Kilcawley Construction was honoured to be named a finalist in the ‘Contractor Commercial Project of the Year’ category at the 2025 Irish Construction Industry (ICI) Awards for the successful delivery of the redeveloped Kilsaran Headquarters in Piercetown, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.
This recognition is the latest chapter in Kilcawley’s 90-year legacy as one of Ireland’s most respected and innovative main contractors, renowned for setting exemplary standards in construction, health & safety, and energy sector expertise.
The transformation of the Kilsaran HQ is a signature achievement. The brief called for the transformation of a fragmented campus into a modern headquarters that would foster collaboration, showcase Kilsaran’s own precast and paving products, and set a new standard for sustainability and staff wellbeing in the construction sector. The development comprises a new two-storey, fully precast concrete office extension (1,931m²), seamlessly integrated with a comprehensively refurbished showroom and office building (1,327m²), delivering a total gross internal area of 3,258m² (approx. 35,070 sq. ft.). The development also includes a new landscaped car park, EV charging and bicycle facilities, and extensive hard and soft landscaping to reinforce the headquarters’ presence within the wider manufacturing campus.
Kilcawley Construction’s reputation is built not only on landmark projects like Kilsaran, but also on expertise across a broad spectrum of sectors including energy, residential, pharmaceutical, healthcare, commercial, educational, heritage, and hospitality. The recent completion of the Ennistymon Educational Campus, the Alexion GMP Warehouse, a critical facility for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, and ongoing work on the energy infrastructure for the Kildare Innovation Centre Substation in partnership with HMV Engineering, further underline Kilcawley’s leading capabilities in operational, highly regulated and complex environments. The company’s multi-disciplined team consistently delivers civil engineering solutions, infrastructural upgrades, new builds, and renovations, always leveraging the latest technology and integrating sustainable/LEED practices and digital BIM project management.
Health and Safety are absolute priorities at Kilcawley Construction. The company’s “Target Zero” initiative drives its commitment to the highest standards, echoed by Platinum Safety Grading from ESB Networks—received for the third year running—and Safe-T ‘A Grade’ audit results since 2012. Certifications such as IS EN ISO 45001:2018 and multiple awards from the National Irish Safety Organisation further highlight Kilcawley’s leadership in this area. Every project is managed with disciplined vigilance, early contractor engagement, lean construction methodology, and a collaborative, hands-on approach to site safety and compliance.
“Our expertise covers new builds, renovations, infrastructure upgrades, employer-designed and design-and-build projects,” explains Managing Director Fergal Meagher. “Our core strengths are in delivering complex projects safely in live mission critical operational environments and major developments for public bodies and blue-chip clients, consistently integrating sustainable and LEED practices.
“Delivering projects like the Kilsaran HQ, the Ennistymon Educational Campus and the Alexion GMP Warehouse demonstrates the depth of expertise and commitment within our team. The ongoing work at the Kildare Innovation Centre Substation highlights our capability to deliver safety-critical infrastructure for Ireland’s energy future. Achieving the ESB Networks Platinum Safety Grading for the third-year running is a testament to our culture of care and vigilance.”
Kilcawley’s experienced team of over 100 professionals’ spans management, engineering, quantity surveying, health and safety, and highly skilled trade specialists. This diversity allows Kilcawley to consistently deliver projects of exceptional complexity and quality across all sectors. An outstanding example is the Sligo University Hospital ICU Roof-Level Extension, where Kilcawley acted as Works Contractor and PSCS, successfully constructing a new ICU ward and roof-level plant room directly above the live 6th floor paediatric department and functioning ICU. This acute healthcare project demanded advanced technical coordination, meticulous phasing, modern infection control, and ongoing collaboration to keep sensitive hospital operations uninterrupted throughout.
Managing Director Fergal Meagher explains, “As a main contractor, it is essential to have a diversified and multi-disciplined team who have the knowledge to deliver projects servicing the full breadth of market sectors. This skill set has allowed us to continue to deliver very significant projects across all these areas. We have the experience and expertise to deliver all elements of construction, from complex civil and building works on a live substation, hospital or pharmaceutical campus—where safety and operational continuity are paramount—right through to the highest standards of finishes on protected structures such as Knock Shrine.”
Kilcawley Construction’s competitive advantage is forged through deep relationships with clients, design partners, and suppliers. Partners include ABK Architects, PUNCH Consulting Engineers, IN2 Engineering, Jones Engineering, Deane Roofing, Infinity Lifts, M&P Mechanical, Coen Steel, Integrity Roofing, Alufactory, FJS Joinery, JPK Fencing, Fire Containment Ltd and Crean Flooring. Leading clients include energy and utility companies, pharmaceutical firms, commercial developers, and public sector bodies such as the HSE ESB, AbbVie, Alexion, Abbott Laboratories, IDA Ireland, Department of Education, and Sligo County Council where the company has just completed phase 3 of the Cranmore Regeneration programme, delivering a sustainable upgrade and refurbishment of over 130 houses in the centre of Sligo.
Looking to the future, Fergal Meagher sees continued growth, especially in the health, residential and energy sectors, driven by Kilcawley’s record of innovation, client satisfaction and safe delivery. The company’s legacy, now spanning 90 years, is built on a foundation of excellence, sustainability, and safety—qualities that remain at the heart of every project and partnership.
As Kilcawley Construction continues to go from strength to strength, the company would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as its direct employees and subcontractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, November 2025, Vol 11 No 12
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