BULLETIN FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS
OBAIR
OBAIR 2012/2013 BULLETIN FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS
Published by:
Office of Public Works,
52 St. Stephen’s Green,
Dublin 2, Ireland.
Tel: 01 6476000
email: [email protected]
www.opw.ie
2012/2013
Contents
1
Introduction
26
Kilmainham Courthouse
2
JFK - Homestead
28
National Botanic Gardens
4
JFK - Arboretum
30
Dundrum Garda Station
6
Morpeth Roll
34
Newgrange
9
Ennis Friary
37
Intreo Programme
10
St. Patrick’s Day
Greening
38
Durrow Abbey
12
Nenagh Castle
44
16
Clonmel Flood Relief
Scheme
National Procurement
Service (NPS)
46
Blasket Bursary
20 EU2013
48
Rock of Cashel
22
Four Courts
50
Staff Pages
24
Phoenix Park 350th
52
Staff Changes
40 Art Management
Bennie Reilly, Bubble Beard, Oil on canvas, 2012
Design: Bennis Design
Introduction
Sunlight enters the Newgrange Chamber in 2013
Welcome
Hello and welcome to a double edition of Obair magazine that covers the
years 2012 and 2013. There have been many changes within the Office in
the last two years, most notably the departure of NPS to D/PER and we
wish our former colleagues the very best in their new home.
In this edition, we are delighted to bring you news of projects and events,
both big and small that OPW were involved with in these two years and of
course, stories from staff themselves. As always, we welcome suggestions
and contributions from staff for future issues, so if you have any ideas for
the next edition, which will cover 2014, please let us know…
Congratulations to all involved in the projects and events featured here,
but also to those who contribute in their individual ways and who may not
get a specific mention.
Happy Reading!
The Obair Editorial Team
1
Kennedy Ancestral
Homestead 1963-2013
Patrick’s work as a cooper
in Boston, to the emergence
of an Irish-American
political dynasty, through
the Presidency to recent
times. While the exhibition
portrays the life of JFK it also
celebrates the legacy and
achievements of his wider
family:
1
The four-day visit to Ireland
of the serving President of
the United States of America,
John F. Kennedy, in June
1963, was a pivotal occasion
in our history.
JFK was at the height of his
achievements, the leader of
the most powerful country
on earth, internationally
renowned for his social and
political programmes and, at
the advent of the ‘Television
Age’, the personification of
the aspirations of millions
world-wide.
But he chose to come to
Ireland to trace his ‘roots’
and proclaim his love of this
country. His visit remains
an iconic image indelibly
etched on the consciousness
of those who witnessed it
or later experienced the
unforgettable scenes through
the media. At a time of
economic struggle his visit
lifted the nation and instilled
a sense of confidence and
pride in our citizens and
Irish diaspora and brought a
positive international focus
on Ireland.
Acknowledging the humble
origins of his family the
President visited the small
farm in Dunganstown, Co
Wexford, the ancestral
home from where his
great-grandfather Patrick
emigrated to the US in 1848.
Joining family relatives from
both the US and the local
area he reminisced about
the fateful emigration of his
great-grandfather Patrick in
2
- his father Joe Snr who
became US Ambassador
to Britain,
1848 and the struggle and
hardship the family endured
in the US before enterprise
and commitment endured
to achieve great reward and
success, the embodiment of
the ‘American Dream’.
To mark the 50th Anniversary
of the President’s visit a new
Visitor Centre and Exhibition
at the Homestead was
designed and constructed
by OPW. On 22nd June
2013 it was officially opened
by the Taoiseach, Minister
Brian Hayes and colleagues
Ministers Brendan Howlin and
Paul Kehoe in the presence
of many members of the
Kennedy family including
35 from the US led by
the President’s daughter
Caroline and sister Jean
Kennedy-Smith. A bronze
sculpture of Senator Ted
Kennedy was unveiled by
his granddaughters and a
re-enactment was staged
of the famous ‘Tea Party’
of 1963. Memorable too
was the address by one of
Ireland’s greatest poets, the
late Séamus Heaney, which
was one of his last public
engagements.
The project comprised a
new single-storey building
with reception, exhibition
spaces, access road, car/bus
park, toilets and services.
Further works were carried
out to the original farmyard and outbuildings. The
exhibition traces the Kennedy
family history from the early
19th century in Wexford to
- brother Robert who was
Attorney General and
suffered a similar tragic
fate,
- brother Edward (Ted) who
was one of the US’ greatest
Senators and special friend
and supporter of Ireland,
- sister Eunice who was
instrumental in founding
the Special Olympics,
- sister Jean who was US
Ambassador to Ireland,
- and more recently, the
President’s daughter
Caroline who has been
appointed US Ambassador
to Japan.
As with the President, all
of these carried their Irish
heritage proudly on the
international stage.
Since opening to the public
at the end of June 2013 the
new facilities have received
over 16,000 visitors. At the
same time another new OPW
exhibition concentrating
specifically on the President’s
achievements in office
was opened at the nearby
JFK Memorial Park and
Arboretum. This depicts
the cultural and artistic
programmes at the White
House, the ‘Space Race’,
the building of the Berlin
Wall and other aspects of
the Presidency and links in
to the establishment of the
Arboretum. Together with
the Irish Emigrant Centre/
Dunbrody Famine Ship at the
quayside in New Ross these
attractions provide a major
new tourism destination in
the region.
1 President Kennedy at the tea party in 1963
2 Caroline Kennedy addresses the crowd at the Homestead
3 Photographic panel in the JFK Arboretum exhibition
4 Caroline Kennedy, an Taoiseach and various Kennedy
family members at the 2013 tea party
Photographs (2-4) © Browne Photography
2
3
4
3
President John
Fitzgerald Kennedy
President John
Fitzgerald Kennedy
(29 May 1917 – 22 Nov 1963)
The 22nd November 1963,
the date of the President’s
passing, and the tragic and
controversial circumstances
of his assassination, will
be forever remembered
throughout the world as one
of the defining moments of
the 20th century.
To mark the occasion of the
50th Anniversary a formal
Military Commemoration
Ceremony was held at the
JFK Memorial Park and
Arboretum, New Ross, Co
Wexford on that fateful date
1
4
in 2013. An Army Cadet
Honour Guard performed
the ceremony echoing the
drill which took place, at the
request of Mrs Jacqueline
Kennedy, at the President’s
funeral at Arlington National
Cemetery, Washington DC, on
25th November 1963.
The Arboretum, managed by
OPW, was established in 1968
as the Irish State’s permanent
commemoration of President
Kennedy. It comprises ‘a
celebration of trees’ from
around the globe reflecting
the international focus of
the Presidential term and his
special link with Ireland.
2
1 President John F. Kennedy
2 Ministers Howlin & Kehoe lay a wreath
3 Army Cadet Honour Guard
Photographs (2-3)
© Browne Photography
3
5
The Morpeth Roll:
Ireland Identified
The Morpeth Roll:
Ireland Identified exhibition
visited several of OPW’s
historic properties during
2013: Derrynane, Co. Kerry;
The Main Guard, Clonmel;
Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny;
and Dublin Castle, Dublin.
The Morpeth Roll: Ireland
Identified Exhibition 2013
The Morpeth Roll is a
testimonial containing
approximately 160,000
signatures that Lord Morpeth
received from Ireland on
stepping down as Chief
Secretary. While politically
the Roll gives an insight into
Anglo-Irish relations at the
time, it can also be viewed
as a pre-famine census:
the 160,000 signatures
constituting perhaps 3-4%
of the population of Ireland
in 1841 (8.2 million).
On the 14th September 1841,
Lord Morpeth was presented
with this farewell address at
the Royal Exchange, which
was followed by a grand
banquet in the Theatre
Royal. The opening address
is couched in a language
of affection and gratitude,
and concludes with an
effusive farewell to Lord
Morpeth followed by the
first signature, that of the
Duke of Leinster, and then
the rest of the organising
committee. There then
follows a series of signatures
on individual sheets that are
attached together. The first
sheet contains the names of
the nobility; thereafter each
sheet in general reproduces
columns of signatures,
sometimes with localities
appended. In total there
are 652 sheets, measuring
420 metres in length, and
containing approximately
160,000 signatures.
George Howard (Lord
Morpeth) was born in
1802 and became the third
successive generation of
the family to be involved
in the political affairs of
Ireland. In 1835 he joined
Lord Melbourne’s Whig
ministry and was appointed
Chief Secretary for Ireland,
where after long battles he
eventually carried through
reforming legislation on
Irish tithes and municipal
government. He enjoyed
good relations with Daniel
O’Connell and his followers,
and was thus identified as a
reforming Whig. Unusually
for a grand aristocratic family,
the Howard relationship with
Ireland was not based on land
ownership; the family never
owned Irish estates, nor did
they marry into Irish families.
Their powerbase was always
in the north of England
with estates in Yorkshire,
Northumberland and
Cumberland; the principal
family seat being the famous
Castle Howard so their
connection with Ireland was
purely through political office,
and their status was always
one of officials, visitors, or
temporary residents.
Lord Morpeth returned
home with the Roll and
following his death in 1864
it lay unrecognised in the
archives at Castle Howard
for many decades until it was
unearthed in a wooden chest
1
6
2
3
1 Visitors examine the Roll
2 The Roll on display in Kilkenny Castle
3 Dr. Terence Dooley (NUI Maynooth), Minister
Hayes, Clare McGrath, Vincent Comerford.
Photograph © John D Kelly Photography
4 The Morpeth Roll in its wooden chest.
7
with a bronze plaque a few
years ago by Dr. Christopher
Ridgway, curator at Castle
Howard.
In 2009, a collaborative
Project between the NUI
Maynooth, Castle Howard and
Ancestry.com ensured that
the Roll has been conserved
and repaired, and its history
has been researched. By
the end of 2012 it had been
4
8
digitised and indexed making
it fully searchable for the first
time ever and available for
the public to see, either in
person or online (ancestry.
com) for the first time in
170 years.
Some well known figures
who signed the Roll included
Daniel O’Connell, Charles
Bianconi, Thomas Davis
and Charles Gavan Duffy.
Ennis Friary
Co. Clare
Ennis Friary, founded by
the O’Briens of Thomond
who once ruled much of
north Munster, dates to the
early 13th century and is
home to a unique collection
of stone panel carvings
dating to the 15th century.
Since care of the Friary was
vested in the OPW in the
late 19th century, concern
has been expressed about
the vulnerability of the stone
carvings. Following the
preparation and presentation
of a conservation plan and
extensive public consultation
in 2009, the OPW drew up
plans for maintaining the
historic site and improving
visitor access. The project
commenced in 2010 with the
analysis of the damaged and
decayed carved stonework
by a stone conservation
specialist. The stonework was
then removed to the National
Monuments depot in Athenry
for consolidation and repair.
The site of the 18th century
church, which was built within
the walls of the medieval
nave, was chosen as the most
appropriate location for the
protection and presentation
of these medieval sculptures.
Following essential
conservation works, the
design of the modern roof
reflects the original profile of
the church and its lightweight
structure has a minimal
impact on the original walls;
the materials used externally
match the fabric of the
adjoining historic buildings.
The medieval carved objects
are mounted on display
plinths accompanied by
information panels; parts of
the McMahon or Royal Tomb
form some of this display.
Further medieval fragments
will be incorporated in the
display as they are conserved.
The visitor to Ennis Friary
can also see the sacristy, an
impressive structure with
ribbed, barrel-vaulted ceiling.
