Irish Construction News, January February 2025

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irish construction news

NEWS

5 Construction-sector fatalities halved in 2024

5 93,000 new housing units may be needed due to population growth, says Davy report

7 Glanua acquires UK-based Marches Biogas

9 Construction starts on 146 Coolock homes in joint LDA and DCC development

11 AECOM proposes a pathway to accelerate vital infrastructure delivery in Ireland to address deficit

12 Suir Engineering’s acquisition of Taylor & Fraser opens platform for UK expansion

13 HHI chair calls on the government not to compromise between health and energy efficiency

14 Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Tranquillity House officially opened

14 National Construction Summit 2025 set for Sport Ireland Campus over two days in April

APPOINTMENTS

19 John Paul Construction laying the foundations to go further

19 New board appointments at Kirby Group Engineering

FINANCE

21 What pension auto-enrolment means for your business – CPAS

INTERVIEW

22 Ballymore – Delivering quality homes while championing Irish businesses and biodiversity – Patrick Phelan, Managing Director, Ballymore Ireland

30 Building for a 3°C world – Indy Johar, architect and co-founder of Dark Matter Labs

OPINION

34 Public Works Contracts – Common pitfalls and solutions – Peter McCarthy, Conlex Consulting

PROJECTS

36 The Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan – Vision Contracting

41 Reducing carbon footprint with Sapphire Balconies

SECTOR FOCUS

43 First Guaranteed Irish forest of native trees secured

44 CIOB Ireland Student Challenge and Construction Conference 2025

45 Condron Concrete named as Sisk Supplier of the Year for Ireland

46 Jones Engineering supports TU Dublin TrailblazHER programme to advance gender equality

47 Kirby welcomes its third intake of female engineering graduates to its bursary programme

48 Construction starts expected to fall in 2025, but a substantial uplift is forecast for 2026

50 Akela Ground Engineering brings precast system to Ireland

50 Cunningham Contracts awarded €19m schools project

SUSTAINABILITY

51 Transforming Ireland’s built environment in 2025

53 The Energy Show 2025 – Putting building services professionals to the fore

54 SETU partners with FLI Global on groundbreaking research for the cement industry

54 Ecocem building world’s first commercial low-carbon cement production unit for ACT technology

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

55 All the latest products and services news

PUBLISHER

Foundation Media Ltd

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EDITOR

Robbie Cousins robbie@foundationmedia.ie

DESIGN

Joanne Birmingham

CONTRIBUTORS

Susan O’Mara, Peter McCarthy, Irene Rondini

PRINTER

WG Baird Ltd

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Joe Connolly

joe@foundationmedai.ie

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Cover Image –Patrick Phelan, Managing Director, Ballymore Ireland

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From the editor

The 160-plus pages of the Programme for Government document include a new national housing plan, succeeding Housing for All, and an increase in the housing delivery target to a very substantial 300,000 homes by 2030. It also recommits capitalising the Land Development Agency (LDA) until 2040, strengthening its compulsory purchase order powers and accelerating the transfer of suitable state lands.

A “starter home programme” will target 15,000 homes annually through expanded First Home and Help to Buy schemes, including second-hand homes. The plan also aims for 12,000 new social homes yearly and a review of the approved housing body sector.

It also pledges to advance key public transport projects in the National Development Plan (NDP), consider new projects in the NDP review and increase funding for new roads beyond the current NDP.

Regarding climate, the programme reaffirms the existing targets of a 51% emissions reduction by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050. It also mandates the publication of an annual climate plan. While the plan commits to increasing the number of B2 equivalent home retrofits annually between 2026 and 2030, it stops short of establishing specific targets for this increase.

With a 250,000-home deficit and a projected population increase to 5.77-6.40 million by 2042 (CSO), Ireland’s housing crisis demands decisive government action and a radical rethink beyond simply building faster.

In order for any of this to have a chance of happening, economists and industry experts say a raft of changes are needed.

In this issue, stockbroker Davy says the state may require 93,000 homes a

year to meet housing needs. AECOM has called for a new infrastructure division in a reconfigured Public Expenditure Department, while Mitchell McDermott expects fewer houses to be built over the next two to three years than in 2023.

In interviews, Ballymore Ireland managing director Patrick Phelan discusses the key role the housebuilder’s Irish supply chain plays in its success and how it has made sustainability and biodiversity central features of its developments.

Top UK architect and thought leader Indy Johar discusses how we may have to go about delivering building stock and infrastructure in a world where there has been a 3C (5.4F) increase in the earth’s temperature

In our project case study, we look at the RIAI Public Choice 2024 award-winning Lark Theatre in Balbriggan, built by Vision Contracting.

Elsewhere, the IGBC sets out its industry programmes for 2025 and we preview the SEAI Energy Show 2025, which takes place on 26 and 27 March as well as The National Construction Summit on 02 and 03 April.

Elsewhere, we have all the latest news and comment on Irish construction and engineering sector.

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

Regards

Robbie Cousins

Construction-sector fatalities halved in 2024

Ireland recorded its lowest-ever rate of work-related fatalities in 2024, according to provisional data published by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). The fatality rate per 100,000 workers has fallen from 2.7 to 1.2 in the 10 years from 2015 to 2024, marking the fewest work-related deaths since the establishment of the Authority in 1989.

A total of 33 people lost their lives in work-related incidents in 2024, a reduction of almost a quarter on 2023 fatalities.

The construction sector, in particular, saw a significant change from 10 fatalities in 2023 to five in 2024, a decline of 50%, while the agriculture sector saw a decline from 20 deaths in 2023 to 12 last year (40%).

Commenting on the significant reduction in fatalities in Irish workplaces, Conor O’Brien, Chief Executive, HSA, said: “It is positive to see such a decline in the overall fatality figures for 2024, in particular, the significant reduction in the high-risk agriculture and construction sectors. However, every work-related death is preventable. Vigilance and advance planning around health and safety at work is crucial to lowering the number of deaths further.”

KEY 2024 STATISTICS

• In the past 10 years (2015-2024), the rate of fatalities per 100,000 workers decreased from 2.7 in 2015 to 1.2 in 2024

• Two-thirds of all fatalities (22) occurred to those aged 55 and over

• Of the 33 fatalities in 2024, the self-employed accounted for 18 (55%)

• Agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 12 fatalities, all of which were farming incidents, representing over a third of all fatalities from a sector employing just 4% of the workforce

• The construction sector saw a significant decline from 10 fatalities in 2023 to five in 2024, a decline of 50%

• Vehicle-related incidents (10 fatalities), incidents involving heavy/falling objects (six fatalities) and falling from height (five fatalities) were the leading causes of work-related fatalities in 2024, accounting for 64% of all fatalities

• Of the 33 fatalities in 2024, 30 were male, and three were female

• Cork, Dublin and Offaly accounted for the highest records of fatalities in 2024, with three fatalities occurring in each county.

93,000 new housing units may be needed due to population growth, says Davy report

According to a new report from stockbroker Davy, Ireland’s housing crisis has arrived at a critical juncture, with 93,000 new units needed each year for housing stock per adult to return to its previous ratio of 0.55 if our population grows to six million by 2031.

With each passing year and the fundamental problems remaining unresolved, both pent-up demand for housing and the scale of the challenge have grown larger. The situation is unique internationally, owing to a major lack of supply, and the report states that resolving this demands its place at the very top of the new Irish government’s list of priorities.

The report calls for urgent reforms, including overhauling strict rent caps, several measures to reduce housing construction costs and further streamlining the planning system for critical infrastructure, including housing development.

Assuming these reforms take place, Davy forecasts that output could rise to 75,000 new units in 2031, driven by higher social housing and institutional investment. In

Davy Chief Economist Kevin Timoney.

the absence of necessary reforms, however, a lower output level well below the overall need is likely.

At just 30,000 completions, housing output in Ireland was disappointing in 2024. This added to an already sizeable pent-

up demand for circa-230,000 homes, or more than 10% of the housing stock. Davy assesses that the extent of housing need has been systematically underestimated due to an unexpectedly strong economic and population backdrop. Capital financing requirements are substantial and could top €40bn by 2031.

Speaking on RTE Radio 1, Davy’s Chief Economist Kevin Timoney said that, at best, Ireland can build up to 75,000 houses a year by 2031 despite demand by this time requiring more. This would “be a stabilisation of the situation” as it will “still leave the country short of what’s needed”. He added that for the forecast figure to be achievable, “Some reforms are necessary”, including apartment delivery.

Addressing Ireland’s weak construction productivity can unlock much higher housing output while reducing the risk of overheating in response to the higher level of activity. Davy notes that this opportunity provides the two listed homebuilders, the three domestic banks and the Irish economy in general with much headroom to grow.

Conor O’Brien, Chief Executive, HSA.

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Suir Engineering announces 200 new jobs and a first-of-a-kind apprenticeship training centre in Ireland

Suir Engineering has announced the creation of 200 jobs and the launch of a pioneering Apprentice Centre of Excellence, which will support the state’s SOLAS training programmes. The apprenticeship jobs, all of which will result in permanent positions with Suir Engineering, are in the areas of electrical and instrumentation.

The 200 jobs, which are being phased in over the next 12 months, will bring the total headcount at Suir Engineering to 1,600. There are opportunities to work in Ireland and/or the company’s other hubs in the UK, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. The jobs announcement is part of the company’s European growth strategy and the urgent need across the sector for more highly skilled and trained workers.

Suir Chief Operating Officer Brendan Moley says the positions are part of the company’s direct employment talent pipeline.

He explains: “As we grow our European footprint, the need to develop our highly skilled workforce grows too. Apprentices are the lifeblood of our industry, and at any one time, we could have up to 400 apprentices in the business. And interestingly, not all are

joining us straight out of school. Men and women in their 30s and 40s are upskilling and they see Suir Engineering as a strong option for a career change and have made the decision to go back to the classroom.

“We want to debunk the notion that university is the default option for people looking for a successful career. There are many other options, and an apprenticeship offers fantastic opportunities.”

Brendan Moley also announced details of a first-of-its-kind ‘Apprentice Centre of Excellence’ at Suir Engineering’s Citywest

location in Dublin, with ancillary training provided at the company’s Irish headquarters in Waterford. The new centre comprises a mix of practical work-station and classroom learning with a dedicated trainer and mentor to support apprentices over their four years of training.

The new Suir Engineering Apprentice Centre of Excellence, which the company hopes will be a blueprint for the sector, will ensure that Suir Engineering’s apprentices receive the highest level of training to reach their full potential.

Glanua acquires UK-based Marches Biogas

Glanua has announced that it has acquired UK-based Marches Biogas, an engineering and services firm that specialises in anaerobic digestion and biogas production

Loughrea-based Glanua is an industry leader in the municipal and industrial sectors in providing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions to design, build and deliver critical water, wastewater and energy infrastructure across Ireland and the UK.

The financial details of the sale remain undisclosed, but the acquisition marks another significant step forward in Glanua’s ambitious growth plan.

It now positions the Galway-headquartered company as a specialist in the design, construction, and operation of anaerobic digestion and biogas plants, significantly enhancing Glanua’s expertise, broadening its customer base, and expanding its capabilities and services into the bioresource sector by transforming wastewater and biomass sludge into a valuable energy resource.

Founded in 2009, Shropshire-based Marches Biogas was acquired by its management and employees in 2020. The company recorded sales of £6m in 2023 and employs 27 people. Its acquisition means Glanua’s workforce has now increased to over 600.

The purchase is the second acquisition to be completed by Glanua in the past six months. Marches Biogas has extensive experience in designing, constructing, installing, training, operating and maintaining AD (and biogas) plants. It has built over 30 AD plants ranging from 50kWe to large-scale facilities utilising feedstocks, including energy crops, farm slurries, food and industrial wastes.

Karl Zimmerer, Group Managing Director, Glanua, said: “We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Marches Biogas and look forward to integrating the business into the expanding Glanua

Group. Marches Biogas is a leader in AD and biogas technologies and has a strong reputation as a provider of high-quality and innovative engineering solutions. This acquisition strengthens our position in the UK and aligns with our growth strategy and our sustainability goals. It expands our capabilities, broadens our customer base, and enables us to better serve industrial clients who increasingly require anaerobic digestion solutions while opening the door to new opportunities in the municipal market.”

Apprentice Cillian Kelly from Kildare with Brendan Moley, COO, Suir Engineering.

Karl Zimmerer, Group Managing Director, Glanua.

A modern approach to tackling Ireland’s housing crisis

Ireland is currently in the midst of a significant housing crisis. Addressing this is no small feat, but the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has highlighted one solution: embracing Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). David Murray, Head of Technical Affairs & Ireland Sales at MEDITE SMARTPLY, explores the potential of MMC, particularly offsite construction, in easing Ireland’s housing challenges.

In July 2024, a report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) laid bare the scale of the housing challenge in the Republic of Ireland. The report indicated a projected need for 44,000 new homes annually from 2023 to 2030 and a further 40,000 per year from 2030 to 2040. The industry is falling short of meeting these figures, with the Central Statistics Office recording that 32,695 dwellings were completed in 2023 — a 10% increase from the previous year, but one that is still approximately 25%t fewer than the 44,000 figure.

The NESC published its report, Boosting Ireland’s Housing Supply: Modern Methods of Construction, in September 2024. The report points to MMC as a potential means of addressing the pressing shortfall and highlights offsite construction as a key area of opportunity.

The distinct advantage of offsite construction lies in its ability to streamline the building process and reduce costs while enhancing quality and sustainability. In its 2023 report, A Detailed Description of Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector, EY for Enterprise Ireland found that an MMC approach to building has the potential to reduce construction costs by 25% compared to traditional methods.

A GROWING SOLUTION

The NESC’s September report also extensively addresses the use of timber in offsite construction, highlighting its potential to significantly enhance the productivity, sustainability and costeffectiveness of the construction sector. It points to timber-based solutions as a key opportunity for development, particularly given Ireland’s substantial timber resources due to the maturation of forestry planting over the past 30 years. This is coupled with Ireland’s long-term vision for forestry, which anticipates by 2050 that Ireland’s forests will be seen as a key solution to the climate, biodiversity, housing and health emergencies of the 2020s.

Of course, timber is already a wellestablished mainstay of the construction industry. Timber frame construction accounts for a significant portion of new housing schemes in Ireland, with over 50% of new scheme housing utilising timber frames. In addition, new innovative woodbased products can help further improve the quality and sustainability of timber frame buildings. SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is one such OSB product used as internal structural sheathing in timber frame construction systems, and it is ideally suited for offsite construction projects.

The SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT panel eliminates the need for separate airtightness and vapour control layer (AVCL) membranes, combining structural strength (OSB/3) with built-in airtightness and an integrated vapour control layer. Its speciality surfacing technology ensures consistent vapour resistance over the entire surface, while the rigid panel design reduces susceptibility to damage compared to flexible membranes.

Crucially, SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT is easy to cut and fix, speeding up installation

time and making it a convenient choice in offsite manufacturing. It is manufactured from FSC certified timber with no added formaldehyde.

Offsite construction presents a transformative opportunity for Ireland to meet its housing needs efficiently and sustainably. By leveraging the approach and the innovative solutions that make it possible, Ireland can significantly boost its housing supply and reduce carbon emissions. The NESC report provides a comprehensive roadmap for achieving these goals; it’s now a matter of building it.

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Construction starts on 146 Coolock homes in joint LDA and DCC development

The Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dublin City Council (DCC) have announced that construction is under way on a 146-home development in Coolock in Dublin 5.

The Land Development Agency’s (LDA’s) and Dublin City Council’s (DCC’s) new An tSrúill residential development on Cromcastle Road in Coolock will include 133 cost-rental and 13 social homes, as well as new community, cultural and open spaces. The 1.7-acre site, owned by DCC, is located on Cromcastle Road at the junction of Oscar Traynor Road and Kilmore Road, near Beaumont Hospital and opposite the Northside Shopping Centre.

The development will comprise apartments, public open spaces and communal amenities with new landscaping, a public plaza and green spaces to enhance biodiversity. It will also have easy access to a range of local amenities and services, including public transport, shopping and schools.

Bennett Construction has been appointed as contractor for the development and is on site. The name An tSrúill, which means rivulet in Irish, was chosen and voted for by DCC councillors as it was previously used in 1800 to designate a boundary in the area.

An tSrúill is one of a growing number of developments being delivered by the LDA in partnership with DCC.

Construction will also start imminently on 543 homes at the Donore Project at St Teresa’s Gardens in Dublin’s south inner city, and planning permission has been secured for the first phase of over 1,000 homes in Cherry Orchard Point in west Dublin. The LDA and DCC are also developing plans for a new housing development at Bluebell Waterways in Dublin 12 with the potential to deliver 389 homes.

Planning permission for An tSrúill was secured in February 2024 under a new planning provision introduced for local authorities by Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien.

The S179A temporary exemption allows local authorities to fasttrack urgently needed social and affordable housing developments on state-owned lands zoned for residential use, and works on this site commenced in late 2024. This is the first time this provision has been used for an LDA project.

