TRANSFORMING IRISH CONSTRUCTION - Embracing Modular Building Methods
PIPELIFE’S MODERNISATION PLAN - Manufacturing Investment in Cork
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE CHALLENGES -
It’s pretty black and white
Always check for gas pipelines before you break ground
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CIVIL AND CONSTRUCTION IRELAND
Email: info@civilandconstruction.ie
Civil and Construction Ireland 2024
Welcome to our latest issue of Civil and Construction magazine. The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, has released the *Build 2024 - Construction Sector Performance and Capacity* report, offering key insights into the state of Ireland’s construction sector. This comprehensive document covers critical areas such as costs, planning, skills, productivity, and sustainability within the industry.
Also in this issue we look at how the insatiable appetite for digital infrastructure has catapulted Ireland into the global spotlight. However, there is a distinct difference between Ireland and the Irish. Ireland, unfortunately, has gone from a leader in the sector to a follower. The Irish, on the other hand, have followed their ambition and are now seen as the go-to nationality to design, build, and supply digital infrastructure into the EU and often beyond. The success of these Irish companies in this market is one of the great under-amplified or celebrated success stories in and from Ireland over the past 15 Years. You can read the full article inside.
Demonstrating its long term commitment to the Irish market, in June this year Pipelife Ireland completed the first phase of its latest investment plan in its manufacturing operation in Cork. This first phase investment of €15m entailed the replacement or upgrade of the entire water cooling and raw material distribution networks across the entire plant, the upgrading of offices, canteens, locker rooms, toilets, the installation and commissioning of six new high speed, automated extrusion lines for PVC, ABS and PP products, and the completion of a new purpose built Renewables Academy to cater for training of installers, architects, specifiers, & merchants.
In the coming months Pipelife will be installing four further high speed, automated extrusion lines, and the continuing investment plan will see all older extrusion lines being replaced by the end of 2027, bringing the total investment in the Cork plant to over €30m.
We have a lot of insightful articles in this issue along with plenty of construction news and a great new motoring review with the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport PHEV so flick forward for all of that great content. Enjoy the read.
Mark Kenny Editor
For all advertising and marketing queries, contact on email: info@civilandconstruction.ie
Graphic Design: Colin Brennan
Advertising Sales: darren@civilandconstruction.ie
Latest news from the civil and construction industry.
Ireland’s digital infrastructure challenges lead to Irish skills & services thriving abroad.
Boosting mobile mapping with NavVis VLX3.
Grant’s heating technologies chosen to heat a 22-house development in Co. Kildare.
Enforcement of building regulations requires cultural shift – and government funding
Modernisation plan shows commitment to Irish Market.
Appointed as an approved distributor of Troldtekt® acoustic solutions.
Transforming Irish Construction: Embracing modular building methods.
Developing a unique solution for excavation at Limerick Hospital.
In 1994, Toyota’s launch of the original RAV4 introduced a new kind of car to the world, one that combined the go-anywhere performance and rugged stance of an SUV with compact dimensions and handling more akin to a hatchback.
Ireland’s construction sector set for major transformation with build 2024 report.
In a move aimed at further strengthening our Senior Leadership Team, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Brian Ahern as MEP Director.
Brian joins the business from global data centre developer, Equinix, where he was Director responsible for a major portfolio of data centre projects across multiple geographies. Prior to that he worked with Laing O’Rourke in the UK as a Data Centre Sector Lead. Going forward, Brian will have overall responsibility for the MEP Services function across all areas of the company.
Commenting on Brian’s appointment, Liam Kenny, Managing Director of John Paul Construction, says: “I am delighted to welcome Brian to the company. As we continue to grow our business across a diverse portfolio of projects, and in particular across the highly technical data centre, mission critical, life sciences and medtech sectors, Brian will work closely with the leadership team to enhance and further develop our MEP services department and capabilities ensuring that we continue to deliver to the highest standards for our clients. We are excited to have Brian join us and we wish him every success.”
Designer Group (DG) the Irish company with an international reputation for excellence in the delivery of mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering services has announced the appointment of new executive directors to the company’s board.
Gary Byrne, Catriona Gallagher, Adrian O’Leary, Paul O’Donnell and Sean Greally will all join the Executive Board of the company. (see Editor’s Note for more information).
Announcing the appointments, Paul Nicholls, Group Managing Director, DG said that the appointments reflect the company’s ambitious growth plans as it builds on a 32 year heritage of success in Ireland and abroad.
Paul Nicholls said; “I am delighted to announce the expansion of our Executive Board with experienced industry leaders who share our values and our vision to grow our operations for the benefit of our clients and our staff. We are committed to not only expanding our footprint but also doing so responsibly, ensuring a legacy of innovation and excellence in our work”.
“We have also reorganised our business to focus on three key sectors Energy, Industrial & Life Sciences, Data Centres
and our traditional core sector of Building Services. As a company and as a leadership team we are deeply committed to enhancing our delivery standards, ensuring that our clients receive nothing short of the highest quality and service. This sectoral approach will allow us to provide a much enhanced, more focused service for our partners and clients”.
Paul Nicholls said the company has continued to expand its footprint with many significant client projects completed. “We have secured our reputation in the Data Centre sector with the completion of five data centres projects, on 3 different campuses, in two different countries in the Nordics region for a major international Data Centre provider.
Mr Nicholls said that DG, which is committed to achieving Nett Zero carbon emissions by 2035, is playing an industry leading role in helping clients to meet their own sustainability targets. The company recently completed a major decarbonisation initiative for an international drinks company in Africa and Mexico, where it helped reduce the client’s carbon footprint. “Together with our clients, we are not just building projects; we are building a more sustainable future for us all”, he said. “With over 1250 employees our focus remains on inclusion, innovation and investment as we continue to grow our business”.
The Irish homebuilding sector faces the challenges of rising demand, reducing costs and nding greater e ciencies. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) can prepare it to deal with labour shortages and material costs while accelerating the pace of constructing new homes.
Enterprise Ireland has a range of grant and advisory supports focusing on productivity, digitalisation and innovation, to help the Construction Industry continue to innovate to build new homes. Through MMC, we can achieve the aims of the Government’s Housing For All plan.
Get the support you need to build homes smarter, leaner and faster at: enterprise-ireland.com/builttoinnovate or speak to one of our specialist construction advisers.
BuiltToInnovate An initiative of Enterprise Ireland under the Housing For All Plan.
Kilsaran, a leading name in the construction and building materials industry, is delighted to have received clearance from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) for the acquisition of Kilmurray Precast Concrete Limited based in Derryarkin Co. Offaly
Celebrating 60 years in business this year, family owned and run Kilsaran specialises in producing superior quality construction products from its six business units including Concrete Products & Aggregates, Precast, Road Surfacing & Contracting, KPRO pre-mixed dry mortar products, Paving & Walling, and Materials Recovery & Recycling.
Following confirmation from the CCPC Kilsaran will resume full control of the Derrycoffey pit from Monday August 12th, 2024. Kilsaran are looking forward to welcoming all Kilmurray employees into the Kilsaran family.
For all existing and new enquiries please contact Tel: 044 933 3550 or info@kilsaran.ie
For more information on Kilsaran please visit www.kilsaran.ie
Kilsaran is a family-owned and Irish run business. They mine raw materials from their own quarries and manufacture end products at their various manufacturing plants across Ireland. Continually building upon a solid foundation of quality, service and innovation, the business now operates out of twenty-four locations in Ireland.
Proud to be a member of the Guaranteed Irish family of brands, Kilsaran currently employs more than 1000 people at numerous locations around the country.