The Friary will be open to
the public from 3rd April to
29th October in 2014.
Opening hours:
Easter - end September
daily 10am-6pm
1st October - 29th
October daily 10am-5pm
Work to Ennis Friary was
completed in 2012 and
reopened to the public on
Monday 18th June, 2012.
© National Monuments Service, D/AHG
9
St. Patrick’s Day
Greening in 2013
2013 was the first year
of a nationwide initiative
undertaken by the OPW,
the greening of iconic State
buildings to celebrate St.
Patrick’s Day.
The OPW manages a
substantial number of
Historic Properties and
National Monuments around
the country and what better
way to celebrate the St.
Patrick’s Festival, than to
turn our most iconic buildings
green. We were delighted
to lead the way in ‘greening’
the city’s finest buildings and
the nation’s most famous
heritage sites and landmark
monuments.
As part of the larger
Gathering initiative in 2013,
some of the world’s most
iconic landmarks, such as
the Pyramids of Giza and the
Christ the Redeemer statue in
Rio de Janeiro turned green
to celebrate our national
holiday. All over the world,
people turn their attention
to Ireland on 17th March
and OPW was delighted to
help ensure that the country
was shown in the best light
possible; in this case a festive
green!
The OPW M&E Section
illuminated State buildings
and heritage sites for the
duration of the St. Patrick’s
Festival (14th - 18th March).
The ‘greening’ was carried
out by using green filters,
specialist lamps and where
available, existing lighting
control systems.
The following are the
buildings/sites that were
transformed for the four-day
celebration:
1
© Peter Moloney
2
10
© Mac Monagle Photography
1. Leinster House (Merrion
Street side and Kildare
Street side).
2. Government Buildings
14. Collins Barracks
(Front facing River Liffey)
16. Natural History Museum
4. National Gallery
(Merrion Street side)
18. Phoenix Park – Wellington
Monument
5. Dublin Castle Lower Yard
(Part of the Chapel Royal
& Palace St. Entrance)
19. Phoenix Park – Phoenix
Monument
6. Dublin Castle Upper Yard
(2 Statues & Clock Tower)
21. Farmleigh – Water Tower
8. Custom House
9. Casino Marino
10. Marlborough Street Complex
11. National Concert Hall (NCH)
12. Entrance to St. Stephen’s
Green (Grafton St. Corner)
13. Entrance to St. Stephen’s
Green (Shelbourne Hotel
Corner)
2 Ross Castle, 15. Royal Hospital Kilmainham
(RHK) – Clock tower
3. Dept. Enterprise, Jobs and
Innovation (Kildare St.)
7. Four Courts
1 Áras an Uachtaráin
Co. Kerry
3 Rock of Cashel,
Co. Tippearary
17. Rock of Cashel
4 Trim Castle, Co. Meath
20.Áras an Uachtaráin
22. Iveagh House
23. War Memorial Park
(Cross and 2 Fountains)
24. Ross Castle, Co. Kerry
25. Trim Castle, Co. Meath
26.Cahir Castle, Co. Tipperary
27. Garden of Remembrance,
Parnell Square
3
© Denis Vahey
4
11
© Ken Williams
Nenagh Castle
In 1194, the first of the
Ormond Butlers settled
at Nenagh and built the
present Castle. Nenagh
served as the main seat of
the Ormond Butler family
until 1391, when they moved
to Kilkenny Castle (another
OPW site worth visiting).
Like most Norman castles,
Nenagh Castle was built to
impress - it was designed to
look strong, expensive and
permanent. It is five-sided
in plan and consists of a
circular Keep at the north
angle, flanking towers at the
east and west angles, a large
twin-towered gatehouse to
the south and a curtain wall
all around.
After the Williamite Wars,
Nenagh was dismantled as a
precaution against use in any
further disorders.
Nenagh Castle has a
cylindrical Keep, which was
incorporated into a curtain
wall that surrounded a rather
small courtyard.
The keep occupies the north
angle of the castle and is
built of limestone rubble,
irregularly coursed. The tower
was raised in the 19th century
when the array of window
openings and crenellated
parapets were built.
The original Keep had four
storeys including a basement,
which was approached from
the entrance storey above. At
the base the walls are almost
5m thick and at the top just
3m. The diminishing thickness
is a result of the inward batter
of the walls and the offsets at
each floor level, which carried
the timber beams for the
floors.
The entrance doorway at 1st
floor was rebuilt, probably in
the 1860s, and from it rises
a winding stairs built in the
thickness of the wall, leading
to all the floors above and to
1
12
The keep or donjon
the roof. The stairs has been
altered and straightened by
a rebuilding of the outer face
of the wall almost to the full
height of the tower. Originally
there was a slight projecting
turret to accommodate the
stairs. The viewing floor
at the top of the castle is
possibly at the height of the
original roof level.
Basement
Entrance to the Keep today
is through the 18th century
breach in the wall at the
north side. In 1760 a local
farmer tried to blow up the
castle in order to rid it of
sparrows who were ruining
his crops. This left the large
breach in the north side of
the wall. The original entrance
to the Keep was at 1st floor
level with access to the
basement through a ladder or
trap door. The basement was
originally featureless with no
light and may have been used
as a store.
2
First Floor
This floor had the original
entrance door to the Keep
with access to the upper
floors via the spiral stairs
contained within the
thickness of the wall. The
1st floor is lit by two long
plunging arrow loops with
sandstone surroundings on
the outside, set in deep wide
round headed embrasures at
north and south.
Second Floor
This floor appears to have
been the public hall of the
Keep. The main door on
this floor has a wide round
embrasure with a chevron
ornamented sandstone
arch in the style of c. 1200.
Opposite this door is a
sandstone round arched
embrasure of two orders
which may have been the
principal court of the lord.
There are two round sockets
at springing level on both
sides of this embrasure. The
two remaining embrasures
are built of limestone rubble.
There is also a destroyed
sandstone fireplace of
massive size which had a
sloping stone hood. A door
from the west embrasure
leads to an external round
arch doorway from which the
wallwalk of the curtain wall
and a possible garderobe was
accessed. In the embrasure
is a long plunging arrow loop
which was used by archers
to defend the tower. A pair
of moulded corbels are set
opposite each other which
carry the timber braces for
the massive floor above.
Third Floor
The 3rd floor was probably
the private residential hall
of the lord. It has a partially
destroyed fireplace, with
engaged sandstone columns
and decorated capitals. These
supported a sloping stone
hood and mantelpiece.
Light was provided by four
large sandstone window
openings or embrasures.
The door to the stairs and
the door to the garderobe
(or toilet) opposite the
stairs have shouldered or
Caernarvon style arches.
Another embrasure has two
niches on the right hand side
and may have been a private
chapel. The most ornate
opening is between the
fireplace and the stairs and
is decorated with sandstone
mouldings with carved bases
and capitals.
The decoration on this floor
is generally dated to the
latter part of the 13th century
and may be part of the
refurbishment of the Keep at
this time. There are two pairs
of moulded corbels opposite
each other on this floor and
the braces from these may
have supported an original
conical roof.
13
4
Flanking Towers
and Curtain Walls
Nothing remains of the
west tower of the castle,
but a fragment of the east
flanking tower remains barely
discernible in a neighbouring
back garden. The postern
gate was situated to the
south side of this tower.
Whilst most of the curtain
walls have disappeared, a 5m
length of said wall remains
on the east side of the Keep.
Furthermore, some traces
can still be seen on the Keep
and on the gatehouse. These
traces and the notes made by
the Ordnance surveyors in the
1840s, makes a reasonably
accurate reconstruction
possible. There were four
flanking towers, one on each
side of the entrance gateway
to the south, the others at
the east and west side of the
pentagon.
The Gatehouse
A pair of half round towers
flanked the original entrance
gate. A rectangular building
was erected to the back of
them in the latter half of the
13th century – the gatehouse.
14
Like Limerick Castle, Nenagh
Gatehouse may have been
three to four storeys high.
The gateway opened into a
passageway through the full
width of the gatehouse.
The gateway was defended
with a drawbridge that could
be lowered over a moat, and
a portcullis. An example of
such a drawbridge can be
seen in the restored Roscrea
Castle.
The gatehouse towers
guarded not only the main
entrance but afforded a
flanking defence to the
curtain walls on each side.
The surviving gatehouse
tower has two embrasures
and a domed vaulted ceiling.
The rectangular building
added to the gatehouse
had two chambers to each
side of the passageway. The
passageway may have had a
barrel vaulted ceiling, while
the side chambers had a rib
groin vault ceiling supported
on centrally placed pillars. At
1st floor level was a fine room,
19m long by 9m wide, which
may have been a baronial
hall.
Conservation Works
The first conservation works
carried out by the OPW on
Nenagh Castle were carried
out at the Gatehouse and
involved the clearing of ivy
on the outer walls and the
raking out and repointing of
the stonework.
On the ground floor of the
east tower the badly cracked
domed vault was stitched
and the floor above the
said vault was subsequently
flaunched.
Conservation works to the
Keep started with work to
the interior at basement level
and continued on up to the
roof level. Recent concrete
additions were removed.
The ledges and sockets were
repaired for the installation
of new oak timber beams
and oak floors. Embrasures,
window sills, sandstone jambs
and arches were repaired
where required and new
bronze framed windows
inserted into the window
opes.
OPW Project Team
Senior Architect
Aighleann O’Shaughnessy
Architect
Flora O’Mahony,
Architectural
Assistant
Eamonn Rafter
District Works Manager
Eamonn Rafter
Site foreman
Gunther Wolters
M&E Engineer
Jack Brady
Structural Engineer
Kieran Walsh
3
The two massive fireplaces
were conserved and
consolidated, but not
restored. The conservation
architects felt that a full
restoration would have
involved an unacceptable
level of conjecture.
A modern viewing platform
was installed at roof level.
Precast concrete beams had
to be lifted by crane over the
crennellated parapets and
carefully positioned in place.
The floor was finished with
limestone paving and the
window openings fitted with
iron grilles.
In order to start the
conservation work to
the exterior of the keep,
scaffolding had to be
installed to the full height
of the tower. Before any
masonry works commenced,
a full photogrammetric
survey of the exterior
features and all stonework
was undertaken.
A wildlife survey was
commissioned to determine
the roosting sites for bats
and the nesting for swifts.
The conservation architects
decided to leave nest sites
for the swifts where they had
colonised the top half of
the tower.
Works commenced at
the top of the tower with
the conservation of the
crennellated parapets. Those
in poorest condition were
taken down and reset.
Work continued down the
tower at the various levels
to the ground.
At 2nd floor level, the beam
sockets on the exterior were
found to have the remains
of some of the original
timber still in position. After
laboratory analysis, it was
established that the timber
possibly dated to the 13th
century.
As well as repairing and
conserving the fabric of
the Keep, the provision of
services (such as lighting,
under floor heating,
emergency lighting, fire and
intruder alarm systems etc.)
was also introduced, ensuring
that the structure complied
with evolving building
standards.
The conservation works
and re-use of this most
impressive Keep will do much
to safeguard and prolong its
life for many years to come.
The culmination of several
years of conservation works
was marked by a re-opening
ceremony, attended by
President Michael D. Higgins
on 6th June 2012.
Flora O’Mahony
Nenagh Castle is open
every Tuesday to Saturday
10am - 1pm and
2pm - 4.30pm
(last admission
is at 3.45pm).
Admission is free.
