to-water heating systems, underfloor heating, heat recovery systems and very high airtightness and insulation.”

Safe T certified and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) approved contractors along with CIRI and CIF, Evans & Kelliher believe in working with clients and designers as members of a team focused on the successful delivery of every project to the highest standard, on time, to

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Nagle Rice Community Centre

St Josephs Nursing Home was tastefully renovated

by Evans & Kelliher Construction Ltd

specification and within budget. Practical experience combined with technical adeptness and the presence of experienced, motivated management and supervisory teams make them particularly efficient and capable.

The company has built a number of one-off houses throughout the Kingdom and is particularly renowned for its work in the education and healthcare sectors.

At the time of writing, they were due to start work on a few school projects as well as Phase Three of St Joseph’s Nursing Home in Killorglin (having successfully delivered the first two phases).

Another ongoing project is The Kingdom Bar in Killorglin, where Evans & Kelliher completely gutted and refurbished the existing premises to

The Hollies

include apartments and a new restaurant.

To survive and thrive in the construction industry for a quarter of a century, delivering dependable solutions is a prerequisite. As Daniel confirms, attention to detail and quality are key to Evans & Kelliher Construction Ltd.’s enduring success and viability, resulting in a steady flow of residential and commercial contracts through repeat business and positive word of mouth: “Word of mouth has been crucial for us and, thankfully, we have earned a very good reputation for the quality of our work. We both come from a carpentry background and we are very meticulous about the work. We worked as carpentry subcontractors for a few years before we became involved in the building side of it,

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so we have vast experience of finishing and we make sure all work is finished to the best possible standard.”

Direct, full-time employment is generated for a crew of nine as well as a tried and trusted team of subcontractors.

“We subcontract the blockwork, plumbing and electrical work,” Daniel continues.

“We use the same contractors all the time as they reach the high standards we expect and we have built up very good working relationships with them. We’ve used the same subcontractors for ten years now. Once we get a project over the line, they are the ones we like to work with.”

As a local company, employing locally and with great local knowledge, Evans & Kelliher work exclusively within County Kerry.

Building Ireland

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Best Wishes To Evans & Kelliher Construction

Building Ireland

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Evans & Kelliher Designed_Layout 1 09/05/2019 12:21 Page 4

Directors Danny Evans and Stephen Kelliher

St Joseph’s Nursing Home, Killorglin

Of course, meeting the programme is everything in construction and Evans & Kelliher Construction pride themselves on being invariably able to deliver projects on time and within budget. “We’ve been excellent at that and haven’t missed any deadlines,” says Daniel.

“With schools, you simply can’t miss them because the building generally has to be ready to reopen at the start of September. We finished Phase One at Kerry College of Further Education for September, 2018 and handed over the keys for Phase Two in March.”

When the downturn struck, Evans & Kelliher’s expertise in education and healthcare got them through a potentially disruptive period… “Schools and nursing homes were our bread and butter during the recession. That’s what kept us going through the lean times.”

Having completed some truly stunning architecturallydesigned homes down through the years, Evans & Kelliher Construction Ltd.’s ability to work to the very highest standards, with the keenest attention to detail, precedes them.

“Going forward, our goal is to maintain the high standards we’ve set for ourselves and perhaps to try to take on more housing work with the local authority,” Daniel concludes. “I’m expecting a lot more houses to be built in Kerry in the next fourfive years. The demand is clearly there and, in fairness to them,

Kerry County Council are pulling out all the stops to try to satisfy that demand.”

Evans & Kelliher Construction Ltd., Milltown, Killarney, County Kerry Tel: 066 9765722 Email: info@evansandkelliher.com Web: www.evansandkelliherconstruction.ie

The Old Barracks, Cahersiveen beautifully refurbished

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Building Ireland

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The project was delivered ahead of time and under budget!

Lagan’s exceptionaL deLivery of shannon airport runway rehabiLitation recognised

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Lagan asphalt Ltd. was nominated for an irish construction excellence award for its exceptional delivery of the rehabilitation of runway 06-24 at shannon airport project. building ireland touched base with paddy Mchugh to find out more about the €12.3m project and what the ice award nomination means to the company.

agan Asphalt Ltd. were strongly represented at the 2019 Irish Construction Excellence Awards in The Mansion House, Dublin on Friday, March 29th, having been shortlisted in the Civil Engineering category for excelling in the delivery of the Rehabilitation of Runway 06-24 at Shannon Airport – ahead of time and under budget!

“It’s certainly a big deal for us to have been nominated for this prestigious award,” confirms Lagan’s Paddy McHugh. “The project went exceptionally well for us and to be nominated for an Irish Construction Excellence Award is a suitable acknowledgement of this.”

The works entailed the full rehabilitation

building ireland

of 150,000m2 metres of runway surface, the replacement of runway edge and centre line lighting with energy efficient LED lighting, ducting and other associated works. A team of 90 people and a fleet of 70 vehicles worked on the runway at night to avoid disrupting flights.

The project was part of a €15m investment programme and was financed through a loan secured from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.

According to Matthew Thomas, CEO of Shannon Group: “The runway is the main artery of Shannon Airport and has been one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the region since its construction in 1961. It provides a crucial link to the global community and has

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facilitated the growth of Irish tourism and business in the region for over 55 years.

