49 minute read
EMPTY HOMES AND BUDGET 2023 HAI responds to the Government’s response to the empty homes challenge in the latest Budget.
Empty Homes - HAI reacts to Government’s response and to Budget 2023
In the last issue of The Hardware Journal, HAI published its Empty Homes Proposals to Government, covering key recommendations to combat the challenge of vacant properties going unused nationwide. With the announcement of Budget 2023, HAI responds to its results and its potential impact on the issue in the future.
Our responses centre on the key impacts of Empty Homes, New Housebuilding, the new Concrete Block Levy and new Business Supports, following the publication of our Empty Homes proposal, which was issued to Government in recent months.
Hardware Association Ireland Responds to Budget 2023
Empty Homes - Grants to buy ✓ Empty Homes - Grants (for current owners) to Refurbish ? Vacant Property Tax ✓ Vacant Property Tax - administered by Revenue ✓ Reduction of VAT on carbon-saving products 7 Continuation of Help to Buy Scheme ✓ The Concrete Block Levy 7 TBESS Scheme ✓ Growth & Sustainability Loan Scheme ✓ Energy Efficiency Scheme ✓
Budget 2023 was announced by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath as a “Cost of Living Budget”, focused on helping individuals, families, and businesses to deal with rising prices. The total value of the Budget came to ¤11 billion, reportedly the largest Budget in the history of the state.
Hardware Association Ireland’s (HAI) pre budget submission – Empty Homes – Unlocking the Opportunity – was presented to the relevant Government Departments earlier in the year. It was also forwarded to all Ministers, TDs, and Senators.
Empty Homes:
One of our main proposals was a grant for first time buyers of empty and derelict properties. HAI was pleased to see this announcement in response to its Empty Homes Proposal, and to see the issue of vacant properties responded to by the government. In July this year the Croí Cónaithe Scheme went live with grants of ¤30k and ¤50k, respectively. This is a very significant step in the right direction.
However, we believe that further can be done to support the refurbishment and reintroduction of older and vacant properties to the market.
Another HAI proposal was to have incentives for owners of Empty Homes to refurbish and/or sell on the property. In brief these incentives were in the form of a tax write-off of capital expenditure against future rental income and a moratorium on capital gains tax on these properties. As we go to press it is unclear if the budget has dealt with these proposals. We will push for an answer.
HAI was pleased to see the announcement of a Vacant Homes Tax to combat the challenge of empty properties nationwide. In the Budget Minister Donohoe announced the launch of a new Vacant Homes Tax with the intention to increase the supply of homes for rent or purchase to meet demand. This tax will be three times a property’s local property tax, on top of the existing rate. The tax, to be introduced in 2023, will apply to residential properties that are occupied for less than 30 days in a 12-month period.
The new tax will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners. There are to be a number of exemptions to ensure owners are not unfairly charged where a property may be vacant for a genuine reason. While HAI believes that the tax is low, it is now on the agenda and more importantly the acceptance of our proposal that it becomes the responsibility of the Revenue Commissioners is much to be welcomed.
HAI was disappointed with the lack of provisions announced for the refurbishment of properties to improve their energy rating, such as the reduction of VAT on carbon-saving products such as heat pumps and insulation. This is disappointing especially as the EU has said that each member state can apply their own VAT rates.
New Housing:
With regards to the provision of housing, Minister Donohoe announced the following figures:
• some 25,000 new homes were built in the last 12 months • a further 44,000 have been granted planning permission
Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund: Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme
www.housingagency.ie
¤1.7 billion will be allocated to the Department of Housing in 2023, the Minister for Public Expenditure said this would deliver the social housing new build target of over 9,000 homes.
“I am announcing a ¤99 million increase in funding for existing schemes, including the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme which will support nearly 6,500 additional new social housing units, through Approved Housing Bodies new build delivery and leases,” Michael McGrath said.
¤215 million will be allocated in 2023 to three affordable housing schemes: the Local Authority affordable purchase scheme, the AHB Cost rental scheme and the national First Home Shared Equity scheme.
Additionally, it was announced by the Minister for Finance that the Help to Buy Scheme, which since its inception in 2017 has benefitted over 35,000 people, will continue at its current rates until the end of 2024. HAI welcomes this but has noted its lack of uptake in counties outside of Dublin, Meath, Kildare, and Cork (Source: Revenue – Help to Buy Annual Report 2021) and is hopeful that the announcement of its extension will be followed by heavier campaigning to raise awareness and engagement nationwide. HAI will continue to liaise with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to continue to push for further provisions to combat the housing challenge.
The Concrete Block Levy
This appears to have come out of thin air. Our belief is that it is highly unfair. If implemented, it would add to the costs of building and undermine much of the good work done on affordability. In particular it will discriminate against younger people hoping to buy a home.
HAI have made a request to the Minister for Housing to impress upon The Department of Finance the need to look at an alternative.
Business Support:
Additionally, HAI was pleased to see the announcement of the introduction of a ¤1.25 billion Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS), providing qualifying businesses with up to 40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills up to ¤10,000 per month. It will help small businesses most, but also medium and larger businesses. It will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners, backdated to September, and will run until at least February 2023.
A ¤200 million targeted Ukraine Enterprise Crisis Scheme was announced to assist viable but vulnerable businesses in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which are suffering the broader effects of the war in Ukraine as well as increasing energy costs, and a ¤1.2 billion Statebacked Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme, to provide low-cost working capital to SMEs, primary producers, and small midcaps (businesses with fewer than 500 employees) of up to ¤1 million.
This is in addition to the new Growth & Sustainability Loan Scheme, which it was said will make up to ¤500 million in low-cost investment loans of up to 10 years available to SMEs, with no collateral required for loans up to ¤500,000. A minimum of 30% of the lending volume will be targeted towards Environmental Sustainability purposes.
An additional ¤4 million in funding was also announced to the Local Enterprise Office network to include a new grant for micro-enterprises for energy efficiency. The Small Firms Investment in Energy Efficiency Scheme will provide a grant to companies to encourage capital investment in projects to reduce carbon emissions.
