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  • Episode 11: Tom Guest
    2026/02/27

    In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we sit down with Tom Guest, UK & Ireland Operations Director at Safety Shield, to discuss how AI-powered human detection systems are transforming site safety across construction, utilities, agriculture, and beyond.

    Tom shares the powerful story behind Safety Shield’s creation, the company’s rapid global growth, and how their edge-computing AI system is now helping protect thousands of workers worldwide. From early AI challenges in 2011 to 15,000+ live units in the field today, this is a fascinating insight into innovation driven by real-life tragedy and a mission to save lives.

    We also chat about expanding into Ireland, partnerships with major contractors, Ice Expo plans, and what the future holds for AI safety technology.

    ⏱ Timecodes

    00:00 – Podcast sponsor: Euro Auctions
    00:12 – Introduction to Tom Guest, UK & Ireland Operations Director, Safety Shield
    00:38 – The origins of Safety Shield and the tragic event that inspired it
    01:23 – Early AI development (back in 2011) and the challenges of training the system
    02:22 – Working on London transport projects and early public-sector traction
    03:15 – When AI detection started becoming mandated on UK projects
    03:39 – Tom’s father’s background in pipelines and starting the business
    04:10 – How Tom joined the company (and balancing rugby career)
    04:27 – International growth: Australia, USA, Europe
    05:02 – Working with distributors in Ireland
    05:38 – What Safety Shield actually does (AI human-form recognition explained)
    06:32 – Applications beyond construction: agriculture, waste, warehousing
    07:30 – Accuracy rates (99.6%) and safety testing standards
    07:55 – Fleet tracking, SIM connectivity & portal access for operators
    08:59 – Rapid growth: hiring 20+ staff in months
    09:34 – Partnerships with major contractors & safety campaigns
    10:24 – Tom’s role: operations, sales, engineering teams & logistics
    11:19 – Installation process and working with OEM manufacturers
    12:31 – Industry traction and future factory-fit possibilities
    12:46 – Rugby career with London Broncos & life after professional sport
    13:57 – Vision for the future: global expansion & industry standardisation
    14:50 – Irish distributor Safety Solutions & growing Irish presence
    16:10 – Ice Expo plans: live demonstrations & exhibition trailer
    17:16 – Customer base: Tier 1 contractors, plant hire & major fleets
    18:54 – 15,000 units now live in the field
    19:32 – Continuous product development & competition in the market
    21:16 – Closing remarks & Ice Expo excitement

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    22 分
  • Episode 10: Derek Feeney
    2026/02/20

    We sit down with Derek Feeney, Technical & Quality Control Manager at Park West Fire Protection. Derek has worked his way up from installer to technical lead over 20 years, and his passion for the industry is impossible to miss.

    Passive fire protection isn't fire extinguishers or alarms — it's the hidden layer of tested systems inside your walls, floors and ceilings that stops fire and smoke spreading and buys precious time to save lives. Derek covers what it is, why early engagement on projects is critical, how their training programme works, and why getting it wrong is simply not an option. From the new Children's Hospital to apartment blocks and office buildings — this one covers it all.

    Sponsored by Euro Auctions.


    Timecodes

    0:00 Sponsor – Euro Auctions
    0:12 Introducing Derek Feeney, Park West Fire Protection
    0:27 Derek's background: 20 years, starting as an installer
    1:13 The Park West team and company culture
    2:54 What is passive fire protection? Active vs passive explained
    4:09 Early engagement: why getting in at the start matters
    5:20 Product selection, technical submittals and approvals
    7:23 Test reports and installing to manufacturer's instructions
    8:10 Late-stage engagement: the problems it causes
    9:13 The biggest risk in any building
    9:59 Older buildings and the challenges of retrofit
    10:52 Park West's in-house training facility
    12:28 Hiring and training new staff from scratch
    14:58 "You're too professional" — the story of losing a job for doing it right
    17:22 "Somebody from my family could be in this building"
    19:00 Spotting fire protection issues in hotels and public buildings
    19:21 How much is wrong out there in existing buildings?
    20:53 Awareness, tragedy and why this conversation matters
    21:19 Park West's work on the new Children's Hospital
    22:24 Major contractors: Sisk, Clancy, BAM and expanding into Europe
    23:47 Do fire barriers last forever? Maintenance and handover
    26:03 What landlords and building owners should have in place
    27:40 Concerned about your building? What to do
    29:49 The future of Park West Fire Protection
    32:29 The industry in 10 years: awareness driving rapid growth
    33:11 Fire stopping workshops: how they work
    36:05 Getting buy-in on site and changing mindsets
    37:45 Would Derek recommend fire protection as a career?
    39:26 Looking ahead to ICE Expo
    39:37 Wrap-up

