A core ACEI policy recommendation is reform of public procurement to ensure that quality rather than lowest price is accepted. Current practices reward unrealistically low prices that ultimately drive disputes, increase costs, and delay delivery. ACEI proposes a better system that prioritises bids closest to the median price – an approach that safeguards quality, discourages reckless undercutting, and ensures better value for the taxpayer. The ACEI recommends that an 80/20 price quality ratio is utilised and that the bid closer to the median price be selected – this will effectively end underbidding and still generate value for money and quality innovation for the State.
“Lowest-price procurement is a false economy,” said ACEI Director General Shane Dempsey. “It strangles innovation, undermines collaboration, and creates bottlenecks that delay homes, schools, transport links, and water systems. Reform is cost-neutral and will immediately improve delivery outcomes.”
The submission warns that unless Government acts, the State’s ability to deliver its own targets – including 60,000 new homes and critical infrastructure under the €200 billion National Development Plan – cannot be achieved in its lifetime or indeed at any point in the future.
Consulting engineers highlight that the design phase is the best opportunity to accelerate timelines, reduce costs, and cut carbon, yet current contractual barriers are pushing skilled firms away from public sector projects.
ACEI is calling on Government to:
Reform procurement to prevent lowest-bid selection and adopt median-based tendering.
Resource contracting authorities with multi-annual budgets to give certainty and enable investment.
Accelerate digitalisation and skills investment to strengthen industry capacity.
Address unfair contract clauses and onerous collateral warranties that drive up insurance costs and deter participation.
“Budget 2026 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Dempsey. “Adopting these reforms will unlock delivery of homes and infrastructure at pace. Ignoring them will cost Ireland dearly – in lost time, lost homes, and lost competitiveness.”
ACEI – Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland
Tel: 00 353879884465
Email: shane.dempsey@acei.ie
Leyton, the global consultancy specialising in innovation funding, has appointed Darragh Gaffney as its new Irish Lead. This strategic move strengthens Leyton’s presence in Ireland, positioning the country as both an exciting step and a key hub in the firm’s international growth journey.
With over 25 years of experience supporting businesses to innovate through R&D tax credits, grant funding, and incentive schemes, Leyton has helped thousands of companies unlock financial value and reinvest in growth. Darragh’s appointment builds on this global expertise, ensuring Irish businesses can access world-class support while connecting more closely with Leyton’s international network.
Darragh brings a strong record of impact across the Irish innovation landscape. Previously R&D Director at Monaghan Biosciences and Director of Growth at the Industry Research & Development Group (IRDG), he has supported hundreds of businesses in securing millions of euros in innovation supports. He combines deep technical knowledge and funding expertise with a passion for sustainability and the circular economy.
Brian Graham, UK & Ireland Managing Director at Leyton, commented: “Ireland is an exciting step in Leyton’s international growth journey, and the appointment of Darragh is a pivotal appointment for our success in this market. His expertise and leadership will help establish Ireland as a hub for innovation support and a bridge to our wider global ambitions.”
Alongside his new role, Darragh sits on the Board of Natural Capital Ireland, further reinforcing Leyton’s commitment to environmental and sustainable innovation.
Commenting on his appointment, Darragh said: “I’m proud to join a company with global reach and a clear mission to help businesses innovate better. Ireland has immense potential to benefit from R&D tax credits and grant funding, and Leyton is uniquely placed to make those opportunities easier and more accessible for companies ready to grow.”
As part of a major lighting upgrade, SNBTS partnered with MITIE Lighting and Dextra Group to deliver a solution that balances sustainability, operational reliability, and minimal disruption to vital clinical services.
Read the full article here.
The European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) has released two timely and insightful reports produced by the Future Trends Committee, in collaboration with Professor Torsten Wulf and his team at the University of Marburg.
These reports explore the current vulnerabilities in the EU’s energy and transport systems and offer practical recommendations to enhance resilience across both sectors. The findings highlight the essential role of consulting engineers in delivering robust, forward-looking solutions and infrastructure strategies.
Aimed at EU policymakers, sector stakeholders, and the wider public, the reports are accessible and informative, making them valuable tools for industry professionals and decision-makers alike.