A list of energy and sustainability Government schemes and resources applicable for retailers is on pages following.
HAI will monitor the impact of Budget 2023 on our members and will continue to liaise with our members and with the Government in the coming months.
Financial Supports
• Budget 2023 – Revenue Commissioners - NEW The
Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) will provide qualifying businesses with up to 40% of the increase in electricity or gas bills up to ¤10,000 per month and will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners.
The operational details will be available shortly. (Opening shortly)
• Budget 2023 – Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) – NEW The
Small Firms Investment in Energy Efficiency Scheme will provide a grant through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network to companies to encourage investment in energy efficiency technologies or processes that reduce carbon emissions and overall energy costs. The scheme will follow on from the LEO Green for Micro Scheme which currently provides advice and technical support to firms on energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint. (Opening 2023)
• Budget 2023 – Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) - NEW The State-backed Ukraine Credit Guarantee
Scheme will provide low-cost working capital or mediumterm investment, especially in energy saving measures to
SMEs, primary producers and small mid-caps (businesses with fewer than 500 employees). Loans of up to six years will be available, from ¤10,000 to ¤1 million, with no collateral required for loans up to ¤250,000. Loans will be provided by finance providers from the private sector including banks, non-banks and credit unions.
• Budget 2023 - Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) NEW The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) will make up to ¤500 million in low-cost investment loans of up to 10 years available to SMEs, including farmers and fishers and small mid-caps, with no collateral required for loans up to ¤500,000. A minimum of 30% of the lending volume will be targeted towards environmental sustainability. 70% of lending will be for strategic investments with a view to increasing productivity and competitiveness and thus underpinning future business sustainability and growth. The scheme will be operated by the SBCI and participating finance providers. (It is anticipated that it will be launched in the market in the first half of 2023).
• Budget 2023 - Temporary Extensions a. Excise rate reductions in the order of 5, 16 and 21 cents per litre VAT inclusive currently apply to MGO, diesel and petrol respectively. These rate reductions were due to expire on 12th October 2022 but have been extended 28th February 2023.
b. The 9% VAT rate was previously introduced for gas and electricity on 1st May 2022 and is due to expire on 31st
October 2022. This rate has now been extended to 28
February 2023 which will provide for a lower VAT rate from November to February.
• LEO: The Green for Micro programme helps prepare small businesses for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future. This is a FREE programme, available to companies with up to ten employees.
www.localenterprise.ie
• SEAI: Capital Grants of up to ¤5 million are available from
SEAI for energy efficiency and renewable energy – Key existing grants available to retailers are Community Energy
Grants (Grants For Sustainable Community Projects | SEAI), the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (Support Scheme for Renewable Heat | Business Grants | SEAI), and the
EXEED Grant Scheme. www.seai.ie
• SEAI: NEW The Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme - SEAI provides up to ¤2,400 towards the installation of solar
PV. Grants are available for systems up to 6kWp (approx. 16 Panels or 25m²) with a potential of savings between ¤2,000 - ¤3000 annual electrical costs (depending on installation size and current utility rates). www.seai.ie
• SEAI: The Accelerated Capital Allowance is a tax incentive ran by Revenue which encourages investment in energy saving technology. Companies that pay corporation tax in
Ireland can deduct the full cost of the qualifying energy efficiency equipment from their profits in the year of purchase. www.seai.ie
• SEAI: Eligible companies under the SEAI SME Energy audit receive a ¤2,000 voucher towards the cost of a professional energy audit. www.seai.ie
• SEAI: The Energy Contracting Support Scheme | Business
Grants and Supports | SEAI provides financial assistance to implement energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects. The Scheme aims to support the direct external consultancy and/or specialist advisory costs related to project appraisal and procurement of pay-for-performance energy contracts. Find out more about Energy Contracting,
www.seai.ie
Non-Financial Supports
• DETE/DECC: Climate Toolkit 4 Business allows SMEs to input some simple information and to get an estimate of their carbon footprint and a personalised action plan to reduce it. It will use this information to generate a personalised action plan and recommend those supports that are relevant to help each business reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.
www.climatetoolkit4business.gov.ie
• Skillnet Ireland: the Climate Ready programme offers leadership and skills support for enterprises who want to develop their operational and strategic sustainability.
Climate Ready: Talent for Ireland’s Green Economy,
skillnetireland.ie
• Regional Skills: The DigiEco Programme, which is 100%
Government funded, aims to create a greater awareness of energy and resource efficiencies, improve the digital green skills of employees, increase awareness on environmental practices that can contribute towards a greener workplace and raise awareness of Climate Change.
www.regionalskills.ie
• SEAI: The Energy Academy is a free online resource is designed by experts and gives businesses access to high quality energy training. Businesses can learn how to save energy and grow through energy efficiency. www.seai.ie
• SEAI: Steps to Energy Efficiency includes 5 steps to begin an energy efficiency journey. www.seai.ie
Other Supports
• SEAI: The Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme, places obligations on energy suppliers and distributors to deliver energy savings. www.seai.ie
• SEAI: Energy Contracting is a ‘pay for performance’ approach to installing and operating energy technologies in your business. The option you choose influences the level of energy and cost savings guaranteed. www.seai.ie
• SEAI: The level of incentive for electric vehicles varies between fully electric vehicles and plug in hybrid electric vehicles. These incentives will reduce as the cost of electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles become equal. www.seai.ie
• SEAI: The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat is a government funded initiative designed to increase the energy generated from renewable sources in the heat sector. The Scheme aims to bridge the gap between the installation and operating costs of renewable heating systems and the conventional fossil fuel alternatives; and incentivise the development and supply of renewable heat.
The grant provides funding of up to 30% of eligible costs.
Support Scheme for Renewable Heat | Business Grants |
SEAI. www.seai.ie
For further information please see www.enterprise.gov.ie or www.Gov.ie.
