Essential Concrete
If aggregate is the essential component on which so much of our economy is based then concrete (crushed stone, cement and water) is of equal importance.
First identified and used for major construction projects by the Romans, concrete is the second most used product in the world after water. Without stone and concrete our modern economies and society would be unrecognisable. Some of the worlds greatest and most beautiful constructions are made from concrete, including huge damns across the Panama Canal (1909) , the Hoover Damn (1930), Le Corbusier’s beautiful church at Rochamp (Completed 1954) and the famous Sydney Opera House (Completed 1974). Concrete has proven its benefit and versatility throughout the ages and more than any other construction material has given form and shape to the structured world we live in and depend on.
Concrete has been used in Irish buildings for well over a century but came to every day use in the late nineteenth and twentieth century. Like stone, concrete is used as part of our everyday essential living. Be it in our roads, our bridges, homes, schools, hospitals, factories, sewerage treatment plants, water reservoirs, water treatment facilities, agriculture for farm buildings and effluent storage and our sporting stadiums throughout the country.
Irish architecture and engineering has a proud history of creative and imaginative design and building in concrete structures. Modern buildings, such as the Irish Management Institute in Sandyford, Dublin and Busaras in central Dublin are two of many fine examples. Our precast industry is one of the most dynamic and advanced in Europe; all components are home produced and the industry competes favourably with many economic advantages over imported steel.
Concrete and stone have always made a substantial contribution to our quality of life and has enabled us to manage our environmental responsibilities, by constructing concrete effluent storage, water treatment plants, reservoirs and sewerage treatment plants throughout the country. Current demand for concrete in Ireland is at an unprecedented high. Concrete has played a significant role in our economic and commercial success over the past 15 years. Concrete, more than any other building product, is essential for our built environment, the ongoing development of our infrastructure development and all aspects of the construction industry.
Last year approximately 10 million cubic metres of concrete were specified and supplied to the Irish construction industry by Federation members. Approximately 8 million concrete blocks were supplied to over 90,000 homes constructed in Ireland. The value of our precast concrete industry is in the region of approximately €700 million, a percentage of which is exported as precast architectural products to other parts of Europe.
The Irish Concrete Federation provides the basis for the industry, professionally manages the industry’s responsibility and compliance on health and safety, planning and environment, archaeology, technical and quality standards and compliance with traffic legislation. Our industry is an essential one, it is a mature and responsible industry and makes a significant contribution to our built environment and our growing economy.
