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Irish Engineering Industry Blogs

October 16, 2026

• DBFL Phibsborough Shopping Centre
  The post Phibsborough Shopping Centre appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

• DBFL Meath Street Public Realm Improvement Scheme Progress
  The post Meath Street Public Realm Improvement Scheme Progress appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

• Flame Stop Fire Stopping Remediation Ireland: Your Survey Found Defects. What Happens Next?

  A compartmentation survey has identified defective fire stopping in your building. The report is now in the hands of the Owners’ Management Company (OMC), facilities manager or building owner, and decisions are needed about assessment, priorities and repairs.

  Some findings may be straightforward. Others involve concealed construction, mixed building services or penetrations that have been altered repeatedly over the building’s lifetime.

  The natural response is to obtain quotations and start closing out the defects.

  But a list of defects is not always a complete specification for the work needed to correct them.

  Before remediation begins, the findings need to be understood, any urgent concerns addressed and the proposed repairs assessed against the construction that is actually present.

  What Happens When a Fire Compartmentation Survey Identifies Defects?

  A compartmentation survey identifies weaknesses or suspected weaknesses in the fire-resisting construction intended to restrict the spread of fire and smoke. Once defects are recorded, the building owner needs to arrange competent assessment, determine appropriate actions and establish a suitable remediation programme.

  A survey may identify unsealed service penetrations, damaged fire stopping, missing or unsuitable penetration seals, gaps at compartment junctions or areas where the condition of the fire barrier cannot be confirmed.

  A visible gap around a service passing through a protected escape route may require different consideration from a defect elsewhere in the building. An inaccessible penetration may need further investigation before anyone can determine whether the existing installation is suitable.

  The report should provide a basis for those decisions, although it may not answer every question about the required repair. Its scope also matters. A survey based on accessible areas and visual inspection cannot necessarily establish the condition of concealed construction throughout a building.

  Understanding what a fire stopping survey involves is useful when reviewing the findings and deciding whether further investigation is needed.

  Receiving the report is the beginning of the remediation process. Obtaining a quotation does not, by itself, establish that every defect has been properly understood.

  Why Should Identified Fire Stopping Defects Be Assessed Promptly?

  Defective fire stopping may compromise the performance of compartment walls and floors, allowing fire or smoke to spread beyond the area in which it starts. The consequences depend on the building and the nature of the defect, but postponing assessment leaves an identified weakness unresolved.

  Passive fire protection is rarely noticed during ordinary building use. It sits behind ceilings, within risers, around pipework and cable containment, and at junctions between construction elements.

  A compartment wall is intended to provide a specified level of fire resistance. Where services pass through that wall, the penetration needs an appropriate fire stopping arrangement so the intended performance is maintained.

  If the opening is inadequately sealed, the compartment boundary may not perform as intended.

  That does not mean every defect will result in a catastrophic failure. Fire safety depends on multiple measures, and the significance of individual findings requires competent assessment. It does mean that an identified weakness deserves a proportionate response, including consideration of any necessary interim precautions.

  Delay can also make the eventual work more difficult.

  Consider an apartment development where a survey identifies defects in several communal risers. If repairs are assessed before a planned services upgrade, the work may be coordinated with that programme. If additional services are installed first, the penetrations may become more congested and existing seals may be disturbed.

  Further alterations can reduce access to areas that were previously straightforward to inspect or repair.

  Early action does not guarantee lower remediation costs. It does, however, provide an opportunity to investigate the findings, establish priorities and coordinate the necessary work before further changes complicate the installed condition.

  How Should Building Owners Assess Fire Compartmentation Defects Before Repairs Begin?

  Before commissioning repairs, the survey findings should be reviewed by appropriately competent professionals against the building’s fire strategy, the affected construction and the conditions recorded on site. This helps establish which defects can be specified for repair and which require further investigation.

  Consider a service riser in an apartment development built in the early 2000s.

  The survey identifies several penetrations through compartment floors. Some have visible gaps around pipework. Others contain older sealing materials, additional cables and services installed after the original construction.

  The report may identify the locations and describe the apparent defects, but the appropriate remediation detail can depend on matters that are not immediately visible.

  The floor construction, opening dimensions, service types, insulation and available access all affect what can be installed.

  In some cases, an existing seal may need to be removed to establish the underlying condition. In others, further investigation may be necessary before a suitable tested system can be selected.

  These conditions also explain why service riser fire risks deserve particular attention in buildings that have undergone repeated alterations.

  A contractor should not simply fill the visible gap and assume the compartment has been restored.

  The objective is to establish a suitable fire stopping arrangement for what has actually been built.

  Can Every Fire Stopping Defect Be Repaired Using the Same System?

  No. Fire stopping systems must be suitable for the particular construction, services and installation conditions. A detail appropriate for a metallic pipe through a rigid wall may not be suitable for a mixed-service penetration through a plasterboard partition or a floor containing insulated pipework.

  The proposed system must be assessed as a complete arrangement. The supporting construction, opening dimensions, service materials, insulation and separation distances can all affect suitability.

  The presence of several services within one opening does not automatically mean that a particular repair is appropriate. The proposed detail needs to be supported by relevant technical evidence and capable of being installed under the conditions present.

  Selecting a familiar product is not a substitute for establishing whether the complete installation is suitable.

  Who Decides Which Fire Stopping Defects Should Be Addressed First?

  The order of remediation should follow a competent assessment of the defects, the building’s fire strategy, occupancy and relevant risks. A building owner or OMC should not assume that the largest visible opening is necessarily the most significant finding or that every defect carries the same urgency.

  A survey may identify defects in protected corridors, service risers, plant areas and compartment boundaries between different occupancies.

  A relatively small opening in an important fire-resisting boundary may warrant prompt attention. A larger opening elsewhere may require a different response depending on its location, function and the wider fire safety arrangements.

  The client’s fire consultant or other appropriately competent professional should help determine the appropriate priorities and whether interim precautions are needed.

  For the building owner, an agreed sequence provides a reasoned basis for deciding what requires immediate attention, what needs further investigation and how the remaining works should be programmed.

  It also gives an OMC or managing agent a clearer basis for explaining the proposed works to residents and apartment owners.

  What Affects Fire Stopping Remediation Costs?

  Fire stopping remediation costs depend on the number and type of defects, the construction involved, access conditions, required systems and the extent of associated work. Two buildings with similar defect counts can require very different programmes, particularly where penetrations are concealed or services must be coordinated.

  A defect schedule may record 100 penetrations, but that figure alone says relatively little about the likely cost.

  Some openings may be accessible from a communal corridor. Others may be behind finished ceilings, inside occupied apartments or within congested risers.

  A straightforward service penetration through a known wall construction is a different proposition from an opening containing several generations of pipework and cable containment.

  Costs may also be affected by opening up, making good, temporary protection of existing services, access arrangements and coordination with electrical, mechanical or other specialist contractors.

  Where the condition behind a finished surface is unknown, further investigation may be needed before the scope can be priced with reasonable confidence.

  Accurate scoping is therefore important. It allows the client to distinguish the cost of the fire stopping installation itself from the associated work required to reach, prepare and reinstate the affected area.

  How Can Fire Stopping Remediation Be Planned in an Occupied Building?

  Remediation in an occupied apartment building requires planning around residents, communal areas, building services and access to concealed construction. The work must be technically suitable, but it also needs to be organised so that disruption is understood and essential building functions are protected.

  A service riser in a communal corridor may be relatively accessible. A penetration concealed above a ceiling inside an occupied apartment requires a different approach.

  Residents need appropriate notice of access requirements, likely disruption and the areas affected. OMCs and managing agents also need sufficient information to explain the proposed programme and respond to practical concerns.

  The work plan should address:

  • Access to apartments, ceilings and risers: Identify where entry or opening up will be required.
  • Coordination with building services and other contractors: Establish whether existing services need protection, adjustment or specialist attendance.
  • Inspection before completed work is concealed: Allow the relevant parties to review installations while they remain accessible.
  • Reinstatement responsibilities: Confirm who will repair ceilings, enclosures and finishes disturbed by the works.
  • Unexpected concealed conditions: Agree how additional findings will be assessed, authorised and incorporated into the programme.

  These arrangements are particularly important where the initial survey could not establish the full condition of concealed compartment boundaries.

  What Can Go Wrong When Fire Stopping Repairs Are Rushed?

  Rushed remediation can result in unsuitable repair details, incomplete coordination or inadequate records of concealed work. Closing defects quickly is not the same as demonstrating that the required fire-resisting construction has been appropriately reinstated.

  Installation sequence deserves particular attention.

  A penetration may be correctly sealed, inspected and recorded, only for another contractor to introduce an additional cable or pipe through the completed arrangement.

  The original installation may no longer match the detail that was assessed and documented.

  Agree how later service installations will be controlled and how any disturbed fire stopping will be reassessed.

  Where a penetration changes, the project team needs to establish whether the existing arrangement remains suitable or whether a revised detail is required. The resulting work should be inspected and the installation records updated accordingly.

  Without that control, a defect register may show an item as complete even though the condition on site has subsequently changed.

  What Should Be Included in a Fire Stopping Remediation Tender?

  A remediation tender should define the known defects, proposed scope, relevant technical requirements, access arrangements and expectations for inspection and documentation. It should also identify uncertainties that may affect the work, particularly where concealed conditions cannot be fully assessed before opening up.

  For a substantial apartment or commercial building, the tender information may draw on the compartmentation survey, drawings, location schedules and additional investigations.

  The project team should understand which penetrations have sufficient information for a repair to be specified and which remain subject to further assessment.

  Responsibility for associated work should also be clear. If ceilings need to be opened, who reinstates them? If services obstruct the required installation, who coordinates the necessary alterations? How will changes to proposed details be reviewed and recorded?

  These questions directly affect the quotations received.

  If one contractor has allowed for opening up and reinstatement while another has priced only the visible sealing work, the figures are not directly comparable.

  A lower quotation may reflect an efficient method, but it may also exclude work that another contractor has included. Comparing prices without understanding those differences can leave the client facing variations once the project begins.

  Flame Stop’s building analysis, surveys and tender preparation services can assist clients and their appointed consultants in establishing a clearer scope before remediation works are procured.

  Clear tender information will not eliminate every variation, particularly in older buildings. It can reduce avoidable assumptions and make the basis of each quotation easier to assess.

  What Records Should You Receive After Fire Stopping Remediation?

  Remediation records should reflect the work actually completed, including the locations treated, installation details and relevant supporting evidence. This information helps the client review the completed works and gives future maintenance teams a clearer understanding of the fire stopping already in place.

  Photographs can be particularly useful where installations will be concealed behind ceilings, riser enclosures or wall finishes.

  Location references, product information, installation records and appropriate completion documentation should be proportionate to the works and the project’s requirements.

  Flame Stop operates an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and uses industry-specific Boris software to monitor and record works in real time. Its project process includes providing post-contract documentation for clients’ operation and maintenance manuals.

  These systems support the management and recording of works. They do not, by themselves, establish that an individual fire stopping installation complies with the applicable requirements.

  The underlying installation must still be technically suitable and properly completed.

  Years after handover, a facilities manager may need to introduce another service through a compartment wall. Knowing what was installed, where it was installed and how the original detail was formed can help avoid unnecessary disturbance or inappropriate alterations.

  Documentation supports a suitable installation. It does not replace one.

  How Does Fire Stopping Remediation Fit Within Irish Building Regulations?

  Fire stopping remediation should be considered in the context of the applicable Building Regulations, the building’s fire strategy and the nature of the proposed works. The appropriate technical and statutory requirements depend on the building and the circumstances, so individual defects should not be assessed against a generic checklist alone.

  Ireland’s Building Regulations set functional requirements for fire safety. The relevant Technical Guidance Document B provides guidance on ways the applicable requirements may be met.

  The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage identifies Technical Guidance Document B 2024 – Fire Safety, Volume 1, Buildings Other than Dwelling Houses, including its 2026 reprinted edition. Volume 1 concerns buildings other than dwelling houses.

  That does not mean the 2026 edition automatically governs every existing building or every historical installation.

  The applicable requirements and guidance need to be considered in light of the building, the work being undertaken and any relevant transitional arrangements.

  Existing buildings can be particularly difficult to assess because their original construction, subsequent alterations and available records may span different periods.

  A remediation contractor should work from the relevant technical assessment and agreed scope. Responsibility for statutory compliance and professional certification remains with the appropriate parties under the applicable arrangements.

  Where there is uncertainty about the building’s fire strategy or the suitability of a proposed solution, that uncertainty should be resolved before the work is treated as complete.

  What Should an OMC or Facilities Manager Do After Receiving a Defect Report?

  An OMC or facilities manager should establish the scope of the survey, arrange competent assessment of the findings and address any urgent concerns without waiting for the entire remediation programme to be developed. The remaining work can then be investigated, specified, procured and documented.

  A practical sequence is:

  1. Confirm the survey scope. Establish which areas were inspected, which were inaccessible and what remains unknown.
  2. Assess priorities and precautions. Arrange competent review of the findings, including any urgent actions or interim precautions required.
  3. Define the repair scope. Investigate unresolved conditions and establish suitable remediation details for the affected construction and services.
  4. Procure and coordinate the work. Obtain comparable quotations and agree access, associated works, installation sequencing and responsibilities.
  5. Inspect and document completion. Arrange appropriate inspection, confirm the required records are available and complete the handover process.

  The sequence should remain responsive to the findings. Necessary precautions or urgent works should not be delayed simply because investigations or tender preparation for the wider programme are still under way.

  How Can Flame Stop Support Fire Stopping Remediation in Ireland?

  Flame Stop works with building owners, OMCs, facilities managers, fire consultants and project teams on building analysis, surveys, tender preparation and passive fire protection works, including fire stopping, fire dampers and fire door remedial works. Its role can include helping clients understand the practical scope of identified defects, plan the required works and arrange appropriate installation records alongside their appointed consultants. If your survey has identified compartmentation defects, Flame Stop can discuss the findings and the scope of support required. Start with the report, available drawings and any records of previous repairs.

  The post Fire Stopping Remediation Ireland: Your Survey Found Defects. What Happens Next? appeared first on Flame Stop.

October 15, 2026

• Rowan ICCLA 2026 Awards

  Runner-up for Environmental Consultancy of the Year at the ICCLA 2026 Awards! We were delighted to have Rowan recognised at Ireland’s Climate Change Leadership Awards on Friday night at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire. A fantastic evening celebrating the incredible work being done across Ireland to tackle climate change. It was inspiring to hear…

  The post ICCLA 2026 Awards first appeared on Rowan Engineering Consultants.

• Irish Building Magazine Sisk announces two senior appointments

  Sisk has announced two senior appointments from within the business at Managing Director level to help Sisk continue to grow and deliver its strategy.

  Brian Comaskey has been appointed Managing Director of Sisk’s Ireland East business unit. In his new role, Brian will report to Steven McGee, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Sisk Construction division. Diarmuid O’Sullivan has been appointed Managing Director of a newly established Energy Business Unit, where he will report to Leo Martin, COO of the Sisk Infrastructure division.

  Brian’s appointment is an example of the depth of talent within Sisk and recognises his significant contribution and commitment to the business over more than 20 years. Brian first joined Sisk in 2004 as an Engineer, working on a range of Dublin city centre projects across the Residential and Commercial sectors. He subsequently progressed to Contracts Manager, Project Director and since 2022, Regional Director.

  Throughout his career, Brian has played a leading role in the successful delivery of many of Sisk’s flagship projects across a range of sectors including Residential, Commercial and Healthcare. Along the way, he has continuously built strong relationships with clients, partners and teams.

  Brian Comaskey, Managing Director, Ireland East, Sisk said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Managing Director of the Sisk, Ireland East business unit. Having spent 22 years with Sisk, I can see great opportunity for us to grow and develop further in the residential and commercial space in Dublin and play a key role in the overall company strategy in healthcare, energy and infrastructure. I’m looking forward to continuing to build upon existing and new client relationships.”

  Diarmuid O’Sullivan has been appointed as Managing Director of the newly established Sisk Energy Business Unit. Establishing this dedicated business unit represents an important step in re-establishing and growing Sisk’s presence and capability in this sector where Sisk has previously delivered more than €1bn in recent years.

  During his time at Sisk, Diarmuid has led the delivery of complex mission critical programmes across Ireland, Europe and Africa for major international clients. Diarmuid previously led our Data Centre business and played a pivotal role in establishing and growing its capability in Ireland and subsequently across Europe.

  In his new role, he will work closely with the senior leadership teams in each of our Divisions, along with our subsidiary companies Farrans and Sensori as well as our extensive industry design and supply chain partners, bringing together the breadth of capability, expertise and geographic reach that exists in the business. The new Business Unit will form part of the Sisk Infrastructure Division, with Diarmuid reporting to Leo Martin (COO).