ECO SYSTEM
GUN +
SAUSAGE +
NOZZLE + ADAPTER
WORK MORE SUSTAINABLY
Contech Building Products Ltd. Unit F12, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth T: 01 629 2963 | E: info@contechbuildings.ie
WORK MORE SUSTAINABLY WITH NEW TEC7 ECO SYSTEM
October 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the revolutionary Tec7 product into the Irish market. While immensely proud of its past, Tec7 is more aware than ever of an industry-wide push towards more sustainable and environmentally sensitive practices. The sealant and adhesive segment faces a unique challenge, owing to its reliance upon single-use plastic cartridges. In the face of this challenge, Tec7 is working diligently to reduce overall waste, make savings on energy use throughout the supply chain by dramatically reducing packaging material, and drastically reducing the waste footprint of its product. To facilitate these goals, Tec7 has turned to existing foil sausage technology, and optimised it into a simple system designed with the professional in mind.
The Tec7 Eco System
The new Tec7 Eco System, launching in October 2022, consists of a gun, nozzle & adapter, and the Tec7 MS Polymer packaged in a 310ml foil sausage. Foil sausages will be familiar to trade professionals but are traditionally associated with 600ml products designed for repetitive, high-volume applications. These applications make use of bulky, heavy guns that are not always suitable for detailed, precise work in tight spaces. To remedy this, Tec7 have adopted the concept of the foil sausage and engineered a compact system focused on ease-of-use, workability and optimising the userexperience for the everyday professional. The system comprises of three components: a high quality 18:1 thrust ratio gun, 310ml foil sausages and a reusable nozzle & adapter package. Using the system could not be easier - simply place the foil sausage into the gun, place the nozzle & adapter at the top, screw the top on the gun, and press the trigger until the click indicates the foil is pierced. The innovative re-usable adapter piece ensures there is no fumbling with knives to manually pierce the sausage, and opening the product is as easy as a few clicks.
Towards a Better Future
The Eco-System 310ml foil sausage offers a phenomenal volume waste reduction, with a 97% smaller waste footprint than a standard 310ml cartridge, which in turn will translate to lower disposal costs for end-users. The unbeatable quality of the product inside remains identical, however the foil pack enables the product to stay usable for longer, both before and after opening, while also enabling the product to be extruded more thoroughly, cutting down on product wastage. The overall reduction in packaging material is also impressive. Before filling, 96,000 cartridges require a 53-foot truck for transport, while the foil needed for an equivalent number of foil sausages will fit on a single pallet! This greatly reduces transport demands throughout the supply-chain and reduces carbon emissions. The new Tec7 Eco System will sit alongside the traditional cartridge, offering the professional an attractive option to Work More Sustainably. For further information, please contact, PH. 01 6292963, Email info@contechbuildings.ie.
Building Materials & Supplies
BUILDING MATERIALS MARKET CONTINUES WITH CONFIDENCE
A message from the Editor
Welcome to The Building Materials & Supplies Supplement for 2022.
In this issue despite on-going business challenges, Manufacturers, Distributors and Suppliers of Building Materials and Services are continuing to provide Builders` Merchants and Hardware Stores with new and innovative quality products to keep the supply chain moving to meet trade and consumer demands.
Dulux Paints tell us how they are driving environmental excellence through their innovative paint solutions. The highly durable Dulux Trade range of products including Dulux Trade Diamond, the new Dulux Trade Scuffshield and Dulux Trade Sterishield all undergo superior testing against international recognised standards to make sure they withstand the toughest environments.
Pipelife Ireland’s Managing Director Ger Healy tells us how the company’s acquisition of Cork Plastics will expand their portfolio and market presence in Ireland and the UK. Pipelife say that this significant investment in new equipment, personnel and service will position their Irish operations as a world-class manufacturing facility for many years to come.
Our colleagues at Rockwool are delighted to tell us that they have just launched NyRock® technology, an evolution in stone wool composition. Manufactured innovatively using a new patented production process this new next-generation stone wool insulation has a more efficient fibre structure that can deliver thermal conductivity as low as 0.032W/mK. Heating technology manufacturer Grant introduces us to their award-winning new look Vortex external model range. Designed and manufactured in Birr the outdoor boiler is free standing and has been designed for situations where internal space is at a premium. The outdoor range of boilers has the unique award-winning Grant Vortex heat exchanger offering some of the highest efficiencies available in the market today.
The Lighthouse Club Charity continues to provide free emotional, physical and financial assistance to construction workers and their families across Ireland and the UK. Their ethos is that no one should be alone in a crisis. This is achieved by a range of pro-active supports and resources for the construction community including a 24/7 helpline a free mobile app and mental health training. The eight Octabuild companies are gearing up to their Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards 2022. Winners of the coveted Regional and Octabuild Awards for Excellence as well as individual Category Awards and the upcoming talent Rising Star Award will be announced on the evening. There will also be the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.
For more than 40 years Thompson’s have been paving the way when it comes to water-based waterproofing products. In this feature Chris Fletcher, Technical Services Chemist at Thompson’s introduces us to their extensive range of roofing products ideal for your customers to undertake emergency repairs this winter.
Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift explains how identifying the right materials handling equipment can lead to a host of operational benefits for builders’ merchants and hardware stores. These benefits include safer operations, space saving and enhanced productivity just by evaluating and rethinking the system you currently have in place for moving products around your premises.
Homebuyer’s Hero joint founder, and former Estate Agent, Colm Casey offers a personal and unique perspective on the problems faced by all construction stakeholders from building site to homebuyer. His online platform with Co-founder and Economist Dr Constantin Gurdgiev seeks to lower the level of risk in the housing market. It involves a new legal framework and new ways to bind buyers to a project.
Mannok share with us their achievement of being highly commended in the Educational Partnership Category of Responsible Business Awards at the Business in the Community NI 2022 awards recently. These awards recognised that Mannok demonstrated its commitment to supporting young people and benefiting their aspirations and achievements through the company’s comprehensive educational partnerships within the Mannok Futures Programme.