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    40 分
  • Episode 9: Pete The Builder
    2026/02/18
    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Peter Finn, aka Pete the Builder, as he shares his journey from apprentice carpenter to becoming one of Ireland's most recognizable faces in construction.In this episode, Pete opens up about his early days learning the trade, how he accidentally stumbled into television on RTÉ's "Room to Improve" with Dermot Bannon, and the evolution of his social media presence. He discusses the viral "Galway Races" moment that took the internet by storm, working with content creators like John McGuigan, and his thoughts on how social media is changing perceptions of the construction industry.Pete also shares valuable life advice about consistency, mental health, and his philosophy of "this too will pass." We explore his business MDS Construction, his partnership ventures including the magical Christmas experience at Logos, and his excitement for Ice Expo 2026.Whether you're in the trades, thinking about a career in construction, or just love a good Irish success story, this episode is packed with humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom from one of Ireland's favorite builders.Timestamps00:00:00 - Intro & Sponsor Message00:00:12 - Welcome & Introduction to Pete the Builder00:00:28 - Early Days: How Pete Got Started in ConstructionGrowing up with a love for buildingGetting his apprenticeship with Hugh RileyLearning to build houses from foundation to finish00:01:42 - Breaking Into TelevisionFirst call from Room to Improve with Dermot BannonFeeling comfortable in front of camerasDoing eight episodes over six series00:02:48 - Transition to Home Rescue & Social MediaMoving to the Home Rescue spinoff showReluctantly getting into social mediaUnderstanding the importance of building a brand00:04:00 - Origin of "Pete the Builder"Working with Galway roofersHow a casual nickname became a brand00:04:22 - Dealing with Online NegativityThe reality of having a public profileHandling personal attacks and trollsThe block button strategy00:06:34 - Balancing Business and TV FameTV work being only 5-10% of his timeManaging MDS Construction with business partner MarkDoing one-off houses, extensions, and conservation work00:08:05 - Creating Content & Staying AuthenticThe time-consuming nature of social mediaWhy being yourself is easier than actingHaving confidence in his construction knowledge00:10:15 - The Importance of Banter & CommunicationLearning to communicate better with teamsLetting tradespeople work their own wayCreating a fun but productive work environment00:12:06 - That Viral Galway Races MomentComing up with the "ride" joke spontaneouslyAlan Barry's reaction and collaborationGetting 5 million views and going viral on TikTok00:15:29 - [SPONSOR BREAK]00:15:38 - Collaborations & Content CreationWorking with John McGuigan on comedy skitsThe banned Santa Claus videoCreating easy, authentic content00:18:02 - How Social Media Is Changing ConstructionBreaking down old stereotypesThe evolution of technology in buildingIncreased communication and professionalism00:19:34 - Irish Craftsmanship & Trade SkillsIreland's excellence at World Skills competitionsThe need to value trades more at homeComparing Ireland to Australia and Germany's respect for trades00:22:06 - Stories from the SitesHilarious breakfast roll mix-up storyThe magazine in the lunch box prankWorking with deaf and talented tilers00:24:20 - Ice Expo 2025 RecapFirst impressions of the exhibitionThe digger challenge competitionMeeting hundreds of people and the incredible turnout00:27:07 - Why Ice Expo Is UniqueBringing international shows to IrelandSaving exhibitors massive transport costsThe grassroots, hands-on nature of the event00:29:04 - Ice Expo 2026 PlansNew app for exhibitorsTire change challenge returningConor's digger challenge comeback00:30:25 - Best Advice: Stay ConsistentLearning from John Kavanagh and MMAThe power of showing up every dayApplying consistency to any area of life00:32:04 - Philosophy: "This Too Will Pass"Marcus Aurelius and training for Hell WeekDealing with mental health challengesPerspective on good times and bad times00:34:05 - What's Next for Pete the BuilderPlans for future TV showsPotential book projectSocial media ideas and jujitsu goals00:35:54 - Logos: The Christmas ExperienceTen years of Logos and recent reinvestmentCreating authentic magical family momentsThe real forest, log cabins, and professional actors00:37:33 - Easter, Halloween & Christmas at LogosNew train ride through the forestStunning views over DublinHow to get tickets00:38:59 - Closing RemarksLooking forward to Ice Expo 2026Prizes and activities planned00:39:27 - Outro & Sponsor Message
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    40 分
  • Episode 8: Amanda McNally
    2026/02/13

