Inside Pages - SIAC Construction

Summer 2006
Inside this issue
SIAC Butlers Steel’s Israeli wonder for Intel
SIAC Tuam to the rescue at Eyre Square
Bundoran/Ballyshannon bypass opens early
From the Costa to the cave
People News
Rising stars Jemma and Karen
Facelift for O’Connell Street
A day in the life of Malcolm John
Poolbeg and Portlaoise projects completed
Barbara wins
a Technology Oscar
M50 upgrade project begins
SIAC and its joint venture
partner, Ferrovial, have
commenced the M50 upgrade
project. This project poses
particular traffic management
challenges as the contractor is
required to construct the works
with up to 100,000 vehicles per
day traversing the site. As one of
the most high-profile projects to
be undertaken in the state, the The proposed N4 interchange, which is part of the
management of relations with the M50 upgrade project.
public and the multiple stakeholders
will be a key factor in the success of the project.
The contract runs from south of the existing toll bridge to south of the existing
Ballymount interchange. The 7.6km project involves the provision of an additional
lane on both carriageways, to be constructed in the median, and further auxiliary
lanes between the N4, N7 and the Ballymount interchanges. Eight new bridges will
also be constructed as part of this scheme.
The site team is led by Mario Mostoles (Project Manager, Ferrovial) and John Glynn
(Construction Manager, SIAC). Mario has worked in Ireland for the last two years,
where he was a Section Manager on the N4/N6 KEK project and John has
transferred back to Dublin from the N15 scheme in Donegal.
Congratulations to Barbara White (Group
IS&T Manager) who won the ICT Professional
of the Year accolade at the 2006 Information
and Communications Technology Excellence
Awards.
Known as the ‘Technology Oscars’, the award
ceremony took place in May at the Burlington
Hotel in Dublin, but as Barbara was away on
holidays, Michael Feighery (Company
Secretary) accepted the accolade on her
behalf. Barbara is pictured above with Hank
Fogarty (Director of Civil Engineering) at a
surprise celebration held at Head Office to
mark Barbara’s achievement. For more
details, turn to page nine.
The project is divided into four principal sections, with one each managed by Garrett
Doyle and Declan Battle of SIAC, and Joaquin Losada and David Fanjul of Ferrovial.
Work has already commenced at the N7 and N4 interchanges and mainline works
will start at the end of July. The project is due to be completed in 2008.
Civils awarded Safe-T-Cert
The Civils Division has been awarded ‘Safe-T-Cert’ accreditation following a successful
audit. A presentation was made to John Stack (General Manager, CEI),
Frank Burke (Group Health and Safety Manager, Ireland) and Tanya Soden
(Safety Adviser) by the Minister of State for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen. (A photo
will follow in the next edition of SIAC News.)
Safe-T-Cert was developed by the CIF and Construction Employers Federation
Northern Ireland and is accredited by the Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (IOSH).
The three-day audit covered health and safety documentation, interviews with senior
managers and project staff and site audits on six selected sites. The audit
report commended the division for the good culture and standards of health and
safety observed. It also acknowledged the high competency levels of site management
teams. Congratulations to all in Civils for this achievement.
1

SIAC NEWS
Squared away - plaudits galore as SIAC
completes Eyre Square
On 10 October 2005, Alan King and his team mobilised to Galway
to complete the Eyre Square enhancement project – a task that
was considered by many in the industry to be a ‘poisoned
chalice’.
After the project was abandoned by the previous contractor in
2005, SIAC Tuam entered into negotiations with Galway City
Council, which resulted in SIAC being appointed the contractor to
complete the enhancement project at the well-known square.
The challenges posed by the project were complex and varied.
They included:
● Construction of intricate systems of existing and new
underground pipelines, ducting and utilities, including water,
gas, telecommunications, electricity, traffic signals, broadband,
CCTV and NTL
● Significant phased traffic management schemes to facilitate
the construction sequence and CIE’s bus schedules and routes
● Upgrading Galway City’s drainage system under live-flow
conditions in the vicinity of the works
● Paving and turfing Eyre Square and the surrounding street
network
● Co-ordination and management of specialist sub-contractors
and suppliers to meet the phasing and constraints of the
programme
Most significant of all was the continuous interface with the public
while safeguarding their health and safety.
Eyre Square team: John Geoghegan, Tanya Soden, Martin Keane, Noel
Kennedy and Shane Gray with the completed Eyre Square project in the
background. Alan King and Shane Barrett are absent from the photo.
Despite the challenges, the project was completed on schedule in
April. Plaudits followed from local businesses, news media and
the public. Speaking at the official opening ceremony, David
Kirkwood (Project Architect, Mitchell and Associates) said, “I do
pay tribute, serious tribute to SIAC, for the seamlessly efficient
rise to the challenge and their positive and effective approach to
complete the works on time.”
Well done to Alan and team, some of whom are pictured above.
Seventh BSC
safety award
for SIAC
Facades
SIAC Facades Ltd has been awarded its
seventh British Safety Council (BSC) safety
award.
