Our History
A Century of Building Excellence
Established in 1923 by brothers William and James Duggan during challenging times, Duggan Brothers has evolved into a renowned national contracting business in Ireland. With a rich history spanning 100 years, we’ve left an indelible mark across diverse sectors, from small local projects to monumental undertakings.
1920s: Foundations of Excellence
The 1920s marked the humble beginnings of Duggan Brothers in Templemore, established by William and James Duggan. Starting with small renovations and local building projects, the company quickly made its mark. By the end of the decade, Duggan Brothers expanded its operations with joinery facilities and became a key player in local authority housing schemes, setting the stage for future growth.
1923
Duggan Brothers founded, focusing on small-scale renovations and local construction.
Late 1920s
Expanded to include joinery facilities and local authority housing, laying the groundwork for future success.
This decade set the foundation for a legacy that would see the delivery of 750 housing units by 1940.
1930s: Growth & Recognition
The 1930s saw Duggan Brothers solidify its reputation through a series of housing projects, becoming a trusted contractor and employer. Despite economic challenges, the company grew its influence, delivering housing across Ireland and gaining public recognition.
Key Milestones:
Completed 137 houses in Thurles and 170 houses for Kilkenny Corporation.
1939 – Recognition in the Tipperary Star: The company’s reputation for excellence was highlighted in a May 13, 1939 article in the Tipperary Star, following the award of a contract for 50 houses worth £18,199. Local leaders praised Duggan Brothers for their quality work and treatment of employees:
- The chairman noted: “This firm had proven themselves to be very good and were very satisfactory employers with the last contract they had carried out for the Council.”
- Mr. Cahill, representing labour, added: “As a representative of labour, I can testify to the excellent manner in which Messrs. Duggan carried out the contract of building 42 houses at Bohercrowe. They have shown themselves model employers.”
Through its dedication to quality and professionalism, Duggan Brothers established itself as a trusted partner for both local authorities and workers alike, laying the groundwork for continued success in the decades to come.
1940s: Resilience and Adaption
The 1940s brought global uncertainty with World War II, prompting Duggan Brothers to pivot into sawmilling to address material shortages. The company’s adaptability during this time set it up for continued growth in the post-war years.
World War II Era:
- Expanded into sawmilling, providing native timber to meet construction needs.
- Acquired forested lands to ensure a reliable supply chain for timber.
Post-War Transition:
- Shifted back to contracting and joinery, using the wartime experience to take on larger-scale projects.
The 1940s reinforced Duggan Brothers’ reputation for resilience and innovation, ensuring the company remained a key player in the Irish construction industry.
1950s: Industrial Expansion
The 1950s were a turning point, with Duggan Brothers moving into large-scale industrial projects. The company’s ability to handle complex developments such as the National Board & Paper Mills in Waterford demonstrated its growing expertise in industrial construction.
Key Project:
- National Board & Paper Mills, Waterford – a major industrial project that highlighted Duggan Brothers’ capabilities in large-scale construction.
This decade solidified Duggan Brothers as a leader in the industrial sector, setting the stage for continued success.
1960s: Leadership Transition and Growth
Duggan Brothers continued to grow its portfolio, embracing modern construction techniques while remaining committed to the values established by its founders.
Expanding Expertise: Duggan Brothers diversified its projects, reflecting Ireland’s evolving construction landscape.
Key Milestones:
- 1966-1968: Built six schools, contributing to educational infrastructure.
- 1969: Neil Scott became Managing Director, steering the company through a period of growth and innovation.
The 1960s positioned Duggan Brothers for future success, combining traditional craftsmanship with forward-thinking leadership.
1970s: Strategic Growth & Diversification
The 1970s marked a period of strategic expansion into the industrial sector, with a focus on food and meat processing plants. Duggan Brothers further established its reputation with key projects in both industrial and public sectors.
Industrial Focus: Emphasis on high-end industrial and pharmaceutical facilities.
Key Projects:
- ESB Headquarters, Waterford
- Regional Garda Headquarters
- Primary School, Rathcoole
This decade reinforced Duggan Brothers’ position as a leader in both industrial and public infrastructure, laying the groundwork for future growth.
