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ISSN 3088-6562 Vol 05 No 05
Think global, Act local – Cristina Gamboa CEO, World Green Building Council
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Kilsaran Precast plant unlocks new apartment delivery capacity D/RES MET Innovation • SEAI Business Energy Upgrades Scheme • CWPS at 60 • Building A Zero Carbon Ireland
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irish construction news December 2022
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September/October 2025
NEWS 5 5 7 7
7 NEWS
8 10 16 16 16
Mitchell McDermott announces new partnership with MML Ireland Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2025 signed into law Tucson Pumps Ltd: Product Safety Information Notice CIF’s 2025 ‘Back to Basics’ Construction Safety Campaign aims to tackle falls and strengthen site culture Sixty years of CWPS: Honouring a legacy, embracing the future Construction sector responds to Budget 2026 Sisk completes work in University Hospital Limerick – Phase 1 Ward Block Sisk completes work in University Hospital Limerick – Phase 1 Ward Block LDA and Galway City Council welcome planning approval for 219 homes at Dyke Road
FINANCE
15 Pension Season (the most important season?!) – Susan O’Mara, Business Development Manager, CPAS
INTERVIEW
16 The economist guiding construction’s green shift – Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council 24 Concrete Ambition: Kilsaran Precast’s path to growth and sustainability – Derek Duffy, Managing Director, Kilsaran Precast
PROJECTS
30 Ireland’s Net-Zero Horizon: D/RES’s Mass Timber Blueprint in Wicklow
OPINION
16 INTERVIEW
34 Building Smarter & Safer: How AI can future-proof Ireland’s construction industry – Paul Lynch, 8020Consulting 36 Clarifying the parameters of adjudication in Ireland – Ciaran Williams, Chloe Marriner, Squire Patton Boggs
SECTOR FOCUS
37 Sprint to Success: UCD Professional Academy launches Skill Sprints Offering at 2025 LEAD Forum 37 Minister applauds Jones Engineering apprentices as Luke Crowley shines at WorldSkills 38 Accelerating Infrastructure Delivery: Build Digital - Digitalisation should not be delayed 40 Kirby joins the ranks of best-managed companies in Ireland 40 Lorraine Wrafter appointed Chairperson of Circal 41 NSAI MMC Certification ‘Toolkit’ published
36 SECTOR FOCUS
SUSTAINABILITY
42 Build with Wood Conference - From policy to practice 43 Cleary Doyle delivering Ireland’s flagship “Homegrown Timber Frame Housing Project” 43 Sensori awarded ‘Carbon Reduce Certification’ 44 We need to talk about Commercial Retrofit – Eamonn Sheils, SEAI Business Energy Upgrades Scheme 47 Building sector seeks clearer policy and support to hit climate targets – Lenny Antonelli, Irish Green Building Council
EVENTS
49 Celebrating Excellence: CIOB Ireland Awards shine at Croke Park 49 Guaranteed Irish House members call for an increase in the pace of planning and utilities connections 50 IJM Timber Engineering celebrates 60 years of excellence with community and industry 50 EIFI Awards celebrate national and local successes
47 SUSTAINABILITY
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 51 The latest Products and Services announcements
irish construction news 1
September/October 2025
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September/October 2025
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PUBLISHER Foundation Media Ltd 1 Northumberland Place, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Tel: +353 (0)1 677 3157 EDITOR Robbie Cousins robbie@foundationmedia.ie DESIGN Joanne Birmingham CONTRIBUTORS Susan O’Mara, Paul Lynch, Lenny Antonelli, Ciaran Williams and Chloe Marriner. COVER IMAGE The Carriage Works apartments at Castleforbes apartment development, Dublin, by John Paul Construction. Image courtesy of Kilsaran Precast. PRINTER WG Baird Ltd ADVERTISING SALES Joe Connolly joe@foundationmedai.ie Tel: +353 (0)86 396 6158 ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES To advertise in Irish Construction News or on www.constructionnews.ie, or to request a ratecard or details of promotional opportunities, contact Joe Connolly at joe@foundationmedia.ie CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @constructionnews.ie Linkedin: Constructionnews.ie Facebook: Constructionnews.ie SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER To get the latest news, articles and offers related to the Irish construction industry to your inbox sign up to our free e-newsletter at www.constructionnews.ie ISSN 3088-6562 Vol 05 No 05 © All contents copyright Foundation Media Ltd While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct, the publisher cannot not accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or discrepancies. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The contents of this publication are copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means mechanical, electronic (including photocopying) or digital without the prior consent of the publisher.
From the editor B
udget 2026 delivers a focused, tax-led intervention intended to finally close the stubborn viability gap in apartment construction and drive supply. The industry widely views the two flagship measures—a temporary but immediate reduction in the VAT rate for new apartment sales to 9%, coupled with a 125% enhanced corporation tax deduction for qualifying construction costs—as critical levers to unlock stalled residential projects. These supply-side measures are deemed the most consequential of the package, aimed directly at boosting development feasibility. The focus on affordability is strengthened by the welcome corporation tax exemption for rental profits under the Cost Rental Scheme, a significant incentive for institutional investment in affordable housing. Furthermore, the Budget tackles land activation and urban regeneration. The new Derelict Property Tax, which replaces the existing levy, sends a clear signal to property owners to bring their properties online. This initiative complements amendments to the Residential Zoned Land Tax and the expansion of the Living City Initiative to five regional centres. While organisations such as the CIF and CIOB applaud the sustained capital spending, this suite of tax measures, while encouraging, must be matched by continued progress on planning and essential infrastructure to ensure the sector can deliver homes at the necessary scale. This issue of Irish Construction News delivers a deep dive into the sector’s priorities, starting with a comprehensive industry response to Budget 2026 and the new incentives aiming to unlock housing supply. On the Sustainability front, we have exclusive coverage, featuring an interview with World Green Building Council CEO
Cristina Gamboa, from when she recently visited Dublin, and a breakdown of the new ‘Building A Zero Carbon Ireland’ report by IGBC’s Lenny Antonelli. On the delivery front, Kilsaran Precast Managing Director Derek Duffy discusses their game-changing new Arthurstown facility in Co Kildare, poised to almost double their apartment unit output—perfect timing for the sector’s intended apartment construction reboot next year. We spotlight crucial operational improvements, as SEAI’s Eamonn Sheils details how the authority has streamlined the grant process to cut red tape for commercial and public building retrofits. Looking to the future of sustainable development, Brett Chrystal of D/RES shares the journey behind Ireland’s first privatelydeveloped, Net-Zero Carbon public buildings constructed with Mass Engineered Timber. Finally, Paul Lynch continues his essential series on leveraging AI for tangible value in Irish construction. Don’t miss out—scan the QR code to subscribe to our free e-newsletter! Regards Robbie Cousins
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September/October 2025
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September/October 2025 www.visioncontracting.ie
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Mitchell McDermott announces new partnership with MML Ireland
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onstruction consultancy Mitchell McDermott has agreed a new partnership with private equity firm MML Ireland. The partnership will see MML Ireland make a significant investment in Mitchell McDermott, to accelerate its growth plans and strengthen its capabilities. The commercial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Mitchell McDermott will continue to be led by its existing management team, who will execute the company’s strategy, which has delivered substantial growth in recent years. Founded in 2015 by Paul Mitchell and Anthony McDermott, Mitchell McDermott is a full-service and data-led construction consultancy. With offices in Dublin, Limerick and `Amsterdam, the firm supports the delivery of projects across many sectors with a particular focus on residential and data centre projects. The firm also has a presence in the UK, Germany, Spain and Malaysia. The investment will support Mitchell McDermott in expanding its European project pipeline in the data centre sector,
while also strengthening its presence in the residential market and other key sectors in Ireland. Paul Mitchell, Director and Co-Founder of Mitchell McDermott, said, “We look forward to expanding our capabilities with the backing of this investment from MML Ireland. Their track record of working with growing businesses makes them the perfect fit for us. We are excited by the opportunities this creates for us and look forward to working with them to continue our Irish and international growth.” Anthony McDermott, Director and CoFounder of Mitchell McDermott, added, “Today’s announcement with MML Ireland marks an exciting next step in our journey, as we look to grow and expand our business in Ireland and internationally, in particular in the European DC market.” Rory Quirke. Managing Partner and CoHead of Investments, MML Ireland, said, “Mitchell McDermott is a market leading construction consultancy in Ireland and a growing player in the European DC market. The firm has unmatched sectoral knowledge in the DC and residential sectors, along with
Paul Mitchell, Director and CoFounder, Mitchell McDermott. strong capabilities across a range of other sectors. With an ambitious growth plan, we are delighted to invest in and partner with Paul, Anthony and the team to support the next phase of their journey and scale up.” Mitchell McDermott was advised by Capnua Corporate Finance.
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2025 signed into law
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lan Dillon, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with special responsibility for Small Business, Retail and Employment, has signed into law the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2025. The primary objective of these regulations, which will come into effect on 01 January 2026, is to strengthen protections for those working in and affected by the quarrying industry. The revised regulations will improve safeguards in relation to the use of explosives, and enhance the efficiency of the compliance process as quarries can now operate within a simplified legislative framework. Furthermore, the regulations will enable quarry operators to take appropriate measures and to notify the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in the event of a temporary cessation of quarry operations. This will reduce the financial and legal burden on operators who have quarries that are not currently economically viable. The process of submitting approved forms has also been streamlined with the addition of an online submission option, amongst
Alan Dillon, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with special responsibility for Small Business, Retail and Employment.
other enhancements. The regulations were developed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the HSA and incorporate recommendations from the Quarry Safety Partnership (QSP). In welcoming the Regulations, Minister Dillon said, “These new regulations will have a positive impact on the quarrying sector as they improve protection for those working in and affected by that industry.” Mark Cullen, Interim CEO, HSA, also commended the signing of the new regulations. He said, “The updated quarry regulations are a welcome step forward in ensuring that quarrying operations in Ireland are carried out to the highest safety standards. By simplifying processes and enhancing safeguards, particularly around the use of explosives, the updated regulations will make a real difference in protecting workers and supporting employers in meeting their responsibilities. I am grateful to the many industry stakeholders who contributed to this important update. Their input will help protect the lives and wellbeing of workers across the quarrying industry.”
irish construction news 5
September/October 2025
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NEWS
Tucson Pumps Ltd: Product Safety Information Notice
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S/N 2018* S/N 2017*
SERIOUS RISK
Tucson circulating pumps manufactured after November 2024 include a redesigned mains electrical coupling, which has removed the risk that the electrical coupling can be connected incorrectly. These products have serial numbers commencing with D45 onwards are not impacted by this programme.
safety concern has been identified with certain circulating pumps manufactured by Tucson Pumps Limited for use in heating systems. Product: Tucson circulating pumps (models: 5m, 6m, & 8m) Manufacturer: Tucson Pumps Limited Production Period: 2017 – 2024 It has been identified that the mains electrical coupling supplied with these pumps can be connected in reverse, which can pose a serious risk of electrocution.
HOW TO IDENTIFY AFFECTED PRODUCTS
The affected products were manufactured between 2017 and November 2024 and can be identified by the product serial number (S/N), which is included on the label affixed to the pump. Visit www.tucsonpumps.com/serial-numberchecking-tool/ or scan the QR code below if you think your product is affected. The serial numbers of affected 5m, 6m and 8m circulating pumps are also set out in the table below: Any serial no with a prefix beginning: S/N D44* or earlier S/N C* S/N B* S/N A* S/N 2020* S/N 2019*
UNAFFECTED TUCSON CIRCULATING PUMPS
Further Action if you have an Affected Pump Consumers • You may not realise that you have an affected pump. However, given the number of pumps affected, it is recommended that consumers should check. • An installed pump can remain in operation, but you must not make any physical contact with the pump’s electrical coupling. Consult Tucson Pumps immediately to schedule an appointment for the replacement of the pump motor by a Tucson engineer at your property. • Contact us at productsafety@ tucsonpumps.ie or phone +353 (0)1 842 6255 / +44 800 044 3258 to arrange for the installation of a replacement.
INSTALLERS •
If you are aware that you have installed
a Tucson circulating pump with a serial number listed above, contact us at productsafety@tucsonpumps.ie or phone +353 (0)1 842 6255 / +44 800 044 3258 to arrange for the installation of a replacement.
MERCHANTS • •
If you have stock of Tucson circulating pumps with the serial numbers identified above, stop sales immediately. Please contact your Tucson area sales representative or email productsafety@ tucsonpumps.ie.
Under this Product Replacement Programme, installed units of affected pumps should only be replaced by an approved, qualified Tucson service agent/installer, and only with a new circulating pump motor.
CIF’s 2025 ‘Back to Basics’ Construction Safety Campaign aims to tackle falls and strengthen site culture
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he Construction Industry Federation (CIF) annual Construction Safety Campaign ran from 13 to 24 October. This year’s theme, ‘Back to Basics’, encouraged construction companies across Ireland to revisit the core principles that keep workers safe. The campaign, supported by the Construction Safety Partnership, placed a strong focus on preventing falls from height, which remain the leading cause of fatalities in the industry. Sean Downey, CIF Director of Safety, Education and Training, said, “Over the past 10 years, seventy construction workers in Ireland have lost their lives due to falls from height, with six more fatalities this year recorded, most of them linked to falls. “This year, we are urging the industry to step up and take decisive action to ensure that safety protocols are not just in place, but actively protecting every worker, every day. “We’re reminding construction companies that, as outlined by the Health and Safety Authority, working at height refers to any place where a fall could cause injury, whether above, at, or below ground level. There’s no minimum height for these rules to apply, but once work is carried out at two metres, the law requires that proper safety measures are in place. “Together, our five sub-themes, leadership in safety, working with utilities, developing the next generation, critical risks management, and falls from height form the backbone of the ‘Back to Basics’ campaign.” The CIF has partnered with Spinal Injuries Ireland, a charity
supporting individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries. The campaign also continues its collaboration with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, offering mental, physical, and emotional support to construction workers and their families. This campaign was supported with sponsorship from leading construction companies and partners, John Sisk & Son, JJ Rhatigan & Co, PJ Hegarty & Sons, Walls Construction, Designer Group, Collen Construction, Suir Engineering, John Paul Construction, BAM, Uisce Eireann, Bennett Construction, Dornan, Murphy Ireland Ltd., Kirby, Jones Engineering, Winthrop Technologies, GMC and Arachas.
Pictured at the campaign launch (L to R): Aidan Liggan, Construction Development Director, O’Flynn Group; Frank Kelly, Executive Chairman, Walls Construction; Eileen O’Leary, Health and Safety Authority; Andrew Brownlee, CEO, CIF; and Fiona Bolger, CEO, Spinal Injuries Ireland.
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September/October 2025
NEWS
Sixty years of CWPS: Honouring a legacy, embracing the future
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n 17 September 2025, the Construction Workers’ Pension Scheme (CWPS) reached an extraordinary milestone, gathering at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham to commemorate 60 years of dedication to Ireland’s construction community. The celebration of CWPS’s 60th anniversary welcomed trustees, pensioners, distinguished industry figures, and long-standing collaborators to reflect on the Scheme’s pivotal journey since its roots were established in 1965. The historic venue echoed with stories of camaraderie and shared commitment, underscoring the Scheme’s lasting role in protecting the financial wellbeing of construction workers and their loved ones. Anne Keogh led a thoughtfully curated formal programme, setting the tone for an evening of reflection and celebration. CWPS Chairperson Dominic Doheny traced the organisation’s growth from its formation as the Construction Federation Operatives Pension Scheme, through multiple decades of transformation, to its current administration by CPAS. A video message from Minister Dara Calleary underscored CWPS’s vital service in fostering financial security in the sector. Contributions from Brendan Kennedy, Pensions Regulator, highlighted the Scheme’s dedicated stewardship and exemplary standards, while Colm Cunningham from ILIM emphasised the significance of responsible investment in maintaining member confidence and security. The occasion also acknowledged the collaborative spirit among trustees, employers, staff, and union partners who have forged CWPS’s enduring success. In her closing remarks, Anne Keogh expressed heartfelt appreciation for the commitment and teamwork that have defined CWPS’s six-decade legacy. Beyond the formalities, the evening fostered meaningful connections, offering opportunities to reminisce about memorable achievements and to anticipate new developments—most notably, the anticipated arrival of Auto-Enrolment. With six decades proudly behind it, CWPS remains focused on the future, championing secure retirement outcomes for those who
(Lto r): Alison Gilliland, Executive Director, Construction Workers’ Health Trust; Trevor Wills, Wills Brothers; and Anne Keogh, CWPS Head of Trustee Secretariat Services.
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September/October 2025
(L to r): Stephen McCarthy, President of the CIF, Dominic Doheny, Chairperson, CWPS Board; and Michael Anglim, CIF. continue to build the nation. The Scheme’s ongoing evolution signals not only a celebration of the past but a renewed pledge to serve and support Ireland’s construction workforce for generations to come.
Anne Keogh, CWPS Head of Trustee Secretariat Services.
