Annual Report 2005 - The Office of Public Works

Mechanical and Electrical
The section had a direct role in the design of a number of significant new projects, most
notably Templemore Training College and Wexford Opera Theatre.
All technical services for the Decentralisation Programme have been delivered successfully
under the various procurement processes.
An Internet based energy monitoring system has been commissioned and installed in many
state occupied buildings in the first phase of a conservation programme.
Changes in the maintenance service continues with a new Help Desk and Technical Support
Contract tendered, new framework contracts tendered for design services and the first tender
process for framework type works contracts.
Output in 2005 is summarised in the table below.
Work Area
Total Value (Em)
New Works 25
Minor Maintenance Works 15
Programmed Maintenance Work 2.5
Advice and Monitoring 200
(including Decentralisation Programme)
Flood Relief Programme
The OPW programme of Flood Relief Schemes, which is managed by Engineering Services, has
been ongoing since 1995. Schemes are carried out in association with the relevant local
authorities. Works are generally carried out under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, and the
Arterial Drainage Amendment Act 1995, although in recent years some phases of schemes
have been carried out by the local authorities under the Planning and Development
Regulations 2001.
OPW expenditure on the Programme amounted to E16.2m in 2005. Construction works
continued on three main areas in 2005. The scheme completed in Kilkenny was undertaken
under the Arterial Drainage Acts, while the River Tolka works in Dublin and Meath are being
undertaken under local authority powers. Works have also been carried out on an advance
phase of the Mallow Flood Relief Scheme which is being undertaken by Cork County Council
and funded by OPW. These three flood relief schemes accounted for 70% of the Flood Relief
budget in 2005 with E5.1m expended in Kilkenny, E1.6m in Mallow and E4.2m on the
River Tolka.
Other major schemes advanced in 2005 included Clonmel on the River Suir, Fermoy on the
Munster Blackwater, and Ennis on the River Fergus. Minor schemes which were progressed in
2004 include Mornington, Co Meath and Tullow, Co Carlow.
Significant work has been done in developing early flood warning systems for the Suir and
Munster Blackwater Catchments. These systems are particularly important for Clonmel and
Fermoy as there will be extensive use of demountable flood defences in the schemes
proposed for these towns.
Kilkenny Scheme
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This scheme was substantially completed in 2004 but certain remedial works were carried out
during 2005.