CONSTRUCTIONTHE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FEDERATION
NOVEMBER 2017
A NEW ERA FOR CONSTRUCTION
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hroughoutE thisDITORIAL year Construction has reported for swi action to make these plans operational if the on what industry experts and those from further opportunity is to be seized. a eld see as the essential elements required for the In this issue of Construction, our cover story looks back construction sector to meet the needs of the Irish at CIF Conference 2017, with its theme of ‘Realising the economy in a sustainable way, and in doing so break Construction Industry’s Potential to Build Ireland’s Future T the sector’s boom-bust cycles of the past. ‘and asks how will the construction industry meet the needs At this year’s CIF Annual Conference, An Taoiseach Leo of the country in the years ahead. Minister for Finance Varadkar TD endorsed the establishment of a Construction and Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe TD Sector Group which will bring together Government speaks exclusively to Construction on what his rst Budget Departments, State Agencies and industry to plan for will mean for the Construction Industry and the Irish future development in the country. is is one of those vital economy. We also bring you in-depth Budget 2018 analysis elements. from CIF experts. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe’s rst Budget Construction Safety Week 2017 has been the most in which he looked to address housing successful to date, with a record number of shortages and nance for builders, as well contractors and workers participating. We as set infrastructure development on a solid bring you some of the highlights of the week. An Taoiseach Leo footing, is another essential element. We also talk to Cleary Doyle MD Brian Byrne, Varadkar TD and Minister e much-anticipated publication of who recently completed 11 years as Chair of for Housing, Planning & Ireland 2040 Our Plan the National Planning the South East Branch. Local Government Eoghan Framework in December should further Elsewhere in this issue, we bring you all the Murphy TD at the CIF galvanise the industry, but will certainly give latest CIF News, Events and Industry Analysis Conference 2017. a clearer picture of Government development as well as Industry News. C plans in the years ahead. While it is great to see all these elements Robbie Cousins coming together, there is an urgent need Editor
Foundation Media Ltd, YOUR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FEDERATION TEAM - WWW.CIF.IE Foundation Media Construction House, ECONOMIC AND POLICY RESEARCH: CIRI - www.ciri.ie Sandwith House Canal Road, Dublin 6. Jeanette Mair CIRI: Lorraine Hosty 52-54 Sandwith Street Tel: 01 4066000 MAIN CONTRACTING: CIRI CPD OFFICE: Robert Butler Lower Fax: 01 4966953 Martin Lang, Alison Irving AFFINITY SCHEMES Dublin 2 Email: [email protected] SPECIALIST CONTRACTING: Safe T Cert Dermot Carey P: +353 1 677 3157 Twitter: @CIF_Ireland Sean Downey, Gillian Ross Affi nity Cover Conor O’Connell, INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS & Justin Molloy, Gillian Heffernan Editor: Construction House, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: CQAI Robert Butler Robbie Cousins 8 Montpellier Terrace, Jean Winters, Cheryl Treanor Economic and Policy Research Email: robbie@ The Crescent, Galway. EASTERN REGION: Executive Jeanette Mair foundationmedia.ie Tel: 091 502680 Fax: 091 584575 Hubert Fitzpatrick, James Benson Magnet Renee McManus Email: [email protected] SOUTHERN REGION: Commercial Manager: Conor O’Connell, Ronan O’Brien CERS: Frances McNally Joe Connolly Construction House, WESTERN / MIDLAND REGION: Tel: 01- 407 1434 Email: joe@ 4 Eastgate Avenue, Justin Molloy Email: [email protected] foundationmedia.ie Little Island, Cork. SAFETY & TRAINING: Tel: 021 4351410 Dermot Carey, John Egan MILESTONE ADVISORY: Editorial Design: Fax: 021 4351416 LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT: Susan O’Mara Alex Lifeson Email: [email protected] Robert Butler Tel: 01- 406 8021 MEMBERSHIP: Email: [email protected] Printing: PRESIDENT: Dominic Doheny Renee McManus, W.G. Baird DIRECTOR GENERAL: Tom Parlon Bernardine Walsh CWPS: Brigid Finn CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER: FINANCE / ACCOUNTS: Tel: 01- 406 8025 Publisher George Hennessy Gabriel MacGrath Email: [email protected] Foundation Media Ltd COMMUNICATIONS: DIRECTOR / EXECUTIVE TEAM Shane Dempsey, Joanna Kiernan HOUSING & PLANNING: ICT SERVICES: Hubert Fitzpatrick, Lorraine Hosty Denis Cadogan, Paul Brady
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NOVEMBER 2017
CONSTRUCTION CONTENTS 5 CIF NEWS 47 CIS UPDATE – PROJECTS IN THE 58 CECA ANNUAL DINNER The latest news and views from CIF PIPELINE FOR 2018 CECA President Renews Call For Long Term Infrastructure Plan COVER STORY 48 BUDGET 2018 – KEY MEASURES 14 REALISING THE CONSTRUCTION CIF Economic & Policy Research 62 INAUGURAL JOINT M&ECA AND INDUSTRY’S POTENTIAL TO BUILD Executive Jeanette Mair outlines what ACEI CONFERENCE IRELAND’S FUTURE Budget 2018 measures mean for the What the future roadmap for the Irish Construction sector 64 JONES ENGINEERING WINS ALL construction sector should look like IRELAND SUPREME SAFETY AWARD 52 GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADDRESS 2017 18 NPF WILL UNDERPIN FUTURE THE REGIONAL JOB ISSUE ONCE AND BALANCED REGIONAL GROWTH FOR ALL 66 GREAT WESTERN MOTORWAY Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Cleary Doyle MD Brian Byrne calls for CYCLE MARKS OPENING OF M17/ Reform Paschal Donohoe TD talks exclusively a focus on more balanced regional M18 TUAM TO GORT MOTORWAY to Construction about Budget 2018 and development before it is too late Government plans overhaul Ireland’s spatial INDUSTRY NEWS plans CORPORATE PARTNER FOCUS 67 NEWS OF DEVELOPMENTS FROM 53 FEXCO FUND PROVIDING €70M THE WIDER INDUSTRY PROJECT FEATURE IN FINANCE FOR CIF SME MEMBERS 22 WINTHROP – CENTRAL BANK M&E FIT 71 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY OUT SAFETY FEATURE Don’t miss a thing 56 HEALTH & SAFETY: A SUB- CATEGORY FOCUS CONTRACTOR’S PERSPECTIVE 72 TRAINING 25 WE NEED A CAPITAL PROGRAMME A look at the CIF training schedule WITH CLEAR PROJECT TIMELINES EVENTS Leading Civil Engineering fi gures outline solutions 57 IHBA WORKSHOPS ADDRESS to addressing Ireland’s infrastructure defi cit HOUSING SECTOR CONCERNS SPECIAL REPORT 67 33 CONSTRUCTION SAFETY WEEK 2017 Highlights from the most successful Construction Safety Week campaign to date INDUSTRY ANALYSIS 43 PENSIONS Susan O’Mara looks at private pension coverage 58 in Ireland
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CONS_Nov17_Con/Ed P01-03.indd 2 24/11/2017 15:49 Ad Place.indd 1 14/11/2017 16:08 CIF NEWS Smart investment now can bring forward a pipeline of work for sector A message from CIF Director General, Tom Parlon
s we enter the final weeks of difficulty in accessing finance to fuel 2017, the scale of what has been viable construction projects. We have achieved by our industry this year consistently made the case that the is coming into focus. We’ll have housing and infrastructure gaps cannot added 12,000 new employees into be addressed if companies cannot Athe industry, and the value of construction secure finance. Our survey and ongoing output generated in 2017 will reach €18bn engagement were instrumental in (7.4% of GNP). This is a solid performance, securing €750m in funding in the budget but the headline figures mask underlying under the new agency Homebuilding challenges that our industry faces in 2018. Finance Ireland. I was also very pleased Travel down the motorway out of to see that Government listened to our Dublin, and you will pass thousands of industry’s concerns and maintained the construction employees going in the other Help to Buy scheme. direction to work. Outside the Greater All eyes were on the future of our Dublin Area (GDA), you won’t see cranes CIF Director General industry at the CIF Annual Conference holding up the skyline or sites being Tom Parlon on 12 October in Croke Park, where we prepared for essential housing. In 2018, welcomed an Taoiseach Leo Varadkar the CIF will continue to highlight that the TD and Minister Eoghan Murphy TD gap inherent in our two-tier economy is minimal disruption on sites around amongst a number of very impressive widening. Ireland while making the case for sensible international and national speakers and As we predicted in 2016, the recovery and sustainable rates and conditions in thought-leaders on the issue. will not occur outside Dublin by itself; the the industry. An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s Government must intervene strongly and October was a very busy month for endorsement of a new Construction immediately. With an election likely next CIF with the Budget, the CIF Annual Sector Group involving industry and a year, we will be pushing Government to Conference and Construction Safety number of key Government Departments deliver more activity outside the Dublin Week. in his address was a very welcome and area by bringing forward investment for In the budget, the Government important step, not only for our industry, preparatory work in civil engineering took some significant steps towards but for our country. projects, increasing the amount of finance increasing investment in infrastructure Finally, I would like to say a very available to construction companies and announced a 17% increase in public heartfelt thank you, congratulations and outside the GDA and by ensuring public capital expenditure. The CIF is currently well done to every member company sector contracts are fairer. making the case that staving off this that took part in Construction Safety This year saw the Government accept investment until 2019 is damaging. Smart Week 2017, which ran from 23 – 27 the Labour Court’s recommendation for a investment now in preparatory work can October. This year companies of all sizes sectoral employment order. Overnight, its bring forward delivery dates for major and sectors put in a huge effort to help introduction has seen a minimum of 10% infrastructure projects and provide a us drive home the health and safety increase in wages across the board with the pipeline of work for our Civil Engineering message. introduction of new rates. The Government sector. Thank you, the member, for all your made the call, which these increases, The CIF and RSM accountants support throughout the year. I look (above and beyond those requested by the recently identified a market failure in the forward to working with you throughout CIF) to introduce the SEO immediately for availability of finance for construction 2018. C the sake of industrial peace. However, the companies, showing that 63% of CIF will in 2018 continue to work to ensure construction companies reported Tom Parlon
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S NMART I VEstMENT CAN BRING CIF Pre-Budget Submission calls for increase in infrastructure investment FORWARD DELIVERY DATES FOR and access to funding for small builders to make construction sustainable MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE IF has welcomed is very welcome is the the Budget 2018 announcement of the Cannouncement of €750m fund to assist increased investment in housebuilding. infrastructure at a critical time “We welcome the for the Irish economy saying increased commitment to that measures announced social housing, both from would address the systemic a social and an industry weaknesses in infrastructure point of view,” says investment. Dominic. “It’s important “The Government has that Government looks taken significant steps towards at the procurement insulating the economy from policy around these external shocks with the announcements. While announcement of a 17% the industry is doing well increase of €790m in public overall, activity outside capital,” commented Tom the main urban centres Parlon, Director General, is still too slow. We would CIF. “This measure will like contractors in the also support other housing regions to be able to measures announced in tender for these projects. Budget 2018. If they use PPPs or bundle “Recent commitments the projects, that would to increase investment exclude our smaller in infrastructure are regional members.” to be welcomed. The The CIF welcomed the Minister recognises that Government’s amendment Ireland, currently last in Dominic Doheny, to the Seven-Year Capital terms of GDP invested in President, CIF Gains Tax Exemption, infrastructure at EU level, as it encouraged the must invest. Translating these retention of property with announcements into action no incentive to develop on the ground is always challenging Housing land purchased during the relevant for Governments faced with balancing Dominic Doheny, President, CIF, period. But it is concerned about the budget. Recent increases are to welcomed housing measures the significant impact of stamp duty be delayed until 2019, but staving off announced in the budget but has a increases from 2% to 6% on the cost this sort of investment until 2019 will number of concerns. of commercial property. CIF believes unnecessarily delay the economic and “Budget 2018 was a fairly significant this might have a dampening effect social benefits of infrastructure delivery. endorsement of the Help to Buy on investment in the coming years at Smart investment now in preparatory scheme that it wasn’t discontinued. a time when Ireland is competing for work can bring forward delivery dates for This was a big concern for our FDI and facing Brexit. major infrastructure projects.” housebuilder members. The scheme is inextricably linked to activity. When Employment Budget Analysis we surveyed IHBA members, every CIF was disappointed at the DKM Consultants’ estimates and CIF one of them gave examples of how it Government’s refusal to reintroduce analysis of the amount of additional increased activity. eligibility to partial rebate for funding shows that what is available “We have major concerns about statutory redundancy payments for could be absorbed by just one critical costs, and it was a disappointment that construction employers. This measure strategic project. In addition, CIF analysis we weren’t successful in our efforts to would encourage employers to invest found an increasing proportion of the persuade the Minister to reduce VAT more in staff in what is a traditionally Public Capital Programme is spent on on the industry. Construction costs transient workforce. This is a critical maintenance of significantly depreciated where VAT can’t be reclaimed, eg, measure in construction where the stock, and 40% of the capital is not housing, are just too expensive for the labour force is fragmented with labour being spent on productive or social consumer.” agencies representing most of direct infrastructure. “One area of positive action, which employment. C
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CONS_Nov17_CIF News.indd 3 24/11/2017 15:52 Ad Place.indd 1 14/11/2017 16:10 CIF NEWS TAOISEACH CONFIRMS M20 TO MOVE TO PLANNING AND DESIGN STAGE n Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has con rmed [announced in Budget 2018] for roads allows us that funding will be provided for advanced to power ahead with the Dunkettle Interchange Aplanning and design of the M20 Cork/ proceeding to construction as soon as possible. And Limerick Motorway, Dunkettle Interchange and also, to bring forward the M22 and the Ballyvourney M22, Ballyvourney to Macroom Road. to Macroom Road, allowing it to go to tender next e Taoiseach made the announcement at year, with construction the year a er.” a breakfast brie ng, which was hosted by Cork e news was warmly greeted by all involved in Chamber in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork. the construction industry in the Munster Region. “Budget 2018 provided for major extra “Last year, CIF contributed to a report by capital investment over the next four years, Cork and Limerick Chambers on the economic including €2.4bn for motorways and national importance of M20 motorway to the region,” road networks,” he stated. commented Conor O’Connell, CIF Regional e Taoiseach said that with the opening in Director, Southern Region. “ e M20 motorway Conor O’Connell, CIF October of the Gort-Tuam motorway, linking will be a vital link in the creation of an Atlantic Regional Director, Galway Shannon and Limerick, “the next step Economic Corridor, which will enhance the growing Southern Region is to build the next section of that corridor, the complementary counterbalance to the Dublin road from Limerick and Galway to Cork via the Region between Cork and Limerick Cities. M20.” e project itself will see many more opportunities for “In terms of other projects, the additional money construction and development in the region.” C IVAN WEBB SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO THREE DIT CONSTRUCTION STUDIES STUDENTS he Ivan Webb Scholarship 2017 has been awarded to three students from the Dublin Institute of TTechnology, Bolton Street. Sionainn McLaughlin, received the First Year Full Time Scholarship Award; David Quinn took home the Second Year Full Time Scholarship Award and Catherine Rogers was awarded the Back to Education Scholarship Award. e Scholarships were presented at the recent Annual Master Builders’ & Contractors’ Association (MBCA)Dinner. L to r: Dominic Doheny, President, CIF; Sionainn e Ivan Webb Scholarship Foundation was McLaughlin, First Year Full Time Scholarship Award established by the Master Builders’ Association (MBA) winner; Catherine Rogers, Back to Education Scholarship and the CIF to commemorate the memory of the late Award winner and Seamus Duggan, President, MBCA. Ivan Webb, one of the Irish businessmen killed in the Staines Air Disaster in 1972. Ivan Webb was a Council member of both the David Quinn funding organisations, was President of the MBA in receives the 1953 and President of the CIF in 1956. Second Year Full A number of years ago the MBA combined with Time Scholarship other CIF building contractor associations to form Award from the MBCA, and it continues to support the Ivan Webb Seamus Duggan, Scholarship. President, MBCA e Scholarship is awarded to students of the Construction Technology Diploma course and the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management course, who are nominated by the Dublin Institute of Technology, Bolton Street. e “Back to Education” award wass also being presented for the third year. C
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CONS_Nov17_CIF News.indd 5 24/11/2017 15:53 Ad Place.indd 1 14/11/2017 16:12 CIF news RSM SURVEY REVEALS 63% OF BUILDERS REPORTED DIFFICULTY ACCESSING FINANCE IN THE PAST YEAR A new survey shows the extent of difficulty that construction companies face in accessing funds to deliver viable housing and infrastructure projects.
survey by accountancy firm RSM and CIF, Fund (ISIF) will be made available for completed by Accuracy Research, has found commercial investment in housing Athat construction companies continue to finance. This fund will be administered face significant difficulties in accessing funding by the newly established House Building to invest in their businesses and to deliver viable Finance Ireland (HBFI). housing and infrastructure projects. “At this point, while there are no Of those surveyed, only 33% involved in house specific details available as to how the building obtained bank finance. Sixty-three monies from this fund will be released per cent who sought to borrow from financial to construction companies,” says Paddy institutions in the past year reported difficulty in O Connell. “I would expect that the fund securing finance. The figure rose to nearly 70% will provide development finance loan amongst companies with a turnover of less than funding to meet the development costs €9m. of building homes for both sale or rent, This has led to an increasingly low level of as well as infrastructure funding for engagement with financial institutions. Only 41% site preparation and the infrastructure of those surveyed reporting as having requested needed to enable housing to progress finance from financial institutions in the past year. and to prepare land for development. The majority of companies are resorting to funding “As matters stand contractors are investment via cash reserves to deliver viable struggling to secure adequate finance at construction projects, the survey reveals, which in Paddy O’Connell, RSM competitive rates, which is negatively turn is limiting companies with growth ambitions Construction Director impacting on construction companies’ and stalling increased activity in the sector. abilities to expand, recruit new staff and undertake projects,” Paddy continues. Regional Disparity the vision of the upcoming National Planning “The difficulties in securing finance are The survey also highlights a regional disparity, Framework. limiting much-needed capacity in the with respondents reporting that projects outside of “This survey shows that Government, sector, which is required to address the Dublin are also being considered less favourably. industry and financial institutions must supply issues. “This report should ring warning bells for work more closely together to ensure finance “HBFI will have to demonstrate Government because it clearly shows that is available for sustainable construction an efficiency in decision-making and construction SMEs across all sub-sectors in the projects.” processing of funding applications to industry are still reporting difficulties in securing ensure funds are deployed appropriately funding for viable projects,” says Tom Parlon, Cash Reserves Funding Businesses and quickly.” Director General, CIF. “The implications for Irish Paddy O’Connell, RSM Construction Paddy O’Connell adds that society are worrying as these companies need to be Director, believes the survey shows that most Government should be making supported to be in a position to address Ireland’s companies are having to rely on cash reserves resources, which are available in housing and infrastructure crises. to fund their business on an ongoing basis. other industry sectors, accessible to “The availability of finance now dictates what “This is generally not considered a contractors to help them upskill staff to type of construction occurs. Where finance is sustainable model for a growth industry,” achieve greater efficiencies. available, in sectors such as commercial, student he says. “This over-reliance on reserves, “There are a number of Government accommodation or in the Greater Dublin Area, combined with the lack of alternative funding grants available – not traditionally construction is occurring. The private sector hasn’t sources and difficulty securing finance focused on the Construction sector – failed. Where it can access finance, it is delivering. within the banking system highlights an that could be redirected to encourage But there is a market failure in the availability of industry that has yet to emerge fully from the upskilling and promote innovation in finance for viable construction projects. recession.” building technologies. Such grants could “The apparent aversion amongst financial be targeted at SME’s and designed to institutions for investment outside Dublin is New House Building Fund encourage innovation, both in the kind also of concern. This will disadvantage regional As part of the Budget 2018 measures, up to of homes that are built and in the way construction companies and their capacity to fulfil €750m of the Ireland Strategic Investment that they are delivered.” C
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CIF NEWS DALATA HOTEL GROUP JOIN THE CIF AFFINITY SCHEME IF is delighted to welcome the Dalata Hotel Group to Cthe CIF A nity Scheme. Dalata is Ireland’s largest hotel operator, with a current portfolio of 38 hotels (owned, leased and managed). ey operate the Maldron Hotel and Clayton Hotel brands throughout Ireland and the UK, as well as managing a portfolio of Partner Hotels. Dalata Group is o ering CIF members a 10% discount on their existing best available B&B rate across their wide range of hotels in UK & Ireland. To avail L to r: Justin Molloy Regional Director, of the o er Lo-call: 1850 885 CIF Western/Midland Regions; Michelle 885 or +353 (0)57 869 5946 and Meehan, Business Development Executive, quote “CIF” to a member of their Dalata Hotel Group and Tom Parlon, Central Reservations Team. C Director General CIF. NEW MEMBERS The Construction Industry Federation welcomes the following new members who, having met all the necessary criteria, have been approved for membership by the CIF Executive Body.
