Piling Contractors Association Ireland (PCAI)
Over the past three decades, Ireland’s piling industry has experienced significant growth, accompanied by a substantial increase in the number of companies operating nationally.
Historically, many Irish piling contractors deferred to the UK’s Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) as the benchmark for best practice – particularly in areas such as commercial standards, health and safety, training, and piling platform design. However, as the Irish industry matured, the need for a dedicated representative body for Irish contractors became clear.
In October 2024, representatives from several leading piling companies met to explore the creation of an Irish association. Following extensive discussions and collaboration with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), it was agreed that the new body would operate as a constituent association within the CIF’s Alliance of Specialist Contractors Association (ASCA).
On 8th October 2025, the Piling Contractors’ Association of Ireland (PCAI) was formally established and officially launched – marking an important milestone for Ireland’s piling and specialist foundation community.
Our mission
The PCAI exists to promote excellence, safety, and innovation in piling and specialist foundation work throughout Ireland. We bring together contractors, engineers, and industry partners to raise standards, share knowledge, and represent the interests of our members at every level.
Our objectives
Excellence and Innovation
To maintain and improve the standards of workmanship, technical competence, safety, and innovation across the piling industry.
Knowledge and Information Sharing
To commission, publish, and share information and research on piling and foundation techniques.
Industry Representation
To advocate on behalf of our members with government departments, engineers, architects, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Training and Standards
To provide training, establish best-practice across the industry.
Trade and Technical Development
To gather and share information on all matters affecting the trade, including new systems, specifications, and codes of practice.
Events and Collaboration
To organise and promote conferences, exhibitions, and industry events that foster professional development and collaboration.
Partnership and Support
To work in partnership with other associations, councils, and institutions that share our commitment to advancing the piling sector.
Looking Ahead
The PCAI is committed to shaping the future of Ireland’s piling industry by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, professional integrity, and sustainable practice.
Together, we aim to ensure that Irish piling contractors continue to deliver world-class expertise and contribute to the safe, efficient, and resilient development of our built environment.
Membership
Membership of the association is open to companies engaged in the construction of specialist piling work.
The founding members of the Association comprise:
- F K Lowry
- McDonnell Piling
- Murphy
- P J Edwards & Company
- Quinn Piling
The current officers of the Association are:
- President Kevin McDonnell (McDonnell Piling)
- Vice President Gareth Moore (FK Lowry)
- Secretary Gillian Ross (CIF)
Membership:
| Name | Surname | Company | Website |
| Gareth | Moore | F K Lowry | www.fklowry.com |
| Ian | McCarthy | McDonnell Piling | www.mcdonnellpiling.ie |
| Mark | Hanniffy | Murphy | www.murphygroup.com/service/ground-engineering |
| Kevin | Morrissey | Murphy | www.murphygroup.com/service/ground-engineering |
| Maurice | Ryan | P J Edwards & Co. | www.pjedwards.ie |
| Greg | Edwards | P J Edwards & Co. | www.pjedwards.ie |
| Adrian | Quinn | Quinn Piling | www.quinnpiling.com |
| Matthew | Moran | Quinn Piling | www.quinnpiling.com |
PCAI gallery
Key contact
Gillian Ross
Manager, Register of Heritage Contractors
Gillian Ross is the manager of the Register of Heritage Contractors alongside her responsibilities in the specialist contracting department within the Federation. Gillian administers a range of member services activities covering marketing and promotion of associations, lobbying and representation, while dealing with member queries on procurement, tendering and contractual matters, amongst other issues.