The Public Sector Magazine 2019 Awards Issue

the magazine for public sector providers & decision makers

2019

AWARDS ISSUE

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE

the m the the

the magazine for public sector providers & decision makers the magazine for public sector providers & decision makers the magazine for public sector providers & decision makers

AWARDS ISSUE 2019 AWARDS ISSUE 2019 AWARDS ISSUE 2019 Ireland’s dedicated magazine for the Public Sector, Semi-State Bodies and Civil Servants.

Editor: Trish Phelan trish@devlinmedia.org Design: Minx Design www.minxdesign.ie

Public Sector Magazine Public Sector Magazine Public Sector Magazine

The recognition of peers is important in any sector but for one as vital as the Irish Public Sector, every accolade adds to a brand’s credibility. Corporate awards enhance a company’s reputation, help employees take pride in their work and instil confidence in customers about the quality and professionalism of an organisation. An award by any measure is a sign of excellence. This Awards publication recognises excellence in key providers to the Irish Public Sector acknowledging the professionalism of companies that excel in what they do.

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2016 2019 2016 2019

Production Manager: Joanne Punch joanne@devlinmedia.org Copy: Elaine Harley elaineharley@devlinmedia.org A Devlin Media Publication

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Age Friendly City Community

COMING OF AGE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Dublin City Council Age Friendly City Community

Dublin was the first capital city in the world to adopt a citywide approach to becoming Age Friendly. Dublin City Age Friendly is part of a shared service hosted

by Meath County Council, which supports and provides technical guidance to 31 local authorities.

Dublin’s Age Friendly Programme is working to create the kinds of communities in which older people can live autonomous and valued lives, focusing on actions and developments to support people of all ages to enjoy healthier, more active and connected lives.

Dublin City Age Friendly provides a variety of services, the most notable being their Housing with Support initiative in Inchicore (HWS), which will provide 52 homes on St. Michael’s Estate. This project is the first of its kind in that it has been crossorganisational from its inception working in collaboration with Dublin City Architects, Housing & Community Services,

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Department of Health, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Health Services Executive.

Following a tender process, Circle VHA and ALONE were jointly successful in obtaining the respective development and management of this initiative. The HWS model brings together a range of services and supports - principally relating to housing, community, social and care - that have historically been provided in “silos”. It seeks to provide an appropriate physical and supportive environment that enables older residents to live full lives in their own homes within their own community, thereby promoting independence and reducing or deferring the need to move into long term residential care.

The overall aim of this project is to develop a new model of housing for older people where the key components; physical environment and care supports are provided onsite with older people at the centre.

Dublin City Age Friendly also provides training, age friendly business recognition training, public realm training for architects and planners, dementia awareness training and in-house training. They launched their own training model ‘’Dublin City’s Guide to Age Friendly Communication’’ on 2nd July 2019. Dublin City Age Friendly also act as consultants on a variety of in-house project and encourage all departments to consult with older people. They provide a Walkability Audit Toolkit for communities that has led to many changes and additions within areas, for example, additional seating. They also undertook a Walkability Audit of Dublin City Council Headquarters with the support of the Older Person’s Councils which has triggered the implementation of requested improvements in the atrium of the building. Dublin City Age Friendly have also worked collaboratively with the Lion’s Club and Dublin Fire Brigade in distributing ‘’Message in a Bottle’’ units a simple but effective idea designed to encourage people to keep their personal and medical details on

a standard form and in a common location - normally the fridge. While it focuses on more vulnerable people, there is a benefit for everyone as accidents can happen to anyone in their home. The public sector is very important to Dublin City Age Friendly “because we are all ageing,” says Beatrice Casserly, Dublin City Age Friendly Programme Manager. “Ireland’s older population is set to expand to 1.4 million people by 2040. If we do not start to consider the older population now, we will wind up with a crisis later.”

Dublin City’s Guide to Age Friendly Communication is a training mode, based completely on how staff communicate to all members of the public.

“Throughout this project, we have collaborated with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Centre for Excellence in Universal Design,” explains Ms Casserly.

“From working with these groups and consulting with our Older Person’s Councils, we have been able to implement the voices of a wider cohort of people.

We hope that this will enable this booklet to be cross-organisational, as well as multi-generational.”

Closing Ms Casserly comments: “when you design with older persons in mind you design for all.” In such safe hands it is clear that Dublin is a fine example of a positive, age friendly city.

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Changing Housing for the Better Public, Private, Partnership in Practice

Delivering more Homes for more people Cork | Dublin | Dundalk | Galway Cork 24 Marlboro Street Cork 021-427 3508

Dublin 33 Leeson Street Lower Dublin 2 01-676 1602

Dundalk 17 Church St Dundalk, Louth T 042 942 3400

Galway 4th Floor Heritage Hall Kirwan’s Lane Galway 091-393280

Email: info@tuathhousing.ie

www.tuathhousing.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Housing Association of the Year

DELIVERING HOMES

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Tuath Housing Housing Association of the Year

Tuath Housing is one of Ireland’s fastest growing Approved Housing Bodies set to hit 5,000 homes in 2019, housing over 14,000 adults and children. Tuath works in partnership with every local authority in Ireland.

Tuath has four regional offices in Cork, Dublin, Dundalk and Galway and has increased the scale of provision in recent years using the provision of capital grants and loans in the form of CALF (Capital Advance Leasing Facility) and CAS (Capital Assistance Scheme) from The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and using loans from the private sector through the HFA (Housing Finance Agency), AIB (Allied Irish Bank), Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland.

By maintaining a high level of output of social homes, Tuath and sister housing associations act as a conduit between the public and the private sectors, combining social and economic aims to best effect. It proves that the housing association sector can play a significant part in helping to unblock housing supply. Tuath aims to maintain momentum for the remainder of 2019 and will continue to play its part in Rebuilding Ireland. Tuath is heading for another recordbreaking year with 1,000 plus new social homes set for

delivery in partnership with councils nationwide. Tuath will continue to work in partnership with Local Authorities to provide family housing in both urban and rural areas, homeless accommodation and supported housing for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Chairman of Tuath’s Board, Eamonn Gavigan has noted that “going forward, our focus will be to grow whilst ensuring our business is equally sustainable. We will also build on our financial strength via annual surpluses and by making these surpluses work for us to buy and build more housing whilst putting away sufficient financial reserves for the long-term repair of existing homes”.

Tuath is set for another busy year in 2020 with its goal to reach 7,000 homes by 2021. Tuath is always looking to create new partnerships to work alongside local authorities, developers, state agencies and financial institutions to help provide more homes for more people.

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8 Houses under construction at Rathvilly, Carlow by Council.

Delivering high quality social housing though a capital delivery programme funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government under the Rebuilding Ireland Programme

Carlow County Council County Buildings, Athy Road, Carlow.

Tel: 059 91 70300 www.carlow.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Services to Housing

MEETING HOUSING NEEDS

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Carlow County Council Excellence in Services to Housing

Carlow County Council is responsible for the provision of a broad range of services in County Carlow for a population of 56,932 people.

One of the key services that the council provides is housing, which covers a broad spectrum including the provision of high quality social housing through a capital delivery programme funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government under the Rebuilding Ireland Programme.

The council works towards its objectives through direct builds by the council, collaboration with approved housing bodies, the housing agency and the private sector. The council also handles leasing, estate management, a traveller accommodation programme, asset management of a housing stock of 1,700 properties and growing, provision of Rebuilding Ireland home loans, homeless services, rental and housing assistance schemes.

According to Director of Services Michael Brennan, housing is one of the key challenges facing the council and the housing department is proactively meeting this challenge by working in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the approved housing body sector, housing agencies, the private sector and elected members. “The delivery of housing services on the ground is only possible through the hard work of a dedicated and committed staff team in the housing department,” explains Mr Brennan. “The council are delivering a suite of housing solutions to reach our targets under the Rebuilding Ireland Programme,” he adds.

This ambitious aim is being achieved through the council housing construction capital programme. It includes turnkey developments, return of vacant properties into use for homes, compulsory purchase orders, purchase of units and leasing.

The national social housing target (Rebuilding Ireland Programme 2018-2021) for delivery by the council for build, acquisition and leasing is 309 homes with a total target of 233 homes earmarked for delivery in 2019 through these methods. A total of 77 units have been delivered by Clúid and Túath housing associations at Sleatty Street, Graiguecullen and

Brownshill, Carlow respectively and the council currently has 56 units under construction.

“We are confident that our housing target figure can be delivered in the current year and this is very important for Carlow but also in the context of regional and national targets,” explains Brennan. “Carlow County Council is fully committed to delivering the targets outlined in the Rebuilding Ireland Programme over the next number of years and has a strong delivery pipeline in place with its partners.

It has a range of residential sites with construction underway and is proactively seeking and advancing a further series of sustainable schemes through various procurement, design, planning and construction processes.”

A very busy time is ahead for all involved but Carlow County Council seems well equipped for the challenge. “Success will be achieved through hard work and by examining all solutions and methods under the Rebuilding Ireland Programme with all stakeholders in a proactive way to deliver homes and sustainable communities for our people.”

Dr. Frances Hardiman (Head of Faculty of Engineering); Dr. Patricia Mulcahy (President); Dr. David Allen (Athena Swan, Faculty Project Manager); Aislinn Glennon (Lecturer in Electronic Engineering) and Dr. Yvonne Kavanagh (Assistant Registrar)

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“Ireland’s housing development must be a strategic priority� -

Fidelma McManus, Partner and Head of Housing, Beauchamps

Housing demand in Ireland is higher now more than ever, but getting projects over the line is an ongoing challenge. Beauchamps specialist housing team has unrivalled insights into the legalities involved in the provision of all types of housing, particularly social housing.

We have a deep understanding of the unique and complex issues surrounding regulatory and governance matters and recognise that housing development as a strategic investment requires bespoke legal advice.

Our ability to deliver practical, innovative and commercial solutions ensures our clients succeed.

To see how we can help you, contact: Fidelma McManus, Partner and Head of Housing E: f.mcmanus@beauchamps.ie T: +353 (0) 1 4180 600

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Housing Services Best Property Team

BEAUCHAMPS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Beauchamps Excellence in Housing Services Best Property Team

Established in 1803, Beauchamps is now a modern and ambitious firm with over 200 professional staff including more than 100 lawyers.

The firm is at the forefront of legal developments and innovation in the public sector and works closely with government departments, state bodies and semi-state organisations, educational institutions, agencies, local authorities, charities, approved housing bodies, regulators and disciplinary bodies and private organisations.

cases we continue to be involved with.

“We are particular experts in navigating the challenges of increasing and maintaining the level of social housing construction in Ireland with our specialised housing team,” explains Fidelma McManus, Partner & Head of Housing.

“Our lawyers’ approach is to not just identify problems, but focus on developing tailored solutions that will best meet our public sector clients’ unique needs.”

The priority for Beauchamps at all times is to deliver the highest standard of sector specific legal advice to clients.

Citing an example, Fidelma looks to the housing sector where the firm has invested in building an extensive knowledge base and has established a close working relationship with housing market participants and stakeholders including AHBs, local authorities, funds (including through SPV and ICAV structures), developers and lending institutions.

“Working together day-to-day we build trusting relationships to facilitate continuous familiarity with our clients’ and their specific needs.”

This multi-disciplinary team, led by Fidelma, comprises lawyers with a track record in advising a variety of clients as they deliver landmark projects and innovative solutions, particularly in the housing and social housing sectors. “We provide our public sector clients with legal advice in property, construction, project finance, regulatory, procurement & competition, corporate, banking & finance, employment, and litigation,” adds Fidelma.

“Most recently, Beauchamps has appointed partner, Stephen McLoughlin, to lead our firm’s public and regulatory law team, having strong expertise in providing strategic advice and acting on behalf of various stakeholders in the space.”

It is clear that Beauchamps has indeed built trusted relationships with both clients and stakeholders. In recognition of this and a strong commitment to housing in Ireland, Beauchamps have been awarded the Excellence in Housing Services - Best Property Team 2019.

The public sector is an important one for Beauchamps as the firm is dedicated to the development of our society, our economy and the communities in which we operate. “We have a substantial client base in this sector who face unique and complex issues surrounding regulatory and governance matters and the prosperity of Ireland’s society relies on these issues being handled strategically and in a pragmatic way,” Fidelma says.

“We understand that the demands on the sector, particularly in the provision of housing, have increased year on year, and getting projects over the line has become a notable challenge.”

Speaking of her firm’s commitment to social housing Fidelma explains: “our plans and commitment are particularly evidenced by our role in acting for a bidder for Social Housing PPP Bundle 2, acting on a joint venture project to deliver a pilot affordable housing scheme and in the significant number of key public sector instructions and

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Louth

Where Enterprise Lives

Look to Louth – Ireland’s best location to work, live, invest -

Strategically located on the Dublin/Belfast Corridor Access to skilled talent Infrastructure rich Thriving Urban Centres Excellent Quality of Life

Louth

...Let’s talk business

1890 202 303 | www.localenterprise.ie/Louth

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Business Development Award

LOOK TO LOUTH

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Local Enterprise Office Louth Excellence in Business Development

The Local Enterprise Office Louth delivers many innovative supports and their engagement with local businesses is highly impactful.

In April 2014 the County Enterprise Boards were dissolved by the Minister and re-constituted as the Local Enterprise Offices and as functioning units within their respective local authority. They operate under a service level agreement between Enterprise Ireland on behalf of government and the local authority.

“Our role is to promote entrepreneurship at county level and to support the establishment and development of small and micro businesses and thus promote economic development,” explains Thomas McEvoy, Head of Enterprise. “We design and deliver our services in a pragmatic way that supports business in County Louth.”

Chambers of Commerce, the Community Enterprise Centres, the ETB and the local development company to make it easier for businesses to overcome challenges when they occur.

“These may relate to planning, licensing, access to funding, availability of skilled labour and apprentices - it’s all about providing information and direction.”

At present the focus is on Brexit and helping local businessses prepare for the impact it will have. The Local Enterprise Office has a range of supports to encourage businesses to become more competitive, through the LEAN for Micro programme, more innovative through the Co-Innovate programme and to diversify into new markets through its Export supports.

“We also pro-actively promote entrepreneurship at local level through initiatives such as the Student Enterprise Programme at second-level, Ireland’s Best Young Enterpreneur competition, National Women’s Enterprise Day and events like Enterprise Week.”

Louth has also targeted supports for the food, retail, engineering, and the creative and digital sectors in the county with specific initiatives for each such as the Boyne Valley Food Network.

The Council’s Enterprise Development Plan 2017 - 2020 sets out ambitious objectives and actions for the four-year period as well as job creation targets.

“We are also involved in a number of European programmes such as the Enterprise Europe Network, and the Age Friendly Economy project focused on helping SMEs design their products and services to meet the needs of the ageing market and accessing new opportunities.

They offer a range of services in support of new start-ups such as start your own business programmes, one-to-one advice, mentoring, access to other supports such as loan finance from MicroFinance Ireland (MFI) and grant aid for new start-up businesses. For existing businesses there is advice, training, Brexit supports, management development programmes, access to business networks, access to other supports such as MFI loans, trading online vouchers, InterTrade Ireland supports including ACUMEN and direct grant aid from the local enterprise office for eligible businesses wishing to expand.

Closing, Mr McEvoy said: “the Local Enterprise Offices play a key role in promoting real economic development through their enterprise supports. It’s critical we retain a focus on providing pragmatic supports to clients and adding value through our engagement with businesses.”

McEvoy believes that the critical service provided in Louth is direct engagement with the businesses. “You have to get to know a business, its owner, manager or family members if you really want to understand that business. Text book solutions and models can help but they often do not reflect the reality of small local businesses. The real ‘value add’ is in the engagment,” he says.

“The small and micro sector is our key customer sector and the lifeblood of employment in Ireland. In Louth over 90% of all our businesses are small and micro, and are located in every parish and community throughout the county. By assisting them and working with them we are helping to sustain communities.”

Engagement is not just with the local enterprise office but also with other stakeholders in the county, organisations such as Enterprise Ireland, Louth County Enterprise Fund, the

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Offaly County Council Shaping the County’s smart future

www.offaly.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Digital Information Services

DRIVING ECONOMIC AMBITIONS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Offaly County Council Digital Information Services

Offaly County Council is shaping the county’s smart future with primary school children through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) using VEX IQ Robotics.

Earlier this year, Offaly County Council in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and Cork Institute of Technology delivered an exciting new digital programme to 16 primary schools in the county. VEX Robotics is an exciting programme where primary school children from 5-12 years learn about STEM in an engaging way. They design, build, code and compete with their robot and it gives children as young as five years old their first opportunity to learn about engineering and robotics while having fun.

The VEX IQ Challenge game is played on a 4’x8’ rectangular field. Two robots compete in the Teamwork Challenge as an alliance in 60-second-long teamwork matches, working collaboratively to score points. Teams also compete in the Robot Skills Challenge where one robot takes the field to score as many points as possible. These matches consist of Driving Skills Matches, which will be entirely driver controlled,

and Programming Skills Matches, which will be autonomous with limited human interaction.

The object of the game is to attain the highest score by scoring and stacking coloured Hubs in Building Zones, removing Bonus Hubs from the Hanging Structure and by Parking or Hanging on the Hanging Bar. Going forward the Council will host and organise the “Offaly VEX IQ Championship” each year at Civic HQ in Áras an Chontae where students, teachers, parents, industry and elected members will be invited to attend. The overall winner each year will have the opportunity to represent Offaly in the national VEX IQ finals in Cork. Schools will also get an opportunity to visit industries and companies in the midlands where robotics are used. This year we hosted the competition in May with over 300 primary school students

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taking part. There were guest judges from some of Offaly’s award winning engineering companies such as Grant Engineering, Romequip and EMSS involved, all of whom use robotics in their businesses.

Primary school is the most formative time in a young student’s life and with the VEX Robotics Competition, students are tasked with designing and building a robot to play against other schools in a game-based challenge.

“The best way to instil a lifelong interest in the areas of STEM is to provide a fun, engaging and hands-on opportunity for students to explore and experience for themselves,” explains Head of Information Technology & Broadband/Digital Officer, Ray Bell. “Classroom STEM concepts are put to the test as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communications and more. It is great to see everyone bringing their STEM skills to life by designing and building robots to play against each other,” he said.

The competition is inclusive, with most teams consisting of full primary classes, giving every student early exposure to technology. Schools involved had to ensure that girls and boys were equally represented on the school teams. “This is key to building the pipeline of talent to continue Ireland’s thriving technology industry,” stresses Bell.

Providing STEM Education of the highest quality is essential if Ireland is to deliver on its ambitions to be a hub of technological creativity and an innovation leader.

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‘Innovation 2020’, Ireland’s strategy for Research and Development, Science and Technology, highlights the critical importance of excellence in STEM Education to ensure the continuous development of a pipeline of talent to support both Foreign Direct Investment and an active ecosystem for indigenous start-ups. This programme will drive Offaly’s economic ambitions, support innovation and provide the foundations for future prosperity in the county.

“Offaly County Council believes that this programme is needed to ensure today’s students are qualified for the jobs of tomorrow,” explains Bell. “The new global economy requires a robust workforce, flush with knowhow in STEM subjects. Few factors are more important to Ireland’s future competitiveness and innovation than education. This programme is an ideal introduction to students who we hope will drive Offaly’s economic ambitions, support innovation and provide the foundations for future prosperity in the county.”

Martina Needham, Senior Executive Librarian with Offaly County Council, added; “Primary school students are at the perfect age to begin their STEM education and this project gives them an early opportunity to hone their teamwork, creativity and analytical skills. This programme really demonstrated the interest amongst young people to engage with STEM at the earliest opportunity with over 300 students involved from across the county. Schools showcased their creativity and innovation and

credit has to go to the students and their teachers. The creativity on display at the Offaly championship proves we have talented future engineers and developers in the county.”

The Offaly initiative enables students to design, create & engineer solutions for identified problems, in this case the VEX IQ Challenge Game. According to Head of IT, Ray Bell, STEM education is a key objective for Offaly County Council. VEX Robotics is just one of a number of exciting initiatives Offaly County Council is supporting to drive STEM education, research and jobs. He cites Birr in County Offaly as home to I-LOFAR, the new radio telescope. This Irish station is part of a €150m European project and once again puts Offaly at the forefront of science and discovery. In addition, Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre provides STEM training to school children and visitors, while SFI-funded space camps are conducted in the new I-LOFAR Education Centre and on an outreach basis to teachers and school children in the Midlands region. Meanwhile, Offaly County Council is also working on a new initiative called STREAM Creative Suite which will utilise I-LOFAR’s big data to provide unique opportunities for researchers and businesses.

The STEM VEX project in Offaly is hugely impressive and likely to be taken up by many other councils. Offaly County Council plans to extend the programme to additional primary schools at the start of the new school year and to introduce the more advanced VEX EDR Programme to secondary schools in the county.

Offaly County Council are to be commended for their innovative and proactive approach. They are future proofing the county and its students in an exciting and engaging way. This project will undoubtedly ensure that today’s students are qualified for the jobs of tomorrow.

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Wexford County Council Providing Quality Sustainable

Baile Eoghain, Gorey

Social Housing Ard Uisce, Wexford

in the Local Community

Castlebridge, Wexford

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Housing Services

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Wexford County Council Housing and Community Housing Services County Council

The Housing Department within Wexford County Council initiates, implements and manages a range of services to serve the county’s needs in relation to housing and community services.

Wexford County Council’s housing department actively manages and maintains a housing stock of over 5,000 homes, provides support services to all social housing tenants, provides emergency accommodation for homeless people, operates a refugee resettlement programme and provides grants to improve housing conditions for older people and people with disabilities.

“Providing high quality, high performing and sustainable homes is very important to Wexford County Council and underpins the commitment made to the people of County Wexford, this would be a priority of the Council”, explains CEO Tom Enright.

“In 2016, Wexford County Council was the first Local Authority in Ireland to adopt the ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building Standard’ (nZEB) for all their new buildings. The decision to mandate this commitment to sustainable building ensured that Wexford County Council became a forerunner in a sustainable building standard that is to become the national standard in 2020.”

The outcome of providing high quality buildings has resulted in a marked difference in the living conditions of the residents of these homes. The quality of the buildings has also resulted in a huge reduction in the cost of running the home. The average running cost of these homes is approximately €800 per year, which in some instances equates to a saving of over 60%.

Wexford County Council is continually striving to improve the living conditions of the residents within County Wexford and as such has carried out a number of projects over recent years.

One such project was to carry out a full radon inspection of all

existing housing stock. This involved establishing radon levels and carrying out necessary remedial works. All houses that had remedial works carried out are currently under a constant monitoring process to ensure the reduced levels are maintained.

The council has also implemented a number of retro fit programmes of its existing housing stock to improve the insulation and performance levels of all houses with the aim to eventually bring all houses in line with the standard set by the new building programme.

Moving forward, Wexford County Council has an extensive capital investment programme, with over 450 new homes to be built by 2021. These projects will lead the way in sustainable buildings and will be constructed with the latest technologies.

In order to increase the speed of delivery, Wexford County Council will deliver a number of these units by means of Rapid Delivery in order to serve the needs of the county. Under the Rapid Delivery Framework, once a project goes to site, the method of construction is expected to deliver one home per week and by adopting the latest advances in construction technology, this would be done without sacrificing quality or performance and would maintain the value for money that Wexford County Council has achieved over the last number of years, delivering A rated homes at a cost of €155,000 for a 2 bed bungalow and €185,000 for a 3 bed semi-detached home.

Mr Tom Enright stated that “Wexford Counmty Council is absolutely committedto delivering and actually exceeding its targets under the current Rebuilding Ireland programme and will continue to pursue every available opportunity to increase our housing stock and develop a housing solution for as many households as possible in Co. Wexford.”

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Grange Castle Business Park www.grangecastle.ie

The ideal location for innovation and investment in Ireland

www.idaireland.com

www.idaireland.com

www.grangecastle.ie

www.sdcc.ie

www.grangecastle.ie

www.sdcc.ie

GRANGE CASTLE BUSINESS PARK IS OWNED AND DEVELOPED BY SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL GRANGE CASTLE BUSINESS PARK IS OWNED AND DEVELOPED BY SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Business Development – Grange Castle Business Park

AN INDUSTRIAL HUB

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

SDCC - Grange Castle Business Development - Grange Castle Business Park

South Dublin County Council is the local authority for the administrative county of South Dublin and the owner of Grange Castle Business Park.

South Dublin County Council came into existence on the 1st January 1994. It has an area of 222.74 square kilometres with a population of 278,749 living in 92,363 homes and is the location of some 6,500 businesses. The council in addition to the statutory functions and services it provides, has a role in delivering on the economic development of the county and Grange Castle Business Park has been a significant component of that delivery. The council has a proven 20-year track record in the planning, development and management of the business park in providing the necessary infrastructure and in developing strong relationships with other key agencies including utilities, IDA Ireland and others. The business park is pro-actively managed by Grange Castle Facilities Management Ltd which is responsible for the day to day running of the park.

strive for growth through future proofing and continuous capacity building. Ms Leonard says that it is for this reason that Grange Castle Facilities Management has alongside the IDA and utility partners, ensured a strong platform upon which clients can, and have, grown at Grange Castle Business Park.

“Crucial to this has been the service capacities available which have met the immediate and long-term needs of client businesses and enabled phased expansion,” she says. “Many clients have taken a long-term view, opting for large sites that, along with excellent services, have enabled their current and ongoing expansion of their facilities. These expansions are evidence of the foresight and confidence that they have in Grange Castle Business Park as an industrial hub.”

According to Laura Leonard, Senior Executive Office, Economic Development is of fundamental importance and underpins the sustainable future of the county. With a large young population (The average age for the county is 35.5 years, lower than the average for Leinster (36.6), Dublin City (37.9) and the State (37.4).), accessible employment centres in proximity to centres of population are vital, and Grange Castle meets these criteria. In addition, Dublin Airport and Port are 30 minutes from Grange Castle, seven third level institutes are within 35 minutes, also the business park is ideally located for connectivity to the national motorway network within 6km of the M50 and adjacent national motorways. A thriving business sector facilitates the ongoing development of the county enabling investment in areas of deprivation and providing for projects such as the planned innovation centre to further encourage and support business.

Last year, 500 acres to the west of Grange Castle were rezoned of which the council own 400.

This area is being serviced with infrastructure including an access road incorporating utilities services. This will provide for serviced sites in Grange Castle West to meet FDI and indigenous business needs.

Grange Castle Business Park is a world class campus with world leading clients, largely because of the model of continuous investment and planning over 20 years. Client companies know that standing still means falling behind.

The best in business always look forward and

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CORK Your YourSmart SmartGateway Gatewayto Local & Global Success to Success www.corkcoco.ie www.corkcoco.ie www.localenterprise.ie/CorkNorthandWest www.localenterprise.ie/CorkNorthandWest /SouthCork /SouthCork

OUTRIGHT WINNERS County Council of the Year

TRANSFORM AND THRIVE

Excellence in Business Awards Education 2019

Cork County Council County Council of the Year

Committed to enabling success across the entire county, Cork County Council aims for the highest quality of service delivery.

“We want our communities and businesses to succeed,” stresses Chief Executive Tim Lucey. “Funding forms a vital part of this success and we need appropriate funding, now more than ever, to fully deliver for our citizens.”

Cork has been set an ambitious but realistic target of delivering in the region of 23% of the State’s overall population growth over the next 20 years under the Government’s National Planning Framework, Project Ireland 2040.

Project Ireland 2040, a €116 billion investment spread over 10 years, places a very strong priority on strengthening rural economies and communities. As the population of the country grows, balanced regional development will be vital to ensure rural areas are attractive places for families to live.

A key component of Project Ireland 2040 is the Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Funds. These 10 year funds, valued at €3 billion, aim to support the rejuvenation of communities, create jobs and transform rural economies.

“It is my intention that anticipated growth will be infrastructure led and in this context Cork County Council is capitalising on these funding initiatives,” adds Lucey. To date, a total of €12,351,343 in capital funding has been allocated to Cork County.

arrangement worth €130m from the European Investment bank (EIB) and the Council of European bank (CEB) which would, over the next decade, allow Cork County Council to progress a broad range of projects across the county,” explains Lucey.

This loan arrangement would allow Cork County Council to develop a more strategic and medium term Capital Investment Program. “It will enable us to be in a position to avail of a variety of funding streams and deliver ‘shovel ready’ projects,” he says.

This is a highly strategic move by Cork County Council allowing them to respond to Ireland 2040 and the Cork County Development Plan. This is the first ever move by a council for this type of strategic funding approach, with a framework of schemes included in the capital programme which will allow Cork County Council to be both progressive and responsive to the needs of towns and villages.

Concluding, Lucey says: “Cork is a county of huge potential and enormous diversity. My role is to ensure Cork can survive, and thrive, during this period of serious change and realise its potential as envisaged under the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan.”

Cork County Council has secured funding support toward the development of “Rural Digital Innovation Hubs Cork, empowering rural innovation,” accelerating the delivery of a specialised Rural Digital Innovation Hubs Strategy & Project Pipeline Implementation Plan. This will realise a series of cutting-edge Rural Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) across Cork County in areas with a population of less than 10,000 across the county’s eight municipal districts, leveraging particular regional attributes such as the potential of West Cork for seafood and fisheries and North and East Cork for food and agri-tech, amongst others.

Central to this is the criticality of the provision of cuttingedge DIHs county-wide to encourage remote-working, hubworking, co-working and indigenous job creation, through entrepreneurship to leverage the rich enterprise asset base and track record for which Cork County is renowned.

The DIHs will act as the central node in county towns, connecting users and suppliers of digital innovation across the value chain while fostering synergies between digital and other key enabling technologies such as agri-tech, bio-tech and food-tech.

Nicola Radley A/Director of Services Corporate Services and Chief Executive Cork County

“As a Council we have almost finalised a borrowing

Council Tim Lucey receive award for County Council of the Year

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COMHAIRLE CATHRACH CHORCAĂ?

CORK CITY COUNCIL To achieve, in a sustainable manner and in co-operation with other key stakeholders, an enduring and better quality of life and a robust local economy in Cork by

balancing the relationship between communities, economic development and environmental quality

Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork, Tel: 021 4924000, Fax: 021 4314238, Email: corporateaffairs@corkcity.ie www.corkcity.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Housing & Community Services

A WATERSIDE EUROPEAN CITY

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Cork City Council Housing and Community Services

The recently expanded Cork City is undergoing a development boom and the scale of development is staggering.

Cork City has a growing population and it is expanding its boundary so where are the homes, where are all these people going to live and when they come, how will the council ensure quality urban design, placemaking and sustainability?

Director of Services Brian Geaney’s primary role is looking after the social pillar of housing provision. With the city expanding he has responsibility for over 10,000 council homes, making the council one of the largest housing authorities in the country. This is exciting and a task not without its challenges Geaney says. He believes that the key to smart cities is the provision of an adequate supply of low energy housing at a reasonable cost. He further believes that high energy costs will be unsustainable in 10-years’ time and likely to consume a major portion of disposable income so finding sustainable housing solutions will require innovative thinking and substantial changes in how the council operates.

The council’s achievements to date on the housing front are highly visible, surpassing new build and acquisition targets set by Government in 2018. Cork City Council has substantially ramped up its resources to action delivery this year, 2020 and beyond. It will manage its programme through traditional and smart procurement routes such as turn-key and traditional building contracts, competitive dialogue procurement and collaboration with approved housing bodies and later this year, the delivery of affordable homes.

Innovative interventions have resulted in new communities of social houses and apartments across the city such as Church Road, Blackrock, Arus Mhuire, Skehard Road, Togher, Knocknaheeny, Blackpool, Leeside Apartments and others with novel schemes well under construction to open this year in Deanrock, Togher, Blarney Street, Boyce’s Street and White Street. In addition, a pipeline of developments is at various stages of procurement to deliver more units across the city with a first affordable housing scheme including social housing units are soon to be launched to market at Boherboy Road consisting of 147 new homes and the infrastructure for a whole new community is about to be installed at Old Whitechurch Road. This multi-million investment has helped rekindle the construction industry in Cork and is regenerating parts of the city. Novel works carried out in the past year were the Arus Mhuire Rightsizing Scheme for the elderly on Skehard Road and the Redclyffe House Family Hub developed on the Western Road with access to the Mardyke. The Arus Mhuire right-sizing initiative is a unique 30-unit scheme addressing the issue of ‘empty nesters’. It

provides accommodation for older people in their community while simultaneously releasing surplus larger housing, both public and private, to younger families. Rightsizing is an older person’s active, positive choice to move home as a means of improving their quality of life.

Quality of life is everything to Geaney and his team; in the last fortnight alone the council approved planning consent for a 35-unit downsizing apartment block in an innovative proposal to convert the old EG Pettit’s offices at Springville House, Blackrock to a residential community central to city services.

Brian Geaney reckons that the key to success is feedback and relationships with communities. He believes in leaning towards relationships and taking action simultaneously.

Always listening he quips “The decisions and actions we take or fail to take now will have a major influence on the future of Cork’, a harbour of opportunities!”

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CORK COUNTY LIBRARY

Free Membership

No Fines

www.corkcoco.ie/Library-Services Please visit our website

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Library of the Year

A LITERARY TRADITION

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Cork County Library & Arts Service Library of the Year

Cork County Library was founded in December 1925 under the local Government Act 1925. Today, 1.6 million people visit one of the 25 branch libraries or one of the four mobile libraries in Cork County Library & Arts Service annually.

Over 1.2 million books are borrowed and enjoyed by library customers who benefit from services such as Schools and Children’s Services and programmes, local studies, ICT and digital development, rural outreach and health, business and employment and social inclusion programming.

The many services provided by the library are developed and delivered by a highly professional team of library staff across the county of Cork who deliver a modern, customer focussed and responsive library service, meeting the needs of the citizens of Cork County in their local communities.

Cork County Library Service provides an enhanced library Service, going beyond the provision of national programmes such as Healthy Ireland at Your Library, Work Matters and Right to Read, to provide programmes such as the music lending service ‘Sound Initiative’, The Baby Bear Programme for parents, babies and toddlers, The ‘From the Well’ short story competition and anthology, Your Good Self Programme, Autism Awareness Libraries and much more.

The first County Librarian was Michael O’Donovan who was better known as renowned short story writer, author Frank O’Connor.

Continuing this literary tradition to this present day, Cork County Library prioritises its commitment to authorship and literature with its annual short story publication, a ‘Writer in Residence’ scheme and various writing and reader experience programmes, including annual Poetry Day events and reader experiences.

library services are mentioned and hinted at throughout a story of life’s hardships that was executed in a style that kept audiences laughing and nodding in empathy from beginning to end in ten different libraries.

Cork County Council promotes the library services as a centre of literature, reading and culture for all ages, using a range of delivery mechanisms to ensure that its services are accessible and relevant to all residents and visitors to County Cork.

According to Librarian Emer O’Brien, Cork County Library Service has plans to develop a new library in Kinsale as part of the Rural Regeneration Fund and is currently developing a library programme in co-operation with the HSE to support Syrian refugee families in Cork County.

Closing she says: “Cork County Library aims to empower communities by providing access to resources that educate, inform, enlighten and enrich the lives of their citizens by supporting and promoting literacy and a love of reading and by collecting and preserving resources relating to the cultural heritage of the county.”

Drama has always been an important focus for the library service and as a result, library staff over the years having built a unique collection of plays in Library HQ. This year library and arts management took the commitment to drama one step further with the commissioning of playwright Katie Holly to write a play for Bealtaine. The brief was that the play should be set in a library, have relevance to older people and in some way highlight the service. The result was ‘Crossword’, a two-man play, centring on a casual meeting that forms a friendship. A variety of

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CASTLEBAR REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRE MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL The Mall, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Castlebar Regional Training Centre provides training for Local Authorities, Group Water Schemes, Utilities and Private Contractors. We are continuously developing and delivering courses and seminars that meet the changing needs in the current environment for both the public and private sectors.

Life Long Learning is provided in three main areas: •

Practical outdoor courses for water services, environment, roads and fire services

•

Health and Safety Courses

•

High level Professional/Leadership courses and seminars

To make a reservation or if you require further information, please contact Maura Lawless, Manager, Castlebar Regional Training Centre at

(094) 906 4080 crtc@mayococo.ie

www.lasntg.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Training Services

SETTING HIGH STANDARDS

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Castlebar Regional Training Centre Mayo County Council Excellence in Training Services

Castlebar Regional Training Centre (CRTC) provides workplace training on a shared services basis for six local authorities and other public and private sector organisations in the West and Midlands.

CRTC is one of five regional training centres coordinated nationally by the Local Authorities National Training Group (LASNTG). Mayo County Council is the lead authority.

Training provided is to the highest standard. The facility has accreditation from SOLAS, QQI, City & Guilds, LASNTG and ECITB. “We have grown the centre consistently over the past few years and we now deliver over 6,500 training days per annum,” explains Maura Lawless, Manager, Castlebar Regional Training Centre, Mayo County Council. “Approximately 90% of our training is provided for the public sector. We deal with six local authorities and other public sector organisations such as Irish Water, Group Water Schemes, EPA, HSE and other state agencies in the West and Midlands. It is a very important sector for us as there is so much change happening at the moment,” she says.

One such change is the new ‘purple book’ (Guidelines for Managing Openings in Public Roads). It states that all roadwork sites should be staffed by at least one person who has successfully completed the Basic Level Trench Reinstatement course. All reinstatement works shall be inspected, monitored and certified by an approved certifier who has completed the Advanced Level Trench Reinstatement Course (having first completed the basic course). This training is only available through the LASNTG training centres and it is mandatory from 27 September this year. “Provision of training to meet the demand here at CRTC is currently our number one priority,” Lawless says.

CRTC has received Part VIII approval for a state-of-the-art outdoor training facility for the provision of mainly roads courses but also a wide range of plant and machinery courses.

This facility will be available for both the public and private sectors in the west of Ireland and will ensure that courses currently only available in Dublin will be available locally.

The centre has again won recognition for their training services, in particular for public sector training which is consistent and highly impressive. Leadership comes from the top and Lawless says that workplace training is absolutely crucial for every organisation’s development and success.

“Businesses that implement and promote workplace training initiatives find their employees communicate more effectively, demonstrate better teamwork and are ultimately more productive,” she says.

CRTC will continue to build on a stellar reputation and expand on their offerings at every opportunity. They are worthy recipients of the Excellence in Training Services Award, 2019.

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LoCall: 1890 202303 @louthcoco www.louthcoco.ie County Louth • Strategically located on the Dublin/Belfast Corridor • Euro Route Motorway • High Speed Rail Link • Modern Port facilities • Easy Access to Dublin and Belfast International Airports • Broadband Action Plan in place • Thriving urban centres in Dundalk and Drogheda • High Quality leisure and tourist facilities • Educational Centre of excellence

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Housing Services County Council Award

LIVING IN LOUTH

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Louth County Council Housing Services County Council Award

Louth County Council is the local authority for Louth, delivering a range of social and economic services to residents and commercial enterprises in the county.

The council works collaboratively with the people of Louth to make it a great place in which to live, to work and to do business for a growing population of close to 129,000 residents.

Louth County Council takes a practical and proactive approach to both the challenges and opportunities that presents. To encourage entrepreneurship, it supports the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to provide a range of vital supports to small businesses in the county, as well as working with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to encourage inward investment into the county.

There was great excitement throughout Louth when it was announced that Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was to be held in Drogheda in 2018. The council worked closely with the Fleadh Executive Committee to make it the most successful ever, with more than half a million people attending.