  

  Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Energy said: “I am honoured to be celebrating 34 years with Sisk, starting out in 1992 as a Graduate Engineer and progressing through a range of roles to Director for Ireland & Europe in 2020. I am delighted to be taking on this new challenge and proud to be part of this great Sisk team. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunities to enjoy such a varied and rewarding career, working across Ireland, the UK, Europe and Africa to date.

  “The energy transition represents a significant long-term opportunity for Sisk, and I believe we have all the experience and capability needed to become a leading delivery partner for these vital projects. The move towards cleaner and more secure energy is creating exciting opportunities, and establishing this dedicated Business Unit gives us the leadership and focus required to build a sustainable business in this sector.”

  Commenting on the appointments Paul Brown, Sisk CEO said: “Diarmuid’s and Brian’s appointments are great examples of the career opportunities within Sisk. Both have been with the company for many years and have worked their respective way up the ranks.

  “I wish them well in their new roles and both will play a key part in helping us deliver on our growth strategy and to continue to deliver places for future generations.”

  Pictured above: Brian Comaskey and Diarmuid O’Sullivan.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

  The post Sisk announces two senior appointments first appeared on Irish building magazine.

• Irish Building Magazine Framespace and Homely launch new Irish garden home brand Móro

  Framespace and home ownership platform Homely have come together to launch Móro, a new Irish garden home brand developed following the introduction of the new planning exemption for qualifying garden homes.

  Móro has been created to give homeowners a straightforward route to adding a premium, permanent home to their property. The proposition combines Framespace’s experience in residential design, construction, and offsite manufacturing with Homely’s focus in developing consumer-focused pathways to housing and homeownership.

  All Móro homes will be designed, manufactured and installed by Framespace in Longford, using its NSAI Agrément-certified light gauge steel building system. The homes are intended for residential occupation and are designed to comply with all applicable Irish Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations.

  Framespace currently employs 150 staff and is planning to add another 100 employees to its workforce as part of the new joint venture with Homely. The new partnership is being backed by Framespace CEO, Frank Madden, Michael McElligott, a co-founder and Chief Executive of Tetrach Capital and a co-owner of Framespace.

  In July 2026, the Irish Government introduced a significant change to planning regulations, creating a new exemption for detached residential dwellings in the gardens of existing homes. The new rules allow qualifying homeowners to add a self-contained dwelling of between 32 and 45 sq m to the rear of their property without making a planning application, subject to certain conditions. Framespace and Homely believe this change presents an important opportunity to provide families with greater housing choice, accommodate changing household needs and make better use of Ireland’s existing residential land and housing stock.

  

  Potential uses of a Móro home include independent accommodation for adult children or a home for older family members who want to remain close to their families. The changes will also allow homeowners to generate long-term rental income of up to €16,000 per year tax-free, subject to the relevant qualifying conditions.

  Framespace will lead the design, engineering and manufacture of Móro homes, drawing on its expertise in offsite construction. Móro homes will be manufactured in a controlled factory environment, while foundations, drainage and service connections are prepared on site in parallel. This approach significantly reduces on-site construction time and disruption for homeowners.

  Homely has partnered with Framespace to develop the Móro offering, including its brand, sales and customer experience. Best known for its innovative rent-to-own platform, Homely has attracted more than 15,000 applicants seeking alternative pathways to homeownership, providing Móro with an established audience of households looking for more flexible and accessible housing solutions.

  Frank Madden, CEO of Framespace, said, “Modern offsite construction has transformed how we design, engineer and manufacture buildings, allowing us to deliver permanent, high-quality homes with greater precision, quality control and predictability than traditional construction methods.

  “With Móro, the homes are manufactured in our controlled factory environment while foundations and services are prepared on site in parallel. This significantly reduces construction time, disruption and many of the uncertainties associated with conventional building projects.

  “These are not temporary cabins or garden rooms. They are permanent, fully engineered and certified homes, designed to meet the relevant building regulations. The planning changes give us an opportunity to apply our manufacturing expertise to an entirely new part of the Irish housing market, delivering high-quality homes efficiently and at scale.”

  Andrew Lynch, CEO of Homely, said, “Across Ireland, we have hundreds of thousands of people struggling to find a realistic route to having a home of their own, while a significant amount of land within our existing housing stock remains underutilised. For considerably less than the cost of a typical apartment, families could create a completely independent home on land they already own, potentially much faster and with less disruption than a traditional home extension.

  “For adult children, that means having their own front door, their own space and the independence that comes with it, while staying close to family. For older parents, it could mean living independently but close to their children. And for homeowners, it creates an opportunity to generate additional long-term rental income, including into retirement.

  “Through Homely, we’ve already had more than 15,000 applications from people seeking an alternative route to homeownership. Building on our rent-to-own offering, we’re excited to expand our thinking around modern methods of ownership through Móro. We’ve spent decades focusing on how to build more homes, but we also need to rethink how people access and own them. There’s no single solution to Ireland’s housing challenges, and we want to show people there’s more than one way onto the property ladder.”

  Móro homes are manufactured using Framespace’s certified offsite system. Framespace is one of a small number of manufacturers in the country that hold ISO 9001 quality management certification, EN 1090 conformity for structural steel production and Irish Agrément Board Certificate No. 22/0429 for its light gauge steel building system. Móro homes are designed to an A BER standard.

  Pictured above: Frank Madden CEO of Framespace and Andrew Lynch, CEO of Homely at Framespace’s manufacturing facility in Longford.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

  The post Framespace and Homely launch new Irish garden home brand Móro first appeared on Irish building magazine.

October 14, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Cork Builders Providers takes top honour at 2026 Octabuild Awards

  Cork Builders Providers, Togher has been named overall winner of the Octabuild Award for Excellence 2026. The company also secured the Munster Regional Award.

  The awards were presented on 1 October at the Mansion House, Dublin, at a ceremony hosted by broadcaster Jacqui Hurley. More than 350 guests from the builders merchant and construction sectors attended, with guest of honour Minister Jack Chambers TD congratulating the winners and recognising the sector’s contribution to employment, communities and Ireland’s construction industry.

  Selected from four regional winners, Cork Builders Providers impressed judges with its strong leadership, exceptional customer service, product availability and commitment to developing and promoting staff. They also highlighted its continued investment in innovation, digital services and sustainability.

  The expanded 2026 programme introduced awards for sustainability, digital excellence, supporting Irish business and unsung heroes, alongside recognition for emerging talent.

  Guest of honour Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation congratulated the winners and all those recognised at the Awards: ‘Builders merchants play an important role in Ireland’s construction sector, supporting economic activity, employment and communities across the country. These Awards are an opportunity to recognise the businesses and people who contribute to the strength of the sector and its continued development.

  ‘Octabuild’s member companies each have a strong manufacturing base in Ireland, supporting jobs and helping to strengthen the Irish supply chain serving our construction industry. I commend Octabuild for its continued commitment to recognising excellence across the sector and congratulate all of this year’s winners, finalists and everyone who took part.’

  

  Stakelums Home & Hardware, Thurles won both the Sustainable Business Excellence Award and Digital Excellence Award for businesses with 1–5 branches. Chadwicks Robinhood Road received the Digital Excellence Award for businesses with 6+ branches and the Octabuild Supporting Irish Award, sponsored by Guaranteed Irish.

  

  The Rising Star Award went to Sarah Topley of Haldane Fisher Lisburn, while Billy McIvor of Murdock Builders Merchants received the inaugural Unsung Hero Award.

  A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dan Twomey of Cork Builders Providers, honouring his contribution to the sector over almost five decades.

  Octabuild Chairperson Mike Glennon said this year’s awards attracted a record number of entries, reflecting strong engagement from builders merchants across Ireland. He congratulated the winners and acknowledged the effort of every business and individual who took part.

  The independent judging panel comprised Phil Derby, Steve Collinge, Brian McIntyre and Lorraine Higgins.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

  The post Cork Builders Providers takes top honour at 2026 Octabuild Awards first appeared on Irish building magazine.

• Irish Building Magazine Glanua opens Lisbon engineering office to support international growth

  Glanua, a leading Irish engineering group specialising in water, wastewater and environmental infrastructure, has officially opened its Lisbon engineering office, strengthening the Group’s international engineering capability and supporting its continued growth across Ireland, the UK and internationally.

  Established in late 2025, Glanua’s Lisbon operation has expanded rapidly, prompting the company to relocate to a larger, newly established office to accommodate its growing team. More than 20 engineering professionals are now based in Lisbon, providing specialist engineering, design, BIM and digital delivery support to projects across the Glanua Group.

  The team is continuing to grow, with plans to add a further five engineers by the end of 2026 and reach a team of 40 as Lisbon becomes an increasingly important part of Glanua’s wider international engineering network.

  The official opening was attended by Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal, Alberto Cisterna, Enterprise Ireland’s Director for Spain and Portugal, Glanua’s leadership team, local business partners and members of Glanua’s Lisbon team.

  While the opening of the Lisbon office marks an important milestone in Glanua’s international expansion, the company’s connection with Portugal dates back much further. Portuguese engineers and technical professionals have played an important role in Glanua’s development since its early years, contributing specialist expertise to projects across the Group. Portugal’s strong engineering tradition and internationally recognised expertise in water and environmental engineering, together with its highly skilled graduate talent, made Lisbon a natural location for Glanua to establish its engineering hub. The company has also built strong links with Portuguese universities, including NOVA University Lisbon and the University of Lisbon, with graduates joining Glanua and developing their careers within the Group.

  

  Karl Zimmerer, Group Managing Director of Glanua, said: “Portugal has been part of the Glanua story for many years and it is fantastic to see that relationship develop into what we have here today. We have Portuguese engineers who have been part of Glanua for many years, and graduates who joined us at the beginning of their careers and have grown with the business.

  “What makes Lisbon particularly important is that it is becoming an integral part of our wider global engineering team. Bringing together the talent and expertise we have in Portugal with our teams across Ireland, the UK and our other international markets will allow us to deliver even more for our clients as Glanua continues to grow.”

  Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal said,  “The opening of Glanua’s Lisbon office is a welcome demonstration of the growing economic partnership between Ireland and Portugal. Glanua’s investment in Lisbon is an excellent example of how Irish and Portuguese strengths can be combined to deliver sustainable solutions and support future growth.”

  Alberto Cisterna,  Director Spain & Portugal at Enterprise Ireland said, “Glanua’s investment in Lisbon is a strong example of the international ambition we see across Irish companies. By combining its engineering expertise with Portugal’s highly skilled talent base, Glanua is building a strong platform for further international growth. Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support the company as it strengthens its presence in Portugal and continues to scale across international markets”

  The Lisbon expansion is the latest stage in Glanua’s wider international growth strategy.

  Glanua has grown significantly in recent years across Ireland and the UK and has expanded its international footprint through the establishment of its Lisbon engineering hub and its first US office in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

  The Group now employs more than 750 people across Ireland, the UK, Portugal and the US and expects revenue to exceed €200 million in 2026, following revenue of €155 million in 2025.

  Pictured above: Karl Zimmerer, Group Managing Director of Glanua, and Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

  The post Glanua opens Lisbon engineering office to support international growth first appeared on Irish building magazine.

October 13, 2026

• Cleere Project Office A simple approach to self-assess your organisations project management capability
  Having been involved in project management for nearly thirty years, I have seen the benefits good project management can bring to any organisation. Yet I am still struck by how many organisations struggle with the basics, often pointing to a lack of time and resources—the very pressures that good project management can help ease. So […]

October 12, 2026

• DBFL ACEI Annual Golf Competition
  The post ACEI Annual Golf Competition appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

October 11, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Why a waterless trap makes sense for MVHR condensate drainage

  With more MVHR units being installed in attic spaces, Wavin explains why a waterless valve like HepᵥO offers a practical advantage over conventional traps when managing condensate drainage.

  Why does MVHR condensate drainage need particular consideration?

  MVHR systems generate condensate when warm, moisture-laden extract air is cooled as it passes through the heat exchanger, and that condensate needs to be safely drained away.

  Technical Guidance Document F – Ventilation (TGD F), which provides guidance on complying with Part F of the Irish Building Regulations, states that installed heat-recovery units should have condensate drains fitted and the pipe insulated where passing through unheated spaces.

  The particular challenge with MVHR is that condensate production is not constant. During warmer summer periods, when internal and external air temperatures are closer, significantly less condensate may be generated. At the same time, attic temperatures can rise considerably, increasing the risk of the water held in a conventional trap evaporating.

  Why can a traditional U or P trap be a weak point?

  Traditional traps depend on standing water to maintain the seal between the foul drainage system and the MVHR unit.

  Many MVHR units are located in attic spaces, which can become particularly warm during summer. A combination of higher attic temperatures and periods of low condensate flow can mean that the water held within a conventional trap gradually evaporates.

  Once that water seal is lost, foul or contaminated air can travel back through the condensate connection towards the MVHR unit and into the living space.

  There is also a practical maintenance issue. An MVHR unit located out of sight in an attic can easily be forgotten, so a traditional trap that requires checking and refilling may not receive regular attention.

  What makes HepvO such a strong solution?

  Wavin HepᵥO removes the reliance on standing water. Its self-sealing elastomeric membrane opens to allow condensate to discharge and then closes to create an airtight seal.

  There is therefore no water seal to evaporate and no requirement to keep a conventional trap topped up simply to maintain that barrier. For an MVHR unit installed out of sight in an attic, that removes a potential maintenance issue that might otherwise be easily overlooked.

  HepᵥO has also been performance tested under negative-pressure conditions and demonstrated suitability as an air lock for heat-recovery condensate drainage at negative pressures up to -4 kPa.

  What should installers consider?

  Attic installations bring winter considerations too. Any condensate pipe passing through an unheated void or area that could fall below 4°C should be insulated to prevent freezing. Wavin angled adaptors feature a 2.5° angle to help maintain the required fall.

  Wavin HepᵥO can also be installed horizontally or vertically. Where space is restricted, horizontal installation provides a compact option and is usually preferred for maximum space saving.

  Wavin also recommend flushing the valve through before installation. The valve requires a minimum of 50-100mm head of water to open the valve on its first flush, after this first flush, only 15mm of water is required to open the valve, in standard operating conditions.

  Can HepᵥO be used in other condensate applications?

  Yes. Applications include HVAC, air-conditioning, mechanical ventilation, heat-recovery systems, dehumidifiers and condensate drainage from boilers.

  For more information visit Wavin.ie

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

   

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October 07, 2026

• Rowan Mullingar Rugby Club Sponsorship

  Some partnerships just make sense. Rowan is proud to support Mullingar RFC , with our new pitch-side signage now in place. To mark the sponsorship our Environmental and Sustainability Director Ian Douglas, visited the club at the weekend, joined by his two sons, both proud Mullingar players for the club. We’re delighted to support a…

  The post Mullingar Rugby Club Sponsorship first appeared on Rowan Engineering Consultants.

October 06, 2026

• DBFL Meeting TUS students at Athlone Career Fair
  The post Meeting TUS students at Athlone Career Fair appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

October 05, 2026

• Rowan World Mental Health Day

  Sometimes the best ideas start by getting out of your own head. As part of our recent brainstorming day, we were delighted to welcome Fiona Feeley MA Psych, Psychotherapist and founder of Fundamentals Psychotherapy, who gave the team a really engaging session on mental health and wellbeing. With World Mental Health Day coming up, it…

  The post World Mental Health Day first appeared on Rowan Engineering Consultants.

• Irish Building Magazine South West College GRASP symposium puts green skills at heart of net zero future

  South West College’s GRASP Building Net Zero symposium brought education and industry together to discuss sustainable construction and workforce development across Northern Ireland and the Border Regions of Ireland.

  GRASP is a €9.8m PEACEPLUS-funded cross-border initiative led by the college, targeting more than 2,000 participants through 50 accredited Green Skills programmes developed alongside industry.

  Gary Kelly, Founder and Director of Kelly Studio Architects and a South West College Passive House Designer lecturer, said:

  “The move towards high-performance, low-energy buildings is accelerating, and that creates a clear need for people across the construction sector who understand how these principles can be applied effectively in practice.

  “Programmes such as GRASP are important because they connect education directly with the needs of industry. Through courses including the Passive House Designer programme, we can equip people with the technical knowledge and confidence to deliver better-performing buildings and contribute to the transition towards Net Zero.”

  Dr Barry McCarron, Managing Director of KORE Retrofit, said: “For businesses such as KORE Retrofit, having access to a skilled workforce is fundamental to our ability to grow and respond to the scale of retrofit activity ahead. The range of courses being developed through GRASP goes directly to the heart of that challenge, helping to develop skilled operatives and technical professionals with the knowledge industry needs. With new retrofit and sustainability initiatives emerging across Northern Ireland and the Border Regions of Ireland, these programmes will be vital in helping businesses scale up and build the capacity to deliver on both sides of the border.”