“While working on such a vital project, it is really important to work with a partner you trust with a proven track record of meeting challenging briefs on time and within budget. I am pleased to say that Lagan Asphalt have done exemplary work here in delivering this hugely important project that will serve the customers of Shannon Airport for the next 25 years.”

Also commenting on the project at Shannon Airport, Terry Lagan, Managing Director of The Lagan Asphalt Group added: “As one of the leading building materials and contracting companies in the market, runway rehabilitations are an

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L / R: Brian McManus, Project Director Lagan Asphalt; Rose Hynes, Shannon Group Chairperson; Niall Maloney, Shannon Airport Operations Director; and John O’Leary, Engineering and Capital Projects Manager Shannon Airport Authority.

important part of our business. We are very pleased to have delivered this complex and challenging project under budget and a full eight weeks ahead of schedule.

“The Lagan Asphalt Group has worked on a number of large-scale projects at various airports in recent years and we have been able to bring the value of our experience to bear on this project. I

would personally like to congratulate our crew on a job well done in delivering this crucial piece of infrastructure for the people of the region.”

A review of Shannon Airport’s 30-yearold runway identified the need for major renewal works to extend its working life.

When Shannon Airport Authority and lead engineers RPS Consulting Engineers embarked on an innovative

procurement process to identify a contractor who would work collaboratively with the team to deliver the Rehabilitation of Runway 06-24 project under strict time and budgetary pressures, Lagan Asphalt were selected on the basis of their experience, resources, technical ability and price to help finalise the scope, programme and price.

L / R: Ivan Brown, Pavement Manager; Brian McManus, Project Director; Adrian Hanna, Construction Manager.

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building ireland

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Best wishes and continued success to

Lagan Asphalt Group Ltd www.mmbsurfacing.net

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Our management team understood the detailed hour by hour, minute by minute planning and resourcing needed to ensure that the night works programme was achieved to ensure that the daily operational status of the airport was maintained throughout the project period, with Health & Safety, Quality and Environment issues all given the highest priority.

The contract to deliver the Runway 0624 Rehabilitation & Associated Works project at Shannon Airport comprised the following: Rehabilitation of the deteriorated existing Porous Friction Course and underlying asphalt material of approximately 75% of the Runway length; Rehabilitation or replacement of the Airfield Ground Lighting; Delethalisation of airfield drainage and other manholes; and associated drainage and ducting works.

Works were carried out at night (23:00hrs – 5:00hrs) so that the operation of the airport would not be affected, with Runways and Taxiways closed five nights of each week to permit the works. The surfacing materials used were manufactured at the nearby Lagan Macadam facility at Tulla, County Clare.

Project Director Brian McManus led the project team. Personnel were on site during night shifts involving complex logistical co-ordination of labour, plant and material resources.

“The runway is the main artery of Shannon Airport and has been one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the region since its construction in 1961.”

Led by Project Director Brian McManus, the Shannon Project team was selected from Lagan’s vast experience with proven track record as specialists in airport runway works over the last 20 years and have delivered airport projects across the globe including the famous Hong Kong Airport in 1996. More recent works have included rehabilitation works at Belfast, Dublin and Cork Airports and taxiway works at Shannon Airport.

As market leaders in the supply and laying of bituminous materials in Ireland, they possess the management

capabilities and airside experienced resources including plant and established supply chain partners to allow them to deliver key infrastructure projects.

The Rehabilitation of Runway 06-24 at Shannon Airport project commenced as required by mid-April 2017 and was completed and fully operational by September 30th, 2017 – two months ahead of schedule! Furthermore, enhanced savings in value engineering across all areas resulted in a final contract price of €12.3m - a significant

Lagan have a proven track record as specialists in airport runway works over the last 20 years and have delivered airport projects across the globe.

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saving on the initial €14m budget.

Finally, the engineering solution delivered by Lagan has extended the operational life of the runway by 20 years and significantly reduces future maintenance costs.

During the construction stage, Lagan introduced a unique H&S Software System with bespoke Safety Auditing and Inspection Documentation for this distinctive activity. These audits were completed on-site using handheld tablets and uploaded direct to the H&S system. The H&S Administrator managed and coordinated this information, ensuring assigned Audits and Inspections were completed at prescribed timeframes with identified deficiencies allocated and tracked to completion. This enabled the project to be managed in real time, ensured the smooth operation of the project and the overall safety of the on-site team.

The need to maintain the operational capability of Shannon Airport by carrying out the works in a very tight window at night presented a number of challenges, which included: ensuring the health and safety of the team in an extremely busy night-time operation; maintaining productivity and programme under the working time restrictions; delivering a quality product outside normal working hours; keeping the airport fully operational at specified times; dealing with the impact in programme of Low Visibility Procedures or inclement weather; and returning the runway to full operation at the end of each night shift.

In response to these key challenges, Lagan Asphalt selected an experienced management team that had worked on similar projects in the past. The key to managing the above challenges lies in the meticulous

A team of 90 people and a fleet of 70 vehicles worked on the runway at night to avoid disrupting flights.

assessment and planning of all elements of the works e.g. material, labour and material to maximise the delivery opportunity.