    In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we sit down with Amanda McNally, Sales Manager at Sleator Plant, to hear her incredible journey from a Bank of Ireland call centre to becoming one of the most talked-about names in the plant and machinery industry. Amanda shares how she sold approximately 150 units in her first year and is already past 40 units early into 2025. We discuss the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, the importance of honest sales and after-service, the growing reputation of Sany machinery in Ireland, and an exciting first-in-Europe remote access excavator project. Amanda also gives us a sneak peek at what Sleator Plant will be bringing to Ice Expo this year, including live demos. Sponsored by Euro Auctions – next auction takes place in Dromore on the 20th and 21st of February 2026.

    Timecodes:
    0:00 – Intro & Sponsor (Euro Auctions)
    0:12 – Welcome & Introduction to Amanda McNally
    0:48 – Amanda's Career Journey: Bank of Ireland to Car Sales
    2:01 – Moving into Trucks, Vans & the Machinery Industry
    2:25 – How Amanda Joined Sleator Plant
    3:30 – Sleator Brands: Sany, Genie, Rocbak, Bandit & More
    3:54 – Belfast & Dublin Depots
    4:17 – 150 Units Sold in Year One
    4:40 – Product Range: Excavators & Telehandlers
    5:05 – 2025 Sales Update: 42 Excavators & Growing
    5:37 – The Secret to Success: Honesty & Under-Promise, Over-Deliver
    6:25 – Being a Woman in the Plant Industry
    8:04 – Dealing with Competitors & Rumours Head-On
    8:56 – Changing Attitudes Towards Women in Construction
    9:38 – Positive Feedback & Customer Praise
    10:07 – Treating Every Customer the Same
    10:50 – People Buy from People
    11:32 – The Reality of Working Hours & Work-Life Balance
    12:30 – Finding It Rewarding & Looking Ahead
    13:08 – Future Plans & Contentment
    14:04 – Chinese Machinery: Changing Perceptions of Sany
    15:20 – Sany's R&D Investment & Global Ambitions
    15:44 – First-in-Europe Remote Access Excavator
    16:42 – A Day in the Life of Amanda McNally
    17:51 – Going the Extra Mile for Customers
    18:09 – Backup Service & Response Times
    19:20 – Parts Stocking Across Depots
    19:40 – Parts Business & Machine Reliability
    20:08 – Brand Rundown: Genie, Bandit, Rocbak & More
    21:37 – Rocbak, Volvo Technology & Company Structure
    22:37 – Ice Expo 2025: What Slayer Plant is Bringing
    23:31 – Demo Area Plans: Rocbak Dumpers & Excavators
    23:51 – The Growth of Ice Expo & Industry Support
    25:20 – Exhibitor Support & Costs
    25:53 – New Ice Expo App for Lead Scanning
    27:00 – Value for Money Compared to Other Shows
    27:57 – Thank You & Closing Remarks

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    28 分
  • Episode 7: Sammy TV
    2026/02/06

    In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we’re joined by Sammy Heaney from Sammy TV, our first female guest on the show. Sammy chats openly about her accidental journey into social media, how creativity and humour became the backbone of her content, and how she carved out a space in the farming, trucking, motorsport and construction worlds.

    From going live in tractors she didn’t know how to start, to racking up millions of views with off-the-cuff skits, Sammy explains what really works on social media today. She talks about dealing with negative comments, building a thick skin, staying authentic to her style, and why Irish engineering, banter and personality deserve a bigger online platform.