Ireland’s largest construction and engineering firm, Sisk has moved over 200 of its staff into a newly retrofitted building at Citywest Business Campus, Dublin. As a result of the retrofit its new HQ has achieved an energy rating of A3, up from D2. The new offices were officially open by An Tanaiste, Michéal Martin.
The facility has 18 Electric Vehicle charging stations and has a state-of-the-art gym. The building has had solar panels installed on the roof, external air source heat pump and VFF air conditioning.
The retrofit project was complete by over 150 Sisk staff and supply chain partners and by adopting a circular economy approach to materials during the construction phase the project was able to save approximately €132.5k.
The biggest contributor to carbon savings is having upgraded an existing building instead of building a new one from scratch, since the structure, shell and core of an office building usually account for over 70% of the total building’s carbon footprint.
This fit-out reused carpet tiles, raised access floors, ceiling tiles and external paving, accounting for a 17% reduction against an ‘all new’ fit-out scenario.
The building is a full ‘Digital Twin’ building, this innovative solution will enable Sisk to operate and manage the energy and occupancy rate of the building and will be done
remotely by Sisk facilities management company, SENSORi FM.
Sisk employs 1,500 people in Ireland and over 5,000+ supply chain partners across Ireland, UK and Europe.
Paul Brown, CEO, Sisk said: “Our new retrofit HQ has been a huge undertaking and now we have a new home that is reflective of our modern business, we’re no longer ‘just’ builders, but trusted construction experts. Our new HQ demonstrates our key strategic priorities including, People & Culture, Net Zero, Digital Transformation and (MMC) Modern Methods of Construction. While this marks a significant change for Sisk, upholding the values of our founder John Sisk is essential that we look after our people and give them an environment fit for purpose, where they can thrive in their respective careers. Our message is clear, we have been in business for 165 years and we want to continue to have a positive impact on future generations to come.”
The Tánaiste said: “The Tánaiste said: “I am delighted to officially open Sisk’s new head office in Citywest Business Campus today.
This state-of-the-art facility is a retrofit building that has been upgraded from a BER Rating of D2 to A3 and exemplifies what we want to see more of throughout industry as we work towards our retrofitting and climate goals.”
ABB Robotics and Porsche Consulting have announced their collaboration to drive automation in the construction industry with a pilot project to develop innovative new practices in modular housing manufacture. The collaboration will help to meet the need for more affordable and sustainable buildings and reduce the environmental impact of construction, amidst widespread labor and skills shortages.
“The construction industry is facing numerous challenges. Highly automated factories for buildings can deliver higher quality and more affordable housing. In combining ABB’s leading robotic solutions and Porsche Consulting’s knowledge in planning and running state-of-the-art factories, we want to help transform this important industry” said Eberhard Weiblen, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche Consulting.”
“We think there is a clear opportunity to transform this sector and the way homes are built by automating the process of manufacturing modular components,” added Marc Segura, President of the ABB Robotics Division. “Greater, more intelligent automation is the answer to widespread labor shortages and this collaboration will boost productivity, allow greater customisation and enable more sustainable and efficient construction practices.”
Construction-related occupations typically dominate the list of labor shortages, a contributing factor to the shortage of housing in many countries. In the United States, labor shortages are contributing to a housing shortfall of nearly four million homes, while Germany is forecast to have housing supply shortages in 35 of its cities by 2030.
The traditional construction sector is struggling to meet the demand for new homes, while the environmental performance and efficiency of buildings needs to improve, along with the adoption of more sustainable construction methods. These include reducing the transportation of raw materials to construction sites and eliminating the corresponding costs and impact of removing unwanted materials and waste. This is estimated to account for up to 25 percent of the material transported to a building site.
Modular construction will yield efficiencies through the reduction in material wastage and the number of days lost to adverse weather conditions. Factories also provide a safer and more hospitable working environment, as construction workers account for around 30 percent of workplace injuries and are four times more likely to be invol-
ved in a fatal accident versus other sectors.
“Construction lags behind other industries in adoption of automation and robotics. In a global survey commissioned by ABB of 1,900 large and small construction businesses in Europe, the US and China, only 55 percent of construction companies say they use robots, compared with 84 percent in automotive and 79 percent in manufacturing. The survey also shows 81 percent of construction businesses plan to introduce or increase the use of robotics and automation in the next decade.”
“We understand the importance of sustainable housing and believe the transfer of technology and expertise to the construction sector will deliver the positive impact we have seen in other industries,” added Porsche Consulting’s Eberhard Weiblen.
“We will bring our blueprint to life and demonstrate how robotic modular construction can help support the changes our society is demanding. The joint approach will take modular construction to a new level in terms of quality, efficiency, design, and sustainability,” concluded ABB’s Marc Segura.”
From circuits to dreams. We engineer the pathways to a digital future. Empowering the next generation of visionaries.
Meitheal Architects, the award-winning architecture and urban design practice headquartered in Cork, is delighted to announce the successful planning approval for the second phase of the Cairn Homes Leixlip Gate housing development in Co. Kildare.
Commencing on site in September 2024, this LargeScale Residential Development (LRD) will deliver a total of 227 units, further enhancing housing availability in the Leixlip area. Ranging from one to four-bedroom houses, duplexes, and apartments, each unit has its own private open space, providing residents with a comfortable and adaptable living environment.
Situated near the historic Leixlip Gate Lane and within close proximity to Leixlip Town Centre, the development offers residents convenient access to a wide range of amenities, essential for modern living. The project’s design ethos prioritises connectivity and community integration, ensuring seamless linkage with the nearby ‘Harpur Lane’ estate to foster a cohesive neighbourhood environment.
One of the highlights of the planning approval is the provision for numerous landscaped open spaces throughout the development. These recreational areas, along with a public park adjacent to the new estate, have
been meticulously designed to integrate with the native established mature landscape, enhancing the overall wellbeing and quality of life for residents.
Patrick O Toole, Managing Director of Meitheal Architects, said: “We are thrilled to have secured planning approval for the second phase of the Leixlip Gate development in partnership with Cairn Homes. This project exemplifies our commitment to creating sustainable, communityoriented spaces that enrich the lives of residents. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with Cairn to bring this vision to life.”
The practice currently has a client portfolio of over 2,100 homes under construction, with 4,000 homes overall in varying stages of development. This residential portfolio is valued at over €450 million and comprises over fifty active multi-unit housing projects.
We cannot expect one without the other.
It’s why we pride ourselves in focusing on how we, as a team, can always improve. It means embracing new technologies, continuous professional development, reviewing projects for fresh insights and building close relationships with our supply chain. After all, to build smarter, we need everyone to go further.
Go Further | Build Smarter
To learn more about how John Paul Construction can help you, email info@johnpaul.ie or visit www.johnpaul.ie
The insatiable appetite for digital infrastructure has catapulted Ireland into the global spotlight. However, there is a distinct difference between Ireland and the Irish. Ireland, unfortunately, has gone from a leader in the sector to a follower. The Irish, on the other hand, have followed their ambition and are now seen as the go-to nationality to design, build, and supply digital infrastructure into the EU and often beyond. The success of these Irish companies in this
market is one of the great under-amplified or celebrated success stories in and from Ireland over the past 15 Years.
Inertia in Ireland
Ireland’s status as a premier location for hosting data has long been driven by its favourable business environment, skilled workforce, and strategic position within Europe. However, we’ve seen a gradual shift over the last deca
de. Nearly 10 years ago the landscape began to change when Apple announced its intentions of building a $1B data centre campus in Galway. What followed was court cases, protests, and a stop/start pattern for a campus that still has not been built.
