Murphy were appointed main contractor and project supervisor at the construction stage of this project. We carried out riverside improvement works at O’Callaghan Strand in Limerick City.
The works comprised of upgrading and remodelling footpaths and roads. We also installed the public lighting, street furniture and ducting for services.
Inter-tidal working was required for the refurbishment and reconstruction of the quay wall.
A primary design feature was the creation of a high-level footpath and riverside walk. This was achieved by forming paved areas with steps, accessibility ramps and architectural railings.
An ongoing challenge on this project was the successful management of traffic and pedestrian movement, including school and residential access. Access for the rowing club, marine and river rescue services also had to be maintained.
With a historic record of high flood waters, the works were protected by fixing temporary flood barriers to the top of the quay wall.
Mature tree roots that were discovered on the designed construction lines were protected during works by consultation with all interested parties, including an arboreal expert.
A major challenge was sourcing large size rubble limestone and coping pieces to match the existing quay wall. Suppliers of natural stone advised us that these would have to be sourced at the quarrying stage, entailing not only a high cost but also a time delay of six to eight weeks. We embarked on a nationwide search for limestone rubble from demolished 18th and 19th century structures. Within two days, we had sourced large stones and flat limestone slabs that could be shaped into coping stones. We then engaged master stonemasons to cut and dress the stones. While the centuries old weathering effect could not be achieved, the employer and architect were extremely pleased with our proactive contribution, which had provided cost cuts and saved time on the project.
The riverside improvement works included full demolition and reconstruction of the O’Callaghan Strand carriageway. Refurbishment and partial reconstruction of the quay wall, including the sourcing of historic stone material, were carried out. Inter-tidal working was required to repair, clean and point the 5m high elevation.
We installed public lighting, water-mains and drainage ducting. Limestone kerbing, channels and bands to footpaths were constructed, along with granite, cobblelock and tegula paving. Limestone treads were installed on the steps and cobblelock paving fitted to the ramps at split-level access locations. Tactile paving was constructed at all pedestrian access points to footpaths. Architectural railings were fitted at the quayside and along steps and ramps.