The 5 Best Engineering Firms in Ireland to Consult If You Want an Earthquake-Resistant Building
Engineering goes a long way back; when we say way back, we mean ancient times. The first civil engineer was named Imhotep, and he planned the development of the Pyramid of Djoser in Egypt—yes, it’s that old!
But we don’t need to resurrect an engineer who was probably buried in the deepest parts of a pyramid just to build a modern infrastructure. Reliable engineering firms in Ireland are within your reach—and they’re the best the country has to offer!
The Cost of Hiring an Engineering Firm in Ireland
According to several sources, standard rates for engineering services can range between €2,000 to €5,000. This can go higher or lower depending on the firm and if there are other services included.
If we’re going to use percentage to determine the rates, it’s 2 to 3% of the total infrastructure cost, which covers all the standard duties. For example, if the total cost is €300,000, the fee will be €6,000.
Top Engineering Firms in Ireland
The following criteria will help us evaluate the top engineering firms in the country:
1. ORS Building Consultants

Track record | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reputation and reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Technical resources | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Project management | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Value for money | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
One of the most reliable engineering firms in Ireland can be found in Mullingar, and it’s ORS Building Consultants. Known for its amazing project management, local clients have nothing but good words for the company!
For one, the firm accepts a wide variety of projects whether it’s environmental, infrastructure, healthy and safety, or building surveying. It also doesn’t matter whether the project is small or big, the firm always treats their clients with professionalism.
Speaking of work attitude, we want to commend the office staff as well as the engineers regarding how they communicate and treat clients. They’re always polite but easy to approach any time the clients need clarifications or concerns.
In addition to this, some of their clients whom we talked to told us that the open communication with the firm has always helped. Regardless of what time they called, the phones are usually answered so issues are immediately addressed or explained.
We can also see why the company’s known for being organised. The way the on-site engineers arrive on site promptly and oversee the construction without delay will make you appreciate the discipline and work ethic.
We think that the only thing that might stop you from hiring the company’s services is because it’s almost always fully booked. Also, it serves only limited areas, so that might also become an issue.
Pros
- Accepts a wide variety of projects
- Professional
- Flexible regarding clients’ requests
- Immediately adapts to clients’ systems
- Open communication
- Can give advice anytime
- Highly experienced engineers
- Organised process
Cons
- Serves only a few areas
- Difficult to book
Customer Reviews
Unmatched professionalism
I have worked with ORS on several engagements and have always found them to be excellent. They have a great team and I must note their customer service was above and beyond. They were always willing to go that extra mile for us. They showed a great level of professionalism and attitude in completing our job. I will certainly be re engaging with ORS in the future.—Niamh Halton (IE), Google Reviews
Experts at what they do
ORS have been professional and forward coming since the begging of our 3 year project. From the beginning ORS were quick to adapted to our company’s digital management system and were also able to offer their own proven management systems. We had an open line communication where every query was answered and professional advice was provided. I would highly recommend ORS to any construction as their experience of building control provided us with well managed handover where all parties involved were able to come together and deliver the right documentation at the right time.—Davis Ciprikis, Google Reviews
2. Arup

Track record | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reputation and reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Technical resources | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Project management | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Value for money | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Arup’s one of the largest engineering firms in Ireland, which makes it easy to book its services. It’s a favourite among the locals because it focuses on sustainable development, which greatly effects climate change and natural resources.
We all know how important conserving natural resources are. We can all appreciate a company that operates with a heart and always considers how its actions affect the things around them.
In addition to this, we think it’s great that Arup accepts all types of engineering projects regardless of how small or big it is. Some of the clients we talked to hired them to build buildings while some hired the company to build a house.
We love that Arup also has a portfolio of successful projects in it arsenal. This just proves to us its expertise and experience in the industry.
The licensed engineers are also highly trained, which gives you that sense of security that you hired the right firm. They’re very professional as well and easy to communicate with whenever you have concerns.
There are delays in turnaround time sometimes, but know that this is due to unforeseen circumstances like weather changes. Otherwise, the firm makes sure to meet the clients’ deadlines.
Also, it serves only four cities in Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick. So if you live outside those four cities, make sure to inquire first.
Pros
- Focused on sustainable development
- Accepts all types of engineering projects
- Professional and dedicated engineers
- Has a large manpower
- Portfolio of successful projects
- Adjusts to client’s budget
Cons
- Delays in turnaround time (at times)
- Serves only four cities in Ireland
Customer Reviews
Great to work with
Wonderful people who are very professional and great to work with.—Peter Griffin, Google Reviews
High quality projects
Top class—Stephen O Shea, Google Reviews
3. PDS Carlow