The honour is a singular tribute to Ian Renwick
(Health and Safety Manager) and the site staff
at SIAC Facades. Only companies with belowaverage
accident rates are eligible to apply
and winners must also have good safety
policies, plans, and commitment to health and
safety at the highest board level.
The fact that the British Safety Council
International Safety Awards extend across all
areas of industry, including many factory and
laboratory controlled environments, makes our
accolade for safety performance on
construction sites all the more prestigious.
(L-R) Lorna Renwick,
Bob Abraham
(Business
Development
Manager), Marion
Abraham, Ian Renwick
(Health and Safety
Manager), Sandra
McGettigan and Sean
McGettigan (Managing
Director) pictured at
the BSC Safety Awards
ceremony.
UK divisions amalgamate
The Architectural Aluminium Division at Bristol and the Roofing and Cladding
Division at Stonehouse have now amalgamated into one business. This
rationalisation is logical as both divisions work together on a number of projects.
The amalgamation will allow for less duplication of management resources and will
give us a clearer focus on our goals.
The Design, Procurement and Production function is being overseen by Peter
Cochlin. Contract Management and Delivery is the responsibility of Phil Wood and
all our Surveying and Commercial activities are now headed up by Steve Smith.
Roy Tomlins retains responsibility for the Irish operation of SIAC Building Envelope.
2 Spring 2006

SIAC NEWS
Prestigious
SBS Intel
contract in
Israel nears
completion
SIAC Butlers Steel (SBS) and partner,
Minrav, are putting the finishing touches
to a new CUB (Central Utility Building), a
beam and column structure with metal
decking to the roof and a small mezzanine area, on Intel’s
campus in Kiryat Gat, 70km south of Tel Aviv in Israel.
SBS was invited to tender for the 2,000-tonne project following
SIAC’s success on the Fab 24/2 building in Leixlip, which was
completed last year. That project in turn had marked a very
significant step forward for SBS. Intel demands the highest
possible standards and gives repeat business to proven
providers. SBS’s performance on the Leixlip building and
successful collaboration with project managers in M&W Zander
led to the Israeli opportunity.
Obviously, bidding for the 120,000-foot building in a Middle
Eastern country where SBS had not previously worked was a
considerable challenge. We needed a local partner and Minrav
was chosen.
Estimating, early co-ordination and design development were
carried out at our Portarlington facility. SIAC provided on-site
management, while Minrav was responsible for fabrication,
painting and site erection of structural steel and metal decking.
SIAC’s site team consisted of Harry Johnston (Contracts
Manager), Eddie Gibney (Project Manager) and Grainne Burke
Some of the Intel project workforce pictured at the end of June.
(Safety Manager). Minrav provided Doran Kimhi (Site Manager)
and Sergy Gugel (Foreman).
The experienced SIAC site team provided training in heavy lifting,
metal decking and encouraged the local Minrav team to adopt the
Intel philosophy and safe systems of work, enabling Intel’s
demands to be achieved in delivering a tight programme to the
highest health and safety standards, even as far as ensuring the
workforce had regular rest periods and adequate drinking water in
temperatures of 38°C and high humidity.
Erection began on 1 March, with the building scheduled for
completion as we went to press. Roof decking and site painting
will continue into August.
SIAC’s team in Ireland was led by Alan Ahern (Operations
Manager), Tony Callanan (Design), Alfred Kelly (Commercial) and
Brian Fennell and team (Estimating). A special mention is due to
Stephen Lowry for the excellent detailing of the structure. Minrav’s
Israeli team was led by Miki Soffor (General Manager) and
Ronnie Ganz (Operations Manager).
Support functions seminar held in Wicklow
The first Civil Engineering Ireland (CEI) support functions seminar was held
in BrookLodge Hotel in Wicklow on 9 June.
On the day, 35 staff members attended, from CEI offices in Cork, Dublin
and Tuam, together with Barbara White (IS&T Manager) and Aidan Guinan
(PPP Projects Manager).
The day began with talks on various topics, including a group overview,
PPPs, the COINS system, Group IS&T, CEI and support functions, and
pensions. In the afternoon, participants enjoyed activities, including off-road
driving, archery and clay pigeon shooting. The day ended with dinner and
entertainment.
Feedback on the day was very positive. “I learned loads and had a great
time mixing with all the staff,” commented Leslie Prendergast (CED). “It
was great to meet people from other CEI locations and put faces to
names,” added Fiona McHugh (CET).
The seminar is set to become an annual event.
Enjoying the support functions seminar: Emma Jago, Lisa
Fitzgerald, Jennifer Murray, Oliver O’Neill, Linda Gregory,
Garrett Donnelly, John Stack and Tom Colgan.
Spring 2006 3

SIAC NEWS
N15 Bundoran/Ballyshannon bypass
officially opened
There was good news for road users in the northwest when the
new N15 Bundoran/Ballyshannon bypass, a joint venture project
between SIAC and Wills Bros Ltd, was opened three months
ahead of schedule and within budget.
