About Us
About Us
Protecting Life, Buildings and Products
Automatic has been providing all aspects of fire protection services across every sector of the economy throughout Ireland since 1981.
Wholly Irish-owned and managed, the company is Ireland’s only dedicated fire protection provider & fire engineering company.
We are a dynamic and energetic customer-focused team dedicated to finding cost-effective and reliable solutions to meet the needs of our customers and their business objectives.
Our experienced fire engineering specialists investigate the feasibility of fire protection solutions to ensure they not only meet but exceed the needs of your projects before designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining your facility’s bespoke systems.
Our fire engineering company clients are assured of end-to-end fire protection services which are delivered in an efficient, courteous and professional manner.
We know the importance of always being there for our clients to ensure their people and property are protected from fire risk – that’s why we always have expert engineers available for 24 hours nationwide emergency response. Our servicing department can provide an ongoing maintenance plan for your business, including annual testing, service and repair work, filter change reminders and much more.
Our vision has always been to be the customer’s preferred supplier in delivering superior engineered solutions, by exceeding expectations through outstanding service, world-class talent and technical innovation. By living up to our values over the years we have become the trusted provider for many of Ireland’s biggest organisations.
All of our engineers are fully trained and vastly experienced experts in the field of fire protection to ensure the level of service provided is always a perfect fit for your requirements.
Our high-level IT and design capabilities include the use of the latest computer-aided design tools including AutoCAD, BIM, Revit and more so that your project is delivered to the high standards you visualised right from the start.
Our Story
Automatic Sprinkler Company (Ireland) Ltd was formed in 1981 by Philip McDonald. His leadership saw the company quickly establish a reputation for quality, safety, reliability and value for money. Philip attributes the early growth of the company to surrounding himself with “a great team of people” who shared his vision to establish the best fire protection & fire engineering company in Ireland.
Back then, the fire protection market was largely driven by the requirements of insurance companies providing cover pharmaceutical and manufacturing processes.
Philip later led the company into overseas markets and successfully completed projects in Germany, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Iraq, Syria, Nigeria and Egypt. Over the decades, the market has been transformed due to various factors, not least changes in legislation governing fire protection and safety.
The company and its reputation expanded steadily through the 80s, 90s and 00s. We installed our first gas suppression system in 1984. In 1989 Automatic Sprinkler Company (Ireland) Ltd became the first fire protection company to exclusively adopt AutoCAD computer-aided design.
In 1993 we became the first Irish fire protection company to achieve the world’s foremost quality management standard ISO 9001 while in 1996 we completed our first overseas contract before being entered into the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) scheme for approved contractors in 2005.
A major expansion of the company came in 2010 with the cessation of all Irish operations by competitor Mather & Platt (trading as Tyco Fire and Integrated Solutions). A number of key Mather & Platt management and engineers – with a combined industry experience in excess of 150 years – joined our company which was subsequently rebranded as Automatic Fire & Integrated Solutions.
In 2012 and 2014 respectively, our Automatic Environmental Solutions and Automatic Passive Fire Protection divisions were established as the company continued to expand its product and service range to cater for the ever-changing market.
2014 also saw the awarding of the highest level of accreditation available to sprinkler system providers when the company achieved LPS 1048 Level 4 certified contractor status. The sought-after accreditation came a year after the company achieved both SafeT and Safe Contractor certifications.
Following relocation to a new 9,000 square-foot headquarters at Park West in 2013, the company continued to expand and solidify its reputation as Ireland’s trusted provider of fire protection services.
In 2019, Philip sold Automatic to the senior management team of Paul, Jack and Catriona – his “valued colleagues and friends” – with a commitment of continuity in charting the next phase of the company’s development. Philip’s involvement in Automatic continues as a consultant to assist the company develop and maintain continuity into the future. Turnover has grown in recent years and new challenges undertaken, without compromising quality or personal relationships with all our clients.
Over many years, we have been the provider of fire protection services for several major projects throughout Ireland, including domestic and international household brands such as Microsoft, Glanbia, Facebook, Janssen, Procter & Gamble, Danone, Coca Cola, Arnotts, Bank of Ireland, Eir and many more.
In 2020, Automatic Fire & Integrated Solutions was rebranded to Automatic to mark the beginning of the next stage in our exciting journey of ‘Protecting Life, Buildings and Products’.
