Company

Independently Irish since 1996.

AOCA have been in business since 1996, and in that time we have established ourselves firmly as one of Ireland's leading engineering consultancy firms.

Our story

From Portlaoise to projects across Europe

With our head office located in Portlaoise, where the company was established by Aidan O'Connell, we opened a second office in Dublin in May 2014. The Dublin office has expanded considerably in the intervening period and offers the full range of engineering services along with pyrite investigation. Our offices share resources to ensure we provide the best possible service to every client.

Since our initial steps on the ladder of engineering consultancy, we have expanded and evolved to service all sectors of the construction industry. This continuous growth is testament to our commitment to the quality of service we provide to all our clients.

Our business philosophy is, always, to provide the most professional attention, together with the most practical solution at a reasonable cost. Our professional staff are on hand to discuss projects of any magnitude — simple or complex — and will deliver the highest standard possible to help you achieve your stated goal.

See us at work

Engineering in Action

Discover how AOCA's expertise comes to life through projects that demonstrate our commitment to quality, innovation and effective Engineering solutions.

Milestones

Three decades of building trust

1996

Aidan O'Connell & Associates is founded in Portlaoise — one engineer, a drawing board and a conviction that clients deserve consultants who take responsibility.

2006

The practice moves to its current head office at Lismard House on the Timahoe Road, Portlaoise.

2014

A second office opens at Centrepoint Business Park, Clondalkin, to better serve the Eastern region — growing to offer the full range of engineering services along with pyrite investigation.

2017

AOCA rebranded to create a more inclusive identity that reflected the people and values behind the business. The new name represented the company's growth from a small regional consultancy into a national and international engineering practice.

The full story — reeling in the years

Our mission

To solve real engineering challenges with practical thinking, honest effort and genuine pride in the work that carries our name.

Straight Talking

We tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Our reputation has been built on honest advice over nearly 30 years.

Curiosity

Thirty years in business could make you set in your ways. We've chosen a different path. We stay curious — about new technologies, better methods and smarter solutions. It's what keeps our thinking fresh and our clients ahead of the curve.

Practical Thinking

We find solutions that actually work in the real world, on real budgets, with real timelines.

Loyalty

We look after our clients and they look after us. Many of the people we work with today were with us at the very beginning.

People First

Irish owned and independently run since 1996. No corporate hierarchy, no distant boardrooms — just a team that genuinely cares about the outcome and each other.

Leadership

Our management team

Chartered engineers who are still engineers first — every project has a director's eyes on it.

Philip O'Connell

Managing Director

MIEI

Over 11 years' experience in civil engineering, project management and fire safety consultancy, specialising in fire safety assessment and remediation of multi-unit residential developments. BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, MSc in Project Management, currently completing a Level 9 Certificate in Fire Safety. Member of Engineers Ireland and the Passive House Association of Ireland.

Brian Byrne

Director

FIEI

Chartered Engineer with over 26 years' experience in civil and structural engineering. Leads the design of residential and commercial developments, with expertise in drainage, infrastructure and project delivery. An experienced forensic engineer and expert witness specialising in structural defects and insurance-related claims. Fellow of Engineers Ireland.

Emmett O'Reilly

Associate Director

FIEI

Chartered Engineer with over 25 years' experience in civil and structural engineering, specialising in structural design and wind load analysis across residential, commercial and data centre projects. An experienced forensic engineer and expert witness on structural defects and insurance-related claims. Fellow of Engineers Ireland and an Ancillary Design Certifier.

Colin Scott

Associate Director

FIEI

Chartered Engineer with over 25 years' experience in civil and structural engineering. Manages AOCA's Dublin office and leads major residential, commercial and remediation projects, including large-scale pyrite remediation programmes. Acts as an expert witness in engineering and construction disputes. Fellow of Engineers Ireland, with additional qualifications in renewable energy and construction law.