The enhancement of towns in the county is also a priority and the council is proud of the launch of the Westgate vision for Drogheda, along with securing funding for the redevelopment of Clanbrassil Street in Dundalk.

by compulsory purchase orders whereupon it repaired and refurbished them and returned them to use as social housing.

Working with the Peter McVerry Trust, the council also expanded the services offered to families who are homeless in the Drogheda area by the opening of a family hub.

Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin said: “Louth County Council is delighted to win this award and we are especially pleased that the award recognises our ongoing work in housing.

“While many are still struggling to find suitable accommodation, the council’s housing staff have shown great energy and dedication, working with our partners, and resulting in Louth County Council exceeding our HAP and leasing targets for 2018. In partnership with approved housing bodies, 211 new homes were delivered through construction and acquisitions.”

Concluding she said: “The Council’s work on housing continues as a high priority on our busy agenda in 2019.”

The provision of housing is a challenging one for local authorities across the country and Louth is no exception. However, working in partnership, Louth County Council has made considerable strides to address community needs.

The council manages a total social housing stock of 4,020 homes, in addition to 1,019 homes with approved housing bodies. In 2018, it exceeded its HAP and leasing targets and through working in partnership, provided 211 new homes. A total of 208 homes were allocated through the Choice Based Letting system in 2018, with 54 homes given to those with a priority need. Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) was provided for 2,644 tenancies.

During 2018, the council identified and brought back into use 23 homes that had been vacant for long periods. It acquired these properties

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Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness

Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, an initiative of the Government of Ireland.

We would encourage local people to use www.vacanthomes.ie Bringing vacant homes back into use increases the housing supply and provides homes to people with a housing need.

Apart from the supply of housing, utilising existing vacant homes helps rejuvenate areas that are in decline and contributes to the creation of more sustainable communities.

@VacanthomesIRL Ă ras an Chontae, The Mall, Castlebar, Co. Mayo E: info@vacanthomes.ie W: www.vacanthomes.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Services to Housing

VACANTHOMES.IE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Mayo County Council Services to Housing

The www.vacanthomes.ie web portal developed by Mayo County Council on behalf of the local government sector is heralded as a key initiative in dealing with this country’s vacant housing stock.

The innovative, crowd sourcing, web portal allows individuals to anonymously log possible vacant properties and this will alert housing authorities, who can then follow up with owners to see whether the property can be re-used quickly. The website also provides useful information for property owners to encourage and incentivise them in bringing their vacant homes back into use by highlighting and promoting initiatives, developed under Rebuilding Ireland such as the Repair and Leasing and Buy & Renew Schemes. Although, the Repair and Leasing Scheme has thus far failed to reach the targets which were initially set, there are encouraging signs that the new revamped scheme is gaining traction, with more and more enquiries coming through on a daily basis.

Tom Gilligan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council and instigator of VacantHomes.ie is urging owners of vacant homes to bring their properties back into use, in order to increase the supply of housing. “It’s a case of supply and demand and the housing market is currently starved of much needed properties,” says Gilligan. “We need more properties to be brought back into use and an effective way this can happen is for vacant homes to be targeted and utilised right across the country.” The reuse of vacant dwellings also has merit in helping to reduce the numbers of extra new homes required. To date, the vast majority of properties logged on VacantHomes.ie are located in the provinces of Leinster and Munster where the demand for housing is most acute. Putting these properties back into use benefits everyone, including property owners, people with a housing need, the local community, local services and the local economy.

Bringing a vacant home back into use is transformative and has such a positive impact on people with a housing need. It changes lives for the better, forever. It also helps to rejuvenate areas that are in decline and bringing vacant homes back into use addresses the blight of dereliction, vandalism and anti-social behaviour. From a climate change perspective, it helps to promote sustainability and mitigation of our carbon footprint as a lot of key infrastructure is already in place such as the roads network and utilities like electricity and water services.

Gilligan acknowledges the hard work and effort that it has taken to get to this point. “I want to take this opportunity to thank the Public Sector Magazine for this fantastic award. It means a lot to everyone involved in VacantHomes.ie. We are extremely honoured and delighted to accept this prestigious award.”

Bringing homes back from the dead, breathing new life into communities, rejuvenating areas that are in decline and providing a much-needed home to the homeless; that’s what www.vacanthomes.ie is all about.

Gilligan explains that the whole vacant homes initiative is borne out of Mayo County Council’s commitment to the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness and in particular, Pillar 5 of the plan, ‘Utilise Existing Housing’, which outlines a range of actions to ensure that existing housing stock is used to the highest possible degree. “It’s a no brainer and a definite win-win for everyone,” he says.

Gilligan wants to thank the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Local Authorities, other Housing Associations, his colleagues in Mayo County Council and of course the public for their continued help and co-operation.

“To date, with the help of everyone involved, we’ve been very successful in helping to bring vacant homes back into use. We are asking for everyone’s help, to get involved and to highlight the issue of vacant homes. Our goal is to utilise existing vacant stock and although returning vacant homes to use will not on its own solve the housing crisis, it certainly has a positive outcome on the number of residential dwellings available in the housing stock.”

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• Brand new, modern, recently opened facility • 66 no. desks within • Free unlimited one gigabyte uploadand download speeds • Use of boardroom and meeting room facilities • Kitchen facilities • Flexible terms • €55 plus VAT per desk per week,including all services For further information, please contact Mr. John Reilly on +353 71 9144779 or Ms. Janette Gillen on +353 71 9155222

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Services Promoting Economic Development

CAPITAL OF THE NORTHWEST

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Sligo County Council Excellence in Services Promoting Economic Development

As the local authority, Sligo County Council has a remit for economic development in addition to its remit under roads, housing, environment, planning, finance and community development.

Sligo is presently emerging as a world-class location in which to live, invest and visit. This strategic position has been acknowledged in the National Planning Framework (NPF), where it is designated as a growth centre. Separately, the council is leading the way in addressing challenges faced by peripheral urban centres. With a population of 65,535 (CSO 2016), 25,000 are within the town and environs.

Set against the backdrop of rural depopulation, emigration of younger generations, a decadal absence of investment in infrastructure, declining FDI sector and some dereliction of the urban centre, Sligo set out its vision of becoming the economic driver of the Northwest and sought to play its part in counterbalancing the growth of the greater Dublin region.

A number of innovative partnerships were formed including with Ireland West Airport, Knock (IWAK) to facilitate growth of the airport and to address some of the access deficiencies in the region. Separately, partnerships with other local authorities led to the opening of trade offices in the USA to facilitate access to the American market for SMEs. Public and private sector leadership and collaboration is central to Sligo’s ambition and the key message is that agencies are working to a consistent agenda. The IDA and EI are attracting inward investment; IT Sligo is educating and developing the skill sets to meet present and future needs and the council is facilitating the development of infrastructure to support growth and development.

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Wi-Fi, sample the many cultural activities, festivals and rich musical traditions that the region has to offer, while enjoying the activities of the great outdoors in a stunning natural setting.

Pursuing the Smart City agenda will position Sligo to take advantage of the digital economy and position itself ahead of the curve, providing better information, improved services, more choice, convenience and less waste for businesses, communities and public services.

The strategy will facilitate and inform the development of ICT infrastructure as part of the public realm program. It will involve partnerships among stakeholders in the public and private sector as well as academia and the use of the public realm as the test bed for advances in ICT. A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between Sligo County Council and IT Sligo to facilitate the use of Sligo City for the development of apps and devices for the Internet of Things (IoT) and other pilot projects leading to mutual benefits for students, young entrepreneurs and the city. A further development is the investment of €2m in the Strandhill Enterprise Centre to establish world-class ICT facilities, targeted at the growing digital gaming industry in Ireland.

Separately, several ultra-modern, co-innovation workspaces with one gigabyte upload and download speeds have been provided centrally in Sligo, providing progressive small businesses affordable facilities including flexible rental terms, peer networking and structured supports. Proposals are being formulated to provide additional centrally located workspaces, thus facilitating the development of a vibrant urban centre.

Infrastructure is critical to development and Sligo is presently benefitting from investment of €225m in a broad spread of projects including roads, bridges, housing, public realm, tourism and wastewater treatment.

Growth in professionals relocating to the region to benefit from the work-life balance can be seen as one measure of success. A more concrete measurement however is the announcement by the IDA and EI of 1,600 jobs in the last year in companies such as ASG, GW Plastics, Overstock, Live Tiles, Phibro, E3 Retail, Eir and Abtran. Sligo has become a key destination for enterprise investment and of the 3,100 active enterprises in Sligo, 93% are in the micro-enterprise sector.

The vision is to become the economic driver of the Northwest with Sligo as the vibrant urban centre, a Smart City at the cutting edge of technology. A city where people can live and work in a highquality public realm with free public

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Reflecting on the vibrancy and energy now evident in Sligo, Chief Executive, Ciarán Hayes, paid tribute to the staff for their ambition, commitment and vision and to the Members for taking responsible decisions in difficult times. Referring to the recent investments and developments as ‘transformative’, he is looking forward to Sligo achieving its ambition as the vibrant capital of the northwest.

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Flood Protection

HOLDING BACK THE TIDE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Dublin City Council Services to Flood Protection

Dublin City Council is the largest local authority in Ireland representing a population of 30,000 residents (not counting millions of visitors each year) and has a turnover of over €1bn.

It provides over 400 services to the public. Housing, roads, traffic (vehicular, cycle and pedestrian), libraries, parks, cleansing, fire brigade, planning civil defense, emergency services and social & community projects and centres being a few of the larger ones. It also employs 5,800 people to carry out these public services, 500 of these are on a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Irish Water.

Dublin City Council also takes an active role with other local authorities and major stakeholders at a regional level to make County Dublin and the eastern region reach its development potential. The City Council is actively working on making Dublin an even smarter city with more efficient uses of existing resources, better information transfer, and better communications by exploiting many new initiatives particularly in the information technology area.

Gerard O’Connell is the Senior Engineer of the Flood Projects and Water Framework Directive Division. His division performs a vital function for Dubliners in the area of flood protection. “My main role is in the area of flood alleviation, flood emergency forecasting and planning and reducing pollution to our rivers and tidal areas through the Water framework Directive,” he explains.

is substantially on the south campshires between Butt Bridge and Cardiff Lane to protect over 3,000 building between this new wall and the railway line up to the National tidal flood standard of a 200-year tidal event plus a provision for sea level rise to the year 2100.

In the Pipeline Future flood schemes are being progressed on the Poddle River, the Dodder River upstream of Clonskeagh, the Wad River in Clontarf and the Liffey Estuary. The Camac River flood defence scheme is being re-evaluated. Most of the above schemes are being developed through close co-operation with the Office of Public Works through its Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Studies (CFRAMS). These studies look at all of the major rivers and coastal zones in Ireland which have a flood history or are likely to be at significant flood risk and develop, where possible, schemes to reduce flood risk.

“Flood awareness and flood warning are non-structural ways of reducing flood risk. Flood walls and embankments, flood storage and flow diversions are typical forms of flood mitigation measures scenario’s proposed by these studies,” explains O’Connell. “These scenario’s are then assessed economically, environmentally and socially for their viability.

One of the main responsibilities of Dublin City Council is to minimize flood risk to its citizens as far as is reasonably possible. The highest ever recorded tidal flood event to 1st February 2002 flooded over 1250 buildings mainly homes in the city area and this highlighted that something urgent had to be done with regard to coastal flooding. This flood caused around €60m in reported damages at the time. Since then, €25m of flood defences have been carried out at Spencer Dock, on the tidal region of the Dodder, on the lower Tolka and elsewhere in the city. An even higher tide occurred on 3rd January 2014 and thanks to the old and new flood defences, only €0.1m of damages were recorded as a result. The new coastal defences have already paid for themselves within a period of only 12 years.

In October 2011 a large rainfall event caused the flooding of over 1200 buildings in the city Area. Falling out of this, further flood alleviation projects are progressing on the Dodder River, a local scheme is completed on the Camac at Lady’s Lane, a scheme is substantially completed on the Wad River in Clontarf and local flood storage schemes are completed in Finglas, Cabra and Ashtown.

A cycle way with some coastal protection is completed in Dollymount between the causeway and the wooden bridge. A further 5m coastal flood protection scheme

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Likely global warming scenarios are also looked at and incorporated into the design if possible.

According to O’Connell, a scheme has to be buildable and it cannot increase the flood risk significantly elsewhere. For a scheme to be economically viable, the cost of the proposed works and associated activities, environmental, social, 50 years maintenance, etc. when added up have to be significantly less than the estimated flood damages protected by the flood scheme.

“The Flood Projects and Water Framework Directive Division in Dublin City Council (DCC) manages all schemes as the client. Dublin City Council sometimes taking the role of designer, PSDP and PSCS on some of the smaller projects.”

Planning for the Future The Office of Public Works (OPW) is the national competent authority for the implementation of the European Union Floods Directive in Ireland. Following the development of a flood alleviation scheme under the CFRAMS process which leads to a CFRAM Plan for most major rivers and coastal bodies; any viable flood alleviation schemes are then progressed by the local authority to the planning stage with the approval of the OPW. Many of the larger schemes require an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Statement which goes to An Bord Pleanala for approval.

The CFRAM Plans for Dublin City were published in May 2018 and are available on www.floodinfo.ie

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Once planning for the scheme is approved by DCC, funding can be applied for; either partially or in total, to the OPW. The OPW carry out some schemes using their own direct labour force and this can greatly speed up the construction of the project as procuring a contractor to do it can often take a year.

The OPW and their hydraulic consultants can also provide advice throughout each project. Often proposed minor changes required in construction works can be computer modelled to prove no changes in flood levels. The OPW also have a country wide knowledge in river and tidal construction methodologies and can quickly assess construction options. Each construction project is a close liaison between the OPW, the local authority and the construction consultants to produce the best solution. “The OPW also have a pride in their workmanship which is to a very high standard. Many of these schemes are in very high-profile areas,” observes O’Connell.

“Even so, many of the proposed schemes would not progress without the help of the public and local residents’ associations giving their support, especially if they have been flooded in the past.”

For their continued work protecting Dublin from one of its greatest assets, Dublin City Council Flood Projects & WFD Division are worthy recipients of the Public Sector Magazine award for Excellence in Flood Protection.

WORKING TO KEEP OUR CITY SAFE FROM FLOODING

Adaptation - Resilience - Protection Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath, Roinn Comhshaoil agus Iompair Tionscadail Tuilte agus Rannán um Chreat-treoir Uisce Dublin City Council, Environment and Transport Department, Regional Projects & Water Framework Directive Division

 www.dublincity.ie

Cavan Library Service Evolving Libraries ‘A fabulous place to relax and learn’ ‘It’s one of my favourite places in town… the staff are always helpful’

‘Great events for all ages’ ‘Brilliant study facilities… I really like the free Wi-Fi’ ‘I love their free access to eBooks and eAudiobooks and the Digital Magazines are fantastic! I’m going to try an online course next!’

www.cavanlibrary.ie Tel: 049 4378501

OUTRIGHT WINNERS County Library Service of the Year

EDUCATE & INSPIRE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Cavan County Council's Library Service County Library Service of the Year

The written word chronicles our past and shapes our future. As a custodian of books and a place of learning, Cavan County Council’s Library Service seeks to similarly enhance and shape society through providing modern services that educate, inspire and build community.

Cavan Library Service was established in 1930 and operates a network of nine branch libraries which provide a range of free services in response to ongoing user needs. Its vision is to provide a library service that is the cornerstone of the community, providing equitable access to information, knowledge and learning opportunities, contributing to the social, economic and cultural fabric of the county. The library service provides printed and digital resources including an excellent local studies section and archive, services to schools and community groups as well as reading, study and community spaces for all. In addition, it boasts a suite of modern, state-of-the-art IT equipment, including scanning facilities along with a printing solution which allows the public to print from home.

Libraries are a vital part of the community which evolve and adapt to changing user demands. Rapid advances in technology has resulted in a major shift in the way the public are now using library services. Cavan Library Service has embraced the possibilities afforded by technology, offering a wide range of new services which make it easier than ever

to enjoy the timeless pleasure offered by the written word.

These services feature eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and online learning courses, including language learning.

The Library Service offers free membership to all, which allows borrowing and returning items, at any library in the country.

Through the Cavan Library Service website (www.cavanlibrary. ie), everyone can access the national public library catalogue to order items online from any library nationwide which are then delivered to their local library.

Literacy, supports for business and employment, and health and wellbeing are core initiatives in the public library service of today. Cavan Library Service delivers a programme of activities to children and families to promote literacy and reading through the Right to Read programme. The Work Matters programme for business and employment delivers supports for locally based entrepreneurs, start-ups and job seekers.

Cavan Library Service also seeks to shape the future of the community through promoting health and wellbeing, as

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part of the ‘Healthy Ireland at your Library’ initiative.

Library branches across the county now stock information on a variety of health and wellbeing subjects, from mindfulness to healthy eating and from childhood resilience to exercise. Informative events with guest speakers or innovative services draw visitors in to their local library so that they can avail of the health education on offer. Recent highlights have included the hugely successful visit of the Irish Heart Foundation mobile unit, a presentation on ‘Minding your Microbes for a Healthy Gut’ and a talk by Stella O’Malley, renowned author and psychologist, on ‘Building Bully-Proof Kids’.

Cavan Library Service continues to play a leading role in fostering creativity in the community through an extensive annual calendar of events, lectures, exhibitions and author visits. Furthermore, as part of the national Creative Ireland programme, Cavan County Council’s Cultural Team, chaired by the County Librarian, delivers a wide-ranging programme of cultural and heritage experiences through the county’s libraries, theatre, museum and community centres.

A Collaborative Process Cavan Library Service works in collaboration with its neighbouring library service in County Monaghan on the award-winning annual Cavan Monaghan Science

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Festival. This exciting and engaging festival has inspired thousands of young minds, opening them up to the possibilities offered by a career in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths).

Cavan Library Service continues to seek new and innovative ways to share information, ignite creativity and build community. This is exemplified by the Library’s unique ‘Voices of the Troubles’ project, an oral history archive that chronicles the experiences of people touched by the Northern Ireland conflict, north and south of the border, in counties Fermanagh and Cavan. The project, funded through the PEACE IV Programme, gathered together both Catholic and Protestant communities to talk with each other and to put on record their thoughts and feelings about the thirty-year conflict known as ‘The Troubles’.

Many of the people interviewed had lost loved ones to the conflict or had themselves suffered serious injury, and all appreciated the opportunity to tell their story.

A common theme among interviewees was that ‘The Troubles’ had been discussed for fifty years, but this was their first opportunity to recount their personal experiences. In many cases, these are stories that would have been lost forever, but are now preserved for future generations, who can listen to these stories online from a distant corner of the globe or in their local library.

LOCAL AUTHORITY

NEWS

BREXIT IMPLICATIONS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES According to the LGMA local authorities face a number of uncertainties due to Brexit but are focussed on building resilience in their areas to prepare.

been able to work collaboratively on shared infrastructure development and shared service provision. We now face into an unknown situation as to whether that can continue.”

Addressing the conference Local Authorities – Implications for Local Authorities and their Areas, Jackie Maguire, Chair of the County and City Management Association said Brexit has been to the forefront of local authority considerations since the UK vote to leave the EU.

The CCMA Chair also highlighted the impact Brexit may have on environmental standards, “Currently we apply relatively consistent environmental policies north and south; this is the best way to achieve results. The Water Framework Directive, for example, is implemented in both jurisdictions to manage river basins and improve water quality but rivers don’t stop at borders.”

“Preparing for the unknown is a huge challenge. In the local authority sector, our approach has been to consider all our plans and actions through the lens of Brexit, while maintaining close contact with Government and relevant departments throughout the negotiation period,” she said.

As well as the potential impact on local business and economic development, there are a number of practical implications for local authorities, particularly in border regions. Citing the current arrangement, where the Northern Irish Fire Service provides first response to call outs in parts of Donegal and giving the further example of an ongoing crossborder greenway project, she said, “While both the Republic and Northern Ireland have been members of the EU, we have

Jackie Maguire commended the work Local Enterprise Offices have been doing to support business in their areas, “This is a very uncertain time for businesses. The full and free access we have enjoyed to our closest market in the UK has meant it is the first market to which many local businesses and SMEs expand. Many companies need to be brought up to speed on the issues that may be involved when the UK becomes a third country, and also need to be supported to help expand their markets.

Local Enterprise Offices have been doing excellent work with businesses in their areas and will continue to help them to prepare.”

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CELEBRATING LEO’S Since the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) were established in 2014 they have supported the creation of over 18,600 jobs nationwide with 144,830 entrepreneurs and business people trained in a range of skills over the five years.

small Irish businesses that are creating jobs in their own towns and villages. Supporting regional enterprise is a big priority of mine as Minister and it’s for this reason that I allocated an additional €5 million to the LEOs in Budget 2019.

Devised as a “first stop shop” for those looking to start a business or for small businesses looking for support, the Local Enterprise Offices are now a significant source of job creation and a hub of entrepreneurship across the country.

Minister Pat Breen, T.D., said; “Small businesses are the heartbeat of the Irish economy and they make a huge impact to local economies across the country. The Local Enterprise Offices have become the most important resource for any entrepreneur or small business looking for support or training. With over 144,000 trained and 40,000 receiving specialist mentoring, the LEOs are providing these businesses with the skills and knowledge to start and grow, to create jobs and generate significant revenue for the Irish economy.”

The LEOs have distributed €81.5 million worth of direct financial assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs and have approved and contributed funding to over 5,000 business and entrepreneurial projects. In those 5 years, 40,577 people have received mentoring support through the LEO network, while over 17,500 have taken a Start Your Own Business course.

Speaking at an event to mark the anniversary, Minister Heather Humphreys T.D., said; “Since their inception in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have played a hugely significant role in generating indigenous employment across the country. There are now over 36,000 people employed by LEO-supported companies,

44

Some of the successful companies who have been supported by the Local Enterprise Offices across the country include; Simtech Aviation (Fingal), Irish Fairy Door Company (South Dublin), Beats Medical (Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown), Blacks of Kinsale (Cork North & West), Pip & Pear (Waterford), GloFox (Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown), Neurant Medical (Galway), Keoghs Crisps (Fingal) and Strong Roots (Dublin City).

LOCAL AUTHORITY

NEWS

SATISFACTION WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES A new survey has found that 56% of people are satisfied with their local authority while 93% of people believe their local area is a good place to live.

The Local Authority Satisfaction Survey 2019 was carried out by Ipsos MRBI for the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC). The survey combines the results from 2018, which covered 10 local authorities and from 2019 which researched a further 11. A 2020 poll will survey the remaining 10.

Of the 2019 and 2018 surveys, the research found that 69% felt their local authority was working to make their area cleaner and greener, while 61% agreed that it was making a positive contribution to the quality of life in their area. 51% agreed that their local council cared about residents while the same amount felt their local authority was doing a good job.

Colleen Savage chair of the NOAC Customer Survey subcommittee said that although the local authority areas surveyed were different in 2019 to 2018 the results were broadly similar: “While the general perception of local authorities is generally positive overall the surveys suggests that local councils need to be more proactive in communicating with those living in their area.�

Young people were found to be the least knowledgeable about their local authority with 72% of 18-25 years olds not knowing what it does. By contrast, 93% of people aged 65 or older had some knowledge of what their council did.

The survey also found that the four most important services provided by local councils are: roads and road safety; housing; amenities and environmental protection. While great strides have been made by many local authorities towards improving housing the report identified housing as one of the most important services with just 25% of respondents being satisfied with the affordability of housing in their area.

45

A LIFETIME OF READING Details of the 20 books and authors borrowed most often from Irish public libraries in 2018 have been published by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which compiles the information as part of the Public Lending Remuneration (PLR) Scheme.

Nugent and Marian Keyes.

All 20 of the most borrowed titles were children’s books, with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling topping the list. Meanwhile, 19 of the 20 most borrowed authors in 2018 were children’s authors, with only James Patterson bucking the trend to make the list.

Tom Enright, Chair of the National Libraries Development Committee said, “Encouraging children to read for enjoyment and learning is central to Our Public Libraries 2022, the national Public Library Strategy, so I am very encouraged to see so many children’s books and authors on the list. Whether you want to come in to your library to browse for a book, use the internet, make use of digital equipment, enjoy the community space and wide range of activities, or you would prefer to download an audiobook, eBook, or online newspaper or magazine from your own home, it is all open to you completely free with your library membership.”

James Patterson topped the list of the 20 most popular authors from the adult books collection, while Irish author, Mike McCormack’s Solar Bones was the most borrowed adult book in 2018. Four of the top five most borrowed books for adults in 2018 are by Irish authors: Mike McCormack, Graham Norton, Liz

46

A number of titles included in the adult top 20 are from the ‘Healthy Ireland at Your Library’ collection, which is available in all public libraries to support the Government Initiative to improve health and wellbeing.

LOCAL AUTHORITY

NEWS

€25 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY HOMES Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government, Eoghan Murphy announced the allocation of over €25 million in funding for the upgrading of the energy efficiency of local authority homes this year.

The energy efficiency retrofitting programme for social houses continues to sustain and create jobs while making a significant contribution to Ireland’s carbon emissions reduction targets and energy reduction targets for 2020, resulting in warmer homes and lower energy bills for local authority tenants.

This is the latest funding allocation under the programme, which has already seen over 68,000 homes retrofitted to date through a total exchequer spend of over €128m. The programme provides funding of up to €22,800 per property for fabric upgrade works to dwellings with solid/hollow block wall construction and includes the provision of heating upgrades such as heat pumps and solar panels. As well as improving the energy efficiency of Ireland’s social housing stock, the programme also brings about reductions in people’s heating bills and helps tackle fuel poverty. As part of the EU Operational Programme 2014-2020, the programme attracts co-funding under the European Regional Development Fund.

Funding under the scheme is based on evidence of the work

done and confirmation that no previous public funding has been received in recent years for similar works for the property. It is also a requirement that details of energy savings (pre and post-works BER) are provided by the local authorities when drawing down funding from DHPLG. A deep retrofit typically involves carrying out multiple energy efficient measures together, wall insulation, attic, replacing windows and doors and installing renewable energy technologies in the home. Where more than 25% of the surface envelope of a property undergoes renovation, the energy performance of the dwelling should be upgraded to achieve a cost optimal level where feasible. This typically requires wall insulation, attic insulation and the installation of a condensing boiler or heat pump or alternatively, the attainment of a B2 Building Energy Rating (BER).

As part of the EU Operational Programme 2014-2020, these energy efficiency works will attract co - funding under the European Regional Development Fund. The Regional Assemblies have created a ‘Social Housing Retrofit programme’ within their Operational Programmes to accommodate support for the social housing Voids and Energy Efficiency programmes. This will see EU co-financing of 50% of eligible public investment under these programmes.

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DECADE OF CENTENARIES FUNDING The period from 1912 to 1922 was one of the most eventful in Ireland’s history. From the campaign for Home Rule, through World War One and the Easter Rising of 1916 to the foundation of the Free State, this was a decade of great change.

Campaigns for social reforms highlighted by the suffrage movement and the 1913 Lockout also went hand in hand with political events. The Decade of Centenaries programme aims to commemorate each step that Ireland took between 1912 and 1922 in a tolerant, inclusive and respectful way.

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD has announced a funding allocation of €10,000 for every local authority in 2019 to support their role in leading the development of commemorative activities at county level under the Community Strand of the Decade of Centenaries programme.

This collaborative approach between the State, local authority network and community organisations will provide a supportive structure to ensure that the significant and often deeply personal events that occurred between 1919 and 1923 are remembered in a respectful, inclusive, and balanced manner.

The programme recognises the need to be sensitive to the local

48

historical context and that there was no uniform experience during the struggle for Independence and the Civil War within counties or across the island of Ireland. It is intended to facilitate engagement from all traditions and communities on the island and it recognises the significance of local narratives and experiences.

The purpose of this funding is to help and support every local authority in developing commemorative activities, which will: • Promote a deeper understanding of differing perspectives around this sensitive and challenging period in our shared history, and respectful remembrance of all of those who suffered and who died; • Support the appropriate involvement of local commemorative committees and the wider local community to the greatest extent possible; • Provide for a rich diversity of commemorative initiatives in every county to remember and explore the historical events and related themes of this period, and their legacy and impact on local communities; • Develop commemorative activities which are appropriate, measured, respectful, inclusive and authentic, with real potential to engage people of different ages and perspectives.

LOCAL AUTHORITY

NEWS

€15 MILLION FOR DISABLED GRANT SCHEME Funding of €15.075 million has been approved for the Disabled Persons Grant scheme (DPG) and Improvement Works In Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs).

The DPG scheme provides funding for extensions and adaptations to existing social housing stock for older people and people with a disability such as grab rails, disabled access ramps, wet rooms, downstairs bedrooms etc. The scheme also provides extensions in cases of overcrowding. It is administered directly by the local authorities who prioritise the works required under the scheme each year. The scheme assists older people and people with a disability to continue living in the comfort of their own homes. Exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of the works in each property, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.

The funding being provided also covers the Improvement Works in Lieu of social housing scheme (IWILs) which allows local authorities to improve or extend privately owned accommodation, where the applicant has been approved for

social housing. It allows those who are eligible to remain in private housing and as their housing need has been met, helps to reduce the demand for social housing. It can also support those who might otherwise find themselves homeless.

Minister Murphy welcomed the efforts being made by all local authorities to improve the quality of life for older people and people with a disability and those affected by over-crowding, stating that “this will greatly improve the housing conditions for our older tenants and those living with disabilities and addresses issues of overcrowding in existing social housing stock.

Improvement works on private homes in lieu of social housing will also provide an alternative for those currently experiencing overcrowding in private accommodation.”

Minister Finian McGrath welcomed the €15,075 million funding allocation stating that the adaptations carried out with these monies will also help facilitate the early return home from hospital for many as well as giving people support and options as regards living longer in their own homes.

49

PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE INSPIRING EVENTS

We believe in creative thinking, ever challenging the status quo. We create and deliver exceptional experiences that inspire. Every meeting, conference, exhibition and event is tailored to fit needs and exceed your expectations.

Experience The CCD, an iconic destination in the heart of Dublin.

LET US INSPIRE YOU Call us today to make a booking +353 1 856 0000, email sales@theccd.ie or visit www.theccd.ie.

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Conference Facility Services to the Public Sector

A WORLD CLASS VENUE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

The CCD Excellence in Conference Facility Services to the Public Sector

The Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) was developed to provide a world-class conference venue in the heart of Ireland’s capital city.

Positioned in a convenient city centre location in the heart of Dublin’s docklands, with excellent transport links, The CCD is easily accessible from within Ireland, or indeed anywhere in the world.

Since opening in September 2010, The CCD has hosted over 1,800 events and won 43 industry awards. With 22 flexible halls, meeting rooms and boardrooms including a 2,000seat auditorium, The CCD can host meetings and events for any size from 5 to 5,000. The entire venue is finished to the highest specifications and incorporates the latest technology including Wi-Fi for up to 22,000 devices.

customer service and and we work tirelessly to deliver to this and our customers’ event vision,” enthuses Meehan.

“The public sector is an important sector for us, one in which we have built excellent relationships across the years. I would like to thank your readers for their business and support and look forward to working with them over the coming years.”

“We continue to position Ireland on the world stage for conferences, congresses and events,” explains Chief Executive, Stephen Meehan. “We strive to offer a world-class venue in every sense, from the quality of the facility, through to every aspect of our service. Our aim is to offer everyone who visits The CCD an unrivalled event experience.”

The CCD provides a full range of events services to clients with a core team assigned to every client who looks after their events, technical and hospitality needs, as well as being supported by a full range of in-house services. Over the past nine years, The CCD has held many events for the public sector both large and small, including the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service Citizenship Ceremonies.

Meehan says that the public sector is a key segment of their national business and continues to form a vital part of the business for future years. “We provide an exceptional service to all of our customers and with the building being stateowned, it’s a pleasure to welcome Irish public events,” he says.

Looking to the future Meehan says that The CCD will continue to build on business in line with their Vision 2025 and keep close to customers to understand their changing needs. He cites several recent initiatives that have come from this, including VR (virtual reality) capability, event and venue apps and CCD events such as Thrive Festival.

“Last year, we launched Thrive Festival in partnership with the team behind Taste of Dublin,” he explains. “In March we delivered a weekend of health and wellness activity to an enthusiastic audience over two days. It was exciting to see so many people attending and the venue being used in yet another way. We look forward to Thrive Festival 2020 in February next year.”

There is no doubt that excellent service delivery is paramount to the team at The CCD. “Our passion is exceptional

51

WE’RE BACKING DEDICATION IN

HEALTHCARE Ask about some of the ways we’re backing the healthcare industry.

WE’RE BACKING BRAVE #backedbyAIB

Mary-Clare Roche-Nagle Senior Manager – Healthcare Corporate Banking 087 295 2379 maryclare.b.rochenagle@aib.ie

Tanya Twomey Senior Manager – Healthcare Corporate Banking 086 042 6632 tanya.p.twomey@aib.ie

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Services to the Healthcare Sector

LEADERS IN HEALTHCARE BANKING

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

AIB Corporate Banking Healthcare Team

Excellence in Services to the Healthcare Sector

AIB Corporate Banking is the leading banking partner for healthcare businesses, both in the public and private sectors.

Mary-Clare Roche-Nagle, Senior Manager Healthcare, outlines that the team’s key service is the provision of a range of innovative and bespoke financing solutions to suit each customer’s requirements from Senior/Mezzanine debt, Equity solutions, Corporate Finance advisory services along with day-to-day traditional banking services.

“What sets us apart from our competitors is our dedicated team which focuses exclusively on the healthcare sector. Knowing the industry and having an understanding of the unique challenges of the sector allows us to structure more appropriate and bespoke financing packages.”

“Being a customer of AIB Corporate Banking means that you avail of our Relationship Management Model with a dedicated Relationship Manager who acts as a ‘one stop shop’ for all banking requirements,” adds Tanya Twomey, Senior Manager Healthcare. This Relationship Manager gets to know each customer and they are supported by a wealth of product specialists across the different areas of the bank to assist should different products be required.

“Our support to healthcare has resulted in an improvement to Ireland’s national healthcare infrastructure with improved primary, acute, medical and nursing home care for the people of Ireland,” explains Mary-Clare. “Our range of debt funding has also contributed to the on-going enhancement of medical treatments and technology along with increased bed capacity and improved facilities.

“The range of our customers includes State agencies, acute hospitals, residential/nursing home care providers, non-acute step-down carers, primary care centres, specialised clinics and other specific healthcare service providers. Many of these customers are directly funded by the State or are indirectly funded through various initiatives such as the National Treatment Purchase Fund, Fair Deal Scheme etc.”

AIB Corporate Banking. “It is an ever-evolving sector with growing demand due to an increased ageing population, advanced and improved medical treatments and longer life expectancy,” she says.

“Our Healthcare Team are tasked with identifying new opportunities and ensuring we play our part in continuously improving the healthcare infrastructure and services for individuals and families,” adds Mary-Clare. “We are fully committed to the continuation of our long tradition of partnership within this industry. We continue to take a leading role in backing our healthcare customers, supporting ongoing capital expenditure projects, providing debt for large scale healthcare infrastructure projects and initiatives aimed at improving care, enhancing the delivery of modern facilities, medical technology and diagnostics.”

Mary-Clare goes on to say that AIB Healthcare is currently heavily involved in funding and supporting numerous projects nationwide across the healthcare sector. Nursing home beds continue to be under pressure due to high demand she explains.

“We are actively funding new, modern, purpose built residential care infrastructure across Ireland to ensure the highest standards of care and quality are provided to residents. We will support in excess of 400 new beds this year. This also serves to reduce the pressure on the acute hospital system.”

“Acute hospitals require on-going investment in capital expenditure in order to maintain the cutting-edge medical technology and provide the latest advanced treatments to patients,” adds Tanya. “In addition, the roll out of the Primary Care Strategy continues to increase healthcare services at local levels. We are playing our role in the provision of funding to support these investments”.

According to Tanya, apart from day-to-day banking services, “we provide bespoke financing packages to fund construction and expansion of new facilities and new bed capacity, acquisitions, capital expenditure for new and replacement of equipment/ technology, asset finance, trade finance and foreign exchange.

“As part of various Government policy reviews, we have been privileged to provide our input into such reviews over recent years as we are seen as a key stakeholder for the sector.”

Tanya stresses that healthcare is a most important sector for

53

JOIN US ONLINE Ireland’s

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Credit Union

Full Online Membership Applications

#putsUfirst Tel: 01 677 8648 or Lo Call 1890 677 864 email: info@hsscu.ie

www.hsscu.ie/join-us-online

Health Services Staffs Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Loans & Saving Services

A UNION OF FRIENDS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Health Services Staffs Credit Union Ltd. Excellence in Loans & Savings Services

Health Services Staffs Credit Union is one of the largest and most progressive credit unions in the country. Founded in 1970, it provides a nationwide service to members employed in the health services, their families and much more.

In recent years, Health Services Staffs Credit Union (HSSCU) has merged with several credit unions, which brings CIE employees and An Post employees (Munster region) into the fold, as well as the communities of James Street and Ranelagh & District credit unions. As an extremely progressive credit union, HSSCU operates a multi-channel service that includes online banking, a mobile app, telephone operations and a branch network of 6 offices. These channels can be used to avail of preferential loan rates, savings products, fingerprint login access to your account and much more. “No matter how you want to do business with us, we are here for you,” explains CEO, Sean Hosford.

“As a credit union our main offering is loans, and we have several different loan types at highly competitive interest rates,” Hosford says. “Payments to the credit union can be made by payroll deduction for many of our health service, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, and An Post members. We also offer some unique products such as our ‘Christmas Savings Accounts’, free life savings insurances (terms & conditions apply), sponsorships, bursaries, scholarships and so much more.”

HSSCU was founded by employees of the health services who saw the need for a credit union in their workplace. While the Pádraig Power – Marketing Manager services and the way they are delivered have changed dramatically, HSSCU is still the SEAI, where members can get increased grants of up owned by employees of the HSE and all other voluntary and to 35% for qualifying works completed by September 30th. private institutions employed in the provision of healthcare, as Additionally, HSSCU regularly add new and exciting aspects well as employees of Bus Éireann and Irish Rail and Munster to prize draws and various other incentives. based employees of An Post. The public sector remains firmly at the core of its operations. “We are here for our members HSSCU would like everyone working in the healthcare industry and many of our members are here because of the public and their families to know that they are here for their needs. sector,” explains Hosford.

As a not-for-profit financial services provider, HSSCU is committed to always supporting and giving back to members.

HSSCU is always focused on introducing new products Whether it be through loans, savings, sponsorships, bursaries, and services for members. With that in mind, they recently financial advice or other areas, HSSCU is here to support introduced mortgages and online membership applications communities, champion their members and continue to prove and will be launching a full current account with a debit card their commitment to members with the introduction and in October. They also recently launched an innovative home improvement of products and services. energy upgrade loan scheme called ‘ProEnergy Homes’ with

55

The Source of World Class Care

A Leading International Supplier of High Quality and Innovative Healthcare Solutions

servisource.ie

1800 603 604

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Best Healthcare Provider

SERVISOURCE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Servisource Best Healthcare Provider to the Public and Private Sector

Founded in 2000, Servisource is Ireland’s only multidisciplinary full-service healthcare provider. Proud partners of the HSE and private healthcare facilities, Servisource provides a range of value-added services.

Servisource Managed Services streamlines the procurement of staff intensive activities and consolidates elements such as recruitment, vendor management, HR, rostering and deployment, compliance, pay and billing into one service.

