Michaela Murray

Monday Morning Money News 💸 The Irish construction and building services sector kicks off the week with cautious momentum. 📊 Construction Activity Recent signals suggest steady demand across residential and infrastructure projects, though delivery timelines remain under pressure due to labour shortages and rising input costs. 🏗️ Building Services Outlook Engineering and MEP contractors are seeing increased tender activity, particularly in energy-efficient retrofits and commercial developments. Sustainability continues to drive investment decisions. 💰 Cost Pressures & Margins While inflation has eased slightly, material and compliance costs are still impacting margins. Firms are focusing on smarter procurement and value engineering to stay competitive. ⚡ Energy & Regulation Tighter building regulations and ESG targets are accelerating upgrades in HVAC, electrification, and smart building tech—creating opportunities for forward-thinking contractors. 👀 What to Watch This Week New project approvals and planning updates Labour market trends in skilled trades Shifts in public sector infrastructure spending #Construction #Ireland #BuildingServices #Property #Infrastructure #Sustainability #MondayMorning

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We are delighted to be providing engineering design services to Kilshane Energy Ltd for the development of a €250 million power plant project set to begin construction in North Dublin 🏗️ The new power plant is designed to be a flexible peaking plant, acting as ‘back-up generation’ for operating times of high electricity demand and low renewable electricity supply, in order to avoid power outages and ensuring security of electricity supply🔋 This strategic development will enhance Ireland’s energy infrastructure and security, and we’re proud to support its delivery through innovative and sustainable engineering solutions. Read more 👉 https://loom.ly/13iH1jY #engineeringdesign #energyinfrastructure #kilshaneenergy #rpsukic

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👷‍♀️Happy Women in Construction Week 👷‍♀️ It’s a great week to shine a light (and some very welcomed sunshine) on the amazing women making a difference across the #construction industry in Ireland. From working on site and managing projects to driving EHS and safety leadership. As an EHS recruiter, I see first hand how diversity strengthens safety culture. Women bring fresh perspectives, attention to detail , and leadership that makes workplaces safer and more inclusive for everyone. The construction industry might still be male-dominated, but initiatives like #WomeninConstructionWeek are helping break barriers and inspire the next generation of women that there is a place for them in Health, Safety & Environmental roles. If you’re a woman considering a career in EHS, or a company looking to grow a more diverse safety team, now’s the perfect time to connect! Here’s to the women keeping our workplaces safe, and to welcoming even more into EHS leadership positions. #WomenInConstruction #EHS #SafetyCulture #DiversityInConstruction #HealthAndSafety #Recruitment

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The construction sector continues to be one of the most dynamic parts of the Irish jobs market, with demand for skills outpacing supply across many trades and disciplines. In our latest article, we look at the European construction outlook and what Irish contractors need to be thinking about as they plan for growth, labour challenges and evolving project pipelines. From what we’re hearing on the ground, the fundamentals still matter most. You don’t hire success, you build it through by.. • understanding the real skills gaps in your team • setting clear expectations and realistic career pathways • investing in communication and collaboration across the business In tight markets, the organisations that thrive are the ones that combine practical recruitment strategy with strong leadership and culture. So whether you’re scaling a site team or planning your workforce for the year ahead, getting these elements aligned makes a real difference. #Recruitment #Construction #IrishBusiness #Leadership #Workforce

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𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 has launched its  𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 & 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 📊 The guide provides a current market overview of 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 across 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱, based on real recruitment data from across the sector. A useful resource for employers benchmarking roles and professionals planning their next move. 👉 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://lnkd.in/dqKiGD5F #ConstructionIreland #EngineeringJobs #SalaryGuide

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A great overview of the ambitious plans shaping Ireland’s future electricity system. Proud to support this work through our talent strategy at EirGrid. 🔌 #EnergyTransition #Renewables #ElectricityGrid #CleanEnergy #CelticInterconnector #CEFEnergy

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Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme The Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme was set up to financially assist with remediation costs of homeowners whose properties were adversely affected by the presence of excessive quantities of mica or pyrite in the blockwork used in the construction of those properties. Homeowners in Limerick can apply for the scheme online at: https://lnkd.in/eFPUzVsn

