Global engineering and environmental consultancy RSK has acquired mineral exploration and ground investigation contractor Irish Drilling Ltd.
Loughrea, Co Galway-based Irish Drilling has carried out major geotechnical investigation and mineral exploration drilling contracts in Ireland, the UK, the Isle of Man and France. Irish Water, SSE Renewables, Bord na Móna, and various public sector organisations number among its clients.
Recent projects include geotechnical investigations for Eastern and Midlands Region Water Supply Project (Irish Water), wind farm projects on behalf of Bord na Móna, Gort Lowlands Flood Relief Scheme (Galway County Council/Transport Infrastructure Ireland), and the Ten-T Priority Route (Donegal County Council/Transport Infrastructure Ireland).
In addition, the Irish Drilling has recently completed a mineral exploration drilling programme for Anglesey Mining plc at its Parys Mountain property. The company employs a team of 40, including engineers, geologists, mechanics, laboratory technicians and drillers.
Ronan Killeen, managing director of Irish Drilling, who will continue to lead the business, said: “We are delighted to be joining the RSK Group and believe that the expertise and resources that the RSK Group can provide will help us to expand and grow the business throughout the island of Ireland.”
In Association with
Alan Ryder, CEO of RSK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Irish Drilling, an internationally recognised mineral exploration, drilling and geotechnical investigation contractor, to the Group.
"IDL has been an expert in its field for more than 50 years and its team will help RSK, the largest provider of geotechnical investigation in the UK, to expand its drilling capability into Ireland in support of existing and new clients.”
RSK now comprises more than 175 companies, employing over 10,000 people, and it is expected to report annual turnover in excess of £800m for 2021-22, more than double that of the previous year.
RSK has made 22 acquisitions over the past two years. DHKN of Galway advised on the Irish Drilling acquisition.
Accounts for Irish Drilling show the firm had net assets of nearly €4m at the end of 2021 after making a profit of €411,000 that year. The company employed some 38 people, with a payroll of €1.7m and directors' remuneration fo €316,000.
Photo: Alan Ryder.
