Welcome to our Yearbook issue where we have a lot of ground to cover. We have memories to jog, achievements to acknowledge and initiatives to be inspired by. We also look at the lie of the land and see where we might be headed from here.
A lot has happened in the past twelve months across all our areas of interest.
Be it education and career progression, sustainability, legal issues, personal development, modern methods of construction, industry achievements and initiatives – or something more besides, the likelihood is that we have touched upon it.
We hope to capture the essence of our reporting in the following pages. As usual we have divided our yearbook into broad headings, across which, our wide range of coverage is reflected.
We start with ‘Tech Talk’ where we check in with the inspiring Fexillon; no stranger to our pages and going from strength to strength!
We move on to the ‘Initiatives’ and ‘Awards & Achievements’ sections. From apprenticeships to ongoing career development, awards and recognition, we hope to inspire and inform. From here, it’s a logical step into our ‘Training & Careers’ coverage.
We hear also from major well-known organistions in this issue: including Clúid, NSAI and the IGBC too – and we have news from the world of Lean construction.
As usual, we go ‘Out & About’ and we also hear from some major players in our industry, as well as catching up on a range of ‘Products & Services’ that have caught our eye.
We finish it all off with ‘The Final Say’ as usual – ending, as we started, on a positive note!
We hope you enjoy this special issue.
Talk to you soon, Martin & Dermot
‘A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS ACROSS ALL OUR AREAS OF INTEREST.’
The articles herein represent a snapshot in time. Always check with those concerned for the latest.
Management Ireland
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P ublisher Patrick Aylward
Cmi
5 Tech Talk:
Fexillon: ‘Your build, one place’
8 Initiatives
Including Arup, Engineers Ireland, ATU and Donegal ETB, Lean Construction Ireland and Build Digital
15 Awards & Achievements
With CIOB, CIF, RIAI, Atlantic Technological University and more
23 Training & Careers
Includes Combilift and CMETB, LMETB, Chadwicks
27 Personal & Finance
We hear, once again, from the Competition and Consumer Protection commission (CCPC)
28 NSAI Feature
Building the future: A conversation with Davitt Lamon on the value of BIM Certification
31 Spotlight on: Manning Ground Engineering Contractors ltd.
Stability you can build on!
32 Lean Journeys
Looking back on the Lean Construction Ireland National Conference and more…
34 Green Building
Checking in with the IGBC as usual
36 Spotlight on Bauder
Bauder’s full-service, flat roof solutions
41 Spotlight on Ardmac
‘Precision-built spaces for cutting edge industries’
43 Clúid – Designing the Future
Clúid’s Design Guide sets gold standard
46 Out & About
We set out to jog a few memories
53 Spotlight on: Jones Engineering, Kirby Group Engineering, Clonmel Enterprises, Suir Engineering, Sorensen, Designer Group, MMD Construction, MSL Engineering
Getting the latest from a range of ‘household’ names in our industry
71 Products & Services
Including: Combilift, Marmox, NVM, Kilsaran, Henkel, Grant, Amvic. What's caught our eye this time out?
72 Final Say
Rounding it all off on a positive note…as always!
Building Information Management
Managing building information on large, mission-critical projects requires a resilient and easy-to-run technical infrastructure built on accurate, up-to-date data.
Fexillon outlook
A strong Building Information Management strategy, supported by technologies such as Building Information Modelling, Digital Twins, and Mixed Reality, offers enormous potential to enhance construction and asset management activities while helping owner-operators meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.
However, inefficiencies in transferring data from construction to operations remain a common challenge, often leading to costly delays and compliance risks.
Ireland’s digital construction shift
As Irish firms adapt to tighter margins, evolving regulations, and increasing sustainability demands, effective information management is becoming not just a competitive advantage, but a necessity for resilient, future-ready projects.
This shift is being accelerated by government policy: under the updated Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF), from January 2024, Design Team consultants engaged on Irish public works contracts valued above €100 million
were required to adhere to BIM standards.
As of 2025, these same requirements extend to Contractors and Supply Chain, while the threshold for Design Team projects has been decreased to €20 million.
This marks a significant step toward aligning Ireland’s public construction sector with international standards, creating a major opportunity for organisations with proven experience in delivering information-driven, compliant, and sustainable projects.
The
cost of disconnected information
Despite rapid advances in digital design and construction tools, many organisations still struggle with fragmented information systems and disjointed data flows.
Around 30%¹ of engineering and construction firms continue to rely on specialised software tools that don’t integrate, resulting in disconnected data silos and inconsistent project information.
When data is scattered across incompatible platforms, consolidating it into a unified, accurate dataset becomes a major challenge, especially when it comes to preparing information that is fit for use in the building’s operational phase.
The construction stage generates a vast volume of digital project data, yet much of it remains incomplete, inaccurate, or inaccessible to facilities management and operations teams.
As a result, owners and operators often inherit unreliable datasets that lack traceability and accountability.
Only about 40%² of firms currently use software solutions designed to support the transfer of data from construction to operations.
This lack of structured processes and audit trails not only slows project handovers but also exposes organisations to delays, rework, security issues, and legal liabilities.
In an environment where margins are thin and expectations around digital delivery are rising, the cost of poor information management is simply too high.
Goals
Accurate and accessible building information is also central to achieving sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
The push to make Ireland’s built environment more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible relies on having reliable data about a building’s materials, systems, and performance.
Without structured information management, organisations lack the visibility needed to measure energy use, manage maintenance, or report progress toward ESG commitments.
In this sense, robust Building Information Management processes are not only about operational efficiency, but they are also about building a data foundation that enables a smarter and more sustainable built environment.
Building value through structured data
The move toward structured information management, supported by the ISO 19650 framework, presents a major opportunity for the Irish construction industry to raise standards, reduce risk, and enhance long-term asset value.
By establishing clear information requirements, roles, and approval processes, a robust information management strategy helps ensure that every stakeholder, from designers and contractors to owners and operators, works from a single source of truth.
About Fexillon
For over 25 years, Fexillon have been pioneering digital transformation in the built environment across sectors and mission critical infrastructure, supporting leading blue-chip companies across Ireland, the UK, Europe and US. Fexillon are collaborating with and supporting Owner Operators and their project teams, rethinking digital processes in respect of their productivity, environmental impact, and health and safety. Learn more at: fexillon.com
This not only improves project delivery but also transforms how information is exchanged and maintained across the asset’s entire lifecycle.
For public sector organisations, the adoption of ISO 19650-aligned practices offers a path toward greater transparency and accountability.
Standardised data structures make it easier to trace decisions, verify approvals, and demonstrate compliance, which are key factors in meeting government and ESG reporting requirements.
Meanwhile, for private sector developers, structured information management processes offer a tangible return on investment: fewer disputes, smoother handovers, and facilities that can be operated more efficiently from day one.
Critical advantage
Another critical advantage lies in the integration of digital technologies such as Common Data Environments (CDEs), Digital Twins, and automated data validation tools.
When properly implemented, these technologies provide a connected ecosystem where data flows securely and continuously between project phases.
This enables predictive maintenance, optimised building performance, and evidence-based decision-making, unlocking longterm savings and sustainability gains.
Ultimately, the opportunity for the Irish construction sector lies not just in adopting digital tools, but in embedding information management as a core business process.
Organisations that invest in clear governance structures, skilled information managers, and interoperable technology platforms
will be better positioned to deliver projects that are not only technically sound but also resilient, sustainable, and future-ready.
Enabling transition through expertise and collaboration
As the Irish construction sector embraces new information management standards, the shift from compliance to capability will depend on collaboration between owners, contractors, and digital delivery specialists.
Success lies not only in meeting BIM requirements but in building the internal capacity to manage, validate, and use data effectively.
This is where experienced partners play a crucial role, helping project teams define information requirements early, align their workflows, and establish the digital infrastructure that ensures accuracy and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
At Fexillon, this approach is built into both our Digital Asset Lifecycle Platform and our Building Information Management services.
The Fexillon Platform provides a complete overview of all building information, connecting project and operations teams from day one to create a continuous ‘golden thread’ of verified data.
Efficiency
By combining structured information management with connected technology, it ensures that the handover of
winning in Facilities Management Awards 2025 for Innovation in Technology & Systems. From right: George Harold, CEO at Fexillon, Martin Conneely, Business Development Representative at Western Hygiene
every asset includes an approved, reliable digital building record, supporting soft landings and long-term operational efficiency.
Our team’s experience across Ireland’s AEC and FM sectors has made us trusted partners to some of the country’s biggest owner operators, including Mater Hospital, Children’s Health Ireland, University College Dublin, Savills and Fingal County Council.
We are also proud to work with leading contractors such as John Paul Construction and developers like Clonburris Infrastructure Ltd., helping align project delivery with the owner’s long-term asset information strategy.
By combining technology with deep industry expertise, we enable a smooth transition from construction to operations, empowering organisations to turn compliance into long-term value.
Looking ahead
As Ireland’s construction and facilities management sectors advance their digital transformation, success will depend on how effectively organisations collaborate, share information, and apply structured data in practice.
With strong policy direction and maturing digital tools, Ireland is well placed to lead by example, delivering projects that are efficient, transparent, and sustainable from day one.
¹ According to FMI Report https://fmicorp.com/ uploads/media/FMI_BigDataReport.pdf
² According to Verdantix report: Best Practices: Six Top Strategies For Seamless Construction-ToOperations Data Transfer, 2024
Fexillon
Fexillon with innovation partner Aptitude: Intelligent Integration receiving RESET certification. From right: Kieran Beggan, CEO at Fexillon, Sam Holt, Managing Director at Aptitude.
Mid-career development programme earns Arup prestigious Engineers Ireland award
Arup received the prestigious Engineers Ireland Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Employer of the Year Award for its Personal and Career Development Programme, an initiative designed to support mid-career staff at a pivotal stage in their careers.
Presented
The award, which was presented at a ceremony at Engineers Ireland’s headquarters in Dublin is a leading indicator of excellence for employers of engineering professionals and is awarded for demonstrations of exceptional commitment to continuous professional development.
Arup is one of over 170 leading organisations that holds the Engineers Ireland CPD Employer Standard, a benchmark for learning and development excellence, innovation and best practice.
Joe Burns, Ireland Country Leader at Arup, expressed the company’s pride in receiving the award:
Supporting
‘Supporting our people to grow and succeed is at the heart of how we work at Arup,’ he said.
‘Through our learning and development programmes, we are helping our staff build confidence, grow their skills and bring their best to the multidisciplinary projects we deliver for clients worldwide.
‘We’re honoured to receive this award, which celebrates our commitment to unlocking potential, nurturing talent and building a culture where everyone feels inspired to make a difference.’
Structured
The Personal and Career Development Programme, includes structured coaching sessions that allow individuals to reflect and reconnect with what motivates them and prepare for the next stage of their professional journey.
Prathiba Marimuthu, Senior
About Engineers Ireland
With over 30,000 members, Engineers Ireland is the voice of the engineering profession in Ireland. Engineers Ireland was established in 1835, making it one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland. Members come from every discipline of engineering, and they range from engineering students to fellows of the profession. For more information, see www. engineersireland.ie.
About Arup
Arup is a global built environment consultancy providing advisory and technical expertise for clients across more than 130 disciplines. For more information, see www.arup. com.
Engineer at Arup, shared her experience of the programme:
‘One thing that stood out for me is how focusing on awareness, decision making and goal setting could transform how you approach challenges.
‘Coaching gave me the tools to step back, see the bigger picture and move forward with intention.’
Extended
Initially designed for mid-level professionals and now extended to senior leaders, the initiative promotes a culture of continuous learning and purposeful development.
Speaking following the award, Engineers Ireland’s Director General, Damien Owens, said:
‘Engineers Ireland is delighted to award Arup the 2025 CPD Employer of the Year Award in recognition of its strategic approach to the progression of its mid-career staff, creating a tailored approach that is relevant and impactful.
‘This award demonstrates to Arup’s colleagues and clients the importance it places on the personal and professional development of its staff.’
Pictured receiving Engineers Ireland Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Employer of the Year Award 2025 are (L-R) Dympna Kilgallen, Ireland People Leader and Joe Burns, Ireland Country Director, Arup with Engineers Ireland’s Director General, Damien Owens.
Virtual work experience in engineering for TY students
For Transition Year students securing meaningful work experience placements can be challenging –particularly for those in rural areas or schools with limited industry connections, we read this year.
Access
In response to challenges, Engineers Ireland’s STEPS
Engineering Your Future Transition Year initiative was now available in an online format, we noted.
‘This free virtual work experience is designed to give students across Ireland a meaningful insight into the world of engineering –without the barriers of geography or limited placement availability.
‘Students can explore a wide range of engineering disciplines, engage with real-world projects, and hear directly from Irish engineers working across various sectors – all from the comfort of their own homes or classrooms.’
Material
The programme includes reading material, video and interactive content, and webinars recorded by Irish engineers, and is structured to be flexible, allowing schools to integrate it into their Transition Year schedule with ease, we heard.
‘We are delighted to offer a solution that makes engineering work experience more inclusive,’ said Roseanne O’Leary, STEPS Team Leader, Engineers Ireland.
‘By offering
this virtual work experience, we are ensuring that every student has the opportunity to discover the exciting possibilities of a career in engineering.’
Complement
This online programme complements the STEPS Engineering Your Future inperson experience that takes place in
third-level institutes and organisations around Ireland.
The STEPS Engineering Your Future programme is open to all Transition Year students in Ireland and would run until 18 January 2026, we reported.
Irish owned and managed, Automatic are exclusively dedicated to the fire protection business. Our engineers and designers are recognised as experienced and respected individuals among their peers within the construction industry. As a Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) Level 4 Certified contractor (highest accreditation level available), we are permitted to design, install, commission and self-certify all of our works on all categories of sprinkler systems, without third-party certification or supervision.
A state-of-the-art apprenticeship training facility is under development in Letterkenny following the signing of a construction contract between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Boyle Construction.
ATU and Donegal ETB Sign Contract for New Apprenticeship Training Facility in Letterkenny
The fitout of an existing building at Drumnahoagh, funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science under Project Ireland 2040, will enable a significant expansion of apprenticeship training across the region and nationally.
Accommodate
The building, which spans over 1,600 square metres together with an additional external compound and associated parking, will accommodate more than 200 apprentices annually.
The facility will house advanced workshops and learning environments for apprenticeships in Metal Fabrication and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.
The project represents a collaboration between ATU and Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), with both institutions sharing the facility and delivering programmes under one roof.
Strategically located close to ATU’s Letterkenny campus and the ETB campus, the development will strengthen tertiary cooperation and enhance access to apprenticeship education in the northwest.
Delivery
Delivery of the project has been led out by the University and developed in collaboration with the ETB though each stage.
This is the last of five projects the University has successfully delivered as part of a €10m Apprenticeship Expansion programme announced in 2023, with electrical apprenticeships facilities already delivered in Killybegs, Mayo and Sligo, for more than 800 apprentices annually.
Minister for Further and Higher
Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless said:
‘This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when institutions work together with purpose. Donegal ETB and ATU Donegal have combined their strengths to create a single, purpose-built hub for high-quality apprenticeship training.
Funding
‘My Department has provided significant funding through the Higher Education Apprenticeship Expansion Programme and the Further Education and Training Apprenticeship Equipment Fund to make this vision a reality.’
The Minister added: ‘Investing in local training infrastructure is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about backing people, strengthening communities, and securing the future of our economy.
‘This facility will give apprentices in Donegal the tools to thrive, while helping Ireland meet the skills
challenges of tomorrow.’
Leadership
Minister of State, Marian Harkin said: ‘Donegal ETB continues to demonstrate leadership in delivering high-quality apprenticeship training that meets the needs of local industry and learners.
This collaboration with ATU Donegal is a powerful example of how our education and training boards are driving innovation and regional development.
The investment from my Department recognises the critical role ETBs play in expanding access to apprenticeships and equipping people with the skills they need to thrive in today’s economy.’
Investment
The signing, attended by Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy and TD for Donegal, Charlie McConalogue, welcomed the investment as a major boost for skills development and regional employment opportunities:
‘This new facility represents a strong investment in Donegal’s future workforce,' the Minister said.
‘It will give local apprentices access to top-class training and facilities right here in the northwest, ensuring that young people and career changers alike can gain qualifications and experience that are essential to meeting Ireland’s future skills needs.’
Commitment
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU,
said: ‘This investment represents a major commitment to strengthening apprenticeship education across the region.
‘By working collaboratively with our partners Donegal ETB, we are creating opportunities for students to gain practical, industry-focused training in high-demand trades.
‘The Drumnahoagh facility will help meet Ireland’s growing need for skilled metal fabricators and refrigeration and air conditioning technicians while supporting sustainable regional growth.’
Henry McGarvey, Vice President with responsibility for campus infrastructure and IT, said:
‘The signing of the contract with Boyle Construction, for the development of Metal Fabrication
and Air Conditioning & Refrigeration apprenticeship facilities is part of a €10m investment in the expansion of apprenticeship provision in our university.
Opportunity
‘A total of €5.9m is being invested in this facility at Drumnahoagh in Letterkenny, which will offer students the opportunity to undertake Metal Fabrication and Air Conditioning & Refrigeration apprenticeships for the first time outside of Dublin or Cork.
'This initiative will also be the first time that apprenticeships will be undertaken in a shared building with the ETB, where Donegal ETB will provide phase 2 Metal Fabrication training, in a single tertiary campus.’
Eoin Bradley, ATU’s Head of Capital
Development, acknowledged the progress made by the university’s Buildings and Estates team:
‘It’s great to see this important project moving ahead. The team has worked closely with Donegal ETB and other stakeholders to bring a complex and collaborative development to this stage.
Pipeline
‘We look forward to welcoming apprentices to the facility early next year (2026) and to seeing the pipeline of highly skilled tradespeople contribute to the national workforce.’
The new training facility was expected to open to apprentices in January 2026.
This is a Project Ireland 2040 funded project.
Lean Construction Ireland and Build Digital
collaborated ‘to advance efficiency within Irish construction’
We read later in the year how ‘Lean Construction Ireland (LCi) and Build Digital have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out the shared ambition of both organisations to work together to support the Irish construction sector achieve greater efficiency with construction project delivery’.
Community
LCi is a community of learning and practice that advocates for the transformation of the Irish construction sector through collaboration, and the adoption of Lean thinking and practices and continuous improvement by the entire sector to enable and sustain enhanced effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, and profitability for all stakeholders in the value chain.
Richard Fitzpatrick (Chair, LCi) said: ‘Lean Construction Ireland and Build Digital have been collaborating for several years on a range of sector initiatives, and I am delighted that we have been able to formalise this working relationship through the MoU.’
Build Digital is a governmentfunded initiative that supports the digital transformation across our sector.
The adoption of digital workflows, tools and practices can transform the efficiency, productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of the
construction and built environment industries in Ireland.