Read the reports below and share with your network:
EFCA 2025 Future Trends_EU Transport Sector Resilience_Press release
EFCA 2025 Future Trends Report_EU Land Transport Sector Resilience
EFCA 2025 Future Trends _EU Energy System Resilience_Press release
Advice note – Net Contribution Clause in Consultant Appointments
We encourage ACEI members and partners to download, read, and circulate these documents to support awareness, policy engagement, and advocacy across the sector.
Cian Long, an Arup bridge engineer with a track record of design work in complex infrastructure, has won the Excellence in Engineering award at the 2025 EFCA Future Leaders’ Competition.
Cian’s nomination was submitted by the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI), a member association of EFCA. The award was presented during the EFCA General Assembly and Conference, held in Luxembourg between 14-17 May.
Cian, who joined Arup in 2013, was honoured for his leadership and technical expertise on the New Harbor Bridge in Texas – a 506m main span precast segmental cable-stayed structure spanning the Corpus Christi Shipping Channel.
Now in its 16th edition, the EFCA Future Leaders’ Competition recognises young professionals under the age of 35 who exemplify leadership, innovation and excellence within Europe’s consulting engineering sector.
As a senior member of the project leadership team, he oversaw global structural analysis, superstructure design and construction engineering support, ensuring adherence to safety, durability and sustainability standards.
Over the past decade, Cian has significantly contributed to Arup’s bridge design team, with notable projects including the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge in Ireland and Kirjalansalmi Bridge in Finland. His ability to manage multidisciplinary teams across continents, design codes and time zones has distinguished him as a leader capable of navigating the intricate demands of modern infrastructure delivery.
Speaking about his award win, Cian Long, Associate, Bridges and Civil Structures at Arup, said, “Receiving this award is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the incredible team I’ve had the privilege to work with. Our goal has always been to push the boundaries of bridge engineering through innovative, sustainable solutions. I am proud to have played a role in creating infrastructure that will serve communities long into the future.”
Cian’s recognition highlights his dedication to creating resilient infrastructure solutions.
Commending Cian’s award win, ACEI’s Director General, Shane Dempsey, said, “Cian’s achievement is a remarkable endorsement of his capabilities and integrity. He fully deserves to be recognised as a future leader of the European consulting engineering sector; his work shows he is leading our sector today into that future. It should be a great source of pride for our sector that a young Irish engineer has been awarded this prestigious European award. Indeed, Ireland had four entries at European level – showing that, as ever, we can compete on a global stage. Well done to Cian and the team at Arup for their ongoing work that reflects so well on the Irish consulting engineering sector.”
Tim Murnane, ACEI President, congratulated Cian, saying, “This is a fantastic achievement for Cian, Arup and consulting engineering in Ireland. This recognition of the excellence of Cian’s work, at European level, is wonderful and Cian now takes his place in a very long line of outstanding bridge engineers from Arup. I wish Cian all the best in his future career”.
Luxembourg – Leading voices from the European built environment design community came together
on the 15th of May for the joint conference “Architects + Engineers: Partnership for Resilient Design”.
Read about it here.
The Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland is delighted to welcome Tim Murnane, Managing Director at PUNCH Consulting Engineers, as our new President for 2025.
With a wealth of experience in structural and civil engineering and a deep commitment to excellence in consulting engineering, Tim brings strong leadership and insight to the role. His focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable infrastructure will guide ACEI’s continued work in championing our industry and supporting our members.
We look forward to working alongside Tim as we continue to advocate for consulting engineering and shape the future of the profession in Ireland.
Read Tim’s Presidential speech – Press release – Tim presidency – Copy
The ACEI Future Leader Award recognises a consulting engineer as a potential leader with excellent communication skills, business acumen, technical capabilities and strong ethical values. ACEI congratulates the 2025 Derrick Edge Future Leader Award Winner Declan Haugh, DBFL Consulting engineers
Declan is pictured above receiving his Award from Anne Marie Conibear, ACEI President and Future Leader adjudicator John Purcell, at the ACEI Awards dinner on Friday 28th March.
Declan and his fellow Future Leader nominees Cian Long and Darragh Noble are entered into the EFCA 2025 Future Leader Award, which will be presented during the EFCA Conference on 16 May in Luxembourg.
