Latest News

Stephen's Barracks Official Opening

Downes Associates is delighted to be a part of the design team on the new gymnasium and sports hall at Stephen’s Barracks, Kilkenny. The facility was officially opened by Minister Simon Coveney in March 2022 and the event was attended by Downes Associates' Technical Director, Ian Connolly, and Senior Structural Engineer, John Barlow, both of whom had an involvement on the project.

The sports hall structure features a 33m long primary roof truss with adjoining two storey gymnasium and ancillary areas.

Media Coverage of Longford Office Move

Link to Article — Longford Leader (@Longford_Leader) February 4, 2022

New Office Announcement

We are delighted to announce the opening of a new Downes Associates office in Longford Town to compliment our well established office in Dublin. Due to continued expansion into the west and northwest and with confidence of further growth in this area, we have made the decision to establish a premises within easy reach of those regions.

The opening of the new office is planned for January embarking on a new and exciting chapter for Downes Associates in 2022!

If you are interested in joining our growing team in the midlands, please contact us as we would love to discuss the many exciting opportunities we have for engineers and technicians of all levels and experience with you.

Our new location:

Downes Associates, Suite 13, Redleaf House, Townspark, Longford Town, N39 Y9T1

Appointment St. Mel's College Longford

We were delighted to join other members of the Design Team, Bluett & O'Donoghue Architects, Patrick McCaul Environmental Consulting Engineers, MJ Turley Quantity Surveyors and Integrated Risk Solutions, at St. Mel's College Longford recently as we commence our design for the €6.5m refurbishment of the college buildings.

It is a very exciting time for the school. Past pupil and Downes Associates Managing Director, Gavin McHugh, is particularly thrilled to be part of the Design Team with an opportunity to be deeply involved in the renewal of the original college buildings to return them to their former glory. The development will include a two classroom Autism Unit, DCG Room, Computer Room, Home Economics Room, Music Room, Science Lab and a number of general classrooms.

St. Mel’s College, founded in 1865, is a voluntary secondary school under the trusteeship of the Catholic Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. The Design Team for the project are required to provide all of the proposed additional educational accommodation in the existing 1865 building and adjoining blocks.

Cherrywood ETNS

Downes Associates is delighted to be involved in the BAM Glasgiven Joint Venture that has been awarded the Design & Build (D&B) contract for four new national schools in Dublin and Cork as part of a Department of Education’s Design and Build Framework Schools Bundle.

Downes Associates has a proven track record in this area, having delivered a significant number of schools over the last 10 years through other Department of Education Design and Build Programmes.

The four new school projects are located at Ballinteer, Cherrywood and Knocklyon in Co. Dublin, while the fourth is at Carrs Hill, Douglas, Co. Cork. Work has already commenced on all four sites. It is expected that all four schools will be delivered by the end of 2022 and in total can accommodate over 2,000 pupils.

Cherrywood ETNS at Tully Park on which Downes Associates is retained as consulting civil and structural engineer along with MCOH Architects, OCSC, and HLM Landscape Architects will cover an area of 4,510 square metres consisting of 24 classrooms across a building in two and three storeys including a two-classroom unit for children with special educational needs.

Welcome Aboard!

RIAI Public Choice Award Nominations

We are delighted to announce our involvement on two projects that have been nominated for a RIAI Public Choice Award.

Downes Associates provided full Civil & Structural Engineering services on Baltrasna House. Designed in great detail by Ryan W. Kennihan Architects, the new single storey structure is situated directly alongside the farmhouse ruin which has been in the family since the 1800s. The freestanding gable wall of the farmhouse was stabilised using concealed galvanised steel sections allowing it to remain visually unsupported and provides a safe boundary to the external courtyard. Internally the new structure comprises timber framed ‘tented’ ceilings supported by a central tent pole resulting in a unique internal aesthetic.

Downes Associates worked in conjunction with Cork City Council Architects and the design team to deliver 65 social houses to Deanrock, Co. Cork. The project, constructed by Conack Construction, ensured 65 families in need were housed just as the pandemic arrived on our shores. The project has been welcomed by all in the area and has now been deservedly nominated for the RIAI Public Choice Award!

We wish to congratulate Ryan and his team and Cork City Council Architects on the nominations and wish them the very best of luck on the night!

Remember to vote for your favourite project at https://www.riai.ie/public-choice-award-poll/

Work Underway at DCC Infirmary Road Site

Works are now underway on the Demolition and Enabling Works contract for the Infirmary Road social housing project being developed by Dublin City Council. The main project will deliver 38 new homes comprising of apartments and duplex units.

The site was historically developed as part of a military barracks in the early 1800s and as such contains numerous protected structures including the tall calp limestone boundary walls enclosing the site, and the three-storey Married Quarters building constructed in the 1880s.