McCrory Access Ireland Sean Hickey Construction Ltd Paddy O’Meara Silverwood Industrial Estate Coom Lower Construction Ltd Lurgan Gneeveguilla Woodlands Co Armagh Rathmore, Toomevara Co Kerry Nenagh Aereco Ltd Co Tipperary Unit 1 Cherrywood Business DG Construction Park Firmount House Surecom Network Courtstown Clane Solutions Little Island Co Kildare Bothair Beri Cork Kilcoran Carrig Elm Construction Ltd Cahir Priority Build Ltd Corcomore Co Tipperary 120 Carrigwood Clarina Firhouse Co Limerick Dublin 24 RMIS Engineering Ltd CME Electrical Engingeering Ltd Unit 2 NYD Ltd (Nineyard Design Ltd) Magherarney Moate Road Unit 107C Bann Road Smithborough Kilbeggan Dublin Industrial Estate Co. Monaghan Co Westmeath C Glasnevin Dublin 11
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CONS_Nov17_CIF News.indd 9 24/11/2017 15:55 cover story REALISING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’S POTENTIAL TO BUILD IRELAND’S FUTURE C arol Tallon attended the CIF Conference in Croke Park in October. She heard a number of international and national speakers set out their views and gave some key insights into the future of the construction industry.
a long-term, strategic and shared vision of Ireland’s future. “By rationalising policy-making in this way, we can break the boom-bust cycle associated with the construction industry and put in place a series of measures to manage the volatility of the sector,” explained the CIF Director General. “If we can grow sustainable businesses that can scale and export where appropriate, or operate in a positive domestic economy, then we can stop the huge ups and downs, not only within the sector but across the wider economy to the property market and employment. When construction does well, the rest of the economy does well. We need to learn from the mistakes of past cycles so that we are not doomed to repeat them.” “It’s our vision that the Construction Sector Group will be tasked with developing and implementing a whole of construction strategy. This will deliver on Ireland’s housing and infrastructure needs, as well as grow output, employment and exports in construction, and ultimately, end the harmful volatility in our economic cycle in the past.” An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD addresses the CIF The whole of Construction Annual Conference. Strategy: Smart, Sustainable Growth The global construction market is forecast to t the very outset of the CIF’s Doheny welcomed the Taoiseach’s grow by 85% to almost €13.5tn by 2030. This National Conference, it was announcement of the Construction Sector represents a huge opportunity for the industry clear that both the industry and Group saying “the construction sector will and Ireland inc if the right measures can be Government were looking at fresh build a republic of opportunity and will taken by Government and industry. approaches to addressing Ireland’s work with Government to break the boom- With average construction growth expected Aeconomic and social challenges. bust cycle associated with the industry”. to exceed global GDP, strong performance will An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD signalled be driven by developed countries like Ireland, the establishment of a Construction Construction Sector Group: A which are recovering from economic instability Sector Group as part of a new ‘whole of new era for the industry and a prolonged period of under-activity, construction’ strategy designed to bring Tom Parlon, Director General, CIF and by emerging countries that are poised for the industry together with the various stated that one of the key objectives growth. Government Departments in a more of the Construction Sector Group is For example; the number of mega-cities cohesive way than seen before. for Government and industry to work (population over 10 million) is to increase In his address, CIF President Dominic cooperatively and consistently towards significantly up to 2050. These mega-cities will
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in the day, and that message is clear – you cannot solve the housing crisis without first tackling the infrastructure crisis.” REALISING THE CONSTRUCTION Constructing Ireland 2040: Delivering the National Planning Framework Dominic Doheny President, Delivering infrastructure efficiently and INDUSTRY’S POTENTIAL TO CIF; An Taoiseach Leo sustainably will be a critical challenge Varadkar TD and Tom Parlon, for industry in the coming years. The Director General, CIF. Government will release a National Planning Framework aligned with the BUILD IRELAND’S FUTURE public capital programme towards the end of 2017. The industry will be central in its Dominic Doheny, Minister delivery, and this will shape Irish society CIF President for Housing addresses the Planning & Local and its economy over the next 25 years. CIF Annual Government In his address to the CIF Conference, Conference. Eoghan Murphy Minister for Housing Planning & Local TD addresses Government Eoghan Murphy TD outlined the CIF Annual some of the finer details of the new National Conference. Planning Framework ‘Ireland 2040: Our Plan’, which is currently out for its final round of public consultation. The Framework predicts that Ireland’s population will grow by 1 million people by the year 2040. This presents a broad range of challenges in terms of infrastructure and housing provision, as well as ensuring that this is all achieved in a balanced regional plan that avoids further urban sprawl of Dublin and our main regional cities. be huge clusters of cities and urban centres in his address. “We’ve developed a world- The Construction Sector Group was linked by advanced infrastructure systems. class M&E sector over the past decade in welcomed by the Minister as a vital element Africa will have the 2nd fastest increase addition to our established reputation in in ensuring this is achieved. He described of new mega-cities globally up to 2050. civil engineering. Our exports increased it is an important initiative that should get The total number of individuals living in 500%, from half a billion to €2.5bn, since started as quickly as possible, “because we Africa’s urban areas is expected to rise from the recession. It can be seen from our work have big challenges ahead – and we have to 400 million in 2010 to 1.26 billion in 2050. on specialist projects, like data centres, plan in a coordinated way for the future. This represents an enormous opportunity that our construction expertise is now “If we continue to grow as we have been, for Irish construction to grow exports and sought all over the world by multinational if the status quo maintains – depleting our diversify their markets by bringing their corporations such as Facebook, Google communities and our regions, sprawling globally recognised expertise to bear in and others. In the past, we emigrated. away from our urban cores – then our cities the developing world. Establishing a brand Today and tomorrow, we will export.” will choke off, and the country will die.” such as ‘Construction Ireland’ to promote Tom Parlon said that the Construction He said Ireland 2040 would be different the industry overseas, similar to the Sector Group is critical to the delivery than anything that has gone before it approach in the food industry, could drive of world-class infrastructure here in because “it’s going to be aligned across sustainable growth in the industry. Ireland, “We have Europe’s fastest growing governmental departments, so there will This was a concept suggested by population and its fastest growing be coherence between what the framework CIF President Doheny in his keynote economy for the past five years, yet we envisions and what others are planning, be address at the conference. In his view, the have the lowest level of GDP investment in it in relation to schools, hospitals or roads. Construction Ireland brand would allow infrastructure, and that follows a decade of large and small construction companies to under-investment. Irish construction must collaborate to secure niches in this rapidly “We’re facing an infrastructure crisis ‘Modernise or Die’ expanding global market. Closer to home, every bit as bad as the housing crisis One of the most anticipated speakers at this approach could also drive exports that we are now going through. We have the CIF Conference was Mark Farmer, of products and services to our closest been voicing members’ concerns over CEO of Cast Consultancy and author partner, the UK, particularly in any post- this particular issue for the past number of the controversial review of the UK’s Brexit scenario. of years, and there are strong signs that construction labour model ‘Modernise or The innovative nature of Irish Minister Donohoe and his department Die’. contractors and the early adoption of now understand the enormity of the Mark Farmer set out the case for change emerging technologies has certainly challenge we are facing. He is releasing a and went so far as to describe where the heightened the reputation and influence of 10-year capital plan in December. And, industry is now as a “burning platform for Irish contractors globally. of course, we now have the National change”. He maintains that technology is “We need to build on this burgeoning Planning Framework, so we know that our the bridge that must be crossed in order to global reputation,” Dominic Doheny said message is getting through, albeit very late take the industry out of the past and into
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the future. He talked about systemic issues that are seen in most construction markets in the world like workforce size and the ageing demographic. “We operate in a highly dynamic but volatile environment, particularly in terms of economic cycles and we have shaped ourselves, as an industry, in response to these symptoms of failure. We have shaped ourselves to be flexible and to be able to ride the wave of boom-bust, which is unfortunately what the industry has historically suffered from, but I believe that this is going to be much more difficult going forward. Mark Farmer, CEO, This makes where we are now a burning Cast Consultancy. platform for change. In the past, the industry has resisted opportunities and potential for change by surviving each Panel discussion crisis and then reverting to type, but this hosted by Ian is no longer an option for construction Kehoe (Left), Editor, businesses. We are truly at the point Sunday Business where we must modernise or die. The Post at CIF Annual industry itself will not die, we always need Conference. construction, but at an individual and corporate level, there is a lot to be done in terms of future-proofing our business models for the health and sustainability of individual businesses.” Mark Farmer is pushing for a productivity-led change agenda that can help determine future needs, without reverting to type. He advised, “We need to move towards high-level manufactured value, which is the ratio of what we do on site and what we do off-site. It is not just about modular construction. Modular is simply one solution. It is about efficiency, productivity and the interface between what is manufactured, what is pre- manufactured and what is installed onsite.” Skills shortage and lack of diversity Claire Penny, Global One of the critical issues identified by the Industry Leader, speakers and on the floor of the conference Watson IoT for is the looming skills gap the industry is Buildings, IBM facing. The CIF Director General, for example, challenged the industry to up its game in terms of competing for and “To meet this target, we need to promote coming decade regardless of the political attracting talent. The current capacity of the industry as an attractive career changes. To insulate the market from this the industry to capitalise on capitalise on destination. Improving diversity and and to achieve strategic permanence, we global trends in the future and to even inclusion is a key challenge. For example, need the individual industry leaders to meet Ireland’s needs today is severely just 8% of the industry is female, and step up. We need to use this opportunity challenged by skills. other industries are overtaking us in terms to put in place permanent structures that “Our members are competing for of female participation to the detriment allow sustainable growth in the industry, top talent particularly in the face of of our productivity, performance and for example, the food industry’s ‘Food digitisation,” said Tom Parlon. “We need reputation. I’m delighted to Women in Harvest 2020’ became ‘Food Wise 2025’. to up our game, not just on-site but in Construction: #BuildingEquality initiatives It’s the third five-year strategy for the management and across the C-suite. We already underway, but we have a long food industry and has survived four know that 110,000 additional workers journey ahead.” Ministers at this stage and two changes are required over the next three to four Tom Parlon concluded by saying, “This of Government. We need a similar years to deliver all the infrastructure and is exactly the type of long-term challenge structure for construction Industry and housing that Government has committed that the Construction Sector Group Constructing Ireland 2030 is the basis to. will enable us to work through over the of that. C
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Surety full page Ad 0516 V5.indd 1 08/06/2016 16:49:29 cover story N PF WILL U DERPIN FUTURE BALANCED REGIONAL GROWTH Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe TD speaks to Robbie Cousins about Budget 2018, and Government plans to bring about a total overhaul of Ireland’s spatial plans.
n his first Budget on 10 October last, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe TD acknowledged the central role that the construction sector has to play in the future development of the Irish Ieconomy. The Minister delivered a number of measures that the sector broadly welcomed. He also highlighted a number of priorities that the Government sees as needing to be addressed in the coming years. Infrastructure Ireland has the fastest growing economy in Europe, yet spends the least amount on capital investment as a percentage of GDP amongst all EU countries. The Construction Industry would like if a proportion of funding due as part of the Capital Plan 2016-2021 was to be released in 2018 for the design and planning of future projects. This would give the industry a roadmap of future opportunities and facilitate getting projects to site quicker. Minister Donohoe says that Government has allocated funding to start addressing the infrastructure deficit. “This Government has allocated a significant, but more importantly a well-planned, increase in public capital investment amounting to €4.3bn over the remaining four years of the Capital Plan 2018-2021. This is in addition to the €2.2bn for housing outlined in the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness,” the Minister explains. “Between 2015 and 2021 capital Minister for Finance and expenditure will have doubled, reaching Public Expenditure and €7.8bn. Capital expenditure will reach Reform Paschal Donohoe TD 3.5% of GNI by 2021 and will account for over 11% of total voted expenditure.
