Irish architects have completed some of the most innovative work ever seen in the sector, according to Roger Dunwoody, Chairman of the trustees of the Construction Industry Federation and member of the Bank of Ireland Opus Architecture & Construction Awards 2008 panel of assessors.

He was speaking at the launch of Bank of Ireland Opus Architecture & Construction Awards 2008 where details of the Awards were announced. They will take place at a gala lunch in the newly-refurbished Concert Hall at the RDS, Dublin on Tuesday 4 November.

Mr Dunwoody said: "Ireland enjoys a reputation for excellence in innovation and this year's entries for the Bank of Ireland Opus Awards highlight that this is nowhere more evident than in the architecture sector.

"In a rapidly changing construction sector, innovation both in design and in the application of the increasingly important eco agenda will set Irish architecture apart from its global competitors."

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Speaking on behalf of the sponsor, Gerry Burke, Managing Director, Global Property Finance at Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking said: "This is our fourth year in sponsoring the Bank of Ireland Opus Awards and the quality of entries continues to be of a very high standard and improves each year. This clearly reflects the talent and commitment of these participating in the awards scheme.

"We wish all entrants our best wishes in what will be another competitive Bank of Ireland Opus Awards in 2008."

The Bank of Ireland Opus Awards recognise excellence in design and construction by architects and contractors. The judging process involves two initial sessions in which the five expert judges assess entries and draft a short list.

The winners will then be announced at the official lunch on Tuesday 4 November. Short listed entries are visited individually to allow assessors to view the buildings first hand.

There are eight categories in total including The Art in Architecture Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Bank of Ireland OPUS Architecture & Construction Heritage Award (Conservation & Restoration).

The number and diversity of projects entered underscores the fact that whilst house and apartment block completions are down, all other market segments reflect buoyant activity levels over the last 12 months.

A display of this year's shortlisted finalists will be shown at the Plan Expo 2008 exhibition - Ireland's leading construction industry event - RDS, 4-6 November, which takes place during Construction Week.

(PR/JM)