Construction Management Ireland Summer Edition 2026

EN G I N E E R S • ARC HITEC T S • S U RVE YORS • P ROJ E CT MA NAGE RS • CONTRA CT OR S

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Summer 2026 Construction Management Ireland

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elcome to our summer issue of Construction Management Ireland. We are delighted to once again feature our host of regular items – as well as a selection of special reports and features that capture another slice in time in our sector!

As usual there’s a lot going on! We have our ‘Tech Talk’, our usual visits to a range of industry events, ‘Green Building’, ‘Products & Services’, ‘Training & Careers’ and so much more.

The latter includes apprenticeship news from TU Dublin and ATU – from where we hear news of new apprenticeships in civil engineering and quantity surveying.

We have a very special feature focussing on this year’s Irish Concrete Society’s awards where excellence in concrete design and construction was celebrated.

We also look at industry trends in ‘The Lie of The Land’.

And ‘Out & About’ takes us to the Future Timber Design Awards, SETU, a recent Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) graduation ceremony, a special annual CIOB dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Belfast and yet more highly successful and well-attended events across our sector.

We have lots of industry news as well and some very special features on leading companies like Walls construction, MSL Engineering, Suir Engineering and more.

And of course, we have our ‘Personal & Finance’ articles where we link in with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and hear from more of our regular contributors.

Meanwhile, our news items once again focus on initiatives, achievements, events and graduations as well as some recent promotions, appointments and more besides.

We round it all off on a positive note, as always, with ‘The Final Say’ where we hear of a method to get a lot more done and feel a lot less pressured.

And that can’t be bad!

PUTTING THE PROFESSIONAL CENTRE STAGE 'CIOB Student Challenge inspires a new wave of Irish Construction Professionals'- see page 9.

'As usual, there's a lot going on!'

We hope you enjoy the issue Talk to you soon, Martin & Dermot

* The articles herein represent a snapshot in time.

Always check with those concerned for the latest.

Cmi

Construction Management Ireland Published by Ocean Publishing, 14 Upper Fitzwilliam St, Dublin 2

Publisher Patrick Aylward

Tel: 01 678 5165

National Sales Manager Dermot Casey Dermot@constructionmanagementireland.ie

Fax: 01 678 5191

Editor Martin Foran martin@constructionmanagementireland.ie

Graphic Design Niall McHugh Printed by WG Baird Ltd Antrim

Ad Production Audrey Fitzgerald

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this journal is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors, omissions or discrepancies. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

i Cm CONTENTS

10 On The Record

3 News News from our sector and the wider economy: including company news and initiatives, professional achievements, projects, promotions, graduations and more...

9 CIOB Student Challenge Challenge ‘inspires a new wave of Irish construction professionals’.

10 On The Record You are the difference! Exploring a unique leadership programme.

13 Tech Talk ‘Driving digital delivery for Ireland’s infrastructure’ and more besides…

16 Concrete Awards ‘26 ‘Excellence in concrete design and construction.’

21 Safety With ESB Networks

13 Tech Talk

‘Danger above and below: electrical safety on construction sites.’

24 The Lie Of The land We look once again at trends and developments.

30 Out & About

Safety, housebuilding, biodiversity, a fabulous CIOB event – and more!

38 Training & Careers Apprenticeships at TUD and ATU’s new Level 8 Civil Engineering and Quantity Surveying apprenticeships.

44 Personal & Finance Car hire advice from the CCPC, Chadwicks’ leadership programme and why you might be smarter than you think!

50 Green Building We link in as usual with the Irish Green Building Council – featuring Home Performance Pathway, Build Green Now and ‘Nature Rich Neighbourhoods’.

55 Products & Services What’s caught our eye?

38 Training & Careers

2 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

59 The Final Say We round it all off on a positive and inspiring note, as always!

NEWS Hats off to them! ATU celebrates Spring Conferring More than 500 students, including 14 PhD graduates, were conferred at Atlantic Technological University’s Spring Conferring Ceremonies, held across its Galway, Sligo and Donegal campuses.

Achievement

The ceremonies brought together graduates from across the west and north west, along with families, friends and staff, to mark academic achievement across a wide range of disciplines and award levels, from Higher Certificate to Doctoral degrees.

Spring sunshine across all locations added to the sense of occasion with campus celebrations reflecting the optimism of the graduating classes.

Increasing

Now one of the largest higher education institutions in Ireland, ATU has more than 30,000 students across nine campuses and continues to attract increasing numbers of first choice applicants.

Addressing graduates, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn reflected on both the significance of the day and the university’s rapid progress, ‘While we are relatively new as a university, we continue to grow at pace – we are also now a university of choice with increasing Graduate Lapree Naube and friends celebrate at ATU’s numbers of students choosing ATU as their first preference.’

Spring Conferring in Galway.

A high level of engagement among IGBC members!

Three significant awards were announced at the recent ‘Build Green Now’ conference by Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) Chair, Ali Grehan.

Engaged ‘The Irish Green Building Council relies on engaged members for their work,’ explains the IGBC. ‘What makes IGBC’s advocacy so strong is that our only agenda is achieving a high-quality built environment on a liveable planet.

‘But working closely with our members from all sectors ensures that what we propose is practical, implementable and achievable but ambitious.

‘The more our members engage their own staff through our learning platforms, workshops, and communities of practice, the greater the value they get from membership.

‘We have chosen to honour two members – one from our standard members and one partner level member, who exemplify this engagement.

‘It was very difficult to choose just one from each category, as so many are so deeply engaged with our work.’

The awards were: Standard IGBC member recognition award 2026: RKD Architects Partner member recognition award: Hibernia Real Estate Group In addition, the event saw the awarding of the Devyn Olson-Sawyer Emerging Professional of the Year (35 & under) award – Sponsored by Pipelife This recognises young professionals ‘who have shown real leadership in

Emerging Professional: David Devlin, Passive Dynamics (Award sponsored

by Pipelife)

sustainability’.

It is named after Devyn Olson Sawyer who co-founded Irish Green Building Council and sadly passed away in 2019.

Recipient: David Devlin, Associate Director at Passive Dynamics Sustainability Consultants. In recognition of his meaningful contribution to sustainability early in his career.

‘Through his work at Passive Dynamics Sustainability Consultants, David has demonstrated exceptional leadership in delivering sustainability and ESG solutions, helping project teams navigate complex frameworks including Home Performance Index (HPI), EU Taxonomy, and LEED certification,’ it was explained.

‘His ability to transform highly technical requirements into practical, meaningful actions has helped drive stronger environmental outcomes and better-performing buildings across a wide range of projects.

‘What truly distinguishes David is his collaborative and people-first approach.’

For more on Build Green Now, see our report in this issue.

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 3

NEWS

Spotlight on Clancy Construction Clancy Construction was recently pleased to announce the appointment of Cormac Smith to its Board of Directors, alongside the appointment of Tommy Drumm as Strategic Board Adviser, a role closely aligned to that of a Non-Executive Director.

Significant

These appointments represent a significant step in strengthening the company’s Board and governance structures as part of its five-year growth strategy.

This strategy targets turnover growth to €250 million while continuing to deliver excellence for clients across all sectors.

Cormac Smith brings over 25 years of experience in the construction industry and has been a valued member of the Clancy team for over three years, serving as Associate Director.

He has a proven track record in leading and delivering complex projects across the healthcare, pharmaceutical, commercial and education sectors.

Recognised

A certified Project Management Professional and member of the Project Management Institute, Cormac is widely recognised for his strategic approach to project delivery and leadership.

He has also held several senior industry positions, including President of the Master Builders and Contractors Association and Chairman of the Cork Branch of the

Construction Industry Federation.

In addition, he contributes at industry level through his involvement in key steering groups, including the Procurement, Tendering and Contractual Matters subcommittee of the CIF National Executive.

Exceptional

Tommy Drumm brings exceptional depth of experience, with a distinguished career spanning 50 years in the construction industry.

A Fellow of Engineers Ireland and past President of the Master Builders and Contractors Association, Tommy previously served as Managing Director and Board Adviser to Collen Construction.

Since retiring from executive roles, Tommy has acted as Strategic Board Adviser to several family-owned businesses.

His expertise spans people management, general management, financial management and project management with delivery experience across a wide range of sectors including data centres, oil and gas, civil engineering, residential, commercial, leisure and property development.

International

His international experience includes projects in Ireland, Britain, Australia, Thailand, the Middle East, Spain, and Portugal.

Commenting on the appointments, Managing Director John O’Shaughnessy said:

‘We are delighted to welcome Cormac and Tommy to the board of Clancy Construction.

‘Their combined experience, leadership and industry insight will be invaluable as we continue to grow the business.

‘These appointments strengthen our Board and position us well to deliver on our strategic ambitions over the coming years.’

Privileged

Tommy Drumm said: ‘I am privileged to have been invited to advise the Clancy Construction Board strategically and I am very much looking forward to seeing the company’s continued growth first hand.

‘Clancy’s core values, history and project experience are impressive, and I would like to thank the Board, the Clancy family and staff for the warmth of their welcome.’

Cormac Smith added: ‘I am honoured to join the Board of Clancy Construction at such an exciting time for the business.

Strength ‘Having worked closely with the team over the past number of years, I have seen first-hand the strength of our people, our culture and our delivery capability.

‘I look forward to contributing to the next phase of growth and continuing to deliver high quality outcomes for our clients.’

CIOB NEWS: Dublin graduation ceremony We’re delighted to report that a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Graduation Ceremony has taken place at The Law Society of Ireland since our last issue.

Opportunity Attending a CIOB Graduation Ceremony is a special opportunity to mark achievements with family and peers.

Our friends in CIOB tell us: ‘We welcomed over 140 guests – 45 graduates from Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK (Manchester, Norh Yorkshire, Durham and Cheshire), and Malaysia.

Fellowship ‘The Northern Ireland Committee Chair Yvonne Conway FCIOB, and Vice-Chair Duane McCreadie FCIOB, also celebrated their Fellowship.

‘VIP guests included the CEO Dr. Victoria Hills, the CIOB Trustee Jonathan Payne FCIOB, ROI Committee Chair Dermot Fitzgerald MCIOB, who also acted as the Master of Ceremonies – and Vice-Chair Lisa Brennan MCIOB.’ 4 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

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Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 5

NEWS

Jones Engineering appoints six directors across group companies Six senior leaders appointed across key Group companies, reinforcing Jones Engineering’s continued growth and leadership strength.

Jones Engineering has announced a number of senior leadership appointments across its Group companies, marking a continued investment in strengthening its leadership capability.

Key role

The newly appointed directors have played a key role in delivering complex engineering projects and supporting the ongoing growth of the business.

These appointments reflect the depth of talent across the Group and reinforce Jones Engineering’s commitment to developing leadership from within.

The following appointments have been made across the Group: • David Fox and Ken Mooney have been appointed Directors of H.A. O’Neil Ltd. • Rob Collins has been appointed Director of O’Sheas Electrical.

• Ralph Reynolds has been appointed Director of Irish Sprinkler.

• Eoin Brown and Joe Lavin have both been appointed Directors of Patrick Lynch Ltd.

Demonstrated

Commenting on the appointments, Stephen McCabe, CEO of Jones Engineering, said:

‘These appointments recognise the dedication, leadership and expertise that David, Ken, Rob, Ralph, Eoin and Joe have consistently demonstrated across our business.

‘Their contribution has been central to delivering complex projects for our clients across Europe, and they will continue to play a key role in supporting the Group’s ongoing growth.’

About

Jones Engineering is a leading international engineering services company employing over 4,600 people across Europe and the Middle East.

The company delivers mechanical, electrical and specialist engineering services across a range of sectors, including data centres, life sciences, industrial and commercial projects.

Jones Engineering celebrates excellence with TU Dublin Awards Outstanding student achievement across engineering and the performing arts at the Technological University Dublin is being recognized

by Jones Engineering.

Leader Jones Engineering, a global leader in mechanical and electrical engineering, was delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 Jones Engineering Awards at Technological University Dublin (TUD), recognising outstanding student achievement across engineering and the performing arts.

The awards are presented to four students from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment and four students from the TUD Conservatoire of Music and Drama.

The initiative reflects Jones Engineering’s commitment to supporting talent across both technical and creative disciplines, recognising the value of diverse skillsets in shaping the future of the Architecture,

6 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector.

This year’s award recipients are: • Callum Skerry, Building Engineering • Aaron Keogh, Mechanical Engineering • Lucy Flynn, QS and Construction • Anna Jane Wall, QS and Construction • Anthony Vala, Music • Eric Sexton, Music • Libby Conway Dunne, Drama • Erin Murray Boyne, Drama Each recipient will receive a financial bursary to support their academic journey.

Proud Stephen McCabe, CEO of Jones Engineering, said: ‘We are proud to recognise the dedication and achievement of this year’s award recipients at TUD. ‘We want to encourage students

to strive for academic success and provide meaningful support to assist them along the way.

‘Increasing access to STEM education remains a key priority for us, and through initiatives like this, we want to contribute to the development of future industry leaders.’

Investing Carmel Walsh, Chief People Officer at Jones Engineering, added: ‘These awards are about investing in people and potential.

‘By supporting students across both engineering and the arts, we are reinforcing the importance of diverse perspectives and skills in building a more innovative and inclusive future workforce.’

Jones Engineering remains committed to supporting education and fostering the next generation of talent through initiatives that strengthen the link between academia and industry.

NEWS

RIAI Simon Open Door Initiative '26 The RIAI Simon Open Door initiative has once again taken place.

This is a collaboration between the Simon Communities of Ireland (SCI) and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

Unique This is a unique opportunity to find out from a Registered Architect ‘how you could realise the potential of your home if you are thinking about renovating, extending or building’.

In return for a donation of €125, homeowners receive an hourlong consultation with an RIAI Registered Architect to discuss building, renovating or retrofitting their home.

All participating Architects are giving their time and expertise for free. Every cent raised goes directly to the Simon Communities of Ireland.

RIAI Simon Open Door 2026: LR Ber Grogan (Executive Director, Simon Communities of Ireland), Dermot The Simon Communities of Ireland have been providing services Bannon MRIAI (Campaign Ambassador) and Kathryn in Ireland for nearly 50 years. To find out more, visit simon.ie Meghen (RIAI CEO). Photo by Julien Behal

Services

TU Dublin honoured in 2026 UIA Award for Innovation in Architectural Education TU Dublin has been named among the global laureates of the prestigious International Union of Architects (UIA) Award for Innovation in Architectural Education 2026, recognising its forward-thinking contribution to architectural pedagogy.

Celebrates Organised by the UIA Architectural Education Commission, the award celebrates pioneering approaches to architectural and urban design education.

It highlights programmes that not only demonstrate excellence in teaching but also respond meaningfully to today’s societal and environmental challenges.

The 2026 edition reflects the principles of the UNESCO–UIA Charter for Architectural Education (updated July 2023), emphasising the vital role of education in shaping architects capable of designing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient built environments.

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Recognised TU Dublin was recognised for its project entitled Building Change – Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) Curriculum Reform.

This initiative reimagines architectural education by embedding critical themes such as sustainability, social responsibility, and realworld engagement directly into the curriculum.

The programme represents a significant shift toward equipping students with the skills and awareness needed to address complex global challenges through design.

Delighted Speaking about the initiative, Emma Geoghegan, Head of Architecture at TU Dublin said: ‘We are delighted to receive this

international award from the UIA. ‘For over five years the architecture discipline team in the School of Architecture, Building and Environment has been working to foreground the UN SDGs in our curricula, embed climate literacy and ethical judgement and equip our graduates to responsibly address the design challenges of this century.

‘We are particularly proud that the UIA jury acknowledged the national impact of this work as part of the TU Dublin led Building Change project which has changed the landscape of architectural education in Ireland.’

Diverse This year’s award saw participation from 22 countries across the five UIA regions, showcasing a diverse range of educational models and thematic priorities.

Submissions explored areas including: • Climate action and environmental sustainability • Inclusivity and universal design • Migration and community resilience • Health and wellbeing in built environments • Heritage conservation and adaptive reuse • Resource efficiency and circular design

CIOB

CIOB student challenge inspires a new wave of Irish construction professionals Eager built environment students from across Ireland put their skills to the test during the CIOB Ireland Student Challenge, which took place at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford.

