Healthy Homes Ireland, in partnership with the Irish Green Building Council and VELUX, hosted a pivotal breakfast event in Dublin this summer, highlighting the urgent need for retrofitting homes to enhance both mental and physical well-being.
The event spotlighted the latest Healthy Buildings Barometer, an annual report by VELUX and BPIE (Building Performance Institute Europe), which assesses the state of housing across the EU. This year’s findings are particularly concerning for Ireland, emphasising the critical need for accelerated retrofitting efforts.
Key Findings for Ireland:
- Renovation Needs: Ireland’s required renovation rate is +2900%, significantly higher than the EU’s +1400%.
- Damp Issues: A 22% increase in damp problems has been reported in Irish homes.
- Daylight Deficiency: Around 275,000 Irish residents live without sufficient daylight in their homes.
- Indoor Air Quality: 25% of Europeans, including a substantial number in Ireland, live in buildings with substandard indoor air quality.
- Positive Trend: A 13.5% reduction in CO2 emissions in Ireland was observed from 2015 to 2020.
Dr. Caroline Düvier from BPIE presented these findings, emphasising the need for urgent action: “Ireland is lagging behind the EU in renovating homes to make them healthier. With rising issues like dampness and insufficient daylight, immediate steps are essential to improve the living conditions across the country.”
The event featured insightful panel discussions focusing on the critical areas of concern in Irish homes and proposed actionable recommendations to enhance the health and sustainability of residential buildings.
Dr. Ola Løkken Nordrum, representing Irish Doctors for the Environment, underscored the direct connection between housing quality and health. He noted, “Our homes should be sanctuaries for health, but for many in Ireland, they are not. Issues like air pollution, dampness, and lack of sunlight are rampant. Awareness is the first step, but action must follow. Healthier homes mean healthier lives.”
Kevin O’Rourke, Chair of Healthy Homes Ireland, echoed these sentiments, calling for immediate governmental action. He stated, “Our research, including the ‘Towards Healthier Greener Homes’ report, clearly shows the profound impact of housing quality on well-being. We need swift and decisive action to ensure that everyone in Ireland can live in a healthy, green home. Investing in this now will not only improve health outcomes but also reduce future healthcare costs.”
We at AOCA Ltd offer private clients comprehensive services for building and extensions, providing tailored solutions that meet individual needs and budgets. We specialise in both structural and civil engineering, ensuring projects are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and sustainable. We at AOCA Ltd handle everything from initial design and planning to project management and final certification, making the process seamless for our clients. Please call us on 01 4243035 /057 86 63244 or send an email to info@aoca.ie, if you require any further information.
Heath ChurchJuly 25, 2023 - 9:56 am
Residential ApartmentsJuly 25, 2023 - 8:26 am
St Brigids National SchoolJuly 20, 2023 - 8:30 am
Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant Recognised with Prestigious Awards
/by Ciara GyvesAOCA Engineering is proud to announce that the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, a landmark project in which we played a central role, has been recognised with significant national awards for both its environmental and architectural contribution.
The facility has been honoured with the Architectural Association of Ireland’s (AAI) Downes Medal for architectural merit, and has also been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Public Choice Award 2025. These awards highlight not only the importance of the project in delivering vital infrastructure, but also its innovative approach to design and integration within the community.
A Long-Awaited Solution
For decades, Arklow faced the challenge of untreated wastewater discharges into the Avoca River and the Irish Sea, in breach of environmental legislation. The new plant finally addresses this long-standing issue, bringing an end to the discharge of untreated effluent and safeguarding both public health and the local environment.
Engineering & Architectural Excellence
Constructed on the site of the old Wallboard Factory at Ferrybank, the €139 million plant is designed to serve an initial population equivalent of 24,000, with capacity to expand to 36,000. Beyond its technical capabilities, the project stands out for its architectural design, with striking façades inspired by Arklow’s maritime landscape and features that enhance both sustainability and biodiversity.
The facility incorporates advanced treatment processes, new interceptor sewers, and a long sea outfall for treated wastewater. Energy efficiency has been prioritised, with gravity-led flows, rooftop solar panels, and design elements that minimise operational impact.
A Collaborative Achievement
AOCA Engineering is honoured to have contributed our expertise to this transformative development. The project has been widely recognised as an example of what can be achieved when engineering and architecture work hand in hand to deliver sustainable infrastructure that benefits both the environment and the community.
We congratulate our project partners and all those involved in bringing this milestone achievement to completion.
A New Chapter at AOCA
/by Ciara GyvesAfter nearly three decades leading one of Ireland’s most respected engineering consultancies, Aidan O’Connell is stepping down as Managing Director of AOCA (formerly Aidan O’Connell & Associates Ltd.), closing a remarkable chapter in Irish civil and structural engineering.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Aidan for his exceptional leadership, technical excellence, and dedication. His vision is deeply embedded in AOCA’s culture, and his mentorship has shaped the careers of countless engineers and professionals. We are delighted that Aidan will continue to contribute as a consultant, ensuring his guidance remains part of our journey.
