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Annual Report 2008
Kilk
enny
Cas
tle.
08
1
contents
Foreword from Minister of State 2Foreword from Chairman 3Management Advisory Committee 5Strategic Review 6 PartnershipCommittee 22Operations Review 2008 26 PropertyManagementServices 27 FacilitiesandEventManagementUnit 33 PropertyMaintenanceServices 36 ProjectManagementServices 44 ArchitecturalServices 56 EngineeringServices 64 GovernmentSuppliesAgency 74 HeritageServices 77 National Monuments 77 Historic Properties 78 Visitor Services 79 CorporateServices 82 Staff and Senior Personnel 82 Personnel 84 Employee Assistance Service 84 Equality Unit 85 Internal Audit 85 Organisation Unit 85 Training Unit 86 Accounts Branch 87 Management Accounting Service 88 MIF 88 Art Management 88 Public Relations Department 89Financial Review 2008 90 ExpenditureProgramme 90 BarretstownCastleTrust 93OPW Awards 96Events in the Atrium 2008 97List of offices 98OPW Offices and Heritage Sites 100
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Iampleasedtobringyouthis,myfirst,AnnualReportsincemyappointmentasMinisterofStateattheDepartmentofFinancewithspecialresponsibilityfortheOfficeofPublicWorks.Ihavelongbeenfamiliar,andoftenworkedwith,theOPWasaCivilServant,SpecialAdvisorandOireachtasMember,andhavealwaysadmiredtheethos,professionalismandachievementsofstaffinundertakingtheirduties.ThecompletionandopeningofthenewWexfordOperaHouse,andtheopeningoftheBattleoftheBoyneVisitorCentrebyTaoiseachBertieAhernon6MayandNorthernIrelandFirstMinisterDr.IanPaisley,wereamongthehighlightsoftheyear.
2008markedadrasticchangeintheglobaleconomicclimate,andOPWwereaskedbyGovernmenttomakeconsiderablesavingsonour‘votedallocation’inmid-year.Iamhappytosaythatwecontributedsubstantialsavingsbyadaptingworkprogrammesandrespondingtothenewenvironment.Wewerealsoaskedtoexamineexistingprocurementprocedures,andreporttoGovernmentonhowwecanmakepotentialsavingsthroughamajorreformofprocurementmanagementthroughoutthepublicservice.Onfootofthis,manynewinitiativesarebeingintroducedin2009.
Iattendedmanyevents,launchesandopeningssinceoneofmyfirstformalOPWeventsinMay2008,there-openingofAdareCastle.Ialsovisitedpartsofthecountrythatwereseriouslyfloodedduringthesummermonths.TheGovernmenthasreaffirmeditscommitmenttofloodprotectionandalleviationmeasures,notjusttocopewithexistingfloodevents,butalsoinpreparationforanticipatedclimatechange.ThefuturefortheHeritageServices,whichwillcontinuetoplayavitalroleintourism,isprimarilyoneofconsolidationandreinvestinginexistingfacilities,anumberofwhichwewereabletomakeavailableasaperformancevenue.
Thereisnodoubtwewillhavetocontinuetoadaptinordertoleadchangeintheseuncertaintimes,butIamconfidentinourcapacityintheOfficeofPublicWorkstomeetwhatevernewchallengesmayarise.
Dr. Martin Mansergh, T.D.Minister of State
Foreword by Minister
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Iamdelightedtopresentthe2008AnnualReporttotheMinisterofStateattheDepartmentofFinancewithSpecialresponsibilityfortheOfficeofPublicWorks,Dr.MartinManserghT.D.
2008wasamomentuousyearfortheOfficeofPublicWorks.TheofficialjointopeningoftheOldbridgeEstatebytheformerTaoiseach,BertieAhern,T.D.andformerFirstMinisterofNorthernIreland,Dr.IanPaisley,M.P,MLA,tookplaceonMay6thinbrightsunshineandtomuchpraiseandrecognitionofO.P.W.’sinvolvementinthisproject.Similarly,thenewlydesignedandconstructedWexfordOperaHousewasofficiallyopenedbyAnTaoiseachBrianCowen,T.D.onSeptember5thforthebeginningofthefestivalseason.
SignificantprogresswasmadeinimplementingtheGovernment’sprogrammeofdecentralisation.OPW’sownmovetoTrimbeganwithanadvancepartystartingoperationsfromScurlockstown,Co.Meath.2008sawthefirstofeightnewHeadquartersbuildingsunderthedecentralisationprogrammebeingcompletedinKillarneyfortheDepartmentofArts,SportsandTourism.WorkwascompletedandbuildingsoccupiedinAthlone(DepartmentofEducationandScience),Newcastlewest(RevenueCommissioners),NaForbacha(DepartmentofCommunity,RuralandGaeltachtAffairs)andTipperaryTown(PrivateSecurityAuthority).
SignificantprogresswasmadeonfloodreliefschemesinClonmel,Ennis,andMallowwhiletheCatchmentFloodRiskAssessmentandManagement(CFRAM)studyfortheRiverLeeinCorkwascompleted.PreparatoryworkonnewfloodreliefschemesinMornington,CountyMeathandFermoy,CountyCorkwasadvancedtothepointthattheseschemeswillcommencein2009.
Onthepropertyside,avalueformoneyreportbyindependentconsultantsconcludedthatrentsnegotiatedbyOPWcomparefavourablywithmarketrents.Thereportsuggestedthat,ineffect,theOPWaveragerentalrateapproximatestothemarketrateforsuburbanspace,eventhoughmuchofOPWpropertiesarelocatedinthecityandurbancentres.OPWcurrentlyhasavacancyrateofonly1%oftheportfolio,whichistheminimumnecessarytofacilitatetheefficientmanagementoftheportfolio.
OPWisauniqueorganisationwherecustomerserviceisparamountandtheacquisitionandmaintenanceofISOaccreditationforeachoftheBusinessUnitsisapriority.Allourservicesarebenchmarkedagainstnationalandinternationalbestpracticeintheprivatesectorandotherpublicorganisations.Iamdelightedtoreportthatduring2008theOfficeofPublicWorkshasretainedandimproveduponthesestandardsofexcellence,somethingthatwouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthededication,commitmentandprofessionalismofallstaff.
Sean BentonChairman Office of Public Works
Foreword by Chairman
Old
brid
ge E
stat
e Co
. Mea
th
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Management Advisory Committee
Sean Benton Chairman
Clare McGrath Commissioner
Pat Cooney Director of Architectural Services
Tony Smyth Director of Engineering Services
Vincent Campbell Director of Corporate Services
John McMahon Commissioner
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strategic review
Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
1.TodeviseanddeliveronAnnualWorkProgrammeswhichareinlinewithGovernmentpoliciesandprioritiesandwhichrespondtoCustomers’requirementsinatimelyandsustainablemanner,providingvalueformoney.
nAchievementofWorkTargetsidentifiedinAnnualWorkProgrammes.
nAchievementofbudgetary/valueformoneytargetsidentifiedinAnnualOutputStatements.
TheManagementAdvisoryCommitteewasbroadlysatisfiedthattheagreedWorkProgrammefor2008wasdeliveredefficientlyandeffectivelyinlinewithtargetssetatthebeginningoftheyear.
Approx.99%oftheVoteallocationwasspentatyearend.
Thetargetforincomewasexceededby27.5%–withtotalAppropriationsinAidreachingover€26mintheyear.Afurther€7.1mwascollectedfromthesaleofproperties.
ExpenditureonSWAaccountsduringtheyearwasover€58mandonHealthandSafetyworksover€8mgivingatotalofover€66m.
2.TodeliversuccessfullyonthepropertyandaccommodationrequirementsoftheGovernment’sDecentralisationprogramme.
nMinister,GovernmentandDecentralisationImplementationGroup(DIG)advisedofpertinentissuesrelatingtoOPWoperationsaffectingthedecentralisationprogramme.
nPropertyacquiredasdeterminedinconsultationwiththeDIGandtheCentralDecentralisationUnitoftheDepartmentofFinance(CDU).
nAccommodationprocuredasdeterminedinconsultationwiththeDIG,theCDUandclientDepartmentsandAgencies
nInterim/AdvanceOfficesinplace,whereagreedinconsultationwiththeDIG,theCDUandclientDepartmentsandAgencies.
TheDecentralisationProgrammewasdeliveredinlinewithtargetssetbytheDecentralisationImplementationGroup.RegularreportswereprovidedtotheMinister,DIGandthroughthemtoGovernmentonprogressontheimplementationoftheprogramme.
2siteswereacquiredandagreementwasreachedon6othersitesbutacquisitionisdeferredpendingreviewin2011.
ExpenditureontheprovisionofaccommodationfortheDecentralisationProgrammewas€97m.Thisincludedlocationswherefit-outsofleasedpremiseswasthepreferredsolution.
Workwascompletedandbuildingsoccupiedasfollows:
nDepartmentofEducationandScienceinAthlone
nDepartmentofArts,SportandTourisminKillarney
nRevenueCommissionersinNewcastlewest
nDepartmentofCommunity,RuralandGaeltachtAffairs,NaForbacha
nPrivateSecurityAuthority,TipperaryTown
Constructionwaswelladvancedonthefollowing:
nDepartmentofAgriculture,FisheriesandFoodandBIMinClonakilty
nDepartmentoftheEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernmentinWexford
nDepartmentofDefenceinNewbridge
nDepartmentofSocialandFamilyAffairsinBuncrana
nOfficeofPublicWorksinTrim
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
ApreferredtendererwasselectedforLandRegistryinRoscommonTownandplanningpermissionobtained.
TenderswereinvitedfortheImmigrationandNaturalisationServiceoftheDepartmentofJustice,EqualityandLawReforminTipperaryTown.
ExpressionsofInterestwereinvitedforCharlestownasareplacementlocationforHeadquartersoftheDepartmentofCommunity,RuralandGaeltachtAffairs,duetorefusalofplanningpermissionforabuildingatKnockAirportbyAnBordPleanálaonfootofathirdpartyappeal.
ProgressonreachingfinancialcloseandcontractsigningwasachievedfortheDepartmentofEnterprise,TradeandEmploymentinCarlow,theDepartmentofAgriculture,FisheriesandFoodinPortlaoiseandtheDepartmentofEducationandScienceinMullingar.
TenderdocumentswerealmostcompletedfortheDefencesForcesbuildingintheCurragh.
ThefollowingweredeferredbyGovernmentdecisioninOctober2008pendingareviewin2011:
n AnBordBia,Enniscorthy
n DepartmentoftheEnvironment,Heritage&LocalGovernment,Kilkenny
n DepartmentofAgriculture,Fisheries&Food,FermoyandMacroom
n DepartmentofCommunications,Energy&NaturalResources,Cavan
n DepartmentofSocial&FamilyAffairs,Donegal
n DepartmentoftheEnvironment,Heritage&LocalGovernment,NewRoss,Wexford
n GardaSíochána,Thurles
n Health&SafetyAuthority,Thomastown
n HETAC;FETAC;NQAI;Edenderry
n NationalRoadsAuthority&RailwaySafetyAuthority,Ballinasloe
n NSAI,Arklow
n OPW,Kanturk
n OrdnanceSurvey,Ireland,Dungarvan
n Pobal,Clifden
n PublicAppointmentsServiceandValuationOffice,Youghal
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
3.TodeliversuccessfullyonthedecentralisationoftheOPW.
nAdvanceOfficeinplaceinClaremorrisinlinewithapprovedbusinesscase.
nAdvanceOfficeinplaceinTriminlinewithapprovedbusinesscase
nHeadquartersmovedtoTrimasdeterminedinconsultationwiththeDIGandtheCDU.
nRegionalOfficeestablishedinClaremorrisasdeterminedinconsultationwiththeDecentralisationImplementationGroup(DIG)andtheCentralDecentralisationUnitoftheDepartmentofFinance(CDU).
TheMinisterofStateandtheMACreceivedregularreportsthroughout2008onprogressandorganisationalissuesrelatingtoDecentralisation.
Bytheendoftheyear236oftheCentralApplicationsFacility(CAF)placesforTrimhadbeenassignedand214ofthosehadtakenupdutyintheOfficeofPublicWorks.
WorkcontinuedontheOPWHeadquartersBuildinginTrimanditisdueforcompletionquarter3,2009
Anadvanceofficeinvolvingsome32staffdealingwithPersonnelandDevelopmentServices,PropertyManagementServicesandPropertyMaintenancehasbeenoperatingfromScurlockstownBusinessParksincetheweekbeginning18thFebruary2008.
AsaresultoftheGovernmentdecisionmentionedinthenextcolumn,theClaremorrisprojectwillnowproceedonaphasedbasis.Phaseoneoftheprojectincludessome104posts,andiscurrentlyproceeding,phasetwoinvolving38postsisdeferredpendingreviewin2011.AnAdvanceOfficewasestablishedinClaremorrisinvolvingsome31staffdealingwithGSAPublications,ProjectManagementServicesandVisitorServicesandhasbeenoperatingfromLakesideBusinessParksinceSeptember2007.
In line with a Government decision in October 2008 to defer further work on implementation of some elements of the decentralisation programme pending a review in 2011, in light of budgetary developments the planned OPW move to Kanturk, Co. Cork and phase two of the Claremorris project will be revisited at that time.
All administrative grades are fully subscribed for the OPW HQ building in Trim. There are on-going discussions with Unions representing the professional and technical grades on the implementation of decentralisation.
4.ToadvisetheGovernmentinrelationtopolicydevelopmentandlegislativerequirementsforfloodriskmanagementandtodevelop,coordinateandimplementprogrammesandmeasurestoreducethenationalleveloffloodrisktopeople,businesses,infrastructureandtheenvironment
nIdentificationofnationalleveloffloodrisk.
nDevelopmentofdetailedprogrammesandmeasurestoreducetherisktopeople,businesses,infrastructureandtheenvironment.
UndertheFloodStudiesUpdate(FSU)Programmeduring2008oneresearchstudyoftheprogrammewascompleted,fivestudiescontinuedfrom2007andfournewstudieswerecommissioned.
WorkcommencedontheplanningandspecificationrequiredforthepublicationanddisseminationofFSUoutputs.
In2008,theOPWandtheDepartmentofEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernmentcollaboratedontheformulationofGuidanceandProtocoldocumentsintheareaoffloodemergencymanagement.TheseareavailableasworkingdocumentsandforconsultationonthewebsiteoftheNationalSteeringGroupforMajorEmergencyManagement(www.mem.ie).
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
nDevelopmentofastrategyforimplementationoftheEUDirectiveontheassessmentandmanagementoffloodrisks.
nTranspositionoftheEUFloodsDirectiveintonationallegislation.
nDeliveronfloodriskmanagementworkprogrammesandprojects(structuralandnon-structuralfloodreliefmeasures).
During2008areviewoflegislation,whichcommencedin2007,wascompleted.IssuesrequiringattentionhavebeenidentifiedandwillbeaddressedaspartoftheFloodsDirectivetranspositionprocess.
WorkonthetranspositionoftheFloodsDirectivecommencedin2008andwillbecompletedinlate2009.
AnindependentreportontheState’shydrometricdataacquisitioninfrastructurecontainingrecommendationsforimprovementswascompletedinJune2008.Animplementationstrategyfortherecommendationsofthereportisbeingpreparedinpartnershipwithotherrelevantagencies.
During2008theOPW,asapartnerintheEUsponsoredconsortiumERA-NETCRUEwasactivelyinvolvedinthepreparationofthesecondcommoncallfortrans-nationalcollaborativeresearchprojectsonthetopic‘FloodResilientCommunities–ManagingtheConsequencesofFlooding’
OPWisaco-funderoftheFloodRiskManagementResearchConsortium’ssecondcycleprogrammewhichbeganin2008.
nDevelopmentofguidanceonconsiderationoffloodriskinplanninganddevelopmentmanagement.
InSeptember2008,draftGuidelinesonthePlanningSystemandFloodRiskManagementwerepublishedforconsultationunderSection28ofthePlanningandDevelopmentActs2000to2004.
TheFloodHazardMappingwebsitewassubjecttoongoingdevelopmentandmaintenancethroughout2008.
Animplementationstrategyforthenationalroll-outoftheCFRAMstudieswasdevelopedandagreedandtheprocurementprocesswillbeginin2009.
nDevelopmentofcriteriaandprocessesfortheprioritisationofexpenditureandthedesignationofhighfloodriskwatercourses.
AninitialdraftofthePreliminaryFloodRiskAssessmentwassubstantiallycompletedandwillformthebasisofconsultationwithstakeholdersduring2009.
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
nOngoingmaintenanceofexistingdrainageandfloodreliefschemes.
DraftFloodmapspreparedforLeeandDodder–Plansduetoissueforconsultationsearly2009.
Fingal–EastMeathFloodRiskAssessmentandManagementStudywascommissionedandinitiated.
MajorfloodreliefschemesforMallowNorthandEnnisUppercommencedinmid2008.ConstructionofClonmelWestschemeandworksonRiverDoddercontinuedduring2008.
DetaileddesignoffloodreliefschemesforMallowSouth,ClonmelNorth&EastandEnnisLowerSchemescommencedinsecondhalfof2008.
AfloodreliefschemeforMornington,Co.MeathwasbroughttostatutoryPublicExhibitioninMarch/April2008.
FloodForecastingsystemswereinstalledforMallowandFermoyandthesysteminClonmelwasmaintainedanddeveloped.
5.TomanagetheOPW’spropertyportfolioeffectively,ensuringthatitspotentialismaximisedandthatitisusedefficientlyintermsofvalueformoney,sustainability,spaceandenergyconsumption.
nGovernmentinfrastructureprogrammeprogressinginlinewiththeNDP.
OPWcontinuedtomanageitspropertyportfoliowithvalueformoneyasaprimaryfocusinlinewithGovernmentpolicy.
Proceedsfromthesaleofsurplusstatepropertyamountedto€7.1min2008.
TheGovernmentSitesandBuildingsProgrammecompletedworkstothevalueof€281min2008forvariousGovernmentDepartments.
MajorandminorconstructioncontractsunderthenewGovernmentFormsofContractrequiringfixedpricingarenowstandardpractice.
ProjectscompletedfortheDepartmentofSocial&FamilyAffairsincludedBallymunandTullamorewhileworkcommencedonBuncranaLocalOfficewhichisbeingcarriedoutinconjunctionwiththeDecentralisedOfficesfortheDepartmentofSocial&FamilyAffairsandnewGardaDistrictHeadquarters.
WorkcompletedfortheOfficeoftheRevenueCommissionersincludedCastleViewBuildingGeorgesSt(Dublin),anextensiontotheirofficesinEnnisandnewofficesatFairgreeninGalway.WorkcommencedatLoughAtalia,Galway.
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
Workwascompletedonthefollowingspecialprojects:
nAccommodationforDepartmentofFinanceinMerrionRow,Dublin,
nRelocationoftheFAIHQfromMerrionSquaretotheformerStateLaboratory,Abbotstown
nRedevelopmentoftheAssayOffice,DublinCastle
nFarmFacility/ConservationWorksatLongtown,Clane.Co.KildareandOfficeAccommodationatBackwestonfortheDepartmentofAgriculture&Food.
Workwasinprogressonthefollowingspecialprojects:
nNewStadiumatLansdowneRoad
nNationalConventionCentre
nHeadquartersoftheIrishInstituteofSportatAbbotstown
nNationalChildDetentionCentre,Lusk,Co.Dublin
nRefurbishmentofTrinityHousefortheIrishYouthJusticeService.
Thefollowingspecialprojectswereatplanningtenderstage:
nMountjoyPrisonRedevelopment
nNationalConcertHall
nSportsCampusatAbbotstown
nNationalGoverningBodiesforSport,Abbotstown
nAbbeyTheatre,Dublin
AnewofficewasfittedoutfortheDirectorofPublicProsecutionsatNorthKingSt(Dublin).
Aprogrammeofminorworks,wascompletedforRatraHouse,Dublin,RevenueofficerefurbishmentsandfitoutsatRegionalArchitecturalOffices.
FacilitiesandEventManagementServicesweredeliveredeffectivelyat:DublinCastleStateApartmentsandConferenceCentre,Farmleigh,CastletownHouse,KilkennyCastle,ÁrasanUachtaráinandtheDepartmentofEducation,MarlboroughStreet.
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
nUniversalaccessprogrammeprogressinginlinewiththeNDP.
nOPW’sinputtoGardasub-programmeprogressinginlinewiththeNDP.
nOPW’sinputtoCultureandHeritagesub-programmeprogressinginlinewiththeNDP.
OPW,onbehalfofotherGovernmentDepartments,alsooversawthedeliveryofcontractedfacilitiesmanagementservicesatanumberofotherGovernmentownedpropertiessuchastheGovernmentLaboratoriescomplexatBackweston.FacilitiesManagementcontractsareprocuredthroughcompetitivetenderingensuringthedeliveryoftargetedservicesatbestvalueformoney.
WorkwascompletedontheconstructionofCourthousesatBlanchardstownandThurlesandthefitoutoftheIrishPrisonServiceinLongfordwascompleted.
WorkcommencedontheBlanchardstownProbationandWelfareOffice,theDistrictVeterinaryOffice,DrumshanboandWaterwaysIreland,Thomastown.
Workwasalsocarriedoutonsmallerprojectswhichincluded:
n VehiclePound,TallaghtGardaStation
n ToeHeadCoastguardService
Accessibilityupgradingworkscontinuedtobeintegratedintorefurbishmentprojectsin2008.TheOPWcontinuedtoprovideexpertadvicetoourclientsandcarryoutaccessibilityauditsonanumberofpublicbuildings.
ThepurchaseofsitesforGardastationscontinuedduring2008.SiteswereacquiredatWexford,BuncranaandKilbeggan.
MajorrefurbishmentandprovisionofenhancedfacilitieswerecarriedoutatexistingstationsinLaytown,NavanandGardaHeadquarters.
ConstructionofnewGardastationscommencedatBallymoteandFinglasandwascompletedatBallymun,Irishtown,Leixlip,ClaremorrisandCastlerea.
Prioritisedminorworksprojectswereundertakenonanagreedprogrammedbasisnationwide.