Track record | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reputation and reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Technical resources | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Project management | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Value for money | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
PDS Carlow might not be a large firm, but it works like one. We admire that it’s very efficient in managing its resources including its people to make sure the clients’ requirements are met.
For one, upon consultation, you can immediately feel how organised the process is. The people assigned to you make sure to inspect the site thoroughly and ask the right questions to make sure every detail’s in place.
During the construction itself, the on-site manpower, especially the engineers, is very efficient. They work fast and precisely which always makes the firm meets its deadlines.
Sometimes the turnaround time is even earlier than expected, which some clients we talked to really appreciate. They told us it just showed how much the company values its clients, which is something that made them recommend the firm to people they know.
Another thing we like about PDS Carlow is that its pricing is reasonable. It can also adjust based on your budget and makes sure to deliver high-quality results despite that reason.
We also want to commend how easy it is to communicate with the firm—the engineers are responsive to calls and can explain or clarify any issue. The only problem we have about communication is that the firm sends quotes late at times.
Also, the firm only serves limited areas. We recommend calling or emailing it first to make sure your project in a specific location can be accommodated.
Pros
- Great project management
- Highly organised process
- Easy to communicate with
- Quick turnaround time
- Professional engineers
- Competitive pricing
- Efficient on-site people
Cons
- Slow to give quotes
- Services are only available to limited areas
Customer Reviews
Great project management
Excellent practice. We couldn’t have been happier with the way PDS managed our planning application and project. We have engaged them on a second project on the back of the success of our first.—Machine Learning, Google Reviews
Fast turnaround time
The guys have a quick turnaround and a competitive price. They are friendly and easy to work with.—Niall O’Connor, Google Reviews
4. Jacobs

Track record | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reputation and reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Technical resources | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Project management | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Value for money | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
What we love the most about Jacobs is that it’s a firm that values professionalism. Regardless of how big or small your project is, expect to be treated with respect and openness.
In fact, according to some of the people who hired them before, they appreciate how easy it was to communicate with the firm. The engineers or project managers are responsive to their concerns and give solutions immediately.
The process is organised as well. From consultation to inspection, and to actual construction, you can see how everything flows smoothly because the projects are managed in a way that saves time and effort for everyone involved.
We want to highlight the engineers as well. They’re highly experienced, showing just how Jacobs employs and trains the best in the field.
The company has a long list of successful projects, by the way. We like that its reputation is backed up by tangible assets.
Another thing we think you’d love to know is that Jacobs only uses modern technology and solutions. The company’s very innovative but at the same time, we appreciate thatit also focuses on sustainable solutions.
Just expect to pay more—Jacobs isn’t inexpensive. Also, we heard that the company has problems with some contractors and subcontractors it partners with, but the good thing is that they make sure to immediately address them.
Pros
- Accessible
- Really values professionalism
- Organised
- Highly experienced engineers
- Has a long list of successful projects
- Has a great number of manpower
- Innovative
- Uses modern technology and equipment
- Focuses on sustainable solutions
Cons
- A little expensive
- Some contractors cause delays in the projects
Customer Reviews
Professionals at work
They take professionalism to a new level.—Martin Daly, Google Reviews
Accessible
International Engineering Company 2 Minutes walk from the Tara Towers—Tara Towers, Google Reviews
5. Structive Civil Engineering Ltd

Track record | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Reputation and reviews | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Technical resources | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Project management | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Value for money | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
When it comes to professionalism, Structive Civil Engineering Ltd is at the forefront of the line. This is the reason why the residents of Galway like working with them–they get their money’s worth!
For one, the engineers are experts at what they do. They’re very organised on-site and oversee the work with strict discipline.
This usually results to early turnaround time. Some of the firm’s projects finish earlier than scheduled because the project management is just so efficient!
We want to credit the on-site team as well which includes the contractors. This just means the company partners with efficient people to make sure the projects are finished on time.
We’d like to commend the easy communication between client and company as well. From office staff to engineers, you’re assured of being responded to immediately either via phone or email.
And all of this quality work for a reasonable pricing! The company can adjust to your budget, which makes things easier for you because to have more room for other things needed in your business.
One of the complaints we heard though is that sometimes, the clients get additional charges for services they weren’t informed of. While those services are crucial to the operation, we still think it’s necessary to at least give the client prior notice.
Pros
- Efficient on-site manpower
- Professional and competent engineers
- Flexible toward clients’ needs
- Responsive
- Quick turnaround time
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- Hard to book
- Additional charges
Customer Reviews
Competent people
As professional as you could wish for. Extremely knowledgeable and hard working. First class work carried out to an exceptionaly high standard rapidly and safely. Will certainly be working with them again in the future, couldn’t recommend highly enough.—Paul Glynn, Google Reviews
Top-notch service
Outstanding service!—Urszula Filuciak, Google Reviews