Altrad Generation director Graham Henderson asks if hire is part of the solution to delivering more with less?

The same reoccurring challenges are preventing us from building what Ireland needs.

The Irish construction sector continues to face challenges that show no signs of easing. Labour shortages, rising costs, tighter regulations and increasing delivery pressures are testing contractors of every size.

Against this backdrop, construction equipment hire should be part of the solution. It offers the flexibility, reliability and financial sense that ownership often cannot match.
As Jean Paul Getty famously said: “If it appreciates, buy it. If it depreciates hire it.”

One of the most significant barriers, in our industry, to progress is capital investment. We need to be investing in more productive approaches and equipment to reduce our dependency on a shrinking work force.

The latest systems: Tubeshor and Geobrace for Groundworks and Futuro and Uni-Roof for Scaffolding and Temporary Roofing, are designed to save time and reduce manpower requirements, often as much as 50%. One of the issues preventing their adoption is the high upfront purchase cost.

Hire resolves this, providing immediate access to modern, high-performance equipment without tying up capital, allowing contractors to invest resources where they are most needed.
Compliance and reliability are equally critical. With safety standards and regulatory scrutiny intensifying, downtime caused by poorly maintained machinery is a risk no contractor can afford. A well-managed hire fleet offers reassurance: every unit is fully serviced, quality assured, and ready to perform on site, ensuring both safety and efficiency from the outset.

Hire also plays a levelling role in the industry. Smaller firms can compete for larger and more diverse projects without committing to significant capital expenditure, improving cash flow management and reducing exposure to equipment price inflation over the lifespan of a project. In an environment where accurate pricing and risk management are essential, this flexibility is invaluable.
Supply chain stability further strengthens the case. The merger of Actavo and RMD into Altrad Generation, provides the scale, services, equipment and local branch support you need from the ground up. The merged company can ensure guaranteed availability across the duration of projects. This scale helps to overcome issues of scarcity and supply chain uncertainty, enabling you to plan with confidence.
Ultimately, hire is far more than a financial workaround. It addresses some of the sector’s most pressing issues: labour efficiency, compliance, affordability and security of supply. With expanded resources and a focus on service and reliability, Altrad Generation aims to be a key partner delivering the construction Ireland needs.

www.altrad.com

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

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