Passing the Baton
The leadership of AOCA now passes to our new Managing Director Philip O’Connell, alongside Director Brian Byrne and Associate Directors Emmett O’Reilly and Colin Scott. Together, this team will uphold AOCA’s high standards while driving growth, innovation, and continued excellence in engineering solutions.
Meet the Leadership Team:
The effects of climate change are increasingly visible in Ireland
/by Ciara GyvesIn recent years, Ireland has seen a significant rise in extreme weather events, raising public concern regarding the nation’s preparedness for future flooding. A survey by Engineers Ireland found that 95% of the public are worried about potential flood risks, with 58% questioning the sufficiency of current flood defence infrastructure.
According to data from Met Éireann, 2024 was recorded as the hottest year globally, while 2023 marked Ireland’s warmest year ever. Experts caution that the country is not ready for the escalating extremes of climate change, as evidenced by recent severe weather occurrences.
The recent damage inflicted by Storm Éowyn, which brought record-breaking wind speeds and widespread power outages, illustrates Ireland’s vulnerability to such events. The storm resulted in approximately €200 million in damages and left 768,000 buildings without electricity. This situation underscores the urgent need for Ireland to enhance its infrastructure and emergency climate planning.
To tackle these challenges it is important of investing in innovative technologies, renewable solutions, and improved management of critical infrastructure. A comprehensive approach is vital to protect essential services and the country’s resilience against the growing impacts of climate change.
As Structural Engineers, we specialise in designing, constructing, and maintaining vital infrastructure such as flood barriers, levees, and drainage systems. Our expertise ensures that these structures can endure extreme weather events, thereby protecting communities and critical assets.
Accurate flood risk assessments are crucial for effective flood management strategies. We at AOCA Ltd, perform these assessments by analysing various flooding mechanisms—such as groundwater, surface water, and coastal floods—to identify potential risks and develop suitable mitigation measures. For more information call us on 057 8663244 or visit www.aoca.ie.
Positions Open
AOCA Engineering Consultants are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Structural Engineer , Structural Technician, Fire Engineer & Building Surveyor to join our growing team. The role will be based in our Dublin or Portlaoise offices, and the successful candidate will work closely with Senior Engineers and Project Managers.
We offer a competitive salary package, opportunities for professional growth and development, and a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
Structural Engineer
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Requirements:
Structural Technician
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Fire Engineer
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Building Surveyor
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Government Prioritises Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024
/by Ciara GyvesApartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024
The Irish government has approved the priority drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024, which addresses fire safety, structural, and water ingress issues in buildings constructed between 1991 and 2013. Under the new legislation, 100% of eligible remediation costs will be covered.
This remediation scheme, estimated at over €2 billion, aims to protect apartment and duplex owners affected by these construction defects. The Housing Agency will oversee the process, ensuring Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs) receive the funding necessary to carry out these critical repairs.
Key Facts About the Remediation Scheme:
Minister Darragh O’Brien emphasised the importance of moving swiftly to protect homeowners and said the bill is a significant step forward. In the interim, the Emergency Fire Safety Scheme remains open, providing temporary support while full legislation is finalised.
According to a government study, nearly 80% of apartment buildings constructed between 1991 and 2013 may be affected by these defects, affecting up to 100,000 homes.
The Apartment Owners Network, Construction Defects Alliance, and the Not Our Fault Campaign have played a crucial role in shaping this legislation, ensuring that homeowners’ concerns are addressed.
For more information on the bill and its progress, visit the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage here and stay updated through AOCA’s news here.
Healthy Homes Ireland Retrofit
/by Ciara GyvesHealthy Homes Ireland, in partnership with the Irish Green Building Council and VELUX, hosted a pivotal breakfast event in Dublin this summer, highlighting the urgent need for retrofitting homes to enhance both mental and physical well-being.
The event spotlighted the latest Healthy Buildings Barometer, an annual report by VELUX and BPIE (Building Performance Institute Europe), which assesses the state of housing across the EU. This year’s findings are particularly concerning for Ireland, emphasising the critical need for accelerated retrofitting efforts.
Key Findings for Ireland:
Dr. Caroline Düvier from BPIE presented these findings, emphasising the need for urgent action: “Ireland is lagging behind the EU in renovating homes to make them healthier. With rising issues like dampness and insufficient daylight, immediate steps are essential to improve the living conditions across the country.”
The event featured insightful panel discussions focusing on the critical areas of concern in Irish homes and proposed actionable recommendations to enhance the health and sustainability of residential buildings.
Dr. Ola Løkken Nordrum, representing Irish Doctors for the Environment, underscored the direct connection between housing quality and health. He noted, “Our homes should be sanctuaries for health, but for many in Ireland, they are not. Issues like air pollution, dampness, and lack of sunlight are rampant. Awareness is the first step, but action must follow. Healthier homes mean healthier lives.”
