Construction Management Ireland

i Cm Autumn 2019

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Construction Management Ireland

The Right Stuff Training For The Future At Sisk

E n g i n ee r s • A r c h i t e c t s • S u rv e yo r s • P r o j e c t M a n a g e r s • C o n t r a c t o r s

AWARD WINNING CONTRACTOR Commercial | Student Accommodation | Fit-Out | Retail Educational | Data Centers | Industrial | Residential

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Forest Park, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

“ W

elcome to another special issue of Construction Management Ireland. One of the biggest events of the CIOB Calendar has taken place since we last spoke and that of course, was the Construction Manager of The Year (CMYA) in Ireland event.

Taking place every two years, this set of awards, and the overall accolade of Construction Manager of The Year (this time out: Alan Barnes of Collen Construction) are highly coveted and hugely prestigious.

Fittingly, they were presented at a major celebration dinner at Croke Park Stadium and we have extensive coverage of the event in this issue – including a chat with Alan and a look at the project in question, all of which we hope you will enjoy.

Meanwhile, we are delighted, in this issue, to focus on Sisk’s training centre in Dublin. Manager Dave Tracey and the Sisk apprentices made us feel very welcome when we dropped by to find out just what goes on here in this very special place.

With training representing such a key topic for us here we also looked in on National Skills and WorkdSkills in the aftermath of the Ireland Skills Live event in Dublin and, as we continue to check in with the colleges, universities and institutes of technology, we bring news of upcoming courses that are sure to be of interest – this time in Sligo IT. Elsewhere, it is business as usual with the Irish Green Building Council, an update from Construction Information Services and a closer look at a project that took the top prize in this year’s Irish Concrete Society Awards.

We also find out more about Facilities Management with Pat Gaughan of Advanced Workplace Solutions in ‘Me and My Job’ and look at HR, Legal, Safety and more along the way as well as the products and services that have caught our eye.

Once again, there’s a lot going on in this issue!

P.46

PUTTING THE PROFESSIONAL CENTRE STAGE

'we are delighted, in this issue, to focus on Sisk’s training centre in Dublin'

Talk to you soon, Martin & Dermot

Cmi

Construction Management Ireland Published by Ocean Publishing, 14 Upper Fitzwilliam St, Dublin 2 Tel: 01 678 5165 Fax: 01 678 5191

CIOB official media partner in the Republic of Ireland

Publisher Patrick Aylward Editor Martin Foran martin@constructionmanagementireland.ie National Sales Manager Dermot Casey Dermot@constructionmanagementireland.ie Art Editor Jim Obey

Printed by WG Baird Ltd Antrim

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Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this journal is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors, omissions or discrepancies. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

We’re seeking partnerships to developers to deliver homes to people on housing waiting lists. deliver 2,500 new homes

We recently handed over the keys to our 7,000th home and have over 17,000 residents across Ireland. We are committed to providing high-quality affordable rented housing.

Developers to deliver homes to people on housing waiting lists.

We are committed to providing high quality affordable rented housing. We have over 6,800 properties in management and more than 17,000 residents all over Ireland.

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contents

12 Cover Story The Sisk Training centre in Dublin. Construction Management Ireland drops in on manager Dave Tracey and his apprentices and finds out about the key role played by this very special place.

5 Industry News A round-up of stories from the industry and the wider economy.

18 CIOB News The Construction Manager of the Year in Ireland Awards took place this summer at Croke Park. We focus on the event, the winners and the reactions! We follow this up with our popular ‘Meet a Member’ profile.

32 Tech Talk This time out with Quinn Building Products.

35 Out & About Returning to the major event of the summer here, we have a range of pictures from the Construction Manager of The Year Awards.

40 The Lay of the Land Another industry overview with Construction Information Services.

43 Lean Journeys

25 Project Notes This year’s Irish Concrete Society Awards presented us with an array of inspirational works.

We look at the winners with a focus on the top award which went to a special project at UCC.

Continuing on our Lean journeys we revisit the books of Lean Cases published by Lean Construction Ireland and focus on Clancy Construction’s involvement here.

49 Personal & Finance Succession planning and a choice to be happy.

58 Considerate Construction The Considerate Constructors Scheme campaign to tackle plastics and packaging. Also: scheme expands to offer registration to professional services.

59 Green Building The level of urgency in dealing with climate change has gone up several notches in the past year. More on this from the Irish Green Building Council.

62 Facilities Management / Me & My Job Pat Gaughan, Managing Director at Advanced Workplace Solutions, Founder Workplace Summit 2019, IWFM (Institute of Workplace & Facilities Management) Ireland Committee.

64 HR, Leadership / Legal Work at height (WAH) activity with the HSA. Also, are you a great leader?

67 Products & Services What’s news, what’s new and what’s caught our eye?

53 Training & Courses Ireland Skills Live was a ‘gamechanger’ we hear. Also, National and WorkSkills focus!

71 The Final Say With Patrick Atkinson CEO of Grafton Merchanting ROI, (GMROI) now Chadwick's Group.

News

NEWS The need for Irish cities to become more sustainable in order to attract inward investment was discussed at Green Building Cork 2019.

Irish regional cities will continue to grow in the next 20 years. But they must significantly reduce their building and transport emissions if Ireland is to reach its climate targets.

Making Irish cities greener could enhance their international reputation and increase inward investment.

These were some of the key messages of Green Building Cork 2019.

Opening Opening the conference, Pat Barry, CEO of the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC), said: ‘Edinburgh has just committed to be carbon neutral by 2035 and Copenhagen is already on track to reach this target by 2025. Irish cities must follow.

‘They need to move beyond energy efficiency and enable all citizens to make low-carbon choices and live in truly sustainable neighbourhoods.

‘The IGBC has developed the Home Performance Index certification to give local authorities a framework for better

Link between sustainable cities and inward investment extensively discussed at Conference built, better quality, healthy homes, in connected and ecologically enhanced communities.’

Kay Killmann of the certification arm of the US Green Building Council added that greener cities are not only better for people and the planet, they also support a strong economy.

‘Cities are increasingly competing internationally to attract capital and talents. To keep up with a new generation of well-informed and engaged citizens, cities must innovate and commit to sustainability.

‘Savona in Italy has recently become the first LEED-certified city in Europe. LEED for cities is an exacting environmental certification.

It allows cities to benchmark progress and measure performance while considering social equity and

human experience.’

Technology Beth Massey, Head of Research at Cork based International Energy Research Centre, added: ‘Technology has a key role to play in supporting our energy transition. Grid-integrated buildings and transport can dynamically interact to create not only energy positive homes but energy positive communities and districts.

‘But technology is just one aspect.

Policy, regulations and awareness raising are also critical.’

Green Building Cork 2019 was organised by the Irish Green Building Council to explore what needs to happen next to transition to genuinely low carbon buildings and communities.

CMYA Ireland 2019 - Alan Barnes is named Construction Manager of the Year!

A

ABOVE: Alan Barnes, Construction Manager of the Year in Ireland 2019 – with CIOB’s Director of Operations, Amy Gough

lan Barnes of Collen Construction is Ireland’s Construction Manager of the Year 2019!

His award came as the result of his work on the Scots Church in Lower Abbey Street, Dublin, and he received his medal at the CMYA Ireland celebration dinner at Croke Park Stadium.

Prestige Recognising the achievements of those

leading complex and involved projects, the Construction Manager of the Year Awards (CMYA) in Ireland are much anticipated and carry enormous prestige within the industry.

The announcement of the finalists for each category follows a rigorous assessment process which sees the CMYA judges assess paper applications as well as conducting site visits and panel interviews.

The competition culminates in an awards dinner where the winners of each category are awarded gold and silver medals with one overall winner chosen from the gold medallists.

The project that led to Alan’s nomination and gold medal win was the conservation and refurbishment of the existing Scots Presbyterian Church, a protected structure situated on Abbey Street, Dublin.

For extensive coverage of the CMYA Awards 2019 see our CIOB News pages and Out & About in this issue!

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 5

News

Most energy efficient residential and commercial building projects honoured at ISOVER awards Simply Architecture and their new build residential project ‘The Fairways’ in Cork, was named the winner of the 2019 Overall ISOVER Award, as well as Designer of the Year 2019, at the third ISOVER Awards.

The awards ceremony, which took place at the Smock Alley Theatre, saw over 100 construction and building professionals, including architects, engineers, builders and developers, come together ‘to recognise and celebrate the best built and most energy efficient building projects from across Ireland’.

According to the judging panel, the entry from Simply Architecture demonstrated the perfect way of doing things in terms of sustainability and design, and showcased a stunning residential property that achieves the passive house standard.

The design responds ingeniously to an extremely challenging suburban site to prove that world class energy performance can be achieved with show-stopping aesthetics, utilising low embodied energy materials.

One-off The property is a one off residential house in Douglas, Co Cork. The project team found a steeply sloping site, previously a builder’s yard, traversed by three way leaves.

It looked implausible; three way leaves ensured only a small wedge in the corner of the site could be developed and the steep slope made access difficult.

The planning authority placed 6 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

ABOVE: A winning line-up

restrictions on the ridge height and south facing windows to prevent overlooking.

The house design is therefore a response to a variety of obstacles.

Given the unusual shape and the steep slope, aesthetics, orientation and access all became issues that needed to be carefully considered.

Additionally the house achieved full Passive House certification.

The compact building form ensured the slope could be negotiated quite efficiently and south facing, high level windows provide sufficient solar gain while avoiding any overlooking issues.

Speaking on the impact outstanding energy efficient design and build in construction can have on reversing climate change, Managing Director of ISOVER in Ireland, Brian Dolan, said: ‘Today, leaders in Ireland’s construction sector were celebrated and awarded for their world class energy efficient building projects.

‘All building professionals play a significant role in promoting the benefits of energy efficient buildings and thus have a crucial part in providing Ireland with a more energy efficient future.

‘The ISOVER awards showcase what excellence in energy efficient design and build looks like in 2019 and highlight the importance of continually striving to improve the energy performance of our buildings.

‘It is crucial that we continue to take the energy efficient concept forward and continue to promote its benefits to individual homeowners and businesses.’

The ISOVER Awards 2019 Winners List: Designers: • Excellence in Commercial New Build – Henry J Lyons for City Quay, Co. Dublin • Excellence in Commercial Renovation – The Passivhaus Architecture Company for St Joseph's Woollen Mills, Co. Cork • Excellence in Residential New Build – Simply Architecture for The Fairways, Co. Cork • Excellence in Residential Renovation – Low Energy Design for St Bricin's Park, Co. Dublin

Contractors: • Excellence in Commercial New Build – Ceiling and Allied Ltd for Maldron Hotel, Co. Cork • Excellence in Residential New Build – Cosgrave Developments for Fairway Drive & Abbot Drive, Co. Dublin • Excellence in Residential Renovation – CHP Mechanical Services Ltd for Central Promenade, Co. Down

Contractor and Designer of the year: • Runner Up & Contractor of the Year 2019 – Cosgrave Developments for Fairway Drive & Abbot Drive, Co. Dublin • Overall Winner & Designer of the Year 2019 – Simply Architecture for The Fairways, Co. Cork

News

Scoil Chríost Ri, Boys National School, in Caherdavin, Limerick is the public’s choice for best building of 2018 at RIAI Irish Architecture Awards.

Limerick national school is top of the class in the Public Choice Award at the RIAI 2019 Architecture Awards The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) announced An Ríocht, Scoil Chríost Rí, Boys National School, Caherdavin, Limerick, designed by Drake Hourigan Architects, as the winner of the Public Choice Award at the RIAI Architecture Awards 2019.

The school, which is located on the northside of Limerick City, beat off tough competition from a shortlist of forty-one projects which included entries from Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Limerick, Meath, Tyrone and Wexford, as well as London and India.

All of the projects on the shortlist were designed by Registered Architects, based in Ireland and overseas, and were completed in 2018.

Conquering Four Peaks raises funds for four Irish charities

children will develop social skills through participation in educational and social activities with their peers, with a view to moving to mainstream classes as they progress through their school years.

Grafton Merchanting (ROI) now Chadwicks, is thrilled to announce that it has raised in excess of €68,000 in vital funds for four Irish charities including Focus Ireland, CMRF Crumlin, Pieta House and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

Importance

Carefully

David Browne, RIAI President, said: ‘The importance of good design in all of our built environment and public spaces is reflected by Public Choice being awarded to a school.

A team of twenty-two people from the organisation conquered Ireland’s Four Peaks challenge in a bid to raise muchneeded funds for the four charities, which were carefully chosen by colleagues at Grafton Merchanting ROI. The team started with Carrauntoohil in Co. Kerry, followed by Mweelrea in Co. Mayo, Slieve Donard in Co. Down, and, finally, Lugnaquilla in Co. Wicklow.

The team not only defeated the Four Peaks but also smashed their fundraising target of €40,000 by almost €30,000.

Collaboration Developed in close collaboration with the principal and teachers, the building at Caherdavin provides for a two-classroom Autism Syndrome Disorder (ASD) suite with a central activities space and a sensory garden, new entrance courtyard and atrium space for whole school circulation.

Inclusion, compassion and flexibility of use were all cited as key drivers in the design.

The new accommodation facilitates the school and teaching staff in providing pupils with the necessary educational and social supports when starting school.

By including these facilities within the mainstream school setting,

Grafton Merchanting ROI rises to the challenge for charity

Frontline ‘Well-designed buildings can improve quality of life and social interaction, and in the case of Scoil Chríost Rí, in Caherdavin, can promote inclusion, compassion and flexibility.

The positive impact this building will have on the learning experience of the pupils cannot be underestimated.’

Second Place in the Public Choice went to the Cork Criminal Courthouse by OPW Architects with Wilson Architecture and Bluett O’DonoghueArchitects.

In third place is the office building 13-18 City Quay, Grant Thornton HQ

As the homelessness crisis worsens in Ireland, over 10,000 people are considered homeless, Focus Ireland are on the frontline changing lives daily, challenging homelessness and supporting those most at risk.

The monies raised for CMRF Crumlin will go towards the Diabetes Clinic which provides necessary treatment for children.

Pieta House provides specialised treatment programmes for people who have suicidal ideation and supports for families affected.

Ireland has the highest incidence of Cystic Fibrosis in the world. More than 1,300 people in Ireland suffer from the disease. CF Ireland was set up in 1963 to improve the treatment and facilities for people with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 7

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07

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Mechanical Electrical Instrumentation

Commercial Data Centres Industrial Infrastructure Life Sciences Pharmaceutical Power and Renewable Energy

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News

Focus Ireland’s new 31-unit social housing development built by Duggan Brothers.

individuals on local authority waiting lists.

‘I would like to wish all the new tenants many happy years in their new homes.’

The Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy officially opened Focus Ireland’s new 31-unit social housing development built by Duggan Brothers.

The new development will provide homes for a number of families and individuals in the heart of Dublin City.

The new build encompasses a seven storey residential apartment building including basement, external envelope with

our many stakeholders to provide homes for people who are homeless and my department is always eager to fund such projects.

‘Increasing the supply of housing is at the core of addressing our housing problems.

‘This year we will add 10,000 new homes to our active social housing stock and we will also meet the housing needs of some 27,000 families/

Delighted

technology, offering clients the ability to assess plans in 3-D. A complete change of office layout reflects

the business’ move to a collaborative working environment, in line with strategic team-based planning operations.

balconies, canopy installation and associated services and systems installation.

Areas Each individual apartment comprises bedrooms, dining, kitchen and storage areas. Speaking at the event Minister Murphy said: ‘I am pleased to officially open these 31 homes on behalf of Focus Ireland.

Under Rebuilding Ireland, we are partnering with

Minister Michael Creed officially opens €4.5 investment in Jacobs Cork Office Jacobs announced 200 new jobs for Ireland, over the coming two years, as it unveiled a €4.5m investment in its office in Cork.

Solutions The company, which provides end-to-end solutions for infrastructure, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, semiconductor, data centres and manufacturing clients, plans to fill the positions in Dublin, Cork and Belfast.

The new roles will be professional services positions across a range of specialities, project and construction management, design, commissioning, qualification and validation.

The announcement reflects the success and continued growth of the

company in Ireland, as it marks 45 years since opening its office in Dublin in 1974 – its first operation outside of the U.S. Today, Jacobs employs more than 1,100 people on the island of Ireland, and it is one of the largest firms in the country, focusing primarily on project delivery for advanced facilities, environmental and infrastructure clients.

Doubled Jacobs has almost doubled its Irish footprint in the past five years due to its growth in construction management, commissioning and validation.

The Cork office investment includes state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality

Walls refurb at Victoria Mills student complex At time of writing Walls Construction is completing the refurbishment of forty-five apartments, ranging in size from 2 to 7 bedrooms (a total of 170 bedrooms), within the Victoria Mills Student Accommodation complex at Victoria Cross, Cork.

Contracts Director, Eddie Cleary said: ‘We were delighted to play a part in delivering this project which will provide 31 families with a safe and secure place to call home.’

Focus Ireland has provided over 500 homes in partnership with the state since 2015. It plans to deliver a total of 750 homes over the course of its current five-year plan (to 2020).