  Siobhan Ferguson, Programme Development and Delivery Manager for GRASP at South West College, said: “This symposium was about bringing industry, education and key stakeholders together around a shared challenge: ensuring we have the skills and workforce required to deliver a more sustainable built environment.

  “Through GRASP, we are developing accredited training and strengthening cross-border collaboration, while working directly with industry to ensure our programmes respond to genuine skills needs.”

  

  Presentations covered Passive House design, EnerPHit retrofit and embodied carbon, with discussion of workforce needs, digital technologies and green careers.

  PEACEPLUS is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

  South West College is the lead partner in the nine-organisation GRASP partnership, which brings together education, training, industry and regional partners across Northern Ireland and the Border Regions of Ireland.

  Pictured above: Ciaran McManus, Moira Kelly, JJ O’Hara, Barry Neilson OBE and Leighanne Fay.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

   

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• Irish Building Magazine Strategic Importance of Upskilling for Irish Businesses

  Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has announced Skillnet Ireland research showing 78% of business leaders view upskilling as a strategic priority and critical to future success.

  Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2026, based on an Ipsos B&A survey of 750 business leaders, identifies skilled talent as the most important enabler of success. More than half of companies expect core workforce skills to change within three years, rising to 79% among larger organisations.

  Minister James Lawless said: “The strength of Ireland’s economy has always depended on the talent of our people. As businesses navigate rapid technological change and evolving market demands, investing in skills has never been more important. This research provides a valuable picture of the challenges and opportunities facing Irish enterprises today and reinforces the need to ensure businesses of all sizes can access the skills they need to grow, innovate and thrive in the years ahead.”

  Mark Jordan, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, said: “The findings reinforce a clear message from Irish business leaders that workforce development is now a strategic business imperative. As technologies continue to evolve and industries transform, businesses need access to innovative upskilling opportunities to remain competitive and future ready. Our 73 Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives are working with enterprises of all sizes to build the skills, leadership capabilities and talent required to navigate digital transformation, adopt AI, drive sustainability and respond confidently to future workforce challenges.”

  The report highlights a two-speed digital economy: 41% of companies demonstrate high or very high digital intensity, while most remain at lower levels. Digitally mature businesses are more likely to report changing skills needs.

  Among businesses with very high digital intensity, 82% expect AI to have a significant or transformative impact within two years. However, just 27% of businesses plan AI upskilling in the next year.

  

  A quarter expect more than half their workforce to need sustainability training, down from 33% in 2025. Energy efficiency, policy and regulation, and innovation remain key sustainability capabilities for businesses with over 50 employees.

  Time remains the leading upskilling barrier, cited by 45% of businesses, rising to 51% among SMEs. Half say increased supports and grant funding would encourage greater investment.

  Learning preferences vary, with micro-enterprises favouring e-learning and medium-sized organisations preferring trainer-led, in-house programmes. The findings will inform Skillnet Ireland’s strategy for workforce transformation and building next-generation competitiveness across Irish enterprises.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

  The post Strategic Importance of Upskilling for Irish Businesses first appeared on Irish building magazine.

October 02, 2026

• DBFL Glenamuck Manor, Dublin 18
  The post Glenamuck Manor, Dublin 18 appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

October 01, 2026

• DBFL Munster Technological University Careers Fair
  The post Munster Technological University Careers Fair appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

• Irish Building Magazine James Scullion appointed P McVey Commercial and Finance Director

  Leading Off-Site Construction Company, P McVey Building Systems has appointed James Scullion as Commercial and Finance Director, to help drive its next stage of expansion amid surging demand for off-site construction across the UK and Ireland.

  The appointment comes at a major shift for the industry. Facing persistent traditional build delays, rising material costs and capacity challenges across healthcare and education, public and private sector buyers are increasingly turning toward modular solutions. Having achieved 400% growth over the last five years, P McVey Building Systems is expanding its leadership team to capture a larger share of this growing market.

  Scullion brings two decades of proven commercial acumen from the engineering sector, with extensive experience scaling operations, navigating complex supply chains, and driving growth in high-precision manufacturing environments. His appointment coincides with P McVey Building Systems celebrating 40 years in business. Founded in 1986 by Pat McVey, the family owned firm is working to consolidate its operations into a new, single headquarters to help significantly boost factory capacity.

  

  Adrian McVey, Operations Director said: “The momentum behind modular construction is undeniable. Sector buyers – particularly across health trusts and education boards – need fast track capacity that delivers permanent quality without the disruption, noise, and delays of traditional building sites. As we mark 40 years in business and invest heavily in scaling our manufacturing footprint, bringing James on board is a major win for us. He brings a deep understanding of high-precision engineering and a sharp commercial edge that will be invaluable as we secure major framework contracts and expand our footprint across the UK and Irish markets.”

  James added: “Having watched P McVey Building Systems establish itself as a true leader in off-site manufacturing, I’m thrilled to join the executive team at such an exciting juncture. The transition from heavy engineering to modular construction is a natural one – both industries rely on precision, speed, and exceptional quality control. Off-site construction is no longer a temporary alternative; it is rapidly becoming the primary choice for modern, sustainable infrastructure. My priority will be to build on the firm’s 40 year legacy, sharpen our commercial engine, and deliver seamless, high-value space solutions for our growing client base in Great Britian, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.”

  Established in 1986, P McVey Building Systems is an award-winning off-site modular construction specialist operating across the UK and Ireland. The family-owned business designs, manufactures, and installs high-performance modular facilities for the education, healthcare, and commercial sectors. Operating with a core promise of “100% Results, 0% Disruption,” the firm delivers permanent-quality space solutions up to 50% faster than traditional construction methods.

  Pictured: Directors Mike McVey, James Scullion, and Adrian McVey inside P McVey Building Systems’ manufacturing facility in Toome.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

  The post James Scullion appointed P McVey Commercial and Finance Director first appeared on Irish building magazine.

September 30, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Is the secret to healthier, ultra-efficient homes hidden in the building envelope?

  MEDITE SMARTPLY launches Beyond the Board, a new expert-led video series exploring the challenges shaping the future of construction

  With hotter summers, high energy costs and the Future Homes Standard (FHS) on the horizon, the way homes are designed to balance energy efficiency, resilience and occupant wellbeing is coming under increasing scrutiny. MEDITE SMARTPLY launches Beyond the Board, a new expert-led video series exploring the challenges shaping the future of construction.

  In the first episode of its new Beyond the Board podcast series, MEDITE SMARTPLY brings together industry experts to examine one of the most fundamental elements of building design: the building envelope, and asks: “Is the secret to healthier, ultra-efficient homes hidden in the building envelope?” The discussion comes as the construction industry prepares for the Future Homes Standard, which will come into force from 24th March 2027 for non-higher-risk-building dwellings.

  James Roberts MBE, architectural technologist, certified Passive House designer and Technical Adviser at Lowfield Timber Frames, and Simon Jones, founder and host of the Air Quality Matters podcast, agree that improving fabric performance is not simply a question of adding more insulation or making homes more airtight. As homes become more airtight in pursuit of better energy performance, getting that relationship right becomes increasingly important. A well-designed envelope can help reduce heat loss, manage moisture and support good indoor air quality. Moisture management is another fundamental part of the equation. The challenge, therefore, is to consider the home as a complete system.

  The implications extend beyond energy performance. The conversation also examines one of the construction industry’s persistent challenges: the gap between designed performance and actual performance once a building is completed. Looking further ahead, data-driven analytics and sensors could transform how homes are monitored throughout their lifetimes, measuring factors such as energy performance, humidity and indoor environmental quality.

  Signed, Sealed, Developed: Engineering the Building Envelope for Healthy Homes is the first episode of Beyond the Board, a new podcast-style video series powered by SMARTPLY. Hosted by Roly Ward, Head of Business Development, and David Murray, Head of Technical Affairs & Ireland Sales, MEDITE SMARTPLY, the series will bring together technical specialists and professionals from across construction to explore the practical challenges shaping the future of the industry, from building performance and healthy homes to the skills gap. Full episodes will be available via YouTube and Spotify.

  Watch and listen to the first episode on YouTube.

  MEDITE SMARTPLY is part of the Coillte Group, 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) products for construction and interior applications across the UK and Europe. For further information, visit www.mdfosb.com.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

  The post Is the secret to healthier, ultra-efficient homes hidden in the building envelope? first appeared on Irish building magazine.

• DBFL Ready For Your Next Step – Join DBFL
  The post Ready For Your Next Step – Join DBFL appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

• Irish Building Magazine ICE Awards 2027 – Now OPEN for Entries!

  The search is on for Ireland’s most outstanding construction achievements, as leading organisations across the AEC sector compete for the industry’s highest recognition. The Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2027 (ICE Awards 2027) are now open for entries. The submission deadline is 24 November 2026.

  The ICE Awards, the premier competition for Ireland’s AEC sector, are now inviting companies of all sizes to put their best foot forward for the 2027 season. Each year, the awards recognise the people, projects, companies and products driving innovation, expertise and excellence across the industry.

  Awards Director Colin Walsh says that, year after year, the ICE Awards remain the most sought-after accolade in the sector, owing in no small part to their rigorous assessment process and distinguished judging panel.

  “The ICE Awards is where vision meets execution, celebrating those who go beyond industry standards to redefine them. Bringing together contractors, architects, consultants, engineers, clients and stakeholders, it remains Ireland’s premier platform for recognising performance excellence in construction.”

  The ICE Awards Gala (‘Construction’s Big Night Out’), meanwhile, has become the most attended social fixture on the construction calendar. The 2026 gala, for example, attracted more than 1,300 professionals to the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD).

  Launching the ‘Call for Entries’ at the CCD were first-time judge Joanne White, Women in Construction Ireland (WICI) founder and lecturer in the School of Built Environment at Dundalk IT, and returning judge Mary Flynn, Deputy Manager, Dublin City Council.

  View the launch video here.

  Also joining the panel this year: Eoin Cronin, Property Executive, IDA Ireland; Dermot Durack, Director, HF Ireland; and Gerry O’Sullivan, Law and Safety Consultant.

  

  JUDGES’ INSIGHTS

  According to returning judge Mary Flynn, the judging experience is “very rewarding and very enjoyable”. She particularly values the opportunity to see, up close, the very best that the Irish construction sector has to offer.

  She is also delighted to be involved given that, as she puts it, the ICE Awards are ‘the awards’ in Irish construction and ‘the one everyone wants to win’. “The gala night is the most prestigious event on the calendar, full stop, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. When you win an ICE award, in the eyes of your peers you are at the very top level.” It is also, she says, “one of the most valuable marketing opportunities available.

  “Being named a finalist is a significant achievement, while winning demonstrates that you are among the very best in the country. Both distinctions carry considerable weight, with finalists and winners able to feature their ICE Awards logos in email signatures and across their marketing materials.”

  The event itself is a really nice opportunity for companies and employees to come together with others in the industry, she adds. “They are competitors every other day of the year but at the Awards they’re industry colleagues.”

  

  TOP TIPS

  

  When assessing entries, Mary Flynn looks for clear evidence of innovation, meaningful collaboration and measurable added value. Crucially, that value must extend beyond financial performance to deliver tangible benefits for the project team, the client and the wider community. “A strong entry should demonstrate what the team and client gained from the project—and, wherever possible, the positive impact it had on the community.” There also needs to be a strong emphasis on sustainability.”

  Joanne is particularly keen to understand how applicants approached problem-solving. She encourages entrants to be open about any challenges encountered, detailing how the team responded, the solutions implemented and the successful outcomes achieved. Demonstrating resilience and adaptability can be just as important as presenting the finished result. Drawing on her quantity surveying expertise, Joanne will also pay particular attention to the financial aspects of each entry.

  Her final advice is relevant across all categories: provide clear context and use the questions set by the judges, whether it relates to a project, consultancy, contractor, individual, innovation or health and safety initiative, as she puts it to: “Tell us the whole story.”

  WHY ENTER?

  Reasons to enter the Awards are many and varied, but chief among them is the chance to stand out among Ireland’s leading AEC companies and celebrate the work that you and your employees do. Recognition on this level validates the calibre of your work, strengthens your reputation, and builds trust with clients, partners, and peers.

  The ICE Awards Gala, meanwhile, is the construction industry’s biggest social event of the year, drawing an unrivalled audience and offering exceptional opportunities for networking, idea-sharing, and collaboration. Far more than just an award, it’s a platform to raise your company’s profile, showcase innovation, and highlight your commitment to excellence.

  For your team, taking part in the ICE Awards is a source of pride and motivation, given that it allows them to benchmark their achievements against the very highest standards in the industry, thereby incentivising continuous improvement. It also boosts your employer brand, helping to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.

  Beyond internal benefits, ICE Awards recognition can directly support business development. Independent validation from the awards strengthens client pitches and tender submissions, while benchmarking against the best in the industry provides valuable insights to fuel future innovation and improvement.

  All in all, the ICE Awards are where recognition, relationships, and reputation all come together—making participation an essential opportunity for any company shaping the future of Irish construction.

  SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

  Sponsoring the ICE Awards is a strategic investment that delivers brand recognition, industry credibility, and invaluable networking opportunities.

  •    Brand Visibility: Put your company in front of key decision-makers and influencers across the construction sector.
  •    Industry Leadership: Show your commitment to excellence and innovation by aligning with Ireland’s most prestigious construction awards.
  •    Networking: Gain exclusive and strategic opportunities to connect with clients, partners, and industry leaders through multiple platforms and live events.
  •    Targeted Reach: Engage directly with a focused audience of AEC professionals and stakeholders.
  •    Positive Association: Link your brand with the prestige of the ICE Awards, reinforcing values of quality, innovation, and high standards.

  The ICE Awards Sponsors:

  Gold Sponsors: Sika Ireland, Construction Industry Federation (CIF), NTI Digital Solutions Ireland, Howden,
  Skillnet MMC Accelerate, Dulux Trade, Lumen Search

  Silver Sponsors: Pipelife, Lean Construction Ireland (LCi), Wave Dynamics, CPAS, Irish building magazine.

  The ICE Awards are open to professionals and organisations across the AEC sector in Ireland. The entry submission deadline is 24 November 2026.

  For more information, call the ICE Awards team on 01 2806030, email contact@iceawards.ie, or visit www.iceawards.ie

  This item is an extract from Irish building magazine, read the full interview with the Judges in the latest edition.

  Follow the ICE Awards on Linkedin

   

  The post ICE Awards 2027 – Now OPEN for Entries! first appeared on Irish building magazine.

• Irish Building Magazine Linesight appoints John Butler as CEO

  Linesight, the global construction consultancy, has announced the appointment of John Butler as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2027.

  John will succeed Paul Boylan, who will remain closely involved with Linesight and its clients as Group CEO of IPS-Integrated Project Services, LLC (IPS). Boylan will continue to lead this wider group, encompassing IPS, Linesight and Springtide. Today, the group comprises of more than 4,500 people and generates approximately $2 billion in net revenue, providing multi-sector solutions through its specialist brands.

  Linesight is a global construction consultancy with over 50 years of experience, delivering cost, project controls, programme and project management services across data centres, life sciences, high-tech industrial and commercial sectors.

  The business has scaled significantly under Boylan’s leadership, growing from 20 offices and 700 people in 2021 to 44 offices across 30 countries and more than 2,500 people today. Over that period, Linesight has delivered year-on-year revenue growth of between 15% and 24% and is forecasting continued double-digit growth over the next three years.

  Butler has built a strong track record of international leadership during his 25 years with Linesight, holding roles across the UK, EMEA and APAC. Over the past fifteen years, he has built Linesight’s APAC and Middle East business from a small team to over 600 people across ten offices and eight markets. Today, the region supports Linesight’s largest global clients, including four of the top ten technology companies in the Fortune Global 500, and has delivered more than 200 data centre projects across 15 countries.

  As Linesight enters its next phase of growth, Butler will focus on expanding its global reach, strengthening its capabilities and continuing to build high-performing and diverse teams to meet the evolving needs of clients.

  

  Scott Halyday will succeed Butler as Managing Director, APAC and the GCC, effective 1 January 2027, and join Linesight’s Global Executive team. Based in Singapore, Halyday joined Linesight in 2018 and brings more than 20 years’ experience leading complex programmes and client relationships across APAC and international markets. He will lead a strategically important region for Linesight, spanning eight markets and a diverse client base across data centres, life sciences, high-tech industrial and commercial sectors.