Jim Copeland
Editor – The Hardware Journal
The Dulux Trade range includes highly durable products including the Dulux Trade Diamond range and new Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt, as well as specialist products such as antibacterial Dulux Trade Sterishield. Dulux Trade paints also undergo superior testing against internationally recognised standards. These tests measure permeability, durability and colour consistency amongst others to make sure trade paints withstand the toughest environments. Some Dulux Trade paints also get independent accreditation and verification such as sustainability certification - BREEAM and LEED.
THE SURE CHOICE FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Launched in 2022, Airsure from Dulux Trade is an emulsion paint for interior walls and ceilings that offers great performance and is also 99.9% Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) free*, strengthening their commitment to reduce the building industry’s impact on the environment. Airsure Diamond Matt is available in the full Dulux Trade tinted colour range and provides the same tough, durable finish as Diamond Matt, with scuff, scrub and stain resistant technology.
PROTECT WALLS IN HIGH-TRAFFIC SPACES
Award winning Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt is a tough, water-based matt emulsion paint that contains ultimate scuff resistant technology. It is designed to protect walls against scuff marks being left behind, to help keep walls looking good for longer. It is also cleanable and offers good stain resistance. Dulux Trade Scuffshield Matt is perfect for use in high traffic areas such as corridors, stairwells and hallways, and busy commercial spaces. Dulux Trade Scuffshield was recently awarded ‘Best Interior Product’ at the Architects’ Choice Awards 2022.
PROMOTE A MORE HYGIENIC ENVIRONMENT
Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Matt is a quick drying, water-based coating containing an in-film bactericide, which inhibits bacteria and reduces populations of MRSA and E.coli. When combined with appropriate cleaning practices, Sterishield Diamond Matt helps to promote a more hygienic environment.
TAKE A TOUGHER APPROACH WITH DIAMOND
With the durable Dulux Trade Diamond range, spills and marks wipe away, making it the ideal product for even the busiest of commercial spaces. Developed to stand up to scrubbing, scuffs and stains the Diamond range will help professionals make their great work last even longer.
Diamond Matt offers unrivalled durability in a classic matt finish while Diamond Eggshell offers great durability and stain resistance which is especially useful in spaces with high moisture such as kitchen and bathrooms. Now available in over 2,000 colours, Diamond Satinwood contains an exclusive Cross-Linking Technology that binds and links the paint as it dries.
For further information on Dulux Trade Products and how they can support you, please contact the Dulux Technical Advice Centre on tel: 021 422 0222.
Building the future
Managing Director Ger Healy explains how Pipelife Ireland’s acquisition of Cork Plastics will expand the company’s portfolio and market presence in Ireland and the UK.
Pipelife is one of Ireland’s leading manufacturers and providers of plastic piping systems. Ger Healy, Pipelife Ireland’s Managing Director says “Specialising in the extrusion of polyethylene (PE) pipes, the company offers products for the heating & plumbing, water pressure, electricity cable ducting, gas, and agricultural sectors. It has expanded its product lines with the acquisition of Cork Plastics in 2021. Cork Plastics together with its sister company in the UK, Floplast, represented a great opportunity for Pipelife to expand its product portfolio and market presence in both countries,”
The Cork Plastic’s product ranges were very complementary to Pipelife Ireland’s existing product ranges, with the additional advantage of providing a very solid sales presence in underground sewage and above-ground soil products. The Cork Plastics range of roofline products was also of particular interest to Pipelife’s parent company, Wienerberger, with its bricks, façade, and roof tiles business.
“The main objectives of the takeover were to expand Pipelife’s footprint in both Ireland and the UK by consolidating with an established successful business, while simultaneously expanding our product offering into new categories, thus enhancing Pipelife’s overall appeal to its existing customer base that is broadly similar to Cork Plastics. With a significant investment now underway at our production facility in Little Island, Cork, this will result in us having one of the most modern facilities within the Pipelife Group. Actually, Pipelife Ireland and Cork Plastics business now make the Irish operation the second biggest manufacturing operation within the group.”
An initial capital investment of ¤30m has already commenced to expand and upgrade the existing Cork Plastics site. By 2026 there will be 35 state-of-the-art extrusion lines incorporating the latest automation technologies, with a planned output approaching 45,000 tonnes per annum.
“Our primary goal is to be a provider of industry-leading products and services to the building sector. Pipelife recognises that modern systems require fully designed specifications that our customers can have confidence in. As such, we are investing heavily in in-house design services, particularly, but by no means exclusively in the heating sector. We will provide custom-designed systems to the building, with full-design indemnity insurance and full-life after-sales support services. Our motto is “Our reputation, your peace of mind,” and this goal remains the cornerstone of everything we do.” Ger continued “Developers, builders, and homeowners are faced with ever-increasing upfront costs for new builds with regulatory changes and the move to low temperature, lowemission heating systems impacting building design and heating systems. In these situations, scale brings efficiency, so the greatly enhanced scale of the new Pipelife Ireland operations following the Cork Plastic acquisition will allow us to invest and provide competitively priced class leading design services and products. The inclusion of the Cork Plastics product portfolio allows for a much more detailed design and specification service to be offered on a whole-house basis.”
“The significant investment in new equipment, personnel, and services in our sector in the country will position our Irish operations as a world-class manufacturing facility for many years to come. The investment also shows Pipelife’s long-term commitment to the Irish market and the scale, modernity, and product portfolio will make Pipelife very attractive as a supply chain partner for the major merchant groups, builders, and installers in the country.”
For further information please contact: T: +353 (0) 21 451 0600 E: ireland@pipelife.com. Discover the full product range at www.pipelife.ie or www.corkplastics.ie
ROCKWOOL® launches NyRock® technology
Changes to building regulations and an increased focus on sustainability are placing greater pressure on the construction industry to deliver more thermally efficient buildings while preserving standards of fire and acoustic performance. In response, ROCKWOOL has launched NyRock® technology, an evolution in stone wool composition that the company say delivers the lowest lambda stone wool insulation currently available in the UK and Ireland.