MajorImprovementworkswerecarriedoutduring2008atthe
nNationalGallery,
nNationalMuseum–CollinsBarracks
nÁrasanUachtaráin
nRoyalHospitalKilmainham
nIrishMuseumofModernArt.
All of these projects would also have had an accesibility element.
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
Thefollowingworkswerecompletedduring2008:
nConstructionoftheMilitaryHistoryExhibitionattheNationalMuseumofIreland,CollinsBarracks
nRestorationofTurner’srangeofPeachHousesandFitoutoftheVisitorCentreatÁrasanUachtaráin
nEastgatealterationsattheRoyalHospitalKilmainham
nRenovationofSeminarRoomatMarsh’sLibrary
nTheatreRoyal,Wexford
Workcarriedoutundergrantsschemesincluded:
nAsianElephantHouseandRestorationofHaughtonHouseattheZoologicalGarden’s,Dublin.
nTheLouvainInstitute
nGlasnevinCemetery
nMarinersChurch,DúnLaoghaire
nPontificoCollege,Rome
nIrishCollegeParis
WorkscontinuedontheCulturalInstitutionsminorcapitalworksprogrammeincludingtheNationalMuseumofIreland,NationalGalleryofIreland,NationalLibraryofIreland,NationalConcertHall,RoyalHospitalKilmainham(IMMA),Marsh’sLibraryandPortumnaCastle.
Workwasalsocarriedoutonsmallerprojectswhichincluded:
n FarmleighEstatecarparkandrefurbishmentworks
n NationalMuseumofIreland,TurloughPark
n EntrancePavilion,ConnemaraNationalPark
n ClaraBogVisitorCentre
n BallycroyVisitorCentre
n BirrTelescope
n MayoNationalPark,Lagduff
n EmoTeaRooms
The East Gate alteration project was an accessibility project.
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
6.TomanagetheState’sHeritagepropertyportfolioinamannerthatconservesandprotectswhilemaximisingandimprovingpublicaccess,presentingthesitestobestadvantageandensuringthatvisitorenjoymentandeducationexperiencesareenhanced.
nDeliverguideservicesat70sitesnationwide.
nManagetherecruitmentandselectionofstafftoprovideguideservices.
nManagetheworkforceforguideservicesincludingtheprovisionofHRservices,health&safety,payetc.
nProtectsitefabricfromdeteriorationanddamagebyacontinuingprogrammeofplannedmaintenanceadoptingbestarchitectural&conservationprinciples.
nProvisionofarangeofinformation/interpretativeleafletsatsitesinEnglish,inIrishandincontinentalEuropeanandworldlanguages.
nWhereinformation/interpretativeleafletsareprovidedensurethatallareavailableintheIrishlanguage.
nProvisionofimprovedequalaccesstositeswherepossible,takingintoaccountthehistoricnatureofthelocations.
GuideserviceswereprovidedatOPW’sVisitorServicesSitesinastrategicallyplannedfashionduring2008.
Recruitmentandselectionofstafftoprovideguideservicesduringthetouristseasonof2008wascarriedoutandtherecruitmentcampaignfor2009wasplanned.
ManagementoftheGuideServiceworkforcewascarriedoutsuccessfullyduring2008.
AprogrammeofworkswasagreedwiththeDepartmentoftheEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernmentandmajorworkswerecarriedoutatvarioussitesincluding,St.Enda’s,PhoenixPark,HeywoodGardensandConnollyFolly.
MajorworkswerealsoundertakenatthesiteoftheBattleoftheBoyne/Oldbridge.
Leafletsareupdatedonaphasedbasis.AsbookletscomeupforrepublicationtheyareprovidedinIrishifnotalreadyavailableandinotherlanguageswhereappropriate.
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
7.Tooptimisevalueintheprocurementofservices,worksandsuppliesinasustainablemannerandinlinewithGovernmentpolicies.
nParticipateinReviewGrouponPublicServiceProcurementServices
nExpandrangeofservicesprocuredincludinggreenprocurement.
nExpandcustomerbaseforprocurementofservices.
nStreamlineprocurementprocesseswhileensuringcompliancewithnationalandinternationalregulations.
nBenchmarkprocurementagainstnationalandinternationalbestpractice.
nEmbedthenewformsofFixedPriceContractsformajorprojectscarriedoutbyOPW.
OnfootofaGovernmentDecisioninJuly2008,anewPublicProcurementOperationUnithasbeenestablishedwithintheOPWtodriveaprogrammeofreformintheareaofprocurementandtoprovideasharedservicetoDepartmentsandotherpublicbodiesinthisarea.
Themedium-termaimofthePublicProcurementOperationUnitwillbetoextendtheservicesprovidedtopublicserviceorganisationsotherthancentralGovernmentDepartmentsandAgencies.
8.Tosupporttheeffective,efficientandsustainabledeliveryoftheOPW’sworkprogrammethroughthedevelopmentandimplementationofICTandDataManagementalignedtotheOPW’soperationalandstrategicgoalsandobjectives.
nImplementDataManagementStrategyinlinewithtargetsoutlinedinthatStrategy.
nImplementstrategytosupportOPW’sdeliverableswithinthecontextofeGovernment.
nCompletethere-presentationoftheOPWfamilyofwebsites
OPWcontinuedtoemployICTinsupportofitsdaytodaybusiness,theprovisionofinformationtocustomer,clientsandthepublic,datamanagement,financialreportingandeGovernmentinitiativeswiththeaimofachievinggreaterefficiencyandeffectivenessthroughouttheofficeasawhole.
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
During2008,workbeganonamajorinfrastructuralprojectinvolvingtheconsolidationofmanyofourserversintoacentralstoragepoolcalledastorageareanetwork.ThiswilldelivermanybenefitsintermsofmanagementandperformancebyreducingthenumberofphysicalcomponentsandcreatingamoreflexibleICTarchitecture.Theprojectisrunninghand-in-handwithanotherassociatedprojectwhichwillseethe“virtualisation”ofOPWservers.ThecombinationoftheSANandvirtualisationapproacheswillhavemanyspin-offbenefitsincluding:
nCreationofadynamicinfrastructuretosupportmobileworkers
nMoreefficientuseofresourcesbythereductionofhardwareleadingtolowerpowerconsumptioninthelongrun
nStrengthentheOPW’sICTsystemstoensurethatBusinessContinuitysystemsarerobustandreliable.
OPWalsoacquiredanenterprisesearchenginecalledExalead.ThisnewsystemwillallowOPWstaffwiththeappropriatepermissionstosearchfordocuments,drawings,photosetc.acrossthemultipleserversanddatabasesthroughouttheorganisation.
OPWcarriedoutamajorre-organisationofitsHeadOfficecomputernetworkfollowingtheacquisitionofanewswitchingsystem.Thisre-organisationinvolvesbreakinguptheexistingLocalAreaNetwork(LAN)intosmallernetworkscalledVirtualLocalAreaNetworks(VLANs).VLANS
nimprovesecurity
nincreasesystemperformance
nensurethattheOPWHeadOfficenetworkissetupforfulldecentralisation
IPTelephonysystemswereintroducedintheClaremorrisandTrimAdvancedofficesaswellastheTrimDrainageoffice.Thisallowsuserstomakephonecallsoveracomputernetworkasopposedtoatelephoneline.Thisresultsinfreetelephonecallsbetweensitesthatcanaccommodatethesystem.
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
Asubstantialprojectwasintrainduring2008andisongoingtoimprovethequalityandeffectivenessoftheOPWMainWebsiteanditssubsidiarysites(Flooding,Heritage,etc.).Aspartofthisproject,managementarrangementsarenowinplacetoensurerobustsystemsforverifyingcontentrelevance,accuracyandtimeliness.ThePRUnitwasassignedresponsibilityformanagingcontentonallOPWwebsites.Trainingwasprovidedduring2008andwillbeongoing,inaplannedandsystematicway,tostaffofBusinessUnitsonthecontentmanagementsystem.
9.Tomaximisecommunicationwith,inputfromanddevelopmentofpeoplewithintheOPWbytheimplementationandfurtherdevelopmentofHRStrategyandthedevelopmentandpromotionofthePartnershipmodel.
nImplementHRMStrategy2007to2008.
nDevelopHRMStrategy2009–2011.
nAgreeandImplementAnnualWorkProgrammesforPartnershipCommittee.
nReviewmembershipofPartnershipCommittees.
nExpandoperationsofthePartnershipCommitteeanditsRegionalCommittees.
InlinewiththeHRStrategy:
nAreviewofthePerformanceManagementandDevelopmentSystem(PMDS)asitoperatesintheOPWtookplacein2008.ThereviewsoughttoestablishwhetherPMDSwithintheOPWmetwiththeMAC’svisionofdeliveringaquality,proactiveandhighlyresponsiveinternalSystemtosupportallOPWstafftoprovidehighqualityservicestoallourcustomers.Anextensiveprogrammeofconsultationwithseniormanagers,linemanagersandstaffregardingPMDSwasconcludedin2008.TheaimwastoinvigoratePMDSintheOPWwithaviewtomaximisingitsbenefitstoManagementandStaffalike.
nThefacilityforstafftoaccessEmotionalIntelligencetestingandconfidentialfeedbackwasintroducedduring2008.
nAprogrammeofInformationsessionsfornewentrants(aspartoftheInductionprocess)commencedin2008.
nTheOPWPeoplesoftsystemhasbeenrolledoutwithinOPW.PeoplesoftisadatabasecontainingHRdataofallstaff.ItisusedacrossthecivilservicetoassistwithHRplanningandmanagement.Fullcooperationwiththeimplementationoftheelementsmanagedtodatehasbeenforthcoming,includingthesignificantdatacaptureexerciserequired.Thisdatacaptureexerciseisongoing.
Decentralisation
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
nAnelectronicTravel&SubsistencesystemwasrolledouttoallOPWstaffduring2008havingbeenpilotedin2007.Thesystemallowsfortherecording,submissionandapprovalofclaimselectronically.Thesystemhasresultedinstreamliningoftheprocessesinvolved,simplificationofreportingsystemsandimprovementinresponsetimesforbothstaffandmanagement.Itisintendedtodevelopthesystembytheinclusionofelectronicfundtransferduring2009.
nAnElectronicClockingandTimeAttendanceWorkingGroupofPartnershipwasestablished,inthethirdquarterof2008.Itwillmakerecommendationstomanagementonasystem/systemstobeintroducedforCivilServiceGradesthroughouttheOPWtoenableittoobjectivelydemonstratetheOffice’scompliancewiththetermsoftheOrganisationofWorkingTimeAct1997.Asecondobjectiveresultingistorecommendtomanagementanelectronicclocking/timeattendancesystemthatcanbeusedtofacilitatethedevolutionofactivitiessuchasapprovalofleavetolinemanagersinaccordancewiththeHRStrategy.
ThePartnershipStructurescontinuedtobeveryactiveintheOPWduring2008.TheOPWPartnershipCommitteemetonnineoccasionsduring2008toimplementandreviewtheelementsoftheAnnualWorkProgrammewhichwasagreedatthefirstmeetingoftheyear.ThevariousWorkingGroupsofPartnershipandtheSouthWestRegionalPartnershipCommitteealsomettopursuetheelementsoftheWorkProgrammerelevanttotheirareasofinterest.IssuesaddressedbythevariousPartnershipStructuresincluded:
nDevelopmentofPartnershipwithintheOPW
nSustainabilityIssues
nStrategyDevelopmentoftheOPW
nHRMStrategyDevelopment
nQualityCustomerService
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
nPerformanceManagementandTrainingDevelopment
nElectronicClocking/TimeManagement
nMonitoringofTowards2016
nMeritAwards
nSports&Socialmatters
nCommunications
ATrainer/Facilitatorwasappointedduring2008todeviseandprovideatrainingprogrammeforthemembersofthePartnershipCommitteeitself,itssubcommitteesandWorkingGroups.Thepurposeoftheprogrammeistodeveloptheskillsetsofthemembershiptoencourageandpromoteequalparticipationandrepresentationbyallmembersandthecolleaguestheyrepresentinthedevelopmentandprogressionofpartnershipobjectives.
10.Todevelopanewcorporatestructurewhichensuresbetterintegrationandcommunicationtherebyimprovingonservicedelivery.
nExpansion,extensionanddevelopmentofdeliverymodeloperatingforDepartmentofJusticeanditsAgenciestotheprovisionofintegratedproperty/projectresponsesforotherclientbodies.
ProgressontheGovernment’sDecentralisationProgrammeisoverseenbyacrossBusinessUnitTeammadeupArchitecturalServices,ProjectManagementServicesandPropertyManagementServices.
Adefactomigrationtocross-streaminghasoccuredonanumberofsignificantconstructionprojects.Acollegiateapproachbetweentechnicalandadministrativegradesisadoptedwithregularcross-streammeetingsbeingheldtomakedecisionsonbothtechnicalandadministrativeissues.
Thedeliveryofthefloodpolicyincludesasignificantelementofcrossstreaming,whereadministrativeandprofessional/technicalteammembersassumedifferentleadershiprolesondifferentprojectsasappropriateandagreed.
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Key Objective Performance Indicator Progress in 2008 Comment
11.Tofullyintegratetheprinciplesofsustainabledevelopmentintothedesign,constructionandprocurementservicesandday-to-dayactivitiesoftheOPW.
nPublicationoftheOPW’sSustainabilityStrategy
nReductionofenergyconsumptionandgreenhousegasemissionsacrosstheOPWbothin-houseandonprojectsforclients.
nReductionandavoidanceofthegenerationofwastethroughlifecyclethinkingandimprovedreuseandrecyclingbothin-houseandonprojectsforclients.
nProcureproductsinasustainablemanner.
nReductionofriskstohealthandtheenvironmentfromOPWactivities.
nOPWstaffhaveagoodunderstandingofsustainability,OPW’ssustainabilityprioritiesandhowtheserelatetothewaytheywork.
WorkcontinuedontheproductionoftheOPW’sSustainabilityStrategyduring2008.
ActionsrelatingtoSustainabilityhavebeenincludedintheBusinessPlansofBusinessUnitswithintheOPW.
TheOPWisengagedinastaffenergyawarenesscampaign–OptimisingPower@WorkinallofthelargebuildingsinourportfoliowhichareownedoroccupiedbyGovernmentDepartments.Theenergycosts,i.e.fuelandelectricity,forthebuildingstargetedbythecampaignwereestimatedattheoutsetas€30millionperannum.Thecampaignisbasedonapilotstudywhichachievedsavingsofupto20%,andwaslaunchedinJanuary2008.Thecampaignwasdesignedtorunfortwoyearswithatargetof15%savingsincarbondioxideandestimatedmonetarysavingsintheregionof€4million.Anawarenessprogrammewillcontinueonanon-goingbasisfortheforeseeablefuture.
ThiscampaignisbeingcarriedoutinOPWofficesandstaffareinformedonamonthlybasisofperformanceonElectricityUsage,CO2EmissionsandHeatUsagewhencomparedtothesamemonthinthebenchmarkyear(‘07-08).Thisservesasachallengetostafftocontinuetheireffortsonthisfrontwithinourownoffices.
ContinuousreviewandrevisioniscarriedoutofOPWoutputspecificationsforDecentralisedOfficesofrequirementsforlowenergysustainablebuildings.
Casino Marino, Dublin
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Partnership CommitteeReport of Activity for 2008TheOPWaimstopromoteandfosteractive,participativeandrepresentativePartnershipStructureswithintheOffice.ThesestructuresaredesignedtomaximisecommunicationwithandinputfromstaffwithintheOPW.
TheOPWPartnershipstructureoperatesthroughaseriesofWorkingGroupsdedicatedtospecificareasofactivitywhichreportintothemainPartnershipCommittee,chairedbyMrSeánBenton,Chairman,OPW.
NationalAgreementMonitoringGroup
SouthWestPartnership StrategyGroupSustainability
TaskForce
ElectronicClocking&TimeManagement
Partnership Committee Chairman:MrSeánBenton
QualityCustomerServiceWorkingGroup
PartnershipPlanning/Training
MeritAwardsGroup Sports&SocialGroupPMDS/Training&Development
ThePartnershipCommitteemetonnineoccasionsduring2008toimplementandreviewtheelementsoftheAnnualWorkProgrammewhichwasagreedatthefirstmeetingoftheyear.Issuesaddressedatthemaincommitteeincluded
n InformationontheDecentralisationoftheOPW
n DevelopmentofPartnershipwithintheOPW
n StrategyStatementandStrategicReview
n ReportstotheCivilServicePerformanceVerificationGroup
n ElectronicClockingandTimeAttendance
n Sustainabilityissues
n InformationonBudgetarymatters
n ReviewofthePerformanceManagementandDevelopmentSystem(PMDS)
n HealthScreeningforstaff
n IssuesrelatingtoICT
n SportsandSocialClubissues
ThevariousWorkingGroupsofPartnershipandtheSouthWestRegionalPartnershipCommitteealsomettopursuetheelementsoftheWorkProgrammerelevanttotheirareasofinterest.
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South West PartnershipTheSouthWestPartnershipCommitteeismadeupofrepresentativesoftheBusinessUnitswhichoperateintheMunsterregion.Itsmembershipincludesadministrativeprofessionalandtechnicalstafffromtheregion.AmemberofthemainPartnershipCommitteewhoisalsoamemberoftheSouthWestGroupensuresthattheGroup’sviewsarerepresentedatmainPartnershipCommitteemeetingsandthattheGroupiskeptinformedofdevelopmentsatnationallevel.TheSouthWestPartnershipmetonsevenoccasionsduring2008toimplementandreviewtheelementsoftheAnnualWorkProgrammewhichwasagreedatthefirstmeetingoftheyear.InadditionmembersoftheSouthWestPartnershipwereactiveasmembersofsomeoftheWorkingGroupsofPartnership.IssuesaddressedbytheSouthWestPartnershipduring2008included:
n ICTIssues
n PMDSReview
n PartnershipDevelopmentwithintheOPWandtheSouthernregion
n RaisingprofileofSouthernregionwithinOPW
n Decentralisation
n HealthScreening
n Defibrillators
n ElectronicClockingandTimeAttendance
n ArchitecturalTours
Strategy GroupTheStrategyWorkingGroup,whichin2008,waschairedbyCommissionerClareMcGrath,isresponsibleforinputtingintothedevelopmentofnewStatementsofStrategywithintheOPWandforassistingtheChairmaninreviewingtheimplementationofexistingStatements.UnderthetermsofthePublicServiceManagementAct1997theOPWisrequiredtoprepareathreeyearStrategyStatementfollowingtheappointmentofanewGovernment.AnewStatementwasdrawnupthereforetocovertheperiodto2011followingtheappointmentoftheGovernmentinMay2008.InadditionthisWorkingGroupwasinvolvedinreviewingtheimplementationofthepreviousStatementofStrategyduring2007.
National Agreement Monitoring GroupThisWorkingGroupassiststheChairmanandMACwithmonitoringtheimplementationofOPW’sActionPlanfortheimplementationoftheagendaformodernisationsetoutintheNationalAgreement,Towards2016.During2008theWorkingGroupprovidedareportontheimplementationoftheActionPlaninrelationtothefourthphaseoftheagreementandthefourthPublicServicepayawardwhichwasmadeinSeptember.
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Electronic Clocking & Time Management Working GroupThisWorkingGroupwasestablishedduring2008tomakerecommendationstomanagementonatimemanagementsystem/systemstobeintroducedforCivilServiceGradesthroughouttheOPW.TheprimaryaimofacquiringthesystemistoenabletheOPWtoobjectivelydemonstrateitscompliancewiththetermsoftheOrganisationofWorkingTimeAct1997.Asecondobjectiveistorecommendtomanagementanelectronicclocking/timeattendancesystemthatcanbeusedtofacilitatethedevolutionofactivitiessuchasapprovalofleavetolinemanagersinaccordancewiththeHRStrategy.Duringthelaterpartof2008theWorkingGroupwasinvolvedinresearchingthevarioustypesofelectronicsystemsinuseinpublicserviceorganisationswithstaffingprofilessimilartotheOPW.
Partnership Planning/TrainingThePartnershipWorkingGrouponPlanning/TrainingwasestablishedbythemainPartnershipCommitteelatein2008.ItspurposeistoagreeatrainingprogrammeforthemembersofthePartnershipCommitteeitself,itssubcommitteesandWorkingGroups.ItwillalsomakerecommendationstothemainPartnershipCommitteeonthestructureandoperationsofPartnershipintheOPWoverthecomingyears.ATrainer/Facilitatorwasappointedduring2008andwillworkcloselywiththeWorkingGroup.TheobjectiveofthetrainingistodeveloptheskillsetsofthemembershiptoencourageandpromoteequalparticipationbyallmembersofPartnership.
Sustainability Task ForceTheSustainabilityPolicyoftheOPWwasfinalisedduring2008.BuildinguponexistinggoodpracticeinsustainabilityandthroughactivelypursuingtheOPW’schallengingsustainabilitytargets,theOPWcanbecomealeaderinSustainableDevelopmentinIreland.TheobjectivesofthePolicyunderpintheOPW’sStatementofStrategyto2011.EachBusinessUnitwillbuildthetargetsoutlinedintheSustainabilityPolicyintoitsAnnualBusinessPlansandwillreportonprogressonreachingthosetargetswhenreportingonitsBusinessPlans.
PMDS ReviewThemainPartnershipCommitteewasinvolvedinfeedingintothereviewofthePerformanceManagementandDevelopmentSystem(PMDS)asitoperatesintheOPWwhichisreferredtolaterinthisvolume.ThisconsultationtooktheformofaworkshopwhichwasheldinJune2008andtheCommitteewasalsobriefedontheoutcomesofthereviewatlatermeetings.
Quality Customer Service GroupTheQualityCustomerService(QCS)WorkingGroupcontinuedtomonitortheimplementationoftheCustomerActionPlanandCustomerCharterwithinOPWandtoreporttoMACinrelationtothecustomerserviceinitiatives.
Loughcrew Sun Passage, Co. M
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Property Management ServicesProperty Management
2008 Market OverviewThestartof2008sawtheDublinofficemarketcontinuingtoexhibitthesignificantstrengthithadshownduring2007,butshowingclearsignsofreachingaplateau.Untilthelatespringtherewasagoodleveloftransactionsdrivenbyoccupierdemand,butfromJune2008onwardsmarketsentimentsuddenlyevaporated.Theprovincialmarket,thoughvariable,wasgenerallyindeclinethroughouttheyearreflectingsignificantlocalisedoversupply.