Commitment
Robert Moore (Digital Lead, Build Digital) said:
‘The drive to have the sector adopt digital technologies, continuous
improvement and Lean to become more efficient has been led by Lean Construction Ireland and Build Digital, and this MoU demonstrates both organisations’ commitment to continue to support the Irish construction sector with this adoption.’
Richard Fitzpatrick (Chair, Lean Construction Ireland) and Robert Moore (Build Digital Lead) with the signed MoU. (from Autumn issue)
Chadwicks builds on its support for DIY SOS: The Big Build
Chadwicks laid the foundations for transformative home projects on the show, supplying materials and services to help some of the nation’s most deserving families
Chadwicks was proud to once again be the exclusive building materials supplier for DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland.
The new four-part series returned to RTÉ One recently.
For this season, Chadwicks supplied essential building materials and expertise to help transform homes for some of Ireland’s most deserving families.
Across the projects, the company provided rough and treated timber, plywood, cement, plasterboards, insulation, internal doors, fittings, exterior plaster, Velux roof windows, and much more, helping show presenter, Baz Ashmawy and the DIY SOS volunteers deliver lifechanging results.
Opening doors in Tallaght
In the first episode, Chadwicks Lucan, Heiton Steel, Proline, and The Panelling Centre supported adaptations for nine-year-old, Tallaght resident Cayden, who was confined largely to his living room due to narrow doorways.
Wider doors, ramps, and a new accessible bedroom and bathroom were built, giving Cayden newfound independence.
Raising the roof in Mooncoin
The second project took the crew to Kilkenny, where Aoibhínn, aged nine, lives with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
After years of stalled progress on a self-build, the Chadwicks Waterford team and Proline supplied the materials needed to complete the project.
The result: a safe, comfortable home for Aoibhínn and her family.
Building up families, brick by brick
Episode three, set in Clarecastle, Ennis, saw the team at Chadwicks Ennis support the transformation of Franek’s family home.
Franek, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy and scoliosis, needed a downstairs bedroom and accessible bathroom.
Ireland
The DIY SOS team stepped in, and with Chadwicks’ materials and local expertise, created the safe, practical spaces the family urgently needed.
Strengthening independence in Wicklow
The final episode focuses on 17-yearold Kyle, who uses a wheelchair and had long relied on others to navigate stairs at home.
With support from Chadwicks Bray and Proline, the DIY SOS team delivered an accessible space, allowing Kyle more freedom and dignity, while easing pressure on his carers.
Tara Brennan, marketing and development director at Chadwicks Group, said:
‘Chadwicks is proud to once again play a part in DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland. Each year, this programme shines a light on the incredible strength of families facing extraordinary challenges and the power of community coming together to support them.’
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge Ireland
We noted how ATU scooped first place in the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge Ireland’ competition which took place in Dundalk IT.
Teams
The team from the ATU Galway Dept. of Building & Civil Engineering beat 10 other university teams including from Belfast Metropolitan College, Dundalk IT, Munster Technological University (MTU) Cork, South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow, SETU Waterford, Technological University Dublin (TUD), University of Limerick (UL), University of Ulster and teams from ATU Sligo and ATU Donegal.
The challenge involved coming up with a strategy or methodology for tackling the global housing crisis.
Congratulations
Sarah Hallinan, Regional Manager Ireland at CIOB, said: ‘A huge congratulations to the team from ATU for winning our CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge competition.
‘This incredibly difficult challenge really puts aspiring construction professionals’ minds to the test, asking them to come up with complex sustainable solutions which they must present to a panel of experts in a very short space of time.
‘I was delighted with the level of professionalism and awareness of environmental sustainability on display, as well as how well the students were able to communicate their ideas – these talents will stand them in good stead for their future careers.’
Wonderful
Mary Rogers, Head of Dept of Building & Civil Engineering, ATU Galway-Mayo, said: ‘It is a wonderful achievement and privilege for the ATU team to have won the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) “Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge Ireland” competition 2025.
‘This year’s challenge required teams to address the global housing crisis, something that has certainly engaged
L to R: John Hanahoe, lecturer, Dept of Building and Civil Engineering, ATU Galway-Mayo; Kerrie O’Flaherty (4th year BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering) from Knocknacarra, Galway city; Tony Conlon (4th year BSc (Hons) Construction Management) from Ballina, Co Mayo; Dylan Hanley (4th year BSc (Hons) Construction Management) from Tullow, Co Carlow; Michelle Fahey, lecturer, Dept of Building and Civil Engineering, ATU Galway-Mayo; Kevin Kenneally (4th year B Sc (Hons) Architectural Technology) from Kilmovee, Co Mayo.
ATU students after winning the CIOB Tomorrow’s Leaders Student Challenge Ireland, L to R: Kevin Kenneally (4th year BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology) from Kilmovee Co Mayo; Dylan Hanley (4th year BSc (Hons) Construction Management) from Tullow, Co Carlow; Tony Conlon (4th year BSc (Hons) Construction Management) from Ballina, Co Mayo; front centre, Kerrie O’Flaherty (4th year BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering) from Knocknacarra, Galway city.
our students. Congratulations and well done to all concerned.
John Hanahoe and Michelle Fahey, lecturers and mentors to the students, paid tribute to the students:
‘We have competed in this event for many years and have been fortunate to win it on many occasions.
‘We know that our students find working with other disciplines really useful and relish the challenge on the day.
‘They also enjoy meeting and interacting with their colleagues from the other universities.’
Programmes
For further details on programmes in the ATU Galway-Mayo Dept of Building & Civil Engineering, see: https://www.atu.ie/faculties/ engineering-computing/buildingcivil-engineering
The Construction Industry Federation announced Andrew Brownlee as new Chief Executive Officer
The Construction Industry Federation was pleased to announce Andrew Brownlee as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Retire
Andrew Brownlee took up the role on 1 October 2025. He replaced Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director General, who retired on 30 September 2025.
Andrew has been CEO at SOLAS, the state agency responsible for further education, construction skills and apprenticeship, having previously served as Executive Director for Strategy and Knowledge.
He joined SOLAS from the Higher Education Authority, where he was Head of System Funding from 2015 to 2019.
Prior to that, Andrew had a long and distinguished career in management consulting, working for Fitzpatrick
Associates, PA Consulting and PwC. Andrew has a Masters in Economics and Accounting from the University of Edinburgh.
Excited
Andrew Brownlee said: ‘I am really excited to be joining the Construction Industry Federation at this critical time for the construction industry.
‘Housing and infrastructure are pivotal to Ireland's next phase of social and economic transformation, and I will be working intensively on behalf of the industry to ensure that the investment and supports are in place to drive growth and success.
‘I am proud to become CEO of such an important and longstanding organisation and look forward to engaging with members to understand their needs and ensure that the CIF delivers for them.’
MFA Consulting Engineers Awarded Engineers Ireland’s CPD Accredited Employer Standard
MFA Consulting Engineers has been awarded Engineers Ireland’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Accredited Employer Standard.
Established in 2023 and with offices in Ballina and Sligo, the Irish-owned firm provides expert services across large-scale residential, commercial, and industrial developments, as well as
infrastructure projects in the energy, roads, and water/wastewater domains.
MFA's portfolio includes foul and watermain network design, SuDS, flood relief schemes, road and junction design, structural engineering and analysis, BCAR compliance, and environmental assessments.
Redevelopment
Among its current projects is the redevelopment of the former VEHA site in Wicklow, a landmark mixeduse scheme that includes 107 new homes, a 116-bedroom hotel, a crèche, and extensive public realm spaces overlooking the Irish Sea.
The CPD Accredited Employer Standard is designed to help organisations improve the
competence of their engineers, developing employees who are agile and adaptable, creating a workforce that is encouraged to create and innovate, and develop new solutions. Organisations that have achieved the Standard find they are better placed to deal with business change and disruption, while also being capable of attracting and retaining better workforce talent.
Significant
In its drive to secure the Standard, MFA Consulting Engineers has made significant strides in formalising and expanding its commitment to Continuing Professional Development.
A key milestone has been the launch of the firm’s Graduate Career Programme, designed to guide earlycareer engineers through a structured development path, from graduate level to project engineer, and onward to senior and chartered roles.
This programme focuses on mentoring, technical training, and the development of consultancy specific skills such as communication, project delivery, and client engagement.
Milestone
Speaking, following the award of the Standard, Mark Forbes, Director, MFA Consulting Engineers, said: ‘Achieving CPD Accredited Employer status from Engineers Ireland is a proud milestone for us, especially as a company established in 2023.’
Bianca Fachin, BIM Engineering Technician and Mark Forbes, Director, MFA Consulting Engineers with Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland.
As usual, we profiled a number of the winning entries in the RIAI Awards – inspiring work as always!
22 Awards for projects delivering Ireland’s built environment at RIAI Awards
The winners of the 2025 RIAI Architecture Awards demonstrated the quality being delivered in Architecture across Ireland and internationally.
The most recent Awards recognised projects across 12 categories showcasing the depth and diversity of architectural achievement with buildings and places that are central to our everyday lives.
From carefully restored heritage buildings and reclaimed public spaces, to innovative new housing, schools and workplaces – the winning projects highlight Architecture’s powerful role in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant communities.
Revealed
In addition to the jury Awards, the RIAI Public Choice Award – where the public votes for their favourite building or public space – was also revealed.
The Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey by Axo Architects was voted Ireland’s favourite building in 2025, topping a shortlist of 48 projects.
The runners-up included: Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers (2nd Place), and Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens by SJK Architects (3rd Place).
Recognised
The RIAI Awards 2025 recognised Two Grand Parade by Henry J Lyons as the winner of the Adaptation and Re-Use category.
Trinity College’s beloved Campanile, restored by Howley Hayes Cooney Architecture, won one of two Conservation Awards, the second going to a beautifully restored Georgian home by Elizabeth Burns Architects in collaboration with Camille O'Sullivan.
In Public Buildings, the jury recognised diverse projects that positively impact on society –including water infrastructure, a primary school and a public space with Awards going to: Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers; Harcourt Terrace Educate Together National School by tún - architecture + design; and Monaghan Peace Campus by Hall
Black Douglas.
The International Award went to Westminster Coroner’s Court by Lynch Architects.
Largest
In the largest category, Living, the jury recognised different types of homes, including House Adaptions, with Awards going to Rathdown by Scullion Architects and Sundial by Donaghy + Dimond Architects.
The Award for a New Build Home went to Beechville Gate Lodge by A2 Architects, while the winning Housing projects were 49 - 51 Amiens Street by Lawrence and Long Architects and the Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey by AXO Architects.
The Workplace and Fit-Out Award went to a new Architects' Studio by O’Donnell + Tuomey, while the Award for large Workplaces went to Work IQ by McCullough Mulvin Architects.
Highlighted
The importance of well-designed public spaces was highlighted by the Awards for Urban Design which went to Church Square, Monaghan, by Henry J Lyons and Tolka Estuary Greenway by Darmody Architecture and TTT (thirtythreetrees).
The Universal Design Award, which is supported by the Centre for
Excellence for Universal Design at the National Disability Authority, went to Monaghan Peace Campus by Hall Black Douglas.
Sustainability in Architecture was recognised with two awards: Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers and The Jackson Library, Oxford by Nex—.
Benefits
In addition to built work, the RIAI Awards also recognise the importance of Research and the benefits it can bring to our communities by driving innovation and engagement.
The Research Winners were: The Reason of Towns Exhibition by McCullough Mulvin Architects, the Irish Architecture Foundation and AP+E; and Mulranny - .
WAY – a project by Brock Finucane that arose from an RIAI architectural commission for Mulranny TidyTowns.
Adaptation and Re-Use
Winner: Two Grand Parade
Architects: Henry J Lyons
Client: Hines
Highly commended: Bailieborough Bridewell
Architects: Cooney Architects
Client: Cavan County Council
Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey by AXO Architects.
Conservation
Winner: Trinity’s Campanile Tower
Architects: Howley Hayes Cooney
Architecture
Client: Trinity College Dublin
Winner: Wilton Place
Architects: Elizabeth Burns Architects in collaboration with Camille O'Sullivan
Client: Private
International
Winner: Westminster Coroner’s Court
Architects: Lynch Architects
Client: Westminster City Council
Highly commended: Sadler’s Wells Dance Theatre
Architects: O’Donnell + Tuomey
Client: Sadler’s Wells
Commended: Achilles, London
Architects: ConForm Architects
Client: Private
Commended: Shacklewell Lane, London
Architects: Lynch Architects
Client: Private
Commended: Terzetto, London
Architects: ConForm Architects
Client: Private
Commended: The Jackson Library,
Oxford
Architects: Nex— Architects
Client: Exeter College, University of Oxford
Living: House – Adaption
Winner: Rathdown
Architects: Scullion Architects
Client: Private
Winner: Sundial
Architects: Donaghy + Dimond
Architects
Client: Private
Highly commended: Tulach House
Architects: Ryan W. Kennihan
Architects
Client: Private
Commended: Brick Built House
Architects: Courtney McDonnell
Architects
Client: Private
Commended: Leeson Park Avenue
Architects: desiun architects
Client: Private
Commended: Victorian Return
Architects: Gró.Works
Client: Private
Living: House - New Build
Winner: Beechville Gate Lodge
Architects: A2 Architects
Client: Private
Commended: Castle Avenue
Architect: Architectural Farm
Architects
Client: Private
Living: Housing
Winner: 49 - 51 Amiens Street
Architects: Lawrence and Long
Architects
Client: Trenthall
Winner: Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey
Architects: AXO Architects
Client: The Kylemore Trust
Highly commended: Richmond Place, Inchicore
Architects: OBFA Architects
Client: Circle Voluntary Housing Association, ALONE, HSE & Dublin City Council
Commended: 55 Lad Lane
Architects: ODAA Architects
Client: Private
Commended: Railway Court Social
Housing
Architects: Seán Harrington Architects
Client: Circle VHA
Public Buildings
Winner: Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant
Architects: Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers
Client: Uisce Éireann / Irish Water
Winner: Harcourt Terrace Educate
Together National School
Architects: tun - architecture + design
Client: Department of Education and Youth
Winner: Wilton Place by Elizabeth Burns Architects in collaboration with Camille O'Sullivan. Photo Aisling McCoy.
Winner: Trinity Campanile Tower by Howley Hayes Cooney Architecture. Photo Donal Murphy.
Winner: Westminster Coroner’s Court by Lynch Architects. Photo Johan Dehlin.
Winner: Sundial by Donaghy + Dimond Architects.Photo Fionn McCann.
Winner: Rathdown by Scullion Architects. Photo Johan Dehlin.
Winner: Beechville Gate Lodge by A2 Architects. Photo Peter Molloy.
Winner: Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey by AXO Architects. Photo Peter Molloy.
Winner: 49 - 51 Amiens Street by Lawrence and Long Architects. Photo by Peter Molloy.
Collen announces appointment of new chief executive officer
Collen announced the appointment of Mark McGreevy as Chief Executive Officer.
Reputation
Currently ranked in the top three building contractors in Ireland and with operations in the UK and Europe, Collen’s revenues are forecast at over €1.5bn and the business has established a reputation for providing complex projects on time and within budget.
One of Ireland’s longestestablished family-owned businesses, Collen is an 8th generation construction business and has successfully tendered and negotiated projects for a wide range of clients including large multi-national corporations, private companies, local and state authorities.
Mark McGreevy’s appointment marks the next step in the Group’s evolution, reinforcing the company’s
Winner: Monaghan Peace Campus
Architects: Hall Black Douglas
Client: Monaghan County Council
Highly commended: Dublin Simon Community
Architects: O'Connell Mahon
Architects
Client: Dublin Simon Community
Highly commended: Saint Paul’s Secondary School, Monasterevin
Architects: de Blacam and Meagher
Architects
Client: Department of Education and Youth
Commended: 1774 Pavilion, Friends’ School Lisburn
Architects: Studio idir Architects
Client: Friends’ School Lisburn
Commended: Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens
Architects: SJK Architects
Client: Board of Management, Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens
strategic focus on sustainable growth, people-centric leadership and long-term value creation.
Experience
McGreevy has served on the Collen Board since 2024 as a Non-Executive Director and brings over 30 years of multi-sectoral industry experience to the role, having worked both in Ireland and internationally at Executive level with the Sisk Group.
He was also a key figure in the strategic growth of the specialist construction services businesses Vision Built and Sensori.
‘We are delighted to welcome Mark as Chief Executive Officer,’ said Neil Collen, Chair of the Board.
‘His industry expertise, strong alignment with our family values, and a deep understanding of Collen’s ambitions make him well positioned to lead Collen into its next chapter.
‘Mark will play a central role in driving our long-term success, not just in Ireland but across Europe.’
Mark McGreevy
Privilege
Speaking on his appointment, Mark McGreevy said: ‘It is a privilege to take on this role. I look forward to working with our talented teams and shareholders to build on the strong foundations in place and to support Collen’s continued growth, innovation and service excellence.’
Commended: Coopers Cross Commercial
Architects: Henry J Lyons
Client: Kennedy Wilson
Workplace and Fit Out
Winner: Architects' Studio
Architects: O’Donnell + Tuomey
Client: Private
Winner: Work IQ
Architects: McCullough Mulvin
Architects
Client: South Dublin County Council
Winner: Work IQ by McCullough Mulvin Architects. Photo Peter Molloy.
Winner: Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers. Photo Johan Dehlin.
Winner: Harcourt Terrace Educate Together National School by tun - architecture + design. Photo Ste Murray
Winner: Architects' Studio by O’Donnell + Tuomey. Photo Aisling McCoy.
United Hardware named among Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies 2025
For the second year running
United Hardware, the buying and marketing group for builders’ merchants, DIY and home & garden retail stores, has once again been named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies at the 2025 Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards.
Prestigious
This marks the second year in a row that United Hardware has received this prestigious accolade, underscoring the company’s sustained excellence in business performance, leadership and community impact.
The Deloitte Best Managed Companies programme, now in its 17th year, recognises indigenous Irish businesses that demonstrate outstanding strategy, capability, innovation, culture, and financial performance.
United Hardware joins a network of 129 companies across 28 counties, collectively employing 45,000 people and generating €15 billion in turnover.
Significant
'The 2025 award comes at a time of significant momentum for United Hardware and its flagship retail brand, Homevalue. Over the past year, the group has:
• Announced a strategic partnership with DID Electrical, bringing the new ‘DIDEssentials’ range to Homevalue stores nationwide.
'This collaboration between two leading Guaranteed Irish brands expands customer access to high-quality home appliances and reinforces both companies’ commitment to supporting local communities and the Irish economy.
• Secured a €50,000 national communications campaign as the winner of the Guaranteed Irish 50th Anniversary ‘50-50-50’ Competition, enabling Homevalue to amplify its message of trust, sustainability, and local impact across radio, digital, PR, and social media.