1980s: Diversification & Resilience
The 1980s were a defining decade for Duggan Brothers, marked by resilience in the face of economic challenges and a strategic focus on diversification. The company adapted to the evolving industry landscape, carving out a niche in specialised industrial construction while maintaining its commitment to quality and trust.
Leadership Transition: The second generation took the reins, with Kevin Duggan assuming the role of Managing Director in 1982, bringing renewed focus and direction to the company.
Strategic Diversification: Duggan Brothers successfully pivoted towards specialised industrial construction, solidifying its reputation as a trusted contractor in Ireland.
Key Project: Garda Training College Redevelopment, Templemore, highlighting the company’s ability to deliver complex public works.
The 1980s marked a pivotal decade, reinforcing Duggan Brothers’ reputation for expertise and leadership.
1990s: Growth & Adaptability
The 1990s were a period of prosperity, marked by a diverse range of projects that showcased Duggan Brothers’ versatility. The company undertook everything from historical restorations to cutting-edge pharmaceutical facilities, thriving during Ireland’s economic boom.
Key Projects:
- 1990: Amdahl Swords, industrial development
- 1993: Army Garda Headquarters, Islamic Cultural Centre
- 1995: Fairyhouse Racecourse
- 1996: The Four Courts redevelopment
As Ireland entered the Celtic Tiger period, Duggan Brothers continued to grow and adapt, expanding its portfolio and solidifying its reputation for high-quality construction.
2000s: Growth with Caution
The 2000s were marked by robust growth for Duggan Brothers, particularly during the Celtic Tiger. The company thrived through strategic, steady growth and a commitment to quality, avoiding risky ventures that helped it weather the 2008 Financial Crisis while continuing to deliver high-quality projects.
Key Projects:
- 2001: Completed the DIT Aungier Street project, a significant educational infrastructure development.
- 2004: Delivered the Lyrath Estate Hotel, adding to the company’s portfolio of hospitality and leisure projects.
- 2006: Completed the IPS HQ in Longford, showcasing its growing expertise in corporate and industrial builds.
Leadership Transition: In 2010, David & Seamus Duggan became Joint Managing Directors, representing the third generation of leadership at Duggan Brothers.
This decade underscored the company’s resilience, maintaining a steady approach while continuing to deliver high-quality projects despite economic challenges.
2010s
In the 2010s, Duggan Brothers continued to strengthen its reputation across industrial, commercial, and pharmaceutical sectors while prioritising sustainability and collaborative partnerships.
Key Projects:
- 2014: Completed the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus, a 2,500m² facility with a range of structural and infrastructural works.
- 2017: Delivered the Wexford Garda HQ, a 4,000m², multi-storey building with a dedicated heavy goods vehicle garage.
- 2019: Completed the Historic Leinster House Restoration, preserving and enhancing the historic building’s structural integrity, services, and environmental performance.
These projects underscored Duggan Brothers’ commitment to high-quality construction and environmental sustainability while continuing to deliver landmark developments.
2020s: Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence
The 2020s marked Duggan Brothers’ centenary, a celebration of 100 years of trust, relationships, and commitment to quality.
- Present: With a turnover of approximately €110m, the company remains a leader in the Irish construction industry, ready to embrace future challenges and opportunities.
The Here & The Now
In recent years, under the leadership of Kevin Duggan’s sons, David and Seamus, we have undertaken landmark projects, embracing sustainability and collaboration. Today, with a turnover of over €100m, we stand on the shoulders of a century-long legacy, built on strong relationships, trust, and the dedication of our talented staff.
We acknowledge the countless individuals who have contributed to our success over the last century. Our achievements are a testament to the ambition, dedication, and hard work of every Duggan Brothers team member, past and present. We look forward to the challenges ahead as we embark on the next chapter of our legacy, grateful for the enduring partnerships that have shaped our journey.
Connect With Us
If you’d like to learn more about our expertise in a specific sector or gain insights into working with us, feel free to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.