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An introduction to construction law Procurement – the tendering process Construction regulation Construction contracts Dispute Resolution

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Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 9 Diploma Centre Construction Law CIF ad 2019.indd 1

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News

ABOVE: (L-r) Trevor McDonough; Dermot Groarke; Diane McDonald, Chadwicks Bray; Octabuild board member Declan Conlon, Glennon Brothers and Awards judge, Joe Harlin at the Dublin launch of the Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards 2019

New style Octabuild excellence awards The Octabuild Awards, which have been acknowledging the best in the builders’ merchant trade for thirty-five years, have been revamped for 2019 with a number of progressive changes that take account of key developments in the trade.

Excellence A renewed focus on excellence ensured that the Awards reflect the modern builders’ merchant sector in terms of business management, customer service, sales & marketing, innovation, leadership, diversity, partnership and communication.

Major changes in the entry process meant that builders’ merchants could this year choose to not only enter for the Regional and National Awards but also for individual Category Awards.

ABOVE: Pictured at the Dublin launch of the Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards 2019. (L-r) Aoife Kinsella (HAI), Octabuild board member Ray Molyneaux, Irish Cement; Andrew Hewat, GMROI and Alan Donohoe, Tegral Building Products

This provides merchants with an opportunity to tell their story and highlight the areas of business that they excel at.

Judging process Significant changes have

1 0 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

also been made to the judging process this year and the category awards.

There is now a judging panel of three independent judges who will assess all entries and then visit shortlisted entries.

These visits will be comprehensive and last up to 90 minutes in each store.

In addition to the established National and Regional Awards, merchants can now enter up to five individual award categories.

They are: Excellence in Business Management, Excellence in Sales & Marketing, Excellence in Customer Service, Excellence in Sustainable Business and Excellence in Community Outreach.

A new Rising Star Award will also allow builders’ merchants to acknowledge the up and coming talent in their business.

Octabuild members are: Dulux, Glennon Brothers, Gyproc, Instantor, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation, Tegral Building Products and Wavin and all shortlisted merchants will be their guests at the awards ceremony in the Aviva Stadium on 7 November 2019.

Events Details of the new style awards were unveiled at a series of launch events in Cork, Dublin and Athlone.

Speaking at the events, Octabuild Chairman, Mark Filgate said: ‘It’s important that the Awards highlight to the building and construction industry the excellence of Irish builders’ merchants.

‘Over the years builders’ merchants have told us that entering for the Awards and particularly being shortlisted or winning has been a great staff motivator, provided an additional marketing tool and brought valuable positive feedback from their customers.

‘The changes made this year have been done in consultation with builders’ merchants and we believe will enhance the benefits for those builders merchants who enter.’

Personal relationships with customers have always been central to Layher’s success – because by understanding your needs exactly, we think we can provide the best access and protection solutions.

So why not get to know us a little better?

Just call 01462475100 or email at info@layher.co.uk

The past, present and future of system scafollding

COVER STORY

Training the next generation at Sisk Winning attitude means the world’s their oyster!

1 2 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

S

isk has always placed a huge emphasis on training. It’s very much at the heart of what they do. Literally. Just enter the Training Workshop behind the main Dublin Headquarters near the Red Cow roundabout and the chances are you will come across a hive of activity as the next generation’s carpenters and joiners – and in time, construction managers and senior staff – are put through their paces. And overseeing all of this is Dave Tracey, who spoke recently with Martin Foran.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 13

COVER STORY

D

ave Tracey is as passionate about every new intake of apprentices at Sisk as he was thirty-six years ago when – barely out of his time – he took over the running of this very special place that is the Sisk Training Centre in Dublin.

Ask anyone at Sisk and they’ll tell you, this place is central to what they do. And while the focus is on the future here, the link to the past and to tradition, is alive and well.

Dave Tracey embodies this link personally. He completed his own apprenticeship here – just like those we meet on our visit – as a carpenter-joiner.

Looking back to those early days, Dave speaks fondly of John G. Sisk who took a huge interest in apprentice training and continued visiting the centre after his retirement.

‘He must have seen something in me that was good,’ says Dave, modestly.

And so it was that Dave began his time here at a stage when the centre had already been ten years in existence.

Promotion ‘Throughout the period that I was serving my time – and indeed, prior to that – Sisk was always heavily involved in apprentice training and the promotion of training,’ stresses Dave.

It is of course, central to the culture here and this, says Dave, has never changed.

Even in what we might call the not-so-good times, for the industry and the economy, Sisk always took on apprentices, he points out.

Over the summer (when we visited) Sisk was preparing to take on a new cohort, bringing the total to forty carpentry-joinery apprentices in the system - ranging from first to fourth years.

Dave will watch another crop of bright young hopefuls

Aaron Gaffney-Rowe Apprentice, John Sisk & Son Ltd I always wanted to be a carpenter. My uncle is a carpenter and it runs in the family.

I was in school in Clondalkin when Sisk came in and gave a talk. I did two weeks' work experience here. Later, I applied for the apprenticeship.

Once you are on the ladder all you can do is go up – the options are endless. I’m in the fourth year now and I’ve enjoyed it here a lot. I love the work and I love being on sites too.

The biggest thing is having the right attitude – you can learn your skills but you can’t learn attitude!

I’d encourage anyone with an interest to take this route. At the end of the day you are earning as you are learning. You are not getting into debt for college bills.

‘Like in any good company it is all about the people.’

1 4 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

begin a journey which can see them end up, literally, at any level in the construction industry in the years ahead and certainly as foremen and managers if that is the way they wish to proceed.

Others will be happy to stay ‘on the tools’, and that too is perfectly fine – it’s about finding their own level.

One thing they will all have in common is that they will all possess the ‘big A’ in abundance. That is to say, the right Attitude.

Whereas skills can be taught attitude must be there from the start.

‘We can manage their progression and try to instil from day one the right way to do things,’ says Dave.

‘It’s the right attitude that they must supply themselves.’

Luckily there is no shortage of the right attitude in today’s young applicants, notes Dave.

‘We go for Leaving Certificate standard generally,’ he explains. ‘We do a threeday interview process. In a lot of cases the attitude is evident right from the start.

‘You can tell the ones who are really wanting it,’ says Dave.

How so?

There are many factors including things like having done research, knowing a bit about the company perhaps, an attitude that they want this more than anything and they are going to get it, wanting to be the best but ready to put the work in too.

This is all important for many reasons. Not least because, at the end of their time, those who are kept on may well become future leaders here. Certainly many will comprise the next generation of site managers.

Whatever way they go there is a chance that they will stay for many years with Sisk.

Why do people stay so long? ‘The model here works,’ says Dave. ‘You are well looked after and you are very much respected.

‘Like in any good company

it is all about the people.’

Job satisfaction Not surprisingly Dave says that there is immense job satisfaction in working with the apprentices here. It’s also fascinating to see them develop as people, notes Dave.

‘It is a four-year focus and we see them develop from perhaps seventeen years of age through to young adults.

‘You may see a first-year coming in with little skills and then, come year four, see how that young man or woman has developed and what a great asset they are – and also how

they have grown as a person.’

But the journey starts long before they come through that door in the autumn of each year.

There are various ways that the journey can begin but it’s unanimously agreed in the industry that a key aspect lies in reaching out to young people and schools.

‘I love going out and talking to schools,’ says Dave, speaking of the type of activity that he is involved in more and more these days.

When he gets to the schools Dave may often find himself giving much-wanted

ABOVE: (L-R): Aaron Gaffney Rowe; Barry Cowley; Josh Drew; Dave Tracey; Sean Carter; Joseph Murphy; Patrick McDonnell

information to those who were considering this route but did not know where to begin.

He can also find himself countering old, preconceived ideas and stereotypes. And that is another big reason that personal visits, taking the time to engage properly at an early stage, can really make a difference.

‘I feel in Ireland there has been a certain snobbery around apprenticeships sometimes,’ he says, echoing the thoughts of many in the industry.

‘It was like: someone is not that smart so get them to do

Barry Cowley Apprentice, John Sisk & Son Ltd I’m in my fourth year now. I always wanted to work with my hands and to do something practical.

I decided when I was twenty-two to take this route. Before that, I had gone to college to do Networking Engineering. I finished it but it wasn’t really for me.

The time has gone by very quickly here. I’ve learned a lot. It’s an exciting time. There are lots of options and that is the great thing.

Personally, I didn’t want to sit at a desk all day. That wasn’t for me.

I’d say that if you want to do an apprenticeship go for it!

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 15

COVER STORY

an apprenticeship. (Which of course couldn’t be more wrong in today’s industry).

‘There is certainly a massive drive that says you must go on to third-level,’ observes Dave.

‘But why not an apprenticeship – and earn-as-you-learn? You are on ninety percent of the craft rate in the fourth year.’

Initially we go to schools and meet with communities – as many as we can; we like to engage with the community and we certainly have apprentices here who are local to the area.

‘We go to trade fairs too and we go to events like Higher Options at the RDS. It’s all about that engagement.’

Programmes But it doesn’t stop there. ‘For those who stay on, we have a management or foreman training programme for the next couple of years after the apprenticeship,’ explains Dave.

‘At the end of the apprenticeship they have a Level Six qualification.

‘If you want to go to the next level, beyond apprenticeship, we send you to do a degree in TU Dublin in Construction Site Management.

‘One of the entry requirements, coming from a craft background, is that you must have the Level Six qualification.

‘So, it is important that, at the end of the four years, you have that qualification. It means you can progress to another level – if that is what you want to do.

‘But it’s standard-based – not about the time served. If you don’t pass one stage you won’t be called for the next.

‘At the end of the day you want that Level Six qualification. It is very important. If you want to travel you will definitely need it.’

At TU Dublin, Dave Tracey explains, they can do the ordinary degree in Construction Site Management.

It’s a Level Seven qualification and it is a threeyear programme. Some also do the higher degree, leading to a Level Eight qualification.

But once again, this journey all starts long before that and before they come through those doors.

Says Dave: ‘we try to get the message out as much as possible that we are an employer of apprentices.

Skills

Pat Tierney Regional Director, John Sisk & Son Ltd Pat Tierney knows he is looking at the future right here in the Sisk Training Centre.

‘These people can go right through the company and end up as site managers, not only here but with other contractors,’ notes Pat. ‘It is a long-held tradition here. We’ve continued that and the family are always very supportive of it.

‘Realising the need for training they are prepared to invest in it and this has led to great success for ourselves.

‘Seasoned, experienced site managers, out on sites at the moment, graduated from here.

‘The quality is always excellent. We can spot the right attitude from day one. It does come through!

‘Attitude is key.’

Josh Drew Apprentice, John Sisk & Son Ltd I’m in my second year and really love it. I have just finished Phase Two recently (at time of writing).

Carpentry was always my main choice. I couldn’t have gotten into a better place!

I like all the various aspects here; you are in college and also on the job. You get the best of both and that is fantastic.

I’ve enjoyed it very much so far. Afterwards there are so many options. I could go travelling, for example.

The thing is you can go anywhere with this. This is recognised worldwide. The world is your oyster!

1 6 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

Dave may have a good crop of willing entrants with the right attitude at Sisk but he is very aware that skills shortages have far-reaching effects in the industry as a whole.

‘The wet trades,’ he observes, ‘is a problem in particular – Painters, Bricklayers, Plasterers for example.

‘Also, the way our industry is today compared to say, ten years ago, the model had changed completely,’ adds Dave referring to ‘Tier One’ contractors who ‘more or less project-manage’ now.

‘They sub-contract work in carpentry or joinery, so it is sub-contractors who supply apprentices.

‘Because it costs a lot of money, the sub-contractor can be reluctant to take on apprentices as they can say they can’t see four years’ work ahead.

‘So that is a problem. The main contractors don’t employ apprentices. So is that going to change in the near future? Probably not.

‘I think the main issue is employers. That is the biggest challenge – where do the employers come from?

‘We would take on our own and can take on a lot of work and yes we have our apprentices and our own foremen but we’d still be concerned because when it comes to our supply chain and sub-contractors they are also affected.

‘For the supply chain it is an issue.

‘I am on the CIF’s Education Training and Skills committee and we are looking at how

COVER STORY

in the area in which they did their degree and it costs them money – instead of them being paid.’

we encourage employers to take on apprenticeships, and upskill people'.

Model One thing Dave Tracey feels strongly about is that, ‘we have to hold on to the four-year model of onand-off-job training’.

‘Our model, I think, is excellent’, he says.

‘However, I feel apprenticeships are not for everyone and not everyone is up to doing one – but another training model may be traineeships for perhaps semi-skilled people – maybe in areas like floor tiling or groundwork, for example.

When it comes to attracting future workers to the industry, ‘one thing we could be doing’, says Dave ‘is to try to target those who left the industry in the recession and didn’t return.

‘We are not necessarily talking here about those who left the country; there are those now working in other areas of employment in Ireland.

‘There is a large number who left the industry and didn’t go back. There is, without doubt, a pool of people who are working in other industries and at other jobs.’

Also, returning to the area of apprenticeships, it is important to remember that not everyone comes straight from school.

‘We have a CV in at the moment from a thirtyyear-old,’ says Dave.

‘There is no age limit.

‘The only problem is to do with coming back to a small wage. But if it is something you want then the four years go by very quickly.

‘On the plus side, older people can be very, very focused.

‘In Germany, for example, they encourage you to find out what you’d like to do and to do your apprenticeship and then go back and do the degree. In Germany there are over 350 apprenticeships.

‘We have it the other way around. Some never work

Network

Joseph Murphy.

Apprentice, John Sisk & Son Ltd I’m in my third year now and going into Phase Six. I always wanted to do this and it has lived up to my expectations totally!

I love being on site and I have been getting to do a bit of everything which is great too.

When you have friends going to college you can see they are costing their parents a lot of money.

Here you are earning while you are learning.

Personally, I’ve found it great here and I love it!

With thirty-six years under his belt Dave has seen over 350 apprentices through their time here. It’s a big network that spans the globe, and all levels of management now.

Many however, remain with Sisk. ‘We have former apprentices who are in senior roles now’, says Dave. ‘We have others who have left and are supplying product back.

‘We have another who is now doing a Phd,’ he says.

It’s not surprising there is a great degree of job satisfaction working here.

‘I feel it has been a great privilege,’ says Dave.

‘But it would not have happened without great support here at Sisk.'

IrelandSkills Live Sisk played a huge part this year’s IrelandSkills Live National Apprentice Competition where they were main sponsor, category and Carpentry & Joinery sponsors.

Says Dave Tracey, Sisk Training Centre manager (who also features in our Training feaure in this issue): ‘This year IrelandSkills Live National Competition was all under the one roof with over 10,000sqm in Simmonscourt, RDS. ‘It is the first time these competitions were moved to a central location as part of a full exhibition event which was an outstanding success in that it brought about a huge awareness of apprenticeships as a career choice.

‘The RDS was a game changer for Apprenticeship skills and competitions and a showcase for the best of Irish skills in industry today.‘

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 17

CMYA

CMYA success marks summer highlight for CIOB! The CMYA in Ireland was run for the nineteenth time in summer 2019 and it drew a large crowd to Croke Park for an unforgettable evening! CMi was there, of course!

The Construction Manager of The Year (CMYA) in Ireland this year saw gold medals awarded to winners Barry Keenan of Flynn Management, Alan Barnes of Collen Construction, John Paul Higgins of Heron Brothers and Niall O’Connor of John Paul Construction.

Alan Barnes went on to take the overall award of ‘Construction Manager of the Year in Ireland’ for 2019.

Independent As usual the process was overseen by independent judges who are highly respected in the industry. The initial stages were paper-based and the 1 8 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

candidates who made it to the final were invited to interview.

With a high level of construction management expertise abundant in this country, it was, as usual, a difficult task.

The whole process culminated with a glittering awards dinner at Croke Park in Dublin where Alan Barnes of Collen Construction would go on to take the overall award. The award was presented

by Amy Gough, CIOB’s Director of Operations.

The judges' citation noted: Construction Manager of the Year in Ireland 2019 was awarded to the finalist that demonstrated significant management skills on a construction project where he encountered many of the risks, demands and challenges that one is likely to encounter in a whole career in construction.

High praise indeed.

Category 1 Projects under 10 million euro Finalists Declan McCann, MCIOB, Woodvale John Barden, MCIOB, Townlink Barry Keenen, FCIOB, Flynn (Gold Winner) Gary O’Sullivan, MAC Group Awards here were presented by Martin Lydon, representative of the LMC Group.

From the Judges' Gold Medal Citation: For displaying considerable skills in contract administration, communication, leadership, teamwork, supply chain management and effective coordination and bringing the project to conclusion within a tight schedule without compromising on quality and ensuring the architectural and technical requirements were fully realised.

ABOVE: The CIOB Director of Operations, Amy Gough, Alan Barnes, John Sweeney

A

lan Barnes of Collen Construction, is Ireland’s Construction Manager of the Year 2019!

He received his medal at the CMYA Ireland celebration dinner at Croke Park Stadium.

The project that led to Alan’s nomination and gold medal win was the conservation and refurbishment of the existing Scots Presbyterian Church, a protected structure situated on Abbey Street in Dublin City.

The judges commented that: The project involved complex works and innovative construction methodologies, which were imaginatively exploited by the candidate.

The enormity confronted by the candidate was described by one of the client’s senior property management staff as akin to performing ‘open heart surgery on a live patient’.

CIOB Director of Operations, Amy Gough (pictured), said in her remarks at the ceremony: We need to take every opportunity we can to celebrate the excellence that exists in our industry.

‘Not just to inspire the next generation or to help us create a movement that improves the whole performance of the industry but to tell society, at large, about the impact and long-term legacy our projects deliver.’

‘With such a high level of construction management expertise in this country, the judges had a difficult task.’

