Delivering high-quality, community-critical residential and commercial building projects across Ireland since 2011, Lowry Construction is riding the crest of a wave after winning three prestigious awards recently.
The Castlederg, Co. Tyrone-based family-run business triumphed in the Residential Social & Affordable Up to €5m category at the 2025 Irish Construction Excellence Awards (ICE Awards) in Dublin’s Convention Centre for its successful delivery of Cúirt an Troisc, an age-friendly housing development in Co. Donegal for Donegal County Council.
Furthermore, Lowry Construction’s Dunineany View development in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim was named the Best Housing Development in Ireland by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH). The highly-regarded contractor was also a recipient of a Bronze Award for its Rathlin Island scheme for Rural Housing at this year’s Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Awards.
“We’re delighted with the three awards. Each of them means a lot to us and are testament to the work of our amazing team,” Lowry Construction Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Manager Lee Williamson enthuses.
“We have a long history and enviable reputation for social housing projects on both sides of the border which accounts for about 60% of our business. The rest of our work is divided between commercial, healthcare and education projects. Our goal with every project is to not only meet, but exceed our client’s expectations.”
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. Lowry Construction saw off stiff competition to win the Residential Social & Affordable Up to €5m accolade for Cúirt an Troisc, an exemplar age-friendly development of 19 units, comprising 17 two-bedroom and two three-bedroom apartments.
Designed by Donegal County Council’s architects’ department, this project sets a high standard for housing that enables older people to ‘age in place’ while staying connected to their community. At its core is a welcoming indoor communal space designed to promote social interaction, combat isolation and enhance wellbeing.
Built to Universal Design standards and following the 10 Age-Friendly principles, the development combines inclusivity, adaptability and forward-thinking design. Arranged in three two-storey blocks around a central landscaped courtyard, the homes feature private balconies, open space, a communal deck, lift access and future-ready interconnecting rooms adaptable for future needs. Strategically located in a mixed-use area with access to transport and amenities, the homes are A-rated for energy efficiency, optimising both sustainability and comfort.
Extensive consultation with older people, HSE Services, An Garda Síochana, Donegal Sports Partnership and local stakeholders was conducted to ensure their preference and security concerns were integrated into the design. This resulted in key design decisions such as intercom access, generous storage for mobility equipment, vision panels in doors and built-in capacity for assistive technology. A portion of the homes are equipped with support rails, while the remaining homes include the infrastructure to add rails and hoists at a later stage, providing flexibility for the future.
Lowry Construction’s collective experience and expertise were key to the successful delivery of Cúirt an Troisc, guided by a clear vision for excellence from the outset. Donegal County Council’s meticulous planning and commitment to quality was reflected in their contract documentation and tender process. The project was awarded based on a price / quality scoring mechanism which achieved a quality end product at a competitive cost. Quality criteria included health & safety, project construction programme, resources and competencies.
To address the impact of the construction activity, Lowry Construction conducted letter drops and followed up with door-to-door conversations, ensuring open communication and active engagement. The award-winning contractor’s aim is to support the construction industry to raise its standards. As a considerate constructor, it builds trust with the public.
Working in live conditions, with private homes on all sides of a compact site, Lowry Construction took care to minimise the inconvenience caused to residents and ease the impact of construction. Time limitations and budget adherence are essential aspects of construction contracts. This required a balance of timely delivery while operating safely and efficiently. However, good communication and a strong understanding of Public Works contracts meant the project was delivered on time and within the budgetary plan.
Lowry Construction was also delighted to be honoured for its Dunineany View and Rathlin Island schemes. Dunineany View outshone 11 other housing projects from across the island to win the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Best Housing Development in Ireland Award at a ceremony held in Titanic Belfast. Completed in 2024 for Apex Housing Association, the Ballycastle project features 28 apartments for people aged over 55 and is a shared community, supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.
The Bronze Award-winning Rathlin Island scheme consisted of four one-bed apartments, four two-bed apartments, two of which are wheelchair accessible, and two three-bed houses. They were designed in line with Rural Housing Association’s design guide, which aims to develop homes which are sympathetic to the landscape and are in character with the local area. They were also developed to modern energy efficiency standards.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme Awards recognise projects that go above and beyond in their commitment to the CCS Code of Considerate Practice, setting the standard for excellence in the construction industry. This award recognises Lowry Construction’s commitment to community engagement and workforce wellbeing as well as environmental care and innovation on-site.
Lowry Construction has since moved on to a number of new projects as Lee explains: “We’ve just finished a sea survival training centre at the BIM National Fisheries College in Greencastle and have handed over 29 social houses in Lifford to Donegal County Council. We’re currently working on three more social housing projects for Donegal County Council in Letterkenny (30 units), Carndonagh (20) and Gleneely (10).
“In addition, we’re building 34 social houses in Cushendall, Co. Antrim for Rural Housing Association. We’re also carrying out extensions to Finn Valley College and Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Ballinamore for Donegal ETB (Education and Training Board). So we have quite a lot going on.”
A vastly-experienced, highly-adaptable building contractor boasting a wealth of experience in successfully completing all types of private and public sector residential and commercial projects, including social housing, education, retail, healthcare, community and private housing developments, Lowry Construction directly employs 35 highly-skilled personnel who are supported and supplemented by the same tried and trusted subcontractors. The company continues to go from strength to strength under the direction of Stephen Lowry, whose late grandfather Jack established the Lowry name as a byword for construction excellence.
Lowry Construction Ltd.,
30 Carncorn Road,
Castlederg,
Co. Tyrone.
Telephone: 028 8167 0263
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.lowryconstruction.co.uk
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, September, Vol 11 No 10