Dominic Doheny, Chairperson, CWPS Board,
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September/October 2025
NEWS
Construction sector responds to Budget 2026
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udget 2026 has been described in many corners as a giveaway budget for the construction sector. However, while welcoming measures in the Budget, many key sector figures believe there is more to be done if the government is to meet its commitments on housing and achieve emissions reduction targets. Budget 2026 introduced several property and construction-related tax measures to boost supply, encourage regeneration, and address dereliction. The key points are: • Reduced VAT for Completed Apartments: The VAT rate on the sale of completed apartments was reduced from 13.5% to 9% (until 31 December 2030) for multi-story blocks of at least three residential units with common access. This reduction applies only to the sale, not construction costs. • Enhanced Corporation Tax Deduction for Qualifying Apartment Construction: A 125% corporation tax deduction for qualifying construction costs is introduced for projects of 10 or more apartments, up to a maximum additional deduction of €50,000 per unit. This aims to improve viability and applies to new builds and conversion projects commencing between 08 October 2025 and 31 December 2030. • Residential Development Stamp Duty Refund Scheme: The scheme is extended to 31 December 2030. Amendments include extending time limits for large-scale developments from 30 to 36 months and allowing a full site refund upon commencement of the first phase of multi-phase developments. • Corporation Tax Exemption for Cost Rental Scheme: Rental profits from properties designated under the Cost Rental Scheme are exempt from corporation tax from 08 October 2025, to accelerate affordable home delivery. • Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) Amendments: An exemption is provided during third-party planning appeals, and landowners will have another chance to request zoning changes for the 2026 map. • Deduction for Landlord Retrofitting: The income tax relief is extended for three years to 31 December 2028. It can be claimed in the year incurred, and the number of eligible properties is increased from two to three. • New Derelict Property Tax (DPT): A new tax administered by the Revenue Commissioners will replace the Derelict Sites Levy, with a preliminary register published in 2027. The rate is expected to be not lower than the current 7% levy. • Other Measures: No entity-level taxation is planned for Irish Real Estate Funds (IREFs), with a consultation instead on simplifying the regime. The Living City Initiative has been extended to 2030, with its scope expanded to five regional centres (Athlone, Drogheda, Dundalk, Letterkenny, Sligo). Eligibility now includes properties built before 1975 and commercial-to-residential conversions. The maximum relief for enterprises has been increased to €300,000.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FEDERATION
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) welcomed the cut to VAT on new apartment sales in Budget ‘26. Andrew Brownlee, CEO, CIF, commented: “We welcome the reduction in VAT announced in the Budget. VAT is a significant input cost, and at a time of declining apartment completions (24% in 2024), this measure should increase the viability of many apartment schemes. “Most apartment schemes under construction are purchased by Approved Housing Bodies and the Land Development Agency under
10 irish construction news
September/October 2025
Andrew Brownlee, CEO, CIF.
various government schemes, so this measure should immediately reduce costs for those bodies. “The reduction in VAT, as well as changes to the Corporate Tax rate for Cost Rental schemes and regeneration projects, coupled with recent changes to the apartment design guidelines and changes to the rent pressure zones, sends a strong signal to international investors in apartment construction that Ireland is a place to invest with a stable regulatory environment. “We would be hopeful that all these changes will see a return of institutional and international investors. The Department of Finance estimates that to achieve 50,000 housing units per annum, our annualised investment in housing would need to reach €22bn per annum, and the only way to achieve this level of investment is by attracting back international capital to the Irish residential market.” The federation also welcomed the additional residential supply incentives.
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BUILDING
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) said that €9.4bn total budget package comprised about €7.9bn in new spending measures and €1.5bn in tax reductions. In terms of additional revenue sources projected for the year, much will depend on continued strength in corporate tax receipts, including windfalls from multinationals (such as back-tax judgments). With wages rising in the construction sector, reflecting capacity constraints in the workforce, CIOB supports the Economic and Social Research Institute’s call for the government to avoid an inflationary budget that risks overheating the economy. Joseph Kilroy, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, CIOB in Ireland, said: “Budget 2026 reflects a welcome commitment to sustained investment in Ireland’s built environment and critical infrastructure. The scale of capital spending announced – from housing activation and water infrastructure to transport connectivity
NEWS – is vital to tackling the structural challenges of affordability, capacity and regional imbalance that continue to shape our housing and construction markets. “However, while we welcome measures such as the reduced VAT rate on new apartments, we are concerned that the opportunity to align Ireland’s tax system with its climate ambitions has once again been missed. Current VAT rules still treat demolition and rebuild on par with renovation and retrofit, which runs counter to our national goals on decarbonisation and the circular economy. Reform in this area is essential if we are to foster a culture of reuse and retrofit rather than demolish and rebuild. “The CIOB also urges the government to shift focus from demandside measures like Help to Buy towards upstream interventions that address dysfunction in the land market. Supporting land activation and early-stage development would have a far greater long-term impact on housing supply and affordability. “Overall, this budget demonstrates that Ireland is serious about long-term planning and capital investment. The challenge now is to ensure spending decisions not only drive economic growth, but also deliver sustainable, high-quality places for people to live and work.”
IRISH GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) welcomed positive steps on urban regeneration and energy retrofit in Budget 2026, but stressed that critical opportunities to deliver quality, sustainable homes at scale and to reduce our carbon emissions have been missed. Irish Green Building Council CEO Pat Barry said, “Budget 2026 contains some positive steps for the built environment, with policies that should help to deliver more homes in urban locations, regenerate town and village centres, and protect the most vulnerable from energy poverty. “However, many of its measures aren’t radical enough to tackle the housing and climate crises. In particular, more must be done to address vacancy and deliver quality, sustainable homes at scale.” The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) welcomed the extension of the Living City Initiative and the new derelict property tax, but
Joseph Kilroy, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, CIOB in Ireland. believes these steps are insufficient to fully revitalise urban and rural centres. A holistic, integrated approach is needed, including upfront feasibility grants and local authority multi-disciplinary vacancy teams to support the use of “over the shop” premises for residential use. The IGBC also called for clarity in Housing for All 2.0 on a timeline to reform planning and building regulations to prioritise conversion and adaptive reuse over demolition. The IGBC also welcomed the increased funding for SEAI and local authority home retrofitting, but noted that it doesn’t go far enough. More targeted supports are needed to meet energy targets and combat fuel poverty, specifically for homeowners who miss out on existing schemes, as well as for tenants in the private rental sector.
MICHAEL HYNES, CEO, EVARA
Pat Barry, CEO, Irish Green Building Council.
Michael Hynes, CEO, Evara, said that the initial reaction from the house building industry is to welcome the measures announced in Budget 2026. He said, “Everyone in the country knows we’re in the middle of a house-building crisis. Currently, thirty thousand homes are being delivered annually, when we need to build 60,000 a year to meet current demand. “Viability is okay in delivering low-density, traditional housing. The real problem is delivering high-density apartments. Fifty per cent of the 60,000 units needed annually must be apartments. We don’t have the land for low-density, nor will the National Development Plan allow it, as height needs to be used in urban areas. So the budget measures, in particular the cut in new homes VAT, when combined with other recent government announcements on rent reform and new sustainable apartment guidelines, bring down the cost of delivering homes, which means housebuilders should now get on and build, build, build apartments. There are 50,000 planning permits out there, and it’s our job now to get those activated in the next three to six months and mobilise as an industry.” Michael Hynes added, “The residential zoned land tax reform will be helpful in ensuring that non-natural holders of land must now move zoned land to housebuilders within the industry. This will get
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NEWS
Karl Zimmerer, Group Managing Director, Glanua. land into the right hands to ensure homes are delivered.” On the €1.4bn allocated to Uisce Éireann to support new housing developments and improve water supply, he said, “There’s no point in the government unblocking barriers, unless critical services are in place. The government has recognised the infrastructure deficit, and I hugely welcome the capital that is being put in place to deliver in the long term.”
It is crucial that we streamline the planning process to avoid unnecessary hold-ups that could hinder our progress in enhancing water supply and supporting new housing developments.”
KARL ZIMMERER, GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, GLANUA
Karl Zimmerer, Group Managing Director, Glanua, which is a leading provider of design, build maintain and operate services for water and wastewater infrastructure, also welcomed Budget 2026 measures, in particular the budget allocation for Uisce Éireann. “ It is encouraging to see the government’s commitment to supporting new housing developments and improving water supply with a substantial investment of €1.4bn. However, there is a lack of clarity on how this funding will be split between capital investment and providing solutions for housing. Our industry continues to need clarity on multi-year funding commitments, and while the NDP outlines some ambitious targets, the ability for technology and infrastructure delivery partners for Uisce Éireann to invest in people, resources, and innovation faces constraints by the lack of clarity. “The government must grasp this nettle and ringfence multiannual funding for water infrastructure across the country to meet the needs of society and to facilitate housing infrastructure. Investing in our infrastructure is a significant step forward, but without longterm financial planning, project continuity and sustainability can be at risk. It is essential that our initiatives are not only well-funded initially but also supported consistently over the years to ensure longterm success. “Additionaly, ongoing planning delays remain a persistent issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the timely execution of projects.
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Michael Hynes, CEO, Evara.
WAV I N
The One Stop Trap
Wavin’s new HepvO waterless trap offers seamless installation
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eading plumbing and drainage solutions provider Wavin has launched a new version of its popular HepvO waterless trap. The updated design retains its industry leading sanitary seal while delivering an even easier, more intuitive installation. A sleeker body and clearly marked direction-of-flow arrows help installers get orientation right first time, especially in tight spaces and horizontal set-ups. As the original, world-first waterless trap, HepvO offers a hygienic, practical alternative to traditional U-bend traps, which can lose their water seal by evaporation, siphonage, leakage or movement. HepvO’s self-sealing elastomeric membrane performs the same function, without the drawbacks, so waste matter is less likely to build up and cause smells or blockages. It has been rigorously tested and is resistant to common household chemicals. HepvO also admits air to the drainage system under negative pressure and then reseals, so it operates silently and avoids the ‘gurgling’ often associated with siphonage and a breached water seal.
BRANCH PIPE VENTILATION FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS HepvO can also act as an air admittance device on branch lines. In many scenarios this removes the need for a separate 50mm AAV, simplifying design and saving space and time.
PEACE OF MIND
The improved HepvO now comes with a 15-year guarantee, making it a dependable, long-life choice for contractors. Wavin has also made the conscious decision to move away from single use plastic packaging to a more sustainable cardboard solution, part
of a company-wide effort to minimise its impact on the environment.
MULTIPLE USES
HepvO’s compact in-line design fits horizontally or vertically, suiting everything from baths and showers to kitchen sinks, ideal where cupboard or service space is at a premium and for properties left vacant for periods. The range includes 32 mm and 40 mm valves, running and knuckle adaptors, plus a 32 mm tundish kit for unvented hot water systems.
KEY BENEFITS FOR CONTRACTORS • •
• • •
Faster, cleaner installs with direction-offlow arrows; compact in-line form. Branch ventilation without separate AAVs; straighter runs and fewer fittings. Extend 32 mm branches up to 3m; reduced testing on completion. Silent operation; unaffected by siphonage. Fewer blockages; resistant to common cleaners and detergents. Backed by a 15-year guarantee.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT
Declan Conlon, Wavin Sales Director, said: ‘The updated HepvO offers a sleek, modern look and comes with a 15-year guarantee, making it a trusted choice for installers. With over 30 years of proven performance, it’s a product you can have confidence in, and which delivers such versatility across a range of applications, both domestic and commercial.” To find out see the QR code or visit Wavin.ie or contact projects.ie @wavin.com
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BUILDING SECURE PENSIONS CPAS is a construction industry specific pension provider. Whether you are an employer seeking to provide benefits for your employees or planning your own retirement, CPAS has the right solution for you. Our dedicated team are here to support you, whether you are starting your business, growing your business, or planning for your future. For more information, please get in touch today. info@cpas.ie or T 01 407 1400
www.cpas.ie
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! e m n a c S
Milestone Advisory DAC t/a Milestone Advisory is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Pension Season (the most important season?!) SUSAN O’MARA, Business Development Manager, CPAS, writes that Pension season is not an official season, but the time from September to November when pension providers encourage people to review their pensions with a view to maximising tax efficiencies.
T
he 31st of October used to be the key date, but it is extended out to mid-November every year (this year is 19 November) for those who using Revenue Online. This is something you will see me writing year after year and it bears repeating, as there is significant tax advantage to using a pension to reduce your tax bill.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
If you are self-employed you will have to calculate your tax liability in respect of • Final tax assessment for 2024. • Preliminary tax for 2025. You can reduce your final tax liability for 2024, as well as your 2025 preliminary tax liability by making contributions to a pension by 31st October 2025 and 19th of November 2025 if you are using Revenue Online Services ROS. If you are a Proprietary director, you must also file self -assessed tax returns by 31 October, even if all your income is taxed under the PAYE system. If your income includes non-PAYE income, you must pay any balance of Income Tax outstanding from the previous year, and you should now consider paying preliminary tax for the current year. Once again, a pension contribution can reduce the total tax due for 2024 if a lump sum is made by 31 October or 19 November. The lump sum allowable is subject to an earnings cap of €115,000.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AN AVC? Treat yourself this Making an AVC is an excellent way to boost your retirement savings. By contributing to your pension scheme, you can pension season and more enhance your future financial security and take advantage of tax efficiencies. an AVC offers several tax benefits invest in your future! thatMaking make them an attractive option for While PAYE employees do not have the pay and file deadline, the 31 October is a good opportunity to maximise your Pension contributions for the previous year (i.e. 2024) By way of an AVC into an occupational Pension scheme or contribution to a PRSA or Personal Pension.
TAX RELIEF IS AVAILABLE AS FOLLOWS: Age Band
% of Net relevant earnings Under age 30 15% of Remuneration Age 30 to 39 20% of Remuneration Age 40 to 49 25% of Remuneration Age 50 to 54 30% of Remuneration Age 55 to 59 35% of Remuneration Age 60 and over 40% of Remuneration Please note that an earnings cap of €115,000 applies for contributions. Pension season is also the time when pension providers will encourage PAYE workers already making a pension contribution to make and Additional Voluntary contribution (AVC).
enhancing your retirement outcome. Any contributions you make are typically eligible for tax relief at your highest rate of income tax. This means that a part of your contribution is effectively funded by the tax savings therefore reducing your overall cost of investing in your pension.
AVC Amount Less Tax saved Actual Cost to you
40% Tax Rate €100 €40 €60
20% Tax Rate €100 €20 €80
Furthermore, your AVC Fund, along with your regular pension contributions grow tax free. This is an added benefit and boost to your retirement savings. So treat yourself this pension season and invest in your future! CPAS administers the Construction Workers Pension Scheme (CWPS) and CERS. Contact Susan O’Mara, CPAS Business Development Manager, by emailing susan@cpas.ie or by direct dial 01 2234942.
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NEWS
Sisk completes work in University Hospital Limerick – Phase 1 Ward Block
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ohn Sisk & Son (Sisk) has completed work on the new Acute Inpatient Ward Block – Phase 1 at University Hospital Limerick. This landmark healthcare facility represents a major step in providing state-of-the-art clinical accommodation for patients and staff. Delivered in a live hospital environment, the project showcases precise planning, phased delivery and seamless coordination with multiple stakeholders. The project involved a horizontal and vertical extension above the live Emergency and Renal Departments, delivered within a fully operational acute hospital environment. It includes 96 single en-suite bedrooms, including bariatric isolation room facilities, significantly enhancing patient capacity and comfort. Careful phasing, strict logistical control, and robust environmental measures in collaboration ensured hospital operations continued seamlessly
throughout construction. The building integrates modern structural, façade and building services solutions, delivering a high-quality, HTM Compliant, resilient clinical environment that supports both patients and staff. Speaking at the official opening, Leanne Broderick, Managing Director, Regional Building, Sisk, said, “A huge thank you to the HSE, HSE Capital & Estates, University Hospital Limerick, the design and professional team, campus stakeholders, and our supply chain partners for their collaboration and commitment throughout the delivery of this important project. Their shared expertise and dedication were key to its success. “We also wish to thank the hospital staff, service users, and visitors for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during the works. Their support and tolerance were invaluable to the successful delivery of the project.”
Acute Inpatient Ward Block – Phase 1 at University Hospital Limerick.
LDA and Galway City Council welcome planning approval for 219 homes at Dyke Road
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he Land Development Agency (LDA) and Galway City Council (GCC) have welcomed the decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant permission for 219 cost rental and social homes on Dyke Road, at the edge of Galway city centre. The decision allows for the construction of the first phase of the overall Development Framework, known as Corrib Causeway: Tóchar na Coiribe. The project will transform approximately 1.87 hectares of GCC-owned land into a new mixed-use neighbourhood alongside commercial, civic and cultural amenities. Cost rental and social homes will be available across 109 one-bed, 100 two-bed and 10 three-bed apartments, with the development ranging in height from five to nine storeys.
CGI render of the new Dyke Road development.
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The plans also include a crèche, car and bicycle parking, as well as communal open spaces, playgrounds and new landscaping along Dyke Road. The longer-term plan for the development includes new cycleways and walkways, green spaces and improved transport connections to surrounding amenities, including Terryland Forest Park and Galway Shopping Centre. With planning permission now secured, the project will move to the detailed design and procurement stage, with construction likely to commence in 2027. Phelim O’Neill, Director of Development, LDA, said, ‘Securing planning permission for Dyke Road is a major step towards delivering much-needed affordable homes in Galway. This is a complex and challenging site and highlights the LDA’s ability to find solutions to accelerate housing delivery.” The Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard, said, “As Mayor of Galway city, I commend the partnership approach between the LDA and the local authority on the Dyke Road site. I look forward to 219 new homes close to the city centre” Leonard Cleary, CEO, GCC, added: “GCC, as the current owner of the site, has prioritised housing. We are delighted to reach this milestone for the Dyke Road project. This site will soon become a lively, sustainable community featuring high-quality homes and improved local amenities. “This is more than just housing – it’s an opportunity to reinvigorate the area and create new communities where people can lay down roots in a great location, close to the Galway city centre.”
