Saint-Gobain Construction Products Ireland has announced the appointment of Pádraig Barry as their new Managing Director. Pádraig has been appointed to the role following the retirement of Brian Dolan in June.
Pádraig has worked with the Saint-Gobain group since 2007 and has spent the last 10 years in the UK as Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Weber (UK & Ireland). Prior to this, Pádraig was the Managing Director of Isover Ireland also part of the Saint-Gobain group.
Before he joined the Saint-Gobain group in 2007, Pádraig worked in the medical device sector- mostly in Ireland- and spent 15 years at senior General Manager level with a strong focus on manufacturing operations, as well as product development and marketing.
During his career with Saint-Gobain, Pádraig has a proven track record in leadership and management, and has amassed an extensive knowledge of the group and the markets it operates in. In his new role as Managing Director, Pádraig will be charged with developing and executing business strategies for the Saint-Gobain brands Gyproc and Isover in Ireland. He will also be responsible for leading and guiding the executive team, overseeing the company’s business operations, as well as continuing to grow and enhance Saint-Gobain’s brand and profile as leaders in the Irish building materials market.
A Limerick native, Pádraig holds a BSc in Manufacturing Technology and went on to study for an MBA from the University of Limerick. He has a passion for sports – particularly hurling, running, rugby and golf.
Commenting on his appointment as the Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Construction Products Ireland, Pádraig Barry said:
“I have been working with Saint-Gobain for more than 13 years now, so I am acutely aware of the talented team working with the firm across Ireland and the UK, so I am honoured to be appointed as Managing Director. I look forward to engaging with my colleagues and our customers in my new role over the coming months to help create healthy, safe and sustainable buildings for Ireland.
“As Managing Director, my focus will be on continuing the successful growth of this business and to use my experience working in the different markets to help guide our team to meet any challenges head on. I look forward to helping to guide our talented team to achieve our organisational objectives, and to continue to grow our reputation as leaders in the Irish building materials market.”
Saint-Gobain, the worldwide leader for Habitat, which accounts for more than 70% of its sales – mainly for new residential construction and renovation – Saint-Gobain is also very active on industrial markets. The Group provides its expertise in the areas of innovation and co-development through a wide range of high-performance materials for demanding applications in diverse segments, such as the automotive, aeronautical, health, defense, security, and even the food & beverage industries.
Saint-Gobain provides solutions that make buildings more efficient in terms of their energy consumption, and which help contribute to saving the planet. Most of its solutions (especially those using glass, mineral wool insulation, plasterboards, and facade and floor covering mortars) are already helping and will help even more in the future to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
Tomorrow’s habitat will comply with all dimensions of comfort. Everyone wants to enjoy a sense of well-being in their home, to feel safe, protected from the negative aspects of the outside world, comfortable and healthy. Saint-Gobain provides aesthetic solutions (windows, colored mortars, paintable fabrics, etc.), and solutions to improve air quality and manage light and acoustic comfort (ceilings and plasterboards).
In Ireland, some of the best known and respected brands in the construction sector are part of the Group, including Gyproc, Isover, Weber, Ecophon, JP Corry, Bassetts, Performance Plastics and PDM. Together they offer a range of high performance energy-saving products and solutions to help create a more sustainable built environment.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath T.D., has welcomed the publication by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform of the annual BUILD 2020 Construction Sector report.
Build 2020 gives an update on the construction sector as it emerges from the initial Covid-19 restrictions, as well as an overview of general trends in the sector and the latest public investment plans. The timely publication of the report follows the announcement this week of the July stimulus package which includes a significant increase in public investment for shovel ready projects to boost the sector.
While the full impact of Covid-19 on the construction sector will take some time to become evident, the latest data suggests that the sentiment in June returned to expansion for the first time in four months. Over 80 percent of construction firms were back trading in some capacity as of 28th June 2020. At the same time, 27,300 construction sector workers remained on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment as of 21st July 2020.