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also underpinned by a spatial vision based on values such as creating a fairer society, more sustainable choices and options, and providing a better quality of life for our citizens.” The Minister explains that the national population is projected to increase by 1 million people by 2040, and it is projected that there will be 8 million people on the island as a whole by then. “This means that a ‘business as usual’ continuation of urban sprawl trends and uncoordinated development is not an option. The physical and spatial development of Ireland has to be much better,” he says. “The finalisation of the Ireland 2040 framework alongside a new 10-year capital Significant additional investment in local and plan and the development of Regional regional roads address congestion Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs) will bring about a total overhaul and This will see public investment in Ireland of a new programme of infrastructure vertical alignment of Ireland’s spatial plans moving from relatively low levels to among renewal for the higher education sector, – from the NPF, through the RSES and the highest in the EU.” focused on large-scale refurbishment and/ down to Local Authority City and County In line with the assessment of the Mid- or infrastructure replacement projects Development Plans. Term Review of the capital plan, Minister which are essential to expand capacity, Minister Donohoe says this will enable Donohoe says that the Government has address health and safety issues, and/or the delivery of balanced growth in which identified a number of priorities for public improve quality in areas of key skills needs. “regional cities can function as realistic capital investment. Under Health, the Minister explains alternatives to Dublin and act as growth The Minister outlines that an additional that a further €471m he has allocated drivers for their regions, while at the same €1.3bn will be invested in the Transport will assure the delivery of the National time allowing us to unlock opportunities sector. “This investment will deliver major Children’s Hospital project and will allow for strategic renewal and enhancement public transport infrastructure, such as the Government to address needs in other of run-down or under-utilised parts of the new Bus Rapid Transit network for priority areas including Primary Care, Dublin as our capital city. Of course, any Dublin and the extension of the Dart to Mental Health, Acute Services, Social Care. regional focus will also seek to boost the Balbriggan. There will also be significant “Communications will receive an small towns and rural fabric of Ireland by additional investment in local and regional additional €200m in order to expand supporting new economic opportunities roads and projects to address congestion energy efficiency programmes, continue and reversing population decline.” such as the M50 Variable Speed Limits to roll out the Renewable Heat Incentive project. Scheme, increase uptake of electric vehicles Project Bundling On the basis of the review of the Action and ensure the roll-out of the National The bundling of local projects, such as Plan for Housing and Homelessness, Broadband Plan – following finalisation schools and courthouses, has been seen Minister Donohoe says an additional of the procurement process – to ensure all by some as exacerbating the challenges €500m has been allocated for the direct that citizens can access high speed services, local contractors face, as they are being building of over 3,000 additional social regardless of where they live or work.” precluded from tendering for work that houses by 2021. Minister Donohoe explains. they would have traditionally carried out. “This increases the overall Rebuilding Minister Donohoe sees project bundling Ireland ambition to be achieved through Regional Development as necessary, but he says local contractors build, refurbishment, acquisition and One of the big challenges facing the can still tender for some projects. leasing over the period 2016-2021 from Government in the coming years is “Bundling refers to the practice of 47,000 to 50,000 new homes. A further achieving more balanced regional tendering a number of individual projects €75m in exchequer funds is being made development. Minister Donohoe says he as a single contract,” the Minister explains. available under a second tranche of Local is fully aware of the issue and that the “As a result, smaller firms who may be Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund Government is taking steps to address the capable of undertaking an individual (to be matched by €25m from Local disparity. project are excluded from bidding on the Authority contributions) with the potential He says a huge amount of work basis that they lack the capacity to deliver to further stimulate the supply of mixed- has already been undertaken by the the multiple projects. We are not aware of a tenure homes on private and State-owned Government in this regard, and they now systemic policy of bundling projects across lands by at least 5,000-plus additional new have a draft of the National Planning the public capital programme. However, homes in the coming years.” Framework (NPF) Ireland 2040. it may be undertaken for reasons of Minister Donohoe points out that an “This plan represents a unique practicality and, where projects are located additional €322m has been allocated to opportunity to set out an ambitious vision in close proximity, to ensure that Health schools, which will deliver 350 planned and 20-year strategy for what our country and Safety matters are better co-ordinated. large-scale projects. An additional €257m should and can look like in 2040, and “Many contracting authorities will has been allocated for Higher Education, balanced regional development is a key bundle certain works to deliver economies which will allow for the commencement part of that vision,” he comments. “It is of scale and to manage their own resources
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as efficiently as possible’” he continues. The issue is less about “A single contract governing a range of a lack of investment and similar-scaled projects in reasonably more about how we manage close proximity makes sense from the investment to achieve perspective of efficient project delivery. meaningful regional However, there are natural limitations to development.” this approach. An example of bundling that many contracting authorities adopt is emergency response maintenance. To provide this service a contractor needs to have a certain scale to react to multiple call outs for leaks, boiler failures, electrical outages, etc. Even though the individual ‘tasks’ are tiny, it is the capacity of the contractor to respond within the tight timeframes that is important.” Minister Donohoe says that certain safeguards are built into the legislation governing procurement to ensure that SMEs are given opportunities to compete successfully for public contracts. Under the focus on the development of Ireland’s history and heritage, and we must protect EU Directives, contracting authorities are regional cities. those even as we look to develop for the encouraged to break larger projects into “My Department is preparing a ten-year future, while it is also essential that our lots, so that SMEs are in a position to bid. capital plan, which will support the NPF.” plans reflect our ambitions around climate Under national guidelines, the requirement Minister Donohoe explains. “This improved mitigation and support the National to advertise contracts, which are in excess integration of capital investment and Mitigation Plan on Climate Change.” of €25,000 for goods and general services spatial planning under the NPF will allow and €50,000 for works and works-related us to deliver on our long-term, strategic Stamp Duty on Commercial services, on eTenders, provides ample objectives for Ireland’s development Property transparency to tendering opportunities. and will ensure that businesses and One measure in the Budget that raised Below these thresholds contracting communities can plan ahead. concerns was the increase of Stamp Duty on authorities may directly invite tenders Minister Donohoe ultimately believes commercial property from 2% to 6%. The from a minimum of five contractors. that despite the fiscal constraints that Minister is adamant that this is the right the Government must work under, “it decision for the country at this time. National Planning Framework is an absolutely worthwhile process of “Based on analysis of projects in the While a number of regional infrastructure putting in place a long-term strategic pipeline, CBRE and other commentators projects are coming on stream in the next planning framework. But, it will require a are projecting continued strong levels of 18 months, a long-term capital plan would coordinated effort. completions in 2018 and 2019,” Minister give the construction sector confidence “This requires complementary sectoral Donohoe explains. “There is an estimated to put in place the required resources to vision across Government Departments, 400,000-sq m of office space under deliver on such a plan. Minister Donohoe Agencies and Semi-States,” the Minister construction in Dublin alone. Once says that the Government has made points out. “This has been very much completed, this will add approximately 10% significant strides in prioritising projects reflected in the current draft of the NPF. to the stock of office space. This suggests and that the National Planning Framework We also need to ensure public bodies work that the commercial real estate sector has will help determine what gets built, and together to develop key sites and ensure significant supply already in the pipeline to when it gets built in the next 10 years. our cities towns and villages can grow in a meet demand from companies relocating “This is an area where the Government sustainable way and get our housing market from the UK. has completed a significant amount of working effectively.” The Minister says that the availability of work in identifying priorities for the The Minister says it is important to commercial property and office space is one allocation of the substantial capital funding recognise that “we are not starting with consideration companies have in deciding now available,” he explains. “Research a blank canvas – Ireland is an already to locate to Ireland. has shown that all regions experienced developed country, with five main “Of equal concern in maintaining significant increases in infrastructure cities, a developed network of transport competitiveness and attracting firms post- expenditure over the period 1995-2009, infrastructure, businesses based in Brexit, Minister Donohoe comments, “as with Dublin actually receiving less on a per particular locations and so on. All these well as more generally is the availability capita basis. Hence, the issue is less about a pre-existing factors need to be taken into of housing. By helping to re-orient the lack of investment and more about how we account. construction industry towards more manage investment to achieve meaningful “Then, we need to be mindful that our residential building, it is hoped this regional development.” plans are fiscally sustainable, which is why measure will help address this area of The Minister sees the forthcoming it is so important that the 10-year National competitiveness.” NPF as having a critical role to play Investment Plan is being coordinated with Asked whether he will revisit the in influencing the pattern of future the NPF. This will ensure that we have the measure, Minister Donohoe concludes investment in public infrastructure, and appropriate budgetary and investment by saying: “As is the case with all taxation he says it will underpin future growth on a follow through around projects.” measures, this area will be monitored and balanced regional basis, with a particular “Our built environment reflects our appropriate action taken, if necessary.” C
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PROJECT FEATURE: WINTHROP – CENTRAL BANK HIGH-SPEC M&E FIT OUT FOR NEW CENTRAL BANK During 2107, Winthrop completed a high-spec low-energy mechanical and electrical fit- out of the new Central Bank premises on North Wall Quay, Dublin for main contractor Walls Construction, a project that presented a number of challenges.
Central Bank offices, North Wall Quay, Dublin.
Xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxx
inthrop was engaged by Walls Challenges the consultant engineers O’Connor Sutton Construction to deliver the One of the significant challenges with this Cronin (OCSC) and architects Henry J Mechanical and Electrical project was to take the shell of the existing Lyons (HJL), Winthrop had input into the services on the new eight- building and modify it to suit the bank’s implementation of the systems controlling storey 30,000-sq m Central requirements, which was to deliver a building the building management system, façade WBank of Ireland offices on North Wall of the highest quality, energy rating and management system, the CHP plant, Quay, Dublin. Winthrop completed sustainability. The design criteria to achieve a basement smoke clearance system and the the mechanical and electrical services BREEAM Excellent accreditation and a BER car park ventilation system. installation for the Central Bank project, of A2 meant that the selection of top quality, Mechanically, a key design feature is which went from shell to walk-in ready in efficient plant and materials was paramount. an energy saving mixed-mode ventilation less than two years. Working closely and under the guidance of strategy, which, when external conditions
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The majority of the Central Bank’s electrical plant is located at roof level.
are acceptable, will allow the façade installed for BMS, lighting and protective The Central Bank moved staff into the mounted louvres to open and let fresh air services. The entire building can be new building over a number of weeks and enter the space. This, coupled with the controlled from either fixed points by the Winthrop was on hand to assist all the way most highly efficient plant equipment and facilities management team, or by remote and ensure the move was a seamless as latest heat recovery systems, ensures real connectivity for a 24/7 set up, which would possible for each staff member. energy savings for the building. be expected in a modern building of this A total of 1,500 staff were moved in, and stature. the feedback from them is nothing but Building Energy Management The majority of lighting, totalling 10,000 positive in their new base, and Winthrop System LED light fittings within the building, is is proud to have been a part of that The BEMS (Building Energy Management controlled by automatic sensors that not positivity. System) formed the principal part of only control on and off functions, but also Speaking about the how the project fits the HVAC system’s control and energy light levels depending on the sunlight, as it with Winthrop’s recent portfolio of work, monitoring for the building. The energy hits the building during the day. The system Managing Director Anne Dooley first monitoring features include: is programmed with pre-sets to drop light acknowledges the quality of the design of • Monitoring utility consumption levels at night as the building is mainly the project. • Monitoring overall energy usage against vacated after a certain time. “The Central Bank project set a new targets Winthrop provided a complete structured benchmark for innovative design and • Energy reporting for Facilities cabling system for the end user, which efficiency, and massive compliments must Management, Bank Principals and includes a fibre optic backbone and Cat 6A go to the design engineers and architects Heads of Department network using the latest intelligent patch who designed this unique project. • Energy target exceedance and alarms panels to put this building right at the “The Central Bank is a great example of • Trend logging of environmental forefront in data installations. the type of project completed or currently conditions on-site within the company at this time. • Customisable dashboard for individual Phased Handovers “We recently completed the 21,000-sq users Another major challenge on this project was m Miesian Plaza Project on Baggot Street the phased handovers of critical areas, as the as well as Google’s European HQ and Unusually, the majority of electrical client took possession of the building. Facebook’s European HQ, also in Dublin. plant is located at roof level, with the To facilitate the crucial IT requirements We have also been appointed as Electrical distribution structure feeding down of the client, all communications rooms Contractor on the Dublin Landings through the building. This helped to were completed, commissioned and handed project, adjacent to the Central Bank. maximise the usable space from the two over while major construction was still “Just across the river from the Central lower basement levels up to the seventh- being carried out. Bank, we are currently carrying out the floor offices with dramatic views of the city The BCAR requirement was also a crucial electrical fit-out of the 12,300-sq m 8 and bay. element of project delivery, with Dublin Hanover Quay project – The Reflector Systems design by the Consultant City Council taking a keen interest in the building. These are the scale of project Engineers OCSC and Architect HJL commissioning and certification of the that Winthrop has become accustomed to were driven by the most energy efficient building, given its extremely high-profile completing in Dublin and further afield principles with central control systems status. over the past number of years.” C
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CATEGORY FOCUS: CIVIL ENGINEERING WE NEED A CAPITAL PROGRAMME WITH CLEAR PROJECT TIMELINES There is a pressing need for much greater certainty on project timelines in the next Capital Programme. BARRY McCALL reports.
n September 2015, the Government announced a new six-year €27bn capital spending programme. Among the projects to be included were Metro North and an extension of the DART Ito Balbriggan, Maynooth and Hazelhatch. Construction has yet to commence on the great majority of the roads included in the programme, while water wasn’t mentioned at all. What initial euphoria there was, quickly dissipated as it became apparent that a large number of the projects, which were included, were holdovers from earlier Colin Cleary, President, Civil programmes. But no de nitive start Shane MacSweeney, EY Engineering Contractors dates had been given for them, nor had Infrastructure Advisory Partner Association (CECA) President there been any details of actual funding availability. a signi cant capital programme for water to advance plans. However, they can’t go “ e 2016-2021 Capital Investment up to 2030. While the Government has to market through lack of funding. We Programme was a positive step forward shared some high-level information, what know from the Department that there is in that it focused upon addressing the needs to come out of the programme is a increased funding available and we hope signi cant infrastructure gap in Ireland. critical pipeline of activity such that the to get some clarity around that.” However, it stopped short of prioritising construction sector in Ireland and the UK Colin Cleary is not looking for rm and projects based upon key economic can look at it and prepare for it by ramping xed start dates for every project. indicators, and therefore, it did not provide up resources for the long term. “Start dates are never 100% accurate, but an accurate pipeline of future activity,” Civil Engineering Contractors at least you know the quarter of the year, says Shane MacSweeney, EY Infrastructure Association (CECA) President, Colin if not the month when they might start,” Advisory Partner. Cleary of John Paul Construction is quite Colin Cleary adds. “We need to know this “ is inherent vagueness isn’t of any optimistic about the upcoming programme. as an industry. It is di cult to plan what value to the Civil Engineering sector and “ e soundings are quite good from resources you need in future without that other stakeholders, who have to plan Government in terms of what’s coming information. If a contractor is working ahead to ensure they have the resources in down the line,” Colin Cleary says. “We in both the UK and Ireland, they need to place to undertake major infrastructural would like a little more meat on the bones balance the turnover and activity between projects.” though. We need some idea of the timing of the two countries. However, that is very Shane MacSweeney is hopeful that the projects to give some predictability.” di cult as there is very little certainty the new Capital Investment Programme He has some sympathy with the various around the Irish market at present.” scheduled for announcement in December bodies responsible for the delivery of He notes that there is much greater will be di erent. infrastructure. “We have to give credit to certainty in the UK market. “ e entities “What this capital plan needs to do Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and responsible for infrastructure in the UK is provide a robust pipeline of future OPW and other Government entities,” are closely monitored as to how they are infrastructure activity,” he comments. Colin continues. “ ey have fantastic performing against capital plans. Maybe “Within that programme, there will be the business management skills, and they know we need to start doing more of that here.” investments planned for the next ve to what needs to be done. But they have been Pat Lucey (Senior Vice President, 10 years. Projects like the M20 and New strangled by lack of funding. ey just CIF), John Sisk & Son Civil Engineering Metro North will feature, as will the new can’t bring projects to market. Irish Water, Managing Director is also worried National Maternity Hospital together with TII, and OPW are all working diligently about the near-term situation. “What’s
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brilliant civil engineers and great tradespeople in this country,” Colin Cleary adds. “If that is not followed through, the numbers will fall dramatically, and that will affect the future. It’s not for want of ambition or desire that they are not returning. They need to see things happening. We need real certainty on projects up to 2021.” That’s also an issue for Pat Lucey. “If staff don’t have confidence that the infrastructure work will be there, they will move to Pat Lucey (Senior sectors where the work is like commercial Vice President, CIF), and housing. It is very hard to replace John Sisk & Son people with 10 to 15 years’ experience. It’s Civil Engineering John Cradock, John wonderful to see the Government doing Managing Director Cradock Ltd. long-term planning, but we are looking for them to give multi-annual spending happening at the moment is of great of new infrastructure and maintenance of envelopes to the bodies that are responsible concern to civil engineering contractors,” the existing. Failure to properly maintain for the infrastructure. It’s difficult to plan Pat Lucey explains. “We have known for infrastructure built over the past 20 years ahead if you only have a year to year budget. quite some time, about the past year and a will result in significant additional costs in Multi-annual budgeting would make it half, that 2018 had all the signs of being a replacing the same in the not too distant more efficient. very quiet year.” future. “Civil engineering contractors in He says that Civil Engineering depends to “Currently, there are very few Government this country are as good as you can get a very large extent on public spending. projects out for tender with the result that anywhere,” Pat Lucey continues. “In many “There is a small amount of civil works survival in the industry is becoming more ways they are superior, they offer a level of involved in housing, commercial and difficult for contractors. This does not augur service and construction quality better than industrial developments but the vast well for the future of the industry if not you can get elsewhere. If that pipeline of majority is public works and contracts addressed in the immediate future.” projects doesn’t happen, they are the people funded and driven by the State. When the It is also John Cradock’s view that that feel it. If they don’t have work, it will Government published the capital plan a prequalification criteria should be more be impossible for them to hold onto staff. It few years ago, it was clear that it was end- helpful to allowing indigenous contractors takes years to bring on new staff. Companies loaded to 2020 and 2021. A certain number prequalify for medium and large contracts in have to keep the people with the experience. of projects were already up and running, the State, while at the same time complying We won’t have new students coming and others are coming to their end now and with EU requirements/Directives. “The through either if the pipeline of work isn’t next year. The opportunities for new work achievements by Irish Civil Engineering there.” are few and far between for 2017 and 2018.” contractors prior to the downturn, both Shane MacSweeney believes the new plan Pat Lucey’s message to Government is technically and in giving value for money, is will represent progress. “There needs to to release the relatively small amount of well recognised and the expertise should not be a greater understanding of the linkages money available now to get major projects be lost going forward. between the different infrastructure sectors. ready to go on site. “We need the money to “Money well spent at this point on At the moment, Transport is looked at as get the projects shovel-ready. If you use the infrastructure would be to the benefit of Transport, Health as Health, and so on. example of the M20, that project requires the economy generally, for attracting FDI, What if they tackled them together? In four years upfront work. It shouldn’t cost for encouraging industry throughout the Australia, the focus is now on developing more than €15 million to do this. If you country, for creating a more even spread cities and towns rather than individual don’t do this first, you won’t have the €800m of employment around the country, for infrastructure projects. They look at how motorway project.” housing, for reduced transport costs and for to transform a city over a number of years. Pushing ahead with early-stage increased employment. All of this is to the It really is quite powerful. It comes back to expenditure will allow for the projects to long term benefit of the country.” economic multipliers. You get a real synergy progress in 2019 or 2020. “It is unlikely Colin Cleary is concerned about activity effect. that much will go ahead in 2019 and next in the short-term as well as the potential Shane MacSweeney believes this is the year is going to be lean,” he adds. “You have impact of uncertainty on future skills within approach Ireland should be taking. “What to get enough done to ensure that they the industry. do we want to look like in 2040? This can move ahead. That will give companies “It is hard to see much increase in funding would bring a much different dynamic. confidence that the work is there. It will also in the short term,” Colin Cleary notes. “It In Australia, they have centralised give staff confidence to stay here, and it will looks like it will be 2021 before we are back boards like Infrastructure New South give confidence to companies to invest in at reasonable levels of activity. Many of Wales and Infrastructure Australia to machinery and resources.” our people left Ireland’s shores for the UK, give an overarching view in relation to John Cradock of John Cradock Ltd Australia, and so on during the downturn infrastructural development. It’s quite a agrees. “I recognise that the Government and they are not going to come back because powerful tool.” has been constrained in its ability to spend,” they don’t see opportunity here at the In the short term, Shane MacSweeney John Cradock says. “But there needs to moment. We are in danger of losing out on hopes that the new national plan will be real be spend on our national infrastructure, that great civil engineering legacy we had in driver of development. “All the indications as we are well behind other European this country. are that we are going in the right direction,” countries at this stage, both in construction “We have a great history of producing he concludes. C
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CATEGORY FOCUS: Civil Engineering A MajOR INFRASTRUCTURAL BOOST FOR THE WEST The completion of the M-18 Gort to Tuam motorway by the Direct-Route has reduced journey times in the Western Region considerably as well as made it a more attractive prospect for inward investment. Barry McCall reports.
