Two prominent construction firms with significant operations across Ireland, Charles Brand and McLaughlin & Harvey, have been named among the 18 contractors appointed to Peel Ports Group's new construction framework. This framework, potentially worth up to £750 million (approximately €875 million), will cover a substantial programme of works at Peel Ports' sites in both the UK and Ireland, including Dublin Port.

The port operator has established a multi-lot framework spanning up to eight years, designed to underpin the delivery of their long-term construction pipeline. This pipeline includes upgrades to existing infrastructure and the development of new facilities across Peel Ports' extensive network of logistics hubs.

The framework is divided into three lots:

• Lot 1: General Construction: Encompasses drainage, road and carpark construction and maintenance, earthworks, ground remediation, foundations, piling, warehouse construction and refurbishment, paving, surfacing, concrete works, rail construction, bridge construction and refurbishment, and demolition.

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• Lot 2: Marine Construction: Covers specialist marine works such as piling, asset renewal and refurbishment, berthing furniture and bollards, quay walls, lock and sluice gate maintenance and replacement, and RoRo facilities.

• Lot 3: National Lot for Major Projects: Details of the specific projects within this lot have not been disclosed, but it signifies larger scale developments across the Peel Ports estate.

Alongside Charles Brand and McLaughlin & Harvey, other appointed contractors include A E Yates, C Spencer, Erith Contractors, Glencar, GPS Marine & Civil Services, J Murphy & Sons, Jackson Framework, John Graham Construction, JT Mackley & Co, Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure, Mackenzie Construction, Octavius, RJ McLeod, Southbay Civil Engineering, Story Contracting, and Taziker Industrial.

While the framework covers Peel Ports' UK sites, the inclusion of Dublin Port highlights the significance of the Irish market for the group and the opportunity for Irish-based firms to secure substantial projects.

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director - Port Services at Peel Ports Group, commented on the appointments: "We're pleased to announce the 18 contractors who have been selected to carry out this important work across our ports in the UK and Ireland. This rigorous procurement process has allowed us to select the very best regional and national partners, who will support the ongoing development of our network of logistics hubs. We look forward to working closely with them on the design and build of various exciting projects in the months and years ahead, all of which are the result of substantial investment in the future of our operations."

Peel Ports Group emphasised that all bidders were required to demonstrate high standards in health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements, including local community engagement and supporting the company's ambition to become a net-zero port operator by 2040. The appointment of Charles Brand and McLaughlin & Harvey signifies the strong reputation and capabilities of Irish construction firms in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.