Inside Pages - SIAC Construction

Summer 2007Newsletter of the SIAC Construction GroupInside this issue• Great response to website competition• 18,000-foot extension for SIAC HQ• CET on the Aran Islands• New Civils brochure unveiled• Milestone for SIAC Glazing in Athlone• CEC secures further wind farm contract• People News• Primavera helps planning at SIAC UK• IT and Finance staff go to the dogs• A1/N1 gears up for opening• Syl Croker retires after 52 years• R&C’s summer outingJohn Creaghcelebrates 40years with SIACCongratulations to John Creagh (OperationsDirector, SIAC Roofing and Cladding) whocelebrated 40 years working with SIAC onTuesday 12 June. Our photograph shows (L-R)Pat Ahern (Director, SIAC Roofing andCladding) and Alan Ahern (Managing Director,SIAC Roofing and Cladding) making apresentation to John Creagh. Turn to page 3for more details on John’s career andanniversary celebrations.Cathaleen’s Falls Bridge isaward winnerThe Cathaleen’s Falls Bridge in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, was chosen as thewinner in the infrastructure category and was also the overall winner of the IrishConcrete Society’s 2006 Award for Excellence. The awards ceremony was held inthe Dining Hall at Trinity College Dublin before an audience of 250 people.SIAC Wills Joint Venture designed and constructed the two-tier pedestrian andsingle carriageway arched bridge, which carries the N15 Bundoran Ballyshannonbypass over the River Erne and is located 500 metres west of the historicCathaleen’s Falls hydroelectric dam. The project was completed in two phases,with the bypass officially opened on 27 April 2006, four months ahead of schedule.“Civil Engineering Tuam is immensely proud ofthe award for excellence in the infrastructuralcategory and being announced overall winner isa credit to all the staff and operatives involvedin the N15 project,” commented JohnGeoghegan (Director, SIAC Construction).The awardwinningCathaleen’sFalls Bridge inBallyshannon,Co Donegal.Pictured at the ICS awards ceremony: Back (L-R): Peter Deegan (Banagher Concrete), JohnGlynn (Project Manager, SIAC Wills JV), Michael Nolan (NRA Project Manager), Charles Wills(Managing Director, Wills Bros), Chris O’Dea (Irish Concrete Society), Hank Fogarty(Managing Director, SIAC Construction and President of the CIF), Sean Hannon (WorksManager, SIAC Wills JV) and Robert Moore (Cemex). Front (L-R) John Geoghegan (Director,SIAC Construction), Hugh Fox (Resident Engineer, Donegal County Council) and EdmundHollinghurst (Director of Fehily Timoney Gifford, bridge designers for the SIAC Wills JV).SIAC (NI) secures first contractSIAC (NI) was opened in Newry in January 2007 and its first contract is a five-spansteel pedestrian footbridge, 100m in length, over the River Finn in County Donegal.The office is also waiting for news of a design and build project to increase thecapacity of an existing water treatment works in a joint venture with EarthTech.Both these schemes are due to commence in the late summer.The NI team are continuing to pre-qualify and submit tenders for a number ofprojects in all areas of infrastructure and there is plenty of potential for moresuccesses in the coming months. Keep up the good work!1

SIAC NEWSGreat response towebsite competitionSince our last newsletter was published, the newSIAC website has gone live. To coincide with thelaunch, a website competition was run from April tothe end of June which featured a fabulous prize -travel, 4* accommodation and great seats to see theRugby World Cup final on Saturday 20 October inParis. We are delighted to report that there were over800 entries for the competition and a winner will beannounced shortly.A variety of methods were used to promote thecompetition. These included a footer on outgoingemails, advertisements in construction industrymagazines and stickers attached to outgoing post.Posters (see below) were distributed to third levelcolleges offering construction related coursesbecause a very important purpose of the website is toassist with recruitment.We have received some very positive feedback onthe new website. Many thanks to all who helped outwith the project. Make sure to check it out for yourselfat www.siac.ie.Extension to SIAC HQunder wayWork is under way to extend the SIAC headquarters, with a new buildingbeing constructed on the south side of the existing HQ. This four-storeybuilding over an undercroft basement will add more than 18,000 squarefeet to the 52,000 square feet in the existing building. The two buildings willbe joined by a lobby on the ground floor and by glazed linked corridors onthe upper floors.As we went to press, the rock excavation for the basement was nearingcompletion. This is where parking for the new offices will be located. Theoffice space in the new building will be used to house the Civils LeinsterDivision, the