O’Hara & Harrison are one of very few Electrical Contracting Firms that provide a wide and varied range of services for all areas in the construction sector. Based in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, this family run business has been providing advice on electrical design, value engineering and services coordination while supplying high quality, efficient and professional expertise to their customer base for over forty years.
From humble beginnings, O’ Hara and Harrison was established by Liam O’ Hara (Senior) and Kenneth Harrison back in 1970. The company has grown considerably and their reputation to deliver on the customers’ requests has seen them build up long-standing loyal relationships with their clients.
Liam O’ Hara Jnr has taken over the business from his father and he explains to us about the many services that is provided: “O’Hara & Harrison Ltd are experienced in domestic, commercial and industrial installations, data cabling, emergency lighting, energy saving solutions, fire alarm installation, testing and commissioning, I.T network cabling, renovations, machinery fault finding and repairs, periodic inspection report, PLC, automation for all industrial purposes, portable appliance testing and thermal imaging.”
Liam explains “We provide the full range of services when it comes to electrical work. Many of our customers have been with us for years and they come from a wide range of Industries including Commercial, Industrial, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare and Domestic, to name just a few.”
To carry out their work to the highest standard possible, O’Hara & Harrison have a dedicated, experienced, well qualified and competent staff – many of whom have been with the company since they were apprentices.
“We have a skilled and professional workforce and our focus is on maintaining high standards while combining quality with efficiency in every project we undertake. The majority of the lads here have served their time with us and in some cases some may have moved on, but have come back to us.
“For the dynamic of the company, we take on apprentices every year who receive the best training possible. In total, we have between 30 and 40 employees at any time.”
Liam feels that the company’s experience sets them ahead of many of their competitors, as they continue to go from strength to strength.
“We have many years experience on a wide range of electrical services, high standards of quality with a central emphasis on Health and Safety. This is what we offer our clients. As a company we strive to deliver an excellent service on time, within budget and completed to the highest standard.
“This has been the way that we have done business over the years, and it has stood us well. The company has been through two recessions and, not only have we survived both, but we have learned and progressed from them.”
Quality is of upmost importance in the construction industry and O’Hara & Harrison Ltd. have gone to great lengths to ensure that they deliver to the highest standard possible.
“The company focuses on quality assurance, which took a big effort from everyone involved. Our aim is to operate a Quality Assurance Management System which fully meets those requirements. We aim to deliver high quality Electrical Installation Works using quality materials together with high quality workmanship which can be delivered within specific time frames.”
Another key area for businesses involved in the building trade is Health and Safety and to this end, O’Hara & Harrison strive to ensure that employees, customers and anyone else involved in a project adhere to their strict safety rules.
“It is Company Policy to comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the Health, Safety & Welfare (General Application) Regulations 2007 and the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 as outlined in the Safety Statement. The Management of O’Hara & Harrison Ltd make it their priority to provide and maintain safe working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all employees who work on sites managed by the company, ensuring all can work safely and remain free from injury and ill health.” said Liam.
O’Hara & Harrison’s maintenance division provide services to Dunnes Stores ( Letterkenny), Donegal County Council, the Department of Education, Office of Public Works Buildings – including Glenveagh National Park and Glenveagh Castle, Donegal Castle, and Government Offices/buildings, Coast Gaurd Stations and Garda Stations throughout Donegal to mention but a few.
“We carry out maintenance service contracts to a number of clients and this is another area that we would be kept busy with. Some of the contracts we have are ongoing for many years. We are currently working on the new Coronary Care Unit project at Letterkenny University Hospital and the new State of the art Eco-Friendly 135,000 square foot facility for Pramerica, which is nearing completion.
“Business is growing from strength to strength and our aim is to continue our high level of service. Our reputation of a top quality service and skilled craftsmen is key to the success of our business and we aim to enhance that further to maintain this. We are positive about the future and look forward to the challenges that lay ahead as we continue to offer our high level services to our ever increasing customer base.”
Taken from Building Ireland Magazine, May 2017, Vol 3 No 4