GRANT
HVO Biofuel: Critical in Ireland’s Sustainable Home Heating Transition
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s the construction sector works to reduce its carbon footprint, questions about the future of home heating have become more urgent. While renewable technologies like Grant’s Aerona R290 air-to-water, air-source heat pump are already proving successful in new build and deep retrofit projects, the reality remains that over 680,000 homes across Ireland still rely on oil-fired boilers. Retrofitting all these homes to heat pump readiness is not a short-term solution. That’s where HVO biofuel, hydrotreated vegetable oil, can make a much quicker impact. Deep retrofits to ensure a property is heat pump ready can seem daunting to many homeowners due to the costs involved, the amount of work required to be done and the disruption to the home whilst getting works undertaken. HVO biofuel provides an accessible, low-disruption alternative made from sustainable sources such as used cooking oil and waste animal fats. When used in a heating system, HVO can reduce carbon emissions by up to 88% compared to traditional kerosene. Additionally, the ease with which it can be integrated is both beneficial to the contractor and the homeowner. All new Grant Vortex condensing boilers are HVO biofuel ready and all older models can be converted to run on 100% HVO with just a simple burner adjustment, typically performed during a routine annual service. According to Barry Gorman, Grant’s National Renewable Sales Manager, the average cost of converting an existing boiler to HVO is around €500, a fraction of the price of a full system retrofit. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to decarbonisation,” adds Barry. “While heat pumps are ideal for well-insulated homes, HVO biofuel offers a more realistic solution for many older properties across Ireland.” By installing a biofuelcompatible boiler, it is future-proofing the home for its changing heating needs. In fact, research by TAZCH has outlined that using a 20% HVO blend in oil boilers could have the same emissions impact as retrofitting HVO over 160,000 Irish Ready homes with heat pumps*.
Grant continues to support those in the construction industry through both its product development and technical resources and training. Whether working on a new build project or upgrading an existing property, Grant’s free design and specification service for new build and deep retrofit projects provides in-depth heat loss calculations and system sizing and specification to ensure engineers and contractors have project-specific documentation and compliance data readily available at design stage. The challenge of reducing carbon emissions across Ireland is an enormous
undertaking. While heat pumps are critical for new build compliance with Part L and NZEB standards, HVO biofuel provides a parallel, scalable strategy for existing homes, helping reduce emissions now, not in ten years’ time. Visit www.grant.ie for more information on the Grant Vortex HVO biofuel-ready condensing boiler range. Follow Grant on Facebook @GrantIRL, X and Instagram @Grant_irl and LinkedIn @GrantEngineeringULC. You can also subscribe to the Grant YouTube channel GrantengineeringIE
Grant Vortex condensing boiler outdoor module 26kW.
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INTERVIEW
The economist guiding construction’s green shift As the construction sector accounts for nearly 34% of global energy-related carbon emissions, World Green Building Council CEO Cristina Gamboa speaks with ROBBIE COUSINS about the WorldGBC’s approach to addressing the challenge of decarbonising the global construction industry.
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n the fight against climate change, the built environment—the homes, offices, and infrastructure that shape our lives—stands as a critical battleground. Responsible for around a third of global energy-related carbon emissions, the construction sector is undergoing a rapid, fundamental transition. Guiding this transformation is the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC). led by its insightful CEO, Cristina Gamboa. Her journey, rooted in economics and academia, offers a powerful lens through which to understand the complex, multi-layered strategy required to decarbonise one of the world’s largest industries.
FROM ECONOMIC THEORY TO GLOBAL ACTION
Cristina Gamboa’s professional background is anything but conventional for a leader in the construction sector. She’s an economist, not an engineer or an architect, and she humorously refers to herself as a “recovering academic.” This foundation, however, is precisely what gives her leadership a potent edge. Her time in academia and her previous work forecasting economic trends and analysing foreign trade taught her a crucial lesson: the business community often holds the key to rapid, agile decisionmaking, even when navigating areas rife with complexity and imperfect information. Gamboa sees her core talent as the ability to “break down complex issues into actionable spaces, creating value and opportunity to improve the quality of the world.” This skill set—
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translating immense environmental challenges into viable business opportunities—is vital for motivating an industry often perceived as slow to change. Her journey into the green movement began in Colombia, one of the world’s most biodiverse nations. After serving as the economic advisor to Camacol Colombia, the country’s construction industry body, she saw the profound societal issues that needed tackling in her country. For Cristina Gamboa, the opportunity to contribute to the nascent sustainability movement was a clear calling, a way to make a difference in a country whose natural richness needed protecting. “I was there at the founding of the Colombian Green Building Council (GBC) in 2009, becoming its CEO. During this tenure, I saw firsthand the transformative power of the global network established by WorldGBC, which was founded in 2002. This influential, overarching body provided newly established GBCs with essential frameworks, good governance practices, and a wealth of information, enabling rapid growth.” After serving five years on WorldGBC’s board of directors, Gamboa was recruited as its CEO in 2018. Her ascent confirms the organisation’s emphasis on finding leaders who can translate vision into scalable growth, positioning WorldGBC today, 23 years after its founding, as a mainstream body contributing across local and regional lines worldwide.
INTERVIEW embedding global expertise to help define local and regional policies. “This system is currently galvanised by major international initiatives. For instance, we put out unified Calls to Action across our network. The current call is centred around COP 30 in November, where a business action statement, signed up to by all GBCs, clearly articulates the global construction sector’s required pathway to align with the Paris Agreement’s target.” The network’s true power is best seen in how it tackles complex, technical issues and drives them into legislative action. The work is structured around three key pillars: • Providing a Collaborative Exchange Space: Allowing GBCs to share success stories, operational templates, and governance models. • Tackling Topical and Technical Issues: Identifying common, scalable solutions to shared industry problems. • Regional Network Alignment: Leveraging common regulatory frameworks, such as the European Union’s, to align positions on critical issues like sustainable finance, sufficiency, and whole life carbon.
CHAMPIONING WHOLE LIFE CARBON REDUCTION
Cristina Gamboa, CEO, WorldGBC.
GREEN BUILDING COUNCILS: A GLOBAL, GROWING NETWORK The sheer scale and recent velocity of the GBC network are a testament to the urgency felt by construction professionals globally. She proudly exclaims, “We started2025 with 74 GBCs across the world, the network is projected to exceed 85 by the end of the year. This level of growth is unprecedented in my time with the organisation, and signifies a powerful commitment from professionals to improve the state of the industry collaboratively.” This remarkable expansion is occurring across all global continents and regions, demonstrating a truly universal consensus on the need for change. However, growth requires careful stewardship. “WorldGBC acts as the rigorous custodian of the movement’s integrity and effectiveness. When a new GBC forms, WorldGBC evaluates its governance structure, its official NGO status, and its cultural alignment with the global body. Crucially, we verify that the new council represents the whole value chain of the construction industry—from materials producers and designers to engineers, constructors, and investors. This holistic representation ensures that when a GBC speaks, it does so with the consensus and backing of the entire local industry ecosystem.” The core mission of WorldGBC is two-fold. Firstly, it operates as an umbrella body that provides a platform for individual GBCs to exchange knowledge, collaborate on solutions, and move much quicker than they ever could acting in isolation. This collaborative space was, Cristina Gamboa says, the very reason she originally joined the board. Secondly, WorldGBC provides global, authoritative leadership, identifying the global direction of travel for construction, informed by essential input from the regional bodies on the ground.
FROM GLOBAL STRATEGY TO LOCAL IMPACT
The WorldGBC’s operating model is one of “think global, act local”, facilitated by strong regional networks. The second crucial step after establishing a new GBC is embedding the global strategy at a local level. WorldGBC doesn’t mandate; it provides the structure, offering non-financial resources for knowledge exchange and
A prime example of global leadership translating into policy change is the work done on Whole Life Carbon (WLC). Historically, the focus of green building was heavily concentrated on operational emissions—the carbon footprint generated by a building’s energy use after it’s occupied. WorldGBC recognised that this only told half the story. The embodied carbon—the emissions generated in the extraction, manufacture, transportation, and construction of building materials—was largely overlooked, particularly when considering new builds. Gamboa explains, “In 2019, we published a position paper urging the industry to bring embodied carbon “up front. This paper established a clear hierarchy for addressing both operational and embodied emissions, culminating in the championing of WLC reduction—a concept that mandates considering all carbon emissions over the entire lifecycle of an asset, from cradle to grave. Through the network, this concept was successfully advocated for and is now a core part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in Europe. This demonstrates WorldGBC’s ability to take a technical concept and move it from a niche position paper to binding regional legislation.” This principle extends to materials, where WorldGBC works with coalitions on the circularity hierarchy. This is trickling down locally, directly changing how designers and developers procure materials, promoting secondary reuse and dramatically reducing reliance on raw, virgin resources. Simultaneously, WorldGBC collaborates with policymakers to help them establish the regulatory environment necessary for enabling these changes to occur at scale. “By showcasing viable, successful business cases from leading companies that have adopted commitments like the Net Zero Carbon Building Commitment, we reduce the perceived risk for other industry players and policymakers, demonstrating that sustainable construction is not difficult, but instead, viable.”
2030/2050 GOALS AND THE BUSINESS CASE FOR DECARBONISATION
WorldGBC’s 2030/2050 commitments, launched in 2018, were designed to create a sense of clear, forward-looking vision and drive innovation. By setting ambitious goals, WorldGBC aimed to demonstrate to the industry what was possible, enabling leading companies to test the concept before regulation enforces it across the board. The results from the Net Zero Carbon Building Commitment cohort—which covers 25,000 assets worldwide—have been exceptionally encouraging. Cristina Gamboa says, “A staggering 60% of signatories have already achieved a reduction in energy use intensity across their
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N E X T G E N E R AT I O N The Grant Aerona R290 - Innovative Design - Exceptional Performance - Ultra-Low Noise Levels - Outputs from 4kW – 16kW
Visit grant.ie or call 057 9126974 20 irish construction news
September/October 2025
irish construction news 9 May/June 2025
INTERVIEW
The global WorldGBC network, including IGBC CEO Pat Barry, at the WorldGBC Leadership Summit 2024 in London. portfolios. Furthermore, over a third of these leaders have reported a decrease in emissions intensity by over 50% in just the first few years of the programme, aligning with the necessary global target of a 50% reduction by 2030 to be on the decarbonisation pathway. This cohort is not only succeeding in sustainability, but it is also thriving in business, proving conclusively that the path to a decarbonised sector is not only achievable but also commercially sensible.” She asserts that slashing carbon directly cuts costs. “By reducing energy waste and enhancing efficiency from a whole lifecycle perspective, businesses procure innovative, high-performing materials and reduce operational expenses. To achieve the deep cuts required for embodied carbon, a circular economy route is the only way forward. This involves innovating to extend the life cycle of materials and drastically reducing the procurement of raw, virgin materials.”
EMBRACING FRUGALITÉ AND SUFFICIENCY
Cristina Gamboa paraphrases a colleague she recently attended a meeting with, who used the French word frugalité to describe the real meaning of circularity. She said. “A colleague I attended a meeting with recently perfectly encapsulated what is required to achieve true circularity. The essence of what they said was that circular thinking naturally leads to a profound philosophical shift, encapsulated by the term sufficiency or frugalité (frugality) in French. The core principle is simple: ‘If we have already built it, let’s not build again’. This concept challenges the industry’s historical tendency to overspecify materials or default to new construction when existing buildings could be upgraded. “Bringing whole-life carbon thinking into the mix forces stakeholders to ask: ‘Why overspecify? Why use more material than necessary?’ Instead, the industry is shifting its focus to the full system’s performance and life cycle longevity. Ultimately, sustainability isn’t about compromise; it’s about achieving “better quality” in the built environment through intelligent, resourcerespectful design and planning.”
THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF GOVERNMENTS AND POLICY
While the WorldGBC’s leadership programmes successfully attract industry pioneers, the reality is that voluntary desires alone cannot transform an entire global sector. For the transition to happen at the necessary scale, government action is paramount. Gamboa explains, “Policy and regulation must set a clear framework for action and shoulder the direction of travel. This involves establishing clear timetables, improved standards, and robust accountability mechanisms. Such certainty is crucial for encouraging investment and spurring innovation from the broader industry. While voluntary commitments achieve impressive results with leaders, policy ensures that improvements in the quality of standards set a baseline across the board, compelling the rest of the market to catch up. Leaders will continue to push beyond this baseline, but policy provides the essential regulatory floor that prevents stagnation. If this clear direction isn’t provided, transformation simply won’t happen at scale.”
BEST TOOLS AND THE AI HORIZON
To translate the philosophy of whole life carbon and sufficiency into practice, the industry needs reliable metrics and tools. Gamboa highlights that metrics are the “backbone of everything we do and measure” and points to several key frameworks that help stakeholders understand the entire building life cycle, from design and material selection to construction, operation, and postoccupancy.
KEY MEASUREMENT FRAMEWORKS •
•
Level(s) Framework: This open-source framework, developed by the European Commission and supported by the European Regional Network of GBCs, provides a common language for assessing and reporting building sustainability. Its strength lies in driving demand for better building performance across its life cycle. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) / BER Certificates: Understanding how energy performance is measured is fundamental. As the goal is to achieve an ‘A’ rating for all
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INTERVIEW Cristina Gamboa closes by mentioning three key priorities for Irish construction leaders to focus on.
RETROFITTING FIRST
“You must prioritise the business model for upgrading the existing building stock. This is one of the biggest wins, as it improves energy efficiency, enhances occupant comfort, and avoids unnecessary material use.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
“Prioritise materials reuse principles, reduction of waste, and designing buildings for longevity and adaptability.”
DATA-DRIVEN ACTION
“Finally, ensure the right data is available. Work with the IGBC to assess and achieve these principles, refine procurement and project planning, and develop clear company roadmaps.” Cristina Gamboa speaking at the recent Irish Green Building Council event in Dublin (See page 47).
•
•
•
buildings over time, these certificates provide the necessary baseline and metric for performance improvement. Building Certifications: Voluntary reporting, with certifications, plays a critical role in raising standards. Third-party validation, revision, and review processes offer transparency and a way to reduce risk and improve the quality of an asset. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs): These documents provide the data necessary to understand the environmental footprint of materials, which directly links back to the Level(s) framework and the ability to reduce embodied carbon. Post Occupancy Evaluations (POE): This is perhaps the most critical stage for closing the performance gap. You may design a building with one level of intent, but only by measuring the actual building performance after occupancy can you ensure that the design goals are met and lessons are learned for future projects.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Looking ahead, Cristina Gamboa sees Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a future accelerator. “While not every company needs to become an AI expert, platforms powered by AI will soon become ubiquitous, crunching the vast amounts of data—from LCAs, EPDs, and POEs—and helping the industry become more agile in its decisionmaking.”
IRISH LEADERSHIP AND THE GLOBAL TRAJECTORY
Gamboa says that Ireland has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, not just locally but within the broader European context. “The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) has pushed the envelope on government regulation and ambition, linking local action with global trends. Their leadership, when recently chairing the Europe regional network—representing 26 countries and over 5,000 members—gives them a very strong collective voice within the European Commission, influencing directives on sustainable finance and energy performance. She adds that the IGBC’s development of Whole Life Carbon roadmaps has been instrumental, feeding into eight new roadmaps being developed by WorldGBC that are slated for announcement at COP 30. “This Irish achievement provides certainty for driving conversations across the EU and helps emerging GBCs worldwide to leapfrog into action, having a greater impact in their regions.”
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IN CONCLUSION: OPTIMISM, VELOCITY AND SCALE
In addition to being a recovering academic, Cristina Gamboa is definitely an optimist, but she remains pragmatic about the challenges ahead. “While the built environment is now firmly on the climate strategy agenda—a huge step forward from just a few years ago—the sector, like all others, is currently not on track to halve emissions by 2030. “The task at hand is to maintain the momentum and ensure the business community doesn’t step down from its leadership. This requires a refresh and alliance with governments to deploy solutions. “A sustainable building”, she notes, “is a multi-benefit asset. It not only cuts emissions but lowers energy bills, creates jobs, and builds resilience that protects lives and livelihoods.” The solutions are known, the business case is proven, and the network is growing. Cristina Gamboa concludes: “The critical focus for WorldGBC now is to increase the velocity of the transition and achieve the necessary scalability of solutions, ensuring finance is mobilised to the right kind of assets to drive real, global, and equitable change.
WORLDGBC BUSINESS ACTION STATEMENT TO GOVERNMENTS AHEAD OF COP30
The COP30 outcome must accelerate the building sector’s sustainable transition in line with the Global Stocktake. The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and the global built environment business community are calling on the Member States of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for clear, coordinated government action. Dan Ioschpe, COP 30 High-Level Climate Champion, comments, “The Global Stocktake has made clear where the biggest levers for climate action lie. Buildings are one of them. The voices of business leaders in this statement demonstrate not only that the solutions exist, but that with the right enabling environment, these solutions unlock major business growth opportunities. Investing in a resilient, zeroemissions built environment is the right thing to do — also from an economic standpoint.” Let COP30 be remembered as the summit that changed the rising tide of climate risk. To read the full WGBC Business Action Statement, visit https://worldgbc.org/ business-action-statement-cop30 or scan the QR code
S E C TO R F O C U S
Innovating for Safety: The ARBOSHIELD® Pro Class A Façade System Ray Brennan, MD Seal Solutions, exclusive distributor of ARBO®, part of CARLISLE® Construction Materials, discusses the need for a fabric first approach to façade specification as part of improved building performance
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ladding materials and insulation have come under scrutiny since the Grenfell disaster in London in 2017. As passive fire protection building design and construction practices in Ireland rely on the ability of the structure to contain fire, it’s important to consider the whole façade build-up when specifying fire safe facades.