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Did everyone else tune in to RTE 1 for 'Who's Building Ireland'? It raised some important questions: Who is really driving Ireland’s construction industry forward, and what challenges do they face? From apprentices and crane operators to migrant workers keeping sites moving, the documentary gave a human face to the housing crisis — and highlighted just how vital this workforce is to Ireland’s future. The biggest obstacle we face, of course, is housing, and it gave a much-needed human perspective on the goal of delivering 300,000 homes by 2030. The facts underline just how critical this workforce is: ▪️Employment in construction grew by 29,600 (+18.4%) in the year to Q2 2025 ▪️Around 27,500 migrant workers were employed in construction by the end of 2023 – an 84% increase since 2021 - which is also 1 in 5 ▪️Three out of four non-EEA construction workers require both a work permit and a visa – showing how reliant Ireland is on immigration to keep projects on track ▪️Without continued inflows of skilled workers, Ireland risks falling short of housing and infrastructure targets 👉 The takeaway? Overseas workers aren’t just part of the solution – they are essential to it. Employers need to realise this: without valuing, supporting, and retaining a diverse workforce, the homes and infrastructure Ireland urgently needs simply won’t be delivered. The documentary showed that behind every target and statistic are real people driving progress. If we want to meet our housing goals, we must back the workforce that is truly building Ireland.

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Hiring skilled trades and labour staff in Ireland can be a real challenge for employers. With rising demand across construction, manufacturing, and engineering, finding the right people at the right time is essential to keep projects moving. Our latest blog shares practical tips for sourcing reliable trades and labour in Ireland, including compliance, vetting, onboarding, and retention. Whether you need temporary cover or long-term placements, this guide will help you hire with confidence and stay compliant. Read it here 👉https://lnkd.in/eM38rRAM ------------ #irishjobs #tradesandlabour #constructionrecruitment #manufacturingireland #engineeringireland #temporarystaffing #permanentstaffing #irelandbusiness #recruitmentagencyireland #staffingsolutions #employersireland #labourhire #constructionjobsireland #irishconstruction #workforceplanning #talentacquisition #contractstaffing #temporarycover #projectstaffing #irishrecruitment #employmentireland #totalrecruitment #totalstaffing #totalsolutionsireland #buildireland #recruitmentinsights #staffingpartner #irelandconstruction #hiringireland #jobmarketireland

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Northern Ireland Engineering Consultancy Doubles Workforce With UK Acquisition Northern Ireland engineering consultancy AM Consulting Engineers has acquired UK-based civil and structural engineering firm Bridges Pound Ltd. https://buff.ly/ddR21pf #BusinessNews #BusinessInsights #NIBusiness

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The Irish construction landscape is evolving rapidly, demanding new skills and knowledge from its professionals. To help the industry adapt and thrive, the Digital Academy for the Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE) offers a range of upskilling...

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Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) are often the primary driver of overstocking for Irish SMEs. We provide the independent analysis needed to challenge these constraints with data-backed demand signals.

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💚This week, as part of Going Green Week, we’re celebrating the milestones shaping Ireland’s green energy future – and the recently published Solar Ireland 2025: Scale of Solar report is a powerful reminder of the momentum in our renewables sector. 🌍 🔋 Solar energy is now: • Generating 1.7GW of clean energy (set to reach 2GW by September) • Powering 370,000+ homes • Avoiding nearly 396,000 tonnes of CO₂ – the equivalent of 2.6 billion car kilometres! • Meeting 6.5% of Ireland’s peak electricity demand From rapid rooftop adoption to advances in battery storage, solar is helping us hit our 8GW target by 2030 – and we’re proud to support the people and talent powering this transition. 🌱 #GreenJobs #SolarIreland2025 #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #GreenWeek #Recruitment #SolarPower #Renewables #ESG #GreenCareers #IrishJobs #ClimateAction #CollinsMcNicholasGoesGreen #CMcN

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3 Commercial Mistakes Contractors will make in their first year working with NEC4 in Ireland. Want more information? Our incredibly practical one day online course, delivered by William Brown, will ensure you understand: ✅ How NEC4 is structured and why it is fundamentally different ✅ How to administer the contract properly ✅ Where projects typically go wrong ✅ How to avoid disputes – and how they arise when things slip LEARN TODAY. APPLY TOMORROW. Course details below (Limited early-bird still available!) https://lnkd.in/gfS3pdV6