Technological University Dublin came away victorious against eight other teams, each made up of four students, in a fast-paced construction challenge designed to test their problem-solving, teamwork and presentation skills.

Teams were handed a secret task shortly before the competition began and were given just a few hours to develop a solution.

They then presented their ideas to a panel of built environment judges and industry professionals.

Impressed Sarah Hallinan, Regional Manager at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), said she was impressed by the high standard of ideas presented by the students.

She said: ‘Every team brought a unique perspective to the challenge, which was particularly impressive given the time constraints they were working under.

‘In just a few hours, the students were able to analyse the brief, develop creative solutions and present their ideas in a clear and structured way.

‘Strong communication skills are essential in the construction industry, especially when it comes to presenting proposals and convincing clients or stakeholders of the value of a project.

‘It was fantastic to see how confidently the students communicated their ideas and the excellent teamwork on display to bring those solutions to life.’

Attendees Around 100 attendees were present at the event, including students, lecturers, committee members, sponsors, Tomorrow’s Leaders

champions and CIOB staff.

As part of the day’s programme, Faye Kennedy, one of CIOB’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Champions, gave a presentation encouraging the students to become Champions or to get involved with the Tomorrow’s Leaders community – helping to shape the future leaders of the construction industry.

The challenge concluded with the announcement of Technological University Dublin as the winning team. ATU Donegal finished as runners up and University of Limerick came in third place.

Proud

The challenge concluded with the announcement of Technological University Dublin as the winning team.

Speaking on behalf of the winning team, Saoirse Gilbert said: ‘Winning this year's CIOB Ireland Student Challenge was a very proud moment for our team and will be the highlight of our University year.’

Sarah Hallinan added: ‘Events like this are a great opportunity to not only put students’ minds to the test, but also give them the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into what a career in construction really looks like.

‘We would like to thank our sponsors, Ganson Construction, and supporting partner sponsors CIAT and Walls Construction, as well as SETU Waterford for hosting such a fantastic event.’

To find out more about the CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders community, visit: www.ciob.org/tomorrows-leaders

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 9

ON THE RECORD

Alf Dunbar is the creator and founder of the highly successful customer service and leadership coaching program: You Are The Difference, (YATD) which is currently used by a wide range of business organisations around the world – from retailing, where it all began – to construction. Across the entire range, every business, says Alf, has its customers and clients – and building positive relationships is key!

Building positive relationships with clients and customers In the mid-1990s, Aberdeen native Alf Dunbar was the franchisee of a struggling retail business.

Faced with mounting debt and the real prospect of losing the business, he set out to develop a new approach to customer service and management.

The result was his unique coaching programme, You Are The Difference (YATD). Its strength lies in its simplicity, practicality, and ability to deliver immediate positive results.

Today, Alf delivers more than 100 coaching sessions, seminars and conference events each year for a wide variety of companies across the UK, Ireland, Europe, Canada, and the United States.

His programme operates in more than forty countries and has been translated into twenty-six languages.

And Alf is now making his mark in the construction industry as word spreads.

CMI: Who are your services aimed at, and has this evolved over the years?

AD: YATD is designed for everyone within an organisation – leaders, managers, sales advisors, support teams, and frontline staff.

Ultimately, any business that provides a service has customers, which means everyone within the organisation plays an important role.

Whether someone works on the frontline or behind the scenes, everyone has a customer and everyone counts.

CMI: To what do you attribute your enduring success?

AD: At the heart of YATD are its motivational, inspirational, and educational principles.

That combination creates a unique approach to customer service and leadership development.

When embedded into a company’s customer service culture, it consistently delivers measurable results – not only improving business performance and the bottom line but also giving employees valuable interpersonal skills they can use both professionally and personally.

1 0 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

Wide range of businesses – now including construction!

With twenty-six years’ experience as a leading keynote speaker and mindset coach, Alf has personally coached thousands of individuals from a wide range of business, retail, and service backgrounds – now including construction – helping them achieve outstanding results.

CMI: So, tell us about your forays into the construction sector AD: The work first came to us – as almost all of our work does – through someone who had experienced YATD coaching at a different company.

Every YATD coaching programme is tailored to fit the client’s needs.

To achieve this, we carried out extensive exploration within the business to get to the very heart of how it operated, what the challenges were, and how we could capture the key opportunities that existed.

Once we had all this information, and we fully understood and agreed on what was needed, we designed the programme and delivered it to each team as a bespoke YATD group coaching event.

Managers were also provided with coaching on how to develop the new YATD programme as part of their culture.

Working in the building sector was no different for us than working in any other sector.

It’s all about people, one-to-one interaction, mindset, and delivering coaching models that provide simple, easy-to-use tools that everyone can use each day.

CMI: Would you like to leave us with some words of advice?

AD: Ultimately, any business that provides a service has customers.

Building positive relationships with clients and customers is key for any business.

Simple coaching tools can ensure that EVERY interaction opportunity with these clients or customers is a positive and memorable one.

I think one of the principles from Steven Covey (7 habits of highly effective people) really has stayed with me since I read his book many years ago.

That is: ‘Seek First To Understand, Then to be Understood’ – whether it’s a client who wants a new coaching program to develop a new service, or it’s a manager who is not performing to their best ability, understanding what is going on, what the needs are along with any hidden challenges is, I find, the best way to go forward and this one principle has stood me in good stead over the years!

Website: www.youarethedifference.co.uk alf@yatd.co.uk Mobile: 07720 295 296 Website: yatd.co.uk Twitter: AlfYATD Linkedin: Alf Dunbar Instagram: Alf Dunbar

DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION AT WALLS

Building Our Future Together - The role of BIM and digital technology in modern construction

Introduction: As building projects become more complex, with shorter timelines and more vigorous sustainability targets, the industry must constantly seek smarter ways of working.

Against this background, digital technology is no longer ‘nice to have’ but a necessity in today’s construction world.

At Walls, we have embraced this challenge, and our dedicated Digital Project Delivery (DPD) department is to the forefront in terms of the application of digital technology throughout our business.

Its goal is not just to deliver BIM on projects but also to provide efficiency, added value and certainty through the use of the latest digital tools for our clients.

Our digital journey In 2020, the Walls senior leadership team, having recognised both the potential and inevitability of digital construction within the industry, decided to create a dedicated inhouse BIM and Digital Project Delivery team to embed BIM along with digital construction and innovation within our day-to-day operations.

Today, this department manages the full BIM lifecycle on a project, from tendering and design coordination through to construction, handover and closeout.

To ensure the highest standards in relation to the delivery of BIM and digital tools we are independently

certified by NSAI to ISO19650, which is the international standard for information management using BIM. This certification demonstrates compliance and leadership in structured, data driven delivery, and to maintain this certification we conduct regular internal audits and are subject to an annual audit from NSAI. Our Digital Project Delivery department manages more than just the 3D models; it is also involved in the rollout of new technology along with our site personnel that creates a ‘data drives decisions’ ecosystem.

forecasting and efficient delivery.

We do this through various procedures and workflows: • Building Information Modelling (BIM) • Common Data Environment (CDE) • 4D Planning • Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) • 360 image captures • Digital Dashboards

Looking ahead: The future of digital construction

What does it mean for our projects and clients?

Reduced Risk: By identifying issues early, we avoid costly surprises during construction.

Improved Coordination: Integrated models ensure architects, engineers and all contractors work in harmony from one authentic source.

Enhanced Sustainability: Digital tools help us optimise material use and reduce waste along with tracking our carbon performance across projects.

On several recent projects we have demonstrated the power of a digital delivery, where through 4D simulations and BIM driven coordination, we were able to produce storyboards to clients and subcontractors of the sequence of works, which reduced risk and provide cost certainty to the scope of work.

Emerging technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics will further transform how we design, build and operate assets.

At Walls we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and continuously exploring new digital tools, redefining processes and sharing knowledge though the business.

Our vision is clear: to be a leader in digital construction, delivering smarter, safer and more sustainable projects for our clients.

Written by Luke O'Keeffe Head of Digital Project Delivery at Walls.

Cost and Programme Certainty: Accurate data supports reliable Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 11

Building Our Future Together

walls.ie

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TECH TALK

‘MMC Emerging as a critical tool to de-risk capital projects’, says CPAC Modular ‘Ireland’s capital project pipeline is expanding rapidly, yet the ability to deliver major infrastructure with certainty is becoming increasingly difficult.’

CPAC Modular, Irish offsite construction specialist, says modern methods of construction (MMC) now offer one of the most effective ways for public buyers to reduce risk, secure cost certainty and accelerate delivery.

About CPAC Modular

Highlighted Speaking at The National Construction Summit, CPAC Modular highlighted the widening gap between Ireland’s ambitions and the capacity of traditional construction to meet them.

With fewer people working in construction than two decades ago, rising demand across housing, education and healthcare, and legally binding sustainability targets, the company says the traditional model is struggling to keep pace.

‘The challenge isn’t what we want to build – it’s how we build it with certainty’, said Gavin Fox, Head of Business Development for CPAC Modular.

Controlled MMC, where buildings are produced in controlled factory environments and assembled onsite, is now growing globally at twice the rate of traditional construction.

By manufacturing building

Gavin Fox, CPAC Modular pictured with CPAC Modular's Student Accommodation Pod. components to around 85% completion before they reach site, MMC removes many of the variables that typically drive delays and cost overruns.

This approach enables parallel processing, where site preparation and building manufacture happen simultaneously, cutting programme durations by up to half.

The result is faster delivery of schools, healthcare facilities and homes, with significantly less disruption on live sites.

School CPAC Modular completed Ireland’s first permanent modular school, a 3,600m², 24 classroom project, last year, ahead of schedule and on budget.

This project showcases the reliability and predictability of the MMC model.

MMC also provides earlier and more transparent pricing structures, giving public buyers cost certainty far earlier in the project lifecycle.

With reduced time onsite, lower preliminary costs and fewer weather related or labour related risks, MMC offers a more stable commercial pathway.

Constraints

Gavin Fox, CPAC Modular.

Labour shortages remain one of the most pressing constraints on Ireland’s infrastructure delivery.

MMC reduces onsite labour

CPAC Modular was founded over 4 decades ago and currently employs 120 employees.

CPAC Modular is based in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath.

CPAC Modular specialises in designing and constructing high-quality offsite modular building systems, adhering to stringent safety and compliance standards.

CPAC Modular boasts extensive experience in creating multi-storey modular projects including Ireland’s first permanent modular school which was completed in April 2025 in Lucan, Co. Dublin.

The award-winning in-house site, production, design and engineering teams ensure projects meet the highest design and quality benchmarks.

The company also includes CPAC Framing and Cabinpac Hire.

requirements by up to 70%, enabling more projects to be delivered with fewer people.

It also supports national sustainability goals by virtually eliminating onsite waste, reducing environmental impact through shorter site durations, and cutting vehicle movements to and from construction sites.

Combination Fox argues that ‘MMC delivers a combination of programme certainty, cost certainty, higher quality through factory controlled production, reduced dependency on scarce labour and stronger alignment with ESG and net zero targets.

‘If we are to keep up with demand, we need to change how we build.

‘That means engaging earlier with the market, assessing submissions on overall commercial value rather than lowest cost, and embracing methods that reduce risk, accelerate delivery and protect public value.

‘That mindset shift is where better outcomes begin.’ www.cpacmodular.com

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 13

TECH TALK

Driving digital delivery for Ireland’s infrastructure Raising awareness of ISO 19650 and the Irish BIM mandate Industry leaders and stakeholders from across Ireland’s construction and built environment sectors gathered for the Digital Delivery for Ireland’s Infrastructure event, jointly hosted by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Build Digital, and the Infrastructure Division of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

Key voices The event brought together key voices from across infrastructure and construction to highlight the growing importance of digital delivery and the standards underpinning it, most notably the ISO 19650 series.

Attendees also heard from Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers TD, who reinforced the Government’s commitment to advancing digital practices across public infrastructure.

Ahead of the event, Minister Chambers said: ‘The BIM mandate is a key element of the Government’s approach to digital delivery in public infrastructure.

‘Engagement with standards such as ISO 19650, and participation in consultation processes, supports its effective implementation across the public sector.’

Framework At the centre of discussions was ISO 19650, a globally recognised managing information framework using Building Information Modelling (BIM).

By promoting a consistent approach to information management across the lifecycle of asset-related projects, the standard supports improved collaboration, greater efficiency, and better project outcomes, aligning Ireland with international best practice in digital delivery of infrastructure.

A key theme of the event was the ongoing public consultation on proposed updates to ISO 19650.

This consultationwas an important opportunity for industry stakeholders to contribute to the evolution of these standards, ensuring they continue to reflect both Irish and global industry needs.

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Important foundation Welcoming the event, Geraldine Larkin, CEO of NSAI, said: ‘The ISO 19650 series provides an important foundation for consistent and effective information management in the built environment.

‘Its adoption supports improved collaboration, greater efficiency and better project outcomes for industry, underpinning the digital delivery of Ireland’s infrastructure.

‘This event was an opportunity to raise awareness of the standards and to encourage engagement with the public consultation process, ensuring that Irish stakeholders can contribute to their continued development.’

Awareness The event also supported awareness of the Irish BIM mandate, which promotes the use of BIM and aligned standards in public works projects.

A dedicated session on Practical Pathways to ISO 19650 Certification explored how organisations can move from awareness to implementation, supported by Build Digital’s structured tools and guidance.

Led by Technological University Dublin in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University, Munster Technological University, South East Technological University, and University College Dublin, and working with the Grangegorman Development Agency, Build Digital plays a central role in supporting the sector’s transition to digital delivery.

Drive Its mission is to unite stakeholders across the construction and built environment ecosystem to drive the adoption of integrated, interoperable digital data practices, enhancing efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and international competitiveness.

Through its programme of guidance, education, and industry

support, Build Digital is helping to ensure that world-class digital practices are adopted across the entire construction value chain, from project initiation through to delivery and operation.

Dr Clare Eriksson, Director of Build Digital, said: ‘This event demonstrated how Build Digital, working with NSAI and the Infrastructure Division of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, our project funder, is supporting the practical implementation of digital delivery in Ireland.’

Helping ‘As part of the wider reform agenda, including the Accelerating Infrastructure Working Group, we are helping construction and built environment organisations adopt and implement structured information management and build towards certification.’

The event also marked the forthcoming release of results from Build Digital’s annual industry survey.

Capturing current adoption levels, challenges, and emerging trends in BIM and digital delivery, the findings will soon (at the time of writing) be published as an interactive dashboard, providing valuable insights to support benchmarking and forward planning across the sector.

Reinforced Through a combined focus on standards, consultation, and practical implementation, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration across industry and academia, ensuring that Ireland continues to build a more innovative, efficient, and digitally enabled infrastructure sector.

TECH TALK

Semiconductor Ireland 2026 conference celebrates success in advancing Ireland’s semiconductor future The Semiconductor Ireland 2026 Conference, which took place in Johnstown Estate, ‘concluded as a major success, bringing together industry leaders, technology innovators, researchers, policymakers, and supply chain partners to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Ireland’s rapidly expanding semiconductor ecosystem’.

Key gathering Held as a key gathering for the semiconductor sector, the conference highlighted Ireland’s growing reputation as a strategic hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, research, talent development, and technology innovation.

The event provided a valuable platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and discussion on how Ireland can continue to strengthen its position within the global semiconductor value chain.

With semiconductors becoming increasingly critical to artificial intelligence, automotive technologies, communications, healthcare, defence, and sustainable energy systems, the conference agenda reflected the importance of building resilient and future-ready semiconductor capabilities.

Theme A central theme throughout Semiconductor Ireland 2026 was the opportunity for Ireland to capitalise on its existing strengths.

With a strong foundation of multinational semiconductor companies, world-class research institutions, and an expanding network of innovative SMEs, Ireland is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in Europe’s semiconductor ambitions.

The event brought together voices from across the ecosystem to examine the future of chip manufacturing, advanced packaging, AI-driven semiconductor demand, supply chain resilience, and the skills required to support the next generation of technology.

One of the key messages emerging from the conference was the importance of collaboration.

