Established in Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal in 2018, Don Contracts Ltd has grown rapidly to employ 15 people directly and to assert itself as the leading full-service construction company in the region.
While Don Contracts is still a relatively new business, its directors have a wealth of experience in the construction industry. Specialising in new build, extension and renovation projects in Donegal and surrounding counties, the company is fronted by Neil Donaghy and his sons Darren and Joe. It is part of a group of companies run by the family which also includes Donaghy Safety Training, Donaghy Agri Ltd and Donaghy Leisure Ltd. Between the four, 60 people are employed.
“Our experience and knowledge have been key factors in Don Contracts’ rapid growth,” says Darren Donaghy, who is a civil engineer by profession.
“Having overseen €25 and €30 million projects myself, I felt I could bring that experience and know-how to bear in our own company. We have our own quantity surveyor, foremen, tradesmen and plant which gives us complete control over everything we do and allows us to manage our supply chain, which is great from a social housing perspective.
“With Donegal County Council being our main client, working to tight deadlines is a prerequisite. There has to be a quick turnaround on projects in order to get people off social housing waiting lists. Most of our work for Donegal County Council relates to vacant units, re-lets, housing adaptation for people with a disability and maintenance.
“As builders who take great pride in what we do, we leave every social housing project we undertake the same as if it was our own. We don’t take any half measures. You’re only as good as your last job at the end of the day,” Darren adds.
The Donaghy’s value their clients and their reputation – that’s why they’re one of the North-West’s leading construction companies. Outstanding workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of this exceptional family-run concern. Health & Safety is at the core of the business, and never more so than in this COVID-19 age. From conception to completion, the Donaghy team are with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs without any extra or hidden costs.
Whether your next project is a new build, extension or renovation, their one-stop shop approach will ensure that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The Donegal contractor’s reputation for quality construction and 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 satisfied clients.
Don Contracts provide guidance for budgeting a self-build to avoid spiralling costs with extensive planning. The company only uses the best building materials, and offers a fast and efficient service by not relying on any third-party contractors.
“We have a full order book ahead of us, ranging from one-off new builds, private extensions and refurbishments to social housing projects. We recently carried out a large boiler refit and renovation at St. Joseph’s National School, Rathmullan for the Department of Education, and are hoping it will lead to more work in the public sector.”
With their background in the construction industry, the Donaghy’s approach to Health & Safety sets them apart. Since 1999, Neil Donaghy has been running Donaghy Safety Training which works with clients to ensure they complete their projects safely, on time and within budget. From classroom-based training to online e-learning, the Newtowncunningham-based training centre provides a wide range of services to facilitate all clients.
Donaghy Safety Training’s personnel travel nationwide to provide training to individuals and companies who are not only involved in construction, but in the retail and hospitality sectors also. Its training courses include general Health & Safety as well as online HACCP training, manual handling and customer service. Online training has sky-rocketed since the pandemic hit last year.
“As the economy reopens, the backlog in Safe Pass training is the biggest challenge we face,” Darren says.
“We’re back training on a reduced scale. Our job is to make sure the client gets to do their job and do it safely. The three most important words in our vocabulary are compliance, compliance, compliance.”
Not ones for putting all their eggs in one basket, the Donaghy family also have an interest in the farming and hospitality sectors. Donaghy Agri Ltd, which is run by Joe, is a busy sheep enterprise which finishes 30,000 lambs a year. Donaghy Leisure Ltd incorporates Donaghy’s Bar & Restaurant and PD’s Takeaway, both of which are located in Letterkenny.
With Don Contracts continuing to go from strength to strength, Darren would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers, suppliers and design teams for their support, and his staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Make your dream home or building project a reality by contracting the Don Contracts team for a free quote today.
Don Contracts Ltd
Newtowncunningham Business Park,
Newtowncunningham,
Co. Donegal,
F93 W259.
Telephone: 074 9108887
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.doncontracts.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, July, Vol 7 No 7