Civils Rail Division and the Commercial Development Division,with some office space rented to third parties. The extension will meet thecurrent best practice in energy saving, through passive heat retention andheat gain control.The Civils Leinster Division, headed by John Murphy and Liam Corr, hascarried out the rock excavation. The Commercial Development Division,headed by Declan Curtin and Garrett Robinson, will complete the buildingstructure and fit-out. The Project Manager for the extension is StephenLarrissy.The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2008, when theSIAC cabin dwellers, who have been enjoying the good life in the open airamidst leafy surroundings, will be moving to their new life indoors!EXISTING SIAC HQNEW SIACEXTENSION BUILDINGNEW EXTENSIONEXISTINGA view of where the extension to the SIAC headquarters will be located.Josephine and Bob areslogan winnersCongratulations to JosephineMcEvoy (CED) and BobAbraham (SIAC ConstructionUK), whose suggestions inour quest for a companyslogan helped to inspire ournew strapline, ‘BuildingExcellence for a Century’.Both Josephine and Bob wonprizes of vouchers for arestaurant of their choice.Finn Lyden presents JosephineMcEvoy (CED) with her sloganwinningprize. Bob Abraham (SIACConstruction UK) was joint winnerof the competition.New Governmentcontract has seriousimplicationsAll Government-funded infrastructural projects have tobe procured under a new form of contract called theGCCC Form of Contract. There are five contractforms, all of which involve considerable risk transferfrom the Employer to the Contractor for unforeseeninstances. These include archaeological discoveries,unexpected ground conditions, uncharted services,and price increases on labour and materials, tomention but a few.Hank Fogarty (Managing Director, SIAC Constructionand President of the CIF) has written an informativearticle on the new GCCC contract which will help youunderstand this important topic. Make sure to check itout on the SIAC website in the News section underDivisional News.2 Summer 2007

SIAC NEWSJohnreacheslong servicemilestoneOn Tuesday 12 June, John Creaghcelebrated 40 years working withSIAC, or the South of Ireland AsphaltCompany as it was known when Johnjoined. In the intervening years theCork operation has grown andchanged, relocating from its originalhome on Victoria Road in Cork city toits current location at Ballycureen, justoff the Airport Road.John worked as Divisional Manager ofthe Roofing and Cladding Divisionfrom 1976 with great success andhanded over this role to Pat Ahern in1999. Since then, John has beenresponsible for procurement, metalfabrication, weekly payroll and smallcontracts. He was appointed aDirector of SIAC Roofing and Claddingin January of this year.On the day of his anniversary, Johnwas surprised with a cake decoratedto mark this great milestone in thehistory of SIAC. On Friday 15 June,during the Roofing and Claddingsummer get-together, a presentationwas made by Pat Ahern and John wasgiven a trip for two to the Ireland vFrance Rugby World Cup match inParis in September 2007.John’s work colleagues in Roofing andCladding and indeed the entire SIACGroup congratulate him on thiswonderful achievement and wish himall the best for many years to comewith SIAC.John Creagh celebrates his 40 years’service with a special anniversary cake.Aran Islands project for CETCivils West are currently working on a project on Inis Meáin, Aran Islands, Co Galway, toconstruct a pier, breakwater, berthing pool and navigation channel. The project is fundedby the Department of Community, Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs and Galway CountyCouncil.Marty Healy (SIAC Project Manager based on Inis Meáin) said, "Logistically, it is a verydifficult project. All plant and materials, bar aggregates, are transported to the island byferry. Issues which you take for granted on the mainland, such as water and fuel supply,require careful consideration. In the absence of telecoms infrastructure, access to theSIAC IT systems is via satellite. Staff and operatives make their way to the island by ferryfrom Rosaveel and by air from Inverin, and are residents of the island.”As part of SIAC’s and the Construction Industry Federation’s ongoing drive to educateschool children as to the dangers of construction sites, a school visit was organised toScoil Náisiúnta, Inis Meáin and Coláiste Naomh Eoin, the primary and secondary schoolson the Island. The talk was conducted trí Gaeilge and was enthusiastically received bythe teachers and pupils alike.The visiting team included Marty Healy (Project Manager, SIAC Construction), TanyaSoden (Health and Safety Co-ordinator, SIAC Construction) and Aidan Burke (Executive,Construction Industry Federation).For further information on the project, visit the News section at www.siac.ie.Project Manager Marty Healyand his team brush up ontheir Irish on Inis Meáin, AranIslands.NewCivilsbrochureunveiledA new brochure for CivilEngineering has recentlybeen launched, withRoofing and Cladding alsodue to unveil a newbrochure shortly. The newlookSIAC brochures will beavailable to download onwww.siac.ie in the Newssection under SIACBrochures. All SIACbrochures will have thesame style going forwardwhich will present aconsistent company imageto clients.Summer 2007 3

