M&ECA NEWS
Members attending the M&ECA AGM 2026 at Construction House, Dublin.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FEDERATION ADMINISTRATOR SINÉAD CRONIN REVIEWS A YEAR OF TRANSITION AND TRANSFORMATION FOR M&ECA, ECA AND MEBSCA… M&ECA hosts 2026 AGM
Presidency of the Mechanical & Electrical Contractors Association (M&ECA) and Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has passed to a female for the first time in the history of both organisations. Joanne Cluxton was officially appointed as president of both M&ECA and ECA at the M&ECA AGM, held in Construction House on January 22. The M&ECA presidency passed from Paul Nicholls, who was also president of the Mechanical Engineering & Building Services Contractors’ Association (MEBSCA). Joanne will be supported by Eamon Thornton, who is continuing in his role as
vice president of ECA, while Mark Hodson was elected president of MEBSCA with Darragh Martin as vice president. Industrial relations continue to dominate the agenda for both ECA and MEBSCA members. During 2025, the ECA successfully concluded pay agreements with Connect Trade Union, introducing the 11th year out-of-time rate from September 2025, with further increments
be established, it is hoped it may pave the way for future progress on the long-awaited mechanical SEO and pay harmonisation. While 2025 was broadly successful for members, domestic activity slowed in Ireland, competitiveness intensified and labour pressure eased slightly. Ireland’s construction output fell for eight consecutive months, though December’s PMI data hinted at stabilisation. Members continually report concern over pipeline scarcity and a need to pursue export markets. Many members report the majority of their orderbooks are made up of projects on mainland Europe, which ensure a more stable and predictable pipeline, ensuring business continuity. M&ECA is looking forward to a productive and progressive year ahead under the leadership of Joanne and Mark with the support of Denise Tuffy, Director of Specialist Contracting for CIF, and her team. Participation, collaboration and collective expertise remain the cornerstone of M&ECA’s strength and success.
scheduled into early 2026. The ECA also established a
subcommittee to review apprentice pay for first- and second-year apprentices. A joint electrical SEO remains to be established in the industry. Should this
“Many members report the majority of their orderbooks are made up of projects on mainland Europe, which ensure a more stable and predictable pipeline.”
Want to know more?
For further information on M&ECA, ECA or MEBSCA, contact CIF: T: +353 (0)1 406 6000
E: cif@cif.ie www.cif.ie
L-R: Paul Nicholls, outgoing President of M&ECA; Eamonn Thornton, Vice President, and Joanne Cluxton, President, ECA; and Mark Hodson, President, and Darragh Martin, Vice President, MEBSCA.
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