Downes Associates has been appointed as the Employer Representative on the Demolition and Enabling Works contract and as the civil and structural engineering consultant on the main project.

New Gym @ Stephens Barracks Kilkenny

Downes Associates has recently completed an engagement to provide full civil and structural engineering services on the construction of a new gymnasium and multi-sports facility for the Department of Defence at Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny.

The facility was constructed on a confined site within the existing historic barracks complex and included a 570 sq. metre double-height sports hall, state of the art gym facilities, changing areas, office and storage space. The sports hall roof structure comprises a 33m long north light roof truss which was split into three segments for ease of transport through Kilkenny city. The bolted splice connections were concealed on site with cover plates to ensure an uninterrupted finish.

Recently Chartered

Downes Associates would like to congratulate Karl Butler Senior Engineer with the firm, on successfully achieving Chartered status with Engineers Ireland.

New ALDI Store for Co. Cavan

Downes Associates is delighted to be involved as part of the design team for the new store located in Cootehill to be constructed in Aldi’s award-winning Project Fresh design. An application for planning has been made for the new 1,315 sq.m. store with Cavan County Council.

The new store will be centrally located on Station Road close to Market Street, will be powered by 100% green electricity and will feature four electric vehicle charging points outside the store, helping to boost Aldi’s strong sustainability credentials.

Ample parking facilities will be provided on site with 93 car parking spaces available along with 10 bike parking spaces.

The store has a national partnership with FoodCloud, donating surplus food to local charities daily. It has donated over 27,000 meals to charity to date. It is also part of Aldi’s Community Grants network, with Cuan Cancer Social Support Centre just of many charities availing of a bursary grant in recent times.

Story courtesy of the Anglo Celt: https://www.anglocelt.ie/2021/03/12/25-jobs-to-be-...

Sacred Heart Hospital Roscommon – Appointment

Following a recent successful tender process, Downes Associates has been appointed by the HSE to commence design on a new two-storey 4,000m² 50 Bed Residential Care Centre at Sacred Heart Hospital Roscommon. This capital project has been initiated under the HSE CNU programme.

The HSE’s Community Health Care Organization 2 (CHO 2) identified the need for a new purpose built 50 Bed Residential Care Centre which is part of the HIQA National Programme to build replacement residential care centres for the older people’s service.

The site is on the southern outskirts of Roscommon Town. The Sacred Heart Hospital grounds covers approximately five acres, is roughly rectangular and is relatively level. The main entrance to the grounds is off the Golf Links Road.

The original workhouse building on the site dates from 1842 and occupies the northern half of the site. The residential section dates from the 1960s and is sited on the southern half of the site.

The Sacred Heart Hospital currently provides continuing care, rehabilitation, palliative and respite care for up to 95 residents. As part of the overall scope of this project it is expected that the two wards to the front of the site - Our Lady’s Ward and St. Joseph’s Ward will be demolished to make way for the new 50 bed CNU. St Michael’s will be refurbished and repurposed.

The proposed model aims to create a person-centred approach which supports the opportunity to continue to direct their own lives in accordance with their cognitive and physical abilities, and in an environment which reflects the comforts of home. This will be achieved by the creation of two households within the overall centre. The intention is the normalisation of care within the new residential centre, assisting residents with everyday tasks.

Challenges on Shrewsbury Road

Downes Associates has recently completed an engagement to provide full civil and structural engineering services on the extensive redevelopment of an existing property on Shrewsbury Road. The project comprised the development of three storeys over basement and included a feature cantilevered steel staircase. Having a keen interest in bespoke staircase structures, Downes Associates and Crean Salley Architects designed the stairs to be constructed using only welded flat plate sections.

Each individual tread is anchored to the reinforced concrete wall behind to achieve the desired floating appearance. As with all our bespoke stair structure designs, design for vibration governs. Anticipated frequencies were calculated during the design process and the structure performed exceptionally when put to the test!

A key client requirement for the project was a very high standard of waterproofing to the basement structure. To achieve this, Downes Associates engaged with waterproofing specialist Fosroc to develop a comprehensive waterproofing system.

This system included an external tanking membrane, structurally integrated protection in the form of watertight reinforced concrete walls and slabs, and an internal drained cavity to the perimeter walls and entire floor area.

Gaelscoil Cill Mhantáin Completion

Downes Asssociates is delighted to have been involved on the new three storey sixteen classroom Primary School with a semi-basement general purpose hall, a rooftop play area and two external ballcourts for Gaelscoil Cill Mhantáin.

Constructed on a compact and steeply sloping site, the development required extensive retaining structures to accommodate universal access around the external features.

