Providing sustainable and innovative engineering solutions for a cleaner planet, Glanua was shortlisted in no fewer than four categories at the 2025 Irish Construction Excellence Awards (ICE Awards) in Dublin’s Convention Centre.
Glanua is an industry leader in providing project solutions for the water and wastewater and bioresource sectors, including design, build, commissioning, operation and maintenance for both municipal and industrial clients. Innovation, engineering, excellence and sustainability are at the core of everything the Co. Galway-headquartered company does.
In recent years, Glanua has expanded its footprint significantly, particularly in the UK. The acquisitions of Aqua Operations, a leading industrial water and wastewater operations and maintenance provider, and Marches Biogas, a specialist in anaerobic digestion and biogas technology, have strengthened its capabilities in sustainable infrastructure solutions. These strategic acquisitions have enhanced Glanua’s ability to provide cutting-edge bioresource, water and wastewater solutions, further reinforcing its commitment to delivering environmentally responsible and future-focused engineering services.
Glanua remains committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and industry trends to provide clients with the most advanced and efficient solutions. By fostering collaboration with clients and industry partners, the company continuously pushes the boundaries of innovation in water, wastewater and bioresource management.
No stranger to winning prestigious accolades, Glanua was up for four ICE Awards – ‘BIM Excellence Up to €20m; ‘Health, Safety & Wellbeing Initiative – Main Contractor Up to €250m; ‘Innovation in Construction – Company T/O €100m to €250m’; and ‘Future Leader Construction Management’.
On the night Glanua was on the winner’s platform as they picked up the prestigious BIM Excellence Up to €20m Award.
Founded in 1993, the ICE Awards are the original and premier recognition of performance excellence for the construction sector in Ireland, and provide an opportunity for the industry to showcase and reward best practice across the full range of construction disciplines and project categories.
As well as being a finalist in the ‘Future Leader Construction Management’ category, Framework Manager Robert Kearney has been a key player in delivering Uisce Éireann / Glanua’s ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) Programme which was in the running for the ‘Innovation in Construction – Company T/O €100m to €250m’ Award. Since joining the company in August 2015, he has seen it grow from 50 to 500 staff and is excited about what the future holds.
“The award nominations and win reflect well on everyone. It’s a real team effort,” he enthuses.
The ECI Programme is revolutionising water and wastewater infrastructure delivery in Ireland, setting a benchmark for the wider construction sector. By integrating early contractor engagement, ECI enables fast, efficient project delivery with a focus on value-for-money, quality and innovation. It accelerates complex projects by leveraging BIM, early stakeholder collaboration, innovative technologies and sustainable solutions.
ECI addresses industry resource shortages by fostering career development and building expertise through consistent work. The programme has greatly enhanced infrastructure, benefiting both local communities and the environment, while supporting long-term regional development. ECI is a pioneering model that demonstrates excellence in both execution and impact, ensuring future-proof solutions for water and wastewater infrastructure.
Robert’s nomination for ‘Future Leader Construction Management’ was well deserved. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment during his 10 years at Glanua, progressing from Junior Engineer to Framework Manager in roles of increasing responsibility. It is no coincidence that Robert’s career growth reflects Glanua’s expansion in recent years, showcasing his fantastic contributions and the company’s support for developing talent. Robert has been instrumental in critical water infrastructure initiatives, including the National Disinfection Programme and ECI for water projects.
In 2019, he was tasked with delivering a critical ‘emergency’ €4.82m infrastructural upgrade of Leixlip WTP under the ECI Programme. As Ireland’s second largest WTP, serving approximately 615,000 customers, this project was a significant milestone in his career, representing a major step forward in responsibility. Robert is currently working on capital investment upgrade projects across Ireland for Uisce Éireann under the ECI Framework. Alongside his technical expertise, he has championed initiatives promoting mental health, well-being, inclusion and teamwork.
A custodian of our most precious resource – water – Robert goes beyond his technical role to protect the environment, champion biodiversity and to actively promote sustainability and community spirit. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, actively supporting students through initiatives such as Glanua’s ‘Water Sustainability Challenge’ for third level students, the company’s Graduate Programme and recruitment efforts at universities and career events across Ireland and overseas, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent not only for Glanua, but for the future of this critical industry.
Led by Karl Zimmerer, Glanua’s mission is to make a positive impact on the planet. The company takes pride in its customer-focused approach, offering turnkey solutions in water and wastewater and bioresource management for the municipal and industrial sectors. Its services encompass design, build, operation and maintenance, supported by its state-of-the-art offsite manufacturing and innovation facility in Navan, Co. Meath.
This facility enables Glanua to excel in Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), and machine-building for innovative water and wastewater treatment solutions.
Headquartered in Loughrea, Glanua has significantly expanded its presence over the past year, opening regional offices in Cork and Northern Ireland. To support its growing client base in the UK, the company has also established new offices in Reading and Hertfordshire
In the UK, Glanua is working with five of the largest water companies—Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, Welsh Water, Northumbrian Water and United Utilities. Together, these utilities account for 50% of AMP8 investment, ensuring Glanua’s expertise supports critical infrastructure serving half of the UK population.
Glanua is passionate about solving today’s environmental challenges and delivering a decarbonised and sustainable world. The company’s recent expansion is a testament to its commitment to innovation and excellence, but above all, to its people. Glanua attributes its success to its dedicated and talented team, continuously investing in their development to ensure a pipeline of future leaders like Robert Kearney. With a strong foundation, a growing presence, and a clear vision for the future, Glanua is well-positioned to shape a cleaner, more sustainable world for generations to come.
Glanua
Railway House,
Station Road,
Loughrea,
Co. Galway,
H62 VN56.
Telephone: +353 (0)91 880 332
Web: www.glanua.com
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, Summer 2025, Vol 11 No 7