Innovatively manufactured using a new patented production process, this next-generation stone wool insulation has a more efficient fibre structure that can deliver thermal conductivity as low as 0.032 W/mK. Critically, this means that U-values can be met with comparatively thinner constructions, which in the case of external wall applications, creates the potential for additional interior floor space over a given building footprint. Alongside its improved thermal efficiency, NyRock® technology still delivers all the additional benefits of stone wool insulation including durability, the ability to be recycled indefinitely, and its acoustic and fire performance. Comprising naturally noncombustible volcanic rock, ROCKWOOL solutions powered by NyRock® technology achieve Euroclass A1 – the highest possible rating – and can withstand temperatures in excess of 1000°C.
NyRock® technology will be rolled out across a range of ROCKWOOL insulation solutions during 2022. The first launch is NyRock® Rainscreen 032 and Frame Slab 032 providing one of the most thermally efficient stone wool insulations for external walls. “Our new products featuring NyRock® technology will be significant for the construction industry, giving specifiers and building owners a true solution to the rapidly evolving needs of the built environment and its biggest challenges whether thermal, fire, acoustics or environmental,” said Paul Barrett, Head of Product Management at ROCKWOOL UK. “To limit the impact of climate change and support the delivery of net zero carbon, it’s the responsibility of manufacturers like ourselves to go further, re-inventing and improving on existing solutions. NyRock® technology does just that.
“While stone wool insulation is already known for its proven benefits such as longevity, ease of install, circularity, and non-combustibility that is crucial for protecting people and properties, our patented technology builds on these advantages further.
“Whether building professionals need a solution to the lower U-values that also maximises floor space, or a non-combustible option for a high-rise property with enhanced thermal and acoustic performance, NyRock® technology’s industry-leading lambda value for stone wool and ability to reduce the thickness of a construction element support those requirements.”
To register for updates on the launch of products featuring NyRock technology, visit https://rockwool.link/THJ
Grant’s award-winning Vortex external range gets a new look
In a bid to further heighten the popularity of the Grant Vortex range amongst homeowners, trade customers and property developers, leading heating technology manufacturer Grant has announced a new look for its popular Grant Vortex external model range.
Designed and manufactured in Birr, Co. Offaly, the Grant Vortex external model is one of the company’s most popular condensing oil boilers. The outdoor boiler is freestanding and has been designed for situations where internal space is at a premium. This outdoor range of boilers features an awardwinning unique Grant Vortex heat exchanger and has some of the highest efficiencies available in the market today.
Since its launch, the external model has been finished in a galvanised casing, however, the range will now see the current casing updated to a new grey powder coated finish. The new goose grey colour gives the Vortex external model range a distinctive, aesthetically pleasing, modernised look, which is expected to garner a lot of interest from customers and those in the plumbing & heating trade. This change will affect the four boiler models within the Vortex external range which feature outputs of 15kW to 70kW.
The Grant Vortex external model’s colour change comes just months after the Grant Vortex condensing boiler range was recognised at the SEAI Energy Show as the best renewable energy product for its HVO biofuel compatibility. In addition, the HVO biofuel compatible Grant Vortex range was also recognised as a finalist in the sustainability category at The Irish Times Innovation Awards 2021.
All of Grant’s Vortex condensing oil boiler models, including the new goose grey external model have been developed to be compatible with HVO biofuel. The use of 100% HVO, can result in around 88% reduction in carbon emissions and using this or a percentage blend of HVO with kerosene, will enable rural and hard to heat Irish homes to transition to a renewable green alternative from 100% kerosene at an affordable cost and minimum disruption to their home lives.
All new Grant condensing boilers are future-proofed to use HVO through making a slight modification to the boiler. Older Grant condensing boilers can also be adapted to HVO, these modifications can be carried out by a service engineer during an annual service.
These updates to the award-winning Grant Vortex range continue to reinforce the manufacturer’s position as a leader within Ireland’s competitive heating industry. The company’s focus on sustainability and modernisation is shown through its continuous design and manufacture of its diverse portfolio of innovative heating solutions.
Visit www.grant.eu for more information. Follow Grant on Facebook and Twitter @GrantIRL or Instagram @Grant_IRL.
‘Help Inside the Hard Hat Tour’ Comes to Ireland
The Lighthouse Club Charity provides free emotional, physical, and financial help for construction workers and their families across Ireland and the UK. Promoting and raising awareness of the charity is a role for recently appointed Irish regional ambassador for the Lighthouse Club, Colleen Milligan, who stated: “The charity has been able to provide significant help for construction workers and their families during times of great difficulty. This can range from emotional challenges such as stress and anxiety, physical difficulties including disabilities, cancer support, and financial support. The extraordinary element of the service is that it is all free. The ethos is that nobody should be alone in a crisis, and this includes the partner, wife, husband, child, and extended family members of every construction worker. This is achieved through a huge range of pro-active support and resources for our construction community including a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, our free app and mental health training. We are finding an increasing number of construction workers calling our helpline to ask for support with getting food on their tables, and we will put food on tables and fill cupboards - this is what we do. We help those in need in really difficult times, we are nonjudgmental and we are there to help.”
Colleen went on to say, “I would urge construction workers across Ireland to please pick up the phone and call our confidential 24 hour helpline, use our free text service or download our construction specific wellbeing app - please don’t ever think you are on your own, if you need help, please call us. We are here for you and your family.” More information on the help Lighthouse provide can be found at
www.constructionindustryhelpline.com.
Help Inside the Hard Hat campaign
Their ‘Help Inside the Hard Hat’ campaign is now up and running, and a special road tour takes place to raise awareness starting on World Mental Health Day, 10th October. With the mission that “No construction worker or their family should be alone in a crisis”, the tour aims to deliver the message directly to frontline workers along with information about the crucial services that the charity provides. The ‘Help Inside the Hard Hat’ team are all fully trained mental health first aiders with a down to earth approach and first-hand life experiences in construction. They give out goodie bags, interact with the site workers and on-site prizes can be won.