This was an early indication of both the opportunity and risks to supplying “Green Data” in Ireland. Over the past 10 years, we have failed to square the circle concerning generating and distributing enough green electricity to meet the growing demands of a modern digital society. This is despite the fact that we are an island with two seas and one ocean surrounding us that can give us access to 10 times more renewable electricity than we could ever use - with or without digital infrastructure.
The challenges we currently face are far less about digital infrastructure and more about the inertia in a system that seems to pride itself on processes rather than results. What is great to see, however, the Irish designers, builders, operators, and suppliers in the digital infrastructure sector showcase the ambition that has always existed and helped create an export industry, ICT and Related services, worth almost €200bn.
The creative, brave and relentless Irish spirit
What we are seeing now is the brave, creative, and relentless spirit that has made the Irish digital infrastructure ecosystem a trusted partner in data centre projects, and as a result, they are diversifying their footprints to compete globally. This shift is not necessarily a negative for Ireland; rather, it represents a moment of reflection and recalibration. The industry has exposed the weaknesses of Ireland’s energy infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. It’s no longer sufficient to rely on the advantages that brought companies here in the first place. We must now focus on what comes next.
The real growth opportunity lies in our ability to innovate and adapt. Over the past decade, we’ve seen Irish companies evolve from being simply service providers to becoming leaders in digital infrastructure. The last major economic downturn forced a reckoning. Irish companies doubled down on digital infrastructure, building resilience into their business models, making them less susceptible to the economic peaks and troughs in one location.
At a time of consolidation in the industry, these developments open up new opportunities for the next wave of Irish entrepreneurs. In the 1980s, the only opportunity for many was to leave Ireland. In the decades since, we’ve seen the diaspora return with greater depth of experience in the world’s biggest tech companies. They return home and start new ventures. This cycle of creativity and entrepreneurship is vital for the continued growth of our digital infrastructure ecosystem.
At Host in Ireland, I’m continually inspired by the creativity and ingenuity of our partners. Many of our partners are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI and other emerging technologies. They are creating jobs that didn’t exist even a few years ago, and they’re doing so with a confidence that speaks to the maturity of our industry.
The last decade can be summed up in the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Once a leader in ICT exports and a top choice for next-wave projects, Ireland has seen its position slip for failing to prepare our infrastructure for the AI wave that is upon us. While the industry in Ireland faces challenges, the opportunities are equally significant. By embracing innovation, fostering new talent, and continuing to build on our strengths, we can ensure that Ireland remains a key player in the global digital infrastructure ecosystem. The future remains bright, but only for those willing to adapt and seize the opportunities before them.
Jones Engineering made a significant technological investment in 2023 by acquiring the NavVis VLX3 Mobile Mapping System, one of the most advanced mobile mapping devices on the market. This acquisition is particularly noteworthy because it marked one of only two such devices to be present in Ireland at the time. This is a significant move for the company’s Geo-Survey Division, as it will make laser scanning more accessible to sites due to faster data collection, faster data delivery and reduced costs.
NavVis VLX 3 is the industry-leading, wearable mobile mapping system that efficiently delivers comprehensive, highly detailed reality capture data for complex sites,
both indoor and outdoor, so you can scan more at scale.
A first-of-its-kind wearable device which enables operators to comfortably scan at the speed of walking, NavVis VLX 3 is powered by precision SLAM technology.
The mobile mapping system has been put to the test at the LON1 site in Slough and it was a great success. One of the benefits with the NavVis VLX 3 is the improved speed that point cloud data can be recorded for an area. What would usually have taken three days (with a terrestrial laser scanner) took 3 hours on site with this system.
With multiple methods of transporting NavVis VLX 3, mo-
ving around and between sites has never been simpler. A protective, hard-shelled case on wheels enables air and rail travel, allowing our professional geo-surveyors to travel to and from domestic and international sites safely, quickly and with unprecedented efficiencies.
This innovation will be available to all Jones Engineering clients including those in the following sectors: data centres, life science, semi-conductor, industrial, commercial, healthcare, food & beverage, renewable energy, etc. Jones Engineering Geo-Survey Manager, Rob Hughes, explains: “With the NavVis VLX 3, the future of mobile mapping certainly has arrived. This investment will be a game changer for us, with accelerated turnarounds while
maintaining incredible data standards. Adding this technology to our existing suite of services including terrestrial laser scanning, hybrid laser scanning, drone LiDAR, etc, will enable us offer unrivalled data quality to our clients.”
By integrating this technology into our operations, we demonstrate our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements, providing our clients with enhanced solutions for complex engineering challenges.
For more information, please contact rhughes@joneseng.com or info@joneseng.com
Visit www.energia.ie/cash-for-kilowatts
Grant’s Integrated Heating Packages for new builds are meticulously crafted by the heating technology manufacturer to provide building managers and contractors with a comprehensive heating solution. Designed to enhance efficiency these packages are poised to revolutionise the construction landscape across Ireland.
A Grant Integrated Heating Package includes a main heat source, hot water storage, and heat emitters, complemented by the option to incorporate smart controls for heightened efficiency. Among the latest beneficiaries of these packages is a new private housing development in Robertstown, Naas, Co. Kildare. This development has recently integrated the 6kW Grant Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump as a key component of a customised integrated heating package across 22 homes, with plans for an additional 15 homes to be built within the coming year.
To guarantee sustained heating efficiency, the homes were equipped with tailor-made integrated heating packages specially designed by the Grant technical team. Collaborating closely with Cappagh Homes and DNA Partners, the Grant team coordinated specifications with the assistance of Waterman Moylan.
For a more environmentally friendly home heating option, the properties were equipped with a 6kW Grant Aerona³ R32 air-to-water heat pump as the primary heat source. Renowned for its ability to achieve high Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) levels and its sustainability at lower temperatures, the Grant Aerona³ range boasts an ErP rating of A+++, making it one of Ireland’s most efficient air-to-water heat pump solutions. Not only does its compact size facilitate easy installation, but the Grant heat pump range also aids in meeting necessary compliance standards under Part L of the building regulations.
A 210L A-rated Grant pre-plumbed hot water cylinder was selected to provide continuous domestic hot water to the properties. These Grant cylinders are engineered to heat water rapidly and with greater efficiency compared to standard cylinders. To ensure consistent efficiency
throughout the homes, Grant Uflex underfloor heating systems and Grant Afinia aluminium radiators were also installed throughout the homes. The Grant Afinia aluminum radiator range and Grant Uflex underfloor heating systems were ideal choices for heating individual rooms within the properties. These contemporary heat emitters excel in distributing heat efficiently while offering flexibility to complement the overall design and architecture of the properties.
The Grant team works with those in the construction trade daily to design, size and specify individual heating systems free of charge, to ensure each property’s heating system performs to its optimum efficiency.
Avail of Grant’s heating design service by sending house plans, contact information and preferred choice of heat emitters – underfloor heating, radiators or both, to heatpump@grant.ie
Visit www.grant.ie for more information on Grant’s range of innovative heating solutions. Follow Grant on Facebook and Twitter @GrantIRL, Instagram @grant_ irl or on LinkedIn @GrantEngineeringULC Think Heating. Think Grant.
Our complete integrated heating packages provide everything needed to build a highly efficient, warm and comfortable home.
Tailored to suit the homeowners’requirements, each Grant heating package is correctly sized and specified, free of charge, to achieve compliance, maximise efficiencies and provide long-term savings.
Packages feature the Grant Aerona3 air to water, air source heat pump, Grant hot water cylinders, Grant Afinia aluminium radiators and the Grant Uflex underfloor heating system. Smart controls are also available.
