Sector meeting in Dublin

The Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) invited sector representatives from Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland to Dublin at the end of February.

The programme covered exchanges on regulatory updates at UK and EU levels, evolving industry standards, and technological advancements in the lift and escalator sector..

Wim Koster and Luca Pezzini, respectively President and Secretary General of the European Lift Association (ELA), and George Jackson and Nick Mellor, respectively Board Member and Managing Director of the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) took part.

Benefits of digitalisation

Front Row (left to right): Luca Pezzini, ELA-Secretary General; ELA-President Wim Koster; Giles Lord, Chairman of the Irish Lift and Escalator Association and Joint Owner and Director of Byrne Lifts; LEIA-Board Member George Jackson, LEIA-Managing Director Nick Mellor. Back Row (left to right): Niall Whitty, Regional Director, Orona MWL Ireland; Declan McKenna, Modernisation Director I.LS. (Fain); Paul Flynn, Owner and Managing Director, Ascension Lifts; Simon Adair, Managing Director, Kone; David Bourke, Owner and Managing Director, Accel Lifts; Garech McGuinness, CEO, Infinity Lifts; Mike Rushe, Service Director, Infinity Lifts. Photo: © Sarai Olivier

The Irish lift sector was represented by Giles Lord, Chairman of ILEA , among others. According to the organisation, the Irish Lift and Escalator Association (ILEA) represents over 80% of lifts and escalators industry in Ireland and plays a "central role in ensuring compliance with European safety standards, advocating for regulatory improvements, and driving technical innovation in the sector," as stated in the press release of the ELA.

A particular focus of the discussions was on the benefits of digitalisation for enhancing safety through predictive maintenance and reducing operational downtime, the ELA press release continued.

"Ireland is an important market"

Speaking ahead of the meeting, ILEA Chairman Mr. Giles Lord underscored the importance of international collaboration: "As Ireland’s skyline continues to grow, the need for safe and efficient vertical transportation is more critical than ever." Engaging with the European Lift Association and the UK Lift and Escalator Industry Association "allows us to align with best practices, anticipate regulatory changes, and embrace technological advancements, particularly in digitalisation."

Wim Koster, ELA President, also highlighted the importance of collaboration at a European level: "Ireland is an important market for the European lift and escalator industry, and we see the ILEA playing a vital role in driving innovation and maintaining high standards, ensuring that Ireland is aligned with other European Member States."

Nick Mellor, LEIA Managing Director , stated: "The lift and escalator industry is evolving rapidly, with digitisation and regulatory developments shaping its future." Collaboration between the UK, Ireland, and European partners was "vital to ensuring that safety, skills development, and technological advancements continue to drive excellence across all markets."

More information: ela-aisbl.eu
ilea.ie
leia.co.uk