1 View of Nenagh Castle from the town park
2 Ground floor reception
3 Internal staircase
4 The modern viewing platform at roof level with views of surrounding landscape
All photographs: © National Monuments Service, D/AHG
15
Clonmel - Urban
Flood Relief Scheme
Introduction
The Design Standard
In the recent flooding events
of February 2014 residents of
Clonmel experienced a new
and unfamiliar phenomenon.
The prolonged and heavy
rainfall saw the River Suir
rise to flood levels four feet
above the quays at the lower
end of the town. This flood
event differed from the all too
familiar events of the past in
that the river was contained
within its channel (see Fig
1) . There was a palpable
atmosphere of delight and
awe as the river ran adjacent
to the streets but was held
back by the flood defences
completed by the OPW in
November 2012.
The River Suir rises on the
Eastern slopes of Borrisnoe
Hill to the North of the Devils
Bit. Clonmel is situated
about 94Km downstream. As
such an area of 2,172 square
kms contributes rainwater
to the river that enters
Clonmel. To put the scale
into context 1cm of rainfall
over the whole catchment is
equivalent to over 21 million
tonnes of water. The rain
that falls however will vary
in its intensity, duration and
distribution. Rainwater that
doesn’t soak into the ground
and isn’t taken up by plants
and evaporation will run off
the land and make it’s way
to the intricate network
of streams and tributaries
that feed the River Suir. In
response to this the river
pulsates, constantly rising
and falling as it meanders
towards the sea.
The flood event certainly
provided a ‘baptism of
fire’ for the project which
served to protect hundreds
of properties that would
otherwise have been
inundated with the cold and
turbid waters of the Suir.
This alleviation of misery and
loss serves to remind us why
we do what we do and we
should be cautiously proud of
our achievement in Clonmel.
From a civil engineering
perspective, however,
we shall remain vigilant
against complacency as
the complexities of such
a scheme are appreciable
and the delivery of hard
infrastructure represents a
phase in an ongoing process.
This article aims to tell the
story of the flood relief
scheme and how the OPW,
in partnership with the
Clonmel Borough Council and
consulting engineers Mott
Mac Donald Ireland (MMI),
have greatly improved the
quality of life for so many
citizens. I shall start below by
attempting to outline some
of the complexities presented
by a project that seeks to
manage such large scale
natural processes as flooding.
16
The first challenge for the
designers of the scheme was
to decide upon a standard to
be applied to the defences.
It is not possible or feasible
to eliminate the risk of
flooding at a given location.
The approach taken is one of
managing the risk of flooding.
This is done by considering
large pulses or flood events
in terms of their probability
of occurrence. Larger events
have a reduced probability
giving people a sense of what
normal river levels should
be. The OPW Hydrometric
Section maintain strategically
positioned gauges that
constantly monitor river
levels. Data from such a
station at Gashouse Bridge in
Clonmel provided continuous
data going back to 1953.
This data coupled with
survey information of the
river channel enabled the
designers to correlate the
amount of water flowing
in the river at that location
with a probability of such
an event occurring on any
particular year. Using this
statistical model it is then
possible to identify a flow
rate corresponding with the
required design standard. In
this case the OPW applied
the international standard
of designing to defend
against a flood event with a
probability of occurrence of
0.01. This may also be stated
as a flood with a return
period of 100years (i.e. one
would expect such a flood on
average once every century if
considered over a very long
time) or a flood with a 1%
chance of occurrence on any
given year. This flood event
was quantified as 495 cubic
metres (i.e. tonnes) of water
per second.
Once the design flow
was established the next
requirement was to identify
the extent and level of
such a flood and in doing
so identify the problem to
be addressed. By inputting
survey information of the
river channel to a computer
programme we were able
to simulate a flood event
whereby 495 tonnes of water
per second flowed through
the virtual channel. This
model was calibrated until its
output reflected observations
on the ground. Figure 2
below shows the models
estimate of the design
flood envelope. This may be
compared to the photograph
showing the real flood event
of 2000, figure 3.
Having identified the
extent of the problem to be
addressed the next stage in
the process was identifying
the optimum solution to the
problem.
Options Considered
The OPW reviewed several
options with the potential
to address Clonmel’s flood
problem. Among these were:
a by-pass channel to divert
river water around the town,
the creation of an upstream
storage area, river widening
and dredging and a fully
defended urban area.
1
2
Each option was evaluated
to a preliminary degree
under the headings of
environmental, economic
and social impacts. If an
option was deemed feasible
under these headings it
was assessed further using
the hydraulic model. The
option of providing a fully
defended urban area using
constructed elements to
effectively contain the river
within its channel was chosen
as the most cost effective
and reliable way to manage
the flood risk experienced by
Clonmel.
Scheme Design
Having identified the
preferred option, i.e. to use
hard engineered defences
to contain the flood water
within the channel, the next
challenge was to provide a
designed solution that meets
the specific requirements
of the site. While concrete
walls and clay embankments
will hold back flood water
one has to consider the
underlying geology. Our site
investigation revealed the
presence of gravels beneath
the river and town. The risk
that river water would seep
through such strata and
emerge at the town side of
the defences needed to be
addressed. This is managed
by providing a curtain of
steel, where required, using
sheet piles that are placed to
depths of up to 12m.
Another challenge presented
itself above ground level. The
model that was developed
estimated design flood
levels to be around 2.5m
above street level in places.
Containing such a depth of
water within the channel
would require walls of heights
up to 2.8m. Such construction
would have a detrimental
affect upon the town and the
amenity value of the river. A
solution to this problem was
17
provided by constructing
the river walls to a standard
height of ca. 1.2m and
incorporating a removable
wall on top of the permanent
structure. This demountable
element may then be put
in place at times of flood
risk and removed when not
required (see fig. 4 below).
During times of flood the
river will be above street level
so non return valves are a key
component precluding flood
water pathways through
gullies and other conduits.
Storm-water is discharged
into the river using a series
of twelve pumping stations
at strategic locations. To
further support stormwater management a new
network with gullies has been
provided for the low lying
areas of the town identified
in the design flood envelope.
The drainage system is
designed such that it will also
manage any unavoidable
seepage by collecting it and
returning to the river through
the pump stations. The pump
stations contain submersible
pumps removing up to 750l/
sec when required.
Given that the scheme design
is a function of climatic
occurrence climate change
is of course a consideration.
The scheme has been
designed such that it may
be augmented at a future
stage if required. Figure 4
below gives an image of the
temporary elements in place
on top of the permanent river
wall. The river wall in turn
is built upon the sheet piles
that provide an impermeable
barrier extending up to 12m
below the river bed.
Obviously this solution will
only work if the temporary
elements are put in place
prior to a flood arriving. To
this end a flood warning
system was developed.
This system includes 30
rain gauges that monitor
rainfall throughout the
catchment. There are also
8 river gauges continually
monitoring changes in river
level upstream of the town.
This information is fed into
a mathematical model that
allows the computer to
estimate predictions of river
level. If the estimated level is
above a set threshold then a
series of text alerts are sent
to the town engineer and his
team. Once alerted the town
engineer will mobilise the
crew and a flood response
protocol is called into action.
Of course during times of
flood risk the team in Clonmel
have years of experience
responding to floods and
will be watching the weather
closely – human judgement
will always play a central role
in decision making.
3
1 Image of Quays with river contained (Courtesy of MMI)
2 Flood Envelope of Design event (Courtesy of MMI)
3 Aerial photo of Clonmel in Flood 2000
4 Image of Quay wall with Demountable Defences in place
4
18
Building the Scheme
Having designed the
preferred solution the next
step in the process was to
deliver it. This was done
through a number of phased
construction projects. While
preliminary works were
carried out the bulk of the
work was delivered via two
contracts.
An upstream phase of work,
Clonmel West, was carried
out by SIAC Construction
who were awarded the
contract in April 2008.
This contract comprised
sheet piled walls around
Spring Gardens, Green
Lane, Oldbridge, an area in
Marlfield and at Convent
Rd. The height of the
existing quay wall was raised
upstream of the Old Bridge
into Irishtown. This phase
of work also included the
replacing of a culvert at the
Whitening Stream. These
works were substantially
completed in April 2010
and provided a degree of
protection to areas upstream
of the Old Bridge.
In August 2010, the final
phase of work, the Clonmel
North & East Scheme, was
commenced by Ward &
Burke Ltd. These works were
substantially completed
in November 2012. These
works comprised a wall to
be constructed along the
existing sheet-piled quay
running from Old Bridge to
Gashouse Bridge. This line
of defence continues, as
wall and clay embankment,
along the left bank as far
as Silversprings on the
Davis Road. Suir Island is
defended by sheet piled wall
and embankments where
room allows. This phase of
work also saw improvement
work to the Auk Stream
and isolated defences being
placed about dwellings
and a hotel downstream
of Clonmel along the right
bank of the River Suir. This
phase of work includes
improvement works to the
medieval ‘Old Bridge’ and
the adjacent ‘Skew’ bridge.
Two bridges to the south of
this have been replaced with
more hydraulically efficient
structures.
To give an idea of scale the
main elements of the project
are tabulated below.
Table 1 Overview of Design Elements
Defence Type
Length
RC Wall 3,800m
Impermeable Embankments
3,500m
Sheet Piles
(Ave. Depth 9m)
2,600m
Demountable Defences
950m
Bridges Replaced
2Nr.
Bridges Upgraded
3Nr.
Storm Water Sewers
5,900m
Main Pump Stations
12
Looking to the Future
The scheme as it has been
developed is a dynamic one
and the ongoing partnership
between the OPW and
the Borough Council will
remain central to its effective
management. Given the
scale and complexity of the
problem being addressed
by the scheme, continual
learning will also be a key
component of the project
throughout its operational
life. Each flood event
that occurs will teach
us something about our
modelled predictions and our
operational protocols.
What is clear from the flood
event of last February is
that Clonmel has entered a
new chapter in its ongoing
relationship with the River
Suir. Our records show
that the quays in the town
flooded on average 6 out of
every 10 years prior to the
construction of the scheme.
This is no longer the case
and the challenge for the
future will be keeping alive an
appreciation of the residual
risk that now remains.
Cyril Mc Carthy, Chartered
Engineer.
19
EU2013
Dublin Castle
1
In 2013, Ireland held the
Presidency of the Council
of the EU for the 7th time,
and once more the Office of
Public Works provided the
logistical backbone to this
prestigious event.
The Presidency began on 1st
January 2013 and finished at
the end of June; a six month
marathon of State events,
meetings, dinners, briefings
and functions. To add to
the challenge, in addition to
the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade and the
Department of the Taoiseach,
the OPW planning staff
coordinated with a further
18 Government departments
on meeting and event
requirements.
OPW started preparations
for the Presidency after the
inauguration of President
Higgins in October 2011 and
the team then started to
manage and gather resources
to meet the challenge. The
experience of hosting the
EU Presidency in 2004 was
invaluable in planning for
2013, however the dynamic
20
was entirely different, with
Dublin Castle being the
primary location for all
meetings and events.
The main concern at the
outset was the adaptation
of the existing venues for
the demanding schedule of
events and attendee numbers
expected. One of the more
challenging elements was
the transformation of the
old Stamping Building from
the home of the infamous
Tribunals to a state-of-theart facility, with the capacity
to cater for 650 people. The
building was completed just
in time; the facility is now
a valuable addition to the
Dublin Castle Conference
Centre offering.
