McAleer & Rushe secured three major accolades at the 11th annual Irish Construction Industry Awards, held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, highlighting excellence across Ireland’s construction sector.
The Dungannon-based firm won both contractor international project of the year and contractor project of the year for their Canada Water Plot K1 development in London. Additionally, the company’s Paddy Connolly was named construction project manager of the year.
The prestigious awards ceremony, hosted by Colm O’Regan, saw 95 companies competing across 29 categories, with 145 entries highlighting the industry’s finest achievements. Notable winners included Boyle Construction securing contractor of the year, while RKD took home architecture practice of the year.
The ICI Awards are one of the biggest nights in the Irish construction year, recognising and celebrating excellence across the construction sector.
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The event, attended by 561 industry professionals, highlighted the growing strength of Ireland’s off-site manufacturing capabilities and showcased innovative cloud solutions and emerging construction technologies.
The Canada Water Plot K1 was the first completed building of the 53-acre Canada Water Masterplan in London. The judges felt that the development exemplified excellence in sustainable development, innovation, and community impact, setting a benchmark for future projects.
The judges’ citation explained: “The judges were thoroughly impressed by this year’s winner for setting a high standard across various criteria. Their ability to adapt and support diverse clients in multiple sectors highlighted their versatility and leadership within the industry.”
Pat McVey, managing director at awards gold sponsor P McVey Building Systems, commented: “We proudly support the Irish Construction Industry Awards, which celebrate excellence, innovation, and sustainability in Ireland’s construction sector. These awards showcase remarkable projects, inspire progress, recognise outstanding achievements, and promote collaboration. By spotlighting industry leaders, they encourage best practices and drive the continuous improvement of Ireland’s built environment.”
Judging coordinator Barry McAuley said the quality of submissions for the Irish Construction Industry Awards 2024 demonstrated the high standard of excellence across the industry.
“The submissions highlighted innovative projects and initiatives that reflect not only technical competence but also a commitment to sustainability and safety. Some of the key trends emerging include innovative lean construction practices, customer central approaches, and a drive to engage with local communities and educational institutions,” he stated.
“The submissions also reinforced the growing strength of Ireland’s off-site manufacturing and showcased innovative cloud solutions and emerging construction technologies and techniques that push the limits of traditional methods.”
David Brennan, managing director at Eastgate Engineering, winner of the engineering firm of the year award, commented: “This award reflects our commitment to driving Ireland’s offshore wind industry forward. We are proud to play a key role in shaping a greener future, creating sustainable jobs, and advancing Ireland’s renewable energy ambitions.”
Architecture practice RKD was presented with two awards. “We were absolutely delighted. It’s great for the team and for the clients, so we’re very happy for them as well,” said RKD sustainability adviser Rose McSweeney.
STW Architects won the design project award for its work at the Mater hospital. Project director Paul Connolly said it was great to see a healthcare project receiving recognition from the judging panel.
The platinum sponsor of Irish Construction Industry Awards 2024 was KCC Group, Stephen Arkins, director of sales, said the sponsorship demonstrates KCC Group’s commitment to supporting and celebrating excellence within Ireland’s construction sector.
“In the past year KCC has invested heavily in our people, in particular operationally, aimed at improving customer service and project delivery standards,” Mr Arkins added. “We now feel we have an experienced team of industry experts in place to enhance processes and strengthen relationships.”
PJ Hegarty won an award for its work on the Midleton Distillery Experience. Contractor manager Aidan O’Callaghan commented: “It’s fantastic to get recognition for the team and the client.”
Elliot Group was an award winner in the Tourism & Hospitality – Hotel category. Construction director Gary O’Sullivan stated: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the award. We were up against stiff competition, and it was great to come away with the win. You’re up against your peers in the industry and it is important that people take part in the awards.”
Mr O’Sullivan’s colleague Laura McCooey was the winner of the women in construction award. “It’s different when your name is on the award,” she said. “We have project teams going for the other awards but when it’s an individual award it’s something special.”
Director Hugh Rainey said Rainey Lightning Protection’s award was recognition for “the people who are actually doing the install”.
Daniel Clark Hagan, the other judging coordinator, noted that more companies are taking the mental health of employees seriously. “Another trend is the greater promotion and recruitment of females in the industry, which should be further encouraged,” Mr Hagan added.
Alan Farrell, contracts manager at Flynn Management & Contractors, said the awards event was “a great opportunity to mix with all the main contractors and other people in the industry. It’s a great night for everyone involved.”
Martin Hare, managing director at McAdam Design, an awards finalist, described the awards night as a “fantastic event with an amazingly high standard of projects across Ireland”.
Kevin O’Driscoll, director partnership programmes at Business River, the awards organiser, noted that the event was made possible through the support of sponsors.