SIAC NEWSSIAC Glazing challenging for new heightsSIAC Glazing turned a significant corner in the construction ofthe new Athlone Town Centre recently with the erection of thefinal unitised glazing panel to the 11-storey hotel tower.This is a significant landmark, as not only is it one of a fewunitised systems completed in the country, but it is the first inIreland and one of a few in Europe to be curved on plan. Aunitised glazing system is similar to the StructurClad ® systemSIAC pioneered in the UK in terms of its off-site fabrication and‘hanging’ on site, with access only from within the floors of thetower. The complications of the system did not stop at the curvebut also incorporates full floor-to-floor glass.The design process commenced last November and much creditis due to David Farrell (Design Manager) and his team: BrendanMatthews (Designer) and Emma Dunne (Document Controller).Also to Padraic Cronnelly (Procurement) and Eugene McCabe(Logistics).Work in progress on the 11-storey hotel tower in the Athlone Town Centre.The off-site fabrication team led by Darren Kelly included Marc,Ado, Danni, Paul, Pavlov and Cornel who worked tirelessly inNenagh both in Careys (Glass) and Murphy Glazing (bondingfacility) making certain that the 32 different panel types made it tosite in the exact erection sequence for fitting. The installationcrew led by Slawek Winkoski, consisting of Alan and DarrenBracken, Willie, Alfie and Sammy, put in three weeks of nightsdue to the tight programme schedule.Congratulations and well done to one and all.Marathon effort for Muscular Dystrophy IrelandRuth Costello, Donna Mahon and Jennifer O’Neill (all IT) completed theFlora Women’s Mini Marathon on 4 June and raised €1,500 in aid ofMuscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI). Ruth and Jennifer trained for threemonths before the event, starting slowly and building up their staminabefore the big day, while Donna has been running for 20 years andtrains all year round. Special congratulations go to Donna who came avery creditable 9th in the event.The mini marathon is one of three national fundraising events in whichMDI participates each year. The money raised from these eventsensures continued support for people affected with muscular dystrophy.It is also used to run a national youth and respite programme, whichincludes summer camps for those with muscular dystrophy.The girls were among the 40,000 women (and a few men!) who tookpart in the 10k race on a cool and dry June Bank Holiday Monday, andthey plan to do it again next year.Marathon ladies: (L-R) Jennifer O’Neill, Donna Mahon and RuthCostello (all IT).Checking progress at King’s Mill HospitalRoy Tomlins (Project Director – King’s Mill Hospital, SIAC Construction UK) recentlyhosted a visit by Finn Lyden (Chief Executive, SIAC Construction Group) and HowellJames (Managing Director, SIAC Construction UK) to the new King’s Mill Hospitalproject.The Diagnostic Testing Centre (DTC) building which they are pictured in front ofrepresents only a small part of the overall works that SIAC Construction UK is carryingout as part of the King’s Mill Hospital project. Phase 1 of the project started on 26February and will be completed early in 2008 at a cost of approximately £8 million.Phase 2 is due for completion in 2009 at a cost of approximately £4 million. The totalproject is being managed by Skanska and is worth in the region of £380 million.Commenting on the project, Roy Tomlins said, “The completion of our works on the DTCbuilding will mark an important milestone for our client Skanska and its client SkanskaInnisfree and Sherwood Hospitals NHS Trust, with the unit being fully operational byMarch 2008. Over the coming months our resources will increase to approximately 100personnel and works will be progressed on site and at our purpose-made facility forunitised phases of the project, at Avonmouth, Bristol".Finn Lyden (Chief Executive, SIACConstruction Group) with Roy Tomlins andHowell James (both SIAC Construction UK)pictured at King’s Mill Hospital.4 Summer 2007