'The award recognises Homevalue’s
commitment to supporting Irish suppliers, sustaining local employment, and driving community impact across its 90 locally owned stores nationwide.
• Strengthened its commitment to corporate social responsibility through a new national charity partnership with Barretstown, the children’s charity known for its life-changing therapeutic camps and programmes.
'In 2025, United Hardware (through Homevalue) pledged €60,000 in support, combining financial donations, the supply of tools and materials for on-site projects, and nationwide fundraising across its network of over 90 stores.
• A highlight of the partnership was the inaugural Homevalue Golf Classic – Supporting Barretstown, which raised over €40,000 to directly benefit children and families living with serious illness.
'United Hardware’s support enables Barretstown to continue providing free, medically supported camps and programmes to thousands of children and families each year, reflecting the company’s deep-rooted commitment to giving back to communities across Ireland.
'With a network of over 200 independently owned and affiliate stores, United Hardware supports approxmately 2,000 jobs nationwide and serves a diverse base of trade and DIY customers.
'The group’s ongoing investment in
its people, partners, and communities has also been recognised through recent industry awards, including wins at the 2025 Health & Safety Excellence Awards.'
Achievement
Commenting on the achievement, Paul Candon, CEO of United Hardware, said:
“Being named a Deloitte Best Managed Company for the secondyear running is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication of our entire team, our independent members, and our partners.
‘This recognition validates our strategy of empowering local retailers, investing in innovation, and championing Irish business.
‘As we continue to grow, our focus remains on delivering value for our members, supporting local communities, and building a sustainable future for Irish retail.
‘I’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to our suppliers and our independent, business-owning members, whose ongoing partnership continues to play a crucial role in our success.’
Committed
As United Hardware looks ahead, the company remains committed to driving innovation, supporting local enterprise, and strengthening its position as a trusted partner to both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts across Ireland.
With continued investment in its people, partnerships, and retail network, United Hardware is poised to build on its success.
Invent for the Planet (Ireland) 2025
We learned this year how a ‘multidisciplinary team of students from colleges across Ireland’ had won the Irish leg of Invent for the Planet (IFTP) 2025 for their plastic brick prototype solution titled, ‘Creating sustainable housing solutions for expanding poverty areas’.
Prototype
‘Team IRIS, named after their prototype (Innovation Recycling Infrastructure Solution), is Joyce Mathew, ATU Galway; Christopher D'mello, DIT; Gabriela Rodrigues, University of Galway; Camillo Murgia, ATU Galway; Harish Sampathkumar, ATU Donegal; Dipshikha Das, ATU Galway and Kajal Bhapkar, ATU Donegal,’ we heard.
‘The winning prototype collects plastic waste, adds local clay, sand, basalt fibre and coconut fibre, putting them inside a container and melting them, converting them into bricks to use to build houses in the poorest, plastics-stricken hotspots in developing countries.
‘The prototype brick can also store water’.
The team developed a kit to enable local people, once trained, to build their homes themselves.
The prototype is modular, scalable, and reduces building costs by up to 70%.
Journey
The winning team said: ‘Our “Invent for the Planet 2025” journey was more than just an innovation sprint, it was about teamwork, creative problemsolving, and a shared vision for sustainability.
‘Our Replast Kit is designed to empower communities to cultivate self-sufficiency.
‘These 48 hours proved that when technology meets purpose, real change happens.
‘This is more than just technology; it’s about fostering local entrepreneurship, handling environmental impact, and enabling a future where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.’
Led
We noted: ‘IFTP Ireland is led by Dr Jack Saad, Fulbright Scholar, Texas A&M (PhD Robotics, Genova University, Italy) who lectures in industrial and mechanical engineering in ATU Galway.
‘Dr Saad has been co-managing and co-ordinating the annual event,
Galway; Christopher D'mello, DIT; Gabriela Rodrigues,
now in its fourth year, together with co-organisers and mentors from local industry, Damien Toner, Aquatech Business Manager at Bord Iascaigh Mhara – Ireland's Seafood Development Agency; Frank Kane, Senior Scientist, Marine Institute; Derek Thorton Mechanical Lecturer, ATU; Dr Carine Gachon, Transcend project manager at ATU.
‘The local competition is sponsored by Thermo King, EU Green, Marine Institute and Ireland's Seafood Development Agency.’
President
Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President, said: ‘The Invent for the Planet weekend is one of those magical events that reminds us all of why we are in education – to see groups of students coming from different backgrounds, disciplines and universities working together to solve huge global problems, having fun, engaging with external mentors and judges – the energy is always truly infectious.’
The other short-listed projects in the Irish leg of IFTP were:
Innovative solution to mitigate and adapt to climate change
Advancing marine-based carbon sequestration with algae and seaweed Developing lower carbon solutions for the energy sector
Advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies
Improving sanitation in riverine communities
IFTP Ireland 2025 winning team IRIS, L to R, back row: Joyce Mathew, ATU
University of Galway;
ATU Donegal. Front row,
Combilift and CMETB Celebrate 10 years of pioneering engineering traineeship
Recently we saw a landmark celebration at Combilift’s global headquarters in Monaghan, marking the tenth anniversary of the highly successful OEM Engineering Traineeship – a collaborative initiative between Combilift and the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).
Cornerstone
The event, which welcomed past graduates, current trainees and local educators, underscored the programme’s evolution from a local skills initiative to a cornerstone of regional industrial development.
Launched in 2015, the OEM Engineering Traineeship was born from a shared vision to tackle the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing with an industry-led approach.
Today, with over 150 trainees having passed through its doors to achieve a QQI level 5 qualification, and with job placement rates above 80%, the programme stands as a model for how industry and education can collaborate to mutual benefit.
Success
Combilift, a global leader in materials handling solutions, has been central to this success.
As the primary industry partner, Combilift has not only provided cutting-edge workplace experience but also ensured the course content remains aligned with real-world demands.
‘We wanted to create more than just a training programme – we wanted to build a pathway into meaningful careers,’ said Combilift managing director, Martin McVicar.
‘This traineeship has delivered exactly that, time and time again.’
Programme
The nine-month programme blends 26 weeks of classroom-based learning at Monaghan Institute with 12 weeks of hands-on work experience in Combilift.
Over the years, the course content has evolved to reflect changes in the manufacturing landscape, now including modules in Hydraulics, Lean Manufacturing, and, more recently, Mathematics to prepare students for greater work or educational opportunities.
CMETB has played a vital role in coordinating and delivering the educational aspect of the programme. Their ongoing commitment to adapting the curriculum, securing government funding, and expanding the scheme to include other regional employers from 2025 reflects their strategic approach to workforce development.
Ahead
‘It’s about staying ahead of the curve,’ said Sinead McKenna of CMETB.
‘We’ve created a flexible, forwardlooking course that equips learners with in-demand skills and supports local industry at the same time.’
One of the most compelling aspects of the programme is its accessibility.
Fully funded through government and EU support, it removes financial barriers for participants and trainees are offered a €300 bursary per week during practical placements within Combilift.
Trainees also benefit from additional qualifications, including City & Guilds module in Hydraulics and a Lean Six Sigma White Belt.
Ambition
The 10-year milestone was marked not only by reflection but by ambition for the future.
Attendees at the celebration event heard first-hand from past graduates who have gone on to build thriving careers – many still with Combilift, some even progressing to degree-level study or engineering apprenticeships. Both Combilift and CMETB are doubling down on their commitment to the next generation.
As Martin McVicar put it: ‘The demand for talent in this sector is only growing, and we’re proud to continue building that talent right here in Monaghan.’
In 2025 we reported how Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) had celebrated the official opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk – ‘marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Ireland’s manufacturing sector’.
Marking the opening of Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence
We noted how ‘the state-of-theart Centre is designed to equip the workforce with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the challenges of modern, high-tech manufacturing’.
Invested
‘Since the establishment of the AMTCE in 2021, a total of €62.4m to date has been invested in it, of which €7m were funds administered by Enterprise Ireland,’ we read.
‘SOLAS, under Mr. Andrew Brownlee, and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) strongly backed the concept, providing the remaining 20% match funding for both EI grants, which came to €1.4 million.’
‘DFHERIS and SOLAS contributed more than €26m to cover the cost of purchase of the AMTCE building and capital works at Xerox Technology Park in Dundalk.
‘The annual operational budget of around €7m is also provided by SOLAS which has come to €28m over the past four years.
‘The AMTCE has catered for 5,000 learners in the past three years and in excess of 5,000 are projected for 2025 and 2026.’
Guests
The event, which was attended by key figures including Mr James Lawless TD, Minister of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and distinguished guests from various
sectors, highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, education, and government in driving innovation and workforce development in Ireland.
Minister Lawless said: ‘I am delighted to be in Dundalk to officially open this magnificent facility and to meet the people who will benefit from the learning opportunities offered here by LMETB.
‘My Department approved funding for LMETB to acquire and refurbish this building, at a cost of some €26 million, with further investment in leading edge technology and equipment.
‘The provision of technology training at the AMTCE Campus enables LMETB to enhance their range
of training and further education programmes, offering exciting new careers and employment opportunities for learners.’
‘A vision for the future of manufacturing’
Martin G. O’Brien, Chief Executive of LMETB, spoke about the journey leading up to the official opening, noting that the AMTCE represents an investment not only in infrastructure but in Ireland’s future competitiveness.
‘We are at a critical point where traditional manufacturing methods are giving way to cutting-edge technologies,’ O’Brien said.
‘AMTCE is designed to ensure that Ireland’s workforce is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s industries.’
Hub
The AMTCE will serve as a hub for training and innovation, providing world-class education for apprentices, students, and workers at all stages of their careers, we heard.
It will offer hands-on experience with the latest technologies, ensuring that learners gain the practical skills required by modern manufacturing businesses.
The centre will also facilitate collaboration between industry leaders
and educational institutions, fostering a culture of innovation and research.
‘The Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence will play a pivotal role in bridging the skills gap and enabling our workforce to thrive in a fast-changing landscape,’ said O’ Brien.
‘This facility exemplifies our commitment to building an innovative and resilient workforce that will drive Ireland’s future growth.’
Supported
Carol Gibbons, Divisional Manager for Entrepreneurship, Regions & Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland said:
‘The AMTCE has been supported by the Government’s Border Enterprise Development Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland, which provides support for collaborative, enterprise capability building projects, to advance entrepreneurship, productivity and innovation in the Border Region.
‘Congratulations to the AMTCE on the official opening today, and in providing tailored space for the delivery of innovative training to address the skills needs in the high value advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, across the Border region and nationally.’
Broad
The AMTCE will cater to a broad demographic, offering training in areas such as robotics, automation, cybersecurity, and 3D concrete printing.
In collaboration with local businesses, the centre will provide upskilling programs for the workforce, ensuring that Irish manufacturers can stay competitive in an increasingly globalized economy.
The centre will also work closely with third-level institutions.
Extends
The AMTCE’s impact extends beyond training. It is designed to support Ireland’s manufacturing sector in adapting to global challenges.
O’Brien emphasized that the centre will enable Irish manufacturers to transition from high-volume, low-value production to high-value, low-volume production, positioning Ireland to win market share and attract more foreign direct investment.
Tools Before TikTok: 70% of young adults want to learn a trade skill
New data from Chadwicks research examined views on careers in construction – as tradespeople and social media personalities Eoin Reardon and Shauna Doyle partnered with the organisation to encourage young adults to learn more about a trades career
Trade skill
Seven in ten (70%) of 16-24-year-olds would like to learn a trade skill outside of their regular school hours.
Yet nearly half (47%) have never had the opportunity to do so in school.
That’s according to research from Chadwicks. The Chadwicks study which was carried out to examine perceptions of careers in the trades surveyed 200 people aged 16-24, 250 parents and 100 tradespeople.
While schools are improving at promoting vocational pathways, over a third (38%) of young adults say the benefits of apprenticeships are still not promoted as strongly as university or college courses.
One in five (22%) feel that they have not received enough information to make informed career decisions when leaving school.
Partners
To mark the new school year, Chadwicks partnered with Eoin Reardon and Shauna Doyle to inspire a new generation to consider a career in construction.
Cork native Eoin Reardon swapped a commerce degree for carpentry during the COVID-19 lockdowns, turning his new passion into a fulltime career.
His videos showcasing traditional woodworking techniques have gone viral, and he has amassed a global following of 3.4 million on TikTok alone.
Meanwhile, Shauna Doyle from Carlow transitioned from beauty therapy to her family’s paving business after maternity leave, mastering tarmac laying and thriving in the trade ever since.
Parental power
Parents and guardians remain the most influential voices in career decisions (52%).
But just 30% say they would be likely to encourage their child to consider an
Shauna Doyle apprenticeship.
Encouragingly, 79% say that hearing real stories from tradespeople would make them more open to recommending trade careers for their children.
Switching into the trades is common: Of the tradespeople polled, 80% have encountered colleagues who switched into the trades from a different career path, echoing Eoin Reardon and Shauna Doyle’s journeys.
The top reasons for switching included a desire for more hands-on work (28%), career dissatisfaction (23%), and greater flexibility over working hours (23%).
An opportunity for connection
The findings suggest a powerful opportunity: 86% of tradespeople would be open to sharing their experiences with students, potentially bridging the gap in career knowledge.
Demonstrating its commitment to fostering growth in the sector, Chadwicks is supplying materials for a new Transition Year module, delivered by Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board.
It teaches trade skills in three Dublin secondary schools, giving students hands-on experience and an insight into what a career in construction
entails.
Chadwicks’ partnership with TU Dublin further underlines its commitment to creating pathways for the next generation of skilled workers.
Importance
Commenting on the findings, Patrick Atkinson, CEO, Chadwicks Group said:
‘At Chadwicks, we understand the importance of using our industry position to promote more people to enter the sector to meet the levels of demand the industry is experiencing.
‘This research shows there is real appetite among young people to learn trade skills, but also a clear need for better information and awareness about the opportunities a trade career can offer.
‘We’re proud to play our part in showcasing the exciting, rewarding futures available in the trades.’
Changed
Eoin Reardon added: ‘I never imagined I’d end up as a woodworker.
‘Leaving school, I always saw myself working an office job, but during lockdown I picked up a saw and chisel and discovered a love for woodworking that completely changed my path.
‘What started to pass time turned into a career that gives me both creativity and purpose every day.
‘I think it’s so important that students get the opportunity to learn about all different career options so that they know what suits them best – take me as proof!’
Trader obligations under the Consumer Rights Act 2022: What construction professionals need to know, by Patrick Kenny, Commission Member, CCPC
Alongside new builds, Irish consumers are investing heavily in home improvements, ranging from energy efficiency upgrades to full-scale renovations.
The availability of Governmentbacked grants and green home improvement loans is also encouraging more people to carry out substantial work.
Much of this work requires the expertise of qualified tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and builders.
Unfortunately, things don’t always go to plan and traders who carry out business in the construction and repair of buildings should be aware of their obligations to consumers.
Sector
Almost 1,250 contacts were made to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in the first half of 2025 relating to the home building and improvements sector, making issues with this sector the second biggest call driver to the CCPC’s national consumer helpline in that period.
Common complaints included a failure to perform services properly or to remedy faults in a timely manner when issues arose.
The Consumer Rights Act 2022 updated and strengthened consumer protection laws in Ireland.
As a trader, understanding the rights consumers have can help you to avoid running into problems.
What you must do – before, during and after the job
There are certain obligations you must meet for consumers before, during and after carrying out work for them.
These are set out in Irish law and apply to all traders, including anyone involved in the construction, maintenance or repair of buildings.
Before you start the work, there is certain information you must provide.
For instance, you must tell them who you are and how to contact you by phone, email and post; give them details of the service you’ll be providing and when you’ll be
providing it; and set out the total price, or if it is not possible to give the total price you must explain how the price will be calculated.
You must have the necessary skills and qualifications to carry out the service, and you must take reasonable care and use the appropriate materials.
The service itself must be as agreed, including matching what a consumer would normally expect from such a service, and must be fit for purpose.
If things go wrong
If the service fails to meet these standards, it’s your responsibility to fix it.
This might be through repair, replacement, or a full or partial refund, depending on the circumstances. Repairs should be carried out within a reasonable time, and at no cost or significant inconvenience to the consumer.
Your customer may choose to withhold some or all of your payment until the service is supplied correctly.
If you fail to supply a service properly, or if you do not resolve any issues with your service, consumers have the right to take legal action –including claiming damages.
Misleading commercial practices
It is also an offence to mislead or
deceive consumers by giving them false information or leaving out crucial details about the service, your own identity or qualifications, or their consumer rights.
These are considered misleading commercial practices and could lead to enforcement action by the CCPC – up to and including prosecution.
Compliance with consumer law builds trust with your customers and helps you to resolve any problems or issues efficiently.
As a trader, you must decide if your work complies with consumer protection law, if you have any doubts, you should seek independent legal advice.
Body
The CCPC is the enforcement body for consumer protection legislation in Ireland. Its work protects consumers and helps create a level playing field for businesses.
The CCPC’s has published a new business guide to the Consumer Rights Act 2022, available free of charge at ccpc.ie, outlining your obligations as a business and the remedies available to consumers.
You’ll also find a range of other information and guidance.
Building the future: A conversation with Davitt Lamon on the value of BIM Certification
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been part of the construction sector for decades, but it is receiving renewed focus in Ireland as it becomes central to public sector procurement. We sat down with Davitt Lamon, Head of BIM at the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), to discuss
his work and the role of NSAI in the sector.
Davitt, tell us about the setting up of the BIM Department at NSAI'?
The BIM Department was established at NSAI in December 2024.
It was a direct response to an industry need for a rigorous, independent certification scheme for ISO 19650, the international standard for managing information over the lifecycle of a built asset.
Our role extends beyond just issuing certificates. We are here to drive Ireland's digital transition and enable a more productive construction industry.
Since our establishment, we have supported clients ranging from SMEs to large Tier 1 contractors in achieving certification.
Beyond auditing, we are heavily invested in stakeholder engagement and research, such as our recent collaboration with TU Dublin on benchmarking organisational BIM certification, to ensure our schemes remain at the centre of the construction sector's needs.
There seems to be a lot of misconceptions around BIM Certification and what it entails. Can you talk us through that?
The biggest misconception is that BIM is solely about 3D modelling or complex software. It’s not.
It is fundamentally about Information Management. It is about getting the right information to the right person at the right time.
Another common myth is that certification is only for bigger companies working on large-scale projects.
That is simply not the case. All companies, regardless of size, manage information every day.
We see this diversity in our own client base. On the one hand, you have a large main contractor like John Paul Construction, who uses BIM certification to provide certainty and quality assurance on large-scale residential housing projects.
On the other hand, we have TJ O’Connor & Associates, a 35-person
SME consultancy using the exact same ISO 19650 framework to manage civil and structural information for infrastructure projects like wastewater treatment plants.
