Green Tech Skillnet is hosting an Information Webinar: Work in Wind Programme.
Date: 24 July 2024
Time: 11:30 - 13:00
Venue: Online Webinar (via Microsoft Teams)
This event is suitable for anyone interested in entering the wind energy field, whether you are a jobseeker, a recent graduate, a professional looking to change careers, a company interested in learning about the programme or hosting a work placement, or simply curious about renewable energy.
Enroll here
The sod has been turned on Diageo’s new €200 million state-of-the-art carbon neutral brewery in Littleconnell, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. The new facility will brew lagers and ales including Rockshore, Harp, Hop House 13, Smithwick’s, Kilkenny and Carlsberg. With a capacity of 2 million hectolitres, it will be the second largest brewing operation in Ireland after St. James’s Gate and support the future growth of Diageo Ireland’s beer brands.
The state-of-the-art brewery will be powered with 100% renewable energy and will harness the latest process technology to minimise overall energy and water consumption. The target date for the brewery to begin production is 2026 and it will facilitate the growth of overall beer exports from Ireland. It will also facilitate enhanced capacity for the production of the fast-growing Guinness 0.0 at the traditional home of Guinness at St James’s Gate in Dublin.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, joined senior leaders for the turning of the sod event in Littleconnell, to express the Government’s full support for the brewery that will support up to 1000 jobs both onsite and offsite during the construction phase of the brewery. The new brewery has also received crucial support from the IDA and Enterprise Ireland.
Colin O'Brien, Category Head – Global Beer Supply, Diageo said, “Following the announcement of our plans to construct this new brewery in 2022, we are delighted to have reached this significant landmark through the beginning of construction works. As a global business this new brewery is a major development for Diageo in Ireland and around the world. It helps us continue to produce some of the world’s most recognisable beer brands and sets new standards for sustainable production in keeping with our ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ commitments to become net-zero in our direct operations’’
“I want to thank the Government, the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, and the local community for the support they have given the new brewery to date, and I look forward to the first lagers and ales being produced here in two years’ time.”
Minister of State for Agriculture and TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, said: “This €200m investment by Diageo is hugely important and is great news for Ireland’s food and drink industry and also for the local economy and community here in Kildare. I want to thank Diageo for their commitment to the local area and for the jobs and activity that this new brewery will generate.”
Jenny Melia, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland, added: “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting companies in the transition towards a low-carbon economy, and we are delighted to work with Diageo on this important development; a state-of-the-art carbon neutral brewery, that will be powered by 100% renewable energy. Diageo continues to show leadership in investing in the highest sustainability standards, and this new brewery will make an important contribution to the local economy, supporting value added exports, creating high quality jobs.”
Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Kildare County Council said “Kildare County Council is delighted that construction work and the development of this new brewery in Littleconnell is now underway. The County Council has worked closely with Diageo on this project that will provide employment for and investment in the local community in Newbridge and throughout Kildare. It is a real vote of confidence for the entire county to have such a major company that produces iconic brands locating a brand-new facility here in Kildare.”
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IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMING
JOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT
RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 22nd March, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, Hall 3, RDS, Dublin
SEMINARS
Full Day Of Industry Talks
REGISTER
Dublin ranks as the second most expensive city for building apartments in Europe, just behind Zurich, according to a new report by Trinity College Dublin and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland. The Building Homes Report, which surveyed ten European cities, revealed that the construction cost in Dublin is €2,363 per square metre, exceeding the average of €2,057 per square metre.
Zurich tops the list with a cost of €2,866 per square metre, while Tallinn in Estonia is the least expensive at €1,367 per square metre. Belfast, notably, is the second cheapest, with construction costs at €1,755 per square metre.
This report, the first to use International Construction Management Standards V3 (ICMS3), compares construction costs using a 'travelling box' method. This method prices a specific apartment block of 39 units across different cities, holding nearly 80 elements constant to allow for a systematic cost comparison.
The study identified three cost groups. The first group, with Zurich alone, has significantly higher costs. The second group, with costs above average but closer to it, includes Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin, and Stockholm. The third group, with below-average costs, includes Amsterdam, Belfast, Brussels, and Tallinn.