FIRE SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE
The ARBOSHIELD Pro Fire-Resistant Façade System is an extensive group of high performance products with Class A or B reaction to fire, and W1 resistance to water penetration developed for ease of installation and buildability. Structural openings are one of the most vulnerable parts of any façade, and poor performance of the façade build-up or installation issues can compromise the airtightness, watertightness and fire safety of the whole façade. For this reason, the ARBOSHIELD Pro External Perimeter Class A Membrane (EPAM) has been developed to address these requirements by ensuring a neat, fire safe, compliant, and trusted installation on all window, door and façade interface sealing details. Creating a watertight and airtight seal with certified fire resistance, the ARBOSHIELD Pro EPAM connects a concrete structural frame or steel frame to SFS sections and exceeds the current Building Control Regulations for a fire and weathertight seal, futureproofing the project. With a self-adhesive backing that bonds in temperatures as low as -40°C, it also provides a versatile and easy to use solution, which can also be used for applications as varied as weather sealing of parapet walls, and weatherproofing balcony details. For projects where an EPDM façade membrane has been specified, the ARBO Easy Stick GS EPDM provides an airtight ARBOSHIELD Pro® Class A Air & Vapour Control Layer.
ARBOSHIELD PRO EPAM delivers a neat, fire safe installation on all window, door and façade interface sealing details. and waterproof membrane for around windows and structural openings. Naturally UV-resistant, permanently flexible, and resistant to extreme temperature variations, it provides a robust, long-term solution.
SEALING FOR SUCCESS
Sealants also play an important role in façade performance. The complete range of ARBO sealants is available in Ireland from Seal Solutions, delivering a waterproof seal that acts as a barrier against moisture, air infiltration, dust, and other contaminants. They prevent water damage and thermal bridging, contributing to the overall longevity and energy efficiency of the façade. ARBO’s extensive range of sealants includes the Arbosil range of silicone sealants, which are ideal for applications as varied as perimeter pointing of windows, cladding panels, and glass to glass joints and are available in a variety of colours to suit any project. Meanwhile, the ARBO range of intumescent and fire resistant mastics and sealants can deliver safety, waterproofing and airtightness performance for expansion joints, glazing, windows and doors, and brick and blockwork.
THE BENEFITS OF SIMPLIFICATION
Selecting products designed to work together, developed for ease of installation, and proven to deliver performance can make a substantial difference to the safety, thermal
efficiency, and longevity of the façade. Seal Solutions, CARLISLE’S exclusive, authorised distributor for ARBO sealant and façade systems across the island of Ireland, supports the Irish construction industry with the complete ARBOSHIELD Pro range for high performance facades and ARBO sealants. MD, Ray Brennan, brings more than 40 years’ experience in waterproofing and the building envelope industry to his role, ensuring contractors receive expert advice from Seal Solutions, as well as invaluable technical support from ARBO. www.arbo.co.uk ARBO is a UK manufacturer of sealants and façade systems for the construction sector. Part of CARSLISLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, a global company specialising in innovative, high performance systems for the building envelope, ARBO is the first company to develop EPAM a self-adhesive Class A2 reaction to fire for façade buildups with a W1 water penetration resistance rating. The exclusive, authorised distributor for CARLISLE®’s range of ARBO® façade and sealant solutions across the island of Ireland, Seal Solutions is led by Ray Brennan, a professional with 40 years of experience in waterproofing and the building envelope industry.
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INTERVIEW
Kilsaran Precast’s Arthurstown fabrication facility.
Concrete Ambition: Kilsaran Precast’s path to growth and sustainability Since its 2021 founding, Kilsaran Precast has become a major supplier of structural precast concrete products in Ireland and the UK, experiencing rapid growth. ROBBIE COUSINS spoke with Managing Director Derek Duffy about the company’s journey, its commitment to innovation and sustainability, and its ambitious plans, particularly for the residential market.
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ilsaran Precast provides structural precast concrete products to a wide range of sectors, including residential, hospitality, life science, industrial and education, operating primarily in Ireland and the UK. The company’s product portfolio is extensive, comprising precast twin wall, solid wall, hollow core flooring, columns, beams, stairs, and Omnia slabs. Derek Duffy, Managing Director, Kilsaran Precast, opens by explaining, “Different combinations of those products go into making up a typical apartment building, student accommodation, hotels, schools, large science facilities, multistorey car parks, as well as structural cores for industrial plants, highlighting the versatility of its offering. Kilsaran Precast’s strategic growth is evident in its financial performance. “We have increased our sales turnover by 50% each year in the past four years since we were established in 2021,” Derek Duffy notes. “This includes the successful acquisition and integration of Oran Precast at the end of 2021, which helped
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to concentrate our offering across the residential and educational markets.”
MAJOR CAPACITY EXPANSION
In a significant move to address the surging demand for residential units, Kilsaran Precast is significantly ramping up its production capacity. The company has expanded its production facilities to three locations: Existing plants in Oranmore, Galway, and Brownstown, Co. Kildare, are about to be complemented with a new facility in Arthurstown, close to Kill in Co Kildare. “Arthurstown was acquired in December of last year,” says Duffy. “We’ve procured a brand new twin-wall system and Omnia floor carousel plant for this site as phase one of its development, and that will be ready to supply product from January 2026.” This expansion is poised to have a transformative effect on the company’s output, especially in the housing sector. “In 2025, we will have completed about 2,300 apartment units in the course of the year. When the Arthurstown plant is fully
operational, it will allow us to deliver an additional 1,500 apartments on top of that, bringing our output to 3,800, just shy of 4,000 units per annum.” Derek Duffy views the timing of this
INTERVIEW
Derek Duffy, Managing Director, Kilsaran Precast. expansion as crucial, stating, “In light of where the government strategy is looking to go, particularly with the new supports for apartment buildings, the plant will be coming onstream just in time.”
THE KILSARAN PRECAST RESIDENTIAL SOLUTION
Kilsaran Precast has developed a unique and highly efficient system for apartment construction, focusing on speed, quality, and durability. The core of its offering involves a dualwall approach: “We use a solid precast wall with a fair face mould finish on the inside for the external wall of buildings. We then produce a twin wall internally, which has a fair face mould finish on both sides. This results in major time-savings on-site, as the walls can be painted directly, with no need for plasterboard,” he explains. Further enhancing efficiency, the walls arrive on-site with all necessary conduits already cast in. “Installed by our on-site team, we give the client a sealed, sound-proofed and fire-certified concrete unit ready for direct painting,” Duffy says. This system also drastically reduces the risk of long-term damage to walls or the need for replacements, which can be an associated issue with multi-layer systems.
reduction of embodied carbon in its precast products. “Historically, precast products were manufactured using CEM I cement. We developed our processes and switched to CEM II cement without affecting our products’ characteristics,” Derek Duffy shares. “Furthermore, the successful integration of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as a supplementary cementitious material for several years has resulted in a “massive 28% reduction in our products’ embodied carbon.” The innovation doesn’t stop there. Duffy confirms that the R&D team is actively researching advanced materials, including calcined clays and modified calcium carbonates, using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to find even better low-carbon solutions. The company is also working to complete Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all of its products, an area of growing importance for clients. In addition to product innovation, Kilsaran Precast is making strides in its operational sustainability. “At our Brownstown facility in Kilcullen, we installed 2,000 solar PV panels in January of this year,” he explains. “This single initiative has delivered a 21% reduction in our grid electricity requirements, making a considerable dent in our Scope 2 emissions. The plan is to replicate this success at the new
Arthurstown facility.” Kilsaran is also exploring collaborative research, currently in the early stages of discussion with Construct Innovate and the Irish Green Building Council.
LANDMARK PROJECTS AND SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Kilsaran Precast offers a complete service model that encompasses design, manufacture, transport, and installation. This full-service approach was key to the successful completion of The Carriage Works apartments at the Castleforbes Residential Development in Dublin for John Paul Construction and Eagle Street Partners. Derek Duffy explains, “We manufactured and installed 702 apartments in 52 working weeks, across six blocks ranging from nine storeys to 18 storeys. The logistics were complex, involving the installation of 15,343 precast elements on a tight city centre site, a significant achievement within a very short timeframe.” The company’s integration of digital technology is crucial to this efficiency. “We work with the architect and structural engineers, and produce 3D models. From these 3D models come IFC files, which programme the robots in our plant to fabricate the product to exact design specifications” The entire logistics and installation process, culminating in a sealed, ready-topaint unit, is handled by Kilsaran Precast’s
DRIVING SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Kilsaran’s operations, driven by its Head of Innovation & Sustainability, Ken Mulkerrins. Parent company Kilsaran’s ESG framework is structured around four pillars: Planet, People, Solutions, and Performance, with a strong focus on research and development to reduce the environmental impact of their products. For the Kilsaran Precast side of the business, a key achievement has been the
Castleforbes Residential Development, Dublin, apartment units fabricated by Kilsaran Precast for John Paul Construction.
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INTERVIEW Units being installed by Kilsaran Precast site crew.
on-site team. Beyond residential projects, Kilsaran Precast is delivering across other sectors, including the recent completion of two surgical hubs for JJ Rhatigan at Cork University Hospital and Limerick as part of the HSE Surgical Hub Programme. In the educational sector, it completed Kilkenny CBS, a 1,100-student facility, also for JJ Rhatigan. Its recent UK projects include providing a wall system solution for new airside facilities at Gatwick Airport.
A PROUD GUARANTEED IRISH MEMBER
Kilsaran is a family-owned Irish company that is fiercely proud of its roots and its status as a considerable employer. “Our Co-CEO, David McKeown, works closely with Guaranteed Irish,” says Derek Duffy. “The Kilsaran group’s operations, which include Concrete Production, Sandpits, Quarries, Road Surfacing Asphalt, Paving, Grouts & Mortars and its most recent addition, Materials Recovery & Recycling, are spread across approximately
30 locations nationwide, representing 30 local communities. We employ over 1,100 people directly, and probably another 350 to 400 subcontractors. So we are a considerable employer.”
DIGITALISATION AND THE FUTURE OF PRECAST
Derek Duffy reflects on the massive technological shifts he has witnessed in his career, from manual drawing to advanced 3D modelling. He views the integration of building information modelling (BIM) as a key enabler for enhancing the company’s information handling capacity and directly feeding it into plant automation. Looking ahead, he identifies artificial intelligence (AI) as the next frontier. “The same number of people will be able to have a much increased output in terms of their modelling and engineering capacity,” he predicts. “This faster pace of design will, in turn, drive the procurement of new manufacturing plants to handle the increased capacity. This will be the most exciting area of progress in the innovation space. So we are fully behind AI in terms of speeding up the design and production process.”
OUTLOOK AND CLOSING THOUGHTS
Precast formwork at Arthurstown facility.
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While acknowledging the current uncertainties in the international market, Derek Duffy remains cautiously optimistic about the domestic outlook. “Things will not be as bad as some more pessimistic predictions suggest,” he asserts, pointing to the continuing significant demand for FDI projects, which he attributes to the quality of the Irish workforce. He concludes by emphasising the importance of infrastructure. “While Kilsaran Precast’s core business is not direct infrastructure works, the wider Kilsaran Group is heavily involved. “Investment in infrastructure is critical. If the government can address the planning problems at the back of that, then the residential targets that they’re looking to meet are well achievable.” With significant capacity expansion, a focus on low-carbon innovation, and a robust digital strategy, Derek Duffy says Kilsaran Precast is now positioned to be a driving force in meeting Ireland’s housing and construction needs for the foreseeable future.
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CASE STUDY
Achieving airtightness success in housebuilding By David Murray, Head of Technical Affairs and Ireland Sales, MEDITE SMARTPLY
I
n housebuilding, specified insulation values and glazing specifications are relatively straightforward to achieve, if built correctly. Airtightness can often be the crucial aspect that determines whether a building element comfortably meets its targets. It is invisible, can be tricky to achieve, difficult to fix late in the build, and yet fundamental to energy performance and compliance. Over the past two decades, Ireland’s regulatory framework has raised expectations on airtightness, and pressure testing is now routine in BER assessments. Outcomes today are improving in many projects, though results still vary from site to site. Many homes now perform well above minimum requirements of 5 m3/ hr/m2 @ 50 Pa, With the EU’s mandate for Zero Emission Buildings by 2030, the margin for error is getting tighter. Failing an airtightness test is not just about the cost of a retest —it is about the time and disruption that follow. Delays
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on site, extra sealing work, and knock-on scheduling issues quickly become far more expensive than the test itself. And the costs continue to mount up over the lifetime of the building. In the UK, research indicates that uncontrolled air leakage can account for around 10–50% of a dwelling’s space heating demand, depending on build quality and condition. It is a costly reminder of how crucial airtightness is to both comfort and efficiency: higher energy bills for occupants, less comfort in winter, and boilers and heat pumps working overtime just to keep rooms warm. Designing for airtightness from the outset delivers savings year after year, as well as more reliable performance from heating and ventilation systems. There is also the question of health and comfort. Draughty buildings feel colder, but simply sealing them without planning for ventilation risks creating new problems. When airtightness is paired with a controlled ventilation system, occupants
benefit from cleaner, healthier air and protection against mould and condensation. Far from being a drawback, airtightness becomes the foundation of a consistently comfortable indoor environment. The most effective way to achieve this outcome is to treat airtightness as part of the building fabric design, rather than an afterthought. That requires design integration and robust materials that perform reliably on site, which is where engineered timber panels such as SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT are making a difference. Certified as airtight by the Passive House Institute, the specialist OSB/3 panel combines structural strength with an integrated vapour control layer, removing the need for separate membranes. Manufactured from FSC-certified timber with no added formaldehyde, it is designed to deliver consistently high results while supporting healthier indoor environments. We can see the benefits of this in a recent project by developer Citu, which used
CASE STUDY SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT across 200 Leeds homes built to Passive House principles. The scheme achieved airtightness levels of 0.6 air changes per hour — the best results in the company’s history — while simplifying detailing and reducing the risk of damage compared to traditional membranes. Crucially, the use of SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT also supported Citu’s wider ambition to create one of the UK’s most sustainable urban neighbourhoods, demonstrating how airtightness contributes not only to compliance but to long-term energy efficiency and community wellbeing. The project shows how timber-based solutions can help developers align construction quality with climate commitments, proving that high performance and large-scale delivery can go hand in hand. As Ireland looks ahead to the 2030 ZEB standard, the role of airtightness will continue to grow in importance. Builders who integrate robust and reliable solutions into their projects from the outset will reduce risk, protect schedules, and ensure homes that are cheaper to heat, more comfortable to live in, and fully aligned with national climate goals. With innovations like SMARTPLY AIRTIGHT, achieving success no longer needs to be the hardest part of the build.
ABOUT MEDITE SMARTPLY
MEDITE SMARTPLY is part of Coillte, an innovative, sustainably certified Irish forestry and forest products manufacturer. Based in Clonmel and Waterford, Ireland,
MEDITE SMARTPLY produces a versatile range of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) building products.
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PROJECT CGI render of completed buildings.
Ireland’s Net-Zero Horizon: D/RES’s Mass Timber Blueprint in Wicklow
D
/RES’s €3.2m creche and community building at Altidore Gardens will be Ireland’s first privately-developed public buildings constructed to a Net-Zero Carbon standard and built primarily with Mass Engineered Timber. This landmark project is setting a powerful blueprint for decarbonising the built environment, demonstrating the achievability of whole-life carbon accountability for the Irish construction sector. At the Altidore Gardens development in Newtownmountkennedy, property developer D/RES is not just building a creche and a community centre; it is erecting Ireland’s first privately-developed public buildings constructed to a Net-Zero Carbon standard and primarily from Mass Engineered Timber (MET). This landmark €3.2m project is a powerful, tangible statement on the future of sustainable construction in Ireland, moving the needle beyond operational efficiency to embrace whole-life carbon accountability. The project aims to address Ireland’s pressing need to decarbonise its built environment, a sector responsible for 37% of global carbon emissions in 2022, with 23% attributed to operational energy and 14% to the embodied carbon in material production and construction processes.
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The significance of the project is evident when considering the list of key stakeholders who are invested in or engaged in its delivery. These include Construct Innovate, the University of Galway, the Irish Green Building Council and several government departments and steering groups. By setting a national benchmark for lowcarbon, high-performance construction, D/RES, in partnership with academia and industry bodies, is demonstrating that net-zero carbon principles are not just aspirational but eminently achievable.
THE MASS ENGINEERED TIMBER MANDATE: A ‘TIMBER FIRST’ PHILOSOPHY
D/RES’s journey to Net Zero carbon stems from a “timber first” policy, which already employs 95% timber frame construction in its houses, utilising PEFCcertified renewable timber sources. This commitment is further defined by adopting the RIAI 2030 Climate Challenge target of 450kgCO2e/m2 for residential embodied carbon as a baseline. Its Tinakilly Park development in Co Wicklow, for example, achieved a score of just 270kgCO2e/m2 – significantly under the target – as well as being awarded the Climate Action and Sustainability
Award at the 2022 Property Industry Excellence Awards, demonstrating D/RES’s commitment to creating sustainable homes for its customers. The Altidore Gardens public buildings—a 600-sq-m creche and 400-sq-m community centre—represent the next logical step: Utilising MET to push the boundaries of embodied carbon reduction in public building typologies. The choice of MET, which includes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) floor and wall panels supported by Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) columns and beams, offers structural and environmental advantages, including the CO2 sequestration inherent in timber. It also leverages the efficiencies of off-site Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) methodology, allowing for a swift, just-intime construction process.