SIAC NEWSCEC secures Phase 2of Wind Farm projectCivil Engineering Cork (CEC) was recently awarded Phase 2 ofthe 18MW Tournafulla Wind Farm project in County Limerick forAirtricity. This is an extension to Phase 1 of the project which wascompleted in early 2007.Working on theTournafullaWind Farmproject in CoLimerick forAirtricity.Negotiations with Airtricity were concluded in April, based on theclient’s satisfaction with our successful and efficient execution ofPhase 1 of the project. Phase 2 involves the construction of 6kmof site roads and 13 reinforced concrete turbine bases, includingsix piled foundations, together with ancillary site works on a 200-acre site comprising a mixture of bog and arable land.In terms of programme delivery, the crucial element is our abilityto manage the complex civils, mechanical, electrical and turbineerection interface, in accordance with the strict conditions ofcontract imposed by the client. To date, earthworks’ progress hasbeen good despite some unfavourable and unseasonableweather in May and June, and civil works are programmed to besubstantially complete in November 2007. Handover of theoperational wind farm is scheduled for March 2008.As a result of our solid business relationship developed with theclient, we are also hoping to be in the position to negotiate thecontract to build a smaller wind farm at Knockistanna, CoLimerick, later this year.Other notable recent achievements for the CEC Division include:Waterford Gasworks Remediation: Completed in March 2007,this project involved the careful excavation of 60,000 tonnes ofcontaminated soil from an old gasworks site in Waterford city.This was carried out amid a stringent testing and monitoringregime, in accordance with sensitive environmental requirements,and was exported to Germany by ship for treatment and disposal.Barrack Street: Completed in May 2007, this junctionimprovement scheme in Cork involved a combination of road andstreet works, utility diversion and hard landscaping.Ballincollig Green Route: Scheduled for completion shortly, thisproject involves 3km of urban road realignment and widening tofacilitate public transport and cycle lanes. It includes extensivegeneral civil works and traffic management, plus traffic signal andpublic lighting installation.Our slipform paving operation continues to thrive and ourmachines can be seen laying concrete safety barriers on many ofthe country’s high-profile road projects, including the M50, A1/N1Dundalk – Newry, N11 Gorey Bypass and N7 Cashel –Mitchelstown.CEC expects an imminent contract award of the Plassey ParkRoad Improvement scheme for Limerick City Council, and theLispole Bridge Widening and Refurbishment near Dingle, CoKerry, for the NRA. These projects have a combined value of €3million.Credit is due to all the staff and workforce of CEC whosededication and commitment have contributed greatly to thesustained growth of the division as a solid and successfulbusiness unit.Mark on felucca expedition in EgyptMark Fox (Senior Project Manager, SIAC Tetbury Steel) recentlyreturned from a four-day trip on the Nile, sailing from Luxor toAswan on a felucca. This ancient Egyptian form of sailing boathas no mod cons such as toilets, running water or privatecabins, so life on board might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Itwas certainly a unique experience for Mark.The Nile itself is very clean in this section and, as the groupwere travelling in May, when temperatures range from 40-50°C,a dip in the water proved very refreshing.The crew of four did the cooking, all fresh local foods and fishcaught and eaten the same day. Mark describes the trip as “astark contrast to the normal daily routine at home. We venturedinto villages where ordinary, sincere people strive to survive onfarming and tourism but still possess a genuine sense ofpoliteness and happiness with what they have.”The trip was both memorable and enlightening for Mark, but hedoes add that it “is not for the faint-hearted”.Mark Fox (SIAC Tetbury Steel) sailed down the River Nile on a felucca.Summer 2007 5

SIAC NEWSPeople NewsCECA warm welcome to SeanLynch (Junior QuantitySurveyor) and ColetteRichards (Estimating/Purchasing Assistant) whojoined the CEC team in July.Congratulations to ColinO’Brien and Audrey whobecame the proud parents ofBobby on 6 June. Little Bobbyweighed in at 6lbs 9oz.CEDBeautiful boy: Bobby, son of ColinO’Brien (CEC).We welcome the following newstaff: Brendan Leonard,Grainne Fitzpatrick, OzgurOzdogan, Colin Graham,Kevin Smyth, Colm Boyle,Szymon Potoczny, MichaelBoran, Zbigniew Szed, NiallBrodigan, Paudie Miggin,Diarmuid Donoghue, CathyAlbanese, Ray Gray, (Kadir)Varol Ozturkmen, Paul Kane,Senan McElvaney, BrendanMcNamara, Roy Byrne, JohnO’Malley, Kevin O’Hanlon,Mary O’Rourke, ShaneO’Connor, Clare Ryder,Krystof Feliks, Anthony Shaw, Sleeping beauty: Sadbh, daughter ofCathal Clarke, Magdalena Gina Oglesby (CED).Sulkowska, David Murphy,Jacek Zieba, Brian Connolly, Andy McGuinniety, Louise Wall,Rachael Fitzsimmons and Colm O’Flatharta.SIAC Butlers SteelWelcome to new starters Nicky Boyce (Engineer), TomDunne (Engineer) and Noelle Hynes (Accounts).Congratulations to Mark Molloy (Quantity Surveyor) andRoisin on the birth of Luke, to Aidan Clear (Production Coordinator)and Georgina on the arrival of Anna May, and toSean Weldon (Welding) and Marie on the birth of Anthony.Wedding bells rang recently for the following couples: JohnFlanagan (Drawing Office) and Ann Marie, Mark Butler andSharon, and Jonathon Carroll and Geraldine. Congratulationsand best wishes to all.John Flanagan(SIAC ButlersSteel) and hislovely brideAnn Marieenjoying theirfirst dance ashusband andwife.Cutie pie:Luke, son ofMark Molloy(SIAC ButlersSteel).Congratulations to Cathal Kelly who married Sharon on 4 May.Congratulations also to Gina Oglesby and her husband EoinO’Broin on the birth of their daughter, Sadbh Oglesby O’Broin, whowas born on 17 February, and to Sonya Stuart and Andrew on thebirth of their son, Sol.Head OfficeCongratulations to Martin Kelly (Group Finance) and Catherine onthe birth of Caitlin, who weighed in at 8lbs 12oz.Nuala Dunne (Reception) was delighted with the arrival of hergranddaughter, Sara Molly, who weighed in at 7lbs 3oz on 16 June.Every happiness in the future to Paula McCusker (Insurance ClaimsDepartment) who married Pat on 29 June in Lanzarote.Roofing & Cladding IrelandWelcome to our new Quantity Surveyor, Jimmy Foley.SIAC Construction UKStonehouse officeWelcome to the following people who have recently joinedthe company: Malcolm Turner (Estimator), Peter Clarke(Planning Manager), Stephen Edge (Senior QuantitySurveyor), Carl Warren (Materials Controller and Distribution),Dave McLean (Section Manager) and James Pearson(Assistant Quantity Surveyor).Congratulations to Sean McGettigan (Chairman, SIACConstruction UK) who was recently appointed Chairman ofthe Building Envelope Contractors Association. We hear thatSean is also due to celebrate his retirement as ManagingDirector with colleagues over the coming months and we lookforward to bringing you full details of these events, as well asSean’s illustrious career, in our next newsletter.6 Summer 2007

SIAC NEWSCongratulations to Les Rose and Nicolawhose son George Leslie John was born on20 April weighing 7lbs 14oz.Shaun Cummins and his wife Jenny are theproud parents of Thomas Michael who wasborn on 14 June and weighed in at 8lbs7.5oz.Avonmouth officePaul Copling has recently rejoined us asProduction Manager and we wish him everysuccess.Many congratulations to Nigel Davies (DesignCoordinator) and Svetlana who celebrated thearrival of baby Nathan in April. Nathanweighed in at 7lbs 6oz.SIAC GlazingWelcome to the following new members of theSIAC Glazing team: Randy Leijen (secondedfrom SBS) who is supervising the RetailGlazing and Steel packages in Athlone; AaronMurphy who has joined as a Project Schedulerto ensure that the supply chains to site arekept free flowing; Dean Murphy, who hasjoined as a Site Supervisor and is currentlyworking hard on the final stages of a numberof projects. We wish them all the best of luck.Congratulations and well done to PadraicCronnelly and Rebecca Lawlor who arerelishing the challenges of their new roles(Procurement and Office Manager/Accountsrespectively).Snug as a bug in a rug: Lovely ThomasMichael, son of Shaun Cummins (SIACConstruction UK).Congratulations also to Susan Purser whosuccessfully completed her first project withSIAC Glazing. The project was the A F O’Leary offices and warehouse in Blarney, CoCork. Not resting on her laurels, she is nowpowering ahead on another synergy project forthe same builder, Bowen Construction. Thistime it is the Train Care project in Co Laoisworking alongside her SBS and R&Ccolleagues.SIAC Tetbury SteelGorgeous George, son of Les Rose (SIACConstruction UK).James Pearson has taken up theposition of Assistant Quantity Surveyorat SIAC Construction UK.Norman Hawkins (Design Manager) and hiswife Virginia celebrated their 25th weddinganniversary with a party on 2 June at theWildfowl and Wetlands Trust Headquarters atSlimbridge. Here’s to the next 25!Congratulations to Mark Scott and Nicola onthe birth of baby Jamie who was born on 31January, weighing 6lbs 3oz.Baby Nathan, son of Nigel Davies (SIACConstruction UK).Carl Warren (Materials Controller andDistribution) is another new face at SIACConstruction UK.Norman Hawkins (SIAC Tetbury Steel) and Virginiacelebrating 25 years of wedded bliss with their sonMatthew.Paul Copling(ProductionManager) hasrejoined theSIACConstructionUK team atAvonmouth.Sleeping soundly:Jamie, son ofMark Scott (SIACTetbury Steel).Summer 2007 7