Trust Grant on the journey to warmth and comfort by sending house plans to: heatpump@grant.ie
The new President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), Kevin Hollingsworth has said Ireland’s approach to the enforcement of building regulations requires a cultural shift and a new proactive approach by local authorities backed by exchequer funding.
At the moment, local authorities are required to only inspect between 12% and 15% of new buildings notified
to them. According to the National Oversight and Audit Commission’s Local Authority Performance Indicator Report, two local authorities – Mayo and Sligo – did not meet this low bar in 2022 with many others just reaching the minimum target.
Mr Hollingsworth, who has played a key role in highlighting the defects issue in ‘Celtic Tiger’ era apartments, said all local authorities needed to view enforcement of
building regulations as an essential service for future homeowners, not minimum targets which need to be achieved.
He said that tens of thousands of people all over the country are now grappling with the financial and emotional costs of legacy issues such as mica, pyrite and apartment defects. In that context he said it was logical to dramatically scale up the numbers of building control regulation inspections.
“The Government’s estimate for dealing with the financial cost of the mica, pyrite and apartment defects issue is about €5bn, made up of €250m for pyrite, €2.2bn for mica and €2.5bn for apartment defects*. However, this should be viewed as a minimum figure with more recent media reports indicating a figure in excess of €7bn to be more realistic.
“In 2023, local authorities spent a fraction of this sum, around €20m in total**, on enforcing building control regulations. If you subtract the €5m they made from fees, the figure is just €15m with €5.4m of that being spent by Dublin City Council. Our members tell us that many local authorities view enforcement as a cost they have to shoulder and that there is no incentive for them to increase their level of inspections.”
“We have a situation where 80% of new buildings are now being inspected in Dublin while the figures in Mayo and Sligo are 7% and 11%, respectively. Many of the issues encountered during inspections are localised and that is why it is so important to have a uniform system of inspections with consistent enforcement across the country. Enforcing these important regulations should not depend on the county you’re living in.”
Mr Hollingsworth, who is a chartered fellow of the SCSI as well as a registered building surveyor, project management surveyor and conservation surveyor also warned that unless we invested in quality control measures, we could be storing up issues for the future particularly when it comes to the introduction of Modern Methods of Construction, which will be critical in increasing housing output and reducing costs.
“While a lot of the focus of late has naturally been on legacy defects, new issues will continue to arise if building regulations are not continually enforced. By employing Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), such as offsite construction, builders hope to construct better more cost-efficient homes and offices.”
“However, MMC have to be carried out strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Our members have identified some serious quality control issues with regard to some MMC products including timber not being protected from the weather when it arrives on site and mould growing on bathroom pods. Unless these supply chain shortcomings are addressed now, these,
and other issues are going to become systemic problems in the next decade.”
“That is why we are calling for a cultural shift and a new proactive approach by local authorities to the enforcement of building regulations. Clearly many local authorities do not currently have the resources to carry out much more than the minimum level of inspections and we believe given the sums and the potential savings involved, this would represent an excellent investment by the Government. While the introduction of new building control processes in 2014 – including the creation of the role of assigned certifier – has had a major impact in terms of compliance, we believe that an adequately resourced and funded system of building control is fundamental to achieving safe buildings.”
Turning to the housing crisis, Mr Hollingsworth said the SCSI believed the planning process needed to be reformed to ensure the construction sector can deliver the housing the country so desperately needs.
“In addition to addressing planning logjams we need to drive down the soft costs associated with developments, including the pausing of utility connection fees and development levies. The SCSI is in favour of Capital Gains tax on development land for new housing being reduced from 33% to 8% while we also support the establishment of a land price register, similar to the property price register, to promote transparency, support evidence-based decision-making and ensure fairness in land transactions and policy development.”
Mr Hollingsworth, 47, who is from Raheny in Dublin, is Managing Director of Omega Surveying Services. He has held several senior roles within the SCSI including Chair of the Building Surveying Professional Group and Chair of the Membership and Public Affairs Professional Group. He has been on the SCSI Council for ten years and served on the SCSI Board for the last two years. He said promoting the profession of surveying to school leavers would be one of his priorities during his presidency.
“I know Leaving Cert students will be preoccupied with their exams at the moment but once they have finished, they will have time to consider their CAO choices. The construction sector in general, including surveying, presents so many opportunities right now. Surveying provides a wonderfully diverse career path filled with innovation and opportunities to impact our built environment in a positive way. I would urge them, especially young women, to consider a career in surveying.”
*Report of the Pyrite Panel (2012), Report of the Expert Panel on Concrete Blocks (2017) and Report of the Working Group to Examine Defects in Homes (2022) **Local Authority Budgets 2023
Kirby Group Engineering has announced CEO Mark Flanagan will step down on January 1st, 2025 after five very successful years in the role. As part of a planned and structured transition process, Henry McCann will step into the role of CEO, having spent the last five years as Group Operations Director at the Limerick-headquartered company.
Mark has successfully led the 60-year-old Kirby Group Engineering through an unprecedented period of profitable growth and international expansion, establishing it as a key leader in the international Mechanical & Electrical Engineering and Construction industry. Kirby now employs over 1,800 people and is on track to record turnover above €700m in 2024. Mark will continue supporting the company as Executive Director, supporting Kirby’s sustained growth.
Speaking as he approaches the latest milestone in his career, Mark said: “Change is a constant, and it creates exciting opportunities, which have put Kirby Group Engineering in a strong position. We believe it is well placed for the future thanks to our consistent approach to client service through the ‘Kirby Way’ and in structured and proactive planning. Nowhere is this approach more evident than in how we focus on having the right leadership and people in place through our succession planning, which aims to ensure we can lead in meeting the needs of our
valued customers into the future.”
Henry McCann has played a pivotal role in Kirby’s expansion and the development of its organisational capabilities, notably leading the Kirby Way initiative. His unrelenting focus on delivery and the development of organisational capabilities have been at the core of his success. Henry is determined that helping people reach their full potential will be a key priority for his term as CEO: “I am passionate about focusing on people and the further development of Kirby as a learning and teaching organisation. I have also developed a strong instinct for understanding and pre-empting our valued clients’ needs which is key to building sustainable partnerships that can deliver real value into the future.”
Kirby’s last eight years have been a stellar record of achievement and sustainable delivery and growth under the leadership of Jimmy Kirby and Mark Flanagan. Jimmy continues in his role as Executive Chair and is leading the development of our South African office.
Focused succession planning is at the heart of Kirby’s recipe for success and Henry’s appointment and the other internal promotions in January 2025, reflect Kirby’s longterm commitment to and investment in structured talent management and career-pathing.
Cunningham has recently made three new appointments to their board, including Lisa Murtagh who has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, along with Kieran Murphy, who has been promoted to Construction Director (Specialist Division) and new team member Donal Hennessy as Business Development Director. This brings the number of board member to nine.
Founder Tim Cunningham will now lead the role of CEO at Cunningham. In this capacity, Tim will oversee the vision, culture, and direction of the business as they continue to grow.
Lisa Murtagh has been with the business 10 years, a qualified Civil Engineer who began her journey with Cunningham as an Operations Manager and has been integral in their growth journey to date. In her new role Lisa will oversee Commercial, Legal, Operations, SHEQ, IT, Administration, Plant and HR functions within the business.
Kieran Murphy joined the business over 5 years ago as a
Project Surveyor progressing to Senior Contracts Manager and General Manager of the group’s specialist division. Kieran has been instrumental in expanding into the specialist markets sector, leading several highly complex and successful projects. Kieran will continue to drive the specialist division in line with their ambitious growth plans.