An efficient and sustainable construction sector is more necessary than ever in order to deliver the increased level of housing and infrastructure that will be required to support the country’s recovery from Covid-19.
This annual report seeks to contribute to the evidence base informing Government and the construction sector on the performance of the industry. BUILD 2020 assesses the industry’s capacity, as well as highlighting possible constraints, risks and opportunities.
Additional public investment has already been provided in 2020 in direct response to Covid-19 and through the recent July Stimulus. Public capital expenditure is planned to increase by 12 percent in 2021 to over €9.1 billion.
Minister McGrath said: “The Government has taken decisive action to support the construction sector by increasing public investment in this week’s July Stimulus package.
I welcome the findings of the report which suggest that the sector may now be returning to expansion after a number of very challenging months. Many risk and challenges remain, and it is important that we continue to monitor these over the coming period, in order to inform policy decisions and process such as the upcoming review of the National Development Plan.
I must also acknowledge some of the positive trends identified in the report, such as the increasing regional spread of constructions plans, as well as the positive productivity growth which the sector has demonstrated in recent years. These positive trends highlight the great opportunity we have to ensure Ireland’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19, by providing considered public infrastructure for all of our people. ”
In spite of Covid-19, public investment in construction in Ireland in 2020 and 2021 will remain among the highest in the EU. This investment is required for the development of new social, economic and climate infrastructure. Grasping these opportunities requires overcoming the significant challenges posed by Covid-19 as well as increasing innovation in the construction sector. Both Government and industry are undertaking a wide range of measures to address these risks.
The following four elements will continue to underpin the approach adopted going forward:
1) Increased Public Investment
2) Communicating effectively for industry confidence
3) Securing the skills pipeline
4) Driving productivity improvement
Micheál Mahon, chair of the Construction Industry Council, said:
“This report demonstrates the challenges that the construction sector has faced recently through the impact of Covid-19, but also its ability to rebound.
The partnership between industry and Government has been extremely important in mitigating the impact of Covid-19 on the sector to date. This report provides a valuable source of information as the industry in conjunction with Government via the Construction Sector Group plots a roadmap towards a sustainable industry through and post Covid-19.”
Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation said “The CIF welcomes the latest Build Report arising from the critical work of the industry, Government and unions in enhancing the delivery of infrastructure in Ireland. This year has seen the solid progress between industry and Government in improving the efficiency of public sector clients and industry in delivering critical projects within the NDP. The Build Report shows how critical construction is to delivery of an economic recovery, employment growth, regional development, climate change goals and apprenticeship numbers. We will be front and centre in reshaping Ireland 2020 and building a sustainable Ireland 2040.”
In collaboration with “Roadstone Learn” the South East Region are hosting a summer series of technical webinars. Following very well attended webinars on “SuDS”, “Quarry Operations and Material Standards” and “Masonry Essential Updates” the fourth in this series is “General Concrete Advice (Application & Use)” presented by Colin Heffernan, Roadstone’s Project Engineer for Readymix Concrete. The webinar takes place 16:00 Thursday, 30 July 2020.
This presentation will cover the following learning objectives:
This webinar is a must for any engineer involved in the specification or execution of concrete for use on Irish construction sites.
This webinar will be a live interactive presentation hosted on the Avaya Spaces platform enabling participants to ask questions in real time.
Colin Heffernan is a Project Engineer with Roadstone’s Concrete Technical Team. Colin began his career with Tarmac in the UK as a Readymix Concrete Technical Graduate and also worked as a Technical Supervisor. Colin returned to Ireland in 2016 and joined Roadstone. He has worked on major projects with Roadstone throughout the country including the award winning Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge in New Ross, Co Wexford. In addition Colin works with Roadstone’s specialist Technical Department delivering accredited CPD to engineers, architects, construction teams and colleges nationally. Colin is a member of technical committees with the NSAI and represents Ireland on CEN committees. Colin is a member of Engineers Ireland holding an MSc in Concrete Engineering and Environmental Management from the University of Dundee.