eptember 27th last saw the Rathmorrissey opening of the €550m M17/M18 Interchange, where Gort to Tuam motorway scheme. the new motorway Speaking at the opening, Minister crosses the for Transport Shane Ross TD said: existing M6 S“I am delighted that the M17/18 road scheme has been completed two months ahead of schedule and on budget. This new motorway is a huge boost for the western seaboard area. It will enhance employment opportunities, benefit tourism and help address traffic bottlenecks at Tuam, Claregalway, Oranmore, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan and Gort. I look forward to using it.” The Project Team The road is of motorway standard from Gort to the Kilmore junction, near Tuam (a distance of 53.2km). It is dual carriageway type 2 cross-section from the Kilmore roundabout to the Mountpotter “We had been working on the inter-urban you have funders and bankers involved, roundabout, north of Tuam (a distance of roads network for a number of years, and they require much greater certainty 4.2km). then there was a gap during the recession,” and need to minimise risk. Part of the The road was delivered by a Public Pat notes. “A lot of the team travelled to price you pay for them is a much longer Private Partnership consortium known as work on projects abroad, but we brought process. There is a place for them but not DirectRoute, with Roadbridge, John Sisk back the core team and supplemented them for urgent or priority projects. What you & Son, and Lagan Construction being the with excellent local staff. The project was should do is put the ones at the end of main contractors involved. delivered as if we had never stopped building the capital programme out for PPP. That motorways. The unfortunate thing is that, would allow the teams to form and get the Delivery Success Down to a despite the gaps in the network and the preparatory work done in advance and be Strong Team On-Site benefit these projects bring to the economy, fully organised when the projects come to “Construction is full of challenges,” says there is not another motorway to move that market.” Pat Lucey, Managing Director of Civils team onto until 2019.” at John Sisk & Son. “Until you start, you While the project was delivered On-site challenges don’t know what’s there for sure. You can successfully as a PPP, Pat Lucey warns that Roadbridge project manager for the run into very different ground conditions this structure doesn’t offer some magic bullet Gort-Tuam road Paraic McCarthy over a short distance. One of the principal for the funding of future projects. “Given the believes the benefits of the new motorway challenges we faced was the flooding of the need to get funding for projects to get on the will be significant. “It means a massive winter of 2015. This affected us greatly, but ground in a few years’ time, PPPs are often reduction in journey times from Limerick we still came in ahead of schedule.” raised as a solution to the problem. While to Sligo. I live in Limerick and used Pat attributes the success of the project they have a place, the downside is that they to drive the old road every day. There to the quality of the people working on it. add two to three years to the lead time. When were major bottlenecks in every town
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Ballygaddy Road Junction
and village along the route. The improved overall project schedule.” said. “It will consign to the past the infamous linkage between Galway and Limerick will bottlenecks at Tuam, Claregalway, Oranmore, make the Atlantic Corridor more attractive Selective use of PPP’s Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan and Gort, thereby for investment and hopefully offer a real Paraic McCarthy believes when it comes cutting journey times, reducing the traffic alternative to Dublin.” to project types PPPs should be employed in these towns and in doing so make them Roadbridge was responsible for the selectively. safer and more pleasant places to live. The northern section of the road, which “This project benefited from the PPP motorway will greatly reduce travel times comprises 10.4km of motorway and 4.2km arrangement because it was let out at the from Sligo and east Mayo down to Galway of dual carriageway. Despite the relatively height of the financial crisis. The advantage and Limerick. short distance covered, it presented unique to the Government is that they repay the “This is a significant step forward in challenges. cost over 20 to 30 years and it keeps it off helping to realise the Atlantic Economic the balance sheet. The European Investment Corridor which my own department is Groundworks Challenge Bank was a lender. When you have helping to drive. The next logical step is for “There were four separate areas of peat international investors involved, they need this motorway to be extended to Claremorris, to construct the road over,” says Paraic to get a return on investment. PPPs are only and I will be extremely keen to see this McCarthy. “The peat averaged 2m in depth, really suitable for larger projects, as smaller happen.” and it sat on 10m to 12m of soft clay and ones don’t offer that level of return.” East Galway TD Seán Canney quantifies silt. This very soft ground presented a real the gains. “The new motorway will enhance challenge. We had to remove the peat, put A Strategic National Link Across connectivity to Dublin and Shannon, down stone as a protective layer and verti- the Country reducing travel time to Shannon Airport drain the soft ground.” “M17/M18 Gort to Tuam motorway by up to 20 minutes and over 30 minutes This involved placing what was in effect enhances connectivity along the Atlantic to Dublin Airport, and will make the route a series of needles through the soil to allow corridor and provides a strategic national much more attractive for people in Mayo and the water to drain out and give it strength link across the country through the M6 Sligo, especially as the route is toll-free. over time. “We had to build up the rock Rathmorrissy junction,” said Michael Nolan, “The opening of the new motorway will layer slowly and we used a lot of specialist CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland result in enormous potential for investment instrumentation to monitor the pressure (TII), at the opening of the new motorway. in towns such as Tuam, Athenry, Loughrea underground. We also had to move, store and According to Minister for Rural & and Gort,” Sean Canney continues. “It is dispose of the peat and then to deal with the Community Development Michael Ring TD, important that these towns prepare for the ground underneath. Despite this, we delivered the opening of the new road will help create opening of this major infrastructural project the project two months ahead of schedule. jobs and help attract Irish and international and the potential investment that this new We were able to do that because of our companies to the region. route will bring. I will be pressing for IDA expertise in major infrastructural projects. “Locals and motorists who regularly used Ireland to engage with their clients to put We identified the challenges and ensured that the old road will breathe a sigh of relief to forward a case for foreign direct investment they were overcome without impacting on the see this motorway come to fruition,” he along this major corridor route.” C
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Special Report: Construction Safety Week C oNSTRUCTION Safety Week 2017 Highlights C onstruction Safety Week 2017 saw a higher number of companies and workers than any previous year organise and engage in activities to promote a positive safety message.
ermot Carey, CIF Director, Safety and Training says Construction Safety Week 2017, which ran from 23 to 27 October, was an Dunprecedented success at promoting the positive safety message on-sites across the country. “CIF is delighted with the level of engagement with this year’s Construction Safety Week campaign,” says Dermot. “Contractors and workers across the country embraced the programme in a positive and proactive way throughout the week, and used the platform to promote construction safety awareness.” For this year’s campaign CIF put a number of supports in place to help companies plan and organise their Construction Industry Federation Executive Body mark safety activities. “Our plan for this as the beginning of Construction Safety Week. the industry’s week was that CIF would provide the platform, but members Mercury Engineering team take a safety test. would take the initiative and make it a success. I’m glad to say that is what happened.” Prior to Construction Safety Week, companies could register their activities and sign up as a Partner to the event on the CIF website and download support materials. CIF was delighted to have Baz Ashmawy and his ‘Mammy’ Nancy on board for the week. They recorded John Sisk & Son team an exclusive series of short, themed Stand Down for Safety. clips entitled ‘Five Ways to Save Your Mammy on Site’, which were based on Ardmac team their Emmy award-winning TV series Stand Down ‘50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy’. These for Safety. were designed to set the scene for each day and put some humour into the Health & Safety message. On Monday, 23 October, the daily Dermot Carey, CIF theme was ‘Working at Height’ to start Director, Safety and the week, and a request was made to Training talks to Leo those participating to ‘Stand Down for Lynch Engineering Safety’ and give workers an opportunity Contractors staff. to reflect on their own safety and
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health. A high number of workers responded and observed the request using the hashtag #standdownforsafety to post images of their observance on social media channels. “Stand Down for Safety was a huge success,” Dermot explains. “It allowed workers to start the week off with a positive event, and take the opportunity Joanna Kiernan (CIF) and Collen Construction executive team and to start a conversation about Health & Nancy Ashmawy during staff Stand Down for Safety. recordings of “Five Ways to Safety. Save Your Mammy on Site”. On Wednesday 25 October, a live webinar on Occupational Exposure to Walls Construction team Crystalline Silica Dust was watched by Stand Down for Safety during over 100 sites across the country. Construction Safety Week. The Daily themes of Construction Safety Week 2017 week were: Monday 23 October – Safety at Height Tuesday 24 October – Plant & mac team during Construction Machinery Safety Week. Wednesday 25 October – Occupational Heath – Dust Thursday 26 October – Mental Health Friday 27 October – Driving for Work Across the week companies engaged with each other and shared their activities on their social Designer Group team Stand CIF Director Justin Molloy joins JJ media platforms using the hashtag Down for Safety. Rhatigan team at NUI Galway. #CIFSafety17. Activities organised included: • Site poster campaigns • Toolbox safety talks and presentations • Safety audits • On-site safety competitions and quizzes LM Keating staff receiving Construction • Worker health screenings Tritech Engineering team during Safety Representative of the Year • Promotion of healthy eating and Construction Safety Week toolbox talk. Certificate. lifestyle activities “The objective of the week was to re-energise people’s efforts in promoting site safety and to try and change the image of the subject to a positive one,” comments Dermot. “The scale of engagement resulted in people from other industry sectors and the general public also engaging with us, with many contacting us directly to acknowledge the positive site safety message we wanted to convey. A big thank you to all who participated in any Kirby Group Engineering mark Winthrop Safety Talk during way to make the week such a success.” Construction Safety Week. Construction Safety Week. CIF would like to thank Construction Safety Week sponsors Clancy Construction team during Stewart Construction team the Construction Workers Sick Pay Construction Safety Week toolbox talk. Stand Down for Safety. Trust (CWSPT), ESB Networks, Collen Construction, Grafton Merchanting ROI, Brooks and the Irish Hardware Association for their invaluable support. All videos relating to Construction Safety Week 2017 can be viewed at cif. ie/safety-week/videos C
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Special Report: Construction Safety Week COMPULSORY PENSION SCHEME RETURNS AFTER FOUR YEAR BREAK COLLEN’S SAFETY A s a result of the SEO being signed into law, pensions, sick pay and death in service benefits are required for specified workers in the construction sector.C WPS Chairperson LEADERSHIP JOURNEY Andy O’Gorman outlines to Barry McCall what this will mean for the sector.
Our scheme attempts to bring members up to average industry earnings when they are off work due to illness or injury. The pension contribution used to be 7% of average earnings. The Labour Court has now given us set contribution rates. The SEO recommended by the Labour Court and accepted by the Minister has proposed CWPS as a scheme that meets all the requirements of the legal instrument. “The Labour Court has been very clear that any other scheme would have to offer The CWPS celebrated its 50th anniversary the same benefits and conditions as CWPS,” in 2015, and it has been ahead of its time he adds. throughout its history. As a multi-employer “It helped that both the employers and scheme, it offers full transferability and the group of unions were agreed that there Andy O’Gorman, portability of pensions to construction should be a mandatory pension scheme for CWPS Chairperson workers, as they move from employer to the industry and that the CWPS offered employer. good value for money as such a scheme. The he construction industry has a Furthermore, CWPS members bring Labour Court accepted this view. The same compulsory pension scheme once their individualised pension pots with procedure has now begun for the Mechanical again after a four-year break as a them throughout their career, as a result of Engineering and Building Services sectors result of the Sectoral Employment changes made in 2006 following extensive and the Labour Court is deliberating on Order (SEO) being signed into law discussions between employers and the those at present.” Tby Minister for State Pat Breen TD. The construction group of unions. SEO is in effect a replacement for the old “The first thing we did in our submission Construction Safety Week 2017 Registered Employment Agreement (REA) was to set out the background and size of The Construction Workers’ Sick Pay Trust for the industry, which was deemed to be the scheme. It had been the scheme that was was a sponsor of Construction Safety unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in exclusively used by the whole industry until Week. “We were delighted to be able to 2013. the Supreme Court struck down the REA”, participate in Construction Safety Week this SEOs were established by the Industrial says Andy O’Gorman. “Of course, we accept year”, says Andy O’Gorman. “We support Relations (Amendment) Act 2015 as that no scheme has a natural right to be the our members when they are absent from a means for interested parties to apply only one deemed suitable for the industry.” work because they are sick or injured. to the Labour Court to carry out an The submission also included details of Construction Safety Week is very important, examination of rates of pay, pensions and the death in service benefits and sick pay as it helps to highlight the need for safety sick pay in a sector with a view to making scheme. “We provide members with a death awareness. Construction sites are dangerous a recommendation to the Minister to set in service benefit of €100,000 regardless environments, and people need to be legally binding rates. of the cause of death, without any medical aware of that and take steps to minimise In 2016, CIF made an application to underwriting,” he points out. “Also, most the dangers. The overall aim is to reduce the Labour Court for an examination of employers in the industry don’t have sick pay accidents on construction sites in Ireland – rates, pensions and sick pay and was joined schemes of their own in place for employees. everybody will benefit from that.” C by ICTU, Unite and the Construction Workers Pensions Scheme in making WEEKLY CONTRIBUTION RATES for the Construction and Related Industries individual submissions the following year. “We made a submission because the Employer mEmber Total Construction Workers Pension Scheme Pension Contribution €26.63 €17.76* €44.39 (CWPS) is an interested party,” explains Death in Service Contribution €1.11 €1.11* €2.22 Andy O’Gorman, Chairperson, CWPS. Sick Pay Contribution €1.27 €0.63 €1.90 “We have close to 300,000 members Standard Contribution Total €29.01 €19.50 €48.51 between ‘actives’ and ‘deferreds’, and we are currently the scheme of choice for anyone * Contributions for Pension and Death-in-Service Benefit are made before PAYE is calculated. in the industry with employees.”
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We have CO LleN’S SAfeTY c‘‘lose to 300,000 LEADERSHIP JOURNEY members C ollen Construction’s innovative approach to safety management has set a new between standard for on-site safety. Sean Murphy talks to the team that has overseen the ‘actives’ and introduction of this approach. ‘deferreds’, n 2016, Collen Construction completed a major upgrade of its management systems and we are and became accredited to the latest ISO standards. This was implemented despite already having an A Grade in the CIF Safe- currently IT-Cert management system for the previous six consecutive years. the scheme The Collen management team saw the newly introduced systems as part of a robust overall of choice for corporate culture, designed to deliver continual improvement in safety and maintain and develop anyone in the its position as an industry leader. Collen Safety Leadership Charter industry with Collen management wanted to ensure that the new systems would be adopted and championed employees. across their operations teams and supply chain. Under the direction of Collen CEO, Tommy All Collen Construction’s sites have a total focus on a positive safety message. Drumm and Construction Director, David Lee, Collen engaged Ingenium Training and Consulting to develop a transformational the implementation of the Safety Leadership ‘Leadership and Behavioural leadership seminar for Collen’s 120-strong Charter for the sub-contractor supply Safety’ operations team. This seminar took place in chain, led by Donal Hennessy, Commercial In September 2017, Collen Construction Croke Park in November 2016. Director. The event, in Croke Park, had over moved to the third phase of its Safety Culture 100 sub-contractor managing directors/ programme The third event in Croke Park The dual objectives were: directors in attendance and focused on brought all of Collen’s operational team • To engage all Collen staff to agree on a vision the safety leadership traits that Collen together. The focus of the event was on for how the company would operate into the Construction expects from its sub-contractors. ‘Leadership and Behavioural Safety’. future This resulted in sub-contractors co-developing Collen engaged the services of Annette • To develop the ‘Collen Safety Leadership a Sub-Contractor Supply Chain Safety Tierney’s Theatre at Work, whose innovative Charter’ Charter to support Collen’s vision. theatre-based learning methods provide high impact solutions in areas such as leadership, The seminar established an agreed vision A Culture of Safety Leadership behavioural safety, culture change and for the future, discussed and agreed a Charter “In holding these events for both staff and commercial skills. to maximise the effectiveness of the team, and sub-contractors,” Joe O’Dwyer, Collen This theatrical event, which recreated a empower competent emerging leadership. Health & Safety Manager, explains, “our major construction site incident, was designed The resulting vision was for Collen ‘To be ultimate objective is to ensure a safer working to give each operational team member an recognised as a Leader in Safety and Project environment for all.” opportunity to consider their approach to Execution in the markets in which Collen The final element Collen management workplace safety. operates’. identified as needing to be put in place was the Tommy Drumm sums up: “Best in class The Charter advocates a continuous introduction of a culture of safety leadership. safety requires trust. Trust with all parties improvement of Health & Safety on Collen’s Collen’s management’s belief was that when involved in the cycle of planning and projects and allows project leaders to showcase this works, it gives everyone accountability completing work. Those in the front line are their commitment to this new set of behaviours for safety and results in employees and sub- most at risk, so their opinion is most valuable.” and attitudes. contractors going beyond the call of duty to identify unsafe conditions and behaviours, Construction Safety Week Safety for All and empowers them to intervene to correct In what was a good fit for its safety leadership In May 2017, Collen planned a supply chain them through clearly defined processes that journey, Collen Construction was a sponsor of engagement ‘Safety for All’ event to facilitate promote disclosure and ‘near-miss’ reporting. Construction Safety Week 2017. C
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CONS_Nov17_Special Report.indd 5 24/11/2017 16:17 Ad Place.indd 1 14/11/2017 16:14 Special Report: Construction Safety Week REDUCING ELECTRICTY HAZARDS ON-SITE Being ‘electricity safe’ is an essential element of any site safety plan. Arthur Byrne, Public Safety Manager for ESB Networks, outlines steps that should be taken to reduce the risks when working around or nearby electricity.
onstruction sites present many requires barriers, bunting and signage to hazards that need to be controlled be in place. and managed so the risk of injury Scaffolding was erected close to is made as low as possible. Some 20,000-volt wires. ESB Networks were of the more obvious hazards required to disconnect the electricity Cinclude falling from heights, collapsing supply to customers so that the trenches and using machinery. Sometimes scaffolding could be removed safely. the hazards associated with working near A UK scaffolding company and the electricity network can be overlooked its director were prosecuted after a or considered to be less important. worker received an electric shock when Much more attention needs to be given scaffolding being erected came in to reducing the risk of accidental contact contact with overhead electricity wires. with electrical wires and cables. The worker suffered extremely severe injuries including multiple amputations. A recent construction fatality with Arthur Byrne, Public Safety electricity involved a crane slinging Manager, ESB Networks shuttering, which touched overhead Aaw reness of hazards 10,000-volt electricity wires. The presence associated with electricity of the overhead wires had been identified, ESB Networks is committed to raising ADVICE FROM ESB NETWORKS WHEN WORKING and crane operations had proceeded public awareness of the hazards AROUND ELECTRICITY: safely. But sometime later, shuttering associated with coming too close Watch out for overhead wires was being re-located when the accident to electrical wires and cables with Remember to implement the safety controls happened. significant investment in educating the and comply fully with the requirements of What is very concerning is the general public through TV and radio the Code of Practice for Overhead Wires, noticeable increase in the volume of campaigns, along with targeted social including goalposts to restrict access for incidents where there has been accidental media campaigns. high machinery when passing beneath contact with wires and cables by ESB’s partnership with CIF during overhead wires. Know what the required machinery. the recent Construction Safety Week in October is an example of how ESB ‘hazard zone’ is by contacting ESB Networks Real incidents and Near Misses Networks is working with industry when planning work. involving electricity stakeholders to provide information Identify the location of underground cables Remember to use competent staff for cable Here are some examples of real incidents and increase the knowledge of what identification and use correctly calibrated and near misses that involved electricity. constitutes safe practice when carrying equipment. Ensure full compliance with A contractor drilled into a 20,000- out any construction work near the HSA Code of Practice for Underground volt cable on the assumption that it electricity networks. C Services. was a water pipe. This emphasises the Display safety stickers on all machinery importance of correct cable identification. Important ESB Network Resources Remind everyone to be ‘electricity safe’. A tipper truck brought down overhead Contact ESB Networks for records of the Safety stickers are available from ESB electricity wires across a busy road when electricity networks on your site: Networks. unloading. There were serious risks to Phone: 1850 928 960 or [email protected] Toolbox Talks people near the lorry, including members For safety information: www. Include electricity awareness and of the general public. esbnetworks.ie/stayingsafe or consequences in Toolbox Talks before A teleporter worked directly beneath phone 1850 372757 starting work. 220,000-volt wires when constructing an For emergency situations: In an emergency, phone ESB Networks, extension to a large building. The Code of phone 1850 372 999 immediately. Practice for Overhead Electricity Wires
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CONS_Nov17_Special Report.indd 7 24/11/2017 16:18 ADVERTISING FEATURE – CWHT
Health Screening in your Workplace Construction Workers Health Trust (CWHT) has launched a new initiative to encourage contractors in the industry to register directly with them for the purpose of providing all of their workers with a bi-annual health check in the workplace.
