IPAF reinforces safety leadership at successful HIREland 2026 debut
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) exhibited at the inaugural HIREland 2026 in Dublin on 26 March 2026, attending as an Association Partner.
Held at the National Show Centre, the event brought together key players from across Ireland’s plant, tool and powered access hire industry, providing a new platform for collaboration, innovation and business growth.
The show provided the opportunity for IPAF to engage directly with contractors, rental companies and end users on the importance of safe and compliant powered access operations.
Visitors to the IPAF stand benefited from expert guidance on best practice, training and evolving safety standards, with a particular focus on the organisation’s Rental+ certification scheme. The initiative, designed to provide independent assurance of quality and compliance among rental companies, was a central theme throughout the event.
IPAF’s Irish Country Manager, Damien O’Connor, delivered a series of seminars highlighting the growing importance of due diligence in equipment hire. He emphasised that insufficient checks can expose businesses to unnecessary risk, while schemes such as Rental+ help ensure higher levels of safety, professionalism and legal compliance across the sector.
The sessions resonated strongly with attendees navigating an increasingly regulated and performance-driven market, where safety, quality and environmental standards are becoming key differentiators.
Event organisers also praised IPAF’s involvement. Brian Coogan noted that the partnership helped reinforce the event’s value beyond a traditional exhibition, positioning HIREland as a meaningful experience focused on improving operational performance, customer satisfaction and long-term business success.
"Having IPAF as an Association Partner for HIREland sends a strong message to the rental industry – that this event is more than just an exhibition; it’s an experience for hirers that will add real value to their business. Value around price realisation, optimisation and customer satisfaction.”
As the first edition of HIREland, the event successfully created a dedicated forum for Ireland’s hire industry, bringing manufacturers, suppliers and decision-makers together under one roof to explore new technologies, services and strategies for growth.
For IPAF, the event marked another step in its ongoing efforts to promote safe working at height and support the professionalisation of the powered access sector across Ireland and beyond.
