The Mechanical & Electrical Contractors Association’s 2026 AGM marked a historic milestone with the appointment of Joanne Cluxton as the first female president in the Association’s history. SINEAD CRONIN, Specialist Contracting, Construction Industry Federation, writes that from navigating complex new industrial relations agreements to addressing a cooling domestic market, the M&ECA is continuing to develop European markets to ensure stability.

The Mechanical & Electrical Contractors Association (M&ECA) gathered at Construction House on Thursday, 22 January for its Annual General Meeting (AGM), an event that marked not only a review of a pivotal 2025, but also a historic milestone for the Association. The M&ECA presidency officially passed from Paul Nicholls, Mechanical Engineering & Building Services Contractors’ Association (MEBSCA), to Joanne Cluxton, Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA). Joanne Cluxton is the first female president in the ECA’s history and the first female president of the M&ECA.

She will be supported by Eamon Thornton, who continues in his role as Vice President, ECA, while Mark Hodson was elected President of MEBSCA and Darragh Martin was appointed Vice President.

Industrial relations

Industrial relations continued to dominate the agenda for both ECA and MEBSCA members. In 2025, the ECA successfully concluded pay agreements with the Connect Trade Union, introducing the eleventh year-out-of-time rate from September 2025, with further increments scheduled for 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 be established, it is hoped it may pave the way for future progress on the long‑awaited mechanical SEO and pay harmonisation.

Market activity

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 Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data hinted at stabilisation. Members continually report concerns about pipeline scarcity and the need to pursue export markets.

Many members report that the majority of their order books are made up of projects on mainland Europe, which ensures a more stable and predictable pipeline, and, by extension, business continuity.

The M&ECA looks forward to a productive and progressive year ahead under the leadership of Joanne Cluxton and Mark Hodson, with the support of Denise Tuffy, Director of Specialist Contracting at the Construction Industry Federation, and her team.

Participation, collaboration and collective expertise remain the cornerstone of M&ECA’s strength and success.