The key to meeting the
deadlines and challenges
was the diligence and
commitment of staff from
every area of the OPW: ICT,
Audio Visual, Housekeeping,
Front of House, Carpenters,
Event Planning, Electricians,
General Operatives and the
management team.
Throughout the 6-month
Presidency, OPW facilitated
over 250 meetings in
venues such as: Dublin
Castle, Farmleigh House,
Royal Hospital Kilmainham,
Castletown House and the
Botanic Gardens.
OPW and its staff were
widely complimented on
delivering an excellent and
highly professional service
for the EU Presidency; well
deserved praise indeed.
2
3
1 The launch of EU2013
in Dublin Castle
2 The Printworks facility
(Old Stamping Building)
3 Coffee break in the Gothic Room
4 Al Gore arrives at Dublin Castle
4
21
The Dome of the
Four Courts
Work on the site of what
is now the Four Courts,
began in 1776 based on
the designs of Thomas
Cooley. After Cooley’s death
in 1784, James Gandon,
architect of the Custom
House, was appointed to
add the courts to the plan.
Into his completed design
he incorporated Cooley’s
building, adding two
quadrangles and a central
block. At the hub is a round
hall, 64ft in diameter, with
inner and outer domes.
The Four Courts were
occupied by the 1st Battalion
of the Dublin Brigade, during
the Easter Rising of 1916.
The buildings survived the
bombardment by British
artillery that destroyed large
parts of the city centre.
During the 1922 civil war the
Four Courts was occupied by
anti-treaty forces. The dome
and drum suffered extensive
damage as a result of a
major fire.
The Office of Public Works
under the direction of T.J.
Byrne, Principal Architect,
undertook a major restoration
programme. As today,
work began by erecting
an elaborate system of
scaffolding giving access to
the dome and drum. Using
the latest technologies and
techniques for the time the
dome was then rebuilt using
reinforced concrete. The base
ring was poured first and
steel rods used to later tie it
to the dome. The remainder
of the dome was poured in
one operation, with twenty
men working a total of thirty
hours with just one short
interval.
It was discovered that
almost all of the columns
surrounding the drum
required replacement.
However, because the
Corinthian capitals had
originally been carved on
all sides, it was possible to
simply rotate them so that
the damaged sides faced
inwards.
22
Need for OPW to now
undertake repairs to
the Drum
In 2011 a section of one of
the column capitals fell on to
the roof of the Four Courts
below. In investigating why
this happened it became
clear the cause was the
rusting of a steel angle
immediately above the
capitals of the columns
supporting the dome.
These angles are curved to
the radius of the drum and
bolted together over every
second capital – twelve
sections in total over 24
columns. It appears to have
been intended to resist
any outward force which
might be transferred from
the concrete dome which
replaced the original timber
structure destroyed in
the fire.
Background to the Problem
This ring of steel was closer
to the face of the stonework
in the original 1920’s scheme
but rusted quickly and a
scaffold was erected to
examine the deterioration in
1941. While examinations were
underway a section of one of
the capitals fell, similar to the
recent incident. The solution
undertaken in the 1940’s by
the OPW was to move the
ring inwards by cutting away
more of the stonework and
use more concrete cover to
give greater protection to
the steel. This has worked
well but, through changes
over time in the alkalinity of
the concrete, it no longer
gives adequate protection.
This has resulted in rusting
again occurring, particularly
at the joints, and the forces
generated are crushing down
on to the capitals below and
cracking the delicate carved
Portland stone.
Programme of Investigation
and Repair Work
Something that hasn’t
changed since the earlier
works is the complexity of
the scaffold system required
to safely gain access and
allow for works on a structure
such as the dome. Over the
past two years small sections
on both the north and south
sections of the dome have
been accessible to allow
inspection and assessment
of possible solutions such
as cathodic protection. A
full scaffold is now required
to undertake works thus
giving ready safe access to
the entire ring beam and
all twenty four columns.
Opening up of the concrete
cover would allow the steel
ring to be fully inspected
but it is anticipated that the
steel angle will have to be
fully removed and a pair of
stainless steel cables used in
its place, again surrounded
by concrete finished to match
the surrounding Portland
Stone.
This still leaves the problem
of the capitals of the columns
and their condition to be
addressed. In addition to
the obvious damage to
the capital where a section
fell, there is evidence of
problems with many of
the other capitals that
have been accessed. Most
have some cracking to the
decorative pieces. There
are also a variety of repairs
from the 1920’s and 1940’s
using cement and expanded
metal. The expanded metal,
which was untreated, has
rusted away totally so that
the stability of the repairs is
in question. Different resins
have been used as crack
repairs both in the stonework
and samples of concrete
repair pieces and resin
samples have been tested.
As the capitals are mainly
original, rotated in the
1920’s rebuilding to bring
the protected inner carving
to the front, each repair
methodology will have to
be unique with defects and
earlier repairs mapped and
addressed as necessary.
It would be the intention
to ensure the stability of
what is there rather than
extensive replacement as
the current condition of the
fabric reflects the buildings
turbulent history. This will
require further evaluation of
repair materials and analysis
of historic repair mortars.
Research collaboration
with Trinity College Dublin
This project, both in the
context of the subject
matter and the particular
issues being addressed,
is seen a unique learning
opportunity, something
that the OPW is anxious
should be shared with other
specialists. Recognising
this, the OPW invited the
School of Engineering at
Trinity College to participate
in a collaborative project
in regard to both material
science and structural
analysis. This will involve TCD
undertaking elements of the
mapping, analysis, laboratory
testing and strength testing
as part of a research project.
A technical paper will then be
produced as a record of all
1
interventions and research
outcomes and inform future
interventions on such
structures.
The Irish Times were invited
to a special photo call
to launch the project in
September 2013. Minister
Hayes, Frank McDonald
Enviroment Editor of the
Irish Times, and several
brave OPW staff climbed the
scaffolding to inspect the
Stonework; all arrived safely
back to earth.
2
1 Inspection scaffolding in place
2 John McMahon and Frank McDonald
(IT) prepare to descend
23
The Phoenix Park’s
350th Anniversary
The Phoenix Park’s 350th
Anniversary Celebrations
In 2012 the Phoenix Park
celebrated its 350th
anniversary, since it was
formed as a royal deer park
in 1662 by James Butler, Duke
of Ormond, on behalf of King
Charles II.
The Phoenix Park was the
first of a number of public
schemes of ‘unexampled
grandeur’ undertaken by King
Charles II with the express
intention of keeping up ‘the
splendour of government’.
James Butler, Duke of
Ormond, who was the
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,
commenced the formation
of the Phoenix deer park
in 1662 and the Phoenix
Park is officially mentioned
in the King’s letter dated
1st December 1662. Earlier
correspondence refers to His
Majesty’s park, which was to
be enclosed near Dublin for
the breeding of deer and the
maintenance of game.
1
24
In 1747 the Earl of
Chesterfield, having
considerably improved
the Park, opened it to the
public. Even though the
formation of Ireland’s only
Royal Park commenced in
1662, its present landscape
is inherited from designs and
management decisions which
were taken from 1800-1880.
The Phoenix Park was placed
under the management of
the Commissioners of Public
Works in Ireland in 1860 and
have recently published the
Phoenix Park Conservation
Management Plan which
guides the management of
the Phoenix Park for current
and future generations. The
Park is a historic landscape
of international importance
and one of the largest
designed landscapes in
any European city.
An extensive programme
of events, activities and
specially commissioned
exhibitions were organised to
promote public engagement
with the Park. Outlined below
are some of the key events
enjoyed by the public and
staff alike.
As part of sustainable
management of the Parks
resources a section of
Chesterfield Avenue was
closed at weekends to
facilitate greater enjoyment
of that portion of the Park
by non-vehicular traffic.
Events including the Mad
Hatter’s Street Tea Party’ and
‘World Park Day/Dancing at
the Cross Roads’ attracted
tens of thousands of visitors
onto Chesterfield Avenue.
This space was ideal for the
artisan food fair, hand-crafts
markets and the spectacular
120m row of picnic tables
in the centre of the road.
Families sat as in ‘Alice in
Wonderland’, ate al fresco
and were entertained by
lots of characters from the
Lewis Carroll classic such
as the Queen of Hearts and
of course Alice herself. One
of the most memorable
moments of the day was
when the White Rabbit,
followed by many very
excited children, headed
off for the Easter Egg
treasure hunt shouting
‘I’m late, I’m late!’ An open
air stage was filled with
3
4
1 Postcard for Phoenix Park 350
2 1671 Map of Phoenix Park
3 ‘Dancing at the crossroads’
for World Parks Day
4 St. Brigid Storytelling in the Park
2
traditional Irish dancers, a ceilí
band and members of the
public ag damhsa and the craic
was certainly had by all who
attended.
US Ambassador to Ireland Mr.
Dan Rooney opened the doors of
Deerfields (the official residence
of the US Ambassador), to the
public to attend a lecture on
the 6th May 2012, the 130th
Anniversary of the Phoenix Park
Murders by Journalist, Senan
Moloney. (This was the stabbing
of Lord Cavendish, Chief
Secretary of Ireland and Thomas
Burke, Under-Secretary who
was the most senior civil servant
at that time. The bodies were
transported to Deerfields and
the post-mortems were carried
out in the drawing room, home
of Lord Cavendish.)
Throughout the year, the Visitor
Centre held many exhibitions
including: a ‘Historical Collection
of Phoenix Park Maps’, never
before put on public display;
‘The Seamus Kearns Collection
of Old Postcards of the Park’;
and an exciting exhibition on the
Park’s creator James Butler.
Over sixty line drawings, of
iconic images and views of
the park by Artist Sheelagh
Duff were warmly welcomed
by visitors. A commemorative
catalogue of Sheelagh’s work
was also commissioned and
available for purchase.
The Visitor Centre also held a
series of Lunchtime Lectures
which proved very popular.
Each week an invited speaker
talked on such topics as the
illustrated history of the Park; the
Wellington Testimonial; flora and
fauna; archaeology; Joyce and
the Park; and the built heritage.
In May, the Phoenix Park was
chosen as a site for ‘National
BioBlitz’ where a 24-hour count
of wildlife species took place
and the results proved the Park’s
status as a major conservation
area for Dublin City. The OPW
Children’s Summer Eco-UNESCO
camps and Art Kart Workshops
also took place at the Visitor
Centre and are always very
much in demand.
Towards the end of the year
the Northern Ireland Heritage
Gardens Conference joined with
the OPW to host a two day
conference on this important
‘Royal Deer Park’ which was
attended by delegates from
home and abroad.
The 350th Anniversary
celebrations concluded in
December with the broadcast
on television of a special feature
on the Park on the popular
Tracks and Trails programme.
Radio personality John Murray
met with park staff to explore
the parks cultural, social and
historical attributes.
Throughout the year, over
100,000 people of all ages and
interests participated in the
varied and diverse celebrations
organised by Park Staff.
Raychel Coyle &
Margaret Gormley
25
Kilmainham
Courthouse
In July 2013, Minister Hayes
officiated at the handover
of the former Kilmainham
Courthouse for a landmark
€5m 2016 project. Mr.
Brendan Ryan, CEO, Courts
Service represented Chief
Justice Susan Denham at the
ceremony.
The former Kilmainham
Courthouse occupies a site
immediately adjacent to
Kilmainham Gaol and has
been vacant since July 2008.