  Paul Boylan, Group CEO of IPS-Integrated Project Services, LLC, said: “I’d like to congratulate John on his appointment as CEO of Linesight. John is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of our business, our people and our clients. He has worked with many of our largest global clients and played a significant role in scaling Linesight across international markets. That depth of knowledge, experience and perspective positions him strongly to lead the business as Linesight enters its next phase. I’m delighted to see him step into the role and look forward to working with him as Group CEO.”

  John Butler, incoming CEO, Linesight said: “I am incredibly proud to be appointed CEO of Linesight. I started my career here as a graduate, and over the years I have seen first-hand the strength of our people, the trust our clients place in us and how far we have come as a global business. I would like to thank Paul for his leadership and the significant contribution he has made to Linesight, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him as Group CEO.

  “Linesight has built a strong reputation through deep expertise and a genuine understanding of our clients’ businesses, and those qualities will continue to define us. As we enter our next phase, we have a significant opportunity to build on what we have achieved, strengthen our capabilities, continue to build high-performing and diverse teams, and extend our reach in the markets where our clients are investing and growing.”

  Pictured above: John Butler and Paul Boylan.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

   

  The post Linesight appoints John Butler as CEO first appeared on Irish building magazine.

• Irish Building Magazine Glanua expands into US as international growth accelerates

  Glanua, a leading Irish engineering company specialising in the design, construction and maintenance of critical water and wastewater infrastructure, has announced its expansion into the United States with the opening of its first US office in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

  The new office, located near Philadelphia, represents the latest stage in a period of significant growth and international expansion for the Galway-headquartered company.

  Glanua has already expanded its operations in Ireland, grown its UK business through acquisitions and organic development, and established an engineering hub in Lisbon. Its entry into the US now gives the company a presence across Ireland, the UK, continental Europe and North America.

  The US business will initially focus on the design of specialist water and wastewater treatment systems for the life sciences, food and beverage manufacturing sectors. Glanua expects the US operation to grow significantly as it establishes its presence in the market, with plans to build a team of over 200 employees over time.

  Glanua is establishing its US presence during a period of significant investment in American pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing facilities. These projects require increasingly complex water and wastewater systems to support production, regulatory compliance, capacity expansion, operational continuity and sustainability.

  Its US design offering will draw on Glanua’s extensive experience in the construction, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants across Ireland, the UK and Europe. This practical experience enables the company’s engineers to design systems that can be built, commissioned and operated effectively.

  

  The US team will be supported by Glanua’s engineering, project delivery and operational specialists in Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe.

  The company, which is being supported by Enterprise Ireland, has appointed Mark McKeever as its US Operations Director. Mr McKeever is an experienced chemical engineer who has worked in business development and project development roles. He brings four years’ experience in global account management, business development and contract support, with a particular focus on the life sciences market. He will initially be joined by a number of Glanua engineers, with local recruitment well underway.

  The opening of the US office comes during a period of strong growth for Glanua. The company employed 545 people at the end of 2025 and has since increased its workforce to more than 750. Mr McKeever became the business’s 750th employee when he joined Glanua in early September.

  Glanua recorded revenue of €155 million in 2025 and expects this to exceed €200 million in 2026. The company has secured an order book valued at approximately €900 million to 2030 and is pursuing a five-year strategic plan to grow annual revenue to €400 million by 2028.

  Karl Zimmerer, Group Managing Director of Glanua, said: “The opening of our first US office is a major milestone for Glanua and reflects the strength of the business we have built in Ireland and internationally. We have expanded significantly in Ireland and the UK and established an engineering hub in Portugal. Our entry into the US is the next step in our international growth journey.

  “The scale of investment in pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing facilities in the US is creating strong demand for specialist water and wastewater engineering expertise. We have developed that expertise through our work on some of Europe’s most complex projects and see a clear opportunity to support clients and engineering partners in the US.

  “Our engineers understand how treatment systems are designed, built, commissioned, operated and optimised. This experience allows us to develop practical solutions that reduce delivery and operational risk for our clients. We are also delighted that Mark McKeever, our first directly employed US team member, became Glanua’s 750th employee when he joined the company. Reaching that milestone demonstrates the pace at which the Group is growing and the opportunities we are creating for engineers and other specialists across our international operations.

  “We are very grateful for the support of Enterprise Ireland as we take this important step into the US market. Their support for our international strategy has been invaluable and we look forward to building on this support as we grow our US team and capabilities.”

  Jenny Melia, CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: “Glanua’s expansion into the US is a strong example of an ambitious Irish company turning deep sector expertise into international scale. Building on its success in Ireland, the UK and Europe, the company is well positioned to capture significant opportunities across lifesciences, advanced manufacturing and specialist water and wastewater infrastructure. Enterprise Ireland is proud to support Glanua as it builds its U.S. presence and continues its international growth.”

  Glanua now operates ten offices and facilities across Ireland, the UK, Portugal and the US. Its international growth strategy is focused on developing teams and capabilities in local markets, supported by the specialist expertise available across the wider company.

  While Glanua’s immediate US focus will be on pharmaceutical, life sciences and food manufacturing projects, the company sees longer-term opportunities across industrial water treatment, water reuse and advanced treatment technologies as manufacturers place greater emphasis on resilience, sustainability and water security.

  Glanua provides complete water, wastewater and bioresource solutions across design, construction, manufacturing, operation and optimisation. Its capabilities include modular and advanced treatment systems, water reuse, biological treatment, chemical dosing, sludge treatment, anaerobic digestion and digital delivery.

  Pictured above: Mark McKeever, Glanua’s first directly employed US team member and the company’s 750th employee, and Karl Zimmerer, Group Managing Director of Glanua, at Glanua’s new office in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

  The post Glanua expands into US as international growth accelerates first appeared on Irish building magazine.

September 29, 2026

• DBFL DBFL Coffee Morning for Hospice
  The post DBFL Coffee Morning for Hospice appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

September 25, 2026

• DBFL Cork Active Travel Scheme
  The post Cork Active Travel Scheme appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

September 24, 2026

• Rowan EPA licensed site? This date needs to be on your radar: 30th November 2026.

  EPA licensed site? This date needs to be on your radar: 30th November 2026. The EPA has issued new Guidance on the Management of Stormwater for Industrial and Waste Licensed Activities, including updated methodologies for calculating stormwater trigger levels. Licensees are required to recalculate their trigger levels and submit trigger level proposals to the EPA…

  The post EPA licensed site? This date needs to be on your radar: 30th November 2026. first appeared on Rowan Engineering Consultants.

September 23, 2026

• DBFL Limerick University Careers Fair
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September 22, 2026

• DBFL DBFL Town Hall
  The post DBFL Town Hall appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

September 21, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine VELUX launches Standard glass rooflight for flat roof projects

  A new mid-range glass rooflight designed to bridge the gap between plastic domes and premium glass.

  The VELUX Standard glass rooflight is built for the middle of the market. Suited to residential renovations, extensions, public buildings and spaces where premium glass is unnecessary and plastic domes feel like a compromise.

  It’s from the same brand installers already trust, comes with the same fit-and-finish expectations — at a price point that makes glass a realistic recommendation rather than an aspirational one.

  For many years, homeowners have been asking installers if there’s an alternative to the plastic dome, and while the answer has been yes, installers have known that the quote for the glass option wouldn’t fit the budget.

  Previously, the two VELUX rooflight options for flat roofs were at either end of the spectrum. At one end, the plastic dome was familiar, easy to fit and priced to suit most jobs. At the other was high-performing, premium glass, positioned at a much higher price point.

  No kerb, no wasted time
  The VELUX Standard glass rooflight doesn’t have a kerb, so there’s less work required around the opening and installations are cleaner and faster. On a two-rooflight project, that can be the difference between finishing the project that day and coming back the next morning.

  Step up in performance
  When compared with a plastic dome, the new Standard glass rooflight delivers an uplift in thermal performance and sound reduction. The glass isn’t premium and it’s not pretending to be — it’s positioned for spaces where the priority is an improvement on the dome without pushing the quote into high-end territory. It’s the upgrade a homeowner notices and mentions to their neighbour, which is how installers pick up their next job.

  An upgrade that’s easy to say yes to
  The VELUX Standard glass rooflight is compatible with the VELUX blind range, so the project discussion doesn’t have to end with the rooflight itself. Homeowners who have opted to switch from plastic to glass are likely to be open to adding blinds. By including them as an option on the initial quote, they can be fitted at the same time as the rooflights, avoiding the need for a separate visit and the additional fitting charge.

  The new flat roof default
  Installers are hearing “more glass, less plastic” and homeowners are being more intentional with their design choices – even on modest extensions.

  The VELUX Standard glass rooflight is now available. Full specifications, compatible blinds and installation information can all be found on the VELUX website.

  It’s worth a look before the next flat roof project — because the default option has changed and the quotes that reflect that will be the ones homeowners say yes to.

  The post VELUX launches Standard glass rooflight for flat roof projects first appeared on Irish building magazine.

• ORS Balancing Heritage and Fire Safety in a Landmark Refurbishment

  Refurbishing a protected building brings a particular challenge: how do you meet modern fire safety requirements while preserving the features that give the building its character?

  Historic and protected buildings require a carefully considered approach to fire safety, balancing modern regulatory requirements with the conservation of significant architectural features. This can involve tailored fire safety strategies, careful integration of fire protection measures and close coordination between fire safety consultants, architects, contractors and conservation specialists. Considering these requirements early helps inform how fire safety measures can be incorporated into the wider refurbishment.

  The refurbishment and extension of The Mercantile Hotel on Dame Street, Dublin, demonstrates how this approach can work in practice.

  As a protected structure with significant historic value, the project demanded a fire safety strategy that would safeguard future occupants while respecting the building’s heritage. For the ORS Fire Safety team, the objective was clear: develop a robust, fire safety compliant solution without compromising the character that makes The Mercantile one of Dublin’s most recognisable hotels.  

  The Challenge of a Protected Structure 

  Unlike new-build developments, protected structures come with inherent constraints. Historic features that contribute to a building’s character often can’t be altered or replaced, meaning fire safety measures must be carefully integrated without compromising the building’s heritage value. 

  The challenge at The Mercantile was not simply to achieve compliance with modern regulations, but to do so in a way that preserved the integrity of the existing structure. 

  At the same time, hotels present their own fire safety considerations. High occupancy levels, sleeping accommodation, compartmentation requirements and emergency evacuation strategies all need to be carefully addressed to ensure the safety of guests and staff. 

  Putting a Fire Safety Strategy into Practice

  Developing the strategy is only part of the process. Maintaining coordination throughout construction helps ensure that fire safety measures can be successfully incorporated into the existing building.

  ORS provided Fire Safety Consultancy Services throughout the refurbishment, working closely with the wider design and construction team from concept through to completion.

  Regular site inspections were undertaken to monitor progress, review structural and architectural details, and ensure that fire safety measures were being delivered in accordance with the approved design and regulatory requirements. 

  Where challenges arose, the focus remained on finding practical and compliant solutions that could be successfully incorporated into the existing building fabric while maintaining the project’s design intent. 

  This collaborative approach helped ensure that fire safety considerations were integrated throughout the construction process rather than treated as standalone compliance measures. 

  A Collaborative Approach to Fire Safety 

  Successful fire safety strategies are rarely developed in isolation. They depend on close coordination between designers, contractors, consultants and project stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of a project. 

  By working alongside the main contractor and project team, ORS helped ensure that construction quality, regulatory compliance and design objectives remained aligned throughout the refurbishment process. 

  For a building of The Mercantile’s age and significance, achieving modern fire safety standards while preserving its historic character required careful coordination throughout the design and construction process. The completed project demonstrates how heritage preservation and fire safety can successfully work hand in hand. 

  For those planning a refurbishment of a protected building, the key consideration is to address fire safety early and maintain close coordination throughout design and construction. The Mercantile illustrates how this approach can support both modern fire safety requirements and the preservation of historic character.

  Need Fire Safety Support for Your Project? 

  Whether you’re delivering a new development, refurbishing an existing building, or working within the constraints of a protected structure, our fire engineering team can help develop practical, compliant solutions tailored to your project requirements. Contact us at today at info@ors.ie or call +353 1 524 2040.  

  The post Balancing Heritage and Fire Safety in a Landmark Refurbishment first appeared on ORS.

September 20, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Ardcairn Capital deploys €1bn in five years as it opens Cork office

  M&G-backed development finance lender has supported more than 5,000 social, affordable and private homes, as well as student accommodation, since its launch in 2021.

  Ardcairn Capital has marked five years in business by announcing that it has deployed €1bn in new lending across the Republic of Ireland.

  The specialist development finance lender, backed by M&G plc, has supported the delivery of more than 5,000 social, affordable and private homes, as well as purpose-built student accommodation.

  As it looks to increase its activity nationwide, Ardcairn is establishing a permanent base at Horgan’s Quay in Cork city. The new office reflects growing demand and a strong pipeline of opportunities across Munster.

  It will accommodate a dedicated lending and portfolio management team, providing developers across the region with direct access to locally based decision-makers throughout the financing and delivery process. The Cork base will also provide a platform for further growth as Ardcairn expands its national team.

  

  The company has strengthened that team with the appointment of Dan Murphy as Director of New Lending. Formerly of EY and Activate Capital, Murphy will lead new business activity across residential development and purpose-built student accommodation, working directly with developers and their professional advisers nationwide.

  Murphy will lead the Cork office, where Michelle Morgan will also take up the role of Portfolio Manager.

  Since its launch in 2021, Ardcairn has developed a particular focus on supporting SME developers and projects delivering social, affordable and private homes, alongside student accommodation.

  Its financing ranges from €5m upwards and can cover between 60% and 90% of overall project costs. The lender works across the development market, from small and medium-sized projects to large, multi-phase housing schemes and capital-intensive, high-density apartment developments.

  Daire McCarthy, CEO of Ardcairn Capital, said: “Deploying €1 billion since launch is a clear marker of the role Ardcairn now plays in Ireland’s residential development finance market. Behind that figure are more than 5,000 social, affordable and private homes, as well as student beds, supported across the country, and a lending model built around sector knowledge, speed of decision-making and flexibility for developers.

  “We are delighted to welcome Dan to the team as we continue to build our national lending platform and establish a permanent presence in Cork. The new office reflects increased activity across Munster and gives us a base to work more closely with developers in the region, while creating a platform for further hiring as the team grows.

  “Dan’s experience across development finance, combined with his market knowledge and strong relationships across the sector, will be invaluable as we support more residential-led and PBSA projects nationwide.”

  Dan Murphy, Director of New Lending at Ardcairn Capital, said: “Ardcairn has built a strong reputation for backing experienced developers with practical, flexible funding solutions that reflect the realities of delivering housing in Ireland.

  “The continuing capital required to deliver Ireland’s housing targets results in strong demand for specialist lenders who understand the market, move quickly and work closely with developers from origination through to delivery.

  “I’m looking forward to working with Daire and the wider Ardcairn team to scale our national lending activity and support more residential and PBSA projects across the country.”

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

  The post Ardcairn Capital deploys €1bn in five years as it opens Cork office first appeared on Irish building magazine.

September 17, 2026

• Rowan Advanced Diploma in Planning and Environmental Law with The Honorable Society of King’s Inns

  A great achievement for four of our Environmental Consultants Ian Douglas Jessica Boyd Eimear O’Brien James Massey Congratulations to the team on successfully completing the Advanced Diploma in Planning and Environmental Law with The Honorable Society of King’s Inns. Planning and environmental legislation is an increasingly important part of the work we do at Rowan,…

  The post Advanced Diploma in Planning and Environmental Law with The Honorable Society of King’s Inns first appeared on Rowan Engineering Consultants.

September 16, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine 40,000 Students Gather at WorldSkills Ireland 2026

  WorldSkills Ireland 2026 opened its doors today at the RDS, Simmonscourt, Dublin, with 40,000 secondary school students from over 300 schools registered to attend across the three-day event. 

  Running from 16^th – 18^th September, WorldSkills Ireland brings together students, apprentices, employers and education providers to showcase the career opportunities available through skills, apprenticeships and Further Education and Training.

  At the centre of this year’s event are 31 live National Skills competitions, with more than 160 students and apprentices competing under competition conditions. Finalists will demonstrate their skills across areas including construction, manufacturing and engineering, automotive, creative arts, hospitality and tourism, and digital technology.

  The competitions give students the opportunity to see first-hand the level of skill and technical knowledge required across industry, while offering competitors the chance to test themselves on a national stage.

  Alongside the competitions, visitors can take part in hands-on ‘Try a Skill’ experiences, meet employers and training providers, hear directly from people working across different industries and explore apprenticeship and Further Education and Training pathways.

  This year’s event takes place against a backdrop of continued growth in apprenticeships in Ireland. As of 14 September 2026, there are 31,169 registered apprentices in the State, with 88 apprenticeship programmes now available across 17 sectors. These include construction, engineering, ICT, hospitality and food, finance and logistics, with further programmes in development.

