In an industry where women continue to be under-represented, Jasenka Culina excels in her role as O’Reilly Group Project Manager, so much so that she was shortlisted in the ‘Construction Project Manager – Over €10m’ category at the 2024 Irish Construction Excellence Awards.
Jasenka was recognised for her critical role in supplying €6.3 million worth of precast elements for the transformation of a Dublin commercial site into a residential complex, complete with commercial and childcare facilities. O’Reilly Group’s approach centred on offsite construction and the strategic use of BIM technologies which streamlined the build process, maintaining quality and safety while adhering to tight timelines and budget constraints.
Jasenka’s leadership was crucial to overcoming urban logistical challenges and prioritising sustainability, evidenced by the inclusion of GGBS in the precast concrete to reduce environmental impact. Valued at €38 million, the Deansgrange Road project for client Homeland not only met stringent Irish building standards, but also achieved an A-rated energy efficiency status, illustrating O’Reilly Group’s dedication to setting industry benchmarks for quality and efficiency.
The Cavan-headquartered company was also a finalist in the ‘Health, Safety & Wellbeing Initiative – Company T/O Up to €100m’ category at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards (ICE Awards), which are the original and premier recognition of performance excellence for the contracting 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.
“I’m honoured and delighted,” Jasenka says of her nomination.
“It was a fantastic project to work on which required precision planning in terms of scheduling and budget. We had eight-to-10 trucks delivering wall panels per day to a site that was in a very busy area and was difficult to access. We had a six-month schedule in which to complete our work. Thankfully, all deadlines were met and obstacles overcome.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who worked on the Deansgrange Road project for their fantastic support. It was a real team effort. My employers went above and beyond to support me. They provided me with everything I needed to meet all requirements. I’m also grateful to my bosses Emmet Cosgrove (CEO), John McMahon (Contracts Manager) and Terry Farrelly (Precast Director) for having the faith and confidence in me to assign me to this project.”
The old Irish saying ‘some woman for one woman’ could apply to Jasenka who successfully juggles a busy family and work life. Jasenka moved to Ireland from her native Croatia five years ago and has been with the O’Reilly Group for the past three years. She lives in Belturbet, Co. Cavan with her husband Drazen and children Marino (15), Mateo (six) and Tanja (five).
“I wanted to live somewhere different, so I told my husband I was moving to Ireland and within 15 days, we were on our way. It’s been the best decision we’ve ever made. We love it here in Ireland,” she smiles.
Jasenka’s career in construction exemplifies a blend of technical skill, leadership and a commitment to continual learning. Her journey began with a focus on detailed plan design where she quickly excelled in managing complex projects, especially in roofing and cladding. Jasenka’s transition into Project Management was driven by a desire to have a broader impact on project outcomes, combining her technical expertise with a passion for the industry.
Her professional development has been marked by a combination of real-world experience and ongoing education. This combination of practical experience and academic learning has been key to her success in managing diverse projects.
In this predominantly male-dominated field, Jasenka’s approach to problem-solving and leadership has made her stand out. Her role in the Deansgrange Road project, a major undertaking for O’Reilly Precast, is a testament to her capabilities. The company’s contribution to this project included a holistic supply of precast components such as Hollowcore floors, Precast Walls and Architectural Wall Panels (AWPs), which were integral in creating a mixed-use space that served both residential and community needs.
At O’Reilly Precast, Jasenka’s impact has been profound. Her leadership style, combining technical proficiency with an ability to unite and support her team, has fostered a collaborative and inclusive work environment. She excels in balancing technical aspects with team leadership and adapting to new challenges, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.
Her work on the Deansgrange project involved not just overseeing the delivery of high-quality precast components, but also integrating innovative solutions such as Weberwall brick-effect finishes. This approach not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the development, but also streamlined the construction process. The project also showcased her skills in innovative project delivery, managing a tight urban site with logistical constraints while adhering to schedules and budgets through strategic value engineering.
Jasenka’s focus on Health & Safety standards, efficient project management, and collaborative efforts with design, construction, and engineering teams contributed significantly to the success of the Deansgrange Road development. The lessons learned from this project have enriched O’Reilly Group’s project management approach, particularly in logistics and traffic management in urban settings.
In nominating Jasenka for the ICE Award, her employers acknowledge her exemplary contributions to the construction industry, her role as a leader and mentor, and her journey that demonstrates how dedication and adaptability are crucial for success in construction project management. Jasenka’s career and her work on the Deansgrange project represent a model for future projects, pushing the industry forward through the adoption of advanced construction techniques and technologies.
The goal for the Deansgrange project was to turn a former commercial site into a bustling, mixed-use residential area, a task that required both technical expertise and a creative approach. O’Reilly Group’s outstanding Project Manager played a central role in delivering these crucial elements, which included 10,731 m² of Hollowcore floors, 7,924 m² of Precast Walls, 5,720 m² of Architectural Wall Panels, 54 flights of stairs, and various beams and columns. Her approach to using offsite precast construction methods not only kept the project on schedule, but also minimised disruption in the neighbourhood.
Furthermore, Jasenka’s ability to add value was evident in her meticulous planning and execution. She successfully balanced the technical demands of the project with a keen eye for aesthetic detail, particularly in the selection of ‘Buff’ sandstone-coloured bricks from Ibstock PLC for the Architectural Wall Panels. This choice ensured that the new development would blend seamlessly with Deansgrange’s traditional character.
O’Reilly Group is one of the largest precast companies in Ireland and the UK who design, manufacture and install precast concrete buildings, including Residential, Commercial and Educational projects for a wide variety of clients. The Group’s head office is in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, while it has 10 production facilities located across counties Monaghan, Cavan, Meath and Westmeath as well as in Cardiff, which opened in October 2019 to cater for its growing UK business.
Employing 560 people directly and indirectly, the O’Reilly Group is made up of four companies – O’Reilly Concrete Ltd, Barleystone Paving Ltd, O’Reilly Oakstown Ltd and O’Reilly Precast (UK).
The Group’s main customers are in the construction sector with its concrete, blocks, paving and precast concrete products being utilised in a wide range of construction activities, ranging from small and large residential and office block projects through to schools, hotels and a variety of commercial projects.
O’Reilly Group
Head Office:
Larchfield,
Kingscourt,
Co. Cavan,
A82 HY00.
Telephone: +353 (0)42 9693500
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, July 2024, Vol 10 No 7