How can you get involved?
The Lighthouse Club Charity are asking companies and sites from across the entire island of Ireland if they would like a visit from the Hard Hat tour team to deliver the charity’s messages directly to those that might need support. There will also be a great range of prizes and freebies up for grabs. It’s a warm positive experience for those who will be able to get involved. They hope this campaign will continue to provide the help needed for all who require it.
For any company who might be interested in a visit please register your interest here, www.constructionindustry helpline.com/hithh-on-site.html or if you would like to sponsor any gifts for the goodie bags or prizes please get in touch with the charity’s Irish ambassador, Colleen Milligan, colleen.milligan@lighthouseclub.org.
If you would like to be a company supporter of the Lighthouse Club and help those in need across Ireland, please check out their website for more information www.lighthouseclub.org/ lighthouse-company-supporter.
Irish Regional Ambassador for the Lighthouse Club, Colleen Milligan.
Gearing up to celebrate The Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards 2022
With the judging completed, the highly anticipated presentation dinner for the 2022 Octabuild Builders Merchant Excellence Awards is now on the horizon. Taking place on the evening of Thursday, 13th October in the prestigious Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House, the flagship event will see an audience of over 300 people celebrate excellence in builders merchants for the first time from across the island.
MC for the evening will be award-winning journalist and broadcaster, Alison Comyn. A Drogheda native, she has presented numerous current affairs and entertainment programmes in the UK and Ireland, making her a perfect MC for this year’s first all-island Awards. Alison will announce the winners of the coveted Regional and Octabuild Awards for Excellence, the Individual Category Awards and recognising upcoming talent in the industry, the Rising Star Award. The winners have been chosen from a shortlist of 29 merchants and nine Rising Stars representing the best in merchanting across the island.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will also be awarded for the 10th time to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry. Award-winning comedian, Neil Delamere will provide entertainment on the night. Neil is best known for his quick-witted appearances on a myriad of TV shows and his hilarious live stand-up tours. He has been described as a ‘master of stand-up’ and will provide some rib-tickling entertainment just ahead of the Awards Presentation.
Alison Comyn will MC the event.
Neil Delamere will provide the entertainment.
Winner of the 2019 Octabuild Award for Excellence – Telfords, Portlaoise.
Round Room at the Mansion House.
For the first time in the 36-year history of the Awards, builders merchants competed on an all-island basis. Speaking on behalf of the eight Octabuild members, Octabuild Chairman, Ray Molyneaux said: “It is with great pride that in this, our 36th year, Octabuild hosts an event to celebrate the best in class of builders merchanting from across the island of Ireland. Along with excellence, we recognise that both people and relationships are key to the success and future of our industry, and we are pleased to provide this platform to bring people together to celebrate the prestigious awards and enjoy an important social occasion.”
All shortlisted merchants and special guests will be guests of Octabuild members - Dulux, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Grant Engineering, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin Ireland – on the night.
Roof repairs bring it on!
Chris Fletcher, Technical Services Chemist at Thompson’s, takes a look at the brand’s extensive range of roofing products, which are ideal for undertaking emergency repairs this winter – even in the wet.
It’s a call-out no-one ever relishes – but as the heavy rains descend, the need for emergency roof repairs inevitably shoot up. However, as a contractor, having a good selection of repair products in the back of your van can ease the pain, by helping you get the job done as quickly as possible and achieving a long-lasting result.
For example, no matter how adverse the weather conditions, Thompson’s Emergency Roof Seal can come to the rescue. It’s a high-performance elastomeric coating for small repairs on all roofing types including felt, asphalt, slate and tiles. The solvent based acrylic resin has a high-solids, high viscosity formulation with added fibres that reinforce and strengthen the coating. If it’s raining, simply brush away any ponded water from the area of repair and apply a thick layer of the coating. Emergency Roof Seal is effective immediately and should be surface dry within 24 hours.
For a temporary fix of deep cracks in leaking roofs, Thompson’s Emergency Roof Repair Mastic really comes into its own. A bituminous, mastic-based compound, it has a high-solids content and contains specially selected ingredients that repel water - meaning it can fill and bridge gaps and leave a watertight repair, even in heavy rain or under ponding water. A trowel or pallet knife is needed to work the mastic – and for larger cracks and voids use a scrim bandage to reinforce the repair.
In addition, leaking gutters and downpipes can be quickly repaired using Thompson’s Emergency Instant Repair Aerosol, which is ideal for getting to hard-to-reach areas. It can be applied to damp surfaces and is effective immediately. A scrim bandage is also included for deeper cracks and repairs.
Of course, ‘emergency’ repair products are for just that - and should only be seen as a temporary measure. More permanent repairs should be completed within a month of initial application. For flat roofs, Thompson’s 10 Year Roof Seal is ideal. It outperforms standard bitumen paint, flexing with the natural movement of the roof and resisting UV rays, for a long lasting finish. The fast-acting formula is rainproof in just six hours. Plus, Thompson’s Roof & Gutter Sealant can be used for roofing felt, pipes and guttering to repair cracks, rips, joints and general leaks. Again, outperforming bitumen bases sealants for a tough and durable repair.
For further information visit www.thompsonsweatherproofing.co.uk.
Thompson’s Emergency Roof Seal.
Identifying the right materials handling equipment can lead to a host of operational benefits
Safer operations, space saving and enhanced productivity can all be achieved just by evaluating and rethinking the systems you have in place for moving products around your premises. We asked Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift to explain.
“When Combilift was established in 1998, my aim and that of Technical Director Robert Moffett was to design a machine that would revolutionise conventional methods of handling, storing and manoeuvering loads – particularly long products. The basic concept of our first model, the multidirectional C4000, was the truck’s ability to change the direction of the wheels at the touch of a button, switching from forward to sideways travel mode. The benefits of safe/ space saving transportation of long and bulky loads, inside and out and on less than perfect terrain, were immediately recognised by many industry sectors. The once humble and often overlooked forklift truck was elevated to a prized asset that transformed a business in terms of safety, efficiency and profitability.”
