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NOVEMBER 2024
Overall demand in the Northern Ireland commercial property market remained muted through the third quarter of the year according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Commercial Property Monitor, but looking beneath the surface, industrial property continues to outperform retail and ofce space, and the outlook for the sub-sector remains strong.
A net balance of 10% of surveyors in NI reported a rise in occupier demand for industrial space over the past three months, whilst a net balance of -10% of respondents noted a fall in demand for office space. Surveyors in NI report that occupier demand for retail space was flat.
On the investor demand side, a net balance of -18% of NI respondents reported a fall in overall investment enquiries, the fifth consecutive quarter that this balance has been in negative territory.
Investor demand for both office and retail space was reported to have declined with net balances of -33% and -44% respectively. Investor demand for industrial space continued to rise with a net balance of 25% of surveyors in NI reporting an increase, which is the highest balance seen in 2024.
Looking ahead, overall, respondents in NI remain cautious when it comes to capital values. A net balance of -7% of surveyors expect all-sector capital values to fall through the next quarter. A net balance of20% of NI respondents anticipate that capital values for office and retail space will fall over the next three months. A net balance of 20% of surveyors expect capital values to rise in industrial space.
Looking at rental expectations for the next three months, a net balance of -3% of NI
surveyors expect rents to fall at an allsector level. Rents in both the office and retail sub-sectors are anticipated to fall through the next quarter. With regard to industrial space, rents in this sector are expected to rise, with a net balance of 30% expecting them to edge upwards through the next quarter, which is the highest balance seen since early 2022.
Garrett O’Hare, RICS NI commercial property spokesperson and Managing Director of Bradley NI says: “While the data suggests a slow down in commercial activity in Northern Ireland overall during the last quarter, deals continue to be done where property is appropriately priced and located strategically to deliver on individual business objectives. A number of the larger multi-national retailers are actively seeking new opportunities for expansion, however, the obstacle to this is often the availability of suitable sites, planning delays and the relentless water infrastructure issues that have been reported on time and time again. Undoubtedly, the changes to UK taxation is creating a level of trepidation as businesses reconsider their approach into 2025 as well.”
Commenting on the UK picture, RICS Senior Economist, Tarrant Parsons, said: “The UK commercial property market continues to exhibit a relatively underwhelming performance.
“Despite the market being on tenterhooks for any new announcements, there are reasons to be more optimistic. An improving lending environment is likely to provide support to commercial real estate investment activity going forward, and headline capital value and rental growth expectations are also modestly positive for the coming twelve months, in keeping with the idea that the market has shifted into the early stages of an upturn.”
Kilwaughter Minerals has been acquired by Saint-Gobain group after they reached a binding agreement for Saint-Gobain to acquire the Northern Irish quarrying and mineral processor.
Known for leading brands K Rend, K Systems and Kilwaughter Lime, the company has delivered continued success in recent years, with a strategy centred around customer service and innovative products.
Titanic Quarter Student Village has received planning approval by members of Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee following a recommendation to approve from council planners. Located on the Titanic Quarter estate, one of Europe’s largest waterfront regeneration projects and in close proximity to Queens University’s Institute for Electronics, Communications and Information Technology , the proposals will regenerate a currently vacant former industrial site.
Farrans Construction is marking its achievements one year since being awarded with the North West region under Uisce Éireann’s Water and Waste Water Multi-Supplier Framework.
The ninth floor of the new Ewart building on Bedford Street, Belfast was brought to life as over 300 guests celebrated the future of the ofce at Architecture Night 2024. The Royal Society of Ulster Architect’s annual event featured a jampacked schedule of live music, great food and was a great opportunity for socialising
Gerard Graham looks at the latest developments in lowest price tendering and Belfast Tool Library.
Page 26
First NIHE homes in 25 years showcase social sector energy efficiency future
PAGE 16
Belfast Grand Central Station is the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland. The station sets a new standard for the forthcoming renewal of public transport infrastructure and connectivity across the island. Specify talks to some of the suppliers and contractors on the project.
PAGE 26
The first housing scheme delivered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in 25 years sets the standard for social housing of the future, with six semi-detached homes built using Modern Methods of Construction and ultra-low energy building techniques to PassivHaus standard at Sunningdale Gardens in North Belfast.
PAGE 34
Jonathan Payne asks if the Bill of Quantities is becoming an endangered species?
Page 60
Grant has unveiled the new Grant Aerona R290 air source heat pump
The sky really is the limit thanks to Balloo Hire’s new Genie SX180 telescopic boom. It can tackle the most extreme jobs thanks to it vertical reach of an amazing 186ft (56.86m). The new Genie SX-180 is built to safely and quickly lift operators. It is purpose built to work on jobsites in the commercial construction, industrial construction and general maintenance applications.
Alan Lewis has over 25 years of experience as an asbestos consultant. He worked in England for nearly 5 years as an asbestos surveyor, air tester, project manager and laboratory technician analysing asbestos and then moved to Banbridge, Co. Down and set up the Northern Ireland Branch of G&L Consultancy Ltd in 2004. Alan is qualified to CCP Asbestos; which is the UK standard for competence in the asbestos industry.
In this edition we talk to Julie McKeown, HR Director at Henry Bros about the family business and the knack of reversing lorries…
The right job can transform a person’s life and the right person can transform an organisation. We’re experts at matching both across the construction sector Find out more at hays.co.uk/ni
Kilwaughter Minerals is to become part of the multinational Saint-Gobain group after they reached a binding agreement for Saint-Gobain to acquire the Northern Irish quarrying and mineral processor.
As per normal process, the acquisition has been forwarded to the Competition and Markets Authority with closing of the transaction expected in the first half 2025.
Saint-Gobain is a global leader in the design and manufacture of solutions for the construction industry and employs 160,000 people across 76 countries
globally. It has a wide-ranging portfolio of lightweight construction solutions for building facades and envelopes, with its emphasis on making buildings better for occupants and the planet.
Kilwaughter has its headquarters at its limestone quarry in Larne, from where it serves its construction and agriculture customers throughout the UK and Ireland, with distribution centres in Glasgow, Cork and St Helens.
Known for leading brands K Rend, K Systems and Kilwaughter Lime, the company has delivered continued success in recent years, with a clear strategy
centred around outstanding customer service and innovative products. To year end (April 2024), Kilwaughter generated revenues of circa £50m and has over 200 employees.
Gary Wilmot, CEO of Kilwaughter Minerals said:
“We’re excited with the opportunity to join the Saint-Gobain group and continue Kilwaughter’s ambitious growth journey.
“Kilwaughter has a rich company culture and heritage, and our focus remains on delivering a leading customer experience, underpinned by our trusted brands. We look forward to the added synergy that Saint-Gobain will undoubtedly bring and sharing our passion for innovation, quality and excellence.
“We see the alignment of the vision and values between both companies as a strong building block for our teams and customers."
Graham has been appointed to the London Construction Programme (LCP) Major Works Housing Framework under Sub-Lot 1.3 (New Build: £20m+).
This marks the first time that GRAHAM has applied for and successfully secured a place on the residential framework, highlighting the contractor’s growing strength in delivering large-scale housing projects across London and the South East.
The LCP Major Works Housing Framework, managed by London’s Haringey Borough Council, is designed to facilitate the delivery of housing projects across the capital and beyond. Worth £3bn, the framework brings together both major
construction firms and SMEs, ensuring a balance of expertise across the framework to meet the diverse needs of local councils. This next-generation framework has been revamped to focus exclusively on housing, marking a shift from the broader remit of the previous version, which included housing, public buildings, and local civils and highways, with the scope of work now including new build housing, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), planned maintenance, retrofit, fire safety works, and refurbishments.
Rob Joyce, Regional Development Director at GRAHAM, said: “This appointment reinforces GRAHAM’s commitment to delivering high-quality housing projects that meet the needs of communities
London and the South East. We look forward to collaborating with our partners to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions on some of the region’s most significant housing developments.”
The LCP Major Works Housing Framework aims to address key priorities such as the need for more affordable housing, the retrofitting of existing properties to meet modern energy standards and ensuring fire safety compliance across public housing estates.
‘The Older Buildings for a Greener Future’ project
Titanic Quarter Student Village has received planning approval by members of Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee following a recommendation to approve from council planners.
Proposals by the joint development venture between Watkin Jones, the UK's leading developer and manager of residential for rent and Lacuna Developments will help to meet the growing demand for high-quality managed student accommodation, in the heart of Belfast’s Innovation District.
Located on the Titanic Quarter estate, one of Europe’s largest waterfront regeneration projects and in close proximity to Queens University’s Institute for Electronics, Communications and Information Technology , the proposals will regenerate a currently vacant former industrial site, delivering high-quality, environmentally sustainable accommodation for 1,007 students split across two phases and offering good connectivity to the city centre, and the
two universities, alongside access to retail and leisure offerings located in the immediate vicinity. The car-free scheme is set to deliver against some of the highest sustainability standards in the city, including a BREEAM Excellent rating, rooftop solar panels, carbon-free heating using air source heat pumps and heat recovery units, rainwater recovery
systems, and will enhance sustainable travel between the site and the universities through a green travel fund.
Designed by Belfast-based architects, Todd architects, the new student village development was supported during the planning and engagement processes by independent planning and development consultancy, Turley.
NI Water and Invest Northern Ireland were delighted to host a Supplier Engagement Event today at the Crowne Plaza, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast.
The event saw participation from over 350 representatives spanning local, national, and international businesses,
who gathered to connect with NI Water buyers and key suppliers.
Attendees had the chance to engage in one-to-one appointments with leading industry experts, participate in inspiring workshops, and gain valuable insights on topics such as innovation, social value, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The event
also offered numerous networking opportunities and training workshops, while providing essential knowledge on procurement processes and public procurement law.
Ronan Larkin, Director of Finance, Regulation & Commercial, NI Water said,
“With many NI Water contracts due to be tendered this year and beyond, the event offered businesses the opportunity to meet with NI Water’s Buyers and key suppliers to hear firsthand what the priorities and ambitions are for the future.
“In keeping with the challenges and the opportunities within the water industry and the continued drive to secure funding, our commercial ethos is about building a robust, competitive and expert supply chain, while driving value from every pound we spend and invest. From enhancing customer service to upholding the highest standards in health and safety, our focus is to continuously improve and deliver excellence in all aspects of our operations.”
Farrans Construction is marking its achievements one year since being awarded with the North West region under Uisce Éireann’s Water and Waste Water MultiSupplier Framework.
Responsible for Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, Galway, Cavan, Leitrim, Monaghan and Mayo, Farrans has 70 direct staff and over 200 subcontractor staff engaged in this contract, with 25 squads on the ground working on the installation of new water mains, the rehabilitation of existing mains, leak detection and repairs.
In 365 days Farrans has laid over 36,000 meters of rehab mains, connected 478 new properties to the network, repaired 1,300 leaks, leading to a saving of 15,000m3 of water per day.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for the operation of all public water and wastewater services including the management of national water and wastewater assets, maintenance of the water and wastewater system, investment and planning, managing capital projects and customer care and billing.
John Murphy, Utilities Director at Farrans, said: “There is a high volume of work to manage behind the scenes and there can be challenging conditions on the ground which can make planned works difficult, but we have been flexible and resilient in keeping our focus on positive progress.
“The long-term pipeline of work has enabled us to invest and grow our operations with the opening of new offices in Sligo and Letterkenny earlier this year. We already have a main office in Monaghan and a satellite administration office in Tuam in Galway.
Peter Fitzpatrick Ltd, a family-owned quarrying and contracting company based in County Down, has been a key player in the quarry and asphalt industry for over fifty years.
From its modest beginnings in the early 20th century, the company has grown into a dynamic business serving a broad customer base across various sectors.
Recently, Peter Fitzpatrick Ltd collaborated and invested with CDE to implement a cutting-edge wash plant to address the growing issue of excess crushed rock fines (CRF) and blinding from their greywacke processing operations.
Peter Fitzpatrick Ltd has historically faced challenges managing the by-products of their quarrying operations.