Ronan Lyons, Associate Professor of Economics at Trinity College Dublin and one of the report's authors, emphasized the high construction costs in Dublin as a significant barrier to new housing supply. He noted that while structural work costs are lower in Dublin compared to other cities, services and equipment, along with non-structural works, drive up the overall costs.
The analysis suggests that material costs vary less across cities than labor-intensive inputs, indicating that labor costs and productivity are key factors in the differences in construction costs. Despite being geographically close, Dublin's costs are notably higher than Belfast's, prompting a need for further analysis into regulatory specifications, standards, and soft costs.
Bryn Griffiths, Vice Chair of the SCSI Quantity Surveying Professional Group Committee, highlighted that structural, non-structural, and services and equipment costs make up two-thirds of construction costs, with soft costs contributing another 25%. He suggested that differences in architectural design and planning policies also impact costs and called for more flexibility and standardization to reduce expenses.
Griffiths also pointed out that Ireland's relatively low VAT rate on new construction partially explains cost differences with Belfast. He urged the Government to explore new models for delivering zoned and serviced development land and to consider further standardization and research to reduce costs and improve the viability of new housing projects.
The report aims to provide a baseline for future cost comparison exercises, potentially expanding to other cities and property types to enhance the understanding of construction costs and improve housing affordability.
The full report, 'Building Home: Apartment construction costs in Europe with a focus on Dublin', can be read here.
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IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMING
JOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT
RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 22nd March, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, Hall 3, RDS, Dublin
SEMINARS
Full Day Of Industry Talks
REGISTER
Timber is one of the most versatile and widely used building materials in construction. Understanding the specifications of timber, often referred to as "Timber Spec," is crucial for architects, engineers, builders, and anyone involved in construction projects. Timber specifications encompass a range of attributes, including the type of wood, its strength, durability, moisture content, and grade.
This guide will walk you through the essential aspects of timber specifications to ensure you select the right material for your project.
Types of Timber
Softwood vs. Hardwood
- Softwood: Derived from coniferous trees, such as pine, spruce, and fir. Softwood is generally more abundant and cost-effective, making it popular for structural framing, furniture, and interior fittings.
- Hardwood: Sourced from deciduous trees, such as oak, maple, and teak. Hardwood is typically denser and more durable, making it ideal for high-quality furniture, flooring, and exterior applications.
Timber Grades
Timber is graded based on its strength and appearance, which determines its suitability for various applications.
- Structural Grades: These grades are based on the timber's ability to bear loads and resist stress. Common structural grades include:
- C16 and C24: Frequently used in construction, with C24 being stronger and more durable than C16.
- F Grades: Australian grading system (e.g., F5, F7) indicating different strength classes.
- Appearance Grades: These grades focus on the visual aspects of the timber, important for decorative applications. Grades vary by country but generally include terms like "Select," "Standard," and "Utility."
Timber Treatments
To enhance the durability and performance of timber, various treatments can be applied:
- Preservative Treatments: Protect timber from decay, insects, and fungi. Common treatments include:
- Pressure Treatment: Impregnates timber with preservatives under high pressure.
- Surface Treatment: Applies preservatives to the timber's surface.
- Fire Retardant Treatments: Enhance the fire resistance of timber, crucial for building safety compliance.
- Weatherproofing: Treatments that protect timber from moisture, ensuring longevity in outdoor applications.
Moisture Content
The moisture content of timber significantly affects its stability, strength, and suitability for different environments.
- Green Timber: Freshly cut timber with high moisture content, prone to shrinkage and warping.
- Kiln-Dried Timber: Timber dried in a controlled environment to a specific moisture level, typically between 12-15%, minimizing shrinkage and warping.
- Air-Dried Timber: Naturally dried timber with a moisture content that varies with the surrounding environment.
Sourcing Sustainable Timber
Sustainability is increasingly important in construction. Look for certifications such as:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Ensures timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
- PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification): Another certification that promotes sustainable forest management.
Applications of Timber
Structural Applications: Timber is widely used in framing, beams, and joists due to its strength and workability.