A specialised patient transport service provides for the removal or return of a person to an Approved Centre in accordance with sections 13 and 27 of the Mental Health Act, 2001. Allied Admissions supports patient-centred care at each stage of the journey to recovery. Due to the highly sensitive nature of this service, Servisource ensures that the process is conducted in a professional, empathetic manner, safeguarding the dignity and privacy of the person always.

The company provides a complete portfolio of nationwide training services and occupational health screening to private and public organisations and individual members of the workforce. The firm equips front-line staff with the skills required in modern healthcare practice, meeting HIQA standards. The company is also the largest supplier of education support workers in Ireland providing staff to support students with disabilities to gain equal access to education in twenty 3rd level institutes including NUI Maynooth and DCU.

list challenge by operating a variety of medical services across the country including transitional care units, day-care facilities, clinical processes and other custom-made services.

With over 110 beds currently under management in a variety of care facilities across the country and having provided almost 1 million hours of care in the past 12 months, the Servisource Managed Services Division, which traditionally focused on providing nurses and HCAs to the Healthcare Sector, has recently shifted its focus with the objective of assisting the HSE in tackling the challenge of ever increasing waiting lists.

Servisource provides support at every stage of the care pathway from birth to retirement to end of life. “We will continue to improve and provide the best services to the healthcare industry,” stresses CEO Declan Murphy. “We will continue to work with the public sector to deliver world class services in staffing and solutions. We will continue to develop in partnership with the public service to assist them to achieve their vision for a better Ireland. Our core mission is to provide world class service and be No.1 in the areas of healthcare, administration, training and outsourced services.”

Myhomecare.ie is the largest non-franchise homecare business in Ireland and a HSE preferred supplier for the care of babies with complex needs and people over the age of 65. Myhomecare has launched ground-breaking new initiatives, including VIZIER – an intra EU project which will use the internet of things (IoT) to facilitate social companionship for older people living at home providing a common userfriendly platform where users gain easy access to information and services in a non-intimidating and secure manner.

Myhomecare Connect provides the family (circle of care) a secure, transparent and high quality IoT support service. It combines the latest technology with one-to-one personal care.

Servisource is an approved supplier of staffing solutions to several public-sector clients including the HSE, Eures, Solas and Poball. “We believe that partnering with the public service is key to successful delivery of quality services in Ireland,” explains CEO Declan Murphy. “We achieve this by providing excellent support and focusing on continuing to improve our service. Servisource prides itself on the close relationship it has established with the public sector for the past 20 years. In a fast-moving environment, public services rely on contingent staffing and tailored services to respond to the needs of the population.”

With Servisource, everyone ‘WINS’. The ‘Waiting list Initiative for Nationwide Services’ is helping the HSE tackle the waiting

57

WOMEN IN COMPUTING AND ENGINEERING

@ITCarlow

@ ITCarlow network

collaborate

share

inspire analyse like

Supporting women in technology to:

Engage, Learn, Innovate, Lead ITCarlow ITCarlow ITCarlow Institute of Technology Carlow

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Education Promotion Award 2019

GENDER BALANCE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Institute of Technology Carlow ‘Women in Computing & Engineering’ Excellence in Education Promotion

Institute of Technology Carlow has been bestowed with a Public Sector Award for its championing of women in STEM and promoting computing and engineering as career choices for girls.

Accepting the Excellence in Education Promotion Award 2019, Dr. Frances Hardiman, Head of the Faculty of Engineering at Institute of Technology Carlow commented, “We are delighted to receive this recognition for the work the Faculty is doing to champion engineering as a career choice for females. This promotion is part of an overall drive

by Institute of Technology Carlow to drive gender balance, equality and inclusivity reflected in the recent Athena Swan Bronze Award achieved by the Institute”.

In receiving the award, Institute of Technology Carlow was commended for developing and recently hosting a Women in Engineering interactive workshop for girls in second-level education across the region.

According to IT Carlow, positive female advocates who will champion the sector are fundamental to the promotion of careers in computing and engineering to women. To this end, the Women in Engineering Workshop invited the attendees to meet with and hear the personal stories of current students and recent graduates of engineering and computing degree courses. The role models discussed their careers and explained what life is like when you study engineering. The amazing response from the schools forced the event to a larger lecture theatre than originally planned to facilitate the 200 attendees.

year as part of the Institute’s ongoing work in promoting STEM to females and championing equality and inclusion.

This culture is also reflected in the number of IT Carlow academic staff who regularly present at conferences on Women in Engineering and Physics. Assistant Registrar Dr Yvonne Kavanagh, who is in-coming chair of the Institute of Physics in Ireland (IOP), is an active advocate of women in physics and recently spoke at the 10th International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) in Singapore about developing role models in STEM. The president of Institute of Technology Carlow, Dr. Patricia Mulcahy, is one of only two females in Ireland heading a third-level institute. Dr. Frances Hardiman was appointed Head of Faculty of Engineering in 2018.

Institute of Technology Carlow was also amongst the first in the technological sector to achieve the Athena Swan Bronze Award, an international acknowledgment of its work in advancing gender equality in academia & in promoting diversity & inclusion for staff and students in higher education. The Institute’s Faculty of Engineering is currently preparing to apply for the award, which can be bestowed at departmental level.

The event featured a welcome by Dr Hardiman, followed by a video from ARUP showing the different aspects to engineering. The highlight was talks from a fourth year Software Engineering student Ailish Kavanagh, and a Computer Systems Management graduate working for Amazon, Ciara McMahon, who described what working in computing meant to them and the fabulous opportunities it provided.

A panel session with girls on engineering courses was chaired

by Dr Yvonne Kavanagh and straddled mechanical engineering, aviation engineering and electronic engineering. An interactive platform, that allowed the girls to ask questions via an app, was used to facilitate engagement. Three similar sessions Dr. Frances Hardiman (Head of Faculty of Engineering); Dr. Patricia Mulcahy (President); Dr. David Allen (Athena Swan, Faculty are planned for the next academic Project Manager); Aislinn Glennon (Lecturer in Electronic Engineering) and Dr. Yvonne Kavanagh (Assistant Registrar)

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Supporting the Southern Region of Ireland

Southern Regional Assembly Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford 051 860700 www.southernassembly.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Regional Development Support

DRIVING ECONOMICS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Southern Regional Assembly Regional Development Support

The Southern Regional Assembly is part of the Local Government Sector to facilitate greater cooperation and coordination between local, regional and national government and other state agencies to drive social, economic and sustainable development of the Southern Region.

The Assembly’s roles include, managing and monitoring EU programmes, participating in EU-funded projects, preparing and implementing the Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy (RSES) and promoting effective local government and public services.

The Southern Region has ten local authorities. Thirty-three Councillors are appointed to the Assembly for a 5-year term; 27 are nominated from their constituent local authority and 6 as a member of the Committee of the Regions.

The Assembly has a role in linking local economic development with regional and national planning through oversight of Local Economic & Community Plans and reporting on aspects of local authority performance at the request of the National Oversight & Audit Commission. It supports balanced regional development through management and monitoring of EUfunded programmes and participates in EU projects of specific regional benefit.

The Assembly manages the Southern & Eastern (S&E) Regional Programme 14-20 which uses €500m ERDF co-financing to support a variety of initiatives across five areas, RTDI, ICT, SME supports, low carbon economy, and sustainable urban development.

The Assembly is a programme partner for the Ireland Wales Programme and the contact point for Interreg North-West Europe, along with the financial audit function which ensures that projects spend EU funding in accordance with the rules.

The Assembly also participates in four Interreg Europe projects which address issues specific regional needs, including multimodal transport, low carbon energy, and responsible research & innovation.

supporting job creation, competitiveness, economic growth, improved quality of life and sustainable development. The Programme currently supports 9 world-leading research centres and over 750 researchers, over 35,000 micro-enterprises, and 9 sustainable urban infrastructure projects, including Waterford’s Apple Market and the Mary Elmes Bridge in Cork.

The RSES will set out a 12-year strategic planning and economic development framework that will implement Project Ireland 2040, National Planning Framework and National Development Plan 18-27 at regional and local level. The RSES sets a dynamic vision for the Southern Region to 2031 and beyond and a sustainable framework for spatial growth and economic investment to embrace all aspects of life within the region. The RSES will be adopted by the Regional Assembly in autumn 2019.

Mr Kelly explains that the first RSES for the Southern Region not only provides an opportunity to set a strong vision for the region but more importantly to deliver on it. “The Assembly will take a leadership role by working with all key stakeholders, particularly the local authorities, to drive the sustainable development of the Region. The Assembly will support local authorities to avail of national and EU funding opportunities to secure the future economic growth and quality of life for the Southern Region.”

The Assembly is centrally involved in the formulation of policies aimed at achieving a greater dispersal of economic growth and development throughout the Region through its remit to prepare and implement the RSES in association with local authorities and local, regional and national stakeholders. The RSES links the National Planning Framework, City & County Development Plans and Local Economic & Community Plans.

“We work at the regional level within the Local Government sector to facilitate greater coordination between local, regional and national government and other state agencies to drive social, economic, and sustainable development of the Region”, explains Director David Kelly.

The S&E Regional Programme 14-20 is facilitating economic and social development of the S&E region of Ireland by

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Services to Education

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

LOETB Excellence in Services Education

Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) is a statutory provider of education and training in Laois and Offaly.

LOETB is one of the main employers in the midlands with over 1,000 staff providing education and training for over 4,000 students at post-primary level and over 11,000 students on Further Education and Training (FET) programmes.

It manages nine post-primary schools and twelve multiprogramme FET centres and is joint patron of five community schools across Laois and Offaly. LOETB also has a growing responsibility to support the coordination and provision of youth work services across the two counties and, through co-operation with other institutions, provides support to a variety of programmes and agencies to deliver education and training programmes that cannot be met by mainstream educational services. It has a long history of working in partnership with statutory, community and voluntary groups and management and staff represent LOETB on various boards and committees across Laois and Offaly.

Chief Executive, Joe Cunningham, explains that education and training are the foundations not just for a strong economy but also for a vibrant and inclusive society, and therefore it is a privilege to give public service in this sector. “We view the three pillars of Schools, Further Education and Training, and Organisation Support and Development as akin to a threelegged stool that support our ultimate aim of actively leading the provision of high-quality education and training across Laois and Offaly,” he says.

expertise across finance, corporate services, and human resources to meet our obligations in both an efficient and effective manner,” explains Mr Cunningham.

The Chief Executive explains that the LOETB is working on a number of projects at present in line with the goals of their Strategy Statement. “We recently established a Teaching and Learning Unit that, among its functions, will support staff with the implementation of technology-enhanced teaching and learning methodologies across all our provision,” she says.

“We have a number of large-scale capital projects underway that will help improve our facilities for both post-primary and FET students.” They are also currently introducing a series of measures supported by ICT to improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of administration service as well as supporting the primary education sector locally with procurement and capital projects.

LOETB has come through a significant change process since it was first established. “The development of staff and the continuous transformation of the organisation to respond to changing and emerging needs are critical to ensure we meet our commitment effectively,” explains CEO Joe Cunningham.

“As a local education authority LOETB is now in a strong position to meet the needs of the community we serve.”

“Our post-primary provision across Laois and Offaly is a cornerstone of our provision where the focus is on the academic, personal, and social development of our students. As the economy continues to grow, so too does the need for relevant further education and training provision to support organisations to remain competitive in a constantly-changing business environment.” The focus of LOETB is to support students to progress to higher education and also directly into employment.

To this end, they work closely with SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, to ensure their provision meets the needs of those in employment, as well as those seeking employment. “Our Organisation’s Support and Development (OSD) function provides the necessary support for the administration of education and training services with the necessary

63

Keeping the community in Kerry safe

Kerry County Council I County Buildings I Tralee I Co. Kerry I (066) 718 3500 I info@kerrycoco.ie

www.kerrycoco.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Public Road Safety Initiative

SAFETY IN NUMBERS

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Kerry County Council Public Road Safety Initiative

Kerry County Council is the Local Authority for the county of Kerry which provides a range of frontline services across five municipal districts.

The council functions are carried out by a workforce headed by the Chief Executive which reports to a council of 33 Elected Members.

Kerry County Council provides frontline services in the areas of housing and community, roads, transportation & marine, planning, economic & community development, water services, fire & emergency services, environmental services and library services. It is the primary authority for County Kerry for economic development and for ensuring sustainable communities. “We work with multiple stakeholders, across many sectors to achieve these aims and see our role as vital for the wellbeing of our 150,000 citizens as well as the 2 million visitors to our county annually,” explains John Kennelly, Senior Engineer, Roads, Transportation & Marine Department.

Looking to road safety specifically Kennelly says that in the decade between 2006 and 2015, a total of 119 people lost their lives on Kerry’s roads. In an attempt to greatly reduce these numbers a comprehensive Road Safety Plan was put in place to significantly reduce serious injury and fatality on the roads of Kerry. The plan set out four main objectives in the areas of education, engineering, enforcement and evaluation in the years up to 2020. The Road Safety Department are actively working with the community to raise awareness of road safety

with a view to changing attitudes and behaviour at individual, community, and organisational levels; To make Kerry’s road network safer and more forgiving of inevitable errors by road users and to ensure viable and appropriate enforcement, acting as a deterrent and increasing compliance with road traffic laws.

Kerry County Council has many projects and various stages of development which are delivered under the auspices of government departments or agencies including the Department of Housing, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport. The council also works in partnership with Irish Water to deliver capital projects such as new water and sewerage schemes which are essential for the economic development of local communities.

“We also work with communities and other interest groups to apply for grant assistance under various programmes such as CLÁR, Town & Village Renewal and the Urban and Rural Regeneration Funds under Ireland 2040,” continues Kennelly.

With a strong focus on the community and on keeping the community safe, Kennelly closes by saying: “Kerry County Council has a proven track record of working with our community groups and business leaders towards achieving our common goal of ensuring that Kerry is a great and safe place to visit and an even better place to live and work.”

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Ionad Oiliúna Fhionnghlas, CDETB, Bóthar Shéamais, Fionnghlas, Baile Átha Cliath 11 CDETB Finglas Training Centre, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, D11 KW18 Tel: 01 814 0200 www.finglastrainingcentre.ie

– B.B King

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Education Training

TOPS FOR TRAINING

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Finglas Training Centre - City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) Excellence in Services Education Training

Since 1983, Finglas Training Centre has been the ‘go to’ provider of vocational training for those wishing to enter the labour market. Since then thousands of learners have attended its courses and expanded their skill set in their chosen field of learning.

“We are fortunate in our dedicated team of instructors and support staff,” explains Maria Murphy, Area Manager, Finglas Training Centre. “Through expert instruction, using state of the art equipment we strive to ensure the learning experience is successful, productive and relevant.”

groups and other agencies, providing training for early school leavers and those deemed to be economically, socially, geographically or educationally disadvantaged. Learners participating in community training programmes have the opportunity to complete QQI Major Awards at Levels 3, 4 and 5.

The courses on offer provide training for new labour market entrants and those seeking to upskill, or change career direction, offering certification at QQI Level 5 and 6 and/or industry certification.

Local Training Initiative programmes are offered to learners aged 16 to 35 without formal or incomplete second level qualifications. Opportunities also exist for those unemployed who are unable to participate in other training interventions.

The projects learners participate in enormously benefit many communities.

Finglas Training Centre values its industry links, continuing to foster relationships for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Collaborations include training of Aircraft Maintenance and Aircraft Structures Technicians for the aviation sector. Since 2012, 70 plus individuals have qualified in these skills areas, successfully taking up employment in a sector experiencing growth and a constant demand for skilled personnel.

A recent collaboration sees Finglas Training Centre delivering two New Generation Apprenticeship programmes; ICT Network Engineering and ICT Software Developer for the public service sector to meet its strategic goals for talent requirements over the coming years.

There are Justice Workshops which provide training, education, personal and social development for offenders and exoffenders aged 17 and upwards. Learners obtain nationally recognised certification with services focussing on rehabilitation and reintegration with a view to their return to employment.

For those in employment or wishing to simply expand their skill set there are evening courses to upskill for new tasks or for promotional opportunities. These courses are short and are designed to meet the needs of every learner, from complete beginners to those requiring more advanced learning.

“Continuous liaison with industry ensures courses remain relevant whilst generating employment opportunity for graduates,” Ms Murphy explains.

“Recent consultations resulted in modifications to our Front-End Web Developer; Graphic Design and Revit Technician Traineeship programmes that more accurately reflect the skills set required in these rapidly evolving technological areas.”

Other courses offered include legal and office administration traineeships, hairdressing and computer application skills via a multimedia facility.

According to Ms Murphy, industries requiring these skills sets consistently look to Finglas Training Centre graduates to fill job vacancies and to offer opportunity for workplace training, a key component for all successful learners.

Finglas Training Centre delivers Phase 2 training to apprentices engaged in traditional craft skills of electrical, plumbing, carpentry, motor and sheet metal work, in addition to professional apprenticeships in ICT, Associate Professional Network and Software Developer Engineering.

Finglas Training Centre partners with community

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LET’S LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER

CYCLISTS, MOTORISTS & PEDESTRIANS

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Services, Road Safety

SAFETY FIRST

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Donegal County Council Excellence in Services Road Safety

Donegal County Council provides a wide range of services and supports to the community including an award-winning road safety initiative that will help to save lives.

Cllr. Nicholas Crossan, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Mr. Seamus Neely, CE Donegal County Council, Mr. Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer, Mr. John McLaughlin, Director of Roads and Transport.

Donegal County Council plays a proactive role in the development of the county and as a vibrant and progressive council, is made up of 37 elected members who work for the people of Donegal to develop sustainable, inclusive and prosperous communities in an effort to make the county a better place in which to live, work, relax and invest.

Road safety is a very important issue and Donegal County Council believes that road traffic collisions should not be accepted as a normal part of life. Road safety applies to every one of us – motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

All are vulnerable and have duties of care to each other and the importance of motorists allowing a safe passing distance when overtaking cyclists cannot be stressed enough. “We also need to impress on motorists the vulnerability of cyclists and the need to respect them as road-using equals,” stresses Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer.

According to O’Donnell, excessive speed is one of the greatest threats on the road and any impact with a cyclist or pedestrian at even 50km an hour carries a very real death threat. “Dealing with that particular vulnerability requires personal visibility and greater traffic awareness by all road users,” he says. “Cyclists have their own responsibilities regarding their own safety, lighting, high visibility clothing and helmets, clear signals and

strict adherence to the rules of the road. Motorists should recognise their particular vulnerability, slow down and give them more room when overtaking.”

The Donegal Road Safety Working Group has taken the opportunity to distribute high viz gilets in the hope that as many cyclists as possible will wear them. “We would like to shift the mentality and attitudes of cyclists to take their own safety on board,” O’Donnell says. “While there is bad behaviour by both cyclists and motorists, it is an unequal relationship.

Cyclists need to be clearly visible and the distribution of high viz cycling gilets is a step in the right direction to help protect cyclists on the road.”

The initial feedback from cyclists has been very positive and O’Donnell hopes that cycling clubs will promote this safe cycling initiative and encourage as many as possible to wear high viz gear when on the road. “Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians all need to share the road safely,” he says. “We should all respect each other’s space and ensure that everyone stays safe.”

While there are many interventions that can save lives and prevent serious injury, the assistance, will and commitment of all road users is essential and without this little can be achieved.

The time to act is now. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

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Fáiltíonn Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna an Chabhán agus Muineachain roimh Choinbhinsiún Chumann na Scoileanna Pobail is Cuimsitheacha 2019 go Cabhán, agus guímid gach rath air.

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board is responsible for the administration and management of 11 post-primary schools and 2 Further Education and Training Institutes:

CMETB welcoming the recognition of the Public Sector Awards

• Ballybay Community College • Beech Hill College, Monaghan • Breifne College, Cavan • Castleblayney College • Coláiste Dún an Rí, Kingscourt • Coláiste Oiriall, Monaghan • Inver College, Carrickmacross

EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR LIFE

• Largy College, Clones (in co-operation with the Diocese of Clogher)

• St Bricin’s College, Belturbet • St Mogue’s College, Bawnboy • Virginia College • Cavan Institute • Monaghan Institute

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board is also Co-trustee of: • Bailieborough Community School • Saint Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill

In addition Cavan and Monaghan ETB provides a range of

MISSION

services across Cavan and Monaghan including:

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board provides

Further Education and Training Services, Youthreach,

quality education and training for young people and adults

Youth Services, Outdoor Education, Prison Education, Arts

through a professional, inclusive and innovative approach.

Education, Music Generation

Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna an Chabháin agus Mhuineachain, Sráid an Mhargaidh, Muineachán, Co. Mhuineacháin Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), Market Street, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan

T: 047 30888

W: www.cmetb.ie E: info@cmetb.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Education & Training Services

COMMUNITY CARE

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

CMETB - Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board Excellence in Education and Training Services

Established in July 2013, Cavan and Monaghan Education & Training Board are a pro-active organisation exhibiting excellence in the delivery of Education and Training Services.

CMETB has a large staff who are committed, enthusiastic and dedicated to serving the needs of the community it serves.

“It is reassuring for those seeking education and training opportunities within the Cavan and Monaghan region to know that they are dealing with a professional organisation who have their best interests at heart,” explains CEO John Kearney.

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board provides post-primary education to over 4,000 students across 11 schools, with each school offering Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, Transition Year, Leaving Certificate Vocational and Leaving Certificate Applied programmes.

Four CMETB schools are national lead schools for a project led

by Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). These schools have developed strategies to empower the voice of students throughout the school, but also in the classroom. Students contribute to what they will learn, how they learn it and how they can assess whether their learning has been successful or not. The participating students have reported higher levels of motivation and a greater sense of autonomy in their learning.

Such was the success of these schools (Virginia College, St. Bricin’s College, Inver College and Ballybay Community College) that they were asked to present to an international conference on this topic in Dublin Castle.

basic and vocational skills and hobby programmes at levels 1- 6; CMETB operates six Youthreach Centres that provide a broad range of certified programmes for early school leavers and there is a Prison Education service at Loughan House Open Prison. The ETB also provides general training services which includes the apprenticeship service, contracted training programmes, traineeships, local training initiatives and specialist training providers.

CMETB sets high standards with a set of goals outlined in its Strategy Statement. This strategy seeks to ensure that CMETB is a dynamic, responsive and effective organisation that promotes excellence in all aspects of its service and fulfils its remit in a timely, cost effective, efficient and quality manner. The organisation looks to continually strengthen and optimise the administrative and organisational framework which supports the delivery of all CMETB services while promoting excellence in teaching, learning, management and administration in all CMETB schools. The team sets out to deliver a high quality, integrated and co-ordinated further education and training service that meets the skills needs of learners, employers and facilitates progression.

“We will also strive to advance and expand CMETB’s capital programme thereby ensuring optimum facilities for CMETB learners and staff and to maintain and further develop CMETB’s diverse ancillary service provision,” concludes Kearney.

CMETB Further Education and Training (FET) Services provide a wide range of full and part time programmes throughout Cavan and Monaghan, offering valuable learning opportunities for those over 16 years of age. The programmes are largely vocational in nature, e.g. childcare, healthcare, ICT and engineering, thus providing clear routes into employment.

Likewise, there are a number of progression opportunities from FET programmes into Higher Education (e.g. Universities & Institutes of Technology programmes).

CMETB FET comprises 5 distinct services; there are two PLC Colleges – Cavan Institute & Monaghan Institute – delivering full time vocational skills programmes at Levels 5 & 6 and evening classes; Adult Education Services deliver a range of part time

71

INVEST IN MAYO FOR QUALITY INVEST OF LIFE.IN MAYO FOR QUALITY OF LIFE. Mayo, Mayo, a a place place immersed immersed in in an an ambitious ambitious culture culture of of enterprise enterprise and and business business development. development.

The of the the Wild Wild Atlantic Atlantic Way Way and and The heartbeat heartbeat of Voted ‘Best Place in Ireland To Live’ Voted ‘Best Place in Ireland To Live’ Utilising and connectivity, connectivity, Utilising our our energy energy resources resources and Mayo is a ‘place’ people like doing Mayo, a place immersed in an ambitious culture Mayo is a ‘place’ people like doing business. business. of enterprise and business development.

The heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Way and Voted ‘Best Place in Ireland To Live’ Utilising our energy resources and connectivity, Mayo is a ‘place’ people like doing business.

Mayo County Council would like to congratulate Brenton Saunders, CEO of Allergan for his CountyL.Mayo – a pro-business environment incredible tenure within his role. with a “can-do” attitude.

We wish him continued success into the future.

Mayo County Council wouldmany likecontinue to congratulate From indigenous success stories to to major Mayo a From indigenous success stories to major major multinationals, multinationals, many the continue to attract attract major multinationals.

Co Mayo is isfor a platform platform From start-ups to major multinational companies, business sector in multinationals.

Mayo is a keyCo priority well-known companies have chosen to locate in Mayo.

A vast for connecting US and European financial markets well-known companies have chosen to locate in Mayo. A vast for connecting US for and European financial markets with with the the Brenton L. Saunders, CEO of Allergan his Mayo is already the location of choice for more Council through the pool of educated educated and talented workforce, world class business Mayo largestCounty sub-sea fibre fibre opticand cable project in in theEnterprise world. pool of and talented workforce, world class business largest sub-sea optic cable project the world. Mayo Mayo can can infrastructure, links including freight, and air, deliver for company, to visit incredible tenure within his role. than 4,000 transport businesses.

Mayo alsoroad offers Investment it wants lethow interested parties infrastructure, transport linksCounty including freight, road and air, & deliver for your your Unit, company, to find findtoout out how visit www.mayo.ie www.mayo.ie strong business supports and networks, a highlyknow that Mayo is open for business and whether We wish him continued success into the future. skilled workforce and a clean, green location with

large or small scale, you will receive a pre-enterprise

From indigenous success stories multinationals, continue tofrom attract majorCounty multinationals.

Co Mayo is a platform good natural resources andto amajor ready access to many welcome Mayo Council.

E: invest@mayo.ie T:+353(0)94 904 7555 W: www.mayo.ie E: invest@mayo.ie T:+353(0)94 904 7555 W:locate www.mayo.ie well-known companies have chosen to in Mayo.

A vast for connecting US and European financial markets with the Mayo County County Council, Council, Cedar Cedar House, House, Top Top Floor, Floor, Moneen, Moneen, Castlebar, Castlebar, County County Mayo, Mayo, Ireland.

Mayo international markets.

Supporting and growing pool of educated and talented workforce, world class business largestIreland. sub-sea fibre optic cable project in the world. Mayo can infrastructure, transport links including freight, road and air, deliver for your company, to find out how visit www.mayo.ie

E: invest@mayo.ie T:+353(0)94 904 7555 W: www.mayo.ie Mayo County Council, Cedar House, Top Floor, Moneen, Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland.

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Services promoting Economic & Cultural Development

HEARTBEAT OF MAYO

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Mayo County Council Excellence in Services Promoting Economic and Cultural Development

Mayo County Council has a responsibility for a population of over 130,000 people.

With an annual budget of €136 million, the council employs almost 1,300 staff delivering a wide range of services.

The services that fall under their remit of the council include housing, roads transportation and safety, emergency services, enterprise, community engagement, library, arts services, tourism development, planning and development, to name a few

With an eye also on the digital age, an Atlantic Economic Corridor Taskforce, chaired by Chief Executive, Peter Hynes, has Mayo piloting the development and rollout of an App to accelerate surveying and mapping of vacant enterprise space in Mayo’s towns and villages.

Mayo County Council is at the heart of the local community and is a key enabler of economic and social development in the county. Each day it delivers over four hundred different services from providing much needed social housing to delivering supports for small employers to making it easier to get around the county and making sure that children and the elderly are nurtured in their communities.

According to the Chief Executive; “County Mayo is very much open for business and central to that is a local authority that is very pro-enterprise. Mayo County Council’s Enterprise & Investment Unit welcomes the opportunity to showcase the many benefits of basing a business and doing business in Co. Mayo.”

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Mr Peter Hynes believes “Economic and Cultural Development is an important aspect of what Mayo County Council does.

Mayo County Council takes its commitment to providing public services seriously and in successfully doing so we can make Mayo a sustainable, inclusive, prosperous and proud county” There are many significant projects underway in the county, including the large-scale road development which will see the construction of a 25.8km stretch of new road between Turlough and Westport.

This will be one of the largest road development projects in the country. Other significant projects include the realignment of the Cloongullane Bridge on the N26 connecting Ballina/North Mayo to Swinford/East Mayo and beyond.

The council are also working to create an adventure leisure hub at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar. A €12 million Leisure Centre opened in April, and the creation of a centre of excellence in partnership with Mayo GAA together with a number of outdoor adventure projects aims to position this location as a leader in the sporting activity and adventure space

Mayo Co Co Chief Executive Pater Hynes, Director of Services Catherine McConnell, Head of Enterprise John Magee

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The State Education and Training Authority for Limerick and Clare Schools Further Education and Training Music Education Outdoor Education Youth Work Marshal House, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick, V94 HAC4 P: 061 442100 info@lcetb.ie | www.lcetb.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Further Education & Training

LIFELONG LEARNING

Excellence in Business Awards Education 2019

Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board

Further Education and Training

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is the state education and training authority for the Limerick and Clare region. It is one of 16 statutory regional education authorities established by the Education and Training Boards Act 2013.

The authority delivers educational services to over 34,000 learners across its administrative region annually. It employs 2,500 staff and had an annual budget of €152 million in 2018 across all of its divisions. The authority has responsibility for 18 post-primary schools and 33 further education and training centres. It also works with community groups in approximately 300 locations across the region.

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is currently focusing on the provision of a number of much needed extensions to existing schools and the provision of new schools across its administrative region. This capital programme will see an investment of over €90 million in the region over the next 3 to 4 years. In addition, the authority is also providing professional support to schools in the postprimary and primary sectors in assisting them with their building programmes.

The authority has responsibility for 18 multi-denominational, post-primary schools. During 2018, its schools enrolment accounted for 35% of overall enrolment for post-primary students in the region. The authority is also co-patron of 4 community schools in its administrative region.

The ethos of its schools reflects the diversity of the communities served and provides for participation by those communities through a transparent and democratic model of management.

as English for speakers of other languages and literacy), employability skills (including employee skills development, skills to advance and evening provision). It also provides postleaving certificate courses, specific skills training (including contracted training), traineeships, vocational training opportunities and youth skills (Youthreach, Community Training Centres, Justice Workshop and Co-operation Hours).

The division further administers the supply of teaching services to 27 other institutions, including education, training and social service organisations.

Underpinning the education and training provision there are several support services available including a further education and training development team, information, recruitment and guidance support and services for enterprise engagement, active inclusion and quality assurance.

According to Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training, 2018 marked a significant milestone in the ongoing reform of the Further Education and Training sector towards a more strategic and integrated FET system. A national framework was agreed for a new process of strategic dialogue to inform the development of three-year strategic performance agreements with SOLAS. The new agreement between SOLAS and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board sets out the context, strategic priorities and the authority’s contribution to the achievement of key national FET sector targets over the period 2018-2020.

In May 2018 Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board launched its first Youth Work Plan. Designed for implementation over the period 2018-2021, the Plan will guide the work of the authority in regard to its youth work functions.

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board offers an extensive choice of full and part-time provision through its Further Education and Training Division with over 24,000 learners in approximately 300 locations participating across the Limerick and Clare region every year.

The range of provision offered by the authority’s Further Education and Training Division includes apprenticeships, back to education initiatives, community education and training (including local training (L to R) Mary Troy, Head of Finance; Paul Patton, Director of Further Education & Training; Shelagh Graham, initiatives, specialist training providers Director of Organisation Support & Development; Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools; and Breda Flynn, and co-operation hours), core skills (such Head of Human Resources.

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Education Part time Courses

INNOVATE & EDUCATE

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

IT Carlow Wexford Campus

Excellence in Services Education Part Time Courses

Institute of Technology Carlow, Wexford Campus has been awarded a Public Sector Award for Excellence in Education Part-Time Courses 2019.

Accepting the Excellence in Education Part-Time Courses Award 2019, Dr Janette Davies, Deputy Head of the Wexford Campus commented: “We are delighted to receive this recognition for the leadership role the Wexford Campus has in responding to the provision of part-time courses. The provision of part-time lifelong learning courses is rooted in the belief that individual learning is a lifelong process.

It is particularly important in County Wexford, as the county shares, with Longford, the lowest percentage of the population in the country to have a third-level qualification.

At Wexford Campus, we are very student-centred, with a dedicated team whose primary aim is to help provide support and guidance back to education.”

The Wexford campus delivered its first Higher Education programmes in 1995-96, when it opened with 24 students, six staff members and two full-time programmes. It now offers a comprehensive suite of full-time CAO programmes and over 40 lifelong programmes. The campus employs over 80 lecturing staff and has more than 800 full and part-time students from all over the country including Galway and Donegal, with 45% of the student cohort studying part-time.

The campus has become an integral part of the fabric of County Wexford with a mission to respond to the academic, economic and cultural needs of the region. This is evident in the suite of course offerings, reflecting the importance of tourism, culture, the arts, agriculture, the seafood sector and the growing tech sector in Wexford, along with supplying suitably qualified graduates. The part-time programme provision also contributes to Wexford County Council’s Local Economic Plan Goal 1, Wexford Chamber Skillnet portfolio and the National Springboard initiative. It provides easy access to third-level education in a county with socio-economic and educational disadvantage, offering a wide range of programmes from level 6-9 on the NFQ framework. To date, there are over 3,500 graduates across the full and part-time programme provision, 90% of whom reside in County Wexford.

innovation is integral to the success of the lifelong section of the Wexford Campus with unique programmes such as the Higher Diploma in Business in Aqua Business. “This programme received recognition at the highest level with the EU commissioner for the Environment, Marine Affairs and Fisheries noting that the programme was one of the most significant things to happen in Ireland in the marine sector in Ireland in the last few years,” she says.

Dr Karen Hennessy, Head of the Wexford Campus, commented that the provision of lifelong courses extends across a wide diversity of disciplines which appeal to all sectors of the community. “With students aged from 18-82 enjoying our courses, we understand that part-time learners face myriad challenges and that is why our courses are designed to provide maximum choice and flexibility to learners. We partner with industry, business, voluntary and community groups on course development, which are designed to meet the educational needs of the local and national economy.”

The provision of part-time and flexible programmes continues to go from strength to strength and the Institute continuously expands on programme offerings, giving more opportunities to the community to participate in lifelong learning.

According to Dr Davies, programme

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Roadbridge is a Limerick based international civil engineering company that has been in operation for over 50 year’s . We’ve built our reputation on working collaboratively with our clients, offering a quality service, and a product with genuine added value.

With one of Ireland’s largest in-house plant fleets giving us unparalleled control over project delivery, we have the experience, capability and proven track record in delivering major infrastructure projects safely, on time, and within budget. roadbridge.ie

Crossagalla, Ballysimon Road, Limerick, V94 X2E1

SAFETY FIRST The construction industry is on track to have the lowest recorded workplace fatalities in 2019 despite an 80% increase in the number of workers in the industry since 2013.

CONSTRUCTION

NEWS

Management and awareness of safety and health issues has progressed enormously in recent years. Employers and workers have invested time and money to drive improvements, endeavoring to ensure all workers can work safely on construction projects in Ireland. As an example of this commitment, up to 107,481 workers completed the SOLAS Safe Pass Programme in 2018 alone. No other industry sector in Ireland can compare with this level of focus.

Dermot Carey, Director, Safety & Training, Construction Industry Federation said, “The construction industry is striving to make 2019 the year with the lowest recorded work fatalities. Any fatality is one too many.”

According to the Health and Safety Authority there were two recorded deaths this year with 164 non-fatal workplace incidents in construction from January to June 2019. These statistics are declining year on year, with three fatalities and 278 non-fatal incidents recorded by the HSA during the same period in 2018.

This encouraging downward trend has been achieved by construction companies adopting behavioural, technological and psychological bestpractice to embed safety on thousands of sites around the country. Research indicates that the moment you feel safe on site is the moment you can become complacent. So, construction companies will constantly remind workers through a range of channels and practices to think about safety and act safely. Signs, warnings, toolbox talks, even accident re-enactments with actors are used to remind workers of the importance of safety continually.

BUILDING BETTER ENVIRONMENTS Public administration and defence is Dublin’s fastest growing sector of employment, with 4,900 new jobs created in the last year.

This represents an annual increase of 14.7% according to the latest report from property advisor Savills Ireland driving strong growth in public-sector office take-up.

Dr. John McCartney, Director of Research at Savills Ireland and author of the report noted that since 2012, take-up of office space by public sector bodies has risen by over 1,000%, which reflects significant jobs growth in the sector, particularly since 2015 when the recruitment embargo was lifted.

According to the report, the average office employee in Dublin now occupies 10.3 sq m of space, meaning that the 4,900 new jobs in public administration should translate into a requirement for approximately 50,000 sq m of additional business space.

Andrew Cunningham, Director and Head of Offices at Savills Ireland said “While jobs growth has contributed to increased public sector take-up, this also reflects the Government’s proactive approach to modernising and improving the quality of its business

space portfolio to promote productivity and environmental objectives. Recent examples of this include moves by the Department of Health from Hawkins House – which was built in 1965 – to the newly refurbished Miesian Plaza, and the NTMA from the Treasury Building to No. 1 Dublin Landings.”

There were several large office lettings to the public sector in Q1 2019. Tailte Éireann – the name of the Government body to be formed by the merger of the Property Registration Authority, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Valuation Office – pre-let 16,722 sqm of space at The Distillers Building in Smithfield. In addition, the Central Bank of Ireland has agreed to acquire Blocks 4 & 5, Dublin Landings – currently under development by Ballymore.

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CONSTRUCTION SAFETY WEEK 2019 The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has officially launched Construction Safety Week 2019, which will run from 21st to 25th October. Construction Safety Week is an opportunity to reflect on aspects of safety, health and overall wellbeing and to promote its importance throughout the workforce. Its mission is to strengthen the industry’s safety culture and performance by sharing best practices, tools and resources in a number of ways: yy Eliminate accidents and incidents on construction sites in Ireland. yy Promote a healthy culture of sharing lessons learned and best practice case studies in safety, health and wellbeing. yy Reflect on the positive initiatives taken and celebrate achievements in good safety performance, whilst appreciating the potential consequences of failing to act responsibly in terms of safety and health. yy Continue to work with colleagues and others to strengthen the construction industry’s safety and wellbeing culture.

All 47,000 construction companies in the country are invited to participate, and there will be a national ‘Stand Down for Safety’ to start safety week on sites across the country.

Construction Safety Week 2019 Daily Themes The CIF’s Safety Week 2019 takes place from 21st to 25th this year. This coincides with European Safety Week, the theme of which is ‘Healthy Workplaces Manage Dangerous Substances’. This year’s Construction Safety Week themes are:

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Day 1.

Mental Health and Wellbeing in Construction

Day 2.

Vehicle Risk & Safety in Lifting

Day 3.

Working Safely with Electricity

Day 4.

Working Safely at Height

Day 5.

Hazardous Substances

NEWS

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show that only 8% of Irish construction industry employees are female and of 10,000 state-funded apprenticeships taken up last year, just 33 were taken up by women.

According to CIF Director of Industrial Relations, Jean Winters, the industry will require around 112,000 extra workers to deliver required construction activity over the next decade. “From a practical perspective, the industry is limiting its growth potential if it only recruits from 50% of population. From an efficiency perspective, female participation in business decision making has been proven to improve business performance. We, as an industry, cannot continue to allow such low levels of female participation.”