Start Date & Time:
16:00 Thursday, 30 July 2020
End Date & Time:
17:00 Thursday, 30 July 2020
Location:
Online Classroom, Dublin, Ireland
Name:
Sinead Quinn-Phillips
Phone No:
0871094839
Email:
sinead@engineersireland.ie
CPD Award Hours:
1
CPD Organisatiion:
Engineers Ireland South East region
CPD Type:
Prof Body Act
CPD Subtype:
PB/Lecture
CPD Competences:
C1. Knowledge and understanding
T4. Personal and professional responsibility
Construction Jobs Expo will take place on 14th November at the Citywest Convention Centre. Meet leading employers in the construction and engineering sectors with job and career opportunities. Register.
A leading Irish Civil Contractor is looking to recruit a Senior Civil Quantity Surveyor. The ideal candidate will have 7 years experience plus ideally with NEC contracts.
The ideal candidate will fulfil the following criteria:
For the third consecutive year, the Construction Jobs Expo will host the country’s leading employers as they recruit for roles across the industry.
Are you currently working in the construction industry or thinking about moving into this sector? Have you been displaced by the COVID-19 crisis and are looking for a new position? The Construction Jobs Expo in Citywest Convention Centre is the perfect place to explore your options on Saturday 14th November between 10am – 4pm.
During June/June, Ireland will enter the 4th phase of reopening society and business. Jobs, upskilling and training will be a crucial area of interest for people around Ireland as the country begins to rebuild its economy in the months to come. The health and safety of exhibitors and attendees is the number one priority of this event, particularly in the current Covid-19 climate.
Attendance will be marshalled to limit the number of visitors within the event hall at any given time to conform with HSE social distancing guidelines. Attendees will register into specific time slots, which will be divided into 90-minute segments, with additional event time added to accommodate five distinct slots across the day.
For information about exhibiting at Construction Jobs Expo 2020, call +353 1 215 0518 or email info@constructionjobsexpo.ie.
Construction Jobs Expo is organised by Careers Unlimited, an Irish company which specialises in education and career enhancement. Kevin Branigan from Careers Unlimited said: “At present, the construction sector is one of the most exciting areas to work in and is still busy despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. There are so many opportunities that it makes sense to have a forum where industry professionals can hear about the opportunities available and speak directly with potential employers. All of our exhibitors are leading players in the sector and this is the only industry event of its kind that is free to enter. If you’re looking for a new role, Construction Jobs Expo is the place to be on November 14th.”
Event Details
For information about exhibiting at Construction Jobs Expo 2020, call +353 1 215 0518 or email info@constructionjobsexpo.ie.
For the third consecutive year, the Construction Jobs Expo will host the country’s leading employers as they recruit for roles across the industry.
Are you currently working in the construction industry or thinking about moving into this sector? Have you been displaced by the COVID-19 crisis and are looking for a new position? The Construction Jobs Expo in Citywest Convention Centre is the perfect place to explore your options on Saturday 14th November between 10am - 4pm.
During June/June, Ireland will enter the 4th phase of reopening society and business. Jobs, upskilling and training will be a crucial area of interest for people around Ireland as the country begins to rebuild its economy in the months to come. The health and safety of exhibitors and attendees is the number one priority of this event, particularly in the current Covid-19 climate.
Attendance will be marshalled to limit the number of visitors within the event hall at any given time to conform with HSE social distancing guidelines. Attendees will register into specific time slots, which will be divided into 90-minute segments, with additional event time added to accommodate five distinct slots across the day.
The Construction Jobs Expo is sponsored by Glenveagh Properties PLC and the companies in attendance will be seeking engineers, electricians, estimators, quantity surveyors, health and safety, environmental and quality professionals as well as instrument technicians and experts in heating and plumbing.
The first event of its kind, the popularity and growth of the Construction Jobs Expo since its launch in 2018 signals a high demand for skilled labour across the country. This event will feature the leading players in the construction sector at home and abroad. In addition to meeting employers in person in a safe environment, there will also be the opportunity to attend a range of innovative industry talks from career professionals who will cover advice on everything from upskilling and education, to bridging the gender gap in the sector.
