MCG Construction Group is an exceptional family-run building firm with expertise in retrofits, renovations, and new builds. Providing clients with a wide range of services to cover all their needs, the company employs a top-class team who have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to bring your dreams to life.
Based in Portlaw, Co. Waterford, MCG Construction Group prides itself on delivering beautifully designed bespoke luxury homes in the region. Outstanding workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money, and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of the operation which also places a strong emphasis on Health & Safety and sustainability. From concept to completion, the team is with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs.
“With building materials being so expensive at the moment, we try to make your money go that bit further without compromising on quality,” MCG Construction Group managing director Jeannie Morrissey says.
“We’ve got a good name for energy efficient retrofits and have exceeded all our BER targets to date and since we have incorporated project management into our range of services, not only does it allows our customers to have more control over their builds, but it allows them to have fun and learn new skills while doing it.
A home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your life but with the significant price increases in all building materials and the ever-growing cost of living people need to save where they can and having a project manager with the skills and knowledge of a building contractor at hand takes the stress away but also ensures you will be given the very best advice on your construction journey.
With all new builds and retrofits there is a shortfall between trades, jobs that don’t fall under the remit of any one particular trade that have to be picked up and completed within a certain time frame to keep the project moving, these are jobs that we can teach/instruct clients to carry out in order to save money, we are also there to programme upcoming work which will lead to a successful cost effective project.
“We have shown clients how to do a variety of jobs on site to find savings and it’s not just adults the kids can join in too often when moving homes kids are nervous too but when they come for a site visit we try and give them a happy memory we will gear them up to look the part and then help them lay a brick in their new home expressing to them that this is the most important brick in the whole building and to see the little smiles on their faces, it’s priceless. It’s lovely to see a whole family bond over something that often tends to be so stressful.
“We are very passionate about building. It’s not just a job to us, we are always upskilling whether it’s on modern methods of construction or NZEB/ZEB which is a vital part of any new build or retrofit where houses need to become more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions. Thanks to the WWETB (Waterford/Wexford Education & Training Board) for allowing us access to their on-site training courses.
“We built our family home in 2007 and when we retrofitted it in 2022, it went from a B2 to an A1 rating. We wanted to see how effective an A1 rated home runs and to be able to give our honest opinion when we stand in front of our clients.
“At present, we’re finishing a new passive home, An A2 rated home as well as three major retrofits including a block built 1960’s bungalow, an old rofab house built in the 1960s near the coast.
“In addition, we’re transforming an old Bank of Ireland building into a new home, keeping the unique original elements such as the Vault door, so we have a great variety, and we are always looking for a challenge.”
Jeannie holds diplomas in both Interior Design and Building & Construction. She is also fully qualified in NZEB / passive homes and is a Manual Handling instructor, with all Health & Safety management and compliance overseen in-house.
MCG Construction Group has gone from strength to strength since it was founded by Jeannie and her husband Jimmy in 2017 after returning from Australia where they spent over five-years both in the construction industry, so when we returned, we hit the ground running and haven’t stopped since.
As someone who is blazing a trail in a male-dominated environment, it’s no surprise to hear that Jeannie is a strong advocate for women in construction.
“At this stage, I think I’ve earned my seat at the table. Yes, we are managing directors but we are hands-on, the same hands that sign the contracts also do the work and I certainly won’t ask anyone to do anything on-site that I wouldn’t or already have done myself.
“It is a tough job out there for all trades at the moment after coming off the back of a long and very wet winter and it is a tough industry at the best of times and the huge shortage of trades doesn’t help either.
“But we have a lot of very talented young men and women in Ireland and I would have no hesitation in giving a young woman a start or offering advice into different ways in which she could get involved. Ireland’s construction industry has been known as a male- dominated industry but I have never been made to feel uncomfortable or been treated any differently by any trade ever.
“In my opinion, construction is an industry that women didn’t pursue because they mightn’t have been given all the information, now with different schools and colleges offering a variety of subjects as well as training centers has opened the field completely giving a lot of guidance & support to get you on your way.”
The Co. Waterford contracting firm’s reputation for quality construction and ability to complete projects on time and within the agreed budget is borne out by the high volume of repeat business and referrals it receives from design teams and scores of satisfied clients. By employing highly skilled people, working closely with engineers and architects, and using only the very best building products, this fully insured company is able to deliver the highest quality construction to its clients.
MCG Construction Group’s professional team is supported and supplemented by the same tried and tested subcontractors who are leading contractors in their field, including JMG Solar Solutions, DEMC Heating & Plumbing, Paul Kirwan Plant Hire & Groundworks & James Hayes Carpentry. Its main suppliers are Morris’ Building Providers & DIY in Waterford, Roadstone, Doyle’s Concrete, Pierce Hire and Clem Jacobs who all source specialist products when required.
“We enjoy an excellent relationship with all of our industry partners and couldn’t do what we do without them,” Jeannie proudly states.
As MCG Construction Group prepares to celebrate 10 years in business in 2027, Jeannie and Jimmy would like to take this opportunity to thank their clients, suppliers, and design teams for their unwavering support as well as their staff and subcontractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
MCG Construction Group
Tir na nOg,
Kilmovee,
Portlaw,
Co. Waterford,
Tel: 087 355 6470
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, October 2026, Vol 12 No 11
featured, MCG Construction Group
