From its base in Lemybrien, County Waterford, Dermot Kiely Construction Ltd. has established itself as one of Munster’s premier farm building contractors. As the business enters its 21st year, we sat down with Dermot to discuss the past, present and future of this industry-leading operation.
Having initially worked alongside his father, John, Dermot Kiely set up his own construction company specialising in farm buildings in 2005. Consistently delivering unbeatable workmanship and service levels – driven by repeat custom and positive word of mouth – Dermot Kiely Construction quickly became the contractor of choice for all types of farm buildings across Munster.
Over the decades, the impressive portfolio of completed projects has included commercial, industrial, healthcare and sporting facilities, although farm buildings remain very much what the Kielys are known for. True to form, twenty-twenty-five was another busy year for Dermot and his trusty team:
“Every year is busy, thankfully,” says Dermot. “There’s plenty of work out there if you want to do it, so I don’t really know why so many people are saying there’s no work.
“I’ve been at this for 33 years now and have been flat out the whole time. Since I started, I haven’t had a day off because there was no work. Granted, weather does play a part and can catch you out, but there’s always something to do.”
The old adage that if you want something done properly then you should ask a busy man to do it springs to mind!
A proven concrete specialist, Dermot plans and builds a full array of turnkey agricultural buildings from start to finish, including new builds, extensions and upgrades. The Waterford contractor leverages his decades of experience working in the industry to offer farmers invaluable advice before the project commences…
“Most of my customers would be repeat customers and I’ve built up lasting relationships with them. They know me and they trust me, which is vitally important. I have a photographic memory and I’d remember all their yards, so if they need some work done – a new shed or parlour or slatted tank – I have the experience and knowhow to advise them on how best to improve their yard.”
In terms of catchment area, most of the work is carried out in Waterford, East Cork, North Cork and parts of Tipperary. When we spoke to Dermot he was in the process of finishing up on a project in the Rebel County, putting an extension onto a shed he built six years ago.
“Generally, I’d have two or three projects ongoing at any given time, and they are pretty much all repeat customers at this stage. When you provide a high standard of work, which is what we pride ourselves on, that’s how you build up a good client base.”
At the time of writing, Dermot had a steady order book of milking parlour projects ahead of him, with even more being priced. “I probably won’t get them all but I’m confident I’ll get enough,” he comments, before alluding to the elephant in the room when it comes to all construction companies these days:
“Workers are the biggest problem at the moment. We’re currently down to just three men, having been at five last year. One lad unfortunately had to have surgery on his back, while another left after nine months saying he was too cold. For whatever reason, there’s no desire to work anymore.
“Going back to 2007/08, those were our busiest years in this industry and we had 15 men – two very good crews who just flew through work. We’re still very busy but there’s always room for growth and we could definitely take on more work if we could find the right men.”
Dairy farmers account for the lion’s share of Dermot Kiely Construction’s customer base. “Agri-wise, 90 per cent of the work I’m doing is for dairy farmers,” Dermot confirms. “There has been an increase last year and this year so far in the price of cattle, too, which is encouraging. The thing about farmers is that when they have money they tend to spend it and they like to invest in their buildings if there’s money to spend.
“There’s a little bit of a slowdown with milking parlours at the minute. There’s one big job I was supposed to start this month that had to be put on temporary hold because of the price of milk, but we’re hoping to be in a position to proceed later on in the year.”
Dermot maintains a healthy work-life balance and his involvement in rugby helps keep his mind focused and batteries charged. A former player with Dungarvan Rugby Club, he is currently coach of the club’s U18.5 team.
“When you are working with young lads and seeing them progress and improve, the benefits of it are huge – it’s like a new lease of life,” he enthuses.
His team won the East Munster League last year, contested the East Munster Plate final and won the Munster Development Cup, with five players representing Munster and one representing Ireland. Incredibly, he had five with Munster and one with Ireland again this year.
“We’re going to Italy for a bit of a tour in March and I have to say it’s absolutely great to be part of a club where underage rugby is thriving,” concludes the seemingly-tireless farm building contractor.
Dermot Kiely Construction Ltd.,
Lemybrien,
County Waterford
Tel: 086 8398994
First published in Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 14 No 1, Spring 2026
Dermot Kiely Construction Ltd., Featured