Another important element of the process was the early involvement of the Lagan team with the Shannon Airport / RPS team allowing all parties to work together in a collaborative manner for the benefit of the project, including optimising the works design, specification, performance requirements, programme and operational procedure in advance of starting works on site.

Detailed construction plans and night shift programmes were developed for all aspects of the project including sequence of the work, phasing and plans to provide practical construction methodology for the works which accommodated the operational contracts of the airfield. This culminated in a trial run of a night shift operations to familiarize all parties with

the procedures and to iron out any potential issues.

Health & Safety was a top priority with full site inductions to all staff, risk assessment and toolbox talks carried out for all activities in advance. Lagan utilised its unique specially developed lighting system to ensure the works areas was lit to ‘daylight’ levels to provide all operatives with a clear and visual workplace. All night shift operations commenced with a H&S talk and a clear message for all parties to be aware of each other in this busy environment.

All of Lagan’s subcontractors were vetted for competency and integrated into the planning and programme of the project from an early stage to the benefit of the project. “Because there are a lot of specialist disciplines involved in a project such as this, we used subcontractors for Airfield Ground Lighting, core drilling and grooving of the finished surface, etc.,”

O’Mahony Haulage Best Wishes & Continued Success To Lagan Asphalt Group Ltd, From LICENCED HAULIER & GROUNDWORKS CONTRACTORS

Coran, Tullyland, Bandon, Cork

Tel: 087 8135803

Email: omahonyhaulage@gmail.com

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Best Wishes to Lagan Asphalt Group Ltd

e mail: oconnorkerryhaulageltd@gmail.com

ML O’CONNOR TRANSPORT Best Wishes & Continued Success To Lagan Asphalt Group Ltd From

Bulk & General Haulage • Bulk Tanks • Aggregate Tippers • Bulk Tippers • Curtainsiders • Flats • Low Loader

building ireland

Ballyannon, Midleton, Co. Cork

Tel: 021 4639071 M: 087 6793903 E:moconnortransport@gmail.com

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Lagan Asphalt Ltd. were nominated for an Irish Construction Excellence Award for their exceptional delivery of the Rehabilitation of Runway 06-24 at Shannon Airport project.

maintenance, Lagan have completed a number of surfacing and civil engineering contracts within the airports sector covering both airside and landside projects. At the time of writing, they were engaged on another airport runway project – resurfacing Cross Runway 16-34 at Dublin Airport, acting as surfacing subcontractor – again at night. “Airport authorities confidence in the Lagan Asphalt Group has been rewarded with our proven ability working in highly pressurised environments with nightly possessions of runways which must be handed back to airfield operations for the first aeroplane landing each morning”, Paddy concludes.

continues Paddy McHugh.

“Obviously the supply and placement of asphalt was the significant element of this project, which we manufactured in our closest production facility in Tulla, Co. Clare. Lagan Asphalt Group manufactures its own bituminous materials for all of its projects, with nationwide coverage from its 8 production facilities which is key to the success of our civil engineering operations.”

Lagan is an established and experienced civil engineering contractor, having completed an extensive range of projects in the Republic of Ireland. Their capability ranges from sub– structures, ground stabilisation, groundwork’s, major enabling schemes, road construction, bridgeworks, environmental improvements, urban regeneration, infrastructure works and airfield construction.

Public sector clients include national and local authorities in the roads, education and health sectors, while private sector clients include principal construction contractors, airport operators and other commercial clients.

Lagan’s civil engineering resources are continually expanding and improving through a planned capital investment and replacement programme. Their reputation in this field continues to grow, with customer satisfaction achieved through the consistent delivery of quality projects, on time and within budget.

As a proven specialist in airfield pavement construction and

L / R: Niall Maloney, Shannon Airport Operations Director; Rose Hynes, Shannon Group Chairperson; Brian McManus, Project Director, Lagan Asphalt.

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The company’s client list includes some multi-national firms like Starbucks, TGI Fridays, Hardrock Café and Press-Up Entertainment Group to name just a few

DERRY’S CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY For any business to reach the 40-year mark is truly a great achievement and for this month’s edition of Building Ireland we profile one such company that is doing that in 2019.

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erry's Ltd is internationally recognised as a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality, durable contract and trade furniture.

Headquartered in Annaghmore, Co Armagh, the company was established in 1979 and quickly became a reputable firm in providing an extensive and varied collection of furniture for hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars and the entire hospitality and leisure industry.

Clients have always come away happy with the service provided by Derry's and one of the secrets to their success is their ability to work with design teams and architects to ensure all fitting

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solutions are tailored to suit individual client needs.

The list of services provided by Derry's has grown over the years as their expertise has been enhanced through specialised manufacturing skills and this means that they can creatively meet specific design requirements, whether that be traditional or contemporary.

Over the last 40 years, there has been a common trend in the business and that has always been to ensure customer satisfaction. Sales Director Damian O'Hagan revealed to Building Ireland that the client always comes first.

"We place a strong emphasis on customer service and from the initial

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point of contact we work closely with you, getting to understand your business needs. We continually strive to exceed client expectations and ensure that every piece of furniture produced is of the highest quality," said Damian.

Derry's client base has long exceeded Irish shores. "We have developed a global client base throughout Ireland, UK, Europe and USA with access to leading designers and industry specialists merging inspirational creativity with advanced manufacturing skills to provide a seamless and dedicated customer service.”

