Martin Farrell Civil Contracting displayed trucks from its stunning fleet at Full of the Pipe for the first time in 2026 and it was a show to remember for the industry-leading County Kildare based utility infrastructure contractor. Irish Trucker sat down with company manager Aaron Farrell to reflect on a wonderful weekend in the sun at Mondello Park.
Over the second weekend of July, a convoy of magnificent trucks rolled into a festival atmosphere at Mondello Park for the truckshow extravaganza that was Full of the Pipe 2026. As a breath-taking array of immaculately presented commercial vehicles glistened in the summer sun, Martin Farrell Civil Contracting’s impressive lorries were front and centre on their maiden appearance at Ireland’s premier gathering of trucks and truckers.
“It was a great weekend,” confirms Manager, Aaron Farrell, who works alongside his father, Managing Director, Martin Farrell to run the fantastic family business which was started in 1999 by his father and mother and became a limited Company formed by the eponymous Martin in October 2003. “About 15 of us went over and we really enjoyed it. Mondello is close by, which helps. It went well and we’re already looking forward to going back again next year.”
While Martin Farrell Civil Contracting bought a lorry to the show in 2024, this was the first time they displayed at Full of the Pipe. They presented three units from their twelve-strong truck fleet and also a tractor. Their MAN 510 suction / excavation rigid truck took third place in the Rigid Class, while their brand-new Scania 420 rigid with Palfinger crane finished second in the Construction Class.
“We also displayed our new Scania 280 beaver tail with a brand new 4CF JCB on the back and a full poling set-up,” Aaron continues. “At the moment, we’re running a fleet of around twelve trucks and 30 more vehicles between vans, jeeps, diggers etc. In our line of work, it’s all about the quality and performance of the fleet … that’s why we keep it fresh and modern to avoid any breakdowns or downtime. We’re constantly upgrading and growing our fleet to meet client expectations.”
ESB Networks is the main client. Needless to say, Ireland’s operator of the electricity distribution system demands the highest standards of performance and excellence, which works just perfectly for Martin Farrell Civil Contracting as so too do they!
For over 25 years, Martin Farrell Civil Contracting has been delivering safe, reliable utility infrastructure solutions throughout Ireland. As a trusted contractor working on behalf of ESB Networks, they specialise in the installation, replacement, and maintenance of electricity network poles, supporting the delivery of essential infrastructure to communities across the country.
Their experienced team combines industry expertise, specialist modern equipment, and a strong commitment to safety to provide efficient solutions for utility providers, contractors and local authorities.
Martin Farrell Civil Contracting excel in the installation, replacement and maintenance of timber, steel and composite electricity network poles for ESB infrastructure projects. Experienced crews deliver pole erection services safely and efficiently, supporting both low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) networks and working closely with utility providers to ensure all projects are completed to the highest standards while maintaining strict safety and environmental controls.
Meanwhile, their qualified traffic management team provides comprehensive traffic control solutions for utility, construction and civil engineering projects, developing and implementing safe, compliant traffic management systems that minimise disruption while protecting workers, road users and the public.
Farrell Contracting also provides vacuum excavation services for projects requiring safe, non-destructive excavation around underground utilities. Vacuum excavation significantly reduces the risk of damaging buried services and is ideal for sensitive environments where traditional excavation methods may not be suitable.
The trucks displayed at Full of the Pipe looked incredible. Is it difficult to preserve equipment that works so hard day in, day out in such tip-top condition? “We are in sites and fields and back lanes every day, so it’s definitely a challenge to keep them in good condition. But a lot of effort goes into minding them and keeping them clean.
“Credit for that has to go to our drivers. We have a great team of lads around us who take care of all our vehicles and keep the show on the road. None of this would be possible without them.”
Full-time employment is generated directly for a team of 40. Martin Farrell Civil Contracting is very much a family business, where Aaron is joined by sisters Megan, Kathlyn, Shannon and brother Martin Jnr. “When the client rings, they will get us direct on the other end of the phone and they know they are going to be afforded that personal touch.”
Firmly established as leading specialists in their field of expertise, Martin Farrell Civil Contracting are busier today than they have ever been and to ensure that they remain ahead of the curve and continue to deliver the best services possible, investment in the fleet and the team is ongoing. As part of their regular fleet replenishment programme, so far this year alone, they have taken possession of the aforementioned two brand-new Scanias, a new digger, a new tractor, three new vans and three new jeeps.
“It’s a modern fleet and every year we are growing more and more. That obviously brings big challenges and big costs in terms of paying for all these vehicles and the people to operate them, but we are more than happy with how the business is going.”
As for Martin Farrell Civil Contracting’s decision to participate in Full of the Pipe for the first time, Aaron adds: “A lot of it is down to the influence of one of our drivers, Stephen O’Brien, who has a massive interest in trucks and truck shows. Stephen drives the Scania 420, and he was the one who suggested that we start going to shows. It was a good call and we’re delighted we went. We’re definitely going to be there again next year.”
Under the second generation’s watchful eye, expect Martin Farrell Civil Contracting to continue going from strength to strength in the years ahead. “The goal is to continue growing and to keep the fleet modern and keep working way,” Aaron concludes. “To keep looking after our customers and meeting their demands. That’s always been our main focus and always will be.”
Martin Farrell Civil Contracting Ltd.,
Brockagh Cross,
Robertstown,
County Kildare.
Tel: 045-890600
Mobile: 087 9729237
Email: [email protected]
First published in Irish Trucker magazine November/December 2026, Vol 29-6
featured, Martin Farrell Civil Contracting