Category 2 Projects 10 million to 25 million euro Finalists Ronan McGrath, MCIOB, MAC Group Paul Devine, MCIOB, Woodvale Alan Barnes, ICIOB, Collen Construction (GOLD WINNER) Michael McCormack, MCIOB Purcell Michael Faherty, Townlink Kevin Reilly, MCIOB, Collen Construction Alan O’Neill, Mac Adrian Lynch, MCIOB, Mitchell McDermott The awards were presented by Mark Mulrany of Jan Janssens & Company From Gold medal citation from judges: The risks and challenges encountered on this project required ingenuity, dedication and construction management skills, delivered to an extremely tight budget and timeframe. The project involved complex works and innovative construction methodologies which were imaginatively exploited by the candidate.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 19

CMYA

Category 3 Projects over 25 million to 60 million euro Finalists John Paul Higgins MCIOB, Heron Brothers (GOLD WINNER) Noel McDonnell, Bennet Construction John Higgins, McAleer & Rushe Eamon Treacy, Walls John Gavigan, MCIOB, PJ Hegarty Mark O’Shea, John Paul Willian McLoughlin, Bennett The Awards were presented by Danny Kearney of Xtratherm From Gold medal citation: A high level of organisational construction management skills and foresight was required to meet the demands of extensive earthworks and soil contamination, phased completions and handovers, extensive input in dealing with neighbours while ensuring the well-being of his staff and workforce.

Right: Martin Lydon of LMC Group (Left) presenting the Gold Medal to Barry Keenan of Flynn Management

Right: Mark Mulrany of Jan Janssens & Company (left) presenting the Gold Medal to Alan Barnes of Collen Construction

Category 4 Projects over 60 million euro Finalists Niall O’Connor John Paul (GOLD WINNER) Shane Glynn, SISK Gareth Lloyd, Walls Eddie Egan, BAM

Right: Danny Kearney of Xtratherm (Left) presenting the Gold Medal to John Paul Higgins of Heron Brothers

The awards here were presented by Ruben Schmid of Rascor From Gold medal citation: For his professional approach to this very technically challenging and complex project which consisted of new build and conservation works including the management of a diverse and specialist supply chain, whilst also managing specific craft skills and the attainment of various rare materials to match the building fabric.

2 0 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

Right: Ruben Schmid of Rascor (Left) presenting the Gold Medal to Niall O’Connor of John Paul Construction

ABOVE: John Sweeney, Dublin Hub Chair.

High praise from Hub Chair

J

ohn Sweeney, chair of the CIOB’s Dublin Hub, was delighted with this year's CMYA Awards.

‘We had over 270 people present at the event,’ John notes, ‘the largest gathering at any Ireland CMYA event to date.

‘That alone shows the importance of this bi-yearly event in the Irish Construction Industry.’

‘Special thanks goes to the all the Judges and especially the Lead Judge Dermot Russell.

‘Dermot commented that the quality of entrants was one of the best ever and this provided the judges with an extremely difficult job when it came to selecting the overall winner.

Key to success ‘Our sponsors are key to the success of this event and many of the sponsors have been supporting us over the last eight years – and this itself shows the importance of the Ireland CMYA event to the repeat sponsors.

‘We had invited guests from the CIF,

CIOB trustees, ACEI, SCSI, CITA, DCC, RIAI and the winners of the CIOB student Challenge 2018, Sligo IT. ‘The event was a huge success and the fact that it was hosted in Croke Park gave it an extra element.

‘The CIOB CMYA is the only competition event that recognises the ability of construction managers, not the projects , products or design,’ points out John.

Thanks ‘I want to express my thanks to Amy Gough (pictured right) of the CIOB for attending the event and presenting the winner’s trophy to the 2019 winner of the Ireland CIOB CMYA, Alan Barnes of Collen Construction, the CIOB Dublin HUB committee, CIOB trustees and the CIOB staff – from both Ireland and the UK for all their support .

‘Thanks to Croke Park for the help and guidance provided by them and Mario Rosenstock for the entertainment and introduction of the finalists!’

ABOVE: Amy Gough, CIOB.

‘The event was a huge success and the fact that it was hosted in Croke Park gave it an extra element.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 21

CIOB

The pinnacle for Construction Management!

'I

ncredibly proud!’ That’s how the current Construction Manager of The Year in Ireland, Alan Barnes, was feeling in the aftermath of taking the coveted title at a packed gathering in Dublin’s Croke Park – as he told Construction Management Ireland.

‘I was hopeful of a prize on the night, of course,’ says Construction Manager of The Year in Ireland, Alan Barnes. ‘But I never really thought I had a chance to win the very top award!’

2 2 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

Top spot ‘At the CMYA event in Dublin, I was hopeful of an award but to take the top spot was an incredibly proud moment,’ says Alan.

‘I had a fantastic team of very dedicated people working with me on the project. Without them the award would not have been possible,’ he stresses.

‘I was trying to explain the significance of the award and what it all means recently to someone outside of the industry.

‘I explained that it is like the pinnacle for what I actually do – construction management.

‘That was certainly demonstrated by the calibre of finalists on the night.’

Directors

Collen Alan who has recently marked twelve years with Collen Construction, studied Construction Technology at Bolton Street prior to finishing his degree in Construction Management in Cardiff.

He also completed post-graduate studies in Trinity College, graduating from courses in Construction Law and Contract Administration as well as Project Management.

The winning project related to the new VHI Headquarters on Dublin’s Abbey Street.

‘The project brief was the enlargement of the existing offices and restoration and adaptive reuse of Presbyterian Scots Church on Abbey Street, to incorporate the existing church hall, lecture hall and ancillary rooms within the new innovative, contemporary 3-7 storey diagrid exoskeleton office block with unitized curtain wall envelope,’ explains Alan.

‘With this seven-storey exoskeleton steel frame building wrapping around the 150-yearold church building, the project ranged dramatically from heritage work to contemporary elements.’

Abbey Theatre to the Luas.

‘There was never a dull day there, that’s for sure’, says Alan, speaking to Construction Management Ireland.

‘All in all it was a fantastic learning experience in many areas. I’m a different manager now. It really allowed me to hone my skills.

ABOVE: Alan Barnes and Collen MD Tommy Drumm

Challenge Scots Church is a protected structure and the primary challenge was to respect and preserve all the significant cultural, religious, historical and architectural heritage of the church and its ancillary buildings, whilst meeting the client’s requirements for a new iconic state-of-the-art headquarters.

The logistics presented a series of challenges – many due to its location on a ‘tight’ site adjacent to Liberty Hall and surrounded by landmarks ranging from the

Speaking to Construction Management Ireland after the event, Collen MD, Tommy Drumm, said: ‘The Collen Directors are delighted that Alan has been recognised in this way.

‘From the outset of this challenging city centre, conservation, new build complex project on the Luas line, Alan has always demonstrated a positive can-do attitude.

‘Alan is a pleasure to work with and has a team approach to all challenges faced, always working in a very transparent way with the client's professional team, the client, and our client’s staff through transition, and with our loyal supply chain partners, to take this groundbreaking project to completion over an almost 3-year timeframe.

Leadership ‘Alan’s leadership is not confined to work, as Alan has also worked with us on the committee of our Annual Collen Charity Cycle which has raised significant funds for those less fortunate.’

Congratulations to Alan and to Collen from all of us!

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 23

Meet a member

Brian Graham is a Lecturer in Construction Management at Waterford Institute of Technology. A member of the CIOB’s Dublin Hub committee, he spoke recently to CMi about his own involvement in the organisation.

‘It was important for me to be a member’ CMi: What was your route into this industry and first exposure to the industry? Did you always want to be involved in this general area of work?

BG: I have always had a keen interest in building and with family members involved in different trades, I’ve been exposed to construction from a very young age.

When I finished my Leaving Certificate I had the option of studying Construction Management in college or taking up an electrical apprenticeship.

I chose college and ended up studying Construction Management for 4 years at Waterford Institute of Technology.

Can you give us a short overview of your current occupation as lecturer in WIT and tell us what you find most rewarding about the occupation?

I am involved in developing and teaching courses in Construction Management and other Built Environment disciplines at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

I am also the programme leader for both the BSc in Construction Site Management and BSc (Hons) in Construction Management & Engineering.

Seeing people develop through their studies is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work; as is following the career progression of students when they graduate.

The diversity of opportunities available in construction is staggering and it is always great to meet past students on construction projects or at industry events and catch up on their work.

We have always tried to foster strong links with our graduates as they become the people who facilitate site visits for our students, give guest lectures and provide invaluable placement and graduate employment opportunities.

2 4 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

When did you join the CIOB and what were your reasons for joining?

I joined in 2018. As someone who places a lot of emphasis on developing future Construction Managers, I felt that it was important to ‘walk-the-walk’ and become a chartered member!

I was already dedicating a lot of time to promoting the activities of the CIOB to our students and encouraging them to join as student members, so I think it was important for me to be a member.

Through all of our educational programmes, we place a strong emphasis upon the importance of professional bodies and continuing professional development after graduating.

The CIOB is the natural home for our graduates and we take great pride in the fact that our courses are accredited by the institute.

How do you feel membership has benefitted your own career? How would you outline the advantages to anyone thinking of joining CIOB? The opportunity to broaden my professional network has been great and getting involved in the work of the Dublin Hub committee has been something of an eye-opener in seeing the amount of great work that is done at local level to ensure that the CIOB remains vibrant and relevant in Ireland.

The advantages of joining the CIOB include: professional recognition, great networking opportunities, a global perspective of developments in Construction Management, excellent CPD opportunities.

What are your hopes for the next couple of years (while the current Hub Committee is in office)?

I would like to see further collaboration between the CIOB, industry and

educational institutes in continuing to progress the CM profession in Ireland and grow the student membership of the institute.

Attracting and retaining young people in the industry continues to be a major challenge and we all need to work together to sell the industry in a positive light.

What do you think are some of the major challenges facing the industry at the moment, and how do you see that the CIOB can work to address these?

The skills shortage across all trades and professions is a major concern.

The perception that construction is an unattractive industry to work in also needs to be addressed.

The CIOB needs to continue promoting the CM profession in Ireland.

Project Notes

This year’s Irish Concrete Society Awards once again celebrated ‘excellence in concrete design and construction’ and presented a range of top quality projects that have made a major contribution to our built landscape.

Concrete visions Cork University Bridge wins 37th Irish Concrete Society award Cork University Bridge wins 37th Irish Concrete Society award The Irish Concrete Society’s Awards evening is always one of the highlights of the industry calendar. This year’s event was the thirty-seventh to take place with two hundred and eighty people attending.

The Awards recognise excellence in design and construction in concrete and are adjudicated by a distinguished, independent jury of industry professionals.

The main awards jury reviewed a total of twenty-five projects nominated in three categories of main awards – Element, Infrastructure and Building.

There were also nine projects nominated for the 7th International Award, which is sponsored by

Enterprise Ireland.

In addition, the winner of the annual Séan de Courcy Student Award was announced.

Highlight Speaking at the awards evening, Chairman Eamon Booth said that

since its inauguration in 1977, the awards evening has become a highlight of the year in construction and the awards themselves are widely recognised for ‘the exceptional quality standards and levels of excellence they represent, in concrete design and execution’.

This year, said Eamon Booth, they had received ‘an exceptional standard of nominations across all of the various categories and he commended all the entrants for the ‘skill, ingenuity and resourcefulness on display in the array of outstanding projects that are showcased in the competition’.

The main awards jury consisted of Karen McEvoy (Bucholtz McEvoy Architects), Des Mulcair (Roadbridge) and Jerome O’Brien (J.B. Barry and Partners).

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 25

PROJECT NOTES

Element Category and Overall Winner: Perrott’s Inch Bridge, UCC, Cork

Chosen from a total of 9 element category entries and 25 entries for overall award. sculpt elegant forms in the differing conditions at each side of the bridge, on one side seamlessly offering universal access in a 20m long ramped form, simultaneously offering a place to sit, whilst on the other, integrating playful parabolic arches sitting in the floodplain

Jury Quote:

below.

‘The inherent materiality of concrete is explored and made manifest in a variety of excellently executed finishes, their respective locations carefully considered with regard to how users will interface with the concrete (ground - and slipresistant underfoot, polished where the human hand will pass over it).’

Project Client: University College Cork Project Architect: O’Donnell + Tuomey Project Engineer: Horganlynch Consulting Engineers Project Contractor: Keating Major Suppliers: Kilsaran / Palmira

‘Great care and consideration has been given to the crafting of the abutments of this bridge, a delightful addition to the banks of the Lee, facilitating pedestrian connectivity across the river within the UCC campus.

‘The plasticity of concrete has been used to great advantage to

Infrastructure Category Winner:

UBC 43A Osberstown Underbridge, Co. Kildare Chosen from a total of 5 projects entered.

Jury Quote: ‘The designers and contractors of the winning project in this category were presented with a challenging logistical problem – how to construct a new road bridge under an existing busy rail line which could only be closed for a short period.

‘The judges were impressed with the near unique solution of bespoke large scale interlocking precast concrete U sections which were installed quickly in the challenging timeframe, and resulted in a robust, durable structure with excellent finishes.

‘The feasibility of erecting the 2 6 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

precast concrete structure was tested by constructing a scale timber model which was used to perfect the erection sequence.’

Project Client: Kildare County Council Project Architect:

Iarnód Éireann Project Engineer: Iarnód Éireann Project Contractor: John Sisk and Son Major Supplier: RAPS Construction / Hanlon Concrete

Project Notes

Xxxx xxxx see ie

P

roject Notes, this time out, looks back on what was recently the first bridge over the River Lee in more than a decade and which took the top spot in the Concrete Awards. Keating acted as the main contractor and PSCS on the project.

UCC Cavanagh Bridge Keating were contracted

by UCC to deliver a new pedestrian bridge over the River Lee within UCC’s campus on Western Road.

The project involved sheetpiled cofferdams to dewater the abutments, CFA and odex piling, fairfaced concrete to the new abutments and approach structures.

The bridge structure itself was made up of 5 No. glulam beams, with galvanised steel frames which were filled with hardwood (Jatoba) decking and balustrades.

The site works also included treatment of invasive species including Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, installing root protection under new paths and temporary compound area.

Excavated Ducting for new services also had to be excavated for using air-spading where the services were in the proximity of established trees.

Access to and from the site and ancillary works adjacent (outside) the

site was in live areas of the College and needed to be coordinated and controlled with UCC. Emphasis was placed on not disturbing the residents while works were in progress, and the bridge has also been designed and located in such a manner as to minimise its impact on neighbouring properties.

The aesthetics were designed to be a marriage of classic design with modern build-quality. This project is an integral component of the UCC’s privately-funded Environmental Development

Plan and is the first new bridge over the river Lee in more than a decade.

Centrepiece The bridge serves as the centrepiece of the Perott’s Inch redevelopment and redesign as a landscaped space for student, staff, and public use.

Keating acted as the main contractor and PSCS on the project. Some of the work was carried out directly and some was sub-contracted.

Keating co-ordinated all the construction and Health and Safety activities.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 27

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Project Notes

The 7th International Award

Winner: Techrete for Lombard Wharf, Battersea, London Chosen from a total of 9 entries.

An award, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland, that recognises Irish companies who export product or service off the island of Ireland.

The Award reflects the continued emphasis on export for Irish construction.

The Jury included David Clarke of Moloney O’Beirne Architects, Ed Hanlon, Engineer and Donal Byrne from Enterprise Ireland.

Jury Quote: ‘This curved landmark building is situated on a prominent location overlooking the Thames in Battersea. Designed by Patel Taylor and constructed by Barratt Homes, the building appears to twist as it rises through 28 storeys.

‘The precast concrete balconies wrap around three sides of the building, creating a carved stone effect and contributing hugely to the aesthetic quality of the project.

‘The structural precast concrete balconies, which were dropped into position as the building went up, required continuous collaboration between the architect, builder and precast concrete manufacturer to achieve the desired effect.’

Project Client: Lombard Wharf, Battersea, London Irish Export Company: Techrete Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 29

PROJECT NOTES

Séan deCourcy Student Award

Winner: Cormac Mac Murchú, Cork Institute of Technology Project title: Prestressed Concrete – Numerical optimisation of design, economy and sustainability This is an annual award given to the best final year project on a concrete related topic from the engineering faculties of 3rd level colleges.

The award is named after the late Professor Séan deCourcy, an inspirational professor for many years at UCD, a former chairman of the Irish Concrete Society, an author and historian of note.

About the Irish Concrete Society The Irish Concrete Society is a learned society founded in 1973 to support and encourage technical excellence in concrete. It is a cross-sectorial, independent, impartial, science based organisation. With membership open to all who have an interest in concrete.

The Society acts as a focal point for industry debate, research, education, standards development in the field of concrete technology, design and construction. The Society is a not for profit organisation funded by membership subscriptions and the services it offers.

Building Category Winner: Cliffs of Moher Coach Park Reception Building Chosen from a total of 5 projects entered Jury Quote: ‘In the sensitive landscape along the coast of Clare to which visitors flock to view the Cliffs of Moher, this project seeks to minimise its visual impact on the setting, creating a sunken enclosure of concrete, incorporating reception facilities for the various coach companies serving the site.

‘Concrete is cleverly used to hold back the earth enabling the necessary accommodation to be concealed in a mounded form.

‘Benefiting from the inherent strength, robustness and resilience of concrete, its comprehensive use seems particularly appropriate here.