  Employer participation has also increased significantly. Some 10,400 employers are now involved in apprenticeship training, compared with 3,300 in 2014.

  

  The number of women entering apprenticeships is also continuing to grow. Women now account for 9.86% of the apprentice population, with 3,074 women registered across 1,964 employers. This compares with 2% in 2018.

  Speaking on the opening day of WorldSkills Ireland 2026, Ray English, Chair of WorldSkills Ireland, said: “Skills and apprenticeships are fundamental to Ireland’s future. They support our economy, strengthen industries and create real opportunities for people across the country. WorldSkills Ireland brings that message to life by showing young people the value of practical learning and the rewarding careers it can lead to.”

   WorldSkills Ireland also gives visitors access to employers, Education and Training Boards, Technological Universities and apprenticeship consortium employers, providing students with an opportunity to ask practical questions about training, recruitment and progression.

  WorldSkills Ireland is a Government and all-industry initiative, working hand in hand to deliver the solution to Ireland’s skills shortage. Backed by leading industry partners including SISK, Construction Industry Federation, ESB Networks, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus; sector sponsors Symetri, Fáilte Ireland and SIMI (Society of the Irish Motoring Industry) and feature sponsors MTU, Chadwicks, Irish Rail, Cairn and Kerry College, WorldSkills Ireland brings together an extensive network of industry and education partners. The event is also supported by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, alongside the Government of Ireland and SOLAS.

  WorldSkills Ireland 2026 takes place from Wednesday, 16 September to Friday, 18 September at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin. Entry is free.

  For further information and to register, visit www.worldskillsireland.ie.

  Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.

   

  The post 40,000 Students Gather at WorldSkills Ireland 2026 first appeared on Irish building magazine.

• Flame Stop Fire Stopping Ireland: Why the Most Difficult Passive Fire Problems Often Sit Between the Trades

  A fire strategy can be well considered, the compartmentation drawings can be clear and the individual building services can be correctly designed. Difficulties still arise where those elements meet on site.

  A cable tray crossing a compartment wall is not simply an electrical detail. A duct passing through fire-resisting construction is not solely a mechanical detail. The same applies to pipework, door openings, structural steel, floor edges and services passing through modular or plasterboard construction. The fire stopping solution has to work with the complete installed arrangement, including the surrounding construction and the space available to install it.

  Flame Stop’s project history shows how varied these conditions can be. Its work has included service penetrations and fire dampers at Monaghan General Hospital, penetrations through modular panels and plasterboard on Dublin data centre projects, fire stopping and structural steel protection on commercial developments, and penetrations through walls and floors on residential schemes.

  The buildings and construction methods vary, but the recurring technical challenge is familiar: passive fire protection rarely sits neatly within one trade package.

  Why Do Building Interfaces Create So Many Fire Stopping Challenges?

  Fire stopping systems are tested arrangements, not simply products used to fill whatever space remains around a service.

  The construction being penetrated matters, as do the service type and dimensions, insulation, opening size, separation between services, support arrangements and the geometry of the penetration.

  On coordinated drawings, those relationships can appear relatively straightforward. Site conditions tend to be less orderly. Cable containment moves to avoid another service. Pipework requires additional insulation. Openings are formed larger than expected. Services shown separately during design arrive at the same section of compartment wall.

  None of those conditions automatically creates a problem, but they may change the fire stopping detail required. A specialist reviewing a finished penetration therefore needs to consider what has actually been built rather than relying solely on what was originally drawn.

  What Happens When Several Trades Share the Same Penetration?

  Space becomes an immediate consideration when several trades converge at one service crossing. Electrical containment, metallic pipes, plastic pipes and insulated services do not necessarily behave in the same way under fire conditions, and the proposed fire stopping arrangement has to suit the actual combination of services and supporting construction.

  Access can be just as important as the penetration itself. Containment fixed tight against a wall may leave the rear of an opening difficult to prepare and seal. A pipe positioned too close to another service can leave insufficient working space. Secondary supports may sit directly in the area where the fire stopping system needs to be installed.

  These are familiar conditions on busy projects. What appears to be a relatively small coordination change on a drawing can become much harder to resolve once containment, supports and services are fixed in position.

  For architects and engineers, the useful question is not simply whether the services fit through the opening, but whether the arrangement leaves enough space to install the required fire stopping properly.

  Why Do Data Centres Put Service Penetrations Under Particular Pressure?

  Data centres are a good example of what happens when high service density meets compartmentation.

  Large quantities of electrical and communications infrastructure have to cross fire-resisting construction while maintaining the required separation. Modular and plasterboard systems can also introduce specific conditions around the service crossing.

  Flame Stop’s Dublin data centre experience includes fire stopping around door frames and service penetrations through modular panels and plasterboard, alongside other passive fire protection works.

  Installation sequence matters in this environment. Access that is perfectly adequate at one stage of construction may become restricted once additional containment and services are introduced. Space needed for forming, sealing and inspecting a penetration can disappear quickly as the installation develops.

  The same concern appears in other heavily serviced buildings, but data centres make it particularly visible.

  What Can Healthcare Projects Teach Us About Passive Fire Coordination?

  Healthcare projects bring their own site conditions. Flame Stop’s work at Monaghan General Hospital and St Vincent’s Private Hospital has included combinations of compartment wall and floor penetrations, top-of-wall conditions, ductwork, fire dampers and fire door works.

  Existing healthcare buildings present another challenge: the services visible today may represent several generations of alterations.

  During survey work, it is not unusual to find original pipework alongside later electrical or communications installations within the same service area. Earlier fire stopping may have been disturbed when those additions were made, while sections of the compartment line can be difficult to see behind containment or other services.

  Operational restrictions also affect how these areas are accessed and inspected. The condition on site has to be established rather than assuming an older installation still reflects its original configuration.

  Why Do Floor Edges, Door Frames and Structural Details Also Matter?

  Service penetrations receive much of the attention in passive fire protection, but they are only part of the building.

  On Flame Stop’s commercial work at the Joe Duffy Group’s Charlestown sites, the package included fire stopping around door frames and service penetrations, intumescent paint to structural steel, a fire barrier curtain to attic voids and cavity barriers at floor slab edges.

  Each involves a different point where construction systems meet. Door openings depend on the relationship between the doorset and surrounding construction. Structural steel protection has its own design and installation requirements. Floor edges and concealed voids may become inaccessible relatively early in the programme.

  The passive fire package therefore needs to be coordinated with the building rather than treated as a collection of isolated seals.

  How Can Residential Projects Develop Fire Stopping Problems Before Handover?

  Repetition is a particular consideration on apartment and housing projects.

  Flame Stop’s residential portfolio includes fire stopping to service penetrations in apartment units and common areas, as well as penetrations through walls and floors in timber-framed housing.

  A relatively small coordination problem can be repeated across a considerable number of units before anyone identifies the pattern. An opening may consistently be formed larger than the detail allows, or services may repeatedly arrive closer together than anticipated.

  Common areas have a different concentration of risk. Risers, protected corridors and shared service zones tend to carry more services and often involve several subcontractors working through the same compartment lines.

  Early inspection of repeated details can identify a problem while it is still limited to the first installations rather than after it has been reproduced across several floors or units.

  When Should Fire Stopping Be Inspected During Construction?

  Inspection is most useful while the work can still be seen.

  Ceilings, riser enclosures, wall finishes and later services can quickly conceal passive fire work. Leaving inspection until the end of the project may mean that installations which were readily accessible several weeks earlier can no longer be examined properly.

  Photographic records and installation information have an important role, but they do not remove the value of inspecting representative work at the appropriate construction stage. Complex penetrations and unusual details can be reviewed before closure, while repeated installations can be checked early enough for any necessary correction to carry through the remaining work.

  Under Ireland’s building control system, responsibility for Building Regulations compliance rests with owners, builders and designers. For projects subject to the relevant procedures, completion documentation includes the Statutory Certificate of Compliance on Completion together with supporting compliance documentation and the Inspection Plan as implemented.

  The current Technical Guidance Document B 2024 – Fire Safety, Volume 1, Buildings Other than Dwelling Houses (2026 Edition) is the Department of Housing’s current Volume 1 guidance for buildings other than dwelling houses.

  Why Does Documentation Need to Reflect What Was Actually Installed?

  Fire stopping records have limited value if they do not reflect the completed installation.

  Services move during construction, openings change and some details have to be revised once the actual site condition becomes clear. Tender drawings alone may therefore give an incomplete picture of the finished building.

  That matters particularly with concealed passive fire protection. Flame Stop uses its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and industry-specific Boris software to monitor works in real time, with documentation provided following completion for inclusion in client O&M manuals.

  There is also a longer-term reason for maintaining useful records. Years after handover, a facilities team may need to open a riser, upgrade an existing service or introduce a new penetration through a compartment line. Knowing what was installed gives them a much better basis for understanding what they are about to disturb and what will need to be reinstated.

  What Should Architects and Engineers Expect from Fire Stopping Contractors in Ireland?

  Technical competence is only part of what matters on a demanding project. The specialist also needs to understand the drawings and fire strategy, recognise difficult site conditions and raise them when what has been installed no longer matches the original assumptions.

  There will inevitably be occasions where the drawing and the installed condition differ. The important question is how that difference is dealt with.

  A specialist should recognise when an arrangement needs further technical consideration rather than improvising a convenient site solution. The same judgement is required where access is inadequate, a penetration has changed or the surrounding construction is different from the expected detail.

  Flame Stop’s project experience includes healthcare facilities, data centres, residential developments, commercial buildings and other managed properties, with works covering passive fire stopping, fire dampers, fire doors, intumescent coatings and related fire protection measures.

  The value of that breadth is practical: the conditions encountered around a penetration in a hospital are not necessarily the same as those in an apartment riser or heavily serviced data centre.

  How Can Fire Stopping Be Better Coordinated Across a Project?

  Good coordination starts by identifying the fire-resisting construction and understanding which services have to cross it.

  Congested penetrations are worth reviewing before services are fixed. Risers need enough room for the services themselves, but also enough access to install and inspect the fire stopping. Where a detail will be repeated across floors or units, reviewing the first installations can prevent a small problem becoming a much larger remedial exercise.

  Responsibility between trades also needs to be clear. A penetration can pass through several hands between the opening being formed, the services being installed and the final fire stopping being completed. If nobody is managing that interface, assumptions tend to fill the gap.

  The Department of Housing notes that Technical Guidance Documents indicate how the requirements of the relevant parts of the Building Regulations can be achieved in practice, while primary responsibility for compliance rests with designers, builders and building owners.

  Specialist passive fire input does not replace those responsibilities. It brings practical knowledge to parts of the construction where several disciplines meet and where apparently minor site changes can affect the final fire stopping arrangement.

  Why Is the Interface Often More Important Than the Individual Product?

  Flame Stop’s project portfolio ranges from timber-framed housing and apartment developments to hospitals, commercial buildings and data centres. The products and construction details vary between those projects.

  The recurring technical challenge is the interface.

  It is the point between the cable tray and compartment wall, the duct and fire damper, the door frame and surrounding construction, the floor slab and façade edge, or the tested detail and the condition actually encountered on site.

  Those are the places where design intent becomes installed construction. They are also where coordination decisions made by several different trades become visible in the finished fire stopping work.

  For architects, engineers and contractors, specialist review is most useful while those details can still be assessed, accessed and, where necessary, adjusted.

  How Can Flame Stop Support a Project?

  Flame Stop works with architects, engineers, fire consultants, main contractors, building owners and facilities teams on fire stopping and passive fire protection projects across Ireland.

  Its work includes building analysis and surveys, tender preparation, passive fire stopping, fire dampers, intumescent painting, fire door remedial and installation works, quality assurance and handover documentation.

  Where a project contains congested service penetrations, unusual construction junctions or passive fire details that need specialist assessment, early review can help establish what is practical before access becomes restricted and the surrounding construction is closed.

  The post Fire Stopping Ireland: Why the Most Difficult Passive Fire Problems Often Sit Between the Trades appeared first on Flame Stop.

September 15, 2026

• Rowan Better Business-Another Thing Feature

  We all support renewable energy in principle. The challenge is what happens when it is being proposed close to home. I had the chance to share a few thoughts on an issue we work with every day at Rowan— How Ireland can continue to develop renewable energy while also building trust and support within local…

  The post Better Business-Another Thing Feature first appeared on Rowan Engineering Consultants.

September 14, 2026

• DBFL Ballyhale Flood Relief Scheme Signing
  The post Ballyhale Flood Relief Scheme Signing appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

• ORS Heavy Refurbishment of Existing Buildings

  Knowing When to Halt Works: Managing Variations and Unforeseen Conditions

  Heavy refurbishment projects present a particular challenge: you rarely know everything about an existing building until works begin. 

  Even with surveys, investigations and detailed design completed in advance, existing buildings can contain hidden defects, undocumented alterations, concealed services, structural conditions or discrepancies between drawings and the actual construction. Once areas are opened up, these issues can result in additional works, changes to the design, cost increases and programme implications. 

  From a Project Management perspective, the priority is not always to keep works moving at all costs. Knowing when to pause works can be just as important as knowing when to proceed. 

  Where unforeseen conditions arise, continuing without establishing the facts can create further complications. For example, additional works may be carried out before the scope and cost are agreed, or an issue may become concealed before the appropriate technical solution has been confirmed. This can lead to rework, disputes over responsibility and difficulty establishing the final cost.

  Key Considerations Before Proceeding with Additional Works

  Before instructing or proceeding with additional works, it is important to: 

  Establish the facts – Investigate the existing condition and confirm what has actually changed from the information available at tender or construction stage. 

  Clarify the scope – Establish whether the issue falls within the original contract scope or constitutes a variation or additional work. 

  Assess the technical solution – Ensure the proposed approach has been properly reviewed and is suitable for the existing building before works proceed. 

  Consider cost and programme implications – Understand the financial impact, potential delays and whether the works will affect subsequent trades or critical activities. 

  Consider sequencing and interfaces – A seemingly minor change can have consequences for other elements of the project, particularly where services, structure, fire safety or finishes are involved. 

  Control instructions – Avoid informal site discussions becoming unrecorded commitments to additional works. Changes should be formally communicated, assessed and authorised through the appropriate project procedures. 

  Maintain clear records – Photographs, updated RFI logs, drawing registers, instructions, quotations and records of cost and programme impact provide an important audit trail. 

  Make timely decisions – A short, controlled pause to investigate an issue and agree the way forward can prevent significant rework, additional costs and programme delays later in the project. 

  Why a Controlled Pause Can Protect the Project

  This is particularly important where works will subsequently be covered up or become inaccessible. Once an area is closed up, it can become considerably more difficult and costly to investigate, verify or rectify an issue. 

  On a heavy refurbishment project, stopping works is not necessarily a delay. It can be a project control measure. 

  The objective is to ensure that when works recommence, the scope, technical solution, cost, programme impact and responsibility are clear, allowing the project team to move forward with greater certainty and reducing the risk of disputes or unnecessary rework later in the project. 

  To learn more about how our Project Management team can support your next project, contact us at info@ors.ie or call +353 1 524 2040.  

  The post Heavy Refurbishment of Existing Buildings   first appeared on ORS.

September 11, 2026

• Cleere Project Office What Good Project Governance Actually Looks Like
  Project governance is often associated with boards, reporting structures, approval processes and meetings. All of these have a place, but they are not governance in themselves. Good governance is fundamentally about how important project decisions are made, challenged and controlled. For major infrastructure projects, that means being clear about who has authority, what evidence is […]
• DBFL Capdoo Inner Relief Road Opening
  The post Capdoo Inner Relief Road Opening appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

• Irish Building Magazine Taoiseach Opens TU Dublin’s New Academic Hub and Library

  State-of-the-art five-storey facility opens in time for the new academic year, transforming teaching, learning and student support on the Grangegorman Campus

  Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) today welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD to officially open the new An Mol Acadúil ┐Leabharlann / Academic Hub & Library on its Grangegorman Campus, marking another significant milestone in the University’s campus development programme.

  The Taoiseach was joined by James Lawless TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin, Eoin O’Shea, Interim Chair of the TU Dublin Governing Body, and Ger Casey, Chief Executive Officer of the Grangegorman Development Agency, for the official opening ceremony, ahead of students returning to campus for the start of the new academic year on Monday.

  The Academic Hub & Library is a landmark 12,600m², five-storey development that places learning, collaboration and student support at the heart of the Grangegorman campus.

  The Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA), the semi-state body responsible for developing the Grangegorman site, delivered this building and plays a lead role in what has been recognised nationally as the ongoing successful redevelopment of the site into an emerging new health, education and community campus.