John Coleman, CEO, LDA, said: “We are delighted to get construction started on this 146-home development. An tSrúill is being delivered to the highest standards in an excellent and wellserved location with easy access to all local amenities and services. It will provide much-needed cost rental and social housing and add significantly to the existing local community, delivering new pedestrian routes and public spaces. This is just one of a number of projects we are working on in partnership with Dublin City Council, and I would like to recognise the local authority’s support and its trust in the LDA to assist in the fast-tracking of such large-scale and strategically important housing projects.”

Richard Shakespeare, CEO of Dublin City Council, said: “It is fantastic to have broken ground at An tSrúill, and we are looking forward to the delivery of what will be 146 high-quality and A-rated homes. This development will add to the housing supply in Dublin 5 and complement another development that DCC is working on at an adjacent site. DCC is committed to maximising the housing potential of land in our ownership and we are continuing to partner effectively with the LDA, whose expertise and experience is helping us to bring projects through the design and planning phases to construction and completion.”

In addition to DCC, the LDA is also working closely with other councils to deliver housing on land owned by the local authorities.

In September 2024, the LDA launched the first phase of 597 new homes at Shanganagh Castle Estate, near Shankill in Dublin. The

homes were built in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR) on land owned by the local authority.

DLR and the LDA have also secured planning permission for 852 affordable and social homes at Dundrum Central on the grounds of the former Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum in Dublin 14. This project is subject to a judicial review, which is being contested by the LDA, while a second and separate application for 940 homes has been lodged with An Bord Pleanála.

In Galway, the LDA and Galway City Council have sought the public’s views on plans to build 219 homes at Dyke Road and in Mungret in Limerick, the LDA is working with Limerick City and County Council to develop 183 homes.

Elm Park Green Apartments, South Dublin

Sally Gap Bar, Powescourt Hotel, Wicklow

Coleman Court Student Accommodation, Cork

Meakstown Community Centre, Dublin

AECOM proposes a pathway to accelerate vital infrastructure delivery in Ireland to address deficit

AECOM’s Ireland Annual Review 2025 highlights benefits of programmatic thinking, which is being increasingly adopted by Irish State bodies in building and infrastructure projects

In its latest review of the market and construction costs, AECOM outlines the challenges and opportunities for the Irish economy and, in particular, proposes an approach, Programmatic Thinking, to support a higher volume and faster delivery of critical infrastructure projects and help address the gap in productivity identified by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council between the construction industries in Ireland and other European countries.

The 2025 Annual Review report delves into construction industry performance, trends and forecasts for the year ahead, covering both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Key factors influencing construction projects and infrastructure development in 2025 in the Republic of Ireland include:

• AECOM forecasts 5% growth in output volume in 2025 after some years of mixed performance. Inflation is still a feature of the market, but tender price inflation will continue to cool in 2025 and is expected to be in the order of 3%.

• The Republic of Ireland’s economy is strong. However, addressing the construction industry productivity gap of 30% compared to other European countries is essential for long-term competitiveness.

• The adoption of ‘Programmatic Thinking’, already in use on projects by Iarnród Éireann, the HSE, the Land Development Agency and Uisce Éireann, provides an approach to drive greater efficiency and enhanced delivery timelines on major State infrastructure projects.

• A range of factors, including extended planning and mobilisation periods, mean that construction projects in Ireland are taking longer to complete. AECOM’s research indicates that adopting a programmatic approach to managing large-scale projects can

John O’Regan, Director & Country Leader Republic of Ireland, AECOM; and Derval Cummins, Director Transportation, AECOM.

accelerate construction timelines.

• There were 54,574 housing starts in the first 11 months of 2024. However, record levels of state investment need to be matched by similar levels of growth in investment from the private sector to meet the huge demand for homes. Continuing viability challenges and lack of supporting water, energy and transport infrastructure are the biggest issues facing the market and could hinder the conversion of existing residential planning permissions into completed developments.

John O’Regan, Director and Country Leader for the Republic of Ireland at AECOM, said: “Ireland’s strong economic performance and record government investment in housing and infrastructure reflect a nation building for the future. However, delivering on these ambitions requires a coordinated, programmatic approach to ensure that housing, transport, water, and energy systems develop in tandem.”

HBFI loan approvals soared by 61% to €2.7bn in 2024

Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), the government-established agency for funding new home construction, has announced there was significant growth in loan approvals in 2024.

Total approvals reached €2.7bn by the end of December 2024, a substantial 61% increase from the €1.66bn at the end of 2023. HBFI’s 2024 performance update highlights strong demand for its funding and significant momentum in construction starts throughout the year. New loan approvals in 2024 more than doubled to €1.01bn, compared to €408m in 2023.

The pipeline of potential new developments for HBFI looks promising as it enters 2025. By the end of December 2024, HBFI had approved funding for 13,186 new homes across 184 developments spanning 23 counties. Of these, 4,618 units have been sold, with an additional 3,408 contracted for sale or sale agreed.

From the total €2.7bn approved, €1.9bn (72%) has been drawn down for 117 developments, supporting 10,375 homes currently under construction or completed. HBFI typically anticipates a three-to-six-

month gap between loan approval and the first drawdown. Individual loan facilities range from €1m to €113m, averaging €14.5m, with an average term of 23 months.

HBFI Chief Executive Dara Deering commented that the organisation continues to make a valuable contribution to accelerating Ireland’s housing supply, having funded over 13,000 new homes to date across 23 counties for owner-occupiers, renters, and those requiring social or affordable housing.

She commented: “By offering an expanded range of products, we saw a significant increase in our new loan approvals to over €1bn over the course of the year when commencement activity across the market was also really strong.

“We’re recycling capital to leverage the impact of the capital at our disposal to lend to small, medium and large housebuilding companies to improve supply as much as we can.

The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, said: “I welcome the publication of HBFI’s end-of-year results for 2024, which shows that HBFI has approved funding of

€2.7bn since its establishment, supporting the delivery of over 13,000 homes.

“HBFI was established to increase the supply of finance for commercially viable developments by responding to gaps in the funding market and supporting the construction of new homes across the country.”

HBFI Chief Executive Dara Deering.

Mitchell McDermott – Ireland’s new housing output is stagnating

According to the Mitchell McDermott’ Annual Construction Sector Report 2025’, Ireland’s new housing output is stagnating, and all the macro indications are that we will produce less housing over the next couple of years, not more.

Construction consultancy Mitchell McDermott says housing output in 2025 could be as low as 32,000 units.

In January, the CSO confirmed that housing output in 2024 was 30,330, well short of the 40,000-figure predicted by former Taoiseach Simon Harris and members of the government.

One of the key indicators of future output is planning permissions. The report found that planning permission was granted for 35,000 homes last year, one of the lowest figures over the past six years, down from 41,000 in 2023.

Paul Mitchell, one of the report’s authors, said that unless drastic measures are introduced immediately, there is little chance that the new government will reach its target of 300,000 new homes by 2030. One of the key areas he said needed to be addressed as a priority was the ‘high mortality rate’ of applications for housing schemes in our fast-track planning system.

Paul Mitchell commented: “About 50% of housing permissions are delivered via fast-track schemes, so they clearly have a central role in meeting our housing needs. Our analysis shows that between 2018 and 2024, planning was submitted for just under 200,000 units in SHDs and LRDs.

“Our figures show schemes accounting for almost 42,000 units (21%) were refused, a further 27,000 (13.5%) were subjected to judicial reviews, and 11,000 (5.5%) are awaiting decision. In the end, schemes with just over 112,000 units or 56% of total applications received usable permissions. That figure is disappointingly low, but even more disappointing is the fact that another 29% of these units have not been constructed or commenced construction.

“Given the scale of our housing crisis, it’s vital we understand why the attrition rate is so high and address blockages in the system. It’s also clear we need to drive up the number of planning applications. Based on current ratios, if we want to build 50,000 units a year, we would need to have planning applications for 125,000 units submitted every year.”

Suir Engineering’s acquisition of Taylor & Fraser opens platform for UK expansion

Suir Engineering’s acquisition of Taylor & Fraser, a leading M&E engineering business in Scotland, follows the recent launch of Suir Engineering’s first UK offices in London and Manchester as it expands its operations and customer base in the UK. With a strengthened local presence, Suir Engineering is improving its ability to serve clients in the UK, capitalising on new business opportunities and bolstering its position in the competitive engineering sector.

Taylor & Fraser, headquartered in Paisley, has been a family-run business for 114 years.

John Kelly, CEO, Suir Engineering, says: “The acquisition of Taylor & Fraser is part of our ambitious growth strategy. The team brings a wealth of M&E expertise and an outstanding legacy built over three generations of this highly regarded family business.

“The acquisition strengthens our presence in Scotland and across the UK, allowing

us to build on established local market relationships while providing a platform for future growth. We now have a UK presence at three key locations and have further plans for expansion in line with the multi-billion pound market demand that we are seeing in our sector. “

Taylor & Fraser will become a Suir Engineering company but will continue to operate under its existing name. There will be no impact on the 180 employees.

John Kelly continued: “By the end of 2025, we anticipate Suir Engineering will already be among the top 10 M&E contractors in the UK by revenue. The UK presents huge opportunities in two of our four specialist sectors, data centres and energy, power and renewables, and it is one of the biggest data centre territories in Europe.”

Suir Engineering employs over 1,600 people across Ireland, the UK, Germany, Denmark and Sweden and is exploring further markets in the region as part of its overall growth strategy.

Paul Mitchell, Director, Mitchell McDermott.

John Kelly, CEO, Suir Engineering.

Quintain Ireland rebrands to Evara and targets an annual output of 1,500 homes

Quintain Ireland, the country’s largest privately owned residential developer, has announced that it is rebranding to Evara.

The rebrand follows TPG Real Estate’s strategic partnership with the company’s management to acquire the homebuilder in August 2024. It reflects a new impetus on the company’s mission to deliver high-quality homes in sustainable and vibrant communities. It will also support the next stage of the homebuilder’s growth and evolution as it seeks to accelerate its housing delivery to reach an output target of 1,500 homes a year.

The new Evara brand embodies a commitment to longevity, quality and community values that have guided the company’s success to date and will continue to shape its ambitious pipeline of developments.

The rebrand comes at a time of significant expansion for Evara.

The homebuilder has already delivered 3,000 homes in key areas of Dublin, including Adamstown, Portmarnock and Cherrywood. It has land that can accommodate over 7,000 further homes, including land at the new Dublin suburb of Clonburris.

Michael Hynes, Chief Executive, Evara, commented: “At Evara, our mission is to create new neighbourhoods where people can live in affordable, high-quality homes, put down roots and prosper in thriving and welcoming communities. We focus on every detail to deliver well-served neighbourhoods of scale in desirable destinations, catering to people and families of all sizes. Our new name and brand identity reflect our dedication to quality, our vision for well-served and sustainable communities.”

Evara’s rebrand comes at a time of significant expansion. At its cornerstone development in Adamstown, for example, Evara is

Healthy

Homes Ireland

currently on site delivering over 1,500 homes, with a further 1,300 homes in planning/master planning. Phases 1 and 2 of Adamstown Town Centre have been completed, comprising 463 apartments, a public plaza and class-leading retail facilities. Phase 3 comprises 436 apartments, of which 392 affordable rental units will be delivered to the Land Development Agency in late 2025.

At Saint Marnock’s Bay, Portmarnock, Evara is active in the current phase of Skylark, which comprises 172 homes. There is planning permission for a further 195 homes, and the last phase of circa 300 homes is at pre-planning phase.

chair calls on government to ensure there is no compromise between health and energy efficiency

The new Chair of Healthy Homes Ireland (HHI), Susan Vickers, has called on the new government to make health a key consideration when developing regulations to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes that require upgrading.

HHI is a collaborative forum of leaders in the built environment, housing and public health that aims to influence public policy to advance greener, healthier homes. The Forum is supported by the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) and VELUX.

Susan Vickers will lead the forum in its aim to positively influence public policy and practice by bringing together industry stakeholders to consider how to address health problems caused by existing homes requiring energy upgrades and ensure there is no compromise between health and energy efficiency in new build and renovated homes.

She assumed the position from former Chair Kevin O’Rourke, who departed in October after three years in the role. During that time, he was instrumental in leading the initiative, undertaking an extensive programme of engagement with stakeholders

to advocate for policy measures to achieve healthy homes.

Susan Vickers is head of environmental sustainability at Clúid Housing, Ireland’s leading approved housing body (AHB), where she is heading up the delivery of its sustainability strategy, including an ambitious retrofit programme to improve the sustainability of its existing housing stock with deep retrofit works completed on over 2,150 homes between 2018 and 2024

Vickers has been a central member of the HHI steering group since its inception in 2021. Her extensive experience driving the sustainability agenda at Clúid and leading on the delivery of quality and sustainable homes will be invaluable to advancing HHI’s mission of achieving healthier, greener homes in the state.

Susan Vickers stated: “I am delighted to take up the role of chair of HHI as I am passionate about sustainability and protecting the health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland. It is imperative that the new government integrates health considerations into public policy and in the delivery of both new-build and retrofit homes.”

Susan Vickers, Chair, Healthy Homes Ireland.

Michael Hynes, Chief Executive, Evara.

National Construction Summit 2025 to take place at Sport Ireland Campus over two days in April

The National Construction Summit (NCS) 2025 takes place with €165bn earmarked for infrastructure projects over the next decade under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP).

The NCS will run across two days on 02 and 03 April at the Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin, at a time when monumental investment is being planned for roads, public transport, energy, housing, and social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.

The summit provides a timely and invaluable platform for industry professionals to explore these opportunities, address challenges, and collaborate on solutions.

This event reflects the construction sector’s vital role in shaping Ireland’s future. Bringing together contractors, architects, engineers, policymakers and innovators, this event facilitates the sharing of insights, strategies, and innovations needed to navigate the evolving industry landscape.

Key highlights will include:

• Expert insights: National and international thought leaders will share perspectives on how the NDP’s ambitious targets will influence Ireland’s construction priorities.

• Timely discussions: Sessions will focus on sustainability, digital transformation, regulatory changes, and overcoming resource challenges.

• Innovative solutions: An extensive exhibitor space will showcase cutting-edge products and technologies to address the industry’s most pressing needs.

Speakers will include Sean Sweeney, Programme Director, MetroLink; James Allen, Director, BTY; Jenna Davis, Director, Government & Infrastructure, EY; Olwyn James, Senior Planning, Land & Utilities Manager; Uisce Éireann; and Anne-Marie Friel, Partner, Pinsent Masons. Exhibitors will include Portakabin Ltd, Wavin Ireland Ltd, Snickers Workwear, STIRA, and U Value Insulation, along with sponsors CitA, Cpac Modular, Containex, Cubis Systems and Skillnet MMC Accelerate and media partner Irish Construction News.

For more information about this year’s programme or to secure your place, visit www.nationalconstructionsummit.ie

Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Tranquillity House officially opened

The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s mission has been to build Ireland’s first ‘home away from home’ for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their families.

In January, Tranquillity House, Ireland’s first dedicated home away from home for people and their loved ones with CF, was officially opened with great fanfare and featured in a one-off programme of ‘Room to Improve’ on RTE. Room to Improve presenter Dermot Bannon led the renovation design.

Over 130 companies came together over 14 months to help restore Tranquillity House in Dublin to give families a comfortable base when they are supporting their loved ones who are in a hospital in Dublin receiving CF treatment.

This Georgian house has been transformed into into four separate apartments. Companies that gave their expertise, time and products included Chadwicks, Murphy, Roadstone, Kirby Group, Maylim, Carnehill Joinery and Timeless Sash Windows.

Speaking at the opening, foundation founder and former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ judge Julian Benson said: “This is my

Olympic Gold! Dreams really do come true! Bowled over by the love and support of so many people. The CF community now has a very special home away from home.”

To learn more about Tranquillity House, visit https://jbcff.com

Dermot Bannon and Julian Benson.

Sisk appointed to deliver Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital

Sisk is set to deliver a state-of-the-art Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) at the renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in central London.

The development is being supported by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity), which is in the midst of the biggest and most ambitious fundraising appeal in its history. The ‘Build it. Beat it’ appeal aims to raise £300m to help build the CCC, deliver transformation in cancer care, advance research and save lives.

The project will deliver a new clinical building on Great Ormond Street and a new front entrance and welcome area for the entire hospital. At just under 19,000 metres squared, the building will provide a high-quality environment consistent with the hospital’s world-renowned paediatric care and research activities.

During the construction phase, Sisk will employ over 500 people on site, hire 37 apprentices, and create over 20 work placements for local students.

Sisk has digitally built the project in 4D before beginning on site, and it is fully Building Safety Act (BSA) compliant, the first hospital in the UK to go through the BSA process.

GOSH’s cancer services will move out of some of its oldest buildings and be located together, across four floors, in a larger cohesive centre, helping clinicians to deliver the best treatment and to develop new ways to treat cancer that are more effective and have fewer side effects, in a child-focused environment.

The hospital is also using the opportunity to improve other services that are essential to the delivery of the cancer care pathway and other specialities. With a new entrance, reception area, and outside spaces, a new larger hospital school and theatre, and imaging and critical care services, the centre will benefit every child who comes to GOSH.