Paul Fitzpatrick, Managing Director at Peter Fitzpatrick Ltd highlighted the specific problems: “The fine dust, 4mm material, which we didn’t have enough of an output of, in terms of what we had in the quarry, was becoming an issue. It started to take up a huge footprint within the quarry and we wanted a solution for dealing with that by-product. One of the more obvious things we were looking to address was how to turn it into sand.”
CDE proposed a comprehensive solution to address the challenges faced by Peter Fitzpatrick Ltd. The 130tph solution centred around the installation of a new washing plant that included the M2500 modular washing plant, the EvoWashTM sand washing system, and the AquaCycleTM thickener. This combination of equipment was designed to process the excess
CRF and blinding material, transforming it into high-quality manufactured sand and other aggregates.
Paul Fitzpatrick commented: “It was impressive to see the CDE equipment. There is always a worry that the plant we are visiting is not the same as our plant, but seeing the material being processed gives you a lot of confidence. We had a conversation with Brendan Campbell, of Campbell Contracts, and were encouraged by what he had to say about their plant, the installation and his positive relationship with CDE.”
The new CDE washing plant has delivered impressive results for Peter Fitzpatrick Ltd. By processing the excess CRF and blinding material, the plant was able to produce a consistent and high-quality sand product. This not only addresses the issue of stockpiled material and contributes to the conservation of natural sand reserves but has also created a valuable new revenue stream for the company.
NI Water has announced the completion of a £3.5 million investment to replace Avish Water Pumping Station, located within the Carmoney Water Treatment Works, which will be essential to the future resilience of the local water supply infrastructure.
The recently completed Avish Water Pumping Station, forms a key part of the first phase and is an integral part of the overall Carmoney to Strabane Strategic Trunk Main. This is an essential water supply system, including a new ongoing 28km pipeline between Carmoney Water Treatment Works in Eglinton and Castletown Service Reservoir in Strabane, that will ensure the resilience and ongoing provision of high-quality water to customers in the Northwest.
The Pumping Station is critical to improve operational flexibility; increase the resilience and robustness of the network and provide connectivity between the Northern and Western Water Zones (serving the wider Derry/Londonderry and Strabane areas).
The main contractor for this project is Murphy Dawson WAM, with Project Management support from McAdam Design.
The revitalisation of a former school building in West Belfast into an impressive local community hub has won one of the top awards at the RICS Awards grand Final in London.
St Comgall’s–Ionad Eileen Howell claimed the Refurbishment/Revitalisation Project of the Year category at the major event in The Park Plaza Riverbank, London.
The project which kept many of the school building’s original features saw the once derelict building on the Falls Road transformed into a multi-purpose community hub with offices, a café, and versatile spaces for events..
The Grade B1-listed building, owned by Falls Community Council, is an historic building with neo-Georgian brickwork and traditional slated roofs.
Commenting on the winning project, the judges said: “Previously a severely derelict building, St Comgall’s has been imaginatively refurbished, respecting its heritage as a school and the district that used to surround it – delighting former pupils with its quirky details.
“Flexible sized rooms are arranged around a bright central function room, and now the centre is a thriving melting pot of activities serving its diverse local
communities, with arts, cultural, social and economic activities on offer and workspace for small businesses. We couldn’t help but be impressed by the evident pride members have in this hub that welcomes all.”
Earlier this year the project won the refurbishment/revitalisation project of the year award in Northern Ireland at its regional RICS heat, which led to the project being automatically entered into the national RICS Awards Grand Final.
Commenting on the grand final winners, RICS UK Awards National Chair, Colin Harrop, said: “The panel of judges had the pleasure of visiting each winner in recent
months to truly understand the scale and impact that these projects are having on communities. It’s great to celebrate the success of surveyors across the UK in delivering projects that are having significant impact on individuals and its local area, but also in promoting the important role of our profession.
“The industry continues to navigate its way through various challenges, and RICS is delighted to recognise the unwavering dedication of professionals in successfully ensuring these projects were completed through these awards. These teams and individuals should be incredibly proud of the part they have played in their community and wider local economy.”
One of Northern Ireland’s building and construction consultancies, Johnston Houston has been acquired by Drees & Sommer UK Ltd.
A private partnership founded by Michael Johnston and Kerr Houston in 2007, Johnston Houston boasts an experienced, 25-strong interdisciplinary team of building surveyors, cost consultants and project managers, all of which will now become part of Drees & Sommer, after the strategic merger.
Drees & Sommer is a worldwide, partner-managed team of over 6,000 employees across 63 offices. With experts across local, national and international real estate, industrial, energy and infrastructure sectors, Drees & Sommer is the European market leader in delivering strategic advice and consultancy to the built environment.
Johnston Houston will continue to develop its portfolio as ‘Johnston Houston – Part of Drees & Sommer’ under the leadership of the current partners Michael Johnston and Kerr Houston for 12 months, before officially rebranding to Drees & Sommer
A£10 million funding package provided by Danske Bank and guaranteed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) has played a key role in enabling The Deluxe Group to secure one of its biggest ever export contracts.
Portadown-based The Deluxe Group recently secured a landmark £30m contract for the interior fit-out of a new cruise ship in Germany, with Danske Bank providing finance guaranteed by UK Government’s Export Finance guarantee facility.
A team from The Deluxe Group, which works around the world on interior fitout projects in the leisure and hospitality sectors, will spend 12 months fitting out the dining and entertainment areas on board the new vessel, which is due to set sail in Asia in 2025.
Colm O’Farrell, executive chairman of The Deluxe Group, said: “We have seen demand for our specialist fit out services increasing in the cruise sector, in part thanks to the trend for themed and immersive entertainment venues on cruise ships.
"Clients now see The Deluxe Group as a one stop shop with our in-house design, joinery and composites workshops pushing the boundaries of creative fabrication. We are grateful for the support of Danske Bank and UKEF for putting in place a funding package that has enabled us to bid for this game changing contract.”
In recent years, the metal fabricaton industry has been on a journey of evolution driven by advancements in technology and shifting trends.
These include changes in market demands, innovations, the continuous pursuit of efficiency, sustainability, cost effectiveness and competitive pressures.
This article explores the latest trends of what is shaping the future of metal fabrication.
• The use of enhanced science and advanced materials
Enhanced science has allowed the development and use of advanced materials, including various alloys, composites and high-strength steel. These innovations not only improve the strength, durability and versatility of metal products but also open up new applications and offer improved performance in many industries, including construction.
• Automation and robotics
Automation tools are reshaping the metal fabrication industry with more fabricators integrating advanced robotics and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining into their operations. Robots, traditionally reserved for hazardous tasks, are increasingly being deployed for welding, cutting, and drilling. These compact robots can work alongside human operators to achieve unparalled accuracy, minimising errors, enhancing safety, optimising production workflow and addressing labour shortages.
The adoption of these technologies is not just a trend; it is a shift toward a much more efficient and advanced future for metal fabrication.
• 3D printing and additive manufacturing
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, has become a valuable asset in metal fabrication. This technology allows for the rapid and cost-effective creation of metal parts, casting molds, and prototypes, which can utilise more complex designs that were unachievable with traditional methods. For example, a particular 3D printing method called metal powder bed fusion, allows the production of intricate designs with minimal waste, revolutionising the traditional manufacturing process.
As the technology becomes more accessible and cost-effective, it will very soon become a staple in metal fabrication processes.
• IoT (Internet of Things)
IoT (Internet of Things) is playing an increasingly vital role in controlling metal fabrication equipment. With connected machinery and tools, fabricators can monitor operations in real-time and anticipate maintenance needs. This datadriven approach ensures higher operational efficiency and better project management.
• Bespoke fabrication solutions
As projects become more complex and clients demand more bespoke solutions, the ability to offer this becomes a major competitive advantage. From intricate architectural designs to specialised industrial components, customisation is redefining the industry. State-of-the art design software plays a crucial role in this trend, enabling fabricators to bring intricate and bespoke concepts to life with exceptional precision.
• Sustainable practices
Sustainability has become a priority in all industries, including metal fabrication. The industry is leaning towards more environmentally friendly practices. These include the use of recycled metal, the installation of energy-efficient machinery, and the introduction of sustainable manufacturing practices. The industry’s
commitment to sustainability not only supports environmental awareness but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future for metal fabrication.
• Computer-aided design and manufacturing
The adoption of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software is on the rise in metal fabrication.
The metal fabrication industry is embracing digitisation to boost efficiency and productivity. This shift involves manipulating technology platforms without replacing human workers. With the help of advanced software and simulation tools, virtual prototyping allows fabricators to test and troubleshoot designs before physical production begins. CAM software further facilitates the programming of CNC machines, resulting in increased accuracy, consistency, and reduced lead time and costs.
• Looking beyond 2024
All these trends and technologies are set to evolve and continue shaping the metal fabrication industry at a rapid pace. Companies will need to keep exploring the trends, be part of the conversation, and maintain an ongoing commitment to adopting new automation technologies and software. This will undoubtedly contribute to a more dynamic and sustainable era for metal fabrication.
On Friday 18 October the new Ewart building hosted a night of celebration of the innovation and talent existing across the construction sector.
This year Hays was proud to once again reprise its role as headline sponsor of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects’ annual Architecture Night, which recognises the talent and achievements of the sector.
The ninth floor of the new Ewart building on Bedford Street was brought to life as over 300 guests celebrated the future of the office at Architecture Night 2024.
The Royal Society of Ulster Architect’s annual event featured a jam-packed schedule of live music, great food and was a great opportunity for socialising.
The event saw architect Shane O’Toole receive an RSUA Honorary Membership and also marked the announcement of the winner of a design competition to create a shelter for an alleyway. The competition entitled ‘Under the Shelter of Each Other/Ar Scáth a Chéile’ was run by RSUA in association with 9ft in Common, Belfast 2024 and JP Corry.
The winning entry, ‘The Shed: Gather and Grow’ by Jennifer Speirs, William Brady and Adrienne Campbell envisions a multiuse shelter that acts as a catalyst for the transformation of Belfast’s disused alleyways into green and vibrant communal spaces.
Recognising the talent and dedication of Belfast’s architectural students, a segment of the evening paid tribute to the outstanding work from Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. The six best undergraduates and six best postgraduates were showcased, with Jake McManus winning the Bronze Medal for best undergraduate student and Rachel Murphy awarded the Silver Medal for best postgraduate student.
The Royal Society of Ulster Architects is the professional body for chartered architects in Northern Ireland. The organisation strives to enhance the region's built environment for the
By Mark Wade, Hays
benefit of all through the promotion of architecture.
It’s been a busy few months for the RSUA as their ‘Ask An Architect’ initiative raised a record amount of money, over £17,000, to help fund local cancer research through donations to the Friends of the Cancer Centre.
Last month the RSUA also facilitated a ‘Building Inspiration’ lecture, with Jonathan Falkingham of property
development company Urban Splash delivering an insightful talk which highlighted the critical role of design and collaboration in shaping the future of sustainable urban environments.
Issues surrounding recruitment and retention of skilled staff are plaguing most industries at the moment and the architectural sector is no different. But the achievements of Belfast’s architectural students and young talent in Northern Ireland shows that there is a bright future for the industry.
Ciarán
Fox, Director at the Royal Society
of Ulster Architects, stated that the sector is not only concerned about issues such as recruitment, retention and talent development but also faces wider business challenges.
Ciarán stated: ““As in other parts of the construction world, there has been concern among architects about the potential for a downturn linked to recent cuts to Government budgets.”
He stated, “The NI Water wastewater capacity problem is also wreaking havoc on the construction industry, with around 19,000 homes being held up due to the constraints.”
He adds, “This is affecting the supply of housing and also inhibiting the growth of the construction sector as a whole.”
The architecture sector is also facing the challenge of losing young, talented staff to other countries just like many other sectors. Construction is a particularly affected area as many young people are attracted to countries with more effective planning systems and therefore more work available to them.
To help with the retention and recruitment issue affecting the industry, Hays will be running a CPD event around Retention and Recruitment for the Royal Society of Ulster Architects’ membership. This event will include an introduction and explanation of a wider product range that Hays are bringing to market to provide solutions to a broader set of staffing and business challenges. This will cover areas such as market insights, brand evaluation, salary and remuneration benchmarking and talent creation through skills academies. Hays hope that professional development events such as these will provide employers with the strategies and solutions to acquire talented staff and retain them for years to come.