Undoubtedlythisrapidchange,particularlyinthedominantDublinofficemarket,reflectedIreland’sswiftreversalfromasustainedperiodofeconomicgrowth.Whiletriggeredbytheglobaleconomicdownturnthatfollowedthewidespreadcrisisinbankingactivities,andwhichmanifesteditselfasa“creditcrunch”,theeffectinIrelandonthepropertysectorwasdramaticandexposedapropertybubble,theexistenceofwhichhadbeenlargelyignoreduptothatpoint.
Inthelatterhalfof2008,Irishcommercialpropertyvaluesdeclinedrapidly,andbyyearend,accordingtomarketsources,hadslidbyapproximately37%.Thereductionincapitalvalueswasmirroredintheofficerentalmarketwheredemandexperiencedasharpreductioncausedbyalackofconfidence,credit,anduncertaintyastohowfar,andforwhatduration,theeconomywouldfallbeforesignsofrecoveryandresumptionofgrowth.
The Dublin office rental market2008sawthecompletionofcloseto200,000sqmetresofnewofficeaccommodationinthecapital.Thisrepresentsadeclineonthepreviousyear,asassessedbyanumberofagencysources,ofapproximately3%.ThesenewofficedevelopmentswerecompletedbothinthecoreCBDofDublin2and4andtheDocklands,andinthesuburbanofficeparks,notablythoselocatedincloseproximitytotheM50orbitalmotorway.Theconsequencesofsharplyreduceddemand,increasedsupply,reducedeconomicactivityandconsolidation/rationalisationsawthevacancyrateintheofficesectorincreaseby4%overtheyeartoalmost16.5%,figuresagaindrawnfrommarketsources.
Transforming State AssetsTheexaminationoftheStatepropertyportfolio,withaviewtoidentifyingvacant,under-utilised,under-developedorsurplusproperty,whichstartedin2004,continuedin2008.
ToDecember2008theprocesshasproducedanumberofpropertiesdeemedsuitablefordisposalandatotalofover€373millionhasbeenraisedthroughsalesofStatePropertysincetheprogrammecommencedinJanuary2004.
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TheprocessofidentifyinganddisposalofpropertiessurplustoStaterequirementswillcontinuethroughout2009.
Date PropertiesDisposedof2008 SaleAmount
2April2008 GranardGardaStation,Longford €40,283.00
23April2008 1-2PatrickStreet,Kilkenny €800,313.86
26June2008 FenitCoastguardStation–Boathouse,Kerry €150,071.58
19August2008 22OakleyRoad,Ranelagh,Dublin €75,013.40
1October2008 PlotofLandadjacenttoSkibbereenGardaStation,Co.Cork €10,076.15
28November2008 16EyreSquare,Galway €6,501,196.72
3December2008 ChantillyFarm–(CPObyDunLaoghaire/RathdownCo.Co.)Dublin €1,000.00
8October2008 LiffeyValeHouse,ChapelizodRoad,Dublin €1.00
€7,577,955.71
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New Leases 2008
Commence Expiry County Location LeaseName NetLettSqm RentPa
01-Jan-08 31-Mar-10 Cork Cork CorkIrishLife1A
92.9 €18,500.00
01-Jan-08 30-Sep-12 Galway Oughterard OughterardEnvironment
Office
33.5 €6,500.00
01-Jan-08 30-Nov-17 Mayo Swinford SwinfordDSFAOffice
116.69 €18,840.00
01-Jan-08 01-Dec-17 Waterford Waterford WaterfordAgriculture
Belview
59.83 €12,880.00
01-Jan-08 01-Jan-33 Dublin Dublin07 SmithfieldProbationOffice
3031.07 €1,188,070.00
16-Jan-08 16-Jan-11 Cork Cork CorkTivoliAgriculture
&Food
17.19 €1,896.00
25-Jan-08 24-Apr-09 Kerry Killarney KillarneyBowlersGarage
0 €9,100.00
01-Mar-08 31-Dec-09 Cork Cork CorkInternationalFreightCentre
0 €10,200.00
13-Mar-08 12-Mar-10 Tipperary Nenagh NenaghGovernmentOfficeTemp
278.7 €16,000.00
01-Apr-08 31-Dec-09 Cork Cork CorkProbation&WelfareService
Carpark
0 €13,200.00
01-Apr-08 31-Dec-10 Meath Navan NavanVROCarPark
0 €4,680.00
01-Apr-08 31-Jan-18 Kerry Killarney KillarneyRaceCourseDTC
111.48 €40,000.00
01-Apr-08 31-Mar-28 Dublin Dublin07 SmithfieldDPPOffice
4382 €1,353,509.00
01-Apr-08 31-Mar-28 Kerry Killarney KillarneyParkCourtGround
Floor
308.47 €76,369.20
11-Apr-08 10-May-28 Cork Carrigaline CarrigalineDSFAOffice
413.64 €103,940.00
29-Apr-08 28-May-28 Tipperary Tipperary TipperaryTempDecentralisation
Office
627.8 €103,957.50
01-May-08 30-Apr-12 Galway Clifden ClifdenCourtUnits3&4
138.19 €27,500.00
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Commence Expiry County Location LeaseName NetLettSqm RentPa
21-May-08 20-May-12 Dublin DublinAirport DublinAirportInternationalHse
0 €11,308.40
01-Jun-08 31-May-10 Cavan Cavan CavanTempDecOff1stFl
106.75 €22,980.00
01-Jun-08 31-May-11 Kildare Enfield JessbrookFurnitureStore
1000 €65,000.00
01-Jun-08 31-May-18 Dublin Dublin02 StStephensGr94Gr&1st
873.36 €612,000.00
01-Jun-08 31-May-18 Dublin Dublin02 StStephensGr94B,2&3
1106.24 €408,000.00
02-Jun-08 30-Sep-08 Wicklow Wicklow WicklowEnterpriseCentre
111.48 €4,500.00
16-Jun-08 31-Dec-09 Cork Cork CorkEglingtonStCarpark
0 €3,800.00
28-Jun-08 31-Dec-09 Kerry Killarney KillarneySWLO 0 €18,000.00
01-Jul-08 08-Oct-12 Cork Fermoy FermoyOPWStorage
371.61 €25,000.00
01-Jul-08 31-May-13 Laois Portlaoise PortlaoiseEqualityTribunal
0 €60,961.50
01-Jul-08 01-Jun-18 Tipperary Nenagh NenaghJusticeOffice
224.85 €36,270.00
14-Jul-08 13-Jul-12 Sligo Tubbercurry TubbercurryCRGAOffice2
810.03 €88,138.00
17-Jul-08 16-Oct-08 Limerick Limerick LimerickTempDecentralisation
Office2
450 €65,427.00
24-Sep-08 23-Sep-28 Westmeath Athlone AthloneSFA&Probation
Office
0 €360,000.00
08-Oct-08 07-Oct-09 Donegal Letterkenny LetterkennyNEPSTempOffice
0 €6,896.00
07-Nov-08 07-Aug-28 Dublin Dublin07 SmithfieldHIQAOfficeGr&1st
2049 €655,940.00
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Lease Surrenders 2008
SurrenderDate LeaseName County Location AnnualRent
01-Jan-08 SmithfieldChambers Dublin Dublin07 €362,383.25
01-Jan-08 SmithfieldChambersFloors4&5 Dublin Dublin07 €272,485.79
25-Jan-08 KillarneyMainStreet2 Kerry Killarney €9,100.00
31-Jan-08 HumeHouseFloor1 Dublin Dublin04 €160,000.00
31-Jan-08 WexfordPaulQuayCarPar Wexford Wexford €22,500.00
31-Jan-08 ParkviewHouseBeechHill Dublin Dublin14 €83,150.00
31-Jan-08 ShelbourneRdFacultyBld Dublin Dublin04 €756,000.00
18-Feb-08 BallymunShCtrUnit37/3 Dublin Dublin11 €25,394.76
18-Feb-08 BallymunShopCtrUnits1 Dublin Dublin11 €28,092.95
29-Feb-08 CastleforbesRoad Dublin Dublin03 €269,154.00
01-Mar-08 NavanWildlifeOffice Meath Navan €16,954.00
15-Mar-08 ClonskeaghLegalTeamGda Dublin Dublin06 €46,000.00
18-Mar-08 BrayMainSt25-7 Wicklow Bray €14,400.00
26-Mar-08 DundalkRevAerial Louth Dundalk €66.03
01-Apr-08 NavanCommonsRoad Meath Navan €30,550.00
07-Apr-08 SwinfordMainStSWO Mayo Swinford €12,000.00
25-Apr-08 BallinaRSAUnit2 Mayo Ballina €5,000.00
07-May-08 KnightstownCGS Kerry Valentia €25.39
27-May-08 CrumlinClonardRoad Dublin Dublin12 €139,000.00
11-Jul-08 WicklowHouse Dublin Dublin02 €700,000.00
15-Jul-08 LimerickSextonGdaPulse Limerick Limerick €6,602.64
30-Jul-08 CorkWatercourseRdC/Par Cork Cork €25,000.00
31-Jul-08 HumeHouseFloor2 Dublin Dublin04 €500,000.00
20-Aug-08 CastlereaTheSquare Castlerea Roscommon €4,761.52
05-Sep-08 TrimTownHallSWO Meath Trim €1,587.17
30-Sep-08 RosberconCustomHouse Wexford NewRoss €1,904.61
30-Sep-08 FurboPaircGNOCRAGA Galway Furbo €24,382.82
01-Oct-08 LoughreaSWLO Galway Loughrea €18,000.00
06-Nov-08 HarcourtStreet26 Dublin Dublin02 €142,500.00
13-Nov-08 GalwayRev.FairgreenCP1 Galway Galway €34,200.00
13-Nov-08 GalwayRev.FairgreenCP2 Galway Galway €60,800.00
19-Nov-08 CorkCarrollsQuayCarPk Cork Cork €65,537.19
31-Dec-08 NewRossPortCarparking NewRoss Wexford €514.25
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Property Purchases 2008
DateAcquired County Location Name PurchaseCost
16-Jan-08 Dublin Dublin02 91-93MerrionSquareWest €19,950,000.00
06-Feb-08 Waterford Waterford WaterfordDecentralisationSiteDOEHLG €8,000,000.00
27-Feb-08 Wexford Wexford WexfordGSSite €1,950,000.00
18-Mar-08 Wexford Wexford WexfordDOEHLGDecentralisationSite €3,500,000.00
26-May-08 Dublin Dublin12 CrumlinProbationandWelfareService €2,900,000.00
23-Jul-08 Kildare Newbridge NewbridgeDefenceDecentralisationSite €5,500,000.00
28-Aug-08 Kilkenny Thomastown ThomastownHSADecentralisationSite €1,800,000.00
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Facilities and Event Management UnitDUBLIN CASTLETheDublinCastleConferenceCentrecontinueditssuccessin2008asoneoftheleadingeventvenuesinthecountry.ThevariousfacilitiesattheCastleenjoyedaveryhighlevelofdemandwithatotalof399eventstakingplaceattendedbyapproximately61,500people.
ThedemandforguidedtoursoftheStateApartmentswasalsosignificantin2008.Atotalof7,160guidedtoursweregiveninvolvingapproximately155,000visitors.
TheroleoftheDublinCastlemanagementteaminprovidingandorganisingeventmanagementservicestotheStatecontinuedtoexpandanddevelopin2008.Atotalof138eventswereservicedatavarietyofvenuesthroughoutthecountryin2008.
THE ROYAL HOSPITAL KILMAINHAMTheOPWFacilitiesandEventManagementUnitsupport,inassociationwiththeIrishMuseumofModernArt(IMMA),theconferenceandeventmanagementoperationsatthisprestigiousvenue.In2007theRHKhosted74eventswithatotalattendanceof18,300.
FARMLEIGHFarmleighhostedanumberofimportantStatevisitsduring2008includingresidentialstaysbyHeadsofStateandleadingdignitariesfromVietnam,Belgium,EstoniaandCzechRepublic.
Farmleigh’sleadingroleasavenueforhighlevelGovernmenteventswasunderlinedagainin2008with103sucheventstakingplaceattendedby5,879delegates.
2008markedanotherhighlysuccessfulyearforFarmleigh’spublicaccessprogramme.198,842visitorsattendedandenjoyedthevariousopendays,guidedtoursandfreepubliceventsfromMarchthroughtoDecember.
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ARAS AN UACHTARAINTheFacilitiesandEventManagementUnitco-ordinatesandmanagesarangeofproperty,housekeepingandcateringservicesatArasanUachtarainonbehalfoftheOfficeofthePresident.VisitsofHeadsofStateandotherdignitaries,publictoursoftheHouseandothereventsheldattheArasresultedin15,770visitorsintotalbeingcateredforinwhatwasanothersuccessfulandbusyyearin2008.
CASTLETOWN HOUSEInitsfirstfullyearofopeningsincetherefurbishmentoftheWestWingvisitorfacilitiesin2007,Castletownattractedsome10,000visitorstothehouse.Theparklandswereusedbyanestimated43,800visitorsintheyear.
AsignificantdevelopmentduringtheyearwastheestablishmentbyOPWinconjunctionwithNUIMaynoothoftheOPW-NUIArchiveandResearchCentreinCastletown.ThiscentrewillcarryoutimportantarchivalworkinrelationtodocumentsfromoldestatesaroundIreland.PapersfromtheStroketownHousecollectionwerethefirsttobedonatedtothisCentreforrestorationandarchiving.TheCentrewasofficiallyopenedbyPresidentMcAleeseinNovember2008.
Also,inanotherjointventurewithNUIMaynooth,OPWprovidedspaceinCastletownHouseforthejointCentrefortheStudyofHistoricIrishHousesandEstates(CSHIHE).
InlinewithCastletownHouse’sremitasaculturalcentre,avariedandinterestingprogrammeofpubliceventswasheldintheHouseandgroundsthroughouttheyear.Theseincludedanumberofmusicaleventsandconcerts,theatricalperformances,seminarsandexhibitions.
WorkandresearchcontinuedontherestorationoftheCastletownparklandsin2008withtheaimofincreasingtheamenityvaluetoboththelocalCelbridgevisitorandthosecomingfromfurtherafield.
KILKENNY CASTLEApproximately165,000visitorsvisitedKilkennyCastlein2008maintainingitsstatusasoneofthemostpopularvisitorattractionsinthecountry.SignificantprogresswasmadeduringtheyearindevelopingtherangeofactivitiesandeventstakingplaceattheCastletoenhanceitsappealasamajortouristamenityintheregionandnationally.
TheParadeTowerconferencevenueattheCastlealsoexperiencedstrongdemandforitsfacilitiesandservicesin2008.
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GENERAL FACILITIES AND EVENT MANAGEMENT SERVICESTheFacilitiesandEventManagementUnitoverseestheprovision,throughcontractedserviceproviders,ofafullrangeofsupportservicesatpropertiessuchasthenewGovernmentLaboratoriesatBackweston,Co.Kildare,theNorthsideCivicCentreinCoolock,DublinandtheGovernmentOfficesinRoscommon.Theobjectiveistoensuretheprovisionofaprofessional,cost-effectiveandbestpracticefacilitiesmanagementservicetotheclientDepartments.
36
Property Maintenance ServicesPropertyMaintenanceServicesbusinessunitcomprises,inadditiontoitsHeadoffice,eightRegionalandsevenDistrictofficesaroundthecountry,BuildingMaintenanceServices(BMS),FurnitureBranch,Health&SafetyPolicyUnitandtheAsbestosRemoval&ReinstatementUnit.
TheUnitrespondstomaintenancerequestsforStateownedandleasedpropertyfromallGovernmentDepartmentsandStateAgencies.SomeofthisworkisfundedthroughOPWVoteand,whereworksarebeingfundedbytheclient,therelevantGovernmentDepartmentorStateagencyprefundstheworksorisbilledbyPropertyMaintenance.Inaddition,theUnitundertakesminorcapitalworks,includingGardaworks,officefit-outs&refurbishmentswhicharefundedviatheOPWVoteormoneylodgedwithOPWbyDepartmentsandAgencies.TheUnitalsohandlesthebillingfortheMechanical&ElectricalServicesbuthasnoinputinthatUnit’smaintenancepolicies,proceduresorprotocols.
Thetotalthroughputinthebusinessunitin2008wasapproximately€125m.Thisisbrokendownasfollows:
PropertyMaintenanceandRegionalOfficesmaintenance €7,100,000.00
BuildingMaintenanceService €17,500,000.00
MinorCapitalworksincludingminorGarda(subheadE) €38,000,000.00
GeneralMaintenanceClientAccounts(‘Q’a/cs) €17,000,000.00
AgencyworkdonebyOPWforDepartments(SWAs) €20,200,000.00
Asbestos&Reinstatement €10,500,000.00
Health&SafetyUnit €200,000.00
FurnitureBranch €14,000,000.00
€124,500,000.00
Property MaintenanceTheconstructionworksbreakdownintotwomaincategories;Minorworks(capitalexpenditure)andmaintenanceworks(currentexpenditure).Inrelationtominorcapitalworks,thisrangesfromminorofficefitoutstolargerscalerefurbishmentsandisdeliveredacrossawiderangeofclients.Someexamplesoftheseprojectsaresetoutbelow:
1) Battle of the Boyne Visitor CentreProject Team
Client: OPWHistoricProperties
Architects: OPWPropertyMaintenance
Furniture: OPWFurnitureBranch
Craftwork & Specialist Metalwork: OPWBuildingMaintenanceServices&OPWCentralEngineeringWorkshop
2008sawtheculminationofanextensiveprogrammeofworksinOldbridge,Co.Meath,todeveloptheBattleoftheBoyneVisitorCentrewhichopenedonthe6thofMay2008.PropertyMaintenanceServicesdesignedthevisitorcentrewhichis
Emo Court, County Laois.
38
accommodatedwithinOldbridgeHouseanditsassociatedoutbuildings.Theteamdesignedthenewfacilitiesandlandscaping,integratingtheexistingpropertywithnewlydesignedstructures.
PropertyMaintenancesupervisedmajorrestorationworkstothis18thCenturyManorHouse,includingsubstantialrepairstotheroof.Alongapproachtothehousewascreatedbythere-useoftheoriginalsunkenha-ha,acharacteristicfeatureof18thcenturyestates,designednottointerrupttheviewofthemanorhouse.
AseriesofglazedcanopieswaserectedbetweenOldbridgehouseandthecourtyardenclosedbetweenthehouseandtheadjacentstables.Thecourtyardwasrecobbledandtheshellofthestablesconvertedintoanewaudio-visualroom.Asurvivingsectionoftheoriginalstableshasbeenpreservedandformspartoftheexhibitionspace.
Adjacenttothestables,theprojectteamconstructedanewteapavilion.Thedominantmaterialsoftheteapavilionaresteelandtimber,beginningwiththestructureofcruciformcolumnssupportinglarchwoodbeams.Thepavilionitselfisasimplemonopitchform,whichopenstothesouth,sittingcomfortablyintothegeometriccompositionofthestablesandmanorhouse.Fivebaysoffoldingdoorsopenontothedeckarea,withintherealmofthe18thcenturywalledgarden.
2) Roofing of “Big Shed” within the grounds of Avondale HouseProject Team
Clients: OPW,Coillte,DepartmentsofFinance,TaoiseachandMarine
Contractors: RohconLtdandIrishNaturalStoneProducts
Architectural Services: JohnCahillOPWConservationArchitect,KevinComiskey,JackMcDonald
QS Services: GeorgeLynch,OPWQuantitySurveyingServices
Consultant: AnthonyMoore,Engineer
AWorkingGroupwasestablishedinSeptember1991betweenrepresentativesofCoillteTeoranta,Duchas,DepartmentoftheMarineandtheDepartmentsoftheTaoiseachandFinancetodiscusstheappropriatedevelopmentofAvondaleHouseandEstatetakingaccountofitshistorical,culturalandrecreationalsignificance.DetailedsurveyswerethenundertakenoftheEstatebyLandSurveysandaprogrammeofworksdrawnuptobedealtwithinvariousphases.
“Big Shed” ProjectThisprojectwasprimarilythere-roofingofthe“BigShed”building,whichwillatafuturedateberefurbishedasanEventCentre.The“BigShed”waserectedbyCharlesStewartParnellandissaidtohavebeenmodelledontheBrightonRailwayStation.Thebuildinghadfallenintodisrepairandtheroofhadsufferedfrompoordesignandovertimethetimbersrotted.Suchwastheextentofdecaythat,onsafetygrounds,Coilltewereforcedtodismantletheroofonprofessionaladvice.Thesteeltrussesandslatesfromtheroofweresafelystored.Thisprojectusedthesalvagedoriginaltrusseslyingonsite.Thebuildingisnowfullyweatheredandprotected.
3) Garda WorksWorkscarriedouttoGardastationsaredoneonthebasisofprioritiessetbyGardaHousing.Asummaryoftheseworksprogressedin2008isoutlinedinTable1below.
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GARDA MINOR WORKS PROGRAMME 2008
Completed On Site Feasibility / Sketch Scheme
CarrickmacrossGardaStation,Co.Monaghan– DunmanwayGardaStation,Co.Cork BallyhaunisGardaStation,Co.Mayo–
Phase2:CellRefurbishment Extensionandrefurbishment SketchSchemebeingdevelopedforproposedupgradeofOfficeAccommodation.
