Build a Career that Lasts at PJ Hegarty | Spotlight: Peter Nestor

Peter was first introduced to quantity surveying by a secondary school guidance counsellor, sparking his interest in the construction industry and setting him on the path to PJ Hegarty.

Since joining the team, Peter has gained a deeper understanding of the industry and the role that strong communication and collaboration play in every stage of a project. Working closely with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors has shown him how essential clear communication and teamwork are to ensuring projects run smoothly and challenges are addressed early.

He acknowledges that construction can be demanding at times, with every project offering something new to learn. However, Peter sees the constant learning as one of the sector’s greatest strengths. It has helped him grow professionally and build confidence as he continues to develop his skills.

For Peter, the culture at PJ Hegarty stands out. He describes it as friendly and supportive, both internally and in the way we work with clients and subcontractors.

Build a Career that Lasts | Graduate Spotlight: Sinead Labuguen

At PJ Hegarty, a career in construction is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Sinead, an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Advisor, joined PJ Hegarty after beginning her career in environmental health. Her background was in the food sector and environmental monitoring, but she was drawn to construction because of how much there was to learn. ‘Joining PJ Hegarty has been the best decision, the teamwork, variety, and constant learning make every day rewarding.’

Out of college, she was eager to begin her journey in the health and safety sector. PJ Hegarty offered a supportive and dynamic environment that she was looking for, allowing her to apply her academic knowledge while gaining hands-on experience through mentorship, site work, and involvement in real safety initiatives. She has felt encouraged to grow, progress, and build her skills in a meaningful way.

One of her first observations was understanding how essential communication and collaboration is in health and safety. She quickly saw that working as an EHS Advisor goes far beyond theory. Working closely with on-site teams, understanding their challenges, and building trust deepened her knowledge.

Working in a male-dominated field was initially daunting, but she credits the experience with helping her become more confident and resilient. ‘The support here made all the difference.’

Her advice to new graduates is simple: don’t be afraid to ask questions. ‘At PJ Hegarty, curiosity is encouraged; it’s how you learn and grow.’

PJ Hegarty to Deliver First Phase of Cork Airport’s Capital Development Project

PJ Hegarty has been awarded the contract to deliver the first phase of Cork Airport’s €200 million Capital Development Plan, marking one of the most significant projects at the airport in almost 25 years.

The works will see the construction of a new mezzanine floor within the terminal building. This development will create a state-of-the-art security screening area, featuring the latest C3 technology, and a reconfigured arrivals zone with brighter facilities, new café/bar, and upgraded car hire services. The mezzanine will also include a larger executive lounge and an expanded duty-free shop, enhancing the overall passenger experience at Ireland’s fastest-growing airport.

The project forms part of daa’s €200 million investment programme at Cork Airport, which also includes new boarding gates, airbridges, aircraft parking stands, a long-term car park extension and a 1.7MW solar farm.

Maurice Killeen, Southern Region Operations Director, PJ Hegarty, commented:
“We are delighted to have been awarded this significant contract by daa, which will further enhance the facilities in Cork Airport and its growing reputation as a transport hub of choice. 2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of our founding in Cork and it is very appropriate that we continue to form new partnerships in the region with a client as progressive and ambitious as Cork Airport in our Centenary year.”

Small Changes, Big Difference: Building a Healthier Workplace Together

Our EHS department is proud to launch this year’s Health and Wellbeing campaign, Small Changes, Big Difference.

The campaign is about making small manageable healthy changes to our everyday routine, which can make a big difference to our overall health and wellbeing.

Over the coming year, the campaign will promote small practical tips each month, to help make lasting changes while supporting one another along the way. Whether it’s getting more active, eating better, checking in on your mental health, every small change adds up.

Workers’ Memorial Day 2025

Earlier this week we commemorated Workers’ Memorial Day in the Garden of Remembrance, a tribute for those who have lost their lives or suffered illness or injury due to workplace incidents.

At PJ Hegarty, we honour their memory every day by placing safety at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating and maintaining safe, healthy working environments where both physical and mental wellbeing are prioritised for our team members, clients, partners, and their families.

Investors in Diversity Silver award

PJ Hegarty are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver level accreditation from the Irish Centre of Diversity

The Investors in Diversity award is Ireland’s first all-encompassing Diversity and Inclusion accreditation mark for businesses, which offers a clear and structured framework to transform diversity practices and culture.

Silver accreditation affirms that the business has been benchmarked against other bodies and has both embedded Inclusive practices throughout the organisation.  It also affirms that the Company has developed, and fostered, a sense of fairness and belonging among colleagues.

Diversity and Inclusion is extremely important to our growth and development, and we will continue to promote this throughout our business.

Project Fitzwilliam – winner at the Irish Construction Industry Awards

PJ Hegarty are delighted to announce that Project Fitzwilliam was a winner at the Irish Construction Industry Awards (ICIA) 2022 held at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin 4 on the 7th of December. The project won the category for Commercial Project of the Year – Large. 

 

David Gogarty – Project Manager of the Year 

PJ Hegarty are delighted to announce that David Gogarty was a winner at the Irish Construction Industry Awards (ICIA) 2022 held at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road on the 7th of December 2022. Congratulations to David for winning the category for Project Manager of the Year in recognition of his performance on the Project Fitzwilliam Redevelopment.

 

Director Tim Healy Retires

After 42 years of outstanding service to the company, Contracts Director Tim Healy has retired. Tim leaves behind a legacy of landmark construction projects and longstanding friendships. Tim will be missed around the office and across our projects, and we wish Tim and his wife Peggy well in their retirement.

 

Progress on our latest Tirlán project in Belview, Co Kilkenny

Works are progressing well on our latest project in Belview, Co. Kilkenny, the new Cheese Production Facility for Kilkenny Cheese. A partnership between Tirlán and their Dutch dairy partner Royal A-Ware, the facility will produce over 50,000 tonnes of continental cheese per year. PJ Hegarty scope includes all CSA works for the 18,000m2 footprint Production Plant with associated Milk Intake, Warehouse, Office, Laboratories and Personnel facilities and the full site wide infrastructure.