PHASE TWO UNDERWAY AT ST. PATRICK’S

❖ The easing of lockdown restrictions has allowed the second phase of scaffolding works to proceed on Ireland’s oldest church.

The building, which dates back to 1220, is currently undergoing a conservation programme with the replacement of its 19th century roof slates. Scaffolding and access specialists, Ainscaff Scaffolding, is utilising the world-renowned performance of Layher Allround scaffolding and its lightweight roof system to encase this iconic place of worship.

As previously reported in Issue 9, the first phase saw Ainscaff complete the complicated and innotive scaffold structure to temporarily cover the nave roof of the cathedral. Phase two, which is now underway, involves the further installation of Layher’s Keder Roof XL and supporting structure to the cathedral transept roof.

Sean Pike, Managing Director of Layher UK & Ireland, takes up the story: “The design of phase two was complicated but also offered several advantages. The temporary Layher Keder Roof XL and supporting structure of phase two had to straddle the duo pitch on phase one, but at the same time allow for the phase three construction works.”

“As phase two was over the transepts of the cathedral, large spine beams were required, using our deep Aluminium HD beams built in clusters side by side with thin wedge head couplers, six on the east and four on the west elevation.”

“The east elevation make up a 19 metres span, with the four beam configuration spanning 14 metres.”

Simon Ainscough, Managing Director of Ainscaff Scaffolding added. “One of the biggest constraints of the project is that the cathedral had to remain open to the public with an average of 500,000 visitors per year. In addition, there is a tunnel and statues to protect in the ancient graveyard. The works are largely carried out during the day and under public scrutiny, so safety and logistics have to be paramount.”