ACEI is delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards.
Anne Marie Conibear, ACEI President presented certificates on Friday, 28 March to the award winners at a gala dinner in the Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin. Kevin Rudden, CEO of Garland Ireland was also presented with the 2025 President’s Award on the night.
Congratulations to all our winners and nominees—your innovation and dedication continue to shape the future of engineering, our communities and our lives.
🏆 ACEI Awards 2025 Winners:
🏅 Project of the Year – Fehily Timoney and Company. for the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade Scheme
🏅Civil Category (Large) – Roughan & O’Donovan, Clontarf to City Centre Project
🏅 Civil Category (Medium & Small) – Clifton Scannell Emerson Associates Consulting Engineers for the Snugborough Interchange Upgrade Scheme
🏅 Structural Category (Large) – PUNCH Consulting Engineers for The Distillers Building
🏅 Structural Category (Medium & Small) – Cronin & Sutton Consulting for 9-12 Dawson Street
🏅 Sustainability – Built Environment (Large) – JV Tierney & Co. Consulting Engineers, for DCU Polaris
🏅 Sustainability – Built Environment (Medium & Small)- RPS, Uisce Éireann National Water Laboratory
🏅 Sustainability – Natural Environment – Ryan Hanley in partnership with Stantec, for the Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme Upgrade
🏅 Project Management – Donnachadh O’Brien & Associates for St Conleth’s Park Redevelopment
🏅Innovation – Roughan & O’Donovan, Clontarf to city Centre Project
🏅 Overseas Project – Roughan & O’Donovan for Herring Bridge, Great Yarmouth, UK
🏅 M&E Category – Varming Consulting Engineers Ltd. Consulting Engineers for Block J, Garda HQ
A huge thank you to all our members, sponsors, judges, and guests who made the night so special.
Introduction
The construction industry stands at a pivotal crossroads, with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) rapidly transforming traditional building practices. As the demand for efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective construction solutions continues to grow across Ireland, MMC offers a compelling pathway forward. Factory production, digital design tools, and new materials are changing the daily work of every construction professional. For consulting engineers specifically, this shift demands new skills but offers substantial benefits in project delivery. In Ireland specifically, the housing shortage and climate commitments require construction solutions that deliver more buildings with fewer resources and lower emissions. MMC addresses these twin challenges directly.
The Technological Forerunner
The acceleration of technological innovation within MMC is remarkable. 3D volumetric construction has matured significantly, enabling entire room units to be manufactured with precision in controlled factory environments before transportation to the site. This approach dramatically reduces construction timelines while maintaining exceptional quality standards. Meanwhile, modular building techniques have evolved beyond simple repetitive structures to accommodate complex architectural designs that were previously thought impossible without traditional methods.
Twin wall technology represents one of the most promising hybrid methods gaining traction in Ireland. This technology consists of two precast concrete panels connected by steel lattice girders, with the void between them filled with in-situ concrete on-site. Engineering studies have demonstrated that interface shear strength increases with surface roughness, outer biscuit concrete strength, and connector embedment depth. The use of lattice shear connectors and increasing their depth significantly improves stiffness, flexural failure load, and composite action. Recent finite element modelling has confirmed that single trusses can
replace double trusses without compromising performance under certain conditions. A finding that offers significant material efficiency gains.
Twin wall systems significantly outperform traditional methods in critical areas that matter to consulting engineers: they carry heavier loads while using less material, provide better sound insulation between dwellings (a common complaint in multi-unit housing), and achieve fire ratings that satisfy the most stringent regulations without additional treatments. These systems have proven themselves in both residential and commercial applications across Ireland, offering a versatile solution that bridges prefabrication efficiency with structural performance.
Digital integration through Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become the backbone of successful MMC implementation, creating a seamless information flow from design through manufacturing to assembly. For consulting engineers, this digital thread offers unprecedented opportunities to optimise designs, predict performance, and collaborate across disciplines with greater efficiency.
