Preparation

Initial preparatory works involved; detailed dilapidation survey of all properties both internally and externally, letter drop to all affected stakeholders, initial contact with all utility providers, erection of four VMS digital board. To guarantee effective communications with all interested parties, we allocated a full time Liaison Officer to the project. Additionally, and to guarantee the effectiveness and safety of our traffic, pedestrian and phasing management initiatives, once erected, we monitored their effectiveness over a two days period before executing works. Every work activity was supported by a Risk Assessment and Method Statement and once approval was obtained all site and plant operatives were activity inducted. Additionally each gang was supported by a Safety Representative and our full time site based H&S Officer conducted daily HSEQ audits. To deal with the large number of services encountered we allocated a full time services coordinator to the project. Hence, all utility providers were provided with 6 weeks notice before any of their works was altered or reconnected. Their representatives were present for all of the most challenging reconnection works. For example, Bord Gais and The ESB were present for all reconnection works.

Key site activities included initial civil engineering works involving; live gas main diversions to facilitate construction of structured tree pits, 300m of a 180mm dia HDPE water main, 150m of a high pressure 320mm HDPE water main, 1,600m of new utility ducting for ESB, Eir, Virgin Media, Public Lighting including new chambers, 300m of 450mm dia surface water drain including 15 new manholes and 25 gullies. At Liffey Street Lower, we encountered 50m3 of contaminated soil that was carefully tested, verified, excavated and exported by Enva Licensed Waste Management company.

As new utility services were laid we also renewed all live connections to adjacent properties without disrupting supplies. In more challenging situations, and to guarantee continued supplies, the transfers were carried out in out of hours. Throughout the works we encountered redundant basements. Once exposed, our structural engineer checked them for structural robustness. Thereafter we cleaned them out (under architect supervision) and then, under instruction, filled them with concrete.

Streetscape Works

New streetscape works followed on from the civils works. Streetscape works involved 3,800m2 of new Iberian and Irish granite kerbs, paving setts and slabs, all laid to patterned falls into formed drainage channels. To cater for heavy delivery trucks the new streetscape works were all laid to a full Dublin City Council road construction specification.

As part of the works, we provided new SUDS tree pits planted with semi mature trees and herbaceous plants and grasses, bespoke seating, custom designed Lighting Columns and Bicycle parking. New controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings at Middle Abbey St & Bachelors Walks were built as part of the scheme.

Challenges

During the works we encountered numerous challenges and all of them were catered for and effectively managed using the following strategies.

Recycling

All existing hard surfaces including existing kerbs/paving were all carefully excavated and exported to licensed recycling facilities or recycled to DCC depot The project was planned and supported by a Communications Plan, Works Programme, H&S Plan, QA Plan and a Waste & Environmental Management Plan. Both progress and safety on the project was also monitored in real time by the use of CCTV cameras.

All deep excavations for the drainage, services and the basements were supervised by An Archaeologist. Liffey Street Lower contains Mature London Planes Trees and all works in that area was supervised by an Arborist. The project was finished on time and within budget in accordance with agreed variations. Quality Assurance was achieved throughout.