Since then, and often based on feedback from customers, Combilift have expanded their range to include pedestrian stackers, side loaders, straddle carriers, Aisle Master and narrow aisle forklifts. They introduce at least one new model every year and are the largest worldwide supplier of customised and specialist handling solutions, with lift capacities from around 1t to over 100t. “We see Combilift however not just as a manufacturer of equipment but also as a partner for our customers to enable them to maximise one of their most precious commodities, namely space. All our products are designed to work in the smallest footprint possible for their size and design, and the continued demand for warehouse space coupled with ever rising business costs means that space optimisation is now more important than ever.”
Companies in the hardware, DIY and building materials sectors need to handle products of all weights and
Martin McVicar CEO and Co founder of Combilift.
dimensions, and many have already switched to Combilift models. Galway based Joyce’s Hardware & Home is one of the leading hardware and home suppliers in the West and a long-term Combilift user. It is a prime example of how choosing the right equipment has enabled the company to thrive by optimising its storage facilities for better capacity, allowing quicker loading and offloading for faster turnaround whilst ensuring safe operation across its extensive 9-acre site.
Director Jim Joyce says: “We got our first C-Series multidirectional truck around 18 years ago to work in a new timber warehouse that had been fitted with racking.
Aisle Master.
Combi-CB.
We found it to be very versatile and safe, ideal for handling long loads in the aisles as well as for yard loading/unloading. Following that we acquired a counterbalance design CombiCB model, which is compact in size, but its 4-way capability makes it very versatile and the drivers love it. Last year we took delivery of an Aisle Master articulated truck to work in a new 3,000m² warehouse of which 2,000m² is racked. Due to the truck’s narrow aisle capabilities, we were able to create 2,400 pallet spaces – with our old trucks we’d have been looking at just 1,800 spaces.”
“Just a few weeks ago our Combi-WR pedestrian stacker arrived. We chose this in part because it enables fast movement of pallets for loading, and with the operator working from the side of the unit rather than the rear it’s very safe – and safety is priority number one for us. So, we now have four machines from Combilift to keep our vast range of over 30,000 products on the move. These are as diverse as they come; slates, roofing materials, timber, insulation, fertiliser, bathroom fittings, internal doors, carpets – to name just a few.” Martin McVicar continued “The two most recent models acquired by Joyce’s Hardware & Home are electric powered, and we are seeing more and more customers opting for electric fleets as they commit to sustainability and a lower carbon footprint. Over 60% of the trucks we manufacture are electric, with availability in almost all models across our range.
Our next article from Combilift will take a more detailed look at the advantages of switching to electric power.
Jim Joyce, Joyce’s Hardware & Home.
Combi-WR pedestrian stacker.
For more information see www.combilift.com or contact Anthony Rooney at anthony.rooney@combilift.com or mobile +44 7794 3975 46, office +353 47 80500.
Mitigating risk
Why are all the builders’ merchants across the country not dealing with queues of builder’s vans in their yards? Why are the trade counter queues not constantly six or seven deep like the good old days of the Celtic Tiger? What’s really the problem? Believe it or not, it can be summed up in one word. Risk.
As a former estate agent from Mayo, I have a unique perspective on the problems faced by all stakeholders - from site to homebuyer in the case of new builds and from vacant property to similar new buyers, in the case of renovation projects.
It has always amazed me how slow and bureaucratic our sales processes are - a relic of a bygone era when financial risk was utterly different to what it is today.
What I’m referring to here is the fact that it has always been the home builder and by extension the builder’s merchant who shoulder significant risk in bringing homes to the market in the hope that between the time they start building and start selling, things have not taken a turn for the worse. (Materials cost fluctuation, anyone?)
In the current environment many builders and/or their potential financiers are so afraid of risk - that they cannot take the plunge and buy that vacant home to flip or have a go on that seven-acre site? Many of you watch frustrated as perfectly good vacant homes head into dereliction or perfectly good sites lie vacant. We could be building, only for the mountain of risk we, as a nation, expect our small builders and builders’ merchants to shoulder.
But we can change things. Easily, as it happens. Enter Homebuyer’s Hero - a platform to lower the level of risk in the housing market. Co-founded by Dr Constantin Gurdgiev, economist, and I, we have been researching processes and market interventions for nearly a year. Now, with all we have learned, we are shortly launching a platform which derisks all manner of construction projects by securing the buyers first. Is it really that simple? Well, almost.
It involves new legal frameworks and new ways to bind buyers to a project. It provides a low cost, transparent process for builders to decide if they should pursue an opportunity. Very significantly, it offers a new way to assess the financial viability of a project at the outset.
I am very impressed with HAI’s proactive approach to its Empty Homes Proposal document. These suggestions as well as very recent government interventions take us a part of the way back to action on housing. Homebuyer’s Hero will close the last mile by greatly reducing risk for homebuilders so they can consider taking on projects again without undue risk. Crucially for builder’s merchants this will get projects moving up and down the country.
As I write, our new platform homebuyershero.com is in final testing stage. As such, I have prepared a short survey hosted off-site at https://bit.ly/3cwmmbe to guarantee access, as we finalise our new presence.
There are a few short questions for you to answer. You are all in a position to help yourselves and your customers in the industry and we are here to enable a new, free-flowing property market which benefits everyone in the country. Let’s get to work - start by visiting that link!
Colm Casey, co-founder & CEO
colm@homebuyershero.com
Direct mobile: 087-7529313
https://homebuyershero.com
Colm Casey: Colm is a former second generation estate agent having grown up in a family business ranging from building design, planning and construction supervision through to estate agency. He has a good working understanding of new build and renovation projects from initial ideation to final sale, as well as the pressures - financial and otherwise - which accompany them. Colm has blended this understanding of our industry with his life long love of technology to figure out new interventions enabled by tech, for the property market.