Kevin O’Rourke, Chair of Healthy Homes Ireland, echoed these sentiments, calling for immediate governmental action. He stated, “Our research, including the ‘Towards Healthier Greener Homes’ report, clearly shows the profound impact of housing quality on well-being. We need swift and decisive action to ensure that everyone in Ireland can live in a healthy, green home. Investing in this now will not only improve health outcomes but also reduce future healthcare costs.”
We at AOCA Ltd offer private clients comprehensive services for building and extensions, providing tailored solutions that meet individual needs and budgets. We specialise in both structural and civil engineering, ensuring projects are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and sustainable. We at AOCA Ltd handle everything from initial design and planning to project management and final certification, making the process seamless for our clients. Please call us on 01 4243035 /057 86 63244 or send an email to info@aoca.ie, if you require any further information.
Shortlisted for the Irish Building and Design Awards, recognised as being ‘Best in Class’
/by Ciara GyvesGovernment Announces Interim Fire Safety Funding for Celtic Tiger-Era Apartments
/by Ciara GyvesAOCA Engineering Consultants were appointed as Design Lead and Project Manager on this £9m Fire Safety and Cladding Remediation project in the U.K.
/by Ciara GyvesNORTHERN IRELAND remediation specialist, Anamore, has completed a £9m cladding remediation and fire compliance project at the Orchard Plaza apartment complex in Poole, Dorset. The 13-storey apartment building remediation works were carried out in three phases. Externally, this consisted of the removal of non-compliant ACM and HPL panels, along with all combustible elements behind the existing façade. This was all attainable through a complex scaffolding system erected on site, which was wrapped in non-combustible monoflex to help ensure the integrity of the building throughout the duration of the project. Working with the client’s design team lead by AOCA Engineering Consultants, the design and installation of the non-combustible cladding system was finalised. Anamore used A1 rated construction materials and the final design incorporated Vitradual aluminium rainscreen panels and the Vitrafix carrier system by Valcan, weather defence external sheathing board, EPDM, Effisus breather membrane, Rainscreen Duo Slab external wall insulation and the full implementation of Siderise cavity barriers. Fire Compliance Internally, the fire compliance works entailed the refurbishment of all internal fire door sets throughout the apartment complex and replacement of a number of others. The communal areas and apartment lobby areas required full “above ceiling” fire compartmentation works. Due to the makeup of the building having an old structural clay pot system, all penetrations from floor to floor such as SVPs required the install of fire/ smoke resistant seals at each point. All communal hallway ceilings were replaced with a new Kemwell suspended fire rated ceiling system, complete with above ceiling fire barriers in each apartment. The intrusiveness of these works having to be conducted with residents in situ was far from easy, the team said. It took a full team effort with constant tenant liaison ensuring works could be conducted in a prompt manner to best suit all involved with as minimal disruption as possible. James McCallan, Co-Founder & Director of Anamore, said: “We are passionate about finishing work to the highest quality, ensuring that homeowners can return to their properties with the knowledge and peace of mind that their property is safe and compliant to all current regulations. The project took a total of 22 months to complete which was both on time and on budget. We had a brilliant working relationship with the Client’s Design Team Lead by Aidan O’Connell from AOCA Engineering Consultants, this ensured a pro-active and open-minded approach to every element of the works”. “As we enter 2024, we’re projecting a significant increase in remedial works as the requirements on developers through the building safety repairs pledge come into force, and the governments Building Safety Fund being rolled out as part of the Building Safety Programme.”
Unfortunate news for homeowners as the wait prolongs for apartment defects remediation until later in 2024.
/by Ciara GyvesUnfortunate news for homeowners as legislative hurdles prolong the wait for apartment defects remediation until later in 2024. Deputy Duncan Smith recently sought clarification from the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage regarding the anticipated timeline for the draft legislation supporting the remediation of defects in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013.
In February 2021, responding to the pressing issue of defects in housing, the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage established a Working Group. A critical aspect of this initiative involves the formulation of a Code of Practice, aligning with the Fire Services Acts, which was officially introduced in July 2022.
The Code of Practice for the Remediation of Fire Safety Defects stands as a cornerstone, promoting a reasonable and practical approach to addressing fire safety concerns. Its primary objective is to establish a uniform nationwide strategy for remediation, offering guidance to Owners’ Management Companies (OMCs) and the broader industry. Moving forward, this Code of Practice will play a pivotal role in supporting the implement of the remediation scheme, subject to periodic reviews.
Notably, the Code provides crucial guidance to OMCs, building professionals, and local authority building control/fire services. It encompasses interim safety measures within the framework of the Fire Services Acts of 1981 & 2003. Collaborative efforts with the local authority sector, particularly Fire Services, are ongoing to establish processes and structures aligned with the Code of Practice.
The anticipated timeline for the draft legislation, initially expected in the first half of 2024, now suggests a delay. This legislative framework is crucial as it sets the stage for the implementation of the statutory scheme, now projected for later in the same year.
For the latest and most comprehensive updates on the progress of the remediation scheme and other related developments, stay connected with the AOCA website. Alternatively, feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to assist you with any queries you may have.