Cunningham Named Two-Time Finalist at the Irish Construction Industry Awards 2026

Cunningham has been named a two-time finalist at the Irish Construction Industry Awards 2026, with the company shortlisted for Contractor Residential Project of the Year – Clonburris Canal Extension and Project Manager of the Year for Paul Timlin.

The recognition highlights Cunningham’s commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable and high-quality construction projects, as well as the expertise and leadership of its people.

Contractor Residential Project of the Year – Clonburris Canal Extension

Cunningham has been shortlisted for Contractor Residential Project of the Year for its delivery of the €40 million Clonburris Canal Extension on behalf of South Dublin County Council.

The project delivered 116 high-quality, sustainable homes, helping to support the delivery of much-needed housing while setting new benchmarks for innovation and efficiency in residential construction.

From the outset, the project team adopted a collaborative and solutions-focused approach, incorporating innovative construction techniques and processes to overcome complex site and delivery challenges.

Key innovations included the use of soil stabilisation, which provided an efficient and sustainable solution to ground conditions, alongside bespoke fire safety solutions developed to meet the specific requirements of the development.

The project also incorporated Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and Lean delivery principles, helping to improve efficiency, maintain programme certainty and deliver consistently high standards of quality.

Through the combination of innovative engineering, careful planning and strong stakeholder collaboration, Cunningham successfully delivered a complex residential development that provides lasting value for South Dublin County Council and the local community.

Construction Project Manager of the Year – Paul Timlin

The second finalist recognition goes to Paul Timlin, who has been shortlisted for Construction Project Manager of the Year for his leadership of the Clonburris Canal Extension project.

As Project Manager, Paul successfully led the €40 million development through its various technical, operational and stakeholder challenges, overseeing the delivery of 116 sustainable homes while maintaining a clear focus on quality, safety, programme and value.

Paul’s collaborative leadership style was central to the success of the project. Working closely with South Dublin County Council, project partners and the wider delivery team, he fostered a culture of open communication and collective problem-solving.

His leadership also played a key role in the implementation of several innovative solutions, including pioneering soil stabilisation techniques and bespoke fire safety measures.

By bringing together technical expertise, strong stakeholder management and a proactive approach to problem-solving, Paul helped ensure that the project achieved outstanding quality, programme certainty and value for the client.

Recognition of Excellence

Being named a finalist in two categories at the Irish Construction Industry Awards 2026 reflects the strength of both project delivery capabilities and the Cunningham team.

The Clonburris Canal Extension demonstrates what can be achieved through innovation, collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement, while Paul Timlin’s nomination recognises the leadership and expertise required to successfully deliver a project of this scale and complexity.

Cunningham is proud to see the achievements of the Clonburris Canal Extension project and the dedication of its team recognised on a national stage.

A huge congratulations to Paul and to everyone involved in the Clonburris Canal Extension project. We look forward to celebrating with our fellow finalists at the awards in October.