The search is on for Ireland’s most outstanding construction achievements, as leading organisations across the AEC sector compete for the industry’s highest recognition. The Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2027 (ICE Awards 2027) are now open for entries. The submission deadline is 24 November 2026.

The ICE Awards, the premier competition for Ireland’s AEC sector, are now inviting companies of all sizes to put their best foot forward for the 2027 season. Each year, the awards recognise the people, projects, companies and products driving innovation, expertise and excellence across the industry.

Awards Director Colin Walsh says that, year after year, the ICE Awards remain the most sought-after accolade in the sector, owing in no small part to their rigorous assessment process and distinguished judging panel.

“The ICE Awards is where vision meets execution, celebrating those who go beyond industry standards to redefine them. Bringing together contractors, architects, consultants, engineers, clients and stakeholders, it remains Ireland’s premier platform for recognising performance excellence in construction.”

The ICE Awards Gala (‘Construction’s Big Night Out’), meanwhile, has become the most attended social fixture on the construction calendar. The 2026 gala, for example, attracted more than 1,300 professionals to the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD).

Launching the ‘Call for Entries’ at the CCD were first-time judge Joanne White, Women in Construction Ireland (WICI) founder and lecturer in the School of Built Environment at Dundalk IT, and returning judge Mary Flynn, Deputy Manager, Dublin City Council.

Also joining the panel this year: Eoin Cronin, Property Executive, IDA Ireland; Dermot Durack, Director, HF Ireland; and Gerry O’Sullivan, Law and Safety Consultant.

JUDGES’ INSIGHTS

According to returning judge Mary Flynn, the judging experience is “very rewarding and very enjoyable”. She particularly values the opportunity to see, up close, the very best that the Irish construction sector has to offer.

She is also delighted to be involved given that, as she puts it, the ICE Awards are ‘the awards’ in Irish construction and ‘the one everyone wants to win’. “The gala night is the most prestigious event on the calendar, full stop, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. When you win an ICE award, in the eyes of your peers you are at the very top level.” It is also, she says, “one of the most valuable marketing opportunities available.

“Being named a finalist is a significant achievement, while winning demonstrates that you are among the very best in the country. Both distinctions carry considerable weight, with finalists and winners able to feature their ICE Awards logos in email signatures and across their marketing materials.”

The event itself is a really nice opportunity for companies and employees to come together with others in the industry, she adds. “They are competitors every other day of the year but at the Awards they’re industry colleagues.”

TOP TIPS

When assessing entries, Mary Flynn looks for clear evidence of innovation, meaningful collaboration and measurable added value. Crucially, that value must extend beyond financial performance to deliver tangible benefits for the project team, the client and the wider community. “A strong entry should demonstrate what the team and client gained from the project—and, wherever possible, the positive impact it had on the community.” There also needs to be a strong emphasis on sustainability.”

Joanne is particularly keen to understand how applicants approached problem-solving. She encourages entrants to be open about any challenges encountered, detailing how the team responded, the solutions implemented and the successful outcomes achieved. Demonstrating resilience and adaptability can be just as important as presenting the finished result. Drawing on her quantity surveying expertise, Joanne will also pay particular attention to the financial aspects of each entry.

Her final advice is relevant across all categories: provide clear context and use the questions set by the judges, whether it relates to a project, consultancy, contractor, individual, innovation or health and safety initiative, as she puts it to: “Tell us the whole story.”

WHY ENTER?

Reasons to enter the Awards are many and varied, but chief among them is the chance to stand out among Ireland’s leading AEC companies and celebrate the work that you and your employees do. Recognition on this level validates the calibre of your work, strengthens your reputation, and builds trust with clients, partners, and peers.

The ICE Awards Gala, meanwhile, is the construction industry’s biggest social event of the year, drawing an unrivalled audience and offering exceptional opportunities for networking, idea-sharing, and collaboration. Far more than just an award, it’s a platform to raise your company’s profile, showcase innovation, and highlight your commitment to excellence.

For your team, taking part in the ICE Awards is a source of pride and motivation, given that it allows them to benchmark their achievements against the very highest standards in the industry, thereby incentivising continuous improvement. It also boosts your employer brand, helping to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.

Beyond internal benefits, ICE Awards recognition can directly support business development. Independent validation from the awards strengthens client pitches and tender submissions, while benchmarking against the best in the industry provides valuable insights to fuel future innovation and improvement.

All in all, the ICE Awards are where recognition, relationships, and reputation all come together—making participation an essential opportunity for any company shaping the future of Irish construction.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsoring the ICE Awards is a strategic investment that delivers brand recognition, industry credibility, and invaluable networking opportunities.

•    Brand Visibility: Put your company in front of key decision-makers and influencers across the construction sector.

•    Industry Leadership: Show your commitment to excellence and innovation by aligning with Ireland’s most prestigious construction awards.

•    Networking: Gain exclusive and strategic opportunities to connect with clients, partners, and industry leaders through multiple platforms and live events.

•    Targeted Reach: Engage directly with a focused audience of AEC professionals and stakeholders.

•    Positive Association: Link your brand with the prestige of the ICE Awards, reinforcing values of quality, innovation, and high standards.

The ICE Awards Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors: Sika Ireland, Construction Industry Federation (CIF), NTI Digital Solutions Ireland, Howden,
Skillnet MMC Accelerate, Dulux Trade, Lumen Search

Silver Sponsors: Pipelife, Lean Construction Ireland (LCi), Wave Dynamics, CPAS, Irish building magazine.

The ICE Awards are open to professionals and organisations across the AEC sector in Ireland. The entry submission deadline is 24 November 2026.

For more information, call the ICE Awards team on 01 2806030, email contact@iceawards.ie, or visit www.iceawards.ie

This item is an extract from Irish building magazine, read the full interview with the Judges in the latest edition.

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