For both, certification isn't about the software they use; it's about verifying that they have a robust information management process for their projects.
Walk us through the process of certification. What can a prospective client expect? The process is designed to be structured, transparent, and educational.
It begins with the application, where we tailor a quote to your specific scope.
Once you apply, we move to the Readiness Assessment. This is a collaborative stage where we review your documentation and identify gaps early, so you aren't going into the final audit blind.
Next is the Implementation Audit, where we assess your processes in practice.
We pride ourselves on the quality of this engagement.
Clients like John Paul Construction have noted that our auditors have ‘actual industry backgrounds’.
We aren't just tick-box checking; we are challenging you to maintain high standards and identifying opportunities for improvement. Once successful, certification is issued for three years, with annual surveillance audits to ensure you stay on track and continue to improve.
Davitt Lamon, Head of BIM at the NSAI
What feedback have you received from NSAI clients so far?
The feedback has been exceptionally positive.
In our recent benchmarking study, certified clients rated the value of NSAI BIM certification at 4.15 out of 5, and 100% of participants stated they would recommend it to others.
The benefits they report are tangible. 69% of companies cited improved consistency and quality in their documentation, while 62% highlighted the value of independent validation of their capability.
Crucially, certification is viewed as a strategic asset and an investment in future readiness.
It standardises the way we deliver projects and manage information.
This standardisation is the foundation for innovation; you cannot automate a process you don't understand or control.
By standardising their process, these companies are laying the groundwork for future digitisation and productivity.
Can you tell us about the role of BIM in public procurement?
The landscape has shifted significantly. The public sector introduced a phased BIM mandate in January 2024, which governmentled initiatives like the Build Digital project support by providing essential
resources and guidance to the industry.
This isn't just a generic requirement. It involves specific technical standards including ISO 19650 for process, Uniclass for classification, IFC for open data exchange, and ICMS 3 for lifecycle cost and carbon reporting.
BIM certification is becoming the ‘passport’ for this new environment. It is a natural evolution of other management system certifications like ISO 9001. It serves as a prequalification marker that instantly tells public sector clients that a company
has the capability to meet these rigorous digital requirements.
Looking ahead, what can we expect for the BIM sector?
We are expecting continued significant growth. As the mandate matures, the demand for verified capability is rising.
In 2026, we are looking to expand our certification pathways to meet this need.
We are currently exploring Individual Certification to verify personal competency, as well as Project Certification to validate the delivery of specific high-value assets or pilot projects.
The industry has expressed a strong interest in these areas, particularly for roles related to information management.
Our goal is to continue building a certification ecosystem that supports the entire supply chain, from the individual practitioner to the organisation and the project itself.
Any final words of advice to share?
If you'd like to find out more, I'd recommend visiting the NSAI website at NSAI.ie/BIM.
You can find detailed case studies there of the companies we've mentioned earlier, which really bring the benefits to life.
To support the industry, we have also developed specific BIM Standards Collections designed for different stages of your journey.
The BIM Essentials Collection covers the core ISO 19650 standards and national guidance, while the BIM Advanced Collection covers broader lifecycle and exchange requirements. Whether you are an SME or a Tier 1 contractor, the tools are there to help you standardise your business, reduce risk, and prepare for the future of digital construction.
www.NSAI.ie/BIM
“Stability you can build on”
Manning Ground Engineering Contractors Ltd.
Specialising in
Soil Nailing • Sprayed Concrete • Rock Fall Protection, Restricted Access / Low Headroom Mini Piling • Subsidence Repair
Concrete Structural Repairs • Underpinning Site Investigations • Temporary Works
Factory Hill, Glanmire, Co. Cork, T45 VK16.
Tel: +353 21 435 3082, Mobile: +353 87 225 4007
Manning Ground Engineering Contractors Ltd — stability you can build on!
In an industry where the strength of any structure is determined long before the first brick is laid, ground engineering firms play an indispensable role.
Among these, Manning Ground Engineering has steadily distinguished itself as one of Ireland’s most trusted and technically capable specialists.
With a reputation built on precision, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to safety, the company occupies a crucial niche in the island’s construction landscape.
Clear mission
Founded with a clear mission, to deliver robust and reliable ground solutions for projects of every scale, Manning Ground Engineering brings together decades of practical experience with a forward-thinking engineering ethos.
Their portfolio spans commercial, industrial, civil, and residential developments, but the common denominator across all projects is meticulous technical execution.
In a country with diverse geology, unpredictable weather, and increasingly ambitious infrastructure demands, such expertise is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
Impressive
What sets Manning Ground Engineering apart is their proficiency across an impressive range of ground engineering disciplines.
From piling and underpinning to ground stabilization, grouting, and retaining systems, the firm approaches each challenge with a deep understanding of soil behaviour, structural requirements, and sitespecific constraints.
Their teams are known for adapting quickly to complex conditions, tight urban sites, difficult access, sensitive environments, delivering solutions that are not only effective but also cost-efficient and minimally disruptive.
Evolving rapidly
Ireland’s construction sector is evolving rapidly, driven by both population growth and the national
commitment to sustainable development.
Manning Ground Engineering has embraced this change by integrating modern technology into their operations.
Advanced geotechnical investigation tools, digital modelling, and real-time site monitoring have become standard across their projects.
This integration not only enhances accuracy but also shortens timelines, enabling contractors and developers to move forward with confidence.
Steadfast
Equally significant is the company’s steadfast adherence to safety and regulatory compliance.
Ground engineering is a field where margin for error is razor-thin, and Manning Ground Engineering’s culture reflects this reality.
Their investment in training, rigorous risk assessment, and continuous process improvement ensures that their teams operate to the highest standards.
Clients regularly highlight the company’s professionalism, transparent communication, and ability to foresee and mitigate issues long before they escalate.
Beyond their technical capabilities, Manning Ground Engineering exemplifies the kind of local expertise that strengthens Ireland’s construction supply chain.
As an Irish-based firm, they understand the regulatory landscape, environmental priorities, and logistical challenges unique to the region.
Vital
This local grounding – paired with an ambition to push the boundaries of engineering practice – positions them as a vital partner in the country’s ongoing development.
As Ireland continues to build upward, outward, and smarter, the importance of companies like Manning Ground Engineering cannot be overstated.
Behind every successful structure lies a foundation of engineering excellence, and Manning Ground Engineering has proven time and again that they have both the knowledge and the vision to deliver it. Their work may often be buried beneath the surface, but its impact is felt in every stable building, resilient roadway, and enduring piece of infrastructure that sits upon it.
MINI PILING • GROUND ANCHORS • SPRAYED CONCRETE • GROUTING
Manning Ground Engineering Contractors Ltd
Factory Hill, Glanmire, Co. Cork, T45 VK16, Ireland
T: + 353 21 435 3082
E: info@manninggroup.ie
W: www.manninggroup.ie
Lean Construction Ireland 2025 national conference took place on 6 November in Johnstown Estate Co. Meath and inspired & challenged the future of Irish construction in Ireland.
Optimising business performance through Lean adoption, AI & digital technologies!
Lean Construction Ireland hosted this unique one-day symposium in Johnstown Estate Co.Meath on 6 November 2025 – celebrating our eight Year.
The theme of the event was: Optimising business performance through Lean adoption, AI & digital technologies.
The aim of the conference was to bring together leading experts in the field of Lean construction from the Irish and international communities – to both inspire and challenge the industry to implement Lean thinking and practices on their public and private construction projects.
Delegates
Over 300 delegates attended the recent event, a rise of 20% from the inaugural event – delegates had the opportunity to learn about Lean construction from industry leaders on how they can leverage the benefits of Lean concepts to deliver quality projects that are safer, faster and more profitable – leading to increased stakeholder satisfaction and customer value for money.
One of Europe’s largest Lean construction conferences, the 2025 event was structured in a way to provide attendees with a single stream option – which allowed for interactive engagement sessions – across 3 sessions:
• Health, Wellbeing: People, Project Performance
• Rethinking how we deliver projects: Better, Faster, Together
• Driving Productivity Through AI
Sponsors of the LCi 2025 national conference include, Ardmac, Sisk Group, Arcadis Group, Jones Engineering and Philip Lee.
Speakers
Keynote speakers on 6 November included: Jason Casey (Ardmac); Angelyn Rowan (Philip Lee Solicitors); Minister Emer Higgins; Seamus Fox (Mindset Coach); Claire Cox (John Paul Construction); Susana Dobrescu (Ardmac); Amy O’Farrell (Clúid Housing) and Mark Pyne (Uisce Eireann).
To view full 2025 agenda: www.lciconference.com
Jason Casey (Lean Construction Ireland – Vice. Chair) said; ‘I was extremely excited and proud to see the eight Lean Construction Ireland national conference come together on 6 November in Johnstown Estate Co. Meath.
‘The theme of the conference: Optimising Business Performance through Lean Adoption, AI & Digital Technologies creates an excellent opportunity to showcase the innovation that exists within Ireland’s construction sector and demonstrate where companies and organisations are adopting Lean thinking and practices that have led to better outcomes and value for all project stakeholders.
‘With presentations from both national and international keynote speakers and exhibits from leading Irish Lean practitioners, the conference provides delegates with the information and knowledge they need to understand Lean Construction and to start their Lean journey.’
About Lean Construction Ireland
Lean Construction Ireland is an all-island, independent, not-forprofit association whose members passionately believe that Lean thinking and practices can enable and sustain enhanced effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, and profitability for the Irish construction sector, client organisations, and the supply chain.
Its vision is to create the environment within the Irish
construction sector where projects are delivered better, faster and together that embrace the principle of collaboration underpinned through the adoption of Lean thinking and practices.
Community
Lean Construction Ireland leads a community of learning and practice that promotes the application of Lean thinking and practices throughout the Irish Architecture, Engineering,
Construction (AEC) sector – so as to realise value-add for all stakeholders in the value chain.
It supports the free and open exchange of knowledge, information, and experiences around good practices and case studies.
It also supports ongoing research into Lean practices nationally and globally, their application to AEC, and their sharing with the wider Lean Construction Ireland Community.
Still open - Build Digital Annual Survey 2025
‘Taking
the pulse of digital Transformation in Ireland’s Construction Sector’
Ireland’s construction and built environment sector is at a pivotal point.
Pressures around productivity, skills shortages, sustainability, cost certainty, and regulatory compliance continue to intensify.
At the same time, digital technologies are increasingly recognised as a critical enabler for addressing these challenges and improving how projects are planned, delivered, and operated.
Definitive
Against this backdrop, the Build Digital Annual Survey 2025 returns as the definitive benchmark for understanding how digital transformation is unfolding across the Irish construction and built environment sector.
Now firmly established as a national reference point, the Annual Survey provides robust, evidence-based insight into how organisations are using digital technologies in practice — not in theory.
Year on year, it captures the realworld experience of industry: what is working well, where more progress is needed, and where targeted support and investment can deliver the greatest impact.
A national snapshot of digital
maturity
The Build Digital Annual Survey gathers perspectives from across the full construction ecosystem, including contractors, consultants, and public and private clients.
This breadth ensures a comprehensive and balanced view of digital maturity across Ireland’s built environment sector.
The 2025 survey focuses on key areas such as information management / Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital collaboration, and wider digital technologies.
By tracking these themes consistently each year, the survey highlights adoption trends, identifies persistent barriers, and uncovers emerging opportunities that are shaping how projects are delivered across the country.
From tools to outcomes
What distinguishes the Build Digital Annual Survey is its strong emphasis on outcomes, not just technology adoption.
The survey explores how organisations are aligning digital strategies with wider business objectives, including carbon reduction targets, regulatory requirements, and workforce development.
These insights are critical. Digital transformation delivers real value only when technology, people, and processes are aligned.
Understand
The Build Digital Annual Survey 2025 provides the data needed to understand where this alignment is happening – and where gaps remain.
More than a data-gathering exercise, the Annual Survey directly informs future initiatives delivered under the Build Digital umbrella.
Its findings help ensure that industry supports are evidence-led, relevant, and responsive to the real needs of organisations across the sector.
For participating organisations, the survey also provides an understanding of their current position in the digital journey, allowing them to identify their strengths and gaps, and to prioritise their next steps with greater confidence.
Your voice matters
Digital transformation across the construction and built environment sector will not be shaped by technology alone. It will be shaped by the collective experience of those delivering projects every day.
By taking part in the Build Digital Annual Survey 2025, you contribute directly to a clearer, shared understanding of where the sector stands today – and what is needed to move forward.
The survey is open now and closes on Friday, 30 January.
All industry stakeholders are strongly encouraged to participate and ensure their voice is represented in this critical national dataset.
Complete the survey today at: https://www.builddigitalproject. ie/2025-annual-survey
The future of a more productive, sustainable, and resilient construction industry depends on informed action. This survey helps provide the evidence to make that happen.
Cross-sector coalition calls for stronger action on vacancy & dereliction to deliver more housing
Dedicated vacancy teams in local authorities, expanded reuse grants and a wider suite of tax measures are required to tackle Ireland’s vacancy crisis and deliver much needed homes, according to recommendations launched by the Vacant to Vibrant Building Alliance (VVBA), a cross-sector coalition of business, civic and environment leaders.
Accelerate
Speaking ahead of the launch, Phillip Lee, VVBA Chairperson, commented: ‘Budget 2026 contained welcome new measures to tackle vacancy and dereliction, but bolder and more integrated policies are needed to accelerate action on vacancy.
‘With the right policies to direct and incentivise reuse of derelict, vacant and under-used buildings, a significant number of homes can be delivered quickly, at lower cost to society and with fewer carbon emissions than new build, all while reinvigorating and re-energising our villages, towns and cities.
‘The new Housing for All plan provides the perfect opportunity to address the vacancy challenge.’
Primary
The four primary recommendations from the Vacant to Vibrant Building
Alliance are:
• Establish adaptive reuse programme offices in local authorities
• Expand the Croí Cónaithe initiatives
• Introduce targeted time-bound tax incentives and increase the vacant tax
• Improve planning processes and
building regulations
VVBA Chairperson Philip Lee added: ‘Establishing adaptive reuse programme offices with multidisciplinary teams in local authorities is critical.
‘These reuse teams would include architects, surveyors, engineers and other relevant professionals.
Shirley Coulter, CEO of SCSI and Alison Gilliland, European Climate Pact Ambassador, reading VVBA recommendations
About the recommendations:
These recommendations were developed by the Vacant to Vibrant Building Alliance through extensive research, consultation, and a consensus-building process between November 2024 and August 2025.
‘They would assist with driving public acquisition of vacant buildings, delivering complex projects, and providing guidance and support to building owners, helping them navigate issues with planning and building regulations.’
Expanding
VVBA also recommends expanding the Croí Cónaithe Initiatives to cover complex multi-unit redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects.
Marion Jammet, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Irish Green Building Council, commented:
‘To accelerate the reuse of vacant properties and deliver homes in our towns and cities, the vacant property refurbishment grants should be expanded.
'In particular, it needs to be based on the number of residential units created, rather than per building, and to be made available for mixed-use properties and for businesses.
‘This is key in supporting “above the shop” living.
‘For complex projects, up-front feasibility study grants are also needed to reduce risk and help kick-start the renovation process.’
Comprehensive
While Budget 2026 contained new taxation measures to tackle vacancy, VVBA says that a more comprehensive suite of incentives is needed to have a real impact.
This includes a time-limited Capital Gains Tax exemption for those who sell vacant properties for proven residential use, and a reduction in VAT on construction products that contribute to carbon savings.
Edward Mc Auley, Director of Practice & Policy at Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland, commented:
‘Budget 2026 points us in the right direction for accelerating action on vacancy, but a more comprehensive suite of fiscal measures is needed to accelerate action to more effectively unlock the potential to deliver homes from vacant dwellings in Ireland.’
Challenge
Meanwhile Tom Gilligan, Director of
Services at Mayo County Council, commented: ‘Vacancy and dereliction remain a significant challenge in many of our rural towns and villages.
‘But with the right policies and incentives we can turn many of these buildings into new homes right in the heart of our communities, thus reinvigorating our urban centres.’
About the Vacant to Vibrant Building Alliance
The Vacant to Vibrant Building Alliance (VVBA) is a cross-sector coalition dedicated to unlocking the potential of vacant, derelict, and under-utilised buildings in Irish towns and cities.
It is a collaboration of business, civic, and built environment leaders and experts set-up in 2024 to create evidence-based solutions that make renovating these units affordable, viable, and accessible, and in doing so, ensure the delivery of residential properties at speed and in the right locations.
It is made up of:
• Philip Lee, Chair
• Fiona Craven, Chartered Engineer, Programme Manager Adaptive Reuse Unit | Dublin City Council
• Finbarr Filan, Chair ISME
• Dr. Alison Gilliland, European Climate Pact Ambassador, Former Chairperson DCC Housing SPC
• Tom Gilligan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council
• Ali Harvey, Associate Director - Planning | Jacobs
• Marion Jammet, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Irish Green Building Council
• Martin Markey, CEO, The Hardware Association Ireland
• Edward Mc Auley, Director of Practice & Policy at Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland, SCSI
• Martin McElligott, Town Centre Commercial Manager, Dundalk Business Improvement District (BID)
• Genevieve McGuirk, CEO, Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers, IPAV
• Pranash Ramanundh, Practice Director, Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, RIAI
• Nick Taaffe, Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland, SCSI
Nick Taaffe, SCSI; Alison Gilliland, European Climate Pact Ambassador; Tom Gilligan, Director of Services Mayo County Council; Kathryn Meghen, CEO RIAI (Front Row L-R): Fiona Craven, Dublin City Council; Philip Lee, VVBA Chair; Marion Jammet, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Irish Green Building Council (IGBC).
From concept to guarantee: Bauder’s full-service flat roof solutions
From the design of your project through to installation and guarantee, Bauder provides full-service, expert support, and specialist systems.
We deliver well-engineered flat roofing solutions with long-term durability, sustainability, and value in mind.
Every project is different. And with over four generations of experience, Bauder is perfectly placed to understand the unique needs of your project and offer bespoke solutions to meet them.
Whole-project collaboration and support
Bauder is more than just a manufacturer and supplier.
Our strength lies in the knowledge and commitment of our people, who work collaboratively to support your flat roof project in its entirety –from concept and design to system selection, installation, inspection, sign-off, guarantee, and beyond.
Bauder clients benefit from the expertise of our team, who take full ownership and responsibility for delivering consistently exacting standards.
Dedicated technical management
Each project is assigned a technical manager, acting as your single point of contact throughout.
They work with you to develop a practical, budget-conscious solution, tailored to your specific requirements.
In close collaboration with our technical department, a bespoke specification is created and maintained throughout the lifecycle of the project.
System selection based on project needs
Once your project brief is understood, we objectively match it to the most suitable waterproofing system from our comprehensive portfolio. These include:
• Reinforced bitumen membranes
• Single ply systems
• Hot melt and cold-applied liquids
• Insulation options for warm or inverted roofs
Maidenhill Primary School, Glasgow, incorporating five Bauder systems, including a green roof and PV solution.
