By The Editor

Copyright irishbuildingmagazine

As the Irish Construction Excellence Awards (ICE Awards) open for the 2026 season, players from across the AEC sectors once again have an unmissable opportunity to showcase their achievements. Submission deadline is 28 November 2025.

The ICE Awards, the AEC sector’s most prestigious competition, are now inviting companies of all sizes to put forward their most ground-breaking and successful projects and initiatives for consideration. And if previous years’ entries are anything to go by, the ‘class of 2026’ will include projects and teams that have pushed the limits in terms of innovation, sustainability and design.

Awards Director Colin Walsh says an ICE Award is simply the most prestigious prize in the sector, and as such is coveted in the industry. “Based on a rigorous and diligent assessment process by the ICE Awards outstanding judging panel, the awards are the annual showcase of the absolute best in the industry,” he says.

“The ICE Awards is where vision meets execution, celebrating those who go beyond industry standards to redefine them. Bringing together contractors, architects, engineers, clients and stakeholders, it remains Ireland’s premier platform for recognising performance excellence in construction,” Colin added.

The ICE Awards Gala, meanwhile, has become the must attend social fixture on the construction calendar; affectionately known as ‘Construction’s Big Night Out’, more than 1,400 people gathered at the Convention Centre Dublin for the past season on 1 May this year.

The ICE Awards is where vision meets execution, celebrating those who go beyond industry standards to redefine them.

Launching the ‘Call for Entries’ at the Convention Centre Dublin recently were returning Judges Emer Byrne and Clement Kavanagh. Emer is a Chartered Surveyor, Lecturer at TU Dublin and second Vice-President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland. With over three decades’ experience in the property industry, covering development, valuations, major infrastructure projects, and asset management, she now lectures across all Property and Real Estate undergrad and postgrad courses at TU Dublin’s School of Surveying and Construction Innovation.

With over 25 years of industry experience, Clement is Project Director with Linesight Construction Consultants, where he manages the PM portfolio of commercial, residential, stadia and media projects in the Dublin area. Having previously worked as Construction Director with a Dublin-based construction firm, and as an independent Consultant Project Manager working on high-end international residential projects, he brings extensive commercial and residential experience to the panel.

Judges insight

Emer says judges get to see the “best in class” in terms of what’s being developed across the country. “I’m intrigued every single time when I hear how they tackled their challenges; that’s the bit my problem-solving mind loves most,” she says. “You get to sit with people who are leading the biggest projects in our country; it’s rewarding and humbling to listen to their journeys.”

According to Clement, it is a “genuine pleasure and privilege” to serve as a judge. “Sometimes we can be blinkered in terms of our own projects, so the opportunity to get an insight into what are often inspiring, landmark projects is a privilege.” He also enjoys the excitement and enthusiasm the applicants bring, and says he is continually impressed by the quality of entries. Over the years, he has watched the event grow to become hugely influential in the industry. “It plays a critical role in highlighting excellence and setting standards for quality, safety, sustainability and innovation,” he says. The awards, as he sees it, encourage companies to strive for improvement while also giving them some well-deserved recognition. As such, they help create “a sense of pride and community” within the sector.

According to Emer, the industry needs precisely this kind of peer-reviewed competition. “It’s an opportunity for the profession to showcase their excellent work, and the skills they have used to overcome some tough challenges. Without such a competition, we would not see the amount of work involved in these wonderful projects.”

The ICE Awards is the only construction prize that includes an interview stage for many of its categories, each year, winners are chosen through a rigorous assessment by a world-class judging panel. The entry stage is a written submission via the dedicated ICE Awards entry platform. For finalists in Project Construction, Health, Safety & Wellbeing, Innovation, Future Leader and BIM, the process includes face-to-face interviews with the judges, offering valuable time with these highly regarded and qualified professionals and receiving constructive feedback.

As to the characteristics the judges hope to see in the next tranche of entries, Emer will be looking out for thoughtful collaboration, attention to detail and commitment to sustainability, as well as evidence of how entrants learned from and adapted to challenges. Innovation, whether digital or otherwise, is also always of interest, as is a strong health and wellbeing culture. She likes to see projects that deliver meaningful outcomes, particularly where they offer social value. “I appreciate when entries reflect a genuine connection to the communities they serve,” she says.

Clement will be looking out for evidence of careful planning, collaboration, positive impact, good leadership, innovation and health & safety. Like Emer, he will also want to see each entrant delineate exactly how they overcame any challenges to arrive at the end result. His key advice on completing submissions is to get the basics right.

“It sounds very simple, but look carefully at the questions asked, and consider your answers. Be clear and concise. Tell the story behind the project if you can, and highlight what makes it unique.”

Judicious use of visuals can work well, he adds, while a well-structured submission is also important. Above all, however, he says to be authentic. “This is critical; it’s not all about polished marketing content, it’s about authenticity and passion, and this shines through.”

Emer encourages entrants to tell their stories with “clarity and conviction”. “Help us understand not just what you did but why it mattered,” she says. It’s a good idea to use data as well as description to bolster an application, she adds. “Also, keep the human element in mind, eg how the team worked together, and what the organisation learned. Be honest about any mistakes and how you overcame them.” She also believes that the most compelling entries are those that reflect “real passion and purpose”.

Entering the ICE Awards is your chance to stand out among Ireland’s leading AEC companies and celebrate the very best of what you do. Recognition on this stage affirms the quality of your work, strengthens your reputation, and builds trust with clients, partners, and peers.

The ICE Awards Gala is the construction industry’s biggest night of the year, drawing an unrivalled audience and offering exceptional opportunities for networking, idea-sharing, and collaboration. More than just an award, it’s a platform to raise your company’s profile, showcase innovation, and highlight your commitment to excellence.

For your team, taking part is a source of pride and motivation—benchmarking achievements against the highest standards in the industry and driving continuous improvement. It also boosts your employer brand, helping to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.

Beyond internal benefits, ICE Awards recognition can directly support business development. Independent validation from the awards strengthens client pitches and tender submissions, while benchmarking against the best in the industry provides valuable insights to fuel future innovation and improvement.

Simply put, the ICE Awards are where recognition, relationships, and reputation all come together—making participation an essential opportunity for any company shaping the future of Irish construction.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsoring the ICE Awards is a strategic investment that delivers brand recognition, industry credibility, invaluable networking opportunities.

• Brand Visibility: Put your company in front of key decision-makers and influencers across the construction sector.

• Industry Leadership: Show your commitment to excellence and innovation by aligning with Ireland’s most prestigious construction awards.

• Networking: Gain exclusive opportunities to connect with clients, partners, and industry leaders.

• Targeted Reach: Engage directly with a focused audience of AEC professionals and stakeholders.

• Positive Association: Link your brand with the prestige of the ICE Awards, reinforcing values of quality, innovation, and high standards.

The ICE Awards are open to professionals and organisations across the AEC sector in Ireland.

The deadline for entries is 28 November 2025.

For more information, call the ICE Awards team on 01 2806030, email contact@iceawards.ie, or visit www.iceawards.ie

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