PROJECT PROCUREMENT
The procurement for the project was completed in a mere seven weeks, with an erection time of eight weeks for both buildings, using only four erection staff and a crane operator. Beyond the structural timber, the project meticulously incorporates other lowembodied carbon materials: • Naturheld wood fibre insulation
PROJECT •
Green Coat roof sheeting (SSAB Net Zero certified) • Bauder Sedum Green Roofing • Ecocem Ground Granulated Blastfurnace Slag (GGBS) content in all in-situ concrete for the substructure This comprehensive material selection is central to the project’s ambitious target: A reduction in carbon emissions, aiming for less than 10 kg CO2e/m2/year for both operational and embodied carbon.
ACHIEVING NET-ZERO: A WHOLE LIFE CYCLE APPROACH In the absence of a definitive Irish Net Zero Carbon certification, D/RES embraced a robust methodology, drawing on the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) Net Zero Carbon Definitions and the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard.
OPERATIONAL CARBON
Operational carbon, the emissions associated with a building’s energy use in service, was rigorously assessed. While DEAP Part L typically covers only regulated loads, the MEP consultant, WatermanMoylan, went further, using the Simplified Building Energy Model for Ireland (SBEMie), and the more comprehensive CIBSE TM54 design for performance method. This ensured a realistic prediction of both regulated and unregulated energy usage. Key features driving operational efficiency include: • Efficient heating and cooling: Buildings use high-efficiency heat pumps for heating. • Natural ventilation: Prioritised with automated systems from WindowMaster in the creche and manual windows in the community centre. Only the creche’s sleeping room has a small A/C unit for temperature control. • Renewable energy: Solar PV systems are integrated to supply 20% of the
(l to r ): Kevin Durkan, COO, D/RES; Tanaiste, Simon Harris; and Patrick Durkan, CEO, D/RES; during a visit by the Tanaiste to the Newtownmountkennedy development. operational energy needs of each building.
EMBODIED CARBON: THE POWER OF BIOGENIC CARBON
Sequestered carbon (biogenic carbon) in the MET elements in the creche and community centre is critical to achieving Net Zero Carbon. The Whole Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (WLCA), funded by Construct Innovate and undertaken at the University of Galway using the IGBC Carbon Designer Tool, tracked carbon emissions across the entire life cycle of the buildings. The use of over 80 product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) demonstrates a commitment to precise data. The project’s whole-life embodied carbon calculations, which account for the significant sequestered carbon in the MET elements, are crucial to its success. The final results show: • Creche: Whole Life Embodied Carbon of 535kgCO2E/m2, dropping to 259kgCO2E/m2 when sequestered carbon is included. • Community Centre: Whole Life
Embodied Carbon of 701kgCO2E/ m2, dropping to 319kgCO2E/m2 when sequestered carbon is included. The upfront embodied carbon for the creche and community centre represents the significant impact of using the mass timber superstructure to displace highercarbon materials such as concrete and steel.
RESIDUAL CARBON AND CARBON OFFSETTING
True Net Zero Carbon buildings must account for Residual Carbon of any greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that remain after a project or organisation has implemented all technically and economically feasible opportunities, as determined by a Climate Professional as part of a carbon footprint assessment, to reduce emissions in all scopes and from all sources. D/RES adopted the Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting (2024), opting for long-term carbon removal to the biosphere. Using the locally available Teagasc Forest Carbon Tool, D/RES have calculated that of the 14,900 trees and whips planted in the linear park adjacent to the buildings, roughly 1,350 trees would be sufficient to account for the global warming potential (GWP) emissions unaccounted for in the operational and embodied carbon calculations undertaken for the creche and community centre.
NAVIGATING CHALLENGES: INNOVATION IN DESIGN AND CERTIFICATION
Ireland’s first privately-developed public buildings constructed to a Net-Zero Carbon standard and primarily from Mass Engineered Timber (MET).
The journey from design to construction presented notable challenges, particularly around material selection, fire safety, and certification hurdles, highlighting the need for harmonised design guidance for MET in Ireland.
DESIGN EVOLUTION AND MATERIAL SUBSTITUTION
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PROJECT Roof plan of buildings.
Early-stage design choices significantly impacted cost and construction. The substructure, initially proposed as a suspended steel matrix, was ultimately switched to pre-manufactured concrete ground beams supported on pad foundations and concrete rising walls due to a cost uplift and detailing difficulties. Similarly, the façade underwent revision. An initial rainscreen system with external render boards was abandoned late in the process due to subcontractor unfamiliarity and firestopping issues, which added to the costs. The final envelope uses a Baumit render application applied directly to the Naturheld wood fibre insulation, which provides a durable weather barrier as well as fire certification for the façade. While transport costs almost forced a switch to rockwool, which would have significantly increased the embodied carbon, D/RES retained the lower-carbon wood fibre.
Site plan.
FIRE SAFETY AND BUILDING CONTROL
One of the major hurdles was securing the necessary local authority approvals, including the Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) and Commencement Notice from Wicklow County Council. • Fire Rating: The MET superstructure with its fire-rated wood fibre insulation achieved a 60-minute fire rating (RE160 in high-risk areas). The design complied with TGB – Part B (Fire Safety), relying on the predictable charring rate of CLT and Glulam. • Certification: The local authority took a rigorous but proactive approach when assessing MET building methodology. This included a requirement for the Structural Engineering Report to integrate specific structural calculations that reflected Irish climatic conditions, ensuring the project’s long-term resilience. The authority’s initial preference for the National Standard Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément certification underscored a dedication to national benchmarks. D/RES engaged in constructive dialogue, ultimately confirming the primacy and acceptability of the European Technical Assessment (ETA), Harmonised EU Standard (hEN) and CE Marking, arguing that the MET system, as a collection of structural components, aligned with these robust European mandates.
CONSTRUCTION CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED
The on-site installation of the prefabricated MET components revealed the necessity for early agreement on tolerances: • CLT Wall Base: The requirement for concrete upstands to raise the CLT walls and prevent moisture ingress
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•
•
•
was standard, but variable gaps in the in-situ concrete exceeded the allowable +/-10mm tolerance. This required modifications to the bolt fixings and the use of a high-strength structural grout. Lesson learned: Establishing upfront project-specific concrete tolerances and agreeing to remediation before MET installation is critical. Glulam Base Connection: The use of fixed-height steel stanchions for the glulam columns lacked the necessary adjustability to account for thickness variability in intumescent coatings and concrete upstands. Lesson learned: In retrospect, an adjustable steel stanchion would have been more suitable to ensure correct positioning and structural integrity.
A MODEL FOR THE FUTURE
The D/RES creche and community centre at Altidore Gardens is more than a
PROJECT Green Roof detail.
construction project; it is a Mass Timber Demonstrator Building and a blueprint for a sustainable future. Through collaboration with the IGBC, Construct Innovate, and the University of Galway, the project’s findings on life cycle assessment, supply chain analysis, and standardised detailing will be disseminated to promote the wider adoption of MET in Ireland. Brett Chrystal, Head of Sustainable Design, D/RES, commented on the process of working with Construct Innovate, and University of Galway academic Dr Patrick McGetrick and his team of masters students as being a hugely rewarding experience and a significant contribution to the success of the project. Brett Chrystal said, “The collaboration with Dr Patrick McGetrick and his Master’s students Donal Enright and Philip Connolly over the last 15 months has been an incredibly rewarding endeavour for both me personally, as well as D/RES
as a company. The €50,000 seed funding awarded by Construct Innovate has enabled D/RES to undertake a deep dive into the innovative construction methodologies unique to mass engineered timber (MET), as well as delve into the highly technical whole life embodied carbon assessments (WLCA), which formed part of the seed funding objectives. The reciprocal give and take of knowledge and learning has been invaluable to all concerned, and the resulting academic documents will hopefully provide impetus to the industry at large to embrace the use of MET.” Speaking about his hopes for the future use of MET in, Brett Chrystal added, “The Timber in Construction Steering Group is due to deliver its key findings and recommendations to government on 15 October at the Coillte Built with Wood Conference regarding the two-year consultation process with government bodies and industry. I believe that the
recommended changes to the Part B Fire Safety regulations, in particular, will be key to unlocking the delivery of four- to sixstorey mid-rise apartments, student housing and similar building typologies using mass engineered timber and DfMA processes. “As D/RES has proven with the creche and community centre, over and above the speed of erection, the sequestered carbon inherent in MET can contribute significantly to the government achieving its EU-mandated 2030 Climate Action targets while simultaneously delivering housing density at a speed that can’t be matched by conventional construction.”
IN CONCLUSION
D/RES CEO Patrick Durkan says, “This project is a national first for privately developed public buildings, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon, highperformance construction.” By successfully delivering the first NetZero Carbon public buildings (Operational, Embodied, and Residual) using massengineered timber, D/RES has offered a powerful, scalable model for meeting Ireland’s targets and inspiring a new generation of sustainable structures. The challenge now lies with the broader Irish construction sector and regulatory bodies to absorb these lessons, streamline the certification process, and make the net-zero carbon, mass timber building the standard, not the exception. For its part, D/RES Properties intends to offer a ‘turnkey’ service for MET projects, providing comprehensive, end-to-end project management from initial design and engineering through to construction and delivery, ensuring the client receives a fully completed, ready-to-use building.
Roof membrane being installed.
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OPINION
Building Smarter & Safer: How AI can future-proof Ireland’s construction industry Amid soaring demand for new buildings, Ireland’s construction sector is facing a perfect storm of labour shortages, rising costs, and supply chain chaos. PAUL LYNCH of 8020 Consulting writes that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a gimmick but the essential tool now helping Irish project managers to cut through the tension – by dramatically improving on-site safety and stabilising volatile procurement and supply chains.
W
alk around any construction site in Ireland today and you’ll quickly notice the tension that defines the industry. On one side, demand is stronger than ever, from the urgent need for housing and social infrastructure to the rapid expansion of data centres and renewable energy projects. On the other, the sector faces some serious headwinds: a shortage of skilled labour, rising materials costs, tighter regulations, and supply chain disruptions that seem to come out of nowhere. Ask any site manager or project director, and they’ll tell you the same thing: keeping projects on time, on budget, and above all safe has never been harder. And yet, while these challenges are real, they’re also pushing the industry towards innovation. One technology in particular, artificial intelligence (AI), is beginning to change how Irish construction companies build, plan, and manage risk. Now, AI isn’t some futuristic concept or Silicon Valley gimmick. At its core, it’s about using data and smart algorithms to make better decisions. And in an industry where delays, accidents and cost overruns can have massive consequences, better decision-making can mean the difference between profit and loss, or even between life and death. In my work as an AI consultant, I see two areas where these technologies are already making a meaningful impact: • Keeping workers safer on the jobsite through smarter monitoring and compliance • Bringing stability to procurement and supply chains in an era of inflation and volatility Let’s explore both. AI on the job site: Safety, Compliance, and Real-Time Oversight Construction is, by its very nature, risky. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland continues to report high levels of workplace injuries and fatalities in the sector. For many companies, safety is not just a compliance box to tick, it’s a moral responsibility, and one that directly impacts reputation, insurance costs, and the ability
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to win future contracts. Traditionally, safety management has relied on human observation, regular inspections, and after-the-fact reporting. These approaches are valuable, but they’re also limited by time and scale. No safety officer can be everywhere at once. No manager can see every potential hazard in real time. That’s where AI technologies like computer vision, drones, and IoT sensors are changing the game.
COMPUTER VISION: THE ALWAYS-ON SAFETY OFFICER
AI-powered camera systems can now scan live video feeds from job sites and automatically detect unsafe behaviours. Think of workers operating without PPE, stepping into restricted areas, or working at height without proper harnessing. Instead of waiting for an accident or relying on someone to spot the issue, the system flags it instantly. This doesn’t replace human safety officers, but it means they’re no longer stretched thin. Instead, they can focus on high-value interventions while letting the system act as a 24/7 set of extra eyes. On a busy Dublin housing development or a large motorway project, that kind of oversight can make all the difference.
DRONES: INSPECTING WITHOUT RISK
Drones are also becoming a standard tool for Irish contractors. Fitted with AI analytics, drones can fly over or through a site to survey progress, identify structural issues, or spot hazards. They can map out terrain, track stockpiles, and even inspect areas that would otherwise require scaffolding or rope access, all without putting a human in danger. Imagine a project where an unstable scaffold is suspected. Instead of sending up a worker, a drone can complete the inspection in minutes, feeding highresolution images back to the project team. With AI, those images can be automatically analysed for cracks, structural weaknesses, or compliance breaches.
IOT SENSORS AND DIGITAL TWINS
Layer on to that a network of IoT sensors, monitoring temperature, noise, vibration, dust and suddenly you have a living digital map of the site. Feed this into a digital twin, a real-time virtual model of the construction environment, and you give managers the power to see what’s happening across the site without leaving
OPINION the office. If noise levels exceed safe thresholds, or if equipment is being misused, managers know immediately. This proactive approach reduces downtime, cuts the risk of accidents, and strengthens compliance with both Irish and EU regulations.
EASIER COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATORS
Beyond day-to-day safety, AI also simplifies regulatory compliance. With systems that automatically log incidents, record video evidence, and generate reports, companies can prove their compliance during HSA inspections without scrambling through paperwork. For contractors, that means fewer fines, smoother audits, and stronger client trust. In short, AI on the jobsite doesn’t just save time and money, it saves lives.
AI IN PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN: PREDICTING VOLATILITY, MANAGING RISK
If safety is the most visible challenge on site, procurement is the silent stressor in the background. Ask any quantity surveyor or procurement manager in Ireland right now, and they’ll tell you how unpredictable material costs and availability have become. From Brexit-related customs delays to Covid-era shipping disruptions and the ongoing effects of global inflation, Irish construction projects have been hit hard. Cement prices, steel availability, timber imports, all have seen unpredictable swings in cost and lead time. For contractors working on tight margins, this volatility can derail entire projects. This is where AI offers a lifeline. Predictive analytics for materials By pulling together data from past projects, supplier records, commodity markets, and even external factors like weather forecasts or shipping data, AI can spot patterns and predict future disruptions. For example, if data shows that steel prices tend to spike in late summer due to European demand cycles, or that shipping congestion is increasing in Rotterdam, AI can flag this in advance. This will allow Irish procurement teams to lock in prices earlier, switch suppliers or resequence projects to avoid costly delays.
SMARTER SUPPLIER SELECTION
AI isn’t just about forecasting prices. It also helps contractors evaluate suppliers more intelligently. Algorithms can weigh not just cost, but reliability, speed, ESG credentials, and historical performance. This matters in Ireland, where sustainability is becoming a central requirement in public tenders. A supplier who offers slightly higher costs but lower
Paul Lynch is the CEO at 8020 Consulting. carbon emissions may prove the smarter choice in the long run, and AI makes it easier to see those trade-offs clearly.
WHAT-IF SCENARIOS FOR BETTER PLANNING
Another powerful tool is AI’s ability to run scenario simulations. Let’s say a shipment of precast concrete panels is delayed by two weeks. What does that mean for labour scheduling, crane hire, and delivery dates? AI can run through those scenarios and suggest optimal adjustments, whether that’s resequencing tasks, negotiating penalty clauses, or allocating resources differently. Instead of reacting when the problem hits, project leaders can plan ahead and mitigate risk.
A MORE PREDICTABLE FUTURE
The net effect is greater stability in an otherwise volatile environment. Irish contractors can move away from firefighting problems and towards proactive procurement. Developers gain more certainty in budgets and timelines. Clients see fewer delays and cost overruns. And the industry as a whole becomes more resilient in the face of global shocks.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR IRELAND’S CONSTRUCTION FUTURE
These aren’t abstract ideas. They are tools already being deployed on projects around the world and increasingly here in Ireland. Some of the larger contractors and engineering consultancies are piloting AI-powered safety monitoring and procurement platforms, while technology providers are tailoring solutions to the needs of mid-sized firms. The question isn’t whether AI will become part of construction in Ireland, it’s how quickly companies will adopt it. Those
who move early will not only gain an edge in efficiency and risk management, they’ll also build stronger reputations with clients, regulators, and workers. Consider three key benefits for Ireland’s industry: 1. Safer sites mean fewer tragedies. Reducing accidents isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting lives and families. AI makes that achievable in ways traditional methods can’t. 2. Smarter procurement means better margins. In a sector where profit margins can be razor-thin, stabilising material costs and delivery schedules can be the difference between winning and losing future work. 3. A reputation for innovation builds trust. Public and private clients alike are looking for contractors who can deliver reliably. Firms that embrace AI signal that they are forward-thinking, resilient, and capable of managing complex projects.
FINAL THOUGHTS: FROM CONCEPT TO REAL BENEFITS
It’s easy to dismiss AI as just another industry buzzword. But when you strip away the hype, what you’re left with is a set of practical tools that solve very real problems for Irish construction. Safer sites. More predictable supply chains. Reduced delays. Stronger compliance. Higher client trust. The technology is already here - and it’s getting more accessible every year. The real challenge now lies with industry leaders: Are you ready to build smarter, safer, and more resilient businesses with AI at the core? Because in an industry defined by risk, those who learn to manage it better will be the ones who thrive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul Lynch is the CEO at 8020 Consulting, where he advises business leaders on digital transformation and the strategic adoption of artificial intelligence. With a background in offsite construction, Paul brings a practical, data-driven approach to helping organisations navigate disruption, comply with evolving regulations, and capture measurable value from emerging technologies. He has a particular focus on AI in highly regulated sectors, including construction, where he works with clients to build sustainable capability and competitive advantage. To learn more, visit www.8020consulting.ie or email Paul at Paul@8020consulting.ie
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OPINION
Clarifying the parameters of adjudication in Ireland By Ciaran Williams and Chloe Marriner, Squire Patton Boggs
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he High Court’s judgment in Connaughton v Timber Frame Projects Ltd provides guidance on the scope of Ireland’s statutory adjudication framework under the Construction Contracts Act 2013 (Construction Act). Statutory adjudication is growing in popularity in Ireland as a construction dispute resolution mechanism. This decision underscores that the “pay now, argue later” principle applies strictly to payment disputes, as defined by the Construction Act, and provides guidance in the context of claims based on common law termination.