45-63 Lawrence Road, London: Winner of the SPRA 2025 sustainability Award. Bauder’s close collaboration with contractors, manufacturers and the client ensured technical complexities were overcome to deliver a tiered green roof solution focused on long-term sustainability and performance while responding sensitively to its surroundings.
BauderSOLAR G LIGHT
Combine the technologies of Solar PV, for renewable energy generation, and a biodiverse green roof to deliver a sustainable building.
Project: Noah’s Ark
Architect: Squire & Partners
Photo credit: Bridgman & Bridgman LLP
We also incorporate green roofs, blue roofs, and solar PV where required, aligning with sustainability objectives without bias toward any particular system.
Comprehensive specification and design services
Though flat roofs may appear simple in design, their long-term performance depends on precise detailing.
Supporting the principal designer, our experienced technical team designs solutions that meet Building Regulations and your individual project requirements, including:
• Bauder system weight load calculations
• U-value and thermal bridging resolution for thermal performance of the roof
• Tapered insulation schemes
• Acoustic performance
• Condensation risk analysis
• Wind load design
• Drainage calculations
• H-max capacity for blue roofs and roof discharge report to attenuate a 1:100-year storm profile
Roof refurbishment and evaluation For refurbishment projects, existing roof assessment can be challenging, particularly when issues are not visible.
Our technical diagnostics provide accurate insights into moisture presence and location to support sound refurbishment decisions.
• Core sample analysis: Taken from key and random locations, these samples reveal the roof’s construction and pinpoint saturated areas. Reports include photographic evidence.
• Moisture mapping: Uses a Troxler gauge to assess the true condition of a roof and identifies areas (if any) where the insulation needs to be replaced.
Installation by approved contractors
Installation quality is key to the performance and longevity of any flat roof.
Bauder systems are installed exclusively by our approved network of contractors, each assessed for technical competence and operational capability.
• Certified installers: We certify individual operatives, not just companies. Every installer wears a badge displaying their name, ID, and the systems they are approved to install.
• Training and support: We
Bauder’s single-point service and technical expertise delivered this ambitious post primary school new build’s acoustic, thermal, and fire safety aims.
provide full training and ongoing guidance to ensure that all installations meet our stringent standards.
On-site monitoring and quality assurance
Our large network of site technicians conducts inspections at key project stages.
You will receive clear, concise reports documenting progress and verifying that the works meet Bauder’s high-quality benchmarks.
Case study: Coláiste an Chláirín Bauder’s full-service solution in action
Bauder’s single-point contact service provided consistent communication and coordination throughout the Coláiste an Chláirín post primary school project in Athenry, Co. Galway.
The expertise of the Bauder technical team meant that the project priorities of acoustics, thermal efficiency and fire safety were met or exceeded through the specification
of Bauder’s single ply Thermofol PVC waterproofing system and BauderROCK insulation.
Clear technical support, expert guidance and exceptional workmanship from Bauder-approved installers meant that despite an ambitious schedule, a highperforming, compliant, and visually striking new school building was finished to time and specification.
Tailored guarantees for complete confidence
Every Bauder roof is supported by a bespoke guarantee tailored to the specific needs of your project. By monitoring each stage from manufacturing to installation, we ensure your roof is built to perform – delivering not just a guarantee, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing you may never need to use it. Contact us: For more information on how your project can benefit from a Bauder full-service flat roof solution, get in touch on +353 (0)42 9692 333 or visit www.bauder.ie/contact-us.
Precision-built spaces for cuttingedge Industries
For nearly fifty years, Ardmac has been at the forefront of delivering precision-built, mission-critical environments for some of the world’s most advanced industries.
From Life Sciences and Data Centres to Microelectronics, EV Battery Facilities, Aerospace, and beyond, Ardmac has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for complex, high-value projects where design, performance, and compliance are essential.
Our vision is to be the contractor of choice for clients and the workplace of choice for great people.
Reputation
Ardmac’s reputation has been built on delivering results and exceeding expectations.
From our origins as a small Irish operation, we have grown into a leading international provider of high-tech cleanrooms, data centre solutions, quality fit-outs, specialised refurbishments, and turnkey manufacturing facilities.
We believe in setting new standards for our industry through innovation, collaboration, and integrity.
Every project is tailored to meet our clients’ evolving needs, with safety always first and excellence as standard.
Grounded
Quality is managed under controlled factory conditions to ensure consistency, while digital integration provides clarity and reliability – vital in sectors where tolerance, cleanliness, and uptime are critical.
Our approach is grounded in honesty, respect, and transparency – values that create long-lasting, trusting relationships with clients and partners alike.
For our people, that culture means empowerment: encouraging forward thinking, embracing change, and sharing ideas and knowledge.
Experience and innovation feed directly back into our projects, bringing certainty and delivering superior results time after time.
Joined
In July 2024, Ardmac joined Purever Industries, marking the next step in a long-standing collaboration.
Together, we are a global team of 1,500 professionals from 42 nationalities, operating in over 80 countries and generating €500 million in revenue.
This move expands Ardmac’s reach across Europe and the USA, combining our client-focused expertise with Purever’s industrial strength to deliver fully integrated Design, Manufacture, and Build solutions on a global scale, and reinforcing our commitment to innovation, safety, sustainability, and customer experience worldwide.
Core
At the core of Ardmac’s delivery model is a digital-first, modular approach.
Advanced modelling, off-site prefabrication, and precision manufacturing enhance predictability, reduce onsite risk, and accelerate schedules.
Safety and quality
Safety and quality remain central to everything we do.
Each project follows a robust framework of safety practices and continuous improvement, protecting people, processes, and products.
Comprehensive quality management and validation systems are embedded at every stage to meet the stringent requirements of highly regulated sectors.
Excels
Working with over 80% of global FDI pharmaceutical and technology companies, Ardmac excels in specialist project execution – from design, manufacture, and construction through to commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV).
Our collaborative model, strong partnerships, and focus on long-term value enable us to deliver predictable outcomes across complex, high-value projects.
Benchmark
As industries evolve, Ardmac continues to set the benchmark for performance, innovation, and partnership in the delivery of controlled environments.
Through digital excellence, modular innovation, and a people-first culture, we enable clients to focus on their science, production, and technology goals – while we take care of the precision, complexity, and risk of construction.
Designing the future: Clúid's new Design Guide 2025–2030 sets gold standard for Irish housing
Clúid, Ireland’s leading Approved Housing Body (AHB), has once again positioned itself at the forefront of quality, sustainable, and community focused development with the launch of its new Design Guide 2025–2030.
This comprehensive new guide is a pivotal document, setting the standards for all new build social and affordable housing and ensuring that every resident has a safe and secure home that supports families and individuals to become an integral part of their new communities.
A history of innovation: leading the sector
The publication of this guide is the latest milestone in Clúid’s history of innovative leadership within the Irish housing sector.
Clúid was the first AHB to set out formal standards for new build social and Cost Rental homes when it launched its original Design Guide in 2021.
This commitment to transparent, high-quality development has played a crucial part in the delivery of quality housing across the country.
The new guide builds upon this strong foundation, drawing on Clúid’s 30 years of experience in designing, delivering, and maintaining high-quality homes and thriving communities across Ireland.
Drawing on decades of experience
Eibhlin O’Connor, Chief Commercial Officer at Clúid, commented: ‘Clúid was the first AHB to set out our standards for new build social and Cost Rental homes in our 2021 Design Guide.
‘Like that original design guide, this new updated guide draws on decades of experience of designing, delivering and maintaining high quality homes and vibrant communities.’
This progressive approach aligns perfectly with Clúid’s vision of a society where everyone has a great place to live.
By providing clear, detailed, and aspirational guidelines,
Clúid ensures that every development partner, from architects to property surveyors, is aligned with this core vision from day one.
Voices that shape our homes
A key differentiator for the Clúid Design Guide is the depth and breadth of the consultation that informs it.
This is not merely a top down document; it is a collaborative framework built from the ground up, ensuring the guidelines are grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience.
The guide is the result of extensive collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, reflecting Clúid’s commitment to building truly sustainable communities.
Guided by broad engagement and best practice
This robust review process included Clúid’s own architects, housing management team, property surveyors, maintenance professionals, and construction partners provided invaluable technical and operational insights.
The guide is informed by current best practice and meticulously reflects the latest national policies developed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Crucially, Clúid engaged directly with residents through its resident advisory groups.
This engagement was essential to understanding the lived experience and design elements that genuinely contribute to people’s day to day lives.
A resident-centred approach
‘We engaged with our residents to understand the design elements that make their homes and communities great places to live.
‘We’re confident that our new Design Guide will ensure that the new homes we deliver will continue to be of the high quality synonymous with Clúid’, O’Connor added.
This resident-centred approach ensures that homes are comfortable, secure, easy to use, and economical to build, manage, and maintain long into the future, creating enduring value for both residents and Clúid.
Building for a sustainable and inclusive future Dean Murphy, Senior Project Manager – Design and Placemaking at Clúid, states:
‘We believe that social and affordable housing can, and should, lead the way in innovative, sustainable and liveable design.’
The new Design Guide 2025–2030 delivers clear and distinct guidance on several key areas, reflecting a holistic approach to development that goes beyond compliance.
The guide’s core areas of focus are:
• Placemaking and Creating Thriving Communities – Clúid looks beyond the individual home to focus on the entire neighbourhood. It sets standards for how developments integrate with the surrounding environment, ensuring a strong sense of place is created. It addresses streetscapes, public realm, and the careful planning required to foster attractive communities where social connection can flourish.
• Sustainability and Biodiversity – The guide promotes advanced sustainable building practices, setting standards that result in ‘homes that don’t cost the earth’ as set out in Clúid’s dedicated Greening Strategy. This focus enhances the lives of residents through reduced running costs and a lighter environmental footprint. Critically, it incorporates Clúid’s dedicated Landscaping and Biodiversity Guide, supporting the deliberate integration of nature into developments, thus promoting biodiversity and creating healthier, greener spaces for residents.
• Universal Design and Age-Friendly Housing – The Design Guide contains a dedicated chapter on Universal Design to ensure homes are adaptable to the changing needs of residents over time, guaranteeing that a home can truly be a forever home. This is particularly vital in the context of Clann, Clúid’s agefriendly housing provider, where the design ensures flexibility and ease of use, regardless of age or ability.
• Affordability and Efficiency – While driving the highest design quality, the guide remains acutely focused on the need for affordable housing options. It ensures that the specification and design choices made throughout the development process contribute to homes that are economical to build, manage, and maintain, facilitating long term financial planning for Clúid and predictable running costs for residents.
The development process, from concept to completion
The Design Guide is more than a reference manual; it is a mandatory instruction set that dictates every stage of the development lifecycle when partnering with Clúid.
It provides clear, practical, and user-friendly guidance for designers, contractors and developers.
The guide provides clear, distinct instructions for designing schemes from initial concept through to construction stage.
For example, it highlights the spatial requirements of each space using easy to read graphics and checklists.
This specificity ensures that architects and designers are not left to interpret general policy, they are given the tools to deliver on Clúid’s expectations for every room and communal area.
This clarity ensures fewer design revisions and a smoother progression to planning.
During construction, the guide establishes the minimum
standards for finishes, materials, and construction methodology.
Delivering high-quality, sustainable homes
It is the non-negotiable benchmark that must be met to ensure homes are finished to the highest of standards required by Clúid.
The checklists and graphic aids serve as practical tools for project managers to verify compliance systematically.
The emphasis on sustainability, durable materials, and Universal Design directly translates into homes that are cost effective to manage now and into the future.
By specifying high-quality, efficient designs at the outset, Clúid significantly reduces future maintenance burdens and the necessity for costly adaptations as residents' needs change over time.
Dean Murphy summarised the impact: ‘Our original design guide played a key part in the delivery of gold standard housing across the country.
‘We are confident that this latest version will further increase awareness and understanding of the principles of high-quality, sustainable housing design.’
A blueprint for better housing
The launch of the Clúid Design Guide 2025–2030 marks a significant moment for the Irish construction and housing sector.
It reinforces Clúid's role as a pioneering AHB that is committed to driving quality, sustainability, and community.
By embedding resident feedback and technical expertise into a single, user-friendly document, Clúid is delivering a blueprint for better housing, one that is both ambitious in its design principles and pragmatic in its application.
We encourage all industry partners and stakeholders to download the guide which is available on cluid.ie
Eibhlin O’Connor, Chief Commercial Officer at Clúid, laying a plaque to mark Clúid’s 30th anniversary celebrations at Nephin Drive in Sligo.
Same great cement now available in both the reliable paper bag and new plastic bag. www.irishcement.ie
Construction Industry Federation urges women to consider a career in construction on the day of its International Women’s Day Summit
The Construction Industry Federation was urging women to consider a career in construction for its International Women’s Day Summit.
The annual International Women’s Day Summit took place in Johnstown House Estate.
This half day summit would bring together some of Ireland’s leading female construction experts from the country’s biggest construction companies to discuss infrastructure, safety on construction sites, careers in construction, sustainability and financial security.
STEM
Forty girls who are part of STEM Passport for Inclusion, the groundbreaking initiative established by Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, academic and author of ‘Poor’ would attend, to find out about working in construction.
Joanne Treacy, Southern Regional Director with the Construction Industry Federation said:
‘176,000 people work in the construction sector but just 9% are women. This statistic reduces to 1% for women working on building sites.
‘Industry-wide efforts to attract women and girls are gaining momentum, alongside an expanding range of career opportunities, but we need to do more to move the dial.
Stronger
‘To build a stronger, more diverse workforce, we must ensure construction-related subjects are accessible to girls at second level.
‘Without equal subject choices and career pathways, we are limiting the potential of future generations before they even reach third level.
‘This year marks the Construction Industry Federation’s 90th anniversary.
‘The face of the industry has changed over the decades, and we want this diversity to grow. We need both women and men in the construction industry and a diverse range of mindsets and skill sets.
Rewarding
‘The beauty of the construction industry is that it can offer rewarding and varied careers for all, from engineering, to plumbing, from human resources to project management, there is an option for every interest.’
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless said:
‘Events like this one being hosted by CIF are a fantastic opportunity for everyone in the industry to share their stories, ideas and experiences, while also taking a moment to reflect on where it might make improvements, thereby ensuring that women everywhere know that there is an exciting career open to them in construction.
‘The entire industry has incredible stories to tell. Stories of innovation, expertise and excellence.
‘Stories that it may take for granted, but which have the potential to inspire a generation of women to consider a career in construction.
Ensure
‘We need to ensure these stories reach women of all ages so they know about
The Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF’s) annual Health and Safety
Broadcaster Pat Kenny celebrated with engineering ‘Icon’ award at Engineers Ireland National Conferring Ceremony
Alison Delahunty, Scientific Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency, named Ireland’s first Chartered Environmentalist
Broadcaster Pat Kenny was celebrated for his contributions to the promotion of engineering at Engineers Ireland’s National Conferring Ceremony, where he was named an ‘Icon of Processing Engineering’ by the organisation’s Chemical and Process Engineering Division.
Support
Mr Kenny, who graduated with degrees in chemical engineering from University College Dublin and Georgia Institute of Technology, and who later lectured in the subject before turning to broadcasting, has continually voiced strong support for engineering, helping to promote the profession, especially among young people.
The event also saw Alison Delahunty, Scientific Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency, named as Ireland’s first Chartered Environmentalist.
The Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) title is awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding environmental expertise, and Engineers Ireland is the first organisation outside the UK licensed by the Society for the Environment to award this title.
Distinguished Several awards were made by President of Engineers Ireland, Laura Burke, to those who have distinguished themselves within the profession.
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dun Laoghaire-
Broadcaster Pat Kenny was celebrated for his contributions to the promotion of engineering at Engineers Ireland’s National Conferring Ceremony 2025 where he was named an ‘Icon of Processing Engineering’ by the organisation’s Chemical and Process Engineering Division. He was presented with his award by Engineers Ireland President, Laura Burke.
L-R: Engineers Ireland President Laura Burke with Alison Delahunty, Scientific Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency, who was awarded Ireland’s first Chartered Environmentalist title at the Engineers Ireland’s National Conferring Ceremony 2025 in the Conrad Dublin.
Broadcaster Pat Kenny who was celebrated for his contributions to the promotion of engineering at Engineers Ireland’s National Conferring Ceremony 2025.
Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, offered his congratulations to all those conferred, saying:
Exemplars
‘All engineers conferred with professional titles stand as exemplars of our profession, at a time when Ireland needs engineers more than ever.
‘There is no easy path to an accredited professional title and each recipient can be exceptionally proud of their achievements.
‘I also wish to commend all those who received special awards for their distinguished standing in our profession and the outstanding contributions they have made to promoting the value of engineering in Irish life.
Expertise
‘Challenges in housing, water infrastructure, energy, climate action, AI and digital applications require engineers’ expertise and experience to navigate, and engineers will play a central role in shaping Irish society over the coming decades by pursuing innovative solutions to the many pressing questions in these areas, and beyond.’
Dustin drops in to new look Sallynoggin Chadwicks!
About the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv)
title
The Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) title is an internationally recognised qualification awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding environmental expertise, helping to protect and enhance the environment in a sustainable manner.
Respected
The Chartered Environmentalist title is an excellent way for environmental engineering professionals to distinguish themselves in the field, providing a respected credential that signals expertise to employers, clients, and stakeholders alike.
Chartered Environmentalists work across various sectors, applying their knowledge to drive sustainable practices, lead initiatives, provide strategic advice, and influence decision making at all levels.
Engineers Ireland is the first organisation outside the UK licensed by the Society for the Environment to award the Chartered Environmentalist title.
Recognition
By offering this title, Engineers Ireland is supporting members in gaining global recognition for their work in addressing environmental challenges and expects that the initiative will drive stronger environmental focus across the engineering profession.
Rathdown County Council; Sharon McManus, Group Head of Sustainability at the ESB; April Mangan, Portfolio Performance Manager at Uisce Éireann; Kara Stuart, Chief Executive Officer at Collen Construction, were named Fellows of Engineers Ireland by Presidential Invitation in recognition of their leading roles in the profession.
Additionally, Professor Aoife Ahern, Dean of Engineering at University College Dublin; Richard Crowe, Consultant and former Managing Director at Nicholas O’Dwyer and Jerry Grant, Chairperson of Uisce Éireann and the Dublin Port Company received the Engineers Ireland
Dustin the Turkey joined in the celebrations as Chadwicks marked a new chapter for the trade and DIY community in Sallynoggin unveiling its newly refurbished local branch.
Range
Chadwicks Sallynoggin now boasts a wide range of specialist centres and showrooms, from smart home technology and sustainable solutions to enhanced trade services and a new coffee and hot food outlet.