The bypass, which was opened by the Minister of State for
Transport, Pat the Cope Gallagher, TD, consists of 10.5km of
carriageway and is part of the National Roads Authority's
programme for upgrading the N15 Sligo to Lifford Road.
Completion of the bypass, from the Drowes Bridge on the existing
N15 south of Bundoran to the northern side of Ballyshannon,
brings these objectives an important step nearer to reality.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Gallagher commented, “It will
allow traffic to travel freely along the route bypassing what has
become in recent years a major bottleneck. With the reduction of
traffic through these towns, residents and visitors alike will be able
to enjoy the amenities afforded by both towns in a safer and more
relaxed atmosphere.”
Construction began on the project in July 2004. The scheme
involved the construction of the carriageway, three mainline
roundabouts and also a grade separated junction with left-in/leftout
T-junctions connecting the link roads to the main carriageway.
A total of 14 new structures are included throughout the scheme,
including two pedestrian underpasses, five vehicle overbridges,
three vehicle underbridges, a retaining wall and three river
crossings.
The most significant structure is the Cathaleen’s Fall Bridge which
is constructed approximately 500m west of Cathaleen's Falls
Dynamic Darren
heads for the hills
Summertime and the living is easy. Well maybe for some but not
for Darren Beck (Project Engineer) who trekked a whopping 75km
through sections of the Kerry, Dingle and Beara Ways to complete
the Kerry Challenge from Friday 16 June to Sunday 18 June.
Junior Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher
pictured with some of the SIAC Wills
joint venture (SWJV) staff at the N15
opening.
Dam. This is a two-tier structure, the
lower level providing pedestrian
access across the River Erne with
the upper level carrying the
vehicular traffic. The aesthetics of
the structure is enhanced through
the provision of an architectural
lighting scheme.
The project team was led by John
Glynn (Project Manager). He was
assisted by Eamonn McGill
(Assistant Project Manager), Michael
Conway (Project Quantity Surveyor),
and the project’s engineering,
commercial and administrative staff.
Congratulations to all involved on a job well done.
Minister Mary Coughlan is
captivated by SWJV Project
Manager, John Glynn’s tall
bridge stories at the N15
opening.
However, Darren, who described himself before the event as ‘fit
as a malley bull’ (that’s fit as a fiddle to you and me), can confess
that it was more of a case of weary legs than the land of eternal
youth when they finally finished.
A big congratulations to Darren and co who raised a total of
€3,800. And a big thank you from Darren to SIAC which donated
€500, and to all the other businesses and individuals who
donated to help support these worthy charities.
The hike was in aid of DEBRA Ireland, a charity dedicated to
funding research into a cure and therapies for a painful genetic
skin blistering disease called epidermolysis bullosa, and also in
aid of the charity, Fighting Blindness.
The event saw Darren’s team experience every type of terrain,
from stunning coastal views to lonely craggy mountain peaks.
And Darren, who hails from Australia, even got to learn cúpla
focal on day two when he passed through the Gaeltacht along Slí
Chorca Dhuibhne (the Dingle Way) and Slí na Naomh (the Way of
the Saint), a route linking the sites of numerous ancient ruins, to
the shores of Smerwick Harbour.
The trek finally ended at Rossbeigh beach, where legend has it
that Oisín himself was last seen heading west to Tír na nÓg.
Darren Beck (Project Engineer) pictured (1st right) with fellow Kerry
Challenge team members, Dermot Heslin, Abina O’Connell and Dave
McCarra.
4 Spring 2006

Holiday File
SIAC NEWS
Spanish holiday with
a difference for
caveman Gary
Gary Collier (SIAC Facades) and his wife enjoyed a holiday in
Spain far away from the Costas, in the mountains inland from
Alicante. They stayed with friends who own a cave house near
the small village of Capres. With incredible mountain views,
valleys full of almond groves, and exotic birds and plants, Gary
said it was “a naturalist’s Mecca”.
The entrance to the cave house where Gary Collier (SIAC Facades) and his
wife stayed during their trip to Capres in Spain.
The cave house proved to be a far cry from the Flintstones,
with all the modern facilities – bathroom, kitchen, heating,
electricity and fresh mountain water piped from a large well.
Natural light is provided through light tubes built into the
ceilings. Outside, a series of small terraces provide both sun
and shade, and there is a plunge pool in the garden.
Highlights of the trip for Gary were the winding drive up the
highest mountain in the region, a visit to vast saltwater lakes,
seeing the last desert in Spain and soaking in the hot springs
at Banos de Fortuna. Long leisurely meals outdoors were great
value, with a three-course menu, including wine, coffee and
brandy, costing from €6-€8.
Gary’s tips for travellers to the region are: DO hire a car and
DON’T forget the sun block. Must-sees are the views from the
peaks and the desert. Snakes are to be avoided, especially if
they have fallen into the pool!
Gary enjoyed incredible mountain views during his visit.
