There is no doubt that any client feel more assured when dealing with a family run business rather than some faceless corporate giant.
A feeling of being wanted is usually the general consensus of those who do business with a family run business and for this month’s edition of Building Ireland, we profile Dublin and Wexford based Farrell Doyle.
Established in 2011, the business was set up at the height of the recession by Fintan Farrell and eight years later the business is going from strength to strength.
Farrell Doyle Conservation specialise in Facade Restoration, Structural Waterproofing, Timber Treatment, Damp Proofing and Remedial Surveys.
One may wonder, how did a business that relies of the construction industry for its business ever get up and running during a time when the country was hit with its worst economic downturn ever.
Well the main reason was the experience that Fintan had in the industry, over 30 years of experience that allowed him to successful tender for work.
Word of mouth is the best form of advertising in the construction and Fintan’s reputation precedes him at this stage. Fintan has worked in the conservation and waterproofing industry since the 1990’s having graduated from DIT. Over the course of his career, Fintan has been entrusted with some of Ireland’s most prestigious buildings. From the Four Courts during the 90’s, to Clongowes Wood College in the 00’s and to Marley Grange House in the 10’s, Fintan has a vast portfolio to choose from spanning three decades.
In more recent years, he has been joined by his daughter Laura Doyle in the business and together, they rebranded the company into Farrell Doyle Conservation last year.
Laura has brought her own outlook and construction and conservation qualifications to the business; together they have brought the business forward.
Originally qualified in communications and public relations, Laura went on to complete a construction technology degree also in DIT. Laura’s portfolio includes the Caretakers Cottage of the American Ambassador’s Residence, Abbotstown House and Tonlegee Road Nursing Home. Laura is passionate about the energy efficiency of older buildings as well as ensuring these buildings can meet our modern needs while staying true to their heritage.
From a conservation point of view, Farrell Doyle’s aim is to blend traditional building methods with new conservation technologies so as to ensure the longevity of historic buildings for future generations.
“We provide a wide range of services that sees us provide long term solutions centred on dampness in conservation and heritage buildings,” said Laura.
“Conservation services centre on remedial solutions and minimalist intervention designed to suit the needs of each building individually. Dampness in buildings is a prevalent problem in Ireland, but thanks to changes in conservation technology, we can protect conservation and heritage buildings for generations to come.”
Laura added their work is very diverse and takes in old and new buildings. We would carry out a lot of water proofing on new buildings and we are currently involved in a project for UCD.
“Structural waterproofing is specialised work and we are very busy in this area, while restoration work is always something that will need to be done.”
Farrell Doyle has cornered a niche in the market which sees them at the forefront of their field of expertise, but Laura stressed that they are not ones to rest on their laurels.
“We are specialist contractors and while there wouldn’t be much competition in this area, we continuously try to improve on the levels of service that we provide.”
“My father has developed a reputation for providing the highest quality of knowledge and workmanship and that is something that we aim to carry on for the future.”
So, what is working with family actually like? “I’ve learned a lot from him since we started working together 6 years ago and I’ve realised that I am a lot more like him than I realised. We make a good team”
“Business is going well; we have projects ongoing throughout Leinster with Dublin being our busiest area.”
The work being carried out by Farrell Doyle has bene recognised at national level as one of their conservative projects has been nominated for an award, which Laura and Fintan are delighted to see.
“It is always nice to get the recognition for our work and to be nominated for an award is something special.”
Some of the contractors that the family run business work for include John Sisk & Sons, JJ Rhatigans, PJ Hegartys & Sons, Clancy Construction, Wallace Contracting, BAM, Purcell Contracting, Kilcawley Construction, GEM Construction, Flynn Management And Contractors, Collen Construction.
“Our aim is to continue working on our service and ensuring that our clients’ expectations are not only met but exceeded every time.”
Contact Details:
Farrell Doyle
Dublin Office
64 Tamarisk Avenue
Kilnamanagh
Dublin 24, D24 A9DE
Ireland
Laura 085-1496297
Wexford Office
11 Blakes Glen Lower
Curracloe
Co. Wexford, Y21 RC43
Ireland
Fintan 053 91 37630
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, November 2020, Vol 6 No 6