President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Engineering Profession.
Conferred
In all, 82 members of the Institution were conferred with the registered professional titles at the national conferring ceremony.
This included 59 recipients of the title of Chartered Engineer, which provides peer-reviewed and internationally recognised formal recognition of a member’s professional competence and is considered the gold-standard recognition of professional competence within the industry.
Jones Engineering celebrates a standout year of achievement and
programme is our Apprentice Academy in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, which provides specialist facilities for electrical, mechanical and welding training, along with safety certification and residential learning programmes.
With over 300 apprentices currently in training, the Academy plays a pivotal role in building a skilled and confident workforce for the future.
Championing emerging talent
One of the standout achievements of the year was apprentice Luke Crowley’s success at WorldSkills Ireland, where he reached the national finals in the Industrial Control category.
Luke’s performance reflects the quality of training and mentoring delivered across our business and highlights the opportunities available to young people pursuing careers in
The achievement also attracted attention at national level, with Minister James Lawless TD Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, visiting the Jones Engineering team at the WorldSkills
Safety continues to be a cornerstone of
In 2025, Jones Engineering received two major NISO Awards – the Excellence in Safety Award and Higher Distinction Award – placing us among the top ten companies nationally in
Category 1.
These awards recognise our continuous investment in behavioural safety programmes, governance systems and staff wellbeing, ensuring our people work in safe, supportive and well-managed environments.
A commitment to inclusion Jones Engineering also achieved the Investors in Diversity Silver Accreditation, recognising our progress in building a more inclusive workplace.
Our partnership with TU Dublin’s TrailblazHER initiative continues to support women entering engineering, while our collaboration with the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities is helping to create meaningful employment opportunities across the organisation. Our Transition Year programme further reflects this commitment, with a balanced intake encouraging students of all backgrounds to explore engineering pathways.
Looking ahead
The year’s achievements reflect our ongoing commitment to developing talent, investing in safety and building an inclusive culture.
As we look to the future, Jones Engineering remains focused on creating opportunities, raising standards and supporting the next generation of engineers.
Jones Engineering achieved the Investors in Diversity Silver Accreditation, recognising progress in building a more inclusive
Kirby joins ranks of Best Managed Companies in Ireland
Kirby Group Engineering has been named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies in the prestigious programme run by Deloitte.
Businesses
The listing recognises businesses from across the island of Ireland, ranging from retail and hospitality to the manufacturing and construction sectors.
Kirby is a family-founded firm which is based in Limerick and has operations across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, the Nordics, and South Africa.
It employs over 1,900 people and provides full mechanical and electrical contracting services as well as specialist high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) design and construction services.
Its clients include a number of global IT leaders and range across different sectors including Data Centres, Life Sciences, Industrial, and Power and Renewables.
Awarded
Kirby is one of eight new businesses to have been awarded the Ireland’s Best Managed Companies (BMC) accolade this year.
This year, Deloitte recognised 115 indigenous companies at the awards, representing 25 of the 32 counties across the island of Ireland.
The network of companies has a combined turnover of more than €22bn and provides employment to over 62,000 people.
Rigorous
To earn a place among this year’s Best Managed Companies, the Kirby team underwent a rigorous selection process, with the firm assessed under the pillars of sustainability, innovation, culture, and governance.
The company was officially unveiled as a new addition to the list at a ceremony in Dublin.
Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, said:
‘Congratulations to all winning companies on their achievement. Irish indigenous businesses continue to impress, demonstrating unwavering resilience and commitment to excellence in an everchanging economic landscape.
The Ireland’s Best Managed Companies programme recognises the significant contribution that these businesses make to our economy, our communities and our nation as a whole.
‘As a vital part of our business ecosystem, it is essential that they are supported to grow and scale into the future, and the Best Managed programme hopes to support them as they do.’
Showcase
Glenn Shanley, Head of AIB Corporate Banking, said: ‘Ireland’s Best Managed Companies is a showcase of what we see daily in AIB – the incredible strength, ambition and resilience of our indigenous companies.
‘The process is a celebration of strong management teams and the energy they bring to the business world.
‘We can see many shared traits in the 2025 winners – for instance, a willingness to face challenges headon and turn them into opportunities, embedding sustainability as a priority, and creating a culture in which people are comfortable with sharing opinions and challenging each other.
‘Congratulations to all winners, I wish them every success in the coming year.'
Milestone
Kirby CEO Henry McCann says it’s a milestone for the team:
‘This is a landmark achievement for a company that has grown from humble beginnings just over 60 years ago.
‘Having “People” as our core value means we have been investing for years in approaches that create a healthy, happy and productive place of work.
‘I believe that open and collaborative atmosphere feeds into all aspects of how we approach our projects and is an essential part of our continuing growth and expansion.’
Valuable
Alistair Tosh, Kirby HR Director, added that being recognised among Ireland’s Best Managed Companies is a valuable asset for recruitment:
‘We operate in an intensely competitive labour market and strive to be seen as “the employer of choice” among our potential candidates.
‘We know that people don’t just want any job or any career – they value an employer who wants a longterm relationship, acknowledges experience, and supports growth and development.
‘Joining the ranks of Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies is an excellent way to demonstrate Kirby is that employer.’
Pictured are Cathy Bryce, Managing Director, AIB Capital Markets; Henry McCann, Kirby Group Engineering CEO and Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme.
No.1 Full-Range System Provider
A message from Clonmel Enterprises Ltd
At Clonmel Enterprises Ltd., we believe that every successful project is built on the strength of our relationships — and at the heart of those relationships are our people.
For decades, our company has been a leader in the Irish construction industry, recognised not only for the high quality of our work and our commitment to partnership, but also for the dedication, expertise, and integrity of our team.
Whether you are a local authority, a corporation, or a private developer, we understand that your project’s success depends as much on the people delivering it as on the processes that guide it.
The foundation
Our workforce is the foundation of Clonmel Enterprises Ltd.
From project managers to site operatives, every member of our team is encouraged and required to share a commitment to excellence and collaboration.
Their skills, experience, and passion for construction are reflected in every project we undertake — from large-scale infrastructure to bespoke developments.
We invest in continuous professional development, safety training, and a positive working environment, ensuring that our people are empowered to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Partnership
At Clonmel Enterprises Ltd., our
philosophy centres on the belief that contract administration should be founded on partnership, not conflict. We foster an open, collaborative environment where our staff and clients work together to address challenges and find solutions.
This approach protects your interests and ensures that every stage of the project reflects your expectations.
Our contracting teams are trained to communicate transparently and to engage proactively, making certain that queries are resolved swiftly and that you remain fully informed throughout the process.
Crucial
We firmly believe that effective communication is the most crucial element in building successful partnerships.
Our project managers and site teams prioritise regular updates and proactive engagement which ensures you remain informed, involved, and confident throughout the construction process.
With Clonmel Enterprises Ltd., you are never left in the dark. Your queries and concerns are addressed promptly, and your feedback is valued as an integral part of our continuous improvement.
Commitment
Our commitment to collaboration extends to every stakeholder involved in the project.
We understand that construction
projects bring together a diverse group of people, and our inclusive approach ensures that every voice is heard and respected.
By fostering harmony and teamwork, our people help deliver projects that meet, and often exceed, the needs of clients, partners, and endusers.
The result is work completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety. When asked: why choose Clonmel Enterprises Ltd?, we say:
• Experience & Expertise: Our people bring decades of hands-on experience managing complex projects across Ireland.
• Client-Centric Focus: Every new client represents a chance to build a lasting partnership rooted in trust and mutual respect.
• Transparent Processes: Our partnering approach, driven by our people, ensures openness and accountability at every stage.
• Proven Track Record: We consistently deliver successful outcomes that satisfy all involved parties, time after time.
• People-Driven Success: The dedication, skill, and integrity of our team set us apart as a construction company you can truly rely on.
At Clonmel Enterprises Ltd, we see every client as an opportunity to create a partnership that drives success. To learn more about our services, read about recent projects, and connect with our team, visit www.clonmelent. com and start the conversation.
Engineering solutions for energy, life and data.
We are the leading provider of high-quality engineering solutions. With expertise across the entire project life cycle, our structured project management, combined with a customer-centric and personable service ethic, sets us apart. It’s why we are the internationally trusted partner for world-class engineering that ensures consistent project delivery, every time.
Trusted partner in excellence suireng.com
A message from Suir Engineering
With offices in eight international markets including the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Austria and Finland, the 2024/2025 period has proven to be one of Suir Engineering’s most prolific.
Targeted
Through targeted acquisitions and continued expansion, the Irelandbased company has strengthened its market leadership, affirming its position among Europe’s foremost engineering services providers.
This focus on Europe is driving the company’s most recent growth and profitability, offering the largest concentration of opportunities in the company’s 40+ year history.
Suir Engineering is looking at a multi-million Euro order book for 2026, with pipeline opportunities in excess of €4 billion over the next two years.
Guidance
And, under the guidance of CEO John Kelly, its expansion into the UK has enabled Suir Engineering to capitalise on multi-billion-pound infrastructure opportunities, particularly in data centres and renewables.
The company’s strategic push into the UK market was marked by the acquisition of a leading mechanical, electrical, and construction services business in Scotland, Taylor & Fraser, and the opening of new offices in London and Manchester.
The combined expertise of Suir Engineering and Taylor & Fraser has strengthened the company’s market position, enabling the delivery of an even wider range of complex, largescale projects throughout the UK and Ireland.
Commitment
With an expanded workforce, enhanced technical capabilities, and a commitment to innovation and quality, Taylor & Fraser, a Suir Engineering company, now stands as a key player in the mechanical, electrical, and construction services industry, offering clients a trusted partner with both local provenance and international reach.
Taylor & Fraser provides further expansion of Suir Engineering’s OffSite Manufacturing (OSM) and modern methods of construction strategy.
The integration has resulted in record financial performance, with significant increases in revenue and
profitability driven by a strong project pipeline across multiple sectors.
Hugely important
Notwithstanding its recent success in the UK and EU, Ireland remains hugely important to Suir Engineering’s performance and operations, and is home to the company’s pioneering Apprentice Centre of Excellence.
Located in Dublin, the centre offers both workstation and classroom learning with a dedicated trainer and mentor to support apprentices over their four years of training.
It is widely lauded for the work it is doing in raising the bar for trade professionals in the engineering sector, equipping them with the highest levels of additional learning and mentorship.
The Apprentice Centre of Excellence also carries out an extensive induction for all apprentices ensuring high standards of safety are fully understood and observed – this is evidenced as being hugely successfully in statistics recorded since its implementation.
Best managed
2025 saw Suir Engineering announced as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies.
Organised by Deloitte, the programme promotes and recognises excellence in Irish owned and managed companies, with the judging panel recognising the calibre of the company’s management abilities and practices.
Suir Engineering offers clients expertise across the entire project lifecycle and specialises in the areas of data centres, energy, power & renewables, life sciences and food & beverages.
Dedicated
The team is dedicated to sustainable and responsible project delivery with a commitment to ethical conduct, corporate integrity, safety, compliance, and environmental protection embedded into every project.
Suir Engineering was founded in Ireland in 1984 and was acquired in 2022 by private equity group, Duke Street, from Dalkia and EDF Energy. www.suireng.com
John Kelly CEO, Suir Engineering
Sorensen Civil Engineering Limited
Founded by Olaf Sorensen in 1977, Sorensen Civil Engineering Limited has grown over nearly five decades to become one of Ireland’s leading marine and civil engineering specialists.
From its origins as a regional contractor, the company has expanded into a dynamic nationwide organisation recognised for delivering high-quality, technically robust, and innovative engineering solutions.
Today, Sorensen operates from offices in Cork, Limerick and the UK, with an increasingly strong presence across the UK marine sector, supported by an established client base and an expanding supply chain.
Strength
Sorensen’s strength lies in the breadth and depth of its engineering capability.
The company undertakes an extensive range of marine and civil works, including coastal and harbour developments, jetties, piers and slipways, flood relief schemes, instream works, heavy civil engineering, major earthworks, highways and roads infrastructure, power & utilities, renewable energy, and water and wastewater projects.
The business also delivers public realm improvements, park and landscape projects, and operates across a variety of contract forms –from Traditional and Design & Build to
Design-Build-Operate – supported by in-house design, project management and PSCS expertise.
Contributor
A key contributor to Sorensen’s consistent delivery record is its longestablished ‘Self-Delivery’ model.
Sorensen owns and maintains a substantial fleet of specialist civil and marine plant, enabling greater control over programme, productivity, and quality.
The fleet includes excavators, dumpers, trenchers, piling hammers, vibro hammers, tracked cranes, spudleg barges, work and safety boats, pontoons, compaction equipment, generators, pumps, and a full suite of small plant.
These assets are supported by a dedicated team of trained plant fitters operating from a large maintenance facility in Cork.
Continuous investment in plant and equipment ensures the company is well positioned to meet evolving industry demands and maintain its
capability across complex marine and infrastructural environments.
Highly skilled
Complementing this fleet is Sorensen’s highly skilled workforce.
The company employs some of the most experienced machine operators, pipe layers, tradespeople, and technical staff in the industry, enabling a consistently high standard of workmanship across all projects.
The team is supported by a strong, proven, and dependable supply chain, encompassing subcontractors and suppliers who are aligned with the company’s commitment to safety, quality, and environmental performance.
This integrated delivery model allows Sorensen to mobilise efficiently and execute projects nationwide and internationally.
Track record
Central to Sorensen’s reputation is its track record of successfully delivering challenging, multidisciplinary projectsoften in live, environmentally sensitive, or tidal conditions.
The company’s success is rooted in practical experience, strong technical competence, and a culture that focusses on safety, innovation, and teamwork.
Whether working on major coastal protection schemes, critical utility infrastructure, or complex marine operations, Sorensen brings a solutionsfocused approach tailored to the needs of each project.
Expand
As Sorensen continues to expand its operations within Ireland and the UK, the company remains committed to its founding principles: delivering highquality engineering, maintaining strong client relationships, and investing in people, plant, and innovation.
With nearly 50 years of experience behind it and continued growth ahead, Sorensen Civil Engineering Limited stands as a trusted leader in marine and civil engineering.
Leading the Way in Surety Bonds Across Ireland & the UK
Tailored Bonding Solutions That Work for You
At Le Chéile Group, our dedicated Surety team specialises in securing Surety bonds with competitive rates designed around your needs. Whether you’re building, bidding, or managing projects, we provide reliable, tailored solutions every step of the way.
Leading the Way in Surety Bonds Across Ireland & the UK
Leading the Way in Surety Bonds Across Ireland & the UK
Leading the Way in Surety Bonds Across Ireland & the UK
Our Expertise Covers Every Type of Bond You Need:
Leading the Way in Surety Bonds Across Ireland & the UK
the Way in Surety Bonds Across Ireland & the
Tailored Bonding Solutions That Work for You
ü Performance Bonds
Tailored Bonding Solutions That Work for You
Tailored Bonding Solutions That Work for You
Tailored Bonding Solutions That Work for You
ü Development Bonds
ü Irish Water Bonds
At Le Chéile Group, our dedicated Surety team specialises in securing Surety bonds with competitive rates designed around your needs. Whether you’re building, bidding, or managing projects, we provide reliable, tailored solutions every step of the way.
Irish Revenue Bonds
At Le Chéile Group, our dedicated Surety team specialises in securing Surety bonds with competitive rates designed around your needs. Whether you’re building, bidding, or managing projects, we provide reliable, tailored solutions every step of the way.
Solutions That Work for You
At Le Chéile Group, our dedicated Surety team specialises in securing Surety bonds with competitive rates designed around your needs. Whether you’re building, bidding, or managing projects, we provide reliable, tailored solutions every step of the way.
At Le Chéile Group, our dedicated Surety team specialises in securing Surety bonds competitive rates designed around your needs. Whether you’re building, bidding, managing projects, we provide reliable, tailored solutions every step of the way.
Why Choose Le Chéile Group?
Our Expertise Covers Every Type of Bond You Need:
Our Expertise Covers Every Type of Bond You Need:
ü Performance Bonds
ü Performance Bonds
ü Expert, personalised support from industry-specialist brokers
Our Expertise Covers Every Type of Bond You Need: ◊ Performance Bonds
ü Advance Payment Bonds
Advance Payment Bonds
Group, our dedicated Surety team specialises in securing Surety rates designed around your needs. Whether you’re building, projects, we provide reliable, tailored solutions every step of the
ü Development Bonds
ü Development Bonds
Development Bonds ◊ Irish Water Bonds
ü Bid Bonds
ü tailored solutions for each bonding requirement
Bid Bonds
Advance Payment Bonds
Bid Bonds
ü Irish Water Bonds
ü Consistent, high- quality service
Advance Payment Bonds ◊ Bid Bonds
ü Irish Water Bonds
Our Expertise Covers Every Type of Bond You Need: ü Performance Bonds ü Development Bonds ü Irish Water Bonds
Irish Revenue Bonds
ü Irish Revenue Bonds
Irish Revenue Bonds
ü End-to - end service from bid to build, and beyond
Irish Revenue Bonds
Why Choose Le Chéile Group?
Covers Every Type of Bond You Need:
Why Choose Le Chéile Group?
Why Choose Le Chéile Group?
We also offer Structural/Latent Defects Insurance for the Irish market, available for:
We also oLer Structural/Latent Defects Insurance for the Irish market as part of our comprehensive support package, available for:
Residential Inherent Defects
ü Expert, personalised support from industry-specialist brokers
ü Expert, personalised support from industry-specialist brokers
Commercial Inherent Defects
ü Expert, personalised support from industry-specialist brokers
Social Housing Inherent Defects
ü tailored solutions for each bonding requirement
ü tailored solutions for each bonding requirement
Builds
Renovations
ü Consistent, high- quality service
ü Residential Inherent Defects
ü Consistent, high- quality service
ü Consistent, high- quality service
ü Social Housing Inherent Defects
ü Commercial Inherent Defects
ü End-to - end service from bid to build, and beyond
ü End-to - end service from bid to build, and beyond We also oLer Structural/Latent Defects
ü tailored solutions for each bonding requirement ü End-to - end service from bid to build, and beyond
We also oLer Structural/Latent Defects Insurance for the Irish market as part of our comprehensive support package, available for:
ü Residential Inherent Defects ü New Builds Renovations
Over 35 speakers presented on the main stage, across panels, and throughout roundtable breakout discussions. The summit saw over 400 industry professionals attend, of which 76% were decision makers.
With a strong focus on professionals with a responsibility for managing and organising health and safety in their organisation, the summit touched on key topics such as:
• design safety management
• mental wellbeing
• sensitive and vulnerable work groups
• fairness, inclusion and respect
• emerging and evolving technologies
• education and training programmes
• making workplaces safer, healthier and more productive
• the impact of AI on construction safety and
• managing the hazards of respirable crystalline silica (RCS)
Kicking off with a welcome from the Chair, Jonathan Healy, of Newstalk, the agenda was packed with insightful discussions and presentations, interspersed with networking during coffee and lunch breaks, as well as exhibition viewing in the main hallway from over 15 exhibitors.