Interconnected The semiconductor industry is highly interconnected, requiring close partnerships between equipment

suppliers, manufacturers, research organisations, government agencies, and education providers.

Speakers emphasised that Ireland’s continued success will depend on strengthening these relationships and creating an environment where innovation can move quickly from research laboratories into commercial applications.

The conference also explored the significant impact of artificial intelligence on the semiconductor industry.

As AI workloads continue to expand, demand for advanced chips, high-performance computing infrastructure, and efficient power management solutions is accelerating globally.

Role Ireland’s role in this transformation was a major discussion point, with industry experts highlighting the opportunity for Irish companies and researchers to contribute to areas including AI hardware, semiconductor design, advanced materials, and nextgeneration manufacturing processes.

Another important focus was sustainability. Semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most technologically advanced industrial sectors in the world, but it also faces increasing pressure to improve energy efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and develop more sustainable production methods.

The conference showcased how innovation in semiconductor technology can support broader sustainability goals, including renewable energy systems, smart

infrastructure, and cleaner industrial processes.

Talent development was also recognised as a critical priority. As the semiconductor sector expands, access to highly skilled engineers, technicians, researchers, and digital specialists will determine how quickly the industry can grow.

Importance Discussions highlighted the importance of education, apprenticeships, industry-led training, and continuous upskilling to ensure Ireland has the workforce needed to compete internationally.

The conference demonstrated that Ireland’s semiconductor ambitions extend beyond manufacturing alone.

Building a complete ecosystem – from research and design through to production, packaging, testing, and commercialisation – will be essential to securing long-term competitiveness.

A strong emphasis was placed on supporting indigenous innovation and helping Irish companies participate more deeply in global semiconductor supply chains.

Success The success of Semiconductor Ireland 2026 also reflected the strength of Ireland’s wider technology community.

The event created opportunities for networking, partnership development, and meaningful conversations between organisations that are shaping the future of the industry.

To learn more visit: www.semiconireland.eu Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 15

CONCRETE AWARDS

Excellence in concrete design and construction was celebrated at the Irish Concrete Society’s Awards Evening in the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, Co. Meath. Always one of the highlights of the construction industry’s calendar with 290 in attendance, this was the Society’s 43rd Annual Awards Evening.

University of Limerick Student Centre wins the 43rd Irish Concrete Society Award Adjudicated by a distinguished, independent jury of industry professionals, the Awards recognise excellence in both design and construction in concrete.

The Main Awards Jury reviewed a total of 26 projects nominated in three

categories of Infrastructure, Element and Building.

Projects Sponsored by Enterprise Ireland, there were also six projects nominated for the 13th International Award.

In addition, the winner of the annual Sean de Courcy Student Award was announced from four entries.

Speaking at the awards evening Chair of the Society, Mark Coatsworth, stated: ‘For over fifty years, the Irish Concrete Society has championed technical achievement in concrete design and construction, and tonight marks the 43rd occasion on which we gather to recognise the very best of our industry.

Forefront ‘At a time when sustainability is at the forefront of construction, the role of the Society in supporting our industry through this period of change has never been more important.

‘The entries presented tonight demonstrate the highest standards of design, engineering and craftsmanship.

‘The quality of submissions reflects the continued strength and capability of our industry. On behalf of the Society, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all members of the judging panels.

‘The adjudication of these awards demands considerable time and expertise.

‘Their dedication to this process, and the careful deliberation they bring to selecting the winners, ensures that these awards maintain the integrity and prestige they have built over more than four decades.’

The Main Awards

Building and Overall Award Winner: University of Limerick Student Centre.

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The main awards jury consisted of: Keith Oliver (Flynn) Gerry Donnelly (Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners) And chaired by Rob Curley (Maremoto Architects and President of AAI).

CONCRETE AWARDS About the Irish Concrete Society The Irish Concrete Society is a learned society founded in 1973 to support and encourage technical excellence in concrete.

It is a cross-sectorial, independent, impartial, sciencebased organisation. With membership open to all who have an interest in concrete.

The Society acts as a focal point for industry debate, research, education, standards development in the field of concrete technology, design, and construction.

The Society is a not-forprofit organisation funded by membership subscriptions and the services it offers.

Building Category Highly Commended: Project Connect, RCSI

Building Category and Overall Winner: University of Limerick Student Centre Chosen from a total of 13 Building Category entries and 26 entries for the Overall Award.

Jury Quote: ‘The University of Limerick Students’ Centre is an outstanding example of how concrete can be used to shape both architecture and experience.

‘Located at the heart of the campus, the building creates a true social focus

for student life, providing generous spaces for gathering, performance and exchange.

‘Formed as an in situ reinforced concrete structure. This piece of civic infrastructure is rigorously organised on a 2.7-metre grid that informs structure, circulation and finishes.

‘The project combines sustainability with refined architectural expression.

‘The exposed concrete frame, top lit public spaces and carefully crafted internal finishes demonstrate

exceptional quality and precision, while the building’s thermal mass plays a key role in its environmental performance.

‘Concrete is expressed throughout the project in a number of forms including high-quality impression referencing the River Shannon internally, external pre-cast, and mother of pearl terrazzo floors.

‘The architectural concrete used an ambitious mix with a high proportion of GGBS that ultimately matured to a refined, mellow finish.

‘The slab design with concrete soffits, hidden services and upstand beams throughout the building, demonstrates a close integration of architecture, structure and services.

‘The project delivers a calm, durable and welcoming environment that will serve generations of students.

‘The jury commends the design and construction team for creating a distinctive campus landmark and a deserving winner that showcases the very best of concrete innovation.’

Project Client: University of Limerick Architect: Cotter & Naessens Architects Project Engineer: Punch Consulting Engineers Project Contractor: Monami Construction Major Supplier: O'Connell Quarries

Building Category Highly Commended: Project Connect, RCSI

Infrastructure Category Winner: Brian Boru Bridge

Jury Quote: ‘A landmark new frontage to St. Stephen's Green, this project impressed the judges with its technical achievements including precambering slabs to offer 16m spans, transfers at multiple levels, excellence in board marking and the sheer level of

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 17

CONCRETE AWARDS coordination required in the context.

‘It demonstrates a cohesive vision and effort between the Design Team & Contractors.’

Project Client: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Project Architect: Henry J Lyons Project Engineer: O'Connor Sutton Cronin Project Contractor: Bennett Construction Major Supplier: Kilsaran

Infrastructure Category Winner: Brian Boru Bridge Chosen from a total of six entered projects.

Jury Quote: ‘This outstanding project exemplifies excellence in concrete engineering, build complexity, innovation and collaboration.

‘Delivered ahead of programme within a highly sensitive environmental setting.

‘The Project is distinguished by its refined architectural expression and structurally showcases the versatility and performance of concrete through an exceptional combination of bespoke precast and in-situ solutions.

‘Innovative precast pile cap caissons, specialist underwater concreting, and sculpted in-situ piers with integrated viewing balconies were delivered with superior precision, while overcoming the practical challenges of constructing in a marine setting and area of conservation.

‘The bridge piers are particularly noteworthy due to their complex geometry, incorporating curved forms, cast-in structural steel nodes, and cantilevered viewing balconies, required a hybrid approach to formwork and meticulous attention to detail.

‘The inclusion of ten cantilevered viewing balconies transforms the bridge from a purely functional asset into a civic landmark, encouraging public engagement with the river and surrounding landscape.

‘The Brian Boru Bridge is a worthy winner and the jury commends the project team for delivering a

Element Category Winner: The CarriageWorks Façade, Castleforbes technically challenging, visually striking and environmentally responsible piece of infrastructure that creates a landmark crossing of the River Shannon and represents the very best of concrete innovation in modern civil engineering.’

Sean de Courcy Student Award This is an annual award given to the best project on a concrete related topic from accredited masters and degree programmes in Civil and Structural engineering faculties of Higher Education Institutes on the island of Ireland.

The award is named after the late Professor Sean de Courcy, an inspirational professor for many years at UCD, a former chairperson of the Irish Concrete Society, an author and historian of note.

The student award jury was made up of the Chair Cloragh Byrne (Arup), Aidan Fogarty (Ecocem) and Erin O’Donohoe (ESB).

Winner: Jessica Mahon (Trinity College Dublin) Project Title: Evaluating the Use of Recycled Aggregates, GGBS, and Sustainable Fillers in Low Carbon Concrete.

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Project Client: Clare County Council / Department of Transport / Tipperary County Council Project Architect: Powell-Williams Architects Project Engineer: RPS Project Contractor: John Sisk & Son Major Suppliers: Banagher Precast Concrete / O'Connell Quarries

Element Category Winner: The CarriageWorks Façade, Castleforbes Chosen from a total of 7 entries.

Jury Quote: ‘This project stands as a masterclass in the aesthetic potential of precast concrete distinguished by its flawless execution and material precision.

‘The building is defined by an exceptional quality of finish and well-

CONCRETE AWARDS

Winner of the 13th International Award: Techrete for Stoke Goods Yard. defined lines that lends the structure a sophisticated contemporary silhouette.

‘Most striking is the bold use of terracotta coloured cladding which achieves a high level of consistency in terms of geometry and colour and transforms the facade into an impactful architectural statement, seamlessly blending industrial durability with a warm masonry inspired ambience.

‘The project is commended for its low carbon credentials involving the use of supplementary cementitious materials which resulted in substantial reductions in embodied carbon without compromising architectural quality or structural performance.’

Project Client: Eagle Street Project Architect: O'Mahony Pike Architects Project Engineer: DBFL Consulting Engineers

Project Contractor: John Paul Construction Major Supplier: Techrete

Winner of the 13th International Award: Techrete for Stoke Goods Yard Sponsored by Enterprise Ireland, this award recognises Irish companies who export product or services off the island of Ireland.

The Award reflects the continued emphasis on export for Irish construction.

The jury were: Joe Friel (Enterprise Ireland) Anthony Horan (O'Connor Sutton Cronin) And chaired by David O’Mahony (Mola Architects).

Chosen from a total of six entries.

Jury Quote:

‘Stoke Goods Yard is an exceptional achievement in concrete construction, exemplifying Techrete’s unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of sustainability in the built environment.

‘The jury was particularly impressed by the project’s ambitious lowcarbon mix design, delivered without compromise to the complexity, precision, or architectural quality of the finished façade.

‘The innovative design of the double terracing units overcame multiple technical challenges to have wide ranging positive effects on program, budget and most importantly a significantly positive effect on the sustainable design approach of the project.’

Project Client: Capital&Centric, Manchester, UK Irish Export Company: Techrete

University of Limerick Student Centre

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 19

ESB NETWORKS

Danger above and below: electrical safety on construction sites

By Claire Mulholland, Public Safety Manager, ESB Networks Electricity is a major hazard on construction sites. Overhead electricity lines traversing a site or underground cables lying beneath the surface pose significant risk.

As the construction industry continues to evolve – driven by increased housing demand, infrastructure expansion, and renewable energy projects – there is a renewed need to prioritise electrical safety at every stage of site development.

This article explores the electrical hazards that exist above and below ground, and outlines practical measures to protect construction workers, plant operators, and the public.

The reality of electrical risk Electricity does not discriminate. It can arc through the air, travel through machinery, and strike without warning.

The consequences of contact are severe.

Injuries can include burns, cardiac arrest, neurological damage, and death.

In addition, electrical incidents can lead to significant service disruptions, affecting homes, hospitals, and businesses.

Danger above: overhead electricity lines An overhead electricity line is a major hazard on a construction site.

Common risk scenarios The most frequent incidents involve: • Excavators or tipping trucks making contact with overhead electricity lines • Crane booms encroaching into safe clearance distances • Scaffolding or formwork erected too close to live overhead electricity lines • Movement of tall equipment such as telehandlers or MEWPs Crucially, direct contact is not required. Electricity can ‘jump’ or arc across gaps, particularly in wet conditions.

This means that getting too close can be just as dangerous as touching the line itself.

Safe system of work Managing overhead line risk begins with early and rigorous planning: 1. Site assessment Identify all overhead electricity lines before work begins. This includes understanding voltage levels and minimum clearance distances.

2.

Exclusion zones Establish clearly defined exclusion zones based on the overhead electricity line voltage. Physical barriers, goalposts, and signage should be installed to prevent encroachment.

3. Appoint a competent person A trained banksman or safety observer should be present when work takes place near overhead electricity lines.

4. Plant controls Consider using height restrictors, slew limiters, or proximity warning systems on machinery.

5. Communication with ESB Networks Where works are planned near overhead electricity lines, early engagement is essential.

Options may include line diversion, temporary shutdown, or installation of protective measures.

Too often, incidents occur because assumptions are made that a line is de-energised, insulated, or far enough away.

These assumptions can be fatal.

The Code of Practice for avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines provides practical guidance when working near overhead

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 21

ESB NETWORKS

electricity lines.

Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Overhead Electricity Lines Health and Safety Authority

Danger below: Underground cables The hidden threat Underground electricity cables can carry high voltages and are frequently located in areas where excavation occurs.

Striking a cable with a mechanical excavator, breaker, or a handheld tool can result in: • Immediate explosion or flashover • Severe burns or fatalities • Loss of electrical supply to critical infrastructure

Safe digging practices To mitigate the risks, a structured approach is essential: 1. Obtain electricity maps At the earliest possible stage and in advance of any excavation works request electricity maps by emailing the following information to dig@esb.ie • Full address of the site location, including Eircode • Geographic coordinates of the site location • Map of the area (a screenshot from Google Maps works) • Your name and email address Maps will be received within ten working days.

Maps should be reviewed at the project planning stage and as part of the site risk assessment well in advance of any excavation works.

2.

3.

4.

• • • 5.

Use Cable detection equipment Cable avoidance tools (CAT and Genny) should be used to verify the presence and location of buried services.

Establish dig zones Mark out known cable routes and create exclusion or controlled excavation zones.

Adopt safe excavation techniques Hand dig trial holes where services are expected Avoid mechanical excavation directly over known cables Use insulated tools where appropriate Permit-to-dig systems A robust permit system ensures that excavation is planned, authorised, and supervised, reducing the likelihood of accidental strikes.

It is important to recognise that utility maps are not always perfectly accurate.

Therefore, reliance on drawings

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alone is not sufficient.

Location of services on site is critical.

This Code of Practice for Avoiding Dangers from Underground Services gives recommendations and practical guidance on how to carry out excavation work safely in the vicinity of underground services.

Code of Practice for Avoiding Danger from Underground Services - Health and Safety Authority

People, behaviour, and culture While procedures and controls are fundamental, the most effective safeguard is a strong safety culture.

Training and awareness All workers on site should receive: • Electrical hazard awareness training • Clear instruction on safe distances and emergency procedures • Induction briefings specific to the site layout and risks Plant operators, in particular, must understand the capabilities and limitations of their equipment when working near electrical infrastructure.

Emergency response Even with the best planning, incidents can occur. Preparedness is key.

If contact with overhead electricity lines occurs: • Stay in the cab if possible • Warn others to stay at least 10m away • Contact ESB Networks’ emergency number 1800 372 999 immediately • Do not attempt to exit unless there is immediate danger (e.g. fire) • If you have to leave the cab, jump well clear so that no simultaneous contact is made between you, the vehicle, and the ground. Land on your feet and do not touch the ground with your hands. Move away at once using short steps or bunny hop with both feet together • Do not go back to the vehicle, even if you think it is safe to do so. It may still be live. Nobody should approach the vehicle until ESB Networks has confirmed that it is safe.

If a cable is struck: • • •

Stop work immediately Withdraw personnel to a safe distance of 10m Do not attempt to touch or move

damaged cables Contact ESB Networks on our 24/7 emergency number 1800 372 999 immediately Quick and correct actions can save lives.

•

Collaboration is critical Ensuring electrical safety on construction sites requires collaboration between: • Developers and project managers • Contractors and subcontractors • Utility providers such as ESB Networks • Regulators and safety bodies Early engagement with ESB Networks can help identify risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures before work begins.

This proactive approach reduces delays, prevents incidents, and ensures compliance with safety standards.

A shared responsibility Electrical safety is a shared commitment across the entire construction industry.

As Public Safety Manager in ESB Networks, I have seen first-hand the devastating consequences of electrical incidents.