Architecture Night 2024 demonstrated that the architectural profession is in a good place and showcased the talents of the next generation. But there will undoubtably continue to be challenges for the sector in the year ahead.
By Gerard Graham
There are increasingly more public sector tenders in Northern Ireland where contractors are gaining full marks in their Quality submission. This results in tenders being evaluated and awarded basically on price. I understand the Dutch do things differently. I have been told that their public sector contracts are awarded to the contractor with the second lowest price. To me this sounds like a simple yet very effective way to award contracts to companies that have included a fair and reasonable profit. It is important to remember that profit should not be a dirty word. I would love to see if this could be investigated to award local contracts using the same method.
I had the pleasure of attending the CEF awards event at the Crowne Plaza on 3rd October. Over 600 people were in attendance. Everyone I spoke to agreed that it was a very impressive event. A few days later I was speaking to the Managing Director of a construction company who also attended. Her main take-away from the event was how the construction industry has evolved over the last few years. We agreed that there is now an increasing focus on sustainability, diversity, and social value. I used to think of these as ‘soft’ areas of the industry. My opinion has now changed. These areas are now front and centre. Everyone involved in the construction industry needs to be familiar with how these criteria are now heavily weighted, particularly in public sector contracts.
I recently learned about a new venture based on the Shankill Road in Belfast. Just like a library for books, at Belfast Tool Library you can borrow up to three power tools at any one time, plus hand tools for up to a week and then bring them back for someone else to use. It has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. It sounds like a great initiative. To learn more, click here www.belfasttoollibrary.com.
I attended the Digital Construction Live event in Belfast on 10th October. The standout speaker in my opinion was Suzanne Hill. She presented using minimal notes on the topic of AI. Everyone knows this is a subject that is moving at speed and people need to get onboard. Suzanne highlighted how many companies are already using AI in applications such as Canva, although they may not be aware of it. Personally, this is a new focus area for me. I plan to embrace it to help understand how emerging technologies can help me eradicate some repetitive tasks. Incidentally, it was good to see two local contractors, namely Graham and McLaughlin & Harvey both shortlisted in the UK-wide Digital Construction Awards this year.
The CIOB Ireland awards were launched on 11th October at the offices of Tughans, which boasts one of the best office views in Belfast. Categories include Rising Star, Team of the Year, Client of the Year, and Sustainability Award. The categories have been changed from previous years to align with how the construction industry and CIOB membership base has evolved. All shortlisted candidates for the all-island event will be invited to attend the awards ceremony at the awe-inspiring Hogan Suite within Croke Park. I was there two years ago at an awards event. It is an impressive venue for a gala dinner. I would encourage people to submit an entry.
As far as possible, I always cycle to meetings, whether that be a conference at a hotel, a sist visit, or a meeting in the city centre. People always comment to me thinking I love cycling. I don’t. Who wants to cycle down the Ormeau Road during rush hour with minimal cycling infrastructure in place(!) The reason I cycle is because we are all now under modest pressure to start reducing our carbon emissions. I heard of an ISO 14001 auditor who recently queried a company Director as to why they were driving a diesel car, yet their Environmental Management Policy Statement states that the company will make every effort to reduce carbon emissions. Difficult to defend that one! Interestingly, I have been told that all of Graham Construction’s Directors now drive electric vehicles. That’s a great example of leadership and creating a culture of sustainability among the employees.
Gerard Graham FCIOB, is a past regional Chair of the CIOB, and is Principal of Gerard Graham Consulting. Web: www.gerardgraham.co.uk
Belfast Grand Central Station is the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland.
The station sets a new standard for the forthcoming renewal of public transport infrastructure and connectivity across the island.
The integrated transport hub has been designed by John McAslan + Partners Belfast Design Studio in collaboration with Arup and Juno for Translink as part of Belfast’s ongoing urban regeneration, providing not only state-of-the-art transit facilities but also a welcoming new front door to the city.
Inspired by the city’s rich industrial heritage, Belfast Grand Central Station has replaced the current facilities at Europa buscentre and Great Victoria Street railway stations and is expected to cater for around 20 million passenger journeys annually with flexibility for future growth. Configured around a 7,500 sq m station concourse, over 10 times larger than the facilities it replaces, with a
further 2,000 sq m of retail. Beyond transport, Grand Central Station is intended to act as an prime location for people to meet, shop, dine and socialise. Located on a 9ha site of former railway yards, and bounded by Durham Street and Grosvenor Road, the expressed portalised design evokes engineering-led structures which typify railway architecture such as repeating gantries and the scale of Victorian railway terminii. It is arranged around an efficient stepfree, single level with bus operations to one side, and rail platforms on the other.
The station’s design also draws inspiration from the former linen mills that characterised the development of the local area, echoing the oversized, repeating forms of industrial architecture with a striking, exaggerated sawtooth roof and exposed truss structure reminiscent of the original Great Victoria Street station that was demolished in the 1970’s. Large glazed northlights span the unified amenities and introduce natural light to the concourse below.
An architecturally impactful colonnade wraps around the front facing elevations, with a dramatic swept soffit signifying the entrances to the station and welcoming passengers. At night, the soffit is washed
with light, illuminating the station and further animating the surrounding public realm. The main entrance will be via Saltwater Square when it opens next year. Inside, column numbers have been kept to a minimum, with large truss spans to create an experience of openness with clear sightlines, making wayfinding intuitive. The Translink bus and rail operations, both back-of-house and public facing, are brought together around a central spine and lined with glazed panels and richly polished plaster, activating its perimeter with passenger facilities including retail, restrooms and a customer support office.
Sustainability has been an integral part of the design throughout. Passive ventilation and considered orientation minimises transport fumes within the station with actuated louvres incorporated strategically to exhaust while providing comfortable interior conditions. The southerly aspect of the sawtooth roof supports photovoltaic panels and provision has been built-in for any further electrification of the transport network. Wherever possible local materials have been sourced to minimise carbon mileage with the superstructure fabricated less than 20 miles from the site.
Project Data:
Client Translink and the Department for Infrastructure
Architect + Masterplanner John McAslan + Partners
Engineer Arup
Planning Juno
Contractor Farrans Sacyr
Size 8 hectares
Year 2024
Ross Harrison, Associate Director at John McAslan + Partners Belfast Design Studio said, “Designed to cater for bus, and rail travel under one roof, our collaboration on Belfast Grand Central Station with Arup for Translink has delivered a customer-centred station on time, a real achievement for transport projects. More than that, it delivers a civic function – providing a forward-looking first impression of Belfast that is symbolic of the changing direction of the city. Globally, modern public transport hubs are increasingly used in this way, and it is timely that Belfast should unveil this gateway on the cusp of Ireland’s wider rail review.”
Colin Bennie, Director of Transport and Infrastructure at John McAslan + Partners said: “Over the years, our practice has worked on a number of major transport projects in London, Sydney and New
York. We’re delighted to build on this experience in Belfast and are excited to see how transport architecture is increasingly considered the defining feature of a modern city that works for everyone. This is certainly what we have sought to achieve for Belfast Grand Central Station.”
Chris Caves, Director at Arup, commented: “The opening of the bus element at Belfast Grand Central Station is a key milestone for Northern Ireland. This state-of-the-art public transport hub will not only enhance connectivity across the region but also drive sustainable growth for the local economy. It’s a proud moment for all involved, and we’re thrilled to have played such a significant part in this flagship project, from the outset, in delivering such a transformative piece of infrastructure.”
Conway, Translink CEO said, “We are excited to be opening this modern major transport interchange. With advanced customer features and integrated networks, it offers huge opportunity to grow public transport driving economic development across the region and play a major part in tacking the climate emergency. That means a betterconnected future for people and communities for generations to come. I would like to thank the Minister and his Department for the funding and the wider NI Executive for their support in designating this as a Flagship Project. I would also like to thank the Translink team and the contractors for their commitment and dedication to get this project to this key stage”.
How did you get to where you are today?
I really enjoy what I do. That enthusiasm, combined with hard work and some luck, has opened up many opportunities over the years. Then when opportunity knocks, you need to have the confidence to grab it.
What was the most difficult aspect of the Grand Central build?
The Grand Central was a complex build, as it had many interfaces with other contractors and work packages, including Translink bus & rail operations. However this complexity was always in the forefront of our mind when designing, planning and constructing the works. This is why collaboration was key on the project.
What were you most proud of at the Grand Central?
Bringing my kids (4 & 6) up on the train
for the first time to use it. I love seeing projects I have worked hard on to be used and enjoyed by people.
Were there any lessons to be learned from the project?
Collaboration is key. I know this sounds like a cliché, but I believe that if you have built collaborative relationships and trust, it will help with all other aspects of a project. Client, Joint Venture, project team, project partners, supply chain team and design teams etc. If you get these relationships working efficiently, it will then help you meet and maintain your targets in relation to project milestones, programme, health and safety, quality, social value, community engagement and contractual aspects etc.
What other infrastructure projects have you worked on?
I have been involved in construction project delivery with a total value of circa £750m, and this includes projects in
Belfast such as Ravenhill Rugby Grounds, Grand Central Hotel and the Ulster University Belfast Campus, blocks BD & BC. But I have also worked on several projects in the UK, mainly in the London Region.
What other projects have you got coming up?
I have worked for Sacyr UK & Ireland for nearly 6 years, and we have some large projects on site and in planning stages, so there is plenty on. However currently we are also focused on phase 2 of the Grand Central Station, which will continue through 2025.
Away from work, what do you like to do? I love to cycle, and find it helps with the stress and strains of the daily grind. However I also love doing the simple things with my kids, like forest walks, spending time on the beach, and exploring as much as possible.
Operating from their advanced production facilities in Castlewellan, County Down , Walter Watson Ltd were responsible for the design, production and installation of the structural steelwork at the new Grand Central Station in Belfast.
The impressive new Bus and Train Station covers a considerable area of over 120,000 m2 and the team at Walter Watson Ltd are capable of delivering such large projects to the highest standards of fabrication tolerances and finish.
The company is extremely experienced in the design, delivery, manufacture and erection of the large elements of the structure including the large 60m span trusses in the scheme.
This involved the delivery of the trusses by escorted abnormal load deliveries during the night using their own fleet of lorries and extendable steering axle trailers to avoid daytime traffic congestion in the Greater Belfast area, the logistics of the numerous wide loads over the duration of the project being planned by their own inhouse haulage department.
The team has completed other large infrastructure projects such as the Belfast Harbour Film Studios, Allander Leisure Centre, Buchanan Wharf in Glasgow, Basildon Cineplex in Essex and Blundell Street in Liverpool and many more. The Belfast Film Studio Project was fabricated and erected concurrently with the Grand Central Station Project, both having over 2400t of steel supplied and erected on each site.
Their dedicated and dynamic personnel have developed a reputation for their ability to work with clients and design teams to achieve innovative and successful design solutions to the evermore demanding performance and technical requirements of the construction industry.
The Chairman of the Company, Mr Walter Watson was recently inducted to the Northern Ireland Manufacturing Hall of Fame, which is an elite list of entrepreneurs from Northern Ireland who have made an exceptional contribution to manufacturing and engineering.
Mr Watson established Walter Watson Limited in 1967 and has grown the business to become an industrial leader in the disciplines of structural, agricultural and reinforcement steel and overhead crane manufacturing.
As BCSA members approved to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 50001:2018, and CE Execution Class 4 the company provides a product to the highest levels of quality, health and safety and performance.
With a reputation for their ability to deliver on programme to a high standard of quality, Walter Watson has developed into one of the market leading steelwork fabricators.
The company has developed an enviable client list of public and private sector clients including many of the UK's leading contractors. Contracts cover many different sectors including, health, education, retail, leisure, residential, commercial, industrial, airports, and power stations, successfully completing contracts up to 7500t in size.
A policy of continuous investment has allowed the development of an extremely efficient production facility. The company’s detailing and design team convey accurate requirements to the CNC systems using a BIM compatible Tekla 3D modelling system linked to their production
facility. The factory is equipped with CNC controlled saw lines, drill lines, 3D and 2D plasma coping machines, flat lines, angle lines, plate lines shot blasting and painting facilities.
