In an industry where reputation is built project by project and relationship by relationship, ClanTech Electrical Services has quietly established itself as one of the South East’s most trusted electrical contractors. Building Ireland caught up with its Managing Director David Whelan to learn more.
From its base in Ballinamult, Co Waterford, the company has grown steadily since its foundation in 2009 and now employs 40 people, with four company vehicles on the road servicing projects across Ireland.
While the scale of the work has increased significantly over the years, Managing Director David Whelan remains firmly grounded and focused on the fundamentals that helped build the business in the first place — honesty, reliability and quality workmanship.
A former Waterford senior footballer, David is modest about the company’s achievements and quick to praise the people around him rather than take personal credit.
David’s sister Margaret (Accounts Manager) is a key part of the team in Ballinamult, as he highlighted the family element that remains central to the business.
That close-knit ethos continues to shape ClanTech’s culture today, even as the company takes on increasingly large and complex commercial and residential projects nationwide.
Business, thankfully, remains strong.
“I’ve always been very busy, thank God,” David said. “I’ve been busy, so touch wood it will keep going like that.”
That workload currently includes several high-profile developments, many of them delivered in partnership with Clancy Construction, a relationship ClanTech has carefully built over many years.
“One of the projects that we’re just finishing up would be the Ronald McDonald House, which is the family accommodation for the National Children’s Hospital Ireland which is tied in with St James’ Hospital. That’s a Clancy project,” David explained.
The Ronald McDonald House development represents a significant undertaking, providing accommodation and support facilities for families whose children are receiving treatment at the National Children’s Hospital. For ClanTech, involvement in such a meaningful project is a source of pride.
“That was a massive job for us,” David said. “The other one that we’re on at the moment would be Milbrook House in Abbeyleix, which is another project that Clancy are doing.”
Further expansion is also underway in Cork.
“We’re starting in Cork city as well working at Westside Court where there are two apartment complexes, so it’s busy here.
“We have other bits and pieces on-going as well, but that’s where we’re at now at the moment.”
Despite the increasing scale of operations, David believes the company’s continued growth comes down to maintaining high standards and building trust with clients.
“Our staff are excellent here and they’re honest, decent people that are working here,” he said.
“We do the job to the best of our ability and we’ve built a strong relationship with Clancy over the years. They trust us and we always pride ourselves on doing a good job.”
That emphasis on relationships and accountability has become a defining characteristic of ClanTech’s approach.
“With us, if there’s an issue or we make a mistake, Clancy will ring us and there’s no moaning from us. We’ll go and fix it and work with them to solve it,” David explained.
“There aren’t too many issues though. We’re an honest trustworthy company and, with Clancy, I think we’re a good fit.”
David is equally eager to acknowledge the contribution of his wider team, particularly Project Manager Paul Mulhern, who has played a major role in the company’s development.
“As I said, we’ve excellent staff working here and the main driving force behind that would be Paul Mulhern,” he said.
“Paul’s an unbelievably dedicated and trusted guy, technically very dedicated. He’s here eight or nine years, but we’re probably working together the best part of 30 years now.”
That continuity and shared experience have helped ClanTech develop a dependable delivery model that clients can rely on, particularly on large-scale projects where communication, responsiveness and technical expertise are essential.
The company’s growth has also created opportunities for new entrants to the electrical trade, something David is passionate about supporting.
“We are always adding staff,” he said. “We’ll have three or four more apprentices coming onboard now in the summer after their Leaving Certs.
“Job depending, you’d be hoping that we’ll have another couple more electricians to join us too. We’re always building the workforce here.”
Investing in apprentices and developing skilled tradespeople internally has become increasingly important across the construction and electrical sectors, particularly amid ongoing labour shortages nationwide.
ClanTech’s willingness to continually expand and train reflects confidence not only in the business itself, but also in the wider market outlook.
For David, however, sustainable growth matters more than rapid expansion.
“The hopes are to grow the business and grow with Clancy as well,” he put it simply.
That measured approach has served the company well over the past 17 years. Rather than aggressively chasing publicity or rapid scaling, ClanTech has built its reputation steadily through repeat business, strong delivery and dependable service.
Away from the workplace, there has also been sporting success connected to the ClanTech name in recent months. Clancy Construction/ClanTech (Tipperary) captured the Munster Inter Firms Intermediate hurling title this past March following a 5-12 to 2-15 victory over Clare Construction in UL — another positive chapter in an already memorable year.
Back in Ballinamult, however, the focus remains firmly on the day-to-day work of delivering projects, supporting clients and continuing to strengthen the team.
In an era where many businesses promote themselves loudly, ClanTech Electrical Services has taken a quieter route — one based on consistency, trust and solid working relationships.
Judging by the company’s current trajectory, it is an approach that continues to pay dividends.
Clantech Electrical Services Ltd
Kilcooney,
Ballinamult,
Co Waterford,
E91X0X7
Tel: 058 478 23
Mob: 087 780 8873
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, September 2026, Vol 12 No 9
ClanTech Electrical Services, featured