GHQHarcourtSquare,MappingSection– LetterkennyGardaStation,Co.Donegal BallyshannonGardaStation,Co.Donegal–
Fit-outofOfficeAccommodationforGardaMappingSection
NewPrisonerCustodysuite AccommodationforTrafficCorps
GHQPhoenixPark,BlockJ– GHQHarcourtSq.,EmergencyResponseUnit- BarraduffGardaStation,Co.Kerry–
Fit-outandInstallationofCentralMonitoringSystem
Fit-outofOfficesforGardaEmergencyResponseUnit
ProposedRefurbishment
GranardGardaStation,Co.Longford– AvocaGardaStation BlanchardstownGardaStation,Dublin–
ConstructionofExtension,ConversionofOfficialAccommodationintoOfficeAccommodationandRefurbishmentofexistingStation
Roofreplacement InternalalterationstoPublicOfficeandotheroffices
GurranabraherGardaStation,Co.Cork– TullowGardaStation,Co.Carlow CarlowGardaStation,Co.Carlow–
ConstructionofExtensionandRefurbishmentWorks
ReinstatementworksfollowingmaliciousArsonattack
ProposedExtension
MullingarGardaStation,Co.Westmeath– ArdeeGardaStation CastledermotGardaStation,Co.Kildare–
ConstructionofThreeStoreyExtension UpgradeofGardapropertytoDistrictHQ ProposedExtensiveRefurbishmentWorks
CastlegregoryGardaStation,Co.Kerry–
ProposedRefurbishmentWorks
ClonmanyGardaStation,Co.Donegal–
ProposedRefurbishmentWorks
CraughwellGardaStation,Co.Galway–
ProposedExtensiveRefurbishmentWorks
GHQPhoenixPark,I.T.Block–
Workstotheseweragesystemandfloodpreventionworks
GHQPhoenixPark,TechnicalBureau–
Proposedrefurbishmentofmainstairwells
KilmainhamGardaStation,Dublin–
ProposedRefurbishmentWorks
RonanstownGardaStation,Dublin–
ProposedRefurbishment
TuamGardaStation,Co.Galway–
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GARDA MINOR WORKS PROGRAMME 2008
Completed On Site Feasibility / Sketch Scheme
AccommodationforTrafficCorps
VirginiaGardaStation,Co.Cavan–
ProposedRefurbishmentWorks
MullinavatGardaStation,Co.Kilkenny
RefurbishmentworkstoGS&MQ
MooncoinGardaStation,Co.Kilkenny
IntegrationofMQtoGardaStation
DelvinGardaStation,Co.Westmeath
IntegratingMQtoGardaStation
Gran
ard
Gard
a St
atio
n, C
o. Lo
ngfo
rd.
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Regional and District MaintenanceMaintenanceworkformostofficeaccommodationinDublin(previouslycarriedoutbyBuildingMaintenanceServices)iscarriedoutunderaMeasuredTermmaintenancesystem,withtheRegionalanddistrictofficescateringforaccommodationthroughoutthecountry.Inthiscontext,aMeasuredTermContractisanarrangementwherebyacontractorundertakestocarryoutaseriesofworksorders,overaperiodofyears,withinadefinedgeographicalareaandwheretheworkissubsequentlymeasuredandvaluedatratescontainedinapre-pricedScheduleofRates.FollowingitssuccessfuloperationinDublinSouth,inFebruary2008,theOPWextendedtheMeasuredTermContractfortheprovisionofpropertymaintenanceservicestoDublinNortharea.
ItisproposedtorolloutothersimilardrawdowncontractstotheregionswhentheDublincontractshavebeddedin,withtheCorkareabeingapossiblesecondlocation.
Asbestos Management Programme2008broughttocompletionthetwolargestsingleprojectssofarcarriedoutundertheAsbestosManagementProgramme,namelythereplacementoftheroofsandancillaryworksatthejuniorandseniornationalschoolsatRowlaghandQuarryvaleintheClondalkinareaofDublin.ThetotalcombinedcostsincludingfeesamountedtoinexcessofEUR10millionoveratwo-yearperiodandtheworksresultedinacompleterefurbishmentofthebuildingsincludingmechanicalandelectricalinstallations,ceilings,floors,redecorationetc.
Anumberofothersmallerprojectsinvolvingschools,GardastationsandotherGovernmentbuildingswerealsoundertakensothattotalexpenditureonallasbestosrelatedworksin2008itselfreachedEUR10million.
During2008areviewofproceduraldocumentationforISOaccreditationwasalsocommenced,specificallytotakeaccountofrevisedcontractualprocedures,andthevalueformoney/qualityofserviceauditofconsultantsandcontractorsengagedintheprogramme,commencedin2007,wascompleted.Adetailedreviewofthefindingsoftheaudithassincebeenputintrain.
Finallythemainsurveyprogrammereachedvirtualcompletionwithatotalofalmost6000buildingshavingbeenincludedsinceitsinceptionsomeyearsago.
Furniture DivisionFurnitureDivisionprovidesGovernment/PublicServiceDepartmentswithprocurementservicesbasedontheprinciplesofvalueformoney,quality,suitabilityandcompliancewithstatutoryrequirementsincludingEU,Health&Safetyandenvironmentalissuescoveringawiderangeoffurniture,floorcoveringandfurnishingproducts.
FurnitureDivisionhasdrawdowncontractsinplacefortheprovisionofofficefurnitureandfloorcoveringtovariousGovernmentDepartmentsandAgencies.
FurnitureDivisioncompletedanumberoffitoutprojectsduring2008includingthefollowing:
n DecentralisationOfficesinLimerick,Athlone,Killarney,Tubbercurry,Longford,Cork,Galway,Dept.ofAgriculture–Backweston,R.S.A.Ballinaandothers.
n TechnicaladviceandspaceplanningwasprovidedthroughOPWforvariousGovernmentDepartmentsandAgencies.
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n FurnitureDivisioncontinuestoservicetheStateExaminationswithchairsanddesks.
n ElectionequipmentwasprocuredandprovidedfortheLisbonTreatyReferendum.
n Redundantfurniturecontinuestobecollectedandenvironmentallydisposedof.
n RestorationConservationworkshopscontinuetorestorefurnitureforvariousbodiesincludingÁrasanUachtárain,LeinsterHouse,PearseMuseum–St.Enda’s,ManorhamiltonCourthouseetc.
Building Maintenance Services (BMS)BuildingMaintenanceServicesmainoperationdepotisinDublin,withsubdepotsinCorkandLimerick.
BMShasadirectlabourstaffofapproximately220withanannualbudgetof€16million.Thestaffcomprisesofskilledcraftspersonsacrossallthemajorconstructionindustrydisciplines,withparticularexpertiseinconservationplasterworkanddecoration.
BMSisresponsiblefortheupkeepofthefabricofHistoricStatePropertiesintheGreaterDublinareabutitsresponsibilitieshavealsobeenbroadenedtoincludeCastletownHouseandKilkennyCastle.
Itsrolehasalteredradicallyinrecentyearsanditnowoperatesfromplannedworkprogrammesforthebuildingsunderitscare.ThischangeofemphasisseesBMSadoptinganewproactiveroleinmanagingthemaintenanceoftheseproperties.CriticalsupportisalsoprovidedtootherdivisionsoftheOPWintermsoflogisticsandEventmanagement.
HealthandSafetyhasbeenamajorfocusinrecenttimesandgreatstridesarebeingmadeinthisareawiththeimplementationofaSafetyManagementSystemtotheBS8800standard.
St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.
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Project Management ServicesDublin ZooThe2006–2010programmeofCapitalDevelopmentWorkswascontinuedin2008.ThereconstructionoftheHaughtonHousewascompleted.Attheendof2008theupgradingoftheAfricanPlainsfencingwasnearingcompletionandtheboundaryfencingwasscheduledtobecompletedinearly2009.TheconstructionofthemajorAfricanSavannaexhibitionwaswelladvanced,alsoforcompletioninSpring2009.PlanningwascommencedontheupgradingoftheESBSub-stationrequiredinconnectionwiththedevelopmentoftheveterinaryclinicandancillaryserviceareas.
Coast Guard StationsTheCoastGuardStationatToeHeadwascompletedandprojectsatplanningstagewerethoseforCrosshaven,Goleen,KillybegsandDoolin.
Leinster House/Oireachtas ProgrammeExpenditurein2008wasapproximately€1.5million.
PhasetwooftheContinuingFirePreventionandMeansofEscapeprojecthadbeenprogrammedtobeundertakenfromtheSummerRecess2008totheSummerRecess2009butwasputonholdduetothefinancialsituation.Remedialstructuralworkswereundertakenandincludedfloorstrengtheningonthefirstfloorandreductionofweightloadingbytheremovalofbrickpartitionsonthesecondfloorandalso12tonnesofdebrisfromtheatticarea.InvestigativesurveysalsotookplacetoestablishthecorrectapproachtorestorethecharacterofthehousetobestconservationpracticeasbefitsboththeimportanceofthebuildingandthedignityoftheHousesoftheOireachtas.
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Courts Services Programme
Completed Inprogress PlanningPermission/TenderStageetc.
InPlanning
BlanchardstownCourthouse CriminalCourtComplex–PublicPrivatePartnership
ManorhamiltonCourthouse BantryCourthouse
ThurlesCourthouse KilkennyCourthouse SwinfordCourthouse BirrCourthouse
KillarneyCourthouse–Remedialworks
BoyleCourthouse
MonaghanCourthouse CarndonaghCourthouse
YoughalCourthouse CashelCourthouse
ClifdenCourthouse
ClonakiltyCourthouse
DunLaoghaireCourthouse
DungloeCourthouse
EnniscorthyCourthouse
EnnistymonCourthouse
FourCourtsControlRoom
GalwayCityCourthouse
GoreyCourthouse
LetterkennyCourthouse
MacroomCourthouse
MullingarCourthouse
NewRossCourthouse
RoscommonCourthouse
TipperaryCourthouse
TraleeCourthouse
TuamCourthouse
WexfordCourthouse
WicklowCourthouse
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Garda Building Programme
Feasibility/SiteAcquistion/SketchScheme PlanningPermission/TenderStageetc.
Onsite Completed
Ballinhassig Easkey Finglas Ballymun
Carrigtwohill Elphin Ballymote AirtonRoad,Tallaght
HenrySt.Limerick Carndonagh Buncrana TrimGS
Rearcross Dromad GHQ–DrainageWorks IrishtownGS
Tallaght Mountjoy/FitzgibbonStreet LeixlipGS
Tralee Portlaoise–temporaryaccommodation
KevinStreetGSPhase1
Wexford KevinStreet LaytownDivisionalHQExtension
Athlone Ballincollig NavanDivisionalHQ
BallyVary Castleisland GHQBallistics
BangorErris GHQBlockC
Letterkenny GHQEntrancePavilion
GalwayNewDivisionalHQ. GHQBlockN
Lettermore Claremorris
Maam Castlerea
Spiddal
Donegal
DublinAirport
Killo’theGrange(UnderReview)
Kllfinane(willrequiresitereinvestigation)
Swords(subjecttopurchaseofsite)
TemplemoreGardaCollege–CentreofExcellence(UnderReview)
NewForensicScienceLab–GHQ/Dunmucky
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Cultural Institutions/Heritage Properties/Sundry WorksCompleted OnSite Pre-Tender InDevelopment
TheatreRoyal,WexfordRedevelopment
NewHeritageCouncilHeadquartersinKilkenny
NationalMuseumofIreland,NewCentralBuilding
NationalMuseumofIreland,NaturalHistoryMuseumExtensionandRefurbishment
FarmleighEstate,CarparkandAccessRoad
ÁrasanUachtaráin,TurnerPeachHousesRestoration
BotanicGardensTeakHouse
NationalGalleryofIreland,HistoricBuildingsRefurbishment
St.Enda’sPearseMuseumRefurbishment
NationalGalleryofIreland,5SouthLeinsterStreetRefurbishment
NationalLibraryRe-cablingandImprovement
NationalLibraryNewRepository
PortumnaCastleUpgradeofAccommodation&RefurbishmentofCourtyard
BirrCastleDemesne,TelescopeRecommissioning
NationalLibraryWorkstoFrontEntrance
BotanicGardensCactus,Lily&FernHousesNewAncillaryBuilding
BallycroyVisitorCentre ClaraBogVisitorCentre
Fire,SecurityandGalleryLightingprojectintheRoyalHospitalKilmainham
St.Enda’sPearseMuseumRefurbishmentofGateLodge
MuckrossHouseUniversalAccess
ExternalLightingandSignageProjectintheNationalConcertHall
MayoNationalParkStaffHQ,Lagduff
ProvisionofOff-SiteStorageforRoyalHospitalKilmainham
NationalLibraryFlightoftheEarlsExhibition
ÁrasanUachtaráin,VisitorCentre
NationalLibraryRefurbishmentWorks
RoyalHospitalKilmainhamAccessibilityWorks
NationalGalleryofIreland,BasementPictureStoreFitOut
NationalConcertHallBoxOffice,Ballustrades
NationalGalleryofIreland,MillenniumWingBookshopRenovation
RoyalHospitalKilmainhamProvisionofArtworkLift(Hoist)andOfficeSpace
RenovationofSeminarRoominMarsh’sLibrary
CastletownHouse–Security/PerimeterFencing
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Special Projects UnitCentral Veterinary Research FarmatLongtown Farm,Clane,Co.,Kildare.Construction,whichcommencedinNovember2007,wascompletedinDecember2008.
Constructionof6,050m2 of new office accommodationfor250staffoftheDepartmentofAgriculture&Foodat Backweston,Co.,Kildare,whichwasongoingthroughout2007,wascompletedinApril2008.
Thenew office developmentofover4,000m2ofofficeaccommodationfortheDepartmentofFinanceat7-9 Merrion Row/Military Billets,whichwascompletedinDecember2007,wasoccupiedduringtheearlypartof2008.
Completionof the Assay Office redevelopment,inDublinCastle,wasachievedduring2008andtheAssayOfficecommencedoccupationofthepremises.
AlterationstotheEast Gate of the RHKatMilitaryRoad,wereundertakenin2008,inordertoprovideasaferentrancetotheRHK,forbothpedestrianandvehiculartraffic;separateentryandexitvehiculargatesandapedestriangateoneachsidenowexist.
National Conference Centre (NCC).ContractAwardofthisPublicPrivatePartnership(PPP)occurredinApril2007;constructionoftheCentrewasongoingduring2008;itisscheduledtoopenforbusinessonthe1stSeptember2010.
Mountjoy Prison Redevelopment.OnfootoftheplannedrelocationoftheMountjoyPrisonfacilitytoThorntonHall,OPW,onbehalfoftheDepartmentofJustice,EqualityandLawReform,appointedaDesignTeamwithaviewtoseekingPlanningPermissionfortheredevelopmentofthesite,aimedatoptimisingitsuseandmaximisingitsvalue.DublinCityCouncilhasadoptedaLocalAreaPlan(LAP)whichsetsoutPlanningprinciplesforfuturedevelopmentinthePhibsboro/Mountjoyarea.OPW,asamajorstakeholder,madeanumberofsubmissionsontheLAPprocessduring2007and2008.AdecisiononfuturestrategyfortheMountjoySitemustawaitprogressonThorntonHall–thatProjecthasyettoreachContractAward.
National Concert Hall (NCH)–ArisingfromaGovernmentDecisionof12April2006,itwasagreedthatOPWandtheNDFAwouldjointlyprocureamajorre-developmentoftheNCHbymeansofaPPP.During2008,OPWfrontedthemanagementoftheProjectuptothepreparationofOutputSpecificationsandthecompilationofthePublicSectorBenchmark,followingwhichtheNDFA,inconjunctionwithOPW,assumedresponsibilityforprocurementoftheProject.ANoticeoftheTenderCompetition,involvinguseoftheCompetitiveDialogueProcedure,wasinsertedintheOfficialJournaloftheEuropeanUnionduringMay2008.ArisingfromthisNotice,DialogueisnowintrainwiththreeConsortia.ItisanticipatedthatDialoguewillceaseandthattheConsortiawillsubmitTenders,inJuly2009.AppointmentofaPreferredTendererisexpectedinlate2009.
Abbey Theatre.TheGovernmenthasdecidedtoprocureanewAbbeyTheatrebymeansofanInternationalDesignContest(IDC)andtodevelopthenewbuildingbywayofaPPP,atasiteatGeorge’sDockwithintheDublinDocklandsDevelopmentarea.OPWarethepromotersoftheContestwhichwillbeoverseenbytheRoyalInstituteofArchitectsofIreland(RIAI).TheContestisexpectedtobelaunchedin2009.
Lansdowne Road–TheUnitcontinueditsTechnicalAdvisoryservicetotheDepartmentofArts,Sport&Tourism(DAST)ontheredevelopment of Lansdowne Roadintoa50,000all-seaterStadium.TheUnitliaisesclosely,intheprocess,withDASTandthejoint-ventureCompany,LansdowneRoadStadiumDevelopmentLtd.,(LRSDC)–establishedbytheFAIandIRFUtoprocuretheredevelopment.TheStadiumisoncourseforcompletioninApril2010.
St. Audeon’s Church, Dublin.
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Sports Campus at Abbotstown–TheCampusistoincludemedical,researchandtrainingsupportforeliteathletedevelopmentplusadministrativefacilitiesforthesmallerSportsBodies,inadditiontoarangeofotherfacilitiesincludingpitchesandtraininggrounds.DevelopmentoftheCampusatAbbotstown,isbeingprocuredbytheNationalSportsCampusDevelopmentAuthority(NSCDA).OPW’srole,inrelationtotheoverallProject,istoactasTechnicalAdvisorstoDAST.DocumentstoenableaPlanningApplicationtobesubmittedforPhase1oftheCampushavebeenpreparedbyNSCDA;DASTapprovaltotheirsubmissiontoFingalCountyCouncilisawaited.InthecontextoftheoverallCampus,SPUwasrequestedbyNSCDAtoprojectmanagethe relocation of the Irish Institute of SporttoitsnewHQintheformerCentralMeatControlLaboratoryBuilding,inAbbotstown.TheDevelopmentinvolveschangestotheinternallayoutoftheBuildingtoprovideforoffice,administrationandstaffuses,togetherwithrevisedparkingarrangements,roofrepairsetc,.WorkcommencedonsiteduringDecember2008,withaprojectedsixmonthperiodforcompletion.
ArrangementsarecurrentlyintrainwithinSPU,inconsultationwiththeNSCDAandDAST,toprovideaccommodationfortheNational Governing Bodies for Sport at Abbotstownthroughrefurbishmentofthe former Marine Institute Building.
SPUalsoprojectmanagedtherelocation of the FAI from Merrion Square to the former State Laboratory building in Abbotstown.TheFAIisnowinfulloccupationofitsnewpremiseswhichoccupationisthesubjectofaLeasebetweentheNSCDAandtheAssociation.
SPUcurrentlyprovidesadvice onProjectscarriedoutaspartof DAST’scountrywideSports Capital ProgrammewhereaGrantinexcessof€150,000foraparticularDevelopmenthasbeenapproved.
Drogheda Decentralisation PPP–ThisProject,whichistobeprocuredbyPPPbyOPW,inconjunctionwiththeNDFA,istoprovideforthedecentralisationoftheHQofDSFA;itwillalsoincludenewCourtfacilities.Aparcelofsiteswasacquired,byOPW,forthepurpose,fromDroghedaBoroughCouncil(DBC);theCourtsServicehasalsoacquiredasitefromDBCforinclusioninanoverallintegratedDevelopment.
WhiletheGovernmentDecisionofOctober14th2008gaveapprovaltotheDroghedaDecentralisationProjectproceeding,clarificationisawaitedfromDSFA,inrelationtothepreciseconfigurationofDSFAUnits,tobeaccommodatedthere.Thisaspectandinparticular,thematterofDSFA’sITStaffcomplement,iscurrentlythesubjectofdiscussionsbetweenDSFAandtheDepartmentofFinance.
OutputSpecificationsandaPublicSectorBenchmarkwillbeestablished,byOPW,whenDSFAstaffnumbersarefinalisedbetweenDSFAandD/Finance.
National Children Detention School – Lusk.AGovernmentDecisionof3rdMarch2008approvedthedevelopmentofanewNationalDetentionSchoolontheexistingOberstownCampusatLusk.,Co.Dublin.FundingfortheSchoolistobeprovidedbytheIrishYouthJusticeService(IYJS)andtheProjectwillbeprojectmanagedbySPUonbehalfofthatService.Afulldesignserviceviz.,Architectural,M&E,QSandCivil/StructuralwillbeprovidedbyOPW“in-housestaff”.ConceptdesignswillbepresentedtoIYJSinJanuary‘09anditisintendedtohaveaSketchSchemeavailableinMarch‘09forsignoff,byIYJS,byendApril.
APlanningApplication,togetherwithanEnvironmentImpactAssessment,fortheProject,isexpectedtobelodgedinSept‘09,withTenderissueinmid2010andconstructioncommencingbytheendofthatyear.An18monthconstructionperiodisenvisaged.Additionalfundingisbeingprovided,withintheNDP,tofacilitatetherefurbishmentetc.,ofexistingfacilitiesinOberstown.Inthisregard,OPWarecurrentlyprojectmanagingtheinstallationofen-suitebathroomfacilitiesinTrinityHouse.
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Total Expenditure by Special Projects Unit in 2008 was €33,675,278.
Completed/Occupied InProgress PlanningTenderStage PPP
ProvisionofAccommodationfortheDepartmentofFinanceat7-9MerrionRow
NewStadiumatLansdowneRoad
MountjoyPrisonredevelopment
NationalConferenceCentre
RelocationoftheFAIHQfromMerrionSquaretotheformerStateLaboratoryinAbbotstown
IrishInstituteofSportnewHQatAbbotstown
SportsCampusatAbbotstown
NationalConcertHallredevelopment
RHKGates NationalChildDetentionCentre,Lusk,Co.,Dublin,fortheIrishYouthJusticeService
NationalGoverningBodiesforSport,Abbotstown
NewAbbeyTheatre
RedevelopmentoftheAssayOffice,DublinCastle.
TrinityHouserefurbishmentfortheIrishYouthJusticeService
DSFA/CourtsFacilityDrogheda
DepartmentofAgriculture&FoodFarmFacilityatLongtown,Clane,Co.Kildare
ProvisionofofficeaccommodationfortheDepartmentofAgriculture&FoodatBackweston
LongtownFarm,ConservationWorks
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Decentralisation Programme – New BuildsSatisfactoryprogresswasmaintainedduring2008inrelationtoprojectswheretheconstructionofnewbuildingswasthepreferredoptionintermsofprovidingaccommodationforDepartmentsandOfficesundertheGovernment’sDecentralisationProgramme.
ConstructionworkwascompletedinAthlonewherenewaccommodationwasprovidedfortheDepartmentofEducationandScience,inKillarneywhereanewHeadquartersbuildingwasprovidedfortheDepartmentofArts,SportandTourism,inNewcastlewestwherestaffoftheRevenueCommissionersarenowinoccupationandinNa ForbachaandTipperary TownwherenewofficesfortheDepartmentofCommunity,RuralandGaeltachtAffairsandthePrivateSecurityAuthority,respectively,arenowinplace.
