Established in 2005, Breathnach Construction has earned an enviable reputation for building homes to match the beautiful scenery of West Waterford.
Based in Baile na nGael (Ballynagaul) in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht na nDéise region of Co. Waterford, Breathnach Construction is fronted by Tom Breathnach and specialises in new one-off builds and extensions. A carpenter by trade, Tom employs three other carpenters who are supported by the same tried and tested subcontractors, including Noel Clancy (plumber), Roger Ryan (plasterer), James Brennan (electrician), Barry O’Neill (block-layer), Alan Kiely (groundworks) and Seaview Plant. His main suppliers are Topline Curran’s in Dungarvan, Roadstone, Thermohouse and Kereen Quarries, while Emmet Murray Architects in Dungarvan look after his design needs.
Nestling on the west side of Dungarvan Bay and against the backdrop of the picturesque Comeragh Mountains, the Gaeltacht has become a much-sought after area to live in. It is a world apart in its welcoming people, scenery, landscapes, seascapes and, above all, its cultural vitality.
“It’s a lovely part of the country,” Tom proudly states.
“Because we’re local and have a good reputation in the trade, we don’t have to advertise or to put a sign up on a site. Most of our business is secured through word of mouth. We’re always there for the client – before, during and after the build.”
Superior workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of Breathnach Construction. Health & Safety is at the core of the business, and is to the fore on every job. From concept to completion, Tom and his team are with you every step of the way, ensuring that your project is designed and built to your specific needs, and that there are no hidden or extra costs involved.
Breathnach Construction’s one-stop shop approach will ensure that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The West Waterford 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 scores of satisfied clients.
By employing highly-skilled people, collaborating with clients and their architects / engineers, and using only the very best building products, this fully insured contractor is able to deliver the highest quality construction to its clients.
Breathnach Construction uses the best practices to construct stunning bespoke and energy efficient homes. Most are in excess of 2,000 sq. ft. in size and are a mix of traditional block-built and ICF (Insulated Concrete Formwork). ICF is an increasingly popular method of building construction using lightweight and hollow insulation forms that fit together and are then filled with concrete. Once set, the concrete becomes a high-strength structure and the formwork remains in place as thermal insulation.
Tom uses the Thermohouse building system for his ICF builds. Manufactured in Killarney, the system delivers high quality concrete-build homes which are fully enveloped in insulation. The build is up to 60% faster and results in A-rated eco homes.
“Our clients are very well educated on the ICF system and a lot of them are opting to go down that route. But ICF isn’t for everyone,” the affable building contractor points out.
Tom builds between four and five new homes every year. He currently has two new builds taking place in An Rinn (Ring) and is carrying out renovations to two houses which are over 100 years old in Colligan and An Rinn.
Tom admits it’s an expensive time for anyone building a house, especially in West Waterford which is a highly-desirable location for people from Dublin or other parts of the country who have reached retirement age.
“The increases in material costs were crazy for a while,” he acknowledges.
“But they seemed to have settled a bit. Steel and timber have fallen, while insulation is stagnant. Concrete, however, continues to go up in price. The last two years have been very difficult for people who had started building and had their budget set. Most of our clients are neighbours or working-class people who were hit with this extra expense after paying big money for a site in what is a much sought-after area.
“I feel sorry for them because they’re the people who have supported us through thick and thin. We do our best to keep costs down but unfortunately, there is only so much you can do in this regard.”
Passionate about construction, Tom would like to take this opportunity to thank his customers and suppliers for their continued support as well as his staff and subcontractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise. He is also grateful for the support of his wife Lisa and children Hannah (11) and Callum (eight).
Sin a bhfuil!
Breathnach Construction
Baile na nGall,
Dungarvan,
Co. Waterford.
Telephone: 087 751 7782
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, August 2023, Vol 9 No 8