    A fun, honest and insightful conversation about creativity, confidence, and building a personal brand without losing the crack.

    Timecodes

    00:00 – 02:30
    Pre-show chat, studio setup and getting comfortable before recording

    02:33 – 03:00
    Official intro & welcome to the Ice Expo Podcast
    Introducing Sammy Heaney (Sammy TV)

    03:00 – 05:10
    How Sammy accidentally got started in social media
    Early Lucky Day videos and stepping in front of the camera

    05:10 – 06:30
    TikTok taking off in 2021
    Creativity, acting background and finding her on-camera confidence

    06:30 – 07:25
    Launching Sammy TV & why creativity is essential to her happiness
    Building a team so she can focus on content

    07:25 – 09:00
    Getting thrown into farming, tractors and machinery
    Learning on the job and going live without a clue

    09:00 – 09:40
    Biggest viral moments & millions of views
    Balancing humour with promoting real products

    09:40 – 10:40
    Motorsport, trucks, tractors & future plans
    Moving more into trucking and construction in 2026

    10:40 – 12:15
    Finding community in farming and ag shows
    Being welcomed in as an outsider and learning along the way

    12:15 – 13:10
    Advice for young creators and influencers
    Just start, expect criticism, and grow a thick skin

    13:10 – 15:30
    Handling negative comments & online trolls
    Why it says more about them than you

    15:30 – 17:00
    Creepy messages, boundaries & blocking negativity
    Using humour when it fits

    17:00 – 19:30
    Sammy’s creative process with brands
    Why content must stay “Sammy TV–style” and entertaining

    19:30 – 21:45
    Viral skits, trailers, and off-the-cuff ideas
    Why being left alone creatively works best

    21:45 – 23:10
    How social media has changed over the last 5 years
    Short attention spans, hooks, lighting and competition

    23:10 – 24:55
    Irish engineering, innovation & businesses online
    Why companies need faces and personality on social media

    24:55 – 26:15
    Ice Expo, exhibitors & future collaborations
    Making content on-site and bringing the crack

    26:15 – 27:40
    Fun personal stories
    Sammy’s childhood pirate radio station & early broadcasting days

    27:40 – End
    Final reflections, laughs and wrap-up

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    38 分
  • Episode 6: Tom Brown (Director of Doctor.ie)
    2026/01/23

    In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we’re joined by Tom Brown, Director of Doctor.ie, to discuss the future of accessible healthcare in Ireland and why preventative health is more important than ever.

    Tom shares the story behind Doctor.ie – from its origins in digital health software to becoming a nationwide network of 15 walk-in clinics offering same-day GP access, health screening, telehealth, and specialist services. We explore how technology, nurses, and doctors work together to give patients real insight into their health, not just test results.

    With a strong focus on men’s health, the construction industry, and preventative care, Tom explains why Doctor.ie has partnered with Randox and what attendees can expect from their stand at the ICE Expo. The conversation also covers blood testing, wellness screening, TRT clinics, workplace pop-up health clinics, sports partnerships, and how early intervention can genuinely save lives.

    A must-listen for anyone interested in health, wellbeing, construction, or the future of occupational healthcare in Ireland.

    ⏱️ Episode Timecodes

    00:00 – 00:02
    Sponsor message & upcoming auction details

    00:02 – 00:03
    Welcome to the Ice Expo Podcast

    00:03 – 01:20
    Who is Tom Brown & how Doctor.ie began

    01:20 – 02:35
    Merging digital health with walk-in GP clinics

    02:35 – 03:55
    Health screening explained & why results matter

    03:55 – 04:45
    Online services, telehealth & nationwide clinics

    04:45 – 05:35
    Preventative healthcare & work-life balance

    05:35 – 06:45
    Tom’s personal health journey & blood testing

    06:45 – 07:40
    Understanding markers, lifestyle changes & results

    07:40 – 09:00
    Partnership with Randox & ICE Expo involvement

    09:00 – 10:40
    Focus on men’s health & the construction industry

    10:40 – 11:30
    On-site blood testing & tailored health packages

    11:30 – 12:40
    Family history, awareness & changing attitudes to health

    12:40 – 13:45
    Why health belongs at trade shows like ICE Expo

    13:45 – 15:00
    Sports partnerships & cardiac screening

    15:00 – 16:30
    How often should you get blood tests?