  Designed by a team led by award-winning architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, the building carefully integrates the 19th-century North House building within a striking contemporary structure that reflects the University’s commitment to innovation while celebrating the heritage of the Grangegorman site.

  Funded through a combination of Exchequer support from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the sale of TU Dublin properties, construction was delivered by the OHLA–Townlink Joint Venture.

  The new Academic Hub & Library brings together TU Dublin’s Library Services with key student supports, including the Academic Writing Centre, Career Development Centre, Disability Support Service, Maths Learning Centre, and Computer Learning Centre, creating a central hub for learning and student success.

  The building provides more than 1,300 study spaces, collaborative learning areas, Special Collections and Archives, a café, exhibition and event spaces, a rooftop terrace and panoramic city views. It also features TU Dublin’s first automated book return system and a range of technology-enabled learning spaces.

  Speaking at the opening of the Academic Hub & Library at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The opening of the Academic Hub & Library at Grangegorman is an important milestone in Project Ireland 2040 and reflects the Government’s commitment to investing in world-class higher education infrastructure.

  “I want to congratulate TU Dublin on the opening of this fantastic new building and on the growing success of the university. This year, TU Dublin was Ireland’s most applied-to higher education institute, a tremendous achievement that demonstrates the growing appeal of practice-based education. This success speaks not only to the quality of the university’s educational offering, but also to the dedication of its staff and the academic excellence of its students, and the important role TU Dublin plays in developing the talent and skills that drive our society and economy forward.”

  Grangegorman is also a place of remarkable history, having served the people of Dublin for more than 250 years. It is important that, as this site looks to the future, its past is not forgotten. The restoration of the North House and the ‘Beyond the Walls’ exhibition ensure that this heritage remains an important part of the campus.

  Grangegorman has now entered another chapter in its long history – as a modern centre for education, research, innovation, health and community, helping to create opportunities for generations to come.”

  Highlighting the importance of student-centred investment in higher education, Minister James Lawless TD said:

  “Investment in higher education is about more than new buildings. It is about creating spaces where teaching, research and innovation can thrive, and where students have the support they need to succeed.

  The Academic Hub & Library reflects TU Dublin’s commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure and meeting growing student demand. By bringing academic resources and essential student services together, it creates a truly student-centred environment for learning and development. This project marks a major milestone for TU Dublin and the North Inner City, reflecting years of vision, planning and collaboration. It is important to recognise the outstanding contribution of the Board and Executive of the Grangegorman Development Agency in bringing this ambitious project to completion.

  TU Dublin has a distinctive role in our higher education landscape, combining practice-based education and applied research with strong links to enterprise and industry. This facility represents an important investment in that mission and, above all, in TU Dublin’s students. That investment is reflected in the University’s strong graduate outcomes, which are the highest in Dublin, demonstrating the quality of its education and its strong links with industry and employers.”

  Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin, highlighted the importance of the new facility in enhancing the student experience and advancing TU Dublin’s vision for a connected campus network:

  “The opening of the Academic Hub & Library is another important milestone in the development of TU Dublin’s connected campus network. As Ireland’s first technological university, we are committed to providing outstanding learning environments across our campuses in Grangegorman, Bolton Street, Aungier Street, Tallaght and Blanchardstown, ensuring students have access to world-class facilities wherever they choose to study.

  “This exceptional new building has been designed entirely around the student experience. By bringing together our library services, academic supports, collaborative learning spaces and wellbeing resources under one roof, we are creating an environment where students can learn, connect, innovate and thrive. Opening its doors as students return for the new academic year makes this an especially exciting moment for our university community and demonstrates our continued investment in delivering an outstanding educational experience.”

  Highlighting TU Dublin’s legacy of technological education, Eoin O’Shea, Interim Chair of TU Dublin’s Governing Body, said:

  “TU Dublin has a proud history stretching back to the City of Dublin Technical Schools and the founding of the Technical College at Kevin Street in 1887 by Arnold Felix Graves. That tradition of combining academic excellence with practical, hands-on learning continues to define the University today, alongside its growing contribution through research, innovation and graduate talent to Ireland’s skills needs and economic competitiveness.

  The Academic Hub & Library builds on that tradition, representing the latest investment in TU Dublin’s connected campus strategy alongside new teaching and learning facilities in Tallaght and Blanchardstown. Together, these developments are strengthening our campuses and ensuring TU Dublin can continue to deliver for students, industry and Ireland’s future.”

  Speaking at the opening, Ger Casey, CEO, Grangegorman Development Association, added; “I am delighted to see the Academic Hub & Library now complete and established as the academic heart of the Grangegorman site. This landmark building provides a modern, accessible and inclusive learning environment for students, staff and the wider community. It is also fitting to see the ‘Grangegorman Histories – Beyond the Walls’ as the inaugural exhibition hosted within the building, linking the site’s rich heritage with its future as a place of learning and innovation. As the organisation responsible for delivering the overall Grangegorman project, the GDA is proud to have helped bring this important facility come to life. I would like to thank the design team, TU Dublin project team and building contractor for their dedication and collaboration in delivering a building that will benefit generations of learners and the wider community for years to come.”

  The Academic Hub & Library is the third major teaching and learning facility TU Dublin has opened since 2025, following Áras Geal in Blanchardstown and Áras Thuaidh in Tallaght. Opening in time for the new academic year, the Academic Hub & Library will provide a new centre for learning and collaboration for TU Dublin’s community of more than 28,500 students. The opening comes as the University records its highest-ever CAO demand, with over 30,000 applicants and more than 109,000 programme mentions for 2026/27, making it Ireland’s most applied-to higher education institution. This strong demand reflects TU Dublin’s reputation for preparing students for successful careers, with the University ranked number one in Dublin for graduate employability.

  Grangegorman Histories

  The official opening also celebrates the unique history of the Grangegorman site with a poetry reading by Lianne O’Hara and a dramatic reading of Sylvia Cullen’s Flighty Creatures by TU Dublin Conservatoire student Sophie Doyle, who is studying for a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama (Performance). Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister James Lawless also took the inaugural tour of ‘Beyond the Walls’, officially launching the new Grangegorman Histories exhibition. Housed in the restored North House, the exhibition, now open to the public, explores the site’s transformation from a place of confinement and care into today’s vibrant university campus.

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• Irish Building Magazine The Land Development Agency to deliver 562 new homes in partnership with Castlethorn

  The Land Development Agency (LDA) has announced the imminent commencement of 562 new homes in a new partnership with Castlethorn, one of the country’s leading homebuilders.

  The homes are due to be built at Parkgate Street in Dublin, on a site formerly occupied by Hickey’s Wholesale Fabrics warehouse, which is just across the River Liffey from Heuston Station and close to the entrance of Phoenix Park.

  The project includes four inter-connected apartment blocks, one of which – Parkgate Pointe – is a landmark 30-storey centrepiece that is set to become Ireland’s tallest building.

  In addition to housing, the new development will include amenities and retail space, helping to transform what has been a previously underutilised site into a new and vibrant place to live, adding significantly to the existing surrounding area.

  Parkgate Street, which was granted planning permission by Dublin City Council last year, will now progress as part of a partnership between the LDA and Castlethorn.

  This is the second major project the LDA is delivering in partnership with Castlethorn. Construction is currently ongoing on 328 new cost rental apartments at its Woodbrook site in Shankill.

  Parkgate Street is being delivered as part of the LDA’s Project Tosaigh initiative in which the LDA partners with private homebuilders, providing the finance required to ensure the construction and completion of new homes. The completed homes are then owned by the LDA.

  The development’s main 30-storey building will include 198 apartments. The remaining homes will be delivered in three blocks, ranging in height from 10-13 storeys.

  Construction is due to begin in the coming weeks, and the homes are forecast to be completed in late 2029.

  All of the newly developed apartments will have an A BER rating and will be completed to the highest construction standards by John Paul Construction. The development also includes a number of roof terraces and a communal landscaped courtyard.

  The development is the first step in the regeneration of the Heuston Station area. The LDA and Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and are progressing design work for the phased delivery of a mixed-use Masterplan for the Heuston Quarter. This residential development is the first major step in the regeneration of this key transport hub.

  The new homes on Parkgate Street will be superbly located with Dublin City Centre, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham, the Liberties and Stoneybatter all within easy reach. There is a wide range of facilities, services and cultural amenities nearby and a number of transport options including bike and pedestrian routes, the Luas Red Line, Dublin Bus routes, Irish Rail’s Intercity services and convenient access to the M50.

  Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: “It is critical to see these much-needed new homes for Dublin progressing and located in the heart of the city, where we want people to live.

  “The LDA’s Project Tosaigh initiative has unlocked this significant home building project and they will be made available under the Government’s cost rental scheme, providing secure and affordable homes at scale. It’s badly needed here in Dublin.

  “We are making record investment in housing, and we are seeing the dial shift. I have been relentless in making key reforms and we’re driving on with what’s needed to get cranes in the sky and keys in people’s hands.”

  John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA said: “This is an exciting project and a great example of how the LDA is deploying state funding to urgently address the country’s pressing housing need and to activate underutilised sites. We are pleased to partner with Castlethorn on this high profile, superbly located and groundbreaking new development.

  “The LDA’s involvement will ensure the delivery of hundreds of new homes. We are already working on a number of projects in central Dublin and it’s fantastic to be adding such a well-designed and soon-to-be landmark project to our development pipeline.”

  Joe O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Castlethorn said: “Parkgate Street is an important regeneration project that will transform a prominent, underutilised site into a new, well-connected residential community in the heart of Dublin. Castlethorn’s vision has been to unlock this complex and historic site, open it up to the city and create an exceptional new public realm at a prominent location on the River Liffey.

  “Bringing a project of this scale from land acquisition through design and planning to construction requires considerable commitment and collaboration. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of our design team, Dublin City Council and the many stakeholders who have helped the project reach this important stage. We are particularly pleased that the development will retain and incorporate important elements of the site’s historic fabric, including the river wall and entrance arch.

  “Our partnership with the LDA will enable the delivery of 562 high-quality, energy-efficient homes in a location exceptionally well served by public transport, employment and amenities. It builds on the strong relationship established through the delivery of 328 homes at Woodbrook and reflects Castlethorn’s commitment to working with trusted partners to unlock complex sites and create great places that will serve communities for generations.”

  Stephen Kent, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIÉ said: “We are delighted to see the LDA and Castlethorn partner to progress the Parkgate Street development.  This scheme is a landmark project, which will catalyse CIÉ’s wider Heuston masterplan, and will see much needed homes, retail and office space and new public amenities, built beside a key transport hub.  Pedestrian and cycle connectivity will be an important feature of our proposals, with a new boardwalk and cycle bridge linking the train station to Conyngham road and the Phoenix Park.

  “Parkgate Street is an important first step in what will be a fully revitalised area, spanning North and South of the Liffey, close to the city centre, and with unparalleled transport connections, making it an ideal place to live and work.”

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September 09, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Battersea Power Station and Sisk break ground at Prospect Place South

  Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) and Sisk have broken ground today on Prospect Place South, the next phase of development for the 42-acre riverside neighbourhood.

  A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction. Attendees included Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea; Councillor Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council; Karen Gleaves, Employer Engagement Manager – Construction at Wandsworth Work Match; Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company; James Saunders, CEO at BPSDC; and Ger Hayes, Managing Director at Sisk. Representatives from S P Setia, Sime Darby Property, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), the Malaysian consortium that purchased the Battersea Power Station site in 2012, were also in attendance.

  Designed by Gehry Partners, Prospect Place South will comprise two buildings, Rosewood House and Hayworth House, which complete the riverside neighbourhood’s pedestrianised high street, Electric Boulevard. The buildings will deliver approximately 300 new homes, 65,000 sq ft of new commercial space for shops, cafes and restaurants, a 15,000 sq ft Community Hub, and an expanded bike hub providing 600 spaces free of charge.

  As main contractor, Sisk will lead the construction of the development, working alongside BPSDC and the wider project team to deliver the Gehry designed buildings, which form an extension to the highly recognisable existing buildings at Prospect Place, and remain the only residential buildings in the UK designed by Frank Gehry, the world-famous architect and designer of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The ongoing focus on sustainability means Prospect Place South has a more modern aesthetic to reduce the carbon footprint, while green roofs will also be present on both buildings, contributing to a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain.

  The construction of Prospect Place South is expected to create 400 jobs, with an aim for 20% of the workforce to be from the local area; a target which has been exceeded across the 7,500 jobs which have already been created at Battersea Power Station. Construction is expected to be completed in 2030.

  Paul Brown, CEO at Sisk said: “We are proud to be working alongside the Battersea Power Station team to bring forward Prospect Place South, which will deliver more than 300 new homes and two landmark buildings designed by Gehry Partners. This project reflects the strength and commitment of our supply chain partners and our capability to deliver large residential projects in London. We look forward to creating a lasting legacy in the local community in Wandsworth and south west London.”

  James Saunders, CEO at BPSDC, said: “Breaking ground at Prospect Place South marks an exciting next chapter in the regeneration of Battersea Power Station and, importantly, sees construction getting underway on site once again. This is another significant step towards realising our long-term vision for the neighbourhood and will create further jobs and community spaces for local residents.

  We are delighted to be working with Sisk, whose expertise and commitment will be instrumental in bringing this next phase to life. Together, we will build on the incredible transformation already achieved at Battersea Power Station and deliver the next Gehry Partners-designed buildings on Electric Boulevard.”

  Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, said: “Today’s groundbreaking at Prospect Place South is an exciting moment for Battersea Power Station. I welcome the creation of hundreds of new jobs for local people, helping to drive growth, create opportunities and strengthen our local economy. This is another important step in making Battersea the best place to live, work and visit.”

  Cllr Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see work begin here on Prospect Place South as we reach another important milestone in the transformation of Battersea Power Station. Wandsworth needs more homes of all types, giving people more choice about where they live, and we’re supporting the growth of vibrant neighbourhoods and town centres by increasing the range of homes available across the borough to buy or rent.”

  With approximately half of the regeneration project now completed at Battersea Power Station, strategic urban design planner, Studio Egret West, has been appointed to evolve Rafael Viñoly’s original masterplan, first conceived over 15 years ago, to respond to changes in expectations around lifestyle, leisure and workspace.

  A planning application will be submitted this month for the revised masterplan outlining the vision for the remaining 16 acres of the 42-acre Battersea Power Station site. The future phases have the potential to deliver up to 3.2 million sq ft of residential, commercial, cultural and leisure space and will complete the riverside neighbourhood, which is already home to over 2,200 homes, c. 800,000 sq ft of offices and more than 170 shops, bars, restaurants and leisure venues.

  Pictured above: Karen Gleaves, Employer Engagement Manager – Construction at Wandsworth, Work Match; Cllr Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council; James Saunders, CEO at Battersea Power, Station Development Company; Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Battersea Project Holding Company; and Ger Hayes, Managing Director at Sisk.

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September 08, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Kirby doubles its South Africa workforce

  Kirby Group Engineering is increasing its workforce in South Africa with the opening of a second office in Cape Town. The Limerick-headquartered firm is creating 50 new positions, bringing the total number of people it employs in the country to more than 110.

  The expansion reflects the success of Kirby’s operations in South Africa since the company established a presence there in 2023. Recruitment is open across a range of positions including Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers (LV/MV & HV), MEP Detailers, Commissioning Engineers and Structural Engineers.

  Kirby, which was founded in 1964, now employs more than 1,900 people across Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, the Nordics and South Africa.

  Executive Chairman Jimmy Kirby said the latest expansion marks an important milestone for the company: “In our three years here, the Cape Town operation has gone from strength to strength. This decision to expand to the northern suburbs is a statement of confidence in the team we have built and the long-term opportunities we envisage for the area.

  “Our new office will allow us to expand capacity while remaining within the same talent hub, ensuring consistency, collaboration and continued access to the city’s strong pool of skilled professionals.”

  Kirby also works closely with third-level institutions in South Africa, including the University of Pretoria and University of Cape Town to support the next generation of engineering talent through sponsorship, scholarships and graduate development opportunities. Mr Kirby said the company is looking forward to further strengthening its presence:

  “The success we have enjoyed in South Africa would not have been possible without the support of our employees and local stakeholders. We are also proud to play our part in the communities where we operate, ensuring our growth benefits not only our employees but also the wider community. We look forward to further strengthening those bonds in the years ahead.”

  Picturede above: Doreen McKeown, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Enterprise Ireland; Austin Gormley, Irish Ambassador to South Africa; Jimmy Kirby, Kirby Executive Chairman; Premier Alan Winde; Henry McCann, Kirby CEO; and Shamiela Solomons, Officer Manager / HR Lead, Kirby.

