Construction

The Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) is hosting an important industry meeting with Mr. Wim Koster and Mr. Luca Pezzini, respectively President and Secretary General of the European Lift Association (ELA), and Mr. George Jackson and Mr. Nick Mellor, respectively Board Member and Managing Director of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA), on Tuesday, 25th February, at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin.

The Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) hosted an important industry meeting with the European Lift Association (ELA) and the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) on Tuesday, 25th February, at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin. Front Row (L-R): Mr. Wim Koster, President of the European Lift Association (ELA); Mr. George Jackson, Board Member of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA); Mr. David Bourke, Owner and Managing Director, Accel Lifts; Mr. Giles Lord, Chairman of the Irish Lift and Escalator Association and Joint Owner and Director of Byrne LIfts; Mr. Niall Whitty, Regional Director, Orona MWL Ireland; Mr. Nick Mellor, Managing Director of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA); Mr. Luca Pezzini, Secretary General of the European Lift Association (ELA).

This high-level meeting will bring together key industry representatives from Europe, the UK and Ireland, including Mr. Giles Lord, Chairman of ILEA and Director of Byrne Lifts, to discuss regulatory updates at UK and EU levels, evolving industry standards, and technological advancements in the lift and escalator sector. A particular focus will be on the benefits of digitisation, which is enhancing safety through predictive maintenance and reducing operational downtime.

The European Lift Association (ELA) represents the lift and escalator industry across Europe, working closely with EU institutions on regulations, sustainability, energy efficiency, and safety standards. The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) plays a crucial role in advancing industry standards in the UK by promoting safety, skills development, sector collaboration, and excellence in quality and workmanship. The Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) represents over 80% of lifts and escalators in Ireland and plays a central role in ensuring compliance with European safety standards, advocating for regulatory improvements, and driving technical innovation in the sector.

With lifts and escalators facilitating over 6.25 million passenger journeys daily in Ireland, their safety and reliability are more critical than ever, especially with a growing and aging population.

Industry Leaders Emphasise the Importance of Regulatory and Technological Alignment
Speaking ahead of the meeting, ILEA Chairman Mr. Giles Lord underscored the importance of international collaboration: “As Ireland’s skyline continues to grow, the need for safe and efficient vertical transportation is more critical than ever. Engaging with the European Lift Association and the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association allows us to align with best practices, anticipate regulatory changes, and embrace technological advancements, particularly in digitisation. This meeting is a key opportunity to ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of a safe and efficient lift and escalator sector.”

Industry Leaders Meet in Dublin: Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) hosts a high-level industry meeting at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin, on Tuesday, 25th February, bringing together key representatives from Europe, the UK, and Ireland. Front Row (L-R): Mr. Luca Pezzini, Secretary General of the European Lift Association (ELA); Mr. Wim Koster, President of the European Lift Association (ELA); Mr. Giles Lord, Chairman of the Irish Lift and Escalator Association and Joint Owner and Director of Byrne LIfts; Mr. George Jackson, Board Member of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA); Mr. Nick Mellor, Managing Director of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA). BacK Row (L-R): Mr. Niall Whitty, Regional Director, Orona MWL Ireland; Mr. Declan McKenna, Modernisation Director I.LS. (Fain); Mr. Paul Flynn, Owner and Managing Director, Ascension Lifts; Mr. Simon Adair, Managing Director, KONE; Mr. David Bourke, Owner and Managing Director, Accel Lifts; Mr. Garech McGuinness, CEO, Infinity Lifts; Mr. Mike Rushe, Service Director, Infinity Lifts.

Mr. Wim Koster, President of the European Lift Association, highlighted the importance of collaboration at a European level: “Ireland is an important market for the European lift and escalator industry, and we see the ILEA playing a vital role in driving innovation and maintaining high standards, ensuring that Ireland is aligned with other European Member States.”

Adding a UK perspective, Mr. Nick Mellor, Managing Director of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA), stated: “The lift and escalator industry is evolving rapidly, with digitisation and regulatory developments shaping its future. Collaboration between the UK, Ireland, and European partners is vital to ensuring that safety, skills development, and technological advancements continue to drive excellence across all markets.”

With digitisation, predictive maintenance, and evolving regulatory frameworks transforming the industry, this meeting marks an important opportunity for Irish, UK, and European businesses to stay ahead of the curve.

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

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