Beyond Noise: Tackling the Biggest Acoustic Challenges in the Industrial Sector

Paul Mullen: Leading Ventac’s Industrial Noise Control in Ireland

At Ventac, we believe great engineering starts with listening – to our clients, to site constraints and to the environment around us. That principle sits at the heart of our Industrial Noise Control offering, and there is one person who has become the public face of that work: Paul Mullen, Ventac’s Industrial Business Development Manager.

“There’s a common misconception that acoustic solutions are always expensive or overly complex”, Paul says. “In reality, experienced solution-providers like Ventac offer honest guidance and a range of options, from small, targeted fixes to fully comprehensive noise-control systems.

“With a long history in industrial acoustics and engineering expertise, we can design practical, effective solutions that integrate seamlessly into any project, whether it requires a simple engineering adjustment or a complete acoustic control strategy.”

Paul represents Ventac across industry forums and local business events, connecting directly with contractors, operators and stakeholders to ensure acoustic design is treated as an essential engineering discipline, not an afterthought.

“My ambition is simple,” Paul says. “I want industrial noise control to be viewed as a core part of project delivery from day one. When acoustic considerations are factored into the brief and layout at the earliest stages, we avoid costly retrofits, protect neighbours and deliver more efficient systems overall.”

Priorities for Serving Industry

Paul’s priorities for the Industrial Noise Control function reflect Ventac’s engineering-first approach:

• Early engagement: Work with clients and design teams during concept and schematic stages so acoustic targets inform equipment selection and layout.
• Practical engineering: Deliver bespoke, engineered solutions that integrate with HVAC, containment and maintenance access rather than forcing “off-the-shelf” fixes.
• Compliance and community: Ensure solutions meet regulatory requirements and reduce nuisance for local communities while supporting operational needs.
• Measurable outcomes: Validate performance with testing and monitoring giving clients confidence that acoustic targets are being met in practice.

“We don’t adopt a one-size-fits-all ethos”, Paul explains. “That’s not our style. We’re here to solve individual problems with bespoke acoustic solutions. That means designing with airflow, safety and operability in mind, which proves our solutions deliver the promised performance on site.”

What Paul Sees as the Biggest Acoustic Challenges

In Paul’s view, the industrial acoustic landscape in Ireland presents several persistent challenges:

1. Late-stage consideration of acoustics. Acoustic design is frequently pushed to later stages, meaning plant positions, equipment choices and building façades are already fixed, which usually forces compromises or expensive retrofits.
2. Integration with mechanical systems. Noise control must not undermine airflow, cooling efficiency or maintenance access. Poorly integrated treatments can create follow-on effects that harm performance or compliance.
3. Project-specific complexity. Industrial sites vary hugely. Off-the-shelf solutions rarely meet the acoustic targets or spatial constraints of real projects. Custom engineering is often required.
4. Customer limitations and perception. Many customers underestimate the impact that noise can have on productivity, comfort and long-term operational efficiency. One of the biggest challenges is helping clients appreciate the true value of silence and the cost savings that effective noise control can deliver over the life of a building or facility.
5. Aesthetics of Solutions. A frequent concern is: “How will it look?”  Ventac works closely to meet design specifications so acoustic solutions complement the architectural vision, not compete with it. From discreet panels to customised finishes, the focus is always on maintaining performance without compromising the building’s overall aesthetic.

“The technical challenge isn’t just about making things quieter,” Paul observes. “It’s about doing it in a way that doesn’t reduce reliability or efficiency, or limit access for maintenance teams. That balance takes experience and engineering rigour.”

The Irish Context — Evidence & Policy

Paul’s views are reinforced by recent Irish research and policy work, which underscores both the growing importance of noise management and the broader pressures on the industrial sector. Latest data show the Irish construction sector contributed €14.3 billion to the economy in 2024, a 6% increase on 2023. However, despite economic significance, many firms are diverting resources abroad due to persistent planning delays and uncertainty, particularly in infrastructure and enabling works (e.g. utilities). As labour shortages persist, subcontracting specialist services – like noise control – will be even more vital than ever before. “When noise control is considered at the design and planning stage, we can deliver far more efficient, cost-effective solutions and avoid issues later on site. Early collaboration not only streamlines the build, it ensures the acoustic performance meets the standard from day one.”

Looking Ahead

For Paul and the team at Ventac, the solution is clear: start early, design smart and test thoroughly. That approach not only reduces risk for clients but helps build better relationships with stakeholders and regulators.

“We want to move the conversation from ‘how do we fix our noise problem that we now have after the work is done?’ to ‘how do we prevent unwanted noise from the outset?’” Paul says. “If we can do that, everyone benefits – architects, contractors, workers and communities.”

Get in Touch

Want to learn more about Paul, and our Industrial Noise Control function overall? Email pmullen@ventac.com, connect on LinkedIn or call 00 353 (0) 86 833 8942.