Facilities Management Awards 2026 Champion Talent Driving the Sector Forward

Ireland’s facilities management (FM) space is undergoing rapid transformation, moving beyond operations to become more strategic, tech-driven, and people-focused. This was the key takeaway from the Facilities Management Awards 2026, which returned to Dublin Royal Convention Centre on 11^th March.

Now in their thirteenth year, the awards celebrate innovation and achievement across the national FM sector, as well as offering a unique opportunity for the 460+ industry professionals in attendance to network and share knowledge.

A total of 29 awards were up for grabs, including the coveted Overall Excellence in Facilities Management and Facilities Management Leader 2026, alongside a range of specialist categories.

Additional awards spanned operational efficiency, projects, health and safety, technology, wellbeing, and sustainability – and included the People Development in Facilities Management Award, sponsored by Portobello Institute.

Winners Reflect Key Trends in Facilities Management in Ireland

McBreen Environmental, a specialist in technology-driven drainage and environmental services for the FM sector, took home two trophies: Overall Excellence in Facilities Management and Specialist FM Service Provider of the Year. The company, based in Co Cavan, was recognised for its continued investment in people, technology, and client insight.

Meanwhile, Derek McDonald of AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) was named Facilities Management Leader 2026. With a career spanning more than two decades, in his current role, he oversees integrated workplace strategy across 28 offices in 14 countries in Europe, with responsibility spanning operational excellence, risk management, and continuous improvement.

Derek McDonald, Facilities Management Leader 2026

McDonald, a former Portobello Institute student, highlighted the growing importance of strong leadership in FM, noting that more professionals are now actively choosing facilities management careers and pursuing formal qualifications, rather than entering the sector by chance. The future, he said, is “extremely bright for the industry”.

Across the event, a defining theme emerged: the top facilities management companies in Ireland bring together people, technology, and strategy. FM is increasingly recognised as a value driver, evolving beyond maintenance to support overall business performance.

You can find the full list of the Facilities Management Awards winners here.

The Rise of People Development in FM

Valued at $2.05bn (c. €1.9bn) in 2025 and projected to reach $2.69bn (c. €2.5bn) by 2031, Ireland’s facilities management sector is well established and growing steadily. However, like many industries, it continues to face labour and skills shortages.

As a result, talent has become a key competitive advantage, with organisations placing greater strategic emphasis on training, upskilling, and retention. This shift was reflected at the Facilities Management Awards 2026, where people development emerged as a critical priority.

This year, Portobello Institute sponsored the Best People Development in Facilities Management category, recognising organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to investing in their people and building future-ready FM teams.

Flexéir Facilities Services – Elevate emerged as the worthy winner, with our very own Gerry Kelly, Programme Lead for the facilities management faculty at Portobello Institute, presenting the award.

Flexéir Facilities Services – Elevate wins Best People Development in Facilities Management 2026

Flexéir Elevate is an innovative career mapping and staff development initiative, designed to retain top talent and inspire progression within the organisation. Introduced after a period of high turnover for Flexéir, it provides clear growth pathways, personalised development, and incentives that empower employees to build long-term careers with the company.

Find out more about Flexéir Elevate.

Flexible Pathways into Facilities Management Careers

As a recognised independent provider of facilities management courses in Dublin for over a decade, Portobello Institute supports the ongoing development and professionalisation of the sector.

Facilities management is defined by the people who drive it, offering excellent professional opportunities and evolving career pathways.

Our facilities management qualifications, ranging from IWFM Level 4 and Level 5 to a BSc (Hons) degree, Postgraduate Certificate and MSc in Workplace and Facilities Management, are internationally recognised and awarded by London Metropolitan University.

At every stage of a facilities management career, from entry-level roles to senior leadership, Portobello Institute provides flexible learning and personalised guidance delivered by industry experts.

Discover the Right Facilities Management Course for You

Wherever you are in your journey – starting out, changing direction or progressing – our higher education programmes support practical, real-world outcomes.

Begin your pathway into facilities management by exploring our faculty page or booking a consultation with one of our career pathway consultants.