I have also seen how effective planning, awareness, and collaboration can help mitigate these risks.

Conclusion The dangers posed by electricity on construction sites – both above and below ground – are real and serious.

By embedding safe systems of work, investing in training, and fostering a culture of vigilance, we can ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.

Always remember to Stay Safe Stay Clear.

For further guidance visit the ESB Networks website: Safety | ESB Networks

SPOTLIGHT ON SUIR ENGINEERING

Suir Engineering is accelerating its international expansion while continuing to strengthen its position not only in Ireland but across Europe, according to CEO John Kelly, with major infrastructure and energy projects, together with a robust life sciences pipeline helping to drive the company’s next phase of growth.

Suir Engineering accelerating international expansion while continuing to strengthen its position Not only in Ireland but across Europe The Waterford-headquartered company recorded the largest order intake in its history last year, securing €660 million worth of new business.

Important foundation While Ireland remains an important foundation for the company, Suir Engineering’s overseas operations are growing at pace and are expected to account for half of overall turnover this year.

CEO John Kelly says the company’s international strategy is focused on growing alongside long-standing clients in markets that align with its specialist expertise and long-term ambitions.

‘When our customers expand internationally, we look to support them in markets that fit our strategy, but it’s important that these markets also meet our business expansion needs.

‘We spend time doing the requisite background work to understand if these locations offer strong demand for our capabilities, a genuine longterm opportunity and a positive business environment with access to skilled people,’ he says.

Meaningful ‘But it’s not just about opening an office. We want to build a meaningful presence, create local employment and contribute to projects that deliver lasting value for the communities and industries we work with.’

It is this strategic approach that has seen Suir Engineering establish operations in Stockholm, Copenhagen, Frankfurt and locations across the UK, including its newest office in London to cater for its growing team in the capital city.

This creates opportunities not just for local talent but for the company’s employees in Ireland who might be keen to gain experience abroad.

The company’s expanding

CEO John Kelly says: ‘We’re always ready to go further.’

international footprint is becoming one of its biggest attractions for staff interested in developing careers across different markets, according to John Kelly.

Resilience Suir Engineering’s expansion is centred on three core sectors: energy, data centres and life sciences and John Kelly says the company has intentionally narrowed its focus to areas where it has the strongest technical capabilities and where longterm demand remains resilient.

‘The more people use AI, the more they need data centres, and data centres need energy,’ he says.

‘But AI cannot replace the electricians and mechanical pipefitters needed to build those facilities, so we’re fortunate to be operating in a very resilient sector.’

Milestone Among Suir’s most significant recent projects in Ireland is the completion of the Castlelost FlexGen facility in Co

Westmeath.

The €250 million development was designed to support the Irish electricity grid with 275MW of flexible generation capacity for peak demand periods, or when renewable energy cannot meet demand.

The project marked a major milestone for the company as it acted as the full turnkey designand-build contractor, overseeing everything from civil infrastructure and substation construction to the installation of turbine units, transformers and the final grid connection.

‘Acting as the main turnkey contractor on a project of this size and scale was a first for Suir Engineering,’ said John Kelly.

‘Working on a 52-acre greenfield site over two years, we delivered the programme on time and on budget, and we’re really proud of what was achieved in terms of quality and output.’

Efficiencies Alongside project delivery, the company is investing heavily in offsite manufacturing and engineering to improve efficiency and reduce construction timelines.

John Kelly says that the long-term objective is to shift more work away from traditional construction sites and into factory-controlled environments.

‘We want to turn sites into assembly locations rather than construction sites,’ he says.

The approach is expected to reduce fit-out times for data centres from around 16 weeks to fewer than ten, while also improving safety, quality and carbon efficiency.

Future It’s clear that Suir Engineering is building the future in the engineering sector, but as John Kelly says: ‘We’re always ready to go further.’

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 23

LIE OF THE LAND

AIB Ireland Construction PMI® data indicated that uncertainty – caused by the war in the Middle East – led to a renewed contraction in the Irish construction sector during April.

AIB Ireland Construction PMI® New orders decreased for the first time in five months, prompting a renewed fall in construction activity, while business confidence waned.

Fuel protests meanwhile contributed to a substantial lengthening of suppliers' delivery times and input cost inflation surged higher.

On a more positive note, constructors continued to increase their staffing levels.

Back The headline seasonally adjusted AIB Ireland Construction Total Activity Index dipped back below the 50.0 nochange mark in April, falling to 47.1 from 53.2 in March.

The reading signalled a first fall in total activity for three months.

Moreover, the reduction was solid and the fastest since last November.

Where activity fell, companies linked this to projects being put on hold due to uncertainty caused by the war in the Middle East, as well as sharply rising prices.

Contraction Housing activity decreased for the first time in three months, joining the civil engineering category in contraction mode.

Commercial was the only construction type to record an increase in activity during April, but the rate of expansion was only marginal and ‘the slowest in the current three-month growth sequence’.

Uncertainty caused by the war led some clients to hold off on committing to new projects in April, thereby resulting in a first reduction in new orders in five months.

The rate of decline was solid and the fastest since August 2023.

Waned Confidence in the outlook for construction activity also waned in April, dropping to the lowest in almost three-and-a-half years.

Intensifying inflationary pressures were behind weaker optimism, but some firms remained hopeful that new orders will recover and support growth of activity over the next 12 months.

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Input costs increased substantially in April, with inflation often linked to higher fuel costs.

The rise was the fastest since June 2022 as close to 68% of respondents signalled an increase over the month.

Fuel protests meanwhile were a key factor resulting in longer suppliers' delivery times.

Lead times lengthened to the largest extent since May 2022, with shipping delays due to the war in the Middle East also impacting vendor performance.

Comment Commenting on the survey results, John Fahey, AIB Senior Economist, said: ‘The AIB Irish Construction PMI survey for April indicated that the sector lost momentum at the start of the second quarter as the uncertainty arising from the conflict in the Middle East weighed on activity.

‘The headline index fell back into contractionary territory last month, with a reading of 47.1. This compared to 53.2 in March.

‘Looking at the sectoral breakdown, commercial retained its position as the best performing of the three subsectors.

‘It posted its third consecutive month of growth, albeit the pace of expansion was much slower compared to the previous two months.

Contracted ‘Meanwhile, activity levels in the residential sector contracted in April after registering growth over the February to March period.

‘Elsewhere, civil engineering recorded its twelfth successive month of contraction.

‘Some of the other details in the survey also illustrate the subdued operating environment for the construction sector last month.

‘The new orders index, which is regarded as a leading indicator, experienced a decline for the first time since November.

Uncertainty ‘The report noted that many respondents linked the fall to

projects being put on hold due to the uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.

‘The impact of the conflict was also reflected in higher fuel costs contributing to input cost inflation increasing at its highest level since June 2022.

‘Meanwhile, the level of optimism regarding the outlook for construction activity was also negatively impacted by the war in the Middle East.

‘Sentiment dipped to its lowest level since late 2022. One bright spot in the April report was firms continuing to expand their staffing levels.’

LIE OF THE LAND

Skills shortages risk slowing housing and infrastructure delivery despite strong demand, engineers warn Engineering 2026 – A Barometer of the Profession in Ireland, shows that lengthy recruitment times are emerging as an obstacle to housing, energy, transport and water infrastructure delivery.

Concern The report also highlights mounting concern within the profession over the condition of Ireland’s infrastructure.

Just 17% of engineers rated overall infrastructure as good, while 41% described it as poor or inadequate.

Housing emerged as the most acute weakness, with 47% of engineers considering housing infrastructure inadequate, the starkest negative assessment across all sectors measured.

Boosting The report warns that boosting housing supply will require not just faster construction, but enough engineering capacity to plan, design, and deliver developments, and to connect them to essential water, energy, and transport infrastructure.

Gender imbalances in perceptions of the profession were found to be a potential barrier to encouraging more women to become engineers and, thus, a barrier to growing the engineering workforce.

When asked if they would consider pursuing engineering if changing career, women (40%) were twice as likely as men (21%) to disagree with the suggestion.

Only about one-in-eight engineers in Ireland are women. Men were also 29% more likely than women to respond positively when asked if a career in engineering was ‘suitable for people like them’.

Important Speaking about the results contained in Engineering 2026, Engineers Ireland’s Director General, Damien Owens, said: ‘With modular homes being suggested to increase the supply of housing to the rental market, it’s important to remember that these Modern Methods of Construction are not a shortcut

around engineering capacity.

‘To deliver homes at scale while maintaining quality, safety and sustainability, we must also invest in the engineers and infrastructure systems that underpin those developments from water and energy networks to transport and climate resilience.

‘Engineering oversight is critical to ensuring that accelerated delivery does not compromise long term performance, particularly in areas such as building safety, energy efficiency, climate adaptation and asset lifecycle management.’

Clear message Engineers Ireland presents a clear message for policymakers and industry: Ireland’s infrastructural ambitions are achievable but, without addressing capacity bottlenecks, the report warns that Ireland risks falling short on housing delivery and wider infrastructure goals, not for a lack of ambition, but for a lack of the people necessary to deliver it.

DIPLOMA IN CONSTRUCTION LAW •

Commencing 10 October 2026

•

Flexible learning options

•

Lectures available to view on demand

•

Workshops featuring problem-based learning

•

Specialised introductory streams for lawyers and non-lawyers

•

Fee: €3,050

Our advanced level diploma provides a comprehensive overview of the specialised discipline of construction law and practice in Ireland. The teaching faculty features experienced practitioners from leading law firms and industry experts.

The course covers the following: 1. An introduction to construction law 2. Procurement – the tendering process 3. Construction contracts 4. Dispute resolution

Visit www.lawsociety.ie/diplomacentre t 01 672 4802 e diplomateam@lawsociety.ie

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 25

“Quality Delivered...

Safely, On Time, Every Time” As a leading Irish mechanical engineering contractor, MSL Engineering Ltd. are the partner of choice across many industries including Life Sciences, Data Centre, Semiconductor, Oil & Gas and Food & Beverage; operating across Ireland, UK, mainland Europe & US. With over 45 years of construction and engineering expertise and a flexible project management approach, we deliver best in class projects utilising BIM design and off-site modular construction processes to the highest standards of workmanship, safety, quality and reliability.

Services

Pipe Fabrication & Installation Offsite Modular Assemblies Heavy and Process Equipment Process Drainage Commissioning and Testing Mechanical and Design Solutions Platforms and Steelwork

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T: +353 21 451 3550 E: info@mslengineering.ie W: www.mslengineering.ie Ringport Business Park, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. P43 RX06

SPOTLIGHT ON MSL

From its headquarters in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, MSL Engineering is delivering large-scale mechanical packages across Ireland, Europe and the United States, combining modular construction processes, experienced teams and digital delivery to meet the demands of increasingly complex projects.

Delivering at scale through modular innovation With over 45 years of experience, MSL has built its reputation in highly regulated sectors such as life sciences and process industries.

Applied Today, that same expertise is being applied at scale across the semiconductor and data centre sectors, where programme certainty, safety and speed to market are critical.

At the centre of this capability is the company’s 140,000 sq. ft fabrication facility in Ringaskiddy.

Strategically located adjacent to the Port of Cork, the facility enables MSL to design, fabricate and deliver large modular assemblies for projects across Europe and beyond.

Fundamental As Engineering Director Dave Ronan explains, this capability is fundamental to how the business operates.

‘MSL operates as a true offsite manufacturing partner, not just a mechanical contractor.

‘By shifting significant portions of work into a controlled workshop environment, we can deliver greater certainty in programme, safety and quality.’

The scale of this approach is reflected in recent projects.

At Pfizer’s Grange Castle facility, MSL delivered, installed and tested 16km of pipework across 65 pipe racks within a ten-month programme, compared to an estimated 18 months using traditional on-site construction methods.

Delivering In parallel, the company has been delivering modular pipe racks to Ohio for a semiconductor client, forming part of a wider programme that will see over 200 units fabricated and shipped from Cork.

Over the course of 2024 and

2025, MSL successfully delivered approximately 500 modular assemblies to projects in Ireland, Denmark and the USA with further shipments planned for Belgium, Portugal and Ireland throughout 2026.

The company is also expanding its presence in the data centre sector, having recently secured a major project in Portugal, one of the largest Data Centre campuses currently under construction in Europe.

Growth ‘With the continued growth of AI and digital infrastructure, data centres are a key area of focus for us,’ MSL Commercial Director, Kevin O’Sullivan, notes.

‘While life sciences remains an important part of our business, we recognise the need to diversify and adapt to where the market is going.’

The benefits of modular construction are increasingly recognised across the industry.

For MSL, the approach delivers measurable improvements in programme, safety and quality.

By transferring work offsite, the company can reduce on-site labour requirements, easing congestion and reducing risk, while also achieving higher levels of consistency through controlled fabrication.

Key However, while infrastructure, process and technology are key enablers, MSL’s leadership is clear that its success is ultimately driven by its people.

‘Having a strong site team is absolutely critical,’ says Managing Director Brian McGrath.

‘The client will remember how a project is delivered, how it is handed over and how the entire process is managed.’

He is equally quick to highlight the importance of the teams behind the scenes.

Important ‘What happens in our head office and workshop in Cork is just as important as what happens on site.

Our fabrication and welding teams are second to none and they are the foundation that allows us to deliver consistently at scale.’

The integration between workshop, office and site teams enables MSL to operate as a single, coordinated delivery model, from early design and fabrication through to installation and commissioning.

‘Very few companies in Ireland can do what we do from this facility,’ Kevin O’Sullivan adds.

‘It allows us to take on larger, more complex scopes and deliver them with a level of certainty that traditional approaches simply cannot match.’

Projected With a projected turnover of €115 million in 2026 and active projects across Denmark, Belgium, Germany and Portugal, MSL continues to expand its international footprint.

However, the company remains disciplined in its approach, prioritising long-term client relationships and maintaining delivery standards.

By combining large-scale modular capability, a world-class fabrication facility and experienced teams, MSL Engineering is not just adapting to industry change, it is helping to set the standard for how complex mechanical projects are delivered.

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 27

Trusted Partner in Mechanical & Electrical Excellence.

Offices: Carrick-on-Shannon Dublin Wolverhampton Edinburgh Frankfurt Amsterdam For over 45 years, King & Moffatt Building Services have led the way in delivering world-class MEP solutions, driving innovation across Ireland, the UK, and Mainland Europe.

2 8 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

Contact Us At: (071)962-0378 www.kingmoffatt.com

SPOTLIGHT ON KING AND MOFFATT

A message from King & Moffatt King & Moffatt continues to build on a nearly five-decade legacy of thinking beyond the project, delivering another year of exceptional growth, technical innovation, and international expansion.

Evolved Founded in Carrick on Shannon in 1978, the company has evolved into a leading MEP partner operating across Ireland, the UK and Mainland Europe – while holding firmly to the same core principles: excellence, innovation, and investing in its people.

With significant growth in the past 12 months and turnover projected to exceed €250 million in 2026, King & Moffatt’s growth is led first and foremost by its strong presence in Ireland.

The company continues to deliver high value work across life sciences, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, food, data centres and mission critical facilities, supported by a strategy focused on early engagement, repeat business and sustainable expansion.

Successful The past year saw the successful delivery of flagship projects including Crown Square Galway, Carrick on Shannon CNU, Merlin Park CNU, the RCSI School of Dentistry Sandyford.

Internationally, projects featured major Frankfurt data centres, alongside a strong UK portfolio featuring blue-chip clients such as Rolls Royce, Siemens, Amazon, National Grid and major projects at Kettering Hospital, SmartParc Derby and Three Chamberlain Square.

These achievements demonstrate the company’s capacity to deliver complex, high value work with certainty, quality, and proactive problem solving – reflected in consistent repeat business and exceptional client testimonials.

of over €150m in design and build works annually.

Sustainability continues to shape every aspect of the business.

Alongside delivering low carbon and net zero aligned projects – including energy infrastructure – the company recently achieved ISO 50001 and ISO 14064 carbon management accreditation.

Initiatives Extensive social value initiatives, including community partnerships and our charity golf day raising over €100,000 for our partner charities, further reflect the company’s commitment to responsible growth.

King & Moffatt’s culture remains one of its greatest strengths.