sk any safety officer what they them with a bi-annual health check. Many contractors will be familiar do in relation to health and After all, you are required to monitor with the health screenings carried out by you’re immediately met with a the health of your car with a bi-annual test, CWHT on larger building sites throughout thoughtful frown. so instead of the NCT, think of this as the the country, but you will also be aware Most will agree that safety is NBT….the national body test. that this only covers the workers actually Astraightforward enough, engaged on those sites. in so far as all the rules and regulations are there, What about the rest and there’s no shortage of of your workforce? guidance and directives, What about those engaged on but health is a different other sites or smaller jobs. kettle of fish. And how about the office If you consider the staff? health of your workers to The problem is simply that be as important as their the Health Trust is small safety, and you should, and under-funded, and the then the key to monitoring industry is big. They have their health is to provide no choice but to focus on
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workers by €75, the annual charge. Soon after, the safety officer arranges health screening at the company’s office but only 31 workers take part. CWHT then adjusts the company’s invoice for the following year to 31 by €75. Simple! During the screening the attending nurse will gather worker’s specific details, name address contact number etc and start a register for Acme Building Ltd. All medicals are overseen by a qualified doctor and guaranteed confidential. There is no better way to build Health into your Health & Safety program. And it doesn’t end there. Once you firm is registered, you can arrange other medical tests if required. For example older workers can benefit from tests such as PSA (prostate cancer) FOBT (bowel screen/colorectal cancer) full blood count and thyroid panel, and these can be organized in conjunction with the normal bi-annual health screen. And remember, men don’t go to doctors. That’s a simple fact. The medical big high profile contracts, where large pay the Health Trust as an additional cost. profession regularly highlights that male numbers of workers can be seen in one Well that’s all about to change. Now participation in preventative medicine small place. you can simply log on to the CWHT is pitifully low, not just in Ireland but But now that may be about to change. website, www.cwht.ie, click the Employer worldwide. CWHT has launched a new facility Registration tab and complete a simple CWHT on the other hand can boast a on their website www.cwht.ie whereby registration form. participation rate of over 80%. firms can register directly and pay the You don’t even have to supply worker’s What’s the secret? Provide the medical annual subscription for health screening names and details. All the CWHT requires in the workplace, during normal working without being members of the industry is an estimate of the approximate number hours and keep it confidential. Simple as Pension scheme (CWPS). And the cost is a of people your firm employs and they will that ! ridiculously low €75 per worker per year…. invoice you for the annual subscription You can contact the Construction yes per year. based on that number. Workers Health Trust at the number Up to now the only way of providing on- You will then be entitled to contact their below or through their website, www. site health screening for your workers was office to arrange health screening for your cwht.ie. C to pay the weekly subscription currently staff. €1.50 per person per week, (deducted from Now before you ask the obvious Construction Workers Health Trust the worker’s wages incidentally), through question, here’s a quick example; 130/132 Francis Street, Dublin 8 the industry pension scheme. This meant Acme Building Ltd registers 35 workers Tel: +353-1-7093070 registering your workers firstly in the with CWHT. Fax: +353-1-4544937 pension scheme itself and then opting to They are invoiced for €2625. That’s 35 Email: [email protected]
November 2017 CONSTRUCTION 41 “Sourcing the talent to build the future” INDUSTRY ANALYSIS: PENSIONS ONLY ONE THIRD OF PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS ARE SAVING FOR RETIREMENT
Is it time that we followed our European neighbours when it comes to private pension coverage? SUSAN O’MARA asks.
f you follow this regular advice column, at some point also. you’ll note that there is a heavy bias However, while there has been a lot of towards retirement planning. As a noise about a mandatory pension scheme, nancial advisor for the Construction nothing concrete has materialised so far. sector, I meet many members of the Many of our European neighbours are Isector’s two big schemes, Construction up and running with this and are seeing Executive Retirement Savings (CERS) and a signi cant increase in their private the Construction Workers Pension Scheme pension coverage. (CWPS). My concern is that private pension WHAT IS A MANDATORY PENSION coverage in Ireland is low, with only a SCHEME AND HOW COULD IT HELP? third of private sector workers saving for A mandatory scheme would mean that all A MANDATORY retirement. is means that two-thirds employers, big and small, would have to of the population will be solely reliant on contribute a speci c amount or percentage SCHEME‘‘ WOULD the State to provide for their income in of salary for all workers. It could most retirement. likely be quasi- or so - mandatory, MEAN THAT ALL meaning people would be automatically LET’S DIG DOWN DEEPER enrolled in a scheme but could opt out if EMPLOYERS, We pay PRSI contributions, and the State they wished. is would have the e ect of promises to pay us a pension, to replace our increasing private pension coverage in this income when we are no longer working. country. BIG AND SMALL, From March 2018, the full contributory In 2012, the OECD reported that State pension will be €12,651.60 per annum. countries with mandatory or quasi- WOULD HAVE TO However, currently, the State doesn’t set mandatory workplace pensions have aside money to meet this promise. ey pay 70%-plus coverage. at same year, the CONTRIBUTE A it from the Exchequer (tax take) in the year UK rolled out its auto-enrolment scheme. it falls due. Although this scheme started with only SPECIFIC AMOUNT the largest employers, it will be mandatory WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS? for employees in 2018. Early evidence Currently, there are about ve people sees only approximately 9% of people OR PERCENTAGE working and paying tax for every person opting out. While this number may rise in receipt of the State pension – but a shi somewhat in 2018 – it still represents a OF SALARY FOR ALL in the demographic means that by 2050 huge increase in pension coverage. that could be about two people working for e Sectoral Employment Order (SEO), WORKERS. every retired person. is puts signi cant recently signed into law, provides for pressure on the State’s nances. Of course, mandatory pensions for construction population are in rental’’ accommodation, we’ve known this for some time and an workers. I commend the industry for paying high levels of rent and may never OECD report in 2012 highlighted this and this move – it ensures that an entire a ord to buy homes. When this group of recommended the implementation of a later sector of workers is covered and that the people reach State pension age, how will State pension age and the establishment of a construction industry is a couple of steps they pay rent? e State pension levels as mandatory pension scheme for all workers. ahead of the State when it comes to a they are, (and are likely to remain) will not e State pension age was indeed pushed mandatory pension. cover the cost of rent. is will put further out. e qualifying age is currently 66; it will pressure on State nances in future years. increase to 67 years in 2021 and 68 years ANY OTHER ISSUES? It is a matter of some urgency that these in 2028. It is widely discussed that a State As we know well, there is a housing issues are addressed so that this ticking pension age of 70 is likely to be introduced crisis in Ireland. More and more of the time bomb is defused. C
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Ad Place.indd 1 14/11/2017 16:15 industry analysis: CIS PROJ ECTS IN THE PIPELINE FOR 2018 T yom Molone , Managing Director Construction Information Services (CIS), provides an overview of some significant projects that will be in site in 2018.
Carrigrohane Road in Co Cork, to increase Education Sector the number of bed-spaces to 484. An Bord Pleanála has upheld Westmeath County Council’s decision to grant Medical Sector planning permission to Mean Scoil The Medical sector is headlined by the Clochair Kilbeggan for an €8m 8,000-sq m development of the €1bn new Children’s school development. Hospital at the St James’s Hospital Campus, Work is underway on a €14m 10,000-sq m Dublin 8. The project is now underway with school development in Athenry, Co Galway initial excavation works being carried out for Presentation College. on-site. In Dublin, plans have been lodged for a Duggan Brothers Ltd has started work on the €3.5m energy and educational facility for development of a new €16m nursing facility the Grangegorman Development Agency and catering department on Peamount Road in Dublin 7. Work is also underway on Tom Moloney, in Dublin, which is expected to be completed the construction of a new €14m school Managing Director, CIS in early 2019. development in Kingswood, Dublin 24. A main contractor has been appointed for Residential Sector the development of a new €19m residential Hospitality Sector The Residential sector continues to care centre at St Patrick’s Hospital, Waterford. Flynn Management & Contractors has see strong development in 2017 with Works are expected to commence in commenced work on a €16m change of use concentration in the Dublin area. Park November 2017. to a hotel at Sackville House in Dublin 1. Development Group is continuing work on In Co Longford, construction has the €51m residential development totalling Commercial sector commenced of 470 lodges as part of the 190 homes and 220 apartments, at Clay Commercial activity remains strong, with a new €233m Center Parcs Holiday Village in Farm, Ballyogan Road, Dublin 18. concentration in the Dublin area. Work has Ballymahon. Works have commenced on a €19.7m commenced on the first two blocks of a €67m Plans have been granted for the €8m 148-unit residential development at Taylor office development near Dublin Airport. 35-bedroom extension and alterations to Hill in Balbriggan, County Dublin. Main Tenders have been returned from a select the Savoy Hotel in Limerick City. contractor Bridgedale Homes Ltd will list of contractors and are currently being begin with 38 units as part of Phase 1. assessed for a €20m office development at Sports and Leisure Sector BAM Contractors has been awarded the Hainault House, Dublin 2. Work has commenced on Phase 5 of the main contract for a €6.7m apartment In Co Galway, plans have been granted for a €65m Curragh Racecourse redevelopment development on Gerald Griffin Street in €44m mixed-use development at the former in Co Kildare. Cork City. The works should commence in Topaz Oil storage facility on the Dock Road. Consultancy firm Grimshaw Architects has Q4, 2017. been appointed by TII to act as the concept Civil Sector architect to develop an architectural vision Student Accommodation Tenders are being sought from a select list for new Metro North project in Dublin. Student accommodation continues to of contractors for the main runway works *Costings on these projects are indicative grow exponentially, especially in the package at Dublin Airport, which is worth and are based on a price per sq m for shell Dublin area. Enabling works have begun €320m. The new runway will be constructed and core only. C at Montpelier Hill in Dublin 7 for a €9.2m 1.6km north of the existing main runway at Construction Information Services (CIS) is 329-bedroom development. the airport. Ireland’s market leader in supplying real-time Planning permission has been submitted Construction is commencing on the €110m information on construction projects from for a €160m development at Belfield, M7 Naas Newbridge Bypass upgrade, M7 early planning to on-site stages. Dublin 4 ,which will comprise over 3,000 Osberstown Interchange and R407 Sallins This project information was accurate on 2 residential bed-spaces with two retail Bypass. November 2017. For the latest information service units. Works have commenced on Phase 1 of the on these developments, call us on 01 2999 Planning amendments have been approved €45m Coonagh-Knockalisheen Distributor 200, email [email protected] or visit for a €19m student accommodation on Road scheme in Co Limerick. www.cisireland.com
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CONS_Nov17_Industry Analysis.indd 3 24/11/2017 16:21 industry analysis
BUDGET 2018 – KEY MEASURES Budget 2018 contained a number of measures intended to generate economic growth and increase activity in the construction sector with a particular emphasis on Housing and Regional Development. By Jeanette Mair, Economic & Policy Research Executive
n Budget 2018, Minister for Finance and fall to 5.7% on average in 2018. Public Expenditure & Reform Paschal The projected deficit for 2017 is IDonohoe TD outlined a broad range of 0.3% of GDP, and taking account of the measures that will have an impact across all Budget 2018 package, the forecasted sectors of the Construction Industry. deficit for 2018 is 0.2% of GDP. Before announcing his budget, the Minister existing Capital Plan in 2021. This will outlined the current economic position of the Rainy Day Fund result in capital expenditure doubling country. Budget 2018 will establish the ‘Rainy between 2015 and 2021 – from €3.7bn To end Quarter 3, he said the Exchequer Day’ Fund in 2018, transferring at least to €7.8bn Gross Voted Capital. This recorded a surplus of €2,344m, a year-on- €1.5bn to it from the Ireland Strategic increased investment will deliver better year improvement of €2,369m, underpinned Investment Fund. As set out in the public services, promote regional by proceeds of the AIB share disposal. Tax Summer Economic Statement, the annual economic growth, and help address receipts in the first nine months of 2017 were contributions of €500m will commence challenges such as Brexit and climate broadly on-profile and up over €1.8bn year-on- in 2019 after Ireland has achieved the change. year, underpinned by an improving economy. Medium-Term Objective in 2018. Gross voted expenditure was managed within General Expenditure Plans expectations, and was up 4.6% in the year, Total Voted Capital Spending Budget 2018 increases gross voted reflecting the Government’s commitment to Total voted capital spending for 2018 current expenditure by over €1.8bn or investing in public services and infrastructure. will amount to over €5.3bn, an increase 3.4% compared to the expected outturn The economy continued to grow strongly with of €790m on the 2017 allocation. Budget for 2017 excluding the water charges real growth projected to be 4.3% in 2017 and 2018 announced an additional allocation refund. 3.5% in 2018, with unemployment now at its of capital expenditure of €4.3bn over Budget 2018 increases voted capital lowest since 2008, at 6.1%, and it is forecast to the next four years, up to the end of the expenditure by €790m from €4.54bn this
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year to just over €5.3bn in 2018. This is an for homeowners who bought between 2004- increase of over 17%. 2012 will begin to taper off. This will take The economy the form of the continuation of 75% of the Housing existing relief into 2018, 50% in 2019 and continued to Budget 2018 is making up to €750m of 25% in 2020. ‘‘ the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund available for commercial investment in Upgrading Vacant Residential grow strongly housing finance. The funds announced Property for Rental will be made available to a new vehicle To encourage owners of vacant residential with real growth to be known as Home Building Finance property to bring their property into the Ireland or HBFI. rental market for a minimum of four years, projected to be Over and above that already committed Budget 2018 introduced a new, time-limited to in ‘Rebuilding Ireland’, Budget 2018 is deduction for pre-letting expenses. providing an extra €500m for the direct 4.3% in 2017 and building programme. This should see Health (Capital Expenditure) an additional 3,000 new-build social An additional €471m has been made 3.5% in 2018, with houses by 2021, increasing the existing available to cover the period 2018-2021 for Rebuilding Ireland target of social capital expenditure in health. This represents, unemployment housing homes to 50,000, of which 33,500 on average, an additional €120m each year. will be delivered through construction. This funding will allow for investment in Budget 2018 provides additional critical infrastructure including the delivery now at its lowest Exchequer funding of €75m for a second of the National Children’s Hospital project phase of the Local Infrastructure Housing and a range of other investments in primary since 2008 Activation Fund (LIHAF), which will and community care schemes. also support the Local Authority delivery of affordable housing. When combined ’’ Education (Capital Expenditure) with the Local Authority matching On foot of the midterm capital review, €300m available at a competitive rate to contribution, this fund has the potential Budget 2018 is investing an additional €310m SMEs, given their unique exposure to the to provide approximately 5,000 homes at out to 2021 to address the infrastructure UK market, to help them with their short- more affordable levels by 2021. needs of the higher and further education term working capital needs, supported by The Help to Buy Scheme has been sectors. the European Investment Bank Group, the retained. The Minister for Education also European Commission and the Strategic announced an additional €200m PPP Banking Corporation of Ireland. Stamp Duty on Commercial investment in the sector to support regional Property development. Climate Change Budget 2018 increased the level of stamp Budget 2018 allocated €36m to facilitate duty on commercial property transactions Transport (Capital Expenditure) the expansion of the energy efficiency from 2% to 6%. However, in relation There will be an increase of €9.6m in programmes across the public commercial to commercial land purchased for the transport funding that will support increased and residential sectors. development of housing, a stamp duty public transport services and improvements refund scheme will be introduced because to our road network, and this will see total Corporation Tax of the housing supply challenge. The current funding in this area rise to €414m. The 12.5% tax rate remains. In order to refund is subject to certain conditions, The capital allocation for the Department ensure some smoothing of corporation tax including a requirement that developers will total €7.5bn over the four-year period to revenues over time, the limitation on the will have to commence the relevant 2021 and will allow continued progress on a quantum of relevant income against which development within 30 months of the number of projects, such as: capital allowances for intangible assets land purchase. (1) Phase 2 of the National Indoor Arena; and any related interest expense may be (2) The Sallins Bypass; deducted in a tax year has been reduced Vacant Site Levy Increase (3) The Oberstown interchange project to 80%. Any owner of a vacant site on the register (4) A number of other roadbuilding who does not develop their land in 2018 projects will begin construction, assisting Next Steps will pay a 3% levy in 2019 and then commuters, and enhancing balanced regional Increasing infrastructure investment become liable to the increased rate of development. was a central element of Budget 2018 7% from 1 January 2019. If landowners with the Minister for Finance and Public continue to hoard land in 2019, they will Heritage (Capital Expenditure) Expenditure and Reform stating that pay 7% in 2020, resulting in an effective Additional funding to the Department of increased investment will deliver better vacant site levy of 10% over the two years. Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht of €4m public services, promote regional economic in capital will allow for key measures to be growth, and help address challenges such Capital Gains Tax Relief progressed in 2018. as Brexit and climate change. Budget 2018 has reduced the seven-year Budget 2018 increased the National The Department of Public Expenditure period owners must retain qualifying Training Fund levy in 2018 from 0.7% and Reform will shortly hold a consultative assets to enjoy full relief from Capital to 0.8% to provide €47.5m of additional forum to contribute to the framing of the Gains Tax to four years. This reduces any investment in the Higher and Further new 10-year National Investment Plan impact it may have on limiting the supply Education Sectors next year. The Minister (NIP) due to be unveiled in December. The of development land available for sale. also announced that the levy will rise to 0.9% consultation will include deliberation on in 2019 and to 1.0% in 2020. how the NIP will support the new National Mortgage Interest Relief Planning Framework. CIF will continue to (Tapered Removal) SMEs Pre- and Post- Brexit play an active role throughout this critical The extension of Mortgage Interest Relief Budget 2018 made a loan scheme of up to consultative period. C
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CONS_Nov17_Industry Analysis.indd 5 24/11/2017 16:21 advertising feature - topcon CAN TECHNOLOGY HELP SOLVE IRELAND’S HOUSING CRISIS? According to a recent report from Housing Agency for Ireland, we need to build a minimum of 81,118 new homes in the next three years to meet current demand.