The OPW propose to adapt
the Kilmainham Courthouse
building for visitor use; this
is a unique opportunity to
create additional space to
deal with visitors and to
provide ancillary curatorial,
exhibition, research and
welfare facilities. It is
envisaged that the entire
project will be complete in
time for the 2016 centenary
commemorations.
The event was held to mark
the handover to the Office
of Public Works of the keys
to the former Kilmainham
1
26
Courthouse by the Chief
Justice, the Hon. Mrs. Susan
Denham to the Office of
Public Works.
Kilmainham Gaol is a National
Monument in the care of the
Commissioners of Public
Works (OPW) since it was
handed over to the State
in April 1986 and is a very
popular visitor destination.
The Project
In the context of the focus
currently on identifying
suitable opportunities to
mark the key upcoming
centenary events, the
Courthouse can provide a
greatly enhanced visitor
experience at Kilmainham
and at the same time
commemorate some of the
seminal moments in the
history of the formation of
the State.
The OPW propose to adapt
the Kilmainham Courthouse
building for visitor use and
work is already underway
on the first element of the
project, involving substantial
repair to the external fabric
of the Courthouse. The larger
project will see the upgrade
and fit-out of the building
for visitor use, providing
a new visitor experience
and entrance facility to
Kilmainham Gaol and is
targeted to be complete by
the end of 2015, in time for
the 2016 commemorations.
When fully complete, the
former Courthouse building
will provide new spaces
for visitors including a new
Reception, Cafe, Exhibition
area and Toilets. The project
will also free up space in the
existing Gaol building and
allow it to be used for other
purposes. In overall terms,
the aim of the project will be
to greatly enhance the visitor
experience and allow for a
better presentation of the
Gaol and its iconic place in
Irish History.
2
1 Minister Brian Hayes, Brendan Ryan
(CEO, Court Services), and Niall Bergin (OPW)
2 Speeches in the iconic Gaol surroundings at
the handover ceremony
Photography © Maxwell Photography
27
The National
Botanic Gardens
28
1
The National Botanic
Gardens were established
in 1795 under the auspices
of the Dublin Society, later
the Royal Dublin Society,
at the behest of the Irish
Parliament to ‘promote
a scientific knowledge in
the various branches of
agriculture’. In 1992, the
Gardens transferred from the
Department of Agriculture
to the Office of Public
Works. An architectural
masterplan by OPW led to
a National Botanic Gardens
Management Plan in October
1992. The implementation of
the plans led to a rejuvenated
National Botanic Garden.
To date, over 15 different
projects have been carried
out by the same OPW
architectural team. The most
notable projects include the
Restoration of the Turner
Curvilinear Range (awarded
RIAI Restoration medal),
the Great Palm House (both
of which won the EU Prize
for Conservation – Europa
Nostra Award) the original
1732 Estate House and new
building such as the Library/
Herbarium and the Visitors
Centre.
2012 and 2013 were very
busy years in the National
Botanic Gardens. Their usual
extensive programme of
events throughout the year
was augmented by several
large exhibitions, which drew
big crowds and additional
visitors to the gardens. Below
are just some of the events
hosted in the gardens.
Sculpture in Context - on
display in September 2013
Sculpture in Context was
established in 1985 to raise
the profile of sculpture and
provide a platform for artists
outside the normal gallery
context. It is a not-for-profit
organisation run by sculptors.
The exhibition was founded
by Cliodna Cussen, Colm
Brennan and Gerard Cox
and originated in Fernhill
Gardens where it ran for 10
years. Since then it has been
hosted in: the Conrad Hotel;
Malahide Castle; Kilmainham
Gaol; the Irish Management
Institute; Dublin Castle; and
Farmleigh House and since
2002 has been held in the
magnificent National Botanic
Gardens. Sculpture in Context
promotes artists and creates
opportunities for practicing
artists to exhibit their works
in a wider public arena. The
organisation has provided
much needed opportunities
for Irish and non-Irish
sculptors in Ireland.
DNA Double Helix Sculpture
unveiled 28th April 2013
The sculpture and landform
was designed by Charles
Jencks and celebrates both
the discovery of the DNA
double helix by James D.
Watson and Francis Crick in
1953 and the contribution of
Irish scientists in advancing
genetic knowledge. It was
kindly donated to the people
of Ireland by John Atkins,
Tara Atkins, David & Janet
McConnell, Fergal Quinn,
James Watson, David Went
and the Irish Museums Trust
and was unveiled in its new
home in the National Botanic
Gardens on 28th April 2013,
by James Watson himself.
Opening of the Link between
Glasnevin Cemetery & the
National Botanic Gardens
History was made on
Thursday 24th October
2013, when Minister Hayes
officially opened the new
pedestrian link between the
National Botanic Gardens
and Glasnevin Cemetery &
Museum. The link between
the two institutions allows
visitors a chance to enjoy
the unique amenities each
has to offer.
The construction of the new
Pedestrian Link between
the two institutions involved
the removal of a 4metre
section of the existing railing,
provision of a new security
controlled access gate, paved
steps, and a paved gently
sloped access route designed
for universal access between
each venue.
The Annual Halloween
Exhibition
The gardens are a great place
to visit at Halloween, with the
children’s decorated pumpkin
display and the harvest
festival inspired display of
seasonal vegetables. This
event is a big draw each year
with families.
2
3
4
1 Sculpture in Context exhibition
2 New link between the Gardens
and Glasnevin Cemetery
3 Halloween Display
4 DNA Double Helix Sculpture
L-R: Minister Hayes, M. Jebb, J. Watson & C. Jencks
Photographs (1, 2 & 4) © Maxwell Photography
29
Dundrum Garda
Station Courthouse
1
Additional Accommodation
for An Garda Síochána at
Dundrum Garda Station and
Courthouse, Upper Kilmacud
Road, Dundrum.
An Garda Síochána
requested in 2011 additional
accommodation at Dundrum
Garda station. The project
would be carried out in
phases in order to maintain
the continued operation of
the Garda station. Phase 1
of the works included the
refurbishment and conversion
of the existing Courthouse.
Phase 2 works included the
refurbishment and extension
of the existing Garda station.
Dundrum Courthouse is a
purpose built Courthouse
which was part of a Police
Barracks complex, completed
in 1855 and designed by
the architects Deane &
Woodword. The contractor
30
was John Askins. It is a
Protected Structure (RPS
Ref:1110 recorded on the
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
County Council Development
Plan 2010-1016). The original
Police Station section of the
building was demolished in
the early 1970’s and replaced
with the current Garda
Síochána modern building.
The Courthouse remained in
use for Court sittings until
the early 1980’s. It remained
vacant since then and due to
neglect the building fabric
had deteriorated badly.
A refurbishment contract
was awarded to Ganson
Building & Civil Engineering
Contractors Ltd on 13th
April 2012 in the amount of
€446,327 exclusive of VAT.
Work commenced on site in
July 2012 and was completed
in March 2013.
The works involved the
refurbishment and conversion
of the Courthouse, including
lowering the level (by
200mm) of the courtroom
floor and the insertion of a
mezzanine floor in the main
Courthouse room. In order
to minimise the impact of
the new structure on the
character of the historic
Courthouse the mezzanine
structure was isolated
from the original building
structure. The supporting
columns are built off
foundation pads that are
isolated from the perimeter
walls and the steel beams
supporting the mezzanine
floor have minimum
connections to the
external walls.
One of the most striking
features of the building is the
steeply pitched timber archbraced roof. There are three
main arches which divide
the room longitudinally into
four bays each embedded
into the granite rubble wall
and supported at their base
by a dressed granite corbel.
The roof rafters sit on a wall
pate and are supported by
horizontal chamfered edged
purlins at mid section and
collar braced at the top level
of the arch. A central purlin
runs the length of the room
and the apex of the arch.
2
1 Dundrum Courthouse
2 Pitched timber
archbraced roof
3 Original sash window
4 Main Courthouse room
pre-refurbishment
5 Mezzanine Floor
6 Main Courthouse room post refurbishment
3
4
31
5
32
Project Team
OPW PROJECT
mANAGEMENT Services
Brian Allen, Gerard Gleeson,
Mary Fitzsimons, Fergal
O’Brien & Ann Long
Architectural
Services & PSDP
Mahoney Architecture Paschal Mahoney
OPW Engineering
Services
Joseph McNamara,
Robert McAuliffe
OPW Quantity Surveyors
Finbar Murphy
Main Contractor
Ganson Building & Civil Eng
Contractors Ltd
Electrical Contractor
Brian King Eng. Ltd
Mechanical Contractor
Skellig Eng. Ltd
mechanical & electrical
J.V. Tierney & Co. - Noel Tobin
& Stephen McCarthy
It was important that the
fine detail of this roof
was maintained. However
in order to improve the
thermal performance of the
building and in response to
this, a detail was developed
utilising a thin layer of high
performance insulation.
A detailed condition survey
was carried out to record and
identify all original features
of the building including the
windows, doors and intricate
joinery. These features were
maintained and refurbished.
Landscape works involved
the re-alignment of the
existing car parking and
increased provision for
bicycle parking. The stone of
the existing external random
rubble walls was cleaned by
a Heritage Approved stone
restoration company.
Paschal Mahoney, Architect
Mary Fitzsimons, Project
Management Services
6
33
Newgrange
Winter Solstice 2013
1
There were cheers and
applause all round when
the sun made a very
welcome appearance on
21st December 2013 at the
Newgrange Monument,
Co. Meath. For the first time
since 2007, the weak winter
sunshine shone through the
passage via the roofbox
and lit up the Chamber
within. The six winners of
the OPW Winter Solstice
Children’s Art Competition
were there with a guest to
see this spectacular event.
There were also two winners
from the traditional lottery
draw in the Chamber and
everyone thoroughly enjoyed
the experience. They were
joined at the monument by
a large group of media and
onlookers, all seeking to
share in the excitement of
this unique event.
34
2013 was the second
year of OPW’s Winter
Solstice Children’s Art
Competition, which is open
to schoolchildren of primary
and post-primary age. The
six winning children were
present in the chamber
for the Solstice with the
remaining attendees being
winners of the usual lottery
draw. This initiative is aimed
at school children to foster
an appreciation of our
heritage and afford them
the opportunity to witness a
spectacular cultural event.
1 Newgrange visitor
centre
2 The Annual Lottery
Draw, 2013
3 The winners of the
first Childrens Art
Competition
in 2012 (Maxwell
Photography)
4 Newgrange Art
Competition
Winners 2013
2
3
35
4
5
The Winter Solstice, on 21st
December, is the shortest
day of the year and marks
the changing of the seasons,
with days becoming longer
and nights shorter. It was
considered by the ancients
as a time of growth, a time
of rebirth, and to this day,
is an important day in our
calendar. It’s a particularly
busy time for the staff and
guides at the Brú na Boinne
centre and each year they
cater to an increasing number
of visitors.
5 Crowds await the sunrise
outside the chamber
6 Sunlight enters the Chamber
in 2013
Photographs (1, 2, 4, 5 & 6)
© Lafayette Photography
36
6
Intreo
Programme
Intreo Offices completed
by Property Maintenance
Services 2012-2013
Intreo is a new service
from the Department of
Social Protection [DSP], it
is a single point of contact
for all employment and
income supports. Intreo
amalgamates the Community
Welfare Services, FAS and
the Department of Social
Protection designed to
provide a more streamlined
approach, Intreo offers
practical, tailored
employment services and
supports for jobseekers and
employers alike.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny stated
that: “Intreo is an important
step in transforming the way
income and employment
supports are provided.