With over 600 employees from 30 nationalities and more than

170 apprentices and graduates, the company fosters a people first environment recognised in its naming as one of Europe’s Best Employers 2025.

Stories of apprentices progressing into engineering roles, long serving staff mentoring new talent, and teams collaborating across borders illustrate a culture built on teamwork, diversity, and continuous development.

Looking ahead Looking ahead, the company remains ambitious but grounded.

‘We are expanding internationally and pushing technical boundaries, but our success will always be rooted in the values that shaped us here in Ireland in 1978: integrity, teamwork and delivering exceptional value for our clients.’

Innovation A major differentiator is King & Moffatt’s commitment to innovation.

The company’s 40,000 sq ft offsite prefabrication campus and new Innovation & Technology Hub are now fully operational, accelerating digital twin development, modern methods of construction, and ‘Right First Time’ processes.

Industry leading BIM capability – including immersive BIM rooms, AR/VR tools, scan to BIM, and digital collaboration – supports the delivery

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 29

OUT & ABOUT

IHBA House Building Summit 2026: A day focused on delivery The IHBA House Building Summit at Croke Park, brought together senior voices from government, local authorities, finance and the development sector.

Forum Now in its seventh year, the Summit continues to position itself as a forum where policy, planning and delivery intersect, with a clear emphasis on unlocking supply at scale and addressing the systemic constraints facing homebuilding in Ireland.

3 0 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

How Ireland can accelerate housing delivery The Summit was structured around the core question of how Ireland can deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030.

The day centred around a variety of talks and panels, with sessions on: • enabling infrastructure • fibre-ready housing • market outlook for 2026 • technology and innovation in heating and energy • European Housing Plan, and • development viability

Panels examined the challenges inhibiting construction activity, including infrastructure delays, judicial review, cost pressures and funding constraints.

The agenda concluded with a discussion on growing SMEs to help build more houses.

Contributions Speakers on the day brought knowledge and thought leadership to the discussions and panels.

OUT & ABOUT

SETU annual Architectural Technology Exhibition at Kilkenny Road campus, Carlow Celebrating another successful year!

The exhibition concluded the academic year and celebrated the creativity and technical ability of SETU students across the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architectural Technology programmes.

Wide range The event showcased a wide range of student studio work, including hand-drawn elements, physical scale models, virtual reality outputs, and Revit-based digital drawings.

The exhibition highlighted students' ability and dedication to explore design, construction, and innovation while integrating technical detailing, sustainability principles, and digital workflows.

Industry engagement and professional connections Jenny Barnes, architect and

architectural technologist, MRIAI, MCIAT and CIAT ROI Committee member, extended a cordial welcome to attendees and opened the exhibition at SETU. Representatives from the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and various industry leaders also attended, providing students with valuable opportunities for engagement, feedback, placement, employment and networking.

Innovation SETU continues to support and showcase the innovation and talent of the next generation of architectural technologists, highlighting strong student work across the programme and its commitment to creativity, technical excellence, and industry engagement.

Showcasing the work of students

‘The annual Architectural Technology Exhibition at SETU showcases the work of students from Year 1 through to Year 4, highlighting their ability to explore design, construction and innovation.’

Significant ‘The exhibition reflects the significant effort, commitment, and development of our students across the academic year, demonstrating the high standard of work and skills achieved.

‘Industry participation also plays an important role in strengthening links between the programme and professional practice.’ – Mark Grincell, Lecturer in Architectural Technology at SETU.

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 31

OUT & ABOUT

‘Beyond compliance: building a culture of care’ CIF Health & Safety Summit 2026 Ireland’s construction sector came together for the CIF Health & Safety Summit 2026, at Croke Park.

Flagship The flagship event focused on moving beyond minimum compliance to embed a genuine culture of care across the industry.

Under the theme ‘Beyond Compliance: Building a Culture of Care’, the Summit addressed the real and evolving health, safety and wellbeing challenges facing construction.

There was a strong emphasis on leadership, collaboration and practical action, ‘recognising that protecting workers requires more than policies alone, it demands consistent commitment at every level of an organisation’.

Positioning mental well-being as a core safety principle A central focus of the Summit was the integration of psychological and occupational health into construction safety management.

CIF Director, Safety, Education and Training, Sean Downey spoke about the importance of financial, mental and psychosocial gambling addiction as real issues affecting people in their day-to-day lives.

‘There’s a strong focus at this year’s event on worker well-being and psychological safety.’

A dedicated panel on Leadership in Action examined how companies could move beyond a traditional focus on physical hazards to also address stress, burnout, mental health literacy and workplace culture.

Practical experience Industry speakers shared practical experience on creating environments where employees felt supported and safe to speak up, positioning mental well-being as a core safety principle rather than an afterthought.

The importance of early intervention, strong training pathways and ongoing workforce support was also highlighted.

Discussions focused on managing fatigue, ergonomic risks and site safety together, using data, technology and risk-based approaches to prevent incidents and build resilience across projects and teams.

‘Safety is the cornerstone’ A key objective of the Summit was to support the construction sector in moving from reactive responses to proactive and preventative safety practices.

The Health and Safety Authority’s (HSA) Strategy 2025–2027 prioritises building and supporting compliance through education, collaboration and influence.

The CIF is also working in

partnership with the HSA, focusing on campaigns to reduce serious and fatal accidents from critical hazards, including the All Island Work at Height Campaign and the new upcoming (at time of reporting) Plant and Machinery Campaign.

‘Safety is the cornerstone of how people come to work safely, and they go home safely,’ said Eileen O’Leary, Assistant Chief Executive at the HSA, discussing the presentations and how working safely is a key priority for all stakeholders.

‘Transformation over the last 20 years’ In addition to plenary sessions, the Summit featured interactive discussions and thematic roundtables, moderated by experienced industry professionals.

These smaller group sessions encouraged open dialogue on emerging risks, digital construction trends, emergency planning and operational challenges, allowing delegates to share experiences and take away practical, actionable ideas.

‘The industry has been in a transformation over the last 20 years and so it’s very interesting to see where it’s going now with all the modern technology that’s out there,’ said Paul O’Shea, CEO, Ashview Consultants, on why the Summit is an important event to attend.

3 2 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

OUT & ABOUT

Local authorities, environmental experts, and construction professionals convened in Portlaoise for a landmark workshop titled ‘From Policy to Practice: Building Better for People and Biodiversity’.

Building for biodiversity: IGBC and local authorities join forces meaningful local action, ensuring that our built environment supports both people and the natural world for generations to come.’

The event centred on translating national biodiversity goals into actionable strategies within Ireland’s built environment, in support of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023–2030.

Critical

Workshop Throughout the day, participants took part in interactive workshops spanning the planning process, new residential development, and urban regeneration.

Discussions covered the role of planning ecologists, biodiversity checklists, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and the integration of nature-based solutions into public infrastructure.

The event also spotlighted successful regeneration projects in Wicklow and Mayo, illustrating how biodiversity can be safeguarded alongside the revitalisation of urban spaces.

The initiative was organised by biodiversity officers from Galway, Kildare, Laois, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, and Tipperary county councils, with support from the Heritage Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

IGBC Led by the Irish Green Building

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan with the IGBC Biodiversity Team Council (IGBC), the workshop brought together keynote contributions from prominent voices across government and industry, including Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan, who delivered the welcome address.

‘Protecting and restoring biodiversity is one of the defining challenges of our time,’ said Christoper O’Sullivan.

‘Initiatives like this workshop are crucial in turning national policy into

Sessions explored critical themes including biodiversity integration within planning policy, scaling nature-based solutions across housing developments, and leveraging funding opportunities to maximise ecological impact.

Research from Trinity College Dublin and real-world case studies – among them the award-winning National Forensic Mental Health Service project – offered practical guidance for on-the-ground implementation.

‘Embedding biodiversity into the planning and construction process is no longer optional – it is essential for creating resilient, future-proof communities,’ added Coilín O’Reilly, CEO of Carlow County Council and Chair of the briefing session.

Power ‘This workshop demonstrates the power of collaboration across local authorities and disciplines to drive meaningful change.’

Workshop in Porlaoise Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 33

OUT & ABOUT

The winners of the Future Timber Design Awards a new initiative

by Forest Industries Ireland (FII), supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine were revealed at a ceremony at the University of Galway.

Winners of inaugural Future Timber Design Awards celebrated at University of Galway The Future Timber Design Awards have been developed by FII to promote sustainable and innovative timber construction and design by bridging academic learning with real-life application for undergraduate students of architecture, engineering and related courses at the University of Galway and TU Dublin.

A second awards ceremony announcing the winning projects developed by students of architecture, architectural technology, and timber technology at TU Dublin took place on 5 June.

Congratulating the University of Galway entrants and winners, Mark McAuley, Director of Forest Industries Ireland, said:

Heartened ‘I am heartened to see the level of innovation and enthusiasm towards modern methods of timber

construction amongst our next generation of architects, engineers, manufacturing and timber processing professionals who will be leading the way.

‘I think now more than ever we see the urgency of turning to more sustainable methods of building to address the challenges we face in our housing demand and climate goals, and we realise we can make the greatest impact by honing the skills required and learning the latest technologies and methods at an early stage.’

The students were tasked with creatively exploring the potential of timber as a primary structural and architectural material.

The projects they entered needed to focus on using homegrown timber as the key structural material, keeping in mind real-world challenges or design constraints.

About the Future Timber Design Awards Forest Industries Ireland, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is piloting a new studentfocused initiative - the Future Timber Design Awards - aimed at promoting sustainable construction and innovative timber design in collaboration with architectural and engineering faculties at selected universities.

Importance Presenting the awards to the students, Des O’Toole, Head of Marketing and Promotion at Coillte Forests said: ‘The Future Timber Design Awards highlight the importance of industry and academia working together to

Forest Industries Ireland Future Timber Design Award winners at the University of Galway: With: Professor Eoghan Clifford (front, left), Head of Civil Engineering, University of Galway; Dr Patrick McGetrick (front, right), Associate Professor in Civil Engineering, University of Galway and Des O’Toole (front, second from right), Head of Timber Marketing and Promotion, Coillte Forest 3 4 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

OUT & ABOUT

About Forest Industries Ireland Forest Industries Ireland is part of Ibec, representing and supporting a broad and diverse mix of members from across the Irish forest sector. FII advocates for sustainable growth, innovation, and investment in Ireland’s forestry sector.

support undergraduate learning and nurture the next generation of talent.

‘By connecting education with real-world industry experience, we can provide students with stronger opportunities to grow and succeed.

‘We’re also delighted that next year the awards will expand to welcome entries from other universities, broadening the reach and impact of the programme.’

Overall The overall University of Galway winner of the Future Timber Design Awards 2026 is Diarmuid Murray, a Master of Engineering (Civil) student.

Diarmuid’s design project

Diarmuid Murray (middle), from Clarinbridge, Co Galway, the overall winner of the Forest Industries Ireland Future Timber Design Awards, at the University of Galway with Dr Patrick McGetrick (left), Associate Professor in Civil Engineering at the University of Galway and Des O’Toole (right), Head of Timber Marketing and Promotion, Coillte Forest. successfully and sustainably addressed the growing need for improved onshore facilities at a local sailing club by creating comprehensive timber building designs for a clubhouse, boat shed and pavilion.

The winning project also incorporated an innovative sensing system for timber elements, a biodiverse green roof and solar panels contributing to on-site renewable energy.

Proud Commending the entrants and winners, Dr Patrick McGetrick, Associate Professor, School of Engineering at the University of Galway, said: ‘We’re extremely proud of Diarmuid Murray and all the winners of the very first year of these exciting awards.

‘An astonishing level of work and effort was put in by our students to create innovative and clever designs showcasing the vast opportunities that homegrown timber-based construction offers.

Closely

The overall winner Forest Industries Ireland Future Timber Design Award which was won by Diarmuid Murray from Clarinbridge, Co Galway, a Master of Engineering (Civil) student, for his project using homegrown timber.

‘As a university, we worked closely with the FII to devise a competition brief that fits within our coursework aligned with timber engineering and design, as we understand the importance of creating a pipeline of future talent to address sustainability concerns in the industry.’

The Awardees at University of Galway:

The University of Galway Future Timber Design Awardees are all Master of Engineering (Civil) students as follows: • Diarmuid Murray Overall Winner and Most Innovative Structural Design.

• Caoimhe Kelleher and Seamus Connolly - Highly commended for sourcing and specification of homegrown timber and design.

• Kian Mahony and Ben Powell Highly commended for best use of homegrown timber.

• Darragh Cloonan - Honourable mention for overall design.

• Jason McHugh Dolan and Bill Fitzgerald - Honourable mentions for best use of Irish cross laminated timber.

• Eoghan Jennings, Eoin Finnerty, Liath Lenihan, Mark McMahon and Phelim McCann - Honourable mentions for best 3D visuals.

The entries were judged by University of Galway lecturers and FII representatives, with the overall winner presented with a Future Timber Design trophy and €500, while various cash prizes were awarded to the runners-up.

Conceptualise Applicants were given 18 weeks to conceptualise and design their projects and were supported via Q&A drop-in sessions during the design phase, guest lectures on timber-led construction, and access to digital resources on sustainable timber systems.

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 35

OUT & ABOUT

The CIOB is the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership and it recently attracted a large group of attendees to its annual dinner in Northern Ireland, from where our CIOB friends sent us this report!

Successful CIOB annual dinner event in Belfast Over 170 people attended the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) annual dinner event at the Hilton Hotel in Belfast on 15 May 2026.

Vast Representatives from a vast array of firms throughout the construction industry were present.

Mark Simpson, BBC News Correspondent, was the Master of Ceremonies.

The keynote speaker was Yvonne Conway, Chair of the CIOB Northern Ireland Hub committee.

The Secreto Singers and pantomime legend May McFettridge provided the post-dinner entertainment.

Presentation The event included a presentation to CIOB member Mr Desmond Scott, Founder and Chairman of Woodvale Construction Company, on being

awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to construction in Northern Ireland and his contribution to the Tyrone community.

Platinum sponsors of the event were Hays and Tughans.

Gold sponsors were CB Contracts and CHC Group. £2,000 was generously raised for CIOB Assist.

Front Row left to right: Alexa Buso, Member Services & Event Co-Ordinator CIOB RoI Hub; Yvonne Conway, FCIOB Chair of the NI Hub; Julie Fitzsimmons Member Services & Event Co-ordinator CIOB NI Hub; Amanda Pilgrim Associate Director – Company Engagement CIOB; Jenna Bell Business Development Manager CIOB Ireland.

Back Row left to right: Committee Members NI Hub Sarah Sharpe FCIOB; Ronan O’Neill MCIOB; Gary Callaghan MCIOB; Robert Clements MCIOB; Gerard Graham FCIOB; Ashley Roberts MCIOB

Left to right: CIOB Team - Alexa Buso, Member Services & Event Co-ordinator, RoI Hub; Sarah Hallinan Regional Manager Ireland; Jenna Bell Business Development Manager Ireland; Amanda Pilgrim Associate Director – Company Engagement; Julie Fitzsimmons Member Services & Event Co-ordinator, NI Hub. 3 6 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

Left to right: Jonathan Payne FCIOB, CIOB Trustee presenting Mr Desmond Scott, Founder and Chairman of Woodvale Construction Company, CIOB Certificate of Acknowledgement in recognition of being awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to construction in Northern Ireland and his contribution to the Tyrone community and Yvonne Conway FCIOB Chair of the NI Hub.

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TRAINING AND CAREERS

TU Dublin welcomed Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, to its Bolton Street campus for a visit, showcasing the university’s growing leadership in apprenticeship education and access pathways.

Minister Marian Harkin TD visits TU Dublin Bolton Street to highlight apprenticeships and skills development The visit came at a significant moment for TU Dublin following a €5.73 million allocation under the national Apprenticeship Expansion Programme in 2025.

‘This forms part of a wider €20.5 million government investment aimed at increasing apprenticeship capacity across Ireland’, was the message.

‘At TU Dublin, the funding will enable the delivery of 600 new apprenticeship training places, reinforcing its position as one of the largest providers of apprenticeship education in the country.’