Protecting Life, Buildings and Products
Automatic has been providing all aspects of fire protection services across every sector of the economy throughout Ireland since 1981.
Wholly Irish-owned and managed, the company is Ireland’s only dedicated fire protection provider.
We are a dynamic and energetic customer-focused team dedicated to finding cost-effective and reliable solutions to meet the needs of our customers and their business objectives.
Our experienced fire engineering specialists investigate the feasibility of fire protection solutions to ensure they not only meet but exceed the needs of your projects before designing, installing, commissioning and maintaining your facility’s bespoke systems.
Our clients are assured of end-to-end fire protection services which are delivered in an efficient, courteous and professional manner.
We know the importance of always being there for our clients to ensure their people and property are protected from fire risk – that’s why we always have expert engineers available for 24 hour nationwide emergency response. Our servicing department can provide an ongoing maintenance plan for your business, including annual testing, service and repair work, filter change reminders and much more.
Our vision has always been to be a customer’s preferred supplier in delivering superior engineered solutions, by exceeding expectations through outstanding service, world-class talent and technical innovation. By living up to our values over the years we have become the trusted provider for many of Ireland’s biggest organisations.
All of our engineers are fully trained and vastly experienced experts in the field of fire protection to ensure the level of service provided is always a perfect fit for your requirements.
Our high-level IT and design capabilities include the use of the latest computer-aided design tools including AutoCAD, BIM, Revit and more so that your project is delivered to the high standards you visualised right from the start.
Our Story
The Automatic Sprinkler Company Ireland Ltd was formed in 1981 by Philip McDonald. His leadership saw the company quickly establish a reputation for quality, safety, reliability and value for money. Philip attributes the early growth of the company to surrounding himself with “a great team of people” who shared his vision to establish the best fire protection company in Ireland.
Back then the fire protection market was largely driven by the requirements of insurance companies providing cover pharmaceutical and manufacturing processes.
Philip later led the company into overseas markets and successfully completed projects in Germany, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Iraq, Syria, Nigeria and Egypt. Over the decades the market has been transformed due to various factors, not least changes in legislation governing fire protection and safety.
The company and its reputation expanded steadily through the 80s, 90s and 00s. We installed our first gas suppression system in 1984. In 1989 Automatic Sprinkler Company Ireland Ltd became the first fire protection company to exclusively adopt AutoCAD computer-aided design.
In 1993 we became the first Irish fire protection company to achieve the world’s foremost quality management standard ISO 9001 while in 1996 we completed our first overseas contract before being entered into the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) scheme for approved contractors in 2005.
A major expansion of the company came in 2010 with the cessation of all Irish operations by competitor Mather & Platt (trading as Tyco Fire and Integrated Solutions). A number of key Mather & Platt management and engineers – with a combined industry experience in excess of 150 years – joined our company which was subsequently rebranded as Automatic Fire & Integrated Solutions.
In 2012 and 2014 respectively, our Automatic Environmental Solutions and Automatic Passive Fire Protection divisions were established as the company continued to expand its product and service range to cater for the ever-changing market.
2014 also saw the awarding of the highest level of accreditation available to sprinkler system providers when the company achieved LPBC 1048 Level 4 certified contractor status. The sought-after accreditation came a year after the company achieved both SafeT and Safe Contractor certifications.
Following relocation to a new 9,000 square-foot headquarters at Park West in 2013, the company continued to expand and solidify its reputation as Ireland’s trusted provider of fire protection services.
In 2019, Philip sold Automatic to the management team of Paul, Jack and Catriona – his “valued colleagues and friends” – so they could chart the next phase of the company’s development. Philip’s involvement in Automatic continues as a consultant to assist the company develop and maintain continuity into the future.
A buy-out by senior management took place in mid-2019, with a commitment of continuity to develop and grow the business. Turnover has grown in recent years and new challenges undertaken, without compromising quality or personal relationships with all our clients.
At the end of 2019, we opened a new office in Holland as a European base where we see future growth potential and opportunities to widen the management experience and connections with international clients.
Over many years, we have been the provider of fire protection services for several major projects throughout Ireland, including domestic and international household brands such as Microsoft, Glanbia, Facebook, Janssen, Procter & Gamble, Danone, Coca Cola, Arnotts, Bank of Ireland, Eir and many more.