"We also ensure that client relationships extend beyond completed projects through the provision of an exceptional after sales service."

Employing 70 people means that Derry’s Ltd are one of the largest employers in their region as Damian revealed “The staff would have great experience with the majority of them having a long dedicated service and they have certainly played their part in the success of the business down through the years.”

The company’s client list includes some multi-national firms like Starbucks, TGI Fridays, Hardrock Café and Press-Up

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Derry's Ltd is internationally recognised as a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality, durable contract and trade furniture

Headquartered in Annaghmore, Co Armagh, the company was established in 1979

Entertainment Group to name just a few.

Damian added that it is a competitive market to be involved in, but stressed that Derry’s are one of the leaders in the sector.

“We are recognised in the market and we strive to attract new customers. We are kept busy and we know that if we can maintain our standards and improve on them where we can, then the client’s satisfaction will be met.”

Damian has a winning mentality as he wishes to drive the company forward.

This stems back to his days as a footballer with Coalisland and Tyrone.

“I suppose that drive would come from my GAA background. I like to get the job done efficiently as possible and make sure that the customer is more than happy with what we have done.”

Derry’s Ltd have left their mark on many of the top hotels both in the north and south of the country, which has helped enhance their reputation.

“Our work is evident in most of the recognised establishments throughout the country.”

As stated, Derry’s manufacture many of their products from their facility in Armagh, while other products are sourced from salvage houses and auctions.

“We would source a lot of architectural salvage items like Bar Backs, Bar Counters, Panelling & Pulpits to name but a few. The majority of stuff sourced from these would be for the hospitality sector.”

Derry’s Ltd provide an extensive and varied collection of both contemporary and traditional loose and fixed furniture.

Employing 70 people means that Derry’s Ltd are one of the largest employers in their region

The list of services provided by Derry's has grown over the years

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Derry’s Ltd provide an extensive and varied collection of both contemporary and traditional loose and fixed furniture

Browse through their showrooms, which exceed 40,00 square feet and view collections of Medieval, War-Time, Nautical, American and Irish memorabilia as well as life-sized figurines of heroes, sports stars and musical legends. Items are also available to purchase online at www.derrys.com.

The company is synonymous with the sector that they do business in, but Damian stressed that they still attend many trade shows throughout the year.

Building Ireland

“We get a lot of feedback from shows that we attend and have got a lot of work out of them down through the years. We find them very beneficial.”

As mentioned, Derry’s Ltd are celebrating a fantastic milestone of being 40 years in business this year.

As Damian states “Without our loyal client base we would not be celebrating 40 years. So a big thank you to all those who have supported Derry’s Ltd over the years, which includes Designers, Architects, Pub, Hotel and Restaurant

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owners. “

Contact Details:

85 Teaguy Road Annaghmore Armagh County Armagh BT62 1LX United Kingdom Contact Phone Number: 00442838851509?

Email: sales@derrys.com

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Padraig Ryan, Associate Director, Business Consulting, Grant Thornton presents the Green Product Award to Jane Foley, Woodco Renewable Energy

THE “BIOMASS BOILER PEOPLE”

In February, Woodco Renewable Energy won the Green Product Award at the 2019 Green Awards for its new Biogenic Processor.

Building Ireland heard all about it from the company Marketing Manager, Jane Foley in the days after the success at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin.

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oodco Renewable Energy is a world leader in design and manufacture of a wide range of Biomass Boiler systems including domestic, commercial, condensing and Waste to Energy Biomass Boilers.

First set-up in 1972 by Gerard Crosse, the company has decades of experience and expertise which have been passed down through generations.

Ger and Declan Crosse now head up the business as Commercial Director and Technical Director respectively.

Jane Foley has been the Marketing Manager at Woodco Renewable Energy since 2017 and told Building Ireland more about the firm – from its origins to its recent award success.

“Our Irish base is in Donaskeigh, Co Tipperary and Gerard Crosse would have founded the company back in 1972 when he was manufacturing oil boilers,” Jane outlined.

“During the 2000s the company started pellet boilers. Around 2008, we started to focus primarily on pellet boilers then in 2015 we rebranded as Woodco with Ger and Declan Crosse being the two directors of the business.”

The company has a manufacturing facility in Co. Tipperary, as well as offices in Ireland and the UK, and has supplied boiler systems across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the United States and Canada.

More recent years have saw Woodco expanding its range and they now distribute larger systems of 500kW and

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above and have also become firmly established in the Waste to Energy sector.

Now, some 49 years after the family company produced its first boiler, Woodco Renewable Energy still aims to provide cost-effective and sustainable Biomass Energy solutions.

The Marketing Manager of the business reports that business is also booming at the minute to the point where the company is looking at increasing its staff by 25 per cent.

“It has been very busy these last few years and we’ve got a good team of engineers and have a good focus on R&D,” Jane stated.

“We have the whole package here and in the last year in particular, we’ve had a Building Ireland

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David Butlers celebrates the success

real focus on our responsibility to develop and share our expertise.”

The people behind Woodco have always been passionate about helping homes and businesses to reduce their heating bills and carbon footprint by offering efficient and cost-effective renewable energy technology.