ousing completions in general waste, time delays and additional cost for are continuing to rise, however both main and sub-contractors. Using experts have recently questioned integrated hardware and software to the accuracy of how this is connect the field to the office means that measured. Some even claim that everyone receives real-time and ‘as-built’ Hcompletions could be exaggerated by up updates which, ultimately, helps lead to to 50 per cent1 casting doubt on whether better communication, a reduction in the true number of houses needed could mistakes and an increased speed of delivery. be even higher than that outlined by the We’re working with a number of Housing Agency’s report. Put simply, housebuilders to integrate new technology completions are not happening quickly into their workflows and help streamline enough to keep up with Ireland’s growing their construction processes. ECL Civil population - particularly in urban areas Engineering, a premier groundworks where the popularity of city living and lack company, is using Topcon’s web-based of affordable homes is a particular issue. communications systems – Sitelink3D – to Ireland’s construction industry needs this effect. The system allows designers to new, faster and more cost effective ways alert ECL’s machine operatives to any issues to build homes. Understandably, however, with earthworks levels or any alterations there’s always been a reluctance to move in the layout of the work. This means any away from the tried and tested traditional problems can be resolved quickly and methods of building to embrace new efficiently, without impacting on the timely approaches to construction. Cloud-based software for example, ensures delivery of the project. It also provides Over recent years we have seen a everyone is accessing the same up-to-date ECL’s site managers with remote views on number of governments across Europe information no matter what location they’re all their project crews, their exact positions, pushing initiatives to encourage this based in. Without this remote connection activities and files in use. Employees transition from old to new construction between field and office, the smallest changes managing multiple housing sites can use the methods, for example with the to a design can cause issues for everyone software programme to remotely track the introduction of building information involved, potentially leading to material progress of construction at every location modelling (BIM) and give support to mandates. The idea being drivers even if they’re that these new technologies not on site. can help create a more If Ireland is to meet holistic approach to the the ambitious housing construction process. targets set out in the Yet much of the Housing Agency’s conversation has centred report, finding new around the benefits for and quicker ways the main contractor or to build must be a the stakeholders. What’s priority. Cutting-edge not always apparent is technology can play a how new approaches like key part in this, helping BIM can benefit every to close the gap between stage of construction and site and office activity everyone involved in the and make housebuilding process from designers and more efficient for architects, to engineers and everyone in the supply machine operators. chain. C
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industry analysis: CIS GOV ERNMENT SHOULD ADDRESS THE REGIONAL JOB ISSUE ONCE AND FOR ALL Bria n Byrne, MD of Cleary Doyle, recently completed an 11-year term as Chairperson of the CIF’s South East Branch. He speaks to Robbie Cousins about the importance of the Branch network
rian Byrne is proud of the achievements of Branch Network the South East Branch over the past few years. Brian Byrne is is a strong advocate for B In 2015, the Branch proposed setting up a the Branch system promoting not just the Regional Development sub-committee with the needs of the local construction sector, but goal of helping regional SME’s get back to work. also supporting local SME’s in addressing This proposal was brought to the Executive Body the challenges they face and contributing of the CIF, where it was unanimously ratified. to the local communities in which “With Dominic Doheny as Chair and myself members operate. as Vice-Chair, members of the sub-committee, He took over the Chair at a time when comprising branch members from across the the Irish construction industry was in country, met with MEP’s, Ministers, Government its most successful phase and held the Departments, Local Authorities and other position during the downturn. Government Bodies to identify infrastructure “Through good times and bad, the works that needed to be carried out in local areas. Branch has always been a place where Through this process, we were able to advise Brian Byrne, members can come together to get advice Government on the most beneficial use of capital Managing and support as well air their views when funds. Director, they felt things needed to be said,” he says. Some of the ideas that came out of this process Cleary Doyle “The past 10 years have been a challenge have since been incorporated into the National like no other. But the outlook for the Framework document. I am very proud that this projects are anywhere near their base in industry is now positive. However, that originated in an idea that was raised at a South Wexford. positivity brings challenges with regard East Branch meeting.” “Unfortunately, most of our sites are in to labour, plant and material resourcing. Dublin, and the surrounding counties, which There are also challenges that we cannot Shared Apprenticeship Scheme means we have most of our 140 site workers address, namely how utilities providers, Another innovative idea that originated in making a 130km-plus trip on the N11 from Government Agencies and financial the South East was the Shared Apprenticeship Wexford to Dublin or to further afield on a houses address the challenges they face. Scheme. daily basis. I would like to see Government He believes that the branch network “The apprenticeship sharing initiative proposed address regional job creation once and for all. across the country has an essential role that young wet-trade apprentices move between Communities across the country continue to to play in helping members develop a number of contractors in the South East as suffer, and this need not necessarily be the opportunities for their businesses and work arose to gain experience on different case. their communities. sites with different teams,” he says. “When they “There are solutions. For instance, within Asked if he has any advice for his completed their time, the apprentices had picked the proposed new 10-year capital plan, successor as Chairman of the South up a broader range of skills and work practices which is aligned with the National Planning East Branch, John O’Shaughnessy, MD than they would have if they had trained with Framework, it is critical that SME contractors of Clancy Construction, the former one company. As contractors, we were getting across the regions are not precluded from Chairman says, “John will be a great confident young tradespeople who could adapt tendering on these projects. If we don’t place Chairperson. He heads up a hugely quickly to the set up on any site, having trained sustainable regional development as a central successful business and brings vast with a mix of top contractors.” part of any upturn, there will be no serious experience to the position. He has also requirement to build houses in the regions been Vice Chair for a number of years Regional Balance in the years ahead. If something isn’t done and knows the members. I am delighted Speaking of the current market situation, Brian soon, I fear that the big regional centres will that we have someone of his calibre Byrne explains that although his company Cleary continue to grow and smaller communities taking over. I look forward to working Doyle is doing well, he regrets that none of their won’t survive.” with him.” C
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CONS_Nov17_Industry Analysis.indd 6 24/11/2017 16:21 CORPORATE PARTNER FOCUS – FEXCO ASSET FINANCE F EXCO FUND PROVIDING €70M IN FINANCE FOR CIF SME MEMBERS FEXCO Asset Finance, an on-lender for the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, is aiming to help Irish SME’s fund plant and equipment acquisitions.
EXCO Asset Finance (FEXCO) is a specialist leasing and hire-purchase e AnOTh r provider. With three decades of experience, FEXCO offers a wide h‘‘uge advantage range of tailored and flexible Fasset finance options. FEXCO’s solutions provide access for small to medium- FEXCO can sized enterprises (SME’s) to the finance necessary to grow their business. offer our The company’s product offering covers 68 different asset types including; plant customers and construction equipment, finance for haulage, plant and crane hire operators, as well as leasing of more traditional vehicles. is our fast As an asset finance provider, FEXCO provides three main types of finance turn-around options, Hire Purchase, Leasing and Rental agreements. service. We Funding for Irish SME’s try to get all In 2016, FEXCO became an on-lender Mike O’Halloran, for the Strategic Banking Corporation of CEO of FEXCO Ireland (SBCI) and has a fund of €70m to Asset Finance deals approved lend to the Irish SME sector. Leveraging the facility, FEXCO within two to lends to its core business customers, funding book we can consider more niche including the construction and green industry types seeking access to finance. 24 hours. energy sector, where it is partnering with the Construction Industry Federation Aim to Approve Deals Within 24 ’’ to provide additional support for its Hours members’ financing needs. “Another huge advantage FEXCO can offer with finance queries from customers our customers is our fast turn-around within any of the 26 counties. Catering for More Business service. We try to get all deals approved “Our goal is to provide asset finance Types within two to 24 hours.” funding to CIF members throughout Mike O’Halloran, CEO of FEXCO Asset The three main criteria FEXCO uses for Ireland,” says Mike, “and with locations Finance, says that in addition to the SBCI assessing loan applications are; the strength established in Dublin, Limerick, the North funding, FEXCO, as a private enterprise, of the financials provided by the customer, West, South East and South West, our can leverage its company fund to lend to the type of asset, and the deposit that the customers are guaranteed a quick response business. customer is putting into the deal. on an application, personal service and “One of the big advantages we bring to FEXCO’s exposure in the asset finance transparent finance options.” C the market is that we can cater for more market is spread across all 26 counties, varied types of business,” explains Mike. with main offices in Dublin, Cork, To find out more about FEXCO Asset “Not every sector or industry qualifies Limerick, Kerry and Kilkenny. FEXCO’s Finance call 1890 800 404 or visit www. for SBCI finance, but through FEXCO’s dedicated sales team is available to deal fexcoassetfinance.com
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CONS_Nov17_Corp Fexco.indd 1 24/11/2017 16:24 advertising feature - ridgeway RMIG’S CITY EMOTION PERFORATED METAL BRINGS NEW DIMENSION TO BUILDING FACADES R idgeway has just introduced a new concept in metal fabrication aimed at helping designers realise more creative building finishes.
MIG’s City Emotion Perforated Metal captures the passion for creative urban designs by offering innovative technologies and materials, helping designers Rrealise the most ambitious architectural projects. Ridgeway’s expertise and experience in using perforated metal in creative urban design can help designers bring ideas from first conception to visualisation, sampling and manufacturing of the final product. The City Emotion range presents a design solution for the most complex of facades, sunscreens, balustrades, ceilings or any other project which utilise perforation. The City Emotion range was most recently used on the White Star House office building in Belfast. The four-storey building provides flexible workspace for ICT, life science, engineering and biotech Aluminium and GRP to suit existing or new operating from our new depot just 10 services. Perforated aluminium was used requirements. minutes from the M50,” says Stephen to give an engineered and technologically “We are delighted to bring our wide Kane, Managing Director of Ridgeway. influenced exterior to reflect the building’s portfolio of products for construction and “Our experience and track record in metal function as a centre for innovation. engineering sectors into the ROI market mesh for industrial and architectural Ridgeway’s experienced applications is world class technical staff can take accredited by our global drawings in CAD, 2D and manufacturing partners, 3D format and thereby who are in full support reduce the development of our ambitions to add and production time of real value within the Irish prototypes. The system Construction market.” C can be used on Perforated Nationwide is delivery sheets, embossed sheets, available. For more tailor-made patterns, all information on the full kinds of shapes, sizes and range of Metal products surfaces. stocked by Ridgeway call Ridgeway also offers their Ashbourne office a broad range of site on: +353 (01) 802 7173 products from fencing, or Belfast office on: + 44 access platforms, walkways, (0) 2890 454599 or email hand railing, stair treads, them on info@ridgeway- metalwork and steelwork in online.com or visit www. Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, ridgeway-online.com
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Ridgeway Feature.indd 2 15/11/2017 10:40 Ridgeway.indd 1 15/11/2017 10:38 SAFETY FOCUS – BRFS H EalTH & SAfeTY: A SUB-CONTRACTOR’S PERSPECTIVE BRFS Roofing & Cladding’s encourages its workers to take proactive roles in addressing safety concerns on all their sites. Sean Murphy learns how this approach benefits clients.
RFS Ltd specialises in the design, supply and installation of external envelope solutions to private and public sector, industrial and commercial buildings. The Bcompany has a large and prestigious portfolio of successful contracts completed in Ireland and the UK. Dualta Conway, BRFS Construction Manager, says having comprehensive Health & Safety procedures in place before going on-site is central to the way the company operates. Health and Safety “BRFS recognises the risks inherent in its operations, which by the nature of our service, often involves working at heights,” says Dualta. “All risks are addressed at the planning stage of any project through BRFS team on-site careful consultation with clients, which leads to practical and comprehensive ‘Safe Plans of Action’ being put in place. Programme Delivery high levels of safety on site. The company’s workforce is briefed on “Key to the safe delivery of BRFS projects is “We firmly believe that the key to a good every aspect of the safety plans and our the reinforcement of our existing ‘Safe-T- safety culture developing in the company zero-tolerance message prior to the Cert’ Health & Safety management system,” is good communication. There are many commencement of any on-site works.” says Dualta. “This ensures the continuous different ways to communicate the Health While collaboration is central to the development and improvement of BRFS’s & Safety message to the workforce. But success of safety plans, all sites on which positive safety culture. engagement must be a two-way top-down and the company is engaged are monitored “Due to the nature of work in the bottom-up communication process. Due to and supervised by BRFS Health & Safety construction sector being diverse and the dynamic nature of the construction sector, management to reinforce safety protocols constantly changing, and workers being the methodologies and means employed need throughout the execution of works. exposed to many different hazards to be tailored to the size and scope of the throughout the day, a construction crew that building project. Working with Clients feels comfortable about talking about safety “We find that by leading from the top in BRFS is most effective when engaged issues is more willing to share information Health & Safety, our workers see this and early on projects at the pre-tender stage, about their experiences. This enables feel more relaxed to discuss safety with so their expertise can be called upon by learning to take place both individually and management.” Main Contractors and Clients to help plan at a group level. Creating a space where projects. Early engagement also enables workers are confident to discuss safety issues Operative Feedback and BRFS to get its safety plans in place early. and concerns openly is a challenge to any Engagement This collaborative approach continues at all management team.” BRFS has found that the safety awareness of its stages during the construction, ensuring workforce has been greatly heightened when it that the external envelope of the project Overcoming Safety Challenges looks for operative feedback and engagement building can be delivered safely and in Dualta explains that BRFS management while delivering site-specific structured Tool accordance with Building Regulations. recognises the challenges of maintaining Box talks, relating to site-specific risks. C
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CONS_Nov17_Safety Focus.indd 2 24/11/2017 16:25 EVENTS IHBA WORKSHOPS ADDRESS HOUSING SECTOR CONCERNS The 2017 IHBA regional workshop series covered a broad range of issues including latest Building Regulations, implications of Budget 2018 and implementation of the SEO. Sean Murphy reports.
James Benson, Executive, Eastern Anthony Neville, Region and Lorraine Hosty, IHBA Chairman Executive, Housing Services. and Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director, Housing, Planning & Development
he Irish House demands. Builders The series also addressed PrESENTATIONS included Association the implications and effects (IHBA) hosted that will be seen as a result t‘‘he latest updates on the its 2017 regional of Budget 2018, including T workshop series the positive retention of across October and into the Help to Buy scheme, implementation of the new SEO November, commencing among others. at CIF Head Office and Presentations were made and waste management issues. concluding in Tullamore. by Hubert FitzPatrick, Workshops, which were CIF Director, Housing, ’’ available free to CIF Planning & Development; members and non- Lorraine Hosty, Executive, to the floors for collaborative and field and acknowledgement of skills members, were held Housing Services and insightful discussions,” he said. issues being experienced on the in Dublin, Limerick, James Benson, Executive, During the presentations, ground. Kilkenny, Cork, Sligo, Eastern Region. working updates and the status of The open floor approach of the Galway and Tullamore. Anthony Neville, numerous ongoing consultations workshops facilitated collaborative The overwhelmingly Chairman, IHBA was through the association were discussions between attendees well-received presentations delighted with the response detailed to inform members and presenting panels, allowing covered a full array of and level of engagement at of engaged activities with the individuals the opportunity to current industry topics, the workshops. utility providers, and the status of highlight their specific areas of note ranging from the newly “I want to extend industrial relations talks. and receive advice, information and introduced planning acts thanks to the team for The presentations also included further services available through and strategies affecting organising an extremely the latest updates on the statutory CIF. house builders through to comprehensive series implementation of the new Sectoral Presentations are available to current housing activity of presentations and Employment Order (SEO), waste IHBA members on the CIF website levels and industry providing the opportunity management concerns within the www.cif.ie C
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CONS_Nov17_Events.indd 1 24/11/2017 16:28 EVENTS CECA PRESIDENT RENEWS CALL FOR LONG TERM INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN The 11th CECA Annual Dinner took place at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin on 22 September.
L – R John Pentony, Jons Engineering Company Ltd; Martin Lang, CIF Main Contracting Director and John Cradock, John Cradock Ltd.
L – R Pat Spillane, GAA Sports Broadcaster; Shay Byrne, Master of Ceremonies; Colin Cleary, CECA President and Tom Parlon, CIF Director General.
he 11th annual Civil Engineering Executive Committee member John nominating their civil engineering projects Contractors Dinner (CECA) McCarthy, Managing Director of Priority to highlight the passion there is for civil Dinner was attended by 300 Construction, who passed away in July. engineering in Ireland. members and industry suppliers as Sports broadcaster, journalist and former well as a number of distinguished Kerry footballing great Pat Spillane, who CECA Lifetime Contribution T guests. These guests included won eight All-Ireland medals, provided a Award representatives from the Government very entertaining after-dinner speech. During the evening, John Cradock, MD Construction Contracts Committee, the of John Cradock Ltd, and John Pentony, Office of Public Works, Transport for CECA Excellence Awards MD of Jons Civil Engineering, were Ireland and Engineers Ireland. CECA President Colin Cleary confirmed recognised for their contributions and The evening, hosted by RTE radio that the CECA Excellence Awards would dedication to the civil engineering sector presenter Shay Byrne, was dedicated take place once again in 2018, and he when they were presented with the CECA to the memory of respected CECA called on all members to contribute by Lifetime Contribution Award. C
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CONS_Nov17_Events.indd 2 24/11/2017 16:28 EVENTS CECA PRESIDENT RENEWS
CALL FOR LONG TERM Wills Bros Limited and Guests attending the CECA Dinner L–R Standing Ian INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN McHugh, Gerry Mockler, John Cunningham, Donal Kearney and Ian Kelly L–R Sitting (left to right): James Kelly, Trevor Wills, Charles Wills and Peter Quigley.