Safety, health and wellbeing
The CIF actively promotes all-year-round health and safety in the construction industry. Every year, a Safety, Health and Wellbeing Calendar is published to address the key focus areas for the construction industry per quarter.
The intent is to promote a high level of focus on essential site safety considerations, as perceived by the CIF Safety and Health Subcommittee.
The calendar endeavours to provide an itinerary of key diary events for each calendar month to reflect national and international campaigns for safety, health and wellbeing.
Our new modular manufacturing facility delivers smarter, more predictable quality for projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Built to meet the future of modular engineering.
Designer Group invests €10 million in new Modular Manufacturing Facility in Co. Meath
Designer Group, one of Ireland’s leading mechanical and electrical engineering companies, has expanded its Modular Manufacturing capability with the opening of a new €10 million facility in Kells, Co. Meath.
The large investment in the 4,000sqm workshop demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to innovation, efficiency, and client value.
The new facility is expected to employ up to 75 people over the next five years in a range of positions, including in engineering, fabrication and logistics.
Having delivered modular and offsite solutions for several years, this larger, purpose-built workshop enables
Designer Group to scale operations, enhance production capacity and deliver even greater value for its clients in the Data Centre, Energy, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Components built at the Meath plant will be transported to Designer Group client sites across Ireland, the UK and Europe.
Forefront
Mr Paul Nicholls, Group Managing Director, Designer Group said:
‘As our industry continues to evolve, we are seeing a fundamental shift in how complex projects are executed – with speed, certainty, and sustainability at the forefront.
‘Our new facility enables us to
Mr Paul Nicholls, Group Managing Director, Designer Group.
deliver high-quality, prefabricated modules off-site, driving greater efficiency, cost certainty, and reduced risk for our clients, while ensuring excellence in delivery across all sectors.
‘Beyond its operational impact, this investment also strengthens our local footprint, supporting long-term employment in Co. Meath with the creation of 75 skilled, management and apprenticeship roles over the coming years.’
MMD Construction setting a new standard for urban living in Cork
The Barrack Street Development stands as a landmark achievement for MMD Construction, delivered in collaboration with Cork City Council.
Thoughtful
Winner of the Irish Construction Excellence Award 2025, the project exemplifies how thoughtful urban design and modern construction practices can enhance city living.
The scheme transforms a historic Cork streetscape into a vibrant residential community, blending architectural sensitivity with technical innovation.
The development delivers highquality homes that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings, supporting Cork City Council’s vision for sustainable urban regeneration.
As Main Contractor, Design & Build partner, and PSCS, MMD Construction managed every phase with precision
– from demolition and structural interventions to the delivery of energyefficient, A-rated residential units.
The company’s collaborative approach, supported by advanced project management and quality systems, enabled smooth delivery within a live city-centre environment.
Extends
Today, MMD Construction’s project portfolio extends across multiple sectors, including housing, education, healthcare, transport, and defence.
The company continues to deliver projects for clients such as the Land Development Agency, Cork City Council, the Department of Defence, the HSE, and Bus Éireann, alongside a growing number of private clients.
This broad client base reflects MMD Construction’s trusted reputation for quality, reliability, and partnershipdriven delivery.
‘The project exemplifies how thoughtful urban design and modern construction practices can enhance city living.’
Focusing
Looking ahead, MMD Construction is focusing on Lean Construction and sustainability initiatives.
The company is reducing its environmental impact through the use of HVO fuel, solar-powered site facilities, and recycled materials, while Lean principles are driving greater efficiency, collaboration, and value across every stage of project delivery.
.....� �
"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 and Semi-conductor.
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
MSL Engineering Ltd. Quality delivered… safely, on time, every time
MSL Engineering Ltd. is a full-service mechanical engineering contractor operating across a wide range of industry sectors.
With over 45 years of expertise and a flexible project management approach, MSL delivers best-in-class projects utilizing BIM and modular fabrication processes to the highest standards of workmanship, safety, quality, and reliability.
Founded in 1979, MSL Engineering specializes in the fabrication and installation of process, utility, and high-purity pipework, platforms, steelwork, and equipment installation across many industry sectors.
Service offerings:
• Modular fabrication and assemblies
• Fabrication and installation of process, utility, and high-purity pipework
• Managing multi-discipline subcontractors including HVAC, scaffold, craneage, insulation, painting, and NDT
• Utilizing BIM and 3D modelling design processes
With a workforce of over 450 people, MSL has grown to become one of the leading players in an industry that has seen parallel growth in the pharmaceutical, biopharma, semiconductor, chemical, oil and gas, energy, data centre, and food & beverage sectors.
Support
Originally established to provide craft support to the fledgling but now defunct NET plant in Marino Point, Cork, the business expanded its client base over time and developed a reputation for reliability, engineering excellence, and the ability to get the job done.
Retaining the roots of the original
founders, the company is a wholly owned Irish entity.
It has organically evolved from providing support services to local industry to a position where it now competes successfully for large-scale engineering projects and provides a full range of engineering and constructability solutions to clients throughout Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the US.
Safety commitment:
Working in inherently hazardous industries, MSL has always taken an uncompromising approach to safety.
This is evident in its high standards and long-standing safety record, its ISO45001-accredited safety management system, and its behavioural safety-based systems of work.
MSL’s desire to continuously improve to stay ahead of the competitive curve has led it to identify and invest in new business processes in recent years.
As a result, the company significantly increased turnover and expanded its area of operation to include Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and the UK.
Digital Technologies Investment: The company’s investment in digital technologies means MSL continuously improves its BIM offering to clients and its digital project delivery (DPD) capabilities.
MSL also encourages and promotes early contractor engagement and
an integrated project delivery (IPD) approach by offering modular design and modular construction experience to maximize offsite manufacturing and fabrication (OSM) opportunities for clients.
Recently, MSL has successfully demonstrated its ability to execute an ‘OSM Integrator’ role on significant CAPEX projects of scale, by coordinating between client, designer, and contractor, and capitalizing on any potential value added by OSM and a modular approach.
Facility
Reflecting strong growth, MSL has invested in a modern 180,000 sq. foot fabrication facility in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork.
This new facility, adjacent to the newly relocated Port Of Cork, includes a large-scale modular fabrication workshop, a piping fabrication workshop, and an 8,000 sq. foot clean piping workshop. It enables MSL to continue to service all their existing clients and allows them to expand and develop relationships with new clients in Ireland and abroad.
Managing director
MSL Managing Director Brian McGrath says: ‘Our mission is to set the industry standards for safety, quality, and reliability, consistently exceeding client expectations.
‘Guided by honesty, respect, and integrity, we are dedicated to forging enduring partnerships that deliver mutual benefit and success for our clients, team, and community.
‘Our focus in developing a standard of performance is to ensure all MSL personnel are empowered to achieve their full potential and are recognized for doing so.
‘Our performance standard defines how well each function or task must be performed in order to meet or exceed expectations, thus ensuring our standards are best in class.’
Growth
With continued growth, a new modern Fabrication Facility, ISO accredited Management Systems in Safety (ISO45001), Quality (ISO9001) & Environmental (ISO18001), and investment in new innovative business processes, MSL Engineering Ltd continues to challenge itself to deliver the highest standard of service deserved and expected by its clients.
MSL Engineering Ltd. Ringport Business Park, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. P43 RX06 Tel: +353 21 451 3550 www.mslengineering.ie
Turnkey Delivery of Digital Infrastructure
A dedicated data centre delivery partner, headquartered in Dublin and delivering throughout Europe
Transforming Material Handling with Combilift
Today’s construction industry faces growing pressures: larger prefabricated components, tighter site footprints, increased safety expectations, and rising sustainability goals.
As modular and off-site construction expand, the handling of massive or awkward loads — from precast panels or structural timber to entire volumetric units – becomes increasingly complex.
Specialist
Combilift, the material-handling specialist, offers efficient, safe and space-saving solutions for handling the most extreme loads!
With equipment capable of lifting from 1 tonne to over 150 tonnes, the Irish manufacturer offers a unique portfolio of multidirectional forklifts, straddle carriers, and mobile gantries engineered specifically to handle the demands of construction materials, structural components, and modular units.
As a leader in innovative handling solutions, Combilift has exported over 100,000 machines to 85 countries. Its equipment is known for its robust design and long operational life, even in challenging applications, uneven terrains and diverse weather conditions.
Handling oversized loads
As construction shifts toward larger prefabricated assemblies, the need for specialised heavy-load handling grows quickly.
Among Combilift’s heavy lifting equipment are the Combi-SC (Straddle Carrier) and the Combi-MG (Mobile Gantry), both capable of lifting and manoeuvring extremely large and awkward loads.
These machines are designed to tackle the challenges of lifting and moving heavy, oversized products within production facilities, yards, or construction sites, particularly in industries such as concrete, steel, structural timber and modular
construction.
A significant advantage of the Combi-SC is its much lighter unladen weight compared to other pieces of heavy-duty handling equipment. This enables operation on poor and semi-rough terrain, avoiding the need for expensive ground resurfacing. Further benefits include low fuel consumption, 3-wheel manoeuvrability and excellent allround operator visibility for models fitted with a driver’s cab.
Priority
Sustainability is now a priority across the construction sector.
The light footprint of the Combi-SC range makes it exceptionally fuelefficient, while its large punctureproof flotation tyres significantly reduce ground pressure.
This allows operation on all floor conditions and further eliminates the need for resurfacing.
By optimising storage capacity and avoiding unnecessary ground works, Combilift equipment reduces both the physical and carbon footprint of a site while preventing costly greenfield expansion.
Multidirectional forklifts to handle long loads
From steel beams and timber frames to precast planks, long materials are a daily challenge on construction sites and fabrication yards.
Traditional forklifts struggle to handle long loads in restricted areas, often requiring excessive manoeuvring space and risky overhead load handling.
Combilift’s multidirectional forklifts eliminate these challenges by allowing long loads to be carried sideways at low heights, which enhances stability and boosts both safety and operational efficiency.
With load capacities of up to 25 tonnes, the C-Series is designed for safe, space-saving,
and efficient handling of long and bulky products in confined spaces.
Robust and built to last, the C-Series operates as ‘three forklifts in one’: a sideloader, counterbalance truck, and narrow-aisle forklift, offering unmatched versatility.
It operates as a regular counterbalance, but with the flick of a switch, it transforms into a sideloader, capable of navigating far narrower aisles and doorways while keeping long loads, such as steel beams, low to the ground.
Flexibility
This flexibility allows operators to transport long materials safely through tight spaces, reducing the need for multiple truck types.
The result is a significantly reduced fleet size and the elimination of time-consuming double handling, improving your overall workflow.
Construction companies often handle a mix of palletised materials and long awkward loads.
The multidirectional Combi-CB
excels in these hybrid environments. Its compact size makes it ideal for palletised goods, while its sidewaystravel capability enables safe handling of long loads.
Suitable for builders’ merchants, modular factories, and mixed-material yards, the CB helps operators navigate congested sites while efficiently transporting loads like timber packs or steel sections.
Expand
In line with the growing demand for electric-powered equipment, Combilift continues to expand its extensive range of electric forklifts, like the multidirectional Combi-CB70E, providing clean, quiet operation for indoor facilities such as prefabrication plants.
This model is the latest addition to the range. With a 7t lifting capacity, it is the most compact counterbalance forklift of its capacity on the market.
Featuring Combilift’s patented Independent Traction Control System and large elastic rubber tires, it delivers all-terrain capability with a focus on zero-emission operation.
The spacious gas strut suspension cab and floor-to-ceiling glazing offer enhanced visibility and comfort, while the Auto Swivel Seat – which automatically swivels 15 degrees to the left or right, depending on the direction of travel – ensures optimal ergonomics and operator comfort, even during extended shifts.
Get in touch today
Whether you are operating a modular factory, a precast yard, a structural steel plant, or a construction logistics hub, Combilift provides the specialised equipment needed to handle extreme loads with confidence.
Discover how Combilift’s versatile product range can help you maximise your existing space while boosting efficiency and safety in your material handling operations.
Visit Combilift.com for more information.
ENHANCE THE SAFETY, STORAGE AND EFFICIENCY OF YOUR LOGISTICS WITH COMBILIFT
For over 25 years, Combilift has been revolutionising the way companies handle and store goods. We help companies of all sizes and from every industry to maximise the capacity, safety and efficiency of their warehouse and storage facilities.
Our pioneering product range of multidirectional, articulated and pedestrian forklifts, straddle carriers and container loaders allows you to manoeuvre long loads safely, reduce aisle widths and increase the amount of space available for storage.
CONTACT US TODAY
To find out how Combilift can help you unlock every inch of your storage space.
WorldSkills Ireland 2025: Showcasing the industry as ‘careers for life’
WorldSkills Ireland 2025 took place at the RDS Simmonscourt from 17-19 September. The event’s salient goal was to inspire the next generation of skilled young people.
An estimated 36,000 students attended over the three action-packed days.
There was an eclectic atmosphere of experimentation and discovery through live competitions, interactive areas, VR demonstrations, and inspirational talks, inspiring students to follow their passions, interests, and talents.
There was also ample opportunity to talk to various educators around Ireland and the companies recruiting apprentices, with the unified vision of securing the future of Ireland.
‘Continuity of learning and education’
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) was proud to be an Industry Partner.
On the day, the CIF demonstration stand showcased the wide and varied jobs and skills across the full range of apprenticeships and degree programmes, from carpentry, painting and plumbing to electrical, engineering, surveying and architecture.
CIF also had many interactive elements to give students the immersive VR experience of driving a whole range of plant and machinery.
Sean Downey, Director of Safety, Education & Training at CIF, discussed the advantages of exhibiting at WorldSkills Ireland for employers seeking to engage and attract the next generation of talent:
Experience
‘World Skills Ireland is the best location for young people
to experience the entire range of opportunities available in construction.
‘Employers looking to attract future talent need to be there to understand what those young people want and how to make that connection.’
The CIF’s Director of Main Contracting, Paul Sheridan, highlighted the advantages of participating in the event, both as an attendee and exhibitor:
‘From the CIF’s perspective, it’s brilliant to be able to showcase the industry in practical examples of craft apprenticeships and craft skills, but also to demonstrate that these are the careers for life.
Continuity
‘But not only that, they provide you with a continuity of learning and education, and the ability to move within the industry to different roles. So, it’s just great.’
File picture.
Marmox updates its Multiboard range with new Wetroom Solutions for the Irish Market
With wetroom construction, bathroom renovations, and accessible design continuing to grow across Ireland’s residential and commercial sectors, tilers and builders are looking for systems that save time on site while maintaining high levels of durability and moisture protection.
Familiar solution
Marmox Multiboard has become a familiar solution within the industry, used as a lightweight, waterproof tile-backer board for walls, floors, and custom features.
In December 2025, Marmox launched an expanded Multiboard range with several new products designed to support installers working on modern bathroom projects.
The latest updates include a redesigned Showerlay range with a new drain system, revised tray sizes, relocated outlet positions, and a new fleece.
Marmox has also launched a full collection of tileable wall-hanging wash basins, along with two new niche sizes for integrated storage.
All additions are built around the same Multiboard structure, ensuring compatibility across products.
Updated showerlay range
Wetrooms remain a strong growth area in Ireland, particularly in newbuilds, hotel refurbishments, and accessibility-focused renovations.
The updated Marmox Showerlay range introduces a series of improvements aimed at simplifying installation.
The new drain system offers a secure connection and improved access for maintenance –beneficial in both private homes and commercial settings where reliability is essential.
Four styles are available:
• Linear Drain Basin for contemporary bathrooms
Flow performance has also been refined to meet the requirements of larger walk-in showers.
Stronger
A new fleece layer supports stronger waterproofing, especially at the perimeter where the tray meets surrounding substrates.
This contributes to long-term moisture protection, a key concern in Irish builds where humidity and ventilation challenges are common.
Marmox has also introduced new tray sizes and relocated outlet positions across selected offset and linear models.
For additional flexibility, all Showerlays can now be trimmed by up to 100mm on any side, allowing trays to be cut to fit irregular spaces without affecting the built-in gradient.
Tileable Wash Basins
A major expansion of the Multiboard range is the new collection of tileable wash basins.
Manufactured from the same waterproof, rigid XPS core as Multiboard and reinforced with stainless steel support bars, these basins allow installers to create fully tiled, custom bathroom features without additional fabrication.
• Push Plug Basin compatible with standard fittings
• Infinity Basin for a seamless tiled look
• Shelf Basin, which can be used alone or paired with the other basins as a storage or extension element
Tileable basins have become increasingly popular in architect-led designs and residential projects across Ireland, where clients are seeking cohesive, made-to-measure finishes.
New Marmox Niches
Marmox has also expanded its niche offering with two new sizes – 600 × 300mm and 1200 × 400mm.
These waterproof, ready-to-tile recesses provide practical storage without the need for additional shelving and suit both domestic and commercial wetrooms.
The larger niche supports featurewall layouts often requested in hotel bathrooms and high-end residential builds.
Built on Multiboard
Every new product is based on the proven Multiboard structure, ensuring consistency in waterproofing, rigidity, thermal performance, and adhesive bond strength.
For Irish contractors and tilers working under tight timelines, this system-based approach supports faster installation while maintaining reliability.
Your trusted bond advisor
• Performance bonds
• Development bonds
• Advanced payment bonds
Why choose Howden?
• Our bonding solutions are designed to provide peace of mind, ensuring your projects are completed on time and within budget.
• We are committed to supporting your business with reliable and efficient bonding solutions tailored to your specific needs.
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• In addition, we can safeguard your entire business with comprehensive business insurance — including liability, PI and more…
• With Howden, you can focus on what you do best — building and innovating — while we take care of the rest.
Colm McGrath Head of Surety colm.mcgrath@howdeninsurance.ie
T +353 (0)71 9623228
M +353 (0)86 818 9702
Danny Rankin
Head Surety Broker
danny.rankin@howdeninsurance.ie
T +353 (0)71 9623228
M +353 (0)86 028 7513
Paul Wyse
Senior Account Manager
paul.wyse@howdeninsurance.ie
T +353 (0)71 9623228
M +353 (0)86 302 2963
EnginEErs
Thank yOu for putting the Construction Professional centre stage!
Here at Construction Management Ireland we know we couldn’t do it without you - without our contributors, without our readers, without those who support us with advertising. We also know that sometimes these descriptions are not mutually exclusive – that our supporters can exist in one or more – or even in all three of these at the same time. How does this affect our approach? Simple. We keep the professional and professionality centre stage. It’s our common ground. It’s what unites us.
