Kavanagh Crane Hire has long been recognized as one of Ireland’s leading crane hire companies. Established in 1973, the company built its reputation on reliability, expertise, and a commitment to innovation in lifting solutions. Over the years, Kavanagh expanded its operations beyond its base in Wexford, establishing branches in Dublin, Waterford, and Carlow to serve major infrastructure, construction, and industrial projects across the country. However, a key turning point in the company’s history came with its expansion into Cork, solidifying its presence in the South and West of Ireland.
The Acquisition of Wm. O’Brien Crane Hire and Expansion into Munster
The opportunity to expand into Cork arose through the acquisition of Wm. O’Brien Crane Hire, a company that had once been a major force in Ireland’s crane industry. Originally part of William O’Brien Plant Hire, the crane division was known for delivering high-quality lifting solutions. In its later years, however, the company scaled back its operations, reducing its fleet and eventually winding down its crane hire services.
For Kavanagh Crane Hire, this acquisition represented more than just geographical expansion—it was a chance to integrate the knowledge and experience of two well-established companies. By acquiring Wm. O’Brien’s business and assets, Kavanagh Crane Hire established a permanent presence in Cork, a strategic move that allowed it to better serve clients in the South and West of Ireland.
Expanding Reach: Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Clare
With the addition of the Cork depot and office, Kavanagh Crane Hire strengthened its ability to provide top-tier crane hire services across Munster and beyond. The region is now supported by Kavanagh’s extensive fleet, including mobile cranes, tower cranes, and crawler cranes, capable of handling projects of any scale.
Cork’s strategic location and the high-quality motorway network provide easy access to surrounding counties. The N22 and N20 motorways ensure that Kavanagh Crane Hire can quickly deploy cranes to Killarney and Kerry, as well as Limerick City and Clare—all within a two-hour reach. This connectivity allows the company to serve construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects efficiently, reinforcing its commitment to timely service and operational excellence.
Ireland’s Largest Crane Fleet and Expert Workforce
At the time of expansion, Kavanagh Crane Hire had already developed one of Ireland’s largest and most advanced crane fleets, with over 50 cranes, ranging from two-axle mobile cranes to 500-tonne All-Terrain models. By extending its services into the South-West and Mid-West regions, the company could now provide an even broader range of lifting solutions to new and existing clients.
Beyond the growth of its fleet, Kavanagh Crane Hire also benefited from integrating the highly skilled workforce of Wm. O’Brien Crane Hire. The transition ensured continuity of service, with experienced personnel bringing local knowledge and industry expertise into the Kavanagh team. Their contributions further strengthened the company’s ability to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective lifting solutions.
A New Chapter in Kavanagh Crane Hire’s History
The establishment of a Cork base marked a significant milestone in Kavanagh Crane Hire’s history, reinforcing its commitment to serving all regions of Ireland. The addition of Killarney, Kerry, Limerick, and Clare to its service areas has allowed the company to support major projects across Munster and the Mid-West with unparalleled efficiency.
With a strong infrastructure, a modern crane fleet, and an expert team, Kavanagh Crane Hire continues to build on its legacy of excellence in lifting services. From its beginnings in Wexford to becoming Ireland’s most trusted crane hire company, the expansion into Cork and the wider South-West and Mid-West regions stands as a testament to 50 years of growth, adaptability, and industry leadership.