Steelwork is delivered to site by the company’s own transport fleet and erection carried out by their expert erection squads, cranage and access plant. This provides total control of all site
based operations, allowing the engineering team to react quickly to changing site conditions and client requirements.
All operatives are fully trained in SMSTS, SSSTS, AP’s, CPCS, CSCS, CSR and IPAF disciplines. The business's crane fleet comprises 7 mobile units ranging from 50 tonne to 80 tonne capacity. Other site plant includes telescopic forklifts and over 40 MEWP’s ranging from 19ft to 135ft working height.
The company is also Ireland’s leading manufacturer of overhead cranes and is one of the largest CARES approved reinforcement fabricators in Ireland. Walter Watson Ltd also offers a large range of steel products produced to customer requirements. The structural steel business operates on a 21 acre site including 35,000m2 of covered industrial manufacturing and storage facilities. The production facilities of the company’s other divisions namely Reinforcement Steel, Overhead Crane manufacture, Steel Stockholding and the Agricultural machinery facilities are represented at the Aughlisnafin Road depots, Dunmore Plant, Greenore Port and the Kilmarnock Depot.
The company can deliver structural projects throughout Ireland and the UK, while the Agricultural Division has fulfilled orders throughout Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
Moore Concrete has supplied and delivered various precast concrete products as part of the new Belfast transport hub, Grand Central Station.
The first units were our platform units, for Farrans Construction. These front platform units are essential components designed to enhance the structural integrity and retain ground for the train platforms at Grand Central Station. The collaboration with Farrans underscores Moore Concrete's commitment to delivering high-quality precast concrete solutions that meet the specific needs of their clients, ensuring that each unit is manufactured to the highest standards of
durability and performance.
In addition to our work with Farrans, Moore Concrete has also provided VSoL retaining wall panels for our longstanding customer, Asset International. Graham Construction overseen the installation of the 919no wall panels, which comprised of 7 walls in total. The VSoL Retained Earth Wall System is a cost-effective construction technique suitable for a variety of retaining wall applications. It is easy to install and can be used for a range of conditions. Moore Concrete’s partnership with Asset International highlights the organisation’s versatility and expertise in producing precast concrete products that cater to a diverse range of construction requirements,
thereby reinforcing their reputation as a reliable supplier in the market.
The projects undertaken by Moore Concrete Products Ltd prove their dedication to innovation and quality in the precast concrete sector. By collaborating with esteemed companies like Asset, Farrans and Graham, Moore Concrete not only contributes to the successful completion of significant construction projects but also demonstrates their ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the industry. This strategic approach positions Moore Concrete as a leader in providing tailored concrete solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of construction endeavours.
PassivHaus Construction methods are usually seen as the preserve of the wealthy or the enthusiastic self-builder, but GEDA Construction shows that it is also more than suitable for social housing where occupants might otherwise struggle with fuel poverty.
PassivHaus buildings must have very high levels of insulation, extremely high performance windows with insulated frames, airtight building fabric, a 'thermal bridge free' construction and a mechanical ventilation system with highly efficient heat recovery.
Coalisland based GEDA Construction has over 20 years experience of building Eco houses and were ideally placed to compete for the tender for the construction of Sunningdale Gardens. Damian Murray, GEDA Build Director explains…
“Twenty years ago GEDA was building a private development of 106 houses in Castleblayney, County Monaghan. There was a grant back then for Eco enhancements for new houses and we specified extra insulation from the supplier of the timber frames,solar panels and a heat recovery ventilation system. The timber frame manufacturer was asking why we wanted to do anything more than the minimum building standards but we wanted to build them to a high Eco standard and really the extra insulation paid for itself through great sales interest. The recession hit before we were finished all the houses and we parked the site until recently when we built and sold the last 30 of them to Monaghan County Council for social housing.
“We told the Council we would build 2 of them to PassivHaus standards and we wanted to show our client that Passive Housing didn’t have to be any radical design or special orientation and when they were all finished you couldn’t tell the difference between them, they all looked identical, but obviously 2 of them had much higher levels of insulation and comfort etc. without any compromise on internal space.
The
“Around then GEDA was building its own new offices outside Coalisland and we wanted to continue the eco theme and the new headquarters were built to an Eco standard and won many awards when it was completed. We are now in the process of designing a new regional office in Kegworth in England and it is being built to the state of the art BREEAM standard.”
BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. Although more complex to apply in practice, the BREEAM standard is concerned with more than energy conservation. The standard takes into account carbon emissions as well as energy consumption and is more holistic than the Passive Haus approach. BREEAM considers the environment/infrastructure surrounding the house – good management, water consumption, biodiversity, transport, pollution and waste management.
GEDA’s impressive experience in energy saving building credentials meant they were an ideal fit for the Housing Executive’s plans for Sunningdale Gardens where experience in airtightness and heat recovery systems were essential. Damian has nothing but praise for working with the Housing Executive team.
“We worked very well with the Housing Executive. This was the first time in 25 years they had built houses directly and their architects Sharon Poots and Adrian Blythe were fantastic to work with. Passive homes can be built using various building
methods and in this instance using solid walls and external wall insulation , we had to work together as a team to iron out many construction details.
“With economies of scale, it would have been easier for us to build more than 6 houses and the site was quite tight, along a main road in north Belfast but there were no issues during the build. One of the important aspects of PassivHaus construction is the air tightness. The Passivhaus standard sets a maximum allowable air permeability of 0.6 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50) for the building envelope. We worked closely with Garrett Quinn of Nilan Green in designing and installing the heat recovery ventilation.
“Not only are the houses at Sunningdale heated at a fraction of the cost of a traditional house but there are also health benefits for the occupants. The heat recovery ventilation system means that no air gets in unless it has been filtered. There’s no need to open a window so fumes and noise from the busy main road outside will not get into the house due to the triple glazing, these benefits must also be noted.
“We employed some sub-contractors and everyone on site was informed of a ‘No Blame’ Culture. This meant that if an electrician or someone accidently damaged the membrane all we wanted was to be informed about it and it would be repaired with no come back. Some of the sub-contractors had never worked on a PassivHaus before so we were happy to bring them up to speed with the requirements so they now understand the PassivHaus construction methods.
With many new projects other than housing being considered for Passive specification, Geda is ideally placed now to pull teams together to assist clients with the design and construction to the Passive standard.
The construction industry is going to be hearing much more about PassivHaus in the future and GEDA Construction has the experience to help make it happen for anyone interested in incorporating it into their project.
The first housing scheme delivered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in 25 years sets the standard for social housing of the future, with six semi-detached homes built using Modern Methods of Construction and ultra-low energy building techniques to PassivHaus standard at Sunningdale Gardens in North Belfast.
Delivered by construction company GEDA, the homes have been built to a standard beyond that of current building regulations in Northern Ireland.
Sharon Poots is an Architect and Senior Project Manager for the NIHE and was involved in the project right from the start.
Sharon studied Architecture in Edinburgh, qualified in 2007 and worked in the private sector for 10 years before joining
the Housing Executive. Working with government departments such as the Department of Communities and Department of Finance, the project started as a discussion 7 years ago…
“The origins of this pilot lies in the common interest of the Housing Executive and the Department for Communities to explore the viability of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) as a means of helping to increase the supply of social housing and to also assess MMC as a suitable model for future social new build in Northern Ireland."
"MMC was originally the catalyst as few housing providers appeared to be utilising it in NI and the UK Government led research recognised the need to increase off-site construction as a means of addressing the housing shortage generally in order to meet both housing demand and carbon targets.”
"We investigated the viability of building housing using MMC, carried out a feasibility study and looked at the market for locally delivered systems based on
versions of MMC as defined by NHBC. These included modular/ volumetric, panelised and onsite versions including aerated blockwork with external wall insulation. The key motivation for the use of MMC, and its focus on off-site manufacturing, is the perceived ability to build more quickly and efficiently, thereby achieving a faster weathertight envelope, improving the quality of construction, overcoming shortages of skilled labour, improving health & safety by reducing onsite risks, and reducing waste.
"All the different versions of MMC had their perceived strengths and weakness reviewed through the NIHE Business Case process and one major common advantage was the ability to build to a higher performance in terms of reduced/ omitted thermal bridges and to a higher level of energy efficiency. With the everincreasing focus on climate change, carbon emissions and energy use, it was subsequently agreed with the Department that a MMC project would also offer the opportunity to explore the viability of combining energy efficiency measures with MMC construction, and that this could possibly serve as an exemplar for a model of future social housing construction. This led on to our decision to build the pilot houses to PassivHaus standards.
"The lack of both MMC and PassivHaus new build projects in the social housing sector in Northern Ireland suggests that there is a need and space for further investigation into these issues if the standards and construction issues posed by current and future challenges are to be addressed."
As Northern Ireland’s strategic housing body and Home Energy Conservation Authority, the Housing Executive is best placed to take forward such a project. Being the landlord of approximately 85,000 domestic units, we hope to take this lead, to provide a future proofed model that will reduce the need for retrofit."
"I designed the 6 houses at Sunningdale Gardens and we invited bids from contractors who had experience in delivering MMC projects to PassivHaus standard utilising a site based MMC which
was the preferred option through the Business Case process."
"The Sunningdale site was selected because it was the most feasible option from the very small number of potential sites that were investigated for the pilot scheme. It was chosen for this project due to the level of housing need, the relatively small scale of the site and the need for re-provision.
"We are also currently looking at a second pilot scheme in Poleglass.progressing Business Cases for further sites."
"As the Project Architect, Project Manager and Client it was great for the NIHE to be able to deal directly with the Contractor instead of through a Consultant.
Concerning the specification for the houses, the external envelope of the properties comprises of:-
• External walls constructed using a single skin of aerated blockwork, as a rapid build technique or onsite MMC, with 225mm EPS external wall insulation with a rendered finish and a 50mm internal service void with 25mm PIR insulation installed.
• Dual pitched trussed roof construction with concrete interlocking roof tiles on timber battens and a polypropylene roofing membrane, with a cold roof build up consisting of 800mm mineral fibre insulation.
• Ground floor build up of sand/ cement screed on suspended concrete slab on 300mm EPS insulation.
Triple glazed, PassivHaus standard doors and windows are incorporated along with specialist materials to act as thermal breaks at junctions such as at the entrance canopys, cills and thresholds to all properties. Generally speaking, this provides u-values that are at a min. twice as good as the current Building Regulations of NI and attains an EPC average rating of 102 (A).
Following a recent tour of the homes and
after speaking to the new tenants, Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, commented: "This is not just the Housing Executive delivering new homes, it is the Housing Executive leading and innovating for Northern Ireland.
"The Modern Methods of Construction approach and the PassivHaus standard that NIHE has achieved will together bring learning for the whole social housing sector here.
"I commend all those involved in this development and wish the residents every happiness in their new homes."
Housing Executive Chair, Nicole Lappin, added: "We are delighted to provide our tenants with high quality, comfortable and energy-efficient homes in a community with high social housing need.
"As the strategic housing authority for Northern Ireland, it is our role to influence the future of social housing and with Sunningdale we are demonstrating what estates and housing developments can look like in the years to come."
"At the outset of this pilot project our aim was not just to build new homes for our tenants for the first time in a generation but to build future-proofed homes with energy efficient measures that will stand the test of time.
"The ultra-low energy building methods used to construct these houses means that our tenants will now benefit from improved energy efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions, lower heating bills, savings from reduced fuel costs and more comfortable homes."
Mannok is delighted to have SIMS by Mannok used in the exciting passive housing scheme which is the first Northern Ireland Housing Executive development in 25 years.
The social housing pilot scheme, contracted to Tyrone firm GEDA Construction, saw six homes built at Sunningdale Gardens in north Belfast using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and ultra-low energy building techniques to the passive house standard.
GEDA Construction is a highly valued, longstanding customer of Mannok’s, and the company is also very proud to have been involved in Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s first project in a generation.