President CIF and Regional Managing Director (Civils) with John Sisk & Son, Pat Lucey, said that construction industry is beginning to see great change. “There is no doubt that construction has traditionally been considered a maledominated industry, but it is time to change that perception and to an extent that reality; not because it currently suits us to do so due to the skills shortage the industry is experiencing, but because it is the right thing to do.”

The good news is that more than 84pc of female respondents in a recent Construction Industry Federation survey believed their male counterparts assisted them as they progressed, with 73pc reporting significant, positive change towards female workers in the industry. As a result, some 85pc of those currently working in construction said that they would recommend a similar career path for younger female relatives or friends.

With the impending cloud of Brexit hanging over the industry the CIF has warned that Brexit could pose a problem with access to skilled workers. A reduction, however limited, in an already small pool of skilled workers, will cause huge strain in an industry with a decade-long pipeline of activity, it says.

Business group IBEC said in January that between 80,000100,000 workers would be needed to meet government construction targets and estimated that there is a shortfall of between 60,000 to 80,000. If the industry cannot meet these numbers IBEC suggested that there would need to be a significant growth in the number of non-Irish construction workers coming here to bridge that gap.

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Civil Engineering & Construction

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Roadbridge Excellence in Civil Engineering & Construction within the Public Sector

Founded in 1967, Roadbridge is a Limerick based civil engineering company operating globally in the delivery of major infrastructure projects.

It has completed in excess of 250KM of major inter-urban motorways in Ireland and laid 360km of gas pipeline for Bord Gáis and Irish Shell.

Identifying new markets and constantly improving its offering to clients are the basis of Roadbridge’s sustained growth trajectory, says Managing Director Conor Gilligan. Its focus on delivering above and beyond client expectations and looking at new markets and areas to win a steady stream of Irish and international infrastructure contracts for its team of over 800 people helped boost Roadbridge’s global sales by over 20% to €278m in 2018. But it was also a year of consolidation for the company, according to Managing Director Conor Gilligan.

“Having weathered the storm of the recession for 10 years, the company is back on track to be the global partner of choice in the delivery of critical infrastructure projects,” he says. “We

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have consolidated our place in the civils market with a welldiversified portfolio of clients and contracts. The last year has seen us active in all our key sectors, including oil and gas, water services, marine, renewables, motorways, aviation, pharma and IT, and operation and maintenance.”

Although Limerick-headquartered Roadbridge had never worked outside Ireland before 2008, international markets added up to 60% of sales in 2018 and the company now has offices in London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Stockholm, Oslo and Doha, as well as in Dublin. However, 2019 will see a shift back towards Ireland following several significant project wins, including the North Runway at Dublin Airport, work at Dublin Port and motorway construction on the N4 in Sligo.

New contracts in the UK, a market that has accounted for around 60% of the company’s business in recent years, include

Roadbridge has also won Gold and most Considerate Site Runner Up Awards for the construction of the forest holiday village at Center Parcs, Longford and Gold and most Considerate Runner Up for Oweninny Wind Farm in Bellacorrick, Co. Mayo, on behalf of ESB/ Bord Na Mona, in the 2019 awards. Another important win for the company last year was the overall National Q Mark title for Civil Engineering Group of the year for its quality management system, an accolade it had previously picked up in 2014.

Unlike many companies in the sector, Roadbridge has not been badly affected by the skills shortage to date.

“We’re a self-performing contractor so we retain all our own staff, even during lean times,” Gilligan says. “We try to keep everybody employed because that’s where the company’s intellectual property lies. We have kept our full crew for the last number of years so, while we are recruiting it’s not at the level of some companies.

“Our approach has always been to keep our staff and resources and try to win contracts for them. Others may win the contract first and then try to recruit for it.”

significant marine projects at the ports of Cromarty and Greenock in Scotland and work on the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail network in England. But, with Brexit looming, the company is looking to expand into further markets.

“Uncertainty is the biggest issue surrounding Brexit because nobody knows what’s going to happen. We have to prepare ourselves. We have well over 800 staff now and we are always looking to redeploy people to different regions when markets dry up.”

One thing that won’t be changing, says Gilligan, is the company’s focus on enhancing its offering. Roadbridge has, for example, been involved with the Considerate Constructors Scheme in the UK since 2011. The scheme aims to improve the image of the construction industry by encouraging best practice by companies in their dealings with, and impact on, the general public, the workforce and the environment.

“The scheme is based around corporate social responsibility in relation to the area you’re working in, your staff, the client and the community and how you interact and leave a positive legacy. It was something we embraced from the start as it fitted in with our ethos of being a good neighbour and also reflected a lot of what we had been doing anyway but hadn’t necessarily been recording and marketing.”

Roadbridge is now in the top 0.2% of all sites audited by the scheme in the UK. It was also one of the pilot companies when the scheme launched in Ireland in 2017. Then in 2018, Roadbridge’s North Runway Construction Project 1 at Dublin Airport became the first Irish-registered project to win a Gold Award at the 2018 Considerate Constructors Scheme Awards.

While there’s plenty of talk at the moment around lack of resources in the industry, Gilligan believes it would be a bad idea to rush into bringing down some of the barriers against entry into the market. “We cannot go back to creating a situation that led to overheating in the economy by importing thousands of workers from abroad nor should we consider any form of deregulation in the industry to facilitate easier entry,” he says.

“Companies such as ours have invested heavily in all the required procedures for a safe and efficient execution of contracts. I would hate to see any dropping of standards just to facilitate fast-tracking projects that essentially are not going to be fasttracked anyway because a lot of them are still only in the planning stages.”

Roadbridge itself is already involved in several joint ventures, including Roadbridge FCC, formed with Spanish infrastructure firm FCC Construcción, which was awarded the main contract for the design and construction of Dublin Airport’s new 3.1km North Runway last November. The company has also been working with Italian engineering and construction specialist in the oil and gas sector, Sicim, since 2003.

Gilligan describes the Roadbridge ethos as being unchanged since the company was set up 52 years ago.

“Our goal is to be the partner of choice for any client with an infrastructure need. We have maintained our self-delivery model over the years, which means we can guarantee an effective proven and safe delivery model where we are in full control of all aspects of delivery.

“Our plan over the next number of years is to further consolidate our company as the civils partner of choice and continue to grow by embracing new ideas, innovations and technology whilst at the same time being true to our principals which will result in a timely and safe delivery.”

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C+W O’BRIEN C+W O’Brien is a leading, award winning architectural practice with 10 offices across Ireland and the UK and is a part of the Corstorphine + Wright Architects Group.

Marrying 35 years of professional experience with cutting edge technologies, C+W O’Brien produce design solutions that enhance the built environment, transform cities and communities and achieve outstanding commercial success for their clients.

An exciting portfolio of innovative clients includes Ireland and the UK’s largest property PLCs, along with the leading developers and property and pension funds. Whilst their specialties cover a wide range of sectors, the bulk of the firm’s revenue arises from complex and large-scale residential developments featuring commercial, industrial and retail elements..

“Recently, our achievements have included reaching number 45 in the Architects Journal (AJ) Top 100 practices in the world in 2018,” enthuses Director Arthur O’Brien. “Recently we

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received the very exciting news that AJ 100 have shortlisted the practice within the International Architects category in 2019.

We look forward to the final announcement later this year. Not to mention winning the prestigious Public Sector Magazine Award for Excellence in Business and Architecture and Project Management for five consecutive years (2015 – 2019). We have also received awards and acknowledgements from a number of Irish and UK bodies including the Irish Construction Industry Awards, Building and Architect of the Year Awards, British Council for Offices, the British Council of Shopping Centres and the International Council for Shopping Centres.”

According to O’Brien, as a practice C+W O’Brien stand out as one of the few architects with the range of skills to take projects through from concept to completion, offering both the vision to design world-class schemes and the technical skills and commercial awareness required to deliver them

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Architectural & Project Management

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

C+W O’Brien Architects Architectural and Project Management

be tested, developed and improved. Always at the forefront of industry developments, C+W O’Brien invest in the latest technology and skills so they can continually innovate and go the extra mile for clients.

In terms of new projects and developments in the pipeline, there are simply too many projects to list however some of the work they are looking forward to completing in the near future includes a modular student accommodation project in Sandyford consisting of an 8-storey development containing 827 student units and facilities such as a gym and café. Using a prefabricated modular system – the first of its kind in Ireland - the development will be built off-site and subsequently assembled onsite, ensuring a short construction period.

Working with their client Heyday, a new youth brand for accommodation aimed at a discerning client with quality, urban living and environment at its centre is expected to roll out across multiple locations throughout Ireland with a focus on budget and value for money.

This concept raised the bar in terms of quality of fit out and living experience.

on time and within budget. “We understand that great architectural designs need to be aspirational, but they also need to be deliverable,” he says. “To ensure they work in the real world we take a holistic approach to our projects, making sure that we consider them from every angle.”

C+W O’Brien ensure that their developments don’t just look good; they also deliver incredible and long-term value, meeting clients’ objectives and the needs and desires of the end users for whom they were conceived. In addition to their architectural talent, C+W O’Brien employ an in-house team of graphic designers and 3D animators who add value for clients throughout all projects. These animators help the firm to accurately convey the vision for the project and create virtual environments which can

C+W O’Brien are currently on site in Beckett Locke with their client SACO Apartments. This 241 room apart-hotel has a delivery date of September 2020 and is a much-needed addition to the area, providing corporate travellers and organisations with a range of facilities including serviced apartments, gym, restaurant co-working and co-living spaces.

Data centres are a very busy part of their portfolio.

Ireland continues to be a leader in the digital economy and the demand for these centres has been acknowledged at government level. Their importance cannot be overstated in terms a creating a cohesive, strategic plan for the economy in the future and for these reasons Mr O’Brien says that he would welcome a refining of the decision-making process for planning.

Closing he says: “once again this year we are excited about the new projects that are unfolding within our practice and we remain positive for the future outlook of the industry.”

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COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF DECORATION

Stella Cocktail Club

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Construction Painting

THE FINISHING TOUCH

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

13 Painting Contractors Construction Painting

13 Painting Contractors are a commercial painting company covering all aspects of the decorating industry from general painting to specialist works.

Originally starting out as a sole trader, Managing Director David Flanagan said that after a few years he knew the areas that he could be most successful in, so in April 2013 the company was formed “to do what we could do best and to put our stamp on the industry,” he said.

“Primarily we are commercial painting contractors covering large scale works. We are experts in specialist finishes, hygiene coatings, Epoxy coatings, decorative finishes, spray-painting, wallpapering and restoration. We also specialise in bespoke projects so anything at all that is possible to be done in the decorating arena both public and private sector, we look after.”

13 Painting Contractors are extensively employed in the healthcare sector having worked on the majority of hospitals in Dublin they are continually used as the preferred contractor in the refurbishments of theatres, x-ray units and general hospital areas. They are currently carrying out works at Connolly Hospital, Temple Street Hospital and Holles Street, doing upgrade works and new builds for contractors. “Another area we seem to work a lot in is government office buildings,” Flanagan says. “Actually, when we started out in 2013, Temple Street Hospital was one of the first large contracts we secured and we have had a very good relationship with the hospital over the last number of years.”

so you build on the hard work over the years, build your business and it pays off.”

All of the hard work does indeed seem to have paid off with the company seeing steady growth and achieving good brand recognition countrywide. As a result, they have diversified into many other areas. “There is a great satisfaction when you hand over a finished ward or x-ray unit and know the good that will come out of it,” Flanagan enthuses.

Closing he says: “We are a young, dynamic company that is always looking for exciting projects to become involved in.

We are going live with a new website shortly as we have had a busy few years and we have updated the old site so I would love if readers would take a look at what we do. Expansion is on the horizon and we would be particularly keen to get involved in public sector schools, so if any readers would like to contact me regarding decorating works, we would love to talk to them.”

Restoration work whether on public buildings and hospitals or on niche projects is a particular speciality. The company was delighted to work on the restoration of the Stella Theatre in Dublin, an iconic landmark and one of the most beautiful additions to the city in recent years. Sitting confidently in heart of Dublin 6, the cinema was sympathetically restored to reflect the glamour and glitz of the 1920s.

The public sector is a very important sector for 13 Painting Contractors and has been an integral part of the company’s rapid development.

“When we first started out the healthcare service was the first big break we got, especially when you remember how bad the economy was in 2012/2013,” explains Flanagan. “We were an upand-coming company, fairly new, willing to work hard and we got a good start in the Public Sector.

Although myself and my men were very capable painters, sometimes you need that bit of luck and

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FIRE ENGINEERING ASSIGNED CERTIFIER ACCESS CONSULTANTS PROJECT SUPERVISOR DESIGN PROCESS

Mount Pleasant Business Centre, Ranelagh, Co Dublin (01) 907 3222 | info@goldsmithgroup.ie

www.goldsmithgroup.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business Construction Engineering Consultants

GO FOR GOLD

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Goldsmith Engineering Group Excellence in Business Construction Engineering Consultants

With offices in Dublin, London and Belfast, Goldsmith Engineering Group offers fire engineering, assigned certifier and health and safety consultancy services to the building design and construction industry.

The fire engineering team is led by David Quinn who has delivered fire engineering expertise on some of the largest developments in the world including the new Tottenham Hotspur football stadium, Battersea Power Station and Msheireb Downtown Doha in Qatar. Heading up the certification and health and safety team, Peter McKay has extensive experience as a surveyor and certifier across the UK and Ireland over the last 20 years. Peter is currently Assigned Certifier for the Clery’s Redevelopment, AIB Bank Centre and Bray Town Centre.

Managing Director Luke Goldsmith explains that his company’s main involvement with the public sector is through working with building control and local authority fire prevention services, ensuring statutory certification is in place for building projects in Ireland and the UK. “Having a close working relationship with public sector officials is a key part of our overall service,” he says. “We are the link between building control, the design team and the developers. Our excellent working relationship with local authorities ensures that projects are delivered on time and to the satisfaction of both the client and the local authority in terms of compliance with building regulations.”

company the best fire engineering consultancy in the world.

We’re not afraid of thinking big!” he quips.

In terms of current projects, Bray Town Centre, AIB Bank Centre, Mount Street Hotel, New Ireland Assurance building on Dawson Street and the Hibernia REIT HQ are but a few.

Looking to the future Goldsmith says that there are upcoming challenges in the construction industry, with external factors such as an inevitable downturn after some good years of growth and Brexit. “We are also grappling with a serious skills shortage which leads to inflated costs,” he says. “It is important at this stage in the economic cycle to analyse your strengths and weaknesses, diversify your risk and look to how you can protect your operations should current economic growth take a dip. It is more important than ever that we make sure we are delivering the very best service. Delivering high quality service to your client never goes out of fashion.”

2019 is set to be an exciting year for Goldsmith Engineering Group as they concentrate on diversifying markets and bring on board new key staff in Dublin, London and Belfast. Eoin Troy is a newly appointed Associate Director leading the fire engineering team in Belfast. Eoin has been a leading fire engineer for both Exova Warringtonfire and Bureau Veritas in the UK since 2006. He is currently working on increasing the company’s market share in Northern Ireland.

Another key hire is David Quinn, Engineering Director, who has worked previously with MD Luke Goldsmith.

“I have a long working relationship with David,” explains Goldsmith, “in fact, we both started our engineering career together in 2004. David has been based in London for the last nine years as Group Director for Buro Happold. We are finally back together with the ambition of making our

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PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE TO LAST A LIFETIME

Wexford Courthouse

Services Fa c a de res torat ion Lime pointing Lime rendering Rotec vortex cleaning Facade protection

Structural waterproofing

Fintan Farrell 087 - 1192740 Fintan@farrelldoyleconservation.ie Laura Doyle 085 - 1496297 Laura@farrelldoyleconservation.ie

Type A systems Type C systems

Timber treatment Woodworm Wet rot Dry rot

Damp proofing Rising damp Falling / Lateral damp Radon gas control Condensation / cold bridging / mould control

Remedial surveys Specialist damp consultancy Pre-purchase condition survey

Brick chimney repair

www.f ar re lldoylecons er va tion.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Conservation Construction Services

PRESERVE & CONSERVE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Farrell Doyle Conservation Excellence in Conservation Construction Services

Farrell Doyle Conservation provides long-term solutions centred on dampness in buildings both old and new.

The company’s remedial building solutions are available for both construction professionals and private clients. The company specialises in buildings of a conservation/heritage nature and also provides specification and design services for waterproofing systems.

Dampness in buildings is a prevalent problem in Ireland, but thanks to changes in conservation technology, the firm can protect your building against water ingress. “Where water ingress is causing a problem, it’s our job to find it!” exclaims Managing Director Fintan Farrell. When water gets into a building, either from precipitation or vapour, it can create problems such as wet rot, dry rot, rising damp and falling damp. Farrell Doyle Conservation provides services to tackle this including façade restoration, structural waterproofing, timber treatments, damp proofing and remedial surveys.

rebranded the business from Fintan Farrell Conservation Services to Farrell Doyle Conservation.

Together, Fintan and Laura exemplify this cornerstone idea of blending traditional building methods with new conservation technologies so as to ensure the longevity of historic buildings for future generations.

“It is our mission to ensure that Ireland’s built heritage is capable of meeting modern day needs,” they say. “We view each building as a living entity. We understand that when a building is allowed to breathe, it can be preserved and we know from experience that moisture and dampness hinder a building’s ability to breathe. If there’s dampness in your building; it’s our job to find it!”

Project Manager Laura Doyle says that the public sector is an integral part of her company’s business. “Our public buildings need to stand the test of time and meet our 21st century needs.

Correct and regular maintenance will allow these buildings to serve the public for generations to come,” she says.

Work is steady and varied and the company have recently completed works on the former Parliament hotel on Lord Edward St which will be the new ‘Hard Rock Hotel’ due to open in 2020. Here, Farrell Doyle Construction designed and implemented the waterproofing system to the basement. The company are currently working on a similar redevelopment on Shrewsbury road implementing the structural waterproofing to the basement.

Citing another project Ms Doyle says, “an exciting project is coming up over the summer in Blackrock which involves an array of conservation works to a property that’s reaching 150 years old. This will see the façade being re-rendered in lime, as would have been the original render. As well as timber treatments to the original timbers.”

The story of Farrell Doyle is a conservation story in itself and the idea of structural integrity, one of the cornerstones of their day-to-day work practices, lies at the heart of that story.

The business was founded in 2011 by Fintan Farrell who has over 30 years of experience in conservation services and a strong reputation in the industry for his knowledge and expertise. He is descended from generations of stonemasons, engineers and construction project managers so he grew up with this in his blood. Soon after, his daughter Laura joined the business bringing her own construction and conservation qualifications and experience to the table and in 2018 they

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FULL RANGE OF HEATING & PLUMBING SUPPLIES

SKC Providers, operating in three Branches in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim and Gorey, Co. Wexford, is your one-stop shop for all Heating & Plumbing and Bathroom supplies.

We sell to both trade professionals and the general public.

All our Branches have Showrooms displaying an extensive range of Stoves, Heating & Plumbing Supplies, and bathroom suites, showers, shower trays, shower enclosures, traditional and modem heated towel rails, bathroom furniture, a wide range of taps and bathroom accessories.

Our opening hours in all branches are convenient and consumer friendly: Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm

Call and see our newly renovated Bathroom Showroom!

info@skc.ie www.skc.ie

Wicklow 0404 20088, Leitrim 071 964 0593 and Gorey 053 942 2352

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business Services Providers

TURNING UP THE HEAT

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

SKC Providers Ltd Excellence in Business Services Providers

From their showrooms in Wicklow, Wexford, and Leitrim SKC Providers boast an extensive range of bathroom fixtures and accessories as well as a comprehensive range of stoves.

Established by Shane Connolly in 2010, SKC Providers have established a strong reputation in plumbing and heating and are the ‘go to’ place for everything you need to turn your house into a home. From bathroom appliances to heating and stoves, a wide range of top of the range products are available at SKC. The bathroom is a functional place yet it should also be stylish, sleek and beautiful; a place you enjoy spending time in.

Planning and designing the bathroom can be a challenge, but this is made easy at SKC where a myriad of the most attractive bathrooms are arranged to stimulate creativity and showcase what can be achieved even in the smallest of spaces.

Mindful of the move towards energy efficiency SKC also stock a full range of renewable energy products. “Renewable energy is the cornerstone of modern living both in commercial and home environments. We supply a range of energy-efficient and water-conserving products designed to save money – the green way,” explains CEO, Shane Connolly.

SKC stock a range of Ideal Boilers which have been at the forefront of quality heating for generations. In heating they supply top of the range ventilation products from Joule, the

best ventilation supplier in the country. According to Connolly, heat and water are essential elements that turn a building into a home. “We supply some of the most competitively-priced heating and plumbing products on the market today,” he says.

Little wonder therefore that SKC Providers have won contracts with the public sector including with the HSE. “We are focused on providing the best to this sector and to expanding our portfolio in this arena,” he says.

Quality customer service is an equal priority and Connolly is delighted to say that at SKC “we constantly push the bar to get even better at what we do.” Service here is exemplary, from the friendly face in the showroom through to a free delivery service.

Growth is the recurring theme in the story of SKC Providers who in ten short years have reached the top of their game.

“We’re a one-stop shop for all of your heating, plumbing, and bathroom needs,’’ explains Connolly.” All of our products are selected for their quality, reliability and for their capacity to improve the environment. Much more than just a bathroom and heating providers, we pride ourselves on our Irish familyrun service going the extra mile every time to provide added value to our clients.”

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BUILDING WITH INTEGRITY ABM OFFERS A DESIGN AND BUILD, FAST TRACK METHOD FOR THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS • • • • • • •

Residential Educational Medical Commercial Industrial Social & Recreational Retail and Hospitality

ABM Design and Build Ltd Unit 2b, Feltrim Business Park, Drynam Road, Swords, Co. Dublin. K67 TX95 Tel: +353 (0)1 890 0919 Email: info@abmdesignandbuild.com

www.abmdesignandbuild.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Best Public Sector Building Contractor

DESIGNED FOR LIFE

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

ABM Design & Build Ireland’s Top Building Contractor within the Public Sector

ABM works with all stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed within the required design, time & budgetary framework producing buildings of integrity.

Celebrating 25 years in business this year, ABM Design & Build is one of the most established leaders in delivering design and build construction projects, specialising in fasttrack turnkey solutions for both the public and private sector.

The Design and Build process is a method to deliver a project in which the building design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as a Design and Build contractor. ABM works closely with trusted and experienced design partners to ensure that a customised design solution in each case is aligned with ABM’s supply chain to meet the programme requirements. ABM Design & Build use a number of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) techniques with a high emphasis on build quality & durability.

ABM in conjunction with our Design teams strive to develop, from these various methods, a system that we believe is the optimum solution. In summary our systems incorporate only the highest quality certified materials, and provide the ultimate level of product certification, assuring predicable costs, specification and construction quality.

• Clear understanding and ability to effectively administer various D&B contracts, to ensure correct timelines are adhered to, mitigating against any possible negative impact on the contract programme.

• Clear understanding of change management procedures and necessity for early, effective, engagement with all stakeholders.

• Comprehensive ISO9001 and ISO 14001 accredited project management procedures to administer the works as prescribed within the company’s Integrated Management System Manual.

• Comprehensive safety Management System as prescribed within the company’s OHSAS18001 accredited procedures for managing safety on site.

• Proven track record in this type of rapid build off-site manufacture.

ABM Design and Build Ltd Headquarters is located in Swords, Co. Dublin and, under the group banner of ABM Europe, the company has offices in the UK, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.

Since 2011 ABM has built a substantial track record with the design and build of up to 41 schools as part of the Department of Education and Skills rapid build schools programme. In addition, ABM have recently completed rapid build housing projects for Dublin City Council and Wicklow County Council using off-site construction techniques for social housing at sites in Finglas, Drimnagh and Baltinglass.

ABM’s philosophy and approach to all projects is to provide a quality service during the construction process and to produce a quality end product which is totally customer focused.

“Our success in delivering Design and Build Projects has been built around retaining key resources, such as the design professionals and construction management personnel and understanding the Design and Build delivery process,” explains Director Pat O’Neill. “This has allowed ABM to develop and improve the techniques used previously from project to project.”

The benefits of selecting ABM Design and Build and its team are: • Competent, experienced and committed team members who have a proven track record of constructing and delivering fast-track design and build schools and residential developments.

• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the DoES technical guidance documents which the design and construction of primary and secondary schools are based upon.

Philip Weinmann – General Manager

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www.burkejoinery.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business – Joinery

BURKE JOINERY

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Burke Joinery Excellence in Business [Joinery]

Established in 1986 by Managing Director John Burke Senior, Burke Joinery is a family business based in Ballyfermot, Dublin.

With a current head count of 75 and a 70,000 sq ft facility, Burke Joinery is one of the largest joinery manufacturing businesses here in Ireland. The company provides a wide range of products to the public and commercial sectors that include integrated fire door sets, acoustic panelling systems and a wide range of bespoke joinery. The company has three distinct lines of operation; Burke Joinery and two sub-divisions, Burke Acoustics and Burke Fire Doors. The company’s latest development, Burke Fire Doors, offers a full inspection and maintenance service on fire doors in both new and existing builds.

Burke Joinery provides a full design, manufacture and installation service. “With this unique service we offer our customers a single source for their project requirements,” explains Director John T. Burke. “We offer full 3rd party certification through BM TRADA for all our fire door installations. Through our specialist division Burke Fire Doors, we also offer full maintenance and inspection of existing fire doors. This is a really important avenue,” he continues, “as it is critical to ensure the correct functioning of fire doors throughout the life cycle of a building.”

Burke Joinery has a number of key projects at the moment which include the full joinery package for BAM at Boland’s Quay and over 3,500 door sets being supplied to the UCD student residencies for JJ Rhatigan. Another high-profile development just coming to completion is One South County for Collen Construction. The company has also just secured an 850 no door set package at 76 Sir John Rogerson Quay for Bennett Construction.

Within the Burke group the company offers a free consultation and sampling service; robust acoustic analysis for areas that may suffer from poor acoustics. “With Burke Fire Doors we provide an annual maintenance service to ensure that all fire doors are functioning and kept in good health. As part of this maintenance agreement we offer a robust reporting service based on industry standards,” says Burke.

The Public sector has been and will continue to be an important market for each of The Burke divisions from the supply and installation of joinery products, to the installation/retro fit of interiors with best in class acoustic products. The company also handles the maintenance and inspection of fire doors.

“There is a wide service offering that caters for the growing demand for these products and services within the sector as a whole,” Burke says.

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• Commercial Diving • Pipelaying and Marine outfalls Dredging • Marine Plant and Vessel Hire • Marine Construction • De mountable knuckle boom crane hire (two available) 40-80 tonne metre • All equipment is road transportable • Currently operating in the UK, Ireland and Europe

+353 (0) 51 562 061

www.marinespecialists.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Business Marine Services

MARINE SPECIALISTS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Marine Specialists Ltd Excellence in Business Marine Services

Marine Specialists Ltd has over 20 years’ experience working in the marine and freshwater sectors.

This experience includes underwater survey & inspection, salvage, dredging, pipe laying, underwater construction and demolition. The company has a range of specialised plant & equipment including pontoon barges, jet driven mini tugs, dive support vessels, knuckle boom cranes and 360° track excavators.

Managing Director, John McKeown established the business in 2006 and continues his involvement with the company on a daily basis. His employees together with the company’s resources offer a unique skill set capable of overcoming any challenges presented by working in the marine and freshwater aquatic environments.

an 8.5m jet driven twin-engine mini-tug and RIB or 8.5m flat deck aluminium work boat.

Managing Director John McKeown invites you to contact him if you can benefit from any of the company’s services: “The Marine Specialists team has a vast range of experience, backed by an assortment of specialised plant and equipment and has earned a reputation for overcoming challenges and successfully delivering projects. Please feel free to contact us, we will readily discuss your requirements and outline what contribution and support we can offer.”

In terms of the public sector, Marine Specialists provide flexible dive control systems and dive teams which can be customised to meet the parameters of the various underwater inspection and survey work. They also provide a range of road transportable specialised plant and equipment for new installation and construction works or remedial works to existing structures, (e.g. waste water, outfall pipes, diffusers, dredging works).

Public Sector contracts are important for Marine Specialists as the company has established sustained working relationships with various county councils, and government departments over the course of its existence with many of these relationships having led to repeat business. In the immediate future several key contracts are about to commence: • Remedial works to Wexford Waste Water Treatment outfall pipe in conjunction with Murphy Process Engineering (June/July 2019).

• Remedial works to the outfall pipe and diffuser in Killala, County Mayo, working in conjunction with MEIC Ltd. (June/July 2019).

• Construction works to Camden Lock, Dublin in conjunction with Aquatic Control Engineering Ltd. (September/October 2019).

All three of these projects will require a containerised dive control aboard a pontoon barge. The dive team will operate from the pontoon barge. Additional barge-based equipment will include knuckle boom crane and 360° excavator. The barge will be supported by

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Supporting the Public Sector to achieve it’s development goals in Housing, Healthcare, Education and Workspace projects

Mill House, Mill Street, Co. Louth

+353 42 9354466

www.vandijkarchitects.com

Also at Innovation factory, Belfast, UK—Wroclaw, Poland—Dubai, UAE– Chennai, India

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Services to Urban Regeneration

SMART PRACTICE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Van Dijk Architects Services to Urban Regeneration Architects

With offices in Dundalk, Belfast, Poland, the USA and India, van Dijk International Architects Ireland is a project management company representing a number of international design specialists.

The practice was founded over 25 years ago by Jan and Ingrid van Dijk. Ingrid explains that the firm strives to use the fundamental tools of architecture: space, light, structure and materials, to create timeless, innovative and highquality modern buildings.

Van Dijk Architects, as a practice, see itself as client-focussed and through a culture of honesty, understanding, friendliness and communication, expertly delivers solutions for the present and future needs of clients with whom the firm aims to grow and sustain long term collaborative relationships.

“The architects at the firm take great pride in the execution of their architectural craft and in the design, quality and professional standards achieved in all of their work,” she says. “We bring fresh and open thinking to every project and we are relentless in our efforts to make each project the best it can be.”

The practice works on a wide range of public sector projects including housing, healthcare, education, civic buildings and modern workspaces providing services including architectural design, project management, employer’s representative, design certifier, conservation expertise, PSDP, assigned certifier and interior design. “This sector is vital to van Dijk Architects, representing 50-60% of our workload,” explains Director Ingrid van Dijk.

Current workload includes a range of projects nearing completion for the IDA consisting of two advanced tech building projects, one in Waterford and the other in Tralee, with two further advanced office building projects in Dundalk and Limerick. The Limerick building is presently being fitted out by van Dijk Architects as a software development centre for Johnson and Johnson.

Van Dijk Architects is constantly improving the efficient service it provides through commitment, expertise and a smart process-oriented approach. Staff members are valued which is evident in their studio where a happy atmosphere and positive approach combines with an ethos of collaborative teamwork taking centre stage. Each team member is valued and nurtured with many opportunities for personal growth.

For its professional approach and valued services the firm of van Dijk Architects has been awarded the Excellence in Business Award for Urban Regeneration 2019.

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Darren Becke

B

Dire

087 6542 1

BECKETT & COMPANY

SUSPENDED CEILING & DRYWALL SPECIALISTS

34 Kiltipper Avenue, Aylesbury, Dublin 24.

Tel: 01 452 1808 | Fax: 01 452 4116 beckettandco@eircom.net

HERBERT PARK HOTEL

CHATHAM & KING STREET

SUSPENDED CEILINGS & DRYWALL SPECIALISTS BECKETT & COMPANY

34 Kiltipper Avenue, Aylesbury, Dublin 24 T: (01) 452 1808 | F: (01) 452 4116 | E: beckettandco@eircom.net

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Construction Services – Ceiling & Drywall

ett

A FAMILY 157 TRADITION

ector

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Beckett and Company Construction Services [Ceiling and Drywall]

Beckett & Company specialises in suspended ceilings, acoustic ceilings, drylining, drywall bulkheads, ceiling repairs, metal stud partitions, skimming and external renderings.

The company was originally established in 2005 by father and son team Eric and Darren Beckett. Eric stepped back from the business a number of years ago but continues to be a source of support and advice for Darren.

attributes the success of his company also with their team’s ability to work alongside many other contractors and trades to ensure that the customers needs are met in the most time and cost-effective way possible.

“As a family-run business, we are able to provide the sort of personal service that you just don’t get from big contractors,” explains Managing Director Darren Beckett. “We are always at the end of the phone for our customers and we always go the extra mile to look after their needs.” A steady repeat business is a clear testament to the company’s success, together with a clear vision of what they seek to achieve.

“We’ve never tried to be the biggest –only the best,” Darren says. “Because most of our work is secured through word of mouth, we have no need to advertise. Our work speaks for itself”.

The company is well established in both public and private sectors, and have been involved in many key contracts across the board on commercial work, hotels, and pharmaceutical companies. “These projects are very important to Beckett & Company as they involve working with some of the largest and best-known main contractors in the country,” Darren says. He looks forward to a bright future and he promises to not only meet expectations but to strive to surpass them.

Some of the projects that Beckett & Company have recently been involved in include the Herbert Park Hotel Extension and office block with John Sisk & Son. The team also worked at the SK Biotek pharmaceutical plant in Swords with John Paul Construction.

Another major project was the Intel Microchip facility in Leixlip with BAM, Duffy Construction and PJ Hegarty.

The company is currently working on the Irish Stock Exchange expansion with Duggan Brothers and with Ardmac Builders on Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) pharmaceutical facility in Swords. Work will shortly commence on the Chatham and King Street commercial office development with John Sisk and Son. A busy order book is a sure sign that things are going well, and Darren says that this is because the team at Beckett & Company pride themselves on offering the highest possible standard of workmanship with unrivalled attention to detail “all wrapped up and delivered with exceptional value for money”. He

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• Groundworks Foundations • Ground Beams • Concrete Slabs Drainage and Ducting • External Finishes • Demolitions • Plant Hire

www.kbph.ie

Email: knockbrackplanthire@gmail.com Knockbrack, Castlebar Rd, Westport, Co. Mayo.

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Plant Hire Groundworks

A FOUNDATION OF EXCELLENCE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Knockbrack Plant Hire Plant Hire Groundworks

Operated by Michael and Monica Gannon, Knockbrack Plant Hire has steadily grown to become a leader in groundworks and RC Frames throughout Ireland.

This Mayo-based company was set-up in the middle of a harsh economic downturn yet in the short space of three years Monica and Michael together with an enthusiastic team have turned Knockbrack into a thriving business.

“We commenced operations in 2013,” explains owner Monica Gannon. “We undertake site excavation, muck shifting, demolitions, foundations, ground beams, rafts, all aspects of drainage, paving, kerbs, footpaths, roadworks, hard and soft landscaping. Our aim is simple - we have an experienced team who operate at a high standard of workmanship, quality, commercial awareness and health and safety. We endeavour to offer a service where quality and efficiency are the fundamental keys.”

With such a strong work ethic it is no surprise that the company has steadily grown to become a leader in groundworks and excavation throughout Ireland. They can boast a large list of completed projects and are proud to say that most of their work is as a result of repeat business. All services are tailored to the individual client’s needs for better client service satisfaction.

At the same time health and safety is always a top priority and at the heart of their business ethos.

The company is particularly busy at present with several new projects commencing in Dublin following the same line of work. This includes a nursing home in Artane and a primary care centre in Edenmore. Housing schemes and private developments are on the increase also and Monica is confident that her company will be involved in both sectors for a long time to come.

“We are grateful for our contracts so far and we hope to continue into the future on a strong footing with our valued staff without whom we would not be able to deliver our reliable work,” she says.

The objective of this company is to operate high standards of workmanship, quality, commercial awareness, communication and safety & welfare. In this regard they are hugely successful and look likely to continue building on a foundation of excellence.

The company are proud to say that to date, approximately 80% of their work has been to the public sector. “We specialise in all areas of groundworks for educational centres, primary care centres and nursing homes,” explains Monica. “Our first project was an educational project in the West of Ireland and since then we have moved on to complete numerous projects for the Department of Education.”

The public sector is a very important source of work for Knockbrack Plant Hire and the company has built up well-established relationships with main contractors and clients.

Monica is very appreciative of these relationships and says that she really wants to thank the main contractors for coming back time and time again.

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| Engineering | Facilities | Modular

Complete Lifecycle Care Plan | Develop | Deliver | Operate | Maintain

www.lmcgroup.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Best Building Services to the Construction Industry

LMC GROUP

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

LMC Group Best Building Services to the Construction Industry

An approachable professional company delivering big company performance with a personal one-to-one service, LMC Group consists of 3 complimentary companies: LMC Engineering, LMC FM Ltd and LMC Modular Ltd. As an ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO 45001:2018 (Safety), and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental) accredited group of companies, LMC are committed to ensuring that all tasks carried out by the group are executed in a safe manner ensuring compliance to the regulatory standards and industry best practice.

Traditionally the company’s core business has been providing mechanical electrical contracting services nationwide.

Services range from design development, building services engineering, BIM, project planning, procurement, project management, project execution, commissioning and system burn in period management, to asset register compilation and client handover. LMC FM Ltd, the facilities management company then pick up the asset and facility care for the entire life cycle of the plant.

“We provide our clients with a 24/7/365 callout service with response times tailored to each client’s requirements,” explains Managing Director Martin Lydon. “This service is fully traceable from initial call to sign off through our bespoke computer aided facilities management (CAFM) system.”

In 2017 LMC Group added LMC Modular Ltd. to the group, a manufacturing wing which provides modular solutions. To date these have consisted of bathroom and kitchen pods, but this is now expanding into more extensive modular solutions. The efficiencies this offer clients range from continuity of quality to full traceability from design to installation, hook-up and full life cycle care.

educational sector (in particular laboratories, lecture theatres and libraries) and we completed numerous projects in Sligo IT, NUIG, UL, UCD, DCU to name but a few. On completion of each of these projects we took on the facilities management for the first twelve months and in many cases continue to service these buildings today.”

In 2012 LMC were awarded their first project with the Irish Prison Service on completion of which they were awarded two consecutive projects, and in 2014 they were awarded the facilities management contract for the entire prison service which is still ongoing. They have also been awarded contracts with Iarnród Éireann and the OPW, cementing their relationship with the public sector. “LMC Group are tried and trusted partners of the public sector,” Lydon says. “Our partnership approach has been extremely successful and has demonstrated how the public and private sector can work together when we have a common aim. This has been proven time and again, in particular in our dealings with the Irish Prison Service. Here we have in partnership with the Irish Prison Service implemented a planned preventative maintenance system across the estate which has resulted in a dramatic reduction in reactive callouts.

This project demonstrates LMC’s ability to partner with the public sector achieving tangible results.”

LMC Group has grown steadily over the years with over 220 direct employees and over 400 employed indirectly with bases in Munster and Dublin. Over the years the company has built a loyal and trusted supply chain that are hand-picked and share LMC’S ethos of safety, quality and reliability.

Speaking directly of work with the public sector, LMC Group offers the complete suite of engineering services delivered by experienced and technically competent engineers backed up by planning, technical and administration teams. “With our expertise in design, implementation, energy management and asset aftercare we not only install the ideal engineering solution, we ensure that they are chosen, co-ordinated, operated and maintained safely, statutory compliant and to best practice and manufacturers guidelines,” Lydon says.

For LMC, the public sector has always been the backbone of their order book. “From humble beginnings in 2008 we have steadily worked and grown through our work in the public sector,” explains Lydon. “We progressed from project to project in the healthcare sector, we expanded into the

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*National Construction Training Centre*

Construction Skills Traineeship Course Duration: 6 Months Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction, Principles of Building Construction Foundations, Skills training in formwork and Steel Fixing Slabs and Paths in Concrete, Work Placement.