It is a key element of the
Government’s response to
the employment crisis and
supports the objectives set
out in the Government’s
Action Plan for Jobs and the
Pathways to Work initiative.
It links the payment of
income supports to the task
of supporting people in their
pursuit of employment and
improving their life chances.”
OPW was asked to transform
existing accommodation and/
or procure new properties
to provide this new service
across the country.
Architectural Services
provided a co-ordinating
role to sketch scheme stage
and Property Maintenance
Services completed 10 Intreo
public offices in 2012 at:
Sligo, Arklow, Tallaght, Kings
Inn/Parnell Street, Ballymun,
Buncrana, Dundalk, Coolock,
Finglas and Killarney.
In January 2013, OPW
undertook to complete 33
Intreo public offices in 2013.
To meet this extremely
challenging task an
integrated implementation
team, comprising DSP
Facilities Unit; OPW Property
Maintenance; Property
Management; Architectural
Services; and Project
Management Services teams
was established, meeting
fortnightly throughout the
year. The initial identification
of property, preliminary
scheme and enabling
works were carried out by
Architectural Services, DSP
and Property Management
assisted and facilitated
by Property Maintenance
Regional staff. When the
scheme/layout was approved
by DSP, the project was
transferred to the Regional
Office for implementation
and Property Maintenance
Administration for
procurement. Many of these
projects required the transfer
of other departments to
upper floors, to allow space
for larger public offices on
the ground floor, so a number
of sequential minor works
contracts were required. In
some locations the Intreo
service is provided in two
buildings, that required two
minor works contracts to be
tendered and placed. The
majority of the alteration
works required for the
public offices, interview
rooms and back-staff
areas were carried out at
evenings and weekends in
occupied buildings, which is
very challenging, but OPW
Regional and administrative
staff have extensive
experience and expertise in
this area. New Intreo public
offices were completed
at: Blanchardstown,
Newcastlewest, Loughrea,
Clifden, Achill, Belmullet,
Listowel, Tullamore, Kilkenny,
Ballyfermot, Caherciveen,
Dun Laoghaire, Cavan,
Manorhamilton, Navan Road,
Bray, Longford, Kenmare,
Carlow, Waterford, Tralee,
Wexford, Dunfanaghy,
Dungloe, Kilbarrack, Athlone,
Carrick-on-Shannon, Ennis,
Limerick, Drogheda, Clonmel,
Ballina and Cobh.
A further 18 Offices are due
for completion in 2014.
2
1
3
1 Intreo Office, Cavan
2 Intreo Office, Killbarrack, Dublin
3 Intreo Office, Waterford
37
Durrow Abbey
reopening
Minister Brian Hayes was in
County Offaly on 30th April
2012 to officially reopen
the newly restored and
conserved Durrow Abbey.
Durrow Abbey, founded by
Saint Columcille in the 6th
century, is located 5 miles
from Tullamore and is one of
Ireland’s most important early
Christian monasteries and
of international importance.
Its landscape provides a
unique and significant setting
for the ecclesiastical and
secular archaeology which
clearly remain at the site.
In this context the site is
recognised as a sacred site
with an order of magnitude
in archaeological terms
of category 1 under the
UNESCO protocol, a rating
that renders it capable of
application for a World
Heritage Site designation.
The site is the only complex
of this nature which remains
undisturbed within the
islands of Ireland and Great
Britain.
To this day the site contains
an early historic and
medieval monastic site with
a complex of archaeological
monuments, ecclesiastical
and secular, both visible
and sub-surface. The extant
monuments at the site
include: a large Ecclesiastical
Enclosure; five Early Christian
grave slabs; a fine midninth century high cross; a
fragment of a cross shaft;
a complete cross-head
(housed in the National
Museum of Ireland) and cross
base; a holy well; a motte
(this feature was built by
Hugh de Lacy in the 1180s
and it was here that he was
killed in 1186); and other
archaeological features.
From an architectural
perspective, Durrow Abbey
House is a building of
significant quality and the
site also contains a church
dating from the late 18th/
early 19th century, which is
itself built on the footprint of
at least one previous church,
a medieval parish church. It is
suggested that the medieval
church was in fact built on
the site of a former 12th
century abbey church.
Since Durrow Abbey Estate
came into State ownership
in 2003, the Office of
Public Works has carried
out major conservation
and preservation works, in
keeping with the Durrow
Abbey Conservation Plan
that was launched in 2005.
On 30th April the OPW
was delighted to be able to
reopen the Abbey and the
High Cross to the public
and look forward to the
continuation of conservation
works and the expansion of
facilities at the Durrow Abbey
Estate.
Among the works carried
out were: the conservation
of St. Columba’s church; the
High Cross was moved inside
from its former position
in the graveyard to ensure
that it will be preserved
and presented for future
generations; the interior
of the church and its box
pews were also expertly
restored by OPW National
Monuments. In addition,
repairs to the graveyard wall
and the restoration of the
Gate Lodge were undertaken.
1
38
1 Crowds gather at the re-opening
ceremony
2 The Highcross in its new postion
3 The Mid-Ninth Century High Coss
2
3
© National Monuments Service, D/AHG
39
Art Management
The Department of Finance
and Personnel, Northern
Ireland and the Office of
Public Works - Annual Joint
Art Exhibitions 2012/2013
40
The Art Management
Office manages the State
Art Collection. There
are over 15,800 works,
contemporary and historic,
in the Collection. Since 1997,
OPW has been involved in
a cultural partnership with
the Department of Finance
and Personnel. Elements
was the 2012 annual joint art
exhibition organised by the
Department of Finance and
Personnel (DFP) in Northern
Ireland and the Office of
Public Works. The theme of
Elements focused on how the
elements may be represented
in artworks and explored
how the various artistic styles
depict the four fundamental
elements – fire, earth, air
and water.
The exhibition was launched
by OPW Chairman, Clare
McGrath and the Permanent
Secretary of the DFP,
Stephen Poever in Belfast
1
Central Library. The show
then toured to the Phoenix
Park Visitor Centre, followed
by the Town Hall in Larne and
concluded in Enniscorthy
Castle in Wexford.
The Art Management Office
worked closely with the team
of Enniscorthy Castle and
invited locals to write poetry
based on their response to
the artworks. This was the
first time a project like this
was undertaken and it proved
most successful.
Ghost Ship by
Caroline Busher
A melancholy breeze
whistles through the air
A refrain from the
bowels of the ocean.
Alone you stand,
Triumphant as the dark
dank sea wrestles
with your boughs.
You never surrender.
Oily seals, slick like corpses
resurrected from the dead,
seek refuge on the rugged
rock on which you
are moored.
Your Calvary.
Steel Anchors, cold, grey
perpetual safe holds,
Like great legs beneath you,
Roots to another world,
Emit a guttural cry
as they are parted
From their eternal resting
place. How sorry they
are to set you free,
Their shrill cry turns
day to night
Forgive them for they know
not what they have done
Luminous glow,
sanctuary of the sea,
That pierces through the
darkness like a sword
through the heart of a man
Who will dare to
extinguish your light?
Saviour of souls lost at sea.
Rather them than me!
The 2013 joint venture,
Encounters, involved the
pairing of artworks between
the Northern Ireland Civil
Service Collection and the
State Art Collection creating
a catalogue between the
works. This was another very
successful year starting in
Lisburn City Library, followed
by the Derry Central Library
celebrating the UK City of
Culture. The exhibition then
moved to the Cork County
Library and concluded at
The Red Door Gallery in
Newcastle West.
The Art Management Group
decided to incorporate an
educational programme for
children in the Encounters
tour. It was launched in the
Cork County Library. Local
artist Julie Kelleher provided
a series of workshops with
local school groups which
included talks, tours and
arts & crafts sessions. There
was a great response to this
programme and this will be
included in future exhibitions.
Also, Jacquie Moore, Art
Adviser provided talks to
the local children and the
community of Newcastle
West.
2
3
1 Dorothy Cross
Ghost Ship Beatty Library
Luminescent etching, 21/75, 2011
2 Deirdre Hayden
Dispenser
Bronze and plastic, 2012
3 Frances McKenna
Bar-B-Que
Oil on canvas, 1997
41
4
EU Presidency 2013 Exhibitions 2013
Kaleidescope was an
exhibition of a selection of
contemporary art from the
twenty seven Member States
of the EU. The exhibition was
initiated by OPW and formed
part of Culture Connects,
a cultural programme to
celebrate Ireland’s Presidency.
The works in the exhibition
reflected the current art
practice of contemporary
artists of many European
nationalities, across a variety
of media – video, drawing,
sculpture, print and painting.
The unique vision of each
artist reflects the diversity
of new work being created
throughout Europe. Marian
O’Brien and Jacquie Moore
42
met with representatives
of each Embassy to select
artworks and the Exhibition
was launched by Minister
Brian Hayes on 1st May 2013
at Farmleigh Gallery.
40/40/40 – An Exhibition of
Contemporary Art was the
second exhibition organised
by the Art Management
Office to mark Ireland’s
EU Presidency.
It was organised by the
Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade and the
Office of Public Works. The
works were created by 40
artists under the age of forty
celebrating Ireland’s 40 years
in the European Union.
4 Olaf Osten
Pendeln 064, Museums
Quartier Wien
Print on canvas, 2011
Austria
5 Irene Barry
Twilight
Lambdachrome print on
acrylic
2007
6 Fergal McCarthy
Liffey Swim
Lambdachrome print on
acrylic
2007
7 Nick Ervinck
Ayamonsk
Polyamide 3D print, 2010
Belgium
8 Bennie Reilly
Bubble Beard
Oil on canvas
2012
The 40/40/40 exhibition
launched on St. Patrick’s Day
2013, at the Centro Cultural
Conde Duque, Madrid, Spain.
It moved to the University
Library of Warsaw, Poland
and then on to the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, Palazzo
Della Farnesina, Rome, Italy.
On its return to Ireland,
the exhibition opened in
Rathfarnham Castle on 29th
August, 2013, where a large
number of participating
artists attended the opening.
The exhibition concluded at
the Office of Public Works
headquarters in Trim.
All catalogues are available
to download on the opw
website: (www.opw.ie)
5
6
8
7
43
The National
Procurement Service
The National Procurement
Service (NPS) was
established in 2009 to further
develop national framework
agreements which allowed
public sector bodies to
procure commonly used
goods and services. The
NPS’s primary objective
was to optimise efficiency
and obtain value for money
in public procurement, while
facilitating greater SME
involvement in tendering
for government business.
By the end of 2013
€750m had been spent by
public bodies under NPS
frameworks and national
contracts. Annual levels
of public procurement
expenditure increased
significantly year on year,
with a 60% increase in annual
expenditure between 2011
and 2013.
Meticulous planning and
research informed the
NPS’s work programme,
identifying areas which not
only maximised budgetary
savings but also increased
administrative efficiencies
1
44
for the public sector.
During its short lifespan
the NPS delivered €200m
in budgetary savings, a
budgetary saving of one euro
in every five spent under its
frameworks.
The NPS put in place
an average of 50 public
sector frameworks per
annum, including renewed
frameworks and contracts
across a wide range of areas,
including uniforms, travel,
vehicles and security print
as well as electricity and gas
supplies.
Examples of ground breaking
framework agreements
include Managed Print
Services and Low Value
Purchasing Cards. In the
former a service provider
undertook the management
of an organisation’s office
printing and imaging needs.