“We are thankful to our 2024 sponsors and professional partners, which includes KCC Group, Elliott Group, KSN Horizon, Boon Edam Ireland Ltd, Falcon Green, Connex Offsite, Tower Security, BWDI Ltd, Tech Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, P McVey Building Systems, Hays Ireland, Pennypop, Kärcher Hire, Lumen Search, PepTalk, the 1878, A Private Members Club at 3Arena, Considerate Constructors Scheme, MMC Ireland, iProperty Radio, Cronin Group and Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area,” he said.
Awards judges
- Daniel Clarke Hagan (judging coordinator) – programme chair and lecturer, Atlantic Technical University
- Barry McAuley (judging coordinator) – head of geospatial surveying and digital construction, Technological University Dublin
- Stephen Clancy – managing director, Arken Construction
- Michael Curran – assistant professor, University of Limerick
- Alan Fogarty – partner, Cundall
- Mary Catherine Greene – director of portfolio and assets, Glenveagh Properties Plc
- Seamus Harrington – head of quantity surveying, TU Dublin
- Maria Holmes – lecturer, Atlantic Technological University
- John Hunt – senior adviser and global lead – Construction, Enterprise Ireland
- Kevin Hutchinson – head of operations, Considerate Constructors Scheme
- Derry Kearney – partner, Cundall
- Davitt Lamon – lecturer and researcher, TU Dublin
- Joseph Mady – chief executive, DCT
- Gearoid Maguire – cost systems lead, Linesight
- Robin Mandal – architect, Robin Mandal Architect
- Aidan McGovern – chartered engineer, OPW
- Dr Róisín Murphy – senior engagement manager, Engineering, Construction and Built Environment, Technological University Dublin
- Ross O’Colmain – head of high-tech construction and housing, Enterprise Ireland
- John Spillane – associate professor, University of Limerick
- Carol Tallon – chief executive, Property District
- Paul Tierney – interim chief executive, MMC Ireland
Award winners
Contractor project of the year (sponsored by Lumen Search)
Winner: McAleer & Rushe – Canada Water Plot K1, London
Contractor of the year (sponsored by BWDI Ltd)
Winner: Boyle Construction
Women in construction award (sponsored by Hays Ireland)
Winner: Elliott Group – Laura McCooey
Architecture practice of the year (sponsored by P McVey Building Systems)
Winner: RKD
Design project of the year (sponsored by Elliott Group)
Winner: STW Architects – Rock Wing, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
Engineering firm of the year (sponsored by Tech Refrigeration and Air Conditioning)
Winner: Eastgate Engineering
Engineering project of the year
Winner: Jones Engineering Manufacturing – Packaged Plant Room
Consultancy of the year
Winner: Turner & Townsend
Contractor commercial project of the year (sponsored by Boon Edam Ireland Ltd)
Winner: Flynn Management & Contractors – Chatham House
Contractor international project of the year
Winner: McAleer & Rushe – Canada Water Plot K1, London
Contractor health project of the year
Winner: Tom O’Brien Construction – Wexford General Hospital
Contractor education project of the year
Winner: Glasgiven Contracts – Cherrywood Educate Together National School
Contractor residential project of the year (sponsored by Connex Offsite)
Winner: Jackie Greene Construction – Elanora Court
Civil construction project of the year (sponsored by Hays Ireland)
Winner: BAM Ireland – Derrinlough Wind Farm
Contractor industrial project of the year
Winner: OCC Construction – Block R, Shannon Free Zone
Contractor tourism & hospitality project of the year – hotel (sponsored by Connex Offsite)
Winner: Elliott Group – Premier Inn Hotel
Contractor tourism & hospitality project of the year (sponsored by KCC Group)
Winner: PJ Hegarty – Midleton Distillery Experience
Excellence in sustainability (sponsored by KSN Horizon)
Winner: Arcadis and CoolPlanet – Mission Zero
Excellence in sustainability – large (sponsored by Kärcher Hire)
Winner: BAM
Green project of the year (sponsored by Pennypop)
Winner: RKD – Fit Out for Global Biopharmaceutical Company
BIM initiative of the year
Winner: Ardmac
Excellence in health & safety (sponsored by PepTalk)
Winner: Conack
Construction project manager of the year (sponsored by Falcon Green)
Winner: McAleer & Rushe – Paddy Connolly
Considerate constructors scheme excellence award (sponsored by Considerate Constructors Scheme)
Winner: Breedon Ireland
Innovation in construction (sponsored by KCC Group)
Winner: Powerbetter Developments – Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC-9T)
Sub-contractor of the year
Winner: Instrotec
Sub-contractor of the year – small
Winner: Rainey Lightning Protection
MMC project of the year (sponsored by Tower Security)
Winner: Sisk – Ukrainian Rapid Modular Homes (URMH)
Apprenticeship programme award
Winner: Designer Group