Construction Jobs Expo is organised by Careers Unlimited, an Irish company which specialises in education and career enhancement. Kevin Branigan from Careers Unlimited said: “At present, the construction sector is one of the most exciting areas to work in and is still busy despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. There are so many opportunities that it makes sense to have a forum where industry professionals can hear about the opportunities available and speak directly with potential employers. All of our exhibitors are leading players in the sector and this is the only industry event of its kind that is free to enter. If you’re looking for a new role, Construction Jobs Expo is the place to be on November 14th.”
Event Details
For information about exhibiting at Construction Jobs Expo 2020, call +353 1 215 0518 or email info@constructionjobsexpo.ie.
The National Building Control Office (NBCO) and Engineers Ireland will jointly host a lunchtime webinar about the new Online Applications (Fire Safety Certificate, Disability Access Certificate and Dispensation from/Relaxation of a part of the Building Regulations) module on the BCMS. Sabrina McDonnell, Senior Engineer will demonstrate a BCMS online Fire Safety Certificate submission.
Webinar Programme?
Start Date & Time:
12:00 Thursday, 23 July 2020
End Date & Time:
13:00 Thursday, 23 July 2020
Location:
Online Classroom via Zoom, Dublin, Ireland
CPD Award Hours:
1
CPD Organisation:
Engineers Ireland
CPD Type:
Prof Body Act
CPD Subtype:
PB/Presentation
CPD Competences:
C1. Knowledge and understanding
T4. Personal and professional responsibility
Book here.
About the speaker
Sabrina McDonnell is a Chartered, Senior Engineer and member of Engineers Ireland, working in the National Building Control Management Office (NBCO). The Office was set up to provide oversight, support & direction for the development, standardisation and implementation of Building Control as an effective shared service in the 31 Building Control Authorities through the five pillars of Training, Inspections, Compliance & Support, IT-Enabler (BCMS) and Market Surveillance. Sabrina is responsible for the management and development of the Building Control Management System (BCMS), which is provided for in the Building Control Regulations as the preferred means of Building Control administration in Ireland. She has implemented the Commencement Notices, Certificates of Compliance on Completion and the Building Register; and is now deploying the online Fire Safety Certificate, Disability Access Certificates and Dispensation/Relaxations. She is an Associate Lecturer on IT Carlows’ Certificate in Building Control Management. Prior to her current role she spent 12 years in the Local Government Management Agency working on research and technology projects. This was preceded by a Software Development contracting and other Engineering roles in the private sector.
Please note that the session will be recorded for future use.
Booking is essential for this event, please use the link provided. Places are limited to 500 participants, on a first-come first-served basis.
Construction Jobs Expo will take place on 10th October at the Citywest Convention Centre. Meet leading employers in the construction and engineering sectors with job and career opportunities
As part of Construction Industry Federation's “Refocus on Safety” campaign, CIF Health & Safety Executive, John Egan, has provided an update on safety at heights. Working at Height continues to be the greatest causal factor for fatalities and serious injury in construction. 4 of the 5 reported fatalities in construction in 2020 relate to working at height, the other involved machinery.
Many falls occur at relatively low heights, for example, 2 or 3 metres above ground level. According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), working at height is defined as: “work in any place, including a place at, above or below ground level, where a person could be injured if they fell from that place. Access and egress to a place of work can also be work at height”.
The key messaging from the HSA to ensure safe working at height is as follows:
• Carry out risk assessments for work at height activities and make sure that all work is planned, organised, and carried out by a
competent person.
• Follow the ‘General Principles of Prevention’ for managing risks from work at height, taking steps to avoid, prevent or reduce
risks.
• Chose appropriate work equipment and prioritise collective measures to prevent falls (such as guard rails and working platforms)
before other measures which may only reduce the distance and consequences of a fall (such as nets or airbags) or may only
provide fall-arrest through personal protection equipment.
