Kerry-based building contractor K&G (Dingle) Construction Ltd. is relatively small in size but very big on service. Specialising in invariably delivering a vast array of residential and commercial construction solutions to the very highest standards, the company is fronted by local men Darren Kennedy and Ger Griffin, both of whom have a wealth of experience of all aspects of construction management and delivery.
Since its inception at the start of the millennium, K&G (Dingle) Construction has made a major impact as a general contractor of choice in Kerry (predominantly in and around Dingle), providing both residential and commercial customers with industry-leading building projects that not only meet expectations but exceed them.
The company boasts an enviable track record for delivering a superb, mixed portfolio of projects over the past two decades and more. Ger Griffin, who formed and manages K&G (Dingle) Construction alongside his business partner Darren Kennedy, believes this is largely down to the high standards of excellence that both men insist upon:
“We carry out quality work and always complete it on time,” the Lispole man states. “When we finish a project, our aim is that if the client is ever getting another job done in the future that he will get us again. To make this happen, you have to provide quality workmanship and make sure the client is happy with the final product.
“Communication is very important, too. Talk to the client and find out exactly what they want. If they want to change something along the way, as long as they let us know on time, then we will accommodate them.
“In construction, you have to make yourself available and keep the client happy. Every person is different and what they want and what makes them happy will be different. Taste is a very individual thing, so you really need to communicate fully with the client, listen to them, and find out what they are looking for. Only when you know what they are after can you deliver it.”
Ger and Darren are passionate about building and this is evident in their hands-on approach to running the business. Both men are multi-skilled and like to offer a personal touch to clients; they enjoy being on the tools every day, leading from the front.
“We do as much as we can ourselves,” the former confirms. “There would usually be four of us on site full time and we have the capacity to take on everything. On a bigger job, we might take in plasterers but generally on a small job we can do the plastering ourselves. We look after all the carpentry, roofing and the finish, covering everything in-house except plastering, plumbing and electrical work.
“We’d rather be on site and hands-on – that’s what construction is all about. I remember pre-2008 when there were a lot of houses going up, we had subbies in doing the blocks and you’d spend most of the day running after the subbies. We came to learn that you are better off taking on less work and doing it yourself. Which is probably just as well because you couldn’t get people these days if you needed them!”
Ger himself has worked in construction since he was 18. It all started when the Lispole clubman was out in America playing football for the Kerry club in Boston. Whilst in the States, he ended up working in building and has never looked back. After returning home, he partnered with Darren to set up K&G (Dingle) Construction Ltd. The rest, as they say, is history!
“At one time, it was all houses but that stopped around ten years ago,” he reflects. “I’d say we’ve probably only built one new house in the past ten-twelve years, which is a big change. People have less money and they can’t get planning permission.
“A lot of the houses we were building were second homes and holiday homes, and that just stopped completely because people couldn’t afford them anymore.”
Thus for the past decade or so, the majority of K&G (Dingle) Construction’s work has comprised residential and commercial refurbishment / extension projects, mostly in and around the scenic port town of Dingle itself.
On the commercial front, upgrades have been carried out on some of the town’s most iconic buildings, including extensive refurbishments of The Fish Box Restaurant and The Boatyard Restaurant on the pier, which was designed by Yelland Architects in Douglas, Cork.
Meanwhile, all in one building, The Random Restaurant and The Hideout Hostel (a fabulous modern hostel, complete with ensuite bathrooms) was another fantastic project, delivered to the highest standards of excellence, while The Goat Street Café was completely demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.
At present, K&G are working on a domestic refurb project for a B&B proprietor who purchased the business next door to convert it into living quarters – a reimagining of the existing building which will keep the team busy for up to eight months.
With plenty of interesting refurbishment projects taking place in Dingle – as a reputable and proven contractor – K&G (Dingle) Construction is in a strong position going forward. “Construction can be tough but, if you manage it properly, it’s a decent living,” Ger concludes. “We try wherever possible to work it so that we are indoors during the winter.
“We can do the blocks and the roof and then get inside. Once you get the building closed up and are inside for the winter, then it’s not so bad. You don’t want to be outside doing blocks in the winter, that’s for sure!”
K&G (Dingle) Construction Ltd.,
Dingle,
County Kerry.
Tel: 086 3657524
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, December 2022, Vol 8 No 12