Synergy project working well at Genzyme
The Renal Expansion/Solid Dosage project for the biopharmaceutical
manufacturer Genzyme in Waterford is being
conducted as a three-way ‘synergy’ project involving SIAC Butlers
Steel (SBS), SIAC Roofing and Cladding (R&C) and SIAC
Building Envelope (SBE).
Manager), Joe McGloughlin (R&C Contracts Manager), Tony
Morris (SBS Contracts Manager), Graham Johnson (R&C Site
Manager), Robert O’Reilly (SBE Contracts Manager), Tom Morris
(R&C QA/Safety Manager) and John Carroll (SBS Safety
Manager).
In 2003, these three divisions combined to give the same client
and its project supervisor, Project Management Ltd, an integrated
building solution with the construction of the original Fill Finish
building and warehouse.
On this current project, steel erection commenced in April and
roofing/cladding started in May, with a completion date set for 20
October 2006. By September, we hope to have 90% of the SIAC
work complete.
The building is being constructed within a U-shaped site bounded
by existing buildings, most of them constructed by SIAC in 2003.
When the project is in full swing, we expect to have 35 people on
site from various disciplines, including steel erectors, roofers,
cladders, glazing fixers and louvre installers.
The SIAC team consists of: Alan Ahern (SIAC Operations
Work in progress at the Genzyme facility in Waterford.
Spring 2006 5

SIAC NEWS
People News
Building Envelope
Congratulations to Brendan Matthews (Design department) and
his wife Lorraine on the birth of Eoghan.
A big hello to Aidan Doyle who has joined Padraic Cronnelly in
the Estimating department.
Well done to Emma Dunne and Rebecca Lawlor who took part
in the Flora Mini Marathon this year. Emma's chosen charity
was the Children of Russia Fund and Rebecca’s was Our
Lady's Hospice in Harold’s Cross.
Civil Engineering
Welcome to our new
starters: Kevin Morrissey,
Paul Morrisroe, James
McGovern, Tracy Galligan,
Marie Therese McCormack,
David Stafford, Greg Durias,
Adrian Marsh, Anthony
Byrne, John Bowes, Kenny
Wong, Thomas Carney,
Pawel Cwynar, Joan Harris,
Chian Tze Gu, Jacek
Kolanowski, Sean Sirr, Zul
Wan Mansor, Norbert
Sprtek, Artur Slezak, Maciej
Mackiewicz, Keith Conmy,
Shane Gallagher, Alan
McKibbin, Benie Janke,
Patrick Tiernan, John
Cunnningham and Paul
Campbell (all CED), Luke
Duffy (CET), and Patrick
Gibney, Marna Quinn and
Adrian Farry (CEC).
Welcome back to Adrian
Reddy, Larry Holton and Pat
Brady (all CED).
Congratulations to Garrett
Doyle (CED) who recently
married Mary and to Gina
Oglesby (CED) who tied the
knot with Eoin O’Brien.
Wedded bliss: Gina Oglesby (CED)
marries Eoin O’Brien.
Garrett Doyle (CED) pictured with
his beautiful bride, Mary.
Head Office
Smiler: Evangeline Rose, daughter
of Alan King (CET).
Welcome to Alex Kirwan who has joined the IT Application Support
Team and to Kevin Walsh who has temporarily joined the Finance
floor – his input into hair and fashion is greatly appreciated!
Congratulations to Aidan Guinan (Finance) and his wife Catherine on
the birth of their son, Philip Denis.
Every happiness in the future to Anita Doyle (Finance) who married
Mark Greene on 23 June.
Congratulations to Ann Barrett (Receptionist) who celebrated her
50th birthday in May. A number of Ann’s colleagues attended a great
party at the Coolquay Lodge in The Ward, Co Dublin, to celebrate
the occasion. Here’s to the next 50, Ann!
We wish Maureen Walsh, one of the longest-serving office cleaners
in Head Office, a happy and healthy retirement.
Congratulations to Lisa
Walsh (Receptionist, CEC)
and Paul on the birth of
Finian, to KB Lim (CED) and
his wife Doherty Chen on the Lovely Anna, daughter of Olive
arrival of Joshua, to Olive Gilligan (CET).
Gilligan (CET) and Martin on
the birth of Anna, to John
Mitchell (CET) and Sheila on the birth of Eimear, and to Alan
King (CET) and Clare on the birth of Evangeline Rose.
6 Spring 2006
Declan Curtin (General Manager,
Commercial Development) congratulates
Ann Barrett (Head Office) on the
occasion of her 50th birthday.
Glamorous bride: Anita Doyle
(Head Office) marries Mark
Greene.

SIAC NEWS
Roofing & Cladding Ireland
Left: Declan Curtin (General Manager, Commercial
Development) wishes Maureen Walsh (Head Office)
well on her retirement.
Enjoying Anita Doyle’s wedding were (L-R): Jemma
Sinclair, Phil Dempsey, Anita, Karen Keane,
Geraldine Gray and Rosemary Matthews (Head
Office).