BACKGROUND
This dispute arose from a bespoke contract between Albert Connaughton (Employer) and Timber Frame Projects Ltd (Contractor) concerning the design, supply and erection of a timber frame extension to an existing dwelling. The contract lacked the typical provisions governing termination payments present in standard form construction contracts. The Employer made payments of approximately €125,000, including booking deposit and scheduled instalments. After construction ceased at ground floor stage, purportedly due to repudiatory breach and delays beyond the set deadline (16 August 2024), the Employer terminated the contract and then commenced adjudication, seeking repayment of all sums paid plus consequential losses and damages exceeding €224,000. The adjudicator ruled in favour of the Employer, who subsequently brought court proceedings to enforce the decision. The Contractor resisted enforcement on the following grounds: 1. The statutory adjudication regime does not permit referral of common law damages claims following repudiatory termination, and is confined strictly to disputes “relating to payment” under the contract 2. The fairness of the adjudication procedure and whether statutory procedural requirements had been followed, and 3. Illegality because the unauthorised development rendered the contract void or unenforceable.
JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES
Central to the judgment was interpretation
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Court precedent (Quinn v Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Ltd), the Court found the contract lawful on its face and capable of lawful performance, subject to planning permission compliance. The Court emphasised that breaches of planning control attract their own enforcement regime under the Planning and Development Act 2000, without necessitating contract invalidation.
PRACTICAL LESSONS
Ciaran Williams, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs. of section 6 of the Construction Act, which states that adjudication only applies to disputes “relating to payment.” The Court reaffirmed that this phrase acts as a statutory gatekeeper, limiting adjudication to disputes arising from contractual payment obligations provided for in the contract. By contrast, claims seeking common law damages – as in this case, arising from termination for repudiatory breach – fall outside the statutory adjudication regime. The bespoke contract did not provide for any payment upon termination; the Employer’s claims rested on common law principles, including restitution and loss of bargain, which the Court held were not amenable to adjudication. The adjudicator’s jurisdiction was thus exceeded, rendering the decision null and unenforceable.
PROCEDURAL FAIRNESS
The Court dismissed claims that the adjudicator breached fair procedures, noting the 28-day period stated in the Construction Act, which can be extended by the referring party or by agreement. The Contractor’s failure to deliver submissions within deadlines and absence from the adjudication process entitled the adjudicator to proceed and decide on the available evidence. This approach ensures procedural fairness without replicating the complexities of litigation or arbitration.
ILLEGALITY DEFENCE
Allegations that the contract was unenforceable due to unauthorised demolition without planning permission were rejected. Drawing upon Supreme
The Connaughton decision is a timely reminder that: • Adjudication jurisdiction is strictly confined to payment disputes as defined by the contract and statute, and parties cannot reframe damage claims as payment disputes; • Clear, comprehensive contractual drafting, particularly concerning payments on termination, is essential to avoid jurisdictional uncertainty; • The expedited adjudication timeline demands diligent and prompt engagement from parties; • Illegality defences grounded in potential breaches of statutory regimes require careful analysis and rarely justify contract unenforceability.
CONCLUSION
Connaughton solidifies the parameters of Ireland’s statutory adjudication framework, reinforcing its role as an efficient mechanism expressly for payment disputes arising under construction contracts. The judgment cautions parties to respect these limits and ensure their contracts and dispute strategies are aligned with the statutory scheme. The judgment highlights the importance of a well-drafted construction contract, particularly when using bespoke contracts rather than standard forms. As adjudication case law continues to grow in Ireland, Connaughton will serve as a leading authority on the interpretation of payment disputes under the Construction Act and navigating the confines of statutory adjudication effectively. As part of a global law firm, Squire Patton Boggs Ireland offers specialised corporate and transactional legal services, particularly M&A, private equity and foreign direct investment, with local Irish tax, real estate, construction and employment law expertise.
S E C TO R F O C U S
Sprint to Success: UCD Professional Academy launches Skill Sprints Offering at 2025 LEAD Forum
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CD Professional Academy announced the launch of its new Skill Sprints initiative at its annual LEAD Forum recently, an event designed to inspire and empower learning & development (L&D) leaders, HR professionals, and senior managers across sectors. The Skill Sprints are a series of short, focused development programmes aimed at equipping participants with the practical skills and mindset needed to excel in today’s fast-evolving professional landscape. The initiative reflects UCD Professional Academy’s continued commitment to fostering lifelong learning, leadership excellence, and high performance. Former Irish rugby captain and leadership advocate Paul O’Connell delivered the keynote address, sharing insights on the importance of a growth mindset, building high-performing teams, and sustaining inspiration and resilience in challenging environments. Drawing on his experiences both on and off the field, O’Connell encouraged attendees to embrace continuous learning and collaboration as key ingredients
for personal and organisational success. Speaking at the launch, John Delves, CEO, UCD Professional Academy, said, “The Skill Sprints are designed to help individuals and organisations strengthen their leadership and strategic capabilities in a practical, accessible way. In today’s rapidly changing world of work, professionals are under increasing pressure to adapt, lead, and deliver impact faster than ever. “They respond directly to that need, offering short, focused, and high-impact learning that fits around busy schedules while delivering immediate, measurable value. Each sprint is built to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping participants with the tools, mindset, and confidence to perform at their best in realworld contexts. We aim to help organisations future-proof their teams and build the leadership and agility needed to succeed in an evolving business landscape.” The Skill Sprints cover a broad range of in-demand topics, from AI and digital productivity to leadership, resilience, communication, and talent development. Offering fast, practical learning designed to
John Delves, CEO, UCD Professional Academy, and Paul O’Connell, former Ireland rugby captain. help professionals and organisations perform at their best. The Skill Sprints form part of UCD Professional Academy’s broader mission to support professional development and innovation, offering programmes tailored to current and emerging challenges across industries. For more information about the Skill Sprints, visit www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy
Minister applauds Jones Engineering apprentices as Luke Crowley shines at WorldSkills
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ones Engineering has congratulated Luke Crowley on his outstanding performance at the WorldSkills Ireland Competition, held at the RDS in Dublin in September. Luke, who qualified as an electrician in June, competed in the Industrial Control category, which tested competitors across four key disciplines: containment installation, wiring and panel building, PLC programming, and fault finding and diagnostics. His dedication and skill saw him advance through the preliminary rounds at Munster Technological University earlier
this year, where he excelled in Industrial Automation, and on to the finals at the RDS. Out of the many entrants nationwide, Luke was one of only five of the highestscoring students to reach the final stage. His achievement is a testament to his commitment, technical ability, and the strength of apprenticeship pathways in Ireland. During the event, James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, visited the Jones Engineering stand. The Minister engaged with Jones’ team, discussing the
Jones Engineering team pictured with Minister Lawless (l to r): Jamie Copps, Electrical Apprentice; Shawna Cahoon, Electrical Apprentice; Minister James Lawless; Declan Quinn, Labour Manager; Simon Watson, Team Development; and Carmel Walsh, Chief People Officer.
innovative training pathways available and expressing his interest in visiting their apprentice centre in Carlow to see first-hand the way they nurture generations of young talent. The visit highlighted Jones Engineering’s deep investment in apprenticeships and graduate programmes. With over 300 apprentices and more than 150 graduate engineers currently employed, the company continues to provide exceptional opportunities for early-career professionals to build rewarding futures in mechanical and electrical engineering. Carmel Walsh, Chief People Officer of Jones Engineering, remarked, “We are immensely proud of Luke’s success at WorldSkills Ireland. His journey reflects the quality of training, mentorship, and talent development that continues to strengthen our sector. Competitions like WorldSkills showcase the best of Ireland’s young tradespeople, and Luke’s achievement demonstrates the bright future ahead for engineering and construction.” WorldSkills Ireland highlights the importance of early career pathways such as apprenticeships in building the next generation of talent.
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S E C TO R F O C U S
Build Digital Annual Conference 2025: Robert Moore, Project Lead, Build Digital; Denise Tuffy, Director, Specialist Contracting, CIF; Paul Keogh, Industry Lead, Build Digital; Dr Clare Eriksson, Project Director, Build Digital; PJ Rudden, Chairperson, Construction Sector Group Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup.
Accelerating Infrastructure Delivery – Digitalisation should not be delayed Build Digital partnered with Construction Cluster Ireland (CCI) to present the Build Digital Annual Conference “Accelerating Infrastructure Delivery Through Digital Adoption” on October 09 2025, in Galway.
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he importance of digital adoption in enhancing infrastructure delivery was the key focus at this year’s Build Digital annual conference. Speakers from industry and academia within the construction and built environment sectors in Ireland presented their insights on digital workflows and processes and their role in powering infrastructure delivery in Ireland. The key message from this conference was ‘Digitalisation should not be delayed’. Digitalisation has the potential to facilitate the delivery of all-important infrastructure projects in Ireland. Aside from the
(L to r) Mary Ryan, Operations and Communications Lead, Build Digital; Dr Clare Eriksson, Project Director, Build Digital; and Robert Moore, Project Lead, Build Digital.
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productivity benefits, a key driver for digital adoption is the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) BIM (Building Information Modelling) requirements, also known as the Irish BIM Mandate. The consensus from the conference: attaining efficient and effective information management is a complex but critical undertaking, requiring time and resource investment from the top down in organisations. Build Digital is providing supports to enable smoother and faster compliance with the Irish BIM Mandate. Leadership and collaboration are critically important when driving the adoption of digital processes and workflows. Digitalisation has
(L-r): Stephen Lynam, Infrastructure Division, DPENDR; Robert Moore, Project Lead, Build Digital; Dr Clare Eriksson, Project Director, Build Digital; David O’Brien, Infrastructure Division, DPENDR; PJ Rudden, Chairperson, Construction Sector Group Innovation and Digital Adoption Subgroup; James Shaw, Infrastructure Division, DPENDR.
S E C TO R F O C U S
Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment Emer Higgins opens the Build Digital Annual Conference 2025 via video. the power to improve accuracy, increase productivity, and support increased competitiveness for construction and built environment projects both nationally and internationally. Other benefits of digitalisation include an accurate definition of project information, such as cost control, sustainability measures and delivery time. Digitalisation is much more than buying software and implementing 3D modelling; it’s a smarter way of working that will improve and streamline knowledge sharing. Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment Emer Higgins opened the conference by addressing the importance of adopting digital practices and workflows. “We all know the scale of the challenge before us. Ireland’s population is growing, our economy is expanding, and our communities urgently need new housing, transport, and social infrastructure. Meeting that demand requires us to build more, and to do so more efficiently, sustainably, and transparently. That is not an easy task — but it is precisely where digitalisation comes in. The theme of ‘Accelerating Development through Digital Adoption’ is particularly relevant to the work of my department, and to government as a whole, where increased investment and faster delivery of infrastructure remain a key priority.” The day began with a focus on delivering the National Development Plan (NDP) throughout the Atlantic Economic Corridor. Pressures such as population growth and a lack of skilled workers have resulted in an urgent need for investment and efficient development within communities in the west of Ireland. Speakers noted that in order to realise the ambitions of Project Ireland 2040, leadership and collaboration must be leveraged as they are
Dr Oluwasegun Seriki, Construction Cluster Ireland, speaks at the Build Digital Annual Conference 2025.
Dr Clare Eriksson, Project Director, Build Digital, speaks at the Build Digital Annual Conference 2025. critical enablers. A compelling panel discussion followed, where the importance of information management roles and senior member buy-in was highlighted. Emphasis was placed on collaboration with academia and local authorities for the supply chain. The west of Ireland was highlighted as an example of the opportunity that exists outside of Dublin. Conference attendees were presented with insights from members of Build Digital’s three public client task groups. The task groups cover areas such as national infrastructure, local infrastructure, and housing, and each group presented their current areas of focus, regional context and future plans. Challenges varied for each, but the importance of information sharing, collaboration and fostering a culture of openness between departments and faculties was highlighted by each. The conference concluded with presentations from Build Digital’s partners from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) ATU, MTU, SETU, TU Dublin and UCD. A showcase of the deliverables from the three Build Digital Hubs, Digi Adopt, Digi Implement and Digi Innovate was followed by a panel discussion with Build Digital Operation and Communication Lead, Mary Ryan. Learn more about Build Digital and access digitalisation supports on the Build Digital website: www.builddigitalproject.ie/exchange Have your say on the Construction and Built Environment Industries in Ireland, take part in the Build Digital Survey 2025: www.builddigitalproject.ie/2025-annual-survey
John Daly, Northern and Western Regional Assembly, hosts a panel discussion with Elizabeth Fanning, Galway City Council; Mark Costello, Tetra Tech, RPS Consulting UK & Ireland; Karen Ronan, Galway Chamber; and James Shaw, Infrastructure Division, DPENDR.
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S E C TO R F O C U S
Kirby joins the ranks of bestmanaged companies in Ireland
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irby Group Engineering has been named as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies - a prestigious programme run by Deloitte. The listing recognises businesses from across the island of Ireland, spanning the retail and hospitality sectors, as well as manufacturing and construction. Kirby is a family-founded firm based in Limerick with operations across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, the Nordics, and South Africa. It employs over 1,900 people and provides full mechanical and electrical contracting services as well as specialist high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) design and construction services. Its clients include several global IT leaders and span various sectors, including data centres, life sciences, industrial, and power and renewables. To earn a place for this the first time among this year’s Best Managed Companies, the Kirby team underwent a rigorous selection process. The business was assessed under the pillars of sustainability,
The Kirby Group Engineering team and at the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Ireland Awards. innovation, culture, and governance, and was officially unveiled as a new addition to the list at a ceremony in Dublin. Other first-time winners this year were
Suir Engineering, Actavo Group, Dixon International Logistics, Marcon Fit-Out, Nostra Technologies, Ohk Energy, and Specialist Group.
Lorraine Wrafter appointed Chairperson of Circal
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Lorraine Wrafter, Chairperson, Circal; and Bill Sadlier, CEO, Circal.
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ircal, a leading Irish developer of large-scale solar and energy storage projects, has announced the appointment of Lorraine Wrafter as its Chairperson. The company has a combined capacity of 4.5 GW in active projects in Ireland and the USA. New developments include two projects, with a combined capacity of approximately 500MW, located near OpenAI and Oracle’s Stargate Data Centre in Texas. Additionally, two significant solar farm projects, with a combined capacity of 315MW, are currently in the planning process, spanning the Co Limerick and Co Kerry borders, as well as separately in Co Meath. Lorraine Wrafter is a non-executive director and chartered director with over 30 years of experience in global organisations with a proven track record in governance and organisational transformation. Her experience spans agriculture, financial markets, food, FMCG, industrials, and renewables, from start-ups to mature businesses with roles in Belgium, Ireland, the UK, Switzerland, and the USA. Bill Sadlier, Chief Executive, Circal, stated that Lorraine Wrafter’s extensive experience across global organisations and diverse markets will bring a wealth of insight and strategic expertise to Circal’s operations and growth plans. “We welcome Lorraine to our board, where her extensive cross-industry business acumen will be invaluable as we accelerate our ambitious growth plans to scale and deliver large-scale clean energy renewable solar projects across Ireland, Europe and the US.”
S E C TO R F O C U S
NSAI MMC Certification ‘Toolkit’ published
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killnet MMC Accelerate, the national initiative from Skillnet Ireland in partnership with the Construction IT Alliance (CitA), has announced that access to the new National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) MMC Toolkit is available through its online platform, skillnetmmcaccelerate.ie. The Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform provides construction companies with education and upskilling resources in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to support the accelerated adoption of MMC in Ireland. Dr Alan Hore, Co-Founder and Director of CitA, and Programme Lead of Skillnet MMC Accelerate, said, “We are pleased to be able to promote the NSAI MMC Toolkit on the Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform. The NSAI MMC Toolkit offers a comprehensive, accessible review of the Agrément certification process that helps MMC innovators bring products to market with confidence, ensuring compliance and building trust across the construction sector.” Eoin McDonnell, Head of Strategic Programmes, Skillnet Ireland, said, “MMC are critical to the future of Ireland’s construction sector - enabling faster delivery, higher quality, and more sustainable building. Skillnet MMC Accelerate supports this transition by opening up access to training and upskilling, while also providing essential industry resources such as the NSAI MMC Toolkit. The Toolkit, in particular, is a practical guide for companies adopting MMC, helping them embed best practice and meet standards with confidence.”
NSAI MMC TOOLKIT
The NSAI MMC Toolkit aims to help Irish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) prepare for the MMC Agrément certification process. The Agrément certification process is specifically designed for new building materials, products, and processes that lack a long history of use and for which published national standards do not yet exist.
Dr Alan Hore, Co-Founder and Director, CitA.
NSAI
Martin Searson, Head of MMC, NSAI, said, “An initiative of the NSAI, the MMC Toolkit provides clear pathways around how to achieve MMC Agrément certification of innovative building systems. NSAI is delighted to support access to this Toolkit through the Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform. NSAI wants to support even more Irish SMEs and overseas Offsite Manufacturers to achieve MMC Agrément certification. By using the new MMC Toolkit and achieving certification, their businesses can be empowered to succeed in the Irish marketplace.” The NSAI MMC Toolkit offers a range of critical resources, including details about certification; FAQs on documentation, timelines and costs; Agrément application forms; and information about industry organisations. The Toolkit also includes a self-assessment questionnaire to help firms determine if they are ready to apply for NSAI certification.