Completion on the Erris Peninsula

Aldi’s new flagship store in Belmullet was recently opened after a COVID-19 delay during construction. Located on the Tallagh Road, the new store is Aldi’s fourth store to open in Co. Mayo. The new store delivers 1140m² of retail space and features the new Project Fresh layout and design. The store will be powered by 100% green electricity.

Proud Service to the State

At Downes Associates, we are all very proud of our colleague Liam Byrne who very recently and for some time has been providing service to the country as a volunteer in the Reserve Defence Forces.

Speaking about his role, Liam explains that he will “be coming up to 3 years of service with the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) in August. As we are all to familiar, some difficult times have been experienced this year battling with Covid-19 pandemic meaning the Defence Forces have been at the forefront providing support to the HSE. As a result, the Defence Force resources have been stretched thin, so support from the RDF has been made available and has proven most valuable. Downes Associates has been fantastic in allowing me leave to perform my duty in serving the state not only during the Pandemic but also for various training days, which run into the working week. Participation in the RDF doesn't only benefit the individual but also has many advantages for the employer who benefits greatly from the training provided to the employee who gains a variety of very useful skills and competencies not readily available from other forms of training.”

2019 NYC Marathon

A big congratulations to John Barlow on his completion of the New York City Marathon in November 2019.

Recounting his experience of the race, John, a Senior Chartered Engineer with Downes Associates, noted:

"I’ve been throwing my name in the hat to complete this race for a few years now and last year I was lucky enough to secure a place. Although I wasn’t as excited about the months of training that lay ahead I couldn’t wait to get to the start line on Staten Island and join the 50,000 other runners for the 42km slog through New York city’s five boroughs. The cool November morning made for perfect running conditions and the thousands of spectators lining the streets created an incredible atmosphere throughout the entire course. The experience of the race itself and the buzz of crossing the finish line in Central Park is something I will never forget."

Progress on the Erris Peninsula

Works have recently resumed on the new store for ALDI in Belmullet. Covid-19 restrictions have delayed the planned opening in early Summer 2020. Some photos of the completion of the structural steel framing to the roof taken earlier this year are shown below against the backdrop of the town of Belmullet and the north east Atlantic.

ALDI's Laytown Store Now Open

Aldi recently opened its new store in Laytown. Located by the sea, the new store features Aldi’s latest 'Project Fresh' layout and design, incorporating a large shop floor spanning 1254m², car parking, wide aisles and hi-spec fixtures and fittings. The store incorporates an bespoke stone clad entrance, as well as enjoying fabulous views of the Meath coastline.

Appointments with Waterford Wexford ETB

Downes Associates is delighted to announce its recent appointments on three school extensions for Water Wexford Education and Training Board. The projects involve refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing buildings at and extensions to Dungarvan College, St. Declan's Community College, Kilmacthomas and Meánscoil san Nioclás, An Rinn

Department of Education and Skills Appointments

Downes Associates is delighted to announce its recent appointments on Lots 2 and 6 of the Department of Education and Skills ADAPT2 Schools Programme. Lot 2 involves the refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing buildings at and extension to St. Columba's College, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal while Lot 6 involves the construction of a new primary school in Gort, Co. Galway and the refurbishment and reconfiguration of existing buildings at and extension to Scoil Íosa, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

ALDI Tramore Project Update

Aldi recently opened its new store in Tramore (see previous news item 21 August). Located on the Strand Road, the new store features Aldi’s latest 'Project Fresh' layout and design, incorporating a large shop floor spanning 1254m², 112 free car parking spaces, wide aisles and hi-spec fixtures and fittings. The store will be powered by 100% green electricity and incorporates an extensive green roof, as well as enjoying fabulous views of the Tramore coastline.

Lioncor Appointment

Downes Associates is delighted to announce its recent appointment by Lioncor Developments as consulting civil and structural engineers on a residential development of 78 new homes in Knocknacarra, Galway along with Taylor McCarney Architects, Varming Consulting Engineers and MKO Planning Consultants.

Errigal College Appointment

Downes Associates was delighted to attend the initial Client/Design Team Meeting along with other members of the design team from Kennedy Fitzgerald Architects, McGahon Quantity Surveyors and Semple McKillop Building Services Engineers for the new extension to Errigal College Letterkenny being undertaken for Donegal Education and Training Board.

The project has a notional capital value of €13.4 million and preliminary design has already commenced with site investigation works completed by IGSL.

Building and Design Award Shortlisting

The Advanced Office Building Parkmore, a Downes Associates project for Finegrain Property as part of the Stewart Design and Build Team including AGP Architects, has been shortlisted for the Irish Building and Design Awards 2019 in the Commercial / Office Building Project of the Year Category.

The project comprises the construction of a highly efficient steel framed skeletal structure with exposed feature pin-connected timber columns.