Congratulations to Sarah O’Sullivan (Safety Adviser) who married Brian Mahoney
and to Kieran McGrath (Senior Design Technician) who tied the knot with Anita
Gahan.
Every success to John Hourihan (former Fitter and Crane Driver) who has been
promoted to the position of Plant Supervisor in the SIAC Plant department.
Welcome to all our new starters: Graham Johnson (Site Manager), Gene
O’Donovan (Site Supervisor), Alessia Conchin (Design Technician), Jessie Malone
(Receptionist), Mike Ryan (Draughting Technician), Brian Smyth (Crane Driver),
Roman Molmar (Fitter) and Arkadiusz Pindelski, Slowomir Kostera and Jeff
Furlong (all Roofers).
Farewell to Marian Craven (Receptionist) who has left us after 11 years’ service.
Marian availed of the opportunity to work part-time nearer home so that she could
spend time with her one-year-old daughter, Sophie. A wonderful night was had at
Marian’s departure bash in May. We wish her all the best in the future.
Left:
Newlyweds
Sarah
O’Sullivan
(Roofing
and
Cladding)
and Brian
Mahoney.
Getting ready to cut the cake: Kieran
McGrath (Roofing and Cladding) and
Anita Gahan.
SIAC Butlers Steel
Welcome to new starters Mary Mulligan, Gregory
Donagher, John Murphy, Andrzej Romaszko,
Tomasz Sznajder, Steven Whelan, Tomasz
Wyrebski, Dmitrij Stepanov, Paul Gorman,
Michael Sexton, Wieslaw Ambrozinski, Paddy
Hargrove and Dmitrij Kirilov, and to Apprentice
Metal Fabricators Cathal Doolan and David
Walsh.
Well done and welcome back to Justin Butler
(Apprentice Metal Fabricator) who has returned
after phase two of his FÁS studies, and to Kevin
Madden who has returned after phase six.
Congrats to both on passing all their exams.
Padraig Feehan is currently undertaking phase
four, and Keith Farrell phase two. Best of luck to
both of them.
Congratulations to Tom Smith and Mark Lawlor
who have completed a safety course and exam.
Best of luck to Brian Fennell who will be travelling
to Nepal in October 2006 to participate in a 10-
day trek through the remote Everest region of the
Himalayas, culminating in an ascent of Pikes
Peak, which is just over 4,000m (13,000ft). The
event is being organised by the Irish Guide Dogs
for the Blind and your support would be greatly
appreciated.
Congratulations to Emma Gilmore (Drawing
Office) and Carl on the birth of their baby girl Alex,
to John Curry (IT) and Sara on the safe arrival of
Anna and to Tobias Tschuk (Drawing Office) and
Manja on the birth of Mia.
Farewell and good luck to Kevin Marum, Mairtin
Whelahan, Zdziglaw Kijowski, Krzysztof Krolak,
Norbert Capar, Grzegorz Wiercinski, Jacek
Gontarz, Dariusz Kaczmarek, Niall Doolan, Chris
O’Keeffe and Michael Clancy.
SIAC Facades
Welcome to new starters Stephen Channer
(Contracts Manager), Shelley Rees (Assistant
Quantity Surveyor) and Ian McHale (Contracts
Manager).
Attendees at the inaugural
SIAC Butlers Steel Golfing
Society outing at Castle Barna
Golf Club: (L-R) Mervyn
McCann, Pat Costello, Francis
Hogan, Pat Keegan, Padraig
Hogan, Seamus McCann,
John (Tiggy) Murphy, Joe
McEvoy, Brendan O’Reilly and
Pat Egan. Tom Smith is missing
from the photo. For more
golfing news, see page 12.
Spring 2006 7

SIAC NEWS
New tenant for
Baldonnell
Business Park
MJ Flood Ltd will shortly be relocating from Citywest to a new
purpose-built head office and distribution facility in Baldonnell
Business Park, a SIAC development.
SIAC is providing the site as well as designing and constructing
the building shell and core before handing over to MJ Flood. Set
on 2.15 acres, the new 3,530-square-metre building includes
office space, showrooms and warehousing. Construction of the
facility is under way, with handover expected in September.
MJ Flood was particularly impressed by the unrivalled frontage
the site offered to the very busy N7. The design of the building
takes advantage of this position and the development looks set
to become a new landmark on the N7 approach road to Dublin.
Declan Curtin (General Manager of SIAC’s Commercial
Development Division) has overall responsibility for the project,
and Stephen Larrissy is the Project Manager. SIAC currently
has a further three-acre site with road frontage available for
development.
Jemma and Karen
tread the boards
It might be next stop
Hollywood for Karen Keane
and Jemma Sinclair (both
Group Finance) who took to
the stage for the first time to
take part in the play Let’s
Murder Marsha.
A tale of a happy housewife
who happens to be
obsessed with murder
mysteries, the laughs begin
when Marsha overhears a
conversation that convinces
her that she really is about to
be murdered. When she tries
to turn the tables on her would-be killers, all hell breaks loose in
the household.
