Features

The civil engineering, building and plant hire experts 

4 Sep , 2023  

Established in 2000, Kendra Enterprises Ltd is a one-stop shop for all your civil engineering, construction and plant hire needs. The family-run business continues to go from strength to strength by providing a range of exceptional services to the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. 

Operating from Baldonnell, Dublin 22, Kendra Enterprises comprises Kendra Civil Engineering, Kendra Developments and Kendra Plant Hire. Founder and managing director Dan Curtis runs the three divisions along with his son Danny and a 40-strong team. The company boasts a large and loyal customer-base which includes the ESB, South Dublin County Council and Kildare GAA, and enjoys an excellent relationship with Collen Construction, RNCE, Bretland Construction, Mainline Group, Al Reid Electrical and Clonmel Enterprises who it collaborates with on many projects. 

In civil engineering, Kendra delivers infrastructural projects in Power, Water, Telecommunications, Broadband, Drainage and Commercial Building in both challenging urban environments and sensitive rural landscapes whilst at the same time being committed to its Safety at Work culture in the workplace which is of paramount importance. 

“Our Kendra Developments subsidiary successfully builds architecturally-inspired new homes and extensions to exacting standards using up-to-date innovative technologies and products,” Danny says. 

“Our aim is to build economically in an energy-efficient manner to create sustainable building solutions. We work collaboratively with our clients to assist in enabling them to realise their vision. We recognise that the ongoing training and development of our management and operatives is essential for consistency and excellence in delivering projects thus assisting our business to prosper.” 

He continues: “When delivering these projects in challenging environments, we are conscious at all times of minimising disruption to all other stakeholders who are impacted by our ongoing and necessary works for these public utilities providers. We have particular skills in the management, coordination and delivery of projects in a safe manner. 

“We have also been active in the development of innovative techniques and viable value engineering solutions in order to minimise the impact of our operations on the wider environment.” 

With an extensive range of plant at its disposal, Kendra took the decision a few years ago to form a plant hire business to complement the other services provided. This division is overseen by Mike Devereaux. 

“It has really taken off and followed suit with the rest of our work,” the affable company director enthuses. 

“Our plant includes a full range of 1-14 tonne diggers and breakers, 1-10 tonne dumpers, telescopic handlers, rollers of various sizes, tower lights, concrete saws of all sizes, height for hire equipment, compactors, generators, drills, skill-saws and a selection of power tools, so we felt there was an opportunity to start a plant hire business. We can offer plant as self-drive or trained operator-driven as appropriate to customer needs.” 

Kendra Enterprises hasn’t looked back since it was awarded a prestigious contract by Dublin City Council just a year after its inception. 

“In 2001, we did the groundworks on the Luas Line and that was a massive project for us at the time. It really set us up and we have been busy ever since. Even through the recession, we were kept going as we were working for local authorities and the ESB, which we were very grateful for,” Danny continues. 

“We’re very flexible and have completed all types of projects since then. We undertake new builds, extensions, renovations and civils works. We work for the ESB on a regular basis and do a lot of public lighting in conjunction with Al Reid Electrical for South Dublin County Council. Another job we are currently doing for South Dublin County Council involves a new road layout, including cyclelane and a revamp of footpaths.” 

As Athy and Kildare GAA supporters, the Curtis’ are proud to be associated with Kildare GAA’s Centre of Excellence in Hawkfield. With the nearby St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge currently closed for redevelopment works, the state-of-the-art training facility is being upgraded to cater for the bigger matches it is now getting. 

“We’re doing drainage works and laying concrete for new footpaths and an extended car park. We’re also carrying out concrete works for a new stand. We’ve been in and out of Hawkfield since it was first developed a few years ago.” 

Danny is full of praise for Kendra’s crew of professional and highly-skilled workers. 

“Our people are our greatest asset. They are very good at what they do and benefit from ongoing training,” he says. 

Kendra Enterprises is a sister company of ECS Recruitment which has been on an upward trajectory since it was established in 2019. The agency’s success can be attributed to its unique approach to recruitment as industry professionals who understand the specific needs of clients rather than recruitment consultants trying to understand the industry. 

ECS Recruitment has evolved into a multi-faceted divisional organisation that provides a talented workforce to its clients. The business prides itself on preparing its candidates for future success in their roles. Its adaptability to the every-changing needs of its clients is a reflection of the quality and capability of its people. 

Danny concludes by saying: “We have had continued growth in the business over the past number of years and it would be nice to keep that going, but the shortage of skilled workers is something that is holding us back, so for the foreseeable future, the aim is to continue providing the services we are and ensure that we maintain that high level of service we are known for in the industry.” 

Kendra Enterprises would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as its staff for their hard work, dedication and expertise. 

Kendra Civil Engineering Irl Ltd, 

Kingswood, 

Baldonnell, 

Dublin 22. 

Phone: +353 (0)1 4595390 

Email: info@kendra 

Web: www.kendra.ie 

This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, August 2023, Vol 9 No 8