Additional ‘The expansion will support 39 additional craft training blocks and major equipment upgrades across campuses in Bolton Street, Tallaght, and Blanchardstown.

‘Key areas of growth include the expansion of Carpentry and Joinery training to meet increasing regional demand, alongside a planned 42% increase in Electrical apprenticeship capacity by 2028 and a 75% rise in Plumbing apprenticeship provision at the Blanchardstown campus.

‘The investment will also enable the modernisation of Motor Mechanics facilities, incorporating advanced diagnostic equipment, and support increased capacity in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning to address evolving climate and infrastructure needs.

‘In parallel, the University continues to play a leading role in the development and delivery of Consortia-Led Apprenticeship Programmes across key sectors such as Logistics, Laboratory Sciences, Telecommunications, and Industrial Electrical Engineering.’

Secured The University has also secured 3 8 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

TRAINING AND CAREERS

approval for new programmes in BioPharma and Geospatial Science, with these set to commence in the coming academic years.

Speaking about the visit, Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, said: ‘I was pleased to visit TU Dublin’s Bolton Street campus, where I had the opportunity to see so many skilled apprentices in action across a wide range of programmes, including Light Vehicle Mechanics, Wood Manufacturing and Finishing and Brickwork and Stone laying.

‘I was particularly delighted to meet students on the Access to Apprenticeship programme.

‘Access to education is something that is very important to me.’

Welcoming Welcoming the investment and the Minister’s visit, TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis said: ‘This investment is a significant endorsement of TU Dublin’s leadership in apprenticeship education.

‘Expanding capacity across key craft programmes and upgrading our training facilities will ensure that apprentices develop the advanced, industry-ready skills required in a rapidly changing economy.

‘These enhancements will not only support national skills needs and drive economic growth, but also strengthen TU Dublin’s role in providing highquality, practice-based education across our campuses.’

Access to apprenticeship A central focus of the visit was TU Dublin’s Access to Apprenticeship

About Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) ‘Creating a Better World Together’ – TU Dublin is Ireland’s first Technological University and Dublin’s second-largest university, with 28,000 students across five campuses in Grangegorman, Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Bolton Street, and Aungier Street.

Leader TU Dublin is a national leader in STEM, engineering, creative arts, and business education, combining academic excellence with real-world application through a practice-based, employer-engaged model of learning.

At TU Dublin, education goes beyond the classroom. Through deep collaboration with over 800 industry partners, students benefit from codesigned programmes, live projects, internships, apprenticeships, and authentic, work-focused learning environments.

This hands-on approach empowers students with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to thrive in a dynamic, global workforce.

‘Our distinguished researchers and innovators are pioneers in science and technology discovery, play active roles in informing policy and standards, and contribute to the creative life of Ireland.

Delivered ‘Our award-winning technology transfer and business incubation activity has delivered over 400 new sustainable businesses with an economic value of almost €700 million.’

TU Dublin is also a global sustainability leader.

Its strategic commitment to inclusive, future-focused education and research earned it a Gold STARS® accreditation from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and a global ranking of 17th out of nearly 600 institutions worldwide.

‘With an international outlook, we welcome students and staff from around the world, while our strong international partnerships provide opportunities for student and staff exchange programmes, major crosscollaboration research projects, and employment opportunities.

Collaborative ‘With over 7,000 graduates each year, TU Dublin is shaping a better world through collaborative education, cutting-edge research, and meaningful community engagement.’

Go Beyond Learning. https://www.tudublin.ie/

(ATA) programme, a targeted initiative designed to support young people aged 16 to 24 from disadvantaged backgrounds in progressing into apprenticeship pathways.

Delivered by the School of Mechanical Engineering at Bolton Street, the 15-week full-time programme runs twice yearly and provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to apprenticeship careers.

Students gain hands-on exposure across sectors such as construction, engineering, electrical, motor, and aviation, while also developing essential employability skills.

The programme offers work experience placements, industry site visits, and support in CV and interview preparation.

Certifications Participants also gain certifications such as Safe Pass, Manual Handling, and Working at Heights, alongside opportunities to connect with Erasmus+ students.

Funded by the Higher Education Authority, the initiative plays a crucial role in widening participation and ensuring more equitable access to skilled career pathways.

More information is available from the TU Dublin website.

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 39

TRAINING AND CAREERS

ATU architecture programme achieves full RIBA validation Atlantic Technological University’s (ATU) Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) programme in Sligo has been awarded full validation by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

This prestigious recognition follows the recent achievement of full accreditation from the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), marking a significant milestone for the programme and its graduates.

ATU Architecture can now offer its graduates an Architecture degree which is recognised by both the RIAI and RIBA, ensuring that graduates benefit from enhanced international mobility and recognition within the global architectural profession.

Congratulations ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn congratulated the Architecture team on the achievement and highlighted its wider regional importance.

‘It gives me great pleasure to congratulate our Architecture team in Sligo on their achievement of the RIBA accreditation, following the successful RIAI accreditation already awarded,’ she said.

‘The dual accreditation is particularly important for us in ATU, given the cross-border communities that we serve.

‘My sincere thanks to our academic and support teams right across our new School of the Built Environment, as well as to the many external stakeholders and practitioners who supported us over the last decade.’

Successful Patrick Monaghan, a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) validation panel has congratulated Atlantic Technological University on the successful validation of its architecture programme.

The RIBA visiting board commended the school for providing high-quality architectural education to a historically underrepresented region, while drawing on the cultural and natural landscape of Sligo to shape its philosophical and pedagogical approach.

RIBA validation is an internationally recognised process that assures the quality and relevance of architectural education.

Through peer review by academic and professional experts, the process evaluates programmes against the 4 0 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

RIBA’s rigorous educational standards, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional awareness required for contemporary architectural practice.

The successful validation recognises the strength of architectural education at ATU and its contribution to both the regional and international architectural community.

Significant Professor Graham Heaslip, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Computing, said the dual recognition was a significant endorsement of the programme.

‘Achieving full accreditation from both the RIAI and RIBA is a tremendous endorsement of the quality and ambition of our Architecture programme in Sligo,’ he said.

'It reflects the dedication of our staff, the creativity and commitment of our students, and ATU’s vision of delivering education that meets the highest international standards.

‘This dual recognition not only strengthens the reputation of the programme but also provides our graduates with outstanding opportunities for professional mobility and engagement within the global architectural community.’

Prof Graham Heaslip, Dean of Faculty of Engineering & Computing at ATU; Maša Ruane Bratuša, Head of Department of Architecture ATU; Bernadette Donohoe – Architecture Director of Accreditation ATU; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU; Dara Burke – Head of Department of Architecture ATU (Acting).

Testament

Bernadette Donohoe - Architecture Director of Accreditation, welcomed the outcome of the validation process: ‘We are delighted to have achieved international RIBA validation part 2 along with the national RIAI accreditation.

‘The RIBA played a valued part in the formative years of our Architecture programmes' development and this reaffirms our commitment to delivering quality architectural education that meets the highest international standards.’

Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of School of Built Environment at ATU commented: ‘This achievement is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our staff and students.

‘Securing full RIBA accreditation, alongside RIAI recognition, makes our programme more internationally attractive and ensures that our graduates have a highly transferrable qualification.

‘It opens doors for them to pursue careers across Europe and beyond, reinforcing ATU’s commitment to delivering world-class architectural education.’

Sustained Dara Burke – Head of Department of Architecture said the achievement reflected sustained effort across the School: ‘The successful international validation by the RIBA of the Architecture programme at ATU is testament to the hard work and

dedication of both staff and students who have worked together over the last number of years to deliver an exceptionally high standard of Architectural education in the North West of Ireland.

'ATU now holds the distinction of being one of only two programmes of Architecture in Ireland to hold dual RIAI and RIBA accreditation.’

Process

Combines ‘The BArch programme at ATU’s Sligo campus combines innovative design education with a strong focus on sustainability and technology, preparing graduates to meet the evolving challenges of the built environment.’

For more information about the Architecture programme at ATU, visit https://www.atu.ie/courses/bachelorof-architecture-honours-architecture

TRAINING AND CAREERS

Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD alongside Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, have announced two new apprenticeships in civil engineering and quantity surveying at Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

New Level 8 Civil Engineering and Quantity Surveying apprenticeships at Atlantic Technological University Announcement by Ministers Harkin and Lawless ‘Civil engineers and quantity surveyors are in huge demand.

‘Increasing apprenticeship training pathways for civil engineering and quantity surveying will help build a sustainable pipeline of workers to support our national housing and infrastructure goals, and it’s a strong example of how the apprenticeship system can respond directly to critical skills needs within a sector.’

That’s according to Minister Marian Harkin TD, speaking regarding the announcement of two new apprenticeships in civil engineering and quantity surveying at Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

The minister said the announcements ‘demonstrate ATU’s role in supporting regional development, talent retention and sustainable enterprise in the West and North-West.’

Delighted Minister James Lawless said: ‘I am delighted and proud to launch two new apprenticeships at ATU: ‘A Level 8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering by Apprenticeship and a Level 8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying.

‘Government investment in apprenticeships is showing real results.

‘The €79 million investment in apprenticeship in Budget 2026 is the highest investment in core apprenticeship funding since the establishment of DFHERIS – more than doubling the total annual investment in apprenticeship delivery from €184 million in 2020 to €415

Seated (L-R): Frank Feighan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; Marian Harkin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU Presiden; Dr Ruth Quinn, Head of Civil Engineering and Construction Studies ATU. million in 2026.

‘The range of apprenticeship options has expanded significantly.

Reshaping ‘We now have over 80 programmes, nearly three times the number a decade ago, reshaping public perceptions and opening new pathways to qualifications that were not previously accessible.

‘Apprentice civil engineers and quantity surveyors will get hands-on industry experience, setting them up for a sustainable career pathway.’

President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn said: ‘I would like to sincerely thank Minister Harkin and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for their continued support for apprenticeship development and for recognising the importance of

programmes such as these.

Commitment ‘I also want to acknowledge the commitment of our industry partners, whose collaboration has been central to shaping apprenticeships that are relevant, responsive and grounded in real practice.

‘Together, this partnership between government, higher education and industry is delivering meaningful pathways for learners and supporting the development of a skilled workforce for the future.’

These new programmes form part of a wider suite of apprenticeships set to launch in 2026, which are expected to become an increasingly important source of talent as well as support the Government’s target of 12,500 apprentice registrations per annum by 2030.

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 41

The SAFEGARD V5

The Ultimate Intelligent Smoke & Fire Damper Control System

Safegard V5

For more information visit www.safegard.ie or call 01 2761600 or email info@safegard.ie

www.safegard.ie

Safegard Systems elevates fire and smoke control standards

Leading the charge in fire safety innovation In an era where fire safety standards are under intense scrutiny, Safegard Systems is redefining the approach to smoke and fire containment in buildings.

Respected Operating out of Wicklow, Ireland, since 1994, Safegard Systems has carved out a respected niche in the HVAC industry, focusing on advanced smoke and fire damper control solutions tailored to complex ducted ventilation systems.

Today, the company is making headlines with its latest upgrade to the widely used V5 intelligent damper control system, a project undertaken in collaboration with consulting engineers, contractors, and as part of the Swegon Group. This fifthgeneration system delivers unparalleled flexibility, safety and cost-efficiency.

Attuned Safegard Systems has always been attuned to the evolving needs of building owners, facilities managers and emergency services for precise, reliable and easy-to-maintain fire and smoke control systems.

The enhanced V5 system exemplifies this commitment by addressing critical shortcomings in fire alarm-controlled dampers, which often lack the strategic control needed in a real emergency.

While many basic systems default to shutting every damper in a building, the V5 empowers users with tailored control over individual dampers, allowing for fire compartmentalization, pressurization, and targeted smoke extraction.

This precision provides clear escape routes and optimizes conditions for firefighting efforts.

Defining A defining feature of the V5 system is its use of a solid-state embedded computer and two-core network cable, which not only increases reliability and ease of use but also minimizes wiring costs compared to traditional hard-wired systems.

Further setting it apart, the V5 integrates seamlessly with open protocol platforms, allowing it to link directly with Building Management Systems (BMS) via Modbus or BACnet.

This interoperability provides valuable lifecycle benefits, enabling smoother ongoing maintenance and simplified future upgrades as a building’s needs evolve.

The server architecture behind V5’s embedded panel computer, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and pre-loaded software also reduces commissioning time and offers intuitive system diagnostics.

Enhanced The enhanced control provided by the V5 system is accompanied by convenient features for regular testing and system health checks, which are essential for ongoing fire safety compliance. Heat and smoke detectors can be integrated into the damper interface, enabling direct or remote damper control.

The system also allows automatic

testing schedules and supports compliance with fire safety regulations.

As Joe Whyte, National Sales Manager at Safegard Systems, points out, the V5 solution embodies a sophisticated yet user-friendly approach that meets the growing demands in Ireland and beyond for advanced fire and smoke control.

Importance Joe Whyte underscores the importance of balancing innovation with reliability in life safety systems: ‘It never makes sense to cut corners when it comes to fire safety,’ he stresses.

‘A purpose-designed system for life safety damper control provides peace of mind, and over the lifecycle of a building,

it also delivers significant savings by reducing maintenance costs and improving system access. ’With the existing V5 system and our programme for continuous development, Safegard has set a new benchmark for fire safety in the HVAC industry, offering a robust, sophisticated, and cost-effective approach that aligns with modern building safety expectations.

Leader This latest innovation reaffirms Safegard Systems as a leader dedicated to securing the highest standards of fire protection and risk management.

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 43

PERSONAL & FINANCE

Chadwicks Group Celebrates 40 graduates from leadership and sales development programmes promoted within Chadwicks Group.

Over €300,000 The programme also supports Chadwicks Group’s focus on developing a more diverse leadership invested in pipeline, with female participation in the Leadership Development professional Programme reaching 35%, compared with 21% female representation development and across the business overall. career progression Delivered The Sales Academy, a 12-month programme delivered in partnership across the with McKernan Training and Chadwicks Group subject matter experts, saw a further 17 colleagues business graduate.

Chadwicks Group has celebrated the graduation of 40 colleagues from its Leadership Development Programme and Sales Academy, following an investment of over €300,000 in professional development and career progression across the business.

Partnership The programmes were delivered in partnership with the Irish Management Institute, McKernan Training, KinchLyons and Chadwicks Group subject matter experts and supported by Midlands Border East Skillnet.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Killashee Hotel in Naas, bringing together colleagues from across the business who have completed structured development programmes designed to strengthen leadership capability, sales excellence and foster long-term career pathways within Chadwicks Group.

Delivered onsite at the Group’s Support Office, the programme focused on strengthening sales capability, customer service, product knowledge and commercial confidence.

Almost a quarter (24%) of participants were female, and three Sales Academy colleagues have already been promoted since the course began.

Committed Eimear O’Reilly, HR Director at Chadwicks Group, said: ‘At Chadwicks Group, we are deeply committed to enabling our colleagues to grow, develop new

capabilities and build meaningful, long-term careers within the business.

‘The graduation of 40 colleagues from our Leadership Development Programme and Sales Academy is a significant milestone and a powerful demonstration of our continued investment in talent and capability across the organisation.

‘Balancing professional development alongside day-to-day responsibilities requires focus, resilience and commitment.

‘We are immensely proud of everyone who has completed these programmes.

‘Initiatives such as these are fundamental to how we strengthen our leadership pipeline, support sustainable career progression and ensure Chadwicks Group continues to thrive through the development of our people.’

Supporting The Leadership Development Programme and Sales Academy form part of Chadwicks Group’s wider people development strategy, supporting colleagues to build the skills, confidence and experience required to progress within the business and deliver for customers across Ireland.

Intensive The Leadership Development Programme, an intensive 18-month programme delivered in partnership with the Irish Management Institute, Chadwicks Group subject matter experts and KinchLyons, saw 23 colleagues graduate.

The programme is designed to support colleagues with leadership potential and to build capability in areas including people management, collaboration, commercial thinking, resilience and strategic leadership.

Since beginning the programme, seven participants have already been 4 4 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

Pictured at Killashee Hotel, Naas, are Chadwicks Group colleagues who graduated from the company’s Leadership Development Programme and Sales Academy.

Chadwicks Group has invested over €300,000 in the programmes, which support professional development, leadership capability, sales excellence and long-term career progression across the business.

