There are many different aspects to the construction industry as it takes people with various skills in the sector to see a job through
to the end.
From electricians to plumbers to bricklayers to plasterers and carpenters, all have a common link in that they rely on scaffolders at some point in their job.
Scaffolding is a forgotten art in the building trade, but without scaffolding how would other tradesmen actually get the job done? During the Celtic Tiger, tower cranes and scaffolding were the two main sights on any development being constructed during that period.
In the past eighteen months or so, these sights are once again becoming common place around the country.
Cork is home to one of Ireland’s leading scaffolding companies and for this month’s edition of Building Ireland, we profile Donovan Access and speak to Business Manager, Maggie O’Donovan about the success of the business.
Located in Blackpool on the outskirts of Cork City, Donovan Access was established in 1986 by John Donovan, but his son Sean is the current Managing Director.
A quantity surveyor by profession, Sean has helped bring the business forward after his late father’s hard work and toil established the business and got it off the ground in the first place.
Donovan Access is a scaffolding company with services. Covering the Cork and greater Munster area, the experience garnered over the last 29 years has stood them in good stead as their customers have always been satisfied with the quality of work produced.
“From the very beginning when John started the business, there was always a huge emphasis on providing a high standard of work and that is something that Sean has never let lapse with that trend,” said Maggie.
“We have a lot of repeat custom over the years and with the knowledge and experience we have acquired in running the company, our customers know that they will receive a quality service all of the time.”
Having initially started in the mid-eighties when Ireland was in the midst of yet another recession, and now having come through the latest downturn, has certainly helped build the character of the business.
“I would say we are stronger for having come through two recessions and you learn a lot along the way. There is a lot of time and effort put into the company and every decision is taken with the utmost care.
“Although we used the latest recession to reassess the core structure of the company, we have noticed that work has certainly picked up over the course of the last 18 months or so.
“We were fortunate during the last recession, to continue working with businesses that were not directly involved in the construction industry and that certainly helped us.”
Maggie pointed out compliance with all health and safety at work legislation is of paramount importance to the company.
“We do not cut corners, it’s as simple as that. There are regular checks done on the scaffolding and we would upgrade the scaffold on a regular basis too. All legislation is adhere too and Sean has always implored that on the scaffolding employees who to their credit are very conscious of it anyway.”
Maggie added that they are looking forward to the future as Sean and his team work hard to continue what his father first set out to do and that was provide an excellent and efficient service to their customers.
“The company has been re-energised over the last year or so and certainly the immediate future looks very bright. We have a number of jobs ongoing at the moment and are continuously pricing a lot of new work, so hopefully more will come out of that.”
So why would a customer choose Donovan Access? Maggie can list a number of reasons for choosing them.
“We have a highly trained and experienced staff. We are fully insured with an award winning health and safety record. We provide a flexible and extensive range of services.
“Our team can meet your access requirements for multifaceted and major projects – whatever the complexity. Our focus will always be on safety and efficiency to ensure that your project will operate securely and professionally.
“We will provide access to specialist design personnel who will be able to meet your specific individual requirements. We are experienced in designing access for residential housing through to commercial establishments which include the production of drawings and calculations where necessary, including wind loadings and load bearing. If proposed scaffold cannot be erected in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, we can provide scaffold design to verify the strength and stability of the scaffold.”
Contact Details:
Products & Services
Donovan Access Limited.
Brocklesby Street,
Blackpool,
Cork, Ireland.
Telephone: 021 421 2270
E: [email protected]/
Website: www.donovanaccess.ie
Taken from Building Ireland magazine Vol 1 No 2, Winter 2015
