Coffey is a leading water infrastructure and civil engineering specialist celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. To mark this milestone, the company will host a series of events across Ireland and the UK with customers, partners, suppliers, and friends joining in to celebrate the golden jubilee throughout 2024.
Coffey kicked off the golden Jubilee celebrations this week with festivities in the Athenry head office and across the regional network of offices and sites throughout Ireland and the UK.
From Humble Beginnings to Remarkable Success
Coffey was founded in 1974 by Paddy Coffey, who was joined by his brother Tom in 1975. The company’s early years were marked by a focus on civil engineering projects, including the construction of Ireland’s first motorway bridge on the Nass bypass in 1983.
In 1988, Coffey expanded into the UK market, initially working for water companies and local authorities around the London area. The company’s commitment to innovation and quality quickly earned it a reputation as a leading provider of water infrastructure and civil engineering services.
In 1994, Coffey entered the property development market in Ireland and constructed the company’s first housing estate in County Galway. This initial development paved the way for other developments in the Galway area, and Coffey has since made significant contributions to the region’s infrastructure and growth.
In 2000, having identified the water industry as a key growth area, Coffey sought to expand its service by forming a joint venture with the operation specialists Treatment Systems Limited. This joint venture with TSSL, successfully leveraged the expertise and resources of both parties to provide a one-stop-shop for design, build and operate (DBO) services for water and wastewater treatment plants. In 2002, Coffey and TSSL completed the first design and build contract for a wastewater treatment plant in Ireland. In 2012 Coffey Group acquired 100% ownership of TSSL, which was then re-branded as Coffey Water Ltd.
In 2013, Coffey and Northumbrian Water formed a Joint Venture, Coffey Northumbrian Ltd. to deliver the
€50m North East Region of the Domestic Water Metering programme for Irish Water. In 2020 Coffey completed the acquisition of Northumbrian Water’s 50% share in Coffey Northumbrian Ltd and Coftec, the licensing and sales division of Coffey, was established. COFTEC’s business activities include the identification, development, and sale of water treatment-related technologies and products in Ireland, the UK, and further afield.
Celebrating a Rich History
Coffey’s history is filled with notable milestones, including:
1991: Coffey built Ireland’s first-ever wind farm in Bellacorick, Co. Mayo. This project demonstrated the company’s commitment to sustainability and its willingness to embrace new technologies.
1994: Coffey entered the property development market in Ireland. The company’s first housing estate in County Galway was a major success, paving the way for other developments in the Galway area. Coffey has since made significant contributions to the region’s infrastructure and growth.
2000: Coffey formed a joint venture with the operation specialists Treatment Systems Limited to provide design, build, and operate (DBO) services for water and wastewater treatment plants. This joint venture, TSSL, became a major player in the water industry and was eventually acquired by Coffey in 2012.
2006: Coffey completed the M7 Nenagh to Limerick Motorway, its largest contract to date. This €250M project was a major undertaking and showcased Coffey’s capabilities as a major contractor.
2015: Paddy and Tom Coffey retired, handing over the ownership of Coffey to the next generation of the Coffey family.
A Commitment to Excellence
Throughout its 50-year history, Coffey has always been committed to providing exceptional service to its customers. The company’s reputation for innovation, quality, and customer service has been instrumental in its success.
Odran Madden, Coffey’s Managing Director, remarked,
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 50th anniversary with our valued stakeholders. This milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our team members, who have consistently delivered exceptional products and services in the water infrastructure and civil engineering sectors throughout the years. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with our community and reaffirming our commitment to providing innovative solutions that support the growth and success of our customers.”
Join the Celebration
Coffey will be inviting all its stakeholders to join in the festivities, whether in person at one of the events or virtually over the year ahead. The events will be a great opportunity to connect with Coffey’s team, learn more about its history and plans, and celebrate the past 50 years of Coffey’s excellence.
