ALPA Construction (ALPA Building & Design) in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare is a highly-regarded building contractor specialising in new builds, extensions, renovations and maintenance across the residential and commercial sectors.
Established in 2019, the company has earned an enviable reputation for high-quality construction. It is fronted by Alan Woods (ALPA is an acronym of Alan Patrick) who has over 25 years’ experience in the industry and is a qualified carpenter since 2002. Alan is joined in the family business by his wife Louise, who looks after the administration side of things, and five direct employees who are supported and supplemented by the same tried and trusted subcontractors, including Bmac Electrical Services, Michael Corry Plumbing, Casio Plastering, John Crotty Plastering, Isaac Painting, Brendan McNulty Plant Hire and Niall O’Halloran Blocklaying.
The company’s main suppliers are Shannonside Homevalue Hardware in Ennis, Chadwicks, also in Ennis, and Flann O’Neill Building Supplies & Tool Hire in Shannon.
Alan’s passion for construction was instilled in him by his father Jim, who ran his own business for many years and worked on behalf of Aer Rianta International in Moscow, St Petersburg and Frankfurt.
“Through a joint venture with Aeroflot, Aer Rianta opened duty free operations in Moscow and St Petersburg, and dad worked on those projects before we returned home to see Clare win the All-Ireland hurling final in 1995,” Alan smiles.
“He brought the subbies and building materials with him from Ireland. Walsh Western transported the building materials. One of the lads who worked for him was Flann Glynn, who I served my time with as an apprentice carpenter. After qualifying, I had stints in Australia and the Middle East before coming home and setting up my own business in 2015. It was originally called A Woods Carpentry and then A Woods Construction before I finally settled on ALPA Construction in 2019.
“We’ve gone from strength to strength since then, offering a comprehensive range of services, including new builds, renovations and maintenance to both residential and commercial clients in the region. Our expertise is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients, from small-scale renovations to large-scale developments.”
Outstanding workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of ALPA Construction. Health & Safety is also paramount. From concept to completion, Alan and his expert team are with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs, and that there are no hidden or extra costs involved.
ALPA Construction’s one-stop shop approach ensures that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The contractor’s ability to complete projects on time and within the agreed budget is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals it receives from scores of satisfied clients.
By employing highly-skilled people, working closely with design teams and using only the very best building products from local suppliers, this fully insured contractor is able to deliver the highest quality construction to its clients.
“As experienced builders, we specialise in bringing your vision to life through innovative design, quality craftsmanship and attention to detail,” Alan says.
“We’re committed to delivering exceptional new build projects that exceed expectations. Whether you’re looking to create a modern masterpiece, a sustainable eco-friendly home, or a timeless classic, our team is here to turn your dreams into reality. We build beautiful bespoke and energy efficient homes, and take the same pride and care in our commercial projects.”
Business is flying for Alan and his team who were working on six live projects at the time of writing.
“We’re constructing a new car park for LCETB (Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board) in Ennistymon and a temporary credit union, which is also in Ennistymon,” the affable managing director explains.
“We also have a new house build in Newmarket and another in Ballycullen near Sixmilebridge, which is in the shape of a St Brigid’s Cross, has a corrugated roof and acrylic paint. We’re collaborating with Tierney Hynes Architects on that one.
“Furthermore, we’re working on an extension in Coonagh, Co. Limerick, carry out maintenance works for the OPW on an ongoing basis and also make wooden boxes for drilling equipment manufactured in Shannon by Mincon. It’s another string to our bow.”
Asked what is the secret to ALPA Construction’s success, Alan replies: “We’re easy to deal with and always put the customer first. We take the stress out of the build for them. It makes life a lot easier for everyone when you stick to the budget and deliver a project to the client’s exact specifications.”
Alan and Louise have a busy home life with three children – Katie (10), TJ (eight) and Sophie (four) – to look after. Alan hails from a well-known and highly-decorated hurling family with his aforementioned father Jim being the holder of 12 Clare Senior Championship medals and his brother Richard winning a Munster Senior Championship medal with the Banner County in 1998.
Alan would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients, suppliers and design teams for their continued support as well as his staff and subcontractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
ALPA Construction (Alpa Building & Design)
Knocksaggart,
Newmarket-on-Fergus,
Co. Clare.
Telephone: 087 602 1819
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.alpa.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, January 2026, Vol 12 No 1