ThecontractforconstructionoftheShellandCoreofthenewOPWHeadquartersinTrimwasalsocompleted.ThecontractforfittingoutthebuildingcommencedinDecember2008andwillbecompletedinmid2009.
Theendof2008sawconstructionworknearingcompletiononanewHeadquartersfortheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernmentinWexfordandonaccommodationfortheDepartmentofAgriculture,FisheriesandFoodandBIMinClonakilty.WorkwaswelladvancedonsiteinprovidingofficesfortheDepartmentofSocialandFamilyAffairsinBuncranaandanewDepartmentofDefenceHeadquartersinNewbridge.
Planningpermissionsweregrantedanddevelopmentofdetailedcontractdocumentswasnearingcompletionatyear’sendinthecaseofamajorPPPprojectinvolvingtheconstructionofnewHeadquartersfortheDepartmentofAgriculture,FisheriesandFoodinPortlaoise,newHeadquartersfortheDepartmentofEducationandScienceinMullingarandofficesfortheDepartmentofEnterprise,TradeandEmploymentinCarlow.
SignificantprogresswasalsomadeinrelationtoanumberofotherlocationsincludingRoscommon Town(PropertyRegistrationAuthority),whereapreferredtendererwasselectedandplanningpermissionobtained,Tipperary Town(DepartmentofJustice,EqualityandLawReform),wheredocumentswerecompletedreadytoinvitetenders,Claremorris(OPW)andThe Curragh(DefenceForcesHeadquarters),wheretenderdocumentswerenearingcompletionandCharlestown(HeadquartersfortheDepartmentofCommunity,RuralandGaeltachtAffairs),whereExpressionsofInterestwereinvitedfromcontractorswhowishtobeincludedonatenderlistinearly2009.
ProgresswasalsomadeinadvancingplanningforanewHeadquartersfortheDepartmentofSocialandFamilyAffairsinDrogheda.
Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin.
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OPW DecentralisationTheOPWDecentralisationUnithascontinuedtoadvanceprogressontheissuesconcernedwiththedecentralisationofOPWheadquarterstoTrim,Co.MeathandtheregionalofficeinClaremorris,Co.Mayo.TheKanturkelementoftheprogrammehasbeendeferredinBudget2009,pendingreviewin2011.
Theindicativetimeframeforthecompletionofthe2OPWdecentralisedoffices,aspertheDecentralisationImplementationGroup[DIG]report,areasfollows:
Location ConstructionCompletion
TrimHQ Mid2009
Claremorris 2010
Trimn Duringtheyeartherewasverylittlemovementofstaffinwardoroutward.MoststaffthatwereDublinbasedin
theiroldDepartmentshavebeenmovedpriorto2008.Theremainingstafftobemovedarerurallybasedandwillbeaccommodatedclosertotherelocationdate.
n ThescheduleofadministrativestaffinplaceforournewHQinTrimisasfollows:
Grade Posts NoinPlace
PrincipalOfficer 10 8
AsstPrincipalOfficer 26 21
HigherExecutiveOfficer 42 42
ExecutiveOfficer 43 43
StaffOfficer 9 6
ClericalOfficer 40 26
Totals 170 146
TherequiredbalanceoftheadministrativestaffingcomplementwilljointheOPWin2009.
n Attheendof2008some72professional/technicalstaffweresignedupforthenewOPWHQ.Thisrepresents55%oftheprofessionalandtechnicalcadre.
n ShellandCoreworksofthenewOPWHQbuildingwerecompletedinlate2008.TheFit-outcontractwasplacedandworksproceeded,thiselementisprogressingaccordingtothetargettime-frame.
n AnadvanceofficewassetupinScurlockstownBusinessParkinFebruary2008andOPWnowaccommodatesover30staffinthatoffice.
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Claremorrisn TheprogrammeforClaremorriswasdividedinto2phasesinBudget2009.Thefirstphasewillproceedwith104posts
asoriginallyplanned,andthesecondphase(pendingreviewin2011)willproceedwith38postsinduecourse.
n ClientbriefingdocumentationwasupdatedtoreflectthechangedprogrammeandsubmittedtoOPWProjectManagementServicesinlate2008.Workonthisprojectisexpectedtoprogressin2009.
Staff Transferring Out to Other Decentralised Locationsn Atotalof31staff[3in2008]havemovedfromOPWtojoinotherdecentralisingorganisations.
n Thereare2staffcurrentlyawaitingtransferfromOPWwhohavesignedanagreementtodecentraliseandafurther10staffhavebeenrequestedtoformallyconfirmtheirinterestintransferring.
n Afurther27OPWstaffhavealsoexpressedaninterestindecentralisingandtheseawaitdevelopmentsontheirapplications.
Staff Transferring Out to Dublin Postsn Some24staffhaveleftOPWtojoinDublinbasedDepartments/Offices.
n Thereare3staffcurrentlyawaitingtransferfromOPWtoDublinjobs–ThetimingofthereleaseofstaffdependsonagreementbeingreachedonthetransferdateofinboundCAFpersonnel.
n AsagreedwithUnionstheLastInFirstOutoption[LIFO]willbeusedtofacilitatethefillingofanyunclaimedDublinpostsoffered(i.e.wherethereisnovolunteerpresenting)toOPWpersonnel.
ThedecentralisationofOPW,whichgeneratessignificantchallenges,continuestobeaddressedasoneof‘highpriority’.
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Architectural ServicesIntroductionThearchitecturalpracticewithintheOfficeofPublicWorksdeliversaserviceofexceptionalqualitythroughtheskillfulprovisionofacomprehensivearchitecturaldesignservicetotheGovernmentandotherpublicbodies.Itiscommittedtoprovidingafirstclassservicetoitsclients,andalsotothemanypublicuserswhoexperiencethebuildingsandenvironmentsthatitcreates.
TheprinciplefunctionofArchitecturalServicesistoensurethatitsclientsareprovidedwithexcellenceofdesign,constructionandsupportservicesthatareofthehigheststandard.Itsgreatestresourceisitsskilledanddynamicworkforce,whostriveforcontinuousimprovementindesignsandservicesoffered.ByoperatingcloselywiththeStructuralEngineeringandMechanicalandElectricalSectionsoftheEngineeringServicesBusinessUnitandwiththeQuantitySurveyingSection,ArchitecturalServicescanofferafullin-housemulti-disciplinaryservice.
AttheheartoftheOPWcoreprinciplesisthebeliefthatarchitectureandthequalityofoursurroundingshasadirectinfluenceonthequalityofourlives.Alliedtothisistheunderstandingthatarchitectureisgeneratedbytheneedsofpeople–bothmaterialandspiritual.
ArchitecturalServiceshasdevelopedareputationforqualityandprofessionalismreflectedbythemanyawardsachieved.InrecentyearsArchitecturalServiceshasdevelopeditsknowledgeandexpertiseintheareaofpublicandprivatepartnershipsandcontinuestodevelopitsthinkingandmethodologyforthedeliveryofqualityindesignandconstructionforallnewprocurementroutes.ThepracticehasdevelopedacomprehensivemanagementsystemthatisISO9002accreditedandproducesannualaccountsthatconsistentlyshowArchitecturalServicestobeoperatingwithanotionalsurplus.
Servicesofferedtoourcustomersinclude:
n Provisionoffulldesignandconstructionmanagementservice
n AssistancewithprojectCapitalAppraisals
n Projectfeasibilitystudiesandreports
n Developmentofinitialanddetailedbriefs
n Interiordesignservice
n Adviceoninitialbuildingandlifetimecosts
n Adviceonplanningandbuildingregulationissues
n Adviceonhealthandsafety
n Adviceonconservationmethodsandprocedures
n Adviceonaccesstothebuiltenvironment
n Adviceonurbandesignandlandscaping
n Adviceonhistoricallyaccurateinteriors
n AdviceonPercentforArtScheme
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Thepracticehasadevelopedexpertiseinanumberofareas:
n Modernofficeaccommodation
n Conservationandrestorationofheritageproperties
n Prisonbuildingsandplacesofdetention
n Gardabuildings
n Courthouses
n Laboratories
n SocialWelfareoffices
n CoastGuardStations
n PublicOfficesandGovernmentDepartments
n VisitorFacilitiesatheritagesites
n ExhibitionDesign
n UniversalAccess
n SustainableDesign
n UrbanDesign
Review of Architectural ServicesInMarch2008ArchitecturalServicesundertookastrategicreviewofitsoperationthroughaseriesoffacilitatedworkshopsinKilkenny.ThepurposeoftheworkshopswastodeveloppracticalproposalsforthesettinginplaceofrevisedproceduresandstructuresinadvanceofdecentralisationoftheheadofficetoTrimCo.Meath.
InrecognitionoftheimpendingchangesthatwouldfollowfromtherelocationoftheHQ,ArchitecturalServicesidentifiedactionsnecessarytoensurecontinuityofitscoreactivities.KeyamongtheseweretheneedforgreaterflexibilityinthecreationofprojectteamssupportedbyenhancedITsystemsandmoreflexibleworkingarrangements.ThroughnewsystemsandstructuresArchitecturalServiceswillmakebetteruseofitsresourcesintermsofallocation,loaddistributionandincreasedresponsivenessbymatchingresourcestodemandandassigningpersonstoprojectsratherthanindividuals.
ThoughtheServicewillbesplitbetweentwolocationsinthefirstinstance,DublinandTrim,theentirestaffcomplementofArchitecturalServiceswillbeconsideredasasingleresource.
Project PortfolioIn2008theGovernmentDecentralisationProgrammecontinuedtobeapriorityfocusforArchitecturalServices.TheProgrammeinvolvedafullanddiverserangeofactivitiesforarchitecturalstafffrominitialsiteappraisalsthroughallstagestomonitoringon-siteconstruction.ArchitecturalServicescontinuedtoexerciseacoordinatingrolebetweentherelevantBusinessUnitsandwasprincipallyinvolvedina)thecontinuingdevelopmentofclientbriefs,b)documentation,tenderingandevaluationofsubmissionsincludingPPPsandc)preparingasnecessarytheaccommodationneedsofalladvancepartiesandearlymoverswithintheProgramme.
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Someofthesignificantprojectstocompleteconstructionin2008were:
n Decentralisation–OPWHQ,shellandCore,Trim
n Decentralisation–OfficesforRevenue,BishopStreet,Newcastlewest
n Decentralisation–DeptofArts,Sport&Tourism,Killarney
n Decentralisation–OfficesatFurbofortheDepartmentofCommunity,RuralandGaeltachtAffairs
n Decentralisation–DepartmentofJusticefit-outNavan
n Decentralisation–RevenueCommissioners,Fit-out,CarrickonShannon
n TheatreRoyalWexford
n FoodSafetyCentre–BackwestonCampus,Celbridge,Co.Kildare
n LongtownExperimentalFarmRefurbishment
n BallymunSocialWelfareOffice,Dublin
n BallymunDivisionalGardaHeadquarters,Dublin
n IrishtownGardaStation,Dublin.
n LeixlipCityGardaHeadquarters,StationRoad,Leixlip
n ClaremorrisDistrictGardaHeadquarters
n OfficesforProbationServices,Haymarket,Smithfield
n RoadSafetyAuthority,Ballina
n BlanchardstownCourthouse
n ThurlesCourthouse
n ArdeeCourthouse
n RecreationofRotheHouseTownGardens
n Trust,Kilkenny
n RoyalHospitalKilmainhamFormalGardens–finalphase
n LandscapingofnewFarmleighCarPark
n MayoNationalParkVisitorsCenter
n ThePearseMuseum,St.Enda’sRathfarnham
n RevenueCommissioners’Museum
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD)During2008,theArchitecturalServicesCPDprogrammeconcentratedonfurtherdevelopmentofstaffskillsintheareasofHealthandSafetyRegulation,BuildingEnergyRating,andConstructionProcurementreform.
FifteenArchitecturalstaffreceivedRIAIapprovedtraininginrelationto“ProjectsupervisorfortheDesignProcess”.Thiscourse,alongwithotherHealth&Safetytrainingofselectedstaff,wasanimportantelementofArchitecturalServicesresponsetothenewH&SConstructionRegulationsintroducedinNovember2006.OngoingSafepasstrainingandrenewalofSafepasscardswascarriedoutbyArchitecturalServicesownFÁScertifiedTutor.ArchitecturalServicespermanentstaffwerealsoinvolvedintheimplementationofthenewproceduresinrelationtoEngagementofConsultantsandalsointhenewFormsofContracts.BuildingEnergyRating(BER)andAssessortrainingcourseswerealsoattendedbyselectedArchitecturalServicesstaff.
OtherCPDandeventsduring2008includedthefollowing:
n AdditionalCADtrainingforstaffinbuildinginformationmodellingsystemsandassociatedsoftwarepackages.
n StructuralRepairofHistoricBuildings,HistoricIronwork,ServicesinHistoricHouses,RepairofHistoricjoinery,andConservation&Restorationofbrickwork,inassociationwiththeDublinCivicTrust.
n ConservationProjectManagementeventsponsoredbytheLawSociety.
n EuropeanEnvironmentalPolicy,&PublicPrivatePartnerships.
n CulturalLandscapemanagement,LandscapingandtheContemporaryCityandalsoIrishhistorictowns.
n ProjectManagementintheBuiltEnvironmentcourserunbytheRIAI.
n Companieswithappropriate(RIAIorRIBA)CPDaccreditationcontinuedtogiveavarietyofLunchtimeTechnicalandTradepresentationstoArchitecturalstaffthroughout2008.
Themescoveredincluded,ExternalInsulation,RainHarvesting,GreenRoofingSystems,WasteManagement,UseofTraditionalLimeMortars,GlazingSystems.
Graduate Training Programmen ThejointRIAI/OPWGraduateArchitectTrainingProgrammehasatotalcomplementof29graduates,workingin6
ArchitecturalServicesSectionsandthePropertyMaintenanceDivision.
n ThetrainingprogrammecontinuestoprovideArchitecturalgraduateswiththepracticalexperiencerequiredfortheRIAI/NUIPart3examinationinProfessionalPractice.Intotal25graduatesattendedtheRIAI/NUIlectureseriesin2008with4ofthemtakingtheNUIexamand15ofthemapplyingtotaketheRIAIexam.
n TheGraduateprogrammehasgainedinpopularityoverthelastfewyearsandhasattractedaveryhighcalibreofgraduatearchitects.TheseArchitecturalgraduatesnotonlymakeahugecontributiontotheworkoutputfromtheofficebutalsopositivelyenhancethecreative,dynamicenvironmentofArchitecturalServices.
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ConservationTheConservationUnitofArchitecturalServiceswasinvolvedintheconservationandrestorationofHistoricProperties,CulturalInstitutionsandotherProtectedStructuresindailyuse.TheseprojectsinvolvedworkstoindividualbuildingsandalsosignificantbuildingcomplexessuchastheHousesoftheOireachtasandGovernmentBuildingsandtheFourCourts.ToensuretheconservationofthehistoricfabricofbuildingssuchasLeinsterHouse,oneofIreland’smostimportantandiconiceighteenthcenturyhouses,considerableresearchwasundertakenwithspecialistconservatorsandresearchbodiessuchastheIrishArchitecturalArchiveonallaspectsofthebuildingsothataprogrammeofworksforthesebuildingscanbeputinplacewhichretaintheirhistoricsignificancewhilemeetingmodernstandardsofservices,firesafetyandaccessibility.ArchitecturalServiceswasalsoengagedintherestorationofhistoriclandscapesandgardenssuchasthedemesnesatCastletownHouse,EmoCourtandAltamontGardens.RefurbishmentworkswerecompletedattheformerBishop’sPalace,Kilkenny,TheBillets,7-9MerrionRowandMarsh’sLibraryprovidingofficeandseminaraccommodation.
SpecialistconservationadvicewasprovidedacrossallbusinessunitstoensurethattheStateheritageandhistoricpropertyportfolioisconservedandpresentedtobestinternationalstandards.InordertoachievethistheOPWiscollaboratingwithvariousStateagencies,universitiesandotherbodies,researchingtopicsthataredirectlyrelevanttotheconservationoftheState’sportfolioofprotectedstructuresrangingfrominternationalconservationpolicytomaterialsconservation.Theseincludeongoingcollaborationonarangeofconservationresearchinitiatives,including:
n DevelopingaBuildingStoneandQuarrySourceDatabasewiththeGeologicalSurveyofIreland.
n ResearchintoIrishexamplesofcantileveredstonestairswithTrinityCollegeDublin.
n DevelopingaFrameworkfortheAppraisalofCulturalSignificanceinpartnershipwiththeSchoolofArchitecture,UniversityCollegeDublin.
n ResearchintotheSuitabilityofSpecificTimbersforJoineryRepairinHistoricBuildingsincollaborationwithEnglishHeritage.
n ResearchintothemovementofAirwithinBuildingCavitiesincollaborationwithEnglishHeritage.
n ParticipationinaEuropeanstudyonTreatmentsfortheConservationofHistoricIronwork.
Sustainable Development and Universal AccessArchitecturalServicescontinuedtodeveloptheirstrategyforsustainabledevelopmentanduniversalaccessin2008,andcontinuedtoapplyitsexpertiseinaccessibilityauditingandtheupgradingofpublicbuildingsasrequiredbytheDisabilityAct2005.
Main Guard, Clonm
el, Co. Tipperary.
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Awardsn RIAIIrishArchitectureAwards2008fortheDepartmentofFinanceMerrionRowDevelopmentinconjunctionwith
GraftonArchitects
n BankofIrelandOPUSArchitectureandConstructionAwards2008forWexfordOperaHouseinconjunctionwithKeithWilliamsArchitects
n TidyTownsNationalUrbanLandscapeAwardforRotheHouseGardens
Publicationsn ArchitectureIrelandApril2008FinanceMerrionRowDevelopment
n ArchitectureIrelandDecember2008FinanceMerrionRowDevelopment
n ArchitectureIrelandDecember2008WexfordOperaHouse
n Architects’JournalOctober2008WexfordOperaHouse
n RIBAJournalOctober2008WexfordOperaHouse
n PlanNovember2008WexfordOperaHouse
n IrishArtsReviewWinter2008WexfordOperaHouse
n ArchitectureIrelandMay2008featuredanarticleontheIrishAidInformationCentre.
n ConstructIrelandJanuary2009featuredanarticleonFoodSafetyOffices,Co.Kildare.
n IrishTimesJune2008FrankMcDonaldarticleontheTHEBISHOP’SPALACEinKilkenny
n Woodspec–aguidetodesigning,detailingandspecifyingtimberinIrelandwasrevisedandreprintedin2008.
Research, Technical Groups, Steering Committees and Presentationsn GovernmentPolicyonArchitecture
n AdvisorytoDepartmentoftheEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernmentongreenpublicprocurement
n PresentationtoJointOireachtasCommitteeontheEnvironment
n RIAISustainabilityTaskforce
n ParticipatedintheArchitectureIrelandSustainabilityConference
n InterdepartmentalWorkingGroupontheSustainableTravelandTransportActionPlanforIreland
n PresentationatthePresident’sForumonDISABILITY–ACCESSANDATTITUDESinÁrasanUachtaráin
n ParticipationintheNationalDisabilityExcellencethroughAccessibilityAwardApprovalBoard
n ParticipationintheInterdepartmentalWorkingGroupontheSustainableTravelandTransportActionPlanforIreland
n ChairofRIAICompetenceTaskGroup
n BoardofArchitecturalEducationforRoyalInstituteofArchitect
n ExternalExaminerNUIUCDProfessionalPracticeExamBoard
n LecturetoDutchArchitectsinAmsterdam
n LecturetoRoyalSocietyofUlsterArchitectsinBelfast
n LecturesinIrishSchoolsofArchitecture(WIT,UCD,DIT)
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Other Activitiesn ParticipitantinGovernmentConstructionContractsCommittee
n ParticipitantintheIrishYouthJusticeServiceExpertGroupsetupfortheredevelopmentofexistingdetentionfacilities.
n Adviceonhistoriclandscaping,anddesignandmaintenanceadvicefornewsustainablelandscapes,includingcontributionstotheOPWBiodiversityPlan.
n CollaboratewithLocalAuthoritiesonUrbanDesign
n ChairmanofassessorsforOpusArchitecturalandConstructionAwards
n ParticipatedinRIAI‘SimonOpenDoor’campaign
n Commissionsandcarriesoutresearchtopresenthistoricallyaccurateinteriorsinthehistoricpropertiesunderitsmanagement
n Section482InspectionsfortheDepartmentofEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernment
n TheOPWwasanofficialbackerofEASA2008,theEuropeanArchitectureStudentsAssembly[EASA]cametoLetterfrack,IrelandinAugust2008.ThethemeoftheassemblywasAdaptation.EASAisanannualassemblyof400architecturestudentsandyoungprofessionals.TheaimoftheorganisationistoencouragecooperationbetweenstudentsandyoungprofessionalsfromoverfortyEuropeancountriesthroughthemediaofarchitecturalworkshops,lectures,conferences,debatesandexhibitions.TheOPWprovidedStPatricksHallatDublinCastlefortheopeningreceptiononSunday10thAugust2008,facilitatedupto400visitorsatClonmacnoiseonTuesday12thAugust2008andwillprovidetheAtriumforanexhibitiondocumentingtheevent,inJanuary2009.
n ContinuetoadviseandfacilitatethecommissioningofartworksunderthePercentforArtScheme
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Engineering ServicesDuring2008abroadspectrumofengineeringserviceswasprovidedinthecivil,mechanical&electricalandhydrometricfieldsinconnectionwithEngineeringServicesownworkprogrammeandthatofotherOfficeofPublicWorksBusinessUnits.Theseservicescanbebroadlydividedintofloodriskmanagementandproperty-relatedactivities.
Flood Risk ManagementSubstantialprogresswasmadeinimplementingmanyoftheprogrammesunderpinningthenationalfloodpolicyandtheprocessofrecruitingtheadditionalstaffrequiredforimplementationcontinued.OverallOPWexpenditureonfloodriskmanagementprogrammesamountedto€24.879Min2008.Themaindevelopmentsaresummarisedbelow.