The light filled atrium includes a bespoke two storey hanging steel staircase.

The winners will be announced 29 November!

BIM in full flow on Wexford County Council Housing Project

Downes Associates is continuing to deploy BIM related technologies on its project portfolio that is yielding significant workflow efficiencies and a higher quality information production. Included below is a short demonstration of an example of that deployment on a current social housing project for Wexford County Council.

Infirmary Road Planning Approval

Planning approval has been obtained for the Dublin City Council Infirmary Road Residential Development on which Downes Associates is appointed as the civil and structural consulting engineer. The development is located at the site of the former military barracks stores, bounded by Montpelier Gardens to the north, Infirmary Road to the west and Montpelier Hill to the south, Dublin 7.

Designed by Dublin City Architects, the development comprises the demolition of former barracks stores and administrative buildings and the construction of 38 apartments in two blocks. The new blocks are set within the existing enclosing stone boundary wall to form a private residential courtyard, with play area and bicycle parking spaces, in addition to creating a landscaped pedestrian avenue leading to the former military barracks ‘Married Quarters’. Both the enclosing wall and Married Quarters are Protected Structures.

http://www.dublincityarchitects.ie/planning-permission-approved-for-five-dublin-city-council-developments/

Completion of Haddington Road School

Downes Associates is delighted to announce the opening of Haddington Road primary school, a new three storey 24 classroom primary school with external play area over GP hall. Downes Associates provided full civil and structural engineering services on this building with Coady Architects.

Summer by the Sea!

Recent aerial view of new Aldi store designed by Downes Associates currently under construction at Tramore, Co. Waterford (courtesy MMD Construction).

Welcome Aboard!

Downes Associates is delighted to welcome Laura Cunningham and Dumitru Rotaru to the team. We are all looking forward to you both being part of the continued success of Downes Associates. Welcome aboard!

Recently Chartered

Downes Associates would like to congratulate John Barlow, Senior Engineer with the firm, on successfully achieving Chartered status with Engineers Ireland.

Downes Associates Promotion News

Downes Associates has announced the appointment of Ian Connolly to the position of Director with the practice joining Andrew Dixon, Liam Keogh, Nigel Fitzsimons and Gavin McHugh.

Managing Director, Gavin McHugh, commenting on the appointment, said, "On behalf of the Directors of Downes Associates, it gives me great pleasure to announce the promotion of Ian Connolly to the position of Director at Downes Associates effective 1 June 2019. In doing so, the existing Directors wish to recognise Ian’s many years of dedicated service to the organisation and his commitment to the future success of the company."

Mayo County Council Appointment

Downes Associates is delighted to announce its recent further appointment with Mayo County Council Architects' Department as consulting civil and structural engineers on a planned social housing development of 38 new homes in the Cross West and Kiltimagh.

Turning the Sod in Kinnegad!

Downes Associates was delighted to attend the turning of the sod ceremony for ALDI's new €4.5M store in Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath. Joining us on the day were AGP Architects, Ipsum Consulting Engineers, Albert Strain Associates and Glebe Builders Limited. Works are now well underway and the store is due to open in July 2019.

Mungret Community College Appointment

Downes Associates was delighted to attend the initial Client/Design Team Meeting along with other members of the design team from Healy & Partners Architects, Lalor Burns Associates Quantity Surveyors and Don O'Malley & Partners Building Services Engineers for the new Mungret Community College being undertaken for Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

Prior to the formal commencement of the meeting students from the school, along with Principal Liam O’Mahoney, Deputy Principal Helen Ryan, and the Chair of the school’s Board of Management, Cllr. Daniel Butler, got an opportunity to meet the design team and view outline plans of what is being proposed for our new Post-Primary School in Mungret.

2019 ACEI Engineering Design Excellence Awards Shortlisting

The Advanced Office Building Parkmore, a Downes Associates project for Finegrain Property as part of the Stewart Design and Build Team including AGP Architects, has been shortlisted for the ACEI Engineering Design Excellence Awards 2019 in the Structures Medium Category. In total, 32 high quality projects were nominated across five categories.

The project comprises the construction of a highly efficient steel framed skeletal structure with exposed feature pin-connected timber columns.

The light filled atrium includes a bespoke two storey hanging steel staircase.

The winners will be announced at the end of March!

Topping Out at DAC1

Downes Associates is excited to see the first of the Dublin Airport Central Office Buildings topped out before Christmas!

Santa has been granted special access into the no-fly zone around the airport and can comfortably land the sleigh on the 275mm thick post-tensioned concrete slab with its allowable imposed load of 7.5kN/m sq!!

The 6 storey concrete framed buildings provide spectacular views of Lambay Island, Dublin Bay and the Sugarloaf Mountain and are due for completion in 2019.