Dry Lining Traineeship Course Duration 6 months Health, safety and welfare in construction, Install partitions, Install suspended ceiling systems, Install wall linings and encasement systemsFix sheet materials(plasterboard) using direct bond method, Apply tape and jointing systems to plasterboard & Work Placement.

CSCS Programme (New Entrants and Experienced Operators) -

Site Dumper Articulated Dumper Telescopic Handler Remote Control/Self Erecting Crane Slinger Signaller

-

Mini Digger 180° Excavator 360° Excavator Tower Crane

Changeover Programme - Irish CSCS Card – UK CPCS Card - Health Safety & Environment Test (UK equivalent to SOLAS Safe Pass Card)

Other Training Courses: -

Manual Handling Abrasive Wheels (Including Practical) MEWPS (Scissor Lift & Articulated Boom) Forklift Training (Counter Balance, Reach Truck and Electric Powered Pallet Truck)

Contact us: Tel: 057 9362508 – Email: info@mountlucas.ie www.mountlucas.ie Follow us on FB: @National Construction Training Centre

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Services to Education in Construction Training Setting Standards

SKILL BUILDING

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Mount Lucas Services to Education Construction Training Setting Standards

At the National Construction Training Centre, Mount Lucas, non-craft worker training and certification of new entrants and experienced workers in the National Construction Skills Certificate (CSCS) is provided to the highest possible standards.

The centre also offers construction related traineeships targeted to address skills gaps within the industry. In addition, Mount Lucas administers both the CITB UK changeover programme for Irish CSCS cards to UK CPCS cards and the UK Health Safety & Environmental (HSE) Test, the compulsory pre-clearance test that enables entry to work on UK sites.

By working with industry stakeholders, the National Construction Training Centre at Mount Lucas has devised a set of easily adaptable, non-craft worker training programmes to meet evolving Industry needs. All services provided at Mount Lucas are funded and supported by SOLAS with training provision delivered to respond to industry, and concurrently meet the specific needs of people who are unemployed, under-employed, or are in employment but requiring new or enhanced skills.

According to Centre Manager John Kelly, the public sector is an important market for Mount Lucas. He explains: “Mount Lucas maintains a collaborative relationship with the Construction Industry Federation and other bodies that guides the training provision to meet developing gaps within the industry. During 2016, for instance, our Employment Skills for Construction (Formwork) Programme was developed in partnership with the SOLAS, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP), CIF, local construction employers and City & Guilds to train construction workers, as a specific need had arisen within the construction sector.

City & Guilds and QQI centre and delivers bespoke construction related training. It has recently expanded the fleet enabling the centre to increase the training provision for both new entrants and experienced operators as part of the CSCS programmes. As part of the fleet, a Saez Tower Crane has been sourced with the added features of both a hoist and a Jumbo training cab allowing both the instructor and the trainee to work alongside each other enhancing the training experience.

LOETB are part of a National Consortium Steering Group that are developing a scaffolding apprenticeship programme.

The Scaffolding Craft Apprenticeship will lead to a twoyear apprenticeship at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications. It will provide comprehensive skills and understanding of the mechanics of scaffold, the different forces acting on scaffold structures, and incorporate specialist skills to ensure that apprentices are fully competent. The curriculum, currently under development, will be submitted to QQI in June 2019 and subject to validation the apprenticeship scheme is scheduled to commence in January 2020, with the first group of scaffolders qualifying in 2021.

For their services to education in the construction Industry Mount Lucas have been awarded this year’s Public Sector Magazine Setting Standards Award.

“The facilities at Mount Lucas include a 33-acre site complete with a fully simulated work environment that replicates actual building sites.

We have over 15 acres assigned for machinery training, we also have a 700m2 construction hall that is used for small machine training and is currently in use as a workshop for the traineeships. All areas in Mount Lucas are set out so participants are trained in construction skills in real work environments. And like any building site, if participants arrive to site without appropriate personal protection equipment, they are not allowed onsite.”

Mount Lucas is both an accredited

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Thinking Labour? Think Centum

+353 (0) 15686385

+44 (0) 756 5299146

UK Office | 38C Airfield Road Toomebridge | Co. Derry | BT41 3SG

paddy@centum.ie

www.centum.ie

ROI Office | 246 Blanchardstown Corporate Park 2 | Ballycoolin | Dublin | D15 F2XT

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Services to Construction (Recruitment)

SKILL SOLUTIONS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Centum Construction Services Services to Construction (Recruitment)

Centum is an Irish-based company providing labour only subcontracting solutions to clients wherever in the world they need it.

Their clients base is primarily main contractors who need Centum’s help to supplement their current workforce or provide the total labour for a project. Labour can be supplied on hourly or day rates or on occasion at a fixed-price contract were Centum supply supervision.

The main focus for Centum is on clients with commercial projects, oil and gas, offshore and industrial plants. Centum meets the needs of these clients by providing skilled manual labour in a cost-effective, compliant and structured way. “We know how to mobilise workers locally and internationally to fulfil our client’s requirements,” explains Paddy McKeever, Commercial Director.

to the core values of the company.”

As a result of such high standards and some good oldfashioned values the workbook is healthy and the pipeline in Ireland north and south is very strong. The last quarter of 2019 should take Centum on to a new plateau at home with hope to engage further in Europe and the UK. Concluding McKeever says: “Centum’s growth has been steady but measured. We will always strive to move forward but not at the expense of what we have already worked hard to establish.

Our team is young and ambitious and we look forward to a bright and mutually beneficial between our company and our valued clients.

“We supply highly skilled electricians, apprentices and electrical labour primarily on day works to carry out electrical installations on projects on behalf of the client, whether that is supplementing their own work force or completing entire works on their behalf.”

Centum offer electrical services for data centres, commercial and industrial, pharmaceutical and hospitals. They also provide supervision for larger projects and they offer an entire logistics package for prospective clients if needed such as flights, accommodation, foreign registration, transfers and site transport. This is the preferred alternative for works abroad.

All health & safety requirements and relevant compliance is stringently adhered to in all countries and various jurisdictions.

According to McKeever, the electrical trade probably missed an entire generation in the aftermath of the boom & bust of Celtic tiger days. It’s very much a niche market he says, but Centum would encourage any young man or woman to consider a career in the trade. This is particularly relevant today as the construction industry has seen a turnover up by 25% last year. With continuous upwards growth and shortage of construction professionals and trades people, now is the time for young people to learn a trade.

“It’s got infinite possibilities and growth opportunities, a chance to see the world, or the security of long-term work on home shores. Centum work with most of the principal contractors at home who can offer job security and variety few could match.”

What is the secret to the company’s success? Centum focus on getting it right the first time. “We believe that we are only as good as the last job we did and we have a talented, dedicated workforce,” muses McKeever. “It makes us competitive but we are also old fashioned in many ways – adhering to a strong sense of value and excellent working relationships that are true

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Mellett Electrical

Electrical Services Public and Private Sector Full Design and Installation Mellett Electrical

Mellett Electrical Unit 13 Chlar Industrial Estate, Ballindine Rd Claremorris, Co Mayo Tel: 094 9377783 Email: info@mellettelectrical.ie

www.mellettelectrical.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Construction, Electrical

A SHINING LIGHT

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Mellett Electrical Construction Electrical

Established in 2010, Mellett Electrical has evolved into a company offering a wide range of electrical services.

Based in Claremorris, County Mayo, the company provides design and installation for both private and public sector clients nationwide. Their client base represents all areas of industry including the domestic, residential, commercial, retail, healthcare and educational sectors.

“At Mellett Electrical we believe that a proactive approach to our client’s requirements, a collaborative working relationship with the project team and a flexible attitude to change are the cornerstones of our success,” explains Director Brendan Mellett.

“Much of our work is repeat commissions from clients with whom we have built up a strong working relationship, a reflection of our reputation for delivering projects on time, within budget and with a high level of customer satisfaction.

Our ability to provide an outstanding level of service is due to the dedication and commitment of our team.” Another testament to the success of this company is that in a short 9-year period their compliment of staff has increased to over 150 people.

work across many public sector organisations with a primary focus on healthcare including the recent full electrical installation of the local Claremorris Primary Care Centre. This is a hugely important sector for Mellett Electrical as there are so many opportunities for new projects as well as continued maintenance and support.

Mellett Electrical are in expansion mode at present and there are no plans to slow down. “We have orders received to take us up to December 2020 at the moment which is hugely positive. We are constantly expanding our office and fieldbased staff to ensure that we deliver exemplary service and outstanding work. Again, Brendan has a strong and simple message when it comes to service delivery, “aim high, aim to be the best at what you do and when you reach that target, set it even higher!

It is little wonder that Mellett and his team are lighting up the electrical world. For their service to the public sector they have been awarded the 2019 Excellence in Business Award for electrical services to the construction industry.

Referrals are a staple of every successful business and Mellett Electrical are delighted to see a strong repeat rate as well as a healthy list of referrals. To what does Brendan Mellett attribute this? “Business owners whether public or private sector like to deal with somebody they can trust. Even though we’re in the age of social media, one to one attention and word-of-mouth is still a very successful way to generate business.

“We go above and beyond for our clients. We don’t shy away from anything. When I am bidding projects, I look for what is best for the company and then I go all out to deliver it. It seems a simple enough formula but it’s surprising how many companies cut corners. We cut nothing but the bottom line which we guarantee will always be realistic and competitive.

It is this strong ethic that has propelled Mellett Electrical to the forefront of their field. The company

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Undertaking projects of varied sizes in both the commercial and residential sector

• • • •

Commercial Residential Public Projects Private Projects

McLaughlin Taylor Drylining ROI LTD Letter, Clonmany, Co. Donegal McLaughlin Taylor Drylining NI LTD 6 Kingsmere Gardens, Kilfennan, Co. Derry BT47 5TR Tel: Martin: +353 87 7738697 (Managing Director) E: martin@mtdrylining.com Tel: Pat: +353 86 3029838 (Quantity Surveyor) E: pat@mtdrylining.com

www.mtdrylining.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business Construction

CUT AND DRY

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

McLaughlin Taylor Drylining Ltd Excellence in Business Construction

A second-generation family business, McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining is one of the country’s leading dry-lining contractors with experience across Ireland and the UK. This award-winning company is capable of undertaking projects of any size in both the residential and commercial sectors. With expertise in metal partitions, MF ceilings, acoustic insulation as well as bespoke solutions, McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining work hand in hand with the ‘who’s who’ of main contractors.

McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading dry-lining contractors, capable of undertaking projects of varied sizes in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The company’s flexibility is matched by its professionalism, which has seen them set the standards in dry-lining contracting down through the years.

In 2010, for example, they scooped two prestigious SaintGobain Awards for their breath-taking work at the Titanic Signature Building, Belfast as well as taking the 2018 nonresidential award for the Titanic Hotel project.

The company’s skilled workforce is trustworthy and passionate about undertaking high quality work using modern techniques. They partner with customers and contractors who share the same vision of quality and professionalism and they actively assist on projects from the design stage through to project completion.

This family-run business maintains a skilled workforce who are passionate about undertaking high quality work using modern techniques. The company partners with customers and contractors who share the same vision of quality and professional workmanship. They are specialists in metal stud partitions, plaster boarding, MF ceilings, suspended grid ceiling, acoustic & thermal insulation as well as in load bearing Structural Framing Systems (SFS).

“The key to our success is the professional relationship we develop with our clients,” explains Managing Director Martin McLaughlin. “We can assist on projects from the design stage to project completion. In so doing, we guarantee an on-time, quality finish while adhering to industry’s quality, environmental and safety standards,” he says.

In recognition of a consistently high level of services together with high level workmanship McLaughlin Taylor Dry-lining has been awarded the 2019 Public Sector Magazine Excellence in Business Construction Award.

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

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

Although McLaughlin Taylor boasts experience delivering projects throughout the UK, most of the work at present is restricted to the island of Ireland. The company is currently engaged on a variety of projects nationwide, including One Microsoft Court and Autodesk for Mac Interiors, Northwood Nursing Home for Elliot Construction as well as the Tallaght Cross West Apartments for Ardmac Construction, having previously delivered a series of bank refurbishments for both Bank of Ireland and AIB.

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Make Sure your workforce are better equipped

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Core Fleet of over 1,600 product lines

MONTHLY OFFERS on DIY & Garden Equipment

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Range of plant equipment

OFF YOUR FIRST HSS HIRE

hss.ie / 1800 22 33 66 / Safety / Value / Availability / Support

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Ireland’s Best Hire Company

ONE STOP SHOP

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

HSS Hire Ireland’s Best Hire Company

A brand synonymous with quality and availability, HSS Hire is a leading provider of tools, equipment and related services in the UK/Ireland.

With over 50 years’ experience the company offers an extensive range including everything from conventional hire to specialist divisions as well as being a logistical and technical partner to businesses of all sizes. With 27 branches throughout Ireland and a nationwide delivery service, there is always a HSS nearby.

The public sector is an important one for HSS given its wide remit and the many applications for their tools and services.

“As investment continues, we will be looking to continue providing an excellent service to all of our customers working in this area,” explains Daniel Doyle, Regional Manager, HSS Hire Southern Ireland. He plans to continue expanding in the sector by assisting public authorities with their many projects throughout 2019.

Being so accessible and with the widest range of hire products available nationwide, service includes several different divisions such as powered access, pumps, generators, VMS boards and large plant.

HSS provides training for customers and all kit is checked and serviced overnight before being re-hired. The company is committed to great customer service.

“Quality and service are the keywords; our people are key to delivering this,” Doyle says. The company is also strongly focused on health and safety, ensuring the safety of their products and helping to promote safe working practice. “We arm you with the technical ‘know-how’ of our equipment,” Doyle says. “Through our extensive safety checks, training courses and safety guides, we’ll see you safely through until your work is done.”

penetration – HSS equipment can be spotted on most major sites in the country.

“We are one of the most recognisable hire companies in Ireland,” enthuses Doyle. “We want to be a strong and reliable presence in the public sector. With our dedicated and experienced sales team, we can provide a high level of service and whatever product it is that clients need to get the job done.

“We are a forward thinking, industry leading organisation that continually works closely with clients to develop & refine an unrivalled branch service to support projects. We go out of our way to help customers save time & money and streamline the hire processes.”

Needless to say, a strong and easily accessed reporting tool is also available called My HSS Reports where clients can view, manage and generate reports in one easy to access dashboard.

Without a doubt HSS has all the tools for continued growth and to this end are outright winners for Best Hire Company 2019, Public Sector Magazine Excellence in Business Awards.

Aiming high seems to be the mantra for HSS and there are ambitious expansion plans as well as investment in a vast new range of the latest available products. HSS also sees the importance of trustworthy brands.

The company’s range includes plant and powered access, generators and Hilti tools.

The company operates with a proactive & progressive approach which is evident in its market

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• Residential Operating from a purpose built base in Bree Castleblayney and directly employing 45 people from the local area, Broomfield Construction have built an enviable reputation throughout the region as a multi-disciplined main contractor and are a trusted construction partner in the Healthcare, Education, Commercial and Local Authority sectors.

• Food processing and Manufacture • Retail and Office

• Sports & Leisure • Healthcare • Industrial

• Commercial

• Protected Structures

Broomfield Construction

T: 00 353 (0) 42 9 740559 E: info@broomfieldconstruction.com W: www.broomfieldconstruction.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business Awards Main Contractor

TRUSTED PARTNERS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Broomfield Construction Excellence in Business Main Contractor

Operating from a purpose built base in County Monaghan, Broomfield Construction has built an enviable reputation throughout the region as a multi-disciplined main contractor and is a trusted construction partner in the Healthcare, Education, Commercial and Local Authority sectors.

With projects ranging from between €15 million down to €100k, the company directly employs construction professionals such as quantity surveyors, structural engineers, civil engineers, building surveyors, HQHS and construction managers.

Broomfield Construction works with a close-knit top management team that have banked up knowledge across all sectors of construction. The firm embraces modern technology and is en-route to be one of the first ISO certified contractors at its level in Ireland.

Broomfield Construction has ample experience in the development of schools, community centres, resource centres and medical centres for both government and private bodies. The company has been working within the public sector for over 40 years and in the last 10 years has successfully completed 12 public sector construction projects. This is made up of acute live environment hospital works, new nursing homes, a new accident and emergency department, a new surgical theatre department and X-ray departments together with roof replacements and upgrade works. Apart from the HSE works, Broomfield Construction also carries out civil works for county councils, salt barn projects nationwide and small-town council works in their local town of Castleblayney.

“The public sector is a key sector for Broomfield Construction,” explains Managing Director Jason Reilly. “We try to keep a minimum of 40% of the workflow in the public sector and make up the remainder in the private sector. We find the mix of public and private work brings knowledge to both parties.”

Current projects include a €5 million mental health campus for the HSE in conjunction with RKD architects and Duffy Engineering. The company is also working on three medical centres in Blackrock, Clondalkin and Dundalk. In other sectors the firm has four food factories in completion and

another pharmaceutical warehouse nearing completion.

Broomfield Construction has invested in the digital construction era and is now set to become BIM level 2 compliant by the end of 2019. “This decision was made to keep ahead of mandate and keep one step ahead of our competitors,” explains Jason.

Keeping ahead of the competition is something that Broomfield has achieved with ease. According to Jason this is due in no small part to a total commitment to providing the best possible service and value to clients. “The quality of Broomfield Construction’s work is reflected in the continuing growth of the company in an increasingly competitive market and the portfolio of projects over the past four decades stand as a testament to this,” he says.

“It’s been a successful few years for Broomfield Construction and we plan to keep growing and maintaining high standards to continue impressing our wide range of clients.”

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Building & Civil Engineering Connaught Contractors have more than 25 years’ experience in the building and civil engineering industry, proving excellence in service in both Ireland and the UK

Connaught House, Castlerea Business Park, Henry Byrne Road, Castlerea, Roscommon F45 RW29 tel: 094 9622007 fax: 094 9622008 email: info@connaught.ie

www.connaught.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Business Construction & Civil Engineering

CONNAUGHT CONTRACTORS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Connaught Contractors Civil Engineers Excellence in Business Construction Civil Engineering

Established almost 25 years ago, Connaught Contractors have established themselves as leaders in their field when it comes to building and civil engineering in the west of Ireland.

Covering all aspects of groundworks, formwork, demolition and bulk excavation, the company had its initial roots in Birmingham, moving to Ireland 17 years ago to Castlerea, Co Roscommon. They now employ over 75 people – a testament to the success of this dedicated team. “We are delighted to have earned a glowing reputation off the back of our work over the past decade-and-a-half,” CEO Pat Murphy comments. With big name clients including Stewart Construction, JJ Rhatigan and John Sisk & Son amongst the companies they continually work for, it seems certain that this company is on an upward trajectory.

For Pat Murphy, continued excellence in his company’s work has been the secret to his success thus far and a key reason why the company enjoy continued repeat business from clients. This includes public sector contracts for site development, and infrastructure for schools and public buildings. “We carry out all aspects of the contract mostly up to the DPC level,” Murphy explains. “We are able to offer a speedy and trusted response to our clients’ needs and we believe we are the contractor of choice when an unforeseen problem occurs. Keeping machinery updated to make sure that projects are a success both timely and efficiently.” At the very core of what they do Murphy stresses “we always endeavour to work within our targets”.

In terms of public sector contracts, “the rapid build framework of schools has suited our operation for both speed and quality,” Murphy says.

“Experience in completing similar projects removes any possible uncertainties and the risk of possible delays builds confidence and knowledge among all levels on site. We have a skilled and experienced workforce, and the equipment/ machinery required. It all comes down to a continued transparent, honest and professional relationship with the clients our continued success comes from our success in doing repeat business.”

Citing some examples of their work Murphy refers to Colaiste an Chlairin Athenry Galway – Secondary School; Ard Cre – Social Housing, Ballymoneen Road, Galway - 75 Units; IDA Building Parkmore, Galway; Boston Scientific expansion works in Galway and also in Galway the Bonham Quay Development Docks.

Concluding he says “our ability to deliver projects on time and on budget to our clients helps to build and maintain a strong working relationship, which is key to the growth of our business going forward.”

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Main Contractor

Retail

|

Design & Build

|

CSA Contractor

|

Fit-Out

Hotel & Leisure

Commercial Cork Office

Melbourne House, Melbourne Business Park, Model Farm Road, Cork.

T: +353 (0) 21 4874930

Dublin Office

Residential

Civic

Unit J16/16 Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin T: +353 (0) 1 401 9757

Industry

Pharma & Healthcare

www.visioncontracting.ie

Fitout

CIF Top 50 Contractor 2018

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business Construction

A CLEAR VISION

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Vision Contracting Ltd Excellence in Business Construction

Vision Contracting Limited is an Irish based construction services company and a leading force in several niche market segments.

The company has earned recognition for undertaking complex projects successfully as well as for its customer focus and hands on approach.

“We offer our customers the accessibility and support of a local company with national experience. We are owner driven and we are focussed on building enduring customer relationships,” explains Managing Director Niall O’Meara.

“The senior management team have worked successfully together for over 20 years and have a broad and wide range of technical, commercial and business-related construction experience. We have been directly involved in the delivery of a diverse range of construction projects throughout Ireland and the UK, ranging in values from €0.5m to in excess of €100m and we are active in most constructions sectors.”

The company also boasts a strong track record of working successfully in the pharmaceutical industry and in the commercial and retail sectors.

Vision Contracting has a well-established reputation for successfully delivering projects and the team at Vision Contracting distinguish themselves from their peers with their strong customer focus, their commitment to solutionsbased working and with their collaborative and partnering approach. “Our core values are founded on absolute dedication to customer service, value for money, operational excellence and the protection of the health, safety and welfare of our people and all those involved in our construction activities.”

eighth year, we have a portfolio of work that we can reference to help us prequalify.”

Vision Contracting now provides a diverse range of construction related services including residential, educational & healthcare, office and retail fit-out, refurbishments and commercial work. The company is also actively involved in several construction frameworks across the education, healthcare and public services office sectors.

“Public Sector workload accounts for approximately 20% of our annual turnover and forms a key component of our construction services business. Even though it is a highly competitive area, we are focussed on growing our current activities in this sector.”

Citing some examples of recently completed projects, Vision refurbished the office at the Legal-Aide Board in Tallaght and Portlaoise; the refurbishment and upgrade of the LeisureWorld in Bishopstown, Co. Cork; the fit-out of the Tourist Information Centre at Bord Fáilte in Kilkenny; roof and fire remediation works at Cork Institute of Technology and also in Cork, new production and food research facilities at Moorepark Technology in Fermoy. The company has also recently secured a contract to construct the new TK Maxx extension at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and is currently completing the fit-out of RDI Hub in Killorglin, Co. Kerry.

Construction services comprises of a full range of building and refurbishment activities across a diverse range of industries and sectors. These include main contracting, management contracting, construction partnering, CSA work package contracting (civil, structural and architectural), design and build contracting.

In relation to public sector contracts, the company has gone from strength to strength. Initially as a relatively new company, and despite having the necessary project and personnel experience, it was difficult to secure public work type projects. “Essentially you had to point to the projects you have already completed as a new company to pre-qualify for new tendering opportunities. As Vision are now in our

(L-R) Alison Redmond – Submissions Executive, Niall O Meara – Managing Director, Alan Deane – Quality Manager

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PROVIDING A HIGHER STANDARD OF ENGINEERING Civil • Mechanical • Electrical Automation • Process

Design & Build Solutions Turnkey Project Solutions for the Water & Waste Water Industries Traditional Building Works Provision of Operation and Maintenance Solutions for types of infrastructure Bulk Earth Works Transportation Infrastructure

LOUGHREA

DUBLIN

UK

Railway House, Station Road, Loughrea, Co. Galway, H62 VN56, Ireland.

Unit 3, 4075 Kingswood Road, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, D24 KF85, Ireland.

Churchill House, Suite 301, 120 Bunns Lane, London NW7 2AS, United Kingdom.

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Project Solutions – Water Supply

GLAN AGUA

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Glan Agua Ltd Excellence in Project Solutions [Water Supply]

Kerry Central Regional Water Supply Scheme WTP is amongst the largest in the country and provides 60 million litres of sustainable, safe drinking water daily to the Killarney, Tralee, Castleisland and Castlemaine communities.

Winner in the Civil Engineering category of the Irish Construction Excellence Awards, the scheme was also shortlisted in the BIM Excellence category at the annual ICE Awards. The project was awarded the Engineering Project of the Year at the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards.

Incredibly, the project also made the final four at the Global Water Awards, where it was up against projects completed in Saudi Arabia, Russia and the USA.

Despite the best efforts of storms during the contract period, including national red alerts and the occurrence of a drought, construction work was completed within the 24-month programme period. Glan Agua is in the unique position of having a civil engineering sister company, Mota-Engil Ireland Construction Ltd which meant that the project could be altered or adopted quickly to resolve many of the problems that plague similar projects.

Glan Agua acted as ‘Design Build Operate’ contractor for the scheme, along with sister company MEIC Ltd. This award-winning scheme, which was delivered to the highest standards on time and within budget - demonstrates how hard work, innovation and collaboration can achieve the common goals of all parties involved and the construction industry as a whole.

Glan Agua also utilised its own in-house multidisciplinary professional staff to create and manage a construction programme of works which proved to be effective and highly accurate. This collaboration between designers in addition to development of innovate solutions to address project challenges ensured that performance was achieved and that Irish Water’s key deliverables were achieved.

In addition to the design and construction of the new WTP, the project also included the upgrade of intakes, including a hydroelectric power turbine and 11,000m3 RC water storage.

It further included all the MEICA works associated with the water treatment process including recycling to conserve water and protect the environment, pumping stations and numerous pipelines.

Continually striving to improve the team’s skill set and implement new technologies and solutions to efficiently manage Irish water resources and the environment, Glan Agua has the capacity and the experience to provide complex project solutions for the water and wastewater industry including design, construction, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure.

The Kerry Central WTP project design was developed in a systematic fashion from tender concept design through to completion. Use of sound engineering principles, engineering workshops and design reviews ensured that Glan Agua achieved the common goals set by the client in their Employer’s Requirements. The outcome of this was a reliable, robust and resilient WTP. Kerry Central WTP was one of the first major projects in the Irish water industry to fully implement Building Information Modelling (BIM) and integrate it into all aspects of the project from design through construction and into operation.

Meanwhile, the integration of IT infrastructure, mobile tablets and QR Codes at the WTP has set a new benchmark for Irish Water and has allowed greater productivity, efficiency and improved service delivery.

The adoption by Glan Agua of the BIM process allowed for a fast track construction process and elements designed and constructed off site included structural steel frame; structural steel walkways and stairs; precast bridge beams used to maximise the span capacity on in-situ concrete tanks; precast wide slab floor sections utilised as roofing for smaller tanks and precast wall sections used to construct the three storey administration building.

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CIVIL ENGINEERING COMPANY SPECIALISING IN STRUCTURAL CONCRETE WORKS Professional service in all areas of reinforced concrete construction

• • • • •

Reinforced in-situ framed Buildings Rail Works Bridges W a s t e w a t e r Tr e a t m e n t P l a n t s Ground Works

J . W. C a s e y C o n s t r u c t i o n L t d | 1 I r i s h t o w n R o a d , D u b l i n 4 , D 0 4 H 7 E 8 | 0 1 6 6 8 8 5 3 0

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Construction

BREAKING THE MOULD

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

J.W. Casey Construction Ltd Excellence in Construction

JW Casey Construction Ltd is a civil engineering company specialising in structural concrete works offering a full range of professional service in all areas of reinforced concrete construction.

JW Casey started out as a sole trader in 1997, then later expanded to a private limited company in 2007, and now employs over 100 people. The company has an experienced project management team that can provide all the necessary skills and experience to supervise every element of various projects.

“We have worked for some of the biggest construction companies in Ireland on major infrastructural projects such as Luas City West, Luas Cross City, M16/17 Motorway and are presently working on the National Children’s Hospital,” explains CEO John Casey. “Our clients include tier 1 contractors in Ireland such as BAM and John Sisk and Son. Last year we were honoured to receive an award for the best performing sub-contractor from John Sisk and Son Civils.”

In terms of public sector work specifically, JW Casey are proud to say that they are very active in this arena. “The public sector procures construction companies to carry out infrastructural projects such as the construction of new roads, railways, wastewater treatment plants and hospitals. Our company provides the expertise and skilled labour to aid in the completion of such projects,” explains Casey.

construction workers within Ireland he says.

In recent years construction activity in Ireland has being growing steadily. However, activity in the civil engineering section of the industry has been contracting over the last ten years. This he says has been caused by lack of government investment in major infrastructural projects. “To avoid the highs and lows the industry has been experiencing in the last few decades we believe it is essential that the government consistently invests in capital projects,” comments Casey.

“This streamlining of the procurement of infrastructural works would help to provide a relatively consistent workload for the industry.”

It is clear that this company is on an upward trajectory and that its continued success is set in stone. For its contribution to the industry JW Casey has been awarded the Public Sector Magazine Excellence in Construction Award, 2019.

“The public sector implements and plan infrastructural projects that are essential for the economic growth of the country. These projects form the majority of the civil engineering projects in Ireland and provide our company with the opportunity to procure work.”

JW Casey are currently working on two major projects at The National Children’s Hospital and a new multimillion euro manufacturing facility for Intel in Leixlip. They have extensive experience in light rail works having played a major part in the construction of the last two Luas projects and Casey hopes to be involved in the proposed Metrolink in Dublin.

There are ambitious plans to double the workforce in the near future, as there is a high demand for skilled

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business Contracting

MARINE SOLUTIONS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Cunningham Civil & Marine Ltd Excellence in Business Contracting

Cunningham Civil & Marine is a specialist Marine Civil Engineering solutions provider, run by Eoghan & Danielle Cunningham from their headquarters in Westport, Co. Mayo.

The company has become a trusted specialist supplier to the larger multinational Tier 2 contractors on major engineering projects such as Dublin Port – Alexandra Basin Redevelopment, Dun Laoghaire Baths and Cape Clear Storm Gates & Harbour Redevelopments.

Cunningham Civil and Marine have worked with many highprofile clients including multinational corporations and government agencies on local and national level. They have completed several state-funded civil and marine projects including storm repair works on many piers around the coast and the neighbouring islands of Ireland.

The company offers many services including marine and civil construction with design and build options, wet and dry batch mobile batching plants for offshore works and has a licensed landfill facility that can accept construction waste in the Westport and Connacht region. The company can offer a full range of groundworks and plant hire services with a fleet that ranges from tipper trucks, grab wagons, excavators wheeled and tracked from .5 ton to 35 ton with or without rock breakers. Included in the fleet are a range of articulated trucks, a road suction sweeper, tracked bulldozer, dump trucks, site dumpers, concrete pumps, telescopic handlers as well as crane hire both tracked and wheeled.

year for the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

“This sector is particularly important to us and with more focus on procurement through e-tendering for public bodies, it gives us a chance to bid for projects all over the country,” explains Ms Cunningham.

There are many plans and projects in the pipeline, in particular the development of the new sea baths in Dun Laoghaire under SIAC Mantovani JV which will transform the seafront landscape in Dun Laoghaire.

Cunningham Civil and Marine are clearly on an upward trajectory and are a fine example of Excellence in Business Contracting.

“Our team has grown, our reach has expanded, our local values and passion for marine civils is stronger than ever,” enthuses Director Danielle Cunningham. “We place safety at the very core of our business. We earned a Safe-T-Cert in 2017 and renewed it in 2018 in which we received an ‘A Rating’ with an IOSH letter of recommendation.”

The company now provides regular training programmes both internally and externally to ensure that all staff are kept up to date with health and safety legislation and best practice. Cunningham Civil and Marine Ltd is now proud to be certified to international standards; ISO 14001:2015, ISO9001:2015 and BS:OHSAS 18001:2007.

The company provides a full range of services to the public sector which includes the refurbishment of Kish Bank lighthouse incorporating design & build of the helipad resting on the top of Kish Bank 31m-high last

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Structural Defects Insurance

GO GLOBAL

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Global Home Warranties Ltd Excellence in Structural Defect Insurance

Global Home Warranties Ltd is an Irish registered company based in Balbriggan, Co Dublin that provides 10 year Structural and Latent Defect Insurance to the construction industry.

Covering new build projects ranging from one off builds to mixed use developments the company works with developers and contractors involved in private residential schemes, social housing projects and commercial units.

The main focus for the team at Global is on their 10 year Structural and Latent Defect insurance cover that is essential throughout Ireland and the UK in situations where lenders are providing funds to purchasers of new build properties.

In the case of social housing the company is seeing more and more local councils and housing associations seeking the protection of its 10-year warranty cover even though the end user will not be seeking private finance. Global also offers clients bonds such as road and sewer bonds and performance bonds together with associated on site insurance products.

works with members to raise standards throughout the construction industry. “We pride ourselves in offering our clients flexible solutions and have seen our involvement with public sector works increase year on year, especially within social housing,” she says. “Our team are always available to have a chat with anyone interested in finding out more about the products and services we offer and all our clients have access to their own account manager and dedicated on site surveyor.”

As the number one provider of quality structural and latent defect insurance to the construction industry Global Home Warranties has been awarded the 2019 Excellence in Business award for its exceptional suite of insurance products.

Historically Global would have focused more within the private residential sector but over the past year the company has seen an increase in the amount of social housing projects it has been asked to provide cover on from both local councils across the country and housing associations such as Tuath and Clúid.

Global has focused on new research and development projects over the past 12 months and will in the coming weeks be releasing a New House Build app to all members providing them with access to the most up to date technical drawings, plans, building regulations and best practice in relation to building projects across Ireland and the UK. “We are very excited about this new product as we have taken on board ideas following consultation with our members and will be the only warranty body in Ireland to provide clients with the most up to date data at the touch of a button,” explains Managing Director Kathy McKenna LL.B. Ms McKenna says that Global is a young progressive company who

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The Professional Roof Services Company Roofing and Cladding

Repairs and Maintenance

MD Roof Services carries out all types of roofing and cladding maintenance, repairs and refurbishments of commercial and domestic roofs using specialist high quality products, all with the reassuring confidence that you are getting the best value for money with unrivalled project management.

Safety Services

MD Roof Services Chapel Street, Swinford, Co. Mayo, F12 YE14 01 4433 223 / 094 9252 492 info@roofservices.ie

www.roofservices.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business Construction

MD ROOF SERVICES

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

MD Roof Services Ltd Excellence in Business Construction

Muldowney Doherty Roof Services Ltd (MD Roof Services) offers the complete roof and safety system solutions to clients within both the public and private sectors.

The company provides a diverse range of industrial roofing services inclusive of complete installations, refurbishment and repairs. With a head office based in Swinford, Co. Mayo and a Dublin area office, MD Roof Services is the leading Irish roof maintenance and safety systems company offering specialist services nationwide.

The organisation has built up a vast portfolio of projects completed on all aspects of pitched, steel cladding, low slope and flat roofs as well as decorative wall claddings. Offering specifically tailored roof maintenance, repairs and installation packages on new and existing commercial and industrial buildings, MD Roof Services has vast experience working on roof systems inclusive of PVC, TPO / EDPM membranes, bituminous felt, cladding, slate and tile to name but a few.

Working on numerous different roof systems with a vast range of materials and roof coverings requires the organisation to be versatile and adoptive to the ever-changing and further developing industry. MD Roof Services has become a market leader in roof and safety system solutions with the facilities management and commercial business sectors covering composite, built up systems, standing seam, refurbishment of asbestos cladding including works involving complete replacement and relining of all types of gutters and rainwater systems.

Maintenance is a key area of the business and MD Roof Services can provide specifically tailored preventative maintenance contracts for all types of roof coverings including cleaning, detailed inspections, surveys, inclusive repairs, advice and costings as required. The organisation also operates a re-active call out service to clients experiencing damage, leaks or water ingress issues, where the nearest available crew would attend a site at the first available opportunity and identify the source of the water ingress, completing repairs as appropriate.

light protection systems. All systems are bespoke, designed to meet the client’s requirements.

MD Roof Services has a high regard for the management of occupational safety and health within all work activities which the organisation completes. The company is committed to reducing and controlling the risks associated with the completion of works in order to effectively manage safety and health in recognition of the fact that effective safety and health management is key in all operations.

MD Roof Services strives for beyond-legal compliance, reducing risks posed, so far as is reasonably practicable, by following the principles of prevention in relation to hazard identification and risk assessment. Since the initial set up of the organisation, MD Roof Services has been working consistently towards making working at heights safer by designing and developing bespoke roof safety systems.

MD Roof Services uses the highest-grade products on the market while utilising the most innovative technology and equipment available to the industry. The company offers clients the complete roof solution specifically tailored to meet the needs of any organisation. Offering clients a proficient service with exceptional attention to detail and workmanship is at the heart of MD Roof Services and for this reason the company has been awarded the 2019 Excellence in Business Award for Business Construction.

MD Roof Services designs, installs and certifies a vast range of roof safety systems inclusive of horizontal lifeline systems, guardrail edge protection systems and Lite CoverTM roof

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Mechanical & Electrical Expertise EfďŹ cient Innovative Robust Mechanical & Electrical Design

www.pmep.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Mechanical & Electrical Consultancy

SETTING STANDARDS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Penston MEP Consulting Ltd Excellence in Business Mechanical and Electrical Consultancy

PMEP (Penston MEP) was founded in 2015 by Managing Director Nick Penston. Based in Calmount Business Park, Ballymount, South County Dublin, PMEP Consulting specialises in project management and building services engineering design for mechanical and electrical projects.

The company operates in the commercial, retail, education, health, power and industrial sectors. “As a company we commit to director involvement to all projects, from concept to completion,” explains Managing Director Penston. PMEP offers the complete range of M&E design expertise in building services installations from HT and LT installations, LV and ELV installations, lighting and emergency lighting, fire detection and alarms, BMS systems, ICT installations, all forms of HVAC systems and combined heat and power/cogeneration.

staff that keep it all going are extremely committed to project delivery. This is achieved by approaching each project as an opportunity to achieve a new higher level of professionalism, service and quality, to maintain a working environment that rewards distinction and that sets the standard for exemplary building services M&E design.

In recognition of these high standards, PMEP have been awarded the Public Sector Magazine Excellence in Business Award for their superior Mechanical & Electrical Consultancy.

PMEP offers specialist skills and services in advanced computer modelling including thermal analysis, environmental and sustainable engineering, REVIT services, BREEAM and LEED assessments, due diligence, M&E cost control, building energy audits and BER assessments. According to Nick Penston, the public sector is very important to PMEP as it is a source of prestigious projects and of repeat business. “We are in a position to pledge director-lead teams and to provide an exemplar service to our clients,” he says. This level of service is evident in the company’s recent accreditations. PMEP has attained ISO 9001:2015 and OH SAS 18001:20070 certification and has been involved in many prestigious projects since its inception, including Adobe Citywest, Oracle Blocks C and E, Eastpoint Business Park (both projects have achieved design stage LEED Platinum), Clay Farm Development for Park Development Group, Parnell House for Alstead Securities and the new Jaguar Land Rover vehicle testing facility in Shannon which has achieved LEED Gold accreditation, to name but a few.

All of the PMEP team members from Managing Director Nick Penston, Director of Projects Rory Harkin, Director of HR and Finance, Michelle Hickey-Penston, Associate Eoin Mullins and the other invaluable

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ENGINEERING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

ORS is a prominent Irish building consultancy. With offices in the East and West of Ireland, ORS has nationwide reach.

