Established in 1985, Michael Doyle Construction is a family-run business which has a golden reputation for the successful completion of its projects in the private sector throughout the south east. Building Ireland touched base with Managing Director Martin Doyle to hear all about the company – from its origins to its current projects.
Business is good these days at Michael Doyle Construction Ltd and the plan for MD Martin Doyle and the rest of the team in Genstown, Co Wexford is to try and keep things that way for the foreseeable future.
Operating with 15 direct staff, the company management and staff maintain a strong commitment to meeting clients’ needs in terms of quality, reliability and cost whilst ensuring its work is carried out to the highest industry standards.
It’s a practice which has been in place from ‘Day One’, when Martin’s father Michael Doyle set-up his namesake construction firm, and it remains in place to this day.
Building Ireland spoke with Martin to find out more about the company and its overall ambitions going forward.
“My father (Michael) retired in 2016, shortly after our return from the UK. I was based in England for seven years and worked with some great companies during my time there. I gained valuable experience while carrying out works for English Heritage, Heritage Alliance & Historic England. My wife Gabrielle also works in the office in Wexford while Chris (QS), Kevin (Contracts Manager) and myself tend to work out of our Dun Laoghaire office.
“Around 90 percent of our work is in the private sector with works to Georgian and Victorian style houses. We carry out a lot of restoration and conservation work in these types of buildings working closely with a number of conservation architects.
“It’s two disciplines really, a mixture of old and new methods of construction, while sticking to best practice for conservation and restoration to the original structure we can incorporate modern construction methods to create additional spaces.”
Whether its new builds, refurbishments, extensions or renovations, Michael Doyle Construction can cater to whatever the client’s needs are.
As Martin explained, he has followed in his father’s footsteps when it comes to overseeing a business that specialises in restoration and conservation works for its clients.
“Dad carried out a lot of conservation work over the years. Because of our close proximity to Kilmore Quay, there were numerous projects to Thatch Cottages, Churches, and Farm Houses.
“In 2016 we did Project Management for Dunwoody & Dobson for the refurbishment of 39-43 Merrion Square for ESB, following this we went into conservation works full time. We got our status on the Register of Heritage Contractor’s in 2018 and have had maintained this since.”
The projects which MDC delivers for its clientele tend to range from €500,000 to €2m in valuation.
Right now, “business is good”, according to Martin, who says the company will generally have four or five projects on at a time, with a site foreman and general operatives on each site and additional labour available where needed.
“We have three projects in Ranelagh/Rathmines on-going at the minute which are a full restoration and refurbishment with additional side and rear extensions, we also have projects in Dalkey and Blackrock of a similar nature,” said the Managing Director.
“We work with a handful of conservation architects and pretty much all of our work for the last eight to ten years is from those same architects. A lot of time and effort goes into incorporating compatible materials into existing buildings and trying to keep the original fabric while incorporating modern items such as airtightness, heat recovery etc.”
He added: “We also carry out works for state bodies such as the Irish Heritage Trust. We have completed works in Johnstown Castle, Wexford. Phase 2 of the head gardener’s cottage is to commence this year after having completed Phase 1 last year.”
So, all of that considered, the burning question is what has been the secret behind the success of Michael Doyle Construction over these past four decades?
How has what first begun as a small construction start-up grown into what is now very much a thriving business which holds a golden reputation amongst its clients for delivering quality work each and every time?
“I suppose, clients are reassured that we have been in business for 40 years and we get a lot of repeat custom from previous clients,” Martin stated when asked why clients choose MDC first ahead of other competitors.
“Kevin Moore (Contracts Manager) is very important member of the company. Kevin started his carpentry apprenticeship with me 18 years ago and we have worked together ever since, Kevin looks after the day-to-day running of all sites.
“The feedback that we get from our clients is always extremely good. We get on well with both clients and design teams and try and make the process as pleasant and stress free as possible.”
Looking at the months ahead for Michael Doyle Construction, it’s Managing Director is optimistic about the prospect of further growth in 2025.
A landmark year as the company celebrates 40 years in business, they simply want to continue on in the same successful manner they have been for years now.
“We want to keep growing the business. We’ve been growing steadily now for the last six to eight years and have a good reputation. We’ve taken on more direct staff in the last three years and invested heavily in staff training, plant procurement and IT. Our ultimate goal is to do our best for the clients, if you can achieve this you will always have work ahead of you,” Martin concluded.
Michael Doyle Construction
Unit 1, Genstown,
Tomhaggard,
Co. Wexford.
Tel: 053 917 5343
Mobile: 087 436 5184
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, Summer 2025, Vol 11 No 7
featured, Michael Doyle Construction