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year from all at Downes Associates!

Offices Flying up at Dublin Airport!

Downes Associates is delighted to be involved as Civil and Structural Engineers in the development of two new modern office buildings (Dublin Airport Central) located in front of Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2. The hybrid concrete structures incorporate rapid build twinwall concrete core walls designed in conjunction with Oran Precast and ultra thin post tensioned concrete slabs designed in conjunction with Cleartech Engineered Solutions.

Downes Associates is proud to be part of the Stewart Design & Build team in conjunction with Coady Architects and TUV-SUD.

Parkmore Office Development

Downes Associates is delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Finegrain Property, Stewart Construction and Arthur Gibney & Partners on the development of a new three storey modern office building in Parkmore, Galway.

The project comprises the construction of a highly efficient steel framed skeletal structure with exposed feature pin-connected timber columns.

The light filled atrium includes a bespoke two storey hanging steel staircase.

Completion in Adamstown

The new Adamstown Community Centre and sports facility was recently formally transferred to South Dublin County Council by Adamstown Infrastructure DAC as part of the latest phase of ongoing development at Adamstown, Co. Dublin. Downes Associates was involved on the project that comprised the construction of a state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor sports facility which has 4 multi-purpose community meeting rooms with associated kitchenette, toilets and storage areas; a single storey double height sports hall, gymnasium facilities and associated reception, storage and changing areas.

CPD Accredited Employer

Downes Associates has been awarded Engineers Ireland “CPD Accredited Employer” status for a further two year period.

https://www.engineersireland.ie/cpd-training/cpd-a...

Downes Associates has a policy and framework to develop all personnel in order to maximise team and individual contributions to the organisational objectives. Downes Associates believes in the promotion of career satisfaction and progression through providing relevant internal training and education, participation on new projects and acquiring new skills is key to individual and organisation success.

Downes Associates supports the development of the working team, so those individuals can acquire additional skills for their present positions and new skills for future opportunities within the organisation. All employees working for Downes Associates are encouraged to take advantage of development programmes both within and outside the organisation.

Award for Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha

The Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha new primary school building in Tuam, Co. Galway wins Best Educational Building at the IPB Insurance and LAMA All-Ireland Community and Council Awards 2018. The school will cater for a total 360 pupils plus 20 staff members. Downes Associates is involved on the project as part of the Stewart Group Design and Build team for the Department of Education and Skills.

New Ambulance Station Edenderry

The new state of the art Ambulance Station Edenderry consisting of a single storey, stepped, mono pitch roof with adjoining 5.5m high canopy is now approaching completion. The facility on which Downes Associates provided full civil and structural engineering services for the Health Service Executive comprises administration and staff accommodation facilities, an ambulance garage with a mechanical plant area within a mezzanine floor as well as a covered ambulance parking area.

Structurally the building consists of braced steel framing with infill blockwork and ground bearing concrete floor slab. Foundations consist of reinforced concrete pad and strip foundations on lean mix to stiff underlying clay. The 5.5m canopy is constructed as a propped cantilever constructed using tapered galvanised steel beams.

Site works include vehicle and pedestrian access, car parking, internal circulation roads and paths, a vehicle wash area and new boundary fencing. SUDS compliance is achieved through a combination of rainwater harvesting and on site attenuation.

Drimnagh Emergency Accommodation Complete

Downes Associates designed and supervised the infrastructure works associated with this 29 unit emergency housing development for Dublin City Council. The works included a new one-way public roadway and below ground attenuation system.

Downes Associates provided Employer's Representative, Project Supervisor Design Process, Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Design and Quantity Surveying services up tender stage and Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Design services only to completion stage.

Aldi’s Ennistymon Store Wins National Top Award

The judging panel of retail industry experts awarded the accolade to Aldi Ennistymon in recognition of its innovative design and layout. Downes Associates provided full civil and structural engineering services on the project.

Featuring Aldi’s exciting new “Project Fresh” design, the store opened in April of this year. Boasting wider aisles and hi-spec fixtures and fittings, it features 40% more chiller space, a wide selection of fresh food at the front of the store and new signage that provides a more efficient and hassle-free shopping experience. [Courtesy of The Clare Herald http://clareherald.com/2017/12/aldis-ennistymon-st...]

Unique Connections

Downes Associates is delighted to announce its role on the Stewart Design and Build team as consulting civil and structural engineer along with Coady Architects, TUV Sud and Bernard Seymour Landscape Architects in the development of Ireland’s next generation business hub at Dublin Airport Central (DAC).

The design and build of Phase 1 of the Schiphol like “office city” involves 20,000 square metres of Grade A LEED Gold office space, an elevated link bridge for ease of access from the offices to Dublin Airport Terminal 2 and a large urban realm that significantly enhances the DAC “green” campus.