Donal Hennessy is a Chartered Surveyor and brings with him 25 years’ experience in the construction industry. Donal, who will be based in their Blanchardstown office, will be responsible for bringing new opportunities to the business and will strengthen existing and new client relationships.
“As our business continues to grow, it is important that we have the right people who lead the vision and direction of the business. A perfect mix of organic promotions and bringing fresh blood into the business is a real asset and I look forward to growing the business to achieve our ambitious growth plans in the future. Please join us in wishing Lisa, Kieran and Donal every success in their new positions.” Tim Cunningham, CEO.
Pipelife is Ireland’s leading manufacturer and provider of plastic piping systems. Specialising in the extrusion of polyethylene & PVC pipes, Pipelife offers industry leading products for the heating & plumbing, water pressure, electricity, cable ducting, gas and agricultural sectors. In recent years the Irish operation has focused very heavily on renewable heating products & services, along with its traditional focus on plumbing & heating pipes and fittings. We also have a large focus on sewage, soil, rainwater and roofline products and has grown significantly over the years in the Irish, UK and continental European market.
Demonstrating its long term commitment to the Irish market, in June this year Pipelife Ireland completed the first phase of its latest investment plan in its manufacturing operation in Cork. This first phase investment of €15m entailed the replacement or upgrade of the entire water cooling and raw material distribution networks across the entire plant, the upgrading of offices, canteens, locker rooms, toilets, the installation and commissioning of six new high speed, automated extrusion lines for PVC, ABS and PP products, and the completion of a new purpose built Renewables Academy to cater for training of installers, architects, specifiers, & merchants.
In the coming months Pipelife will be installing four further high speed, automated extrusion lines, and the continuing investment plan will see all older extrusion lines being replaced by the end of 2027, bringing the total investment in the Cork plant to over €30m.
By then Pipelife Ireland will have 28 high speed, automated extrusion lines operating in its Cork plant, with an average age of 6 years, and with an annual capacity to extrude some 48,000 tonnes of pipe across the sewage, soil, cable protection, water, gas, roofline, rainwater and plumbing & heating sectors.
Complementary to this investment in equipment and facilities, an IDA backed €4m, 3-year training programme to upskill its more than 200 employee’s is currently underway in Pipelife Ireland. These investments in our people and equipment will ensure that Pipelife is positioned to remain a long term Irish producer of ‘Guaranteed Irish’ piping systems for the Irish market.
The significant investment in new equipment, personnel and services is without parallel in our sector in Ireland and will position our Irish operations as a world class manufacturing facility for many years to come. This
very visible investment shows Pipelife’s long term commitment to the Irish market and there is no doubt that the scale, modernity and product portfolio of the new Pipelife Ireland operations will be very attractive as a supply chain partner for the major merchant groups, builders and installers in the country.
Pipelife Ireland Solutions Limited is thrilled to announce the opening of our new, state-of-the-art, purpose-built Renewables Academy. This exciting development is set to be a significant benefit to installers, merchants,
BER assessors, and professionals within the heating and construction industry.
Key Features of the Renewables Academy:
• Free Courses: We offer a range of free courses that are accessible to all industry professionals.
• Expert-Led Training: Our courses are led by members of our Technical Team, who bring a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise in installation practices.
• Comprehensive Product Knowledge: Attendees will gain valuable insights into our heating technologies,
ensuring they are well-equipped with the best product knowledge and installation techniques.
• Manufacturing Facility Tour: Participants will have the unique opportunity to tour the Pipelife manufacturing facility. This tour allows visitors to see first-hand where our high-quality products are made.
• By participating in our courses, industry professionals will be able to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring that they can meet the highest standards of customer satisfaction.
Pipelife Ireland Solutions Limited are also proud members of Guaranteed Irish. This membership indicates our commitment to supporting local employment, contributing to the community, and ensuring the Irish provenance of our products. As a member of Guaranteed Irish, we also demonstrate a dedication to high-quality standards and a positive impact on the Irish economy and society.
The Pipelife Group is a company with annual revenues of over €1bn a year. We operate in 24 countries and employ 3,000 employees in 28 manufacturing locations. Pipelife is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wienerberger Group, with group revenues of over €4bn per year and 16,000 employees worldwide.
This long history plus the financial strength of Pipelife, in parallel with our ongoing multi-million-euro, multi-year investment in our Irish manufacturing operations, is the best guarantee we can offer you that we will be there to support our products and customers over the long lifetimes of our products.
For more information and to talk to our team call us on 021 488 4700 or e-mail us at ireland@pipelife.com
Put your trust in Pipelife – 55 years of proud Irish manufacturing & serving the Irish plumbing & Heating industry.
Troldtekt A/S, owned by the Kingspan Group, has entered into a supply chain partnership agreement with SIG Ireland. Contractors, tradespeople and other professionals can now purchase a wide range of Troldtekt acoustic panels from SIG Ireland, a nationwide distributor of building solutions. With five locations across the Republic and Northern Ireland and more than 240 employees, SIG Ireland is the country’s largest distributor of specialised building products. Building professionals can now order a wide range of Troldtekt acoustic panels for ceilings and walls from SIG Ireland. The agreement between Troldtekt and SIG Ireland is already in effect and Troldtekt panels will be in stock at SIG Ireland during the summer.
The Irish Kingspan Group owns Troldtekt, the leading specialist in acoustic panels made of Danish wood and cement since 1935 – with its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Denmark. Troldtekt has a presence in countries including Germany, Sweden, Norway and the UK. It was the UK subsidiary in London that concluded the agreement with SIG Ireland.
“We see potential in the Irish market, where acoustics and indoor climate are becoming increasingly important factors in offices, schools and several other types of buildings. SIG Ireland has built up extensive know-how and
a wide range of contacts in the Irish market over the last 30 years, making it an obvious match for Troldtekt,” says Steve Mansell, Country Manager for Troldtekt in the UK and Ireland.
SIG Ireland will stock a selection of the most popular Troldtekt acoustic solutions and will have access to Troldtekt’s complete acoustic offering to support all project requirements and customers can also choose acoustic panels based on the low-carbon cement type FUTURECEM™ (see below). Environmental impact is documented in EPDs for each product within the Collection.
The wood wool acoustic panels are available in various sizes and structures, from extreme fine to fine. They can be supplied as unpainted natural wood or natural grey FUTURECEM or can be finished in our standard colours or almost any RAL or NCS upon request.
Depending on the panel specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0 or A2s1,d0 respectively. Cradle to Cradle Certified® at Gold level, Troldtekt wood wool acoustic panels are manufactured using wood from certified forests (PEFC™ and FSC®C115450) and can contribute positively to a building’s BREEAM, WELL or LEED points.
Good acoustics in all types of buildings
The combination of wood and cement provides Troldtekt acoustic panels with their sound-absorbing properties, ensuring good acoustics in all types of buildings. The panels are robust and durable with high moisture tolerance and a service life of at least 50-80 years. The wood fibres in Troldtekt are encased in non-flammable cement, which contributes to effective fire performance.
Cradle to Cradle Certified® acoustic panels
Troldtekt has been working strategically with the international design concept Cradle to Cradle for more than a decade. Along the way, Troldtekt has converted its high-tech factory in Denmark to renewable energy and introduced circular solutions. For example, offcuts from manufacturing panels are used as a resource in cement production by Aalborg Portland, Troldtekt’s cement supplier.