Interior Applications: Used for flooring, paneling, and furniture, where appearance and finish are critical.
Exterior Applications: Durable and treated timber is used for decking, cladding, and outdoor furniture.
Conclusion
Understanding timber specifications is essential for selecting the right type of wood for your construction projects. By considering factors such as wood type, grade, treatments, moisture content, and sustainability, you can ensure the timber you choose meets the necessary standards for strength, durability, and appearance. Whether you are building a house, crafting furniture, or working on an outdoor structure, the right timber spec will contribute significantly to the success and longevity of your project.
Timber Spec: Your Comprehensive Guide to Timber Specifications
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IRELAND'S CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING SECTORS' UPCOMING
JOBS & RECRUITMENT EVENT
RETURNS TO THE RDS IN 2025
DATE
Saturday, 22nd March, 2025
LOCATION
Serpentine Hall, Hall 3, RDS, Dublin
SEMINARS
Full Day Of Industry Talks
REGISTER
Home
The report provides a comprehensive insight and a number of key findings into various aspects of the construction and built environment sector including costs, planning, skills, productivity and sustainability.
The report highlights a variety of positive trends in the construction sector in 2022 and 2023, including:
- There were over 41,000 planning permissions for housing units in 2023; an increase of 21% over 2022.
- 17,601 homes were upgraded to a BER rating of B2 or above in 2023; an increase of 108% relative to 2022.
- Construction and construction-related apprentice registrations increased by 3% and 2% respectively in 2023, relative to 2022.
The report also outlines a number of initiatives that the public and private sectors have underway to increase the efficiency and productivity of the construction sector as it responds to the significant challenges of recent years, such as COVID-19 restrictions, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions.
Furthermore, inflationary pressure is easing across many construction materials and the number of apprentices in the construction sector exceeded 20,000 in 2023, which is ensuring that the pipeline of skilled workers in the sector continues to grow.
Project Ireland 2040 necessitates a competitive, dynamic and sustainable construction sector capable of delivering new social, economic and climate resilient infrastructure. To achieve this outcome, the construction sector must foster an innovative and sustainable approach capable of meeting the needs of our growing population.
Publishing the report,Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD said:
“Build 2024 shows that collaboration between the public and private sectors continues to increase the efficiency and productivity of the construction sector. It is vital to maintain the existing momentum and focus on measures that can assist in removing bottlenecks to delivering on the priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP).
“This report provides an evidence base that will enable approaches such as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to increase the output of the construction industry. Evidence suggests that an MMC approach to building has the potential to increase the speed of delivery of new homes, reduce costs, and advance improvements in quality and energy efficiency.
“Government is investing €165 billion up to 2030 under the NDP, and this report provides a very useful insight into the trends and initiatives underway to increase productivity through innovation and digital adoption to meet our NDP delivery ambitions.”
P J Rudden, Chair of the CSG Sub-Group, stated:
“I welcome the Build 2024 Report, which builds on our increasing innovation and digital adoption ambition to accelerate delivery in design and construction of projects. We have included Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the scope of consulting services for major project values of €100 million and more since 1 January 2024. Over the next four years, BIM requirements will cascade down to projects below €1 million. BIM delivers projects to a higher quality and safety level, reduces waste and can deliver projects in a more timely manner.”
The Construction Bar Association invites you to attend its 10th major open conference event from 2pm on Friday 14th June at King's Inns, Dublin 7.
Location: Dining Hall, The The Honorable Society of King's Inns
Date: 14th June 2024
Registration: 1.30pm
Welcome: 2.00pm
Drinks Reception Entrance Hall King Inns: 5.30pm
Topics for discussion include:
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Panel 1 - Building Defects & Recent Developments
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Panel 2 - International Arbitration
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Panel 3 - Construction Litigation & Arbitration in Ireland - Potential Reforms?
Speakers will include:
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The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville, President of the High Court
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The Hon. Ms. Justice Nuala Butler, Court of Appeal
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His Honour Judge Gerard Meehan, Circuit Court
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Margaret Austin Head of Construction Planning and Environment Group, Addleshaw Goddard
Please register for your ticket here.