    16:30 – 17:50
    Making results easy to understand & patient pathways

    17:50 – 19:00
    The role of nurses, doctors & health coaches

    19:00 – 20:30
    Future plans for Doctor.ie & nationwide expansion

    20:30 – 22:00
    Pop-up clinics for businesses & workplaces

    22:00 – 23:30
    Community clubs, fundraising & accessible screening

    23:30 – 24:40
    Final thoughts, ICE Expo preview & thanks

    24:40 – End
    Sponsor message & closing

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    25 分
  • Episode 5: Ciaran McCormack(The Tire Warrior)
    2026/01/16
    Join us for an incredible conversation with Ciaran McCormack, aka The Tire Warrior, as he shares his journey from working on tires since age seven to becoming a viral sensation with over a billion views! In this episode, Kieran reveals the secrets behind his success, his upcoming plans for Ice Expo 2025, and the world's first tire fitting competition.Discover how this Irish tire specialist built an international brand through authentic content, strategic use of natural sounds, and signature moves like his famous bar catch. Kieran discusses his global adventures from Vegas to Idaho, working with real cowboys, and his plans to open The Tire Warrior Garage.Don't miss the exclusive details about the Ice Expo tire fitting competition on May 22nd-23rd, complete with cash prizes, showgirls, merchandise giveaways, and live demonstrations!Timecodes00:00:12 - Introduction and welcome to The Tire Warrior00:00:42 - Origin of "The Tire Warrior" name and how it started00:01:24 - Early days creating videos to promote their business00:01:45 - Discovery that people love watching tractor tire work00:01:59 - Background in engineering and working with tires since age seven00:02:20 - Timeline: Started posting in 201900:02:40 - Traveling and farming in America, Canada, and Australia00:03:16 - Life splitting time between Ireland and North America00:03:43 - Counting the views: Over a billion video views!00:03:58 - Daily life: Balancing tire work with content creation00:04:34 - Fitness and physicality of tire work00:04:55 - The shortage of tire men in Ireland00:05:10 - Inspiring people to join the tire industry00:05:28 - Irish Tire Garage Tour docu-series00:05:49 - How to contact for tire industry opportunities00:06:07 - Why young people are leaving Ireland for opportunities abroad00:06:35 - Advice for aspiring influencers: "Just go and do it"00:06:54 - Life philosophy and making the most of your time00:07:12 - Dealing with naysayers and focusing on supporters00:07:39 - The future: "In ten years I'll be able to say I did the thing"00:07:59 - The secret to viral videos: Sounds and natural audio00:08:17 - First video success: 84,000 views00:08:34 - Learning what works through trial and error00:08:54 - Darwin's survival of the fittest approach to content00:09:14 - Discovery of natural sounds over music00:09:32 - Collaboration with musicians using video sounds00:10:14 - The famous bar kick and catch technique00:10:28 - Getting 100,000 to 10 million views per video00:10:46 - Vegas Tire Garage Tour announcement00:11:04 - Speed Vegas supercar experience00:11:23 - Driving a McLaren on the track00:11:46 - Recommendation: Speed Vegas for $50000:12:21 - Ice Expo plans and excitement00:12:40 - Details on machines, tractors, and lorries for the event00:12:57 - WORLD'S FIRST TIRE FITTING COMPETITION announcement00:13:12 - Competition details and cash prize00:13:25 - Event dates: May 22nd and 23rd, 202500:13:43 - Showgirls and merchandise tent00:13:58 - Partnership with tire brands for new machines00:14:10 - Showgirls' role: Photos, mingling, giveaways00:14:28 - Cool trucks and special rubber duck reveal teaser00:14:40 - The mysterious rubber duck with special feature00:15:02 - Professional tire men team joining for demonstrations00:15:18 - Sponsors attending: Snickers, boot companies, truck companies00:15:37 - Giveaways: Hoodies, t-shirts, jackets00:15:53 - Competition timing: Under 2 minutes for The Tire Warrior00:16:11 - Setup designed for entertainment and speed00:16:34 - Tire specifications: 