Murray Consultants is to handle Irish Water after a pitch involving presentations from five agencies. The beleaguered water body has been handled up to now by FleishmanHillard with agency director and long-time Fine Gael party activist Mark Mortell in charge of proceedings. Public affairs director and former Irish Times political correspondent Mark Brennock will lead the Irish Water account at Murray’s.
Founded in 1974, Murray Consultants is now run by Pat Walsh. The agency’s other clients include Britvic Ireland, Kellogg’s, Friends First, Skoda, Davy, Londis, Mercer, 3 mobile, Treasury Holdings, Tullow and United Drug. The agency became well known for its work for the Independent Newspaper group under Sir Tony O’Reilly. Director Jim Milton, a close confidant of O’Reilly’s, also handled PR for Heinz and Providence.
Given the huge level of public disapproval against water rates and the manner in which the State quango has carried out its duties in recent months, the Irish Water PR business is undoubtedly regarded as a challenge and may even be seen by some observers as fraught with fear. DDFH&B Advertising handles the creative work for Irish Water, while Carat is responsible for media buying and planning. Both agencies have worked for Bord Gáis.
Murray’s contract is with Ervia, which includes Irish Water and Bord Gáis Networks.