So, whether you run a dairy farm, a hotel and leisure centre, or anything in between, they will be able to provide you with a solution to minimise heating costs, hassle-free – and for outstanding results.

As the company’s website (woodco-energy.com) states “We are the ‘Biomass Boiler’ people”.

Woodco design, manufacture and support one of the most comprehensive ranges of commercial, domestic, condensing and WID biomass heating experience and expertise.

The company has manufactured and supplied over 3,000 boilers worldwide.

At the end of March, the achievements of Woodco were recognised on a national scale when the company took home the Green Product Award at the Green Awards 2019 for the Biogenic Processor.

Building Ireland

Woodco Renewable Energy is a world leader in design and manufacture of a wide range of Biomass Boiler systems

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“They were held in the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road in Dublin and to win it on the night means a huge amount to everyone at Woodco,” said Jane.

“It’s great for our R&D team obviously and the likes of Declan Crosse who himself put in such a huge amount of work.

“As I said, it’s a huge acknowledgement for the company.”

Illustrating the point further, the company posted the following on its website after the award success for its Biogenic Processor: “With a global population of over 7 billion people, the world has a poop problem. It is estimated that 2.3 billion people, more than 30% of the world’s population – primarily in Asia, subSaharan Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean – still lack access to basic sanitation, i.e. a toilet.

“In 1999 the United Nations acknowledged that the development gap between rich and poor countries was widening – about three-fifths of the world’s population lacked access to basic sanitation and one-third did not have access to safe drinking water.

“To address this problem, in 2015, the global community adopted a Sustainable Development Goal dedicated to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). One of the targets of this goal calls for, ‘by 2030, achieving access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and ending open defecation’.

“Woodco’s team of expert sustainability engineers, automation engineers, manufacturers and researchers decided to come up with a solution to combat this crisis, and developed a portable Biogenic Processor customised to treat human solid waste through a process called pyrolysis.

“It can be operated completely off-grid, processing sludge from communities, reducing pathogens, volume and providing odour control. In off-grid applications, the refineries would be run off on-board battery storage during start-up Woodco uses a combination of technologies that can refine these Biogenic materials and create new outputs. These outputs, such as

Richard Bruton

biochar, are safe, reusable, sustainable and beneficial for human health and the environment.

“Safe sanitation must include treatment to protect the environment and global human health. Many communities are open defecation free but still lack and pathogen free option. Our solution operates in the Circular Economy where toilet resources, i.e., human waste, are processed to provide valuable outputs.

“The Biogenic Processor is due to be introduced to market later this year, but we will have several units installed in pilot sites from May 2019. This project is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.”

Woodco Renewable Energy Donaskeigh, Tipperary, Co Tipperary, E34 RX89 Tel: +353 627 4007 Web: woodco-energy.com

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Main contractor on the Award Winning UCC Cubs 1 Lapp’s Quay Project

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Full refurbishment work was carried out on the Cork Savings Building for UCC Business School

CLOSING IN ON 35 YEARS

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Founded by Jack Coughlan in 1985, JCA Architects is today an established multi-disciplinary architectural practice with offices in Cork City and Dunboyne, Co Meath. Building Ireland learned more from one of the company’s four directors, Gareth O’Callaghan, recently.

usiness is thriving at present at JCA Architects and the plan is to try and keep things that way, according to a quarter of the company’s directorship, Gareth O’Callaghan.

Set-up 34 years ago, the company is an architectural practice producing contemporary designs which has expanded to incorporate the disciplines of architectural conservation, retail and passive house design.

This past March saw the firm nominated for a national accolade at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards in Dublin’s Mansion House.

Building Ireland learned more about the nomination and all about the business itself from Gareth O’Callaghan recently.

“We’re a general architectural practice which specialises in conservation and

retail,” explained Gareth.

“The three other directors here are Jack Coughlan, Pat Thomas and Haroldo Oliveira and altogether the company employs 34 staff members.

“We’re also a registered RIAI Architectural Practice and an RIAI accredited Conservation Practice Grade 1.”

Having earned his degree from UCD in 1994, Gareth is now part of the team at JCA Architects an even two decades now.

In that time, he has gained invaluable experience while also rising up the ranks to become Director of Conservation.

JCA Architects is, after all, an awardwinning RIAI Grade 1 Conservation Practice which has developed a wide range of experience in various areas of conservation and provides an

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exceptionally high level of expertise within the practice.

A fundamental first step is the understanding of the building. Once achieved, the company can approach a design or intervention with confidence, based on many years of conservation experience in combination with the ethos of contemporary design that the practice is committed to.

Indeed, the strength of JCA Architects has been found to be a combination of conservation with a contemporary intervention.

“It has been busier than ever the first couple of months of this year, particularly in conservation,” said Gareth.

“We just completed conservation work on St Patrick’s Bridge in Cork City, as well as in Holy Trinity in Cork and Cobh Cathedral – the latter project would

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Some of the work carried out at Cork University Business School

JCA Architects is an established multi-disciplinary architectural practice

have been cleaning and conservation.

“In Europe, we’ve recently had project work in both Toulouse and Dusseldorf.”

JCA Architects’ projects have always established the credibility of the company’s design philosophy, which are contemporary, appropriate, sensitive, functional, sustainable and economical.

Much of the criteria can only be fully tested by interaction with the end-user.