Flood Studies Update (FSU) ProgrammeTheobjectivesoftheFSUProgrammeistoprovideimproveddatasets,techniquesandmethodologiesforestimatingfloodflows.
During2008oneresearchstudyoftheprogrammewascompleted,fivecontinuedfrom2007,andfournewstudieswerecommissioned.
Workcommencedduringthesecondhalfof2008ontheplanningandspecificationrequiredforthepublicationanddisseminationoftheFSUoutputs,whichwillbeavailableasanon-lineweb-application.ThiswillbethefocalareaoftheProgrammein2009.
TheOPWlaunchedthekeyoutputsoftheresearchworkundertakenbyMetÉireannfortheFSU–RainfallDepthDurationFrequencymodelling–attheNationalHydrologyConferenceinNovember2008.
Strategic Hydro-meteorological Review ProgrammeTheobjectivesofthisprogrammearetoidentifythekeylong-termneedsforflood-relatedhydro-meteorologicaldatainIreland,andtoplanandputinplacetheinfrastructurethatwillmeettheseneeds.
Aconsultant’sreport,whichanalysedtheState’sexistinghydrometricdataacquisitioninfrastructureandmaderecommendationsforimprovingit,wascompletedinJune2008.
Animplementationstrategyfortherecommendationsofthereportisnowbeingprepared.Thisworkwillbeundertakenwiththeassistanceoftheotherorganisationsinvolvedwiththepreparationofthereportandwiththenationalmonitoringprogramme,notablytheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency,MetÉireann,andtheMarineInstitute.
Research and Development ProgrammeThepurposeofthisprogrammeistomeetexistingandfutureneedsforinformation,knowledgeandbest-practicemethodologiesinallaspectsoffloodriskmanagementtosupporttheeffectiveandefficientimplementationofnationalfloodmanagementpolicy.
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ThemainfocusofthisWorkProgrammein2008wasinformalisingcontactwithflood–relatedresearchprogrammesinothercountriesthatwouldassistOPWindevelopingandimplementingitsownresearchagenda.Thisincluded:
n AsapartnerinERA-NETCRUE,anEUsponsoredconsortiumoffloodriskmanagementresearchfunders,OPWwasactivelyinvolvedinproposalsforresearchprojectsonthetopic“Floodresilientcommunities–managingtheconsequencesofflooding”.
n TheOPWbecameoneoftheco-fundersofthe2ndcycleoftheFloodRiskManagementResearchConsortium,aconsortiumofUKuniversitiesthatjointlyworkonanintegratedresearchprogrammeintheareaoffloodriskmanagement.
Flood Forecasting & Warning ProgrammeThefocustodatehasbeenonthedevelopmentandimplementationoffloodforecastingsystemsforspecificlocations.SystemshavebeenimplementedontheriversSuirandMunsterBlackwater,inconnectionwiththeimplementationoffloodreliefschemesforthetownsofClonmel,MallowandFermoythataredependentontheprovisionoffloodwarning.Furtherrefinementtothesystemsisongoing,includingthedevelopmentofan‘easy-to-use’,secureandweb-baseduser-interface.
Preparationsbeganinlate2008forastrategicreviewofoptionsforanationalFloodForecastingandWarningservicetobeundertaken.
Flood Emergency Response Development ProgrammeTheobjectiveofthisProgrammeistopromotethedevelopmentandimplementationofeffectivefloodemergencyresponseandrecoveryplansbytheLocalAuthoritiestominimisetheimpactsanddamagescausedbyfloodevents.
In2008theOPWandtheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernment(DoEHLG)collaboratedtoformulatedraftGuidanceandProtocoldocumentstobeusedinrelationtoimplementingtheNationalFrameworkforMajorEmergencyManagement.ThesedocumentswillassisttheLocalAuthorities,andassociatedemergencyresponseorganisations,inplanningtheemergencyresponsetofloodevents.TheyareavailableindraftformatforconsultationonthewebsiteoftheNationalSteeringGroupforMajorEmergencyManagement.
AsapartnerintheEUNOAHProject,theOPWwasinvolvedintestingtheapplicabilityofadecision-makingsoftwaresystem,developedunderNOAH,inrelativelysmallcommunitiesinIreland.ThisinvolvedworkingwithanumberofLocalAuthoritiesandotheremergencyresponseorganisationsduring2008intestingandevaluatingthesystem.ThefinalreportonthefeasibilityoftheimplementationofthesysteminIrelandwillbeissuedinSpring2009.
Flood Hazard Mapping ProgrammeTheaimofthisprogrammeistoidentifyareasoflandatriskfromfloodinganddisseminatethisinformationtoenablethepublicandotherstakeholderstomakeinformeddecisionsinrelationtofloodriskmanagementanddevelopment.
TheOPWFloodHazardMappingwebsite,www.floodmaps.ie,whichwaslaunchedin2006,wasenhancedandupdatedduring2008withnewfloodeventdata.AbrochureandquestionnairewasproducedtofacilitatethecapturebyLocalAuthoritiesoffloodeventdatathatcanbedisplayedonthewebsite.
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Flood Risk Assessment and Management ProgrammeTheobjectiveofthisprogrammeistodevelopforareasthroughoutthecountry,whereasignificantfloodriskhasbeenidentified,FloodRiskManagementPlans(FRMPs)thatdefinetheexistingandforeseeablerisksandtheproposalsformanagingtheminasustainable,integrated,pro-activeandholisticmanner.
Projects currently in progress under this Programme are:n Lee Catchment:Draftfloodmapswereproducedwhichwillbetakenforpublicconsultationearlyin2009,alongwith
proposedfloodriskmanagementmeasures.
n Dodder Catchment:DraftfloodmapsandriskmanagementmeasuresforthisOPW-fundedstudyweredevelopedandwillbetakenforpublicconsultationearlyin2009.
n Tullamore:ThislocalisedstudywasundertakeninternallybyOPWandwascompletedin2008,withtheproductionoffloodmapsandareportoutliningreliefmeasures.
n Suir Catchment:Thisstudy,whichcommencedinmid-2007,isongoing.Theplanproducedfromthestudyisduetobereleasedforpublicconsultationin2010.
n Fingal/East MeathConsultantsforthisstudywereappointedinthespringof2008.
Animplementationstrategyforthenationalroll-outoftheFRAMprogrammehasbeendevelopedandagreed,withtheprocurementprocesstobeginearlyin2009,withaviewtocompletingfloodmapsandfloodriskmanagementplansinlinewith,orinadvanceof,thedeadlinesoftheEU‘Floods’Directive.
AninitialdraftofthePreliminaryFloodRiskAssessment(anationalriskscreeningexercisetoidentifyareasofpotentiallysignificantriskthatwillthenbethefocusoftheFRAMStudies)wassubstantiallycompletedin2008.
Flood Forecasting & Warning ProgrammeFloodforecastingsystemshavebeenimplementedontheriversSuirandMunsterBlackwater,inconnectionwiththeimplementationoffloodreliefschemesforthetownsofClonmel,MallowandFermoythataredependentontheprovisionoffloodwarning.Furtherrefinementtothesystemsisongoing,includingthedevelopmentofan‘easy-to-use’,secureandweb-baseduser-interface.
Planning & Development ManagementInSeptember2008,draftGuidelinesonthePlanningSystemandFloodRiskManagementwerepublishedforconsultation.ThesewereproducedunderanOPW-ledproject,undertakeninpartnershipwithDepartmentoftheEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernment,andrepresentaverysignificantmilestoneintheimplementationofthenewGovernmentpolicyonflooding,inparticularwithrespecttotheavoidanceandmanagementofpotentialfutureriskswhichisessentialforsustainabledevelopmentinIreland.
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Prioritisation SystemsAframeworkforprioritisationoffloodriskmanagementmeasureshasbeendevelopedundertheLeeFloodRiskAssessmentandManagementStudy,andiscurrentlybeingtested.
Asset Database & Management ProgrammeAdefenceassetdatabasewasdevelopedaspartoftheFloodRiskAssessmentandManagementStudyfortheLeeCatchment,CorkandiscurrentlybeingusedforFRAMStudiesinotherareas.
Flood Relief Schemes ProgrammeTheOPWprogrammeofFloodReliefSchemeshasbeenongoingsince1995.Schemesarecarriedoutinassociationwiththerelevantlocalauthorities.WorksaregenerallycarriedoutundertheArterialDrainageAct1945,andtheArterialDrainageAmendmentAct1995,althoughinrecentyearssomephasesofschemeshavebeencarriedoutbythelocalauthoritiesunderthePlanningandDevelopmentRegulations.Insomesituations,OPWhasfundedLocalAuthoritiesdirectlytoundertakefloodreliefworks.Expenditureonconstructionworksin2008amountedtoapproximately€18m.Themajorschemesinprogresswereasfollows:
Mallow (North):ConstructionworkscommencedinMarch2008,whichincludenewwallsandembankments,thealterationofexistingwallsandloweringofgroundlevelsatMallowBridge,andpumpingstationsandnewculvertsontheSpaStream.TheSchemealsoinvolvestheintroductionofsomedemountabledefencestobeerectedbyCouncilstaffduringfloodevents.DetaileddesignisnowunderwayforSchemesonthesouthsideoftheriver.
Clonmel (West):Contractsforembankments,demountabledefencesandcivilengineeringconstructionworkscommencedinApril2008withanexpecteddurationof18months.
Clonmel (North & East):ConsultingEngineershavebeenappointedandarecurrentlyworkingonthedesignandrelatedsurveyworks.
Ennis (Upper):ConstructionworkscommencedinJune2008andaretobesubstantiallycompletedinSeptember2009.
Ennis (Lower):ConsultingEngineershavebeenappointedandarecurrentlyworkingonthedesignandrelatedsurveyworks.
Dodder:WorksthatcommencedinSeptember2007continuedthroughout2008,withtheconstructionofextensivefloodwallsonbothsidesoftherivertoalleviatefloodingontheRiverDodderintheareafromShelbourneParktoLansdowneRoadstadium.
Leixlip:TheflooddefencesontheRyeRiverwerecompletedin2008.Thecostofworkscompletedin2008wasapproximately€2m.
DetaileddesigncommencedofmajorschemesatMallow West & South,Co.Cork,whilefinalfeasibilitystudieswerecompletedonschemesinTemplemore,Co.TipperaryandEnniscorthy,Co.Wexford.TheMinisterforFinanceconfirmedafloodreliefschemeforMornington,Co.Meath.OPWRegionalworkforcesundertookminorworksinAbbeylara,Co.Longford,Ballycolgan,Co.GalwayandRatoath,Co.Meath.
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Expenditureonfloodriskmanagementin2008issummarisedbelow.
Scheme Status Total2008€000
Kilkenny Compensationstage 787
Mallow Constructionworksongoing 4,900
Clonmel Constructionworksongoing 5,550
Ennis Constructionworksongoing 2,873
Fermoy Constructionworkstocommence2009 127
Waterford WorksbeingundertakenbyWaterfordCityCouncilwithOPWfunding 30
Carlow WorksbeingundertakenbyCarlowCountyCouncilwithOPWfunding 0
RiverTolka Ongoingworksbeingundertaken/fundedbyOPW 191
RiverDodder DirectconstructionworksbyOPWstaffongoing 2,196
RiverLiffey WorksbeingundertakenbyDublinCityCouncilwithOPWfunding 0
DublinCoastalReportworks WorksbeingundertakenbyDublinCityCouncilwithOPWfunding 50
FingalCoastalWorks Designprocessinitiated 0
Leixlip DirectconstructionworksbyOPWstaffongoing 2,019
Mornington Schemeconfirmed. 128
Templemore Schemeexhibited 187
Enniscorthy ExhibitioninFebruary2009 93
Dunkellin WorksbeingundertakenbyOPWstaff 0
Letterkenny Feasibilitystudyongoing 13
Abbeylara Workscompleted 164
Mullingar WorksbeingundertakenbyOPWstaff 130
Bray Fees 223
Arklow FeasibilityStudyinprogress 90
Tullow FeasibilityStudyinprogress 10
Duleek Compensationstage 27
Dunmanway Compensationstage 36
Cappamore Compensationstage 40
SpencerDock Workscompleted 880
Ballycolgan WorksundertakenbyOPWstaff 238
Mountrath ContributiontoCouncilforworks 121
Ratoath WorksundertakenbyOPWstaff 183
Woodford WorksundertakenbyOPWstaff 69
Other 261
Non-structuralProgrammes Ongoing 3,163
TOTAL 24,879
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Drainage Maintenance ProgrammeOutputonthe2008MaintenanceProgrammeissummarisedbelow.
East Region West Region S-W Region Total
2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
Totalchannellengthmaintained(Km) 943 918 661 585 571 498 2175 2001
Structuresrepairedorreplaced 50 63 43 57 136 156 229 276
Bridgedevelopmentapplications 181 264 150 65 106 161 437 490
Labourforce(at31December) 126 130 96 96 74 74 296 300
Maintenanceexpenditure(€m) 6.6 6.5 5.9 6.0 6.5 6.6 19.0 19.1
Mechanical ServicesTheCentralEngineeringWorkshopscontinuedtoprovideamechanicaldesignandfabricationservicetotheDrainageMaintenanceServiceandotherOPWservices.ActivitiesincludedmanufacturingelementsforBirrtelescope,andrailingsfortheNationalMuseumatCollinsBarracksandtheAmericanAmbassador’sresidence,PhoenixPark.
Environmental activitiesActivitiesfocusedprimarilyonreducingnegativeenvironmentalimpactsoftheDrainageMaintenanceProgramme.
n Aspartofanongoingresearchprogrammeonenvironmentalaspectsofdrainagemaintenance,twoEcologicalAssessmentswerepublished:
No.7FreshWaterPearlMussels
No.8Turloughs
n OtherresearchwascommissionedinpartnershipwithNGOsi.e.two-yearKingfisherstudywithBirdwatchIrelandandbatresearchwithBatConservationIreland.
n Amulti-annualEnvironmentalRiverEnhancementProgrammewascommencedinconjunctionwiththeCentralFisheriesBoard.
n FundingandotherresourceswereprovidedforresearchoninvasiveweedsonLoughCorrib.
Environmental Enhancements on Corrib Mask Scheme
Heyw
ood Gardens, County Laois.
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Hydrology & Hydrometric ServicesHydrometric data collection:In2008flowdatawasbeingcollectedat364flowgaugingstationsthroughoutthecountry(298permanentand66project-relatedstations).
Inaddition,rainfalldatawascollectedfrom64raingaugesintheMunsterBlackwaterandSuircatchmentsfortheimplementationoffloodforecastingandwarningsystemsforthetownsofMallow,FermoyandClonmel.
Anumberofstateoftheartdeviceswereacquiredduring2008toenhancetheefficiencyofdatacapture.
Provision of hydrological data:During2008theSectionreceivedatotalof247requestsfordataorinformation.96%oftheserequestswereprocessedwithin7days(5workingdays)ofreceipt.
Dataisalsoprovidedviaadedicatedwebsite,www.opw.ie/hydro/home.asp
Property-related ActivitiesCivil and Structural Engineering ServicesAdvisory,designandmonitoringserviceswereprovidedinrelationtoanumberofOPWprogrammes,inparticulartheassessmentofsitesandassessmentofsubmissionsfromdevelopersforDecentralisationOffices.
Afeatureofactivitiesin2008wastheassessmentofalargePublicPrivatePartnershipprojectinvolvingthreesitesindifferentlocationsthroughoutthecountry.
Thethroughputofcasesintheyearcanbesummarizedasfollows:
Project/Activity No. on hand1/1/2008
New ProjectsIn 2008
Total Number Completed in 2008
Building 19 3 11 11
CivilStructural 14 2 12 4
Reports 141 68 136 73
Tullahern Round Tower Clara Bog Visitor Centre
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Mechanical & Electrical ServicesAhighlightofthewidevarietyofprojectsforwhichdesignandothertechnicalserviceswasprovidedin2008wasWexfordOperaHouse.ServiceswerealsoprovidedforanumberofprojectsintheDecentralisationProgramme.
Anothermajorfeatureofactivityin2008wasthecivilservice-widestaffenergyawarenesscampaignentitled“OptimisingPower@Work”.LaunchedinJanuary2008,thecampaigninvolvesstaffinsome250largebuildingsintheOPW’sportfolio.ThetargetoftheinitiativeistoachieveCarbonDioxide(CO2)emissionsreductionsaveraging15%acrossthebuildingstockovera20-monthperiodrunningfromJanuary2008toAugust2009.
AverageCO2savingsofover8.0%wereachievedtotheendof2008inthebuildingsthathaveengagedwiththeprogrammeandwherethereisvalidatedenergydataavailable.Theimportanceofthelevelofengagementwithinthebuildingshasbeenclearlyhighlightedinthefindings.Savingsofover19%havebeenachievedinbuildingswherethemanagementandstaffhavefullyengagedwiththeprogramme.Themainemphasisin2009willbetoincreasethelevelsofengagementsothatthetargetisachievedineachbuilding.Theprogrammewilldeliversavingsoftheorderof€4millionperannumandthechallengeforthefutureistomaintainthesesavings.
InfinancialtermstheoutputsoftheSectionaresummarisedasfollows:
Work Category Total Value (€m)
CapitalWorks 25
MinorWorks 9
MaintenanceWork 21
Quality ServiceEngineeringService’sfocusonqualityandbenchmarkingthestandardofitsservicescontinuedin2008,asindicatedbythefollowing:
n DrainageMaintenanceupgradedtheirHealth&SafetymanagementsystemtoincorporatetheOHSAS180012007standard.
n AllEngineeringServicessectionsalreadyaccreditedtotheISO9001standardretainedthatstatusfollowingexternalauditsconductedin2008.
n Theon-sitelandownersatisfactionmonitoringprogrammeinDrainageMaintenanceServiceagainyieldedahighsatisfactionrating.ThisfindingwassupportedbyaseparatepostalsurveyofclientswhohadmadecontactwiththeService.
n EngineeringServices’accreditationtotheInstitutionofEngineersofIrelandContinuingProfessionalDevelopmenttrainingschemeforprofessionalandtechnicalstaffwasrenewedfollowingexternalaudit.
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GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES AGENCYProcurement ServiceTheGovernmentSuppliesAgency(GSA)providesacentralprocurementserviceforGovernmentDepartmentsandOfficesforarangeofgoodsandservices.TherangecoversitemsthatarecommonlyusedacrosstheState,ofteninhighvolumes.
ThetotalvalueofthegoodsandservicespurchasedbyClientDepartmentsthroughGSAcontractsin2008was€72,692,521.Abreakdownpermarket,withcomparativefiguresfor2007isprovidedinthefollowingtable.
Category Value 2008 €
Value 2007 €
Fuels(Liquid,Gas&Solid) 18,154,948 13,466,143
Printing&Binding 10,874,780 11,157,120
Electricity 12,687,004 9,245,310
Vehicles&TransportEquipment 9,956,004 8,712,086
AdvertisingServices 4,596,841 6,429,504
Clothing,Footwear&Uniforms 9,353,764 9,358,643
Stationery&OfficeSupplies 4,998,888 4,916,286
JanitorialSupplies 2,070,292 1,923,636
Totals 72,692,521 65,208,728
During2008,GSAProcurementServicescontinuedtomaintainitsISO9001:2000accreditation.
PublicationsTheAgency’sGovernmentPublicationsServicecontinuedtoprovidearetailandmail-orderserviceforthesaleanddistributionofGovernmentPublications.Salesreceiptsin2008amountedto€951,831.TheretailserviceisbasedinMolesworthStreetinDublinandthemail-orderserviceinClaremorris,Co.Mayo.BotharesupportedbyawarehouseinMountshannonRoad,Kilmainham,Dublin.
Iris OifigiúilTheGovernmentSuppliesAgencypublishesIrisOifigiúil,theGovernmentGazette,twiceeachweekinhardcopyformatandontheInternet.TheInternetversionisavailableatwww.irisoifigiuil.ie.
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Election ServicesTheGovernmentSuppliesAgencymanagestheproductionofballotpapersforreferendaandnationalelections,andthesupplyofallstationeryrequirementstoReturningOfficersaswellastheprovisionofstampinginstrumentsformarkingballotpapers.FortheLisbonTreatyReferendumin2008,theAgency’sactivitiesincluded:
n supplyofsome3.4millionpollingcardstoReturningOfficers
n managingcontractswithsevenprintingfirmsfortheproductionofover3,500,000ballotpapers
n preparationandcheckingof7,800stampinginstruments
n deliveringstampinginstrumentsandelectionstationeryundersecureconditionsto27locationsthroughoutthecountry
n managingthereturnofstampinginstruments,testamentsandotherunuseditemstostores,cleaningandmaintenanceofstampinginstrumentsandrestockingofstores
n managingallfinancialtransactionsassociatedwiththeseactivities.
TheoverallcostoftheservicesandsuppliesprovidedbyGSAfortheReferendumwas€701,117.
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ouse
, Wex
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Tow
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HERITAGE SERVICES
National MonumentsFinancialSubhead I2
€18,792,809.82wasexpendedin2008fromtheI2Subhead.(Ofthis,€11,995,645.09wasspentonPAYandtheremaining€6,797,164.73wasspentonNONPAY).
GeneralDuring2008thesixnationalmonumentsdepotswereresponsibleforthemaintenanceandupkeepofthesome750nationalmonumentsinStatecare,including60sites,whichprovideavisitorservice/centre.Tosupportthemaindepotsweoperatedatotalof12subdepotsacrossthecountryinplacessuchasCong,Co.Mayo,KinsaleCo.Cork,Cashel,Co.TipperaryandAshtowninthePhoenixPark.Thetotalemployedintheareaincreasedduringsummermonthswiththerecruitmentofseasonalstafftoassistinthecompletionofspecifictasks.Inadditiontoourcoreconservationwork,themaintenanceofsitesinStatecareinvolvedeachdepotundertakingthefollowing–theserviceofplant,machineryandtransport;thepurchaseofsmallplantsuchasgrasscuttingequipment,theprovisionofmaterialssuchasfuel,timber,scaffold,sand,stoneandmortar;theprovisionofsecurityandcleaningservicesatvisitorcentresasrequired;themaintenanceofaudiovisualequipmentatsites,theprovisionanderection/maintenanceofinterpretativepanelsasrequired;andthemaintenanceofsecurity,fireandserviceequipment.Theallocationtoeachdepotwasalsousedtofunditemssuchasspecialistreports,archaeologicalexcavation/monitoringandmanagementplans.