The state of the art and connected international business hub will promote growth and development of current and future business opportunities for Ireland.

Substantial Completion at St. Martin's

The new St. Martin's Special School at Ballintruckle, Waterford City has reached substantial completion and works are due for completion next month. Downes Associates is providing full civil and structural engineering services on this 4,100 square metre single storey building with C.J. Falconer & Associates as Architects, BDP as Building Services Engineers, Nolan Cost Consultants as Quantity Surveyors and Hayes Higgins Partnership as PSDP. The main contractor is Mythen Construction.

[ Image courtesy of CJ Falconer & Associates ]

Unveiling at Parkmore East

Our Managing Director, Gavin McHugh, and Associate with the Practice, Ian Connolly, greeting Mr Ciarán Cannon TD, Irish Minister of State responsible for the Diaspora and International Development at the unveiling of Fine Grain Property's new 45,000 sq ft office development in Galway currently being constructed by Stewart Construction.

We are hiring!

Are you a talented structural engineer with 3 to 5 years experience looking for a move and interested in working with a progressive consultancy involved in innovative projects across wide range of sectors for a variety of clients? Would you like to work in an organisation that offers flexible working arrangements and excellent opportunities for professional development? If so, we are interested in hearing from you.

Progress at Parkmore, Galway

Downes Associates is delighted to be involved with this exciting commercial project in conjunction with Stewart Construction, Arthur Gibney & Partners Architects and TUV-SUD. Foundations are now complete and erection of the three storey superstructure is rapidly underway.

Newtownmountkennedy Primary School Update

The Design Team for the proposed new Newtownmountkennedy Primary School has been approved to proceed to Stage 2B (detailed design including planning application submission). We have included below some images of the proposed new facility.

Along with Downes Associates, the Design Team comprises Gilroy McMahon Architects, BDP Building Services Engineers, McCullagh Lupton Quinn Quantity Surveyors and JWHA Project Supervisor Design Process.

Howth Road Launch

MKN Property Group, a valued client of Downes Associates, will launch Lonsdale, an infill development of sixteen four- and five-bed homes a short drive along the coast at 726-728 Howth Road, in Blackbanks, Raheny.

Downes Associates provided civil and structural engineering services on the Adrian Hill Architects designed project.

Link to brochure.

Ennistymon ALDI Store Opens

This new store in Ennistymon, the third for Aldi in Co. Clare, brings the discount retailer’s number of supermarkets in Ireland to 129.

Downes Associates provided full civil and structural engineering services on this challenging site featuring a 6 metre high stone clad retaining wall and an extensive green roof.

Photo reproduced courtesy of The Clare Herald/Pat Flynn. Read more: http://clareherald.com/2017/04/latest-aldi-store-o...

Fellowship of Engineers Ireland

Congratulations to our Managing Director, Gavin McHugh, on his transfer to Fellowship of Engineers Ireland, the highest accolade of the organisation. Gavin was recently conferred with his new professional title at the National Conferring of Registered Titles where the President of Engineers Ireland, Dermot Byrne, Chartered Engineer, presented him with his parchment.

Completion at Ardscoil Phadraig Granard

Abacus

Downes Associates has been assisting Artist Ruth Lyons with a competition entry for a landmark public artwork proposed at the entrance to the new Central Bank. The proposal represents a giant abacus comprising inclined glulam timber columns which support large diameter solid acrylic spheres.

The clear spheres, like impossibly large beads of water, act as lenses absorbing the surrounding light and distorting perspective to give a bizarre view of the world! The structure is stabilised using thin tension cables which are anchored to the podium slab below.

Check out more works by Ruth Lyons at www.ruth.ie

DUB3 Official Opening

Interxion’s new DUB3 data centre in Grange Castle Business Park, Dublin 22, was officially opened by The Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, TD. Interxion’s DUB3 carrier and cloud-neutral data centre provides the latest secure, scalable infrastructure for mission-critical IT systems, with a wide range of connectivity solutions.

Downes Associates provided civil and structural design services to the project from planning to completion with the main contractor Structure Tone. The project was delivered using the BIM platform.

100 Tonnes!

Downes Associates is assisting Stewart Building Contractors with the design of temporary works at the Goethe Institute, Merrion Square. The latest works involve the temporary support of almost 100 tonnes of historic brickwork!

Completion at Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha

The Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha new primary school building in Tuam, Co. Galway is now complete. The school will cater for a total 360 pupils plus 20 staff members. Downes Associates is involved on the project as part of the Stewart Group Design and Build team for the Department of Education and Skills.

