Blanchfield Heating is an award-winning family-run business which prides itself on delivering mechanical contracting projects that exemplify the highest standards of quality and precision. Every project the Kilkenny-based firm completes reflects its meticulous attention to detail, technical expertise and dedication to exceeding client expectations.
Established in 1994 by the late Jim Blanchfield and his son Ronan with a flexible client-focused approach and appreciation of long-term business partnerships, Blanchfield Heating has grown into a nationwide operation employing 60 people directly who are supported and supplemented by the same tried and trusted subcontractors. Managing director Ronan is joined by his brother and fellow director Brian, and son Dan along with many long-term management and employees. These include senior contracts manager Justin Hannon, contracts manager Willie Corrigan, head of engineering Ger Martin and head of accounts Ethna Kenehan.
“Justin has been with us for 25 years, Willie 20 years, Ger 16 years and Ethna 14 years, so we have a wealth of experience across all aspects of the business. Our success is largely due to the flexibility and dedication of our team,” Ronan explains.
“While we provide a nationwide service, we concentrate on the South-East, Midlands, Dublin and North Munster regions. We have teams and subcontractors covering those areas and also have strong relationships with subcontractors in other parts of the country.
“We also enjoy an excellent working relationship with main contractors such as Conack Construction, Doyle Construction, Duggan Brothers, Ormonde Construction, Robert Quinn Ltd, Tom O’Brien Construction, Kelbuild and Mythen Construction as well as the HSE and private medical clinics. Our experience and expertise in healthcare, commercial and industrial mechanical services is second to none. We run everything in-house which gives us a big advantage over our competitors.”
Ronan adds: “Our commitment to high-quality and precision is evident in the confidence shown by main contractors who repeatedly avail of our services. Our reputation for delivering consistently excellent mechanical services has led to ongoing collaborations and new opportunities, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in the construction industry.”
These are exciting times for Blanchfield Heating which has successfully delivered multiple complex and technically-demanding projects across the healthcare, education and residential sectors over the past two years, demonstrating robust in-house design capabilities, precise project execution and seamless coordination with multidisciplinary teams in the process.
Furthermore, the company was delighted to be named Large Contractor of the Year at Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Awards recently. Receiving the prestigious accolade was a proud moment for the entire team and a recognition of the dedication, skill and innovation that drives Blanchfield Heating forward every day.
Blanchfield Heating has delivered a diverse range of complex and technical projects, from sensitive hospital environments to large-scale academic buildings. Judges highlighted the contractor’s strong in-house design capabilities, precise project execution and seamless collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. A huge part of this success is rooted in Blanchfield Heating’s proactive approach to Health & Safety, continuous staff development and meaningful engagement with apprenticeship programmes. Investing in its people remains at the core of everything the family business does.
In addition, Blanchfield Heating is committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mechanical contracting. By harnessing advanced BIM modelling, implementing clash detection and optimising spatial coordination, efficiency and excellence is ensured at every stage. The Kilkenny company’s use of off-site prefabrication for plant rooms, riser modules and pipework assemblies continues to improve installation quality, compress timelines and minimise disruption in live environments.
The trust placed in Blanchfield Heating by main contractors reinforces its position as a reliable, innovative and solutions-driven contractor.
Among Blanchfield Heating’s recently-completed projects are the University Hospital Waterford Second Regional Cardiac Cath Lab, SETU Carlow CSS Building and Wallslough Accommodation Centre. The University Hospital Waterford Second Regional Cardiac Cath Lab project involved the development of a new Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory on Level 2, with a dedicated service plant room on Level 3, constructed above the existing Level 1 structure.
All works, including heating, ventilation, water, AC, CHW and medical gas services, were undertaken in a live hospital environment, requiring meticulous planning, coordination and execution to avoid disruption to hospital operations and ensure continuous patient care.
On the large-scale, 5,000 sqm, four-storey SETU Carlow CSS Building facility, Blanchfield Heating provided a full mechanical installation, including space heating, gas services, rainwater systems and BMS controls. The team overcame complex phasing and integration challenges through proactive planning, BIM coordination and detailed commissioning processes.
The Wallslough Accommodation Centre was a technically challenging installation involving in-house mechanical design, external plant room container fit-out and internal services across multiple levels and building zones. The project required bespoke routing of services through restricted spaces, while coordinating with architectural finishes and existing infrastructure.
Commenting on some of Blanchfield Heating’s current projects, Ronan says: “We’re working with Duggan Brothers and Conack Construction on 50-bed community nursing units in Mountmellick and Nenagh respectively. We’re also collaborating with Ormonde Construction on a new primary care centre in Fethard, and with Tom O’Brien Construction on new pathology labs in University Hospital Waterford and a new MRI facility in Wexford General Hospital.
“We’re working with Kelbuild on a new Interim ECC hub in Mullingar General Hospital and Doyle Construction on a new RAU in Portlaoise General Hospital. In addition, we’re main contractors on the upgrade and full refurbishment of operating theatres in Portlaoise.
“We also regularly carry out fitouts at UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny as well as for Affidea at their medical clinics in Waterford, Kilkenny, Dundrum, Santry, Charlestown (Dublin), Tallaght and Portlaoise.”
It goes without saying that Blanchfield Heating maintains the highest safety standards across all projects which are underpinned by rigorous procedures and a safety-first culture. The company holds a Safe T Cert, is dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, supports local suppliers and businesses where possible, and also actively participates in community initiatives, including sponsorship and fundraising for charities.
As Blanchfield Heating continues to go from strength to strength, Ronan would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients, suppliers and business partners for their unwavering support as well as his employees and subcontractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Blanchfield Heating
Unit D1,
Purcellsinch Business Park,
Dublin Road,
Kilkenny,
R95 E70V.
Telephone: 056 772 0397
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.blanchfieldheating.com
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, March 2026, Vol 12 No 3