Martin McGrath, Mannok Sales & Marketing Manager, NI, said:
“Sustainability sits at the heart of what we do at Mannok with the company having an ambitious roadmap - the Mannok 2030 Vision - to decarbonise our business, so projects such as this align perfectly with our own ethos and principles. We are delighted to have played a role in this development by GEDA Construction and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive which is the ideal example of what projects like this should look like in the future.”
The development was constructed using SIMS (Super Insulated Masonry Solution) by Mannok. The SIMS build entails a 7.5N Aircrete Thermal 215mm Block single leaf wall fitted with a certified external insulation (EWI) system.
The use of single-leaf Aircrete blocks with external insulation is widely used throughout Europe. Its adoption is on the rise in Ireland, and it’s poised to become a very popular choice due to its many benefits.
It is a more sustainable, modern method of construction. The finished building consumes less energy and produces fewer carbon emissions, resulting in less environmental impact and, ultimately, lower running costs.
Other advantages include reduced labour, reduced build time, excellent thermal performance, and reduced costs over alternative methods of construction.
As the only manufacturer of Aircrete blocks in Ireland, Mannok is helping create a more cost-effective and sustainable build that has huge benefits to all for years to come.
Jason Martin, Specification and Product Development Manager at Mannok, commented:
“We are delighted that NIHE has chosen SIMS by Mannok as the construction method in this passive housing scheme, demonstrating their recognition of the significant benefits of this fabric-first approach to construction.
“After being a slow burner for many years, Passive House is now starting to gain momentum across Ireland with many developers embracing the many benefits of this concept and the realisation that it doesn’t come with the significant additional costs often associated with it in the past.
“At Mannok we are well positioned to offer many cost-effective products and solutions to help with the transition to Passive house.”
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With extensive experience delivering large-scale projects, we collaborate with leading companies such as Grahams, Farrans, Glasgiven Contracts, Heron Brothers, Killowen Contracts, Mivan, GEDA, and QMAC. Our dedication to quality and reliability has driven repeat business and long-term partnerships, reflecting the expertise and professionalism of our highly skilled workforce.
Our pre-construction team works closely with clients and supply chain partners to carry out detailed technical evaluations of design details and specifications. This collaborative approach ensures the delivery of cost-efective and durable solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of each project.
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When I studied to be a Quantity Surveyor some 35 years ago, the Bill of Quantities was, without question, centric to the entire quantity surveying approach. This was the document upon which all tenders were prepared.
The main contractor issued it to all suppliers and sub-contractors to prepare quotes, it was used for value engineering, preparing material schedules, valuations, cash flow projections, preparing variations and the final account. As far as any QS was concerned, the Bill of Quantities was the “Bible”!
As early as the first week of Year 1 at university, such was it’s importance, we studied the art of measurement and doing take-offs, using them to produce Bills of Quantities, and the backpack never left for lectures without a copy of the SMM7 (Standard Method of Measurement). Measurement and Construction Technology were the most important parts of the course throughout 4 years of study, as without the knowledge of how something was built, it was not possible to prepare an accurate bill of quantities.
Move forward to today, and the bill of quantities is becoming somewhat of an endangered species. I was shocked a few years ago when I asked a large QS practice in London if they would be interested in preparing a bill of quantities for a scheme I was involved in, and the answer I got was, “sorry, but we don’t have the skills set to prepare a bill” - the market had moved away from bills to drawings and specifications.
I am a great advocate of the bill of quantities, and fondly remember as a contractor honing my skills in applying the “dark arts” of rating a bill, spending
Payne
By Jonathan Payne MD of Incrementum (Europe) Ltd. and Chair of the CIOB Northern Ireland Hub.
many hours remeasuring items, looking for errors in quantities, or items that were not included, items that might be omitted during a value engineering process, or trying to identify where a canny consultant’s QS had tried to “hide” some money for contingencies, often giving an opportunity to adjust rates to hopefully maximise returns during the project.
So what has caused this systemic shift in the use of bills of quantities?
Well, lets start at the education providers. When I asked a university course director why the subject of measurement was now a very small part of a QS degree, the answer I got was that the demand for bills of quantities from client’s in the commercial world had dropped off significantly, hence the
course content had adapted accordingly.
An important fact that seems to have been overlooked in this scenario is what happens when a tender pack is issued to a contractor for pricing. The first thing that happens in most cases is that a QS within the contractor’s office will produce a bill of quantities. Therefore, the production of a bill of quantities has not become obsolete, the function has merely been displaced from a consultant’s office to a contractor's office. Hence, multiple bills end up being produced for the same project. If the documents are still being produced in one form or another, then the change in course content is not the route cause for the demise of the bill of quantities, so what other factors have contributed?
I personally feel that the major factor has been cost, and a race to the bottom in terms of professional fees. As clients have been seeking a reduction in fees, this has often resulted in such a significant reduction, that consultants cannot provide a full professional service, and as such, I have seen numerous examples of bills of quantities being produced that are inaccurate, and often lump complex parts of the construction process into all encompassing items rather that take the time to describe and quantify all the individual elements. When this occurs, the bill then does not become such a key commercial management document as it cannot be effectively used to control costs and the like. When this happens,
client then, quite understandably, question the need for a bill. The result is that a client often does not want to pay a fee for a document for which they do not see value, hence the next stage is the complete omission of the bill, and tenders issued with only drawings and specifications.
This is very much a false economy, as investing a reasonable fee to produce a quality bill means that a project has a robust reference document that is essential in ensuring the good commercial management of a project. Hence the fees expended in preparing the document, will easily be recouped during the construction stage.
With contractors and their numerous supply partners now having to produce their own internal bills for tender preparation and cost control, this can only be achieved by employing more QS’s, and as such their overall overheads increase, which get passed onto the project within their tender rates. Ultimately the client is paying for a bill of quantities in some fashion, but is unable to extract any benefit as they do not see or control the document.
Without
a bill of quantities, the commercial risk on a project increases, and in the majority of situations, this risk is passed onto the contractor by way of the building contract that becomes significantly amended.
The successful contractors are those that best understand risk, and have the ability to identify, price, and where possible, mitigate the risk. This all however comes at a price, which again is included with the tender price.
So why is this happening? My thoughts are that it is as a result of a misunderstanding of what value actually is. Value and lowest cost are not the same thing, and although consultants understand this, client’s so often make professional appointments based on cost, not value. The outcome is that invariably the lowest price is what determines the appointment of the professional team, even though it does not necessarily provide the best value.
One thing I have noticed is that as bills of quantities become less frequent, disputes on projects have become more frequent. Is one of these the consequence of the other? I do believe this to be case as a large number of disputes arise due to disputed costs which often arise due to there not being a detailed cost control document. It is also interesting to note that as QS’s are being taught less measurement and construction skills, this is being replaced with contractual administration skills that are now required to both prepare for, and defend disputes, rather than actually avoid the dispute in the first instance.
Times do of course change, and we all have to change, however the changes I have seen in recent years are not all necessarily for the good. I do remain positive, and I see an opportunity for bills of quantities to become more common in the future with the development of BIM and digital twins that are evolving into very powerful tools that will eventually produce detailed bills of quantities at the push of a button, making the skill set of measurement and take-offs obsolete. This in effect will result in bills of quantities being produced at zero or minimal cost, and will hopefully mark the return to prominence of this important cost control document that will deliver true value.
Amidst discussions on AI implementation, one critical aspect often overlooked is workforce planning and skills transition - arguably the most significant element that requires extensive strategic preparation.
For any construction company aiming to future-proof its operations, a thorough approach to workforce planning and skills transition is essential. Without it, businesses risk having a workforce that isn’t equipped for the challenges of the future.
A common misstep among construction companies is viewing AI as solely an IT initiative or a responsibility for design managers. This perspective is misguided. The effective use of AI is not confined to one department; it must permeate all levels of the organisation, including leadership. The most crucial insight is that AI applications are job-specific - each department will utilise distinct tools tailored to its responsibilities.
Take for example the health and safety teams might employ AI-driven solutions for real-time safety monitoring, risk assessments, and predictive analytics. HR departments, on the other hand, could leverage AI to streamline recruitment, enhance employee engagement, and facilitate training. Similarly, the marketing department may adopt AI for content generation and customer analysis. Effective AI implementation, therefore, requires a deep understanding of individual job functions. No single department can manage AI adoption in
isolation because they do not have the indepth job-specific knowledge required; it demands a company-wide approach.
There are compelling reasons for construction firms to embrace AI. The industry’s tight margins and strict project timelines mean inefficiencies can severely impact profitability. AI-powered solutions can enhance safety, optimise workflows, and minimise project delays, all of which translate into tangible competitive advantages. For example, real-time AI safety systems use predictive algorithms to enable proactive risk management. Without a workforce that understands how to operate and interpret these tools, construction companies will struggle to keep pace with more technologically adept competitors.
As AI technologies advance, the need for construction firms to comprehend their operational and skillsrelated impacts grows more urgent.
Consider the future of the Health and Safety Manager role - within five years, the job description may resemble that of an IT professional, highlighting the shift towards greater digital proficiency. The integration of AI into on-site and off-site applications will necessitate a significant leap in digital literacy across all roles.
by Suzanne Hill Managing Director of AI for SMEs
This shift also impacts the types of partnerships construction companies need to foster with educational institutions and the apprentices they seek to attract. While many firms have established relationships with university and college programs focused on construction, few have built similar connections with departments specialising in data analytics, data engineering, and AI - fields that will become integral to future operations.
To navigate these changes successfully, HR teams and directors should concentrate on three core areas: skills assessment, cross-functional training, and strategic hiring.
Skills assessment helps identify current capabilities and highlights gaps in AI literacy and data fluency that may hinder the adoption of AI tools. Cross-functional training is vital; roles must evolve to incorporate AI literacy, fostering collaboration between departments and enhancing the ability to interpret datadriven insights. Finally, forward-looking hiring strategies should prioritise candidates with expertise in AI, data analysis, and cybersecurity - skills that are indispensable for digital construction. A well-prepared talent pipeline ensures that as AI technologies advance, the workforce will be equipped to adapt and scale.
At a time of year where companies are finalising their strategies for the next several years, it is crucial that workforce planning and skills transition are high on the priority list.
The sky really is the limit thanks to Balloo Hire’s new Genie SX180 telescopic boom. It can tackle the most extreme jobs thanks to it vertical reach of an amazing 186ft (56.86m).
The new Genie SX-180 is built to safely and quickly lift operators. It is purpose built to work on jobsites in the commercial construction, industrial construction and general maintenance applications.
With a vertical reach of 186ft and a horizontal reach of 80ft (24.38m) it can tackle the most extreme jobs and can easily position workers and gear with its 10ft (3.05m) rotating job. The Genie XChassis extends and retracts to provide stability on the job and a narrow profile for transport. It has a standard 8ft (2.44m) self-levelling platform with an unrestricted capacity of 750lb (340kg).
Colin Magee, Powered Access Manager at Balloo Hire said: “We strive to be the leader and at the forefront of innovation and these machines are the first of their kind across the island of Ireland. We believe in continuous improvement and meeting the diverse needs of our customers. Genie is known for its design and quality, and for having a focus on embracing technological advancements, safety and innovation. Our investment is providing a modern, reliable fleet that reflects our commitment in not only delivering exceptional customer service but also positions us strategically in the rental market.”
Meeting customer requests for sustainability solutions
Established in 1987 and acquired by Briggs Equipment in 2019, Balloo Hire offers a wide range of aerial work platforms along with telehandlers, forklifts, lifting and handling gear, general construction equipment and tools.
With eight locations throughout the country at Belfast, Bangor, Ballyclare, Lisburn, Glenavy, Nutts Corner, Omagh, and Dungannon, Balloo Hire Centre is the go-to choice for all rental needs across the island of Ireland.
When other hire companies were buying diesel, Balloo Hire decided to go electric and are now firmly at the forefront of the sustainable marketplace. Customers are increasingly requesting electric machines and leaving diesel equipment behind giving Balloo Hire a real point of difference. Balloo Hire now hold over 11,000 fully
electric/ hybrid range, across 670 product lines. With an investment of over £20m in the last 5 years on their sustainability journey, they continue delivering an industry leading and diverse product range to meet customer demand. Their goal is to have a battery alternative to every diesel machine that they have, ultimately helping to create a more sustainable Ireland.