L-R David O’Brien, Senior Advisor at OGP and Chairman of L – R John Pentony, Jons Engineering Company Ltd; Martin Lang, Government Contracts Committee for Construction, Martin Lang, CIF Main Contracting Director and John Cradock, John Cradock Ltd. CIF Main Contracting Director and Colin Cleary, President CECA.
L-R Dominic Doheny, CIF President, Mr. David Henry, CEF L-R Des Mulcair, CECA Vice President, Colin Cleary, CECA Northern Ireland, President and Colin Cleary, CECA President. President and Martin Lang, CIF Main Contracting Director.
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EVENTS TEAM IRELAND WIN SEVEN MEDALLIONS FOR EXCELLENCE AT THE WORLDSKILLS COMPETITION IN ABU DHABI he Irish WorldSkills team won seven your country internationally is a huge held every two years, is the world’s largest Medallions for Excellence at the 44th achievement in its own right. To bring home professional education event. Approximately TWorldSkills Competition in Abu Dhabi. seven Medallions of Excellence is a great 1,200 competitors from 68 countries and e result was achieved by the team of 14 achievement. e team should be very proud regions competed in almost 51 di erent skills young apprentices, trainees and students who of themselves.” and disciplines. represented Ireland at the competition. e Irish young people, all under 25 years, Medallion winners were Eoin Shortall, e Medallions for Excellence were proved expertise in their chosen eld before Kilkenny – Welding; David Donegan, awarded for the following skills; Welding, they le Ireland by competing against their Wicklow – Plumbing & Heating; Aaron Plumbing and Heating, Construction peers to secure their places on the Irish Ronan, Westmeath – Construction Metal Work, Cabinet Making, Aircra team. e Worldskills event had competitors Metal Work; Sean Hogan, Waterford Maintenance, Beauty erapy and Restaurant from 60 countries. – Cabinetmaking; Ciara Daly, Kerry – Service. Irish competitors came from Cavan, Kerry, Beauty erapy; Kathlyn Leahy, Kilkenny SOLAS CEO, Paul O’Toole said: “I am Waterford, Meath, Westmeath, Tipperary, – Restaurant Service (also Best of Nation) delighted for the Irish team of apprentices, Louth, Sligo, Wicklow and Kilkenny. and Colum Farrelly, Cavan – Aircra trainees and students. Representing e WorldSkills Competition, which is Maintenance. C
Irish Worldskills team, front row l to r: Sean Hogan, Kathlyn Leahy, Ciara Daly, Eoin Shortall, Stephen Murray, Back l to r: Gary Horgan, Gavin Lyne, Micheál Aaron Ronan, Construction Eoin Shortall, David Donegan, Plumbing Flynn, Colum Farrelly, Aaron Ronan, Kevin Hough, Metal Work Welding & Heating David Donegan, Brendan Muldowney, James McSwiney. WORK NEARS COMPLETION ON NEW GALWAY GARDA REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS New Garda Station embers of e CIF Galway areas, plant, ring range and graphic. Branch were guests of associated ancillary spaces. MJJ Rhatigan Building e scheme was designed by Contractors for a recent site the O ce of Public Works to visit to the new Garda Regional incorporate sustainable green and Divisional Headquarters design principles. It will achieve in Galway, which is set to be an A energy rating, has green completed before the end of the roofs and solar panels for water year. heating. It will be partly clad in e new Garda Regional stone to acknowledge its civic and Divisional Headquarters status and will be fully-accessible building, comprises approximately for people with disability. 11,200 sq m, with basement. “ e Branch was delighted to e development consists of a get the opportunity to tour the ve-storey building with at roofs new building and see the energy along to the front, stepping down systems that it will be using,” to a single storey, over a lower says Justin Molloy, CIF Regional ground oor, at the rear of the Director, who joined the Branch site. on the visit. “ e Galway Branch e accommodation includes would like to thank JJ Rhatigan L to r: Fran Havelin, Irish Cement; Pat o ces, conference facilities, Building Contractors, and in O’Malley, JJ Rhatigan; and Tara Flynn, vehicular testing, garage/ particular contracts manager Pat Paul Flynn Construction. workshops, stores, public O’Malley, for facilitating the site reception, prisoner processing visit.” C
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CONS_Nov17_Events.indd 5 24/11/2017 16:29 events INAUGURAL JOINT M&ECA AND ACEI CONFERENCE HELD IN KILLARNEY T he inaugural joint M&ECA and ACEI Conference was held in Killarney Plaza Hotel, County Kerry on Thursday 19 October.
he inaugural joint M&ECA and Sean McElligott ACEI Conference brought together (MEBSCA Tover 100 senior management from President). leading Mechanical and Electrical Contractors and Consulting Engineers to address key issues affecting the sector. Dominic Doheny, President, CIF and Tom Parlon, Director General, CIF, were both in attendance. Presentations ranged from developments in building and energy performance and the process of design and innovation, to how Irish contractors and clients can work closer together to improve the efficiency of project delivery. L to r: Ciara Ahern, DIT; Jim O’Sullivan, OPW; Denis Browne, Google; Sean Conference organisers were delighted McElligott, Lynskey Engineering (MEBSCA President); Darragh Canning, Arup; to have Jim O’Sullivan, Assistant Chief Michael Kennedy, Suir Engineering (ECA President); Greg Hayden, Ethos M&ECA spread Engineer for M&E with the Office Engineering (ACEI) and Ray Curran, McElroy Associates (ACEI). of Public Works and Denis Browne, EU Regional Data Center Lead with Google, whose presentations looked at the relationship between client and contractor, and they suggested ways in which that relationship could be further enhanced. In his presentation, Jim O Sullivan said that M&E contractors had shown great resilience in coming through difficult times and upskilling to develop their service offering for clients. “The Irish M&E sector has superb L to r: Sean McElligott, Lynskey Engineering (MEBSCA President); Tony Horan, people in terms of engineering skills O’Connor Sutton Cronin, (ACEI President); Michael Kennedy, Suir Engineering Jim O’Sullivan, Assistant Chief and ability to deliver projects, and (ECA President); Dominic Doheny, John Flanagan Developments Ltd (CIF Engineer for M&E, OPW. their adoption of new technologies and President); Bobby Kerr, Insomnia Coffee Company (Guest Speaker); Tom Parlon, processes has been excellent.” CIF President and Sean Downey, (M&ECA Secretary). He said as new projects enter the pipeline in the coming years he would like to see the value element of the every day, with every interaction with our management, to first-line supervisors and delivery process addressed. products. to every worker, and not be just a slogan!” “I would like to see a more partnership “Mechanical and Electrical Engineers In his closing speech, M&ECA approach being taken by contractors. and Trades are critical to delivering data Chairman Michael Kennedy said that At present, I think the client is not yet centres at facility ready with zero snags. To the inaugural annual joint conference getting the value from projects that do so, both a “Right First Time” and a showed the potential that industry has they should be. Consultants need to “Continuous Learning” focus is necessary to work together to find solutions for the be more centrally involved in cost to encourage everyone to do their best challenges it faces in the coming years. management, and contractors need to work each and every time. And when there “The rate of change in the past two years engage in the value engineering process are mistakes – and we recognise that there in the industry has been phenomenal and to the benefit of the project.” will always be some – we treat these as Mechanical and Electrical Engineers have Denis Browne from Google said, opportunities to learn and improve our been at the heart of driving change and “Data centre quality is critical to Google training, procedures, and tools. This circle modernisation in the Irish construction because we want to provide cloud of quality practice and learning needs industry.” He called on the M&ECA and services to billions of users worldwide to be modelled and supported by senior ACEI to continue to work together to
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Sean McElligott (MEBSCA President).
L to r: Sean McElligott, Lynskey Engineering (MEBSCA President); Tony Horan, O’Connor Sutton Cronin, (ACEI President); Dr Sarah Ingle (ACEI Secretary General); Michael Kennedy, Suir Engineering (ECA President); Greg Hayden, Ethos Engineering (ACEI) and Jim Curley, Jones Engineering Group.
find solutions that will work for the clients as well as themselves. The conference was followed by a Gala Dinner in the Killarney Plaza Hotel, where the guest speaker was entrepreneur and broadcaster, Bobby Kerr. C
PRESENTATIONS AT JOINT M&ECA AND ACEI CONFERENCE
Meeting Clients’ Expectations – A Public Sector Client’s Perspective. Speaker: Jim O’Sullivan, L to r: Sean Downey, M&ECA Secretary; Dr Sarah Ingle, ACEI Secretary Assistant Chief Engineer for General; Michelle Perry, TROX UK Ltd; Jim Curley, Jones Engineering M&E, OPW Group; Susan Cormican, Ethos Engineering (ACEI); Chris Hughes, SEAI. Changing Dynamics and the Private Sector Delivery Process. Speaker: Denis Browne, EU Jim O’Sullivan, Assistant Chief Denis Browne, Regional Data Center Lead, Engineer for M&E, OPW. EU Regional Google Data Center The BIM Challenge Lead, Google. Speaker: Darragh Canning, MEP Commercial Director, Arup BC(A)R - Achieving Compliance under the New Regime. Speaker: Brian Kavanagh, Director, Garland Preparing for NZEB – The Energy Debate. Speaker: Chris Hughes, Business Process and IT Systems Development Programme Manager, SEAI Advancements in Energy Storage Technology Speaker: Neil Primrose, EMEA Sales Manager, Eaton
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CONS_Nov17_Events.indd 7 24/11/2017 16:30 EVENTS JONES ENGINEERING GROUP WINS ALL HONING IN ON THE IRELAND SUPREME SAFETY AWARD 2017 he 26th Annual National Irish performance in relation to driving Safety Organisation/Northern for work. ‘MINECRAFT GENERATION’ TIreland Safety Group (NISO/ e Occupational Health NISG) Safety Awards took place on Award was won by Henkel Ireland 13 October in Galway at which the Operations and Research Ltd. Supreme Safety Award winner for e awards, which demonstrate 2017 was Jones Engineering Group. the positive and proactive e Supreme Safety Award is culture of safety management in presented to the organisation that organisations, were supported by has shown consistently good or ALD Merrion, Anderco, Health continuously improving Health & & Safety Authority, Health and Safety performance over a number Safety Executive for Northern of years and an outstanding Ireland and Irving Oil Whitegate Longford County Council winner of the Silver Award. L to r: John contribution to occupational safety, Re nery. Thompson, Vice Chair, Northern Ireland Safety Group; Seán health and welfare during the Harry Galvin, NISO President, Kyne T.D., Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources; Mary previous year. along with John ompson, Gouldsbury, Health and Safety Offi cer, Longford County Council “ e best resource we have as incoming NISG Chair, and Seán and Harry Galvin, President, National Irish Safety Organisation. a group is our sta and specialist Kyne TD, Minister for Rural subcontractors,” said Jim Curley, A airs and Natural Resources, Group Chief Executive, Jones presented awards to over 100 Engineering. “ eir support organisations from all around the and commitment to our ethos island of Ireland. of ‘Nobody Gets Hurt’ is vital e Gold Award was won by to achieving success with our PM Group, the Silver Award by management systems. Our Longford County Council and the reputation for operating to the Bronze Award by Designer Group. highest safety standards has helped A number of high achiever us win prestigious global contracts. awards were presented to Almost 50% of our turnover now organisations that consistently comes from overseas locations, and achieved a high standard of we apply the same best practices safety for more than ve years, across all our operations whether representing their continuous Caption: PM Group winner of the Gold Award. L to r: John in Ireland, Europe or the Middle commitment to Health & Safety East. We are delighted and honoured in their organisation. Recipients Thompson, Vice Chair, Northern Ireland Safety Group; Seán Kyne that our commitment to continual of this award include AbbVie TD, Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources; Aidan Heavin, improvement in Health & Safety best Ireland NL BV, Acacia Facilities Group Construction Health & Safety Manager, PM Group and Harry practice has been recognised by the Management Ltd, Actavo (Ireland) Galvin, President, National Irish Safety Organisation. NISO.” Ltd, Alkermes Pharma Ireland Ltd, Other awards presented on Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, the night include the Safety Central Bank of Ireland, Cold Representative of the Year Award Chon Galway Ltd (CHEMORAN), 2017, which was awarded to Darren Cork City Council, Designer Carroll, Ecolab Ireland. Group, EMR Integrated Solutions, e Anderco Superior Fingal County Council, GMC Performance Award was won by Utilities Group Ltd, John Paul Sensata Technologies. e Superior Construction, John Sisk & Son, Performance Award is awarded Jones Engineering Group, K to the organisation that best Leisure, Kirby Group Engineering, demonstrates evidence that they Leo Lynch, Mainline Group have introduced proactive measures Ltd, Merit Medical Ireland Ltd, over and above the legal requirement Montupet UK Ltd, O’Connor to provide a superior, safe working Sutton Cronin, Obelisk Group, environment for all. PM Group, Road Maintenance e Driving for Work Award Services, Roadbridge Ltd, Sky Jones Engineering Group was presented with theSupreme Safety was won by Northern Ireland Handling Partner Ltd, Tipperary Award. L to r: John Thompson, Vice Chair, Northern Ireland Safety Electricity Networks Ltd. is newly Fire & Rescue Service, TLI Group; Seán Kyne TD, Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural introduced award requires entrants Group, W&H Alexander Ltd, Resources; Declan Grady, EHS Manager, Jones Engineering Group to demonstrate evidence of policy, Walsh Mechanical Engineering, and Harry Galvin, President, National Irish Safety Organisation. planning, practice, measuring Winthrop Engineering Ltd and performance and reviewing Xerox Technology. C
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CONS_Nov17_Events.indd 8 24/11/2017 16:31 EVENTS JONES ENGINEERING GROUP WINS ALL HONING IN ON THE IRELAND SUPREME SAFETY AWARD 2017 performance in relation to driving for work. ‘MINECRAFT GENERATION’ e Occupational Health Award was won by Henkel Ireland Industry briefi ng provides valuable insights on construction Operations and Research Ltd. opportunities in the years ahead. e awards, which demonstrate the positive and proactive culture of safety management in organisations, were supported by ALD Merrion, Anderco, Health & Safety Authority, Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland and Irving Oil Whitegate Re nery. Harry Galvin, NISO President, along with John ompson, incoming NISG Chair, and Seán Kyne TD, Minister for Rural A airs and Natural Resources, presented awards to over 100 organisations from all around the island of Ireland. e Gold Award was won by PM Group, the Silver Award by Longford County Council and the Bronze Award by Designer Group. A number of high achiever awards were presented to organisations that consistently achieved a high standard of Don Ward (Right) speaking at the Initiafy Breakfast Briefi ng. safety for more than ve years, representing their continuous commitment to Health & Safety rish construction is ideally Project Manager, Padraig Dooley. Julie Currid (Initiafy) chairing a in their organisation. Recipients positioned to bene t from our Liam Mannion explained that panel discussion with Padraig of this award include AbbVie Idigitally savvy next generation, ESB has an older workforce, so, Dooley and Liam Mannion of ESB. Ireland NL BV, Acacia Facilities a number of leading industry “getting everyone engaged and on Management Ltd, Actavo (Ireland) gures heard at breakfast brie ng the same page” was the biggest Ltd, Alkermes Pharma Ireland Ltd, event by Initiafy on 7 November challenge. However, the bene ts Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland, at Ely Brasserie. of engagement are already Central Bank of Ireland, Cold e event was a networking apparent. Chon Galway Ltd (CHEMORAN), opportunity and provided “General work is now done on Cork City Council, Designer valuable information for an online platform, while work Group, EMR Integrated Solutions, attendees about construction that is local to a plant is done in Fingal County Council, GMC industry trends, innovations and person. What used to be an hour Utilities Group Ltd, John Paul opportunities. induction is now 15 minutes,” Construction, John Sisk & Son, Don Ward, Chief Executive, Liam explained. Jones Engineering Group, K Construction Excellence, gave Managing and onboarding the Leisure, Kirby Group Engineering, the attendees an insight into what the young people as being the ‘Minecra large contingent workforce necessary for Leo Lynch, Mainline Group hard-hat industry may look like in the generation’, who are interested in construction projects is a major logistical Ltd, Merit Medical Ireland Ltd, years ahead. ere was also a major focus digital design, as well as being socially challenge for many construction rms. Montupet UK Ltd, O’Connor Sutton Cronin, Obelisk Group, on solving current labour issues and what and environmentally conscious. “ e Initiafy online platform modernises PM Group, Road Maintenance technology can do for businesses. Construction Industry is ideally placed to the practice of contractor approval and Services, Roadbridge Ltd, Sky “Would you recommend this industry capitalise on these interests, as construction induction. Handling Partner Ltd, Tipperary to your kids?” Don Ward asked the has more potential than any other industry A Dublin based company, founded in Fire & Rescue Service, TLI audience, while delving into the image to impact on quality of life,” he said. 2012, Initiafy’s core business is providing Group, W&H Alexander Ltd, currently associated with construction e event, hosted by so ware company contractor management for hard-hat Walsh Mechanical Engineering, and whether ‘Generation Y’s’ would be Initiafy, also included a panel discussion companies in the construction, mining, Winthrop Engineering Ltd and choosing it as a career path. with representatives from Initiafy customer oil and gas and renewable energy Xerox Technology. Don Ward also referenced today’s ESB; Safety Manager, Liam Mannion and industries. C
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CONS_Nov17_Events.indd 9 24/11/2017 16:31 EVENTS GREAT WESTERN MOTORWAY CYCLE MARKS OPENING OF M17/M18 TUAM TO GORT MOTORWAY