As the client’s role has a major influence on the design outcome, the management of that relationship has always been critical for JCA Architects.

The company has a very strong track record where, for an architectural practice, it has a significant amount of repeat business with its clients.

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Business is thriving at present at JCA Architects

According to Gareth, repeat business has been a crucial factor in the success of the business over almost three-and-ahalf decades.

“We’d like to think that we have developed specific expertise when it comes to conservation in retail,” he stated.

“We’ve established strong working relationships over the years with local authorities like the Cork City Council and Cork County Council, and also with larger construction companies such as BAM.” To this day, retail remains one area where JCA Architects has established a strong client relationship over a decade, with repeat projects in Ireland, Germany,

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JCA Architects is an award-winning RIAI Grade 1 Conservation Practice

The strength of JCA Architects has been found to be a combination of conservation with a contemporary intervention

Holland, Austria and Belgium.

This body of work has resulted in the firm building up a wide base of experience and expertise in the ever changing retail design field.

The company’s work in Europe is undertaken in collaboration with local partners, design team colleagues, contractors and specialist subcontractors and carried out by teams led by a Project Director who has hands on delivery of the project.

Last year saw JCA Architects involved in the full refurbishment of the 1839 build old Cork Savings Building for UCC Business School.

Located at 1 Lapps Quay and 16 Parnell Place, the project included the

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JCA Architects Ltd

demolition of existing modern built outbuildings which was to be followed by the construction of a three-storey steel frame extension.

Gareth was the Lead Architect on the project, with Summerhill Construction Co Ltd the contractors.

The €3million project which was officially completed last December was nominated at the Irish Construction Awards in the Fit-Out or Refurbishment category at the end of March.

Despite missing out on award on the night at Dublin’s Mansion House on March 29th, Gareth still considered it an honour to be nominated and hopes for chances to add more accolades in years to come.

The award-winning projects the company has been involved in in recent years can be viewed within the projects’ section of its excellent website (www.jca.ie).

Nearly 35 years on, JCA Architects remains a vibrant practice with a broad skill base comprising architects, project managers, architectural conservation consultants, architectural technologists and graphic artists with supporting administration providing a comprehensive and rapid design and execution process.

The company’s commitment to sustainability includes appropriate site planning, selection of Green Rated materials, careful design of the building envelope, passive and active energy conservation and generation, use of renewable energy sources, optimising natural ventilation and daylight, water conservation and harvesting, air tightness testing and thermal imaging of buildings.

Cork office: 21 Sunday's Well Road, Cork Tel: (0)21 4393800 E-mail: architects@jca.ie Meath office: St. Albert's House, Navan Road, Dunboyne, Co. Meath Tel: (0)1 802 6881

Velox Engineering : Steel Fabrication

Wishing continued success to

JCA Architects

Mild Steel Fabrication and fitting / CE certified execution class 2 Fabrication and fitting to highest standard Various finishes available / Steel detailing

Ballyedmond, Midleton Co Cork, / Vincent: 087 9525648 / Gerard: 086 8517798 T: 021 4630578 / W: www.veloxengineering.ie / E: info@veloxengineering.ie

Delighted to be assoicated with the UCC Cubs 1 Lapp’s Quay Project & well done to all involved

Cabragh Business Park, Thurles, Co. Tipperary E41 XW81

P:0504 33701 F:0504 33701 M:087 906 1621 Email:info@allstartiling.ie www.allstartiling.ie Delighted to be assoicated with the UCC Cubs 1 Lapp’s Quay Project & well done to all involved

MUNSTER’S LEADING GLASS COMPANY

Westlink Business Park Old Mallow Road, Cork T23 RF24 Tel: 021 4304244 E: sales@nsg.ie www.nsg.ie

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Blarney Castle in Cork

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BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS IN CONSERVATION Irish Construction Excellence Awards shortlisted RBR Specialist Conservation Contractors deliver a personal, flexible and professional approach to all conservation projects.

he 2019 Irish Construction Excellence Awards Gala Awards event took place in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin on

Friday, March 29th last. The RBR team were there in numbers as they were shortlisted in the Public or Heritage Building category for their exemplary work on national Irish

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral in Cork

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treasure, Blarney Castle.

The firm were honored to be awarded the Judges Silver Award for their Conservation of Blarney Castle & Blarney Castle Entrance

The Maldron Hotel, Parnell Street, Cork

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Café in the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2019.

The Irish Construction Excellence Awards (ICE Awards) are the original and premier recognition of performance excellence for the contracting sector in Ireland.

The Public or Heritage Building category was open to Building or Specialist Contractors who demonstrate best practice in the construction, conservation, refurbishment or major restoration of a public or heritage building completed within the past 24 months.

The project could be any type of Public or Heritage Building including but not limited to museums, galleries, courthouses, theatres, exhibition space or community building.

RBR Specialist Conservation Contractors’ Blarney Castle project ticked all those boxes.

Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most iconic buildings, a partially-ruined, late Medieval stronghold, 90 feet in height, at the top of which is found the Blarney Stone, a tourist destination of world-renown attracting nearly half a million visitors annually.

Such an ancient structure necessitates care to ensure both its longevity, but also its safety.

RBR were employed by the Blarney Castle Estate to conserve the exterior of the castle to best practice standards.

