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Hardware Association Ireland (HAI) is proud to launch Hardware Matters, a brand-new podcast dedicated to exploring the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the hardware, building materials and housing sector across Ireland.
Hosted by architect and interior designer Roisín Murphy, this podcast series is designed to create a new platform to deliver all the latest industry news, insights and trends in hardware, building materials and housing.
Each episode of Hardware Matters brings you expert insights, practical advice, and in-depth conversations with the people driving innovation and resilience in the industry — from local business owners and product specialists to policy-makers and housing champions.
Whether you’re a retailer, supplier, tradesperson, or simply passionate about the built environment, Hardware Matters offers a fresh, informative, and accessible way to stay connected with the sector and ahead of the curve.
Highlights from the series to date include:
- Dr Ciaran Byrne – Head of National Retrofit at SEAI – on Ireland’s retrofit targets, contractor shortages, and a new pilot scheme using traditional materials like sheep’s wool.
Onlinetradesmen.ie’s Ted Laverty on solving the skills shortage – and why apprenticeship reform is key.
Derek Deasy of Hultafors Group on the evolution of workwear – from steel boots to smart, safe, and comfortable gear.
- Jim Copeland from HAI launches the hunt for the oldest hardware store in Ireland
- Former RTE reporter Fergal Keane shares his experience in renovating vacant stone farmhouse near Baltimore in West Cork.
- Tommy Smyth from Tom Smyth & Associates shares his insights on employment law, dignity at work, harassment, bullying, social media activity, and other issues businesses owners need to know how to handle
- Horticulturalist and gardening guru, Paraic Horkan tells us how he and his family built a thriving business that started in Castlebar and is now countrywide.
- Tahmina Nizam, National Manager at the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, shares some of the enforcement tools at their disposal, including Compulsory Purchase Orders and exemptions from Council Tax, and their impact on bringing empty properties back into use and combating Scottish housing challenges.
- Denis Jastrzebski, an AI expert with Content Plan tells us how Artificial Intelligence can impact the hardware industry.
- Barry McCarron (Kore Retrofit) outlines five essential principles for high-quality home retrofits.
- Iseult McLaughlin (Tactical Talent) discusses hiring trends and staff retention
- Martin Markey (CEO of HAI) shares the latest in unlocking the opportunity of Above the Shop properties
- Colour expert Jane Witter (Dulux Ireland) illustrates the power of colour in a home, and key questions to expect from customers
- Plus real-life DIY stories from Topline Murtagh’s customers.
Click any of the links below to listen in to the latest episodes where-ever you get your podcasts!
iTunes – Spotify – iHeart Radio – Podchaser – Boomplay – Player FM – PodBean
We will have even more exciting updates on Hardware Matters. Follow us on social media for more updates!