SIAC NEWSNew recycling facilityfor BallymountWork began during spring on the new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) atBallymount, Dublin 22. This facility will serve Dublin City Council, Fingal CountyCouncil, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.SIAC divisions led by Civil Engineering are responsible for all the civil engineering andbuilding works, including the mechanical and electrical works associated with thisproject, which is scheduled for completion in December 2007. The MRF will have thecapacity to process 100,000 tonnes of dry recyclable materials (paper, aluminiumcans, plastics, etc) per year.The main project challenges involved the demolition of walling and the removal of allroofing and cladding from the original building, the incorporation of the processequipment into the existing building shell and the construction of two buildingextensions. So far, the structural steelwork by SIAC Butlers Steel has been finishedand the cladding works by SIAC Roofing and Cladding are 95% complete. Work on theadministration building is also progressing well and was 40% complete as we went topress.An average of 35 employeesare working on the site andthe project is being led byOliver Scott (ContractsManager). The team membersinclude Thomas Upton(Project Manager), GerardMcDonald (QuantitySurveyor), David Doyle(Foreman), David Casey (SiteEngineer), Gerard Murray(Site Engineer), DavidDelaney (SBS ProjectManager) and RenatoLacerna (R&C ProjectManager). Safety wasadministered jointly by TanyaSoden (SCE), John Carroll(SBS) and Tom Morris (R&C).Cladding and structural steelworks on the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) process building.M50updateWork is progressing well on the M50,with Phase 1 of the mainline completeand traffic partially diverted onto the oldmedian. Median work has included theinstallation of drainage and ducting, theconstruction of approximately 8km ofconcrete safety barrier and the placingof blacktop as far as wearing course.The challenge now is to complete theremainder of the works in the vergeswithout adversely affecting traffic flows.Work is well advanced on the N4interchange, with all the major structuresin the final stages of construction and anumber of the new free flow slip roadsopen to traffic. The poor weatherconditions in recent months havehampered work on some fronts but goodprogress is still being made on theroadwork operations at the interchange.At the N7 interchange the bulkearthworks are almost complete and allbut a handful of the main structures atthe interchange are now ongoing. It ishoped that the first free flow will beopened to traffic in late autumn.Works at the Ballymount interchangehave progressed well with the newstructure over the M50 more than 50%finished and full completion expected inthe coming months.Looking ahead, the autumn and wintermonths will see new slip lanes openingat all interchanges and the majority ofthe structures will be complete at the N4interchange by Christmas. Works at theN7 interchange will continue with thenew structure at Monastery Roadbecoming a feature of the skyline earlyin the New Year.Attending the sod turning ceremony at the MRF at Ballymount were: John Murphy (Director,SIAC Construction), Oliver Scott (Contracts Manager, SIAC), Darren Furse (PPS), Ian Smith(PPS), Bob Davis (CP Waste), Thomas Upton (Project Manager, SIAC), John Willis (CP Waste),Gerard McDonald (Quantity Surveyor, SIAC), Enda Byrne (Nicholas O’Dwyer ConsultingEngineers), Finn Lyden (Chief Executive, SIAC) and Ken McGauran (Nicholas O’DwyerConsulting Engineers).Installation of bridge beams at the Red Cowroundabout over the M50.8 Summer 2007

Primavera is a project managementsoftware tool recently purchased by SIACConstruction UK. By using Primavera, thecompany aims to improve performance onroofing, cladding and curtain wallingprojects across the UK by developing astructured approach to planning andtracking progress and by providing bettervisibility in terms of time and cost.SIAC NEWSPrimavera helps to improve performancePrimavera is generally considered to bethe industry standard planning softwareand is used extensively by majorcontractors worldwide. By usingPrimavera, SIAC will give its clientsgreater confidence that the project will beplanned and reported on in a professionalmanner. It can be used over the networkand the internet to provide wide accessboth for the input of data and for viewingreports. Although SIAC is starting with asingle user licence, there are plenty offeatures to make use of should we wish toin the future.How Primaverawill be usedPrimavera can be used simply forpreparing project programmes in bar chartformat, but it can do so much more.Resources and costs can be placed into alogic-linked programme to provide anintegrated and robust plan of works.Progress and actual costs can beperiodically entered into the system alongwith forecast information to keep track ofPeter Clarke (Planning Manager, SIAC Construction UK) displays a screenshot of the Primaveraproject management tool.where we are at and where we are goingwith projects. A noteworthy feature ofPrimavera is its reporting capabilities,which enable a wide range of reports tobe tailor-made for individual needs.Primavera is operated by Peter Clarke(Planning Manager) who has many years’experience working with this product.Peter has had great success withPrimavera on projects of all sizes,including several worth over £100 million.A cut-down version of the software, called‘Contractor’, is available for site use andthis will eventually replace the use ofMicrosoft Project and Excel spreadsheetsfor preparing schedules of work.