FUTURECEM makes a difference
In 2023, Troldtekt doubled the share of acoustic panels produced based on the cement type FUTURECEM. Together with other reductions at Aalborg Portland, this is a significant part of the explanation for the decrease in the carbon footprint. FUTURECEM utilises the synergies between calcined clay and lime filler, making it possible to replace a large part of the burnt clinker in the cement. Over the entire product life cycle, the carbon footprint of Troldtekt acoustic panels based on FUTURECEM is:
• 26 per cent lower than that of Troldtekt panels based on grey cement
• 38 per cent lower than that of Troldtekt panels based on white cement.
“In 2023, acoustic panels based on FUTURECEM accounted for approximately twice as much of our production as in 2022. This meant that the amount of FUTURECEM was almost on a par with the amount of traditional grey cement. The share of FUTURECEM will continue to increase significantly when we completely phase out the panels based on traditional grey cement from 2024,” explains Tina Snedker Kristensen, Head of Sustainability and Communications at Troldtekt A/S.
Gold certification, energy savings and launch of ISO work
Troldtekt’s carbon footprint reduction and the doubling of acoustic panels based on FUTURECEM are two of the highlights in the new CSR report for 2023 recently published. In addition:
• The range of Troldtekt acoustic solutions in natural wood and the standard colours grey, white, clay and black once again achieved gold after re-certification according to Cradle to Cradle Certified® in autumn 2023. In three out of five categories, Troldtekt is certified according to the concept’s version 4.0, where the requirements are stricter. These are Material Health, Renewable Energy and Carbon Management and Water & Soil Stewardship. In Material Reutilization and Social Fairness, Troldtekt will be certified according to version 4.0 in 2025.
• Troldtekt has installed a heat exchanger that utilises waste heat from the production drying process. The pilot project has resulted in a 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption in the sections of the drying oven where the trial was conducted. Our ambition is now to install heat exchangers on more oven sections in production.
• In 2023, Troldtekt started working towards achieving two ISO certifications by 2024: ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety management). They systemise all core processes and build a solid foundation for future improvements.
www.troldtekt.ie
Facts: About Troldtekt
• Troldtekt A/S develops and manufactures acoustic ceiling and wall solutions.
• Since 1935, Danish wood and cement have been the raw materials used in the production process, which takes place in Denmark at high-tech production facilities. Troldtekt uses only certified wood (PEFC™ and FSC® C115450) from responsible forestry operations
• Troldtekt’s business strategy has been developed around the Cradle to Cradle design concept as the central element. The entire range of Troldtekt acoustic panels in natural and standard colours is Cradle to Cradle certified® at Gold level.
• Troldtekt has been part of the Irish Kingspan Group since the spring of 2022, a global leader in high-efficiency insulation and building envelope solutions with a presence in more than 80 countries.
Facts: About SIG Ireland
• SIG Ireland is a subsidiary of SIG plc., a leading European supplier of specialist building solutions to trade customers across the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland and Benelux.
• SIG Ireland has been a supplier to the Irish Construction Industry for over 30 years, currently employing over 240 people.
The construction industry in Ireland is poised for a transformative shift as it increasingly embraces modular building methods. These methods offer several advantages over traditional construction, including faster build times, cost efficiency, and enhanced sustainability. As the industry faces rising demand for housing and infrastructure, modular construction presents a viable solution to meet these needs while also addressing environmental concerns.
Modular construction significantly reduces the overall build time compared to traditional methods. This efficiency is achieved by manufacturing building components off-site in a controlled factory environment while site preparations occur simultaneously. As a result, construction times can be reduced by 30-50%. This parallel processing means that multiple phases of the construction process can occur concurrently, accelerating
project timelines and reducing delays due to weather or other on-site conditions.
Since a large portion of the construction work is completed off-site, modular methods minimize the disruption typically caused by traditional construction. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas, where noise, traffic, and other disturbances can impact surrounding communities. The streamlined on-site assembly process also reduces the footprint and duration of construction activities, leading to less environmental and social disruption.
Modular construction allows for bulk purchasing of materials and standardisation of processes, leading to significant cost savings. The controlled factory setting enables precise material management, reducing waste and lowering costs. Additionally, the reduced construction time
translates to lower labour costs and shorter financing periods, which further enhances cost efficiency. The controlled environment of modular construction ensures more predictable project costs. Factory production mitigates the risks of weather delays and other site-related issues that can lead to cost overruns in traditional construction. This predictability is attractive to developers and investors who seek reliable budgeting and financial planning.
Modular construction is inherently more sustainable than traditional methods due to its precision and efficiency. The factory-based approach generates less waste as materials are cut to exact specifications, reducing the amount of scrap and debris. Moreover, any excess materials can be recycled or repurposed more easily within a factory setting.
Buildings constructed using modular methods often have superior energy performance. The controlled factory environment allows for better quality control and integration of high-performance materials and systems. As a result, modular buildings typically have better insulation and airtightness, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced operational costs.
Ireland faces a significant housing shortage, and modular construction is being utilized to address this issue. The government has recognized the potential of modular homes to provide quick and affordable housing solutions. Modular methods are being applied in social housing projects and student accommodations, where rapid delivery is crucial to meet urgent needs. Modular construction is also making inroads into public infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, and office buildings. These projects benefit from the speed and efficiency of modular methods, allowing for quicker delivery of essential services. The flexibility of modular construction
also allows for easy expansion or reconfiguration to meet changing demands.
One of the main challenges in adopting modular construction in Ireland is the regulatory framework. Current building codes and standards are primarily designed for traditional construction methods. Updating these regulations to accommodate modular construction is necessary to ensure compliance and safety while leveraging the benefits of this innovative approach.
Despite its advantages, there is still some scepticism about the quality and durability of modular buildings. Educating stakeholders, including developers, architects, and the general public, about the long-term benefits and reliability of modular construction is essential for broader acceptance. Demonstrating successful projects and providing evidence of performance can help build confidence in modular methods.
The shift to modular construction requires a workforce skilled in new building techniques and technologies. Investing in training and education is crucial to developing the necessary expertise within the industry. This includes upskilling existing workers and attracting new talent to meet the growing demand for modular construction skills.
In conclusion embracing modular building methods offers a transformative opportunity for the Irish construction industry. With its ability to deliver projects faster, more cost-effectively, and sustainably, modular construction is well-suited to meet the pressing needs for housing and infrastructure. Overcoming regulatory, perceptual, and workforce challenges will be key to fully realizing the potential of modular construction and driving the industry’s future growth.
Groundforce equipment has played a crucial role in the construction of a new extension to University Hospital, Limerick, in Ireland.
The new 9,800m2 acute ward, is built over the existing emergency department and dialysis unit and consists of 96 ensuite single rooms over four floors.
As part of the project, main contractor Sisk was required to build a new lift core, adjoining the existing hospital building and lower-level car park, to service the new structure.
The lift core rises from an 8m-deep excavation dug immediately adjacent to the existing building. The bottom 4m of this excavation was in the bedrock, comprising a hard granite material, and was selfsupporting. The upper 4m was in the overlying soil and required temporary support to prevent any collapse.
This was the element of the project that required the services of Groundforce.
“The excavation needed temporary support on three sides - the fourth side was the wall of the existing hospital building,” explains Groundforce director Joseph Lenihan.
The usual method employed by Groundforce is to support the sheet-piled retaining walls with modular extendable waling beams around the perimeter and hydraulic props spanning the excavation from side to side and bearing on the waling beams.
However, the size of this excavation (measuring approximately 14m x 17.5m) and its location against the wall of an existing building required a different approach.