Construction is forecast to be complete in late 2028.

Ger Hayes, Managing Director, Sisk, said: “It’s an incredible honour to be entrusted with building the new Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital. We’re making significant progress in the healthcare sector both in Ireland and the UK, and

At Great Ormonde Street Hospital, London (L to r): Amy Venstone, Graduate Structural Engineer, Sisk; Ger Hayes, Managing Director UK South, Sisk; Steven McGee, COO, Ireland & UK, Sisk; Mat Shaw, CEO, Great Ormond Street Hospital; and Keira Mennie, Site Manager, Sisk.

we fully appreciate that Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s healthcare providers. As a family-owned business, we take immense pride in creating lasting legacies within the communities we serve, and we are fully motivated to deliver a best-in-class cancer centre for GOSH and the families they support.”

Mat Shaw, Chief Executive, GOSH, said: “I am delighted that we are now in contract with Sisk and building work on our fantastic new Children’s Cancer Centre is underway. Reflecting our ambition to put the child first and always, the CCC will help our staff be their best and enable children to play, learn and be with their families even while at the hospital.”

GOSH and Sisk are working hard to limit the impacts of the development on the local community and families coming to the hospital. Sisk are using a range of different methods to limit the transmission of dust, noise and vibrations. This includes wrapping the frontage building in sheeting and carefully dismantling it section by section, with waste materials contained before being removed from the site to be recycled or reused.

A CGI of Children’s Cancer Centre.

Grant launches new generation heat pump specifically designed for Irish climate

Leading heating technology manufacturer Grant has announced the launch of its next-generation air-source heat pump – the Grant Aerona R290.

Representing an investment of €2.4 Million the new Grant Aerona R290 heat pump was designed in Ireland, specifically for the Irish and UK climate and is already proving itself to be in another league in terms of innovation and efficiency and a significant addition to the Grant product portfolio.

The launch of the Aerona R290 further demonstrates Grant’s commitment to innovation and sustainable home heating. Throughout the research and development phase, Grant heavily invested in design and testing of the new heat pump range to ensure the technology is best suited for year-round climate conditions in Ireland and the UK.

Innovative and aesthetically pleasing, the Aerona R290 monobloc heat pump has been designed to suit many types of homes. The range features five models with outputs of 4kW, 6.5kW, 9kW, 12kW and 16kW.

Built upon three core pillars – design, performance and peace of mind, the

(L-R) Stephen Grant, Founder, Grant; and Niall Fay, Director, Grant.

Grant Aerona R290 4kW air source heat pump.

Aerona R290 provides an even more environmentally friendly, low carbon heating solution for the next generation as it uses the energy-efficient and natural R290 refrigerant, which has an incredibly low Global Warming Potential of 3, signalling an important advancement in sustainable home heating.

Stephen Grant, Founder of Grant said, “The launch of the Aerona R290 heat pump marks a significant development in sustainable home heating and within our product portfolio. As our next generation heat pump, the Aerona R290 comes as Grant celebrates 15 years of being in the heat pump market and is a testament to our commitment to design highly efficient, reliable heating technologies which can make a real sustainable difference. As more homes make the transition to lower carbon heating solutions, we look forward to continuing to support customers through the delivery of technologies, products and services that can help them make a real difference.”

Cleverly designed, taking both aesthetics and acoustics into consideration, the Grant Aerona R290 combines modern styling and sleek colorway with high performance. Featuring a durable, powder-coated black casing, the Aerona R290 heat pump’s appearance has been developed following extensive analysis of feedback from customers. The ultra-low noise levels of the units, which have achieved Quiet Mark accreditation, are the result of innovative sound-reducing features within the units, including acoustic cotton sound insulation in the casing and anti-vibration feet.

Delivering exceptional performance levels, all five models within the range have been tested to perform in Irish & UK climates. Each model has an energy rating of A+++ (at 35°C flow temperature) and their outputs have been rated at -5°C air temperature and 55°C water flow temperature. The Aerona R290 range also features a built-in immersion and high capacity 9m head circulation pump.

Providing peace of mind, models within the Aerona R290 range can be monitored and managed remotely, giving both installers and homeowners full control of their heat pump system and providing offsite diagnostic support when required. Designed for use with the Aerona Smart Controller, the Aerona R290 can be operated and managed with ease through straightforward set-up and commissioning, innovative control and support thereafter.

Grant’s in-house renewable technical specialists will also continue to provide their free-of-charge heating system and design specification support to those working on new build projects to ensure correct sizing of the new Aerona R290 heat pump as part of an integrated heating

system. All Aerona R290 heat pumps will also be commissioned onsite by Grant at no extra charge.

Alongside the new Aerona R290 heat pump range, Grant is also launching the Aerona Smart Controller, and QR Smart Pre-Plumbed AWave Integrated Cylinder. These new products will feature within the company’s integrated heating package solutions, providing further choices and flexibility for design and installation whilst

providing the same quality and reliability that customers have come to expect from a Grant heating system.

Visit www.grant.ie more information on Grant’s range of innovative heating solutions. Follow Grant on Facebook @ GrantIRL X and Instagram @grant_irl and LinkedIn @GrantEngineeringULC

Think Grant – Think heating for the future.

Grant Aerona R290 12kW air source heat pump.

Grant Aerona Smart Controller.

Hardware industry calls for investment in apprenticeships and highlights rapid housing stock potential of vacant and over-the-shop properties

Hardware Association Ireland Chief Executive Martin Markey has said there is a massive question mark about Ireland’s ability to build out many housing schemes promised for the years ahead. Instead, attention should be turned to the stockpile of empty homes and over-theshop properties that remain neglected and can be quickly turned into housing stock in months rather than years.

The association is actively campaigning to highlight the urgent action required for the vast stockpile of empty homes that must be brought back to life and help address critical housing needs.

Furthermore, the organisation believes every town and village has many neglected spaces above shops, which could contribute a vital lifeline to the housing shortage. Another aspect that the association believes is affecting the housing shortage is the lack of construction staff and trades professionals.

Martin Markey commented: “Ireland has an acute shortage of trades professionals. Our market is at a standstill and we have had five quarters of no growth. Our members

are telling us that construction jobs are being postponed and abandoned due to a lack of trades professionals, and unless this is addressed, it will get worse. Previously, we had builders and workers from Eastern Europe, but most of them have returned home and have not been replaced. We are in a fragile position since the hollowing out of staffing numbers.

“Many of our members believe we have witnessed a dramatic reduction in employment levels in the past four or five years.”

He added: “We have written to the new Housing Minister, James Browne TD, seeking an urgent meeting as there is a vital need to instil new confidence in order for these housing targets, which include rejuvenating empty homes and the endless above-the-shop properties that lie vacant. Many of our members have met with the past government and told them simply that there is a massive question mark as to their real capacity of the proposed housing targets,” Martin Markey concluded.

CIRI registration to become mandatory for Irish builders later this year

The Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) is set to become mandatory for all builders later this year, a move welcomed by industry leaders and clients alike.

The register, which will provide a directory of competent and accountable construction professionals, has been championed by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) since 2014.

Dr Sarah Ingle, Registrar of CIRI, stated, ‘The CIF has advocated for the introduction of CIRI on a statutory footing since 2014 and welcomes the register’s establishment. CIRI is the first register of its kind for the country and is a very positive step for the construction industry, its clients and the community. It will serve to give confidence to public and private consumers that their chosen building provider has the required competencies to successfully undertake and complete building projects in their registered divisions.”

The CIF anticipates a phased rollout of the register, with the initial focus on large residential developers. Subsequent divisions will encompass smaller residential projects, commercial buildings, and specialised trades. Builders will have a 12-month period to register within each division following its launch.

To ensure compliance, CIRI is expected to have the authority to access company premises with a warrant from a District Court judge.

The CIF currently operates a voluntary register with approximately 800 companies. However, the mandatory register is expected to significantly expand this number, potentially reaching 5,000 to 20,000 registered constructors.

The CIF will continue to provide updates on the implementation of CIRI to industry stakeholders and the public.

Martin Markey, Chief Executive, Hardware Association Ireland.

Dr Sarah Ingle, Registrar, CIRI.

John Paul Construction laying the foundations to go further

John Paul Construction has announced three new appointments to its board to build on recent momentum and optimise its next five-year strategic plan.

Liam Kenny, Managing Director, John Paul Construction, has announced the appointment of Henry Scanlon, Mick Kelly and David Dillon to the board of John Paul Construction. These appointments recognise both the talent of the people within the business and the opportunities for future growth.

Henry Scanlon’s role as civil engineering director has seen him empower a division in Ireland and the UK and has positioned the company to support Ireland’s National Development Plan 2040.

Mick Kelly’s experience across bid management, planning and project delivery has seen him work with a range of blue-chip clients in the manufacturing and life sciences sectors while building a balanced perspective on the industry.

The company has also appointed David Dillon as non-executive director. He brings over 30 years of experience to the board, mainly with CRH plc, in a career that

involved leadership positions across the US and Europe. Most recently, he was a member of CRH plc’s executive committee from 2016 to 2023, where he served as President, Strategy & Development, and as President, CRH Europe.

Commenting on the announcement, Liam Kenny noted: “Over the past five years, the company’s turnover has grown to €736m with a team of 600 people while also increasing our average project size to €150m. All of this has been achieved on the back of a clear plan that focused on safety,

digital transformation and diversification. I am incredibly excited by what we can achieve in the next five years and the major contribution Henry, Michael and David will make on that journey.”

John Paul Construction is a wholly Irish-owned company and a leading general contractor specialising in the commercial, data centre, infrastructure, life sciences and residential sectors. Established over 75 years ago, the company is based in Dublin and manages projects throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom and Germany.

New board appointments at Kirby Group Engineering

Kirby Group Engineering has announced a series of boardlevel appointments, which have taken effect in recent weeks. These include the elevation of four long-standing team members to the company’s board, while two existing board members have taken on new roles.

Pictured (L-r:) Kirby Group Engineering Group Business Development Director and Board Level Director for Power & Renewables, Michael Murray; Group Finance Director, Donal Lynch; Chief Operations Officer, John Grogan; Kirby CEO, Henry McCann; Chief Commercial Officer, Conor O’Brien; Group Operations Director, Ruairí Ryan; and Group Operations Director Mikey Ryan.

Kirby employs over 1800 people and has developed a first-class reputation in the life sciences, data centre, industrial, power and renewables sectors. The Limerick-headquartered company recorded revenue of more than €700m in 2024.

The colleagues joining the company’s board are Donal Lynch, who has been appointed as Group Finance Director; Mikey Ryan, who has been appointed as Group Operations Director; Ruairí Ryan, who has been appointed as Group Operations Director; and Michael Murray, Group Business Development Director and Board Level Director for Power & Renewables.

The two existing board members taking on new roles are John Grogan, who has been appointed as Chief Operations Officer, and Conor O’Brien, who has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer.

The announcement was made by Henry McCann, who took on the role of CEO in January. He says: “I have worked alongside each of these colleagues for many years, and I have seen the benefit they have brought to Kirby at each stage of their careers. I’d like to welcome our newest board members and look forward to seeing their contribution to the highest level of company leadership. I’m also confident John Grogan and Conor O’Brien will bring their first-class expertise to their new roles to the benefit of Kirby’s future growth”.

Kirby Group Engineering is a privately owned Irish business founded by Tom and Michael Kirby in 1964. Along with a full range of engineering services, the company has a reputation for its specialist high- and medium-voltage design and construction work.

Pictured (L to r): David Dillon, Non-Executive Director; Peter O’Grady Walshe, Chairman; Liam Kenny, Managing Director; Mick Kelly, Construction Director; and Henry Scanlon, Civil Engineering Director, John Paul Construction.

BUILDING SECURE PENSIONS

The Irish government’s Auto Enrolment (AE) pension scheme has moved from blueprint to construction. Are you ready?

CPAS is the construction industry specific pension provider. Whether you are an employer seeking to provide benefits for your employees or planning your own retirement, CPAS has the right solution for you.

CPAS and its industry wide pension schemes have been supporting the construction sector by providing pension, life assurance and illness benefits for nearly 60 years.

We are working with employers to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to get AE ready.

Talk to us today email info@cpas.ie, call 01 2234949, or visit www.cpas.ie/AE www.cpas.ie

What Pension Auto-Enrolment means for your business

SUSAN O’MARA, Business Development Manager at CIF Pension Administration Services (CPAS), writes about how Irish employers should prepare for the significant changes in pension regulations in 2025 that will increase their responsibilities and contribution requirements.

In 2025, employers in Ireland should be aware of significant changes in pension regulations that will impact their responsibilities and contributions. Key developments include:

INTRODUCTION OF AUTO-ENROLMENT (AE)

• Implementation Date: The AE system, known as “My Future Fund”, is scheduled to commence on 30 September 2025. This represents a shift from the initially planned start in January 2025 and, in fact, there have been many false starts to this scheme. However, on 30 September 2024, the then Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, signed a Commencement Order in respect of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024 (the “AE Act”), namely the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2024.

• Employer Obligations: Employers will be required to automatically enrol eligible employees into the AE pension scheme. Eligible employees are those aged between 23 and 60, earning over €20,000 annually, and who are not already participating in an occupational or private pension scheme. It should be noted that the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA) will determine which employees are eligible for autoenrolment using Revenue payroll data, and it will enrol them. Employers are advised to review their current pension arrangements to determine how they

Susan O’Mara, Business Development Manager, CPAS.

will interact with the AE system and identify employees who will need to be enrolled. This will be about who is not currently covered for pension and how as a business you wish to address this. If your business would rather opt for a different solution to AE, then planning is essential in advance of the start date.

• Cost Management: For employers with a cohort of employees not previously included for pension contributions, it will likely mean higher mandatory contributions. Budgeting and forecasting for these changes are critical, particularly for construction and related industries that tender work far into the future.

ACTION STEPS FOR EMPLOYERS

• Information: Employers should regularly consult updates from the Department of Social Protection, the Pensions Authority, and relevant regulatory bodies to remain compliant with evolving pension regulations. At CPAS, we continue to provide our clients with meaningful regular updates to ensure they are informed and aware of changes when relevant.

• Planning: An evaluation period is required to review existing pension schemes, existing staff both enrolled in a pension and, more importantly, those not. As an employer, you should be aware of the differences between your occupational pension and AE – such as state top-up versus tax relief and how that can impact your employees.

• Employee Communication: Inform employees about upcoming changes,

especially those relating to autoenrolment and how it affects their retirement planning.

• Administrative Planning: Updates to payroll and administrative systems to handle new contribution calculations, auto-enrolment processes, and reporting obligations may also be required.

PERSONAL RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Another update that Employers should be aware of are the changes to Personal Retirement Savings Accounts. Started from January 2025, employer contributions to an employee’s PRSA will be capped at 100% of the employee’s salary. For example, if an employee earns €60,000, the maximum employer contribution to their PRSA for that year is €60,000. Any contributions exceeding the 100% salary cap will be treated as a Benefit in Kind (BIK). Employers should seize this opportunity to assess their needs and implement a solution that suits them best.

HERE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE YOUR WAY.

The CPAS team are qualified pension consultants. We specialise in helping professionals in the construction sector and related industries. Our team can work with you to review your pension plans and ensure you are ready for 30 September 2025.

For more information, contact Susan O’Mara on (01) 223 4942, susan@cpas.ie or visit www.cpas.ie

Patrick Phelan, Managing Director, Ballymore Ireland.

Ballymore – Delivering quality homes while championing Irish businesses and biodiversity

Patrick Phelan, Managing Director, Ballymore Ireland, speaks with ROBBIE COUSINS about the key role Irish suppliers play in the developer’s success and outlines what he sees as barriers to delivering new homes that the government can and must address.

Founded in Kildare in 1982 by Sean and Bernadine Mulryan, Ballymore is a leading force in the Irish, UK and continental real estate landscape. To date, it has delivered over 35,000 homes across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. With a deep-rooted commitment to the Irish market, Ballymore has consistently invested in the nation’s construction sector, driving economic growth and shaping the urban fabric.

In 2021, Ballymore appointed Patrick Phelan as managing director of its Irish operations. This appointment coincided with a surge in activity for the company, encompassing suburban residential developments and several ambitious mixed-use projects in the heart of Dublin. Phelan, a seasoned real estate professional with over 25 years of experience across the UK, Ireland, and the US, brought a wealth of expertise to the role. Before taking up his current position, he served as director of corporate finance for the company in London.

GUARANTEED IRISH HOUSE

Ballymore’s confidence in Irish enterprise is solidified by a recent partnership with Guaranteed Irish, a move that underscores Ballymore’s commitment to bolstering local supply chains and supporting domestic businesses.

The collaboration between Ballymore and Guaranteed Irish is centred around the Guaranteed Irish House initiative and aims to champion local businesses and prioritise sustainability within Ballymore’s developments.

Guaranteed Irish House is an invaluable resource, connecting developers, specifiers, and contractors with a comprehensive

directory of Irish-based suppliers. Currently, a substantial 60% of the products utilised in Ballymore’s projects originate from Guaranteed Irish members, a figure that the company is determined to significantly increase in the years to come.