PERSONAL & FINANCE

New research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has revealed widespread problems with international car hire as four in ten Irish holidaymakers reported issues with their rental while abroad last summer.

International car hire issues The top issues reported were long wait times, hidden fees, and the car not being as described.

As summer holidays approached the CCPC was advising consumers to take precautions to avoid paying more when renting a car abroad this summer.

Understand Before renting a car, it’s important to understand your agreement and know what happens if the car is damaged.

Preparing in advance helps you avoid problems and unexpected costs.

When booking a rental car, it is important to check: • The terms and conditions • The total price, checking for extra charges • The insurance cover provided

Inspect When collecting your car, remember to inspect the car and note any damage that is already on the car before driving away.

If you have any concerns, ask to see the rental company's record for damages to the car and make sure the car rental company has accepted and recorded any additional damage before you begin your car rental.

You should also take your own photos for your records.

What should you check before booking a rental car?

Know who you are booking with.

Review the booking to ensure you know who your booking is with. i.e. have you booked directly with the car hire company or are you booking through a third-party site.

If you are booking through a thirdparty site, make yourself aware of any extras they are offering e.g. Damage Waiver Excess Protection and if this cover will be accepted by the car hire company – or if you will be required to take out extra insurance with them.

Also, make yourself aware of who you need to contact should any issues

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 45

PERSONAL & FINANCE

Rental agreement When you collect your car, read the rental agreement at the desk and ask questions if anything is unclear before signing.

Driving experience requirement: Be aware that many car rental companies require at least two years’ experience with a full driving licence.

copies of the damage report.

The company should close off your bill in your presence.

If not, they must send you a detailed report on the amount charged, along with information on how you can query the charges.

What should you check before driving away in your rental car?

arise that may affect your booking e.g. delayed flight or accident.

Insurance Car rental companies only have to offer basic third-party insurance with their initial quote.

So, you may want to check the car rental agreement carefully in advance and decide if you would prefer to purchase more insurance cover.

The total price The total price you must pay to rent the car must be shown at the time of booking, even if you do not pay all of it at this time.

There should not be charges that you were not aware of either at the time of booking or when you go to collect the car.

Make sure you check the contract carefully for extra charges such as a premium price for drivers under 25 years old, or charges for extra drivers, so you are fully aware of all the costs.

Terms and conditions Before booking, always read the car rental company’s terms and conditions carefully.

Some fees may only be charged when you pick up the car, not when booking.

However, the total amount you have to pay should be clear at the time of booking.

If you’re unsure about any charges, especially insurance or deposits, contact the rental company for clarification.

4 6 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

Before you leave the rental location, make sure to: 1. Inspect the car thoroughly both inside and outside for any existing damage such as scratches, dents, or marks.

2. If there is any damage, get a diagram from the rental company highlighting any existing damage to the car. Review this carefully and make sure all existing damage is clearly noted.

3. Check the interior upholstery for any wear and tear, stains, tears, burns or other marks.

4. Ask the rental company to record any damage you find before you leave.

5. Take clear photos or videos of the car’s exterior and interior for your own records. Top tip: Use your phone’s flashlight to highlight anything that might not be obvious to the naked eye.

6. Test all lights to make sure they are working properly, and check the windscreen for chips, cracks or other issues.

7. If you are not satisfied with the car’s condition, return it immediately and explain the problem to the rental company.

This will ensure there is no question that you may have caused the damage.

8. Ask about the policy for toll charges and find out if you need to pay tolls yourself or if they will be added to your bill. According to the recent CCPC survey, of those who experienced issues with hidden fees, 24% were with toll charges.

9. Check how full the fuel tank is before you drive away. If you need to return the car with a full tank, factor a trip to the petrol station into your holiday plans.

What should you do when returning the car?

The rental agreement will outline the rules for returning the car.

Make sure the car is inspected by the rental company and that you both agree and sign for any damage on all

How can you make a complaint about a car rental?

If you have a complaint, contact the rental company in writing first.

If you’re not satisfied, follow the company’s complaints process. Learn more about how to complain at ccpc. ie.

If you are unable to resolve the matter directly with the company, you may wish to contact the Car Rental Council of Ireland.

They are the representative trade organisation for the car rental industry in Ireland.

They may be able to provide further information or assistance on the matter if the company is a member.

Check You should check if the car rental company is a member of the Car Rental Council of Ireland before making a complaint to them.

Further information and their contact details can be found through the following link: https:// carrentalcouncil.ie If you have car hire problems while on holiday in the European Union, you have consumer rights.

More You can find more information about car rental in the EU and templates for letters of complaint on the European Consumer Centre Ireland website at www.eccireland.ie.

For more tips and information on your rights when renting a car, check out the CCPC website: www.ccpc.ie/ carrental

PERSONAL & FINANCE

This time out Jeff Haden turns his attention to smartness.

It turns out it’s likely you’re smarter than you imagine.

Four surprising signs you’re smarter than you think, backed by science For example, frequently changing your mind doesn’t mean you’re wishy-washy; it means you’re smart enough to constantly reevaluate.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green once told me he enjoys being the dumbest person in the room.

That’s easy for me. (Well, not necessarily enjoying the feeling, but being the least smart, not necessarily enjoying the feeling.)

Effect Even though most people fall prey to the better-than average effect, I rarely think I’m on the smart side of average.

Plenty of people seem smarter.

Wiser. Savvier. Better able to sift through the noise and make great decisions.

That describes me. Maybe you think that describes you, too.

But it’s likely you’re smarter than you imagine, especially if any of the following apply.

1. You change your mind.

There’s no denying the fact that Jeff Bezos is often right.

Yet according to Bezos, the number one indicator of high intelligence is a willingness to change your mind.

As Bezos says: ‘The smartest people are constantly revising their understanding, reconsidering a problem they thought they’d already solved.

‘They’re open to new points of

view, new information, new ideas, contradictions, and challenges to their own way of thinking.’

Science backs Bezos up, too. A series of experiments published by Harvard Business Review show that changing your mind can actually be smarter: Entrepreneurs who adapted, revised, and changed their positions during a pitch competition were six times more likely to win the competition.

Question The next time you question your intelligence, think about how often you’ve changed your mind in recent days.

If the answer is often, you’re

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 47

PERSONAL & FINANCE

probably smarter than you think.

Because, as Thinking, Fast and Slow author Daniel Kahneman says: ‘No one enjoys being wrong, but I do enjoy having been wrong, because it means I am now less wrong.’

2. You procrastinate.

While we all procrastinate from time to time, most people assume putting off something important indicates a lack of intelligence. After all, the smart move is to avoid waiting till the last minute.

Or not. For example, Adam Grant sees procrastination as a key to innovation. According to Grant: ‘The time Steve Jobs was putting things off and noodling on possibilities was time well-spent in letting more divergent ideas come to the table, as opposed to diving right in with the most conventional, the most obvious, the most familiar.’

Science supports the value of procrastination.

Waiting A study published in Journal of Research in Personality found that people with high IQs tend to procrastinate more, if only because high intelligence affords the luxury of waiting to begin a task.

If you put something off simply because you don’t feel like doing it, that’s one thing.

4 8 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

But if you put something off because you don’t think you’ve found the best solution, the best path, or the best option, waiting to get started could be the smartest approach to take.

3. You spend time alone.

It makes sense that smart people enjoy spending time with other smart people. Oddly enough, though, that’s often not the case.

Research published in British Journal of Psychology found that the more highly intelligent people socialize, the less happy they tend to be.

Why? The researchers speculate one reason could be that the smarter you are, the more focused you might be on achieving longer-term goals.

Distracting If that’s the case, spending time with friends — no matter how smart they might be — could seem more distracting than helpful.

So, if you prefer to spend time alone to focus on a project, to improve a skill, to refine your business plan, or to tick off all the steps required to reach your goals, that might make you a loner.

But it doesn’t mean you lack intelligence. You might just be smarter than the rest of us.

4. You’re a night owl.

Early birds get all the press. Apple CEO

Tim Cook starts his morning routine – he wakes up even earlier – at 3:45 a.m.

General Motors CEO Mary Barra gets to the office by 6 a.m. Conventional wisdom says rising and shining early is the smart approach.

Then again, research published in Personality and Individual Differences determined that night owls – people who feel more alert and productive well into the late hours – are more likely to have higher intelligence.

Along the same lines, research published in the British Medical Journal found that night owls also tend to have better jobs, and earn larger incomes, than early risers.

Who’s the smart one now?

Actually, no one. Staying up late and waking up late won’t automatically make you smarter.

Neither will getting up earlier.

What matters is what works best for you.

If 6 a.m. is the perfect start time, the smart move is to consistently start your workday at 6 a.m.

If 8:30 a.m. is the optimum time, the smart move is to start at 8:30.

Basing decisions on what works best for you?

That’s an obvious sign of intelligence.

Expert opinion by Jeff haden @JEFF_ HADEN

GREEN BUILDING

SME home builders to access green development loans with new certification Home Performance Pathway will help accelerate the delivery of sustainable homes, says Minister for Housing

H

ome Performance Pathway is a new certification for small home builders to deliver high quality, healthy and environmentally sustainable homes, launched by the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC).

Accelerate It will enable SME developers to qualify for lower cost development finance, helping to accelerate the delivery of sustainable homes across the country.

The government is committed to delivering 300,000 homes by 2030 and to reducing emissions 51% by the same date.

The new certification covers key areas of sustainability, such as carbon emissions, water efficiency, biodiversity and waste.

It also covers health and comfort indicators such as indoor air quality,

acoustic comfort and summer comfort.

Delivering James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, commented: ‘Delivering Homes Building Communities commits to a range of initiatives to support small to medium construction companies to deliver sustainable housing.

‘I am pleased to see this collaborative approach led by the IGBC with the financial and construction sectors which will enable SME developers and builders to qualify for lower cost development finance, helping to accelerate the delivery of sustainable homes across the country.

‘This initiative will encourage and support the development of the Small

and Medium Enterprise homebuilder sector and further accelerate progress towards our target to deliver at least 300,000 homes by 2030.’

Pat Barry, Irish Green Building Council CEO, says: ‘The Home Performance Pathway provides an accessible route for smaller homebuilders to start integrating sustainability into their schemes.

‘It encourages them to increase their ambition over time, with support from the IGBC. ‘It will help SME builders to thrive in a future where all finance is dependent on proof of sustainability.’

Entry level The Home Performance Pathway is designed as an entry level to IGBC’s full sustainability certification, the Home Performance Index (HPI).

About Home Performance Pathway & Home Performance Index

The development of the Home Performance Pathway was funded by Construct Innovate, Ireland’s National Research Centre for Construction Technology and Innovation (www.constructinnovate.ie), with additional support provided by Ardcairn Capital.

Pictured outside the Custom House for the launch of the Home Performance Pathway certification for SME developers are (L-R): John Delahunty, AIB; Fergus Mangan, Home Building Finance Ireland; Magdalena Hajdukiewicz, Construct Innovate; James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage; Johanna Varghese, Irish Green Building Council; Deirdre Murphy, Housing Agency; Brian Gaffney, Bank of Ireland; PJ Ryan, Construction Industry Federation 5 0 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

Committee The steering committee also included Home Building Finance Ireland, the Construction Industry Federation, The Irish Homes Builders’ Association, the Irish Planning Institute, AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ritterwald.

Home Performance Pathway is the entry level certification for the Home Performance Index, Ireland’s national certification system for quality and sustainable residential development. Over 36,000 homes have registered for HPI certification to date.

See: https:// homeperformanceindex.ie.

GREEN BUILDING

Pictured outside the Custom House for the launch of the Home Performance Pathway certification for SME developers are (L-R): Magdalena Hajdukiewicz, Construct Innovate; James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage; Johanna Varghese, Irish Green Building Council HPI is a holistic sustainability and quality standard that is well established in the market for larger housing developments in Ireland, with over 3,500 dwellings certified in 2025.

The Home Performance Pathway will enable SME construction companies to access green development finance through a simplified certification pathway.

At a glance The Home Performance Pathway provides a simplified pathway for smaller home builders to qualify for green development loans, which they had previously found challenging to access It includes indicators for environmental sustainability, and occupant health and comfort SMEs are responsible for over 80% of turnover in Ireland’s construction sector The Home Performance Pathway was developed by the Irish Green Building Council in conjunction with AIB, Bank of Ireland, the Construction Industry Federation, the Irish Home Builders Association, Irish Planning Institute, Ardcairn Capital, Home Building Finance Ireland and Ritterwald.

The project was supported by Construct Innovate and Ardcairn Capital.

SMEs are responsible for over 80% of turnover in Ireland’s construction sector, and a significant portion of housing delivery.

Dedicated John Delahunty, AIB Real Estate Finance, said: ‘AIB is dedicated to supporting the development of sustainable, energy-efficient homes throughout Ireland.

‘The introduction of the Home Performance Pathway is a significant milestone, enabling smaller developers and builders to access affordable green finance while elevating the overall standard of housing delivery.

‘This initiative provides a clearer, achievable path to sustainable construction, accelerating the shift to a low-carbon built environment while improving sector capability and expanding access to high quality, climate-resilient homes across Ireland in support of national sustainability goals.’

Welcomes Brian Gaffney, head of residential and development finance at Bank of Ireland, commented: ‘Bank of Ireland welcomes the introduction of the Home Performance Pathway, and the leadership shown by the Irish Green Building Council in making sustainable construction more accessible for SME builders.

‘Initiatives like this play an important role in helping house builders of all sizes integrate

About the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC)

The IGBC (www.igbc.ie) is Ireland’s leading authority on green building best practices with a network of over 480 green building organisations spanning the entire built environment industry.

Affiliated The IGBC is affiliated with the World Green Building Council.

This is a network of over 80 national Green Building Councils worldwide with a total membership of over 27,000 of the most progressive international organisations and businesses making it the largest organisation globally influencing the sustainable building market.

IGBC is also one of the founding members of Construct Innovate.

sustainability into their developments, and we are pleased to support efforts that strengthen communities and encourage the building of high quality, energy efficient homes across the country.’

David Casey, Home Building Finance Ireland, commented: ‘HBFI welcomes the launch of the IGBC’s Home Performance Pathway noting that it encourages SME and small homebuilders to put sustainability at the heart of their developments, while delivering much needed higher quality homes to their customers.’

Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 51

GREEN BUILDING

Better alignment between government policies and agencies, a biodiversity mapping strategy and investment in biodiversity skills are all needed to protect and enhance biodiversity in new residential development, according to research published by the Irish Green Building Council and Trinity College Dublin, and supported by The Housing Agency.

New research points way toward vibrant, nature-rich neighbourhoods The report ‘BIO-NEIGHBOUR: Towards greener, more diverse neighbourhoods’ includes 18 recommendations for the enhancement of biodiversity in new residential developments.

Some recommendations echo those made by the Independent Advisory Committee on Nature Restoration – including the need for clear guidelines on biodiversity in new development, more detailed mapping, upskilling, and better communication between state bodies.

Strategy One of the report’s core recommendations is to implement a national strategy on biodiversity and development centred on the mitigation hierarchy – Avoid, Minimise, Restore, Offset – to minimise negative impacts on nature.

Ireland’s new housing plan, ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025- 2030’ aims to deliver 300,000 homes by 2030.

Achieving this alongside Ireland’s obligations to protect and restore biodiversity is a big challenge.

But the BIO-NEIGHBOUR project concluded that integration of biodiversity measures into new development, and the creation of a clearer policy and regulatory

5 2 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

framework, would not only benefit nature but also reduce planning risks, streamline housing delivery and create vibrant, climate-resilient neighbourhoods with cleaner air and improved health and wellbeing.

Recommendations Commenting on the launch of the recommendations, Marion Jammet, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Irish Green Building Council, said: ‘By implementing these recommendations, we can not only protect and enhance biodiversity in new residential development, The EU’s Nature Restoration Regulation will require us to restore urban ecosystems.

‘This represents a huge opportunity to create vibrant, more liveable and nature-rich urban spaces.’

Scale While policies such as the EU Habitats Directive, the Nature Restoration Regulation and the National Planning Framework require the protection and restoration of nature, this is not yet happening at scale new residential development.