The Balloo Hire team recently held a customer showcase event for their sustainable hire equipment at the iconic H&W Building in Belfast, highlighting the various eco-friendly options available for hire, ranging from electric powered tools to hybrid generators. There has been a lot of press coverage for being the first company in the UK and Ireland to bring in products such as the 80ft battery boom lifts, all-battery 6m teleporters, all-battery 1.5t diggers, battery and hybrid lighting towers and battery storage units.
In response to the growing demand for equipment rental in the West of Ireland, Balloo Hire added an additional two acres of space to its Omagh depot at the end of last year. This expansion not only benefits local businesses and individuals, but also creates additional employment in the local area and enables the company to run a large fleet of delivery vehicles from this location, speeding up delivery times to the surrounding area.
Alongside its parent company, Briggs Equipment Ireland, Balloo Hire held a free event to mark the depot opening, inviting families, friends, and customers from across the local area to join in the festivities and discover what makes their hire depot a cornerstone in the construction and manufacturing industries and across the local community.
Customers got hands-on with the wide range of their hire machinery on show.
Balloo Hire are the leading events solutions hire company across the island of Ireland, well equipped for all types of events, big or small; from weddings to festivals. The equipment available includes anti-vandal security hubs, a large range of welfare, accommodation, charging stations, site power generators and access equipment, delivery services more.
One of the biggest events to kick off the season this year was the NW200. Parent company, Briggs Equipment Ireland, were announced as the new title sponsor of the North West 200 for 2024. Balloo Hire has always been committed to supporting the local economy and this event is vitally important for businesses in the region. For many, it is the biggest week of the year, and Balloo Hire take great pride in playing their part in making sure its success continues.
Alongside the major financial investment in the NW200 from the Briggs Group, Balloo Hire provided the machinery and infrastructure within the paddock area. The 2024 Briggs North West 200 took place back in May and we look forward to see it return in 2025.
In November 2023, Balloo Hire took home the ‘Plant Hire Company of the Year Award’ at the prestigious Plant and Civil Engineer Awards, held the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast. The annual event is widely regarded as Ireland’s premier platform of recognition for those operating across all sectors of the industry.
Colin Magee is already looking forward to 2025, “The market is buoyant and we are seeing an upward growth trend.
2023 was tough for everybody, but we navigated our way through it and 2024 has been a great year for us. So, we’re very optimistic about what the next 12 months will hold.
“Looking ahead, we want to grow what we’ve already established and move into different sectors. We have a wonderful opportunity to keep expanding.”
With a great willingness to invest in all areas of its operation, and a passion to meet changing customer requirements, Balloo Hire is sure to remain at the forefront of the equipment hire marketplace.
It is said that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. For Metso crushers and screeners distributor in Northern Ireland, McHale Plant Sales, that single step was taken at the Dunadry Inn & Country Club on a dark ‘wintery’ evening in December2015.
The Birdhill, Tipperary and Rathcoole-based company, then Metso distributor south of the border, had come to the Antrim hostelry at the invitation of the Institute of Quarrying (Northern Ireland) Branch for the purpose of addressing a meeting of its members in the wake of their appointment by Metso as distributors of their mobile crushers and screening equipment in the Northern Ireland market also.
Little did they imagine at that time, their appointment to represent Metso in Northern Ireland was to be their first step on a journey that, at that stage, had yet to fully unfold.
There to receive and welcome McHale chairman, Michael McHale, his MD, Tim Shanahan, and a number of their colleagues was Institute Chairman, Stephen Robinson – he of Robinson Quarry Masters, Glenwherry Quarry on the outskirts of Ballymena – accompanied by Institute Secretary, John Braniff.
There also was a bumper attendance of Institute members whose enthusiastic presence was to instil in the minds of their guests what Michael McHale said was “a belief since proven over the intervening years that Northern Ireland is an exceedingly friendly and welcoming marketplace”.
In addition to meeting McHale people, the attendance included leading figures from Northern Ireland’s quarrying and aggregates sector whose purpose was to hear Metso’s then Vice President responsible for Metso’s Crushing & Screening equipment, Jouni Mahonen, speak from an ‘insider’s viewpoint concerning matters of real significance for quarry owners. They were not disappointed!
Against the proposition voiced by Michael McHale ahead of the event to the effect
that ‘the future is bright for sales of mobile crushers in Ireland and Northern Ireland’, Institute members heard Mahonen speak in the context of economic circumstances applying at that time, focusing on the trickle down impact that (the then) falling oil prices and overcapacity in the world’s mining and iron ore sectors was having on the aggregates sector.
Supported by his file of audio visuals, Mahonen said that, with their distributor McHale Plant Sales, “Metso was committed to changing the aggregates business environment in Ireland”. Citing their Lokotrack LT220D mobile crusher, Mahonen described it as a ‘unique, two-inone machine’ that, tests show, are delivering many cost savings to customers.
Referring to research done in ‘real life’ working environments, both in Finland and Norway, Mahonen instanced (per annum) examples of reduced fuel consumption (40%) and fewer refuelling actions (250 less) as two key features.
Results also showed the LT220D delivering more productive working time (25% more) thanks to reduced time loss for maintenance (100 hrs less) and less time loss on trailer travel due to its better transportability.
Looking ahead, he highlighted the introduction of Metso’s own ‘Easy Fleet’ online management system introduced on crushers from early-2016.
“Fitted to machines that will be sold in Ireland, the system is designed to allow owners monitor a machine’s performance remotely whilst enabling owners, manufacturer and distributors together to engage in live conferencing when assessing any problems that might arise. An in-built alarm system will provide early warning of maintenance needs and realtime alerts when trouble occurs” Mahonen emphasised.
Since then, much water has flowed under the bridge. Today, McHale Plant Sales continues as Metso distributors covering Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, as recognition of work they were doing here – and of the experience working in Northern Ireland had given them in terms of knowledge of a Sterling-based economy - their mandate was extended last year to include responsibility for marketing and sales of Lokotrack mobile crushers in England, Scotland and Wales. Today, when mention is made of Metso and McHale Plant Sales, as likely as not its position as an all-Ireland distributor based in Dublin and Birdhill will be equalled by those who think of them as having a headquarters and UK administrative centre in the Staffordshire town of Tamworth and a fully-functioning Scottish base in Edinburgh.
Excited by Metso’s launch of their electric powered Lokotrack EC models, and of their NW8HRC portable crusher for sand and fine aggregates production (in which ‘widespread interest’ is reported’), Sales manager Raymond Murphy reports well on the progress McHale is making in Ireland and the UK “with a number of important sales to some of the biggest and best known names in the UK aggregates sector.”
Looking ahead, Murphy wryly comments: “the journey that once begun at the Dunadry Inn & Country Club continues to be a work in progress”.
Alan Lewis
Alan Lewis has over 25 years of experience as an asbestos consultant. He worked in England for nearly 5 years as an asbestos surveyor, air tester, project manager and laboratory technician analysing asbestos and then moved to Banbridge, Co. Down and set up the Northern Ireland Branch of G&L Consultancy Ltd in 2004.
Since then he has worked with a huge array of clients stretching from Cork to Ballycastle. Alan is qualified to CCP Asbestos; which is the UK standard for competence in the asbestos industry.
Alan looks at the latest developments in asbestos regulations..
To start looking at the changes, I think we need to look at the history and starting point of regulations regarding asbestos within Europe.
I have seen amendments in various guidance and regulations during my time over the 25 year period; however I have not witnessed any that is going to have such a financial impact as the new European Directive 2023/2668. There is a transition period of six years for member states to adopt these changes. I have heard that Ireland could be looking at the implementation of these regulations much sooner, although have not heard when exactly.
I have taken a great interest in Directive 2023/2668 since its publication in November 2023. I support any advances in the protection of workers, and anyone who might be exposed and affected by asbestos; and believe that all the hurdles that may be ahead of Ireland in view of this Directive, are worth overcoming, and need to be. Asbestos exposure is the largest cause of occupational deaths in Ireland. I have always championed quality and have fought for the highest standards within the asbestos industry. I am not afraid to rock the boat, and will challenge anything I see fall short of these standards. As a father, husband and director of G&L Consultancy, this is at the core of my values.
In this article, I am merely stating my understanding of the new asbestos Directive 2009/148/EC.
I personally do not feel that enough discussion and consultation has been forthcoming across Ireland in view of what is coming.
The European Parliament and council of the European Union introduced protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos back in the early 1980s (Directive 83/477/EEC). This was superseded in 2009 with Directive 2009/148/EC, also known as the Asbestos at Work Directive (AWD).
One of the key articles in the 2009 with Directive 2009/148/EC, is that employers shall ensure that no worker is exposed to an airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 0.1 fibres per cm3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). This is also referred to as the occupational exposure limit (OEL). The exposure of workers to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos at the place of work must be reduced to a minimum and in any case below the limit value of 0.1 fibres per cm3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).
On the 22nd November 2023, the European Parliament published a new directive on the protection of works from the risks of asbestos. Directive (EU) 2023/2668. This directive has significant changes that are going to greatly affect all industries in construction, as well as other industries. There are huge cost and time implications on the horizon.
Directive (EU) 2023/2668 states:
“There are types of exposure to asbestos
that do not result from the active handling of asbestos. Such types of exposure include passive exposure, where workers who work either in the vicinity of someone working with materials containing asbestos, or in premises where materials containing asbestos are degrading in building structures, are exposed to asbestos, and secondary exposure, where people are exposed to asbestos fibres brought home by occupationally exposed individuals mostly from their clothing or hair”
The gender distribution of activities at the place of work constitutes a risk factor for the monitoring, diagnosis, treatment and recognition of asbestos-related diseases. It is therefore essential to take into account gender differences in exposure to asbestos and health complications following such exposure, in order to better prevent and detect diseases caused by such exposure”.
“Following new scientific and technological developments in the area, there is scope to improve the protection of workers exposed to asbestos and thus to reduce the probability that exposed workers contract asbestos-related diseases”.
Directive (EU) 2023/2668 has concluded that the Occupational Exposure Limit of 0.1 fibres per cm3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), is revised to 0.01 fibres per cm3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). In other words, 10 times lower than the current limit of 0.1 fibres per cm3
The directive also states that current available technologies for evaluating asbestos fibres in the air using Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM); which is the current industry standard for sampling and counting airborne fibres, do not allow for the measurement at very low concentrations when thin fibres are counted.
To put this into context. For the majority of asbestos removal in ROI, competent asbestos removal contractors carry out a risk assessment and prepare a method statement / plan of work on how they intend to remove asbestos. This is then notified the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) 14 days in advance of the work commencing. Asbestos removal is undertaken using controls to ensure asbestos is not spread, and fibre release is controlled at source. This often involves enclosures (where plastic sheeting and structures are used to contain the asbestos); along with other controls such as H-type vacuums, negative pressure
units, airlocks, bag locks, airless sprayers, injections equipment, etc.
Following this removal process, an independent asbestos analyst is employed to undertake what is known as a fourstage clearance air test; which is a methodical process to ensure the work has been carried out to satisfactory standards. The third stage of this process is air testing. This is where a known volume of air is sampled from within the area where asbestos has been removed; and then it is analysed under a microscope, to count the number of fibres present.
Due to PCM not being able to detect very fine asbestos fibres, Directive (EU) 2023/2668 has stated that EU member states need to transition from PCM analysis, to electron microscopy (EM).
Electron microscopy is a powerful technique for detecting asbestos fibres, leveraging its high resolution to identify tiny, hazardous fibres not visible with standard light microscopes.
This change from PCM to electron microscopy (EM) is going to greatly affect planning and costs on construction and refurbishment projects. As stated above, normally a four-stage clearance air test can be done in a day, with results left on site that day. This process is frustrating for contractors on a site waiting a day for this test; plus waiting maybe weeks before hand while asbestos removal is being carried out. Often, contractors working alongside asbestos removal contractors are requested to leave the immediate area near the enclosure to reduce dust disturbance. Any dust generated near an enclosure is drawn into the enclosure (which is under negative pressure); and can cause delays in the four-stage clearance air test process. Normally this clearance process is completed within a day. Now imagine a process where the
Respirator face fit testing ensures proper fit and optimal protection against harmful inhalable substances.