Commenting on the partnership, Patrick Phelan emphasised its alignment with Ballymore’s core values: “Working with Guaranteed Irish aligns with our dedication to sustainability and community engagement. By tapping into the Guaranteed Irish House directory, we ensure our developments meet the highest standards and positively contribute to the Irish economy and local communities. We are excited to deepen this partnership and increase the use of local products and services in our projects.

“By engaging Guaranteed Irish suppliers, we safeguard the reliability and efficiency of our supply chain with whom we share a common goal of delivering energy-efficient homes at a reasonable cost. This collaboration will result in long-term relationships built on mutual understanding, enabling us to unlock challenges together and maintain the highest standards for Ballymore-delivered homes.”

He adds that Irish suppliers are integral to Ballymore’s success, providing innovation, flexibility, and an outstanding safety record. “Their responsiveness ensures quality and design excellence, while repeated collaboration and scale reduce costs for our customers. Their commitment to sustainability and training apprentices fosters the next generation of tradespeople, aligning with Ballymore’s focus on sustainable growth and high standards.”

L

to r: Hayleigh O’Farrell, Head of Brand & Communications, Ballymore; Brid O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish; Patrick Phelan, Managing Director, Ballymore; Clemence Jamet, Operations & Sustainability Manager, Guaranteed Irish.

BALLYMORE IN IRELAND

In 2024, Ballymore made significant progress with projects across Ireland, completing homes at landmark projects such as Seamount Rise, Malahide; Station Walk, Newbridge; and Stonehaven, Naas, and launching homes at the Sea Gardens coastal community in Bray.

Patrick Phelan says Ballymore plans to commence between 500 and 1,000 homes in the coming year, subject to planning and utility connections.

Phelan comments: “Over the next few years, we plan to expand our Irish portfolio with a pipeline of new homes across the country, including projects at Old Connell and Confey in Co Kildare, and in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

“We have just completed a private apartment scheme in Malahide, of which we are very proud. However, unless government supports are forthcoming, it will be very difficult to make our next apartment scheme both affordable and

viable in the current environment.”

Notwithstanding the challenges associated with apartment schemes, by continuing to embrace sustainability and innovation, he adds that Ballymore aims to deliver vibrant, connected communities while advancing carbon reduction strategies and enhancing local biodiversity.

INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY AT BALLYMORE

Key Ballymore initiatives that involve its Irish supply chain include growing sustainability practices and improving safety standards.

“Using modern methods of construction, we have focused on reducing the embedded carbon in construction materials and processes while advancing biodiversity through ecological features such as wildlife corridors, swift homes and enhanced green spaces.”

Patrick Phelan places biodiversity at the heart of Ballymore’s vision for sustainable

communities.

“Our biodiversity initiatives include wildlife corridors, native landscaping, and habitats for species such as bats and birds. For instance, at Seamount Rise in Malahide, we’ve created a biodiversity area with a flourishing wildflower meadow, Scots pine and birch trees to support local ecosystems.”

He adds, “Similarly, at River Walk in Ballymore Eustace, we’ve partnered with the Tidy Towns Committee to enhance local walkways and establish biodiversity ponds. Accessible green spaces, like Seamount Rise’s natural-material playground, blend seamlessly with the environment while providing inclusive amenities for residents.”

MAPPING ITS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

By leveraging better data, Ballymore has mapped out the green infrastructure of its projects, categorising biodiversity value from wetlands and watercourses to forestry

“Ballymore views biodiversity as a crucial element of sustainable development, ensuring our projects not only meet environmental standards but also create a lasting positive impact on ecosystems and communities.”

roof of 8th Lock in Dublin, demonstrating how modern urban construction can support biodiversity.

Patrick Phelan expands further on the issue: “Ballymore views biodiversity as a crucial element of sustainable development, ensuring our projects not only meet environmental standards but also create a lasting positive impact on ecosystems and communities.”

BALLYMORE’S SUPPLY CHAIN

Returning to the subject of the importance of having a good relationship with its supply chain, Patrick Phelan says that Ballymore recognises that its success is inextricably linked to the strength of its supply chain and its links with suppliers and subcontractors.

“We actively work alongside them to achieve high standards, incorporating innovative products and practices into our projects. The supply chain landscape is constantly evolving, and we acknowledge that much of the data driving improvements in efficiency and sustainability stems from our partners’ processes. In fact, the critical insights that drive our progress often originate from within the supply chainnine times out of 10, it’s their expertise that

helps us improve.”

This ongoing collaboration enables Ballymore to adopt more efficient construction methods and practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

“By working together, we ensure that Ballymore and our partners stay at the cutting edge of sustainable, efficient construction.”

GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

With a new government in place, Patrick Phelan is clear on what he thinks the government needs to do to enable developers, such as Ballymore, to build up the nation’s new housing stock.

“It is all about supply. The new government should focus on initiatives that bridge the viability gap, particularly for private sale apartments. These initiatives must assist homebuyers with targeted financial support or incentives.

“This sector faces the greatest challenge with development costs exceeding sales prices. By helping to make apartment development more financially viable, they can accelerate delivery, and we can start to meet demand for well-located and affordable housing.”

and protected habitats. “This in-depth understanding enables us to enhance and preserve these ecosystems in meaningful ways.”

Ballymore’s commitment extends to innovative projects like the Miyawaki mini-forest initiative at Sea Gardens. – the first urban forest in a new development in which it planted 1,500 trees. “This is part of our ongoing support for the ambitious ‘100 Million Trees’ programme. Under this partnership, we will review all developments moving forward and plant more urban mini forests where viable. Local transition-year students will join us, emphasising the importance of community engagement in building a sustainable future.”

Beyond large-scale initiatives, Ballymore is incorporating biodiversity into the very fabric of its developments. From swift bricks and bee bricks to creating habitats for specific species, it is also embedding nature into urban spaces. A notable example is the installation of a peregrine falcon nest on the

Seamount Rise, Malahide.

Stonehaven, Naas.

CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK

One of Patrick Phelan’s main concerns for the industry is the low availability of zoned and serviced land, which is also significantly driving up the cost of houses.

“Ireland has not invested enough in the targeted infrastructure necessary to support delivery targets. The zoning process is laborious, and land that is currently zoned is often not ready for development. We need to take a more flexible approach, beginning with an assessment of the quantity of zoned and serviced land. Once a proper evaluation is carried out, I believe it will become evident that there isn’t enough such land to

fulfil Ireland’s housing needs.”

NATIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK REVIEW

Patrick Phelan emphasises the urgent need for the new government to expedite its review of the National Planning Framework. He argues that a swift review is crucial to ensure that zoned land is effectively utilised for housing development.

“We need to speed up the review of the National Planning Framework to ensure that zoned land can be built on and is available to housebuilders for development. We believe it’s vital to focus in more depth on how the Framework has (or has not) translated into the delivery of housing units

in a timely and sustainable manner.”

He adds that addressing the current climate of uncertainty surrounding planning and rent control is paramount and points to the dearth of such investments over the past two years as evidence that current regulations have diminished Ireland’s appeal to institutional investors.

“We need to reduce uncertainty, particularly around planning and rent control - the latter to support investment from pension funds into long-term housing stock.

“The lack of such transactions over the past two years shows that current regulations have made Ireland less attractive to such investors.”

He highlights that Ireland’s current rent control regime is among the most stringent in Europe and acknowledges the inherent difficulty in reversing such measures. However, he emphasises the need for a comprehensive assessment of existing regulations. He also calls for a more balanced approach that encourages investment in rental housing while safeguarding the rights of existing tenants.

“Ireland has one of the most punitive regimes in Europe. While rent control is difficult to unwind, we must assess existing measures and amend accordingly to create a more balanced environment that supports investment in rental housing while protecting existing tenants,” Patrick Phelan concludes.

Sea Gardens coastal community, Bray.

An interior at River Walk, Ballymore Eustace.

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Building for a 3°C world

Indy Johar, architect and co-founder of Dark Matter Labs, a collective at the forefront of reimagining how we build in a climate-changed world, spoke with ROBBIE COUSINS about the urgent need to rethink our approach to construction, from embracing circularity to prioritising societal wellbeing, to ensure a sustainable future.

Earth’s average temperature climbed to more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time in 2024, making it the hottest year on record. With this, the world has failed, at least temporarily, to avoid crossing the threshold set by governments to avert the worst impacts of global warming in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

For now, it’s just one metric and one year. Still, researchers say it serves as a stark reminder that the world is moving into the dangerous territory of climate breakdown – perhaps more quickly than previously thought. However, on a positive note, we have not yet breached the Paris Agreement, as this refers to a long-term change or an average over a period of 20 years.

But it does raise a question about how Ireland can prepare for the possibility of exceeding this increase, what impact would it have on Irish society and how we design, construct and manage our national building stock to mitigate and adapt for the impact of a possible 3°C increase in the years to come.

Indy Johar is a renowned architect and urbanist. He co-founded the UK-based RIBA award-winning practice Architecture00 with David Saxby in 2004. He is a founding director of Open Systems Lab, which has nurtured groundbreaking initiatives like WikiHouse (open-source housing) and Open Desk (open-source furniture). Furthermore, he serves as a non-executive international director of BloxHub, the Nordic Hub for sustainable urbanisation.

He is also a co-founder of Dark Matter Labs, a global collective of influential thought leaders dedicated to spatial justice. This brings together academics, public sector and industry leaders from around the globe to develop small-scale projects that challenge conventional thinking on climate change and climate breakdown.

INNOVATE THINKING ON HOUSING

Last year, Indy Johar was a keynote speaker at the Irish Green Building Council’s ‘Better Homes’ conference, themed ‘Innovation and Finance for Greener Housing.’ His presentation, ‘Innovate

Indy Johar, architect and co-founder of Dark Matter Labs.

Thinking on Housing,’ explored the critical challenges facing society in a world experiencing a 3°C temperature increase. He outlined the necessary societal shifts to address these challenges, emphasising that as the climate crisis intensifies, government and industry entities are increasingly receptive to the solutions proposed by the Dark Matters Lab team.

He comments: “I think, as the crisis accelerates, people are becoming more receptive to our message. When we started out, I used to think I was being called into boardrooms as a form of entertainment to frighten executives. However, more recently, the level of engagement we’re getting from organisations and government bodies has become quite different, as they are coming to recognise many of the systemic issues that we’re pointing to concerning our capabilities, resources, and financial limits. I believe people are finally getting the message and considering the fundamental changes that must be made at a societal level.”

DARK MATTER LABS

Dark Matter Labs is exploring alternative pathways for organising society and stewarding the shared planetary commons. Its working hypothesis is that these pathways must be rooted in a radical reframing of our relationship to everything, from technology and money to land and the other-than-human world. It frames this transformation as a shift towards what it calls ‘Life-Ennobling Economies’.

Indy Johar explains that we cannot be sure how the future will play out or what specific infrastructures will be required. However, we can build towards a range of economic options that are likely to be needed.

“For example, we are looking at new investment opportunities for city-scale tree canopies, community endowments and resilient bioregional food systems. We envisage that the electrification of transport networks, the mental health of communities and the collective intelligence of cities will become recognisable assets, understood as commitments to a regenerative future.”

He gives an example of how the body applies this work in practical terms.

“Dark Matters Lab recently carried out a piece of work that looked at the UK’s carbon budget regarding new build construction.

Our findings indicate that within the constraints of the available carbon budget, approximately 17,000 new homes can be built annually. This significantly contrasts with the UK’s ambitious target of constructing around 300,000 homes per year over the next five years. This discrepancy highlights a critical reality: a carbon constraint that will inevitably limit future construction capacity.

“The crucial question then becomes: How can we achieve spatial justice - ensuring equitable access to high-quality living environments for all - within this constrained carbon budget? This necessitates a fundamental rethinking of our current approach. For instance, the UK must prioritise the growth and management of forests specifically for structural timber production to address this challenge. Currently, our managed forests are primarily dedicated to paper and other uses. It’s important to note that a World Resources Institute study on global timber supply, considering transportation factors, reveals a 5% variance in carbon emissions between timber and concrete.”

He offers some advice here for architects: “If you are serious about making transitions, please stop putting sacrificial timber as cladding on the outside of your buildings, as you will have to account for this in your building’s end-of-life management plan. If timber is being used as a sequestration resource to store carbon, you have to take responsibility for storing that carbon for 500 years and managing that life cycle of timber. And our economies are not currently set up to manage minerals and materials through this lifetime structure.”

TRUE COSTS

He comments: “To respond to this challenge, taking carbon budget into consideration, we will have to rebuild a new bio-material base for the construction economy. We will have to build a new circular material construction economy and change the regulatory landscapes to reduce the material demands of our buildings.

He explains that by looking at the problem through this lens, we can see the innovation required in the built environment industry. “The implications of these structural shifts drive our work in Dark Matter Labs. And, we are finding that a growing number of people and organisations are starting to also grapple with these problems.”

He adds that a fundamental question that people conveniently avoid is the true cost of delivering a new-build house.

“The actual cost of a £50 shirt becomes £250 when social and environmental factors are added to the equation. The actual cost of building a £250,000 house would then be in excess of £1m.

“Most people have been externalising true costs up to now, thereby accelerating the harm we are doing to our climate, which means that we’re on route to self-terminating. But if we start to take a true cost approach, how can we build affordability into this, and what will it look like?”

He continues: “These are paradramatic problems that I think people now know they must address. They won’t necessarily talk about it in the public domain as it is not politically appropriate, but behind closed doors, these are starting to become real conversations.”

THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

Indy Johar believes that governments have a central role in making change happen. “Governments need to be the demand aggregators for this future. They should be systemically creating the market conditions and driving the demand. Every government building should be systemically regenerative. They should focus on regeneration as a means to drive innovation and create a market capability to respond to future demands.

“Governments need to shift their focus from prioritising cost efficiency to prioritising the capacity for regeneration. This necessitates a demand for products, systems, and approaches fundamentally different from the current norm.”

WikiHouse uses digital fabrication to create timber building components that can be assembled in hours, to millimetre precision.

COMFORT & CONTROL

According to Johar, architects and engineers frequently engage in excessive engineering, over-specification, and overthinking when designing modern homes, which can lead to unnecessary complexity and carbon costs.

“Lowering our comfort standards slightly could significantly reduce our carbon footprint. We must critically examine the necessity of current insulation standards.

“Material oversupply presents a critical challenge. Many buildings are over-engineered, leading to excessive material use. Reducing material content is crucial for minimising the carbon impact of construction.

“Furthermore, we need to enhance the utilisation and adaptability of our buildings. Achieving this will require revising planning and building regulations to facilitate building repurposing and reprogramming over time.”

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Indy Johar remains concerned about how we develop circular construction economies. He explains: “The circularity of construction materials is critical to the broader circular economy. Despite Denmark being a global leader in this area, its circularity rate in construction remains below 4%. This underscores the complexity of the challenge. Achieving a truly circular construction industry requires a holistic approach beyond material considerations.”

SHARED SPACES

He comments that from an investor’s perspective, there will be much more investment in retrofitting and critical shared infrastructures, such as power grids, the transport network and information and communication systems.

“At an individual citizen level, we will have to consider the increased utilisation and functionality of our homes. When you consider increasing costs and reduced pensions, we will once again have to look at intergenerational living arrangements to provide care. If you start to look at housing from this systematic level, you think about it differently.”

A RESILIENT CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Johar emphasises the critical need for resilient and sustainable supply chains to support the built environment of the future. These supply chains must not degrade our soils or deplete natural resources. He highlights the environmental harm caused

by monocultural forestry practices. Instead, he advocates for sustainable agroforestry systems that enable timber harvesting on a 40-year cycle, facilitating long-term carbon sequestration within the built environment.

WHAT TEMPERATURE RISES WILL LOOK LIKE

Indy Johar emphasises the urgent need for the construction industry to proactively plan for the inevitable impacts of climate change and climate breakdown. He believes a global, industry-wide transformation is necessary to ensure long-term viability.

“A global average temperature increase of 3°C will result in land temperatures rising by 5°C and urban areas experiencing even more significant increases (8-10°C). There are many critical challenges facing our construction sectors if this happens. We are looking at adapting rather than mitigating.

“In contrast, we could also then lose the Mid-Atlantic Drift. This could lead to dramatic temperature drops of as much as 20°C in the UK and Ireland. This underscores the need to prepare for extreme heat followed by cold periods, including the associated energy and heating costs.”

He calls for a proactive approach, urging proper analysis of potential future scenarios and the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks by our governments. “We must also secure the long-term wellbeing of populations by addressing energy, water, and food security needs.

“We need careful consideration of resource allocation and the development of strategies to build within the constraints of a changing climate, and we need all sides in government, industry and academia to address all of these critical challenges together as a matter of absolute urgency.”

IN CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Indy Johar emphasises the urgency of the climate crisis, climate breakdown and the need for a radical transformation of the construction industry. He highlights the importance of considering and understanding the actual costs, embracing circularity, and prioritising societal wellbeing in all building projects. “By acknowledging the limitations of our carbon budget and adopting and embracing sustainable practices, we can create a built environment that is not only resilient but also contributes to a regenerative future. However, this requires a collective effort from governments, industries, and individuals to reimagine our relationship with resources and embrace a more sustainable way of living,” he concludes.