Karen played the part of the maid Bianca who seemed to be
constantly sipping alcohol and getting caught hiding in the
wardrobe, while Jemma, or Persis Devore as we should now call
her, was conniving a surprise with Marsha's husband with a
wrestle here and a kiss there.
The production took place in Lucan Parish Hall and the girls
rehearsed diligently with the Sarsfield players two nights a week
for over three months. Jemma says, “It was great fun rehearsing
with a superb group of people. It was always a laugh and never a
chore!”
Happily, the audience took it all in their stride and found it
“hilarious”, as did our budding actresses. “It was a great
confidence builder for both of us and a challenge which we
achieved successfully,” states Karen. Now, both girls are looking
forward to more acting antics in the autumn.
Pictured at the traditional sod turning ceremony for the MJ Flood building
are (L-R) Finn Lyden (Managing Director, SIAC Construction) and
Michael Power (Managing Director, MJ Flood Ltd).
World Cup
competition winners
Congratulations to Niall Marron and Siobhan Talbot (both
CED) who came 1 st and 2 nd respectively in a photo finish
in the Head Office World Cup Forecast Competition.
Curiously, both Niall and Siobhan took holidays in Italy
just before the competition began and both predicted
Italy to win. Surely not a coincidence, yet there are no
reports of either of them attending the ‘Azurri's’ training
sessions! Maybe a check on their holiday plans in 2010,
before heading to the bookies, would be wise. Many
thanks to Anne McCarthy and Amber Deegan (both CED)
for organising the competition, as usual.
SBE’s CPD
presentation
SIAC Building Envelope (SBE) has developed a continued
professional development (CPD) presentation aimed at
architects, demonstrating SBE’s expertise in the field of
aluminium and glazing facades.
The main focus will be to educate architects, particularly
those with limited experience, on the technical and
aesthetic issues of the various facades solutions.
Roy Tomlins (Managing Director, SBE) said, “John Jordan
and I have worked on this for a good part of this year and
we are finally at the last hurdle. According to an RIAI
spokesperson, there is a huge demand from architects to
learn more about glazed facades and SBE will be a leader
in carrying out a CPD presentation.”
8 Spring 2006

SIAC NEWS
Barbara’s
Technology
Oscar
performance
Little did Barbara White (Group IS&T Manager) know that
she was on the road to receiving the ICT Professional of
the Year award when in October 2005 she took part in
Computerscope magazine’s CIO (Chief Information
Office) Forum.
This is a forum where the editors of the magazine invite
IT managers/personnel to consider certain topics and
then publish an article based on that debate. The theme
Barbara discussed was ‘the Value Add of IT in the
Organisation’.
The first Barbara knew about her nomination was when
Billy Huggard (Operations Director of Computerscope)
phoned her at the end of April, just as she was preparing
to leave the office. “I wasn’t quite sure whether to believe
him so I asked him to e-mail me the details. When I
opened the e-mail, I was ecstatic.”
Although Barbara was unable to attend the award
ceremony, Michael Feighery (Company Secretary)
proudly accepted the honour on her behalf. However, she
got her chance to celebrate when a surprise presentation
was organised back at Head Office on 17 May.
Once again, Barbara was taken off guard. “I was
completely and utterly stunned,” she states. With almost
50 people in attendance, Hank Fogarty (Director of Civil
Engineering) made the presentation and a speech where
Barbara was told that while this was the equivalent of an
Oscar, she “wasn’t to cry and thank the world or her
mother” for bringing her to computer lessons!
Training
to lift
safely
Barbara White (Group IS&T Manager) accepts her ICT Professional of the Year
award from Hank Fogarty (Director of Civil Engineering), along with IT team
members: Tim Gale, David Beirne, Oliver McNamee, Donna Mahon, Paul
Ferguson, Ruth Costello, Ingrid O'Callaghan, Jennifer O'Neill and Clinton Quinless.
Despite being the centre of attention, Barbara points out that she only won
this award because she told the story of what the SIAC Construction team
has done in the last five years. “It couldn’t have been achieved without the
hard work and dedication of the entire team. I was delighted to accept it for
all of us,” Barbara states.
Strapline
competition update
We were delighted with the excellent response to the
strapline competition featured in the spring edition of SIAC
News. Many thanks and congratulations to all who entered -
many creative ideas were put forward. We have made a
shortlist from the 70 entries received, but the winning entry
has not yet been finalised. Watch this space.
Our photograph shows SIAC
employees who attended the
second course on Managing Safe Lifting Operations at the Claregalway Hotel, Co Galway. The course was organised by Frank
Burke (Health and Safety Manager) and John Geoghegan (Contracts Manager). To date, 22 management staff have attended
the course run by Lloyds British, according to SIAC’s specification. Feedback from delegates has been positive and it is
anticipated that these safe lifting courses will become a regular feature, with the next course scheduled to run in autumn
2006. (L-R) Pat King, Martin Keane, Tommy Corcoran, Michael Halajda and Tom Downes (SIAC Tuam), Declan Battle and
Garrett Doyle (M50 Upgrade), Dave Anderson (Course Instructor, Lloyds British), Tanya Soden (SIAC Safety Adviser), James
Irwin and Guillermo Viciente (N1/A1) and Andy Fleming (SIAC Westroute).