‘Carefully detailed fair-faced 3 0 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

concrete is used extensively in the floors, walls and ceilings both internally and externally, treated with various finishes from exposed aggregate to highly polished, according to its location.

‘Artificial lighting is hidden in niches carved out of the concrete, whilst canted sky windows are crafted to allow daylight into the concealed interior.’

Project Client: Clare County Council Project Architect: Denis Byrne Architects Project Engineer: Bakkala Consulting Engineers Project Contractor: Keating Major Suppliers: Ryan Bros (Ennis) now part of Roadstone

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45

Tech Talk

T

here is some confusion in the Irish market about the requirement for a 13N thermal block due to the requirements set out in Table 14 of NSAI publication SR 325, which addresses durability of masonry.

Currently, some Specifiers may be at risk of non-compliance when they are specifying 13N thermal blocks at or near ground level, so clarification on this issue is essential to ensure compliance. In short, the only thermal block available on the market in Ireland which is suitable for use in all ground conditions outlined in Table 14a of SR 325 is the Quinn Lite Thermal block.

Why specify a 13N block? There would be two reasons why a 13N block may be used in a masonry structure.

Firstly, a 13N block may be specified for structural reasons if the building is subject to high loading, for example a high rise building or a commercial building.

In this case, the Structural Engineer may specify a 13N block for structural reasons, and if that's the case, you will need to use a 13N block.

The other reason why 13N blocks may be specified is for durability.

The higher cement content of a 13N block makes it more durable.

So, if you need to use a block with higher durability in certain locations, then a 13N dense block is fine for this purpose.

Suitable However, we need to give further consideration as to whether a 13N lightweight block is suitable in certain locations.

Suitable blocks below or near ground level: SR 325 Table 14 Table 14 of NSAI publication SR 325 covers durability in masonry and finished construction.

The table has various sections and the relevant section to address this query is section A, which covers work below or near finished ground level.

Table 14 shows various exposure conditions starting with MX 2.1, which is low saturation without freezing, going on to low saturation with freezing, 3 2 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

Do I Need to Use a 13N Thermal Block in Ireland? high saturation without freezing and finally, the worst case scenario is MX 3.2, high saturation with freezing.

The table defines conditioned MX 3.2 as being located in an area 150mm above to 150mm below finished external ground level, as highlighted in Fig.1 The table sets out the requirements for aggregate blocks to meet MX 3.2 as: 1. The block must be at least 13N/mm2 in strength 2. The block must have a density of at least 1500kg/m3 3. The block must be manufactured using dense Aggregates.

It is the requirement for a 13N block in this scenario which has generated the confusion around 13N thermal blocks.

Currently, there is no thermal block available on the market in Ireland which meets all three requirements.

There is a solution if you need a thermal block in a location of condition MX 3.2. That is the Quinn Lite thermal block, which is certified as suitable for use in this condition.

When it comes to the use of aircrete blocks, such as Quinn Lite, the direction of SR 325 Table 14 is to refer to the manufacturer regarding suitability of use.

ABOVE: Fig 1

The key difference between aggregate blocks, which are defined in Table 14, and Quinn Lite blocks is that there is currently no freeze/thaw test

(commercial feature)

ABOVE: Fig 3

method available for aggregate concrete blocks, whereas there is a recognised test method for AAC or aircrete blocks.

All Quinn Lite blocks have been tested for freeze/thaw using this method and are certified for use in all ground conditions, up to and including MX 3.2.

The blocks are also covered in standard IS EN 1996-2 2006 specification of masonry for durability.

Table B1 clearly states that AAC blocks meet the requirements of MX 3.2.

So, Quinn Lite blocks are the only thermal blocks available on the market in Ireland which meet the requirements for use in condition MX 3.2.

Thermal blocks: Location Looking at the location where condition MX 3.2 occurs (Fig.1), it would not be typical for a thermal block to be specified in this location as a thermal block used here will not improve the thermal performance of the junction.

If we look at where thermal blocks are generally specified at the junction in the inner leaf to improve the thermal performance of this junction, highlighted in Fig.1, Quinn Lite blocks will only need to be specified in this location. Using Quinn Lite blocks here will give excellent thermal performance.

to the requirements of MX 3.2 as this location is lower than 150mm below finished ground level. Table 14 states that you do not need a 13N block in this location as a 7.5N block is sufficient.

However, it states that the block must have a density of 1500kg/ m3 and it must be manufactured using dense aggregates.

So the requirements for using concrete blocks in this location are: 1. The block must be at least 7.5N/mm2 in strength 2. The block must have a density of at least 1500kg/m3 3. The block must be manufactured using dense Aggregates.

ABOVE: Fig 2

If you are using a poorer performing thermal block however, they may also be specified below the junction, as highlighted in Fig.2, which may be required to get a similar thermal performance to that of the Quinn Lite block.

The requirements set out in Table 14 for blocks used in this location differ

There is no thermal block available on the market in Ireland which meets all of these requirements.

So if you wish to specify a thermal block in this location, perhaps using trench blocks from the foundation up, then the Quinn Lite block is again the only thermal block on the market which is suitable.

In summary, for any of the conditions outlined in Table 14a, from low saturation without freezing right up to high saturation with freezing, the Quinn Lite thermal block is the only thermal block available which is certified for use in these conditions.

Thermol Blocks Suitable for use in compliance with Table 14a

Lightweight Quinn Light Condition aggregate Block Block MX2.1: Low Saturation without freezing MX2.2: Low Saturation with freezing MX3.1: High Saturation without freezing MX3.2: High Saturation with freezing

No No No No

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 33

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Out & About

ABOVE: Declan & Breige McCann; Aisling & Paul Devine

ABOVE: John Gavigan; Bridget & Paul Campbell

Having a ball Out & About

– at the CMYA in Ireland Awards!

T

he prestigious Construction Manager of the Year in Ireland Awards, organised by CIOB, are always a major highlight for the industry. Construction Management Ireland was there of course – and so were a great many representatives from our sector, as our pictures show!

ABOVE: Tansyn Broderick; Noel McDonnell

ABOVE: Brian Graham; Annette Main

ABOVE: Pat Lucey, President CIF; Johanna Gill, President SCSI

ABOVE: Denis McCarthy; Eddie Egan; Joanne & Niall O’Connor

ABOVE: Mary & John Kestell; Ashley & Mark O’Shea; Mary & Donal Winters

ABOVE: Lisa & William Mc Laughlin

ABOVE: Clark Warden; Julie Fitzsimmons, CIOB

ABOVE: Alan O’Neill; Gary O’Sullivan; Ronan McGrath

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 35

Out & About

T

he supplier and merchant trade was out in force recently for a major briefing on the rebranding of Grafton Merchanting ROI to Chadwicks Group. We were there to meet the great and the good from this sector!

customers to a centralised ERP system, meaning customers will have access to their credit from any of its locations nationwide.

This change in process will allow customers to shop in forty-three of the Chadwicks, Heiton Buckley and Panelling Centre branches at any time and receive one centralised statement every month, providing consistency in pricing and greatly reduce administration for customers.

Branch refurbishment

ABOVE: Rolling out the new signage and branding

Grafton Merchanting ROI rebrands to Chadwicks Group A €5m investment over the next three years in nationwide rebrand, branch refurbishment and technology upgrade to enhance the overall customer experience!

Grafton Merchanting ROI has announced it is rebranding to Chadwicks Group as part of a €5m investment programme in the business.

The investment, over the next three years, includes a nationwide rebrand, in-branch refurbishments and a technology upgrade to enhance the overall customer experience.

All Chadwicks Group branches will remain in their current locations across Ireland where the same excellent people will deliver a whole new customer experience.

Locations Chadwicks Group operates from over fifty locations nationwide.

Of these locations, all Heiton Buckley branches will now move to the Chadwicks brand, bringing the total 3 6 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

number of Chadwicks branches to 37.

Rebrand activity is expected to be complete by April 2020 while refurbishment activity will continue throughout the three-year period.

Destination brands where there is a unique area of speciality within the Chadwicks Group will retain their current brand name. These include: • • • • •

Heiton Steel Panelling Centre Davies Telfords Cork Builders Providers

Technology upgrade As part of the overall investment, Chadwicks Group is investing in its technology systems to improve overall customer experience and create a more seamless user experience to make life easier for its customers.

The first step in this overhaul is the migration of all financial and product administration information for

Chadwicks Group is also investing in its branches across the country as part of an ongoing refurbishment programme.

The new-look Chadwicks branches will house the latest styles and top brands on the market.

New shelving, flooring, signage, counters and layout have all been installed, allowing customers to have a more hands-on experience with products.

To date, at time of writing seven branches have undergone a refurbishment and eight more branches are planned to be revamped by the end of 2019.

Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, tell us: ‘The launch of the Chadwicks Group in Ireland marks a significant day in our company history.

This significant investment in our brand and technology over the next three years will provide our customers with a new and enhanced user experience across the Chadwicks Group estate.

‘The launch of the Chadwicks Group in Ireland marks a significant day in our company history.’ – Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group.

About Chadwicks Group ABOVE: (L- R) Pat Moore, Category Director at Chadwicks Group; Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group; Tara Brennan, Head of Marketing & Development at Chadwicks Group and Andrew Hewat, Strategic Business Development Manager at Chadwicks Group.

‘The construction sector is changing, and Chadwicks Group is helping to drive that change through better use of digital technology to improve customer experience and through closer integration of our businesses to ensure a complete and frictionless experience.

‘Our mission is to provide a bestin-class customer experience and to ensure our service offering is consistent with our customers’ needs as the construction industry evolves.

This investment will enable us to offer better consistency of experience, product selection and value across all our branches.

‘I would like to thank all our colleagues, who are the heart and soul of the Chadwicks Group, they have played a tremendous role throughout this process and this wouldn’t be possible without their ambition and cooperation.

'I look forward to achieving great things with them in the coming years.’

Chadwicks Group is a leading building merchanting company with fifty branches and employing over 1,300 in the Republic of Ireland.

Offering value, expertise and knowledge to the sector, Chadwicks Group has contributed to the fabric of everyday life in Ireland for 200 years, supplying products and building materials for homes, hotels, buildings and roads throughout the country.

Chadwicks Group currently operates Chadwicks, The Panelling Centre, Telfords, Cork Builders Providers, and Davies builders' and plumbers' merchanting businesses in the Republic of Ireland.

Chadwicks Group is part of Grafton Group plc.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 37

Out & About

ABOVE: Alan McGuire, The Panelling Centre and Mick Smith, Hafele

ABOVE: Peter Lynch, Chadwicks (Centre), with (L-R) Damian Woods and Paul McKenna, W Howard, Kildare

ABOVE: Pat Moore, Category Director, Chadwicks Group

ABOVE: A full house for breakfast!

ABOVE: Patrick Atkinson, CEO, Chadwicks Group

At the Chadwick’s announcement in Croke Park

ABOVE: Jimmy Barrett, Contech Building Products

ABOVE: Kieran Breen, Mica Post Form and Connor Hickey

ABOVE: Declan Donnelly, Resistant Building Products and David Gillanders, Wood Mouldings

3 8 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

ABOVE: Oliver Dunne and Andrew D’Arcy, Contech Building Products

ABOVE: Centre: Rory O’Hanlon, Davies with (L-R) Denise McGuire and Michael McDonnell, Plan magazine and Irish Construction Industry Magazine

CONGRATULATIONS JOHN PAUL! CONSTRUCTION MANAGER OF THE YEAR €25M-€60M GOLD MEDAL WINNER

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How the land lies

N

On the fast track Since the introduction of the Fast Track Planning Application Legislation, Construction Information Services this summer told us it had seen approximately 92 Fast Track applications lodged with An Bórd Pleanála, equating to 8,378 houses, 14,508 apartments and 7,420 student bed spaces.

RIGHT: Currently at time of writing there are 32 projects at plans submitted stage, which are expected to be approved by the Autumn of 2019.

4 0 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

ew legislation was enacted in December 2016 and the associated supporting regulations came in to effect on 3 July 2017 which enabled planning applications for large-scale housing developments of 100 units or more, and large-scale student accommodation projects, to be made directly to An Bórd Pleanála.

Accelerate This new type of application was introduced as part of Rebuilding Ireland to speed up the planning application process and accelerate delivery of larger housing and student accommodation proposals.

The introduction of these temporary new fast-track planning arrangements for largescale housing developments – in respect of which enabling provision was incorporated in the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 – delivers on a key commitment under Pillar 3 of the Government's Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness – Rebuilding Ireland, said the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Mr Eoghan Murphy, TD, when signing the necessary Commencement Order.

Under the new Regulations, Developers

LEFT: €44m Student Accommodation Stilorgan

will submit applications for Strategic Housing Developments (SHD) directly to An Bórd Pleanála.

Applications are to be decided within a mandatory 16-week time period which also includes a public consultation period and submission of a report by the planning authority.

Pre-application consultation is

mandatory for prospective applicants prior to making an application for SHDs. Prospective applicants consult first with the relevant planning authority and then with An Bórd Pleanála who will form and issue an opinion as to whether documents submitted constitute a reasonable basis for an application or whether further consideration or amendment to the documents are required.

Since the introduction of the Fast Track Planning Application Legislation, Construction Information Services has seen approximately 92 Fast Track applications lodged with An Bórd Pleanála, equating to 8,378 houses, 14,508 apartments and 7,420 student bed spaces. *Of these 92 applications, 16 have been withdrawn from or refused planning permission. These developments proposed 2,006 houses and 2,186 apartments. *Information included accurate as of 21.05.2019

On site review The breakdown by county is as follows: Dublin 718 houses, 1,047 apartments and 3,097 student bed spaces are expected to be delivered between 2020 and 2023.

Cork will see the delivery of 765 houses and 166 apartments by 2022. In Kildare it is expected that 434 houses, 309 apartments and 483 student bed spaces will be delivered by late 2021/early 2022 and Galway City will see 394 student bed spaces by mid-2020.

These projects represent an overall construction cost of €850 m.

All but one of the 14 schemes are being privately funded with one student accommodation scheme for University College Dublin receiving state funding.

Visit: www.cisireland.com Call: +353 1 2999 200 Email: sales@cisireland.com

‘This new type of application was introduced as part of Rebuilding Ireland.’

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 41

n 2019 o i t ruc ards ies t s on e Aw egor C c t h Iris ellen - 6 Ca Exc alist Fin

H O J

S N O

C L U

A P N

U R T

N O I CT

w

n h o .j w w

e i . l u pa

Finalist - The Seamark Building, Elm Park (Fit Out or Refurbishment Category) Finalist - Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery (Public / Heritage)

Finalist - The Horizon Building (International Category) Finalist - 1-6 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay (BIM Excellence Category)

Finalist - John Paul Construction Safety Systems (Health, Safety and Wellbeing Category)

Lean journeys

ABOVE: Darrin Taylor and Aidan Clancy

Clancy – a case study in Lean!

T

he publication of the first Lean Construction Ireland Annual Book of Cases – edited by Darrin Taylor, was an unparalleled success in this area of our industry and resulted in a major reference guide for the sector. In it, a range of leading companies document aspects of their Lean journeys. One of those, well-known to Construction Management Ireland was Clancy Construction. On the eve of publication of the second book of cases, we spoke with Clancy who outlined their original contribution, one of the ground-breaking articles that kicked it all off!

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 43

Lean journeys

Overview of the Lean initiative: This project was the Church Road Social Housing Development in Blackrock, Cork. The programme was 60 weeks duration, and due for completion July 2018.

The works comprised of the construction of a 28 Unit Apartment Block over a reinforced concrete underground car park to accommodate 54 spaces, an additional 15 by 2 & 3 bed houses, and associated site works.

Background to the Lean initiative Historically, many involved in the construction sector are fixated on improving profits, and Clancy was pricing work on a competitive basis and with very tight profit margins.

While in discussions with the directors and senior management on what approach to adapt to, it was clear that reducing costs as opposed to raising profits was more important in the long-term.

This conclusion came about when analysing some of the estimating department’s tenders and a pattern began to emerge.

The higher the percentage added to preliminaries the further we were pushed out in competitive tendering.

Through analysis we found that margins were being compromised due to excessive costs on site which were not accounted for in submitted tenders.

These costs ranged from excessive waste of materials, lack of personnel or resources, and unrealistic lead-in times for sub-contractors. Time was another issue that was difficult to foresee for project planning.

We would always incorporate a contingency into the works programme for unforeseeable circumstances, but design issues, design variations, and general lack of information – leading to lots of requests for further information (RFIs) – invariably led to programme overruns.

Another issue we have with many subcontractors is snagging and defects, which put the reputation of the company on the line.

Lean initiative undertaken – Lean thinking, tools, techniques

ABOVE: Aidan Clancy

4 4 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

Based on general observations and gathering data through interviews with established staff members, a pattern was beginning to develop.

The priority of most members of our company was to be involved in the successful completion of a project on time, within budget, and to a high-quality standard.

This was universal amongst the directors, right down to site managers, engineers, and quantity surveyors.

It was becoming apparent to us that many obstacles were preventing team members from achieving this goal, including: • The flow of information from Client to contractor (Clancy) to subcontractor led to program overruns and resulted in unnecessary delays on site that cost money.

• The number of snags/defects that occur during the construction phase of a project and the impact they have on the ability to release retention within the contracted time.

• Over-purchasing of materials that are unnecessarily wasted or damaged on sites.

