2024 got off to a great start for Inish Contracts which featured in the first episode of the new series of ‘Room to Improve’ on RTÉ1.
Specialising in civil works, new builds, extensions and renovations, the Buncrana, Co. Donegal-based company was the main contractor on the renovation of an old farmhouse in Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny which aired on Sunday, January 7. Owners Ivan Williams and Gráinne Murphy had been dreaming about renovating Ivan’s forefather’s home for many years.
When architect Dermot Bannon first visited the house, the couple had started renovating the exterior of the farmhouse with a limestone render with the help of a local council grant. Inside, they were working on the preliminary demolition of the interior in their spare time. Ivan and Gráinne then managed to attain the vacant homes grant of €50,000 due to the fact the house had not been lived in for more than two years.
Given that the house needed structural work, they were able to attain a top-up of €20,000, as well as an SEAI grant. This, coupled with the vision and expertise of Dermot Bannon and the various contractors, helped to bring the personality and character of this old house back to its former glory.
“We were delighted with the feedback we received,” Inish Contracts director Tony Doherty enthuses.
“It’s amazing the amount of people who watch the show. It was a challenging project, but a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. It was a 15-week build between September and December 2023. Ivan and Gráinne were fantastic and easy to work with. The success of this project was down to everyone who worked on it. It was a real team effort.”
There was a distinctly Donegal flavour to the episode which saw Inish Contracts joined by quantity surveyor Claire Irwin, who is a regular fixture on ‘Room to Improve’, and subcontractors Gerard Doherty Plastering and Floors n Doors, all of whom hail from Buncrana on the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula.
“Before filming began, Claire approached me and asked me to price the job. She haggled me down and we went from there,” Tony smiles.
For a relatively new company, ‘Room to Improve’ was a terrific PR exercise for Inish Contracts whose outstanding work was showcased to a huge audience. Trading for just two years, the business is fronted by brothers-in-law Tony Doherty and Noel Mooney, who both have a wealth of experience in the trade.
“Noel is married to my sister Geraldine and we go back a long way. I worked for the McCallion Group in Buncrana for 15 years and Noel was with HML Plant & Construction in Dublin. We both spent a number of years working in Boston as well. We set up this company in 2022 and haven’t looked back since,” Tony explains.
While new builds, extensions and refurbishments are key services offered by Inish Contracts, civils is its core business. The contractor specialises in all aspects of civil and groundworks, including public works, car park development, drainage, civil engineering, formwork and kerbing & paving. It has an array of plant and equipment to cater for any project, including excavators, tipper trucks, dumpers, rollers, compressors and compaction equipment.
“We’re currently running seven or eight diggers, including two Case CX130s, a Caterpillar 6.5-tonne, a Hitachi 3.3-tonne and a Case 21-tonne. We also have two 9-tonne dumpers, a 6-tonne dumper, a 25-tonne site dumper and an assortment of other equipment, including scaffolding,” Tony says.
“We’re doing civil works for Carroll O’Keeffe & Co at the moment on two new housing development schemes in Tullamore – Redwood and Kingswood. We also carry out regular forecourt improvement work for Applegreen and are starting a new groundworks project for IKEA in Dublin soon.
“On the construction side of things, we’re starting a mica rebuild in Buncrana and are also renovating a three-storey townhouse in Buncrana. In addition, we’ve built a number of one-offs in Dublin and Buncrana.”
Superior workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of Inish Contracts. Health & Safety is at the heart of the business. From concept to completion, the Inish Contracts team are with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs, and that there are no hidden or extra costs involved.
Whether your next project is a new build, extension, refurbishment or restoration, Inish Contracts’ 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 architects and satisfied clients.
Tony and Noel employ a 14-strong team who are supported by the same tried and trusted subcontractors, including Damien McGlinchey Electrical, Martin Doherty Construction and J&S Renewables.
“Our people are our greatest asset. We have a top-class and skilled workforce who can put their hand to anything. They are also happy to go wherever the work is,” the affable Buncrana man adds.
As Inish Contracts continues to go from strength to strength, Tony and Noel would like to take this opportunity to thank their customers, suppliers and design teams for their support as well as their staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Inish Contracts
5 Gort na mBo
Buncrana,
Co. Donegal.
Telephone: 086 198 6242
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, April 2024, Vol 10 No 4