‘Contractor’ is fully compatible withPrimavera and data can be transferredbetween the two products.If you wish to find out more aboutPrimavera and how it can help you,contact Peter Clarke at Stonehouse.Canine capersIT and Finance staff enjoyed a great night out at the dogs at Harold’s Cross Greyhound Track earlier in the summer. Our first photofeatures Jennifer O’Neill and Donna Mahon (both IT) ready to cash in their big winnings. In our second photo, Jemma Sinclair andMathew Elliot (both Finance) toast their big win at the track.Summer 2007 9

SIAC NEWSOpening of theA1/N1 approachingfastLast month’s ahead-of-schedule opening of the southernsection of the A1/N1 - Newry to Dundalk Link Road was asignificant achievement and was well received by both theclient and the general public. The opened section extendsthe existing M1 motorway that little bit closer to the borderand consists of 4km of dual carriageway followed by afurther 4km of contra-flow traffic placed on the newlyconstructed southbound carriageway.This sectional opening was necessary to divert traffic fromthe existing N1, allowing the construction team to removethe old road. This was essential for the completion of one ofthe critical interchanges. In conjunction with thisinterchange, 4km of the existing N1 was permanentlyremoved to be replaced by a cycle track and the necessarylandscaping.As the first cross-border scheme setting the guidelines forfuture cross-border contracts, the A1/N1 has had its fairshare of challenges and requirements to satisfy. Wherecross-border relationships are currently at an all-time high,consideration still needed to be given, and designed in, forthe various authorities acting under their own jurisdiction,needs and specifications.Plymouth projectcompleted by SIACTetbury SteelSIAC Tetbury Steel has completed a 900T project at the BallardCentre in the Millbay region of Plymouth. The nine-storey building isdivided into 122 stylish apartments for the client, London and WestCountry Estates. The building is on the site of a municipal swimmingbaths and is part of the regeneration of this vibrant city, offering arange of accommodation from one-bedroom studio flats to threebedroomduplex apartments on the upper levels.Mark Fox (Project Manager, SIAC Tetbury Steel) said the steelerection programme was completed ahead of schedule in early July.He commented, “We divided the programme into halves, and onceone section of the building was completely erected, we were able tohand over to allow the decking to commence.”All the steel was erected by using only three erectors using two 135ftreach cherry pickers. “The grid pattern, although quite complex,wasn’t difficult for us to erect and it worked out very smoothly andquickly,” commented Mark. “Our main challenge was the confined siteand so every load of steel had to be delivered in erectable loads.”The Ballard Centre is scheduled for completion by mid-2008.While the sectional opening was seen as a success, it in noway diverted the main focus of the Northroute JV team fromtheir overall goal which is an opening date of 2 August. Inachieving this date, months ahead of the contractualtimeframe, the site team have pulled out all the stops andare hard at work delivering the project as promised almostsix months ahead of schedule.An open sectionof carriagewaynorth ofBallymascanlan.The grid pattern steelwork being put in place at the Ballard Centre inPlymouth.Syl retires after 52years serviceCongratulations to Syl Croker (Civil Engineering) who has retiredfrom the company after an amazing 52 years service. We profiledSyl in our Autumn 2005 edition of the newsletter when he reachedthe historic milestone of half a century at SIAC. Syl is pictured withhis wife Margaret and Hank Fogarty (Managing Director, SIACConstruction) at his retirement function, which was held in theKillashee House Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare. We wish Syl, Margaretand their family every happiness in the future.10 Summer 2007