‘The goal of Lean thinking is to maximise performance in a highly competitive sector.’

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 45

Lean journeys

Lean thinking and practice, in the traditional sense, was mostly involved in construction through the manufacturing element.

The goal of Lean thinking is to maximise performance in a highly competitive sector.

The Clancy motto, ‘Built on Partnership’, served as the platform for selecting snagging, information, and waste management as areas of focus on this project as we strove to change the mindset within the company and proceed through a collaborative effort.

This involved improving communications between the design team and the construction team on possible upcoming difficulties.

It also ensured that the Client placed desired changes as soon as possible in the early stages of the project to minimise chances of disputes or variations down the line.

A reduction in defects and snags undertaken in the later stages of the project was deemed high priority.

This was achieved through thorough investigation and analysis by the sub-contractor and the main contractor of work carried out during the build and not prior to handover – the goal being to have zero defects upon handover.

On a project of this scale many risks present themselves that can hinder its successful implementation, including: • Fall in customer satisfaction due to rigorous questioning to achieve total transparency.

• Dissatisfaction from team members due to increased meetings and rigorous information gathering.

• In order for successful implementation, management officials must be able to guide employees directly and efficiently.

‘The goal of Lean thinking is to maximise performance in a highly competitive sector.’

Other obstacles include time, scheduling, appropriate training, and sourcing budgets and resources.

An unwillingness of cooperation from Clancy staff members or sub-contractors will always be an issue.

To counteract this issue, it was proposed that Lean practices be introduced as a performance KPI for staff and sub-contractors.

At present our company, like so many others, is divided into separate departments, and, like so many companies, when a mistake is made or information gets lost it leads to finger pointing.

The idea behind this collaboration was to incorporate all the departments within Clancy with the design team to act as one team.

With adequate delegation of roles and responsibilities prior to commencement of a trade, all information is transparent and readily available.

Before all of this can be achieved, the integration of a Lean Department in Clancy was vital to create an open and friendly environment wherein information and best practices are shared.

This enabled an ethos within the company that any new ideas or changes to the quality management system would be looked into promptly.

Tools and techniques were developed within the Lean Department for defect prevention, which ultimately leads to many cost-saving measures.

It is the goal to use the Lean Department to investigate areas in the company where we can reduce costs and

4 6 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

increase cash flow.

The 8 Wastes Examining the Eight Wastes, waiting and defects were identified as being the worst offenders in generating wasteful processes within our organisation for this project.

When each of the worst-offending wastes was broken down it was found that awaiting responses to RFIs was the worst offender within the waiting category; whilst poor workmanship and damage by other trades were the main causes of waste within the defects category.

Defects/Snags The presence of defects on a project, whether by way of poor quality workmanship or damage caused by other trades, has the ability to cause severe problems for any construction company given the nature of the sector.

When one whittles down all of the side effects, they will all lead back to the same end result, namely that defects cost construction companies money.

Consuming valuable resources and delays in securing revenue are the two main effects that defects/snags had on such a project and for the company.

The focus of solving the knock-on effects and wastes caused by defects on the project should be to reduce the number of defects to begin with and to efficiently get all defects and snags resolved in a timely manner so as not to delay handover and/or receipt of final retentions.

We believe that the prevalence of defects is costing our company a lot of money, for example:

• Defects have the ability to delay handover of the project – some clients and architects will not accept a building with excessive snags/defects.

• It can lead to delayed payment certificates being issued.

• It leads to additional preliminary resources being required on site for an extended period of time, thus reducing the profitability of the project.

• Quality and Reputation – excessive snags and defects have the ability to damage our reputation with a client or design team, and potentially lead to friction between design team and construction team.

Damage to reputation can lead to future works being lost with clients.

Where there are significant defects in terms of contentious defects as opposed to quantity of defects, we have seen in the past that this causes a major delay in securing our retention, which in turn affects our cash flow.

Revisiting snags and defects after the end of the 12-month defects liability period has significant costs attached to it due to supervision of snags, co-ordination of snags between design teams and subcontractors, and potentially the main contractor carrying out snags which should be actioned by a sub-contractor.

The coordination of defects is also distracting for site teams, especially where projects are handed over and a site team is concentrating on a new project.

Therefore, the goal on this project was to have zero defects upon handover.

So, how did we go about solving the issues?

Following consultations with site management, the following are processes we changed and/or implemented to improve efficiencies:

• Beginning the snagging process ourselves as early as possible. This should be done with each subcontractor as close to their finish date as possible, and not necessarily when we are close to getting Substantial Completion/Practical Completion.

Efficiencies are created the earlier snags are highlighted and tended to. By adopting the latest BIM 360 software, report generating is carried out with ease.

• Nominating the Site Manager as the person responsible for carrying out trade snag lists – a process which needs to be straightforward and efficient to carry out.

It is advisable to suggest the use of software, such as BIM 360, for either smart phone or tablet and which also has the capability of generating a report complete with marked-up drawings showing the locations of the particular snags and along with detailed descriptions and photos which can also be marked-up.

The use of the app is far more efficient than pen and paper, and it allows for an instant report to be generated so the list can be reviewed.

Information The waste of waiting in this regard includes the site team waiting for information. It is this waiting for information that has resulted in project programme overruns for the organisation in the past.

More often than not, the delay is as a result of waiting for design teams to make a decision.

However, we cannot simply blame design teams for delays without being proactive ourselves in determining a possible solution.

As a company we sat down and asked ourselves: ‘Are RFIs being submitted early enough to the design team; and are they detailed enough to warrant a prompt response?’

When an RFI is issued to the site management from a subcontractor, it is studied; and if an answer cannot be provided by us as the main contractor, the RFI is in turn issued to the architect or the client’s representative, which leads to further delay.

On this project we proposed bringing sub-contractors to the table to highlight possible areas that may delay the progress of the project.

By bringing sub-contractors, who are experts in their trades, together around the table before work commences we have dramatically reduced the response time of RFIs. A significant measure taken to reduce waiting times was for us as the contractor to input into the design processes to ensure continuous flow of information from architect, main contractor, and sub-contractor.

This reduced the number of RFIs arising on a job. On standard Public Works Contracts, this can transfer the risk to the main contractor.

However, as this project was Design & Build, we as the main contractor already assumed such a risk.

The concept involves the inclusion of the subcontractor as an expert in the design stage.

They would have vast experience and knowledge with the design item in question, and be able to give valid and

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 47

Lean journeys

Collaboration between trades.

Company overview Our mission is to provide comprehensive construction and design solutions for what our clients desire in terms of service, quality, safety, and budgetary requirements.

As a result, our company has grown in recent years and now employs 90 people directly.

Clancy continually invests in new technologies that raise our profile within the industry and allow us to compete at the highest level.

Innovations such as BIM

and Lean Construction are key aspects that help us to continuously improve, and this has resulted in significant increases in turnover.

We have worked on sites all over Ireland in sectors including: • Education • Healthcare • Commercial • Industrial • Retail • Refurbishment • Residential • Fit Out

from each project seems to be the main issue, when projects run over programme.

Our Lean Department has ensured that the Lean methodology is adhered to throughout the organisation of the project by reducing waiting times and defects, thus improving quality of the project for the company.

The Lean Department functions in compliance with the Lean methodology regarding waste reduction/ removal, per TIMWOODS; it complies with company standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14000, BCAR); it complies with calibration standards; and it complies with HR regulations.

The development of a continuous improvement plan outlining, for example, the requirements, deliverables, scope, time schedule, and costs, allowed the stakeholders to assess, review, and minimise changes late in the schedule.

Systems needed to be put in place to monitor performance, control changes, and schedule projects in line with the Lean methodology – all part of the Lean process regarding the pursuit of perfection.

Senior quality management carried out frequent audits and assessments on processes to ensure compliance to company policy.

At the end of each stage when a milestone was achieved, acceptance was sought from the Lean Facilitator for the objectives before progressing to the next project.

From early analysis, we found major improvements on this project in terms of Health & Safety, reduction in day works, early identification of snags, and in the reduction of snags: • Achieved 92% on internal Health & Safety audit,

•

• vital recommendations to the architect.

Examples of Waiting wastes include:

• Waiting for information on incomplete drawings.

• Waiting for clarification (RFI).

• Waiting for key personnel to show up for meetings.

• Waiting for materials to be delivered to site.

• Waiting for the other work to be completed before the next sub-contractor can begin.

By highlighting these possible delays, we have control over the job programme and thus reduce the risk of the project being completed late.

Lean initiative improvements and impact Based on site manager feedback, the need to reduce delays and waiting times and to eliminate defects

4 8 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

•

•

which is up on the 2016 average of 89% across the company. This was achieved with the use of the BIM 360 software as a tool for identifying health hazards on site and ensuring the safety of all involved.

The identification of snags occurred earlier and they were being resolved as they occurred. Again BIM 360 assists in this process.

Due to the collaboration between the site team, subcontractors, and the design team, the flow of information from top to bottom is continuous.

As a result, the average waiting time for an RFI response on this project was 7 days, whereas the company average response to RFIs was 10 days.

At the time of writing, the project was running on programme and was projected to be completed well before the handover date.

There have been extensive Value Engineering exercises undertaken with the site team, subcontractors, and design teams; and as a result there have been significant savings in cost and time due to this collaboration.

Reproduced by kind permission.

To request a copy of the first and now also the second book of lean cases – www.leanbusinessireland.ie

Personal & FiNance

Succession planning and wealth retention

A

lways of interest in our sector and to our readers is the issue of succession planning. This time out, we have some great advice from Mairead O’Grady, Tax Partner with Russell Brennan Keane.

LEFT: Mairead O'Grady

There are five stages in a person’s personal financial life plan with the first three stages being primarily dependent on other individuals or using all of our resources to finance or rear our families.

Prepare It is in the fourth, pre-retirement stage, that it is absolutely vital that we plan to accumulate wealth and look to the future as to what needs we will have and what sources will finance those needs.

It is important that we build up sufficient resources so that we accumulate wealth and of equal importance is to ensure that the wealth is being accumulated in a proper fashion that cannot be diluted at a later stage through the payment of taxes in the form of Capital or Income taxes.

This plan cannot be considered just prior to retirement; it must be considered at least 10 years prior to retirement so that there is a plan in place to ensure that the wealth is built up and that it is available to fund your retirement or pass

on to the next generation.

A person’s financial plan should take all different factors into account – such as investments in the form of equities or property, cash deposits and, of course, an income for a person’s retirement in the form of a pension.

so that they are availing of every possible relief to ensure that no Capital Acquisition Tax arises.

There are numerous taxes but with careful planning, it is possible to avail of all of these reliefs and ensure that these taxes are minimised.

Attractive

Ensure

Of course, pensions are very attractive because they carry tax relief so that an individual can contribute to a pension scheme in the years leading up to retirement, in fact – throughout their entire life, and achieve a tax deduction in the process, whilst at the same time, providing for their retirement.

This pension fund can then grow tax-free over a person’s lifetime and then, on retirement, the individual is able to either take a lump sum or draw down pensions on an annual basis that will fund their retirement.

The plan also needs to ensure that there are assets and income for a person’s lifetime but also that, if that is cut short or there are assets remaining after their lifetime, that these can pass to the next generation without taxes eroding into the value.

Capital Acquisitions Tax is currently at a rate of 33% and whilst the parent can give their children €310k each, any amount in excess of this is liable at this rate.

It is vital that parents plan passing the assets to the next generation

When passing on a family business, there are numerous reliefs to be availed of to ensure that only 10% of the value is taken into account for Inheritance tax purposes.

In passing over non-business assets, along with the tax-free thresholds, there are numerous other means and exemptions from CAT to include the Annual Gift Exemption, offset of Capital Gains Tax, passing property and assets at lower values, etc.

It is vital that each asset in a person’s portfolio is examined to establish how this might pass over to the next generation but whilst ensuring that there is sufficient income and capital left with the person for their entire lifetime.

Final stage The final stage of our financial life plan, being our retirement, should not be filled with any anxiety or worry concerning finances, taxes, or passing businesses to the next generation.

This plan should be very well in place and ready for the key to be turned.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 49

Personal & FiNance

You really can decide to be happy. Science says so!

Science says happiness is a choice, as long as you turn that thought into action

I

s happiness a choice? No... and yes. In The How of Happiness, psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky says that 50% of happiness is genetically predetermined. In terms of happiness, you are what (half of) you are. But that leaves 50% of your level of happiness largely within your control: Health, relationships, activities, career, goals...

Even if you have an inborn tendency to skew to the gloomy side, you can still take scientifically proven steps that will make you happier: 1. Find ways to help other people While giving is usually considered unselfish, giving can also be more beneficial for the giver than the receiver: Providing social support may be more beneficial than receiving it.

Intuitively, we know that. It feels great to help someone in need. Not only is that fulfilling, it's a reminder of how comparatively fortunate we are – which is a nice reminder of how thankful we 5 0 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

should be for what we already have.

Plus, receiving is something you cannot control – if you need or want help, you can't make other people help you. But you can always control whether you offer and provide help.

And that means you can always control, at least to a degree, how happy you are – because giving makes you happier.

2. Actively pursue goals Goals you don't pursue aren't goals, they're dreams, and dreams make you happy only when you're dreaming.

Pursuing goals, though, does make you happy. According to David Niven, author of, 100 Simple Secrets of the Best Half of Life: ‘People who could identify a goal they were pursuing were 19% more likely to feel satisfied with their lives and 26% more likely to feel positive about themselves.’

So be grateful for what you have, and then actively try to achieve more. If you're pursuing a huge goal, make sure that every time you take a small step closer to achieving it, you pat yourself on the back.

But don't compare where you are now with where you someday hope to be. Compare where you are now to where you were a few days ago.

Then you'll get dozens of bite-size chunks of fulfilment – and a never-ending supply of things to be thankful for.

products and services you provide into areas that allow you to bring more of your strengths to bear.

If you're a great trainer, find ways to train more people. If you're a great salesperson, find ways to streamline your administrative tasks and get in front of more customers.

Everyone has at least a few things they do incredibly well. Find ways to do those things more often.

You'll be a lot happier. And probably a lot more successful (in whatever way you choose to define success).

4. Make a few really good friends It's easy to focus on building a professional network of partners, customers, employees, connections, etc., because there is (hopefully) a payoff.

But there's a definite payoff to making real (not just professional or social-media) friends.

Increasing your number of friends correlates to higher subjective wellbeing in terms of how happy you feel.

Make friends outside of work. Make friends at work.

Make friends everywhere.

Make real friends. You'll live a longer, happier life.

career, relationships, bank account, etc., but thinking about what you already have, and expressing gratitude for it, will make you a lot happier.

It will also remind you that, even if you still have huge dreams, you have already accomplished a lot – and should feel genuinely proud.

6. Embrace the fact that (more) money won't make you happier Money is important. Money does a lot of things. (One of the most important is to create choices).

After a certain point, money doesn't make people happier. According to two Princeton University researchers in the US on the subject: ‘After about $75,000 a year, money doesn't buy more (or less) happiness.

Beyond $75,000...higher income is neither the road to experience happiness nor the road to relief of unhappiness or stress.’

Perhaps this figure ‘is the threshold beyond which further increases in income no longer improve individuals' ability to do what matters most to their emotional well-being, such as spending time with people they like, avoiding pain and disease, and enjoying leisure,’ the researchers speculate.

And if you don't buy that, here's another take: ‘The materialistic drive and satisfaction with life are negatively related.’ Or, in layman's terms: ‘Chasing possessions tends to make you less happy.’

Think of it as the bigger house syndrome. You want a bigger house. You need a bigger house. (Not really, but it sure feels like you do). So you buy it. Life is good...for a couple of months, until your bigger house is just your house.

The new always becomes the new normal.

‘Things’ provide only momentary bursts of happiness. To be happier, don't chase as many things.

Instead, chase more experiences.

And most importantly: Remember, 50% of how happy you are lies within your control.

See happiness as a choice – and start doing more of the things that make you happy.

‘Be grateful for what you have, and then actively try to achieve more.’

3. Do what you do well more often You know the old cliché regarding the starving-yet-happy artist? Turns out it's true: Artists are considerably more satisfied with their work than non-artists – even though the pay tends to be considerably lower than in other skilled fields.

Why? I'm no researcher, but clearly the more you enjoy what you do and the more fulfilled you feel by it, the happier you will be.

In The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor says that when volunteers picked ‘one of their signature strengths and used it in a new way each day for a week, they became significantly happier and less depressed.’

Of course it's unreasonable to think you can simply do what you love. But you can find ways to do more of what you do best.

Delegate. Outsource. Shift the

5. Actively (and regularly) count your blessings According to one study, couples who expressed gratitude in their interactions with each other experienced increased relationship connection and satisfaction the next day – both for the person expressing thankfulness and (no big surprise) the person receiving it.

(In fact, the authors of the study said gratitude was like a ‘booster shot’ for relationships).

Of course the same is true at work. Express gratitude for employees' hard work, and you both feel better about yourselves.

Another easy method is to write down a few things you are grateful for every night. One study showed people who wrote down five things they were thankful for once a week were 25% happier after 10 weeks; in effect, they dramatically increased their chances of meeting their happiness set-point.

Happy people focus on what they have, not on what they don't have.