Update on St. Alban's Road

We recently provided a glimpse of this project in our news item entitled "Pushing the Envelope". The project comprised the design and construction of a bespoke timber framed extension to an existing structure. The works primarily comprise an interlocking grillage of 25mm thick Finnish Birch plywood members that provide both vertical support and lateral support to the structural glass façade. No mechanical fixings are used to connect the plywood members, which ultimately bear onto a polished concrete raft slab.

Downes Associates are delighted to announce that this project now completed and designed in conjunction with Architect Eamon Peregrine has been entered into the ACEI Design Excellence Awards 2017. Watch this space!!

Happy Christmas!

Completion at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir

Taking on the BIM Challenge

n recent years, Downes Associates recognised the industry-wide adoption of BIM and invested in modelling software and associated hardware years in advance and has built up significant project experience.

We have successfully delivered a number of projects where BIM has been an integral part of the design process and the production of information. Downes Associates produce BIM models for projects across all sectors and have extensive experience in sharing modelling information with other design team members, sub-consultancies, contractors and subcontractors.

Downes Associates now has the tools that allow models to move between our 3D structural analysis and design software, Tekla 3D, and our 3D drafting software, Autodesk Revit, allowing us the facility to provide a fully integrated BIM solution for our clients.

We have integrated an approach to BIM into our NSAI accredited ISO9000:2015 quality management system and our clients benefit from the knowledge that we have the latest design technology implemented by fully trained, qualified and experienced staff.

For further information, see our 'BIM Projects' experience.

Progress at Bird Avenue

The first phase of the Brian M. Durkan Limited 'Hawthorn' mixed residential development comprising 54 units is well underway at Bird Avenue in Clonskeagh.

Downes Associates is involved as consulting civil and structural engineers for the project along with John Fleming Architects and Delap & Waller Building Services Engineers.

Cork City Council Appointment

Downes Associates is delighted to announce its recent appointment as consulting civil and structural engineers on a planned social housing development with Cork City Council Architects' Department of 65 new homes in the Deanrock area of Cork City.

Preparation of civil and structural engineering tender drawings and specification has commenced with a view to having foundations for new homes constructed in the first half of 2017.

Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh Appointment

Downes Associates is delighted to announce its appointment on the development of the new Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh campus on the former Dawn Dairies brownfield site on the Clare Road in Limerick. Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh is an all-Irish Post-Primary College established under the auspices of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

The project brief includes the clearance of the existing site and the design and delivery of the new school building with an overall budget of approximately €12M.

“A Room of Sticks – Built on Bricks”

At Downes Associates we love a challenge and always enjoy pushing the boundaries of structural design. We have in recent weeks been involved on this very intriguing and completely bespoke timber framed project, described by its award winning Architect, Tom Maher, as a plywood tent. The works comprise a two storey structure utilising stressed skin panels, bespoke timber composite construction and no single timber element greater than 100mm deep!

Progress on St. Martin's Special School

Steel frame erection has commenced at St. Martin's Special School, Ballintruckle, Waterford on which Downes Associates are retained as consulting engineers.

Enhanced Analysis & Design Capability

Downes Associates is proud to announce that we have added Tekla Structural Designer to our ever-evolving suite of in-house design software.

	Tekla Structural Designer is a revolutionary software package which, combined with Downes Associates extensive knowledge of fundamental and complex engineering principles, has already been used to develop detailed structural analysis models and designs from initial concept sketches resulting in considerable savings on a number of exciting retail, commercial and educational buildings.
The software is fully compatible with our BIM (Building Information Modelling) software packages which allows us to provide clear, efficient, innovative and coordinated designs often working within restricted construction budgets and programmes.

Goethe Institute

Housing at Cappagh Complete

Project involved the construction of multi-unit two-storey housing development on a greenfield site with associated residential road and car parking. The houses and the associated services were constructed by P.J. Carey (Contractors) Ltd. for Fingal County Council. The development is located on Cappagh Road, Fingal, Dublin 11.

Pushing the Envelope!

Erection of bespoke timber frame has commenced at No. 12 St. Albans Road. The structure comprises an interlocking grillage of 25mm thick Finnish Birch plywood members cut to precision using CNC technology. No mechanical fixings are used to connect the members which ultimately bear onto a polished concrete raft slab. The structure will be clad with toughened laminated glass in the coming weeks. Watch this space!

ALDI Ashe Road Waterford

Aldi recently re-opened its extended store at Ashe Road in Waterford. Downes Associates provided full civil and structural engineering services on the project.

Foundations Commence at Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha

Precast Commences in Claregalway

Progress at Data Centre Grangecastle

Steel frame erection has commenced at Data Centre project in Grangecastle Business Park on which Downes Associates are retained as consulting engineers. Once complete, this building with only 6 No. internal columns, will provide the client with a net lettable area of over 2,000 square metres.