540 6524 Continental00:17:02 - Continental tire choice for ease of fitting00:17:17 - Competitors can bring their own tools00:17:36 - First competition of its kind in the world00:17:56 - Ice Expo as the biggest show of the year00:18:09 - Ice Expo already sold out!00:18:26 - Unique clientele and honored to participate00:18:42 - Messages from around the world since announcement00:19:04 - Prize and sponsor announcements coming soon00:19:12 - Future plans discussion00:19:32 - Irish Tire Garage Tour: 20 garages lined up00:19:50 - UK Tire Garage Tour in development00:20:14 - Vegas tour leading to Texas and LA invitations00:20:35 - Expanding to Scottish, Welsh, and England tours00:21:13 - Australia mining tire opportunities (giant tires!)00:21:33 - 2026 vision: European tour, South Africa, Russia00:21:48 - Series featuring girls doing tractor tires00:22:05 - Girl tire videos getting hundreds of millions of views00:22:29 - Idaho connection and main sponsor00:22:45 - Robinson Ranch: Real cowboys and horse breeding00:23:04 - Meeting legitimate cowboys (not actors)00:23:29 - Riding horses with real cowboys00:23:44 - Meeting "Bull" the cowboy00:24:04 - Bringing in bulls on horseback00:24:21 - Looking after tire fleet for ranch00:24:40 - Fox Fuels partnership and fuel additive00:24:57 - Fox Fuels: 15-20% fuel efficiency increase00:25:17 - Plans to bring Fox Fuels to Ireland commercially00:25:34 - Fox Fuels origin story: NASA rocket fuel from the 1960s00:25:57 - ...
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    33 分
  • Episode 4: “From Farmyard to Finance: A Conversation with Tom Parlon
    2025/12/08
    In this episode of the Ice Expo Podcast, we sit down with Tom Parlon — a man whose career spans farming, machinery, politics, and leadership at the highest levels of Ireland’s construction sector. From his early days on a small Offaly farm to becoming President of the IFA, a Government Minister, and Director General of the CIF, Tom shares a lifetime of insight.This is an honest, funny, and deeply informative conversation with one of the most experienced voices in Irish public and industrial life.00:00 – 00:00:24Euro Auctions sponsor intro & episode welcome00:00:24 – 00:01:11Introducing Tom Parlon — politician, IFA President, CIF leader00:01:11 – 00:02:35Early life on a small Offaly farm & agricultural college00:02:35 – 00:03:19Staying in Ireland vs moving to Australia — farming expands00:03:19 – 00:04:01New Zealand scholarship & contracting beginnings00:04:01 – 00:05:07Rising through the IFA to become President00:05:07 – 00:06:26Entering politics — joining the Progressive Democrats00:06:26 – 00:07:10Becoming Minister of State for Finance & overseeing the OPW00:07:10 – 00:10:02Major projects, EU presidency stories & diplomatic challenges00:10:02 – 00:11:23Investing in Offaly — heritage projects & local wins00:11:23 – 00:12:41Losing his seat and moving into the Construction Industry Federation00:12:41 – 00:14:28Inside government: pressures, civil service, political realities00:14:28 – 00:16:31The 2007–2012 crash — warning signs, collapse & survival00:16:31 – 00:18:54Ireland’s infrastructure failures: water, electricity, planning delays00:18:54 – 00:21:21The metro judicial review & structural reform frustrations00:21:21 – 00:22:21Lessons the construction sector must remember00:22:21 – 00:24:16Greed, over-expansion & parallels with decentralisation00:24:16 – 00:26:24NAMA’s formation — opposition, consequences & industry fallout00:26:24 – 00:31:05Could NAMA-style emergency powers fix today’s crises?00:31:05 – 00:32:13Machinery nostalgia — from Massey Ferguson to modern tech00:32:13 – 00:35:08The rise of advanced plant, automation & industry innovation00:35:08 – 00:37:14Sustainability on sites — recycling, materials & challenges00:37:14 – 00:40:18Energy, wind farms, solar, NIMBYism & planning blockages00:40:18 – 00:43:10Transport, infrastructure and what Ireland should learn00:43:10 – 00:45:25Advice to young contractors & pride in construction work00:45:25 – EndClosing thoughts & Ice Expo preview
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    46 分