It's motivating to want more in your

As always, thanks to Jeff HadenContributing editor, Inc.@jeff_haden Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 51

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Skills event labelled a ‘game-changer’

- the number of schools that attended

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here can be nothing more empowering than a real face-to-face opportunity, allowing students, parents and teachers to experience the realities that so many of our apprenticeships and skills can offer today.’ Such was the promise from the organisers of the Ireland Skills Live event which took place at the RDS in Dublin. At the end of the day it was all true – and more besides!

As some of the brightest and best returned triumphantly from Worldskills in Kazan, Russia, we looked back at a major milestone along the road – the Ireland Skills Live 2019 event.

This event promoted skills in apprenticeship, traineeship and graduate courses through competition linked to

WorldSkills International standards.

Yet it was so much more than just a step along the way to that event which was held this summer in Russia.

Engage Aimed at encouraging students, parents, teachers and careers advisers to engage

positively with career choices that provide ‘learning and earning’ potential from the first day of registration, this year’s Ireland Skills Live was, rightly, termed a game changer by those behind it.

One of those behind it is Donal Keys who is Head of Construction Skills at TU Dublin. Keys explains the reason it is being Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 53

CAREERS & TRAINING

described in such glowing terms.

‘We have been running competitions and workshops around the country since 1956,’ he notes. ‘We never had the footfall before – not anything like this. We never had the buy-in from industry.

‘We decided if we ran it as one event under the one roof, much like a Worldskills event, then people could see at first hand all the skills and the employers.

‘People could see how their son or daughter could end up working for the captains of industry.

Perception ‘Furthermore, there has been something of an idea that you do an apprenticeship when there is nothing else available to you,’ he says, stressing the need to counter this perception.

‘I think parents and careersguidance teachers in particular – might have realised not everyone is for CAO and this is an extremely rewarding option’, he says.

‘They also saw, at the show, the benefits of the “earnwhile-you-learn” approach.

You can go and work for a company and after four years be on 31K.’ And so it was that running this event, marketing it and selling it as an ‘event’ provided the traction that was needed.

Not only was the information there but there were live demonstrations, a chance to try skills, to find out more.

Workshops ‘We were running competitions in workshops prior to this year’s event and very few people came to see them’, says Keys.

‘We ran the competitions over three days but very few people are going to walk into a workshop in Dublin to see a guy in a plumbing competition really.

‘Now this was just a part of

Sights set on Worldskills and next Ireland Skills Live Ireland’s association with Worldskills is, by any standards, a long and proud one.

The country joined the then three year old association as its seventh member back in 1956. The intervening years have brought many achievements on this global stage.

‘On behalf of The Department of Education and Skills, we organise the Worldskills competitions, and also the national competitions, through the Institutes and ETB's, explains Chair and Technical Delegate of Worldskills Ireland, Ray English, who gives us some background to the current set up: ‘When Worldskills rebranded as Worldskills International we all rebranded in turn as Worldskills Ireland, Worldskills UK and so on,’ he explains.

‘This resulted in two streams: The international Worldskills competition and the Ireland Skills National competition.

‘Our aim going forward is that everything will be Worldskills Ireland branded – the national and international competitions.’

There is, of course, a link between the two areas in that people in National Skills go forward to Worldskills but winning on the

5 4 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

national stage doesn’t automatically lead to such progression.

‘Under our terms of reference,’ says Ray – a sheet metal worker and college lecturer by background as well as being a previous expert at Worldskills – ‘we have to look at performance in previous competitions, new growth areas in the national economy and, of course, where we are likely to win medals.

National ‘On 21-23 March we saw the most recent National competition taking place’, explains Ray. That was at the Ireland Skills Live event.

‘Worldskills took place in August in Kazan, Russia, where competitors from more than sixty counties took place in fifty-six skills areas.

‘On the Construction side was included Carpentry, Joinery and Bricklaying and on the Information and Communications side would be Cloud Computing and Building Information Modelling (BIM) – 'we in Ireland were one of the first to have national competitions in the latter two areas,’ says Ray English.

what was put together as an event here – a recruitment event for apprenticeship.

‘It was the ultimate public private partnership.’

Target Preparation for the show was painstaking. ‘We targeted schools for six months and every careers teacher was given an information pack on the event through the Irish Independent’, says Donal Keys.

‘We had one hundred employers with stands. We had a heroes’ stage where those who have made their mark gave parallel sessions.

You could try out a skill and much more.

‘As a result of all of this we got fantastic traction. Fifteen thousand people walked through the doors. As a result industry and the Department of Education and Skills want this to be an annual event going forward.’

97%

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and Mrs Sabina Higgins also visited the inaugural Ireland Skills Live at RDS Simmonscourt.

The President and his wife made an extensive walking tour of the arena – over 90 minutes – stopping to speak with many competitors who were all happy to break off the hard work as they were finishing up their final tests in the National Skills Finals.

‘We’ve had great support from industry including from people like Dave Tracey at Sisk, adds Donal Keys.

Dave, who features elsewhere in this issue, is a fellow member of the Worldskills Board and, says Donal: ‘a great driver behind Ireland Skills Live'.

Changing Ray English is Chair and Technical Delegate of Ireland Skills Live. ‘The concept of doing apprenticeships is changing,’ he says. ‘It was one of the factors behind bringing it together this year.

‘On the Saturday we

‘The whole event was an outstanding success and there is no doubt it’s a game changer for Apprenticeships awareness in Ireland.

When I walked in on day one I was blown away by it all.’

Dave Tracey, Sisk

- the number of visitors who would have a positive perception of apprenticeships after visiting the event

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CAREERS & TRAINING

chose to target parents. What we actually found was that some of the young people brought their parents back with them on the Saturday to say: “this is what I’m interested in” – after they had already been in during the week.

‘We hope that sort of engagement will grow.

‘We had skills on show

from a huge range of careers which not only showed how to start but also explained the progression you can expect.’

The event also showed the varied aspects of industries like Construction and how there are many directions one can go in. ‘It was a real eyeopener for many,’ adds Ray. ‘Part of our role is also to target new skills areas. We did

that with BIM.’ This of course, feeds nicely into the whole conversation around changing roles and diversity in construction.

Any person ‘At the moment,’ says Ray, ‘the construction industry sees a number of women taking up carpentry and joinery apprenticeships.

‘The biggest challenge is getting to parents and career guidance teachers and for them to understand that any person can get into such an apprenticeship.’

Says Donal: ‘It’s about attracting people in and that’s why we targeted transition years in such a way as to say: “look at this , it could be your career.”

ABOVE: Electrical installations - Barry Forde

ABOVE: Liam Meehan - Carpentry Winner

ABOVE: Painting and decorating - Nathan Richardson

ABOVE: Joinery winner (centre) Mark Wasson, (left) the sponsor of joinery David Tracey of John Sisk and Sons, on the right Joinery Chief Examiner John Joe O'Reilly.

ABOVE: Jack Lynch who was the winner of the Cabinet making Competition at Irelandskills.

ABOVE: Jason Shanahan, Midleton, Cork, Bricklaying.

Competition Winners Welding: Jack Gartlan, TU Dublin

Plastic Die Engineering: Luke Brennan, Autolaunch Ltd.

Cabinet Making: Jack Lynch, GMIT Letterfrack

Car Painting: Ben McNair, TU Dublin

Electrical Installations: Barry Forde, MSL ETB

Construction Plant Fitting: Brian Muldoon, CIT

Restaurant Service: Ruairi Grealish, SCHM

Visual Merchandising: Jennifer Mangan, TU Dublin

Cloud Computing: Oliver Bal-Petre, IT Tallaght

Aircraft Maintenance: Eric Noonan, Midland Aviation

Industrial Mechanic Millwright: Niall Connolly, CIT

Plumbing & Heating: Jack O’Donell, AIT

Beauty Therapy: Allanagh O’Sullivan, Kerry ETB

Joinery: Mark Wasson, DKIT

Metal Fabrication: Patrick Twomey, CIT

Cookery: Aisling Delaney, IT Tralee

Bricklaying: Jason Shanahan, TU Dublin

BIM: Peter Jenkins, WIT

Automobile Technology: Declan Moore, DKIT

Hairdressing: Abigail Sheridan, Waterford CFE

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning: Dylan Casey, CIT

Sheetmetal Work: Martin Scattergood, TU Dublin

Plastering & Dry Wall: Jake Shannon, CIT

Painting & Decorating: Nathan Richardson, TU Dublin

Logistics: Megan Yeates, TU Dublin

Carpentry: Liam Meehan, IT Sligo

Heavy Vehicle Maintenance: Daniel Curtin, AIT

5 6 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

CAREERS & TRAINING - Commercial Feature

IT Sligo and SCSI launch new online courses to help address ‘quantity surveying skill shortage and greater regulation of property management sector

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he Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) in collaboration with Institute of Technology Sligo (IT Sligo) have launched two new courses in a bid to try and meet a growing skills shortage in Ireland’s surveying industry.

Shortage An acute shortage of Mechanical and Electrical costings experts across the sector was behind SCSI’s decision.

Experience in this area is crucial for surveyors to ensure accurate cost planning for mechanical and electrical services on construction projects.

Similarly, a recent report also highlighted skills shortages in the areas of property services and facilities management.

As part of the collaboration SCSI and IT Sligo are set, at time of writing to launch two new courses: • Post Graduate Certificate in Mechanical & Electrical Quantity Surveying (Level 9).

• Higher Certificate in Property Services & Facilities Management (Level 6).

These online courses are aimed particularly at those involved in property and construction sectors to upskill while maintaining their work/life balance.

The courses will be delivered primarily online and are designed for those who want to study part-time.

Changes Speaking at the announcement, Áine Myler, Director General of the SCSI, said: ‘Changes to building regulations have increased energy efficiency across commercial and residential buildings, which are requiring more specialist machinery installations.

‘The demand to be able to advise and budget for these systems has grown significantly and will continue to grow.

ABOVE: Sligo graduation photo

‘Professionalising through such advanced qualifications will increase their earnings potential.

‘The market demand for professionals in construction and property will need to be filled, not just by school-leavers, but turning existing sectoral practitioners into professionals through degree and masters level programmes whilst they work.’

Rise Employers in property agency and management are reporting a significant rise in demand for licensed professionals in estate agency and management.

Specific licensing requirements for these professionals means that only those with a particular educational qualification may apply for and deliver property services in the state.

The IT Sligo and SCSI online course will provide candidates with a Higher Certificate in Property Services & Facilities Management (Level 6), making them applicable for satisfying licensing requirements.

Trevor McSharry, Head of Department of Civil Engineering and Construction from IT Sligo, said: ‘IT Sligo is delighted to work in partnership with the SCSI. As the national leader in online learning, feedback from our students is extremely positive.

‘Our delivery model allows full flexibility for people to upskill in their own time and place, while maintaining work and family life commitments without unnecessary travel.

‘We are committed to the learners on these new programmes, who will be supported by lecturers via our flexible online delivery, which will allow for hands-on engagement in learning while

remaining in the workplace.

‘We are very pleased to be providing our expertise in these areas to meet the needs of the surveying industry.’

Designed The Higher Certificate in Property Services & Facilities Management is designed to prepare students with knowledge of all factors affecting the property and facilities management profession.

Students will develop a keen understanding of the marketplace and a skillset that will enable them to influence and adapt to changes in the property market as they arise.

Anyone interested is encouraged to apply online at www.itsligo.ie/courses/ higher-cert-property-services-facilitiesmanagement.

Interest In addition, students can also express interest in the Postgraduate Cert in Mechanical & Electrical Quantity Surveying, which will also be delivered on a part-time online basis.

This course, which starts in January 2020 can lead to a Masters in Project Management.

This course is designed for quantity surveyors, project managers and related professionals who wish to increase their skills in the specialised area of Mechanical & Electrical Quantity Surveying.

This programme will equip students with a professional understanding of areas such as electrical and mechanical technology and measurement, procurement, BIM, financial and risk management and life-cycle cost management – all of which are skills in very high demand in the industry.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 57

Considerate Constructors

Campaign to tackle plastics and packaging in construction launched Survey illuminates use of plastics and packaging in construction

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he Considerate Constructors Scheme has launched its industry-wide campaign ‘Spotlight on...plastics and packaging’ to raise awareness and showcase best practice in how the construction industry can reduce, reuse and recycle plastics and packaging.

The launch of the‘Spotlight on...plastics and packaging’ campaign comes in response to startling findings from a Considerate Constructors Scheme survey of over 900 people working within the UK and Irish construction industries.

Discovered The survey discovered that, although over 95% of respondents said the industry needs to be doing something to reduce its consumption of plastics and packaging, over half of respondents (51%) have little understanding of the rules and regulations surrounding plastics and packaging, and only 44% know how to recycle different plastic and packaging materials.

The survey also revealed that: • 98% said the over-consumption of plastics and packaging is a global issue.

• 92% believe plastics and packaging are extremely dangerous to the environment.

• 81% said the construction industry is not doing enough to reduce its consumption of plastics and packaging.

• 31% said they frequently use plastics and packaging that cannot be reused or recycled.

The Scheme is calling on all construction sites, companies, suppliers and clients of construction projects to drastically reduce their consumption of plastics and packaging.

Not only does this offer significant improvements for the environment 5 8 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

Scheme expands to offer registration to professional services Professional service organisations can demonstrate their considerate credentials!

The Considerate Constructors Scheme has expanded to offer professional service organisations the opportunity to register.

Eligible and society as a whole, it also makes commercial business sense, with many organisations reporting significant cost savings achieved.

‘Spotlight on…plastics and packaging’ provides a suite of resources to help the industry to address this issue.

It includes a range of practical case studies and guidance from contractors, clients and service suppliers.

Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive, Edward Hardy says: ‘The Scheme’s ‘Spotlight on…plastics and packaging’ campaign provides resources, practical support and guidance helping everyone to take effective measures to tackle this issue.

Targets ‘While considerable progress is being made – with over 76% of Schemeregistered construction sites setting targets to reduce, reuse and recycle waste – it is clear that a concerted effort to raise further awareness, and to provide the necessary support, is needed to achieve this drastic reduction in waste from plastics and packaging.’

‘Spotlight on…plastics and packaging’ follows a number of hugely successful industry campaigns which the Scheme hosts on the Best Practice Hub. The Scheme also launched the‘Spotlight on…air pollution’ as reported on in CMi, as well as ‘Spotlight on…the next generation’ with follow-on e-learning courses in each topic.

Eligible organisations providing professional services to the construction industry, such as architects, engineering consultancies, surveyors, accountants and lawyers, are now able to join the 7,000 plus construction sites, companies, suppliers and clients of construction projects who register with the Scheme each year.

This exciting development comes at the request of those already registered, to ensure their entire supply chain is part of the Scheme, as well as an increasing number of professional service organisations wishing to be part of the Scheme to help improve their standards in considerate construction.

Edward Hardy, Chief Executive of the Considerate Constructors Scheme says: ‘We are delighted to welcome eligible professional service organisations.

Significant ‘This is a significant development for our entire construction industry, as professional services form an integral part of the industry’s supply chain.

‘The impact such organisations can have in becoming part of the Scheme to improve their standards will no doubt have a significant influence on improving the overall image of our industry.’

GREEN BUILDING

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he level of urgency in dealing with climate change has gone up several notches in the past year with the publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. Whereas the European Union (EU) was proposing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 80% by 2050, we now know that it needs to be 100%. Recently the Dáil declared a climate emergency. This is highly welcome but must be followed with real action, wrties Pat Barry, CEO of the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC).

ABOVE: Pat Barry

A focus on real action A focus on real action Ireland’s total greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing by over 3.5% per year since 2015. We have the thirdhighest emissions per capita for residential energy use in the EU. What can we do to fully decarbonise our homes, both new and existing, by 2050?

nZEB and new dwellings The nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standard comes into

force this year on 1 November for new homes through Part L of the Building Regulations.

This represents an improvement of 70% in energy and carbon dioxide emissions performance over 2005 standards, for all new dwellings commencing construction from November this year.

It also introduces 20% renewables as a percentage of the total building energy use.

Under these new regulations a typical new dwelling will be built to

an A2 Building Energy Rating (BER).

This is a positive development, but we cannot afford to do anything today which makes the situation worse. More specifically, we must move to fossil-free energy systems in new homes immediately.

We must also consider the wider unregulated carbon impacts of homes such as the water usage, the materials used to build them, and must ensure that all new homes are well located, with walkable access to amenities and public transport.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 59

GREEN BUILDING

The Irish Green Building Council has developed the Home Performance Index certification to ensure that the ‘nearly’ in nZEB homes is as close to zero as possible.

Through simple indicators such as water efficiency, it gives developers and local authorities a framework for better built, better quality, healthy homes, in connected, ecologically enhanced communities.

Renovating 1.5 million homes – Challenges & Opportunities 1.5 million Irish homes must be retrofitted to zero carbon standard by 2050 – approx. 48,000 a year.

This requires a step change in both the level of activity and the ‘depth’ of energy efficiency upgrades.

The challenges towards this goal are significant. One of the main barriers to renovation is that building owners do not know where to find information on how to plan, finance and implement it.

But, upgrading our homes so that they use less energy is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse-gas emissions.

In the process we can eliminate fuel poverty and reduce illnesses and premature deaths associated with living in cold and damp homes.

This, in turn, will reduce pressure on healthcare and social services, with related benefits including fewer days of work missed, shorter hospital stays and improved educational performance.

We can also create sustainable construction jobs for the next 30 years in every village and town across the country.

Energy renovation – unlocking Ireland’s potential In 2017, the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) worked in close cooperation with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) to develop Ireland’s National Renovation strategy.