A WikiHouse building in progress at De Stripmaker in Almere Buiten, near Amsterdam.

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PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS –COMMON PITFALLS AND SOLUTIONS

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) introduced its suite of Public Works Contracts (PWC) in 2007 to standardise the procurement and administration of government construction contracts in Ireland. Although one of the objectives of the PWC was to simplify the procurement and administration of construction projects, many difficulties still exist today regarding how these contracts should be applied.

Before we begin, it is important to recognise some ground rules that exist under the PWC.

Clause 1.3.1 of the Contract outlines the hierarchy of documents should inconsistencies arise between contract documents, where the Agreement and Schedule carry more weight than the Works Requirements and Pricing Document.

The Agreement states under Article 1 that ‘the Contractor shall execute and complete the Works subject to and in accordance with the Contract and shall comply with its other obligations in the Contract’, and Clause 1.2.2 (1) of the Contract tells us that the Works are the Works Requirements which usually include the drawings and specification describing the Works.

Therefore, when considering pitfalls that might exist under the PWC, special consideration needs to be given to the Schedule and Works Requirements.

THE SCHEDULE

As outlined under clause 1.3.1 of the Contract, the Schedule is ranked second in the hierarchy of documents. The type of information included in the Schedule plays a vital role in how a PWC functions. If wrongly drafted, it can have serious consequences. The

Schedule, in effect, is the engine room of the PWC.

Part 1 B of the Schedule requires the contract drafter to consider what should be included in the Works Requirements Box.

As shown above, the OGP suggest that ‘As scheduled and included in Volume A’ be inserted. If that is the case, the contract drafter needs to make sure that Volume A only includes information that describes the scope and nature of the Works to be constructed, i.e. drawings and specification.

Very often, mistakes can be made when populating the Works Requirement (WR) box, where incorrect information is included.

On occasion, I have seen the WR box include site investigation information, other background information, and the Pricing Document, as shown below.

This incorrect population of the WR box could have serious consequences, especially where it is intended that unforeseen

Peter McCarthy, Principal, Conlex Consulting.

ground conditions are a Contractor risk event and where the Pricing Document is not a true reflection of the WR.

Part 1B of the Schedule also requires the contract drafter to indicate what method of measurement is used when drafting the Pricing Document (PD) . The standard OGP schedule provides for the drafter to choose one of three industry-standard method of measurements (MOM) from the drop-down menu as shown below:

It is imperative that the MOM selected is the one used when drafting the PD. Should the wrong MOM be selected and considering the Schedule takes precedence over inconsistencies that might exist between it and the PD, this could result in a large number of compensation event occurring under the Schedule Part 1 K item 17.

Part 1G of the Schedule requires the drafter to insert the contract Date for Substantial Completion. This data is essential, as it triggers many events under the contract from a liability perspective. Unfortunately, very often it can be found that the Date for Substantial Completion cannot be clearly established.

For example, see below the confusion that can arise if undefined contract terms are used to define what the completion date might be:

As the ‘commencement date’ is not a defined contract term, it’s difficult to establish when the 30 weeks starts to run. It is therefore imported to only use defined contract terms when setting a date for completion and to keep it simple.

The daily delay rate was introduced by the OGP as a means of getting tenderers to price the cost of prolongation should the Employer delay the Works. Part 1K of the Schedule states

In sub-clause 10.7, the amount to be added for delay cost is in accordance with sub-clause 10.7.1 (1) the expenses [excluding profit and loss of profit] unavoidably incurred as a result of the delay to the Date of Substantial Completion of the Works; or: sub-clause 10.7.1(2) the daily rate tendered by the Contractor in the Schedule, part 2D ) (NOTE: Delete as applicable. If neither deleted, ‘sub-clause 10.7.1(2) the daily rate tendered by the Contractor in the Schedule, part 2D’ is to be read as deleted.) [emphasis added]

In reviewing many Public Works Contracts, I very often find neither opinion delated. This means that clause 10.7.1 (1) will apply by default, resulting in the Contractor being entitled to its expenses unavoidably incurred as a result of the delay rather than the daily delay rate tendered by the Contractor. Careful consideration, therefore, needs to be given to ensure the option shown under Part 1K reflects the party’s intentions.

THE WORKS REQUIREMENTS (WR)

As already mentioned, Article 1 of the Agreement states that the Contractor must construct the Works as defined in the

WR. Ordinarily, the WR is described on tender drawings and specifications. The WR needs to be an accurate and complete reflection of the Employer’s requirements or needs. After all, clause 7.7 of the Contract confirms that all the Contractors is only obliged set out and construct the Works to the points, lines and levels

outlined in the WR.

To ensure Contractors submit a realistic tender sum for the Works, it is important that all Contractors tender on a level playing pitch, which can only be created by clear and concise WR. If the WR is unclear and the tender playing pitch is uneven, it could result in confusion among tenderers, tender prices that do not reflect the Employer’s requirements, below-cost tendering and the occurrence of a large number of compensation and delay events during the course of the Works.

As an alternative to clear and concise WR, seeking to prop up poorly drafted WR with all-encompassing statements in the PD or WR should be avoided. One such statement I have come across which presumably was inserted to transfer Employer design risk was: ‘The final location of pipelines […], shown on the drawings will be agreed on site between the Contractor and the Employer’s Representative to avoid any obstructions, existing pipes and services etc. If so directed, the Contractor shall propose / set out his preferred route for all pipelines […]’ [emphasis added]

As clause 1.1.1 of the Contract confirms that the Contract takes precedence over the WR, and on Employer design contracts, clause 7.7 of the contract states that ‘The Contractor shall set out the Works by reference to the points, lines and levels of reference in the Works Requirements’, the above statement will have little effect in diminishing the Employers design responsibility. The parties would be better served in having a WR that is a complete and full refection of the Employer requirements, thus ensuring tenderers are not second guessing what view the competition is going to take of the tender playing pitch.

ABOUT PETER MCCARTHY

Peter McCarthy holds dual expertise in Quantity Surveying and Construction Law and is the founder and owner of Conlex Consulting, which supports clients with pre-contract review, postcontract support, preparation and negotiation of claims, dispute avoidance and dispute resolution.

Peter is a fellow member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is an approved Adjudicator and Conciliator on the SCSI panels.

To learn more, email peter@conlex.ie or visit www.conlex.consulting

Project: The Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan – Vision Contracting

The Lark Theatre, Balbriggan, the 2024 RIAI Public Choice Award winner, designed by Stephen Foley Architects + CAMPUS and built by Vision Contracting for the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS), balances artistic excellence with sustainability and historical context.

The Lark Theatre and Concert Hall in Balbriggan, a 2024 RIAI Public Choice Award winner, is a 400-seat venue built by Vision Contracting for the Irish Institute of Music and Song. Designed by Stephen Foley Architects, the delivery of this state-of-the-art facility exemplifies collaboration between the client, contractor, architect, engineers and supply chain.

The site, a tight, live campus located within a residential and business community, required timed truck movements to minimise disruption. The facility uses renewable energy as much as possible.

The client’s brief was clear that the new concert hall was not to increase the IIMS’s carbon footprint. This was achieved through collaborative and innovative design with measures that include advanced lighting control strategies, LED lighting throughout the building, a building automation and control system (BACS) integrated into electrical infrastructure, roof heat pumps, strategically placed heat recovery units and rainwater harvesting.

Designed by Stephen Foley Architects for Michael Dawson and the Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS), the Lark Theatre

seamlessly integrates into a historic campus, repurposing and refurbishing a 1960s nursing home on site for backstage facilities, music classrooms, offices, plant and electrical rooms.

The project team had to consider the adjacent historic Bedford House (1750), a Georgian-era home, and the Victorian Bedford Hall (1830). These buildings and on-site cottages have served as the town’s nursing home since the 1960s. The theatre is directly connected to Bedford House, which provides guest accommodation,

The 400-seat auditorium offers a versatile

A cardboard model of The Lark by Stephen Foley Architects.

space for performances ranging from orchestral concerts to intimate solo shows. The building’s striking design features a pleated concrete and granite facade, harmoniously blending into the campus.

Committed to sustainability, the theatre boasts an A3-BER certification and employs eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, air-to-water heat pumps, and energy-efficient lighting.

The project team optimised construction efficiency and minimised waste using BIM, 3D modelling, off-site manufacturing, and Lean principles.

DESIGN APPROACH

Stephen Foley Architects’ design breaks up the theatre’s 21x21x12 metre cubed form with a series of pleated concrete graniteclad walls and a multi-pitched roof sloping from 11 metres down to 9 metres.

To achieve the necessary auditorium reverberation, the hall’s roof was set as high as possible and drops at the building’s edge, responding to the scale of the surrounding streets. The hall’s ceiling is pleated to reflect the sound to the back of the audience, and grooved acoustic panelling is used for diffusion.

This sets up the project’s leitmotif as pleats are used to make up the elevations, breaking up the volume clad in granite slabs. Inside the building, the angled façade helps reflect sound around the music classrooms located on the western side elevation. These spaces have tall windows, bringing light deep into the plan.

The second-floor rehearsal space expresses the shape of the roof and has an opening looking back into the hall with acoustic curtains connecting the two spaces. The lobby and reception area are on the north elevation, set back from the street.

The windows on this façade are more

A balcony with a twostorey window offers views towards the town centre.

The

up

expansive, and the view is framed from the vertical circulation. Visitors are brought to a balcony which looks through a two-storey window towards the centre of the town on the way up to their seats and given a view towards the sea through a large picture window as they leave the performance space.

THE AUDITORIUM

The architect and the acoustic engineer, AWN Consulting, collaborated to design the auditorium with optimised sound reverberation. Bespoke sound-diffusing treatments and a variable acoustic system ensure optimal sound quality. Automated lighting and a flexible stage system enhance performance capabilities.

All internal surfaces were optimised for sound reverberation, featuring bespoke sound-diffusing treatments, including highquality individually splayed oak panels and low-frequency treatments on the upper walls and ceilings. A variable acoustic system allows acoustic banners to be deployed to reduce reverberation as needed.

The auditorium’s lighting, controlled by a Dali-DMX system, is fully automated and integrated with the IT network, allowing synchronised sound and lighting during

performances.

The stage area includes an automated lift system with dual spiral drives, adjustable in height and surface area, housed within a Grade 3 in-situ concrete basement.

The auditorium is directly linked to a

The roof drops at the building’s edge, responding to the scale of the surrounding streets.

The Lark’s multi-pitched roof slopes from 11 metres down to 9 metres.

design breaks

the theatre’s 21x21x12 metre cubed form with a series of pleated walls.

CASE STUDY

‘plug & play’ live broadcast and recording studio within the building, enabling media platforms to simply plug outside broadcast vehicles into the building.

A ventilation system includes a fresh-air air handling unit (AHU) incorporating variable speed drive (VSD) fans, thermal wheel heat recovery, and an internal heat pump. This system provides fresh, filtered air, maintains good air quality, and reduces energy use by recovering heat from extracted air and adjusting fan speeds based on demand.

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) further enhances energy savings by providing fresh air to each seat without increasing the heating load.

LED lighting, equipped with occupancy and daylight sensors, ensures that lights are only on when needed and when natural light is insufficient.

BUDGETARY CONTROL

Vision Contracting construction director Mick Allen explains that there was an increase of €1.6M between the initial budget of €9.2M and the final budget of €10.8M. He comments: “This had been expected as the specifications for the building had not been finalised when we came on board under the ECI programme. Our expertise and experience in managing complex construction programmes minimised the risk from new specifications and contained the impact of massive materials cost inflation.”

CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS

The build was logistically challenging having to facilitate the client’s live educational campus. This prompted the use of off-site construction with precast cores and extensive light gauge Kingspan RMG600 metal decking on a structural steel frame.

Vision Contracting project manager John Healy points out that the works programme within a live campus required careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption while limited space for material storage necessitated careful delivery scheduling and off-site manufacturing.

“The works programme within the active campus environment required careful planning and coordination to minimise disruption to daily operations. The limited space available for storing materials necessitated a well-defined delivery schedule and a focus on off-site manufacturing whenever feasible,” John Healy says.

He continues: “We utilised precast cores and metal decking to minimise disruption on the live campus. We used bottom-driven mini-piles for the groundworks to protect surrounding structures and reduce noise. The site limitations also resulted in the use

All internal surfaces were optimised for sound reverberation, featuring bespoke sound-diffusing treatments, including high-quality individually splayed oak panels and low-frequency treatments on the upper walls and ceilings.

of integrated secant-piled soil retaining structures to support the adjacent historic building.”

SUSTAINABILITY

The Lark Concert Hall boasts strong sustainability credentials, achieving an A3-BER rating. It incorporates a range of low- and zero-carbon features.

During ECI, a decision was made to locate plant, communications and switch room within the existing rear annexe building instead of the basement, thus significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the new building. Using the 2023 RICS Methodology, the carbon saving for these service rooms (50sq m) alone was 37,500 kg CO2.

Concrete supplied by O’Reilly Concrete utilised up to 30% GGBS. The supplier recycles all water used in production, offsetting their carbon production by planting trees.

Bespoke sound-diffusing treatments and a variable acoustic system ensure optimal sound quality in the auditorium..

The steel framing system used inside the auditorium was manufactured by Steel Formed Sections, a Monaghan-based manufacturer that employs certified sustainable and clean production processes.

A rainwater harvesting system collects runoff from the roof, filters it, and uses it for toilet flushing and other non-potable needs.

The Lark’s success hinged on achieving a high-performance building envelope. Through the use of BIM and with insulation

incorporated off-site in most cases, an A3 BER certification was achieved with the following u-values:

• External walls U-value: .18W/m2K

• Precast ground floors U-value: .15W/ m2K

• Roof U-value: .16W/m2K

• Doors U-value: 1.6 W/m2K

• Main Entrance doors U-value: 1.6W/ m2K

• High-performance double-glazed curtain wall windows, U-value: 1.2W/ m2K

• Air permeability 50 Pa: 4.6 m3/(hm2)

• Primary space & water heating from air to water heat pumps with gas boiler backup

HEALTH & SAFETY

Vision Contacting is meticulous in managing on-site health and safety on all projects. For the Lark, comprehensive PSCS Plans and Risk Assessments were completed before work commenced, identifying hazards and implementing control measures. This was carried out using the company’s ISO Certified Management Systems (14001, 45001). Vision also used lean practices and criteria to manage on-site safety.

Pedestrian and traffic management plans were in place for the adjacent live campus, and Vision Contracting engaged with the local community, facilitating site visits.

Vision Contracting’s EHS Manager Glen Cowley explains: “All subcontractors provided detailed Safe Work Method Statements and Risk Assessments for their work elements. Our EHS team coordinated all people movements and access/egress on site and ensured hazards were identified and requisite actions were taken.

“We take H&S monitoring on site very seriously. Every subcontractor was inducted and signed in before accessing the site. Any EHS team observations were digitally recorded and shared with relevant persons. This improved efficiency and ensured excellent safety performance with no timelost incidents recorded.”

Within the auditorium, a specialist scaffolding firm designed and installed a safe platform system for installing brackets, acoustic panels, trusses, and lighting systems.

Vision Contracting’s commitment

to safety resulted in a project with zero lost-time incidents. Regular safety audits, toolbox talks, and site walk-throughs ensured adherence to safe work practices.

IN CONCLUSION

In June of 2024. The Lark topped the poll in the ‘Public Choice’ category of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Irish Architecture Awards. Organisers said the overwhelming support for the project reflects its outstanding contribution to the built environment and its resonance with the community.

The client, Michael Dawson, comments on the project: “The Lark is a significant milestone for the town of Balbriggan, embodying an ambitious vision that required a contractor capable of overseeing its entire development. Vision Contracting not only grasped our vision but exceeded our expectations in constructing The Lark.

“The entire project was executed in a very restricted area without generating a single complaint from the surrounding neighbours living in close proximity, despite the necessity for driving piles.”

“The Lark is a testament to the power of collaboration,” commented Mick Allen, Construction Director, Vision Contracting. “By working closely with the client and all stakeholders, including site visits to leading UK venues, we delivered a state-of-the-art concert hall. This project exemplifies the value of strong partnerships, and I am incredibly proud of the team’s contribution to this exceptional venue for the people of Balbriggan.”

PROJECT TEAM

Client: Michael Dawson, Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS)

Architect: Stephen Foley Architects + CAMPUS

Main Contractor and PSCS: Vision Contracting Ltd

Structural/Civil Engineer: CORA Consulting Engineers

Acoustic Engineer: AWN Consulting Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Patrick McCaul Environmental Consulting Engineers Ltd.