NSAI MMC DEPARTMENT
NSAI’s dedicated MMC Department developed the MMC Toolkit with the support of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. This was completed in conjunction with the policies and documents published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. It is aligned to the aims of Ireland’s Housing for All plan to deliver an annual target of 50,500 homes. Skillnet MMC Accelerate was designated in this MMC Skills Action Plan as partners supporting the dissemination of the NSAI MMC Toolkit. To access the MMC Certification ‘Toolkit’, visit www.nsai.ie/certification/agrementcertification/modern-methods-of-constructioncertification/mmc-toolkit/ or scan the QR code
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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
Build with Wood Conference - From policy to practice Coillte and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) recently brought over 200 national and international experts together from the timber and construction industries, the scientific community, and government departments to discuss and promote increasing the use of wood in construction.
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elegates at the ‘Build with Wood Conference’ in Wicklow were told that timber will play a significant role in building sustainable homes and make a significant contribution to achieving our national climate targets The Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy Rae, TD, addressed the delegates at the third Build with Wood conference, which was moderated by architect and broadcaster Dermot Bannon at Beyond the Trees, Avondale, Co Wicklow. Minister Healy Rae announced plans to establish a new Timber Knowledge Development and Innovation facility co-funded by the DAFM, which will be co-ordinated by Enterprise Ireland, to drive expertise, research, and innovation in the use of timber across the construction sector. Support for the establishment of this new facility is a key recommendation of the Timber in Construction Steering Group, which builds on the work of DAFM, COFORD and Enterprise Ireland since the first Build with Wood Conference in 2022. The steering group determined that this facility will play a key role in supporting the transition towards more sustainable building practices. Focusing on the need for regulatory change, the steering group highlighted the urgency of developing national specifications and supporting frameworks to facilitate the greater use of timber in construction in compliance with the Building Regulations. In addition, it called for the integration of carbon targets and performance metrics within the public procurement processes. Together, these measures will create the conditions necessary to accelerate the safe, compliant, and widespread use of timber in construction. This year’s conference built on the momentum from the previous conferences, exploring the carbon benefits of using more wood in construction and the key government and industry actions needed to achieve this. The Timber in Construction Steering group was established to examine the regulatory challenges and changes to building standards required to increase the use of timber in construction. The steering group will shortly publish its report, in which it will make a series of
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Confernce speakers, (l to r): Brian Byrne, ClearyDoyle Construction; Kirsten Haggart, Waugh Thistleton Architects; Eoin O’Loughlin, Arup; Lee Corcoran, Arup; Imelda Hurley, CEO, Coillte; Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Michael Healy Rae; Cathal Campbell, Glenfort Timber Engineering; Ronan O’Byrne, Arup; John Casey, Cora Consulting engineers, Des O Toole, Coillte; and Prof. J Owen Lewis, Timber in Construction Steering Group. recommendations to promote and facilitate greater use of wood in construction in Ireland. Adopting more timber in Ireland’s built environment offers a clear pathway to meeting embodied carbon reduction targets, while unlocking the environmental and economic benefits already realised across Europe, where timber construction is a more widely accepted form of building. Speaking at the conference, Minister of State Healy Rae said, “By fostering greater use of wood in construction, we have an opportunity to both contribute to solving Ireland’s housing crisis, and to do it in a more sustainable way. We have a lot of catching up to do with the rest of Europe in terms of the amount of wood we use in construction, and we need to seize this opportunity without delay. I applaud the work of my own department in establishing the Timber in Construction Steering Group and the role of industry in supporting its work, and I look forward to the imminent publication of the final report, which will be submitted to the government in the coming weeks. “I’m pleased to announce that one of the key recommendations supports the establishment of a Timber Knowledge Development and Innovation facility as a permanent, cross-sector centre of excellence to support market and product research,
development and innovation for industry. I believe this will contribute greatly to the practical advancement of the use of sustainably grown timber in construction in Ireland.” Imelda Hurley, CEO, Coillte, said, “In the three years since this conference was established, we have moved from spotlighting the opportunity for Ireland to scale up timber in construction to collaboration between government and industry, and, today, to moving the debate from policy to practice.” Major themes from the Build with Wood conference included: Timber: Towards the Next Building Revolution Demonstrating the Potential for Homegrown in Timber Frame – Coillte SDCC Timber in Construction Housing Project Exemplar Regulatory Update – Developing Guidance for Timber in Ireland Modelling Timber Use and the Carbon Impact Decarbonising Construction – What Next for Homegrown Timber Use? Timber in Construction Steering Group – Next Steps: Prof. J Owen Lewis, Chair, Timber in Construction Steering Group Supply Chain Representatives Panel, Discussion – From Policy to Practice Grower
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
Cleary Doyle delivering Ireland’s flagship “Homegrown Timber Frame Housing Project”
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leary Doyle is the main contractor for the innovative Deansrath Melrose development in Clondalkin, Dublin, a design and build project for South Dublin County Council (SDCC). This flagship initiative involves the construction of 27 age-friendly homes and a community room, along with associated open spaces and all necessary site works. The project, launched in June 2025, is a groundbreaking collaboration between SDCC and Coillte, centred on the unique “Homegrown Timber Frame Housing Project”. As the main contractor, ClearyDoyle is integral to realising the vision of using low-carbon, homegrown Irish timber to construct the housing. This commitment directly supports sustainable construction, reduces carbon emissions, and helps Ireland meet its climate targets. The Deansrath Melrose development demonstrates the potential of utilising Irishgrown timber in mainstream residential construction. The homes are being built to high A1 BER energy efficiency standards using modern off-site timber frame construction methods. The timber frame structures and locally sourced timber are supplied by DTE Manufacturing Ltd, part of Glennon Brothers, which highlights a powerful, fully integrated domestic supply
Brian Lawlor, South Dublin County Councillor; Mark Carlin, Managing Director, Coillte; Michael Healy Rae, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture; Baby Pereppadan, Mayor, South Dublin County Council; James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Colm Ward, Chief Executive, South Dublin County Council; and John P Doyle, Joint Managing Director, ClearyDoyle. chain - from forest to front door. Commenting on the project, John P Doyle, Joint Managing Director, ClearyDoyle, said, “We are delighted to have been appointed on this groundbreaking project. The team is fully aware of the significance of the development. “By undertaking this project, ClearyDoyle is contributing to a model for future sustainable developments, simultaneously
supporting local jobs and the Irish economy while reducing reliance on imported building materials.” The successful delivery of the Deansrath Melrose development will pave the way for increased use of homegrown timber in Irish construction, showcasing the strength of innovation, sustainability, and strong domestic supply chains.
Sensori awarded ‘Carbon Reduce Certification’
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Declan O’Connor, Head of Quality and Compliance, Sensori.
ission-critical data centre, MEP services and facilities management provider Sensori has been awarded ‘Carbon Reduce Certification’ from the internationally recognised Achilles Toitu Carbon Reduce Programme. Achieving this certification marks a significant milestone in Sensori’s sustainability journey and reflects months of dedicated effort across the business. For several years, Sensori has been monitoring its emissions, but this verified certification process has provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the company’s emissions sources and environmental impact, establish a clear framework for setting and tracking annual carbon reduction targets and ensure all emissions data is accurate, transparent, and independently verified. The verified data will now contribute to the Sisk Group’s overall sustainability reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Declan O’Connor, Head of Quality and Compliance, Sensori, commented, “As an organisation, we are committed to operating in a sustainable manner. Achieving this Carbon Reduce Certification shows that we’re committed to measuring and understanding our emissions and reducing our environmental impact. This certification complements our existing ISO 14001 Environmental Management and ISO 50001 Energy Management certifications. By utilising these frameworks, we have a solid foundation to build upon our efforts.” The Achilles Toitu Carbon Reduce Programme is a globally recognised programme that provides independent verification of an organisation’s carbon footprint and its ongoing commitment to reducing emissions in line with best practice.
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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
We need to talk about Commercial Retrofit EAMONN SHEILS, Programme Manager for Commercial Retrofit at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), outlines the challenge of Ireland’s commercial and public sector legacy building stock and introduces the new, simplified Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS), designed specifically to help SMEs and other commercial entities achieve energy efficiency through a rapid, applicant-centric approval process. THE CHALLENGE
Retrofitting Ireland’s commercial building stock is a significant challenge. Without a dramatic increase in activity, we will not reach our national energy targets. At the SEAI, we are fully committed to driving this change. However, we recognise that we cannot deliver it alone. To maximise impact, we know it’s not enough to simply promote retrofit solutions. We must collaborate across sectors and engage meaningfully with every level of the supply chain. Feedback, partnership, and practical support are essential.
A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Full disclosure: In nearly 20 years as a mechanical and electrical consultant, I was never involved in a project that applied for an SEAI grant. On the rare occasion one was mentioned, I wasn’t exactly a vocal advocate. Why? Two main reasons. First, M&E consultants often bore the brunt of additional scope, like grant applications, without corresponding fees. Second, the grant process was perceived as complex and risky. If it didn’t work out, blame was shared. It wasn’t a win-win scenario.
THINGS ARE NEVER THAT SIMPLE
Joining SEAI changed my simplistic view. I saw firsthand that there was a lot of great work being done by people who were driven to achieve our national targets. Nevertheless, I could also see how the reputation around commercial grants had been formed. The existing ‘Support Scheme for Renewal Heat (SSRH)’ and ‘Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED)’ schemes were highly impactful and attractive for projects of a certain size that had the right level of expertise on the client side to navigate the process. Given that these schemes accepted bespoke solutions in terms of projects and technologies, each application needs to be assessed on an individual basis. So, a certain amount of lead time is inherent in the process.
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In the newly arranged suite of business grants, these are referred to as tailored supports. In the time since joining SEAI, I have witnessed significant improvements made to these schemes to make them more accessible and practical to the realities of the commercial sector. Unfortunately, in the absence of a more suitable scheme, many smaller SMEs naturally went for these tailored solutions. Without the necessary expertise and time on their side, the process proved difficult for many and perpetuated the view of the grants processes not being fit for purpose. In fact, these schemes were never really meant for this cohort. SEAI recognised the need for a grant application process designed for the realities of SMEs, one that respects their time and economic pressures. To address this gap, the role of Programme Manager for Commercial Retrofit at SEAI was created. And that’s how I came to write this article!
THE BUSINESS ENERGY UPGRADES SCHEME
The goal, quite simply, was to create a new scheme that was conscious of the realities of a small to medium-sized business. I’ll spare you the very interesting but extended development stage and just fast-forward to the outcome. The Business Energy Upgrades Scheme was created. Graphic 1 on page 45 outlines the principles that shaped the scheme, each designed to address the barriers SMEs face in pursuing energy upgrades. Once we addressed this cohort’s needs, we found that the scheme suited smaller public sector organisations, charities and other groups who are also eligible applicants.
HOLISTIC PHASED APPROACH
To support SMEs, to move towards the larger project of electrification of heat, it’s essential to provide a range of measures with varying levels of commitment, whether in terms of cost or business disruption. Discussions in the commercial sector
Eamonn Sheils, Programme Manager for Commercial Retrofit, SEAI. often focused on solar photovoltaic (PV) and heat pumps. While both technologies play a vital part in achieving national targets, they do not provide a complete, practical, or economic solution on their own. Solar PV is relatively low-cost and simple to install. It contributes to carbon reduction but does not improve energy efficiency or reduce fossil fuel use in the building. Heat pumps, on the other hand, present a more complex challenge. Barriers include capital costs, uncertainty around the transfer from fossil fuel to electricity or limited technical understanding. To address these issues, the Business Energy Upgrades Scheme includes a broad range of technologies designed to improve energy efficiency and make a positive impact on businesses’ bottom line. SEAI’s Easy Wins campaign was launched earlier this year to raise awareness of the various grants and supports available to SMEs. This approach of promoting and rewarding progression and not just completion is not only a better way of helping a small business but is, in fact, the optimum way that all building renovations should be approached. Graphic 2 illustrates this ethos of gradual,
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y Graphic 1.
holistic progression using the scheme and the benefits to the applicant as they move through the process.
promote the grant as part of their offering, similar to the PV industry.
JUST START!
The application process is fully automated, including grant approval. An application only takes a few minutes, with the process typically requiring only five or fewer project-specific details to be provided. Grants are immediately calculated live on the portal once data is entered under a specific measure. Once submitted, the applicant receives an automated Letter of Offer (LOO) and their proposed contractor
Every business has a different starting position, and we wanted to facilitate rather than dictate how an applicant approaches their progression. While Graphic 3 on page 46 shows a general progression through measures, there is no requirement to follow a specific order. The full suite of measures is available to all applicants, regardless of their starting point. Design Assistance and BMS Optimisation provides support in creating a roadmap and optimising existing systems, resulting in immediate and potentially significant savings. The energy efficiency measures involving traditional technologies, such as heat recovery, fan and pump technologies, building management systems, and solar thermal, offer impactful improvements. Wall and roof fabric upgrades are also available where required, but the benefits of these need to be considered on a caseby-case basis. In commercial settings, the fabric-first approach is more nuanced due to longer payback periods. Finally, heat pumps are offered across all common technologies, including split and variable refrigerant flow/volume systems. The distinct grants for each technology allow manufacturers and contractors to
“The application process is fully automated, including grant approval. An application only takes a few minutes, with the process typically requiring only five or fewer project-specific details to be provided.“
RAPID APPROVAL
a Letter of Nomination (LON). They are then free to commence the work, obviously ensuring all parties are aware of their requirements under the scheme in order to receive grant payment on completion.
APPLICANT CENTRIC
Placing the applicant at the centre of the Graphic 2.
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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y and complementary documentation are designed to allow an applicant to take on this role. This approach also benefits the supply chain. Design teams and contractors typically need to invest little or no extra time if a project is applying for BEUS funding. Like that of the applicants, stakeholder guidance documentation is clear and concise, but must be read and understood to ensure compliance.
Graphic 3.
CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION
A significant portion of the commercial supply chain has not previously engaged with SEAI grant schemes. To broaden participation, applicants can simply enter the contractor’s name and contact details during the application process. They will still receive a Letter of Offer based on this information. To maintain quality standards across the scheme, the contractor and their qualified installer for the related measures will need to register before the applicant submits a request for payment on completion of the works.
LOOKING FORWARD
scheme, responsible for the application and payment process and allowing them to select their own contractor, is a fundamental aspect of the scheme. They are the ones with the most to gain and are most impacted by the work, so the scheme should
allow them to be in control at all these junctures in the project. All aspects of the scheme consider that the applicant may have no previous knowledge of the scheme or the related technology. The website, application portal
Graphic 4.
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The reality is that with the release of the amended EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive), the time will come when enforcement, rather than just encouragement, will become part of the method of progression to our goals. The best way to minimise the impact of these changes is to start working towards compliance now. So far, the reaction to the format for the rapid approval grants schemes (NonDomestic Microgen and BEUS) suggests we are closer to aligning with what is needed for engagement and action by SMEs. There is always room for improvement. I encourage you to take a little time to review the material around this scheme and promote it wherever you can to prospective clients. If you find issues or opportunities for enhancements, we would especially like to hear from you. Further articles will follow in the coming months to detail specific measures under the Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS). In the meantime, please feel free to send any queries you have to the email address below, and we will do our best to assist you. Programme Contact Points. Email: businessupgrades@seai.ie Rapid Approval Grants Website: www.seai.ie/grants/businessgrants/ rapidapproval Easy Wins Campaign: www.seai.ie/easywins SEAI Application Portal: www.mgen.seai.ie
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
Building sector seeks clearer policy and support to hit climate targets LENNY ANTONELLI, #BuildingLife Project Manager, Irish Green Building Council, writes about a major new IGBC report which finds that while the construction sector is eager to tackle its significant role in reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions, it is being held back by a lack of clear guidance, regulatory challenges and resources—especially for SMEs.
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he building industry wants to act on the climate crisis but needs support, clear guidance and practical regulations. This is the message of a major new report, ‘Building A Zero Carbon Ireland: Industry Insights & Actions’, that the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) launched as part of its World Green Building Week programme in September. You can read the report at www.buildingazerocarbonireland.ie, where you will also find practical case studies and simple, ‘first step’ actions that anyone in the industry can take.
IRELAND’S CARBON EMISSIONS
Construction and the built environment are responsible for 37% of Ireland’s carbon emissions, the highest-emitting sector, alongside agriculture. Two-thirds of these are operational emissions from heating, lighting, cooling and powering our buildings. Onethird are embodied emissions associated with construction, maintenance, and demolition, including the extraction, processing, and transportation of building materials.
BUILDING A ZERO CARBON IRELAND
In 2022, the Irish Green Building Council published ‘Building A Zero Carbon Ireland’, our roadmap to decarbonise Ireland’s built environment across its whole life cycle – both operational and embodied emissions. While operational emissions are on a downward trend, we risk blowing our climate targets if businessas-usual continues, due to the projected increase in embodied emissions up to 2030, as the volume of construction grows and these emissions remain unregulated. The roadmap contains recommended actions and timelines for the government, local authorities and 11 different sectors of the building industry. Last year, IGBC published our first-ever policy scorecard to report on how the government and local authorities are progressing against the roadmap. This year, we wanted to ask how the industry is faring. But we also wanted to learn about the challenges the industry is facing, and what support it needs. Over the past year, IGBC has had one-to-one conversations with 96 different organisations working in the industry and held eight focus groups to gain a better insight into where the industry stands. We’ve summarised our findings at www. buildingazerocarbonireland.ie.