Transition from phase-contrast microscopy (PCM) to electron microscopy (EM) will greatly affect planning and costs on construction and refurbishment projects.
four stage clearance air test takes 5 to 7 days!
The analysis costs for electron microscopy starts at around £150 per sample for a weeks turnaround, rising to around £350 per sample for a quicker turnaround.. Therefore if three samples are needed (as an example), analysis costs start mounting! This excludes the actual process for carrying out the four-stage air test. However, these costs are minuscule when looking at the time of site delays due to enclosures being in situ for weeks; the lengthy air testing process, and the down time and considerations for dust control on site.
Other considerations the incoming Directive (EU) 2023/26 has for the asbestos removal industry in the ROI, is increasing their onsite air monitoring of their employees to prove their methods are
effective and to monitor exposure of their employees. As the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) on Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is based on the existing OEL of 0.1 fibres per cm3 , The new OEL of 0.01 fibres per cm3 will change the APF, therefore more stringent RPE will need to be considered, and/or employers may need to consider the reduction of time for those working within an enclosure?
Also for removal contractors to consider, Section 21 of Directive (EU) 2023/26 states “Special control measures and precautions, including by means of the latest technology, are needed for workers exposed or likely to be exposed to asbestos to lower the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air to as low a level as is reasonably practical below the limit value, through measures such as dust suction at source and the cleaning and maintenance of the premises”. In the Annex of the Directive, it refers to “minimum requirements for training” for workers involved in asbestos removal
“Workers who engage in demolition or asbestos removal work shall be required to receive additional training regarding the use of modern technological equipment and machines to contain the release and spread of asbestos fibres during work processes, in accordance with this Directive”.
The 2023 Directive (EU) 2023/2668 represents a landmark update, reducing the occupational exposure limit tenfold to 0.01 fibres per cm3 and mandating more precise fibre detection through electron microscopy. This stricter standard places new demands on asbestos removal processes, training, and equipment, with implications for time, costs, and overall planning in the building, construction and other industries.
G&L Consultancy Ltd are an independent asbestos consultancy company located in Co. Down, Northern Ireland. We work for a wide range of clients across the ROI and Northern Ireland.
For any advice on the upcoming regulatory changes and how they will impact you, and any other asbestos related query, ring Alan directly on 07968 077419 or email him: alan.lewis@gnl.org.uk
• Surveys for buildings (including demolition and refurbishment)
• Air monitoring
• Sample analysis (including water absorption testing)
• Asbestos management plans
• Respirator face fit testing (carried out at any location)
• Asbestos and health and safety training (at our training centre, or your premises)
• Free independent advice
• Out of hours service
Get £500 cashback* when you install an eco-friendly heat pump.
Replace a boiler, older heat pump, or any other heat source with the Daikin Altherma H HT, and as an installer, you will receive £500 cashback or credit if you have an account with Daikin.
Efective from 25 June 2024, you can receive £500 cashback when you replace either a boiler [LPG, oil, electric or solid fuel], or an old heat pump with a Daikin Altherma H HT heat pump. A saving that’s good for your pocket, and even better for the planet.
*Ofer applies to units purchased from 25 June 2024 and registered on StandByMe by 28 February 2025. Claims must be submitted by 31 March 2025. Full terms and conditions can be found on our website at daikin.co.uk/cashback
Based in Banbridge, County Down, is a leading specialist in heritage glazing, supplying customers throughout Ireland and the UK, and its Slim-Glaze product are particularly renowned throughout the market and also they have been recognised as the ONLY manufacturer in Ireland that has passed test requirements for these double-glazed units.
The company’s highperformance Krypton-filled doubleglazing units start at just 11mm thick (about the diameter of a biro) and can fit into frames that were only designed for single glazing, or frames that have the traditional timber low sight-line rebate. They also meet the glazing requirements of properties which have listed status
Over the last 15 years they have been supplying their SlimGlaze products into many prestigious projects including Adare Manor, Dublin Castle, Primark Belfast, Royal College of Surgeons, Queen’s University, Ashford Castle, National Art Gallery, Coolmore Stud Farm, Adare Manor, Hillsborough Castle, USA Ambassador Residence, U.K Ambassador Residence, Dublin Castle, Dromoland Castle, Gilford Castle, Royal College of Surgeons, Clayton Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Department of Education, Cashel Palace, Griffith Barracks, Kildare shopping village, McKee Barracks and ESB buildings which saw the biggest undertaking of heritage restoration Dublin has seen.
CEmarking Passing the Part 3 standard, notoriously difficult for slimline units, is the latest example of the company’s commitment to excellence”, as Managing Director Aaron McCreanor explains:
There are widespread concerns in the Industry in relation to some lessor known companies in Ireland now manufacturing their own version of our Slim-Glaze units which we were the first in Ireland to start manufacturing reduced sightline insulating glass units. (IGU’s) Apart from these companies not having much or any experience within IGU manufacturing they are also using standard Argon gas to pass them off and in turn they will have more than 40% less energy efficiency.
They have won the RIAI architect choice award for their product at the AGM event held at the RDS Dublin and projects they have been supplying their products into have won multiple awards held by the RIAI each year.
“All our units these units are FULLY certified passing B.S.I requirements and
“Of the two parts of BS EN 1279, Part 2, which governs moisture penetration, is relatively straightforward to pass. Most manufacturers don’t have a problem with it. “Part 3, which governs gas leakage, is much harder. It’s extremely difficult to produce a unit that’s slim enough for heritage use, yet our units manages that required standard.
“Why take a chance on a product which already underperforms, hasn’t been tested and could lead to more issues down the line? even one these companies based around Rathmines area of Dublin have even resorted to copying and pasting from our own website in an effort to try and make themselves look genuine”. Mr McCreanor explains.
All IGUs placed on the European Market and UK must, under the Construction Products Regulations, be manufactured in accordance with all parts (1 to 6) of EN 1279, the harmonised European Standard for Insulating Glass Units. In Ireland and under S.I. 225 of 2013 it is a criminal offence to supply construction products with these standards being met.
“At IMC, we’ve got an extremely talented technical team, and after a lot of hard work, they managed to produce units that consistently pass the test. We spend many thousands each year to maintain our kite-mark which includes testing samples to B.S.I every 6 months.”
More information about these products can be found at www.imcglass.com / www.imcglass.ie
IMC Glass have invested in the design and manufacture of these specialist slim double glazed units that satisfy the requirements of a low sight line to be fitted in traditional timber frames and we are the ONLY fully certified manufacturer of heritage type double-glazed units in all of Ireland.
It is no longer necessary to expect people who live in old buildings not to optimise their insulation. This product provides the alternative to turning up the heating and allowspeople to livemore comfortably in older properties. The Slim-Glaze warm edge spacer technology consists of a poly metric tape that has a desiccant embedded in its structure. It is physically smaller than a contemporary spacer bar and more attractive. It allows the perimeter margin to be kept to a minimum so it can be glazed in traditional glazing rebates.
The double glazing has a perimeter seal from edge of glass to inside of spacer bar of 7mm + or – 1mm. Units can also range from 11mm to 16mm in overall thickness. Large panes up to 1m2 only can be manufactured using 4mm spacer, for panes over 1m2 please increase the cavity to 6m or 8m depending upon the size of the unit required.
Unlike other inferior products on the market, we only use pure krypton or xenon, not krypton/argon mix, which is less efficient. We also use a sealant that has been specially designed for double glazing. It produces smaller, more discreet seals and is considered the best on the market.
Our Slim Glaze units start at just 11mm overall thickness... about the diameter of a Biro.
Have a real conversation about your insurance
Having a local office means we’re never far away if you need us. Give us a call or pop into: Suite 9 & 10, Formation Works, Edenaveys Road, Co Armagh, BT60 1NF 028 3752 2649
Costs are based on a list prices and where possible reflect an average between suppliers; it should be noted that actual quantities of materials determine the final price; individual contractor's trade discounts will have to be applied; prices listed have been based on a Greater Belfast area and therefore delivery charges will need to be applied for other location. Base date: November 2023. Material costs (excluding VAT).
AGGREGATES:
3mm dust Tonne
Blinding
6mm aggregate including Type 3
10mm aggregate including Type 3
14mm aggregate including Type 3
20mm aggregate including Type 3
32mm aggregate including Type 3
25mm crusher run Tonne £13.00
40mm crusher run Tonne
50mm crusher run
65mm crusher run
100mm crusher run
150mm crusher run
Recycled fill – uncrushed
Recycled fill – crushed
Building sand
Washed sand
Kiln dried sand
READY MIX CONCRETE: (Based a
C8/10
STEEL
CONCRETE BLOCKS:
Commons:
440 x 215 x 100 7N/mm2 solid block
£600.00 440 x 215 x
x 215 x 150 7N/mm2
£860.00 440 x 215 x 150 10N/mm2 solid block
440 x 300 x 100 7N/mm2
440 x
440 x 150 x 100 7N/mm2 soap bar block
Fair Faced concrete blocks:
440 x 215 x 100 10N/mm2 solid blocks
Thermal Lightweight block
440 x 215 x 100 7N/mm2 block; thermal density 0.320W/m2C
BRICKS:
Commons:
£900.00
£1,620.00
SHEETING:
Malaysian Plywood; 2440 x 1220 sheets
5.5mm thick
9mm thick
12mm thick
18mm thick
25mm thick
Marine Plywood; 2440 x 1220 sheets
12mm thick
18mm thick
OSB 3 SE Board; 2440mm x 1220mm
9mm thick
11mm thick
18mm thick
Chipboard Flooring T&G 4 Edge P4; 2400mm x 600mm
18mm thick
22mm thick
MDF; 2440mm x 1220mm Sheet
12mm thick
18mm thick
MDF Moisture Resistant; 2440 x 1220 Sheet
12mm thick
18mm thick
Fibre Cement Board; 2400 x 1200 sheet
9mm thick
12mm thick;
Timber Square Fencing Post
75mm x 75mm; 2.4m long
Timber Square Fencing Post 100mm x 100mm; 2.4m long
Timber rails; 75 x 44 splayed; m long 4.20m long
Timber Fencing 150mm x 22mm
Bevelled Top & Bottom; 2.10m long
METAL PARTITIONING:
72mm C channel
70 vertical stud; 3600mm
9.5mm plasterboard; (1800 x 900 sheets)
12.5mm plasterboard
12.5mm fireline
12.5mm
12.5mm soundblock
15mm plasterboard
15mm moisture resistant plasterboard
15mm soundblock
8mm x 100mm
Wafer Head Jack-Point Screws 13mm; 1000 per
25mm drywall screws; 1000 per box
Sealant; 600 ml
tape; 240mm
Fassa help transform former hotel site into luxurious residential development in coastal location
Leading Italian render manufacturer, Fassa Bortolo, is proud to have played a key role in the transformation of the former Treglos Hotel site into a luxurious residential development in Constantine Bay.
The new development, known as the Treglos Hotel Development, offers 20 exquisite 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses, along with eight contemporary 3 and 4 bedroom houses, all designed to blend seamlessly with the stunning coastal surroundings.
Fassa UK collaborated closely with the client, Acorn Blue, and Poynton Bradbury Architects to bring their architectural vision to life. The unique development stands out for its use of multiple Fassa systems, tailored to meet the project’s high standards. The Fassatherm ‘Mechanical Plus’ mineral wool system for SFS was chosen for its superior fire protection capabilities, ensuring safety without compromising on aesthetics. Additionally, the project utilised Fassarend render carrier board system ‘5A’. Allowing for a durable and visually appealing finish. Both systems are certified by Kiwa BDA, underscoring their reliability and quality.
To further enhance the project’s integration into the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, multiple colours from our 365 top coat range were used, including the striking IN 27, which helped the buildings harmonise beautifully with their natural surroundings. We are delighted hat Treglos Hotel Development was nominated as ‘Residential Project of the Year by Constructing Excellence South West, a testament to the exceptional quality and vision of the project.