Fire Safety Consultants: Wherity Chartered Surveyors

PSDP: Wherity Chartered Surveyors

BUILDING CONFIGURATION

• Single-storey basement with secant piling to maximise the footprint

• In-situ insulated concrete for basement and ground-floor slab

• Light gauge steel frame with a combination of metal decking and precast planks from ground to roof

• Façade: 40mm Granite Slabs and Triple Glazing

• Roof: Light gauge steel frame with pitched roof decking and rainwater harvesting drainage system

• Universally accessible, sustainably air-conditioned, 400-seat auditorium with optimised acoustic and lighting functionality

• Foyer, rehearsal rooms, classrooms and natural light-filled circularity spaces

• Bathrooms: unisex, universally accessible toilet facilities with air exchange and heat recovery units.

The second-floor rehearsal space expresses the shape of the roof.

Reducing carbon footprint with Sapphire Balconies

Designed by Burke-Kennedy Doyle

Architects and constructed by Walls Construction, the Grand Canal Harbour development is a largescale mixed-use project in Dublin 8. This ambitious development comprises 596 apartments spread across four multi-storey blocks ranging from seven to 13 storeys. The project also includes commercial, retail, and medical spaces in the basement, showcasing a comprehensive approach to urban living.

INNOVATIVE BALCONY DESIGN

A notable feature of this development is the inclusion of Sapphire’s inset aluminium balconies. These balconies, fitted with Mydek’s Vista® aluminium decking, offer a combination of toughened and laminated glass and brick slip fascia with flat vertical infill bars balustrading. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the apartments but also provides outdoor spaces for 300 of the units, significantly improving the living experience.

SAPPHIRE BALCONIES ESG STRATEGY ALIGNMENT

In alignment with Walls Construction’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, the Grand Canal development focused on minimising the project’s carbon footprint. Sapphire’s aluminium balconies played a crucial role in this strategy. Compared to traditional concrete alternatives, these aluminium balconies require minimal thermal breaking, which reduces costs, labour, and time on site. This efficiency helped lower the embodied carbon of the entire project, supporting sustainability goals.

CARBON REDUCTION AND EFFICIENCY

Sapphire’s innovative approach was exemplified by the use of its inset GlideOn™ balconies. Typically, inset balconies require thermal isolation on three sides, but Sapphire’s design only necessitated isolation

at the connection points penetrating the façade. This intelligent design choice not only streamlined the construction process but also contributed to significant carbon reductions.

INSTALLATION EFFICIENCY

The Grand Canal Harbour project demonstrated the advantages of early engagement and critical analysis in achieving carbon reduction goals. The inset Glide-On™ balconies were prefitted with soffits during production, drastically reducing on-site installation time and minimising potential delays caused by trade sequencing issues. This approach ensured that the project remained on schedule and within budget while maintaining high standards of sustainability and efficiency.

The Grand Canal Harbour development stands as a testament to the successful integration of innovative design and sustainability. Through the strategic use of Sapphire’s aluminium balconies and early design considerations, the project

Sapphire’s inset aluminium balconies at the Grand Canal Harbour development.

achieved significant carbon reductions while preserving the aesthetic integrity of the façade.

For more information about Sapphire Balconies and its architectural balcony solutions, visit https://balconies.global/

Innovative balcony design delivers luxury living for south Dublin apartments

Sapphire has successfully overcome a unique architectural challenge to create elegant ‘picture-framed’ balconies without needing structural support columns at a prestigious luxury apartment development in south Dublin. Partnering closely with John Paul Construction, Sapphire’s ingenuity brought the project’s ambitious vision to life while saving time and resources.

Traditionally, picture-framed balconies rely on structural support columns, which add complexity, cost, and additional groundwork during construction. Sapphire engineered a groundbreaking solution by developing non-structural columns that were manufactured off-site. These columns, installed after the Glide-On™ balconies were connected to the building, provided the requested framed aesthetic without bearing any structural load. This design ensured that the balconies were fully supported by the building itself, eliminating strain on the structure while achieving the desired look.

Sapphire delivered 250 Glide-On™ aluminium Cassette® balconies with flat infill vertical bar balustrades, Mydek Innova® aluminium decking with hidden clips, and polyester powder-coated aluminium-controlled draining soffits. Designed to enhance outdoor living, these balconies deliver durability, low maintenance, and timeless style.

Located at The Grange, this exceptional development offers 250 premium apartments, blending urban convenience with natural serenity. Its South Dublin location provides easy access to coastal escapes, mountain retreats, and vibrant city life, making it a coveted address for residents seeking a balanced lifestyle.

For further information, visit www.balconies.global/case-studies/the-grange-dublin/

We resolve. You build.

Make sure you are protected

Contact Peter McCarthy LL.M.,BSc., FSCSI, FCIArb

Cork: +353 21 455 5678

Dublin: +353 1 639 2927

Email: peter@conlex.consulting

We specialise in contract support for the Construction Industry, providing solutions to commercial risk throughout the life cycle of a construction project including:

→ Pre Contract Review

→ Post-Contract Support

→ Preparation, Defence and Negotiation of Claims

→ Payment Dispute Resolution

→ Construction Contract Training

Our goal is to protect the financial interests of main contractors and sub-contractors of all sizes giving you peace of mind!

First Guaranteed Irish forest of native trees is secured

Guaranteed Irish has partnered with The Nature Trust to create the first Guaranteed Irish Forest, a 12-hectare haven of native Irish trees near the scenic village of Inistioge, Co Kilkenny.

Developed in partnership with The Nature Trust, the first Guaranteed Irish Forest initiative represents a powerful commitment to biodiversity, climate action, and community well-being.

The inaugural tree-planting event features saplings of iconic Irish native species, such as oak, birch, and holly. Over time, this initiative will transform the area into a thriving biodiverse woodland, providing an essential habitat for Ireland’s native birds, animals, and plant species. The forest will also be open to the public, serving as a tranquil space for education, relaxation, and connecting with nature.

The Nature Trust, a not-for-profit organisation backed by Coillte and Forestry Partners, is spearheading the project’s execution. Their mission to plant open-access woodlands and restore Ireland’s natural habitats aligns seamlessly with Guaranteed Irish’s vision. In collaboration with local forestry companies, The Nature Trust will plant and nurture the forest, ensuring its growth into a thriving woodland.

Clemence Jamet, Sustainability Manager, Guaranteed Irish, expressed her excitement about the project, stating: “Guaranteed Irish is thrilled to mark this important milestone today in our dedication to Ireland’s communities and their local environment. Along with the support of our participating Guaranteed Irish members, we are proud to establish this legacy project. The Guaranteed Irish Forest is one initiative within our sustainability strategy that encourages our members to support biodiversity and climate action, benefitting our environment and creating social impact in our local communities.”

Ciaran Fallon, Managing Director, The Nature Trust, commented: “The Nature Trust is very pleased to welcome Guaranteed Irish members to The Nature Trust site today to experience in person the work that their funding supports. Our aim is to create new native woodlands at scale in Ireland. Now, with Guaranteed Irish’s support, this new native woodland near Inistioge, Co Kilkenny, is being planted for the benefit of future generations.

“We look forward to continued engagement with Guaranteed Irish that contributes to carbon sequestration, creation of new natural habitats for wildlife, and new woodlands for the benefit of the local community.’

This project is a cornerstone of Guaranteed Irish’s sustainability strategy. It is being helped by Guaranteed Irish construction members, who are supporting the forest’s establishment and maintenance over the next three years as part of their own sustainability journeys.

One of these companies is Wavin Ireland, a leading supplier of plastic below-ground drainage, soil and waste, plumbing and heating systems and stormwater management solutions.

Wavin is committed to providing comprehensive solutions across every element of water management.

A key part of Irish life for 67 years, Wavin was instrumental in bringing clean drinking water to Ireland in the 1950s. Today, sustainability is at the core of the company’s purpose, which, as part

L to r: Keith Brennan, Kingscourt Brick; Micheal O’Donoghue, Wavin Ireland, Brid O’Connell, Guaranteed Irish; Karen Halpin, United Hardware; John Bradley, Etex

of the Orbia Group, is committed to advancing life around the world.

An initiative like the Guaranteed Irish Forest shows a clear intention to put purpose into action with the creation of an amenity that will be there for generations to come.

Michael O’Donohoe, Commercial Director Ireland and UK, Wavin, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of Wavin’s purpose. As a part of the global Orbia group, we look to advance life together around the world, so it is particularly exciting to see this forest at the very beginning of its life. This forest, in this beautiful part of Ireland, will create a rich, bio-diverse community amenity for generations to come, and we’re delighted to be involved.”

Ireland; and Conor Stapleton, Kaymed.

Wavin Ireland & UK Commercial Director Michael O’Donohoe with Brid O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish, and Declan Conlon, Sales Director, Wavin Ireland.

Guaranteed Irish Forest site, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny.

Ireland Chapter of the PMI launches new AI Innovation Hub

The Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) has announced that it is launching a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Hub.

Developed to serve as a central hub of AI expertise and education, it will equip the project management profession with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI technologies across their organisations.

By enabling project management professionals to leverage AI in their roles to better manage AI projects, the hub will deliver efficiency and automation to organisations. It will also help to address the challenges associated with AI usage, from ethics to governance.

In turn, companies of all sizes and across all sectors will be empowered to adopt and implement AI – which has the potential to support innovation, boost competitiveness, and drive growth.

This initiative ties in with the significant investment the PMI has made globally in AI over the past 18 months. This includes the creation of an AI platform called PMI Infinity, an AI-powered project management solution designed to strengthen expertise, streamline complex tasks, and maximise project success.

Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of the PMI, said: “AI is such a hot topic, and there’s a lot of talk around it. The aim of our AI Innovation Hub is to cut through that noise and guide the project management profession through this time of AI change, whilst supporting them to deliver AI change over the coming years. Through collaboration and education, we want to help drive real impact with these fast-evolving technologies across all sectors.

He added: “The reality is that every industry needs to be across AI and tuned into the latest developments, such as agentic AI. By tapping into such trends – not just from a knowledge-sharing

perspective but practically in our day-to-day jobs – we can enable AI innovation and leadership for the profession, for other sectors, and for Ireland as a whole,” Peter

CIOB Ireland Student Challenge and Construction Conference 2025

The CIOB Ireland Student Challenge and Construction Conference 2025, sponsored by the Ganson Group, will take place on 27 February at Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk and offers a unique opportunity to connect with upcoming construction talent and key stakeholders in the Built Environment and Construction Industry.

CIOB IRELAND STUDENT CHALLENGE

The exciting student competition will showcase the talent and expertise of students from across Ireland in the building environment. Teams of four students from 11 universities from across the island of Ireland will face the ultimate challenge: a threehour window to analyse a real-world brief, develop a comprehensive bid submission report, and present their insights and solutions to an expert panel of judges. These future construction leaders will showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge.

THE CIOB CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE 2025

The following is the agenda for this year’s CIOB Construction Conference:

• Denise Quigley, DkIT Head of Department of the Built Environment: Welcome Speech

Annette Main MCIOB, ROI CIOB Committee Chair and Project Manager, PM Group: Opening Speech

• Sarah Hallinan, CIOB Regional Manager Ireland: CIOB

Membership

• Jenna Bell, CIOB Business Development Manager Ireland & Laurance Belton, ICW Sales Director UK & Ireland: Case Study ICW Group

• Joseph Kilroy, CIOB Policy and Public Affairs Manager : CIOB Policy and Public Affair Overview

• Mark Whitehead, Construction Director, CPAC Modular: Built Smarter Modular Construction

• Discussion Panel: ‘AI IN CONSTRUCTION’ featuring Dr. Alan Hore, CITA Ireland founder, Construction Skills and Digital Construction Expert and Dr Houssem Jerbi, - Founder & CEO, Smart PMO.

THE CIOB CONSTRUCTION EXHIBITION

The exhibition will include stands from Ganson Group, DkIT, McArdle Doyle, Monami Construction, Broomfield Construction, ATU Sligo, ICW Group, Duggan Brothers, CIAT, QTAS, Hays Recruitment, CIF, Cunningham Construction, McArdle Doyle, Training LMS, BAM Ireland, Walls

Construction, JJ Rhatigan, KSNPM, CPAC Modular, WKN Real Estate Advisors, Winthrop Technologies and CIOB.

To book your place, visit www.ciob.org/events or scan the QR code

Glynne concluded.

Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of the PMI.

Condron Concrete named as Sisk Supplier of the Year for Ireland

Sisk has announced the winners of its prestigious Supply Chain Awards 2024 at the annual event in Dublin’s Convention Centre.

The ceremony was attended by over 900 industry professionals, recognising best-inclass suppliers from Ireland and the UK.

This year’s ceremony saw Condron Concrete take top honours in the Ireland category.

Other notable winners included Crown Roofing (Health & Safety Award), McCann (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award), and Castle Group (Health & Wellbeing Award). In total, Sisk recognised 18 outstanding supply chain partners for their contributions to the success of key projects.

John Devereaux, Supply Chain Director for Ireland and Europe at Sisk, commented: “2024 has been another successful year for Sisk, marked by significant achievements across our projects and operations. Our annual Supply Chain Awards provide a valuable opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of our supply chain partners, whose expertise, collaboration, and dedication are integral to our ongoing success. These partners play a vital role in driving excellence and

innovation within our industry. I extend a sincere congratulations to all the award winners for their achievements this year and look forward to continued success in 2025 and beyond.”

Sisk Supply Chain Awards winners 2024

– Health, Safety & Wellbeing: Crown Roofing

– Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: McCann

– Digital Transformation: Vodafone

– Net Zero: Thorntons Recycling

– MMC: Shannon Valley

– Health & Wellbeing: Castle Group

– Supplier of the Year Ireland: Condron Concrete

– Supplier of the Year UK: GRS Roadstone

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year – Life Sciences & Technology: Kirby Group

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year – Data Centres: Errigal

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year –Vision Built: O’Dwyer Steel

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year –Strategic Projects: Treysta

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year –Ireland East: OMC

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year –Regional Building: Rhino Roofing

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year – Civils Ireland: Breedon

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year – UK South: Techrete

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year – UK North: MPB

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year – UK Civils: Ramboll

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year – Rail: J&K Mechanical

– Supply Chain Partner of the Year - Fuse Rail: Phase Electrical Distributors.

Axiseng Consulting Engineers awarded Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer Standard

Axiseng Consulting Engineers has been awarded Engineers Ireland’s CPD Accredited Employer Standard. The firm, which recently celebrated its twentieth year in operation, specialises in mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering, advising clients on a wide range of sustainable building solutions.

Axiseng was awarded the standard following its demonstration of significant commitment to fostering professional growth and continuous learning through several innovative initiatives and investments for its team of more than 40 employees. These included the establishment of a crossfunctional CPD committee to ensure CPD processes are continuously improved and aligned to the company’s strategic objectives, developing personalised CPD plans for all staff, and outlining training objectives over six to 36 months. These initiatives have been coupled with promoting knowledge-sharing through platforms, as well as technical workshops, peer coaching, webinars, and a mentorship framework, where senior engineers guide junior team members through key transitions.

The Engineers Ireland CPD Accredited Employer Standard is designed to help

organisations improve the competence of their engineers and deliver tangible benefits. The Standard seeks to develop employees who are agile and adaptable and creates a workforce that is encouraged to create and innovate, developing new solutions, thereby creating competitive advantages. Organisations that have achieved the Standard find they are better placed to deal with business change and disruption while also capable of attracting and retaining better workforce talent.

Ray Mason, Director, Axiseng Consulting Engineers, said: “Achieving CPD accreditation is a testament to our commitment to continuous professional development and excellence. This milestone

reflects our dedication to fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration that empowers our team to deliver outstanding results for our clients while aligning with our sustainability and quality goals.”

Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, added: “We are delighted to see Axiseng join the nearly 170 engineering organisations awarded the Engineers Ireland CPD Employer Standard. The standard has become a top industry marker of commitment to quality learning and development and can assist organisations in enhancing both their performances and market reputations.”

Damien Owens, Director General, Engineers Ireland with Ray Mason, Owner/Director, Axiseng.

Jones Engineering supports TU Dublin TrailblazHER programme to advance gender equality

TU Dublin has announced a deepening of its partnership with Jones Engineering, which has committed a significant four-year donation to the University’s TrailblazHER programme.

TrailblazHER is a TU Dublin-led community of people, organisations, and enterprises with a shared commitment to advancing gender equality. This support will enrich the learning experience for students through an initiative TU Dublin and Jones Engineering believe will be transformative, benefiting students and industry.

TU Dublin celebrated this partnership with an event on the University’s Grangegorman Campus. The event was attended by Jones Engineering CEO Stephen McCabe, TU Dublin Interim President Prof John Doran, alongside staff from Jones Engineering and staff and students from TU Dublin.

The event heralded the start of an exciting new chapter in the partnership between the University and Jones Engineering. Together, we are dedicated to promoting and enhancing opportunities for women at the secondary and tertiary education levels, as

Fehily

well as in their professional careers.

Speaking about the partnership, Claire MacNamee, Director of TrailblazHER at TU Dublin, said, “By supporting TrailblazHER, Jones Engineering is helping to shape a future where diversity is celebrated and where women are equipped with the resources, connections, and confidence they need to thrive in their careers.”

