The Glenkerrin Group was formed in 1988 and specialises in construction, property, and hotel and leisure and has grown from a company that started in business with the purchase of eight residential sites in Maynooth in 1988 for £32,000 to a diversified group with a property portfolio valued in the region of €some €800 million. Glenkerrin's turnover has grown by over 500 per cent since 2003.
Products
Construction projects include residential and commercial developments. Current and recent developments include: The Grange, Ballinteer, St Wolstan's Abbey, Palmerstown and The Maynooth Business Campus.
Hotel and leisure services include accommodation, conferencing, banqueting, restaurant, nightclub and leisure complex and spa.
Customers
The company's property division in Ireland and the UK caters for customers ranging from first-time residential buyers to owner-occupiers and investors. Its planned UK commercial development will focus on well-known retailers. In Ireland its commercial customers include the OPW, national and international companies.
What vision prompted you to start up the business?
My vision when starting out was to be a success. I developed a range of skills which included welding, mechanics, construction and tiling. Having decided on construction as the industry to focus my career, my vision was to build a successful company and become a leading player within the sector with a reputation for quality.
Express the biggest challenge you see your industry facing?
Persuading the planning authorities to embrace high-density developments. I strongly believe that this is the solution to the unsustainable urban sprawl that is crippling our infrastructure and offers a real alternative through the design of high rise units which can provide the structure and social requirements for family living.
How do you re-charge your batteries?
I thrive on overcoming challenges that I set for myself both personally and in business. I have completed the Dublin City Marathon and I enjoy horse riding, diving, water and snow skiing. My current challenge is building a sports car.