The report provides a comprehensive insight and a number of key findings into various aspects of the construction and built environment sector including costs, planning, skills, productivity and sustainability.
The report highlights a variety of positive trends in the construction sector in 2022 and 2023, including:
- There were over 41,000 planning permissions for housing units in 2023; an increase of 21% over 2022.
- 17,601 homes were upgraded to a BER rating of B2 or above in 2023; an increase of 108% relative to 2022.
- Construction and construction-related apprentice registrations increased by 3% and 2% respectively in 2023, relative to 2022.
The report also outlines a number of initiatives that the public and private sectors have underway to increase the efficiency and productivity of the construction sector as it responds to the significant challenges of recent years, such as COVID-19 restrictions, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions.
Furthermore, inflationary pressure is easing across many construction materials and the number of apprentices in the construction sector exceeded 20,000 in 2023, which is ensuring that the pipeline of skilled workers in the sector continues to grow.
Project Ireland 2040 necessitates a competitive, dynamic and sustainable construction sector capable of delivering new social, economic and climate resilient infrastructure. To achieve this outcome, the construction sector must foster an innovative and sustainable approach capable of meeting the needs of our growing population.
Publishing the report, Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe said:
“Build 2024 shows that collaboration between the public and private sectors continues to increase the efficiency and productivity of the construction sector. It is vital to maintain the existing momentum and focus on measures that can assist in removed bottlenecks to delivering on the priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP).
“This report provides an evidence base that will enable approaches such as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to increase the output of the construction industry. Evidence suggests that an MMC approach to building has the potential to increase the speed of delivery of new homes, reduce costs, and advance improvements in quality and energy efficiency.
“Government is investing €165 billion up to 2030 under the NDP, and this report provides a very useful insight into the trends and initiatives underway to increase productivity through innovation and digital adoption to meet our NDP delivery ambitions.”
P J Rudden, Chair of the CSG Sub-Group, stated:
“I welcome the Build 2024 Report, which builds on our increasing innovation and digital adoption ambition to accelerate delivery in design and construction of projects. We have included Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the scope of consulting services for major project values of €100 million and more since 1 January 2024. Over the next four years, BIM requirements will cascade down to projects below €1 million. BIM delivers projects to a higher quality and safety level, reduces waste and can deliver projects in a more timely manner.”
Construction has begun on the Narrow Water Bridge in County Louth.
The landmark Narrow Water Bridge is a longstanding commitment of the Government, reflected in the Programme for Government and New Decade, New Approach agreement. An allocation of €102m + VAT is being made from the Shared Island Fund for the contract to deliver this project.
This ambitious infrastructure project will provide new tourism and connectivity potential to the east border region and is anticipated to aid local economic development by increasing employment levels and visitor footfall. It will be a lynchpin connection for cross-border active travel and recreational activities in the Carlingford Lough region including greenways, mountain bike trails, walking routes and beaches.
When complete, the 195m cable-stayed bridge will connect Cornamucklagh near Omeath, Co Louth with Narrow Water near Warrenpoint, Co. Down, providing a direct link between the Mourne Mountains and the Cooley Peninsula, where Carlingford Lough meets the Newry River. It is designed for vehicular, cycle and pedestrian traffic and will connect the A2 Newry to Warrenpoint dual carriageway with the R173 Omeath. It will also have the ability to open to allow for the passage of ships through and on to the Newry Canal.
Taoiseach Simon Harris TD said:
“The Shared Island Unit was set up by the coalition for this very reason - to bring about visionary projects for the whole island that had long been sought after but not yet realised. I want to pay tribute to the communities and politicians from all parties and none in both Ireland and Northern Ireland who campaigned for a Narrow Water Bridge for decades. The mountains meet the sea all along this stretch of stunning coastline and this bridge will be a game-changer for commerce, daily life and tourism in this part of our shared island.”
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said:
“When I first established the Shared Island Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, there was one project that was always front and centre of my mind - the Narrow Water Bridge. This project is a clear physical manifestation of the philosophy underpinning Shared Island. It embodies our ambition for reconciliation, a closer relationship between North and South, and progress. Today is the realisation of a vision long shared across this stretch of water, delivering on the desire of both communities to reach out, to connect and to grow together.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD said:
“In linking the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down with the Cooley Peninsula in Co. Louth, this bridge will serve not just as a physical infrastructure project but a symbol of community, togetherness and hope. It is funded by the Shared Island Fund, and it embodies the vision, values, and purpose of that fund perfectly.”