Stephen McCabe, CEO, Jones Engineering, said: “At Jones Engineering, we firmly believe that fostering diversity and empowering

women are critical to building stronger, more innovative teams. There is no doubt that our industry is still overwhelmingly male, but we are taking steps to rebalance this by supporting initiatives like the TrailblazHER programme. This partnership with TU Dublin aligns with our people strategy, as we invest not only in our current workforce but also in the next generation who will shape the future of our industry through best-inclass training and development.”

Timoney to support the development of seven Greengate biogas facilities throughout Ireland

Greengate Biogas has signed a contract for engineering, technical and planning services with Cork-based Fehily Timoney and Company to support the development of the company’s biogas operations in Ireland. Fehily Timoney is leading the preparation of statutory consent applications for the first of Greengate Biogas’s centralised biogas facilities.

Fehily Timoney brings over 30 years of project delivery experience

to support Greengate Biogas’s aim to build, own and operate multiple centralised biogas facilities in Ireland by 2030.

When fully established, Greengate Biogas will produce nearly 1.8 TWh per year of biomethane across multiple projects, representing approximately 3.5% of Ireland’s current natural gas demand and 30% of Ireland’s 2030 biomethane target, established in the recently published biomethane strategy. This equates to enough gas to heat over 160,000 Irish homes or meet 20% of Irish industrial gas demand.

The projects will inject biomethane into the grid and produce fertilisers for farmers, contributing to Ireland’s circular economy and green transition.

Manure will be the predominant feedstock and will be sourced in close collaboration with over 2,000 livestock farmers across the country. By implementing anaerobic digestion for improved manure management, Greengate Biogas will also help reduce emissions from the agricultural sector and address nitrate challenges, assisting in a sustainable future for Irish agriculture.

Edward Lilleystone, Commercial Director, Greengate Biogas, said: “We are excited to partner with Fehily Timoney and Company, one of the leading engineering, environmental and planning consulting firms in Ireland, in support of our green energy portfolio.”

Bernie Guinan, Director, Fehily Timoney, said: “The collaboration between Greengate Biogas and Fehily Timoney, combining Danish and Irish experience, is an exciting step forward in addressing the infrastructure needs for Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. The partnership will harness our expertise in renewable energy, planning, sustainable development, and innovative technologies while leveraging Ireland’s unique challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.”

L to r: Stephen McCabe, CEO, Jones Engineering; Carmel Walsh, Chief People Officer, Jones Engineering; Faith Omotayo, TrailblazHER participant and TU Dublin Student; Claire Mac Namee, Director, TrailblazHER at TU Dublin; and Prof John Doran, President, TU Dublin.

(L to r) Andrew Bernard, CEO, Greengate Biogas; Edward Lilleystone, Commercial Director, Technical and Permitting, Greengate Biogas; Leon Mekitarian, Development Director, Greengate Biogas; and Andreas Brandt, Partner, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.

Kirby welcomes its third intake of female engineering graduates to the Kirby bursary programme

As part of its ongoing commitment to and investment in diversity and inclusion, Kirby Group Engineering has announced the five winners of its third-level bursary programme for the 2024/25 academic year.

This marks the initiative’s third year, which aims to provide women with valuable opportunities and financial support to gain experience in the broader engineering industry.

Kirby is a leading mechanical and engineering contractor operating across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe and South Africa. It directly employs over 1,800 people and actively promotes diversity and inclusion at each of its locations.

The bursary programme is open to females studying electrical, mechanical or building services engineering at third-level institutions across Ireland and, for the first time, their counterparts in South Africa. This year’s winners were chosen through a rigorous selection process led by Kirby’s Talent Acquisition team. The recipients receive a full scholarship to cover the academic year 2024/25, as well as paid professional placements on Kirby’s local and international leadingedge engineering projects. The five undergraduate students will benefit from mentorship provided by experienced senior engineers, offering them valuable guidance and industry insight.

The five students chosen are Ella Clarke from Dublin, a thirdyear Mechanical Engineering student from Trinity College Dublin; Mikaela Hunter from Des Moines, USA, a final year student of Electronic Engineering at Trinity College Dublin; classmates Catherine Duffy and Hannah O’Connor from Waterford, both in their second year of Electrical Engineering at South East Technological University Waterford; and Leiya Bookhan from

Pretoria in South Africa, a second-year Mechanical Engineering student from the University of Pretoria.

Commenting on the launch of the 2024 bursary programme, Amy Lane, Electrical Engineering Manager at Kirby, said: “Building on the success of our programme’s second year, we’re excited to partner with a talented cohort of female engineering students from Irish and South African universities. Our past bursary recipients have become inspiring role models for Kirby. We’re confident these five new students will gain invaluable hands-on experience during their placements. At Kirby, the opportunities for women in engineering have never been greater.”

BuildData Group acquires DFM Systems as part of expansion into Ireland

BuildData Group, a leading construction and property management software provider in the UK and Ireland, has announced it has acquired DFM Systems.

The acquisition of DFM Systems follows BuildData Group’s strategy of acquiring growth businesses with strong management teams and market positions in its core markets. Recent acquisitions include Zutec in 2020, Createmaster in 2021, Resi-Sense in 2021,

Bond Bryan Digital in 2022, and the take-private transaction of Zutec Holding in 2023.

Offering complementary and new solutions across contractors, developers, housebuilders and asset owners, DFM Systems defines and delivers digital data management and building information solutions throughout the building life cycle. By working more closely with sister company Zutec, both companies can provide additional support to their customers on their path to digitisation and compliance, connecting data across document management/CDE, quality management, handover management and asset management.

Speaking about the acquisition, Gustave Geisendorf, CEO, BuildData Group, commented: “DFM Systems is a highly regarded business in the Irish market built over 20 years by its managing director, Bobby Gallagher, and the team, who we welcome to our company. I am pleased that Bobby will join our senior management team with particular oversight of the Irish market. The acquisition of DFM Systems aligns perfectly with our ambitious growth strategy. It reinforces our commitment and presence in Ireland, where we will continue investing in product, customers and our employees.”

Bobby Gallagher said: “We are extremely pleased to join the BuildData family, which will bring additional credibility to our business. Having gotten to know BuildData well, we are convinced that this milestone provides a promising partnership that will allow for a bright and fruitful future for all DFM stakeholders, including our employees and customers. Being part of a bigger group means we can now benefit from broader expertise and capital for growing our business. Finding a partner with an equal belief in the Irish market is reassuringly positive and exciting.”

Pictured (L to r): Patrick Reid, Kirby Talent Acquisition Specialist; Mikaela Hunter; Hannah O’Connor; John Grogan, Director, Kirby Group Engineering; Ella Clarke; Catherine Duffy; and Amy Lane, Electrical Engineering Manager, Kirby Group Engineering.

Gustave Geisendorf, CEO, BuildData Group.

Construction starts expected to fall in 2025,

but a substantial uplift is forecast

for 2026

The latest Construction Information Services Insight report forecasts a dip in housing commencements as the pipeline struggles to replenish following the development contribution waiver’s expiration.

Construction starts in Ireland hit record highs in 2024, but there will be a notable decline in 2025, according to industry analyst Construction Information Services (CIS).

The construction industry insight and intelligence service forecasts a 49% drop in underlying project starts (projects valued under €100m) in 2025 following a record-breaking 2024. However, the outlook for 2026 is positive, with a projected 14% increase in starts, equating to over €10bn worth of new projects.

By the end of Q3 2024, starts had already surpassed the total value recorded in 2023 (€13.4bn compared to €11.6bn) – reaching unprecedented levels.

RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

Residential construction has been a primary driver, with 55,000 new housing units commenced by the end of Q3 - an extraordinary leap from 33,000 in 2023. However, with just 20,000 completions by the end of Q3, supply remains far short of the government’s target of 33,500 new homes annually.

A dip in housing commencements is expected in 2025 and 2026 as the pipeline struggles to replenish following the development contribution waiver’s expiration.

Allan Wilén, Economics Director, CIS, comments: “The surge in residential construction is a testament to the effectiveness of government incentives like the development contribution waiver. This policy has created a front-loaded pipeline of activity, reflecting renewed confidence in the housing market. However, the challenge will be sustaining this momentum beyond the policy’s expiration.”

NON-RESIDENTIAL SECTOR

In the non-residential sector (excluding civils), starts is 2024 were projected to rise by nearly 30% before steadying off again. The civils sector recorded a 49% fall in investment, which reflects the erratic nature of this sector that is skewed by large-scale infrastructure projects. In 2025, the civil sector is expected to experience a modest recovery, with project starts projected to grow by 4%. However, this growth will slow to just 2% in 2026, reflecting a gradual deceleration as the industry stabilises.

INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

The industrial sector remains a key growth area, underpinned by investments in manufacturing, logistics, and pharmaceutical facilities. While 2024 saw a slight decline in new starts compared to 2023, the sector is expected to recover steadily, with project values nearing €1.2bn by 2027. The emphasis on sustainability and innovative building solutions positions this sector as a critical driver of economic growth.

HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Investment in the hospitality sector is experiencing a renaissance, with a 240% increase in new starts in 2024 compared to 2023. By Q3 2024, 2,235 new hotel beds were under construction, addressing rising demand driven by increased tourism. Although promising, the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation voiced concern that the number of rooms being built will not meet the

“The surge in residential construction is a testament to the effectiveness of government incentives like the development contribution waiver. This policy has created a front-loaded pipeline of activity, reflecting renewed confidence in the housing market.”

– Allan Wilén, Economics Director, CIS

projected demand going forward in the next decade, so more needs to be done.

Figures released by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) at the start of 2024 reveal that over 31 million passengers passed through Dublin Airport in 2023, marking a 60% increase compared to a decade ago.

This growth is mirrored in the hospitality and leisure sectors, which continue to thrive despite staffing shortages, rising wages, and increasing costs for food and energy. With strong consumer demand and spending on the rise, we anticipate continued investment in the hospitality industry. In 2024, investment in new hotels, bars, and related developments surged by an impressive 240% compared to the previous year.

The project pipeline remains robust, with planning applications for an additional 2,338 new beds and grants for 1,569 more. This expansion is expected to continue, with projections showing investment in the sector rising to €385m by 2025 and €410m by 2026, reinforcing the sector’s upward trajectory.

EDUCATION SECTOR

Delayed school and hospital projects are expected to pick up momentum, which is in line with the government’s efforts to tackle existing backlogs. Following a 35% decline in education-related project starts in 2024, the sector is set for a 17% rebound in 2025, with a strong pipeline of projects valued at €320m. This growth is forecast to continue into 2026, with the total value of education projects reaching €365m.

MEDICAL SECTOR

Construction in the medical sector in Ireland has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for healthcare services and infrastructure. The medical sector saw significant growth in 2024, supported by major projects like the €800m National Maternity Hospital. The private healthcare sector is also expanding, with new facilities and services being established to meet the needs of a growing population and an ageing demographic. Growth is expected to continue at a steady pace in the years ahead to match demand, and the planning pipeline is

healthy enough to support rising demand for now.

COMMERCIAL SECTOR

While the office market continues to redefine itself post-pandemic, the commercial sector faces a 45% decline in investment in 2024. Recovery is anticipated by 2026, as evolving work environments create opportunities for innovation in office design.

CONSTRUCTION HURDLES IN 2025

Ireland’s construction sector faces critical hurdles, including labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising material costs. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainty and climate commitments pose long-term challenges.

However, there are opportunities to be seized. Collaborative efforts to streamline planning processes, adopt modern construction methods and invest in sustainable practices will be essential to maintaining growth.

Dave Thompson, Vice President of Ireland and Europe, CIS, comments: “While the construction industry faces significant challenges, the resilience and adaptability of the sector are clear. From record-breaking housing starts to renewed investment in industrial and hospitality projects, the industry has demonstrated its ability to evolve. Sustained growth will require strategic planning and a commitment to innovation, but the outlook remains positive for those willing to adapt.”

As Ireland’s construction sector navigates the complexities of a stabilising economy, its ability to balance immediate demands with long-term resilience will be critical. With strong growth in key sectors and a focus on innovation and sustainability, the stage is set for continued progress—albeit with cautionary notes on the challenges that lie ahead.

To download Construction Information Services’ Construction Industry Forecast for the UK and Republic of Ireland 2025-2026’, visit www.cis.ie

Akela Ground Engineering brings industryleading precast beam system to Ireland

Akela Ground Engineering, part of the Akela Group, has announced its expansion into Ireland with a new base in Co Armagh as it continues to expand its piling and beam operations beyond Scotland. The expansion comes at a time of significant growth for the company, following its further expansion into England over the past 12 months, launching innovations to the market and winning new contracts from major UK housebuilders.

Barry Christy has been appointed as operations manager for Akela Ground Engineering Ireland. He will oversee all piling and beam operations from initial enquiry to project completion, promoting the company profile, driving sales, managing piling projects and ensuring quality and timely delivery. He brings significant experience and an extensive network to his new role, having worked previously with Roger Bullivant, Taranto Ltd and Cole Groundwork.

Based in Armagh, Akela Ground Engineering Ireland will support the rollout of Akela Group’s groundbreaking precast beam system, ABeam, which was launched to market last year.

ABeam is a unique precast concrete beam system that uses a specially designed mechanical joint, allowing foundation ground beams to be installed in just a few hours. Not dependent on weather conditions, this innovative system has already delivered significant time savings and efficiencies for housebuilders in Scotland.

With Ireland facing a significant housing shortage, ABeam offers a solution to accelerate the delivery of new homes. Since June 2024, ABeam has been proven to lay foundations faster and more sustainably for housebuilders, with over 200 house plots delivered and more than 8,000 meters of precast concrete beams installed

across multiple sites.

Will Payne, Managing Director, Akela Ground Engineering, said: “Our expansion into Ireland marks a significant milestone for Akela Ground Engineering on our growth journey. We have worked hard over the last 12 months to launch our ABeam system and have successfully demonstrated its impact to leading housebuilders.”

Commenting on his appointment, Barry Christy, said: “Having had a very positive experience working with Akela in previous roles, I am thrilled to join Akela Ground Engineering and lead the company’s expansion into Ireland.”

Cunningham Contracts awarded €19m schools project

Cunningham Contracts has secured a €19m education contract on behalf of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education & Training Board for the construction of Gaelscoil na Camoige, Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain, and a new hall for Colaiste Chillian.

The 18-month project, contained within one site, involves the construction of two new 16-classroom primary schools, Gaelscoil

na Camoige and Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain and the construction of a new PE hall for Colaiste Chillian. The project also included an element of refurbishment work to the existing Colaiste Chillian.

The site is located on the existing school playing fields at Colaiste Chillian on the Old Nangor Road, and buildings will be constructed over three phases. Part of the site is currently occupied by Colaiste Chillianm which will operate as normal over the course of the project.

The state-of-the-art education facility for the children in the Clondalkin area will incorporate a concrete frame structure, curtain walling, roof lighting, PV panels and a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) inclusive of a rainwater harvesting tank.

Tim Cunningham, CEO, Cunningham, commented: “We are delighted to secure this education project, which will make a real difference and a lasting impact on the whole school community, whilst fulfilling the school motto, ‘Ár nDúchas Slán’ (Our Heritage in Safe Hands). Our experienced team look forward to delivering an exceptional education setting, implementing innovative solutions to ensure the highest quality expectations and with safety at the forefront.”

Cunningham Contracts was founded by Tim and Joanne Cunningham in 2006, initially building houses on a self-bought one-acre site. The contractor now employs almost 200 people and has offices in Blanchardstown, Dublin and Newry, Co Down. Cunningham operates across Ireland and the UK, delivering projects within mission-critical, healthcare, education, fit-out out and residential sectors.

Akela Group’s groundbreaking precast ABeam system on site.

Artist impression of Colaiste Chillian.

Transforming Ireland’s built environment in 2025

IRENE RONDINI, Communications Lead at the Irish Green Building Council, highlights key IGBC initiatives focused on decarbonising the construction sector in 2025 and sets out how Irish construction companies can participate in these programmes.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that 2024 is officially the warmest year on record, with the past decade holding the 10 hottest years ever documented. This alarming trend stresses, once more, the urgent need for bold climate action.

The construction and building sector accounts for 37% of Ireland’s emissions, making it a key area for change. However, addressing the environmental crisis goes beyond simply reducing carbon emissions. It involves a triple challenge: climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.

The construction industry can be at the forefront of tackling these challenges, but no one can do it alone. The Irish Green Building Council is already working with the industry to address these issues and develop the tools needed. This article highlights some of these initiatives and how the construction sector can participate in them in 2025.

DECARBONISING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

In 2022, the IGBC launched ‘Building a Zero Carbon Ireland’, a roadmap to decarbonise Ireland’s built environment. This outlines three key actions to reduce carbon emissions and reach our climate targets: Optimise the use of our existing building stock, build better, and transition to low-embodied-carbon materials and processes.

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF VACANT BUILDINGS

The embodied carbon emissions of a deep residential retrofit are typically about a quarter of those associated with a new build, making the reuse of existing buildings crucial for reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, revitalising vacant properties through high-quality renovations presents a unique opportunity to address the housing crisis while breathing new life into our cities, towns, and villages.

