Specialising in residential, educational, industrial and commercial projects, Jackie Folan Ltd has been a leading general building contractor in Connemara for over 30 years.
Founded in Carna, Co. Galway in the late 1980s by Jackie Folan, the family-run business is now fronted by Jackie’s son Paraic and employs 15 people directly – including Jackie’s daughter Martha – as well as many more on a subcontract basis. The company has earned an enviable reputation for providing top quality work on every project, and boasts an extensive portfolio ranging from home extensions and refurbishments to large-scale commercial and public works.
Outstanding workmanship, attention to detail, value-for-money and a commitment to working closely with clients to deliver total satisfaction are the hallmarks of Jackie Folan Ltd. Health & Safety is at the core of the business, and never more so than since the Covid-19 pandemic. From concept to completion, the Folan team is with you every step of the way, ensuring that your new project is designed and built to your specific needs, and that there are no hidden or extra costs involved.
Whether your next project is a new build, extension or renovation, Jackie Folan Ltd’s one-stop shop approach will ensure that both the design and building processes are smooth, comfortable and hassle-free. The Galway contractor’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 its engineers and architects, and using only the very best building products, this fully insured contractor is able to deliver the highest quality construction to its clients. As a CIF and CIRI member, Jackie Folan Ltd does everything by the book.
“We carry out about 90% of our projects in Connemara,” Paraic explains.
“Our work varies from one-off new house builds, house extensions and renovations to school extensions and commercial projects. We’re also on the OPW Framework for Construction Works and provide a callout service for them. Our goal with every project is to not only meet expectations, but to exceed them.”
Jackie Folan Ltd’s hands-on crew of carpenters, block-layers, plant operators and general labourers are supported by the same tried and trusted sub-contractors, including Tommy Walsh Plumbing and Máirtín Loftus Plastering. The company’s main suppliers are Clifden Supplies, Nicholas O’Connor Homevalue, McMahon’s Builders Providers (Galway), Roadstone and McGrath’s Quarries, while the architects / engineers it collaborates with on a regular basis are Pat Sullivan in Carraroe, Stephen Wallace in Carraroe, AXO Architects in Oughterard, Enda O’Malley & Associates in Clifden and Tom Healy Consulting Engineers in Clifden and many more.
“We enjoy a good relationship with our sub-contractors, suppliers and design people which is very important because it’s a team effort at the end of the day. We’re all on the same team.”
The contractor has a number of live projects, including three new house builds. Two in Inverin and one in Oughterard, a house refurbishment in Kilkerrin and the construction of two new steel-frame units to house fire engines on the Aran Islands of Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin. Recently completed projects include a large extension to Carraroe National School and smaller extensions to Lettermore, Carna and Ard National Schools. The Carraroe National School extension consisted of five new classrooms along with a new principal’s office and staffroom.
Jackie Folan Ltd also recently carried out disability works at Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara in Carna and built on an extension to the Standún gift store in Oughterard.
“We’re always kept busy,” Paraic reports.
“We’ve done a lot of educational work in the last few years. The 650 square metre extension to Carraroe National School was our biggest of late. We cover a wide range of sectors which means we’re never short of work.”
He continued: “We’re fortunate to have a great team at a time when skilled workers are extremely hard to come by. We also have our own plant and equipment for groundworks, so we’re very much a one-stop shop for all your building requirements.”
The cost of building materials has sky-rocketed in the last two years and this is being acutely felt in the new build sector. However, Paraic is confident that the worst is over. “There are signs that costs are starting to settle down a bit.”
There is no doubt that the future of the business is in safe hands as Paraic looks to build on his father’s legacy and to keep Jackie Folan Ltd on an upward trajectory. He would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients, suppliers and designers for their continued support as well as his staff and sub-contractors for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Jackie Folan Ltd
Carna,
Co. Galway,
H91 D456.
Mobile: 087 783 5810
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, May 2023, Vol 9 No 5