The works were carried out on a phased basis, over several winters, while tourist numbers were at their seasonal lowest, though the castle remained open throughout the works, necessitating cooperative arrangements between RBR operatives and those of the Castle to protect the positive visitor experience.

A new café and rest room facility was provided at the main gate. Works could only start once the tourist season was slowing down in late Autumn 2017 and to be finished before levels increased again in Spring 2018.

The arrival of Storm Ophelia and the worst winter weather seen for many decades did hamper production and test the mettle of those on and off site.

The client’s needs were sympathetically translated into designs and specifications by Southgate Associates and these were executed by

Trinity Square, London

Penneys Store in Dun Laoghaire

RBR and the excellent team of specialist sub-contractors and tradesmen including conservation masons and joiners.

Materials incorporated into the stone walls were to replicate, insofar as was possible, those used in the iconic 15th Century Tower House that is Blarney Castle. The end result has done much to improve the visitor experience of thousands of tourists to Blarney Castle and Ireland in general.

Blarney Castle Tourism Centre & Restaurant Fit-Out

Blarney Castle Cork

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The Curragh Racecourse, County Kildare

If you would like to discuss your current or future project requirements, contact them at office@rbrconservation.com or contact Stephen Redmond, the company’s Managing Director at stephenredmond@rbrconservation.com.

Located in Cork and London, RBR is a specialist Conservation & Refurbishment Principal Contractor and Sub-contractor. Their specialist team have the knowledge and skills to deliver and exceed on their clients’ expectations.

They specialise in façade cleaning and restoration, architectural metalwork repair, metal and timber window conservation and repair, structural grouting, masonry repair, structural concrete repair, internal stonework, marble repair and cleaning and special works (minor works).

They approach each project as a unique piece of work with its own style and personality. It is their mission to make their clients visions a reality and exceed all expectations. They combine their knowledge and expertise to restore buildings back to their original glory by traditional techniques.

RBR have completed a diverse range of projects, from the highly specialised restoration of listed historical buildings to commercial fit outs and building conversions.

The company’s impressive project portfolio includes: St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork; The Curragh Racecourse; 10, Trinity Square, London; Pennys Store, Dun Laoghaire and Maldron Hotel, Parnell Street, Cork to name but a few.

They pride themselves on their flexible, collaborative and consultative approach. Their team works together on all projects to ensure that all their projects are delivered consistently to a high standard to exceed their clients’ expectations.

RBR Conservation excels at generating team-driven solutions and they match their specific skills to each particular task. They have a professional, dedicated management team and their people are empowered to deliver projects safely and efficiently, whilst continually looking to improve best conservation practice.

Their level of repeat client business is a testament to the quality of the service they provide.

RBR Façade Conservation & Building Refurbishment office@rbrconservation.com www.rbr.ie Cork Office Unit 624, Harbour Point Business Park, Courtstown, Little Island, Co Cork.

T45RK26 +353 (0) 21 4513746 office@rbr.ie London Office 6th Floor, 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H OHW +44 (0) 203 585 4615 office@rbrconservation.com Website: www.rbrconservation.com

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Sean and his wife Helen celebrate 50 years in business

HALF A CENTURY OF M&E EXCELLENCE Specialising in the full design, installation and service of mechanical, electrical, heating and renewable systems, award-winning M&E engineering contractor Sean Horan Ltd. recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Building Ireland travelled to Ballintubber, County Mayo and had a chat with director Noelle Horan to find out more about this trailblazing, family-run operation.

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stablished in 1986, Sean Horan Ltd. is an award-winning mechanical, electrical and renewable contractor serving the industrial, state and commercial sectors in the west of Ireland. As a family-run business, they take great pride in handling every aspect of their commissions from start to finish, instilling the utmost professionalism, attention to detail and excellence in personal service.

Sean Horan’s vast experience and expertise has led to the company becoming one of the leading service providers on small, medium and largescale projects. By consistently delivering solutions to the very highest standards pertaining to the construction industry, Sean Horan Ltd. is a pioneering

BuildingIreland Ireland Building

business that has consistently embraced new innovations over the years, firmly establishing the renowned County Mayo based M&E contractors as leaders in their chosen field, culminating in a steady volume of repeat business and also garnering a succession of major industry awards.

In 2017, for example, they were awarded Plumbing & Heating Magazine’s Best Renewable Project in Ireland for innovative renewable energy work carried out at the Irish Wheelchair Association’s premises in Belmullet. as part of the SEAI Better Energy Communities scheme led by Mayo County Council in partnership with Údaras na Gaeltachta.

And, last year, Sean Horan Ltd. was

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shortlisted in the Commercial Electrical Project of the Year category at Ireland’s Electrical Awards for their conversion of Unit 2B into a welding unit at the Industrial Estate in Attycunnane, Belmullet.

The Plumbing & Heating Magazine Renewable Project of the Year award recognising the manner in which the company has successfully diversified business and expanded their areas of operation over the years - was presented to founder Sean and his son Michael at a gala function in the Mansion House, specifically honouring the manner in which the use of renewable technology had enhanced the energy efficiency and sustainability of the aforementioned retrofit project in Belmullet.