The BIO-NEIGHBOUR recommendations aim to address key challenges identified during the research, including the lack

of binding national policies for integrating biodiversity in residential development, fragmented policies and practices across state bodies and local authorities, and lack of biodiversity skills and awareness in the construction sector.

More than 100 organisations from the private and public sectors, and academia, were consulted as part of the research, and an extensive literature review was carried out.

Trinity Dr. Marcus Collier, Associate Professor at the Trinity College Centre for the Environment, commented: ‘The BIO-NEIGHBOUR recommendations point the way forward for creating vibrant, biodiverse new residential developments in Ireland.

‘As part of our research, we also created a new concept of “nature-led residential developments”.

Demonstrable ‘This means that the overall ecological impact of a project, including land use, construction, supply chains, and occupation, results in a demonstrable enhancement of biodiversity and supports long-term ecological resilience.’

GREEN BUILDING

'Progress has been made on policies to decarbonise our built environment in recent years but the government must now accelerate delivery to make our homes, schools and businesses resilient to energy price shocks.'

IGBC: Faster decarbonisation of buildings will increase resilience to energy price shocks The above was the message of the Irish Green Building Council’s 2026 Policy Scorecard, launched in front of 250 delegates at the organisation’s flagship Build Green Now conference at Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Improve The conference – addressed by Minister for Housing James Browne T.D. – heard that by retrofitting our homes, we can improve people's lives, reduce energy bills and help to lift people out of energy poverty.

Pat Barry, Irish Green Building Council CEO, commented: ‘Ireland has led in energy renovation for the past decade but as our Policy Scorecard shows, we must now accelerate our ambition.

‘Decarbonising our buildings must

be seen as a key national infrastructure project to make us more resilient to energy price shocks, and deliver healthier, more comfortable homes that are more affordable to heat.

‘Countries like Spain and Denmark have been more resilient to the recent energy crisis due to their massive investment in renewables – Ireland can do the same.’

Expert An expert panel – featuring John Dobbin, Chair of the RIAI Housing Committee, Deirdre Timmons, Sustainable Finance Lead at PwC, and Adrian Joyce, Director of the Renovate Europe Campaign – discussed how sustainability, affordability and quality must go hand in hand, and how reusing existing buildings in our urban

centres can deliver new homes quickly, with less infrastructure costs to the state and significant co-benefits.

John Dobbin, Architect and Chair of the RIAI Housing Committee, commented: ‘Bringing our vacant and derelict buildings back into use represents a unique opportunity to revitalise our cities, towns and villages and reduce our carbon emissions at the same time.

‘It can also allow the state to deliver new homes faster and at less cost, as the infrastructure for these homes is already in place.

A panel on innovation featuring Scotland’s Innovation Centre BEST, Coillte and Kingspan examined how Ireland can accelerate the development of innovative low carbon construction products.

L to R: Kieran Holohan, Managing Director, Saint Gobain Ireland; Eibhlin O’Connor, Chief Commercial Officer, Clúid; Steven McGee, COO Sisk; Laura Heuston, Treasurer, Irish Green Building Council; Colin MacDonald, CEO, Fine Grain Property Summer 2026 | Construction Management | 53

GREEN BUILDING

L to R: Deirdre Timmons Sustainable Finance Lead at PwC Ireland; Adrian Joyce, Director at the Renovate Europe Campaign; Alison Gilliland, Board member, Irish Green Building Council, Co-Chair, RIAI Housing Committee; Signe Kongebro, Global Director, Future Resilient Design at Ramboll

Copenhagen The conference heard about the new Faelledby district in Copenhagen, the Danish capital’s first all-timber innovation testbed and new neighbourhood for 7,000 people, designed as a unique climate-resilient urban village, bringing nature within metres of every home.

Minister for Housing James Browne T.D. commented: ‘I am particularly pleased to see a focus on timber at this year's conference.

‘Timber is not only one of the most effective renewable building materials, but it can also dramatically speed up delivery times and cut costs while still delivering high-quality homes with the very best energy ratings.

‘This Government has fully

5 4 | Construction Management | Summer 2026

embraced the rapid uptake of Modern Methods Construction and my Department are working with the Timber in Construction Steering Group to provide recommendations for national technical standards in relation to the design and use of Mass Engineered Timber, which are close to publication.

‘We have an opportunity to be leaders in this area and events like this are so important because they bring together a wealth of knowledge and expertise from across the construction sector and give us an opportunity to explore the challenges we face collectively in relation to the sustainability of our building stock.’

Panel A panel of leading Irish executives

– featuring Steven McGee, Chief Operating Officer of John Sisk & Son, Averil Power, CEO of Clúid Housing, and Kieran Holohan, Managing Director of Saint Gobain Ireland – discussed how sustainability can add value and improve competitiveness for Irish businesses.

Steven McGee, Chief Operating Officer at John Sisk & Son, commented: 'At John Sisk & Son, we take a wholelife view of carbon, both embodied and operational, working with stakeholders to drive down emissions across our buildings.

‘Lower carbon means lower cost, and by investing in sustainability now, we deliver efficient, future-ready assets that create lasting value.’

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Grant invests €8 million in nextgeneration cylinder range and manufacturing expansion Leading manufacturer of sustainable home heating solutions, Grant has launched a new generation of hot water cylinders, designed to optimise the performance of modern heat pump systems.

Designed and manufactured at Grant’s state-of-the-art facilities in Birr, Co. Offaly, the new Quick Recovery Cylinder range is backed by an €8 million investment in product development and a significant expansion of the company’s production facilities.

This investment strengthens Grant’s manufacturing capability, while supporting growing demand for highperformance, heat pump-ready hot water solutions in Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Designed specifically for heat pump performance Unlike standard cylinders adapted for renewable systems, the new Grant Quick Recovery Cylinder range has been developed specifically for low-temperature operation, enabling installers and specifiers to maximise the efficiency and output of air source heat pumps, including the Grant Aerona R290 heat pump range.

Featuring high-efficiency heat exchange coils and optimised internal design, the cylinders are engineered to deliver rapid heat-up times and consistent hot water availability, even under demanding usage profiles.

The range also supports faster recovery and improved system responsiveness - key requirements for modern, well-insulated homes.

Performance-led engineering The new Grant Quick Recovery cylinders have been developed to meet the practical and technical requirements of today’s heating professionals, combining strong thermal performance with long-term reliability.

Key technical features include: • High surface area heat exchange coils to maximise heat transfer from low-temperature heat sources • Large internal coil constructed from DN25 stainless steel tubing to support rapid recovery

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Grant Founder, Stephen Grant (left) and Niall Fay, CEO. performance Advanced insulation to minimise standing heat loss and improve overall system efficiency • Duplex stainless steel inner shell for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance • Optimised for integration with renewable heating systems The Quick Recovery Cylinder range is available in capacities from 150 – 300 litres, with standard, slimline, Smart pre-plumbed and Smart integrated configurations to suit a wide variety of installation requirements.

Suitable for both new build and deep retrofit applications, the cylinders provide flexibility across a broad range of residential projects.

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Installer-focused design Ease of installation has been a key consideration throughout the development of the new range.

The cylinders incorporate practical, installer-friendly features designed to streamline handling, positioning and system integration on site.

Smart pre-plumbed models further simplify installation through factory-fitted components, helping to reduce time on site and support consistent system set-up.

Combined with Grant’s established technical and training support, the new cylinders provide a dependable, straightforward solution for specifying and installing heat pump systems.

Supporting a fully integrated heating solution The launch further strengthens Grant’s integrated approach to home heating, offering installers a complete system solution including heat pumps, cylinders and controls – all designed to work seamlessly together.

This single-manufacturer approach simplifies specification and installation while helping to ensure optimal system performance.

Commenting on the launch, Stephen Grant, Founder of Grant said, ‘As heat pump adoption continues to grow, the role of the cylinder in overall system performance has never been more important.

‘Our new Quick Recovery cylinders have been specifically developed to work in harmony with low-temperature systems, delivering the recovery performance, efficiency and reliability that installers and homeowners expect.

‘Our investment in design and manufacturing reflects our long-term commitment to innovation and to supporting the heating industry with high-quality, future-ready solutions.’

More information Visit www.grant.ie for more information on Grant’s range of innovative heating solutions.

Follow Grant on Facebook @GrantIRL, Instagram @Grant_IRL and LinkedIn @GrantEngineeringULC. Subscribe to the Grant YouTube channel @ GrantEngineeringIE. Think Heating. Think Grant.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Snickers Workwear’s ProtecWork – raising the standard for protective workwear In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the demand for advanced protective workwear has never been more critical.

As industries grow more complex and the risks faced by workers multiply, the need for reliable, innovative, and standards-compliant protective clothing is paramount.

Snickers Workwear’s ProtecWork range stands at the forefront of this movement, offering a comprehensive suite of garments designed to safeguard workers against a spectrum of workplace hazards.

Meeting the challenge of modern hazards The ProtecWork range is a testament to Snickers Workwear’s commitment to worker safety and comfort.

Developed in close collaboration with industry professionals and based on real-world risk assessments, ProtecWork garments are engineered to protect against heat, flame, electric arc, antistatic risks, and chemical splashes.

This holistic approach ensures that workers are not only compliant with safety regulations but are also equipped with clothing that is practical, durable, and comfortable for daily use.

The importance of such protection cannot be overstated. In sectors such as utilities, rail, construction, and heavy industry, workers are routinely exposed to hazards that can cause lifealtering injuries or worse.

ProtecWork’s multi-risk garments provide a vital line of defense, helping to prevent burns, electric shocks, and other serious injuries.

By integrating advanced materials and ergonomic design, Snickers Workwear has created a range that does not force workers to compromise between safety and functionality.

Innovation through testing and standards What sets ProtecWork apart is its rigorous adherence to and, in many cases, exceeding of international protective standards.

The range is meticulously tested according to EN ISO standards for flame and heat protection, as well as EN 61482 for electric arc protection.

Notably, Snickers Workwear employs both the Open Arc and Box Test

methods to evaluate the arc rating of their garments, providing clear and reliable information for safety managers and end-users alike.

ELIM is our preferred method of stating protection value.

The ELIM (Incident Energy Limit) arc method is a conservative, IEC 61482-11 open-arc testing standard introduced in 2019 to measure the maximum heat energy (cal/cm2) protective clothing can withstand with 0% probability of a second-degree burn.

It provides a higher safety margin than older metrics, focusing on the threshold where no material breaks open The Open Arc test (IEC 61482-1-1) measures the arc thermal performance value (ATPV) or energy breakopen threshold (EBT), indicating the amount of energy a fabric can withstand before causing second-degree burns.

The Box Test (IEC 61482-1-2), on the other hand, simulates an arc in a confined space, reflecting real-world scenarios where workers may be exposed to arc flashes in electrical cabinets or switchgear.

By providing garments that are tested and certified under both methods, Snickers Workwear ensures comprehensive protection for a wide range of working environments.

The importance of standards compliance Adhering to protective standards is not just a matter of regulatory compliance; it is a moral imperative for employers.

The ProtecWork range is designed in accordance with the latest European standards, including EN ISO 11612 (heat and flame), EN 61482 (Electric ARC), EN ISO 11611 (welding), EN 1149 (antistatic), and EN 13034 (chemical protection), among others. This commitment ensures that employers can confidently outfit their teams with garments that meet or exceed the legal requirements for workplace safety.

Snickers Workwear provides clear guidance on the selection and use of protective clothing, helping safety managers navigate the complex landscape of risk assessment and PPE selection.

This educational approach empowers organizations to make informed decisions, reducing the likelihood of accidents and enhancing overall workplace safety.

Beyond protection: Comfort and practicality While protection is paramount, Snickers Workwear recognizes that comfort and practicality are essential for worker compliance.

ProtecWork garments are designed with ergonomic fits, breathable fabrics, and functional features such as pockets and adjustable closures.

This attention to detail ensures that workers are not only protected but are also able to perform their duties efficiently and comfortably throughout their shifts.

Setting a new benchmark In an industry where the stakes are high and the margin for error is slim, Snickers Workwear’s ProtecWork range sets a new benchmark for protective clothing.

By combining cutting-edge materials, rigorous testing, and a deep understanding of workplace risks, ProtecWork delivers unparalleled protection without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

For employers and workers alike, investing in ProtecWork is not just a choice it is a commitment to safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

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Art. SG80014 1. BOA ® FIT SYSTEM

2. ETPU

3. VIBRAM ®

Hultafors Group Ireland

4. LEATHER WORKING GROUP

Unit B5 Calmount Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin Tel: +353 (0)1 409 8400 | Email: info@hultaforsgroup.ie

THE FINAL SAY

Once again, solid gold advice from Jeff Haden rounds it all off! Feel like following a rigid schedule does your output more harm than good? Try this instead!

Use the 3-3-3 method to get a lot more done and feel a lot less pressured I tend to divide my workday into blocks. Within minutes of waking up – we’re usually up by 5.30 a.m. – I sit down to write at least one Inc. article.

Then I spend four to five hours writing a book, whether mine or someone else’s.

After lunch I shifted to construction work, rehabbing one of our rental properties or building new houses.

Schedule My ‘schedule’ isn’t rigid, though. Some days I spend more time on Inc. work. Some days I spend the whole day on a book.

Once in a while I’ll spend all day working on a house.

Without realising it, I basically follow what Oliver Burkeman calls the 3-3-3 technique. Here’s how Burkeman breaks down a normal workday: • Spend three hours on his most important current project. Burkeman decides the day before what he’ll work on, and the goal for the progress he intends to make during that three hours.

• Complete three shorter tasks, usually urgent to-dos or sticky tasks he’s been avoiding. While most take just a few minutes each, some are longer. (Calls and meetings also fall into this category.)

• Dedicate time to three maintenance activities, things that need daily attention to keep things running smoothly.

These don’t have to be work-related. For Burkeman, email is a maintenance task, but so is exercise.

Items Notice the 3-3-3 isn’t a nine-hour schedule. The first block is three hours, but the other blocks involve three items.

Do I follow it perfectly? Nope.

For one thing, I normally spend closer to six hours on two of the most important current projects.

Roughly speaking, my most important projects are writing for Inc., writing books, and preparing and rehearsing keynotes.

Rarely do I work on more than two of those three, and sometimes only one.

Ensure As for three shorter tasks, I usually have at least a few things I need to do to ensure the next day goes well: Prepare for writing by doing a little research, talk to clients, order supplies, line up tradespeople for construction projects, etc. In this category, I’m close.

The same is true for maintenance activities. I work out nearly every day. I keep my inbox relatively empty.

Once in a while (not nearly often enough), I organize my tools.

Although the list varies, except for working out, I do perform at least three maintenance tasks every day.

So, no, I don’t perfectly adhere to the 3-3-3 technique.

Non-comprehensive And that, in some ways, is the point. As Burkeman writes, the method is intended to be ‘non-comprehensive in terms

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THE FINAL SAY It’s also intended to take less than a workday to complete: three hours on your most important task, a few hours on shorter tasks and maintenance items.

Six For Burkeman, that usually adds up to about six hours.

That makes the 3-3-3 technique much more flexible than the average personal productivity system.

Want to spend more time today on your most important project? You can.

Need to spend a little more time today on some smaller action items? You can.

Feel like really making a dent today on your bookkeeping, or feel like taking a long walk with a loved one (which could be considered a most important and a maintenance task)?

You can.

Accomplish As Burkeman writes, ‘I have far more that I feel I need to accomplish than can be accomplished using a rule like this.

‘But you know what? A rule like this is still the best way to accomplish the most of which I’m capable.’

Planning to do less provides you with the freedom to do more, and to not feel restricted by the relentless grind of a productivity system that is impossible to follow over the long term. of tasks.’

It’s not a tool for finding time to do everything you wish you could do in one day. Nor is it a tool to organize your entire day.

The goal is to: • Work on at least one thing that really matters, • take care of a few things you’ve been avoiding, • and do a few things that keep your professional and personal life running smoothly.

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Tomorrow Knowing what you will do tomorrow is important.

But so is knowing that you can adjust or adapt to what the day brings can matter even more to how productive you are, and to how you feel about your day.

And how you feel about your life.

Expert opinion by Jeff Haden @jeff_haden

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