Fassatherm Mechanical Plus system, certified by Kiwa BDA
Utilises A 96 adhesive along with mineral wool insulation
RX 561 in IN 27 acrylic-siloxane top coat
Excellent thermal insulation in winter and summer
Fire protection
System fire classification: A2-s1-d0
Acoustic insulation properties
Increased thermal wave phase shift
Optimum water repellency
Mineral and breathable
High water vapour permeability
Excellent protection against the weather
Easy to apply
installation on steel frame structures
Awarded the most innovative product of the year at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s 2021 SEAI Energy Show
Grundfos MIXIT, has been installed at the heart of Tipperary Credit Union’s new high e ciency HVAC system, to simplify installation and commissioning, improve system management and control, and signi昀cantly cut energy usage. It is part of a complete refurbishment aimed at improving the environmental performance of the upgraded Headquarters building.
When Tipperary Credit Union decided on a complete refurbishment of its headquarters building in Tipperary Town, one of its key objectives was to make the building more energy e cient and improve environmental performance.
The old, ine cient heating system was an obvious target. The di昀ering heating demands for di昀erent areas of the building meant that complex mixing loops, involving up to 12 separate interactive components, including pumps and multiple valves, were required to create di昀erent conditions in the various user zones.
As commissioning and continuously balancing the multiple components of a traditional mixing loop is very challenging and time consuming, the old HVAC system was very ine cient and energy hungry, leading to high operating costs and a poor carbon footprint.
The client was very keen to simplify control and management of its new systems, and was therefore looking to adopt standalone solutions wherever possible.
Grundfos MIXIT 昀tted the bill perfectly. Introduced in Ireland just two years ago, the groundbreaking solution was voted the ‘Most Innovative Product of the Year’ on its 昀rst appearance at the 2021 SEA1 Energy Show.
MIXIT combines all of the components of a traditional mixing loop in a single, stand-alone unit that automatically adjusts and balances to meet system demands. It is manufactured and tested o昀site under factory conditions, and delivered to site as a ‘plug and go’ solution, making installation and commissioning simple and quick.
Two MIXIT units were installed to serve di昀erent areas of the building.
Combined with high e ciency Grundfos pumps, they created a very comfortable environment in each of the areas, whilst signi昀cantly cutting energy usage.
Because of the much reduced number of connections, installation and commissioning was straightforward compared to the traditional mixing loop solutions, and the systems were continuously balanced to ensure optimum e ciency at all times.
Learn more about mixing loops
Whilst the MIXIT units are not required to have direct connection to a Building Management System (BMS), they were connected in this case via built-in BACnet and Modbus connectors, to make monitoring easier. This also allowed direct connection to the MIXIT vis smart phone or laptop, using the dedicated Grundfos GO app, which enables the system to be monitored remotely and allows automatic updating of software licences.
The units were installed as part of a comprehensive range of energy e cient solutions that included solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps and a complete heating upgrade.
Set to revolutionise heating efciency, leading heating technology manufacturer Grant has unveiled its new generation air source heat pump, the Grant Aerona R290.
Specifically engineered in Ireland for the UK and Irish climate, this cutting-edge technology is already making waves in the industry, setting new standards for innovation and energy efficiency for home heating.
During the extensive R&D phase, Grant focused heavily on refining the design and testing the new Grant Aerona R290 range to ensure it’s perfectly suited for temperamental year-round climate conditions. The result was a heat pump that is both high-performing and designed with the installer and end-user in mind.
Stephen Grant, Founder of Grant said, “The launch of the Grant Aerona R290 heat pump marks a significant development in sustainable home heating and within our product portfolio. As our next generation heat pump, the Grant Aerona R290 comes as Grant celebrates 15 years of being in the heat pump market and is testament to our commitment to design highly efficient, reliable heating technologies which can make a real sustainable difference. As more homes make the transition to lower carbon heating solutions, we look forward to continuing to support customers through the delivery of technologies, products and services that can help them make a real difference.”
The Grant Aerona R290 mono bloc heat pump, combining sleek aesthetics with practicality, is versatile enough for a variety of property types. The initial release includes three models—4kW, 6.5kW, and 9kW—with larger 12kW and 16kW models to follow in early 2025.
Designed with style and noise reduction in mind, its durable, powder-coated black casing was developed in response to customer feedback, ensuring it fits seamlessly into modern homes. With ultralow noise levels that have earned Quiet Mark accreditation, the units feature innovative soundproofing elements such as acoustic cotton insulation and anti-vibration feet.
In terms of performance, the Grant Aerona R290 delivers. The new heat pump offers a low-carbon heating solution that’s future-ready by utilising R290 refrigerant, which boasts an incredibly low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3, making it a standout option for eco-conscious builders and homeowners alike.
All models in the range come with an impressive energy efficiency rating of A+++ (at 35°C flow temperature). Tested at extremes, the units maintain consistent output even in challenging conditions, delivering excellent performance at -5°C air temperature and 55°C water flow. The Grant Aerona R290 also comes equipped with a built-in immersion heater and a high-capacity 9m head circulation pump, ensuring it can handle demanding heating requirements.
The new Grant Aerona R290 units can be monitored and controlled remotely, giving users full oversight of their heating system and enabling offsite diagnostics when needed. Designed to work seamlessly with the Aerona Smart Controller, the system is simple to set up, operate, and manage, making it a user-friendly option for both installers and homeowners.
For those in the construction industry, Grant’s team of renewable technical specialists will provide complimentary heating system design and specification support for projects of all sizes, from single homes to multi-unit developments. The team ensures that the Grant Aerona R290 is properly sized for optimal efficiency as part of a fully integrated heating system, and all units are commissioned on-site by Grant at no extra charge
With the launch of the Grant Aerona R290, Grant continues to lead the way in delivering innovative heating solutions that meet the evolving needs of the construction industry, helping builders and developers stay ahead of the curve while embracing sustainability.
Visit www.grantni.com for more information on Grant’s range of innovative heating solutions. Follow Grant on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @mygrantni or on LinkedIn @GrantEngineeringULC. Think
HR Director at Henry Brothers
Q: Did you plan to get involved in the Construction Industry?
My father started Henry Brothers when I was young, so I have always known that I wanted to be involved in the construction industry as part of Henry Brothers. Growing up around it, I was naturally very interested and learned a great deal over the years – while I didn’t always know which path I wanted to take within the company, I knew I wanted to be part of the family business and build on the Henry Brothers legacy.
Q: How did you start off?
When I first joined Henry Brothers, I gained a wealth of experience in various different departments.
I was initially involved in accounts before moving to payroll and then training. As Henry Brothers continued to grow, this became a much bigger department with the aim of supporting and developing our people.
I am now the HR Director, where I lead the HR and Training teams at Henry Group to ensure the company is sustainable and fully equipped for the future.
Q: What have been the highlights of your career so far?
It has been an honour to see some of my family follow my footsteps into Henry Brothers – my sons Jamie and Adam work for the company, and Craig who is still at school is very much looking towards a career in construction. Their involvement gives me confidence that our values and legacy will continue as we work together to shape the future of construction.
Another key highlight was being named Director of the Year, Family Business, at the IoD Northern Ireland Director of the Year Awards 2023. This recognition was not only a personal milestone but testament to the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our entire team.
Q: What was the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of advice that I’ve been given is to have the right people in place that match your culture and way of doing business.
When you build a team that shares the same commitment and mindset, you create a positive, productive environment. As a responsible company, we place great value in integrity, dependability, and sustainability, and it’s vital that our people
share these same values.
Prioritising this has been essential for both the success of our business and the strength of our team.
Q: What would you say to any students considering a career in construction?
I would say go for it!
Construction is an incredibly dynamic field that’s constantly evolving, with new technologies, practices, and challenges shaping the industry.
If you are someone who wants a career where you’re never sitting in one place, construction offers endless opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain hands-on experience.
Plus, there’s always a path forward— whether you want to progress into management roles or explore different specialisations and side-step into related fields, it’s a career that offers countless ways to develop new skills and expand your knowledge.
Q: Do you think the Construction Sector needs more support from Stormont?
The construction sector in Northern Ireland would certainly benefit from more support from Stormont, especially when it concerns the Apprenticeship Levy.
Companies in Northern Ireland currently have no access to this scheme, despite contributing to the funding of it. Unlike other regions, we’re not able to reinvest these funds into training our workforce, effectively putting us at a disadvantage. Stormont should be actively working to establish a structure that enables access to these funds and supports a robust skills scheme. This would open the door to better training for apprentices, attracting new talent and addressing skills shortages across the industry.
Q: What needs to be done to help the Construction Sector?
To truly help the construction sector, we need to address the ongoing skills shortage that is impacting employment.
At Henry Brothers, we are already working hard to tackle this issue, but there are no quick wins - it requires a long-term approach.
We need to start
planting seeds now by promoting construction as a viable and rewarding career option, especially among young people.
This means placing construction at the forefront and investing in robust apprenticeship programmes to bring in the next generation of skilled workers.
Q: Tell us something surprising about yourself…
Believe it or not, I wanted to be a Lorry Driver when I was younger! Unfortunately, I could never quite get the hang of reversing them, which is obviously quite vital to being able to operate one!
Looking back, it’s probably for the best that I found my way into a different career path...
The New Renault Master has won a load of trophies at the 2025 Parkers Van and Pickup Awards, picking up the top honour of “Van of the Year” as well as “Best Large Van” and “Best Electric Van”.
When it came to determining the “Van of the Year”, the New Renault Master was a clear winner, according to Tom Webster, Vans Editor of Parkers, who said: “This was a strong year for new commercial vehicle launches, but the Renault Master stood out for having made advances in areas that really matter to van customers. The new Master's cabin is a comfortable and practical place, while there has been real thought put into elements such as storage and practicality.”
He continued: “It's also smooth and easy to drive, whichever version you get into. Crucially, though, the numbers make a lot of sense. The aerodynamic efficiency means it has a smaller battery but a superior electric range to its major competitors, meaning it has an impressive payload too. It tops it all off with a very competitive pricing proposition, which means it makes sense on paper as well as on the road.”
In its fourth generation, the New Renault Master, which is available with load spaces from 11 to 14.8 cubic metres, also won Best
Large Van. Describing why the latest Renault LCV won, Tom Webster said: “A new large van doesn't come around all that often so the pressure is on any new entrant to the class. The Renault Master has gone above and beyond, though, with a fantastic all-round proposition. It's also great to drive and makes a lot of financial sense.”
The efficiency, load capacity and range of the New Renault Master E-Tech 100% electric also resulted in Parkers naming it “Best Electric Van”. The website’s judging panel commented: “The Renault Master ETech has been created with electric power in mind, and it has been designed to maximise efficiency wherever possible. Not only does this mean you can go further in an electric Master, but it also means it can come fitted with a smaller, and crucially lighter, battery. This means that precious resources can be allocated to carrying your cargo rather than hauling a huge battery around.”
Adam Wood, Managing Director and Country Head Renault Group UK said: “To hear the experts at Parkers name the New Renault Master as the Best Large Van and Best Electric Van as well as overall Van of the Year confirms it is the number one choice in its sector, regardless of how it is powered. Customers can rest assured that they are purchasing a van that really is the best available.”
The awards follow the New Renault Master winning the International “Van of the Year” title, which was awarded by a comprehensive panel of experts from across the UK and Europe.
With a 40mm wider opening at the sliding side door and 100mm longer load than the previous version, the New Master’s greater payload capacity and volume, plus a 25% increase in total cabin storage, redefine convenience in the large van class. In addition, the Blue dCi engines consume less fuel and emit less CO2 thanks to the New Master’s enhanced aerodynamics.
Externally, the New Renault Master has an attractive new design, while the interior benefits from upgraded, premium feel materials and the Renault’s OpenR Link multimedia system. Standard in every model and including smart phone integration, the system can be further enhanced with the optional availability of Google built-in on the Extra trim level. The high-tech theme continues with the New Renault Master’s set of 20 driver assistance systems.
The New Renault Master is available from £33,500 plus VAT or £37,500 plus VAT after PiVG for E-Tech 100% electric versions.