Despite significant increases in funding to tackle vacancies in recent years, vacancy rates remain high in Ireland, and Above the Shop spaces are often empty or under-used. To help the government unlock their potential, the IGBC is working on developing a comprehensive set of recommendations to address real (and perceived) technical, financial, and regulatory barriers.

This work is being completed under the umbrella of the Vacant to Viable Buildings Alliance and as part of the Construct Innovate funded ‘Vacant to Viable’ project.

SUPPORTING ENERGY RENOVATION

In May 2024, the European Parliament and EU Council agreed on revisions to the EU’s primary legislation governing buildings, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The recast aims to support Europe in achieving a fully decarbonised building stock by 2050, contributing to the EU’s broader goal of climate neutrality within this timeframe.

The recast includes several actions to further support energy renovation, such as the introduction of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in non-residential buildings from 2030, as well as voluntary Renovation Passports in 2026.

In 2024, the IGBC organised a workshop in collaboration with the Department of Housing to support the transposition of Article 9.1 on MEPS in non-residential buildings into Irish law . In 2025, we will focus on the development of the next National Renovation Action Plan (Article 3) and Renovation Passports. Renovation Passports are masterplans for retrofit and include a record of works.

The IGBC is developing an Irish methodology for renovation passports for commercial buildings as part of an SEAI-funded project.

BUILDING BETTER: MAKING LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

For the first time, the EPBD will require the measurement and disclosure of a building’s life cycle Global Warming Potential (GWP) emissions from 2028 onward. Over the past year, the IGBC, with support from SEAI and in close collaboration with industry, has worked on the development and testing of a national methodology for calculating the life cycle GWP emissions of buildings.

Irene Rondini, Communications Lead at the Irish Green Building Council.

Building on this, we are now developing training programmes and technical tools to support this transition. To celebrate World Green Building Week, the IGBC will publish an Industry Progress Report in September to evaluate the progress of Ireland’s construction and real estate sectors in their journey toward decarbonisation and identify any gaps.

PAVING THE WAY FOR RESOURCE EFFICIENCY IN CONSTRUCTION

Transitioning to a more circular economy is also critical in lowering our emissions. Minimising the need for producing new materials through the reuse of resources, tackles one of the root causes of emissions: waste. The 2024 Circularity Gap Report Ireland estimates that embracing a circular economy could reduce Ireland’s carbon footprint by 32%. It’s also key in tackling resource depletion and habitat destruction.

To advance this effort, the IGBC will launch a ‘Circularity Roadmap for the Built Environment’ in May 2025 at its annual flagship event, ‘Build Green Now’ . This new roadmap is designed to complement our existing one on decarbonisation, as previously mentioned.

A key instrument to support the transition to circularity is the availability of data on the characteristics of materials in products, which ensures their value for recovery and reuse. That’s why the IGBC will be piloting Material Passports (MP). These are digital documents that track and manage the flow of materials throughout the lifecycle of a building or product. This approach will support material transparency and lifecycle thinking.

Circularity will also become a mandatory requirement of our sustainability standard for new homes, the Home Performance Index (HPI), aligning with EU Taxonomy standards for sustainable finance and encouraging the adoption of circular principles across the sector.

MAKING GREENER AND BIODIVERSE BUILDINGS THE NEW NORM

The biodiversity crisis is just as urgent as the climate crisis. According to WWF, global wildlife populations have declined by more than 70% in the past 50 years. To tackle this issue, the IGBC is committed to making the enhancement and protection of biodiversity the new norm in Ireland’s residential developments. With funding from the Housing Agency, IGBC and Trinity College Dublin have launched a new BIO-NEIGHBOUR initiative to develop recommendations for scaling up biodiversity enhancement in new housing projects. This work, informed by extensive stakeholder engagement with IGBC members, will help to understand how to create greener and more biodiverse communities.

In May, the IGBC will launch a catalogue of Irish case studies to showcase the industry’s efforts in enhancing and protecting biodiversity across various building typologies and infrastructure projects. This resource will serve as a reference for practitioners looking to implement green infrastructures and biodiversity features in their projects

SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY

The challenges we face in 2025 are immense, but they also present a unique opportunity to reshape Ireland’s built environment for the better. Through innovation, collaboration, and bold action, the Irish Green Building Council is committed to supporting the industry in creating a sustainable, circular, and biodiverse future. However, we can’t be alone in this journey. In 2025, we need the input, expertise, and dedication of all to drive meaningful change. Get in touch with us today and be part of the solution.

For more information, visit www.igbc.ie

Vacant to Viable Buildings Alliance (L to r): Sinead Hughes, Programme Manager, IGBC; Triona Stack, Research Assistant, UCD; Martin Markey, CEO, Hardware Association Ireland; Philip Lee , Chair, Vacant to Vibrant Building Alliance; Fiona Craven, Programme Manager, Adaptive Reuse, Dublin City Council; Marion Jammet, Head of Policy & Advocacy, IGBC; and Joselyn Lopez Pelayo, Project Manager, Vacant to Viable.

The Energy Show 2025 – Putting building services professionals to the fore

– RDS Dubin, Wednesday, 26 March and Thursday, 27 March

Realising the ambitious targets of the Climate Action Plan means that all sectors need to decarbonise to the greatest extent possible. And building services professionals are at the forefront in identifying and providing the necessary solutions. Architects, builders, consulting engineers, mechanical and electrical contractors and other key specifiers need to be armed with the very latest knowledge to make this happen. The SEAI Energy Show is a perfect environment to gather and share knowledge and experience.

First hosted in Belfast in 1995, The SEAI Energy Show has grown in scale and importance, showcasing the very best in innovative energy technologies, services and solutions.

The Energy Show is an in-person event for all parts of the sustainable energy supply chain, as well as those who engage directly with the supply chain. It brings exhibitors and visitors together in an environment designed to promote connection, networking, awareness, education, and business development. The Show focusses on energy products, technologies, and services for the business, industry, and residential sectors. It really is a must-see event for all energy professionals.

NEW FEATURES FOR 2025

The central exhibition, with more than 100 exhibitors across three halls in Dublin’s RDS, will be complemented by features and talks designed to heighten awareness of best practice services and state of the art products, while highlighting the vibrance of the sustainable energy sector.

Taking on board what exhibitors and visitors have told us, we are delighted to introduce several new features for 2025, including:

• Sustainable energy best stage

• Energy innovation stage

• SEAI Ask the Expert one-to-one consultations

• SEAI expert briefing stage

• Exhibitor product pitch stage

We will be expanding the always popular Retrofit Demonstration Area, bringing deep retrofit, sustainability, regulation compliance,

and installation skills to life. The demonstrations will cover the key elements of construction excellence with live voice-over presentations – using physical examples of fabric, insulation, heat pumps, hot water, ventilation, airtightness and solar.

PRODUCT OF THE SHOW AWARDS

New product development and cutting-edge technology are the very lifeblood of any industry, but particularly so in the energy sector where decarbonisation has become an absolute imperative. The SEAI Energy Show is often chosen by manufacturers to introduce their latest innovations, particularly those incorporating smart energy solutions. The Product of the Show Awards champion these developments. All the shortlisted finalists are featured on a dedicated stand that is often the first port of call for many visitors.

REGISTER NOW TO EXHIBIT OR ATTEND

The SEAI Energy Show is the perfect arena for exhibitors and visitors from across the energy sector to discuss specific projects; share ideas and opinions with colleagues; make new introductions; see the latest innovations; and learn about relevant policies and regulations.

If your business is energy efficiency, renewables, decarbonisation, zero emissions buildings, product circularity and/or sustainability, this is a MUST ATTEND event.

Further event details and how to register are available on www.seaienergyshow.ie

SETU partners with FLI Global on groundbreaking research for the cement industry

Research conducted by members of South East Technological University’s (SETU) Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (engCORE) over a two-year period (2022-2024) has produced a novel, disruptive, smart surface technology which will have groundbreaking impacts on the international concrete industries. The research was carried out in partnership with FLI Global and supported by the Design+ Technology Gateway.

The project was funded through the Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP).

This research was conducted between SETU’s campus in Carlow and FLI Precast Solutions premises in Kilnock, Co Carlow. The research team included Dr David Culliton and Dr Phuoc Huynh, both lecturers in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department and members of engCORE at SETU, and Alex Flynn, FLI Precast Solutions. Billy House supported the team as a member of the Design+ Gateway.

On the importance of the research partnership, David Culliton said, “For SETU to partner with FLI Global, we can directly contribute to the work of organisations and

industry, impacting the wider community regionally, nationally, and even globally. This is a key aspect of SETU’s strategic and research plans.”

Led by engCORE researchers, the project produced a sustainable Smart Surface Technology refurbishment solution addressing the complex issue associated with leak failures in large, subterranean concrete liquid containment installations.

Richard Whyte, Development Manager,

Design+Technology Gateway, commented, “It has been hugely rewarding to witness the work of this research project between SETU and FLI Global. Our goal at Design+ and through the Innovation Partnership Programme is to continuously support our talented researchers at SETU in their capacity to partner with industry to contribute to transforming their data findings into real-world impact.”

Ecocem building the world’s first commercial lowcarbon cement production unit for ACT technology

Ecocem has announced the construction of its first production facility dedicated to ACT, its low-carbon, globally scalable cement technology, at its Dunkirk site. This new production line will be operational by 2026 and initially provide an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes of ACT.

Accelerating the production and deployment of ACT further reinforces Ecocem’s commitment to delivering a technology capable of drastically reducing cement carbon emissions cost effectively within this decade.

This new ACT production line at Dunkirk, a world first, is a joint venture between Ecocem in France and CB Green, a division of Groupe CB. It will deliver a 70% reduction in the CO2 footprint of cement (compared to the average footprint of cement in Europe) produced at the plant. It will accelerate cement decarbonisation for Dunkirk, the Hauts-de-France Region, France, and the European Union by up to a decade, based on current industry forecasts.

The focus in the first half of 2025 will be on installing the key component of the facility, the mill, which will produce the required fillers, as well as expanding blending and storage facilities for ACT. Construction will begin in early 2025, with a view to delivering ACT to the market in the second half of 2026.

Commenting on this significant step forward, Donal O’Riain, founder and Global Managing Director, Ecocem Group, said: “The industrialisation of our ACT technology marks a historic turning point for the cement industry. Cement manufacturing processes have remained unchanged for 200 years; ACT represents a true technological breakthrough and an opportunity to rapidly decarbonise what is one of the world’s most polluting industries – responsible for almost 8% of global emissions – without

compromising quality and performance or significantly increasing costs.

Developed over nearly a decade of intensive research, ACT is a major advance in cement decarbonisation. It enables a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions compared with the European average for cement emissions. ACT achieves this by maximising the use of locally available alternative materials, known as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) while ensuring the required performance characteristics for any concrete made with it – namely durability, workability, mechanical strength, and cost-performance.

Donal O’Riain, Global Managing Director, Ecocem Group.

Dr David Culliton, SETU.

Richard Whyte, Design+ Technology Gateway.

New appointment announcement at Strata

Strata, a leading provider of project planning and digital construction services, has announced the appointment of Carl Kelly as digital construction lead.

With nearly 15 years of cross-sector experience, Carl Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for digital technologies to Strata. In his new role, he will lead Strata’s digital innovation and transformation services, focusing on integrating and analysing real-time data from multiple sources to enhance client project delivery. His commitment to optimising and exploring the potential of AI and emerging technologies aligns with Strata’s dedication to advancing technological boundaries in the industry.

Kelly’s educational background includes a Professional Diploma in Digital Leadership from the Irish Management Institute, a Postgraduate Certificate in Data Science from Technological University Dublin and an MSc in Construction Project Management from Waterford Institute of Technology.

MOY relocates its headquarters in a strategic business move

International system provider of highperformance waterproofing systems, MOY, has relocated its group head office from its Tallaght and Paisley offices to a prestigious new location in Dublin city centre.

The iconic business hub, Columbia Mills, on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, is a landmark building in the South Docklands. Overlooking the River Liffey, it offers unparalleled access to the city centre and dockland area, a hub for global tech giants like Google, Facebook, Airbnb, and Indeed.

The new base will provide enhanced capacity to accommodate MOY’s customers and suppliers while supporting the company’s growing team and operational requirements.

Alongside the move, MOY has transitioned its warehousing operations in Ireland and the UK to a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider. This strategic shift will streamline operations, offering scalable, flexible, and efficient solutions tailored to meet market demands. MOY says these new changes are “…futureproofing business infrastructure.”

Cathal Quinn, Group Managing Director, MOY, spoke about the move, saying: “For the last 20 years, the old premises served the company well. However, relocating to Dublin city centre marks a significant milestone in

MOY’s journey of growth and innovation. It will empower our team with the tools and environment needed to exceed expectations and meet the demands of a dynamic industry. By integrating 3PL logistics, we are positioning MOY for long-term success and scalability in established and emerging markets.”

Since the MOY management buyout in 2021, the company has experienced rapid growth across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. The new move also coincides with the launch of its new website, designed to enhance user experience and support continued business

growth with streamlined access to guidance, information and product support.

Cathal Quinn added: “This success has placed increasing demands on the business structure and operations, and in response, MOY is taking decisive steps to future-proof its infrastructure and ensure continued exemplary service for its customers and partners. The planned outcome of this evolution for our market is to offer unparalleled service and customer experience to our authorised contractors and clients. We can only see this as a positive move for MOY.”

Carl Kelly, Digital Construction Lead, Strata.

Columbia Mills, South Docklands, Dublin.

Off-site balcony specialist Sapphire opens new factory in Wexford

Sapphire Balconies has announced the opening of a new factory in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, aiming to bring offsite balcony efficiency directly to Ireland for Irish projects, helmed by Irish staff.

Since 1992, Sapphire has evolved from a family-owned business in London to the UK’s leading balcony manufacturer. Its commitment to quality and lean production sets it apart. In 2011, it consolidated functions in its head office, bringing logistics, research & development and the off-site team together at one location, then further becoming a global balcony supplier just 10 years later in 2021. Its innovative balcony systems now define its journey, emphasising off-site production and excellent customer experiences.

Having the Enniscorthy factory as a base of off-site manufacture for Irish projects means easier access for clients to visit and view their products before delivery. Factory manufacturing also increased production capacity and is fully scalable, meaning faster, higher quality balconies made in Ireland for Irish projects by Irish staff.

Local manufacturing reduces carbon emissions from long-haul transportation, meaning projects benefit from reduced embodied carbon as soon as Sapphire is on board.

The Enniscorthy factory is also streamlining the vesting process. Whilst vesting has always been available in our Northern Irish- and England-based factories, having facilities available in the Republic of Ireland means that the time needed for manufacturing and delivery is significantly shortened. This ensures that vested materials can be completed and delivered faster, reducing potential delays.

This new factory reinforces Sapphire’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency by streamlining the vesting process and simplifying its supply chain and product access. A second factory will be opening soon in Ireland, further boosting its capacity.

Sapphire Balconies is a balcony manufacturer and supplier specialising in the mid-to-high-rise residential construction market. Sapphire focuses on bringing lightweight, innovative aluminium balcony projects to apartment complexes across the globe.

To learn more about Sapphire Balconies, visit www.balconies.global, email support@balconies.global or call 0344 88 00 553.

Crystal Air Holdings Limited acquired by Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV has announced that it has concluded an agreement with Irish airconditioning installation and maintenance company Crystal Air Holdings Limited to acquire all of the shares in the company.

Crystal Air’s sector expertise, paired with its installation and maintenance capabilities, will boost Mitsubishi Electric’s strategic business offering and ensure the company is well-positioned to respond to increased demand in IT cooling and data centre solutions across Europe.

The acquisition of Crystal Air follows Mitsubishi Electric’s establishment of Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems SpA (MEHITS), which specialises in applied air-conditioning solutions for comfort, process, and IT cooling.

Shinji Kurita, CEO and President, MEU, explains: “Through the establishment of MEHITS, and now with the acquisition of Crystal Air, we have created a strong platform to meet the growing demand in the data centre sector. By integrating our traditional HVAC products with advanced applied solutions and a comprehensive service and maintenance capability, we have significantly enhanced our offering to drive

business growth and strengthen our presence in the data centre market.”

Ciaran Moody, Branch President, Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV Irish branch, says: “We in Ireland take immense pride in our business solutions partners, and we are particularly proud of Crystal Air’s success in delivering their exceptional expertise to the European market, especially their proven excellence in the data centre sector. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with our panEuropean strategy to offer a comprehensive suite of services, including product supply, installation, and maintenance. We believe our strategy is fully aligned with the evolving

needs and expectations of data centre owners and operators.”

Domnick Ward, Managing Director, Crystal Air, explains: “Combining Mitsubishi Electric’s manufacturing and product expertise with our specialised knowledge positions us uniquely in the market. This partnership enables us to capitalise on growth opportunities and further strengthen our presence in the European data centre sector.”

The acquisition, which was completed on 18 December 2024, is subject to approval by the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

(L to r): Domnick Ward, Managing Director, Crystal Air Ltd; Masami Kusano, Living Environmental Systems President, Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV; and David O Brien, Contracts Director, Crystal Air Ltd.

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Delivering life-changing healthcare facilities across Ireland and the UK

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