It is the only Irish firm offering a blend of multi-disciplinary services including:

• • • • • •

Consulting Engineering Services Building Surveying Assigned Certifier Fire Safety Energy Management Environmental

Contact John Brennan Managing Director E: j.brennan@ors.ie W: ors.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Consulting Engineering Services

ORS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

ORS

Excellence in Consulting Engineering Services

ORS is a prominent Irish multi-disciplinary building consultancy. The firm operates in a unique work environment, growing sustainably while enhancing the community and lives of its people and their families.

ORS offers design, planning and management advice that is supported by expert guidance in energy efficiency. Its people are highly skilled designers, consulting engineers, planners, scientists and surveyors. With offices in the east and west of Ireland the company has nationwide reach. This allows teams to quickly respond to on-site requirements and to be available for project meetings wherever the location.

The firm also has an office in London to serve international project funding agencies.

For over 25 years, ORS has worked in partnership with property developers, estate managers, architects, solicitors, accountants and planners from both the private and public sectors. The company is at the forefront of developments in the construction sector through ongoing up-skilling training for its people and tailoring services to meet the demands of clients. The service offering provided by the firm to the public sector falls under six key areas; consulting engineering services, building surveying, assigned certifier, fire safety, energy management and environmental. ORS is the only Irish consultancy offering a blend of these multi-disciplinary services which is particularly relevant to public sector contracts. “Working with the public sector means being part of shaping the Ireland of the future,” explains Managing Director John Brennan. “It is an important sector for ORS because the firm thrives on interesting work.”

a series of building and condition surveys of all National Car Testing Centres (NCT) across Ireland, all to be completed within a four-week window,” Brennan says. “And we are currently the appointed PSDP for the design team packages for 14 Primary Care Centres as well as being part of the technical advisory team for the PPP development in various locations around Ireland.”

ORS is also providing PSDP and Assigned Certifier services for the development of several rapid build schools for the Department of Education and Skills across Ireland. “These projects range in size and complexity across new builds, education campuses’ and extensions to existing schools,” he says.

Brennan is keenly aware of the need to meet time constraints and budgets and this has been a key delivery element from the outset. “ORS has worked with public sector organisations and local authorities since its foundation in 1991. We understand that the sector needs advisors that meet strict deadlines within tight budgets.”

Transparency when spending from the public purse is of key importance, therefore it is paramount to choose advisors that deliver to the highest standard in quality. ORS is ISO 9001 certified; it is an Engineers Ireland CPD accredited company and ranked 25th in Best Small Workplaces Ireland from Great Place to Work. These achievements represent a dedication to quality in the delivery of services.

Citing some examples of recent projects Brennan points to work on Center Parcs in Longford Forest.

Set on a 400 acre estate, Ireland’s largest holiday village is due to open in Longford in August 2019. ORS provided a range of consultancy services from a very early stage on this substantial project. The firm’s expertise and experience helped facilitate a smooth transition from design through to construction.

Another key project is at RCSI Beaumont, Smurfit Building Extension.

Here ORS is providing Assigned Certifier services for the construction of a three-storey extension, incorporating a new student concourse, series of large multi-functional tutorial rooms and open plan faculty offices and meeting rooms.

ORS Directors (pictured L-R): David McCormack, Finbarr Stuart, Paul O’Reilly and Brian Collentine with

“We are also currently completing

(centre) Managing Director John Brennan

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Thanks.

To the talented team of people in MJ Clarke’s, to our sub-contractors, the great Architects and designers we work with, and our Clients.

We are very proud winners of the 2019 Conservation Construction Award.

www.mjclarkes.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Conservation & Construction

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

MJ Clarke & Sons Ltd Excellence in Business Conservation Construction

Established in 1961, MJ Clarke & Sons Ltd is one of Ireland’s longest established building contractors and building maintenance providers.

The company has come a long way since Michael Clarke, who remains actively involved at the age of 85, sold his Volkswagen Beetle in order to set up his own building firm. Over 58 years later, the Rathfarnham-based company continues to go from strength to strength, having survived several national economic boom and busts by continually adapting and investing to deliver to the evolving needs of customers, whilst all the time staying true to its core beliefs.

on all jobs, big and small,” explains Rachel Clarke, Managing Director.

Over the years, the general building contracting side of the business has completed projects on large, high-profile sites, working on some of the country’s most beautiful buildings, such as the Bank of Ireland in College Green, the Four Courts, Government Buildings and refurbishment works in many schools. In its hay day, the company built several Bank of Ireland branches from the ground up and carried out large fit-outs in others, all over Ireland. It also developed the shopfitting side of the business, working for several retail chains nationwide.

Ms Clarke says that the directors and staff of the company all subscribe to the view that the customer is king. They carry out work for clients from a variety of backgrounds. Some have expertise in building and some rely on MJ Clarke & Sons for sound advice and guidance.

The family-run business survived the most recent recession by refocusing its efforts on smaller projects – under the €1m value range. By applying their experience and expertise from large scale, complicated projects to smaller projects, MJ Clarke & Sons brings added value of logistical and project management experience to the more modest refurbishment, fit-out and building projects. The company now works on a diverse range of projects in occupied environments, healthcare facilities, hospitals, embassies, pharmaceutical plants and residential properties. “With the breadth of experience the team has across all kinds of buildings – new builds and refurbishments – MJ Clarke’s can deliver this

Citing some examples of high-profile projects Ms Clarke points to Temple Bar Cultural Trust in Dublin 2; Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology; the National Maritime Museum in Dun Laoghaire; The Central Remedial Clinic in Clontarf, the Law Society and Fáilte Ireland.

Looking to the future, this exceptional family business is positioned to deliver a fully-integrated building maintenance service to both its existing extensive customer-base and to new customers. On this basis they are worthy winners of the 2019 Excellence in Business award for conservation and construction.

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Part of the KCC Group

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Architectural Products

TRUSTED MAINTENANCE PARTNER

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

KCC Architectural Excellence in Architectural Products

KCC is a leading solutions provider to the public sector through its service & maintenance and fire door inspection divisions.

Since its formation in 1998, KCC have become a leading provider of architectural goods and services to the construction industry. KCC’s product portfolio includes a combination of their own and internationally renowned brands of door hardware, automatic and access-controlled entry systems, fire and non-fire steel glazing, movable walls and steel and timber door sets. In addition, they also provide a full service and maintenance package operating nationwide with offices in Dublin, Belfast and Cork.

The idea behind growing the business across its four main divisions that is architectural hardware, automatics & access control, facades, partitions & doors and service & maintenance was to be able to provide clients such as contractors and end users with a ‘full package’ of integrated solutions thus minimizing their need to deal with multiple suppliers on any project.

Having initially provided product to many public and government buildings, KCC can support the public sector by offering preventive maintenance in the form of service level agreements and find it is the most economical way for clients to obtain optimal profits from equipment as it reduces the risk of incorrect performance, malfunctions and downtime. KCC’s preventative maintenance agreement covers all necessary servicing recommended by KCC at the correct intervals and in a proactive manner. It offers fixed routine maintenance costs and allows for easy maintenance cost forecasting.

solutions to everyday building issues such as fire safety, asset protection, access control and visitor safety.”

KCC also provide a fire door inspection service and this is proving to be a valuable service to the public sector. KCC provides building owners with detailed reports on their fire doors and advises them of areas of non-compliance which may require remedial works or replacement in order to ensure that the fire doors are compliant and functioning effectively.

Their fire door inspection service means that they will assess the door, report on findings and where necessary, correct any issues. The KCC team are third party accredited through the BM TRADA Q-mark accreditation giving peace of mind to building owners.

As an AssaAbloy distributor KCC has supported the public sector in providing bespoke mechanical and electronic master key systems such as the ‘Abloy Cliq’ system installed and maintained in Dublin Castle.

The maintenance plan can be customized and adjusted at any time to suit the client’s needs. KCC offer a range of different service solutions with a focus on specific needs and budgets. “A service contract offers peace of mind with 24 hour cover; this includes weekends, bank holidays and all the festive periods. A service contract offers over the phone support and priority call outs if required”, says Chris Kilpatrick Managing Director.

Stephen Arkins, Service Sales Manager, says that the Public sector is important to KCC and vice-versa, “because of our ability to provide compliant and tested

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Leetherm are registered to all the associations below:

Client: Waterford City & County Council Project: The Alms Houses / Boyce Cottages, Tallow Leetherm were awarded the contract by Waterford City & County Council in 2018 to carry out the full refurbishment of Boyce Cottages in Tallow, a protected structure built in the 1830s. The existing building is now converted into four local authority residential dwellings. The project involved the preserving and re-using of the original materials & features where possible, aswell as providing high levels of insulation by using a breathable internal insulation system with renewable heating through air to water heat pumps. The existing windows were restored, existing roof slates re used, new lime plaster render applied externally and all external wall features retained.

Deep Retrofit Specialists

The image above shows an example of a recent deep retrofit carried out by Leetherm in Tipperary. Works included external wall insulation, attic insulation, air to water heatpump with heating controls & monitoring, new windows & doors, airtightness, demand control ventilation and solar PV panels.

Leetherm specialise in energy efficient building upgrades but in particular Deep Retrofits. We have been carrying out deepretrofit upgrades on buildings for the last 5 years with almost 100 deep retrofit upgrades completed in the last 3 years alone.

Deep Retrofits now have their own stream of grant funding through SEAI which is available for private, housing association and local authority housing projects. A deep retrofit takes a whole-house approach to energy in the home. The aim of a deep retrofit is to achieve a BER A-rating. This is involves carrying out multiple energy efficient measures together. Wall insulation, attic, replacing windows and doors. looking at air tightness and ventilation. Deep retrofit also looks at installing renewable energy technologies in the home.

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Construction Energy Insulation

FUTURE PROOFING

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Leetherm Construction & Insulation Excellence in Construction Energy Insulation

Leetherm is a nationwide construction and insulation company based in Tipperary that carries out construction and energy efficient upgrades on domestic and commercial buildings. The company specialises in renovations, refurbishments, deep-retrofits and energy efficient upgrades.

Leetherm provides energy efficient upgrades & deep retrofits such as insulation, ventilation, window & door and heating system upgrades on private and local authority housing as well as commercial, medical and educational buildings. “We are basically a one-stop shop with regards to the domestic and commercial energy environment,” explains Founder and Managing Director Ken Lee. “The company also carries out renovations, refurbishments, extensions and new builds with a constant focus on providing a very high level of energy efficiency in the completed building combined with a highquality finish for our clients.”

Leetherm has a highly skilled and experienced workforce both at management and tradesman levels with an annual average workforce of 35 employees. The company is constantly striving to improve from a quality and health & safety point of view with audits and continuous improvement on an annual basis. Leetherm is registered and certified to the following industry related organisations: • • • • • •

CIF (Construction Industry Federation) Safe T Cert Scheme CIRI (Construction Industry Register of Ireland) NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland NIAI (National Insulation Association of Ireland) SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland)

The public sector is particularly important to Leetherm as it provides a large percentage of their work. “We also see a lot of potential work in the future in this sector due to the large number of old buildings, both domestic & commercial that will need to be refurbished and upgraded to bring them in line with current building regulations and standards over the coming years,” explains Ken. “We have a very good reputation within the sector and have built up good working relationships with public sector clients; we want to continue

our growth in this sector into the future.”

With an increasing focus on green energy the company is currently involved in a number of Better Energy Communities Schemes that are grant funded through the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland). These schemes involve the deep-retrofit upgrades and energy efficient upgrades to private, local authority and housing associations domestic and commercial buildings. “We also have 5-6 construction projects running at any one time, the majority of which are refurbishment projects of older buildings with extensions and energy efficient upgrades,” concludes Ken. Quality and efficiency are the hallmarks of this company making them worthy recipients of the 2019 Public Sector Magazine Award for Construction Energy Insulation.

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Best choice for you and your property CONTACT DETAILS:

Address: Corlican, Killurin, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Email: info@stephencreanelectrical.ie Phone: 00353 53 900 6996 Mobile: 00353 87 061 0046 Web: www.stephencreanelectrical.ie Stephen Crean Electrical @stephencreanelectrical @CreanElectrical

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Business Specialists

CREAN OF THE CROP

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Stephen Crean Electrical Excellence in Business Specialist

Established in 2013, Stephen Crean Electrical is a Wexford based electrical contractor, with Stephen as owner and manager. Since its inception the company has grown to employ eight highly skilled individuals who are key to the continued growth of the company.

Stephen Crean Electrical offer a multitude of services ranging from domestic to agricultural, emergency lighting to PAT testing and all in between. They now also offer a fire extinguisher service with plans to introduce a lighting design service in the near future. “We pride ourselves on the quality of our electrical services,” explains Managing Director Stephen Crean. “With a wide range of customers, no job is too small or too large for our experienced team who specialise in domestic, industrial, commercial and agricultural. With a speedy turnaround at a reasonable price, our team will help you from inception to completion.”

The company offer such services as general electrical works, planned maintenance, system upgrades and emergency callouts. Stephen is also trained in PAT testing for any portable electrical equipment. PAT testing is a requirement for any office space or building for the maintenance of health and safety in that workplace. “We believe that emergency lighting is a key requirement for the safety of public buildings and therefore we see this as an important service that we offer,” he says.

“This includes emergency lighting design, installation, testing and maintenance.

We also offer a general electrical maintenance service to the WWETB and Wexford County Council, Housing Department.”

extinguisher maintenance and servicing. “This addition in conjunction with current testing services for emergency lighting and PAT allow us to offer our clients a comprehensive service ensuring their safety throughout their building,” explains Stephen. “By the end of 2019 we aim to provide a lighting design service which will assist companies to become more environmentally aware.”

While growth has been steady over the last eight years Stephen Crean feels that no matter how large the job, the personal touch is hugely important. “We are a Safe Electric certified contractor who can offer a personal touch to our customers. We have grown over the years from simple local jobs to shop fit outs, hotel renovations, works with the Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board and more recently the Housing Department of Wexford County Council. With our skilled staff, we can offer a professional and efficient service.”

The public sector is an important one for Stephen Crean Electrical. “We work well with the public sector providers,” Stephen says.

“Understanding their needs and requirements helps us to tailor the service we supply. We view our role in the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings we look after as being important to the safety of our clients and the greater public who use those services.”

A recent expansion to the company has resulted in a new offering of fire

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Specialist Formwork Solutions

Raps is highly specialised in all aspects of Formworks, marine, civil and building.

We have built a reputation for excellence and innovation in concrete formworks over the past 10 years in business.

• • • • • • • •

Commercial Conservation Education Pharmaceutical Healthcare Industrial Residential Retail

The Orchard, Johnstownbridge, Co. Kildare.

Office: 046 9549698 | Jason O’Keeffe: 087 0626452 | Francis Mcteigue: 087 9499760 E: jokeeffe@rapsconstruction.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Business Construction Services

UNDER RAPS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

RAPS Construction Ltd Excellence in Business Construction Services

Raps Construction Ltd are a Civil & Formworks Engineering Company operating in Ireland specialising in all civil, marine and formwork aspects of the construction industry.

Since 2009 the company has been providing a specialised and dedicated service to the commercial, industrial and public sectors. An experienced management team is dedicated to consistently providing an excellent service to clients.

“Our clients are confident knowing their projects will be completed on time and within budget and to the highest standard achievable,” explains Director Jason O’Keeffe.

He says that the public sector is of vital importance within the industry. “Within our company, we have over time built up relationships with clients within this sector and will continue to develop these for the coming years. We find working in the public sector is a great environment to operate in. Our work here can be very varied and challenging from general civil works to highly specialise works.”

Asked if there was any message he would like to get out to the public sector O’Keeffe said that the value of good employees should never be underestimated. “We at Raps Construction know that our success is attributed to the dedication and experience of our workforce. We have large volume of core employees who have remained loyal to the company for years.

They are very experienced at what they do and we have full confidence in their ability to meet the client’s expectations. It is of vital importance that we continue to educate and provide the necessary training they require within the industry.”

Since the company was established in 2009 it aimed to provide a specialized and dedicated service to the commercial, industrial and public sectors. “Our experienced management team is dedicated to consistently providing an excellent service to all our clients so they can be confident knowing their projects will be completed on time and within budget, explains O’Keeffe. “10 years have now pass and our aims and objectives remain the same but its paramount that we provide this consistent level of service and more importantly maintain the standards that are required within this industry.”

The company has carried out work for some of the largest building and civil firms in Ireland. They have been involved in numerous prestigious projects around the country including the special feature lift shafts in the National Art Gallery and the Pearse Lyons Distillery. O’Keeffe is delighted to say that currently the order book is full until the end of this year “and with other projects been negotiated and reviewed we probable have work in the pipeline until the end of 2020.”

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HALCON PLANT HIRE LTD

Sandy Lane, Blackrock, Co. Louth Mob: 085 811 1173 E-mail:Â halpinphilip@gmail.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Ground Work Plant Construction

FROM THE GROUND UP

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Halcon Plant Hire Ltd Excellence in Business Ground Work Plant Construction

Halcon Plant Hire Ltd is a general civil contracting company based in Ireland with a wide variety of experience working in Dublin, the midlands and the rest of Ireland.

The company is a highly successful construction civils contractor specialising in demolitions and groundwork.

“We have a 20+ workforce and a substantial machinery & plant inventory ranging from mini diggers to 20tn excavators & dumpers,” explains Philip Halpin, Managing Director.

“Since our incorporation over 15 years ago, we have worked with many of the Top 20 main contractors in Ireland on projects ranging from €500,000 to €40m.”

Since being in business the company has experienced sustainable growth year on year due in no small part to their commitment to bringing in projects to the highest standard and within time and budget. “We have a dedicated health & safety team and also a highly efficient commercial team to aid the efficient running of all projects in a professional manner,” adds Halpin.

The company boasts a vast wealth of experienced staff that have completed contracts for countless high-profile clients including Purcell Construction with supply and fit contracts, public school projects and Monami Construction with contracts up to €1,350,000.

“We have established an excellent reputation for producing work of the highest standard, which is also managed with the highest degree of professionalism,” Halpin says.

Success certainly breeds success and here the success of Halcon Plant Hire Ltd can be attributed to sound, effective management and the employment of a professional, highlyskilled and motivated workforce.

The company benefits from a strong reputation based on their extensive experience in large civil engineering and groundwork projects. A dedicated team of managers and specialist tradesmen deliver project civil engineering including road and footpath construction, main services and main drainage installation, culvert & large diameter pipework and foul water attenuation systems. They are also experts in general infrastructure including excavation for substructure including reduced level digs & foundations, rebar & mesh Installation, concrete foundation & floor slab installation, formwork and paving.

Mr Halpin says that public sector work is hugely important to his company and Halcon Plant Hire have been involved in works on many schools & civils projects. “We aim to increase our workload in this sector,” he says. “The projects are always challenging and in general, the public sector is less volatile than the private sector and it is also more recession proof.”

There are several exciting projects in the works at the moment.

At Loughshinney Nursing Home in Lusk, Co Dublin Halcon are involved in the construction of a 7,000m2 two-story nursing home on a 12-acre site with substantial civil engineering site works. At Nova Building in UCD they are involved in substantial demolitions to the existing nova building as well as renovations and erection of a large-scale extension. Also at UCD they are working on the construction of a new 200 space car park including all civil works and at Ardmore House, UCD, renovations are taking place to the existing Ardmore House with substantial external and civils works. On the housing side, a large housing development in Johnstown, Co Kildare involves the construction of 100 houses including all external civil works, landscaping and paving.

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PROJECT IRELAND 2040 Some €7 billion has been earmarked for investment in projects in 2019 through Project Ireland 2040 with significant progress being made in transport, education, health, and housing.

Project Ireland 2040 takes a radically different approach to future planning by focusing not just on bricks and mortar, but on social, economic and cultural development. It links planning and investment for the first time in Irish history, balances rural and urban investment, and will avoid the mistakes of the past.

NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN The National Broadband Plan will be one of the largest investments in rural Ireland in the history of the State, akin to rural electrification.

The Plan will ensure that every home, farm, school and business in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband – no matter where they are located. As a result of the Plan, the 1.1 million people living and working in 540,000 premises across the country including 100,000 businesses and farms, and over 600 schools who currently cannot access broadband, will have access to a high-speed broadband service.

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Some highlights from the first year of Project Ireland 2040 include 11 primary care centres which will open this year on top of the 127 in operation, with another 26 being developed. By the end of 2019 some 410 school projects will have been completed or in construction, providing 40,000 extra or replacement school places, 200 modern science labs, 48 new or upgraded PE halls and replacing 600 prefabs. Construction has started on the new quads at Grangegorman for the Technological University Dublin and work is ahead of schedule on the National Indoor Arena ensuring that Ireland’s sporting bodies, high performance athletes and the general public have the best facility for indoor sport and events.

Progress is also being made in sustainability with 21,350 homes having become more energy-efficient and €250m has been allocated for the first priority schemes in flood risk management.

The first allocations have also been made from the €4 billion Project Ireland 2040 funds: yy 84 projects have been awarded €86m under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund; yy 88 projects received €101m under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund; yy €75m was awarded to 27 projects

High speed broadband will help diversify the rural economy and offer further options for flexible working arrangements, particularly remote working. There are already a number of companies in Ireland who offer remote working to their employees and this trend is only going to increase in the future.

The ability to work in regional locations can help to take the pressure off our cities and can mean substantial savings for employees in terms of rents and property costs while also reducing the need to commute leading to a better work-life balance.

Minister Bruton stressed that work is progressing on finalising the contract for the National Broadband Plan. “It is crucial that we move to sign the contract so that the one million people who today are without access are not left behind,” he said. “Digital technology is transforming

through the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund; yy €77m was awarded for 7 projects in the first phase of the Climate Action Fund.

Project Ireland sets out to ensure that three quarters of new growth will be outside Dublin, with 50% of the projected population growth planned for our towns, villages and rural areas and 50% for our cities. The annual report shows that 58% of employment in IDA client companies is now outside Dublin, the highest ever level, while 60% of new jobs in Enterprise Ireland client companies were created outside Dublin in the last year.

how we live, learn and work. We must make sure the people of rural Ireland have the same opportunities as those in our towns and cities.”

The rollout will commence in Q4 2019 with significant pre-mobilisation activities ongoing over the coming months. While the majority of premises will be passed in the initial 5 years the overall rollout will be concluded within 7 years.

NEWS

5G ON THE HORIZON 5 It’s been nearly a decade in the making, but 5G is finally becoming a reality.

From the first mobile phone to 4G LTE, the telecommunications industry has progressed at lightning speed. We’ve jumped four G’s, or generations, very quickly. Now the market is poised to break into the fifth generation, which promises 100 to 1,000 times the speed of 4G LTE. 5G networks are the next generation of mobile internet connectivity, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and other devices than ever before. Combining cutting-edge network technology and the very latest research, 5G should offer connections that are multitudes faster than current connections, with average download speeds of around 1GBps expected to soon be the norm.

The shift to 5G will undoubtedly change the way we interact with technology on a day-to-day basis. The networks will help power a huge rise in Internet of Things technology, providing the infrastructure needed to carry huge amounts of data, allowing for a smarter and more connected world.

With development well underway and testbeds already live across the world, 5G networks are expected to launch across the world by 2020, working alongside existing 3G and 4G technology to provide speedier connections that stay online no matter where you are.

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TIME FOR CHANGE? The Irish Government has announced that Ireland will oppose the EU proposal to end seasonal clock changes. The decision not to support any proposal which could result in different time zones on the island of Ireland or any disruption to the EU Single Market follows the recommendation of an Interdepartmental Steering Group which included a public consultation exercise.

In the current system, time zones are solely determined by geographic location on an east to west basis. The proposal, as drafted, suggests that each country may choose summer or winter time year-round. The Government noted that this proposal could result in member states of similar latitudes choosing different times, which could negatively impact the functioning of the single market.

While the consultation highlighted that the public would generally favour brighter evenings in winter allowing for instance for greater access to sporting and leisure activities, 82% of those surveyed were not in favour of any measure that resulted in different timezones on the island. Other stakeholder submissions raised concerns around agriculture, education, health, tourism, trade, utility costs and transport schedules.

Clocks are currently changed twice each year in order to cater for the changing patterns of daylight and to match the hours of available daylight to people’s daily activities. Since 2001, all member states switch to summer time on the last Sunday of March and switch back to their standard time (winter time) on the last Sunday of October.

Following a resolution from the European Parliament in February 2018 and an EU wide consultation last summer, the European Commission published a proposal to abolish seasonal clock changes. While the European Parliament voted in favour of the proposal, this is not a final decision. Negotiation with the Council of Ministers is still necessary and final approval will be a co-decision of the EU Parliament and the Council of Ministers where a Qualified Majority Vote with the approval of 55% of Member States (16) is necessary which must represent at least 65% of the EU’s population.

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TOURISM IS BIG BUSINESS Local authorities plan €150m investment in tourism projects to build on €100m funding over the last five years.

Local authorities have increased their tourism investment and resources to sustain and enhance Ireland’s tourism sector, particularly in light of Brexit, a conference in Cork has heard. The conference ‘Tourism is Everyone’s Business’ organised by the LGMA and County and City Management Association in association with Fáilte Ireland brought together local authority staff and other industry stakeholders to consider how we can strengthen Ireland’s tourism offering throughout the country and appeal to a diversity of markets, domestic and international.

A new report released at the conference shows Ireland’s City and County Councils have plans to develop 256 new tourism projects, with €156 million committed to these projects by councils including for new walking trails, discovery centres, cultural plazas, harbours, and sports facilities. An additional €205 million will be leveraged by local authorities from external agencies.

Local authorities directly invested €99.4million to develop tourist attractions in the five years 2014-2018. On top of that, councils leveraged a further €88.4 million from external agencies towards these developments, meaning City and County Councils harnessed a total capital investment in tourism attractions of €185.8 million.

This increased investment will play a key part in building resilience in the context of Brexit, according to Ann Doherty, Chair of the CCMA Economic and Enterprise Committee: “Brexit is a challenge the local authority sector is actively addressing, committing increased resources and working even harder to expand our markets and generate new offerings. With 35% of Ireland’s overseas tourists coming from the UK, and in a competitive international market, it has never been more important to actively develop new offerings to provide diverse and niche tourism products throughout the country to appeal to both domestic and foreign tourists.”

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Take a guided tour at the world’s oldest intact working Lighthouse

Hook Lighthouse is a gem on Ireland’s Ancient East located on the tip of the Hook Peninsula in Wexford, Ireland.

For information & bookings call:

051 397 055 / 051 397 054

www.hookheritage.ie

Named ‘The Flashiest Lighthouse in the World’ by

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Tourism

GET HOOKED

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Hook Lighthouse Excellence in Tourism

Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, sitting majestically at the tip of the Hook Peninsula. Purpose-built some 800 years ago it is still fully operational today, truly one of a kind.

Year round at Hook Lighthouse visitors can enjoy a fully guided tour of the 800 year old medieval tower and learn of its foundation with St. Dubhan, who tells the tale of monks who kept a beacon alight in the fifth century, and William Marshal - the first Earl of Pembroke, who built the tower and married the daughter of Strongbow. Hear stories of lighthouse life before automation, and enjoy vistas of the southeast for as far as the eye can see from inside the Lightkeeper’s Watchroom.

Wexford County Council is currently working on developing the site further to accommodate the growing numbers of tourists visiting the Hook Lighthouse and peninsula area.

This is at concept development stage, currently funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development along with Wexford County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

These developments are planned to progress in 2020 with traffic management and car parking and an extra onsite ticketed attraction.

Guided tours of the lighthouse culminate with the spectacular view from the balcony. In clear weather you can see for miles and in a storm the spray often reaches the top of the lighthouse.

Visitors can also enjoy a visitor centre complete with gift shop, art workshop, exhibits and café, open all year around.

Constantly evolving and ever innovate the team at Hook improve the offering at the site continually. This summer a new Pirate Ship was unveiled funded by a FLAG BIM Capital Grant. A new outdoor mobile BBQ station ‘The Seahorse’ was opened to alleviate queue times at the on-site café. 10th of August World lighthouse day will be the official opening of the new Eco Education Station - SOS Save Our Seas which aims to help spread more awareness of our need to become more ecologically and environmentally conscious.

The public sector is very important to Hook Lighthouse as it is operated by a voluntary Board of Directors as a social enterprise, not for profit business to benefit the local area. Hook Peninsula in southwest Wexford is an area of natural beauty but is also an area of high social deprivation with high unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, and a low take up of third level education. “Through capital and employment grants we are able to operate a year-round tourist attraction which attracts national and international tourists, benefitting local businesses,” explains General Manager, Ann Waters. “Our full-time staff are part funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development and our student work schemes benefit local students through training, development and of course a waged income to help through college.”

Ms Waters feels that tourism as a social enterprise is of enormous economic benefit in rural and coastal locations around Ireland. There is currently great potential to develop the tourism sector as an economic driver in socially deprived areas.

Hook lighthouse is a great example of tourism as a social enterprise which has been instrumental in benefitting an area of high social deprivation.

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Tourism Development

IRELAND’S ALCATRAZ

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Spike Island Cork Excellence in Tourism Development

The former fort and notorious prison in Cork harbour, once known as ‘Hell on Earth’, has now become a world class, award-winning attraction.

Spike Island is owned by Cork County Council and the council set up Spike Island Development Company to run the day-to-day operations of the island. Cork County Council invested significant sums together with Fáilte Ireland to interpret and reopen this historic site, once home to a monastery, a 24-acre fortress and the largest prison in the world in the 1850s. Since the company’s inception in 2015, visitor numbers have steadily grown from 27,000 in 2016 to 70,000 in 2018.

Spike Island Development Company offers access to the island via ferry from Cobh where visitors can avail of an included guided tour of the facility or use the free map and app to self-explore. The island has reopened the 1850’s prison cells, the 1980’s cells, the fortress walls and tunnels, military, penal and social museums and a café and gift shop. There are also scenic island walking trails and green open spaces with picnic sites and interpretation.

A fascinating and historic step back in time, most visitors stay on the island for several hours as there is so much to see and do. From six-inch guns secreted away at the end of deep bastion tunnels, to the imposing central parade ground, an artillery ‘gun park’, striking rampart outlooks to the mouth of the harbour, and cells that clank with their foreboding past.

“When you have 104 acres of island to explore and a 24acre fortress and prison, this is a great day out for visitors,” explains Tim Lucey, Chief Executive, Cork County Council.

Lucey stresses the importance of the tourism sector to the Irish economy saying that “there is only one Ireland and nowhere else can tell our stories, our history or lay claim to such an extensive global diaspora.” As he sees it, the trend that has been ongoing for ten years that has seen tourism employ over 260,000 is only set to continue, and with China coming on-line and traditional employment avenues decreasing, tourism is a critical contributor to jobs and revenue.

There are lots of plans in the pipeline including the reopening of the moat around the fortress which will add another scenic 9 km of walks and interpretation. There are also plans to add an international welcome hub in 2020 to make it even easier for foreign visitors to orientate themselves and maximise their visit. “And we have massive opportunities to tell our social history through island village recreations with tearooms and amazing views,” Lucey says.

Spike Island invites everyone to come and see the massive work that has been done in the last 12 – 24 months with this year alone seeing the opening of walking trails, a major exhibition on the war of independence and the 1400 men held here in 1921 and a new 126 seater ferry operating year round. This is clearly a special place and it has a place in the heart of everyone that visits. The work never stops developing ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’ and visitors continue to be fascinated by the history and quality of this little island with a big story to tell.

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TR

FR

EE

AN SH SF IP ER IN S T CL O UD / F ED RO M

Licensed & Bonded

Tour Operators No. 214

“NO FLY” CRUISE Holidays from Dublin, Cobh & Belfast

Date

From

Destination

Duration

5-January 2020

Cobh

Grand Africa & Indian Ocean Voyage (Marco Polo)

78 nights

23-March 2020

Cobh

Azores, Madeira & Portuguese Highlights

14 nights

6-April 2020

Cobh

Easter River Seine Experience

7 nights

13-April 2020

Cobh

Treasures of the British Isles

11 nights

24-April 2020

Cobh

Portugal & Seville Fiesta

13 nights

24-June 2020

Belfast

River Seine Experience

8 nights

2-July 2020

Belfast

Fjordland Splendour

9 nights

11-July 2020

Belfast

Weekend Mini Cruise

2 nights

13-July 2020

Dublin

Round Britain & River Seine Experience

11 nights

24-July 2020

Dublin

Iceland and Faroes

12 nights

5-August 2020

Dublin

Spain, Portugal & Morocco

12 nights

17-August 2020

Dublin

Summertime Fjordland

10 nights

27-August 2020

Dublin

River Seine Experience

7 nights

3-September 2020

Dublin

Overnight Mini Cruise

1 nights

13-September 2020

Belfast

Mini Cruise to Bristol

3 nights

16-September 2020

Ringaskiddy

River Seine Experience

6 nights

22-September 2020

Ringaskiddy

Hidden Baltic Treasures

14 nights

6-October 2020

Cobh

Grand Canary Islands & Madeira, Iberian Treasures & Morocco 16 nights

22-October 2020

Cobh

Iceland & Land of the Northern Lights

9 nights

31-October 2020

Belfast

CMV Taster Cruise

2 nights

For a brochure call 00353 74-9135960 or contact your local travel agent

JMG Travel, Gortahork, Co. Donegal • Tel: 00353 74-91 35201 • Email: jmgtravel@eircom.net • www.jmgcruise.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Vacations Cruise Travel for Public Sector

PLAIN SAILING

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

JMG Travel Excellence in Vacations - Cruising Holidays for the Public Sector

From humble beginnings in the passenger transport sector, McGinley Coach Travel has expanded and diversified to become one of Ireland’s leading Coach and Tour operators.

Today, the company offers comprehensive group travel and leisure services to the Irish, European and worldwide markets and has provided travel solutions to thousands of satisfied customers. JMG Travel is the tour operating division of the company and is under the direction of its Managing Director James McGinley. The family-run company has moved into many new and different sectors of the travel industry to include inbound tour operations, outbound air-package holidays, specialist group travel services, independent travel and wholesaling to the travel trade. 2011 first saw the introduction of No-Fly cruising to the portfolio. Not content with sitting still, JMG Travel is expanding further into this market with an exciting choice of cruises planned for the years ahead.

cruising, only a few years ago you had to fly to the UK or Europe to get onboard a cruise ship, now you can do this from Dublin and Cobh. So, I’m delighted to be at the fore of this industry in Ireland and looking forward to expanding this further,” enthuses McGinley.

JMG Travel was lucky to spot a gap in the market when they organised their first charter in 2011. Since then they have built up the number of departures year on year with 12 cruises operating from Ireland each year, so the future looks bright for JMG going forward.

“There hasn’t been a better time to try out a cruise holiday,” McGinley concludes. “There are plenty of destinations and dates to choose from so go on, try the lure of a No-Fly Cruise.”

“In conjunction with our UK cruise partners Cruise & Maritime Voyages, we specialise in great value NoFly cruising holidays, offering a leisurely, home-from-home style of cruising with the emphasis very much on providing a friendly, personal service,” explains Managing Director James McGinley.

“This exciting programme of great value scenic cruising holidays features convenient sailings from Dublin and Cobh aboard the impressive Magellan. Discover destinations as diverse as Norway’s Fjordland; Iceland & Northern Isles; Spain, Portugal & France; Scottish Isles & Faroes and Summer Gardens & the River Seine.

Whatever you choose, we are sure that our traditional cruise experience combining superb dining, great entertainment and friendly service, will delight you.”

McGinley says that the cruise industry is flourishing at the moment with an increasing number of people discovering the appeal of sea holidays. According to the worldwide travel and tourism industry organisation, cruising is one the fastest-growing industries and it is fast becoming an important segment in the travel sector. “For years Ireland was forgotten when it came to No-Fly

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Executive Travel Solutions, Gurtymadden, Loughrea, Co. Galway, Ireland.

Executive Travel Solutions, Suite 5305, 26 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2 Galway: 091 423020 | Mobile: 086 1930 213 | United States: 857 321 8644 | Dublin: 01 697 1145 | Kildare: (045) 810 181 info@executivetravelsolutions.ie

www.executivetravelsolutions.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Luxury Travel in Ireland

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Executive Premier Travel Excellence in Luxury Travel Throughout Ireland

Executive Travel Solutions is a chauffeur and luxury travel company specializing in luxury car, bus and mini bus hire all over Ireland.

With bases in both Dublin and Galway the company have a fleet of vehicles that can cater to every travel need, including a Mercedes Benz E Class, a Mercedes Viano & a Mercedes Sprinter luxury 16 seat mini bus.

Executive Travel Solutions offer an extensive range of services including airport transfers, executive chauffeur, luxury tours of Ireland, golf trips, private tours of Ireland, wedding car hire and more. “We can help you organise everything from accommodation to green fees, from sight-seeing to restaurant bookings and everything in between,” enthuses Managing Director Keith Spain. “If you are travelling to Ireland and have specific sights in mind, we can chauffeur you around the country in the lap of luxury. Our local drivers are friendly and knowledgeable and can take you to all of the main attractions as well as some hidden gems off the beaten path.”

He continues: “We hire out minibuses and coaches of varying capacity (8-53-seater vehicles) to our esteemed clients. The tour company we operate has been customized to provide travellers the comfort they deserve and experience convenience as they proceed on their journey. All these gains present great value to passengers as we give tour packages which account for the diversity of needs which our customers.”

solutions for the public and private sector,” adds Spain.

The public sector is particularly important to the company with its diversity of business needs. It is a growing market for Executive Travel Solutions who continue to meet the needs of their public sector clients in a fast-changing market. To meet the needs of this market the company continually invest in their fleet and are currently developing a new booking system which allows customers in real time to update bookings online.

Closing Mr Spain says: “Concerns over mechanical challenges plus logistics could easily hamper your team-schedule while travelling. We can totally alleviate any concerns. We have well-designed vehicles which enable you to experience comfortable, safe and customized travel. Rest assured of experiencing classy service from our dedicated customer care team. We are at your disposal and promise to offer outstanding support when planning your next trip.”

Mr Spain says that his customers can expect to receive several gains once they approach Executive Travel Solutions with their travelling needs.

These include extensive coverage together with the ability to network with various operators; consultation with seasoned members of staff who are highly-professional; the ability to make bookings online and via phone support; the advantage of automated communication services through tracking facilities and digital text messaging and top of the range safety mechanisms of industryleading calibre.

“Executive Travel Solutions offers a diverse range of services including passenger transport, luxury travel, chauffeur services and general mini bus & coach hire. We pride ourselves in offering excellent quality transport

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& CONFERENCE CENTRE

& CONFERENCE CENTRE

& CONFERENCE CENTRE

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Best Hotel & Conference Centre

M1 MEETING HUB

Excellence in Business Awards 2019 City North Hotel & Conference Centre

Best Hotel & Conference Centre

CityNorth Hotel & Conference Centre, Co. Meath is a contemporary four-star hotel that combines excellent facilities for conferences, meetings and events with a very accessible location.

Situated just off exit 7 on the M1 motorway Dublin to Belfast route and only 30 minutes from Dublin City, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from Dublin Airport.

CityNorth Hotel is the ideal “M1 Meeting Hub” for the business guest with a large relaxing lobby situated on the ground floor with complimentary newspapers, Wi-Fi and car parking. The hotel offers a large variety of flexible room options with two large-scale suites for up to 650 delegates plus 12 other meeting rooms, which include an executive boardroom and a number of syndicate breakout rooms. Most importantly, all meeting rooms have external windows giving lots of natural light.