“It was acceptable to the client for the adjoining wall to take a shear load from the shoring system but not a point load,” says Joseph Lenihan, “Therefore the shoring system had to rely on lateral restraint from the adjacent ground.”
The shoring system comprised two levels of Mega Brace frame supporting the 5m-long Larssen L603 sheet piles
lining the excavation and four of Groundforce’s MP150 modular hydraulic props installed as corner struts at the end of the excavation furthest from the hospital building.
Groundforce also supplied the MS4 piling hammer to install the sheet-piles. Perimeter safety was provided in the form of Groundforce’s Edgesafe barrier and davitarm rescue system.
The lateral loads from the three braced sides of the excavation were transferred along the line of the sheetpiled retaining walls which, together with the earth behind them, provided a shear key to prevent any point load transferring to the adjacent building.
The shoring system design was developed jointly by Groundforce and Sisk’s temporary works department and approved by the project’s consulting engineer, Arup.
“During the design stage a concern was raised by the Sisk design team regarding the transfer of the load to the shear key,” says Joseph Lenihan. “A typical hydraulic bracing system is pressurised to prevent any lateral movement. However, this lack of movement would not allow the shear key to take effect – the adjacent ground would not be given the chance to take the load.
“The solution was to not lock-off the ram element of the frame, thereby allowing it to contract once the system became loaded. This allowed a certain amount of movement and ensured that no point load was transferred to the adjacent wall.
“It’s fair to say that we’ve never done this before,” he adds.
The unique requirements of this operation demanded close collaboration between designers from Groundforce and Sisk’s temporary works department.
“There was a lot of design development required, not just for the shoring system itself but for the sequence of its installation and removal,” says Sisk’s project manager Stephen Geraghty.
“In fact, almost as much design went into the removal of
the temporary works as for the installation. The sequence of backfilling to a certain level, concreting and removing the bracing had to be carefully planned,” he adds. Carrying out the work so close to the existing building brought the added risk of disturbance to the hospital’s staff and patients. Noise and vibration therefore had to be kept to the absolute minimum and was carefully monitored.
“When it came to excavating through the rock we had to bring in a specialist to drill it out in small sections instead
of going in there with heavy machinery. The excavation was quite slow: the first two or three weeks were spent just drilling/hydraulic breaking rock,” says Stephen Geraghty.
During the works, weekly design workshops ensured that the temporary works element remained under scrutiny.
“It was certainly tricky. But we kept in constant dialogue with Groundforce and I can’t complement them enough,” he adds.
the temporary works as for the installation. The sequence of backfilling to a certain level, concreting and removing the bracing had to be carefully planned,” he adds. Carrying out the work so close to the existing building brought the added risk of disturbance to the hospital’s staff and patients. Noise and vibration therefore had to be kept to the absolute minimum and was carefully monitored.
“When it came to excavating through the rock we had to bring in a specialist to drill it out in small sections instead
of going in there with heavy machinery. The excavation was quite slow: the first two or three weeks were spent just drilling/hydraulic breaking rock,” says Stephen Geraghty.
During the works, weekly design workshops ensured that the temporary works element remained under scrutiny.
“It was certainly tricky. But we kept in constant dialogue with Groundforce and I can’t complement them enough,” he adds.
The Toyota RAV4 has always been at the cutting edge of the car market since it originated the concept of the easy-to-drive, highly versatile recreational SUV almost 30 years ago. Today, it consistently ranks not just as the world’s best-selling SUV, but also as one of the best-selling cars across all types and genres.
Year after year, Toyota has made sure the RAV4 keeps ahead of the game where customers’ tastes and preferences are concerned, adopting new technologies and design thinking to keep the car’s appeal and its capabilities up to the moment. The latest chapter in the RAV4 story is the new RAV4 GR SPORT, an addition to the range that comes with styling and equipment features that express sportiness and sophistication that are inspired by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing – the cradle of Toyota’s mission to create ever-better cars through motorsport.
The GR SPORT theme has already been successfully applied to a wide range of other Toyota models, ranging from Yaris, Yaris Cross, C-HR and Corolla to the mighty Hilux pick-up. The RAV4 now picks up the baton in its own inimitable style.
A series of exterior design details distinguishes the new RAV4 GR Sport from the standard RAV4 range. The car’s front end makes a statement with the prominent grille finished in the GR-exclusive G-mesh pattern, which creates a deeper 3D-effect. The same pattern is applied to the enlarged fog light bezels, which also have distinctive boomerang-shaped frames, giving added prominence to the vehicle’s strong stance. Adding to this effect, the lower bumper has a dark grey metallic finish, in place of the silver featured on other RAV4 models.
At the rear, the back window’s appearance has been thrown into sharper relief by a gloss black garnish that extends the width of the vehicle, between the glass and the licence plate. The G-mesh pattern appears again in the rear bumper, which also has air-bleeding openings to improve aerodynamic performance. Further emphasising the RAV4’s purposeful look, the lower bumper has a dark grey metallic moulding across its bottom edge. Discreet GR logo badging on the front grille and back door also signifies the GR Sport grade.
The RAV4 Luna Hybrid is priced from €44,450 and comes with a 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with self charged Hybrid technology. Features include 10.5” multimedia display, Smartphone Integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7” screen for information display, dual-zone air conditioning and Smart Entry & Start System.
The RAV4 Sol is priced from €47,620 and comes with the same engine and hybrid technology as in the Luna model. In the Sol you get a 12.3” screen for information display, heated driver and front passenger seats and 18” dark silver alloy wheels along with features available in the Luna model.
The RAV4 Sport increases pricing up to €50,370 and you get the same engine and hybrid technology. Features include Dual-zone automatic air conditioning, power-sliding driver seat, wireless mobile phone charger, Smart Entry & Start Sy
In 1994, Toyota’s launch of the original RAV4 introduced a new kind of car to the world, one that combined the go-anywhere performance and rugged stance of an SUV with compact dimensions and handling more akin to a hatchback.
stem along with Bi-beam LED headlamps.
The RAV4 Platinum is priced from €52,315 for the 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with hybrid technology and €58,230 for the 4WD. Features include the above from other models along with heated steering wheel, memory function driver seat, blind spot monitor and rear view camera.
For the top of the range Toyota RAV4 GR Sport PHEV AWD that we drive you’re looking at a price tag of €59,430. The GR Sport comes with 19” GR SPORT glossy black alloy wheels (5-double-spoke), GR Sport front fog lamps (LED), Power-sliding front passenger seat, Power-reclining front passenger seat, Memory function on driver seat, Power-height-adjustable front passenger seat, Heated steering wheel, Puddle lamps on door mirrors, Intelligent front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Panoramic View Monitor, Front GR Sport seats along with Synthetic Leather and Suede Upholstery
Toyota delivered the most powerful RAV4 yet with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid electric system that produces a maximum 306hp. This level of power enables acceleration from rest to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds; raw speed apart, the powertrain is engineered for driveability, with 50% more power available at 60 km/h. Even when driving in all-electric EV mode, performance is brisk, with acceleration comparable to a 2.0-litre petrol vehicle.
Its efficiency is maximised by the car running in EV mode
by default, then switching to self-charging hybrid electric running when the charge in the lithium-ion battery is depleted. On a full charge, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid GR SPORT can cover up to 75 km (WLTP combined cycle).
The RAV4 GR Sport is an engaging driving experience thanks to improvements to the suspension with stiffer springs and revised shock absorber settings creating an engaging driving experience on twisty backroads. Overall, the Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is a pleasant drive. Take your time to exploit the AWD-i Hybrid system’s potential and you soon start to understand its saving potential. Super smooth on the motorway, it is however at its best in and around town in my opinion.