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• DBFL DBFL at The Momentum Games 2026
  The post DBFL at The Momentum Games 2026 appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

September 07, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Sisk Announced as Shine A Light sponsor

  Sisk has been announced as the new sponsor of Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light fundraising sleep out, strengthening its commitment to supporting children and families experiencing homelessness.

  Taking place nationwide on Friday 9 October, on the eve of World Homelessness Day, Shine A Light calls on business leaders, companies, schools and communities to sleep out for one night and raise vital funds to support children and families without a home.

  Focus Ireland aims to raise €1.2 million through this year’s campaign to support its frontline services, as demand continues to rise. There are currently 17,527 people living in emergency accommodation in Ireland, including 5,659 children. Children now account for more than one-third of all people experiencing homelessness.

  For children, the impact of homelessness extends far beyond the lack of a permanent address. Research shows that children living in emergency accommodation are at increased risk of anxiety, developmental delays, and disrupted education. Families housed in emergency hubs often move between multiple temporary locations, leading to instability, isolation, and loss of community ties for parents and children.

  The average stay in emergency accommodation for a family is now more than a year, with many families remaining in emergency accommodation for significantly longer.

  Sisk has supported Focus Ireland’s work over the last seven years. Staff teams have embraced the Shine A Light challenge, hosting Workplace Sleep Outs at the company’s Citywest offices. As the new Shine A Light sponsor, Sisk is now encouraging its people, partners, customers and communities to unite to raise awareness and vital funds to support Focus Ireland and help families move out of homelessness and into secure, long-term homes.

  Welcoming Sisk as a new corporate sponsor, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sisk as a valued partner in our work to end homelessness. Their continued commitment through Shine A Light really shows what’s possible when businesses step up and get involved. The way they’ve embraced the Workplace Sleep Out has been hugely inspiring, setting a brilliant example of how teams can come together, make an impact, and truly live their values through corporate social responsibility. We’re excited to keep building on this partnership and achieve even more together through the next chapter of Shine A Light.”

  Commenting on the announcement, Maura Toles, Sisk Group Company Secretary / Chief Legal Officer, said: “Every child deserves a safe and happy childhood, yet too many children are growing up without the security of a place to call home. At Sisk, we’re proud to support Focus Ireland in their work with individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This will be our third year hosting our Workplace Sleep Out in our Citywest Head Office with our team fully embracing the challenge and coming together to raise vital funds and awareness for those facing homelessness. It is a powerful experience that reinforces just how important this work is and deepened our commitment to this cause.

  “At a time when too many children and families are experiencing homelessness, we’re committed to taking our support to the next level as sponsors of Shine A Light by rallying our people, partners and communities behind a shared goal: ensuring every child has the stability, security and opportunity that comes with having a place to call home.

  “Homelessness is a challenge none of us can solve alone, but together we can make a real difference. Our message to other organisations is simple: get involved. When businesses come together and use their people, resources and influence to support Shine A Light, we can give more children and families the chance to leave homelessness behind forever.

  “Through our support of Shine A Light, we’re helping to shine a light on family homelessness while backing services that provide children with opportunities to thrive. Our goal is not only to support families through crisis, but to help them achieve lasting stability and move into a home of their own. That’s why we’re committed to doing more and encouraging others to join us in making a difference.

  “This October, we’re encouraging companies, community groups, schools, and individuals to join us and take part in Shine A Light. Together, we can help ensure more children have the support, stability, and opportunities they need to build brighter futures.”

  Maria Hurley, Group Purchasing Manager at Sisk, who has previously taken part in the sleepout said: “It’s a fantastic event, and hearing the stories from people who have been impacted by homelessness really brings home the difference the money raised can make. It shows how your support can help change lives for the better, giving people the opportunity to make a fresh start and have somewhere they can truly call home.

  How to Get Involved in Shine A Light:

  Focus Ireland is hosting Shine A Light sleep out events in Cork and Dublin on Friday 9 October. The events bring business leaders, companies, schools and communities together for one night of solidarity to help prevent homelessness and support children, families and individuals who urgently need a safe place to call home.

  Groups and individuals can also sign up to ‘Host Your Own’ Shine A Light event.

  Focus Ireland Shine A Light Events:

  • Cork City Gaol – Business Leaders, Corporate & Community
  • TU Dublin Grangegorman, Dublin – Corporate only
  • Iveagh Gardens, Dublin – Business Leaders only

  Community ‘Host Your Own’ Events:

  • Crescent Shopping Centre, Limerick – Community Sleep Out organised by the Limerick Shine A Light Volunteer Committee
  • Sligo Rovers Football Club, Sligo – Community Sleep Out organised by volunteers
  • Corporate, School & Community ‘Host Your Own’ events – organisations and groups nationwide can organise their own sleep out.

  To register or learn more about Shine A Light, visit shinealight.focusireland.ie

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• Rowan The Very Pink Run

  Tom and his pink ladies proved Rowan blue isn’t the only colour we can pull off. Some of the Rowan team recently took part in The Very Pink Run in support of Breast Cancer Ireland, a cause that means a lot to many people. With International Day of Charity on 5 September, it’s a timely…

  The post The Very Pink Run first appeared on Rowan Engineering Consultants.

September 06, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Kingspan expands lower embodied carbon range

  Kingspan, a global leader in high-performance low carbon building envelope solutions has announced the expansion of its innovative Lower Embodied Carbon [LEC] range with the addition of Troldtekt LEC acoustic panel which has a 46 per cent (%)^* reduction in embodied carbon^*1 compared to its standard product.

  Troldtekt is a Danish manufacturer of acoustic panels that was acquired by Kingspan in 2022. Its new Lower Embodied Carbon [LEC] acoustic panel (patent pending) are now available in Denmark and Germany and will be rolled out across other European markets on a phased basis.

  Key to this major advancement is the use of an innovative binder developed in-house by Troldtekt and Kingspan’s IKON Innovation Centre in Cavan, Ireland.

  The new proprietary binder incorporates 25 per cent (%) secondary materials to create the rigid base layer of the acoustic panels. This innovation reduces embodied carbon by 46 per cent (%) while maintaining the high product performance for which Troldtekt is known.

  It brings to 49 the total number of Lower Embodied Carbon (LEC) products developed by Kingspan under its Planet Passionate programme to date.

  Sandra Del Bove, Group Head of Innovation, Kingspan Group, said: “Troldtekt’s new lower carbon acoustic solution illustrates how our Planet Passionate targets are driving product innovation that benefits the environment and buildings, without compromising on performance.

  “It marks yet another successful collaboration between our dedicated innovation centre and a Kingspan frontline business, in responding to market demand for lower embodied carbon solutions that meet commercial, environmental and aesthetic requirements.”

  Michael Heeager Nystrup, CEO of Troldtekt A/S, said: “Kingspan’s research and innovation capability and encouragement was key in getting this product over the line. It is a great milestone that helps the construction industry design and build with excellent acoustics alongside a significantly reduced CO2e impact compared with the standard product.”

  *Reported GWP reduction (%) is calculated by comparing the results for the GWP-total indicator across lifecycle modules A-C in accordance with EN 15804 +A2 using Scenario I – Incineration (reflecting regional waste management practice in Denmark) for module C3, as disclosed in the respective EPDs:

  1.The standard product – Troldtekt acoustic panels, natural wood based on traditional white cement,

  2.The LEC product – Troldtekt acoustic panels, natural wood based on a mineral-based LEC (Lower Embodied Carbon) binder.

  https://www.epddanmark.dk/epd-databasen/troldtekt/

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September 04, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine New Community Benefit Programme Launched for the Emmet Road – An Droichead Órga Project.

  Elliott Group has launched the Emmet Road – An Droichead Órga Community Benefit Programme, reinforcing its commitment to creating lasting social value alongside the delivery of this landmark development.

  The programme will provide funding to local organisations and community groups, delivering projects that make a positive difference across the local area. Applications have now been approved under one or more of the programme’s four priority themes:

  • Building Stronger Communities
  • Greener Communities
  • Recreation, Sport, Arts & Culture
  • Education & Skills

  The Community Benefit Programme reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the development leaves a positive legacy beyond the construction works, supporting initiatives that strengthen local communities and create opportunities for people living nearby.

  Speaking about the launch, Darragh Elliott, CEO of Elliott Group, said: “Construction should leave more than buildings behind. It should leave opportunities, stronger communities and a lasting positive impact. Through the Community Benefit Programme, we are pleased to support the fantastic work already being carried out by local organisations and help create opportunities that will continue long after the project is complete.

  We look forward to working alongside community groups throughout the lifetime of the project and seeing the difference these initiatives make.”

  Sandra McAleer, Programme Manager for Dublin City Council commented; “This programme is about investing in the community alongside the development itself. Local organisations understand the needs of their communities better than anyone, and we are pleased to support projects that will have a meaningful and lasting impact for local people.”

  Applications have been assessed against the programme’s priority themes, with funding awarded to projects that demonstrate clear community benefit and contribute to creating a stronger, more connected and more sustainable local area.

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  The post New Community Benefit Programme Launched for the Emmet Road – An Droichead Órga Project. first appeared on Irish building magazine.

September 03, 2026

• DBFL Danny Pio Murphy at European Parliament in Brussels
  The post Danny Pio Murphy at European Parliament in Brussels appeared first on DBFL Consulting Engineers.

• Irish Building Magazine Egis UK & Ireland appoints Helen Bray Operations and Maintenance Finance Director

  Egis UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Helen Bray as Finance Director of the company’s Operations and Maintenance division.

  Helen has been promoted to the position following an extensive career in Egis in which she has held a number of senior financial roles.

  A native of Cahir, in Co Tipperary, Helen initially worked with National Toll Roads (NTR) and moved across to Egis when NTR’s operation and maintenance division was acquired by Egis in 2010. She has since served as Group Financial Controller for Egis Projects from 2011 to 2021 and since 2022 as Chief Financial Officer of Egis Ireland.

  As part of a new restructuring, Egis Ireland is now part of Egis UK & Ireland. The move forms part of Egis’ ambition to significantly expand its operations across the UK and Ireland as priority markets. It also allows Egis to combine the strength of its teams in both Ireland and the UK to assist in addressing pressing infrastructure needs in both regions.

  Announcing the appointment Alain Bruneau, Chief Financial Officer of Consulting & Operations at Egis Group said: “We are pleased to announce Helen’s appointment to this important position at a time when our clients are seeking to ensure infrastructure is operated and maintained to the highest standards with a particular emphasis on value for money, sustainability and resilience. Helen brings extensive experience and expertise to the role and is well-positioned to play a crucial part in managing and growing our operations and maintenance portfolio across the UK and Ireland.”

  In her new role, Helen will lead on finance across Egis’ combined UK & Ireland Operations and Maintenance portfolio.

  Helen Bray, Operations and Maintenance Finance Director, Egis UK & Ireland, said: “The UK & Ireland Operations & Maintenance business has grown significantly in recent years, and I am looking forward to supporting its ongoing development. I’m excited to work closely with colleagues to strengthen financial control, support contract-level performance and continue delivering for our clients.”

  In Ireland, the portfolio includes the operation and maintenance of over 470km of motorways, the Dublin Tunnel and the Jack Lynch Tunnel. It also involves operating the Motorway Operations Control Centre, monitoring 1,200km of the national road network.

  In the UK, it includes overseeing the operation of M40 motorway and operating the M25, as part of the Connect Plus Services consortium.

  It also includes Mobiie, Egis’ joint venture with Arcadis, which operates the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre, monitoring over 3,500km of Scotland’s trunk road network on behalf of Transport Scotland.

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September 02, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Engineers Ireland appoints Áine Myler as Director General

  Engineers Ireland, the professional body for engineers and engineering in Ireland, has announced the appointment of Áine Myler as its next Director General. Áine will take up the role on 31 August.

  With extensive leadership experience in professional and representative organisations, Áine joins Engineers Ireland following more than four years as Chief Executive of the Charities Institute, the representative body for Ireland’s fundraising charities. She previously served as Director General and Registrar of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, where she worked closely with its Board and Council to strengthen professional standards, governance, and member engagement.

  Áine spent much of her earlier career as a Chartered Surveyor, working within the built environment alongside engineers, planners, and policymakers on infrastructure and development projects.

  Áine succeeds outgoing Director General Damien Owens, who will retire in December following 16 years with Engineers Ireland. Damien joined the organisation as Registrar before becoming Director General in 2022.

  Welcoming Áine Myler’s appointment, Dave Murphy, President of Engineers Ireland, said: “Áine brings significant experience leading professional organisations operating in the public interest, together with a strong understanding of the built environment and infrastructure sectors. Her experience working with governing bodies, strengthening professional standards, and engaging with members will be a valuable asset to Engineers Ireland.

  “Engineers play a vital role in shaping Ireland’s future, from delivering critical infrastructure and advancing innovation to tackling climate change and supporting sustainable growth. We are confident that Áine’s leadership will help further strengthen the voice of our members and the contribution of engineering to national policy and economic decision-making.

  “I also wish to pay special tribute to Damien, as he enters his final months with Engineers Ireland, for the enormous service he has given, not only to our organisation, but to the entire engineering profession, leading it to even greater strength during his tenure.”

  Commenting on her appointment, Áine Myler said: “Engineering touches every part of our lives and is fundamental to Ireland’s future – from the infrastructure and technology we rely on every day to our ability to innovate, compete and respond to some of society’s biggest challenges.

  “I am delighted to join Engineers Ireland at a time when the skills, expertise, and leadership of engineers have never been more important. I want to help ensure that engineering, across all its disciplines, has the profile and influence it deserves – that we continue to attract and develop the next generation of engineers, support the highest professional standards, and make the strongest possible case for engineering to be at the heart of decisions about Ireland’s education, infrastructure, and economic future.

  “I look forward to working with Council, the team, and our members to build on Engineers Ireland’s strong foundations, champion the profession and ensure that its collective voice is heard.”

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  The post Engineers Ireland appoints Áine Myler as Director General first appeared on Irish building magazine.

September 01, 2026

• ORS Wicklow County Council Housing Stock Survey

  ORS is carrying out a survey of a sample of Wicklow County Council’s social housing stock over the coming months. This survey forms part of the Council’s ongoing work to maintain up-to-date records on the condition of its housing stock and to support effective maintenance and housing management planning.

  Project Contact Details

  The ORS team responsible for managing and coordinating the inspections is available to assist with any queries regarding the survey, including questions about the inspection process, appointment arrangements, or access to the property. If you have any questions or require further information about the inspection, please contact the ORS project team using the details below. Our team will be happy to provide clarification and assist with any queries you may have.

  ORS Project Phone: 01 726 9199

  ORS Project Email: ors.inspections.wicklow@ors.ie

  When contacting the project team, please provide the property address and, where applicable, the name of the tenant or the reference provided in the inspection correspondence. This will help the team locate the relevant property and respond to your query as efficiently as possible.

  For queries relating directly to Wicklow County Council, including matters concerning your tenancy, housing services, or other Council-related issues outside the scope of the survey, you can contact Wicklow County Council directly using the details below.

  Wicklow County Council: 0404 20120

  Wicklow County Council Email: inspections@wicklowcoco.ie

  The post Wicklow County Council Housing Stock Survey first appeared on ORS.

• DBFL DBFL at the Very Pink Run
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• ORS EIA Screening in Ireland: Why the Recent High Court Ruling Matters for Projects in the Planning Pipeline

  A recent High Court ruling has raised significant questions around how Ireland determines whether Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required and it could have immediate implications for projects currently progressing through the planning system. 

  The decision in Shorten v An Coimisiún Pleanála IEHC 517, delivered on 24 July 2026, concerns the compatibility of Ireland’s “preliminary examination” approach with the requirements of the EU EIA Directive. While the case itself relates to a residential development in Glenealy, Co. Wicklow, the implications extend well beyond housing and could affect how EIA screening is approached across a much wider range of developments.

  What is the issue? 

  The Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (Directive 2011/92/EU, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU) establishes the European framework for determining which projects require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Directive identifies projects for which EIA is mandatory in Annex I (Schedule 5, Part 1 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended), while Annex II (Schedule 5, Part 2) identifies projects for which Member States must determine, through thresholds and/or case-by-case examination, whether significant effects on the environment are likely.

  In Ireland, these EU requirements are transposed into the domestic planning system principally through the Planning and Development Act and the Planning and Development Regulations. The Regulations therefore provide the framework within which planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála determine whether a proposed development falls within an EIA category and, where relevant, whether it is likely to have significant effects on the environment.

  For Annex II projects below the relevant thresholds, the Irish regulations provide for consideration of whether the project is likely to have significant effects on the environment. In making a formal screening determination, the decision-maker must have regard to the selection criteria set out in Annex III of the EIA Directive (Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Regulations).

