From the editor

The Irish Construction News’ Top 60 Contractors 2023’ had a combined turnover of €14.3bn in 2022, an increase of €3.1bn (28%) on the previous year’s total turnover figure of €11.2bn. They recorded €9.3bn in construction activity in Ireland, which is an increase of €2.4bn (35%) on the corresponding Republic of Ireland (ROI) figure of €6.9bn in 2021, and €5bn in exported services, and increase of €0.7bn (16%) on €4.3bn.

The overall figure indicates that Irish construction is a dynamic industry sector looking to the future with the ambition and hunger to deliver complex construction programmes at home and overseas, where its presence is growing substantially.

Although just a snapshot of the industry at a particular point in time, both of our Top Contractors’ issues show that the Irish construction industry, as a whole, is a worldbeater, with exports increasing strongly even in the teeth of massive inflationary and supply chain challenges, all coming at a time when the industry is transitioning to more sustainable construction methods introducing digital technologies and more efficient ways of working.

IRISH CONSTRUCTION NEWS TOP 20 M&E CONTRACTORS 2023

The focus of this issue of Irish Construction News is on the Top 20 M&E contractors, two of which – Mercury and Jones Engineering – had turnovers that exceeded €1bn. As you read the profiles, you will see how Irish M&E contractors continue to make massive inroads into Europe and other world markets, their services being sought by global giants for mission-critical data-centre, pharma, life-sciences and energy projects. Their skilled workers, innovative approach and can-do attitude results in repeat business from their clients year after year.

In this issue, we also speak with Micheál O’Connor, Managing Director, Dornan Group, who discusses the M&E contractors growing markets in Europe and its growing offsite manufacturing wing.

Paul Tierney, Interim CEO, MMC Ireland, sets out his ambitions for the future of Irish off-site and other modern methods of construction and discusses how the sector and government can achieve greater synergy and increased housing output.

We profile Mastertech Group, an M&E contractor that debuts in this year’s Top 20 M&E contractors list and learn about its growth plans for the coming years.

Elsewhere, we have all the latest construction, engineering and sustainability news and analysis.

Please take a moment to scan the QR code below and sign up for our free e-newsletter. And, if there are any issues or stories you would like to see featured in Irish Construction News, email me at robbie@foundationmedia.ie