THE INDUSTRY IS WILLING TO ACT
The key takeaway from the report is that the industry wants to act – most organisations we spoke to want to do more to reduce their carbon emissions. Some have ambitious action plans and are already taking big steps, while others are just getting started. But critical barriers remain. Many cited regulations that restrict the use of timber in taller buildings (eg, TGD B) as a key barrier in reducing the carbon footprint of their projects. Others said that the cost of decarbonisation – both in terms of staff resources and training, as well as the price of lower-carbon materials – is a challenge. During these conversations, it became clear that SMEs are
Lenny Antonelli, #BuildingLife Project Manager, Irish Green Building Council. struggling most with decarbonisation – they are more likely to lack the resources needed to understand policy and regulation, to evaluate their own carbon footprints, and to invest in taking action. More than anyone, SMEs need guidance and support.
TIME TO REGULATE LIFE CYCLE CARBON
During these conversations, other interesting themes emerged. Perhaps the most encouraging is that many organisations want a clear, ambitious timetable for the regulation of embodied carbon. Under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the life cycle global warming potential (ie, whole-life carbon) of all buildings must be measured from 2030, when the first limits will also be introduced. But many of those we spoke to want a more ambitious timetable, and large developers are already measuring and limiting life cycle carbon. There is no reason for the government not to be more ambitious than the EPBD timetable. Another key theme was that collaboration on carbon reduction isn’t happening effectively on projects. Because carbon often isn’t discussed from the earliest stages of a build, opportunities for carbon reduction are missed. As an industry, we need to develop tools and processes to facilitate earlier and better collaboration around carbon emissions. One way we could reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment is by reusing or repurposing buildings and materials – but we found that the link between circularity and life cycle carbon emissions is not widely appreciated. Circularity is seen as being about waste, rather than an opportunity to reduce emissions.
TAKE ACTION NOW
As well as the industry-wide findings above, the report contains specific findings, recommended actions and practical case studies
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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
(L to r): Lenny Antonelli, Project Manager, IGBC; Eoin Joy, Chief Property Officer, Iconic Offices; Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council; and Pat Barry, CEO, IGBC; launching the ‘Building A Zero Carbon Ireland: Industry Insights & Actions’ report at The Masonry, Dublin 8. for six specific sectors - developers, building owners, architects, contractors, product manufacturers and suppliers, and social housing providers. We are still engaging with five further sectors – engineers, planners, facility managers, valuers and surveyors. If you work in one of these areas and want to help our research, please contact lenny@igbc.ie. The challenge of tackling the climate crisis can feel overwhelming, as can the volume of regulation, policy and guidance that we have to grapple with (in fact, one of the most common requests we heard during our conversations was for simple, short, clear guidance on key sustainability and regulatory
topics), but you don’t have to do it alone. Building A Zero Carbon Ireland: Industry Insights & Actions contains simple, clear, ‘first step’ actions that anyone in the industry can take right now - just go to www.buildingazerocarbonireland. ie and find the page for your sector. When it comes to carbon emissions, it’s impossible to do everything at once, but we can all start with a single, small step. Turn to page 18 to read our interview with Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council, where she discusses sustainability in a global construction context.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE IGBC’S ‘BUILDING A ZERO CARBON IRELAND: INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & ACTIONS’ REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICYMAKERS REGULATION • •
Introduce a clear and ambitious timetable for regulating life cycle carbon emissions. Update key regulations (e.g., TGDs B & D) to facilitate rapid uptake of lowcarbon materials.
POLICY •
•
•
Put sustainability at the heart of public procurement and thoroughly implement existing green public procurement policies. Support the industry to embrace circularity, for example, through physical and digital infrastructure (e.g., digital product passports and material exchange platforms). Strengthen the electricity grid to
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enable lower-carbon manufacturing of construction products and decarbonised building sites. Prioritise electricity uses that support decarbonisation.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INDUSTRY BODIES RESEARCH & EDUCATION •
• •
Produce short, simple, targeted guidance on critical pieces of regulation, key sustainability concepts and examples of good practice. Disseminate the concept of life cycle costing and its relationship to lowcarbon construction more widely. Research the carbon performance of different forms of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and disseminate the results to industry.
• •
Develop a clear, agreed definition of net zero carbon for the industry to work towards. Develop guidance and tools to make Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) the norm on projects.
TOOLS & PROCESSES •
•
Scale a collaborative, design for performance approach to sustainability into all construction projects, building upon the work completed as part of projects such as Design for Performance (RIAI & IGBC). Prioritise education around Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to help the industry understand these documents and how to utilise them in specification.
EVENTS
Celebrating Excellence: CIOB Ireland Awards shine at Croke Park
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ublin’s Croke Park played host to the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB’s) dedicated awards ceremony for Ireland and Northern Ireland. Scores of prestigious industry awards were presented to individuals and teams making a significant impact in the sector, including Team of the Year, Open Recognition, and the coveted Rising Star award. Among the evening’s winners and recognised individuals were: Joanne White, Open Recognition Award Winner – From Co Monaghan, Joanne is the founder of Women in Construction Ireland (WICI), an independent consultancy organisation promoting gender equality within the construction industry. Her initiative helps contractors and companies recruit, retain, and support female employees, addressing skills shortages while creating a more inclusive workforce. WICI also supports women and students aspiring to pursue careers in construction. CPAC Modular, Team of the Year Winner – Based in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, CPAC Modular delivered the country’s first permanent modular school at Lucan in Dublin. The school spans 3,600 square metres over two floors and features 24 classrooms, as well as a library, recreational space, and a special education needs wing. Faye Kennedy, Rising Star Winner – From Butlerstown, Co Waterford, Faye is a project engineer at Sanofi and an active member of the CIOB community. As a Tomorrow’s Leaders Champion, she represented CIOB at the Girls in Engineering and Construction
Summer Camp at Atlantic Technological University, Sligo. Faye also earned the CIOB Excellence Award for her exceptional academic performance in the BSc (Hons) in Construction Management & Engineering programme at South East Technological University.
Joanne White, Women in Construction Ireland, Open Recognition Award winner, receives her award.
Guaranteed Irish House members call for an increase in the pace of planning and utilities connections
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he Guaranteed Irish Construction Forum 2025, sponsored by Kingspan, held under the theme “Built in Ireland, Powered by Purpose: Connecting Construction, Facilities, and Energy,” brought together voices from across the construction, facilities management, and
energy sectors to address the challenges and opportunities facing Ireland’s built environment. The forum was opened by Minister of State John Cummins, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, with special responsibility for Planning &
Guaranteed Irish Construction Forum (L to r): Orlaith Blaney, Executive Director, Communications & Corporate Affairs, Uisce Éireann; Dan Twomey, Managing Director, Cork Builder Providers; Sarah Carey, Columnist, Irish Independent; Minister John Cummins, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage with special responsibility for Planning & Local Government; Brid O’ Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish; Cathal Coen, Commercial Director, Kingspan; and Micheal Hynes, CEO, Evara.
Local Government, Members of the panel included Orlaith Blaney, Executive Director Uisce Éireann; Michael Hynes, CEO, Evara; Dan Twomey, MD, Cork Builder Providers; and Cathal Coen, Commercial Director, Kingspan Insulation; with chairing duties falling to Sarah Carey of The Irish Independent. Opening the Forum, Minister Cummins said, “I know there has been some comment on this topic [Rezoning] in the public space. I understand that without sufficient zoned land in the sector, we simply won’t have a pipeline going forward. So I want to be very clear here this morning, we won’t tolerate anything other than an ambitious, forwardlooking approach to zoning by each local authority across this country.” He added, “Any additional measures that have to be taken will be taken in relation to this matter.” The panel discussed a range of topics, including extension on zoning, viability of apartments, capacity at Uisce Éireann, time delays with ESB connections and the urgent need for an increased pace in planning. Guaranteed Irish House members are a trusted ecosystem of licensed businesses in the construction sector operating in Ireland and supporting each other in their supply chain.
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EVENTS
IJM Timber Engineering celebrates 60 years of excellence with community and industry
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JM Timber Engineering celebrated its 60th anniversary in September, marking six decades of innovation, growth, and partnership. The milestone was honoured with a special evening at the picturesque Castle Leslie Estate, where IJM welcomed many of Ireland’s leading house builders, suppliers, and partners to recognise their vital role in the company’s journey. The celebration was a reflection of IJM’s deep appreciation for the relationships that have helped shape its success. Guests enjoyed a warm and festive atmosphere, with heartfelt speeches and shared memories highlighting the company’s evolution from its early days to its current leadership in timber frame construction. Earlier this summer, IJM hosted a familyfocused celebration at Monaghan Rugby Club—an organisation the company proudly sponsors. Employees and their families came together for a joyful day of food, entertainment, and community spirit. Today, IJM employs over 250 people directly across its Monaghan and Dundalk facilities, with an additional 120
subcontractors working on site. The Dundalk facility is now entering its final phase of development, with operations steadily scaling toward full production. Looking ahead, IJM has ambitious plans to expand its Monaghan site by 80,000 sq ft on a 4.5-acre plot located opposite its current headquarters. The expansion is expected
to be completed by 2026, reinforcing IJM’s commitment to growth and long-term investment in the region. As IJM embarks on its next chapter, the company remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and building strong partnerships—values that have defined its legacy for 60 years.
EIFI Awards celebrate national and local successes
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he recent Electrical Industries Federation of Ireland (EIFI) Awards presentations in Croke Park marked a major day of celebration and an opportunity to acknowledge excellence across the electrical supply chain. The objective of the awards is to acknowledge, reward and promote industry best practice across all sectors of the industry, from product manufacture and distribution through to installation and project completion. There was a category for each of the market segments represented by the EIFI membership – AECI, AEW, ECA, EMDA, LAI and NECI – in addition to the President’s Award, the Apprentice of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. There were a significant number of entries which made the role of the judges extremely difficult. However, after a rigorous assessment process, a winner and two highly commended submissions were selected in each category. Details are as follows.
Highly Commended: MGF Electrical; and Monaghan Electrical EMDA Manufacturer/Distributor of the Year: Hager Highly Commended: Ansell Lighting; and RS Ireland (Radionics) LAI Manufacturer/Distributor of the Year: AP Haslam Highly Commended: Ovia Ireland; and Fantasy Lights Group President’s Award: Mick Guinee Lifetime Achievement Award: Kevin O’Reilly.
The award winners were as follows: Apprentice of the Year: Adam Bourke (Thomas Kenny & Co) Highly Commended: Kevin Guinea (H&F Electrical); and Ciaran O’Dwyer (KN Electrical) Innovative Product of the Year: PV Inline by Weidmüller (AP Haslam) Highly Commended: Enhanced Vega Consumer Unit (Hager); and HARBOUR EXPRESS (ROBUS) AECI Contractor of the Year: H&F Electrical Contractors Highly Commended: Thomas Kenny & Co; and CW Electric ECA Contractor of the Year: King & Moffatt Building Services Highly-Commended: Designer Group; and STS Group AEW Wholesaler of the Year: Kellihers Electrical (Ballymount Branch)
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Awards compere Marty Morrissey with Mark Guinee, recipient of the EIFI President’s Award.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Panasonic strengthens refrigeration leadership with launch of iCORE CO2 range across Europe
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anasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions has announced the European availability of its iCORE range of CO₂ condensing units, underscoring its position as a global leader in commercial refrigeration solutions and meeting the evolving needs of operators across Europe. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Panasonic’s production and sales of CO2 condensing units in Japan. Since pioneering this field, Panasonic has built a formidable legacy that now benefits the European market, where CO2 condensing units are still a relatively recent innovation. As of September 2025, Panasonic has successfully installed more than 5,500 CO2-condensing units across Europe - a testament to the company’s pledge to sustainable, cutting-edge solutions and to growing market confidence. The iCORE range is Panasonic’s most extensive and versatile commercial refrigeration range to date and represents its commitment to advancing natural refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies. Optimised for R744 (CO2), a refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of just 1, iCORE provides customers with a sustainable alternative to high-GWP refrigerants. The range offers one of the widest capacity selections available: up to 29 kW for medium temperature applications and up to 15 kW for low temperature requirements. This ensures suitability for diverse commercial environments, including supermarkets, retail stores, the HoReCa sector, gas stations, and cold storage facilities, where reliability and efficiency are increasingly critical. With the Ecodesign framework and F-Gas regulations reshaping
Panasonic iCORE range of CO2 condensing units.
the industry, Panasonic is at the forefront of enabling the transition to natural refrigerants. The iCORE range helps customers comply with the EU’s 2030 GWP limits, which mandate a GWP below 150 for new stationary refrigeration systems, whilst unlocking lower operating costs through year-round energy efficiency. Panasonic delivers not only the most extensive CO2 condensing unit portfolio on the market, but also solutions aligned with trends in the industry: decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
KORE Insulation becomes first Irish company to achieve accredited greenhouse gas verification from EcoVerify
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coVerify, Ireland’s first Irish-owned and accredited greenhouse gas (GHG) validation and verification body, has awarded the country’s first accredited GHG verification to KORE Insulation, a leading manufacturer of high-performance insulation solutions. The verification was presented by Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who commended the achievement as a model for Irish industry. Based in Cavan, KORE has become the first Irish company to receive a positive verification for its 2023 and 2024 GHG inventories under EcoVerify’s accreditation. This recognition confirms that
(L to r), Caroline Ashe Brady, Commercial Director, KORE Insulation, EcoVerify; Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and Laura Mora, Managing Director, EcoVerify.
KORE’s climate reporting meets internationally recognised standards for accuracy, transparency and accountability. KORE’s science-aligned Net Zero pathway has also been independently validated by EcoVerify, marking one of the strongest demonstrations to date of genuine commitment to Ireland’s climate goals and the transition to Net Zero. Laura Mora, Managing Director, EcoVerify, said: “We are delighted to award KORE Insulation this verification, a first in Ireland with this level of strictness. This achievement highlights KORE’s leadership in climate accountability within the construction sector and reflects the growing demand for credible, independent assurance of greenhouse gas reporting and Net Zero commitments.” Minister Burke commented: “Many Irish businesses are now demonstrating that sustainability is good for business. It’s great to see KORE Insulation achieve this level of climate action reporting, to have it verified by another Irish business, EcoVerify, and accredited to a world-leading standard. Government, businesses, and society are all working towards a shared target of net zero emissions, and I’m delighted to see Irish companies like these leading the way.” KORE Insulation’s achievement provides independent assurance to clients, regulators and stakeholders that the company operates to the highest international standards of climate accountability. The milestone also marks a broader shift in Ireland’s construction sector, which is increasingly leading the way in measurable, verified progress towards NetZero. The assessment, recently completed, was carried out under the EcoVerify Greenhouse Gas Programme, in line with ISO 14064-1 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate and Value Chain Standards – globally recognised frameworks for accurate and transparent GHG measurement and reporting.
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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Renewable technology distributor Segen expands into the Irish market
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egen Ltd, the UK’s largest distributor of renewable energy technologies, has announced a major expansion of its operation in the Republic of Ireland. This strategic move positions Segen as a key player in the country’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, offering customers one of the largest ranges of solar and storage solutions available nationwide. Irish installers, contractors and local authorities now have access to nearly 800 products from leading global manufacturers, supporting faster deployment of renewable energy infrastructure and advancing energy independence for end-customers throughout the country. ROI customers will have access to advanced energy storage systems from Anker SOLIX, Fox ESS, Dyness, Sunsynk and Solis; high-performance solar panels and inverters from Solis; and a range of robust, reliable mounting solutions from leading brands such as Renusol, Solarport, and Schletter. With this full suite of premium products, Irish installers will have access to everything they need to support a wide range of residential and commercial projects. To accommodate its expansive product portfolio, Segen has established a high-capacity 808-pallet warehouse in Dublin, operated by Crane Worldwide Logistics. This facility is designed to improve product availability and accelerate delivery times, offering free sameday afternoon collection for orders placed before 1 pm, and next-day delivery to 90% of ROI via trusted logistics provider JMC. Supported by a dedicated team of local technical and sales experts, Segen’s Irish operation will also deliver tailored support aligned with national
regulations and project requirements. Spencer Conday, Managing Director, Segen UK & Ireland, commented, “Our goal is to establish Segen as a leading distributor of renewable energy technologies in Ireland. Our promise is simple: to provide industry-leading products, unmatched technical support, and reliable local service that customers can count on.” To support customers in ROI, Segen is providing access to the Segen Online Portal, a comprehensive platform offering real-time pricing, live product availability, technical documentation, system design tools, and more. To learn more, visit www.segen.ie
Grundfos launches next generation of TPE3 inline pumps
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rundfos has launched its next-generation TPE3 inline pumps. The new range now includes uniform models from 0.25 to 22 kW, delivering the highest-ever energy efficiency in the industry. The new TPE3 pumps feature highly efficient MGE motors with maximum IE5 energy efficiency, which, when combined with improved hydraulics and intelligent functions, significantly reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and overall life cycle costs for customers. The expanded range simplifies selection and commissioning, making it easier than ever for planners and installers to use a single pump model for a wider variety of applications. All TPE3 models come with an integrated Bluetooth LE interface that offers real-time communication with the Grundfos GO app. This provides a simple, dialogue-guided commissioning process and convenient access to settings, real-time data, and intelligent functions, such as AutoAdapt, FlowAdapt, or flow imitation. The pumps also feature a softCIM for Modbus RTU board and physical slots for other communication protocols that can be seamlessly integrated into various systems, including cloud solutions.
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