Established in 2001, Ormonde Construction Ltd is a leading building contracting firm in the South-East which is delighted to be associated with the awarding-winning Mount Congreve Gardens project in Waterford.
With a diverse portfolio spanning various industries, including commercial / retail, industrial, food & beverage, healthcare, educational, sports & leisure and residential, the Kilkenny-headquartered company has solidified its reputation for delivering excellence. Over the years, Ormonde Construction has successfully completed numerous projects across the public and private sectors that showcase its commitment to quality, innovation and client satisfaction.
Specialising in new build construction, restoration, refurbishment, fit outs and civil engineering, Ormonde Construction is fronted by managing director John Holohan and has 80 direct employees who are supported and supplemented by the same tried and trusted subcontractors. It goes without saying that its people are its greatest asset.
One of Ormonde Construction’s most high-profile projects to date was Mount Congreve Gardens which was a winner at the recent Irish Building & Design Awards (IBDA) in the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Project of the Year category. The awards ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge was a celebration of the best of Irish building and design, recognising best in class, both nationally and internationally.
Ormonde Construction was the main contractor on the project which was officially opened by Ministers Heather Humphreys and Catherine Martin in March 2023 following a €7.2 million capital investment from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), Waterford City and Council, and Fáilte Ireland. The award recognised the transformation of the Mount Congreve Gardens which underwent an extensive renovation that included a carefully-designed and constructed retail, café and visitor centre incorporated into the existing courtyard.
In addition, improvements to the gardens, its paths and boundaries were carried out to include improved wayfinding, refurbishment of the various garden ‘Follies’ and an audio-visual presentation giving the historic narrative of the house, gardens and owner.
Since the newly-refurbished house and gardens opened last year, Mount Congreve Gardens has attracted many visitors, and enjoyed considerable national and international attention. It scooped the top accolade in the Supporting Tourism category at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government awards; the renowned international travel publication Condé Nast Traveller made specific reference to the Gardens in their ‘Best Place to Go in the UK & Ireland’; while the New York Times, when including Waterford as the only Irish destination in its ’52 Places to go in 2024’ list, cited it as the place to ‘top off your Greenway adventure’.
“We’re thrilled to be associated with such a prestigious and historic project,” Ormonde Construction contracts director Richie Cleere says.
“It was an interesting project which required a lot of specialist work. Works commenced in December 2021 and were completed in October 2022. It’s great to see it brought back to its former glory and to see visitor numbers exceed expectations in the first year since opening.”
Some of Ormonde Construction’s other recent / current projects include:
Church of Oak Distillery: The iconic Ballykelly Distillery, home to the Church of Oak Distillery, has undergone a transformative renovation to resume whiskey production. Nestled along the canal near Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, this project emphasises the restoration of historical structures while embracing modern production techniques. Spanning 4.5 acres of picturesque land, the distillery’s revival underscores its commitment to production high-quality whiskey for the global market.
Kilkenny Primary Care Centre: Located in Kilkenny City, the Kilkenny Primary Care Centre project involved the construction of a three-storey primary health care facility. Additionally, a fourth storey plant room, pharmacy and community centre were integrated into the design. Situated on a brownfield site in Kilkenny city, the development prioritised amenities such as car and bicycle parking, landscaping, and ancillary services, including specialised mechanical and electrical installations to support healthcare provisions.
Crokers Hill Development: Addressing the urgent need for affordable housing, Kilkenny County Council initiated a social housing development near the city centre. Ormonde Construction’s involvement in this ambitious project aims to provide 88 housing units, prioritising community welfare, stringent safety standards and environmental sustainability.
Ormonde Construction has several upcoming projects that underscore its commitment to growth and innovation. These include:
Breagagh Valley Development: The next phase of the main contractor’s 265-unit Breagagh Valley residential development is currently underway, showcasing its continued investment in sustainable and community-focused initiatives.
Future Housing Projects: Over the coming months, Ormonde Construction will embark on a further three residential projects, each designed to meet the evolving needs of modern living and contribute to the expansion of vibrant communities.
Expansion into Fethard: In Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ormond Construction is set to commence construction on a Primary Care Centre, affirming its dedication to bolstering healthcare infrastructure in the area.
Hebron Road Development: Ormonde Construction recently announced plans for a HSE hub consisting of a Primary Care Centre and 30 residential units of assisted living housing on the Hebron Road in Kilkenny, further solidifying its presence in the local community and dedication to addressing societal needs.
In summary, Ormonde Construction continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, innovation and community engagement. Throughout its ongoing and upcoming projects, the company remains steadfast in its mission to deliver outstanding results while contributing positively to the built environment and the communities it serves.
Ormonde Construction Ltd
Unit 20,
Danville Business Park,
Kilkenny,
R95 K282.
Telephone: 056 77 86940
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ormondeconstruction.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, September 2024, Vol 10 No 9