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Sean Horan Ltd. pride themselves on designing and installing bespoke mechanical and electrical solutions

“We’ve become experienced in installing wind turbines, heat pumps, solar panels and PV installation and we feel that renewables are very much the way forward.”

The project involved Sean Horan Ltd completing a Photovoltic (PV) Installation (PV energy being the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity). It included the supply, installation and commissioning of a ground-mounted, grid-connected 11kW solar PV array, interconnected to the building’s three-phase power supply.

Sean Horan Ltd. has vast experience in installing renewable technologies and this PV installation offered some unique aspects. The site conditions were tight and on a challenging coastal location, while the installation of the south-facing, ground-mounted 11kW solar PV system was carried out on an active building.

As the IWA’s Resource and Outreach Centre for the Erris area, the charity provides a wide variety of services from these facilities including day services for

110 people with disabilities and the elderly on a weekly basis, as well as for other local groups using their rooms. It was vital for the client and their service users that their daily activities were not disrupted.

In addition, Sean Horan Ltd. had to plan ahead to ensure the PV installation was accessible – including for wheelchair users. The IWA facilitated a series of visits to their premises to highlight the energy-saving nature of the installation and the monetary savings it is making by using PV panels.

The limited company was set up in 1978, by Sean and his wife Helen, and customer service has been a cornerstone of the business ever since.

With son Michael and daughter Noelle now involved in the day-to-day running of

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the family business, the Horans are particularly proud to have been able to work with many of the same clients over the years - testament to the company’s ability to build lasting relationships by offering practical solutions to suit a client's requirements or constraints.

Demonstrating innovation by continuously adapting to changes in technology, Sean Horan Ltd.’s ability to move with – if not ahead of! – the times over the decades has seen them not only survive but thrive in one of the most challenging and competitive sectors of all.

Indeed, innovation has been one of the founder’s key traits since the genesis of the business. When he established his eponymous engineering contracting business by setting out as a sole trader all of 51 years ago, it was common for contractors to specialise in either mechanical or electrical contracting, but Sean broke the mould by opting to offer his clients both services under one roof, which was decidedly ground-breaking in the west at the time.

“Those were days when you trained with your employer only and he did the electrical first before deciding to also learn the mechanical side of things,” Noelle points out. “He was certainly one of the first in the area to set up his own business doing both.”

Being skilled in both M&E of course offers very obvious advantages to the client, who only needs to deal with one company, thus ensuring fully coordinated Building Ireland

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Sean Horan Ltd. have been leading the way for half a century

engineering solutions with no possible conflict: “Once you are on site you can provide a complete service,” says Noelle. “Clients don’t like to be fobbed off and we never dismiss anybody or send them off looking for an electrician or a plumber, as we are skilled in both.”

Sean Horan Ltd. pride themselves on designing and installing bespoke mechanical and electrical solutions across a vast array of settings including school, factories, schools, hotels, health centres, churches and community centres, with a strong footprint all along the west coast, from Donegal to Clare.

One of the early projects secured was heating installations at St. Patrick’s Church and School, Killawalla and Sean went on to work on a variety of projects for the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), the Office of Public Works (OPW), Department of Education, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Health Service Executive (HSE) and many clients in the private sector. The company has also worked extensively at Knock Shrine, Knock Airport; Castlebar Library & Swimming Pool, Turlough House and Castlebar Army Barracks, to mention just a handful of other projects delivered.

Some recent projects include an oil-togas boiler conversion job at Westport Building Ireland

College of Further Education for the Education & Training Board as well as ongoing boiler maintenance work for Galway City Council and regular work servicing the HSE’s community care facilities in Mayo.

“We also have a longstanding relationship with the Marine Institute, who have a salmon hatchery at Furnace, Newport,” Noelle continues. “We were involved in the initial installation of that hatchery 25 years ago and have carried out both mechanical and electrical maintenance work there ever since.”

Each member of the team is involved in managing how Sean Horan Ltd. can make improvements today to last into the future. “We have an excellent team here at the moment, albeit somewhat smaller than it used to be,” Noelle confirms. “As a family business, we offer our clients a personal touch. We make sure every job is completed to the very highest standards because your reputation is everything and it’s

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vital that you maintain it.”

As advancing technology has changed the face of construction and related services beyond recognition, Sean, Michael and Noelle have proactively embraced modern trends, adapting a pioneering approach to the uptake of new advances.

This willingness to embrace the latest know-how has seen the family business diversify into renewable technologies over the past decade or so and they are now heavily involved in installing photovoltaic (PV) panels and carrying out energy upgrades rendering buildings more efficient.

“Quality of service is paramount and we are focussed on providing the most upto-date options available at a competitive price,” Noelle concludes. “All of our staff are trained and upskilled in modern technology, and renewables is a growing market, with clients able to claim back rebates.

“We’ve become experienced in installing wind turbines, heat pumps, solar panels and PV installation and we feel that renewables are very much the way forward. We were the first in the west to be authorised by the SEAI for PV installations and we also had the distinction of installing the very first heat pump on Inisheer Island in Galway.”

More than half a century on, Sean Horan Ltd. is still setting the standards for others to follow.

Sean Horan Ltd., Ballintubber, Claremorris, County Mayo.

Tel: 094 9030895 Fax: 094 903 0775 Email: shoran@iol.ie

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