The CIF is calling for all those engaged in construction activity to undertake risk assessments for work at height activities and to make sure the work is adequately planned and organised to avoid, or at least reduce risks as low as reasonably practicable.
Tadhg Lucey, Director, BAM Contractors has kindly facilitated a video message on safe working at height
Additionally, James Gorry, renowned health and safety keynote speaker, has shared a video of his experiences
Please use #CIFSITESAFETY to highlight your safety initiatives on social media and the CIF will endeavour to provide support.
The HSA affords access to a wealth of information on its webpage: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Topics/Work_at_Height/#
Some useful tools are as follows:
• Work at Height
• Toolbox Talk on Working at Height
• Using Ladders Safely
• Safe use of Work Platforms-Trestles
• Guide to SHWW General Application Regs, Part 4: Work at Height
• MEWPs
• Code of Practice for Access and Working Scaffolds
• CIF Recorded Webinar-Working Safely at Height
• CIF Recorded Webinar-Working Platforms & Access Scaffolds
• CIF Online Course-Safe Working at Height
The CIF is the Irish construction industry’s representative body. It provides a broad range of services that assist members in navigating the political, business, economic and regulatory environment.
Construction Jobs Expo is the new jobs and recruitment event for the construction and engineering sectors. Our next event will take place in Citywest Convention Centre on Saturday 10th October, 2020. This unique, one-day event will focus on connecting skilled talent with employers seeking to fill key job vacancies. Nowhere will you find the key players – employers at home and abroad and skilled, keen professionals – under one roof.
The University of Limerick has a vacancy for a Post Doctoral Researcher in Analytical Process Engineering.
LOCATION: University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: Project Leader
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose
SALARY SCALE: €37,874 - €49,048 p.a. pro rata
CLOSING DATE: Monday, 27th July 2020, 12 noon, Irish Standard Time
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
Your employment with the University of Limerick shall be for the purpose of supporting the Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) as a Post Doctoral Researcher in Analytical Process Engineering. This will involve conducting ERC research analysis and identify appropriate methodologies and testing as part of our industry team, working to best practice in university/industry collaborations, disseminating research to industry partners. Additionally, you will develop internal and external contacts with researchers in related areas, actively participate as a member of the research team, attending and contributing to relevant meetings/conferences. You will also be expected to be undertaking research individually and/or collectively and to be advancing the state of knowledge and understanding within your particular area of expertise and further assess your research findings for the need/scope for future investigations and commercial exploitation.
Essential Criteria
Desirable Criteria
Please include the following information in your application:
Construction Jobs Expo is the new jobs and recruitment event for the construction and engineering sectors. Our next event will take place in Citywest Convention Centre on Saturday 10th October, 2020. This unique, one-day event will focus on connecting skilled talent with employers seeking to fill key job vacancies. Nowhere will you find the key players – employers at home and abroad and skilled, keen professionals – under one roof.
Running Order (10.00am - 11.00am)
Who should register?
Members who are in the process of preparing or have almost completed their Chartered Engineer application
Important
You must be a member to register for this event and will be asked to provide your membership number upon registration
Admission
This event is FREE of charge. Register here.
Chartered Engineers are leaders in the industry. They are ethical practitioners who maintain the highest level of competence and professional integrity. They develop new technology and use innovative methods to solve complex problems.
The next deadline to submit your professional title application has been extended from Friday, 26 June to Friday, 31 July.
Construction Jobs Expo is the new jobs and recruitment event for the construction and engineering sectors.
Our next event will take place in Citywest Convention Centre on Saturday 10th October, 2020. This unique, one-day event will focus on connecting skilled talent with employers seeking to fill key job vacancies. Nowhere will you find the key players – employers at home and abroad and skilled, keen professionals – under one roof.
Construction Jobs Expo will take place at the Citywest Convention Centre on October 10th 2020. Meet industry leading employers, attend innovative seminars and receive excellent career advice all for FREE!
