Akela Ground Engineering has completed the first major ABeam contract in Ireland

Akela Ground Engineering, part of the Akela Group, has successfully completed groundworks for its first major contract in Ireland using its groundbreaking ABeam system. Marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion across Ireland, the project, located at Guidenstown in Co Kildare, forms part of a high-spec equine development featuring stables, barns, staff accommodation and associated infrastructure.

Akela’s scope included the installation and dynamic testing of 75 precast concrete piles in just two days, followed by the rapid installation of over 300 linear metres of its pre-cast ABeam Foundation system. The entire ABeam installation, including pile cropping, beam placement and client handover, was completed in just under four days. Barry Christy, Operations Manager for Akela Ground Engineering Ireland, said: “This project is a fantastic example of what ABeam can deliver for developers in Ireland, offering speed, certainty and a high-quality finish and totally non-weather dependent. We’re proud to have completed our first major Irish contract with such efficiency and look forward to supporting more clients with our innovative foundation solutions.”

Launched to the Scottish and UK markets in 2024, Akela’s ABeam system is the first of its kind to feature a unique mechanical pinned joint, designed to eliminate the need for in-situ concrete, pile caps or follow-up trades. The system is also backed by NHBC Accepts certification, providing independent assurance to developers and housebuilders that it meets rigorous quality, safety and compliance standards. With the ability to be installed in a matter of hours, regardless of weather conditions, ABeam has already delivered significant time and cost savings for housebuilders across Scotland and England. Akela is now focused on gaining traction in the Irish market.

Will Payne, Managing Director at Akela Ground Engineering, added: “Our expansion into Ireland was driven by demand for smarter, faster foundation solutions and this project proves that ABeam can deliver exactly that. With NHBC Accepts certification and a proven track record across the UK, we’re excited to bring this capability to more Irish developments.”

The system could, adds Will, accelerate the delivery of housing in Ireland. “We prefabricate the system in our manufacturing facility and the fact that it can be installed in a matter of hours differentiates it from other systems on the market. Since June 2024, we’ve shown that it can lay foundations faster and more sustainably. We’ve had excellent feedback from the likes of Bellway Homes and Dawn Homes and we’ve seen more than 8,000m of precast concrete beams installed across multiple sites.”

Akela Ground Engineering Ireland, based in Co Armagh, was launched earlier this year to support the rollout of ABeam and expand the company’s piling and beam operations across Ireland. The team is now actively engaging with developers, contractors, housebuilders and consultants seeking to accelerate delivery and reduce carbon impact on site.

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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com      WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE