How McCabe Group Evolved into a Main Contractor of Choice
- McCabe Group
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
For its industry-leading delivery of the Derrylea Bridge Widening Scheme, Cavan-headquartered McCabe Group was shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Civil Construction Project of the Year category at this year’s Irish Construction Industry Awards. Building Ireland touched base with founder and managing director Declan McCabe to discuss this magnificent award-nominated project and the successful McCabe Group journey so far.
From Masonry to Multi-Sector Contracting
Established as McCabe Masonry in 2007 and rebranded McCabe Group in 2020, the company has diversified from a stone masonry specialist to offer a full range of bridge rehabilitation, civil engineering, and commercial and residential general contracting services. Today, McCabe Group delivers a comprehensive portfolio of main contracting, project management, design, value engineering, stone masonry, fit-out, cleanrooms, site services, restoration and conservation, and traffic management & planning services.
Proprietor Declan McCabe reflects that the Derrylea Bridge Widening Scheme, shortlisted for a 2023 ICI Award, was particularly close to his heart due to its proximity to the McCabe Group hub:
“Derrylea Bridge is literally at my doorstep – 100 metres from my home place and 300 metres from the office. I grew up on that bridge, played football on it and the school bus went over it. It has always been a focal point in the local area, and we certainly didn’t want to lose it without tender.”
Delivering the Derrylea Bridge Project
The winning bid required the replacement and realignment of the existing two-span masonry arch bridge over the Claddagh River in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan. The old bridge, on a skew to the regional road, created traffic and safety challenges. McCabe Group was awarded the project and, working with the client and Inland Fisheries Ireland, carried out extensive works:
Demolition of the existing masonry arch bridge.
Construction of a new two-span reinforced concrete structure with improved road alignment.
Significant foundation works including piling at depths of 5m.
Installation of a pedestrian walkway and new parapet walls using locally sourced limestone.
Resurfacing, drainage, and road markings.
Despite challenges from weather and rising river levels, the project was delivered on time and within budget in October 2022.
Declan notes:
“Over the years there was incident after incident. It’s on a busy road and 500 vehicles cross it daily, including HGVs. It was a pinch point and a safety issue, so it’s great that we were able to deliver it safely and to such a high standard.”
Balancing Heritage and Modern Engineering
As a company rooted in stone masonry, McCabe Group brought both traditional skills and modern construction methods to the project. Declan highlights the importance of preserving heritage where possible, while also meeting the demands of today’s infrastructure.
The project had a hugely positive impact on the local area, improving road safety and creating a safer environment for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Supporting Local Communities
McCabe Group prides itself on providing employment to the local community and surrounding areas. With 90 skilled operators and 15 highly trained office staff, supported by over 50 subcontractors, the company has created strong employment opportunities locally and beyond.
Declan notes the importance of the local supply chain and workforce:
“We’ve done both vehicular bridges and pedestrian bridges and walkways. A lot of the work is unseen, but it’s vital for safety and connectivity. Many councils don’t want to knock old structures down – they want them strengthened to last another 150 years. That’s where we come in.”
Building Ireland, One Project at a Time
From commercial and residential builds to healthcare, pharmaceutical, and industrial projects, McCabe Group has become a main contractor of choice across Ireland and Europe. The company has achieved NSAI ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001 certification, Safe-T-Cert accreditation, and continues to invest in employee development, training, and digital innovation with tools like Procore, OpenSpace, and BIM.
Declan McCabe sums it up:
“We started small, with just three employees, and grew by diversifying and embracing new challenges. Our reputation is built on quality workmanship, customer service, and attention to detail. We’re proud to deliver projects that exceed expectations – from local bridges to large-scale commercial and industrial builds across Europe.”
Conclusion
McCabe Group’s evolution from a local stone masonry specialist to a multi-sector main contractor is a story of resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. With over 150 people now part of the extended team, the company is shaping the built environment across Ireland and beyond, delivering projects that balance heritage, quality, and modern construction needs.