Close to 200 organisations took part in a consultation process which led to the publication of a set of recommendations for a better national renovation strategy.

The IGBC and its members are now working on a package of targeted and concerted actions that would support investment in energy renovation, 6 0 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

'1.5 million Irish homes must be retrofitted to zero carbon standard by 2050'

while building stakeholders’ capacity and appetite to act on renovation.

Investing in deep energy renovation The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland estimates a capital investment of the order of €35bn is required to make the existing housing stock low carbon by 2050.

The exchequer cannot grant aid the scale of renovation required to support the decarbonisation of the built environment.

However, affordability remains a key issue for citizens.

Banks and credit unions can both play a role in supporting energy renovation.

Loans for financing energy retrofit are less risky for banks and homeowners as the lower operational cost and greater

valuations over time reduce the risk of mortgage default.

The Irish Green Building Council has been provided funding by the European Commission to work on establishing a green mortgage programme in Ireland over the next two years – Smarter Finance for Families project.

This will enable homeowners to access cheaper finance for renovation and allow home buyers to benefit from reduced interest rates if they buy the greenest new homes on the market.

Making energy renovation easy Together with difficulty to access finance, one of the most often quoted barriers to energy renovation is the lack of knowledge about what to do, where to start, and which measures to implement and in which order.

should de-risk investments in energy efficiency and facilitate deep retrofit.

By allowing new owner to take up where previous owner left off, it should also reduce transactional cost of retrofit where property changes hand.

To transform the complex and fragmented renovation process into a simple, straightforward and attractive process for the homeowner, the IGBC is also developing an online integrated home renovation service.

The Turnkey Retrofit platform will provide an initial technical and behavioural diagnosis, a comprehensive technical and financial offer, as well as onsite coordination of works and quality assurance.

Upskilling the industry

Quality energy upgrades must be made more convenient and accessible.

The Irish Green Building Council with the support of SEAI is currently developing a Building Renovation Passport for Ireland.

These passports are masterplans for retrofit and include a record of work or logbook.

They ensure that any renovation works are planned and implemented in a holistic and technically sound manner, hence preventing ‘lockins’ and facilitating a step-by-step approach to deep renovation.

The logbook is a repository of building-related information on aspects such as energy consumption and production, executed maintenance and building plans.

By improving the availability of data for valuers and lenders, passports

Homeowners and SMEs would also benefit from the development of a network of skilled, trusted local intermediaries who could support them at all stages of the renovation process.

Building professionals and construction workers are at the interface with end-users and are well placed to advise them on renovation on a daily basis.

Yet, lack of skills could lead to a lack of coherent advice, poor quality work and ultimately to a general loss of confidence in the process as cases of building and health problems from inappropriate upgrading works emerge.

To encourage and facilitate the industry upskilling in energy renovation, the Green Building Council in conjunction with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) is currently developing an online self-assessment tool for building professionals and construction workers to help them identify their training needs and pathway to acquire these skills.

The platform will be launched in early 2020.

To develop a network of skilled, trusted and easily identifiable advisors, the IGBC and LIT are also working on the implementation of a user-friendly holistic energy renovation accreditation of building professionals, and looking at ways to extend it to construction workers.

As property owners are

often discouraged by a lack of understanding of the renovation process, the introduction of this accreditation system along with a register of accredited professionals, should facilitate deep renovation and ensure Irish citizens are at the centre of the energy transition.

Setting the right standards Market development, support and incentives are critical in ensuring all citizens can make low-carbon choices.

However, we also need certainty that deep renovation is and will remain a top priority. This will allow everyone in the industry to invest in the skills and innovation needed.

This may involve setting renovation deadlines for some specific parts of the market.

An increasing number of households are now in the rental sector and given the current supply shortage in the rental market, there are no incentives for landlords to improve the energy rating of their properties.

A growing number of countries are introducing minimum energy efficiency performance standards for the private rental market, e.g. the Netherlands for commercial buildings, England and Wales for all buildings.

The introduction of a minimum energy efficiency performance standard would send a clear signal to the market.

However, it must be announced far in advance and it must be introduced alongside specific mechanisms designed to help small landlords get across the line.

The IGBC will release shortly (at time of writing) a short report to help inform the public consultation to be launched by the Department of Climate Action (yet to be launched at time of writing. Check for updates.) on proposed approaches to dealing with energy efficiency upgrades in rental properties.

Further information on all IGBC’s projects is available at www.igbc.ie. Zero carbon homes will be extensively discussed at Better Homes 2019 in the Gibson Hotel, Dublin on 7 November. Better Homes is the IGBC’s annual residential conference.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 61

me & my job

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ur usual Facilities Management column is written for us by Pat Gaughan, Managing Director at Advanced Workplace Solutions, Founder of Workplace Summit 2019 and member of the IWFM (Institute of Workplace & Facilities Management) Ireland Committee. We recently sat down with Pat to find out a little more about this booming sector and the part that he, himself, plays.

Me & My Job:

Pat Gaughan Pat can you tell us about your career background?

I’ve been involved in the world of Workplace & Facilities Management now for over twenty-five years starting out with Eurostar as a Contract & Facilities manager working the Engineering Dept based at North Pole International in London.

I have worked in a variety of roles both in the Public and Private sector as an inhouse FM and also on the outsourcing operational ends as well.

You can probably say that I have a full 360-degree knowledge of the Industry.

Some of the more interesting areas I have worked in include opening up the National Museum at Collins Barracks, Managing the IFSC as well as extensive travel in my career which has involved working in locations such as Cape Town, Moscow, Kiev, Paris, Madrid – and one of my favourite cities, Budapest!

‘Workplace & Facilities is booming at the moment in Ireland.

Organisations are really seeing the value it adds to the business.’

Did you always want to be involved in this industry?

Like a lot of people in our Industry It’s a profession I ‘fell into’ rather than sought out as a planned career path.

I graduated from the University of Limerick in European Studies & Law and like many other Irish people ended up abroad working in New York and later, London, spending twelve years there before relocating back to Dublin.

Once in FM I enjoyed the variety it offered covering the full gamut of Corporate Real Estate (CRE) such as negotiating Leases, tendering contracts for services, delivering high profile projects and getting involved in the operational delivery of FM services.

Many people, particularly those new to the industry, may have trouble understanding just

6 2 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

what Workplace &Facilities Management is all about. Can you explain a little about the concept and the offering that companies in this area provide to clients?

Workplace & FM is simply the process where the various services needed to support the organisation and its people are managed to deliver a place of work that is interesting, agile and flexible.

It helps add value to an organisation by enabling productivity (& thereby, profit), connects the building to the people with the aid of technology and good old-fashioned customer service!

What changes have you seen taking place since you started Advanced Workplace Solutions? What trends have you noticed in recent times?

Advanced Workplace Solutions (AWS) was started off over three years ago to produce a more up-to-date delivery of short-term training courses to meet the needs of a more progressive and rapidly changing and versatile profession here in Ireland.

People in the Workplace & FM Industry are more engaged than ever on a global basis. They are as likely to be involved in delivering services in Mountain View, California as well as Little Island in Cork.

The profession has no borders. In my own time on the operational end of things I worked across over twenty different countries while based in Ireland.

Today’s modern FM professionals are more engaged with technology than ever before. Building Information modelling (BIM) and Place Management projects such as the one in Belfast’s Waterside being curated by Chris Kane of Osbourne & Co & Google’s Boland’s Quay development in Dublin will bring about major changes to how we interact with work, home & recreation.

The Workplace & FM profession is at the centre of

me & my job

these progressive projects and key to its success in connecting business with the local community.

The organisation of which you are on the Ireland committee, IWFM, is in the midst of a major change. Where are you now on this journey?

IWFM in Ireland is at the beginning of a major change to promote the organisation and workplace and facilities managers to be at the centre of the People, Place and technology shamrock which shapes the delivery of all services in Facilities management, Human Resources and Information Technology.

The lines between these different services are rapidly becoming more blurred are they will continue to merge over the coming years.

How many members do you have in Ireland?

Currently membership is in excess of 500 and rapidly growing. Workplace and Facilities managers number somewhere in the region of 4000 and growing, so IWFM still has a way to go in attracting more professionals to the organisation.

However, as more people see the benefits of being involved in a professional organisation which promotes, educates and provides leading edge research this is expected to grow expeditiously over the next few years.

What are the main issues and challenges that are of concern to these members?

The key issue really is keeping up with the rapid changes in the work environment.

Best practices are continually evolving and FM’s need to be aware of these as Technology continues to take over more of the basic tasks in the

workplace.

FM’S need to find the point of interaction between technology and the people it serves to ensure services are delivered in the most effective and cost-efficient manner possible.

The courses that IWFM delivers through organisations such as AWS and the advent of the Workplace Summit has provided Workplace & FM managers with opportunities to develop their skills and connect with current Global leaders in the industry.

What do you find the most rewarding aspect of being involved with the Institute?

Really it’s seeing the growth since we set it up in 2012 from a ground zero base to one where it’s now on the cusp of delivering some great opportunities for the profession here in Ireland.

It’s fantastic to see all those involved on the members’ committee as well as ordinary members, volunteer their time to commit to support, develop and nurture those starting out in Workplace and facilities management.

It’s the sharing and pooling of knowledge for the good of everyone that is really encouraging and makes it all worthwhile Have you any predictions for the future of the business.?

Workplace & Facilities is booming at the moment in Ireland. Organisations are really seeing the value it adds to the business.

My belief is that we will continue to see strong growth in our industry and that it will continue to strengthen it’s profile and it’s professional standing in business.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 63

HR & LEGAL

Are you a great leader?

After years of study, Google uses a few simple questions to identify the company's best leaders.

Here's How Google Knows in Less Than 5 Minutes if Someone Is a Great Leader Great companies are built by great leaders.

(That's why the ability to identify and attract talented people is almost as critical as the ability to develop talented people).

But since leadership is more art than science, how can you objectively determine if someone is a great leader?

That's a good question, one Google has spent considerable time and effort trying to answer.

It only makes sense that one of the most analytical companies in the world puts some of its analytical horsepower into determining how great teams are built and led.

relevant information from his/her manager and senior leaders.

7. My manager has had a meaningful discussion with me about career development in the past six months.

8. My manager communicates clear goals for our team.

9. My manager has the technical expertise (e.g., coding in Tech, selling in Global Business, accounting in Finance etc.) required to effectively manage me.

10. I would recommend my manager to other Googlers.

11. I am satisfied with my manager's overall performance as a manager.

Identified

Then Google employees are asked to complete two other questions: 12. What would you recommend your manager keep doing?

13. What would you have your manager change?

Over time, the company identified the key behaviours of its best team managers. Then Google began asking team members to answer the following questions on a scale of 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree).

Here are Google's leadership evaluation questions: 1. My manager gives me actionable feedback that helps me improve my performance.

2. My manager does not ‘micromanage’ (get involved in details that should be handled at other levels).

3. My manager shows consideration for me as a person.

4. The actions of my manager show that he/she values the perspective I bring to the team, even if it is different from his/her own.

5. My manager keeps the team focused on our priority results/deliverables.

6. My manager regularly shares 6 4 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

Notice that only one question, No. 9, asks employees to rate their manager's hard skills.

The Best Managers Are Those Who Help Their Teams Succeed The evaluation spends almost no time assessing a manager's knowledge, skill, and experience. All but one question focuses on soft skills: communication, feedback, coaching, teamwork, respect, and consideration.

What you know matters, but communicating, delegating, creating a sense of autonomy and purpose... that matters a lot more.

Granted, you could argue that possessing superb technical skills

is less important for Google's team managers; after all, it's easier for Google to recruit and retain incredibly skilled people than it is for many companies.

Emphasis But that argument misses the larger point. While most employees need some degree of training early on, the emphasis soon shifts from what they know to how they use their knowledge and skills.

For example, take question No. 2: ‘Does my team leader micromanage?’

Just about every task has a best practice, so most leaders implement and enforce processes and procedures.

For employees, though, engagement and satisfaction are largely based on autonomy and independence.

I care the most when it's ‘mine’. I care the most when I feel I have the responsibility and authority not just to do what I'm told, but to do what is right.

Autonomy Good leaders establish standards and guidelines and then give their employees the autonomy and independence to work the way they work best within those guidelines.

Good leaders allow their employees to turn ‘have to’ into ‘want to’, because that transforms a job into something much more meaningful: an outward expression of each person's unique skills, talents, and experiences.

Do that, and you can build a great team.

By Jeff HadenContributing editor, Inc.@jeff_haden

Heads for heights

T

he number of new entrants in construction is put at around 1,000 per month and HSA/ESRI research shows new entrants are 4 times more likely to be involved in accidents. Against this backdrop Aisling Davis Construction Policy Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority delivered a recent address on working at height (WAH) featuring an overview of the law in this area.

First the statistics. Between 2011 and 2018 there were 34 fatal accidents which involved a work at height (WAH) activity. A total of 50% of all construction fatalities involved WAH activities.

Almost 90% of WAH fatalities happened outside Dublin and common characteristics of the WAH fatalities included: Falling from a roof, from a ladder, e.g. replacing gutters; painting; ladder sliding; falling from a scaffold (not constructed properly, incomplete); falling through a fragile roof e.g. perspex roof light, corrugated asbestos sheet roof.

A major problem area in this regard has been with self-employed and small contractors.

The law The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 imposes general duties on employers, employees, persons in control of places of work, designers and manufacturers.

It is important to provide systems of work that are planned, organised and performed safely.

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007-2016. Part 4-Work at Height.

Work at Height should be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner that is safe and without risk to health.

Equipment and structures for working at height should be suitable, used correctly and installed and maintained by competent persons.

The law: client Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013.

ABOVE: Aisling Davis

Duties of the Client Regulations 6-10 & Schedule 1 (Particular Risks- including falling from a height) Regulation 6 (Duties of the Client) – A Client shall appoint in writing a competent PSDP and PSCS (where the work involves particular risks to the safety, health and welfare of persons at work… [falling from a height]…

Regulation 7 (Duties to ascertain

Ten key requirements for WAH • Avoid WAH activities where possible • Know and comply with the law • Pre-planning the project is essential (Think before you start the job!)

• Complete all site specific risk assessments pertaining to the project • Employ competent personnel (qualified, trained and experienced) • Use collective protection measures for example scaffolding and MEWPs • Ensure equipment is safe to use, fit for purpose and in good working order • Be familiar with the equipment e.g.

MEWPs, PFPE,PPE • Effective communication and coordination is vital • Always follow a safe system of work on site

suitability of PSDP, PSCS, Designer) – A client shall not appoint a person as PSDP, PSCS, Designer unless reasonably satisfied that the person has allocated or will allocate adequate resources to enable the person to perform the duties imposed under the Construction Regulations 2013.

A contractor appointed must be competent to carry out the construction work.

Regulation 8,9,10 (Duties of Clients regarding the safety file, safety and health plan & notification to Authority)

The law PSDP, Designers, PSCS Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 Part 2 - Design and Management Regulations 12,15, 16 & Schedule 1 (Particular Risks – including falling from a height) Regulation 12 (Duties of the PSDP) – The PSDP shall… prepare a written safety and health plan that specifies… where appropriate, work related to the project which will involve particular risks to the safety, health and welfare of persons at work… [falling from a height]…

Regulation 15 (Duties of designers) – A designer shall promptly provide in writing to the PSDP all information about the project regarding particular risks to the safety, health and welfare of persons at work.

Regulation 16 (Duties of the PSCS) – The PSCS shall include in the safety & health plan specific measures concerning work which involves a particular risk.

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 65

PRODUCTS & SERVICES e th nt e of ie p e fic ro m ef Eu Ho ost in r m ile bo

100% IRISH

Firebird’s Enviroair heat pump can be combined with a Firebird oil boiler or a gas boiler

HEATING SOLUTIONS

& OIl FIRED BOIlER RANgEs Featuring cutting-edge low NOx burner technology Firebird by

Compliant to the latest ERP low NOx Directive Achieving NOx levels as low as 60mg/kWh where the new ERPD goal is 120mg/kWh

Installation is as easy as 1, 2, 3

1x

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2x

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Superior Heating Solutions Since 1980

www.firebird.ie T: (026) 45253 E: sales@firebird.ie ENVIRONMENT

INNOVATION

6 6 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

TECHNOLOGY

Firebird Heating Solutions has always been a name you can trust and is now a market leader in hybrid heating, with the launch of their new range of Enviroair heat pump/boiler hybrid systems.

Combining the Enviroair heat pump with a Firebird Envirogreen boiler or a gas boiler, quite literally takes heating to another level.

that 100% comfort heating is provided throughout the year, regardless of the weather conditions.

Environmentally friendly, the Enviroair hybrid system provides the perfect heating solution for the modern new build, combining market leading technologies with over thirty-five years of experience.

Excellent

Flexibility

The hybrid range not only boasts ultra-quiet operation, but the excellent COP (Coefficient Performance) can produce an incredible 4kW of energy for every kW of energy used to power the heat pump.

These high levels of efficiency will reduce fuel bills for the homeowner when compared to other heat pump systems.

Available in single phase outputs from 7.5kW to 16kW, the Enviroair hybrid range provides a compact and space saving solution as a single Monobloc unit that is installed outside the property.

Combined with the highly successful Envirogreen boiler range or a gas boiler, the hybrid system will ensure

The system is easy to install and offers total flexibility, providing Part L Compliance and high BER ratings.