During2008NationalMonumentsDivisionalsodealtwith,onadailybasis,requestsfromthegeneralpublic,localgroups,localauthorities,etc.forpermissiontousespecificmonumentsforvariouspurposes.
Works/Services for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government €800,000wasexpendedin2008byOPWNationalMonumentsonworks/servicesonbehalfoftheDepartmentoftheEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernment.Thisexpenditurerelatestotheinstallation/upgradingofaudio-visualshowsandexhibitionsatnationalmonumentsitesinStatecare;theoperationofanapprenticeshipschemeaimedatbuildingupaskillsbaseintraditionalbuildingconservationskills;andanumberofconservationprojectsatnationalmonumentsites.
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Historic Properties HistoricPropertiesisresponsiblefortheconservation,management,presentationanddevelopmentof20HistoricPropertiescomprisingHouses,HistoricParks,GardensandArboreta.TheseincludesuchflagshippropertiesasthePhoenixPark,NationalBotanicGardens,BattleoftheBoynesite,EmoCourt,Co.LaoisandIlnacullin(GarinishIsland),Co.Cork.
Developmentworkencompassesrestorationofhistoricbuildings,provisionofimprovedvisitorfacilities,upgradingandrestorationofHistoricParks,GardensandArboretaandtheinterpretationandpresentationoftheseheritagepropertiestothepublic.
Inadditiontocurrentexpenditureincurredinrelationtothestaffingandmaintenanceoftheseproperties,capitalfundingwasalsoprovidedbytheDepartmentofEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernment.Awiderangingprogrammeofsmall-scalemaintenance,improvement,conservationandhealthandsafetyworkswasfundedfromtheOPWVotein2008.
Battle of the Boyne, 1690 – 2008AnTaoiseach,BertieAhern,TDandFirstMinisterofNorthernIreland,DrIanPaisley,MP,MLA,officiallyopenedthenewvisitorfacilitiesforthehistoricBattleoftheBoynesiteatOldbridge,Co.Meath,onthe6thofMay.TheoccasionhadaspecialresonanceaslaterthatdaytheTaoiseachtenderedhisresignationtothePresidentatÁrasandUachtaráinafteralmost11yearsinoffice.FirstMinisterPaisleyhadalsoannouncedhisretirementearlier.
TheattendanceincludedalargegatheringofMinisters,dignitariesandinvitedguestsfromNorthandSouth.Inhisaddress,whichwasbroadcastliveontelevisionbyRTÉ,theTaoiseachrecalledthesymbolismofDrPaisley’spreviousvisitonthe11thofMaylastyear,hisfirstvisitSouthinanofficialcapacity.TheTaoiseachcomplimentedOPW’sroleandsaidthatthesitewouldstandtestimonytorespectforalltraditionsinIrelandandsymbolisethePeaceProcess.TheFirstMinisterchartedthehistoriccontextoftheBattleoftheBoyneandlookedforwardtoabrightfutureforthewholeisland.
Theoccasionwasmarkedbyasymbolicribbon-cuttingceremony,orchestralmusicandacolourful‘livinghistory’pageant.Later,BaronessEileenPaisleygaveaninformaladdresswhichwaswarmlyreceived.
The18thcenturyOldbridgeHousehasbeenadaptedasthebattlesiteVisitorCentrewithexhibitionsofmodels,mapsandgraphics,adisplayof17thcenturyartilleryandassociatedequipment,originalartefactsandanaudio-visualshow.Ofparticularnoteistheinnovativelaserprojectiondemonstratingthecomplexmilitarymanoeuvresin1690,whichwasinspiredbyapresentationatGrandTetonNationalParkinWyoming,USA.Theadjoiningstable-blockhasbeenrefurbishedtohousefurtherexhibits,atheatre,anewtearoompavilionandtoilets.Thefirststageofrestorationofthegardenshasbeencompletedandcar/busparkingprovided.
Visitornumbersinexcessof100,000areanticipatedastheBattleoftheBoynebecomesatourism,heritageandrecreationalattractionandaniconicsymbolofthePeaceProcess.
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Phoenix Park, DublinProgresshasbeenmadeonanumberofstrategicobjectives.
WorkondraftingaPhoenixParkConservationManagementPlanhasbeenfinalisedanditishopedtohavethisreadyforpublicationinAutumn2009,followingcompletionofthepublicconsultationprocess.
WorkscontinueontherestorationofthewalledgardenatAshtown.ItisplannedtohavethegardenrestoredasafullyworkingorganicVictoriangardenproducinghighqualityproduceforAnFionnuiscerestaurant.Thewalledgardenwillalsoserveasateachingresourcefororganicfoodproduction.
Heywood Gardens, Co. Laois Aco-ordinatedprogrammeofworksisunderwayincludingcontinuinghorticulturalmaintenance,remedialworkstothefolliesandothergardenstructures,accessworksandupgradingofstafffacilities.
Pearse Museum and Park, DublinThemajorprojectfortherefurbishmentofthePearseMuseumwascompletedinJuly2008.Theworkscarriedoutweremainlyofastructuralnatureandwillaccommodateuniversalaccess.
Renewal of the Exhibition ItisproposedtodesignandinstallatotallynewexhibitionfortheMuseum,tellingthePearsestory.Phase1ofthiswascompletedin2008.
Visitor ServicesTheprimaryfunctionoftheOPWHeritageServiceistheconservationandpreservationofbuiltheritagethatareinitscare.Inadditiontothisstatutoryfunction,theServicealsoprovidesarangeofmeasuresdesignedtosupportvisitoraccessandensurethatsitesarepresentedtothepublic.ThisworkismanagedbytheVisitorServicessection.
During2008,VisitorServicescompleteditsfirstfullyearinitsdecentralisedlocation,Claremorris,Co.Mayoandcontinuedtodeliveritsextensiveongoingworkprogramme.Thefollowingisanoverviewofsomeofthemainobjectivesthatwereachievedduringtheyear:
Guide ServiceSafepublicaccesstothebuiltheritagesiteswasachievedbyaugmentingthePermanentGuidescadrewiththerecruitmentofapproximately380Guidesonaseasonalbasis.Intotal,approximately,475staffweredirectlyemployedbyOPWatsitesensuringGuidecoverageat60sitesnationwide.
Twosignificanteventsinthe2008seasonweretheopeningofOldbridgeHouse,theBattleoftheBoynesiteasaVisitorCentreandthere-openingoftheSwissCottagefollowingrefurbishment.
Approximately2.2millionpeoplevisitedthesitesoperatedbyVisitorServicesin2008.
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Heritage CardTheOPWHeritageCardgivesfreeandunlimitedaccessforoneyeartoallofthefee-payingOPWandDepartmentoftheEnvironment,HeritageandLocalGovernmentsitesinIreland.
Nearly16,300Heritagecardsweresoldin2008,whichreflectsthepopularityoftheHeritageSitesandtheexceptionalvalueformoneythatthecardaffordstheholder.
Heritage WeekHeritageWeek,tocelebratetheunityanddiversityofEurope’sculturalheritage,ispartofEuropeanHeritageDays,ajointactionoftheCouncilofEuropeandtheEuropeanCommission.TheOfficeofPublicWorkswasakeycontributortotheweek,whichtookplacefrom24thto31stAugust,withvariouseventsorganisedatthemajorityofsitesthroughthecountry.Theseeventsinterpretedthehistoryofthesitesthrough,amongstothers,music,literature,re-enactmentsandguidedtours.
HeritageServicesalsofacilitatedtheperformanceofBrianFriel’splay“Translations”byAuroborosatthefollowingsitesduringthesummer
n KilmainhamGaol
n CahirCastle
n BarryscourtCastle
n PortumnaCastle
n AthenryCastle
n DonegalCastle
Customer ServicePublicationsDuring2008VisitorServicescontinuedtoworktomeettheneedsofvariousHeritagesitesforpublicationsandotheritems:
n Interpretativepublicationsandinformationleaflets
n Postcards
Thishasinvolvedthereprintofanumberofout-of-stockleafletsforsomesitesandthereplenishmentofpostcardstocksforothers.Wehopetobuild,asfaraspossible,onthisworkinthecomingyear.
Advertising and General AwarenessIn2008,wecontinuedwithourpolicyofplacingprintadvertisingonlyinpublicationsdealingdirectlywiththeTouristorTraveltrade.
Wealsomadegreatprogresswithfurtherdevelopmentofourwebsite,www.heritageireland.ie
TheIrishversionofthewebsitewaslaunchedearlyin2008,shortlyfollowedbythepagesinanumberofotherlanguages;French,Italian,German,Spanish,PolishandJapanese.
Afurtherenhancementofthewebsitein2008wastheinclusionofanEventsCalendar.Thisallowsustouploadinformationregardingeventshappeningatanyofoursites,thusmaximisingourvisitorattendance.
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CORPORATE SERVICES
Staff and Senior PersonnelSenior PersonnelSeánBentonChairmanoftheOfficeofPublicWorks
Property ServicesCommissionerDavidByers(deceasedSeptember2008)CommissionerClareMcGrath(fromDecember,2008)
Project Management ServicesCommissionerClareMcGrath(toDecember2008)CommissionerJohnMcMahon(appointedDecember,2008)
Property Management ServicesTomCostelloPaulMolloyPrincipal Officers
Property MaintenanceDesThorpeHead of Maintenance
Health and Safety UnitKenMooreAssistant Principal Officer
Architectural ServicesPatCooneyDirector of Architectural Services
LiamEganMichaelHaughCiaranO’ConnorAngelaRolfeKlausUngerFinbarWallAssistant Principal Architects
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Heritage ServicesDermotBurkeDirector
Engineering ServicesTonySmythDirector of Engineering Services
JimO’SullivanChief Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
LeslieLennoxTomSherlockPrincipal Officers
MarkAdamsonTomBolgerMichaelCollinsJohnCurtinJohnGallagherAssistant Chief Engineers
Corporate ServicesVincentCampbellDirector of Corporate Services
Personnel & Development ServicesJuneThompsonPrincipal Officer
Equality UnitMaryO’ReillyEquality & Disability Officer
Employee Assistance ServiceLorusCollumEileenMaherEmployee Assistance Officers
Facilities ManagementLiamBasquillePrincipal Officer
MaryHeffernanGeneral Manager, Farmleigh
TommyO’ShaughnessyGeneral Manager, Dublin Castle
Project Management ServicesBrianAllenKevinConnollyMichaelFennellyJohnMcMahon(appointedCommissionerDecember2008)JohnSydenhamPrincipal Officers
AidanQuinnHead of Quantity Surveying Services
Financial Services and Government Supplies AgencyJoeFarrellPrincipal Officer
Public Relations OfficeGeorgeMoirPublic Relations Officer
Organisation Unit, FOI, Legal ServicesEndaMulvihillPrincipal Officer
Art ManagementPatMurphyArt Advisor
JacquieMooreDeputy Art Advisor
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PersonnelThePersonnelDivisionintheOfficeofPublicWorks(comprisingtwounitsviz.EstablishedPersonnelandIndustrialPersonnel)providesasupportservicetoalargemulti-facetedandmulti-locationalorganisationwithaworkforceofover2,000(risingtonear2,500insummermonths)inadministrative,professional,technicalandindustrialgrades.
BecauseofthediversenatureoftheworkcarriedoutbyOPWitsstaffhaveawidemixofcompetenciesandskills.ThisdiverseandtalentedstaffcadreinputintothebusinessesundertakenbyOPWacrossareassuchasprocurement,propertymaintenance,propertyandprojectmanagement,architecturaldesign,engineeringservices,heritageconservationandpresentationandfloodreliefmanagement.
In2008thePersonnelDivisionprovidedarangeofservicestobothmanagementandstaffinOPW(e.g.recruitment,promotion,payandpensions,work-lifebalanceoptionsandvariousleaveoptions)whilemeetinginternalorganisationalchallengesarisingfromdecentralisationanddealingwiththeevolvingcomplexityofemploymentlawandwithindividualstaffmemberissues.
UndertheGovernment’sDecentralisationProgramme,18stafftransferredintoOPWand3stafftransferredoutofOPWin2008.
OngoingcommunicationswereconductedwithstaffandunionsthroughtheformalrepresentativeforumsofPartnershipandDepartmentalCouncilaswellaswithindividualunionsandstaffonparticulars.
OPW Authorised Staff as at 31st December, 2008
Non-industrial 741 Industrial 1,467 Total 2,208
Employee Assistance ServiceInOPW,theEmployeeAssistanceServiceofferscomprehensivein-housestaffsupport.TheServiceisdesignedtoenhancethehealthandwellbeingofindividuals.Itisaresourceavailablecountrywidetoallservingandretiredstaffmembersandtoallmanagerswithconcernsfortheirstaff’swelfare.
TheServiceisaffiliatedtotheCivilServicewideEmployeeAssistanceServicewhichiscentrallyco-coordinatedbytheDepartmentofFinancewiththeaimofcontributingtothepsychologicalandphysicalwell-beingofstaff,inordertoimpactpositivelyoncommunication,workrelationships,productivityandtheoverallhealthyfunctioningoftheworkplace.
InprovidingtheEmployeeAssistanceService,OPWrecognizestheimportantcontributionofitsindividualemployeesandthebenefitsofinvestinginserviceswhichsupportstaff,especiallythosewhomaybeexperiencingdifficulties.TheServiceisanimportantcomponentofOPW’sethosofpromotingemployeewellnessandorganisationaleffectiveness.
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During2008,twoEmployeeAssistanceOfficerscontinuedtoprovidestaffinallOPWlocationswithaconfidentialcounselling,referral,supportandinformationservicecoveringarangeofissuesincludinghealth,addictions,relationships,conflictresolutionandbereavement.
LiaisonwithHumanResourceandEqualityDivisionsonissuesofmutualconcernwasmaintainedanddeveloped.
Talksandpresentationsweregiveninvariouslocationsandrelevantnoticesandfeaturescirculatedtostaff,asappropriate.
TheEmployeeAssistancesiteontheOPWIntranetwasmaintainedandupdated.
ThecentralCivilServiceEmployeeAssistanceServicewebsiteiswww.cseas.ie
Equality UnitIn2008,theEqualityUnit,whichwasestablishedin2006,continueditsdevelopmentanddeliveryofequalityawarenessprogrammesacrossallgroundsintheEmploymentEqualityActsandpro-activelypromotedawarenessandbestpracticeacrossOPW.Italsodealtwithcaseworkpertinenttoequalityandotherregulatedissues.
TheremitoftheunitspansboththeEstablishedandUn-establishedandIndustrialsidesofOPWstaffingandthus,interalia,ensuresaconsistencyofapproachacrossallareas.
Internal AuditTheprimaryfunctionsoftheInternalAuditUnitaretoprovideassurancetotheAccountingOfficer(Chairman)ontheadequacyoftheinternalcontrolsystemsintheBusinessUnitsoftheOfficeandthelevelofcompliancewiththem.
During2008anumberofinternalauditswereundertakeninrelationtointernalcontrolsystemsandthelevelofcompliancewithrelevantlegislation,standards,regulationsandprocedures.
TheAuditCommitteeoversawtheworkoftheInternalAuditUnitthroughouttheyear.
Organisation UnitTheOrganisationUnit,aspartofCorporateServices,suppliesandmaintainstheIT,telecommunications,andofficeequipmentinfrastructurethatunderpinsOPW’sactivities.OrganisationUnitalsoincorporatestheFreedomofInformationandLegalServicessection.
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IT UnitThemainfocusin2008wasthedeliveryoftheprojectsandservicessetoutinitsBusinessPlan.
Thekeyprojectswere:
(a) ProvisionofICTServicesforthetemporarydecentralisedofficeinScurlockstown,Trim,Co.Meathutilisingstateofthearttechnologiesincluding:
n wirelessnetwork
n videoconferencing
n VoiceoverIP(VoIP)
(b) MigrationofOPWserverstoragetoanewcentralisedStorageAreaNetwork(SAN).Asidefromprovidingasecurecentralisedstoragerepository,theSANwillalsoallowtheoff-sitereplicationofimportantdatathroughaprocesscalled“mirroring”.ThiswillsupporttheOPW’sbusinesscontinuityeffortsintheeventofanaturaldisaster.TheSANwillprovidethefoundationforamoreflexibleworkingmodel(e.g.remoteworking).
(c) Workproceededduring2008ontheimplementationofanenterpriseSearchEngineSolution(“Exalead”).ThiswillbedeployedacrossBusinessUnitsandwillassistinthesearchandretrievalofelectronicfiles.AsidefrommakingOPWinformation,hithertoinaccessible,morewidelyavailabletostaff,thesearchengineprojectwillactasacatalystforimprovingdatamanagementinOPW.Itwillgolivein2009.
(d) UpgradeofWideAreaNetworklinksatthelargerOPWsitestoimprovenetworkperformance.
IT HelpdeskTheITHelpdeskdealtwith9,427callsin2008comparedwith9,403callsin2007.Thisrepresentsaslightincreaseof0.25%.
FOI/Legal ServicesDuring2008FOI/LegalServicesUnitprocessed44FreedomofInformationrequests,77legalcasesforhandlingbytheStateClaimsAgency,14casesforhandlingbytheChiefStateSolicitorsOfficeandanumberofmiscellaneouslegalissues.
Training UnitLargenumbersofstaffavailedofthetrainingopportunitiesprovidedin2008.Trainingwasprovidedincomputerandcompetencyskillstogetherwithcontinuousprofessionaldevelopment(CPD)coursesforprofessionalandtechnicalstaff.
Theverysuccesfulprogrammeofpre-retirementtrainingcontinuedthrough2008withwell-attendedcoursesbeingheldinDublin,CorkandGalway.
AprogrammeofInformationsessionsfornewentrants(aspartoftheInductionprocess)commencedin2008andwillcontinueinto2009.
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Averyextensiveprogrammeofconsultationwithseniormanagers,linemanagersandstaffregardingPMDSwasconcludedin2008.TheaimwastoinvigoratePMDSintheOfficeofPublicWorkswithaviewtomaximisingitsbenefitstoManagementandStaffalike.Itishopedthatthesebenefitswillmaterialiseduring2009.
ThefacilityforstafftoaccessEmotionalIntelligencetestingandfeedbackwasintroducedandtodate30membersofstaffhaveavailedofthisservice.StaffcantaketheBarOnEQi®questionnaireandreceiveconfidentialfeedbackfromaqualifiedmemberofTrainingUnit.ItishopedtoexpandtheknowledgeanduseofEmotionalIntelligencethroughouttheOffice.
Accounts BranchOPW’sAccountsBranchisresponsiblefor:
n makingauthorisedpayments,principallypayrollandcontractors’claims,
n recording,managingandaccountingfortheOffice’sfinancialresources,
n puttingforward,effectivelyandontime,theOffice’sEstimaterequirementsandmanagingexpenditurewithinthevotedallocation,and
n briefingtheMinisterandManagementAdvisoryCommitteeonfinancialissues.
In2008,AccountsBranchprocessed
n 42,065InstructionstoPay(ITPs),
n 10,044receipts,
n 6,187travelclaims,
n 4,663rentspaymentsand
n paidthesalariesandwagesofupto2,600staff.
AccountsBranchmanagedvotedandnon-votedexpendituretotalling€751.624m,receiptsof€142.874mand€13.327minLocalLoansrepayments.
ApartfromtheongoingactivitiesoftheBranch,AccountscontinuedtoworkcloselywiththeMIFProjectTeamindevelopingandenhancingtheIntegraFinancialSystemand2009willseetheimplementationofthePurchasetoPaymoduleofIntegra.ThepresentationoftheAnnualOutputStatementfortheOfficetotheDailSelectCommitteeonFinanceandthePublicServiceandthemonitoringandreportingrequirementsnecessarytoremainwithintighterspendingallocationswillbeapriorityinthecomingyear.
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Management Accounting ServiceDuring2008thestrategicfocusoftheManagementAccountingServicecontinuedtobeondevelopmentoftheManagementInformationFramework.Developmentofthe‘Integra’financialsystemconcentratedontheEmployeeExpenses,FixedAssetandPurchasetoPaymodules.ThedevelopmentoftheFixedAssetmodulewassuccessfullycompletedbyyearend.AnnualandperiodicaccountsorfinancialstatementswereproducedinrespectofProcurementServices,ArtManagementandtheCentralEngineeringWorkshops.TheManagementAccountingServicehasresponsibilityforcompilationoftheOPWCapitalAssetRegister.
MIFTheMIFSectionisresponsibleforthedevelopmentandimplementationofaManagementInformationFrameworkinOPW.TheManagementInformationFrameworkisaframeworkformanagingfinancialandotherresources;linkingresourceswithplans,outputsandreports;andmonitoringperformance.Itspurposeistoachieveamoreefficientandeffectivepublicserviceandbetteroutcomesforthepublic.
AkeyelementoftheMIFistheimplementationofamodernfinancialmanagementsystem.AnewsystemIntegrae-Financialswasintroducedin2006.Throughout2008MIFsectioncontinuedtosupportanddeveloptheIntegraworkingwithBusinessUnitstoprovidetraininganddeliveradditionalfinancialreportsasrequired.
FollowingasuccessfulpilotschemetheonlinetravelandsubsistencemoduleofIntegrawasrolledouttoallCivilServicegradesduring2008.Thefixedassetsmodulewasalsodevelopedandrolledout.WorkalsocommencedondevelopingthePurchasetoPaymoduletobepilotedduring2009.