SIAC synergy works on extension to M&Sat Liffey ValleyA SIAC synergy project involving Civil Engineering, ButlersSteel and Roofing and Cladding was completed at the end ofJune. The three-phase project involved a 1,400 square-metreextension to the Marks and Spencer unit at Liffey ValleyShopping Centre in Dublin. As the contract was in a liveshopping centre, the main challenge was to manage all issuesin relation to public access and to ensure that construction hadno effect on the normal operations of the centre.The project involved all civil engineering work, steelwork andthe external envelope consisting of granite plinths, architecturalcladding, flat roof and standing seam roof. The main work to theextension started in January and was completed at the end ofJune. We also carried out the removal and renewal of claddedwalls to facilitate new Marks & Spencer signage.Well done to all who worked on the project: from SIAC CivilEngineering – Liam Corr (Project Manager), Gerry Pye andEmmet Bailey (Site Managers); from SIAC Butlers Steel – HarryJohnston (Project Manager) and Alan Rowan (Project Manager,Pod Building); and from SIAC R&C – Robbie Grimes (ProjectMasts ahoy atDublin AirportA major project for SIAC Butlers Steel was completed in June with the erectionof two inclined steel masts on the new Pier D pedestrian bridge at DublinAirport. The bridge will link the existing Pier A terminal building with the new15,000 square-metre boarding gate facility due to open in autumn 2007.The grey steel columns each weigh 26 tonnes and are 35 metres high, withoptical beacons on top of each to act as a warning to aircraft. The masts wereerected using a 360-tonne crane that carefully (very carefully!) positioned thesteelworks into the frame of the bridge.The bridge is curved in plan and elevation, which gave rise to a verycomplicated design, fabrication and erection sequence. There is 500Te of steelon the bridge section with approximately another 500Te on the walkwaysections. The entire €120 million project was project managed by the PM Group.SIAC Butlers Steel worked in partnership with the contractors, Laing O’Rourke.Our team on the project included: Harry Johnston (Project Manager), DarrenWillis (Site Manager); Pat Egan and Tony Callanan were responsible for thedesign work; Eddie Byrne (Bridgeworks) and Kenneth Hoey (Walkways) werethe site supervisors; Mark Molloy (Senior QS) led the commercial team; StanleyChamp (Drawing Office Manager) and his team detailed the complicatedstructure; and John Patterson, Gerry McCarthy and their team did the bridgefabrication.Well done to all on this remarkable achievement.Eighth BSCsafety awardfor SIACConstruction UKSIAC NEWSThe Marks & Spencer extension at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Dublin.Manager) and Peter Kiernan (Commercial Director, SIAC R&C).Architects on the project were Lyons Sleaman and Hoare, andthe Project Managers were Wates.Members of the SIAC Butlers Steel team help erect oneof two inclined steel masts for the new Pier D pedestrianbridge at Dublin Airport.Congratulations to all at SIAC Construction UK for achieving the British SafetyCouncil (BSC) International Safety Award for the seventh year in a row, making ita total of eight awards since 1997.Only companies with below-average accident rates are eligible to apply for theawards and winners must also have good safety policies, plans, and commitmentto health and safety at the highest board level. The awards extend across allareas of industry, including many factory and laboratory controlled environments.This makes our accolade for safety performance on construction sites all themore prestigious.Summer 2007 11

SIAC NEWSRoofing and Cladding make the most ofsummerOn Friday 15 June, SIAC Roofing and Cladding heldits summer get-together, with some staff heading off toRingenane golf course in Kinsale and others opting forthe more daring sport of go-karting at KartWorld inWatergrasshill.All staff met later in the Four Liars Restaurant inShandon and a wonderful night was had by all. Also inattendance on the night were retired staff EddieO’Sullivan (former R&C Plant Manager) and MichaelO’Sullivan (former R&C Supervisor), who joined us tocelebrate John Creagh’s 40 years with SIAC.All ready for karting: Front (L-R) Sarah Mahoney, Shane Moore, Clarisse Monteiro,Charlie Cullinane, John Hourihan, Niall Murphy, Gene O’Donovan and MichelleKenneally. Back (L-R) Alan Ahern, Michael Kelleher and Jimmy Foley.(L-R) Orla Smyth, Charlie Cullinane, Joe McGloughlin, Renato Lacerna and Pat Ahernat the Four Liars Restaurant.Golfing buddies: Andrew McCarthy, Kieran McGrath andDonal Mangan at Ringenane golf course in Kinsale.Joe McGloughlin andJohn Hodgins alsoenjoyed golf at Ringenanegolf course in Kinsale.Michelle Kenneally beingpresented with a prize for‘speed at karting’ by PeterKiernan.Robbie Grimes, Mary Delaney, Gene O’Donovan and Norma Barrow relaxing at theFour Liars Restaurant.Eddie O’Sullivan (retired Plant Manager) and Norma Barrow(Office Manager) enjoying the night at the Four Liars Restaurant.Norma and Eddie worked together for a number of years prior toEddie’s retirement.AN IN-HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTION12 Summer 2007