CIF ATTENDS MID-WESTERN CAREERS FAIR Castle Ceilings & Partitions team members Pat s part of its drive to address the McDonagh, Justin Molloy (CIF), Seamus Brady, impending skills shortages in Kevin Whirskey, Shane Fahey and Colin Lynch. Athe construction industry, CIF hosted a stand at the Mid-Western Branch of the Institute of Guidance he Great Western Motorway Cycle took as Seamus Brady, MD, Castle Ceilings & important piece of infrastructure before it Counsellors’ annual career exhibition place on Sunday 10 September on the new Partitions Ltd. begins to facilitate regional development in on Tuesday 26 September 2017 at TM17/M18 Tuam to Gort motorway, which Cyclists could choose from two routes. the West.” the Sports Arena of the University opened to the public on 27 September last. Route One was a 100km loop from Tuam e motorway project was constructed by of Limerick. e exhibition was for Over 2,000 cyclists participated in the event, to Gort and back, while Route 2 was a DirectRoute (Tuam) Ltd who also sponsored senior cycle students from the region which raised much needed funds for the local 50km loop from Tuam to Rathmorrissy the Cycle. DirectRoute is a consortium with approximately 4,000 students in Lions Clubs in Tuam and Gort. CIF member Interchange and back. comprising Marguerite Fund, InfraRed Capital attendance. rm Castle Ceilings & Partitions Ltd entered a “ e turn-out for the cycle was very Partners, John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd, e CIF stand was hosted by Ronan team in the company colours, which included impressive,” say Justin Molloy. “It was great Lagan Construction Group, Roadbridge and O’Brien (CIF Executive, Southern Justin Molloy, CIF Regional Director as well to have this unique opportunity to cycle this Strabag SE. C CONSTRUCTION FIRMS EXPERIENCING PAYMENT ISSUES FOR WORKS COMPLETED olicitor, Denis O’Driscoll warranties; the impact of the of the Construction Contracts presented a breakfast Construction Contracts Act Act, I am nding a lot of Sbrie ng to a packed house 2013, speci cally in relation my construction clients at CIF Cork on the perennial to payment; right to suspend still experiencing issues in problem of “Getting Paid”. works and pursuing payment relation to payment for works Denis spoke about disputes through a fast-track completed,” Denis said. “ is practical steps that can be adjudication process. Given morning’s brie ng was an taken regarding pre-and the large early-morning excellent opportunity to let post-contract nancial risk turnout and the lively Q&A CIF members know some of management on private session that followed it the options they have, and and public works contracts. was evident that the topics the practical steps that can He also addressed debt discussed were relevant and be taken regarding pre- and Denis O’Driscoll collection procedures; well received. post-contract nancial risk insolvency issues; collateral “Despite the introduction management.” C
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CONS_Nov17_Events.indd 10 24/11/2017 16:32 industry news INDUSTRY NEWS DESIGNER GROUP UNVEILs its NEW ELECTRONIC VISUALISATION LAB esigner Group recently launched can have the model open on the large its new Electronic Visualisation curved wall. We can easily review the DLab (EVL), which Joe Mady, drawings and mark-up alterations, if Designer Group’s Virtual Design & needed, on the touchscreen TV. This Construction Manager says, will become ensures that we are gaining maximum standardised across the industry as usage of the area. contractors “engage more and more “The VR headset and software with collaborative digital construction enables our staff, external consultants technology and move away from “the and clients to step inside the design. traditional fragmented delivery”. Experiencing the design at a much Before choosing what best suited their earlier stage ensures quicker sign-off, needs, Joe and Niall Stone, Designer Joe Mady demonstrates how Designer Group’s validation and aligns all stakeholders’ Group’s Director of Engineering, Electronic Visualisation Lab works. expectations. We see this area reducing visited a number of facilities to see how rework, improving safety, resolving they use VR (Virtual Reality) and AR issues faster and increasing quality. (Augmented Reality) technologies. and was not just for show.” “We are finding that enabling clients “Niall and I visited several research and The EVL consists of a bespoke to step inside the virtual building with the development departments throughout constructed curved wall, high-end VR headset to move objects, change building Ireland. One such department, the R&D projection system, VR station and touch- fabric, actively navigate the construction Department at Waterford IT, was looking screen TV. sequence is very powerful. at a range of different virtual and mixed “The area has become the first stop when “At present, there are still people sceptical realities utilising the HoloLens, Oculus we have external consultants or clients at of BIM. But when we demonstrate how Rift and a number of different hardware our offices. This is due to it being an open, we are utilising the technology within technologies. Having seen these facilities, we spacious, collaborative and user-friendly this collaborative area, it is hard to deny chose a technology that was most applicable area”, explains Joe. “When working on the benefits attained through utilising the to our needs, provided maximum usability a project with external consultants, we technology, he concludes. C KILSARAN LAUNCHES NEW INDUSTRY ESSENTIAL LEARNING SERIES he Essential Learning Series from explains Judy Fusco-Linnane, Kilsaran Kilsaran International is a suite of Marketing Manager. “There are five Ttraining and professional development seminars in the series – one for each modules devised to enhance the core skills of the following topics: Bituminous and knowledge of industry professionals. The Materials, Masonry Products, Aggregates, modules will be held at Kilsaran’s premises in Masonry Rendering & Plastering Mortars Dunboyne, Co Meath, with one module per and Ready-Mix Concrete. Attendees month between November and March. will learn about the evolving trends and Designed to bridge the gap between the common issues currently affecting the interpretation of industry standards and construction industry, and they will be their implementation, this suite of seminars offered practical tips and information for will provide a comprehensive overview of standard adherence and implementation.” C the evolving trends and commonplace issues currently affecting the construction industry. “The Essential Learning Series is for For more information on seminar dates Training is intended to balance theory and construction industry professionals who and to register your interest, please visit: practicality and to meet the day-to-day needs would like to gain a better understanding www.kilsaran.ie/learningseries or email of the construction professional. of the most up-to-date industry standards,” [email protected]
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CONS_Nov17_Industry News.indd 1 24/11/2017 16:34 industry news ARDMAC CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN KIRBY GROUP WINS ‘BACK-TO-BACK’ BUSINESS WITH REBRANDING INITIATIVE NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS IF member firm Ardmac recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in business by Cannouncing the completion of a rebranding initiative focused on elevating the company’s vision and mission across all the organisation. The rebranding initiative gives Ardmac, which has a broad portfolio of clients in the Cleanroom, Data Centre, Fit-Out and Refurbishment & Construction sectors, a new logo and refreshed identity while unifying the company image to reflect how the business has evolved. “This is an exciting time for Ardmac as we continue to evolve as a company,” says Ardmac CEO Ronan Quinn. “It is important that Ardmac retains its established values, but at the same time develops a new and modern identity that shows who we are today. The new rebranding reinforces the value we deliver through our comprehensive service offerings in our four sectors of Fit-Out, Cleanroom, Data Centre and Refurbishment & Construction. “Ardmac’s vision is to be the contractor of choice for clients and the employer of choice for great people. We have worked closely with our staff, as well as focusing on our clients, to develop a brand identity that represents what Ardmac is INTEREST GROWS IN ROADSTONE SuDS about. The rebrand evolution represents our integral values and shows how the firm has grown into Brent Pope, Tom Kelly of EI, Richard Joyce, a respected multifaceted international specialist Linesight and Ronan Quinn, Ardmac. construction company.” C SYSTEMS AS DEVELOPERS LOOK FOR SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS JOHN KEAVNEY APPOINTED TO BOARD OF JOHN PAUL CONSTRUCTION
ohn Paul Construction has announced the appointment of JJohn Keavney to its Board as Construction Director. John Keavney has over 24 years of experience in the industry. He has served at Director level with John Paul Construction for the past 10 years, and he has a strong track record of success in senior leadership roles and in delivering major construction projects across all sectors. Commenting on the appointment, Eamon Booth, Managing Director stated: “We are delighted with John’s appointment which further strengthens our existing senior team enabling us to continue with our growth strategy while ensuring we continue to John Keavney (Construction Director) and Eamon Booth provide a market leading service to (Managing Director), John Paul Construction. our clients.” C
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CONS_Nov17_Industry News.indd 2 24/11/2017 16:34 industry news KIRBY GROUP WINS ‘BACK-TO-BACK’ Ecocem Ireland launch first NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS hybrid weather resistant bag irby Group had a successful night at the recent National Q Mark Awards K2017 when it won the ‘Recognised for Excellence’ category for its’ Quality Management System for a second consecutive year. “To receive a second consecutive Quality award is testament to the collective efforts of the entire Kirby project teams who continually strive to deliver operational excellence and value for our clients,” said Martin Searson, Kirby Group Quality Manager. The National Q Mark Awards recognise and celebrate businesses who continuously strive for excellence and best practice standards. All potential entrant companies are audited before being shortlisted for the Irene Collins, Managing Director of Excellence Ireland Quality awards. This year’s awards were held at the Association, presents the Kirby Group team with their award. Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin. C INTEREST GROWS IN ROADSTONE SuDS SYSTEMS AS DEVELOPERS LOOK FOR SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS cross the country water drainage and sewage systems handle the water Arun-off from large scale developments. As the scale of development increases in the coming years, the problem of surface water management will be greatly exacerbated. “An undeveloped site has a surface water run-off of 10%, while a high density development can experience a run-off of up to 55%,” says Michael Vaughan, Roadstone National Sales Manager Architectural Products. The challenge of managing surface water run-off is being met by an increased use of Roadstone’s Aqua Cobblesett in-situ SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) Aras Cill Dara or permeable paving systems. One of the key principles of SuDS is reducing water quantity thus dealing with surface water at the source m per hour.” paving system. “The Roadstone team like to reduces the effects of urbanisation and the The water leaving the Aquaflow system is get involved in a project as early as possible,” impact of localised flooding. cleaned by filtration and microbial action and explains Michael Vaughan, so the project team “Roadstone has been receiving an increased can also be stored in an integrated tanking can avail of their design and technical expertise. number of enquiries from across the country system for secondary non-potable uses such as In 2005, Roadstone designed the Formpave in recent times about our Aquaflow (SuDS) flushing toilets. watering soft landscapes and Aquaflow system to facilitate a 21,000-sq m car range of paving,” says Michael Vaughan. “The firefighting. A further advantage of Roadstone’s parking space at Aras Chill Dara, the then new Aquaflow system allows rain to infiltrate Aquaflow system is that roof water can be Kildare County Council offices. Over the years, through a permeable block paved surface into drained through an aquaflow distribution tank Aras Chill Dara reported no standing water a unique sub-base before being released in directly into the sub-base. on the car-park, even after major rain events, a controlled manner into the ground or into Roadstone can provide all the materials ensuring cleaner surfaces. Twelve years on the main sewers or water courses. The system is necessary to facilitate the design and Aquaflow Paving is still performing its water capable of handling rainfall of 4500mm per sq construction of the Aquaflow permeable management function. C
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CONS_Nov17_Industry News.indd 3 24/11/2017 16:34 industry news MANTIS CRANES SUPPLIES FIRST CRANE OPERATOR ELEVATOR IN IRELAND he National Construction Training Centre at Mount Lucas, Co Offaly Thas recently taken delivery of the first crane operator elevator to be installed on a tower crane in Ireland. Donegal-based, Mantis Cranes supplied the Saez TL50 Tower Crane with crane operator elevator to the Centre. The tower crane and elevator will be used for training crane operators on pedestrian remote control and cab-driven tower cranes. The requirements for the tower crane include a number of bespoke modifications. A two-man elevator was also requested to make accessing the cab easier. The crane was supplied with a modified cat head that can fit a 1.7m x 1.7m tower, rather than the normal 1.2m x 1.2m. The larger 1.7m tower sections were chosen by Mantis to give easier access to the crane and elevator. Saez, the crane manufacturer, redesigned the bottom tower section of the crane to be modified, allowing for safe and easy access to both the crane and the elevator by the crane operators and trainers. Mantis chose a Geda 2PK Tower Crane Elevator to be attached to the tower of the New Saez TL50 tower Saez TL50. The elevator was enabled to crane with operator come to ground level and is enclosed in secure surroundings so as to prevent any elevator on-site at personnel from entering the descent area Mount Lucas. when it is in operation. “We were very happy with Mantis our requirements were met. The jumbo cab is Mantis offer customers the choice of a range Cranes from start to finish of the project,” the perfect solution for our training purposes, of self-erecting tower cranes with jib lengths said John Kelly, Centre Manager at the as it can hold the instructor and candidate. The ranging from 12.7m to 45m and maximum lifting National Construction Training Centre modifications that Mantis made to the equipment capacity up to 6,000Kg. Their tower cranes have (Laois/Offaly Education Training Board). work brilliantly and allow easy access without jib lengths ranging from 20m to 75m and lifting They were hands-on in making sure that compromising on the security of the machinery”. capacities up to 12,000kg. C GYPROC IRELAND ANNOUNCES THE CREATION OF 14 NEW JOBS AT ITS KINGSCOURT FACTORY laster and plasterboard meaning the company now has positions,” said Brian Dolan, manufacturer Gyproc, the capability to manufacture on a Managing Director of Saint- Ppart of the Saint-Gobain 24/7 basis. Gobain Construction Products group, has announced the Recruitment for the 14 in Ireland, “which marks a key creation of 14 new jobs at positions, which represents a 10% step in the continued growth its manufacturing facility in increase on the overall number and development of Gyproc in Kingscourt, Co Cavan. The of employees at Kingscourt, was Ireland. The decision to move to a Brian Dolan, announcement of the new completed in October and with the four-shift pattern and recruit these Managing Director, jobs in the Border Midland additional shift coming into effect additional employees will help us Saint Gobain and Western (BMW) Region on Monday, 06 November. meet increasing demand from the Construction comes as Gyproc moves to “We are delighted to construction sector as it continues Products Ireland. a new four shift operation, announce details of these 14 new to gather pace.” C
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CONS_Nov17_Industry News.indd 4 24/11/2017 16:35 for your diary Helping you plan ahead
Tuesday 28th November 2017, 11am Thursday 30th November 2017, 8:00pm Monday 11th December 2017, EXECUTIVE BODY MEETING (FOLLOWED NORTH WEST BRANCH MEETING 6pm – 8pm BY CIF AGM at 12.45pm) Location: Sligo Park Hotel, Pearse Road, CIF NETWORKING EVENT Location: CIF Head Office, Construction Sligo With guest speaker Niav House, Canal Road, Dublin Contact: Justin Molloy 091 502680 O’Higgins, Arthur Cox Contact: Gillian Heffernan 01 406 6016 Location: CIF Head Office, Construction Tuesday 5th December 2017, 11:00am House, Canal Road, Dublin Tuesday 28th November 2017, 3.00pm IHBA NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING Contact: Gillian Ross 01 406 6016 MPDI AGM Location: CIF Head Office, Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin Monday 8th January 2018, 4:00pm Location: CIF Head Office, Construction Contact: Cathy Gurry 01 4066008 House, Canal Road, Dublin CECA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Contact: Orla Brady 01 406 6048 Location: CIF Head Office, Wednesday 6th December 2017, 01:00pm Construction House, Wednesday 29th November 2017, 2:30pm PROCUREMENT TENDERING & Canal Road, Dublin NASAC AGM CONTRACTUAL MATTERS COMMITTEE Contact: Denise Tuffy 01 4066066 C Location: CIF Head Office, Construction Location: CIF Head Office, Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin House, Canal Road, Dublin Contact: Orla Brady 01 406 6048 Contact: Denise Tuffy 01 4066066
Thursday 30th November 2017, 2.30pm Friday 8th December 2017, 5:00pm CONSTRUCTION 4.0 COMMITTEE CORK BRANCH EXECUTIVE MEETING MEETING 2017 Location: CIF Head Office, Construction Location: Please contact CIF Cork Office for House, Canal Road, Dublin details Contact: Orla Brady 01 406 6048 Contact: CIF Cork Office 021 4351410
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CONS_Nov17_Diary.indd 3 24/11/2017 16:36 training dates CIF Training & Development CIF training and education programmes for November/December 2017 Course Title/Venue Course Start Date End Date Course times
Project Supervisor Construction Stage PSCS 20th November 4th December 09.00am – 17.00pm Radisson Hotel, Athlone 3091 Monday Monday
CIF Site Supervisor Safety Programme SSSP 21st November 22nd November 09.00am - 17.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3010 Tuesday Wednesday
PWC Sub-Contractors PWCSC 22nd November 22nd November 09.00am - 12.00pm CIF Construction House, Little Island, Cork 3087 Half day
Radon Prevention Measures RPM Wednedsay Wednedsay 04.00pm-6.15pm Radisson Blu, East Gate, Cork 3096 22nd November 22nd November
IOSH Project Supervisor Design Process PSDP 23rd November 24th November 09.00am – 17.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3011 Thursday Friday
CIF Core Safety Management Programme Renewal/CPD CSMP 24th November 24th November 9.00am-13.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3012 Friday Friday
Claims Manmagement CM 28th November 28th November 09.00am - 12.00pm Maldron Hotel Oranmore, Oranmore Road, Galway 3088 Half day
Behavioral Safety Workshop BSW 29th November 29th November 10.00am-12.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3108
Radon Prevention Measures RPM 30th November 30th November 04.00pm-6.15pm Radisson Blu, Galway 3100 Thursday Thursday
Private Sector Contracts PSC 30th November 30th November 09.00am - 12.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3089 Half day
CIF IOSH Managing Safety in Construction FAST TRACK MSIC 30th Nov 1st, 11th December 09.30am – 16.30pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3013 7th & 8th Dec Monday Thurs & Friday
Airtightness One-day programme AT 1st December 1st December 09.00am -17.00pm Ballyfermot Training Centre, Ballyfermot, Dublin 3067 Friday Friday
Project Supervisor Construction Stage PSCS 5th December 19th December 09.00am – 17.00pm North County Hotel, Co Dublin 3109 Tuesday Tuesday
PWC Sub-Contractors PWCSC 7th December 7th December 09.00am - 12.00pm Maldron Hotel Oranmore, Oranmore Road, Galway 3090 Half day
CIF Management & Inspection of Scaffold SI 8th December 8th December 09.000am – 17.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3014 Friday Friday
Temporary Work One day Programme TW 11th December 11th December 09.00am-17.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3105 Monday Monday
CIF Site Supervisor Safety Programme SSSP 12th & 13th 13th December 09.00am - 17.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3015 December
IOSH Project Supervisor Design Process PSDP 13th & 14th Dec 14th December 09.00am – 17.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3016 Wed & Thurs Thursday
CIF Core Safety Management Programme Renewal/CPD CSMP 15th December 15th December 9.00am-13.00pm CIF Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 3017 Friday Friday
72 CONSTRUCTION November 2017
Untitled-11 2 24/11/2017 16:38 January/February 2015 CONSTRUCTION 22 January/February 2015 CONSTRUCTION 22