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😎 When I say jobs go quick, I mean it. I’m clear on what’s required to give you the best chance. But it’s you that needs to apply and not later. Because later is usually too late. 👇 https://lnkd.in/eG28Uc8T

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Utilities contractor Avove expands into Northern Ireland with acquisition of water and wastewater specialist Jacopa Ireland Utilities contractor Avove has expanded its operations into Northern Ireland, through the acquisition of #water and #wastewater solutions specialist, Jacopa Limited Ireland. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will complement Avove’s existing UK operations, by establishing Avove Ireland, a new name for a new market, supporting Northern Ireland Water.  Jacopa employs around 30 technicians and engineers and comprises a large installed base of products supporting wastewater treatment plants across the UK and Ireland. “With this acquisition we look forward to collaborating with Northern Ireland Water and combining the strengths of the Jacopa team with the experience and capability of Avove to provide a thoughtful approach and exceptional service,” said Avove executive chairman, Mark Perkins. Kieran Madine MCIWEM C.WEM FCIWEM, frameworks manager at Jacopa Ireland, said: “Having spent my entire career in the water and wastewater sector, I’m delighted and excited by Jacopa’s alignment with Avove.  “This partnership opens tremendous opportunities as we join forces with a dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking organisation.  “Avove’s business model, focused on delivering cutting-edge and sustainable solutions for the water industry in Ireland, aligns perfectly with our vision for growth and excellence.”   In AMP8, water suppliers are facing both environmental and regulatory challenges, including net zero by 2030, reducing sewage spills, and to mitigate the effects of climate change.          The purpose of Asset Management Plan (AMP) periods, set by industry regulator Ofwat, is to increase efficiency and service levels within the sector via capital programmes.        Avove currently has its head office in Newry, County Down, and a regional office in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. The group said its ‘strategic positioning’, complemented by its acquisition of water and wastewater solutions specialist Jacopa Ireland, will boost its capacity to deliver multiple projects and frameworks in the water sector. https://lnkd.in/eiUtzGWQ Image Credit: Avove Utilities

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Kilshane Energy Ltd is preparing to construct a new €250 million gas-fired peaking power plant in north Dublin, with groundwork expected to begin later this year. Components include one gas turbine, a 28-metre high exhaust stack, administration/control building, workshop, stores, fuel gas area, electrical modules, transformers, black-start diesel generator, reserve fuel storage and associated plant & equipment. A turbine supplier has been selected with Ansaldo Energia supplying the 300 MW turbine. Peak construction workforce is to be around estimated 200-250 jobs during construction phase. Once operational staffing needs are far less—only a small permanent team will be required, although exact numbers are unsure.

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🏗️ Construction Contractors in Ireland – Key Tax & Compliance Tips Working as a construction contractor in Ireland? Here’s what you need to know! 🔹 Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) – Revenue must be notified for all subcontractor payments; rates vary (0%, 20%, 35%). 🔹 VAT in Construction – Be aware of reverse charge VAT rules for subcontracted services. 🔹 Payroll – If you hire staff, you must operate PAYE and submit Real Time payroll returns to Revenue. 🔹 CRO & Revenue Compliance – Annual returns, income tax, VAT, and RCT deadlines are strictly enforced. 🔹 Expense Claims – Keep proper records for tools, equipment, safety gear, and vehicle costs. 🔹 Cash Flow – Set aside tax reserves; RCT deductions can affect working capital. 💡 Tip: A dedicated accountant can save you from costly penalties and help optimise your tax position. 📞 We help construction contractors in Ireland with bookkeeping, tax compliance, RCT management, and payroll – so you can focus on building.

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Dublin Waste to Energy facility has now confirmed the transition to Kanadevia Inova for the operations and maintenance with immediate effect. The plant at Poolbeg was constructed between 2014 and 2017 with an overall project value of €600 million. Owned and previously operated by ENCYCLIS, the plant was designed, built, and commissioned by Hitachi Zosen Inova. Around 60 employees will transfer to the new operator, with the existing Dublin-based team largely remaining in place. The new operator will also oversee planned upgrades and maintenance works to increase the plant’s processing capacity. The facility currently handles around 600,000 tonnes of waste annually, but improvements are expected to raise this to its permitted capacity of 690,000 tonnes per year.

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