In 2020, Automatic Fire & Integrated Solutions was rebranded to Automatic to mark the beginning of the next stage in our exciting journey of ‘Protecting Life, Buildings and Products’.
Our Management
Team
Our people are our greatest assets and the cornerstone of our success. We work in a people business with constant interaction within teams and with consultants, contractors and clients.
We have a wide group of leaders throughout the company with a shared passion and loyalty, to deliver a professional service of the highest standard, for our clients.
Executive Team
Paul is a seasoned professional in the fire protection industry, bringing over 25 years of experience in engineering, compliance, and leadership. A qualified Mechanical Engineer with an MBA, he has held senior positions at leading fire protection companies, including Tyco FIS in Germany and Mather & Platt (Tyco Ireland).
At Automatic Fire, Paul is recognised for his technical expertise and strategic approach to fire protection challenges. His depth of knowledge ensures compliance with current legislation while delivering practical, results-driven solutions. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, he plays a key role in maintaining Automatic Fire’s reputation as an industry leader.
Catriona is a qualified Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in financial management and corporate operations. Before joining Automatic Fire, she served as Group Accountant at Brown Thomas, where she honed her expertise in strategic financial planning and organizational leadership.
At Automatic Fire, Catriona leads a highly effective accounting and administration team, overseeing key areas including Health & Safety, Human Resources, and Fleet Management. Known for her professional, diligent approach, she fosters a results-driven environment and brings out the best in people through fair and strategic leadership.
John is a strategic leader in business development, bringing over 20 years of experience in the construction and fire protection sectors. Before joining Automatic Fire, he served as Divisional Director with a Tier 1 building contractor and later led business development for a Tier 1 Mechanical, Electrical & Fire Protection company.
As Business Development Director, John is committed to strengthening relationships with existing customers and forging new strategic partnerships to drive the company’s continued growth. His expertise, combined with an MBA from UCD Smurfit, supports his vision for expanding Automatic Fire’s presence and maintaining its industry-leading reputation.
Ray joined Automatic Fire in March 2025, bringing over 30 years of experience in the fire protection industry. Before joining, he held senior roles at another leading fire protection company, managing large-scale domestic and international projects.
Alongside his extensive industry experience, Ray has specialised training in fire protection systems and safety management. He holds diplomas in Project Management from Trinity College and Lean Quality Systems from the University of Limerick, equipping him with both technical expertise and strategic insight.
Recognised and highly respected within the industry, Ray is known for his ability to implement practical solutions to fire protection challenges. As a senior leader, his vision for the future promises continued growth and success for Automatic Fire, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of safety and performance.
Department
Managers
Nathan is a highly experienced leader in fire protection, with nearly 30 years of expertise in sprinkler systems across diverse sectors, from domestic installations to large-scale oil field risks. Before joining Automatic Fire in 2010, he spent five years with Tyco FIS and previously held key roles at Mercury Engineering, where he worked in design, contracts management, and estimating in Ireland and overseas.
At Automatic Fire, Nathan leads a skilled team of Contracts Managers and Project Engineers, ensuring the successful delivery of fire protection projects throughout Ireland. His technical knowledge and leadership reinforce Automatic Fire’s commitment to excellence in safety and system performance.
Mark is a leader in gas fire suppression systems, bringing over 20 years of expertise in service management and fire protection solutions. Before joining Automatic Fire in 2010, he held key roles at Mather & Platt and Tyco FIS, where he developed deep technical knowledge and industry insight.
Taking over as Department Manager in 2019, Mark continues to build on the expertise passed down by industry veteran Tony Ferris, now a Consultant to the company. He leads a highly motivated team of Project and Service Engineers, along with a growing Detection & Alarm division known for delivering high-quality installations and respected solutions in the marketplace.
Steve is a highly experienced leader in sprinkler system design, serving as Head Designer at Automatic Fire for over 30 years. A graduate of Bolton Street in Design Engineering, he has completed the full suite of LPC qualifications from Basic Level through to Advanced FHC, alongside specialized training in Hydracad, Hydracalc, Hydralist, and FM Global courses.
As an LPCB Level 4 Approved Sprinkler Contractor—the highest accreditation—Steve leads a team of skilled Design Engineers proficient in BIM, AutoCAD, and Revit. His expertise and leadership ensure seamless collaboration with Consultants and Fire Officers, delivering compliant, high-performance fire protection solutions