Art ManagementUnderthedirectionoftheArtManagementGroup,thesmallArtManagementteamhadanotherbusyyearlookingafterthemanyworksofartlocatedinpublicofficesthroughoutthecountry.Manyadditionalartprojectswereundertakenthroughouttheyear,withnewartworksbeingpurchasedandcommissionedunderthepercentforartschemeinconsultationwitharchitectsandclientdepartments.SomeofthecommissionsinstalledduringtheyearincludedstainedglasswindowsforIrishtownGardaStationbyElkeWesten;asculptureinstallationbyMartinaGalvinfortheMilitaryHistoryBuildingintheNationalMuseumofIrelandatCollinsBarracks;alargemixedmediamuralintheCrecheinMahoninCorkbyAileenMcGovern;ahangingtextilebyBrigittaVaradifortheDepartmentofEducationandScienceinAthlone;smallstainedglasswindowsbyPeadarLambforthenewlyrestoredHaughtonHouseinDublinZoo,andSteelbyFergusMartinforthemainentrancegatestotheIrishMuseumofModernArt.CommissionscommencedincludedasculpturefromafallenoakinOldbridgeEstate,thesiteoftheBattleoftheBoyneVisitor’sCentrebyMichaelWarrenandaninstallationbyRemcodeFouforthenewIrishPrisonServiceheadquartersinLongford.
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Theannualtouringexhibition,organisedinco-operationwiththeDepartmentofFinanceandPersonnelofNorthernIreland,featuredtheworkoftwenty-fiveartists.Thethemeoftheexhibitionwas‘realism’anditwastitledIn the mind’s eye,makingreferencetotheroleofimaginationinartanditsaudience.Paintings,photographsanddrawingsfromthe1950stothepresentwereincluded.Aperceptiveessaybyartlecturerandwriter,NiamhAnnKellywasincludedintheexhibitioncatalogue.MinisterManserghlaunchedtheexhibitionintheMillenniumCourtArtsCentreinPortadowninAugust.ItthentravelledtotheUniversityHospitalinGalwayinSeptember;totheGrandOperaHouseinBelfastandtoWexfordVocationalCollegefortheOperaFestivalinOctober,andendedintheatriumofOPWheadofficeinDecember.
TheStateArtCollectionmanagedbytheOPWnowcomprisesover10,500artworksandamajorinventoryprojectcommencedin2008.Thisprojectalsoinvolvescreatingacentralinventoryofartworksanddecorativeobjectsintheheritageproperties.Thesix-monthinternshipprogrammetookplaceandsixgraduatesoffineartsandartadministrationcataloguedartworkslocatedinpublicbuildingsthroughoutthecountry.
ADublinlandscapebyBrianBourkewaspurchasedfortheOECDofficeinBrusselsduringtheyear,andsomeworksofhistoricimportancesuchasaportraitofCountessMarkieviczandLordEdwardFitzGeraldwereprocuredforÁrasanUachtaráinandLeinsterHouse.AnimportantgiftofsixIrishpaintings,twoantiqueprintsandanitemoffurniturewasbequeathedtotheOPWbythelateMrs.RitaRutherfordfordisplayinFarmleigh.
Dr.PatrickJ.Murphy,ArtAdviserwasinvitedtoparticipateinasymposiumonIrishartinthePrincessGraceLibraryinMonacoinSeptember,organisedbytheCuratorofIrishArtfromtheNationalGalleryofIreland.MembersoftheOPWArtManagementGroupcontinuedtotakepartintheInter-DepartmentalPublicArtCo-ordinationGroup,chairedbytheDepartmentofArts,SportandTourism,reviewingnationalpolicyonpublicart.
Public Relations DepartmentIn2008thePublicRelationsDepartmentdealtwithapproximately1,290queriesfrommembersofthepublicandmediainrelationtoOPWactivities.TheproductionofOPWpublications,suchastheAnnualReportandthebiannualin-house“Obair”Magazine,continuedandforthefirsttime,in2008,theOPWAnnualReportwaspublishedinDVDformat.
WorkontheredesignofallOPWwebsitescontinuedthroughout2008.Thenewwww.opw.iewentliveinDecemberwhileotherwebsiteswentliveforwww.kilkennycastle.ieandwww.irishoifigiuil.iethroughouttheyear.NewwebsitesfortheBotanicGardens,FarmleighandanewintranetforOPWstaffaredueforcompletionin2009.
ThePublicRelationsDepartmentcontinuedtoprovidesupportservicesforallOPWrelatedeventsthroughoutthecountryin2008.There-openingoftheWexfordOperaHouseinSeptemberrequiredextensivepublicrelationsinputincludingtheproductionofapress-packhand-outandthehostingofamediadayinadvanceoftheofficialopeningoftheOperaHousebyAnTaoiseach,BrianCowenTDandtheliveoutsidebroadcastoftheLateLateShowwhichfollowed.
TheWinterSolsticeatNewgrangewasagainstreamedlivearoundtheworldin2008ontheHeritageIrelandwebsite.Archivefootageoftheeventisstillavailabletoviewatwww.heritageireland.ie.ADVDfeaturinghistoricalinformationandfootageofthesolsticewasproducedandisavailabletopurchaseattheGovernmentSalesOfficeinMolesworthStreet.
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financial review 2008
Expenditure ProgrammeThetablebelowshows,onaprogrammebasis,allexpendituremanagedbyOPWin2008(2007figuresareshownforcomparison).ThisinvolvesfundsgranteddirectlytoOPWviaVote10;fundsadministeredonbehalfoftheDepartmentofFinance;andexpenditureonworksandservicesmanagedbyOPWandpaidforbyotherGovernmentDepartmentsorAgencies.
Capital And Non Capital
1 Property Management Services 2007E000
2008E000
1.1Purchaseofsitesandbuildings 88,091 39,925
1.2Rent,ratesetc. 134,706 146,726
Programme Total 222,797 186,651
2 Property Maintenance 2007 2008
2.1Maintenance,materialandsupplies 65,575 73,955
2.2Fuel,electricity,water,cleaningmaterials 1,329 1,902
2.3President’sHouseholdStaff 861 1,001
Programme Total 67,765 76,858
3 Project Management Services 2007 2008
3.1BuildingProgramme 362,840 465,138
3.2FloodRelief 23,115 24,879
3.3GranttoZoologicalSocietyofIreland 4,000 4,000
3.4GrantforCertainRefurbishmentWorks 6,700 4,500
3.5GranttoInstituteforIreland,Louvain 1,000 2,500
Programme Total 397,655 501,017
4 Engineering Services 2007 2008
4.1Drainagesurveys 1,390 1,540
4.2MaintenanceWorks–Maintenancecostsofcompletedschemes 19,344 19,576
4.3PurchaseofEngineeringplantandmachinery 905 1,007
4.4MaintenanceofEngineeringplantandmachinery 2,197 2,262
4.5EngineeringWorksforotherDepartments 60 59
Programme Total 23,896 24,444
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5 Government Supplies Agency 2007E000
2008E000
5.1Printing,PublicationsandAdvertising 22,503 15,660
5.2GeneralProcurementServices 54,719 68,659
Programme Total 77,222 84,319
6 Heritage Services 2007 2008
6.1HistoricProperties 18,545 18,616
6.2NationalMonuments 17,974 18,793
6.3VisitorServices 9,427 9,306
45,946 46,715
7 Corporate Services 2007 2008
7.1Salaries,wagesandallowances 38,367 42,177
7.2Travelandsubsistence 1,854 1,650
7.3Incidentalexpenses 2,184 2,001
7.4Postalandtelecommunicationsservices 1,971 2,193
7.5Officeequipmentandotherofficesupplies 4,296 4,277
7.6Officepremisesexpenses 1,373 1,240
7.7ConsultancyServices 258 86
7.8ValueforMoneyandPolicyReviews 159 10
Programme Total 50,462 53,634
8 Funds Managed by OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance 2007 2008
8.1LocalLoans 22,975 13,327
Programme Total 22,975 13,327
Total Gross Expenditure1 908,718 986,965
ThismaybereconciledwithVote10expenditureasfollows:
Deduct: Funds Managed by the OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance 22,975 13,327
WorksfundedbyGovernmentDepartments 178,872 255,045
SuppliesforGovernmentDepartments 76,385 83,732
Total 630,486 634,861
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Appropriations-in-Aid(receipts)totalled€25.528min2008.
Funding of Programmes
1 OPW funded 2007E000
2008E000
Vote10(Gross) 630,486 634,861Total 630,486 634,861
2 Work funded from the Votes of other Departments 2007 2008Construction Works & ServicesDepartmentofEducation 14,643 1,005SundryWorks 131,721 208,011SundryRents 10,255 16,135MaintenanceWorks2 22,253 29,894Supplies for Government DepartmentsPrintingandStationery 16,172 15,874TransportVehicles 8,712 9,956Furniture 10,283 10,174Clothingetc 9,359 9,354Advertising 6,430 4,597Energy 22,762 30,907GeneralCleaningMaterialsetc. 1,924 2,070Artworks 743 800Total 255,257 338,777
3 Funds managed by the OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance 2007 2008LocalLoans3 22,975 13,327Total 22,975 13,327
1. 2008 outturn figures include capital expenditure of €35.650m incurred in the financial year carried forward from 2007 on Subhead E.2. These involve minor maintenance works on State occupied accommodation.3. These funds are managed on behalf of the Department of Finance. They involve the re-coupment of loan payments from local authorities twice yearly and early
redemption of loans.
Note: Proceeds from the sale of surplus state property amounted to €7.1m in 2008Note: It is the policy of OPW to process invoices without delay. Since 2/1/98 this Office is operating in accordance with the Prompt Payment of AccountsAct,1997.
08opw annual report
93
Barretstown Castle TrustThe TrustTheOfficeofPublicWorks(OPW),astrusteestothetrust,havemaintainedasuspenseaccountsinceJanuary1987untilthecurrenttime.Thisaccountrecordsalltransactionsundertakenonbehalfofthetrust.ThebalanceonthisaccountrelatestoexpenditureincurredbytheOPWonbehalfofthetrust,offsetbydrawdownsfromthetrustbankaccounts.Theaccounthasbeenmaintainedonacashaccountingbasis,i.e.noaccrualsorprepaymentshavebeenrecognisedattheaccountingdates.Thisreportsetsoutanincomeandexpenditureaccountandbalancesheetallofwhichhavebeenpreparedontheaccrualsbasisofaccountinginaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciples.
Thecastleandsurroundinglands,whichhavebeenvestedinthetrust,donotappearinthebalancesheetofthetrustastheywereacquiredatnocost.
Income and Expenditure Account For the year ended 31 December 2007
*Note 2007€
2006€
IncomeInterestreceivable *1 10,825 6,808
ExpensesLegalandAccountancyfees 2,300 2,178CamperScholarshipScheme 5,000 5,000BarretstownBall 3,500 3,500Campsponsorship 1,000 -
11,800 10,678Deficitforyear (975) (3,870)
Balance Sheet At 31 December 2007
*Note 31/12/2007€
31/12/2006€
CURRENT ASSETSACCdepositaccount *3 265,815 257,259Accrueddepositinterestreceivable 2,936 1,667
268,751 258,926CURRENT LIABILITIESAccruals *4 (20,066) (12,766)OPW–currentaccount *5 (4,175) (675)
(24,241) (13,441)NET CURRENT ASSETS 244,510 245,485REPRESENTED BYCapitalAccount *7 244,510 245,485
94
Notes To The Financial Statements 31 December 2007
*1. INCOMEInterestreceivablerelatestointerestearnedontheACCdepositaccount.
*2. EXPENSESUnderthecurrentleasetermswiththeGangCamp,alloutgoingsincludingmaintenanceandrepairsofthecastlearetheresponsibilityoftheGangCamp.TheCamperScholarshipSchemepaymentof€5,000(2006:€5,000)relatestoanundertakingbythetrusttorenewthesponsorshipofachildatthecampforfiveyearsfrom2003,atatotalcostof€25,000.
*3. ACCDEPOSITACCOUNTThebalanceontheACCbankdepositaccountagreeswiththebankstatementasat31December2007.
*4. CREDITORS(amountsfallingduewithinoneyear) 31/12/2007€
31/12/2006€
Ernst&Young:–AccountancyFee–2006 2,178 2,178 –2007 2,300 -CamperScholarshipScheme 15,000 10,000Generalaccrual 488 488ESB 100 100
20,066 12,766
Theaccountancyfeeaccrualisinrespectofthepreparationofthefinancialreportsfortheyearsended31December2006and31December2007.
*5. TheOPWcurrentaccountbalanceof€4,175(2006:€675)relatestoamountsowedbytheTrustreflectingthecurrentor“suspense”accountmaintainedbytheOPW.
*6. TheOPWcontinuestosupportBarretstownCastleTrustinrespectofexpenditureoncapitalworks,wagesandmaintenance.ThesecostshavebeenaccountedforinGovernmentaccounts.
*7. CAPITALACCOUNT 31/12/2007€
31/12/2006€
Balanceatbeginningofyear 245,485 249,355Deficitforyear (975) (3,870)Balance at end of year 244,510 245,485
*8. ThefinancialstatementsofBarretstownCastleTrustreferonlytothemanagementofthetrust.Theassets(BarretstownCastleandsurroundinglands),whichtheOPWmaintains,donotappearinthefinancialstatementsofthetrustastheywereacquiredatnocost.
Loughcrew M
oon, Co. Meath.
96
Section/Building Award Awarding Authority
ArchitecturalServices ArchitectureandConstructionAward OPUS
BrúNaBóinneVisitorCentre MostEffectiveCraftsandRetailMarketingInitiative2008
MeathCountyCouncil
NationalBotanicGardens Goldawardfor“Ireland’sChangingFlora”
BloomFestival,PhoenixPark
HeritageServices,BattleoftheBoyneAV BronzeWorldMedal NewYorkFestivals
HeritageServices,BattleoftheBoyneAV BestInternationalHistoricalDocumentary
NewYorkInternationalIndependentFilmFestival
FacilitiesandEventManagement:Farmleigh OptimusAwardfor2008 BordFáilte
SpecialProjectsUnit:7-9MerrionRow AssessorsAward RIAIArchitectureAwards
SpecialProjectsUnit:7-9MerrionRow HighlyCommended OpusAwards2008
SpecialProjectsUnit:7-9MerrionRow CommendedbytheJury DedaloMinosseInternationalAward
FacilitiesManagement–CastletownHouse BestHeritageProject LocalAuthorityMembersAssociationAwards
awards won by opw 2008
97
January11th–17th AIB-PPAIPressPhotographersAwards–Judging
February18th–8th LinetoSurfaceArchitecturalExhibition
February11th–29th RHAGallery–ArtExhibition
March3rd–20th ArtExhibition–worksbyRamieLeahy
March11th GoldenFleeceAwards
March26th–11thApril ArtExhibitionbyDerekSmyth
April14th–30thApril EmbassyofEstonia–HistoryreflectedinArchitecture
May21st–11thJune EmbassyofCroatia–CroatianUNESCOSights
June–19th LaunchofPolishWildlifeExhibition
June23rd–11thJuly PhotographicExhibitionbyJohnMcConnick
July14th–1stAugust ExhibitionofworksbyLeonardSexton–“BrokenHalos”
September1st–15th ExhibitionofworksbyMartinaO’Brien
October13th–24th Lundbeck–ArtAgainstStigmaExhibition
November3rd–21st ExhibitionofworksbyMiekeVanmechelen
November26th–27th ArtWorksAuction–forCharityOneinFour
December5th–9thJanuary2009 ArtoftheStateExhibition–“IntheMindsEye”
Events held in the Atrium – 2008 51 St. Stephen’s Green
98
Office of Public WorksHead Office OfficeoftheMinisterofState,OfficeoftheChairman,CorporateServices,PropertyManagementServices,ProjectManagementServices,PropertyMaintenanceServices,ArchitecturalServices,EngineeringServices,HeritageServicesGovernmentSuppliesAgencyNationalPublicProcurementOperationsUnit(N.P.P.O.U.)51St.Stephen’sGreen,Dublin2.Tel:(01)6476000LoCall:1890213414MainfaxNo:(01)6610747Website:www.opw.ieE-mail:info@opw.ie
Decentralised OfficesProject Management Services Heritage Services, Visitor Services Government Supplies Agency PublicationsUnit20LakesideRetailPark,Claremorris,Co.Mayo(01)6476000
Personnel and Development ServicesProperty Management Property MaintenanceUnit1ScurlockstownBusinessParkTrim,Co.Meath
Heritage ServicesDúnScéine,HarcourtLane,Dublin2(01)6476000
Quantity Surveying Section, Professional Accountants4-5HarcourtRoad,Dublin2(01)6476000
Civil and Structural Engineering ServicesFlood Risk Management 17-19LowerHatchStreet,Dublin2(01)6476000
Financial ServicesGovernmentOffices,HebronRoad,Kilkenny(056)7772600LoCall1890213424
Government Supplies Agency/NPPOU51StStephen’sGreen,Dublin2(01)6476000LoCall1890213434
Government Publications Sales OfficeSunAllianceHouse,MolesworthSt,Dublin2(01)6793515
Furniture BranchMountshannonRoad,Rialto,Dublin8(01)4531588
Building Maintenance ServiceCollinsBarracks,BenburbStreet,Dublin7(01)7028811
Dublin Castle Conference CentreDublinCastle,Dublin2(01)6458802
FarmleighPhoenixPark,Dublin9(01)8155900
CastletownCastletown,Celbridge,Co.Kildare(01)6288705
Central Engineering WorkshopJamestownRoad,Inchicore,Dublin8(01)4534204
Arterial Drainage MaintenanceNewtown,Trim,Co.Meath(046)9431352Fairgreen,Ardee,Co.Louth(041)6853256Robinstown,Mullingar,Co.Westmeath(044)48332Ballycraine,Castlebridge,Co.Wexford(053)9124181Drumbear,CootehillRoad,Monaghan(047)83201
list of off ices
08opw annual report
99
Arterial Drainage Maintenance (continued)MainStreet,Headford,Co.Galway(093)35456FoxfordRoad,Ballina,Co.Mayo(096)22065GallowsBrae,Lifford,Co.Donegal(074)9141273TemplemungretHouse,Mungret,Limerick(061)227139InchBridge,Listowel,Co.Kerry(068)21166ConnaughtHarbour,Portumna,Co.Galway(090)974108614OldBlackrockRoad,Cork(021)4967087
Hydrometric ServicesNewtown,Trim,CountyMeath(046)9431352MainStreet,Headford,Co.Galway(093)35456PearseStreet,Athlone,Co.Westmeath(090)6492918HebronRoad,Kilkenny(056)7772641FairGreen,Ardee,Co.Louth(041)6857992TemplemungretHouse,Mungret,Co.Limerick(061)209118FoxfordRoad,Ballina,Co.Mayo(096)22065
Regional Architectural OfficesCollinsBarracks,BenburbStreet,Dublin7(01)4742040DublinCastle,Dublin2(01)6776106GovtBuildings,StAlphonsusRoad,Dundalk,Co.Louth(042)9334221MarinoHouse,FinisklinBusinessPark,Sligo(071)9142202GovernmentOffices,HighRoad,Letterkenny(074)9121365
Regional Architectural Offices (continued)BarrackStreet,Athlone,Co.Westmeath(090)649208713CatherineStreet,Waterford(051)874134GovernmentBuildings,Portlaoise(0502)21133GovernmentBuildings,AnneSt,Wexford(053)912247014OldBlackrockRoad,Cork(021)4966200TheDemesne,Killarney,Co.Kerry(064)223002MallowStreet,Limerick(061)313500GovernmentOffices,Thurles,Co.Tipperary(0504)21532“TheWhiteHouse”,8,TheCladdaghQuay,Galway(091)546480PavilionRoad,Castlebar,Co.Mayo(094)9021331
National Monuments DepotsAthenryDepotDistrictWorksManager,Raheen,Athenry,Co.Galway(091)844373KilkennyDepotDistrictWorksManager,HebronRoadIndustrialEstate,Kilkenny(056)7721813KillarneyDepotDistrictWorksManager,Carrigfreaghane,Killarney,Co.Kerry(064)32402MallowDepotDistrictWorksManager,Mallow,Co.Cork(022)42278DromahairDepotDistrictWorksManager,Dromahair,Co.Leitrim(071)9164186TrimDepotDistrictWorksManager,Newtown,Trim,Co.Meath(046)9431506
100
opw off ices and heritage sites
Leitrim
Lifford
Sligo
Ballina
Castlebar
Headford
Galway
Portumna
Limerick Thurles
Listowel
Tralee
Killarney
Cork
Waterford
Mungret
Castlebridge
Kilkenny
Arklow
Portlaois
Athlone
Mullingar
Lusk
Ardee
Trim
Dublin
Dundalk
Drumbear
Hill of Tara
Emo Court
Glebe House & GalleryNewmills Corn & Flax Mills
Donegal Castle
Sligo AbbeyParke's Castle
Céide Fields
Boyle Abbey
Sligo*
CarrowmoreMegalithic Cemetery
Aughnanure Castle
Athenry*
Dún AonghasaCoole
Athenry CastleTeach an Phiarsaigh
(Pearse’s Cottage) Portumna Castle& Gardens
Ennis Friary
Adare CastleScattery Island
Desmond HallListowel Castle
Ardfert Cathedral
The Blasket Centre
KnockreerRoss Castle
Derrynane
Ilnacullin (Garinish Island) Desmond Castle Charles Fort
Mallow*Dungarvan Castle
Barryscourt Castle
Fota Arboretum & Gardens
Reginald‘s Tower
Wexford WildfowFerns Castle
JFK Arboretum
Jerpoint Abbey
St. Mary’s Church
Dunmore Cave
Kilkenny Castle
Heywood Gardens
Altamont Gardens
Dwyer-McAllisterCottage
Kilmacurragh
Glendalough Visitor Centr e
Castletown
Trim Castle
Brú na BoinneNewgrange & Knowth
Old Mellifont AbbeyBattle of the BoyneOld Bridge Estate
Trim*
Clonmacnoise
Corlea TrackwayVisitors Centre
Maynooth Castle
Tintern AbbeyBallyhack Castle
Ormond Castle
Swiss Cottage
The Mainguard
1848 Warhouse
Rock of Cashel
Roscrea
Cahir Castle
Doneraile Park
Killarney*
Gallarus Castle
Dromore Wood
Letterkenny
Donegal
Clare
Limerick
Cork
Kerry
Monaghan
Cavan Louth
MeathWestmeath
OffalyKildare
WicklowLaois
Dublin
Kilkenny
Wexford
Carlow
Waterford
Longfor d
Tipperary
Sligo
Mayo Roscommon
Galway
OPW Offi cesHeritage Sites
Durrow Dem
esne, County Offaly.
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