Toyota manufacturer’s warranty ensures that every trip runs smoothly with:
Manufacture Warranty
• 3yrs/100,000km - Manufacturer’s Warranty
• 3yrs/unlimited mileage - Surface rust/ Paintwork · 12yrs/unlimited mileage – Corrosion Perforation
Hybrid Warranty
• 5yrs/100,000km - All Hybrid Components (Including Hybrid Battery)
• Up to 15yrs/unlimited mileage Hybrid Battery Warranty once serviced with a Toyota Dealer
Conclusion
Overall this is a solid SUV, which drives well and is practical. It’s low emissions and long electric-only range mean it could be ideal for drivers who don’t want to make the move to full electric just yet.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Model TOYOTA RAV4 GR SPORT PHEV
2.5-litre Petrol, 134kW front motor, 40kW rear motor
306 hp
6 seconds
375 Nm
180 km/h
€59,430 (from €44,450)
Future Planet and GMC Utilities Group, a leading Irish civil and engineering company, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to ensure GMC Utilities meets its compliance obligations under the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and further enhance its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.
“At GMC Utilities, our commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance is paramount. By collaborating with Future Planet, we are taking a significant step forward in aligning our operations with the latest ESG standards and reporting requirements,” said Shane McCloskey, Managing Director of GMC Utilities.
“We specialise in six core sectors – water, gas, power, telecoms, public sector, and renewables – and embedding sustainable practices is key to delivering even greater value to our customers and partners. This partnership underscores our dedication to integrating sustainable practices into every facet of our business, leveraging the Future Planet platform to do so.”
GMC Utilities undertakes a diverse range of projects throughout Ireland and the UK, including major utility (water, wastewater, gas, electricity and telecom) networks, transport infrastructure and renewable energy, and em-
bedding sustainable practices with customers and suppliers are integral to GMC’s business and value chain.
Debbie Power, Chief Commercial Officer at Future Planet, commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to be working with GMC Utilities, a company that is clearly of significant importance to many of Ireland’s largest semi-state utility providers. Our aim is to make it easy for them to meet their compliance obligations while centralising their ESG data. The Future Planet platform makes it simple for everyone to collaborate and for the business to build and execute a clear roadmap that will help them achieve their sustainability targets.”
Elaine Casey, Environmental and Sustainability Manager at GMC Utilities Group, added: “At GMC Utilities, our purpose is to build Ireland’s infrastructure for a healthier and greener future. We are committed to carrying out all our works in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. This partnership with Future Planet marks a significant step in our ESG journey. We are excited to have them onboard to assist us in conducting a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) which will underpin our ESG Strategy. The platform itself will play a central role in collecting and managing our ESG data, and supporting our disclosure requirements.”
Irish owned and managed, Automatic are exclusively dedicated to the fire protection business. Our engineers and designers are recognised as experienced and respected individuals among their peers within the construction industry. As a Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) Level 4 Certified contractor (highest accreditation level available), we are permitted to design, install, commission and self-certify all of our works on all categories of sprinkler systems, without third-party certification or supervision.
The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, has released the *Build 2024 - Construction Sector Performance and Capacity* report, offering key insights into the state of Ireland’s construction sector. This comprehensive document covers critical areas such as costs, planning, skills, productivity, and sustainability within the industry.
Key findings from the report highlight several positive trends:
• Over 41,000 planning permissions for housing units were granted in 2023, reflecting a 21% increase over 2022.
• In 2023, 17,601 homes were upgraded to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or above, representing a 108% increase compared to the previous year.
• Registrations for construction and constructionrelated apprenticeships saw a rise of 3% and 2%, respectively, in 2023.
The report also outlines numerous initiatives in both public and private sectors aimed at enhancing the construction sector’s efficiency and productivity. These efforts are in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, inflationary pressures, and disruptions in the supply chain.
Encouragingly, inflationary pressures on many construction materials have started to ease. Moreover, the number of apprentices within the construction sector surpassed 20,000 in 2023, ensuring a continued influx of skilled workers.
The construction sector’s growth and evolution are integral to the success of Project Ireland 2040, the government’s long-term strategy for building new social, economic, and climate-resilient infrastructure. To meet these goals, the sector must adopt innovative and sustainable approaches that are capable of catering to
Ireland’s growing population.
Minister Donohoe, while launching the report, stated: “Build 2024 demonstrates that collaboration between public and private sectors is driving improvements in efficiency and productivity. Maintaining this momentum is critical to removing bottlenecks and ensuring we deliver on the National Development Plan (NDP) priorities. The evidence from this report supports the expansion of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), which can accelerate project delivery, reduce costs, and improve quality and energy efficiency.”
The Government has committed €165 billion in investments under the NDP up until 2030. The report serves as a vital resource for improving productivity in the construction industry through innovation and digital technologies to achieve these ambitious goals.
P.J. Rudden, Chair of the CSG Sub-Group, added: “I welcome the Build 2024 Report, which underscores our focus on innovation and digital adoption. Building Information Modelling (BIM), now a requirement for major projects exceeding €100 million, is revolutionising how we design and construct. By 2028, BIM will be a standard for projects over €1 million, leading to higher quality, greater safety, reduced waste, and faster project delivery.”
The government and the construction industry are increasingly turning towards MMC to meet housing and infrastructure demands. Evidence suggests that using MMC can reduce the time required for housing delivery by 30%, cut costs by up to 25%, and significantly improve energy efficiency.
Timber frame and other two-dimensional MMC systems are already well-established in Ireland, delivering an estimated 10,000 new homes in 2023. However, the volumetric or three-dimensional MMC sector remains in its infancy, requiring further development to deliver at scale.
The State is playing a leading role in this transition by leveraging MMC in the Accelerated Social Housing Delivery Programme, which aims to deliver 1,500 social homes by the end of 2024. Furthermore, the establishment of an MMC Demonstration Park in Mount Lucas, County Offaly, will provide a valuable resource for developers and professionals to explore high-quality, affordable housing solutions.
With the growing adoption of MMC, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and other digital innovations, the construction sector is well-positioned to meet the demands of Project Ireland 2040. These advancements are vital in overcoming challenges and driving forward the future of Ireland’s built environment.
Octabuild is delighted to announce Chadwicks Castlebar is the winner of the free prize draw held in conjunction with the 2024 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards.
Every store that entered the awards was automatically entered into the draw for a chance to win €4,000 or £3,500 to use specifically for the benefit of the store’s employees.
Declan Conlon, Octabuild Chairperson, commented: “On behalf of the eight Octabuild members – Dulux, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin Ireland, I am pleased to present this prize to Chadwicks Castlebar. The success of any builders merchant is built on the collective efforts of its employees. The prize draw is a celebration of teamwork and the contributions made by each individual within the store.”
Receiving the cheque, Michael McManamon, manager of Chadwicks Castlebar, said: “Many thanks for the good news €4,000 prize for the branch. We are proud of our team of 27 highly trained staff with years of experience, along with two part-time employees, who offer customers expert product advice across all categories. We intend to have a staff team event day and a dinner locally to celebrate.”
Chadwicks Castlebar is a one-stop shop for building projects of any size. It hosts a full range of products including building, plumbing, timber, steel, Sam Hire, fixings, civils, paint, workwear, power and hand tools. The steel division boasts a very busy Cut & Bent department and is CARES Certified. There is also a doors, floors and bathroom showroom on site showcasing the latest products from a variety of well-known brands. An Eco centre allows customers to view the various renewable products available along with rendering and plaster options and Airtight products.