Whether it’s an early start or overnight accommodation, delegates can avail of a choice of 128 stylish bedrooms which range from deluxe rooms to executive and junior suites. Delegate accommodation rates depend on event requirements and the hotel is happy to put together a customised delegate package for all public sector guests.

There are a variety of dining options available, from casual dining in the Tara Lounge to fine dining in the stylish modern Mornington Restaurant. Private dining is also available for a variety of group sizes.

In 2017, CityNorth Hotel invested in a multi-million euro refurbishment project with the primary focus of creating a stunning and stylish upgrade to all dining and function areas.

“The new lavish interior is exquisite and classical, enhancing the versatility of our event facilities,” says Catherine McGovern, Director of Sales. “We strive to offer guests an experience that they will remember, and the refurbishment shows our dedication to this experience. Our professional and experienced banqueting team contributes to the delivery of our excellent service and will offer a guiding hand from initial enquiry to the day of your meeting or event.”

On the day of each event, experienced event co-ordinators are on hand at all times to assist delegates to ensure their meeting or event is a complete success.

“Our public sector customers have been extremely loyal to us for many years and we are particularly appreciative of this,” Catherine says. “Public sector meeting bookers always book well in advance and requirements are clear and concise which makes for the perfect working relationship which enables us to give the best competitive quotation at all times and this creates a great sense of loyalty.”

Catherine concludes, “Public Sector companies are central to our business and we aim to offer excellent corporate rates, state of the art conference facilities, a convenient and accessible location and friendly customer service all combined to ensure that when you travel for business you always feel at home with us.”

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r Fo n o N U

-E en id es

R ts

makers of the tm

Traditional Claddagh Rings, Timeless Claddagh Wedding Bands & Exclusive Diamond Set Claddagh Rings From the Workshops of Claddagh Jewellers in the Heart of Galway City.

Visit Our Stores in Galway City

and Dublin City Centre

Visit Our Galway Store 25 Mainguard St. 091 562 310 Visit Our Dublin Store 2 Grafton St. 01 607 4018

shop@thecladdagh.com www.thecladdagh.com fb.com/claddaghjewellers

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Irish & Celtic Jewellery

LEGEND OF THE CLADDAGH

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Claddagh Jewellers Excellence in Irish & Celtic Jewellery

A family run business trading since 1967, Claddagh Jewellers are makers of the authentic Claddagh ring for which they have received the 2019 award for Excellence in Irish & Celtic Jewellery.

A family run business trading since 1967, Claddagh Jewellers are makers of the authentic Claddagh ring for which they have received the 2019 award for Excellence in Irish & Celtic Jewellery.

In 1991 the first Claddagh Jewellers store opened and is currently located on the intersession of Shop Street, Mainguard Street & High Street enabling them to display their full range of jewellery and at the same time, to showcase jewellery from other Irish manufacturers. “The guiding ethos throughout has always been to promote Irish design with a focus on maintaining and expanding the manufacture of jewellery in Ireland,” explains Director Andrew Fried.

As they continued to develop new designs, including a range of diamond set Claddagh rings inspired by locations around Galway, Claddagh Jewellers quickly became a recognised destination, gaining a reputation as a high-quality producer of genuine Irish made jewellery among locals and visitors alike.

With their reputation for quality and authenticity fully established, a total of three jewellers and a qualified diamond setter are now employed, and their range of jewellery includes fully handmade pieces, jewellery made through lost wax casting and a range of semi-manufactured stamped items in Sterling silver, gold and platinum.

location and produced a fascinating short film, using only local talent, telling the tale of how the legend of the Claddagh ring came to be. The visitor centre includes a thatched cottage reminiscent of the dwellings that existed in the village of the Claddagh before the 1920’s and highlights the origin of the Claddagh ring and its importance to Galway. Combining the story of the Claddagh ring and keeping the spotlight firmly on the central theme of the tradition of Claddagh rings in Galway, it contains a workshop, information centre, an ample viewing area and a gift shop. Within the cottage is a workshop that comprises a cutting-edge casting plant which entered production in October 2015 and is on view to visitors who can see the various steps in the lost wax casting process from the injection of wax into moulds to the final polished product.

Claddagh Jewellers also operate from a prestigious Dublin base at 2 Grafton Street. Centrally located, on the corner of Grafton Street and directly opposite Trinity College, this is the only retail location in Dublin where visitors can buy Claddagh rings that are made in Galway.

Claddagh Jewellers offer discounts to customers who work in the public sector across the board as appreciation for the hard work of all public servants. Visit in person to see for yourself or access the new website coming on board shortly to experience for yourself the legends of the Claddagh.

In 2012, Claddagh Jewellers applied to the Irish Patents Office for recognition of their business identity and subsequently, their trading style was granted protection as an Irish trademark. This allowed Claddagh Jewellers to position themselves as makers of the Authentic Claddagh Ring, a term which is defined as “a traditional Claddagh Ring that is designed and made from start to finish, within the old city walls of Galway, with the date of manufacture of the ring recorded in a central register.”

Expansion soon followed and when the opportunity arose to secure the adjoining unit at 26 Shop Street in Galway, the decision was taken to convert it into a visitor & manufacturing centre open to the public, named ‘Legend of The Claddagh Ring’. Making this the focus of the celebration of 25 years since the opening of their first store, Claddagh Jewellers completely refurbished the

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Irish Textiles

IT’S A WRAP

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Liz Christy Excellence in Irish Textiles

The Liz Christy, Hand-Woven in Ireland brand was set up over 20 ago as a one-person operation. For Liz her craft was always about a career, as she set about developing her creativity in textile design and running a professional business.

As a textile student Liz had produced her own designs and her medium was hand-weaving. This passion for her craft has grown with her business. It is very important to Liz that her “Wearable Art ~ Inspired by Art” scarves, are hand-woven by her team in Co. Monaghan at Swallow Studios.

Liz hand-dyes her wool so each scarf is truly unique. She supplies some of the best craft retailers in Ireland and exporting has been part of her business from the beginning.

She also sells directly from her website, lizchristy.com and from the studio at Swallow Studios, which itself has become a visitor attraction along Ireland’s Ancient East.

Beautifully crafted and presented scarves by Liz Christy, are given as gifts when something special is required. Gifting is a big part of life, be it for personal or business reasons. It is important that corporate gifts reflect the values of the giver and the esteem in which the receiver is held, and the Liz Christy brand has proven to be successful in this respect. Perfect gifts for colleagues, visiting speakers and dignitaries, Liz’s scarves are also ideal for overseas presentations as they are light and easily transported.

Liz’s scarves have been presented and gratefully received by visiting Heads of State and on trade missions. While there is a wonderful array of scarves to choose from, Liz can customise colours and labelling for public sector batch gifting when required.

is an important market for Liz Christy scarves. Gifting is all about people and marking relationship milestones – birthdays, anniversaries, promotions and retirement to name a few. All of these important occasions are marked with the giving and receiving of something special and Liz’s beautifully presented scarves are suitable gifts to give across generations and genders.

Liz’s looms are powered by human energy alone and the threads pass through the weavers hands many times in the making of the scarves. It is not mass production but a handcrafting process which takes time, skill and creative input daily, every step of the way. Visitors are welcome to Swallow Studios & Shop which is just off the N2, easily accessible via the M1, exit 14 to N2, bypass Carrickmacross and Castleblayney, exit right for Annayalla.

Product development and strategic planning are ongoing with Liz Christy, Hand-Woven in Ireland, always with the customer in mind and in keeping with the core values and ethos of the designer. A special commission for Liz was working with The National Gallery of Ireland, to design and produce a scarf, especially for their gift shop. This design was inspired

by Ireland’s favourite painting, ‘the Meeting on the Turret Stairs’ by Frederic William Burton.

With over 300,000 people working in the public sector in Ireland, this

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WHITEWATER N E W B R I D G E ,

C O .

K I L DA R E

IRELAND’S LARGEST REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTRE

045 449002 |

customerservice@whitewatersc.ie

www.whitewatersc.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Retail Services Ireland’s Largest Regional Shopping Centre

RETAIL THERAPY

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Whitewater Shopping Centre Excellence in Retail Services Ireland’s Largest Regional Shopping Centre

Often referred to as the ‘Dundrum outside Dublin’, Whitewater Shopping Centre has much to offer.

As Ireland’s largest regional shopping centre, with over 75 highend stores including internationally acclaimed retail brands such as Debenhams, M&S, H&M, Zara, Kilkenny Design, River Island and New Look, Whitewater Shopping Centre, located in the vibrant heart of Newbridge Town, has become loved for all the right reasons.

With 17 food outlets, such as Nando’s, Milano, Fujiyama on The Avenue, a fabulous food court and an impressive 6-screen Odeon cinema to choose from, Whitewater is counted amongst the top attractions and destinations in Kildare since opening in 2006.

Community and family-driven from day one, communityfocused events take place throughout the year with free family fun, Kids’ clubs, style, beauty and seasonal events. Whitewater also enjoys an excellent relationship with Kildare GAA, it supports fundraising initiatives for local charities, schools and clubs and is proud to support ‘Irish Guide Dogs for The Blind’, as its nominated charity. Whitewater raised enough last year to sponsor an Irish guide dog puppy from birth until he became a fully trained assist dog.

Shopping Centre is rightly proud of their Grade A classification in the national survey in a recent IBAL (Irish Business against Litter) survey. The judges commented that – “The main entrance was adorned by wonderfully abundant flower boxes and shrubs. The paving, seating, bins and landscaped area along the side were in pristine condition, not just clear of litter, but meticulous.” Ingrid Ryan, Centre Manager, commented that they “have a great team who work very hard to ensure a premium retail offering, top customer service, centrewide cleanliness, year-round family-focused events and the latest technology such as Google indoor maps, for ease of navigation. We’re always striving to improve. It was great that our Avenue received a special mention; we strive to keep it full of colourful blooms and well tended and we take great pride in creating a clean and appealing amenity in the heart of Newbridge for all to enjoy. We would not be here without our loyal customers and the local Kildare community and we always try to give something back.”

Providing 1,700 easily accessible car parking spaces and a premium retail offering, Whitewater attracts almost 6 million shoppers a year. Style, quality and commitment to providing a 5-star shopping experience to all its customers has earned Whitewater Shopping Centre a loyal customer following since first opening its doors.

The centre is bright and airy, enjoying light streaming in from all sides through the atrium glass ceiling which facilitates views to rolling clouds and the skies above. Often referred to as the ‘Dundrum outside Dublin’, Ireland’s largest regional retail shopping centre employs almost 1,000 people and attracts a wide regional draw with people travelling from the surrounding counties to shop there.

Ingrid Ryan, the Centre Manager, has been awarded the Kildare Chamber Retail Excellence award in 2015, also the ‘All Ireland Manager of the Year Award’ at the Sceptre Awards in London in 2015 (The Sceptre Awards recognise best practice and outstanding people in the international shopping centre industry. Over 450 shopping centre and industry professionals attended the awards ceremony), and most recently she received the 2018 Public sector Award for ‘Excellence in Retail Services’.

The Centre Management Team has also been awarded many accolades due to their dedication and professionalism to ensure Whitewater is the destination of choice. Whitewater

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Committed to Excellence.

A forward thinking law firm.

Contact: Feargal Brennan Managing Partner Direct: +353 1 691 5276 Email: fbrennan@byrnewallace.com Michelle NĂ­ LongĂĄin Employment Law Partner & Head of Public Sector Group Direct: +353 1 691 5662 Email: mnilongain@byrnewallace.com www.byrnewallace.com

First top 10 Irish Law firm certified.

First Irish Law firm certified.

Top Legal Adviser to the Public Sector - Public Sector Awards 2017 - 2019 Top Ranked Law Firm - Chambers & Partners Europe 2019 | Top Tier Law Firm - Legal 500 2019

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Services – Top Legal Advisors

BYRNEWALLACE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

ByrneWallace Excellence in Services - Top Legal Advisors

ByrneWallace is a leading business law firm in Ireland, providing a full range of legal services to a broad range of organisations, public and private, national, local and international, across all industry and business sectors.

The firm has been consistently recognised and ranked, both nationally and internationally, as Ireland’s top legal adviser to the public sector.

“For over 40 years we have been providing advice on complex strategic projects and legal developments, representation in inquiries, legal proceedings, administrative law matters and advice on the full range of legal needs of public sector bodies,” explains Managing Partner Feargal Brennan.

“We have also advised on their diverse legal needs specific to their establishing legislation, functions and powers including advice on acting effectively and robustly within those powers without risking judicial review proceedings.”

ByrneWallace clients include government departments; local government; regulatory bodies; universities; health, educational, justice, culture, transport & tourism bodies; and state and semistate organisations.

“Our lawyers work collaboratively advising across all areas of law from employment & pensions and industrial relations to corporate; regulatory and compliance to litigation and investigations and reputation management; data protection, FOI and IP to health, construction, and real estate,” adds Brennan.

According to Michelle Ní Longáin, Employment Law Partner and Head of the ByrneWallace Public Sector Group, the public sector is one of the Firm’s most significant practice areas.

“We place huge value on the depth of the knowledge and relationships which we have built up with our clients over the many years,” she says. “We have tremendous respect for the people who work within this sector, and for the services they provide to the Irish state and people. We have developed a deep understanding of the environment in which they work, their key challenges and requirements.

in partnership with our public sector clients, providing expert, practical and proactive advices that will ensure those working within the sector achieve their strategic goals and deliver upon their responsibilities.”

Looking to the future Ní Longáin comments: “We foresee a number of key growth areas over the coming years including advice to universities on forthcoming legislative developments and their performance and governance of all of their functions, advice to public bodies on decision-making in the context of judicial review, fair procedures and constitutional law, the development of the law on freedom of information and data protection, the interaction between redress before the courts and statutory bodies, reputation management and risk advisory services, complex projects within the law, the provision of social housing, funding, policy and process development and legislative amendment.’’

Brennan adds, “We believe that due to our in-depth expertise and full-service offering, we are well positioned to support our clients within these areas. With more than two thirds of our lawyers experienced in advising this sector, ByrneWallace is proud to have the capacity to anticipate and meet the needs of public sector clients for skilled, insightful and timely advice and representation across all legal disciplines.

“ByrneWallace is a strategic, innovative, experienced and knowledgeable provider of legal advice to the public sector.

We anticipate, know and handle legal risk in a practical and timely way that works with and enhances the provision of strong effective public services.”

“We understand and appreciate how they operate under a high level of public scrutiny, within a highly regulated and pressurised environment, and the need for transparency is key.”

ByrneWallace has a strong culture of excellence and accountability, which resonates with public sector clients. The Firm invest substantial resources to ensure that they provide the highest standard of service, insights and advice to meet, anticipate and exceed the evolving needs of the public sector.

“We also make a particular effort to ensure that we consistently deliver actual value and benefit to our clients, both through the type of services and advice we provide, and the way we deliver them,” explains Ní Longáin. “Most importantly, we work

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“OPTIMISE unlocks so much value for our members, who otherwise would not have the expert guidance to enhance their online presence.�

Brian McGee, Market Development Director of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland.

Designer and founder of Liadain Aiken Knitwear

liadainaiken.ie

.ie is your Irish online identity Visit www.iedr.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Support & Protection of .ie Domain Names

IE DOMAIN REGISTRY

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

IE Domain Registry CLG Excellence in Support & Protection of all .ie Domain Names

IE Domain Registry is the national registry for .ie domain names and is responsible for the management and administration of Ireland’s official internet domain, .ie, in the interest of the Irish and global internet communities.

It operates the domain name system (DNS) for the .ie namespace, facilitates independent dispute resolution services and operates a GDPR-compliant public WHOIS lookup service for .ie domains. It provides a secure DNS option (DNSSEC) and also a registry lock service to protect brands and high-profile domain holders. Its Anycast service protects the .ie namespace from DDoS attacks. All of its mission-critical services are securely provided from Tier IV data centres. Access to those services is controlled by two factor authentication.

a lack of resources and a lack of knowledge about how to use digital tools to help grow their businesses. In response, the company set up OPTIMISE – the e-Commerce Website Development Fund in 2011. The Fund supports Irish SMEs and micro enterprises with professional consultation to plan and develop website enhancements and e-commerce improvements. To date, OPTIMISE has worked shoulderto-shoulder with 170 companies to enable them to make greater use of existing web technologies to grow their existing business via the internet.

In cooperation with registrars, partners and stakeholders the company helps shape the development of the internet landscape and ecosystem and as such, it is an important part of the national internet infrastructure.

In 2018, IE Domain Registry launched the ‘Digital Town’ initiative which highlights the benefits of the internet and celebrates the digital achievements of a local town. The Digital Town concept is centered on supporting the community by creating a day of celebration promoting awareness, knowledge, use and understanding of the internet among citizens, businesses and the wider community. Gorey, Co Wexford was selected as the first Digital Town in 2018 and Sligo is the Digital Town 2019.

IE Domain Registry has been identified as an Operator of Essential services (OES) under the EU NIS Directive and in due course, will work closely with the DCCAE (Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment) to ensure compliance. It also acts as a training service provider for the ‘Digital Skills for Citizens’ programme run by DCCAE.

For their continued support and protection of .ie domain names, IE Domain Registry have been awarded the 2019 Excellence in Business Award

The company’s mission is to provide unique, identifiably Irish domain names, along with registry and related services to businesses, residents and citizens who want an online identity. It has a multi-stakeholder Policy Advisory Committee, to advise the Board of the company. Policy development for the .ie namespace follows a bottom-up, consensusdriven and consultative approach. Currently, there are over 273,000 registered .ie domain names.

Keeping in touch with the needs and wants of the SME community is an important part of the company’s remit. This is achieved by sponsoring and attending business events aimed at SMEs, as well as building relationships with stakeholders such as the LEOs, Retail Excellence, the Small Firms Association, IBEC, the Hardware Association, the Royal Institute of Architects, the Design & Crafts Council and others.

Research undertaken by IE Domain Registry into SME’s and micro enterprises’ online presence found that the vast majority of companies are not fully utilising the internet or online sales opportunities - often through

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Email: Email: sales@iss.ie sales@iss.ie

Web: www.iss.ie Web: www.iss.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Facility Services

A BRIGHT FUTURE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

ISS Ireland Excellence in Facility Services

ISS Facility Services is one of the world’s leading facility services companies and voted best global outsourcing provider for each of the last 5 years.

The company has been operating in Ireland since 1995 providing cleaning, catering, technical maintenance and route-based services (washroom and pest control) for many clients within the public and private sectors. ISS currently employs over 3,000 people in Ireland through a network of regional offices nationally and is one of the most experienced companies in the outsourced services sector, providing single and integrated solutions that allow clients to concentrate on their core competencies and responsibilities to grow and become more efficient.

The continuation of the outsourcing of non-core activities will deliver value to the public sector, keeping the focus on costs, improving the quality of the services delivered and demanding innovation from within the marketplace. Working in partnership with companies like ISS will ensure the future is bright for both parties.

“Much of our success lies in how we tailor our solutions to individual client needs, how we manage risk and how we add the power of the human touch to everything we do, creating a clean, comfortable and safe environment while also creating career path and development programmes for our dedicated employees at all levels within the business,” explains Managing Director, Eric Doyle.

“As a leading provider of cleaning and support services to hospitals, universities and public sector bodies (such as Irish Rail, the houses of the Oireachtas and the Courts Services), we have developed and grown through the delivery of high-quality services,” he adds. “We add value through the introduction of innovations in terms of the technology used to support our service offering, which has been positively received by our clients. We work in an open and transparent way, listening to our clients’ requirements and remaining flexible to their needs.”

The public sector is hugely important to ISS. The strategy and practice of outsourcing has continued and grown through successive governments where ISS customers are assured that through a self-delivery model, the company can develop flexible solutions that fit with changing requirements for either single or bundled services.

The work currently undertaken by the ISS teams in hospitals, universities and on the public transport systems positively affects over half a million people in Ireland every day, “effectively in many cases, we are the people behind their people,” Eric says.

According to Eric, the size and nature of the public sector requires contracts to go to public tender at regular intervals which provides for significant opportunities for ISS and the market. “We have a number of high-profile projects at the various stages of the bid procurement process which are keeping our teams busy, however we remain confident that our value proposition and solutions will shine through.”

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Estate Agency Services within the Public Sector

HOT PROPERTY

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Savills

Excellence in Estate Agency Services within the Public Sector

Savills is one of the world’s leading property agents, spanning the globe with over 600 offices across the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

This sheer scale gives Savills wide-ranging specialist and local knowledge and the company takes pride in providing best in-class advice to help individuals, businesses and institutions make better property decisions.

“At Savills, we are focused on advising public sector clients on all aspects of property services from valuation to agency, management structures to planning and development strategies,” explains Mark Reynolds, Deputy Managing Director, Savills Ireland. “Our goal in each case is to support clients and deliver long-term objectives, whether that is partnership, disposal, income or occupational.”

Savills Ireland operates across the sector with government departments, local authorities, health and education bodies and agencies. “Our long-term experience ensures we have the knowledge and skills to deliver in accordance with all current policies and practices. We pride ourselves on understanding our client business so we can deliver the specific services required,” explains Reynolds.

operations only utilises circa 14.7 hectares (Ted Russell Dock).

There remains 30.8 hectares of land, in the ownership of the SFPC, as surplus to current port operation requirements.

Savills are working with SFPC and key stakeholders to deliver the Limerick Docklands Economic Park which aims to attract inwards investment into the city.

Concluding, Reynolds says: “Being on the coal face of public sector property services, we see the challenges faced not only at present but in the future such as the need for delivery of affordable housing. Many of these challenges require the involvement of the private sector to aide in delivery. We see this as an exciting time in the property market with many opportunities to create better relationships between private and public sectors to the benefit of the wider community.”

He feels that increasingly, as our economy grows, we look to the public sector to lead in the promotion of better working environments, delivery of housing and innovative property portfolio strategies to leverage private markets and obtain maximum value. This sector has been through some significant changes over the last decade with research highlighting that the strongest expansion for office take up has been in government employment, with more than one-in-three of the new office jobs being in public administration. This takeup is reflective of the proactive approach by the sector to achieve greater efficiencies through active management of its business space portfolio and to modernise its office stock to enhance the working environment for staff and to achieve productivity and environmental performance improvements.

Savills are well equipped to service this market and they have a number of ongoing workstreams with various state and semi-state bodies. The most eagerly anticipated milestones will be the completions of the nine buildings at Boland’s Quay. Fronting Grand Canal Dock, this unique development will comprise more than 210,000 sq ft of new build offices, 46 residential apartments and the refurbishment of the traditional mill buildings into office and leisure facilities.

Boland’s was acquired by Google in 2018.

In Limerick, Savills are working with Shannon Foynes Port Company providing strategic property advice on their Limerick Estate which totals 45.5 hectares. At the forefront of SFPCs objectives is the continuation and growth of the successful operational port, however the existing port

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Project Management Solutions

THE RIGHT SOLUTION

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Cora Systems Excellence in Project Management Solutions

Cora Systems is a worldwide leader in providing enterprise project and portfolio management solutions to global organizations and government agencies.

Cora’s headquarters are based in Carrick on Shannon, with regional offices in Dublin, Bedford (UK) and Boston (USA).

It works with some of the biggest brands in the world, e.g.

Allergan Pharmaceuticals (New Jersey, USA), BT (London, UK), City of London, Honeywell Building Solutions (New Jersey, USA), Teleflex Medical (Wayne, PA, USA) as well as the UK’s NHS and is powering the largest transformation programme in the history of the Irish state at the HSE. The company is an important local employer as the largest software company based in the northwest of Ireland.

PwC’s selection of Cora Systems as a global partner – an Irishowned software company based in the northwest of Ireland – is testament to the standing Cora Systems has globally.

Cora has invested significantly in product R&D. Over the last two years, for instance, it has spent €3 million on over-hauling its platform. Cora Systems has one product, which is called Cora PPM. It is a project and portfolio management solution.

It helps companies manage large-scale programmes and portfolios of projects. Every day, over €20 billion worth of projects are managed on this platform, supporting hundreds of thousands of users across multiple locations in over 50 countries around the globe.

• 85% of resourcing now “a slam dunk” • 50% reduction in cancelled projects, resulting in €2.5 million Year 1 savings in cost improvement programme • 40% reduction in deviation • 33% less PMO staff required • 10% reduction of capital programme costs • 10 hours to seconds, reduction in time spent reporting per month

The Cora PPM solution enables clients to make decisions quickly and effectively by having the right information to hand, which enables managers to make good decisions.

If staff can have good quality information, delivered in a simple and straightforward way, which is easily digestible, they become more engaged in project management issues – in leading these projects and in generating improvement.

Cora Systems prides itself on the return on investment (ROI) it helps to deliver to its clients. Here in summary are some of the measured benefits that Cora has helped to achieve with its clients in sectors as diverse as public sector, healthcare, life sciences and engineering in several overseas implementations over the last 12-18 months.

For their outstanding product portfolio and excellence in delivery, Cora Systems have been awarded the 2019 Excellence in Project Management Solutions Award.

Cora Systems has recently secured endorsement from one of the kingmakers in its sector, PwC. They are enamoured with its solution, Cora PPM. In fact, Cora Systems has just inked a global partnership agreement with PwC, a deal that was finalised after two years of auditing; PwC is also a client and is eager to endorse the power of the Cora Systems solution.

“One of the reasons PwC got involved with Cora in the first place is because we really liked the journey that Cora had been on. We liked the product, where it was at and we absolutely liked it in comparison with a lot of the competitor products,” says Sandie Grimshaw, Partner, PwC.

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Software Solutions

FREEDOM TO CARE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

CareWorks Excellence in Health & Care Software Solutions

CareWorks provides solutions that enable health and social care organisations to make a real difference to people’s lives.

Every day CareWorks’ solutions help tens of thousands of social workers, nurses and care professionals worldwide to do a better, safer job for patients. The company enables professionals to work better together, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the services they provide to the public.

CareWorks currently provides solutions to councils and mental health trusts in England, a fully integrated health and social care solution to the country of Wales, health and human services solutions in the USA and a national child care system for Ireland. The company’s CareDirector framework brings together clinicians, social workers, carers and the public in the delivery of integrated, outcome focused services.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland CareWorks’ software solutions enable 30,000+ Health & Care professionals to deliver integrated national care for patients in Wales as well as facilitating thousands of social workers across over 40 local councils in the UK to deliver services to vulnerable families, older people and people with disabilities. The company also provides for 30 child welfare and protection services in Ireland to implement new streamlined national business processes for delivery of social work services.

The Public Sector is the company’s primary focus and has been for the last 20+ years. “We understand, from our own experience the vital work that our customers do,” explains CEO Michael Dolan. “Whether that’s supporting older people and those with disabilities or helping children who’ve had a tough start in life to reach their potential, our solutions make a positive contribution to that work.”

Elaborating he explains that the CareWorks system represents genuine integration between health and social care services as outlined by Fred McBride, CEO of Tulsa: “One of Tusla’s key achievements over the past three years was the development of a National Child Care Information System (NCCIS) to ensure that every social work department in Ireland has a robust, secure information system to support the delivery of effective child protection and welfare services.”

To this end in Ireland & the UK the company has just launched the latest version of its award-winning software solution, CareDirector, and will be using this innovative solution to continue supporting the HSE in Ireland and the NHS in the UK. While it is clear that there are major challenges for health and social care teams over the coming years, Dolan says that the good news is that there is help in the form of Information Technology (IT) innovations and these innovations can help deliver better services. This can be achieved in many ways: streamlining processes and improving communication and collaboration to enable efficient staff and resource management; reducing manual documentation; and allowing for more time for care professionals to spend on working directly with patients, children and families through access to data in the field.

Concluding Dolan says: “CareWorks’ solutions give care professionals the freedom to participate in and direct their own support. Our solution enables care professionals to spend less time with paper and more time helping the people they serve. We will continue to innovate and provide award winning software solutions to the public sector.”

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A division of Eirebus, Swords Express is a fast, comfortable service linking Swords to Dublin City Centre What we offer: •

A fleet of fully seated, air-conditioned deluxe coaches, all of which are 4G Wi-Fi enabled;

•

Real time tracking for passenger convenience;

•

More ways to pay, including Leap Cards, cash, and taxsaver, with contactless payments coming soon.

t: (01) 529 2277

e: feedback@swordsexpress.com

@SwordsExpress

PASSENGER TRANSPORT COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 & 2019

140 weekday departures 75 weekend departures

w: www.swordsexpress.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Business Development, Transport

SWORDS EXPRESS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Swords Express a division of Eirebus Business Development Transport

Swords Express is a privately owned commuter coach service operating daily between Swords and Dublin City Centre via the city’s Port Tunnel.

Owned and operated by Eirebus Limited, Swords Express was formed in 2007 with just 5 coaches and today it has a fleet of 35 vehicles, with 140 daily departures on weekdays and 75 at weekends. Now in its 12th year of operation, Swords Express has experienced exponential growth since its inception, with 1.5 million passengers carried in the past year alone.

The company employs a team of 50 drivers, maintenance, operations, IT, finance and marketing staff. A family owned business, Swords Express is headed up by Managing Director Sinéad Kavanagh and Operations Director Jeff Clarke.

A large percentage of Swords Express passengers use the service on a daily basis to travel to and from work. Key employment hubs are served by the various routes, both in Dublin City Centre and Swords, including East Wall, the North Quays, Docklands, the IFSC, Merrion Square and Airside. Swords Express operates fully seated deluxe coaches with reclining seats, air conditioning and complementary Wi-Fi on the fastest route to Dublin City Centre from Swords. Having no standees allows the company to achieve faster journey times and the combination of comfortable vehicles with frequent departure times offers commuters an attractive alternative to the car, helping to ease traffic congestion.

routes. As the population of Swords continues to grow, we hope to continue our expansion and offer the travelling public an attractive alternative to the car in the long term. As a company, we are committed to customer service and pride ourselves on proactively seeking customer feedback to assist us in enhancing our services. Our dedication to customer service will continue into the future and we hope to grow our loyal customer base in line with this.”

This dedication and customer focus have contributed to Swords Express being the recipients of the “Passenger Transport Company of the Year” award at the Irish Logistics & Transport Awards in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019. For their dynamic approach and continued investment in their service and their customers they are also recognised by Public Sector Magazine for Excellence in Business, 2019.

“The public sector is very important to the company and many of our passengers work in this sector, using the Swords Express service to travel to and from their place of employment,” explains Managing Director Sinéad Kavanagh. “We offer a number of different ticket options, including cash and Leap Cards and our tax saver tickets are particularly appealing to passengers using our services to commute, with savings of up to 52% available via the Government’s Taxsaver scheme.”

There are further plans for expansion as outlined by Ms Kavanagh: “In the near future there are plans in place to increase departure frequency and serve more areas on our various

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Dedication to Excellence in Customer Service

Derry

Donegal

Antrim

Tyrone

10,000 passenger, commercial & electric vehicles.

Services including car-sharing, van customisation & replacement car rental.

Leitrim

Armagh

Fermanagh

Cavan Mayo

Down

Monaghan

Sligo

Roscommon

Louth

Longford Meath

CARS

VANS & TRUCKS

URBAN MOBILITY

INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE

Galway

Westmeath

Dublin Kildare

Offaly

Laois

Wicklow

Clare

Carlow Tipperary Limerick

Kilkenny

Wexford

Waterford

Kerry Cork

Europcar Mobility Group is the perfect alternative to vehicle ownership.

europcarfleet.ie

22 nationwide locations.

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Best Car & Van Rental Company

GET MOBILE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Europcar Mobility Group Excellence in Customer Services, Best Car & Van Rental Company Nationwide

Europcar Mobility Group is an industry-leader in corporate mobility and provides hundreds of Irish companies with tailored solutions to their transport requirements.

Customers benefit from year-round access to a commercial rental fleet of cars, vans, tracks and electric vehicles, as well as a team of experienced industry experts and a service with unparalleled flexibility and specificity.

Europcar Mobility Group employs a consultative approach to discover how the team can help clients achieve their goals.

This extends to their ability to customise any number of vans including shelving, roof-racks, dash-cams, chevrons and applying company livery to the exterior.

The company also has a solution for those businesses who do not need vehicles on a full-time basis. Europcar’s state-of-theart corporate car-sharing service not only cuts unnecessary transport costs but also provides designated on-site vehicles which can be reserved and accessed with incredible speed and convenience. Thanks to clever software and in-car technology, all that’s needed is a smartphone.

Through an online management portal, clients enjoy easy access to their account details from a single touch-point, while staff are always on hand to maintain an unwavering excellence in customer service.

Public sector partners include An Post and Irish Rail, both of whom require considerable fleets throughout the country and fully utilise the entire range of Europcar Mobility services.

Europcar Mobility Group is proud to be a vehicle supplier to An Garda Síochána. “We facilitate the four-wheeled requirements of the Gardaí, making the national police force one of our most significant public sector clients,” Brady says.

“Not only do we provide cars, vans and SUVs for day-today operations, but also bespoke vehicles for events such as state visits or weather emergencies.”

Europcar Mobility Group is willing to, and capable of, applying their expertise and resources to any public sector project which requires mobility solutions. “Ours is a fluent and dynamic service, so clients are able to swiftly update their requirements in the event of unforeseen change,” Brady explains. “Every customer is assigned an account manager, who they can defer to at a moment’s notice. We employ the latest fleet management technology and all billing is applied on a rolling monthly basis.”

The company works directly and indirectly (via third parties) with several public sector bodies and from 22 nationwide locations, provides this sector with a wide range of cars, vans and customised commercial vehicles.

The public sector represents a modest but important portion of the Europcar client base. Considering the scale and variety of the projects the public sector undertakes, and the vital role those endeavours play in maintaining and improving the country’s infrastructure, Europcar Mobility Group is committed to sustaining mutually beneficial working relationships with this sector.

“Indeed, the variety and utility of our collection of corporate vehicles – ranging from executive cars to tipper trucks – aptly reflects the eclectic transport requirements of the public sector,” comments Colm Brady, Managing Director.

Europcar Mobility Group’s Paul McNeice and Robert Montgomery

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Business Development Support

INVEST WEXFORD

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Invest Wexford Wexford County Council Business Development Support

Wexford is putting itself on the map as an ambitious and progressive hub for new business and investors, with much of the strategic development in the county being steered by Invest Wexford.

An initiative of Wexford County Council, Invest Wexford was established with the task to attract, support and enable new business investment in the county. Led by Tom Enright, Chief Executive at Wexford County Council and supported by the Council’s Economic Development Unit, Invest Wexford has a dedicated website (www.investwexford.ie) and social media presence showcasing the opportunities that Wexford has for investors and the county’s success stories.

A €200 million capital programme from Wexford County Council has been deployed in a range of strategic responses aimed at making Wexford a highly competitive location for business start-ups and long-term growth.

(L-R) Tom Enright – Chief Executive, Martina Furlong – Economic Development Officer, Ed Murphy – Senior Economic Advisor & Tom Banville – Head of Enterprise

“We identified that the challenge for Wexford was a shortage of quality commercial property solutions,” says Tom Enright.

“A key part of our strategy has been to design and construct commercial buildings and office space around the four main towns within the county that will meet the needs of today’s business investor.”

The M11 Business Campus in Gorey, located just one hour south of Dublin is an excellent new business park development consisting of modern and contemporary multi-functional office space. High quality office units from 5500 ft2 to 21,500 ft2 are available for lease at competitive rates. Within the M11 Campus one of Invest Wexford’s most successful projects to date has been the opening of The Hatch Lab offering incubation and co-working facilities for fledgling microenterprises within the innovation and technology sector. This facility has been modelled on similar world-class innovation centres both in Ireland and abroad with services such as hot desks, meeting space, joint administrative services and highspeed broadband.

Elsewhere in the county, the first phase of the new Enniscorthy Technology Park is almost complete. The Technology Park will accommodate high quality office and manufacturing buildings. Construction of two high quality office buildings will commence later this year bringing approx. 100,000 ft2 of prime office development to the market. A new Enterprise Centre is to open in New Ross in the coming months. A planning

application has also been lodged with An Bord Pleanála for the Trinity Wharf commercial development in Wexford Town.

The investment in the county’s commercial property solutions is already reaping dividends. In recent weeks, US company GrandPad has announced that it is to create 75 jobs in the Wexford County Council supported M11 Business Campus in Gorey. The Carne Group is opening a new financial services centre in Wexford, with recruitment currently underway for 50 highly-skilled positions across a broad range of disciplines.

Wexford is already home to over 6000 businesses, from start-ups to multinational companies involved in life sciences, technology, ICT, engineering and international financial services, including BNY Mellon, Zurich and Waters Technologies.

“Wexford is perfectly positioned for investment growth and development, with excellent transport infrastructure, a skilled and talented workforce, affordable housing, enviable amenities, a high quality of life and a progressive local authority,” says Tom Enright.

“Invest Wexford has made real progress in securing the potential of our county for the years ahead as a vibrant and ambitious place in which to do business. We have extensive experience in working to bring start-ups and multinationals to Wexford so we are able to help with the unique needs of every business interested in locating here.”

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Local Link provides door-to-door and scheduled bus services in towns, villages and rural areas.

To find your Local Link and for details on timetables visit

www.locallink.ie Your Local Bus Service

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Transport Community

YOUR LOCAL BUS SERVICE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Local Link Transport Community

Local Link provides rural transport links across the country, responding to rural isolation and enhancing the mobility, accessibility and community participation of local people.

Local Link is a development of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) to address issues of unmet transport needs from a social inclusion and community-based perspective. Local Link is specifically focused on responding to rural isolation and enhancing the mobility, accessibility and community participation of local people.

Scheduled Fixed Transport services are those services with a regular route, stopping place and timetable. Evening or late night services are also available, usually on a Friday or Saturday evening. This provides opportunities for people to engage in social activities that might otherwise be unavailable to them due to a lack of transport.

The National Transport Authority (NTA), established in 2009, has the statutory responsibility to procure public transport passenger services. The placing of the responsibility for integrated local and rural transport with the NTA, including managing the RTP, has had the effect of consolidating the oversight of all State funded local and rural transport services.

There are 15 Local Link Offices nationwide. These offices manage approximately 1,000 Public Bus Services in local and rural areas of Ireland. Contact information for all offices, including phone number and email addresses can be found on the Local Link website.

It enables the development of better links between local and rural transport services and scheduled bus and rail services.

It also enables the NTA to identify gaps in service provision and, as funds become available, to fill those gaps gradually in the most effective way.

“The key priorities of the programme continue to include addressing rural social exclusion and the integration of rural transport services with other public transport services,” says Malone, “The NTA in conjunction with Local Link offices will continue to identify improvements in existing services and develop appropriate new routes based on the availability of resource. Greater integration with existing public transport services and better linkage of services between towns and villages.”

There are several ways in which to find out about Local Link services around the country. The first option is to visit the timetable page on the locallink.ie website to view what services are available. Once a service is identified, it is advisable to contact the closest Local Link office, as many services require pre-booking, particularly where door-todoor services are available. The details of scheduled Local Link services are available on the National Journey Planner.

Local Link services are available to everyone with a significant focus on providing accessible transport options for service users. Free Travel Passes are accepted on all Local link services. Fares are payable by anyone who doesn’t have a Free Travel Pass - fare information is available on www. locallink.ie or by contacting the Local Link office managing the service.

Local Link provides a combination of Demand Responsive Transport or doorto-door and Scheduled Fixed Transport bus services in towns, villages and rural areas. Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services do not operate on a fixed route but respond to requests for services by intending passengers. They operate by making specific trips to pick up and drop off passengers at the door. This offers great peace of mind to passengers who might otherwise have no way to access public transport. An additional feature, which is helpful for many customers, is the willingness of drivers or other staff to assist with getting shopping on and off the bus. These small gestures can make a real difference to a person living in an isolated or rural area when they are making the decision to venture out into their community on a shopping trip.

