Euro building contracts worth billions up for grabs, says Gormley

The upcoming standardisation of all EU Government building contracts and tenders in Eurocodes provides the Irish construction sector with a golden opportunity to adopt best practice and explore new business markets, according to John Gormley TD, Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Minister Gormley was speaking at the launch by Engineers Ireland of an online training facility for engineering designers, contractors and clients designed to explain the introduction of Eurocodes in March 2010, the EU’s new construction standards.

“The European market in construction is worth about €1.3bn per annum,” said Minister Gormley.

“While the sector is clearly in a very difficult commercial predicament currently, both in this country and across Europe, recovery will take place and opportunities will materialise in new emerging areas such as the Green economy.

“I applaud Engineers Ireland’s proactivity in terms of informing and educating key parties.”

Mr John Power, Engineers Ireland director general, re-iterated the importance of the Eurocodes and how their introduction is to be welcomed.

“The new Eurocodes makes it easier for Irish building firms to explore new markets and generate new customers in Europe. It offers significant opportunities for the export of construction products and engineering services both in the European and world markets,” said Mr Power.

“It is critical that firms and companies understand that there will be no derogation from March 2010. Unless you or your company are up to speed with the Eurocodes, you are going to lose out – both at home and abroad.

Engineers Ireland launched a guide to these new European standards last year entitled ‘Your Guide To Eurocodes’.

The body is now organising a series of training solutions including one-day courses and a flexible, comprehensive and quality online training facility.

The online course covers the basis of structural design, actions on structures and design of structures for earthquake resistance.

For further info visit: www.engineersireland.ie/eurocodeonlinetraining.

Article courtesy of The Evening Echo newspaper.