Spring 2006 9

SIAC NEWS
O’Connell Street works
finish six months ahead
of schedule
Phase 2 of the paving enhancement works
on Dublin’s O’Connell Street was
completed on 19 May 2006, six months
ahead of schedule. Approximately 10,000
square metres of granite paving and 5,500
square metres of asphalt road were
constructed during this phase of the
project.
The work involved widening the east and
west footpaths between the Spire and
Parnell Street, and the east footpath from
Abbey Street to Eden Quay. These were
repaved with silver grey kerbs and flags
and with a black Chinese granite cobble
strip at the shop fronts. Resurfacing was
carried out on the carriageways, allowing
one bus lane and one traffic lane per
carriageway. All existing underground
services were renewed.
The crew had to demobilise for the
parades held on St Patrick’s Day and
Easter which meant moving most materials
off-site and moving other
materials to securely locked
steel containers. In addition,
all areas of work were
securely fenced off.
Everything that could
potentially be used as a
missile was removed and the
site was inspected to the
satisfaction of the Garda
Síochána. This was due to street riots that
occurred in February.
The other major challenges involved in the
project included minimising traffic
disruption, interfacing with pedestrians,
allowing access to business premises
during the project and excavation in and
around underground utilities, as well as
control of granite deliveries. In two
instances, delays occurred due to
typhoons in the South China Sea, as some
of the granite came from China.
An early-morning view of Dublin’s O’Connell Street, following
completion of works.
During peak production times on the
project, 50 people were working on the
site, including four managers, 20 SIAC
employees and 26 subcontracted
employees.
Well done to all who were involved in this
prestigious project. At this time, we
especially remember Brendan Coleman of
Dublin City Council (RIP), who
commenced the job, and who passed
away on 13 April 2005. He is sadly
missed.
Group teamwork critical for AAL’s bauxite
hall extension
As a result of SIAC’s successful work on the combined heat and
power plant contracts at Aughinish Alumina Limited (AAL), we
were invited to tender for the extension to their bauxite hall at the
alumina processing plant at Askeaton, Co Limerick.
At the tender stage, SIAC Tuam, SIAC Butlers Steel and SIAC
Roofing and Cladding formed a strategic relationship to meet
AAL’s requirement for a ‘one-stop shop’. At the construction
stage, SIAC Tuam project managed and undertook all civil works,
SIAC Butlers Steel undertook the structural steel works and SIAC
Roofing and Cladding completed the roofing and cladding works.
Marty Healy (Project Manager) reports that the three divisions
have worked particularly well together. “AAL has specific
requirements regarding health, safety and the environment,
quality and execution of the works. On commencement on site, all
three divisions committed to meet these requirements jointly and
independently, and this has been critical to bringing the project in
on programme,” he said.
AAL imports bauxite ore from West Africa and South America
from which they process alumina. The ore is housed in large halls
which are approximately 225m long, 70m wide and 33m high at
the roof ridge. SIAC’s contract was to extend the hall by 55m at
both ends, without affecting round-the-clock operations within.
Marty Healy (Project Manager, SIAC) pictured with Ed Lowe and Katie
Sheehan of AAL.
The project commenced in September 2005 and is scheduled for
completion as we go to press. A total of 10,000 cubic metres of
material was excavated and processed, and approximately 2,000
cubic metres of reinforced concrete was placed for supporting
foundations. A total of 550 tonnes of structural steel was erected
and 14,000 square metres of roofing and side cladding were
fixed.
It is significant that there have been no lost-time accidents on the
project. Well done to all involved.
10 Spring 2006

SIAC NEWS
A Day in the Life
A day in the (working)
life of Malcolm John
I manage the front end of the glass facade
business for SIAC Facades in the UK. I have
responsibility for identifying opportunities in the
window and curtain wall market sector and
converting these into revenue. What follows is a
typical ‘out-of-the-office’ day for me and is a
record of 6 June 2006.
I had two meetings planned for
the day, one in Central London at
10.30am with an architect and
one in Chelmsford, Essex, at
2pm with a building contractor.
The schedule was tight but
achievable.
The day started with the alarm
clock at 4.30am! The heavy traffic
makes driving into London
difficult, so allowing enough time
was key to the day’s success. I
arrived in Regent’s Park by 9.30am. My meeting with the architect
involved two colleagues from supplier companies and we met
prior to the meeting to discuss the project.
The subject of the meeting was a 24-storey block of apartments.
Currently in the design stage, work will start on site in 2007 with
the facade being required in 2008. The objective of the meeting
was to understand the technical aspects of the design, consider
the logistics and agree the approach to the design, manufacture
and installation of the facade.