“CPD Accredited Employer”

Downes Associates has been awarded Engineers Ireland “CPD Accredited Employer” status for a further two year period.

https://www.engineersireland.ie/cpd-training/cpd-a...

Downes Associates has a policy and framework to develop all personnel in order to maximise team and individual contributions to the organisational objectives. Downes Associates believes in the promotion of career satisfaction and progression through providing relevant internal training and education, participation on new projects and acquiring new skills is key to individual and organisation success.

Downes Associates supports the development of the working team, so those individuals can acquire additional skills for their present positions and new skills for future opportunities within the organisation. All employees working for Downes Associates are encouraged to take advantage of development programmes both within and outside the organisation.

ACEI Engineering Design Excellence Awards Shortlisting

“The Irish Whiskey Museum”, a Downes Associates project, has been shortlisted for the ACEI Engineering Design Excellence Awards 2016 in the Small Structures category. The project comprised the sensitive strengthening and refurbishment of the 6 storey building at No. 119 Grafton St originally constructed under the guidance of renowned Architect Sir Thomas Manly Deane circa 1879. The works included the strengthening of existing timber floors within a protected structure, the construction of a new steel staircase, steel framed lift shaft and landings, a high level steel framed canopy and construction of a new part basement within a confined site to the rear of the existing terrace.

2016 ACEI Emerging Professional Consulting Engineer Award

We are delighted to announce that Ian Connolly, an Associate with the Practice, has been shortlisted for the 2016 ACEI Emerging Professional Consulting Engineer (EPCE) award. The award is presented to a consulting engineer with excellent communication skills, business acumen, technical capabilities and strong ethical values.

ISO 9000:2015 Certification

Downes Associates has recently been assessed and deemed to comply with the latest (2015) version of I.S. EN ISO 9001 for the provision of civil and structural engineering consultancy services. ISO 9001:2015 replaces previous editions and while certification bodies will have up to three years to migrate certificates to the new version, Downes Associates has decided to upgrade well in advance of the deadline.

Innovative Car Park Solution

Downes Associates has recently completed a car park extension project in Athlone involving an innovative approach to construction on marginal ground. The original car park was constructed over ten years ago on piled foundations due to the poor nature of the underlying ground. A proposal to extend the car park using a similar piled solution was ruled out as too expensive and Downes Associates was tasked by the client with exploring a more cost effective solution.

Site investigation and associated testing to assess the compressibility of the underlying ground was undertaken by Ground Investigations Ireland Limited. In general the underlying ground consists of a layer of made ground over soft and very soft peats, clays and silts to a granular stratum at up to 15 metres. Using the test results, values for settlement were predicted for various amounts of filling to the site.

A solution to construct new car park surfacing at marginally above the existing level of the overflow car park to account for predicted residual settlement over a sub-base of angular well graded stone fill reinforced with a high strength low deformation geogrid was adopted. The exact specification and depth of the reinforced sub-base was agreed with valued input from specialist geogrid supplier, Naue Geosynthetics Limited.

Tudor Homes Appointment

Downes Associates is delighted to announce its recent appointment as consulting civil and structural engineers on a planned residential development by Tudor Homes of up to 400 new homes in the Druid's Glen area of the Cherrywood Special Development Zone.

Breaking Ground in Grangecastle

Ground works have commenced in Grange Castle Business Park on new data centre project.

The Main Contractor and Downes Associates' client is StructureTone.

ADAPT 18 Schools Programme

Downes Associates is delighted to announce its appointment on Lot 3 of the Department of Education and Skills ADAPT 18 Schools Programme. Lot 3 involves the development of a new primary school on the site of an old secondary school off Parliament Street in Ennistymon that is to be amalgamated. Upon completion the new Scoil Mhuire secondary school that is to be built on a site adjacent the Lahinch Road, the existing secondary school off Parliament Street is to be demolished and replaced with the new primary school.

DA Sponsorship of The High School Junior Rugby

Downes Associates is delighted to be involved as a sponsor of The High School in its junior rugby competitions.

New ALDI Stores

Aldi has further increased its national presence with the opening of two new stores in Knocknacarra, Co. Galway and Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Creating 40 new jobs, the new shops opened on Thursday, 19 November. Downes Associates provided full civil and structural engineering services on the two challenging sites.

The new Knocknacarra store is Aldi’s ninth store in Co. Galway, while the Newcastle West store is Aldi’s third store in Co. Limerick. This brings the total number of Aldi stores in Ireland to 122, with the first Aldi store in Ireland opening back in November 1999.

Read more: http://www.shelflife.ie/aldi-opens-new-stores-in-k...

Website Launch

Downes Associates is delighted to announce the launch of its new website.