Sustainability at the Core
MMC’s sustainability credentials extend far beyond the obvious reduction in construction waste. The factory-based production model enables precise resource management and material optimisation that would be impossible to achieve on traditional construction sites. Studies indicate that MMC approaches can reduce material waste by up to 90% compared to traditional construction methods.
The controlled manufacturing environment also facilitates the integration of cutting-edge insulation technologies and airtightness solutions, resulting in buildings that significantly outperform their traditionally built counterparts in energy efficiency. Twin wall systems, for instance, can be engineered with precise thermal breaks and integrated insulation layers, achieving U-values as impressive as 0.12W/m²K, far exceeding regulatory requirements while using less material. This performance advantage aligns perfectly with Ireland’s ambitious climate action goals and provides consulting engineers with powerful tools to deliver on increasingly stringent building regulations.
Challenges and Opportunities for Irish Engineering Consultants
While MMC presents tremendous opportunities, Irish consulting engineers must navigate several technical challenges during this transition. The integration of modular components with traditional building systems requires careful consideration of load paths, connections,
and material interfaces. Modular dimensions are often restricted by transportation regulations, which can limit design flexibility. Furthermore, the seamless integration of building services (plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems) within modular units requires detailed planning to avoid rework on-site.
For twin wall systems specifically, engineers must understand the complex interaction between precast elements and in-situ concrete, including calculating differential shrinkage, managing thermal bridging at connections, and ensuring dimensional precision for factory production. Structural connections between modular units and traditional structures are particularly critical for stability under dynamic loads like wind or seismic activity.
However, these challenges represent opportunities for forward-thinking firms to differentiate themselves in an evolving marketplace. The Shanganagh Castle Estate project in Dublin demonstrates the efficiency gains possible with MMC approaches. This large-scale development, which commenced in September 2022, implemented a phased delivery approach using prefabricated elements, including twin wall technology. Phase 1, comprising 51 houses and a creche, was completed in just 14 months by September 2024. The subsequent phases of apartment construction are progressing at an 18-month timeline per phase, which is remarkably efficient for developments of this scale. This project also earned distinction as Ireland’s largest passive house scheme, demonstrating the compatibility of MMC with the highest sustainability standards.
The economic advantages are equally compelling. Research indicates that MMC techniques can accelerate construction timelines by 20% to 60% compared to traditional methods. In the context of rising construction costs, with tender prices increasing by 8.9% in 2021, 3.5% in 2022, and 1.6% in 2023, this efficiency is invaluable. Studies have identified potential cost savings of up to 14% for two-bedroom apartments through a combination of approaches, including the adoption of European construction methods like twin wall systems.
The firms that successfully integrate MMC knowledge into their practice will find themselves well-positioned to deliver on the Housing for All strategy’s ambitious targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Furthermore, the precision and predictability inherent in MMC approaches allow engineers to push the boundaries of design innovation while maintaining confidence in structural performance and longevity.
Looking Forward
As Ireland continues to address its housing and infrastructure needs, MMC will play an increasingly central role in delivering solutions that are not only faster and more cost-effective but also more sustainable and adaptable to future needs. The adaptation of Irish building codes to accommodate these innovative construction methods, particularly regarding energy efficiency, fire safety, and structural performance, created a supportive regulatory environment for MMC adoption.
Quality assurance processes for MMC components have also evolved, with regular inspections during manufacturing, rigorous testing of structural elements, and adherence to Eurocodes ensuring that components perform as designed under Irish conditions. Digital tools like BIM are increasingly used to track quality throughout the design-to-installation process, providing engineers with unprecedented visibility into component performance.
For consulting engineers, embracing these methods represents an opportunity to lead rather than follow in the industry’s transformation. The technical expertise required to optimise twin wall systems, flat slab construction, and other emerging hybrid methods will become increasingly valuable as the industry transitions from traditional approaches.
I will be speaking on these topics and more at the National Construction Summit at the National Sports Campus (Dublin) on the 2nd of April, focusing specifically on how Modern Methods of Construction are reshaping the industry’s future. As an R&D tax consultant working extensively with construction firms and MMC specialists, I look forward to sharing deeper insights into how engineering innovation is driving this revolution.
Article by Benson John MSc CEng MIMeche,
Assistant Manager – R&D Tax Incentives