This service has been shown
to reduce by up to half the
costs of office printing and
copying for organisations,
as well as reducing demands
on an organisation’s IT
resources.
The tangible benefits
of Low Value Purchasing
Cards derive primarily from
administrative efficiencies,
i.e. the reduction in the
number of invoices processed
through accounts systems
and associated tasks. A
recent UK report identified a
€32 reduction per transaction
using such a system.
An upgrade to the
eTenders system in 2012
proved a significant step
forward towards the goal
of e-government and has
facilitated the SME sector
in doing business with the
public sector. The NPS also
engaged in a series of events
and engagements designed
to educate the SME sector as
to the needs of public sector
buyers. Such events included
6 Meet-the-Buyer events,
held in conjunction with
InterTradeIreland and other
public sector partners, where
suppliers could meet and talk
with public sector buyers.
Similarly a series of seminars
were held biannually in
Dublin Castle aimed at raising
awareness amongst public
sector buyers regarding
topical issues facing public
procurement.
The achievements of the
NPS were made possible
by its 45 staff, by adopting
a dedicated, professional
and diligent approach to
their roles. Staff completed
a diploma level programme
of study, ensuring that NPS
procurement practices met
best practice requirements
and were fully compliant with
national and EU regulations.
A government decision in
2012 transferred the NPS
functions to the Office of
Government Procurement,
part of the Department
of Public Expenditure and
Reform. The work of this
new Office will build on the
firm foundations provided by
the NPS, as well as through
the momentum already
generated in setting the
government’s approach to
centralised procurement.
2
1 Launch of OPW Purchasing Cards representatives from Bank of Ireland &
Ulster Bank with Minister Hayes and Paul
Quinn, January 2013.
2 Managed Print Services Launch, February 2012
45
Sparánacht
An Bhlascaoid 2012
1
Sparánacht An
Bhlascaoid 2012
Fógraíodh buaiteoirí
Sparánacht An Bhlascaoid
2012 ag searmanas in Ionad
An Bhlascaoid Mhóir, Dún
Chaoin, ar an Satharn,
29 Mean Fómhair, le linn
Cheiliúradh An Bhlascaoid
2012. Sparánacht é seo a
bhunaigh an Dr. Mícheál Ó
Cearna (92) ó Springfield,
MA, sna Stáit Aontaithe agus
ón mBlascaod Mór, tráth, i
gcuimhne ar a bhean chéile,
Maureen, a d’éag i 2010.
46
Is chun tacaíocht a thabhairt
agus spreagadh do dhaoine
óga staidéar níos doimhne a
dhéanamh ar chultúr agus ar
litríocht na Gaeilge a ceapadh
an sparánacht agus e dírithe
orthu seo ó Ghaeltacht
Chorca Dhuibhne atá dulta
isteach sa chéad bhliain in
institiúid tríú leibhéil in Éirinn.
An chéad áit:
Tháinig an Dr. Ó Cearna
anall ó Springfield chun an
sparánacht a bhronnadh
agus siad seo na buaiteoirí:
agus
Sparánacht €1,000 do Fiona
Ní Ghairbhia, Log na gCapall,
Abhainn na Scál
An dara háit: roinnte idir
Meghan Ní Laoithe,
Baile Bhoithín,
Baile An Fheirtéaraigh
Jamie Ó Flannúra, Cúilín,
An Daingean
Fuaireadar araon
sparánacht €500
Bhí an bronnadh mar chuid
de Chomóradh an Bhlascaoid
Mhóir a tionóladh le déanaí
ag Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir
Blasket Bursary 2012
The winners are:
The winners of this
year’s Blasket Bursary were
announced and presented
at a ceremony in OPW
Great Blasket Centre,
Dún Chaoin, Co. Kerry, on
Saturday, 29 September,
during ‘The Great Blasket
Commemoration, 2012’. The
Bursary was initiated in 2010
by Dr. Mícheál Ó Cearna, from
Springfield, Massachusetts,
and The Great Blasket island,
in memory of his late wife,
Maureen (nee Ward), who
died in 2010.
First prize:
The aim of the bursary is to
assist and exhort students
from the Dingle Peninsula
Gaeltacht, entering first
year classes in Irish third
level institutions, to conduct
further studies in Irish culture
and language.
A bursary of €1,000 to Fiona
Ní Ghairbhia, Log na gCapall,
Abhainn na Scál (Annascaul,
Co. Kerry)
Joint second place,
shared by:
Meghan Ní Laoithe,
Baile Bhoithín,
Baile An Fheirtéaraigh
and
Jamie Ó Flannúra,
Cúilín, An Daingean
They each received a
bursary of €500.
The presentation was part
of the recent Great Blasket
Commemoration, which was
held at the Great Blasket
Centre.
Dr. Ó Cearna travelled from
Springfield to West Kerry in
order to present the prizes.
2
1 L-R: Meghan Ní Laoithe,
Jamie Ó Flannúra &
Fiona Ní Ghairbhia
2 Puffins on the Islands
3L-R: Fiona Ní Ghairbhia,
Dr. Mícheál Ó Cearna,
Jamie Ó Flannúra &
Meghan Ní Laoithe
3
47
Rock of Cashel
Keeper of The Kings
1
48
“Mine is an unusual job. I am
neither a butcher nor a baker
nor a candlestick maker. You
could be guessing for a year
and a day and you’d never
guess what I am. The word
‘unique’ is much abused,
but my position here and
now lays claim to it. I’d best
start off by giving myself my
correct title which is ‘ Official
Caretaker of, and Guide to
the Rock of Cashel, Hore
Abbey, St. Dominick’s Abbey,
in the City of Cashel, in the
County of Tipperary, Ireland.’
That would sound fine in the
mouth of a good herald”.
This is a piece from an article
written by my Grandfather
Joe Minogue from The Bell in
1942.
In the same article he states
that in 1942 he held the job
for close to twenty years. His
brother had it before that and
his father had it before him
again. Between the three of
them they had given, at that
stage, the greater part of fifty
years to the Rock.
My Great Grandfather John
Minogue was once a clerical
student in Rome with a
passion for archaeology. He
later became an inspector
in the R.I.C. before taking up
the position as Caretaker and
guide to the Rock of Cashel
around 1892. After his death
in 1922 his son, also named
John, took up the position
until 1926. My Grandfather,
Joe Minogue, took over the
position in 1926 until his
death in 1957. Joe Minogue’s
son Billy, my uncle, took over
the position in 1957 until
his retirement in the 1980’s.
My cousin Michael O’Dwyer
also worked as a guide on
the Rock during the 1980’s. I
started working on the Rock
as a guide in 1992 and, apart
from a short spell when I
worked in England, have been
here ever since and became
Supervisor in 2005. In total
the Minogue family have been
on the Rock of Cashel for
over 120 years.
Reading through the article
my Grandfather wrote in
1942 he also reflects that his
knowledge of the Rock did
not consist of surface patter,
his father saw to that. He
drilled the story of Cashel
into them when they were
young. The very odd time
my Great Grandfather was
ill my Grandfather would be
allowed to conduct visitors
on a guided tour around the
Rock. On his return he had
to render a strict account
of his doings. Had he done
this? Had he done that?
Had he translated the Latin
inscription at the Cathedral
threshold? What had he said
it signified? Satisfied with
my Grandfather’s responses,
my Great Grandfather would
cover himself up with the
bedclothes and chuckle softly
to himself.
Also in the article, my
Grandfather asks the
question “Have I ever locked
a person into the Cathedral
at night?”. “Well no, I haven’t”
is his answer. When locking
up for the night he would
give a “hello” in through the
Cathedral door just to make
sure there was no one inside.
His ears were so finely tuned
to the gentle noises of the
buildings that he would know
almost instinctively whether
there was someone inside
or not.
feeling of pride. People are
listening to your every word,
and will often applaud at the
end. There are few enough
jobs where you get that kind
of response.
For my part I believe that
a good tour guide is more
than simply an imparter of
historic information. I believe
the job entails having as
much enthusiasm in the
delivery as it does in the
acquiring of knowledge. I
impress on guides that they
are like actors on a stage
delivering their lines in a way
that makes their audience
hang on every word. I tell the
guides to enjoy what they’re
doing, to interact with the
visitors as much as they can
on a busy site. Often you will
find it’s the connection made
at the end of a tour that
leaves the best impression.
Being at ease with people
and imagining yourself a
performer does indeed help
as part of the job description.
I would like to conclude
with a final piece from my
Grandfather’s article and by
reading it you will understand
the pride he and our family
still today have working on
the Rock of Cashel.
Dealing with the public can
be a challenge, even for
the experienced, at times
– but within the confines
of the most sacred of Irish
historical sites the vast
majority of working days are
very pleasant ones. It’s hard
not to be proud of Ireland’s
wonderful and ancient history
when you work in a place
like this. Every day, I have a
“That’s my story as best I
can tell it. Ah, but I almost
forgot. When next you pass
Cashel I shall be resplendent
in a uniform with a peaked
shiny cap. If you cannot come
I would have you picture me
against the background of
my beloved Rock, and the
richest land in all Ireland
thrown in a great circle about
my feet. The rich land runs
till it meets the mountains
whose names I know like a
prayer – Slievenamon, the
Comeraghs, the Galtees,
Knockagreena, Devil’s Bit.
Those landmarks at the very
least are unchanged and
unchageable since Oliol
Olum or Aengus stood and
contemplated them from
Cashel before breakfast. The
Kings are dead. I guard them.
In truth, I am the Keeper of
the Kings”.
2
3
Elaine Moriarty
Supervisor Guide
1 The Rock of Cashel
2 Billy Minogue
3 Joe Minogue
4 The Queen’s visit
to the Rock in 2011
© Maxwell Photography
4
49
Technician of the Year
Keith McLoughlin
“Heavy Vehicle Technician
of the Year 2013”
Fleet Transport Awards 2013
Citywest Hotel.
Keith is a Plant Fitter with
the OPW in Trim. He has
worked here for 18 years, he
started work as an apprentice
technician in 1995.
He achieved a degree in
Automotive Engineering last
year and is currently doing
a higher honours degree in
Transport Engineering.
1
2
50
He attends DIT Bolton Street,
part-time and would really
like to thank the OPW for
the funding (70%) and the
support in terms of study
leave.
DIT Bolton St (anyone who
scored over 85% in their
practical exams), followed by
a theory test. The next stage
was an interview and the
successful 3 were selected.
He would also like to thank
Lorraine Crawford for all her
help.
We are delighted to hear that
Keith won the overall Award Congratulations Keith!
There were 3 finalists in the
running, the other two are
from the defence forces and
a private transport company.
1 Man and Machine
The selection process
involved a nomination from
2 Keith at the award ceremony
with his prize
Social Club
OPW Social Club welcomed
over a hundred staff to its
fourth Christmas Party on the
13 December 2013. The party
was held in the Knightsbrook
Hotel for the first time. The
night included a five course
meal, raffle and dancing until
the early hours.
(L-R): Dolores Ronane Gaffney, Thomas Lee, Caroline McCombs, Shirley Crosbie & Sarah Lith
Engineers Ireland Award
Photography © OPW Social Club Committee by Enda Casey
Engineers Ireland 2012
Excellence Awards were held
on Friday Nov 9th
The Awards are presented
in recognition of the
achievements of engineers
that have demonstrated
exceptional engineering skills.
As well as identifying leaders
within the engineering
industry, the awards provide
an opportunity to showcase
and celebrate the invaluable
contribution the engineering
profession makes to society.