Firebird Heating Solutions specialise in providing a total heating package solution.

The comprehensive product range includes oil fired boilers, solar thermal systems, stoves, range cookers and biomass boilers.

For further information on the Enviroair hybrid range or other products in the range visit www.firebird.ie or contact Firebird Heating Solutions: Tel: 026 45253 Email: info@firebird.ie

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Husqvarna launches new product ranges for Compaction and Concrete Placement

The ink has hardly dried on the business deal with Atlas Copco, but Husqvarna Construction Products is already launching the new product range within light compaction and concrete placement.

It will make Husqvarna an even more complete partner for its channel partners and end users.

Husqvarna’s new tamping rammers, soil and asphalt plate compactors, reversible plate compactors, duplex rollers, concrete vibrators, screeds and trowels will be available at dealers and rental depots around the world.

‘Servicing the light construction market is part of Husqvarna’s DNA. With best-in-class innovation capabilities and a global network of sales and service points, we’ll make it even easier to use and own light compaction and concrete placement equipment.’

End-to-end solutions for concrete surfaces and floors.

Unique capabilities to benefit customers Entering the new market segment, Husqvarna will face a number of new strong competitors on the playing field.

What will Husqvarna bring to the game?

‘Husqvarna is known for its innovative ways of creating integrated systems that increase productivity and reduce cost of ownership,’ says Sebastian Poccard, Vice President at Husqvarna for Concrete Surfaces & Floors.

Another important success factor is that Husqvarna Construction Products already offers one of the market’s leading product ranges in concrete sawing, drilling, grinding and polishing, and dust and slurry management.

By broadening the product range to also encompass prior process steps, Husqvarna now offers a complete solution for the entire process from ground compaction to a polished concrete floor, for the benefit of channel partners and end users around the world.

‘This is something unique that only Husqvarna can offer’, Sebastian Poccard concludes.

Drop into the Husqvarna Construction Centre located at 309 Northwest Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15, D15 YV5T

Learn ‘how to’ with Irish Cement!

Do you need to mix concrete for a DIY project at home, like a path or a patio?

Are you unsure about the correct ratio of cement, sand and gravel to mix?

Would you know what to do if you have added too much water to the mix?

Would you find a concrete calculator useful for your project?

The answers to these and many more questions can be found by visiting Irish Cement’s new dedicated website www. irishcement.ie/howto.

You will find three helpful short videos on planning the

job and how to mix concrete by either shovel or mixer.

The site also has a handy ‘concrete calculator’ that lists out the materials you will need for general purpose concrete projects by simply entering the measurements of your project into three boxes.

Video no. 1 deals with planning your concrete project. Taking a little time to properly plan the job will save you time and

help make it a success.

Depending on the scale of the concrete project the video provides guidance on how best to mix the concrete: by shovel, by mixer or if you should order ready-mix concrete.

Video no. 2 demonstrates all you need to know about mixing concrete by hand, or more correctly using a shovel!

You will get a ‘rule of thumb’ to help with the mix ratios, the importance of adding the right amount of water and advice on what to do if you have added too much water.

Video no. 3, for slightly bigger concrete jobs, will show you how to mix concrete in a tumble mixer, the correct sequence to add

your ingredients and what to watch out for to make sure you get the mix right.

Irish Cement has launched these ‘how to’ videos and concrete calculator following feedback from customers. The videos are simple to follow and provide step-by-step guidance and useful tips for general purpose concrete to help you get started on that DIY concrete project.

Irish Cement, a CRH company, is Ireland’s leading manufacturer and supplier of cement in bags and bulk for over 80 years.

Irish Cement has been trusted by professionals for generations.

For more information visit www.irishcement.ie

Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 67

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

A multifunctional solution to tiling and tanking wetrooms

Mark Bowman, Technical Manager for Marmox, explains why last year’s revisions to BS 5385-1 need not inflict additional cost on contractors or clients and why employing tile backer boards does not require installing a separate waterproofing system.

Modern bathrooms of all styles are routinely packed with products which, at some time in the not too distant past, would have been unimaginable to the consumer and – even more significantly – not covered by British or European standards.

In practice, technological change tends to outstrip legislation, often to the detriment of incremental progress on performance.

Advancements We could consider such radical advancements as ceramic discs replacing washers in taps or thermostatic mixing valves to prevent scalding.

Less tangible innovations have meanwhile included water-repellent coatings for shower screens and even paint finishes able to ‘digest’ unpleasant organic smells.

It is, however, another type of membrane or barrier which represents possibly the most important interface to householders and other property owners, where contemporary wetroom designs are to be considered, and it is also an area of construction where the British Standard does not 6 8 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

present the full picture for specifiers or tradespeople trying to deliver a top quality tiled installation.

Bathroom In a conventional bathroom – containing a bath, basin and toilet – attempts to prevent water escaping its confines has rarely gone beyond running a bead of silicon around the edge of the flooring.

When the interior layout switches to the inclusion of walk-in level access showers or a full wetroom specification, though, the challenge rises in proportion to the volume of water swilling about, with the building fabric and rooms below potentially at risk of damage.

Not only do gradients have to be subtly introduced to direct water towards the shower outlet or a linear drain, but it is also essential to ensure no moisture penetrates into the wall or floor construction.

Furthermore, this tanking must continue to perform dependably for decades.

BS 5385-1 provides the industry with a Code of Practice for wall and floor tiling in most types of development.

It includes guidance on the installation of waterproof membranes and the use of ‘Tile backer boards’: substrate panels to which ceramic or natural stone tiles can be fixed, while the 2018 revision required that even domestic substrates should be waterproofed prior to tiling being undertaken.

Valuable Despite being the ‘Bible’ and a genuinely valuable reference document for the industry, as with many such standards it does not embrace all types of product available for such work and did not involve a fully holistic cross-section of the manufacturer supply chain when it was compiled.

Waterproof membranes as considered

by BS 5385 can include a single layer of polythene type material or, perhaps, one of the proprietary studded products that create a drainage space down which water can drain out from a saturated structure, such as old brick cellar walls.

not subjecting tiling to any stresses which might lead to cracking or delamination.

As a result of this physical stability, Marmox Multiboards are frequently employed to overlay and protect existing moisture sensitive substrates, including chipboard or old floorboards as well as slightly uneven surfaces, varying materials laid side by side.

Easily

‘Modern bathrooms of all styles are routinely packed with products which, at some time in the not too distant past, would have been unimaginable to the consumer.’

Trowel applied cementitious systems or silicone-based treatments – both of which keep damp out of the tanked space, are also commonly used waterproofing solutions.

Section 6.2.3.2 of the standard refers to tile backer boards, stating their selection should consider the weight of both the adhesive and the type of tile to be used, along with substrate assembly and waterproofing.

It also stipulates that they should offer the rigidity to prevent deflection during and subsequent to fixing of the tiles and notes that tanking should be provided in wet areas.

Spectrum However, from reading BS 5385, those not familiar with the full spectrum of board solutions available to the market, would almost certainly presume that cement-based products were the primary type of tile backer to be used in both wet and dry situations – when in fact a far more multi-functional alternative is already widely employed.

Marmox Multiboards are produced in a range of sizes and thicknesses using an XPS or extruded polystyrene core, encapsulated in a layer of strong and robust polymer concrete.

They are therefore completely waterproof and can be used as a combined tile backer and water barrier.

In fact, their stability is such that they can be laid beneath flooring tiles, while the excellent thermal insulating properties to Multiboard means the product is ideal for use with electric underfloor heating systems.

Support Thanks to the composite action of the XPS core and fibre reinforced coating, the boards can support loads of up to 40 tonne per square metre, allowing them to withstand wheelchair loads if, say, installed as part of a fully accessible wetroom construction.

Just as importantly, Multiboard’s make-up ensures they are extremely stable: exhibiting zero movement due to moisture absorption, and therefore

The boards are easily cut and fixed using the special washers available and permanently edge-sealed employing Marmox Multibond – a one-part adhesive and sealant.

This system approach eliminates the risk of interstitial condensation occurring in either traditional or timber frame and other contemporary lightweight constructions.

Unlike some competitors, Marmox Multiboards are CE Marked and also offer the confirmation of their ability to provide performance in practice, having earned BBA recognition (Agrement Certificate 09/4687) which is viewed by specifiers across the newbuild market as an essential.

Uniquely for the sector, though, Multiboards also have the endorsement of the Energy Saving Trust: recognising the potential to cut heat loss through the building fabric, while also helping combat surface condensation risk.

This is of course not only a nuisance, but can lead to mould growth, with all the accompanying health implications.

Favourite Ceramic and natural stone tiles remain a genuine favourite for many sections of the bathroom, wetroom and washroom market: particularly for those seeking aesthetics over the initial capital cost saving of laminate panels.

For tiling to remain in pristine condition, without suffering problems from moisture ingress or any form of movement, requires the provision of a suitably sound, stable and waterresistant backing.

For further information please contact: Marmox (UK) Ltd. Caxton house, 101-103 Hopewell Drive, Chatham, Kent ME5 7NP. Tel: 01634 835290 Fax: 01634 835299 Email: sales@marmox.co.uk web: www.marmox.co.uk Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 69

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Photograph of a 20-tonne CAT excavator which was recovered by TER investigators in County Mayo in April 2012 (the machine had been stolen from the UK 7 years earlier in June 2005).

Above Direct Mark Eamo Kelly, Const

G

areth Barkwill, Head of Recoveries, The National Plant and Equipment Register Limited (or, TER), tells us how, on average, 1-in-11 TER checks are matched as stolen or subject to a finance agreement. Members of the public, dealers and auction houses can check equipment online via TER's website to ascertain theft and finance status before purchasing an item.

TER: Check before you buy In conversation with Gareth Barkwill, Head of Recoveries TER is the largest and longest-running dedicated plant theft database in Europe, writes Head of Recoveies, Gareth Barkwill.

Theft data recorded by TER remains accessible until such time that items are recovered – the records are not archived or destroyed after a determined period of time.

As such, having been active since 1995, TER is often able to uncover thefts which occurred many years – or even decades – earlier, where the records have long since been archived by the police force or insurance company.

In addition, as the nature of plant theft becomes increasingly serious and organised crime, the extent to which stolen items are cloned with counterfeit identification plates is increasing.

In recognition of this, the TER Check service now allows users to upload photographs of the serial number plates which are then scrutinised by TER's inhouse specialists.

This has already resulted in significant numbers of plates being identified as false – preventing innocent and unsuspecting buyers from inadvertently 7 0 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

acquiring stolen machinery.

Report thefts to TER www.ter-europe.org/services/report/ Stolen equipment can be reported to TER online, free of charge. Registering a theft with TER in a timely manner can significantly enhance the opportunity for its recovery.

For example, within the first 24 hours of a theft, an item is often sold or transported to a port for export.

If the buyer or the port police check the item with TER, and the theft has been reported to TER, then a recovery can be instigated.

TER works in support of police forces around the UK and also maintains a close working relationship with the Gardaí (in particular, the Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit in Dublin) to identify and recover stolen equipment on behalf of owners and insurance companies.

Ownership registration www.ter-europe.org/services/register/ Equipment owners in Ireland can register their items with TER (1-5 items can be registered free of charge).

ABOVE: At work in the TER office, Gareth Barkwill.

Decals are issued for all registered items ('Warning! This item is registered with TER') for owners to attach to their equipment, deterring potential would-be thieves.

Some insurance underwriters offer a premium reduction to equipment owners who register with TER in recognition of this risk management undertaking. www.ter-europe.org/services/check/

THE FINAL SAY...

T

he Green Building Council does good work in trying to promote awareness and drive regulation. On the one hand some of our largest customers are members of the council, but on the other hand some of our largest suppliers are also members.

Given that situation, I made a decision last year that if we are to stay relevant in the middle of the supply chain, then we have to have a high profile and to understand green building.

Fantastic

‘We recently became prominent within the Irish Green Building Council and that was very important to us’ Patrick Atkinson is CEO of the former Grafton Merchanting ROI (GMROI), now Chadwicks Group, which recently joined the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC).

He spoke recently to Construction Management Ireland about matters green and more besides!

The Irish Green Building Council does some fantastic training and we'll be putting our sales teams through that training so that they can be more knowledgeable and have the skills to help the customer.

This relates particularly to the smaller customer who isn't going to be a member of the Irish Green Building Council and probably doesn't have the time to do the training.

We can be the font of knowledge in the middle of that supply chain, both feeding information up to our suppliers and feeding information down to our customers.

They are the ones who are actually building, and we can help them build in a more environmentally-friendly way.

How easily have you been able to introduce eco friendly products into the market?

The pace of change is slow in the construction industry, so change is never radical when we introduce new products.

What we have seen, though, is a shift from the traditional building model to off-site construction.

Certainly in the field of large housing schemes, a lot of the bigger players in the industry are moving towards off-site products such as timber frame houses or modular houses.

That in itself creates a change in the products that we sell. For example, instead of a full brick being used you’ll see a slip brick being used.

In the actual construction of the house we might sell less rough timber but more insulation, and so on.

So the mix of products we offer Autumn 2019 | Construction Management | 71

THE FINAL SAY...

changes a little bit according to the type of houses that are being built.

In addition, the number of apartments being built is quite low, it was only 13 percent of the total build in the last couple of years and that will change.

In terms of new products, if we look at the plumbing, heating and environmental sectors the move to heat pumps has been pretty phenomenal.

In my eyes every newly built house seems to be moving away from gas and oil and moving towards heat exchangers or other similar setups which are more environmentally friendly than the traditional installations.

It's expensive, but there is a payback on it. This trend includes solar and photovoltaic – all these sorts of products are certainly growing in popularity.

People are building much more sustainably and trying to be environmentally friendly, and I think we've only started that journey really.

I’ve lived in other countries during my life and I can say that we’re not seeing the same level of progress here – for example the Green Point systems are not being used in the

same way.

I know that the Irish Green Building Council is pushing for a move into HPI, a Home Performance Index, so that a building is not just rated on the amount of energy it uses but also on the amount of energy that goes into making the products – and I think that's the start of a journey for us.

Some architects are very aware and they’re including these features. But, you know, can we say that everyone is measuring the amount of carbon that was used in manufacturing the product?

No, they're not. But I think that this is a trend which is going to get much more significant in the future.

Products In terms of market activity there is some movement in the sales of insulation because it’s the first thing people are advised to put in if they want to make their house more energy efficient.

The use of heat pumps and the move away from fossil fuels and open fires has been a dramatic change and we’ve seen that area grow within our branches nationwide.

We've seen sales in stoves increase over the past few years as people move away from open fires because the BER rating gets really badly affected if you've got a big hole in the house, which is essentially what an open fireplace amounts to.

Membranes used to seal houses have become very important, particularly in the timber frame houses.

I see that we're moving a little bit towards passive housing, although that isn't fully operational here yet. We have examples of passive housing but it's not mainstream yet.

That said, I think it will move that way.

Chadwick’s branch network gives a great overview of the country as a whole and how it is performing. How has the rest of the country been at catching up with the Dublin market, from what they see?

It’s fair to say the rest of the country is playing catch up with Dublin. I’ll put it like this: If Dublin was at the centre of the country you’d see growth rippling out, but it hasn't quite happened in that way.

We see that the Greater Dublin Area, Dublin and its surrounding counties, are certainly increasing their activity, and increasing it at a greater rate than the rest of the country.

But what we've seen, is an increase in planning permissions and building projects in the other big urban areas, by which I mean Cork, Limerick and Galway.

Cork, in particular, has seen a significant increase in planning permission applications.

That shows us a pipeline of projects starting to come through very strongly.

Looking again at the Greater Dublin Area, if it makes up 62% of

7 2 | Construction Management | Autumn 2019

all residential building, then it probably mirrors that in commercial building as well.

When you add in the other urban areas, then urban building makes up at least 80% of all the building going on in the country, so rural Ireland is

not growing at the same rate as the urban centres.

That said, RMI is still strong and that’s why Chadwick's has branches in almost every county.

Not only that, but they're all growing and they're being driven by different aspects of our business, so the RMI sector is strong.

You're seeing refurbishment not just in residential properties but also in small hotels, in retail, and indeed farmers are spending their money too.

That certainly helps our rural branches, but from a housebuilding point of view urbans areas are seeing more growth.

DELIVERING DELIVERING COMPACTION COMPACTION PRODUCTIVITY PRODUCTIVITY LIKE NEVER LIKE NEVER BEFORE BEFORE

Any building structure that is meant to last for a long time needs to be built on solid ground. Similarly, your business needs to be built on a solid foundation to last and Husqvarna is the partner you can trust to help build it. We provide the tools and solutions that help you deliver to your clients’ expectations.

Husqvarna’s compaction equipment is developed for maximum productivity, performance and durability. Every little detail in your machine – from the ergonomic, vibration-damped handles to the hard, wear-resistant steel surface beating the soil – is designed to get the job done with maximum uptime and minimum service requirement.

Double Drum Rollers

Forward Plate Compactors

Tampers

Double Plate Compactors

Forward And Reversible Plate Compactors

Visit the official Husqvarna Construction Centre Located at; 309 Northwest Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15, D15 YV5T

THE ART OF BUILDING

WALLS CONSTRUCTION ROSEMOUNT HOUSE, NORTHERN CROSS, MALAHIDE ROAD, DUBLIN 17

T: 01 867 3800 F: 01 867 3850

CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND Walls Construction

E: BUILD@WALLS.IE W: WWW.WALLS.IE