Obair 2012 2013

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: info@opw.ie 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:

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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

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- 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) Š Browne Photography

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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

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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.

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1 President John F. Kennedy 2 Ministers Howlin & Kehoe lay a wreath 3 Army Cadet Honour Guard Photographs (2-3) Š Browne Photography

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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

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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 Š John D Kelly Photography 4 The Morpeth Roll in its wooden chest.

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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

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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.

Š National Monuments Service, D/AHG

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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

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© 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

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© 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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EU2013 Dublin Castle

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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1 Inspection scaffolding in place 2 John McMahon and Frank McDonald (IT) prepare to descend

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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.

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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

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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

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Kilmainham Courthouse

In July 2013, Minister Hayes officiated at the handover of the former Kilmainham Courthouse for a landmark â‚Ź5m 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

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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 Š Maxwell Photography

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The National Botanic Gardens 28

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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.

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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) Š Maxwell Photography

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Dundrum Garda Station Courthouse

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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

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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

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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

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Newgrange Winter Solstice 2013

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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1 Crowds gather at the re-opening ceremony 2 The Highcross in its new postion 3 The Mid-Ninth Century High Coss

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3 Š National Monuments Service, D/AHG

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Art Management

The Department of Finance and Personnel, Northern Ireland and the Office of Public Works - Annual Joint Art Exhibitions 2012/2013

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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.

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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 3 L-R: Fiona Ní Ghairbhia,

Dr. Mícheál Ó Cearna, Jamie Ó Flannúra & Meghan Ní Laoithe

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Rock of Cashel Keeper of The Kings 1

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“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”.

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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

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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.

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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…

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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

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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: info@opw.ie www.opw.ie

2012/2013