Cyril Mc Carthy, OPW, and
Barry O Connor (Co Author
from Mott Mac Donald
Ireland) won the best paper/
best presentation award for
their paper on the Clonmel
Flood Relief Scheme,
published in the Engineers
Journal and presented to
Engineers Ireland at their
Clyde Rd. lecture hall.
Also of interest, Eoin
Bambury (Seamus Bambury’s
son) won the Chartered
Engineer of the Year award.
Well done to all…
51
Staff Movement
52
2012
Aidan Harney
Engineer Grade III
Promoted to Engineer Grade II 09/02/2012
Ken Moore
Assistant Principal Officer Promoted to Principal Officer 23/04/2012
Frank Shalvey
Assistant Principal Officer Promoted to Principal Officer 23/04/2012
Ciaran O’Connor
Assistant Principal Architect
Promoted to Principal State
08/06/2012
Architect
Denise Delaney
Engineer Grade III
Promoted to Engineer Grade II 14/06/2012
Liam Farrell
Engineer Grade III
Promoted to Engineer Grade II 14/06/2012
George Moir
Assistant Principal Officer Promoted to Principal Officer 29/06/2012
Eileen Leahy
Assistant Principal Officer Promoted to Principal Officer 29/06/2012
Howard Maguire
Procurement Manager
Commenced
23/01/2012
Paul Martin
Procurement Manager
Commenced
23/01/2012
Anne Devine
Procurement Manager
Commenced
30/01/2012
Bernie Mangan
Procurement Manager
Commenced
30/01/2012
Eric White
Procurement Manager
Commenced
30/01/2012
Roisin Killeen
Procurement Manager
Commenced
06/02/2012
Anthony
O’Shaughnessy
Arch Assistant Grade 1
Retired
12/01/2012
Jim Ryan
Chief Technical Officer
Retired
06/02/2012
Nora Ryan
CO
Retired
06/02/2012
Pat Cooney
Principal Architect
Retired
16/02/2012
Mary McNamara
EO
Retired
17/02/2012
Colm Ryder
Engineer Grade 1
Retired
24/02/2012
Paraic MacLochlainn
Senior Architect
Retired
24/02/2012
Gerry Leahy
Engineering Technician
Retired
24/02/2012
Dermot O’Brien
Higher Executive Officer
Retired
24/02/2012
Seamus Bambury
Engineer Grade 1
Retired
24/02/2012
Michael Molloy
Higher Executive Officer
Retired
24/02/2012
Bobby Carty
Arch Assistant Grade 1
Retired
28/02/2012
Joseph Monaghan
Architect
Retired
28/02/2012
Martin Shanley
Engineering Technician
Retired
29/02/2012
Finbarr Wall
Assistant Principal Retired
Architect
29/02/2012
Klaus Unger
Assistant Principal
Retired
Architect
29/02/2012
Jack Whitty
Higher Executive Officer
Retired
29/02/2012
John Paul Molloy
Principal Officer
Retired
29/02/2012
Paul Harrington
Assistant Principal Officer Retired
29/02/2012
Denis Haverty
Prin. Engineering
Retired
Draughtsperson
29/02/2012
Fred McElwee
Senior Architect
Retired
29/02/2012
Frank Quinn
Engineering Technician
Retired
29/02/2012
Evelyn Galvin
EO
Retired
29/02/2012
Leslie Lennox
Principal Officer
Retired
29/02/2012
Linda Quinn
EO
Retired
29/02/2012
Michael Cadden
Senior Architect
Retired
29/02/2012
Kate Quinn
Senior Architect
Retired
29/02/2012
David Wall
Senior Architect
Retired
29/02/2012
Michael Haugh
Assistant Principal
Architect
Retired
29/02/2012
Cormac Foley
Park Superintendent
Retired
29/02/2012
Denis McCarthy
Higher Executive Officer
Retired
29/02/2012
Dermot Reid
Senior Architect
Retired
29/02/2012
Niamh O’Regan
Principal Officer
Retired
29/02/2012
Carmel Smith Doyle
Arch Assistant Grade 1
Retired
29/02/2012
Tom Speers
District Works Manager
Retired
29/02/2012
John McCullen
Park Superintendent
Retired
29/02/2012
Mary Holmes
CO
Retired
29/02/2012
William Hurley
Forester
Retired
29/02/2012
Catherine Kennedy
Higher Executive Officer
Retired
29/02/2012
Margaret Hickey
Higher Executive Officer
Retired
29/02/2012
Mary Regan
Arch Assistant Grade 1
Retired
29/02/2012
James Thomas
Warehouseman
Retired
01/06/2012
Leslie Walsh
Arch Assistant Grade 1
Retired
21/06/2012
Julie Fitzgerald
EO
Return from CB
21/06/2012
Liam Kelly
Assistant Principal Officer Transfer In
06/02/2012
Paul Dolan
Assistant Principal Officer Transfer In
13/02/2012
David Mehlhorn
Higher Executive Officer
Transfer In
13/02/2012
Brian Brogan
Principal Officer
Transfer In
26/03/2012
Gerry Salmon
District Works Manager
Transfer In
10/04/2012
Joe Daly
District Works Manager
Transfer In
08/05/2012
Ciaran Conroy
Assistant Principal Officer Transfer In
28/05/2012
Catherine Eddery
Assistant Principal Officer Transfer In
11/06/2012
Nick O’Donoghue
Higher Executive Officer
12/01/2012
Kevin Colman
Assistant Principal Officer Transfer Out
03/02/2012
Paul O’Brien
Assistant Principal Officer Transfer Out
24/02/2012
Des O’Brien
EO
Transfer Out
30/03/2012
Yvonne Jackson
Assistant Principal Officer Transfer Out
29/05/2012
Deirdre Farrell
EO
Transfer Out
22/06/2012
Catherine Fitzgerald
Architect
Career Break
14/08/12
Roeland Van Elsen
Senior Architect
Special Leave (EU)
24/08/12
Andrea Fox
Architect
Promoted to Senior Architect 10/07/12
John Healy
Architect
Promoted to Senior Architect 17/07/12
James Sweeney
Maintenance Co-Ordinator Promoted to Senior Architect 27/07/12
Jane Fitzgerald
Architect
Transfer Out
Promoted to Senior Architect 08/08/12
Staff Movement
Edel McArdle
EO
Promoted to HEO
10/09/12
Colette Davis
Higher Executive Officer
Promoted to APO
06/11/12
Barry Moyles
Higher Executive Officer
Promoted to APO
06/11/12
Oliver Bourke
Packer & Porter
Regraded to Clerical Officer
20/11/12
Robert Kennedy
Packer & Porter
Regraded to Clerical Officer
20/11/12
Patrick McAlinney
EO
Promoted to HEO
10/12/12
Ciaran Murtagh
EO
Promoted to HEO
10/12/12
Margaret Gormley
Park Superintendent
Promoted to Chief Park Super. 17/12/12
Fergal Fitzgerald
Engineering Tech. Gr 2
Commenced
10/12/12
Gerry Fuller
District Inspector
Retired
02/11/12
Daniel Hegarty
Higher Executive Officer
Return from CB
01/10/12
Eimear O’Brien
Quantity Surveyor
Return from CB
05/11/12
Brian Higgins
Higher Executive Officer
Transfer In
07/08/12
Lorraine Crawford
Higher Executive Officer
Transfer In
03/09/12
Jane McGee
Higher Executive Officer
Transfer In
24/09/12
Mick Foley
Clerical Officer
Transfer In
24/09/12
Yvonne Kennedy
EO
Transfer In
01/10/12
Kevin Wolohan
Senior Architect
Transfer In
08/10/12
Mary McInerney
EO
Transfer In
17/12/12
Aideen Cusack
Higher Executive Officer
Transfer Out
19/07/12
Aimee Carey
Clerical Officer
Transfer Out
01/10/12
Suzan Gore
Service Officer
Transfer Out
01/10/12
Martin Jackson
EO
Transfer Out
27/11/12
2013
54
Peter Lowe
Engineer Grade 2 Civil Career Break 03/01/13
Maeve Dowling
Architect
Career Break 21/02/13
Teresa White
Higher Executive Officer
Promotion to Assistant
Principal Officer
11/02/13
John Cahill
Senior Architect
Promotion to Assistant
Principal Architect
31/05/13
Eamonn Duffy
District Inspector NRP
Commenced
21/01/13
Ronan O’Halloran
District Inspector
Commenced
07/01/13
Killian Regan
Eng Technician Grade 2
Recruit – NRP
Commenced
02/01/13
Garrett Anthony Doolan
District Inspector – NRP
Commenced
11/02/13
William Delaney
Civil Engineering Technician Grade II
Commenced
22/04/13
Patrick Keating
Services Officer
Retired
22/03/13
Kathleen Varley
Clerical Officer Retired
05/03/13
Aighleann
Senior Architect
O’Shaughnessy
Retired
Eavan Meagher
Architect Return from Career Break
13/01/13
Sean Fitzgerald
Clerical Officer Return from Career Break
06/01/13
Irene Kelly
Architect
Return from Career Break
07/02/13
Teresa White
Assistant Principal
Return from Secondment
11/02/13
Noreen Finnegan
Assistant Principal
Transfer In
19/02/13
Dolores Ronane Gaffney
Executive Officer
Transfer In
21/01/13
Bridget Barnaville
Clerical Officer Transfer In
04/02/13
Jackie Daly
Higher Executive Officer
Transfer In
19/03/13
Nichola Moss
Higher Executive Officer
Transfer In
08/04/13
Karen Higgins
Executive Officer
Transfer In
04/06/13
Kevin Byrne
Higher Executive Officer
Transfer Out
07/01/13
John McVeigh
Executive Officer
Transfer Out
31/01/03
Deborah Burke
Clerical Officer Transfer Out
26/04/13
Hugh Carrigan
Park Superintendent
Grade II
Commenced
01/07/13
Christopher O’Neill
Park Superintendent
Grade II
Commenced
15/07/13
Peter Dockrell
CO
Career Break
02/09/13
Anthony Quinn
CO
Career Break
09/09/13
Anna Hanley
Architect
Career Break
16/10/13
Margaret Clancy
SO
Retired
19/07/13
Margaret Treacy
CO
Retired
18/12/13
Edel Collins
Senior Architect
Promotion to Assistant Principal Architect
09/07/13
Kathleen O’Neill
Staff Officer
Promotion to Executive Officer 30/09/13
Sheila Foy
Staff Officer
Promotion to Executive Officer 14/10/13
Daniel Hegarty
HEO
Resigned
12/07/13
Samantha Branagan
Clerical Officer Resigned
23/08/13
Peter Wyse Jackson
Director –
National Botanic Gardens
Resigned
(Was on Career Break)
01/09/13
Niall Gunning
Buyer -NPS
Resigned
26/09/13
Kieran Heffernan
District Inspector
Transfer in
16/12/13
Stella Caulfield
Clerical Officer Transfer in
16/12/13
We especially remember our colleagues who passed away in 2012 & 2013:
Stephen Monks, Patrick Clifford and Anne Feely.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamnacha dílis”
BULLETIN FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS
OBAIR
OBAIR 2012/2013 BULLETIN FROM THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS
Published by:
Office of Public Works,
52 St. Stephen’s Green,
Dublin 2, Ireland.
Tel: 01 6476000
email: [email protected]
www.opw.ie
2012/2013