Minister of State Malcom Noonan TD said:
“The project is already creating new opportunities and deepening connections between communities on both sides of the border. It is a testament to Louth County Council and officials in my own department and one that will endure as an outstretched hand of friendship between communities.”
Chief Executive of Louth County Council Joan Martin said:
“I am delighted to welcome the commencement of works at the Narrow Water Bridge site, a project which will provide an unprecedented boost to the cross-border region as a whole. It has been a long-standing strategic priority for Louth County Council, which will deliver a key piece of infrastructure, improving access to the wealth of tourist attractions we have in this area. This historic bridge will stand as a symbol of the connections that bind communities north and south.”
Jacobs has announced the creation of 100 jobs over the next two years in Ireland, at the official opening of its new state-of-the-art office in Sandyford, Dublin. The office opening, officiated by Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD, also coincides with Jacobs celebrating 50 years in Ireland.
Jacobs is the largest provider of engineering, procurement, construction management and commissioning, qualification and validation services in Ireland, employing more than 1,200 people in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. The new roles, in engineering, project management, construction management, commissioning and qualification, will be created over two years and support projects in high-growth sectors including critical infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and semiconductors.
During the past 50 years, Jacobs has supported the delivery of more than €50 billion worth of award-winning critical infrastructure projects for clients in Ireland – cementing Ireland’s position as a center of excellence for complex advanced manufacturing and R&D and supporting transformational economic growth.
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD says: : “Jacobs has delivered countless major manufacturing and infrastructure projects that have been central to Ireland’s economic success and societal progress over the last 50 years. The company has a stellar track record and has rightly been acknowledged with numerous awards for the quality and innovation that is a hallmark of its work. As Jacobs embarks on its latest chapter, I am delighted to open their new office in Dublin and announce 100 new jobs in Ireland to support its continued growth in Ireland and internationally.”
“Jacobs decided to grow beyond the US for the first time in 1974, and we selected Dublin with the IDA’s support,” says Jacobs CEO Bob Pragada. "The business has grown from four or five key people to a team of 1,200 people in that time. Although we're a global business, our operation here is an Irish success story. We have huge confidence in Ireland, and we are ambitious for our continued business growth here and are committed to building skills for the future and investing in a new office in Dublin.”
IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan says: “Today’s announcement provides an opportunity to reflect on the close and enduring partnership between Jacobs and IDA Ireland. Since opening its office in Dublin 50 years ago, Jacobs has been a leader in advanced manufacturing in Ireland. IDA Ireland looks forward to continuing to work closely with Jacobs and supporting them to deliver sustainable growth and investment aimed at furthering the modernization of critical infrastructure and unlocking opportunities in the life sciences and semiconductor sectors.”
Jacobs serves clients in the government and private sectors – most notably advanced manufacturing, cities infrastructure, health & life sciences, energy, environment, transportation and water. Key infrastructure projects include the National Transport Authority’s BusConnects Dublin and BusConnects Cork programs, the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade, Cork County Council’s M28 Motorway project and Irish Rail's East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects program.
Jacobs also has an extensive history with the life sciences sector in Ireland, supporting many of the country’s main manufacturing bases including recent projects such as the Edwards Lifesciences Greenfield Manufacturing Facility in Limerick.
Jacobs has received multiple awards for its contribution to the life sciences industry in Ireland and abroad. Most recently, the 2024 Irish Building & Design Awards recognized Jacobs as Construction/Project Management Firm of the Year. The Irish Construction Excellence (ICE) Awards also recognized Jacobs’ work on Edwards Lifesciences as Industrial Project of the Year in 2022.
In 2023, Jacobs was named the second most attractive employer (voted by engineering professionals) and the sixth most attractive graduate employer (voted by students) in Ireland’s Most Attractive Employers Index by Universum, in partnership with IrishJobs.