  The difficulty identified by the High Court in Shorten v An Coimisiún Pleanála IEHC 517 is whether Ireland’s existing “preliminary examination” mechanism provides a legally sufficient means of reaching the conclusion that formal EIA screening is not required.

  The EIA Directive does not expressly provide for a separate “preliminary examination” stage. The question referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is therefore, in essence, whether the Irish approach is compatible with the Directive’s requirements, including the obligation to determine whether an Annex II project is likely to have significant effects by reference to the relevant selection criteria.

  This distinction is important in practice. A preliminary examination may conclude that it is clear that a project is not likely to have significant environmental effects, whereas a formal screening determination requires the competent authority to undertake the assessment by reference to the prescribed criteria in Schedule 7. The High Court’s referral therefore raises a fundamental question about whether the former can properly be relied upon instead of the latter.

  Why does this matter now? 

  The practical implications are already being felt. We are seeing increased scrutiny of EIA requirements on planning applications currently progressing through the system, including requests for formal EIA Screening Reports and associated information in circumstances where a preliminary assessment may previously have been considered sufficient.

  For applicants and project teams, this creates an important practical consideration: an approach that may previously have been considered proportionate and sufficient may no longer provide the same level of certainty. Waiting for the CJEU to resolve the underlying legal question could take considerable time. In the meantime, applicants need to consider how best to manage the planning and environmental risk associated with their projects.

  What should project teams consider? 

  For projects currently in development or preparing for planning submission, it is worth reviewing the EIA position at an early stage. Where there is any uncertainty around whether a project requires EIA screening, project teams should consider whether it is more appropriate to prepare the information required for formal screening, rather than relying solely on a preliminary examination. .

  This is particularly relevant where a project is close to submission, where the planning programme is critical, or where additional requests for information could have implications for programme and cost

  The key point is not that every project now requires an EIA Screening Report. Rather, the threshold for deciding that formal screening is unnecessary has become a much more important issue to consider and document carefully.

  What does this mean for developers and consultants? 

  The situation reinforces the value of bringing environmental expertise into a project early. A robust environmental strategy should not simply ask whether an EIA is ultimately required. It should consider the appropriate screening route, the information needed to support the decision, the potential planning programme implications and how environmental issues can be addressed before they become a source of delay.

  At ORS, our Environmental Services team works with developers, design teams and planning consultants from the earliest stages of project development. Our experienced specialists can advise on EIA screening requirements, prepare screening documentation and help project teams navigate the evolving regulatory and planning environment.

  Our approach is deliberately practical: identify the risk early, understand what information is required, and provide the environmental input needed to keep projects moving.

  A changing planning environment 

  The Shorten decision is particularly timely given the wider changes taking place within Ireland’s planning and development framework. The Planning and Development Act 2024 and associated regulations are expected to bring further changes to how environmental assessment and screening operate. For project teams, the lesson is straightforward: environmental assessment is becoming an increasingly important part of programme management, not simply a planning compliance exercise. The legal position will ultimately depend on the outcome of the CJEU process and any subsequent changes to Irish legislation or guidance. Until then, developers and their professional advisers should consider carefully whether their projects are adequately protected against the risks associated with EIA screening.

  If you have a project currently in the planning pipeline and would like to discuss the implications of the Shorten decision, our Environmental Services team would be happy to advise. Email us at info@ors.ie or call +353 1524 2060.

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August 31, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Ireland’s population exceeds 5.5m as demand for housing and infrastructure continues

  Ireland’s population grew by almost 67,000 people in the year to April 2026, bringing the number of people living in the State to more than 5.5m, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

  The population increased by 66,900, or 1.2%, during the 12-month period to reach an estimated 5,525,600.

  While the pace of growth eased from the previous year, the figures highlight the continuing requirement for new housing and sustained investment in transport, utilities, healthcare, education and other essential infrastructure.

  Net inward migration accounted for 72% of the annual population increase. A total of 110,600 people immigrated to Ireland during the year, while 62,500 emigrated, resulting in positive net migration of 48,100.

  Immigration fell by 12% compared with the previous 12-month period, while net migration was 19% lower. However, this was the fifth successive year in which more than 100,000 people immigrated to Ireland.

  Dublin’s population reached almost 1.6m, representing 28.9% of the State’s total population. The proportion living in the capital has increased from 28.3% in 2020, underlining the continued development and infrastructure pressures facing the region.

  The figures also point to a changing demographic profile. The number of people aged 65 and over rose to 891,100, an increase of 165,000 since 2020. This age group now accounts for 16.1% of the population, reinforcing the growing need for accessible housing, healthcare facilities and age-friendly communities.

  Meanwhile, the number of children aged between 0 and 14 fell below one million for the first time since 2014, standing at 992,400.

  More than half of both immigrants and emigrants were aged between 25 and 44. Of the 62,500 people who left Ireland, 35,400 were Irish citizens, compared with 30,200 Irish citizens who returned, resulting in net outward migration of 5,200 Irish citizens.

  CSO statistician Conor J Crowley said Ireland’s population was estimated at 5.526m following an increase of 66,900 during the year.

  Although the latest figures show a moderation in population growth, the addition of almost 67,000 people in a single year continues to place a strong emphasis on the delivery of homes and the infrastructure required to support expanding and changing communities.

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• Rowan Client Roadshow- Rengen Power

  The Rowan team landed in Ennis to workshop with our clients at Rengen Power. Rengen Power are a fantastic renewable energy development company, with a portfolio of onshore wind projects at varying stages of acquisition and development, together with operational projects under management. One of the reasons we enjoy working with the Rengen Power team…

  The post Client Roadshow- Rengen Power first appeared on Rowan Engineering Consultants.

August 27, 2026

• MIDAS Ireland Minister Burke announces establishment of Advisory Council on the Semiconductor Sector

  20th August 2026

  New Council to support delivery of Silicon Island and advise on the future development of Ireland’s semiconductor industry

  The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, today announced the establishment of the Advisory Council on the Semiconductor Sector, a key milestone in the implementation of Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy.

  The new Council will provide independent expert advice to the Minister and Government on the continued development of Ireland’s semiconductor sector, helping to shape policy, strengthen competitiveness and support the delivery of the ambitions set out in Silicon Island.

  Chaired by Dr Ann Kelleher, former Senior Vice President at Intel Corporation, the industry-led Council brings together distinguished leaders from across the semiconductor ecosystem, including multinational industry representatives, indigenous enterprise leaders, investors and research experts.

  Announcing the establishment of the Council, Minister Burke said:

  “The establishment of the Advisory Council on the Semiconductor Sector marks an important milestone in the delivery of Silicon Island and demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Ireland’s position as a global leader in semiconductors. The sector is strategically important to Ireland’s economic future, and the Council’s expertise will help guide the next phase of growth, innovation and international competitiveness.By bringing together leaders from industry, research and investment, we are creating a strong platform to support collaboration, inform policy and ensure Ireland is well positioned to seize emerging opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector.”

  Minister Burke also announced the appointment of Dr Ann Kelleher as Chair of the Advisory Council. Welcoming her appointment, the Minister said:

  “I am delighted that Dr Ann Kelleher has agreed to serve as Chair of the Advisory Council. Her exceptional leadership, global experience and deep understanding of the semiconductor industry will be invaluable in guiding the Council’s work. I would also like to thank all Council members for their willingness to contribute their expertise to this important national initiative.”

  Speaking following her appointment, Dr Kelleher said:

  “I am honoured to chair the Advisory Council on the Semiconductor Sector and thank Minister Burke for the opportunity to contribute to this important national initiative. Ireland has built world-class capabilities in semiconductors over many decades. I look forward to working with Council members and stakeholders across industry, academia and Government to help deliver the ambitions of Silicon Island and further strengthen Ireland’s position within the global semiconductor ecosystem.”

  The Advisory Council has been established for an initial three-year term and will monitor the implementation of Silicon Island, advise the Minister on sectoral priorities, support collaboration across Government and enterprise agencies, and provide strategic recommendations on future opportunities and challenges facing the semiconductor industry.

  Notes to editors

  Chair

  Dr Ann Kelleher is former Senior Vice President of Technology Development at Intel Corporation. During a distinguished 30-year career, she held senior engineering and leadership roles across Intel’s Irish and international operations, culminating in responsibility for the company’s global technology development programmes and advanced semiconductor process technologies.

  Advisory Council Membership

  The Council comprises senior leaders from industry, investment, research and innovation, including:

  • Dr Ann Kelleher (Chair)
  • Mike Morrissey, Analog Devices
  • Ruth Cotter, AMD
  • Colin Ryan, Qualcomm
  • Conor Ryan, Applied Materials
  • Seán Mitchell, Ubotica Technologies
  • Jason Lynch, Equal1
  • Elaine Coughlan, Atlantic Bridge
  • Leonard Hobbs, MIDAS Ireland
  • Dr Denis Doyle, Tyndall National Institute and IDA Ireland
  • Professor Ronan Farrell, Maynooth University

  Role of the Advisory Council

  The Advisory Council will:

  • monitor implementation of Silicon Island and track progress against strategic objectives
  • advise the Minister and Department on developments affecting the semiconductor sector
  • support collaboration and co-ordination across Government, enterprise agencies, industry and research organisations
  • advise on Ireland’s engagement with European semiconductor policy, including the European Chips Act
  • identify emerging opportunities, challenges and risks affecting the sector
  • provide strategic recommendations to support the continued growth and competitiveness of Ireland’s semiconductor ecosystem
  • support information sharing and market intelligence to strengthen Ireland’s role as National Competent Authority under the European Chips Act

  The post Minister Burke announces establishment of Advisory Council on the Semiconductor Sector appeared first on MIDAS Ireland.

August 26, 2026

• Irish Building Magazine Constructing Equality Ireland launches to advance gender equality across construction

  Women account for just 10.9% of Ireland’s construction workforce, prompting leading organisations across the built environment to join forces in a new drive for industry-wide change.

  Constructing Equality Ireland will focus on improving the recruitment, retention and career progression of women throughout the sector. Facilitated by Business in the Community Ireland, the industry-led initiative will develop practical, evidence-based measures that can be adopted by construction organisations of different sizes and at varying stages of their equality journey.

  The programme has been established by a group of Founding Partners, with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and Women in Construction Ireland (WICI) also represented on its Steering Group.

  Despite progress within individual businesses, women remain underrepresented at every level of the industry. In addition to making up only 10.9% of the workforce, women hold just 9.1% of construction board positions and 15.2% of senior leadership roles.

  Constructing Equality Ireland is based on the recognition that many of the obstacles affecting women’s careers are shared across the sector and require a coordinated response. By combining industry knowledge, lived experience and research, the coalition aims to turn common challenges into practical actions capable of delivering lasting change.

   

  As an initial pilot programme, Constructing Equality Ireland will host a series of industry roundtables focused on early career recruitment and the retention of women in construction. Open to organisations of all sizes across the built environment sector, these discussions will inform the development of an industry-wide Gender Equality Action Plan, providing practical and scalable actions that organisations can adopt regardless of their size, resources or level of maturity. The first roundtable will be held on 6^th October 2026, and more details will be released soon.

  Tomás Sercovich, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), remarked “At a time when the built environment sector is growing and infrastructure projects are becoming more ambitious, we cannot afford to leave half of our population behind and excluded from the immense and diverse employment opportunities available. BITCI is privileged to bring its expertise on facilitating a multi-sector collective action campaign to truly move the dial and make fulfilling careers a reality for women in the built environment sector. Coalitions like these require significant leadership and long-term perspective and we commend the Founding Partners for their ambition, innovation and systemic approach.”

  Amy Martin, EDI Partner at Sisk, and Chair of Constructing Equality Ireland said: “As a woman working in construction, I’ve experienced first-hand the progress our industry has made and the barriers that still exist. Many of the challenges facing women in construction are not unique to one organisation. They are shared across our industry, and lasting change will only happen when we move beyond isolated efforts and work together. It requires collaboration, commitment and action.

  Constructing Equality Ireland creates a platform for collective action, bringing organisations together to share experiences, turn shared challenges into shared solutions, and accelerate progress for women across the built environment. No single organisation has all the answers, but together we have an opportunity to drive meaningful and lasting change for the future of our industry.”

  Andrew Brownlee, Chief Executive at the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), highlighted “Building a more diverse construction industry is essential to attracting the talent, skills and leadership Ireland will need to deliver its future housing and infrastructure. While progress is being made, the continued underrepresentation of women across the sector shows that no organisation can address this challenge in isolation.

  Constructing Equality Ireland provides an important platform for industry to work collectively, share evidence and develop practical actions that support women to enter, remain and progress within construction. CIF is pleased to support this initiative and looks forward to helping ensure that the resulting Gender Equality Action Plan is relevant, scalable and capable of being implemented by businesses of every size across the sector.”

  Constructing Equality Ireland’s Founding Partners are AstraZeneca, Bord Gáis Energy, Designer Group, Dornan Engineering, John Paul Construction, John Sisk & Son, Jones Engineering, Kirby Group Engineering, Turner & Townsend, and Walls Construction. Facilitated by Business in the Community Ireland

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• Irish Building Magazine Luas Finglas achieves Ireland’s first BREEAM infrastructure excellent rating

  Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s (TII) Green Line extension to Luas Finglas has set a new standard for light rail infrastructure sustainability. The scheme is the first project in the Republic of Ireland to achieve a BREEAM Infrastructure 6 rating as well as the first transport project in the country to reach an Excellent rating at the Strategy and Design stage.

  In recognition of the project’s achievements, BREEAM has named Luas Finglas as a finalist under the People & Communities category in their upcoming awards in September.

  BREEAM standards are the world’s leading science-based frameworks for assessing, validating and certifying sustainability in the built environment. BREEAM standards cover every stage of the built environment, from design and construction through operation to refurbishment, and can be used anywhere in the world.

  Egis was appointed by TII to undertake the Luas Finglas Preliminary Design and Statutory Process. This stage of the proposed Luas Finglas project required Egis to develop a reference design to support a Railway Order Application to An Coimisiún Pleanála. As part of this process, Egis undertook a Public Life Tool Assessment of open spaces along the proposed route to better understand existing patterns of use and identify opportunities to enhance public benefit. This assessment drew on research methodologies developed by Jan Gehl and the Gehl Institute, using data collection techniques to map public life and analyse the physical and social characteristics of public spaces.

  The People & Communities category, under which the project has been shortlisted, measures the social value created by development. Its purpose is to ensure infrastructure projects prioritise occupant health, deliver local community benefits, and build consensus through early engagement with both public and private stakeholders.

  David Weldon, Head of Light Rail, Dublin Metropolitan Area, TII said: “BREEAM Infrastructure has played a central role in embedding measurable sustainability outcomes into Luas Finglas from the outset. It has driven a clear focus on carbon, materials and community performance, while fostering strong collaboration across the TII and Egis project team. Achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating reflects TII’s commitment to delivering high quality, sustainable public transport infrastructure that creates long-term value for the communities it will serve.”

  Luas Finglas demonstrates the wider benefits light rail can deliver beyond transport. The project achieved an Excellent rating of 83.73%, demonstrating strong performance across eight BREEAM categories: Management; Resources (Materials & Waste); Energy & Carbon; Water; Land Use & Ecology; Pollution; Resilience & Adaptation; and People & Communities (Social Value/Stakeholders).

  The proposed extension, connecting Broombridge to Finglas, was shaped through extensive stakeholder engagement, gender-sensitive design, and detailed public life analysis to better understand how people interact with the surrounding environment. The scheme integrates accessible transport infrastructure with 70% green track, enhanced cycling routes, and reimagined public spaces that prioritise inclusivity and long-term community benefit.

  The extension will improve connectivity for communities in Finglas and Charlestown, support regeneration and economic growth, encourage a shift from private car use to public transport, and integrate walking and cycling infrastructure throughout the corridor. It also places a strong emphasis on accessibility, social inclusion and environmental enhancement, including biodiversity measures and extensive landscaping.

  The project’s recognition as a finalist in the internationally renowned BREEAM Awards reflects the strength of its integrated approach to sustainable infrastructure design, development, and long-term community value. The People & Communities category, under which the project has been shortlisted, measures the social value created by development. Its purpose is to ensure infrastructure projects prioritise occupant health, deliver local community benefits, and build consensus through early engagement with both public and private stakeholders.

  Julien Phan Hoang Director of Rail from Egis said:“Achieving an Excellent BREEAM Infrastructure rating is a significant milestone for Luas Finglas and reflects the high sustainability standards embedded throughout its design. Environmental innovation and stakeholder engagement have played a central role in shaping decisions around carbon, biodiversity, materials and the needs of local communities. As the first transport project in Ireland to achieve this standard, Luas Finglas sets a new benchmark for sustainable light rail and reflects Egis’ commitment as a designer to delivering infrastructure that creates lasting value for communities and the environment.”

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