At CMi we don’t go in for unnecessary jargon, we don’t like to over-use buzzwords and, as a rule we’re not ones for slogans. But we do like to say:
If it’s of interest to the Irish Construction Professional then it’s of interest to ‘Construction Management Ireland’.
EnginEErs
Monitoring What Matters
SV 803
Advanced wireless vibration monitoring station designed for both short- and long-term building and ground vibration monitoring in any environment.
Noise Monitoring Station Class 1
All-in-one Class 1 noise monitoring station engineered for permanent environmental noise monitoring in any weather.
» 20+ years of monitoring expertise
» Specialising in hydrological, structural & environmental monitoring
» Serving government, construction, local authorities & pharmaceutical sectors
» Contributing to major Irish infrastructure projects
DM30 DustSens
Particulate Monitor:
Boundary monitoring station for measuring air quality and noise.
The vibration meter, equipped with sensors, records and processes vibration and air shock data, storing the measurements locally within the instrument.
AIR QUALITY
ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE
HYDROLOGICAL INSTRUMENTATION
MOVEMENT MONITORING
OCCUPATIONAL MONITORING
VIBRATION
OTT Flood Monitoring System
Integrated flood monitoring and stream gauging solution.
Best practice for protecting the environment and ensuring strong community engagement – Noel Carr, Director with NVM Limited
Delivering housing at speed is now a national priority. Local authorities and approved housing bodies are being challenged to bring forward serviced land, mobilise delivery teams, and accelerate construction – whether through traditional build, timber frame, off-site or other modern methods of construction (MMC).
Yet speed cannot come at the expense of environmental stewardship or community relations.
Critical role
This is where environmental monitoring plays a critical – but often overlooked – role in enabling faster, compliant, and community-supported residential development.
The NVM team brings a level of technical strength that gives clients real confidence.
Our work shows that environmental monitoring isn’t an extra layer of red tape – it’s a practical tool that supports planning, keeps construction running smoothly, and helps maintain strong communication with the local community throughout the project.
Starting with Site Readiness:
Understanding the Receptors
When a local authority begins preparing a greenfield or brownfield site for rapid housing delivery, the first question is not about the build system – it is about the environment and the people around it.
The starting point is identifying the receptors – the natural and human environments that could be affected during construction.
These may include nearby schools, existing housing, commercial premises, or environmentally sensitive areas.
From plant movement to ground breakout, from compaction to elevated noise or dust, each element of site activity has the potential to impact these receptors.
This receptor-focused approach aligns with best practice under EU environmental directives and Irish planning policy.
It ensures that potential impacts are identified and understood early, before designs are finalised or contractors mobilised.
Building the Monitoring Framework
Once receptors are identified, the next step is to design and install a comprehensive environmental monitoring plan. Based on our experience this includes:
• A structured baseline survey for noise, dust, and vibration
• Installation of live monitoring equipment at critical receptor locations
• Continuous monitoring throughout construction to ensure compliance
• Clear reporting lines between the monitoring company, the contractor, and the local authority
This transparent information flow is central: ‘It’s about having a clear path, a clear channel for the information to come through, so that there’s nothing hidden.’ – Noel Carr, Director of NVM
This is the basis of best practice and it is essential for maintaining community trust on local projects.
Why monitoring matters for community engagement
Ireland has limited experience in the delivery of rapid-delivery projects, including housing and every site carries community sensitivities.
Concerns about dust, noise, vibration, traffic movements, or property impacts can undermine support for new housing if not managed properly.
Real-time monitoring offers reassurance. It means:
• Local residents can trust that environmental impacts are measured objectively
• The local authority can demonstrate proactive oversight
• Issues can be addressed immediately rather than reactively
• Communication is based on data, not speculation
Responding to Ireland’s housing emergency requires an approach that
is not business-as-usual.
The usual procurement and planning may need to be reimagined or re-sequenced, with compliance being achieved retrospectively.
Community trust cannot be built retrospectively; it must be earned throughout the duration of the build.
Best-Practice Framework for Construction Environmental Monitoring
NVM’s recommended approach can be summarised as a practical, seven-point best-practice model.
Key objectives include:
1. Reviewing all off-site sensitive locations
2. Establishing reliable baseline conditions
3. Continuous live monitoring for the duration of works
4. Implementing on-site mitigation measures
5. Protecting the structural integrity of third-party assets
6. Ensuring construction noise and vibration remain within predictive limits
Contrary to outdated perceptions, environmental monitoring does not slow down delivery. It accelerates it by:
• Preventing stoppages due to complaints or exceedances
• Supporting planning applications with robust data
• Allowing modular or MMC delivery teams to operate efficiently
• Reducing legal and operational risk for local authorities
• Ensuring compliance with environmental and building regulations
In practice, monitoring de-risks the project, protects the environment, and strengthens community support, all of which enable faster housing delivery.
www.nvm.ie
Kilsaran launch precast facility in Co. Kildare to support demand for residential units
Minister James Browne visits state-of-the-art facility
'Kilsaran, Ireland’s leading independent manufacturer of construction materials, launched their new precast production facility in Arthurstown, close to Kill in Co Kildare.'
Significant
The new facility marks a significant move to address Ireland’s growing need for residential units and represents Kilsaran’s continued commitment to building for the future.
It is the largest twin wall precast plant ever commissioned in Ireland, significantly boosting Kilsaran’s capacity to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes more efficiently nationwide.
Since its establishment in 2021, Kilsaran Precast has become a leading supplier of structural precast concrete products in Ireland and the UK, serving sectors including residential, hospitality, life sciences, and education.
Strengthening
The Arthurstown facility joins existing operations in Oranmore, Galway, and Brownstown, Kildare, further strengthening the company’s fullservice offering – from design and manufacture to installation.
Speaking at the facility, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage of Ireland, James Browne, said: ‘As part of our new housing action plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities, I want to see a doubling of current construction output, and this demands strong industry leadership and innovation.
‘We have to boost skills and embrace
Modern Methods of Construction
(MMC), which brings proven benefits to both public and private sector projects.
Essential
‘MMC use includes reductions in delivery timeframes of up to 40%, greater cost certainty, and fewer changes during construction. This is essential.
‘By ensuring homes are built with enhanced speed, quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, MMC is the key enabler for accelerated housing building across Ireland.
‘Companies like Kilsaran are vital partners in this national effort.
‘Their new Precast facility in Arthurstown here in Kildare represents the type of strategic investment and forward-thinking required to provide housing at the scale and pace Ireland needs.’
Unique
David & Derry McKeown, Co-CEO’s of Kilsaran commented: ‘Kilsaran Precast has developed a unique and highly efficient system for apartment construction, focusing on speed, quality, and durability.
‘With the Arthurstown plant, we expect to increase our output to nearly 4,000 apartment units per year –directly supporting Ireland’s housing targets.
‘At our Brownstown facility, we installed 2,000 solar PV panels earlier this year, cutting our grid electricity use by 21%.
‘We plan to replicate that success in Arthurstown as part of our ongoing sustainability strategy.’
About Kilsaran
Kilsaran is a family-owned and Irish run business, celebrating 61 years in operation. They mine raw materials from their own quarries and manufacture end products at their various manufacturing plants across Ireland and the UK. The business now operates out of 30 locations in Ireland and one in the UK.
Guaranteed Irish
Proud to be a member of the Guaranteed Irish family of brands, Kilsaran currently employs more than 1,100 people and has 350 to 400 subcontractors. The company operates across six business units:
• Paving & Walling
• Road Surfacing & Contracting
• KPRO Pre-Mixed Dry Mortar
• Precast
• Concrete Products & Aggregates
• Materials Recovery & Recycling
Sustainability remains at the heart of Kilsaran’s mission. For the Kilsaran Precast side of the business, a key achievement has been the reduction of embodied carbon in its precast products.
Commitment
The company introduced Ireland’s first electric concrete trucks in 2024 as part of its commitment to a greener future.
These zero-emissions vehicles align with Kilsaran’s ESG Responsible Business Strategy, structured around four core pillars: Planet, People, Solutions, and Performance.
The strategy supports the UN Sustainability Goals, the Paris Agreement, and Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.
www.kilsaran.ie
Introducing UniBond’s next generation of cartridges
Henkel sets the new standard with the next generation of cardboard cartridges by UniBond, designed for improved user experience and sustainability.
• Enhanced user experience with a convenient no-cut opening, simplifying application
• Sustainable solution reducing at least 51% of plastic waste
• No compromises in product performance or user habits
Henkel, the name behind construction adhesives and sealants brand UniBond, has announced the launch of a new generation of cartridges across its portfolio.
The design has been developed to improve sustainability while enhancing convenience for users.
Roll-out began in September 2025 across the UK & Ireland in sanitary and multipurpose silicone sealants.
Technology
Cartridge technology has seen little change since the 1930s.
Traditional solutions not only require tools and time for preparation but also generate substantial plastic waste.
In line with its ambitious sustainability goals, Henkel set out to develop a more circular solution without compromising performance or altering user habits.
Dedicated
‘Our new cardboard-based cartridge technology is the result of two years of dedicated engineering, development and testing, involving over 3,000 professional and DIY users,’ explained Lisa Nassif, General Manager for Henkel Adhesives for Consumers & Craftsmen in the UKI & Nordics.
‘This innovation allows us to introduce a next-generation solution that combines substantial sustainability benefits with improved functionality, all while upholding the uncompromising product performance our brands are known for.
‘We are convinced these cartridges will set us apart in the construction adhesives and sealants market by perfectly aligning with users’ needs and expectations.’
Ambassador
Harry Redknapp, former footballer, manager and UniBond ambassador, welcomed the launch:
‘I’ve always appreciated a product that makes life easier, and UniBond’s Next Generation Cartridge certainly does that.
‘It’s a great step forward, not just because it’s super user friendly with a no-cut system – but also how it’s helping to reduce plastic waste, without compromising on quality.
‘It’s clear UniBond have put a lot of thought into this, delivering a solution that benefits both the user and the environment.’
Enhanced recyclability and waste reduction
Conventional cartridges are mostly plastic, and after use, must be disposed of in non-circular waste streams due to contamination.
The new UniBond solution uses five key components: a top cap, nozzle, ring, and piston made from at least 49% recycled plastic, plus the exterior tube based on fully recycled and recyclable cardboard tube and the inner foil sausage.
The cartridge also enables better end-of-
life management.
Contaminated parts such as the top cap, nozzle, piston, and inner foil can be disposed of in general waste, while the cardboard tube, label, and ring can go into regular household recycling. This reduces non-recyclable waste per cartridge by 73%.
Improved user experience
Sustainability is only part of the story. UniBond’s new cartridges feature a no-cut system, enabling quick, tool-free opening.
Users simply pull the plug out, screw on the nozzle, place it in a cartridge gun, and they’re ready to go.
This removes the need for knives or scissors, making assembly easier and safer.
The cartridges work with existing cartridge guns and deliver the same trusted UniBond quality, ensuring no compromise on performance.
If the product is not fully used, it can be resealed with the cap for later use –another small but meaningful improvement in convenience.
Benchmark
With this launch, Henkel and UniBond are setting a new benchmark for the industry, proving that sustainability, safety, and performance can go hand in hand.
NEXT GENERATION
The Grant Aerona R290
- Innovative Design
- Exceptional Performance
- Ultra-Low Noise Levels
- Outputs from 4kW – 16kW
HVO Biofuel: A practical pathway for greener home heating in Ireland
As Ireland accelerates efforts to decarbonise its built environment, the focus is shifting beyond new homes to the hundreds of thousands of existing properties still reliant on oil heating.
While renewable technologies like the Grant Aerona R290 air to water heat pump are proving to be highly effective heat sources in new builds and deep retrofits, there's a more immediate opportunity to lower emissions through the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) biofuel, a cleanerburning, drop-in alternative to kerosene.
Over 680,000 Irish homes have oil-fired heating systems and retrofitting these to accommodate heat pumps is an ambitious, long-term goal. It is also one that will involve substantial financial investment and major renovation works, which can cause disruption for the homeowner.
Sustainable HVO biofuel, derived from sustainable waste sources like used cooking oils and animal fats, offers a faster, less invasive renewable fuel option for decarbonising home heating.
When used as a heating fuel, HVO can deliver carbon savings of up to 88% compared to traditional fossil fuels.
It’s not only a lower-emission alternative but is also straightforward to adopt. For installers and homeowners alike, the transition to HVO-ready systems is simple.
All new Grant Vortex condensing boilers are factoryprepared to run using HVO biofuel, and existing models can be converted to 100% HVO or biofuel blend use with a minor burner adjustment, typically carried out during a regular service visit.
Cost-effectiveness
Barry Gorman, National Renewable Sales Manager at Grant, highlights the cost-effectiveness of the solution:
‘Retrofitting a home for a heat pump system is a big undertaking.
‘In contrast, converting an existing boiler to run on HVO is a simple process for an installer and usually costs within the region of €500 – therefore a relatively small time and cost investment for all involved, for a major emissions reduction.’
Flexible approach
Barry also stresses the importance of a flexible approach to decarbonisation.
‘Heat pumps are a great fit for well-insulated properties, but for many older properties across Ireland, HVO provides an achievable and immediate solution that doesn’t require
extensive upgrades.’
Installing a boiler that’s compatible with biofuel also helps future-proof the heating system.
Research by The Alliance for Zero Carbon Heating (TAZCH) has shown that replacing kerosene with just a 20% blend of HVO across oil-heated homes could yield carbon savings equivalent to retrofitting more than 160,000 homes with heat pumps, underscoring the potential impact at scale.
Comprehensive
Supporting the construction sector in achieving lowercarbon heating systems, Grant offers a comprehensive design and specification service for new build and deep retrofit projects.
This technical support includes detailed heat loss calculations and full compliance documentation, giving contractors and heating engineers the data they need to meet regulatory building standards with confidence.
While heat pumps remain essential for meeting Part L and NZEB standards in new properties, HVO biofuel provides an essential complementary strategy for older properties.
Together, these technologies create a more inclusive, practical roadmap for lowering emissions across Ireland’s housing stock, which can start today.
More information
Visit www.grant.ie more information on Grant’s HVOready Vortex boiler range. Follow Grant on Facebook @ GrantIRL, X and Instagram @grant_irl and LinkedIn @ GrantEngineeringULC. You can also subscribe to the Grant YouTube channel @GrantengineeringIE
Grant Vortex HVO Biofuel-condensing boiler
PIONEERS OF ICF
We are a trusted alternative and the most effective solution to the housing crisis.
We have demonstrated our capability to deliver 2,000 units this year. As pioneers in ICF manufacturing in Ireland for almost 20 years, we can produce at least 4,000 high-quality housing units annually. With two factories at our disposal, we are wellequipped to address the housing crisis and deliver units more efficiently than ever.
We can maintain a competitive edge in the industry by staying focused on our unique strengths and continued commitment to quality and innovation.
Let's work together to make a positive impact in the housing industry.
If you want to contact us, please email us at s sales@amvicireland com or call us at + +353 1 899 1883
You can also visit our website at w www amvicicf com to learn more about our products and services.
Build Superior Homes Faster with Amvic ICF System
The Amvic ICF Advantage
Fast and Efficient: A team of 6 of our approved installers can complete 6 houses p/wk
Proven Track Record: 20 years serving developers, housing bodies, and councils
Trusted Expertise: All ICF constructions are carried out by Amvic-approved teams
Backup & Support: Technical backup and support at all project stages
The ICF Advantage
No wet trades and fast finishing.
ICF blocks are lightweight and easy to handle.
Dry walls, no need for dehumidifiers.
Very low waste, achievable at 2-5%.
Short product lead times.
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A Legendary psychologist described the fishpond effect 40 years ago. It’s still the secret to remarkable success, writes Jeff Haden.
While it’s fun to be a big fish in a small pond, it can also keep you from becoming the fish you wish to become
While objective, measurable performance is what really matters, it’s normal to compare yourself to other people.
The result is the big-fish-littlepond-effect (or frog-pond, depending on your aquatic preference): a psychological phenomenon where your perception of your ability, status, or achievement is influenced by the people around you.
A top performer at a local ice cream store may feel like a pretty big fish; move him to a bigger pond and that fish may suddenly feel very, very small.
Accomplished
Even if you’re objectively talented and successful, you might feel worse about yourself when surrounded by people even more accomplished.
As the saying goes, it’s better to be a big fish in a small pond, and science appears to support that position.
A 1966 study published in American Journal of Sociology found that students surrounded by highachieving classmates developed lower career aspirations.
A 1984 study published by the psychologist Herbert Marsh in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that feeling like a small fish can negatively impact self-esteem, motivation, and career decisions.
Marsh called it the fishpond effect.
Abilities
Apparently, surrounding yourself with high achievers will cause you to underestimate your own abilities, and underestimate your chances for success.
So, yeah: It’s better to be a big fish in a small pond. But not if you have high aspirations.
Find a Bigger Pond…
The key is what you do with the comparison you make.
If you’re a fixed mindset small fish in a big pond, sure: You’ll decide you’ll always be a small fish.
People with a fixed mindset believe intelligence, ability, and talent are inborn and relatively fixed.
Growth mindset
If you’re a growth mindset small fish in a big pond – if you believe intelligence, ability, and talent can be developed and improved with effort – then the comparisons found in a big pond work to your advantage.
Research about competition supports this theory:
A study published in Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience found competition improves cognitive performance and, oddly enough, self-perception of social status by enhancing brain responsiveness and mental condition.
It’s hard to be the dumbest person in the room. It’s hard to feel like an imposter on the verge of being exposed.
It’s hard on your ego. It’s hard to feel like a beginner.
For example, if I have to work hard to keep up, I’ll learn faster.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology shows competition enhances attention and learning outcomes.
Competition increases physical effort and motivation, which translate to improved cognitive performance. Ditto on the having to work harder thing.
A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review shows competition causes people to adjust their strategies and find different approaches; strategic adaptation results in faster skill acquisition and improved performance.
If I can’t beat you one way… I’ll have to find another way.
Challenge
In short, if you see being a small fish in a big pond as a challenge to overcome, you’ll be much more likely to become a bigger fish yourself – and maybe even outgrow your current pond.
Even though the water will feel really cold at first
As The 5 Types of Wealth author Sahil Bloom writes in his newsletter, moving to the bigger pond can be painful.
Opportunity
But the pain is a sign you’re on the right track. Pain indicates an opportunity, because it means you’ll need to grow.
You’ll need to learn. You’ll need to adapt, and evolve.
And because most of our limits are self-imposed, you’ll naturally set your own bar higher.
If you see the competition as something to embrace rather than avoid, you’ll steadily become a bigger and bigger fish.
Comparison
Sure, it’s comforting to be a big fish in a small pond.
But the only comparison that matters is the one between the person you are today and the person you wish to become.
Being a small fish in a big pond is the best way to ensure you will look back and enjoy making that comparison.
– Expert opinion by jeff haden @ jeff_haden
The opinions expressed by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.
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