Tyrone Firm Aids Dublin Water Supplies

A major water supply scheme in south Dublin has benefited from the expertise of Northern Ireland concrete products manufacturer.

Acheson & Glover, the Co Tyrone-based company was able to come up with an effective, efficient package of products and expertise for the design of two reservoirs at Saggart and Kiltalown, part of a €25million contract for civil works for the Boherboy Water Supply Scheme by South Dublin County Council.

"The key to our success on this project was our skill in value engineering the structure by redesigning a complex in-situ roof structure into a simple to construct precast roof made from off-site manufactured precast components such as beams and slabs," said Stuart Cook, Commercial Director, Acheson & Glover.

During the construction of both reservoirs, Acheson & Glover supplied and fitted large 11 tonne precast beams which in turn supported the company's 250mm deep Hollowcore slabs. The beams were fitted on top of the in-situ columns at basement level, with the slabs fitted on top of the columns to form ground level. A large retaining wall encircled the whole area, capturing the water for storage.

"We were able to cast the beams and slabs to order and fit them very speedily," explained Stuart.

"We had the background expertise in the technical and contracts management areas to schedule the work according to requirements and were able to fit a large amount of beams and slabs in a matter of a few days, which in turn meant the remainder of the job progressed very quickly.

"In all we were probably on site for only 30 days with our fitting crew and crane, and fitted approximately 96 beams and 10,600m² of slabs."

The contract, which was worth almost €1m to Acheson & Glover, is part of an overall upgrading and expansion of the water supply network and storage infrastructure in the south Dublin area, funded under the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government Water Services Investment Programme 2007 - 2009, at a total estimated cost of €38.7million.

(CD/KMcA)