Located within Dun Laoghaire harbour, the project presented a number of challenges. Above all, it was vital that CIL HQ remain fully operational throughout the redevelopment, and that the TSO, the nerve centre controlling the entire network of lights around the Irish Sea, was not compromised in any way.

Phase One of the project entailed the demolition of two office / store blocks to the north of the site and the partial dismantling of the workshop building in the centre, creating space for new workshops. These workshops are used to repair and service the many buoys located around the coast of Ireland, and could not be completely demolished in a single procedure. A section was designated to retain its operational status, structurally braced and isolated. A new gable wall was erected, then the rest of the building was carefully dismantled.

Up to 90% of the hardcore of Phase One was crushed and reused on site to make up levels under car parks etc.

Once Bowen Construction constructed the new workshop and staff were decanted, the remainder of the old workshop and several smaller stores were demolished.

As asbestos had previously been identified in some of the small stores, this was removed under controlled conditions prior to demolition commencing.

Phase Three of the demolition involved the remaining buildings: the canteen / changing building and remaining office block. A newly installed gas main and a high pressure water main had to be maintained immediately adjacent to the demolition works, and were protected as works proceeded.

A small section of this office block housed the all-important TSO, the hub, controlling all of the lights around the Irish Sea. A new insulated temporary gable wall was constructed and services diverted before any other works could proceed. The section was then structurally isolated and the rest of the building carefully demolished, leaving it totally intact and operational.

Pat O’Brien, Contracts Director of Bowen Construction commented ‘ Tinnelly Demolition carried out all phases of the work efficiently, safely and ahead of programme on this and other projects we have work on together. We will certainly be asking Tinnelly Demolition to tender for any future demolition or asbestos removal jobs that arise’.