Dr Constantin Gurdgiev: Constantin is a world renowned economist, Associate Professor at University of Northern Colorado, Monfort College of Business and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Trinity Business School, Trinity College, Dublin. Constantin is widely recognised for his frank, open, honest and accurate assessment of events arising from the crash of 2008 and is further recognised for his deep understanding of the Irish property market, among a great many other fields of study. His charity work includes being Chairman and co-founder of the Irish Mortgage Holders Association as well as being a board member and co-founder of iCare Housing.
Mannok is highly commended in Responsible Business Awards for Educational Partnerships
Mannok has been highly commended in the Educational Partnership category of Responsible Business Awards at the Business in the Community NI 2022 awards. The awards recognised that the company demonstrated its commitment to supporting young people and benefiting their aspirations and achievements through its comprehensive educational partnerships within the Mannok Futures Programme.
The prestigious and respected awards ceremony, championing responsible business, took place on the 8th September in ICC Belfast. Mannok attended the event and hosted a range of guests from many of its partnering organisations.
Commenting on the recognition Mannok received, the company’s HR Manager, Caroline McCaffrey, said, “We are very proud to receive this highly commended acknowledgement for our work to support young people through our educational partnerships. As a large employer for the Fermanagh / Cavan region committed to supporting young people and benefiting the socio-economic prosperity of the rural area, we have been successfully implementing our educational partnerships for many years.”
The Mannok Futures Programme includes a diverse range of educational collaborations, including three flagship secondary school partnerships. The collaborations, which each have themes ranging from sustainability to business insights, involve cross-curricular support to deliver unique initiatives and help enrich young people’s learning experience while also helping to development facilities in schools.
Another dimension of the Mannok Futures Programme is the successful partnerships with universities and colleges, such as South West College, Ulster University and Queen’s University, to offer tailored and supported placements which complement college-based learning.
Mannok has plans to expand its support for young people in the region as it will bring the number of post primary educational partnerships to five by 2025 as part of its Mannok 2030 Vision, the company’s sustainability strategy. Mannok published its 2030 Vision, the company’s sustainability strategy to the end of the decade, earlier this year, which included a detailed decarbonisation roadmap focused on alternative fuels, energy efficiency, alternative raw materials and carbon capture, usage and storage. With nine key projects already underway or in planning stages, the company are actively working with global partners and collaborating with cross-industry specialists to utilise, and help develop, innovative technology in its emissions reduction efforts.
The multi-phase programme sets out to harness natural and renewable energy sources and drive innovation in sustainability to create a closed loop process, which will:
• Replace four million litres of diesel per year
• Decarbonise the production of cement by removing over half a million tonnes of CO2 annually
• Power Mannok’s downstream and related manufacturing facilities with new 150MW of dedicated renewable capacity
Mannok has since published details from the webinar on its website, which can be found at mannokbuild.com/ decarbonisation.
Collecting Mannok’s Responsible Business Award, HR Manager, Caroline McCaffrey, accompanied by representatives of the company’s educational partnerships from Mount Lourdes Grammar School and South West College.
CIS Activity Analysis Q3 2022
Throughout the summer period, construction in Ireland saw a slight decline at a planning stage, following a challenging quarter and disruptive industry conditions. However, the number of projects on site, saw a positive trend to accompany an uptake in planning applications over the last 18 months. Construction Information Services (CIS) has observed an interesting trend regarding the commencements of residential units, consistent with the government’s phasing out of SHD applications - which will likely become more notable throughout Q4 2022.
In the Republic of Ireland, CIS saw a total investment of ¤8.02bn in plans submitted across residential, non-residential and civil sectors. The number of projects submitted saw a decline of 30% in the residential sector, while both the non-residential and civil sectors saw an increase of 24.4% and 879.9% respectively over Q2 2022. It must be taken into account that the decline in residential plans submitted is following a particularly large volume throughout Q2 2022, and is still up 19.6%, on the same quarter last year.
CIS observed an overall decline in plans granted across residential, non-residential and civil sectors, moving into Q4, despite having a positive upswing in civil construction activity over Q3 in the past few years. The total value of projects getting the green light in Q3 fell from ¤4.94bn in Q2, to ¤3.91bn.
Fig 1. ROI Plans Submitted
Fig 2. ROI Plans Granted
Fig 3. ROI Projects Started
As expected, project starts saw a sharp increase during the summer period amounting to ¤1.54bn in residential, ¤828m in nonresidential and ¤188m in civil projects. Activity increased by a total average of 29.6% with a value of ¤2.56bn over ¤1.97bn in Q2. This is however a decrease on last year’s figure in the same period of ¤3.1bn. General consensus is good in terms of project start despite industry impeding factors and mixed outlook on the forecast of the construction and relating industries in the near future.
Northern Ireland construction activity slowed after Q2 2022. However, Q3 saw a good increase in projects getting the green light and moving on site, compared to the same periods in the last two years. Planning has seen a decrease across the board in terms of plans submitted, only reaching a value of ¤439m in Q3 compared to generally over ¤500m in both the previous quarters and same period YoY.
Project starts saw the most dramatic increase in value, with a total investment of ¤569m, which is a considerable increase YoY despite the decline in plans submitted and plans granted.
Fig 4. NI Plans Submitted
Fig 5. NI Plans Granted
Fig 6. NI Projects Started
CIS supplies accurate project data which can be analysed by stage of development (pipeline, active, and delivered), construction type (new build, refurbishment, change of use), and funding source, with detailed analysis of direct and indirect exchequer public capital investment. CIS data allows you to track and monitor pipeline and active construction trends either nationally or across specific sectors and regions. Decision makers can also forecast market prospects for their specific product or service. For a free demonstration of the CIS system or to enquire about our data, please call +353 1 2999 200 or email sales@cisireland.com. Thanks to Josh Wiler Digital Marketing Executive, CIS for compiling these figures.
