Celebrating 21 years in business, Riverside Mechanical Ltd is a leading mechanical firm with expertise in the installation of HVAC systems and building services.
Part of the Riverside Group, its key services are Installation of HVAC systems, automated BMS controls, design development, fire prevention, building services, BIM, energy management, asset management, value engineering & more recently a Facilities & Maintenance division.
In response to client’s requirements, requests, and primarily to protect their warranties after installation: Riverside Group recognised the need to develop a Maintenance Department. Riverside Maintenance was established and more recently evolved into RM Reliance Ltd. With their own growing client base and excellent client feedback, it is exciting times ahead.
From humble beginnings in 2005 when Riverside Mechanical was founded by executive director Derek Brennan, it has now grown into a national top 10 mechanical contractor with 55 highly-skilled employees. The Ballycoolin-based company’s growth has been based on continued development offering clients a professional, flexible and competitive service while maintaining best practice in everything it does.
It goes without saying that Riverside Mechanical’s greatest asset is its people. This, combined with a focus on availability, flexibility and a quality service, has allowed the company to develop lasting and trusting relationships with its valued clients, with repeat business accounting for a large part of its turnover.
Riverside Mechanical is fronted by Tony Ptohopoulos, who has a wealth of experience in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, and led its flagship design-and-build project at Sports Ireland’s National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown.
“We work across all sectors, from apartment blocks to schools, healthcare and sports & leisure to data centers,” the affable managing director explains.
“We can service any project needing mechanical services which wouldn’t be possible without our amazing team, most of whom have been with us for 10 years or more. They look after us and we look after them. One of the perks of the job is having our Christmas parties abroad. We were in Edinburgh last Christmas and destinations like Munich and Prague before that. It all helps to build team morale.”
Tony continues: “We have strong BIM, estimating, engineering, procurement, purchasing and construction departments which are complemented by a separate maintenance division that trades under the new name of RM Reliance. This is a standalone company which we hand over the maintenance packages to and is steadily building up its own client-base.
“We’ve completed multiple 1,000-unit apartments and many schools over the past 21 years. We recently handed over the Shackleton Museum in Athy, Co. Kildare, while our other recent projects have included the new Enfield Community College in Co. Meath and Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland beside the new National Children’s Hospital in Dublin.
“Some of the previous projects we have successfully delivered include the Sports Ireland National Indoor Arena, the National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital in Portrane, Cherrywood TC2, TUD Blanchardstown and UCD student accommodation.
“Our key focus for 2026 is to further develop RM Reliance and to expand on our data centre portfolio in Ireland and beyond. To this end, we’re currently carrying out retrofit and maintenance works on a small scale.”
Riverside Mechanical has been recognised with multiple accolades over the years, including Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Awards, Irish Construction Excellence Awards, Fit-Out Awards and Irish Construction Industry Awards. The company’s commitment to best practice and high standards is underscored by its certification to three international business standards: ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational, Health & Safety Management System.
Riverside Mechanical’s in-house quality, health & safety and environmental managers are responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining its QHSE management system. Ensuring quality documentation processes are carried out in compliance with health & safety legislation, the contractor is also committed to reducing its environmental impact, protecting the wellbeing of its teams and making sure that the highest standards are maintained.
A key service offered by Riverside Mechanical is BIM. A team of coordinators deliver onsite BIM services such as Revit MEP coordination, clash detection services, coordination management, Point Cloud to Revit, field verification, asset management and as-built drawings (2D and 3D). The team is on hand to deliver a seamless handover of documentation and the flexibility to be available as and when required.
RM Reliance is headed up by Helen McManus and Ian Mackenzie in response to clients’ requirements, requests and, primarily, to protect their warranties after installation. With Helen’s background in ISO management systems and facilities management, coupled with Ian’s extensive mechanical experience, they very quickly implemented these same systems and standards into this maintenance department.
The RM Reliance team not only meet client expectations, but also understand their individual needs, and are proactive in offering them solutions and delivering a high standard of service. This is reflected in the high volume of repeat business. Furthermore, the willingness of clients to provide positive feedback is a testament to the team’s meticulous nature and their dedication to customer service.
RM Reliance/Riverside recently appeared on our TV screens when they participated in RTE’ One’s ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’. Team members helped to transform the Wicklow home of 17-year-old Kyle Ferguson, who has cerebral palsy.
“We were honored to work alongside other volunteers in creating a life-changing space for Kyle and his family, showcasing great community spirit and teamwork,” Tony adds.
As the Riverside Group continues to go from strength to strength, Tony would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients and suppliers for their unwavering support as well as its high-calibre team for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Here’s to the next 21 years!
Riverside Mechanical Ltd
Unit A6, Centerpoint.
Rosemount Business Park,
Ballycoolin,
Dublin 11.
Telephone: 01 866 5862
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.riversidemechanical.ie
RM Reliance Ltd
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.reliancefm.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, June 2026, Vol 12 No 6
