Based in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Liam Loughrey Chartered Engineering is a civil engineering consultancy firm that offers clients over four decades of industry-specific experience.
With expertise that ranges from time spent in a senior position within the public and private sectors, Liam Loughrey provides clients with a comprehensive range of services that encompass everything from planning permission, house design and construction supervision to site assessments for sewage systems, BCMS certification and energy advice in relation to house consultation. Since July 2021, the affable practice owner has been project manager and structural design engineer on the Ahascragh Distillery which will be a state-of-the-art Whiskey Distillery and visitor experience in the West of Ireland.
“It’s a lovely project,” Liam says.
“Gareth and Michelle McAllister are the owners of the distillery and I have been working closely with them as well as Adrian McCormack of McCormack Construction, who are the main contractors. I’ve also been keeping in close contact with the Conservation Officer in Galway County Council.
“Gareth and Michelle are promoting the use of local labour and produce. They have invited the wider community to own shares in the company and realise the vision for the distillery. There has been tremendous support locally for the project.”
The €10 million transformation of the old Ahascragh Mills into a world-class Whiskey Distillery and visitor experience is moving forward at pace. The old corn mill, which dates back to the early 1800s and up until the 1950s processed grain into flour, was acquired in 2019. Planning permission was secured in October 2020, with structural and enabling works completed in June 2021. The distillery is on target to commence production in early 2023 with an initial target of 500,000 litres of whiskey and gin per year. It will have a production capacity of 700,000 litres.
The eco-distillery will be powered by renewable energy using new innovative technology. The owners have a passion and drive to produce some of the first carbon-neutral whiskey and gin in Ireland. Through tours, tastings and workshops, the visitor centre will offer an intimate and unique experience. The original water wheel will be reinstated and a permanent exhibition of the salvaged mill equipment will celebrate the history of the buildings, while also exploring Irish whiskey-making and the future of Ahascragh spirit. There will be something for everyone.
Located in the heart of Ahascragh village, the Old Mill Shop and Café is a key part of the Ahascragh Distillery story. Now open, the establishment invites locals and visitors to enjoy good food and good company. The shop and café’s bespoke pieces of furniture, using salvaged equipment from the mill, take pride of place.
While his practice has only been 12 years in business, Liam Loughrey has over 40 years’ experience in civil engineering. A native of Ballyvourney in West Cork, he qualified as a chartered civil engineer in UCG (now NUI Galway) in 1980 and worked for MC O’Sullivan Ltd and Coffee Construction before spending 19 years with Roscommon County Council. Liam Loughrey became a sole trader in 2010 and, despite the challenges faced by the recession at the time, has seen his business go from strength to strength.
Planning permission, house design, site assessments for sewage systems, BCMS certification and energy advice in relation to house consultation are the main services provided by Liam. He helps private individuals who are seeking planning and creates customised building designs, drawn to the unique requirements of the client’s proposed property. He also liaises with builders and architects to manufacture completely bespoke designs that are created with regulatory standards and directives in mind.
When it comes to house design, Liam provides clients with an architectural-based service where he produces 3D designs to their exact specifications. He specialises in creating homes in scenic areas that are designed to take advantage of the beauty and surrounding countryside.
Liam is also available for construction site supervision. With a guaranteed minimum of 10 site visits, he oversees pivotal moments in the construction process to ensure the competency of the build. A legally-binding completion and a compliance sign-off are offered at the end of the project.
In addition, the chartered civil engineer can recommend the appropriate sewage system for the requirements of your site along with an appropriate sewage treatment system. He can supply systems directly or through a contractor.
Liam is also an accredited BCMS assigner certifier. In accordance with The Building Control (Amendment) Regulations SI9 of 2014, all building documentation must be signed by the building owner, the designer and BCMS assigned certifier. Liam will prepare all documentation for submission, supervise the construction and attend the site at all key stages.
Furthermore, Liam acts as an energy rating supervisor. He advises clients on the right energy-saving solutions for their home and their allocated budget. Depending on the requirements, he can recommend systems such as heat pumps, air-to-water and solar panels. Liam also advises on solutions to ensure the home is compliant with all home energy regulations and directives.
Liam has many clients in the Clifden and Roundstone area of Connemara where he teams up with local builders Acton MR Construction and Oliver Conneely Construction on percolation and structural design projects.
For more information on his civil engineering consultation services, don’t hesitate to contact him. Liam would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients, suppliers and associates for their continued support.
Liam Loughrey Chartered Engineering
9 Bachelor’s Walk,
Ballinasloe,
Co. Galway,
DO1 F5P2.
Telephone: 089 4244242
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.liamloughreycharterengineering.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, December 2022, Vol 8 No 12
Liam Loughrey Chartered Engineering