The product involved was curtain wall and we discussed the
merits of a stick construction, whereby the material is delivered in
single lengths and assembled on site, and of a unitised
construction, whereby the materials are delivered to site fully
assembled and glazed. Because of the height of the building and
the difficult access, the decision was to use the unitised solution
as this will not require scaffolding and will be significantly faster.
The action from the meeting was to put forward a proposal for
construction of the facade with basic design details and budget
costs, and this was required within two weeks. This is typical of a
project at an early stage and is potential business for SIAC in
2008.
Traffic, traffic, traffic!
I left London at 12.00 midday and thought that I had plenty of time
to reach Chelmsford by 2.00pm as it is only 50 miles away. But
the traffic was heavy and I eventually arrived at the site at 2.00pm
– on time, but too close for comfort.
This meeting was with a French contractor. The company is
building a new PFI-funded hospital block, which I have been
working on for 12 months. The window contract is worth £1.4
million and this is our third post-tender interview, SIAC being
shortlisted with two others. There is also a large cladding package
and a curtain wall package. In total, the project could be worth
approximately £2.5 million to SIAC.
The objective of this meeting was to review our offer and consider
technical, contractual and financial issues. The meeting was also
attended by Gary Davies (Estimating Manager). The reaction was
positive and their team raised a number of issues which were
concerning them and which we were able to deal with. The
outcome was that we have to review and consider a number of
items and finalise our offer. The decision day was Friday 9 June
and we had to revert by the end of the day on Thursday.
The roads were busy on the journey home and I eventually
arrived there at 8.00pm to a welcome beer after a full and
interesting day.
You’ll be glad to hear that Malcolm got good news as SIAC has
reached an agreement and will be awarded the above hospital
contract.
Bonny Babies
Little Eimear,
daughter of
John Mitchell
(CET).
Hsuan with baby brother Joshua, children of
KB Lim (CED).
Fast asleep: Mia, daughter of Tobias
Tschuk (SIAC Butlers Steel).
Spring 2006 11

SIAC NEWS
Water and
Environmental
projects update
Since our last newsletter, Civil Engineering Ireland’s Water and
Environmental Section completed two projects, one in Wheatfield
Prison and the second in Portlaoise Prison. The Wheatfield project,
which began in October 2005 and was completed in April 2006,
employed 20 people and involved the construction of a control room –
a new building on top of the existing control room. The major
challenge was working in a heavily controlled environment with little
working area. Liam Corr (Contracts Manager) led the project and
among his team members were Gerry Pye (Project Manager) and
Eimhear McMahon (Engineer).
The Portlaoise refuse building project, which began in May 2005 and
was completed in April 2006, involved the construction of an
environmentally friendly building in a working prison. It employed 12
people and the major challenge again was working in a heavily
controlled environment with little working area. Francis Hooney
(Project Manager) led the project and Eric Lavelle (Engineer) was
among his team members.
Soon to be completed
Work on the Balbriggan and Skerries Waste Water Treatment Plant
(WWTP) began in October 2004 and is due for completion as we go to
press. The project involves the construction of a WWTP and collection
system, including pumping stations and storm water storage with a
2km sea outfall. Challenges are the extreme ground conditions and
marine environment.
Forty people worked on the project, including Oliver Scott (Project
Manager), Karl Garvan (Pipelines Foreman), Tom Connor (Structures
Foreman) and Lisa Reynolds, Asia Kozula and Camillus Byrne
(Engineers).
The Poolbeg series reactor project, which began in April and is due for
completion in December 2006, involves the demolition of two buildings
and construction of two new buildings in a live power-generation
facility. Working in a heavily controlled environment is the challenge
and the current status of the project is that the piling and foundations
are under way, the buildings having been demolished. The super
structure and site works are left to be done and 20 people are
employed on the project. Liam Corr is Contracts Manager and Emmett
Bailey (Project Manager), Karl Garvan (Foreman) and Eric Lavelle
(Engineer) are among his team members.
A view of the
new control
room which
was built over
the existing one
at Wheatfield
Prison.
Work taking place on the new Balbriggan/Skerries Waste Water
Treatment Plant.
Golfing at SIAC
Butlers Steel
The inaugural outing of the SIAC Butlers Steel Golfing
Society took place on Saturday 25 March at Castle Barna
Golf Club. With 11 members taking part, it was a great start
to the season. Prizes were sponsored by Profast, Castle
Barna Golf Club and Colgans Sports.
The results were:
Winner Seamus McCann
2nd
Brendan O’Reilly
3rd
Francis Hogan
4th
Tom Smith
Longest drive Mervyn McCann
The second outing was held on Friday
26 May at The Heritage par 3 course
at Killenard, Co Laois. On this
occasion, 14 members took to the
fairways to compete for prizes
sponsored by Ferrum Trading.
The winners were:
Winner Gerry McCarthy
2nd
Joe McEvoy
3rd
Tom Smith
Best front nine Brian Fitzsimons
Best back nine John (Tiggy) Murphy
(L-R) Pat Keegan
presents the
winner’s prize to
Seamus McCann at
Castle Barna Golf
Club.
AN IN-HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTION
12 Spring 2006