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PRIMO

Specialist Vehicle Conversions

Primo is a provider of quality vehicle conversions.

Primo repair, refurbish, maintain and convert a wide range of specialist vehicles. We have a dedicated team of experienced, multiskilled vehicle converter employees to ensure projects are finished on time and to the highest possible standards.

Primo products include: • Frontline Ambulances • Patient Transport (PTS) Vehicles • 4x4 Off Road Ambulances • Rapid Response Vehicles • Command and Control Vehicles • Commercial Vehicles

• Mobility Conversions/ Adaptions • Specialist Conversions • Buses • Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles • Taxi and Hackney Conversions • Crew Cab and Personnel Vehicles

For more information contact: Ferbane, Co. Offaly, Rep. Of Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0) 906 454368 www.primocoachworks.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Quality Vehicle Conversions

QUALITY VEHICLE CONVERSIONS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Primo Coachworks Excellence in Quality Vehicle Conversions

PRIMO Coachworks is a provider of quality vehicle conversions at highly competitive prices. Established in 2007, the company has quickly become the name to rely on for vehicle conversions in Ireland.

PRIMO Coachworks provide specialist vehicle conversions to both the public and private sector. They design and manufacture various vehicle types including rapid response vehicles, frontline ambulances, mobile command units, wheelchair accessible vehicles, work utility vehicles and disability adaptations for disabled drivers.

The company operates under ISO Quality Management System 9001:2015 and are NSAI approved vehicle body builders which allows them to build and type approve vehicles.

Managing Director Ted Dunican is justifiably proud of the extensive services his company provides into the public sector: “We provide rapid response vehicles for the National Ambulance Service, command and control vehicles, search & rescue vehicles, prison riot vans and repairs and maintenance to existing fleet vehicles.

“Public Sector projects tendered for and won by PRIMO generate substantial revenue to the company. As a small but expanding business in the midlands, it is an important source of income and allows us to provide more jobs in the community,” he says.

The order book is ever expanding due to the quality and reliability of PRIMO services and a reputation for excellence from their many clients. The company are currently designing public order unit vehicles for An Garda Síochána; Dublin Fire Brigade command control units; box body vehicles for the Defence Forces and rapid response vehicles for the National Ambulance Service.

Ted would like to thank all PRIMO’s customers in both the public and private sector for their patronage and support “and we endeavour to continue providing top class vehicle conversions at competitive prices.”

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Accepted at over 500 multi-brand Service Stations

Fuelcard Services

For Fuelcard enquiries contact: Greg Swail +44 78 0110 8206 Fuelcard Services +44 28 9050 6070

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Fuel Services

FUELLING BUSINESS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Maxol Excellence in Fuel Services

Maxol is Ireland’s leading family owned forecourt and convenience retailer and employs directly and indirectly more than 1,500 people across the island of Ireland.

The business offers a wide range of products and services through its retail, fuel cards and lubricant divisions and has a network of 231 service stations. Maxol’s Fuel Card service gives businesses greater control over fuel costs through flexible pricing packages, which are tailored to suit business needs using innovative technology to provide security of information and to provide a quality range of products in easily accessible locations. This service is currently used by a large number of companies and government bodies to control and administer their fuel usage and costs.

“At Maxol we understand that businesses and especially fleet owners can ill-afford uncertainty in fuel pricing and quality of fuel, explains David Martin, Head of Business Development.

“That’s why our National Account Fuel Card holders can fill up at any of our service stations with the confidence of knowing that the agreed price will always be charged to their account.

It is accepted at over 500 service stations throughout Ireland with all transactions verified with PIN technology. Easy online access to account information provides invoice statements and management reporting to help businesses analyse and

monitor vehicle and driver performance. The Public Sector is an important part of Maxol’s existing Fuel Card business and is of strategic importance to the company as we extend our network of service stations.”

Maxol continues to invest in Ireland through the acquisition of new sites and by upgrading its network of service stations with a focus on enhancing the overall customer experience through improved services and technology. Maxol has also invested significantly in improving its in-store experience and food to go offering with the launch of their new Maxol Deli, their own coffee ROSA coffee, along with their own range of prepacked sandwiches, wraps, bespoke salad bowls, fruit and breakfast pots, plus own brand Maxol Milk, water and firelighters.

Closing Mr Martin says: “As one of the largest suppliers of Fuel Cards to the Public Sector in Northern Ireland for many years, Maxol has extensive knowledge in dealing with large Public Sector organisations and takes great pride in providing a best in class customer experience through its network of independent retailers.”

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Phone: 1890 447 447 g4ssales@ie.g4s.com www.g4s.ie

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Services to the Security Industry

SAFE & SECURE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

G4S Secure Solutions Ireland Ltd Excellence in Services to Security Industry

G4S is the largest secure outsourcing company in the UK and Ireland. More than 10,000 customers including 59 FTSE 100 companies depend on G4S to provide them with a safe and secure way to deliver their services.

G4S Secure Solutions has been operating in the Irish market for more than 40 years. The company has a solid base, being part of the Global group ‘G4S Group’ with representation in 94 countries worldwide. G4S offers a full and comprehensive package of bespoke integrated security systems, designed and developed to cater for every individual client’s needs.

contributed to the growth of the company over the years,” comments Durnan. He also points to another key project at Dáil Éireann where G4S carried out a full, integrated CCTV installation. Here G4S implemented some of the most advanced technology to provide a sophisticated and user-friendly state-ofthe-art surveillance system at this prestigious location.

“We work in partnership with you to create a security solution which protects what is most important to you, combining professional security personnel with cutting edge technology,” explains Managing Director Alan Durnan.

G4S is now in a position to offer full nationwide installations and full 24-hour backup via the four separate branches located across Ireland. This allows G4S to achieve very efficient response times to any incident, keeping businesses safe and secure. For services to the security industry G4S is the worthy winner of the 2019 Excellence in Business Award.

To this end G4S supply turnkey packages covering CCTV, access control and intruder and perimeter security. The company has a vast array of agencies to supply the leading brands of CCTV and access control products such as IP/digital video and analytics and perimeter detection. The company is the largest Gent installer in Ireland and is an agent for both the Apollo and the Vesta systems.

G4S also caters for large gas suppression systems, giving the client a one-stop shop for all security and fire requirements designed to detect, alert and protect lives. The company has a substantial team of professional and experienced staff, with 90 engineers and a team of 12 designers, the majority of whom have been with the company for many years.

The company has carried out some of the largest installations in Ireland, both commercial and industrial and has a dedicated ‘data hall’ design team to cater for this specific business area. The firm has worked with OPW for the past 35 years catering for the historic and critical buildings that exist in this unique portfolio.

“We consider the OPW as a major and valued client who has

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Tel: 6670 777 24 Hour Service

Fast, Friendly, Efficient Uniformed Drivers iPhone App ISO14001 and ISO9001 approved Please try out our in-car credit facilities T&C’s apply Enquire when booking

www.xpertaxis.com

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Corporate Services

CALL THE XPERTS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Xpert Taxis Excellence in Corporate Services

Xpert Taxis was launched by an Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in October 2005. The company has challenged the market by introducing innovative technology which enables them to provide the Irish corporate, governmental and residential market with a premium taxi and chauffeur service.

“We specialise in top-end corporate accounts across all markets from legal, financial, pharma and state contracts,”explains CEO Vinny Kearns. “Having begun my career in the Irish defence forces, I am accustomed to delivering transport in difficult and demanding circumstances.

In the event of any issues arising, we have a proven escalation process that ensures we maintain communications and deliver timely updates to our client base.”

Training and discipline are important when dealing with top-level clients and many of the drivers at Xpert Taxis are ex-military and Garda personnel. The company provided chauffeur services for visits such as President Obama, The Queen’s, Vice President Biden and the recent visit of President Trump to Doonbeg, Co. Clare.

“Having one of Europe’s most experienced management teams we regularly attend international trade conferences to ensure that we are at the top of our game and that we avail of the latest technology available,” explains Kearns.

His ambitious but totally achievable aim is to set the benchmark for the industry,“and our main target audience is government and corporate contracts which have helped us trade successfully through the economic downturn from 2007.”

utilise resources to continue as Ireland’s premiere transport provider.

While the business element is hugely important, Kearns also takes the environment and his company’s carbon footprint very seriously. “As a company we will continue to invest in Greener technology and practises that will reduce our impact on the environment and reduces our carbon footprint. We are reviewing our fleet policy and actively encourage hybrid and electric vehicle use and actively working in transport groupings planning for the introduction of hydrogen vehicles for 2022 -2025. This policy is evident in our day-today practices on the road and in our offices where we have replaced all office lighting with low energy LED fittings.”

A “One Stop Transport Shop” Xpert Taxis prides itself on it’s ability to service the corporate market. Xpert Taxis is thankful having been chosen as the winner of the 2019 Public Sector Magazine Excellence in Corporate Services Award.

2020 will be our new challenge with our new entity brand “NXT” taking our industry to a new level.

Winning this Public Sector Magazine Excellence in Business Award for the second consecutive year is a testament to my team’s consistent efforts to improve the overall customer experience.

This award is greatly appreciated by all in Xpert Taxis and it is accepted in recognition of the standard of service provided by the entire team.

“This level of acknowledgement will encourage the company to continue to invest in areas that result in efficiencies all round,” Kearns says.

Looking forward, the company’s aim is to be the preferred supplier of taxis, chauffeurs and buses to corporate clients while continuing to expand operations in Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, Kildare, Sligo, Limerick and Ennis. According to Kearns, the current economic upturn has, and will, result in greater demands and opportunities for those who are prepared to meet them. We are happy to publicly announce our merger with National Radio Cabs which is one of the largest and longest established corporate taxi supplier.

We recognise the need to scale and better

Vinny Kearns CEO Xpert Taxis & Dermot Quinn Sales Manager Xpert Taxis

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Web: www.tyfernetworks.com

fibre optic solutions Tyfer Networks Ltd is an innovative, specialist fibre optic solutions company currently operating within Ireland and the UK that delivers a full end to end network build solution to the telecommunications industry.

As a company our focus is to provide the highest quality of service and product to our customers by using the most up to date equipment, highly qualified technicians and proven procedures.

Call us now – As fibre optic and cabling specialists, you can rely on us to provide cost effective and professional solutions for all your needs.

Tel: +447595936931 Tel: +442868641541 Email:info@tyfernetworks.com 31 Glenlevan Road, Sandhill, Derrygonnelly, BT93 6ER, Co Fermanagh, N. Ireland

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Provision of Fibre Turnkey Solutions to Communications Industry

HIGH FIBRE

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

Tyfer Networks Provision of Fibre Turnkey Solutions to Communications Industry

Tyfer Networks Ltd is an innovative, specialist fibre optic solutions company that delivers a full end to end network build solution to the telecommunications industry.

Tyfer Networks was established in 2016 and has been involved in numerous fibre optic projects, both in Ireland and the UK, within the telecommunications sector. With over 15 years’ experience, company directors Damien Treanor and Kevin Martin see their company as a key player in the current fibre optic boom that the telecommunications industry is currently experiencing.

“As a company our focus is to provide the highest quality of service and product to our customers by using the most up to date equipment, highly qualified technicians and proven procedures,” explains Director Damien Treanor.

“We are a very competitively priced company within the fibre communications market and use the latest technology available for completion of all fibre projects. We consistently receive extremely positive feedback from our clients who benefit from exceptional value for money whilst receiving a quality assured delivered product.”

surrounded themselves with a strong team of people with the same likeminded passion for fibre optic infrastructure and network builds. Using the latest technology, this company has the mindset and capabilities that puts them at the forefront to efficiently deliver any fibre optic project.

With offices in Enniskillen (Northern Ireland) and Drogheda (Ireland), Tyfer Networks have conducted projects all over Ireland and the U.K. and is embarking on a period of significant growth. They are currently working with their clients on large scale projects for Siro, Eir and BT. They also have plans to assist in the delivery of the National Broadband Plan in Ireland when the final project is decided upon by the government.

Tyfer Networks provide a wide range of services within the telecommunications industry including full fibre turnkey solutions from fibre optic cable installation, fibre optic splicing and testing, data centre build, to complete backup network maintenance.

“Through use of our custom-built workflow management system, we can tailor a client’s specific needs to maximise cost effectiveness while maintaining exceptional quality standards,” adds Treanor. “Our team of expert fibre technicians are highly experienced and so have the ability to adapt to changes and adversities as they arise on any given project.”

The public sector is crucial to Tyfer Networks. For both directors it was a case of ‘stick to what you know’, and they foresaw a niche in the market for a company like Tyfer Networks. The pair have extensive experience in the industry and have

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Retail Service & Customer Care

HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Northside Shopping Centre Excellence in Retail Services Customer Care

Northside Shopping Centre has been at the heart of its community for four decades.

Today it may have a brand-new look but it is simply a new face with the same heart.

For anyone that grew up in Coolock, Northside Shopping Centre is one of the most familiar and comfortable places in the world. With an updated new look, Northside Shopping Centre in Coolock is still a strong pillar of the local community.

The centre offers a wide range of services for everyone in the area. From medical services to weekly grocery shopping and everything in between, it can all be found at Northside and all under one roof.

The centre is very active in the community providing sponsorship to several local teams, Parnell’s GAA Club, Mercy College Beaumont Basket Ball & Choláiste Dhúlaigh Post Primary GAA teams. The centre also holds many special events throughout the year with young and old coming together for great giveaways, competitions and fun family days out.

Now with many new and exciting shops and services due to open in the coming year, this certainly is a one stop location and not to be missed.

“Northside Shopping Centre is both honoured and delighted to win the Excellence in Retail Services Customer Care Award 2019,” says centre manager Alan McCabe. “The centre strives to give back to the community that has kept their doors open for over 40 years. Our main hope is to continue to support the locality in the same way as locals supported the shopping centre through tough times.

“From the Management, staff and stores of Northside Shopping Centre, we thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you soon for more great giveaways and great value,” says Alan McCabe, Centre Manager.

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Financial Supports for Enterprise from Údarás na Gaeltachta Údarás na Gaeltachta offers eligible enterprises a range of of incentives and supports to start up, develop, expand or locate their business in a Gaeltacht area. Hundreds of businesses, from small indigenous start-ups to large international companies, have been established in the Gaeltacht with our help.

Who We Are? Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional development authority funded by the Irish Government to promote the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht with the overall objective of maintaining Irish as the main communal language of the region.

What We Do....

Our job is to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the Gaeltacht by nurturing new and existing businesses, developing modern enterprise infrastructure and enhancing the skills base of the Gaeltacht community.

The Types Of Enterprises We Assist...

Assistance is available across a wide range of eligible sectors, from micro business to large companies in areas such as:  Information Communication Technology

 Niche and Modern Manufacturing  Internationally Traded Services  Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices  Digital and Audiovisual content  Food Processing  Fish Farming/Processing  Cultural Tourism  Arts and Crafts  Community-based Enterprises  Natural Resources

Types Of Supports Available The range of grant aid available includes: Assistance for Start-ups Feasibility Study grants are available to assess the viability of your business idea. Development of Micro-Enterprise Scheme offers funding to eligible start-up businesses towards the costs associated with capital expenditure. ‘Chéad Chéim’ Scheme (First Steps)

gteic @Gaoth Dobhair Gaoth Dobhair Business Park Co. Donegal

provides funding towards the initial start-up costs. Innovation Voucher provides vouchers worth €5,000 to assist early stage companies to work with a registered college or knowledge provider to explore a business opportunity or solve a technical problem. Mentor Scheme provides support for a business mentor to assist you in your start-up phase or advise on specific areas of your plan.

Growing Your Business Capital grant can be paid for initial investment in material and tangible assets, such as building, plant and machinery and assets created by the transfer of technology through the acquisition of patent rights, licences know how or unpatented technical knowledge. Employment grant provides support towards the recruitment of new employees. Training grant provides assistance for training programmes that train or upskill employees. Share Capital Investment where Údarás can take an equity stake in small and medium enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases where this is of strategic importance to the development of the enterprise.

Marketing And Export Supports Market Development supports the costs of researching and exploring new international business opportunities. Graduates 4 International Growth Programme matches graduates with companies to develop and execute plans to grow in key markets and provides support for the graduates’ salary and training.

Research and Development and Innovation Grants support businesses in developing new markets, technologies, products, processes and strategic alliances to enhance their ability to perform in increasingly competitive markets.

Management Development Supports Mentor, Strategic Consultancy, Key

Manager & Platform 4 Growth/Leadership 4 Growth grants can be used to investigate the feasibility of developing a new product, process, technology or service offering; support the cost of planning or implementing a new strategic development initiative; and introduce key skills and expertise to the company’s senior management team and challenge SMEs to scale and grow their businesses.

Productivity and Business Process Improvement Supports Lean Start, Lean Plus and Lean Transform grants, Business Process Improvement Grants provide support to companies to improve and increase performance and competitiveness, drive company efficiencies and business process improvements.

Business Premises Údarás has a diverse property portfolio dispersed throughout the Gaeltacht.

Properties are available at competitive rental rates and clients can benefit from flexible leasing arrangements. They include enterprise, incubation and industrial type units and buildings, office accommodation and development sites.

How do I apply?

Through our network of regional offices, we ensure that enterprises throughout the Gaeltacht areas have access to Údarás assistance and support programmes. Check out www.udaras.ie for further information.

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business Development

RURAL RENEWAL

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Údarás na Gaeltachta Excellence in Business Development

Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional authority responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht. The overall objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta is to ensure that Irish remains the main communal language of the Gaeltacht and is passed on to future generations. Údarás na Gaeltachta is a unique regional development authority, which undertakes a wide range of development activities and is committed to the development of a vibrant, successful, sustainable Gaeltacht economy, thereby bolstering the position of the Irish language as the predominant Gaeltacht community language.

The authority endeavours to achieve that objective by funding and fostering a wide range of enterprise development and job creation initiatives and by supporting strategic language, cultural and community-based activities. Údarás na Gaeltachta has a key role in stimulating economic growth and job creation in the Gaeltacht by nurturing new and existing businesses, developing modern enterprise infrastructure and enhancing the skills base of the Gaeltacht community.

encourage the emigrant Gaeltacht community abroad or in Ireland to return home to the Gaeltacht, their families and communities and, thereby, bolster the Irish language as a community language in those areas.

• The Tourism Management Development Scheme will support a range of strategic tourism projects in the Gaeltacht to assist those projects to add to their management, marketing, development and administrative capabilities.

These five strategic projects are an integral part of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s development strategy to change the narrative of Ireland’s rural areas in the coming years and to evolve as an innovative and vibrant location to live and work that is no longer limited or reliant on traditional employment sectors.

Údarás encourages investment in the Gaeltacht by offering eligible enterprises a range of incentives and supports to start up, develop, expand or locate their business in a Gaeltacht area. Hundreds of businesses, from small indigenous start-ups to large international companies, have been established in the Gaeltacht with the support of Údarás over the past 39 years.

The organisation supports businesses in developing new markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through research and development. Gaeltacht companies span a range of commercial sectors, including life sciences, ICT, tourism, fish processing and aquaculture, renewable energy, food, niche manufacturing, audio visual and digital media, arts and crafts.

Underpinning Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Strategic Plan for 2018 – 2020 are 5 strategic projects: • gteic– Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltacht, a network of 30 innovation and digital hubs with highspeed broadband connectivity giving new technology companies an opportunity to establish or locate themselves in the rural areas which encompass the Gaeltacht.

• Páirc na Mara, the development of a state of the art, low carbon marine innovation park, located on a greenfield site on the southern edge of the Conamara Gaeltacht approximately 45 miles west of Galway City.

• Gaeltacht na hÉireann – the Gaeltacht brand which will act as a stamp of approval for products and services that originate in the Gaeltacht and is a visual representation of the vibrancy, enterprise, cultural richness and unique language and heritage of the Gaeltacht regions.

• The Diaspóra na Gaeltachta project will endeavour to

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Human Resources Public Sector Services

PEOPLE POWER

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

HSE [HR] Human Resources Public Sector Services

Despite being the largest employer in the state, the HSE HR Directorate fosters a family friendly work environment that enables employees to embrace core values of care, compassion, trust and learning.

Rosarii Mannion, National HR Director HSE advised that the People Strategy 2019–2024 sets out the future direction for the development of people services and the delivery of Sláintecare. “It is focused on our shared purpose – to deliver services that are valued by the public and by our staff,” she says. The People Strategy has identified three key areas: • Leadership – taking responsibility to work together to lead the HSE’s services • Talent – having the right combination of people with the right skills in place to deliver the services • Capability – developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to continually improve and transform the services “As leaders in people services, we are committed to delivering a professional and relevant HR service enabled by strong relationships and collaboration across the whole system,” explains Ms Mannion. “We have a particular responsibility to plan and deliver interventions when and where they are needed, taking the local context into account. We need to empower our staff to be resilient, to take up their leadership roles and deal with the pressures of constant change.”

The multi-generational and diverse workforce of HSE HR provides a wealth of talent and capability. Mannion stresses that it is important to develop, support and retain existing staff and engage a newer generation of healthcare employees.

“We welcome increased flexibility in our work patterns, locations and ways of learning, with people moving through their work and careers to fit their personal needs,” she says, as does developing the next generation of leaders and improving digital competency which she sees as critical for the future.

“Listening carefully to the views of frontline staff and recognising their contribution in a meaningful way will result in better employee experiences and better outcomes for all.

“Our leadership team are fully committed to implementing the People Strategy working with staff, service and HR leaders in the delivery system, partner organisations, regulatory and staff representative bodies. By engaging with and supporting our staff and enabling our teams we can strengthen our connection with the people we serve ensuring that ‘If we get it right for staff – we get it right for patients and service users.”

It is clear that Ms Mannion and her team are succeeding in their goal. This has been recognised in the 2019 Excellence in Services Award for best human resources, Public Sector Services.

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Best Public Awareness Campaign

ASTHMA SOCIETY

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Asthma Society of Ireland Best Public Awareness Campaign

The Asthma Society of Ireland was founded in 1973 to help raise public and political awareness of the condition and the challenges faced by people with asthma.

Today, it is the national charity dedicated to empowering Ireland’s 390,000 people with asthma to take control of their asthma by providing them and their families with information, education, services and support. They are focused on representing people with asthma and work to improve their health outcomes.

The Asthma Society provides a wide range of supports for people with asthma and their family which include: • The Joint Asthma and COPD Adviceline - a free service in which people with asthma and/or COPD can speak to a respiratory specialist nurse who will work through every aspect of life with asthma/COPD: answering questions after a GP or consultant appointment, dealing with triggers that may be bringing on asthma/COPD symptoms, and helping users put together an Asthma Action Plan/ COPD Self Management Plan to self-manage their condition.

After speaking to one of the Adviceline nurses, patients will be fully equipped with the information and skills they need to improve their health and stay as well as possible.

The Joint Asthma and COPD Adviceline is available for free on 1800 44 54 64.

• The Asthma Society holds a number of “Asthma in the Pharmacy Day” clinics around the country in which people with asthma can attend to speak to an asthma nurse about all aspects of managing their condition. These clinics take place all around Ireland throughout the year. Upcoming clinics can be viewed on asthma. ie. After attending one of these clinics, each person will be fully equipped with the information and skills they need to improve and manage their asthma.

• The Asthma Society also provides asthma informational materials for free to people with asthma and their families such as the Asthma Action Plan and the Asthma Attack Cards. On asthma.ie users can take advantage of the Asthma Society’s videos which teach people proper inhaler technique.

• The Asthma Society works closely with healthcare professionals to ensure asthma patients receive the support and care they need. The Asthma Society is also very involved in new asthma research.

the year aiming to help people with asthma and their families.

Upcoming campaigns include the Back2School, Asthma Friendly Homes and Winter Wellness campaigns.

The Asthma Society continues to look at ways to better inform and educate the wider pubic on asthma. The Asthma Society runs monthly campaigns throughout the year aiming to help people with asthma and their families. Upcoming campaigns include the Back2School, Asthma Friendly Homes and Winter Wellness campaigns. Currently the Asthma Society is working on its Clean Air campaign which aims to improve the quality of the air we breathe, and its hayfever campaign, which aims to highlight the dangers of hayfever for people with asthma and encourage them to manage their condition.

According to Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society, asthma deaths are rising with one person now dying every six days from asthma. Asthma management will greatly reduce your chances of suffering a fatal asthma attack she says. To get in control of your asthma, the first step is downloading a free Asthma Action Plan from asthma.ie and filling it out with your healthcare professional. The Asthma Society’s Joint Asthma and COPD Adviceline which is available for free on 1800 44 54 64 is also a great tool for people to get in control of their condition.

One in 13 adults has asthma and one in five children will experience it at some stage in their lives. The key priorities of the Asthma Society include decreasing asthma deaths and helping people with asthma improve their quality of life.

The Asthma Society continues to look at ways to better inform and educate the wider public on asthma. The Asthma Society runs monthly campaigns throughout

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Pharmacy Services to the Public Sector

CARA HEALTHCARE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Cara Pharmacy Excellence in Pharmacy Services to the Public Sector

For Cara Pharmacy, its customers, people and communities are at the heart of everything it does and its stated mission is to improve the health and lifestyle of the communities it serves.

This philosophy has served the Cara Group well and it has rapidly joined the ranks of Ireland’s most prominent and successful pharmacy chains.

The Cara Group is an indigenous, innovative and rapidly expanding pharmacy and retail-based business which currently comprises 15 retail outlets and a popular and progressive online store. Established in 2002, the company is based in County Donegal and operates from sites all across Ireland, including Dublin, Cork and Northern Ireland.

leading pharmacy. “We will continue to aim to be the best in the industry by delivering products and service that are superior to our competitors,” he says. “At Cara our customers, people and communities remain at the heart of everything we do. We practice our core values every day in everything we do.

Our goal is to improve the health and lifestyle of the people in our communities and we do this by supporting everyone’s right to a happy, healthy and confident life.”

Headed up by Directors, Canice and Ramona Nicholas - both experienced pharmacists - Cara Pharmacy employs over 245 people and prides itself on the outstanding levels of customer service and the excellent customer experience which it offers.

In addition to dispensing prescriptions and providing advice on OTC medication, the dedicated teams of pharmacists and experienced healthcare staff at Cara Pharmacy provide numerous additional services including advice on minor ailments, smoking cessation clinics, vaccination services, compounding of medication and provision of emergency hormonal contraception.

Testing services are also provided including cholesterol checks, blood glucose measurements, blood pressure readings and weight and BMI measurements. In addition, Cara Pharmacy also specialises in the provision of care to patients in nursing home and residential care settings.

According to Director, Canice Nicholas, the pharmacy’s Dublin branch is regarded as a leader in this field and utilises a dosage compliance aid known as the ‘Cara Pouch’ to help optimise medicine management in the care setting. Teams of specially trained Cara pharmacists regularly visit the care homes to advise on patient medication, answer any questions which staff may have and contribute to staff training.

Canice is proud of the extensive range of services provided

by Cara Pharmacy to the public sector and stresses the critical role that pharmacies play in maintaining and safeguarding public health. “At Cara we recognise the vital role that pharmacists play in public health,” he says. “Our pharmacists contribute hugely to disease prevention and health improvement. They are experts in helping people manage their medical conditions and ensure they are getting the best from their medication. They are readily accessible and members of the public can seek advice and reassurance on minor illnesses without requiring an appointment.”

Cara Pharmacy is set to continue to deliver superior products and services and develop their reputation as the country’s

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Services to Community and Recreation Youth

FORÓIGE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Foróige Services to Community and Recreation Youth

Foróige is a leading youth development organisation, working with more than 50,000 young people and 5,500 volunteers every year across Ireland.

Foróige believes in a world where all young people have opportunities to grow and develop to be their best selves, one where young people are an intrinsic part of their communities and where adults and young people work in partnership to achieve this.

Young people who are involved in the organisation are empowered to develop their own abilities and attributes, to think for themselves, to make things happen and to contribute to their community and society. As a result, they develop greater self-confidence, self-reliance and greater capacity to take charge of their lives. Foróige’s clubs, projects and programmes are designed to achieve this aim. It happens in a friendly and safe environment in which young people can meet friends and, importantly, have fun.

The organisation has a long and highly respected tradition both nationally and internationally and has guided generations of young people to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives since its founding in 1952. It provides services to young people, volunteers and communities which can broadly be divided into volunteer led services and targeted services, much of this work being provided in partnership with the public sector.

“Our volunteer led services enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their own development and in the development of society facilitated by adult volunteers. They include the organisation’s network of Foróige clubs, special interest groups and youth cafés as well as the Big Brother Big Sister Youth Mentoring Programme,” explains CEO Seán Campbell.

“Our Targeted Services are focussed on the provision of education, training and development programmes directly by professional youth workers, sometimes in partnership with adult volunteers, to young people who are particularly disadvantaged, at risk or marginalised.”

Foróige Young Engineers Programme, Computer Clubhouse, Sound Surfers and Foróige TechSpace have the opportunity to enhance their skills in coding, app development, prototyping, animation, design, film production, robotics, sound and music production. They become creators of technology rather than simple consumers of it. It provides a framework to harness the passion, enthusiasm and creativity that older teens in particular can have in technology and translate these into tangible, transferrable life skills.

Through an emerging suite of initiatives and partnerships Foróige is endeavouring to promote, engage and develop young people’s interests in and attitudes towards STEM through providing a creative, safe, out-of-school learning environment where young people from the community, work with staff and/ or adult volunteers to explore their own ideas and develop new skills through the use of STEM. According to Campbell, the non-formal sector has a significant role to play in this particularly with regard to engaging young women and young people facing social, economic, geographic or educational disadvantage as well as minority groups such as migrants, the travelling community or those with a disability.

Mr Campbell feels that there is a significant gap in technology education in Ireland. The new Computer Science curriculum is to be welcomed he says, “but it is only available in 40 schools at the moment and the first classes will not sit exams until 2020, so progress is slower than we as a country need it to be.” Concluding, he says: “Education does not stop when young people walk out the school gate and we need to take a more holistic approach to how we educate Ireland’s young people if we really want to prepare them for life in the real world and for their future careers in apprenticeships and work.”

Foróige works in proud partnership with the public sector to deliver services to young people. In particular, it works with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, education and training boards, the Health Service Executive; the Irish Youth Justice Service and TUSLA amongst others.

One of the areas of focus for Foróige at the moment is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) education and the important role that non-formal education has to play in opening the world of STEM up to young people, their parents and communities.

Young people involved in Foróige STEM initiatives such as the

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ABC Services 460 0555/456 4492

We provide the catering food industry with a complete package, from design to completion of the finished project.

PROJECTS Commercial Kitchens HSE Hospitals & Nursing Homes Department of Defence Government Projects Irish Prison Service

Tel: 460 0555/456 4492 | Fax: 460 0666 A4 Calmount Park, Calmount Road, Ballymount, Dublin 12

ISO 9001:2015

E-mail: Parts@abcservices.ie website: www.abcservices.ie | www.convotherm.ie | www.cateringparts.ie

QUALITY ASSURED COMPANY

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Provision of Catering Services to HSE Government Project

ABC SERVICES

Excellence in Services Awards 2019

ABC Services Provision of Catering Services to HSE Government Projects

ABC Services (Advanced Bar & Catering Services Ltd) is a leading supplier of catering food service systems in Ireland, possessing an in-depth knowledge of all facets of the catering & retail food service industries and HSE at all business streams.

“Having been at the forefront of catering equipment supply and equipment servicing to these industry sectors over the past 30 years, we have acquired a skills-base which has enabled us to develop into the highly successful company that we have become today,” explain Partners Eamonn & Ciaran Ward.

“We are renowned industry-wide for our commitment to customer care, for our pre-sales and after-sales service, the success of which we attribute to our strong work ethic and business acumen.”

ABC Services provides the catering food industry with a complete package, from design to completion of the finished project. The firm’s design studio uses fully computerised design techniques to produce plans and 3D drawings, mechanical and electrical specifications for all installations.

ABC Services works closely with architects on each and every project. The company is ISO 9001 2015 approved, is a certified international service partner to Convotherm and a main agent in Ireland for Convotherm/Mach Lotus Blanco Scanbox. The firm is also the only catering equipment supplier that holds ISO 9001:2015 EQA Cert.

that offer preventative maintenance. We have a team of service engineers that can tailor make a service contract to suit all needs to save down time and money.”

A busy spare parts department carries a large range of parts for most makes of catering equipment with service contract customers having priority in service calls. Partners Eamonn & Ciaran invite enquiries and promise that clients will be delighted with the standard of service on offer: “If you haven’t experienced ABC Services’ renowned accessibility to a wide and diverse range of spare parts, then why not contact us today, where we commit to sourcing and servicing your specific requirements to ensure continuity of service for your business operation. At ABC Catering Services, we have access to an extensive range of quality parts for a host of new and used catering equipment and we can recommend the best course of action for your specific requirement.”

The company works extensively throughout the HSE providing commercial kitchens from start to finish and a full after sales services.

With over 30 years experience in this field, public sector work is a significant part of ABC Services’ business both in terms of supply and after sales service. Citing some recent examples, the partners point to the new National Forensic Mental Health Hospital in Portrane as well as the new 100 bed Nursing Home in Tymon North with Glenbeigh Group and the HSE. The partners say that after sales service is a huge focus for the company and they deliver a speedy and efficient service every time. “Eliminating down time in the kitchen is very important. We provide a nationwide after sales service as well as service contracts

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Features: • Soft Matt Lacquered Laminate doors in Kube Feel White.

• Dekton – Keon 20mm stone worktops.

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• Chrome Quooker Fusion Combi boiling water tap.

• Flush mounted Falmec Nuvola extractor with remote control.

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OUTRIGHT WINNERS Kitchen Design & Installation

DESIGNER LIVING WITH KUBE

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Kube Kitchens Excellence in Kitchen Design & Installation

With over fifty years of experience in kitchen design and installation, Kube are experts in their field and worthy recipients of the Excellence in Business Award for Design and Installation.

Kube supply high-quality, affordable kitchens to retail and commercial sectors. Products include kitchens, tables, chairs, sofas, bedrooms, and wardrobes, anything that has to do with the living parts of the home.

“We specialise in design that suits the needs of the clients as opposed to just selling products,” explains Brand Manager Dave Fagan. “We are heavily involved in the design brief and ensuring that the products we are supplying suit the needs of the customers.” What sets Kube apart he feels is the amount of time spent with clients and the amount of effort the company put into training designers, installers and everyone

involved in the supply chain.

Kube have been building relationships with leading European manufacturers for over 50 years which enables them to source the best products for the best prices so that customers can be confident that they are getting quality products that meet European safety standards. Their supply chains enable Kube to scale up and support the needs of larger developments without any delays or logistical issues.

The team at Kube are currently involved with several largescale developments supplying kitchens and furniture to help

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support the needs of the building industry to bring badly needed housing to market. They are also bringing in a new high-end Italian luxury sofa manufacturer that will fill a gap at the top of the market.

“When people are in the market for a new kitchen or furniture, they should come to us,” Fagan says. He is keenly aware that it is a difficult time in the property market for many homeowners and the Kube team wants clients to feel comfortable knowing that Kube

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have solutions that will provide them with the highest quality of lifestyle, whether renovating an existing home or moving to a new residence. “We can help them add value to their existing property, increase storage space, and we can also help them design the kitchen for their dream home. We are set up to help people in many different situations. People will probably be surprised how far their budgets will go in Kube when you package up the entire service over the lifetime of the kitchen.”

OUTRIGHT WINNERS Excellence in Business Broadband Services

BUILT FOR BUSINESS

Excellence in Business Awards 2019

Virgin Media Business Ireland Excellence in Business Broadband Services

Virgin Media is built for business and has received an Excellence in Business Award as Best & Fastest Broadband Provider in Ireland in recognition.

The company’s enterprise solutions provide the connectivity to seamlessly connect agencies, people and resources across Ireland.

running around the clock. We can improve communication and manage multiple sites in a different way.”

Unique Services Virgin Media Business covers a wide range within the Public Sector, one of the biggest being in the health and social care sector. “Driving digital transformation for patient care will contribute to the delivery of improved patient care and build a more efficient and flexible working environment,” explains Aidan D’Arcy, Director of Business. “Reliable internet for frontline services is critical. We have the right mix of unified communications and the ability to share confidential data with confidence.”

According to D’Arcy, finding the best way to educate digital natives is crucial. “It’s not just about shifting classrooms from exercise books to tablets, it’s about empowering children and making sure they’re safe on the internet. Local and central government are under pressure to keep essential services

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Virgin Media Business offers customers a truly unique set of services for the public sector. Because these services differ from the standard line-up of great products, they require a specialised customer support structure that blends local and national support for maximum efficiency and best results. The company’s highly talented team’s advanced levels of training enable us to meet the demands of customers 24/7.

With dedicated Internet access, clients have a fully supported, secure and super-fast connection. This product also has an option to add Virgin Media’s DDoS Protection Services security offering meaning that only the traffic that is wanted can enter or leave the network.

Take advantage of Ireland’s largest portfolio of Carrier

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Ethernet - perfect for public service providers needing a managed and secure connection between multiple sites. Virgin Media Wi-Fi solutions offer a fast, secure Wi-Fi experience that is easy to log on to and works with multiple devices.

“We can combine voice and data with SIP Trunking,” explains D’Arcy, “perfect for call centres and operations across multiple sites, it’s cost efficient and offers advanced call-handling features.”

In terms of support D’Arcy says that Virgin Media are “there for you every step of the way.” The Virgin Media team supports business needs at all service checkpoints – from sign up, to detailed tech support, to billing. The goal is to ensure that the client always has an expert to answer questions about the services they receive.

D’Arcy is keen to point out that Virgin Media Business are experts in the public sector and one of the largest providers of networking services in Ireland. “In fact, we have helped build many of Ireland’s public service networks and are used by most of Ireland’s public sector.

We’re confident that the sophistication and high capacity of our fibre optic network helps us deliver the highest levels of service to our customers. The scalability of our data services allows us to deliver Ethernet, Internet and phone solutions – including more options at a service level – with great efficiency.

This matters to the public sector,” he says.

Looking to the future, Virgin Media Business is constantly looking at ways to provide exceptional

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service, care and solutions. D’Arcy feels that his company are always a step ahead of the competition and know that all businesses want exceptional secure, connectivity in their space. “We’ve cracked it for you so that your customer, employee or guest can experience exceptional broadband and Wi-Fi.” An important matter for every business is security.

Virgin Media Business has designed the best DDoS Protective Services solution to suit every business and to support your security products. “Bottom line, we help businesses of all sizes protect themselves,” enthuses D’Arcy. “A few affordable safeguards can bolster your digital defences, that’s why our security options are constantly updated and will detect and inhibit threats before you’re lumbered with a big problem.”

Virgin Media Business offers Ethernet, Internet, security, Wi-Fi, voice and TV solutions to help organisations of all sizes transform their business, powered by an advanced network and backed by 24/7 technical support. The company is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses across Ireland as recognised by Chambers Ireland for Excellence in Business Award as Best & Fastest Broadband Provider in Ireland.

“We are responsible for powering the businesses that power the community, a responsibility we take very seriously,” D’Arcy says. “So even when the weather turns, your business won’t skip a beat because our experienced engineers are constantly monitoring the network and resolving issues before they become problems. This commitment is just one reason why countless businesses trust in Virgin Media Business.”

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