This Project carried out on behalf of Ardstone Capital consisted of the amalgamation of the two existing retail units at basement and ground floor levels into one retail unit measuring 341sq m; and associated works. Alterations included the following:

• Removal of redundant mechanical and electrical  services and installation of new M&E services.
• Provision of new openings in existing party walls at basement level and ground floor level.
• Preparation of existing basement floor to receive tanking in addition to damp proofing works to basement walls and floor and the provision of a sump and pump for any future water ingress, together with associated new drain pipework cut into existing floor.
• Installation of new fire rated ceilings as well as fire protection to structrural elements.
• Installation of new Steel stairs from basement to ground floor as an alternative means of escape and upgrade of fire escape doors.
• The installation of new “Hayward” street pavement lights and forming enclosing walls to prevent further/limit further water ingress to basement well areas

• New Street pavement lights were measured up and commissioned from Hargreaves Foundry in the UK and fitted by Lissadell tradesmen
• The works took place in a partially live environment as the retail unit on the ground floor was open for business as usual

Location  5-7 Crampton Quay, D 2
Sector  Commercial/Heritage
Value  €300,000
Surface  341 sqm²
Year Completed  2017
Client  Ardstone Capital

Architect  Studio 3 Architecture
Engineers  Downes Associates
Quantity Surveyors  Duffy Gaffney Partnership

Earmarked for development as a new cultural quarter, these buildings on the site of the old Colaiste Mhuire on North Parnell Square, required intensive investigations and some stabilisation works in order to inform the ongoing planning and design for a new National Library facility. A series of inspections by a variety of consultants were undertaken to input into the overall planning for the new Cultural Quarter and City Library. Lissadell undertook the organisation and establishment of these inspection works and provided various assistance to enable their completion.

Location  20-28 Parnell Square North
Sector  Heritage
Value  €440,000
Year Completed  2017
Client  Dublin City Council

Architect  Shaffrey & Associates
Engineers  Arup
Quantity Surveyors  KSN

Initially intended to preserve these buildings of historic significance as a museum, due to their role in the 1916 rising, the project set out to stabilise and make safe the structures and ultimately provide visitors with a look back through time to some of the events of Easter 1916. It was to these buildings that the leaders of the rising retreated having pulled out of their headquarters in the GPO and it was here in 16 Moore Street that the decision was made to surrender to the British Forces.

In addition to the stabilisation works access arrangements were also planned through conversions to neighbouring houses 13 and 19 Moore Street.

A high court judgement suspended the works due to matters outside our control. The judgement had the effect of altering the contract to instead put in place medium term measures to stabilise the buildings and protect them from further dilapidation.

This still required some significant works including renewal of the roof work and structural interventions. Much of the roof structures were rotten and in a state of collapse while brick walls on the front of the houses were not tied in to supporting structures. Chimneys, one containing 16 flues were crumbling to due to the effects of the weather and neglect and vegetation taking root. An over-roof was erected to protect the structures during the project.

A brick vaulted roof to a rear basement which at one time was home to industrial activity, was covered over by a temporary roof structure to protect it from further deterioration.

• The project presented new and unexpected challenges to all Lissadell management and staff. The project was highly politicised in the course of the centenary year and required adaptability and persistence by Lissadell. Works were suspended for a significant period while the case was debated in the courts. In the meantime, Lissadell remained responsible for the integrity of the building structure and security carrying out daily inspections and light maintenance of temporary support structures.  

Location  Moore Street, Dublin 1
Sector  Heritage
Value  €4.2M
Year Completed  2017
Client  Dept. of Gaeltacht, Heritage & Environment

Architect  Shaffrey & Associates
Engineers  BMCE
Quantity Surveyor  DL Martin & Partners
PSDP  Linesight

This project involved the refurbishment of Knowth House, stables, farm building and existing carpark and landscaping at Knowth, Co. Meath. The Stable building and farm building are 18th century protected stone structures in an L formation around a courtyard.

Proximity to the Knowth burial chamber meant that this project would be highly sensitive in terms of heritage and archaeology in particular.

There were two distinct fronts to the project. The existing car park required wide spread improvements including extension, drainage, resurfacing, secured access, lighting and power points in order to accommodate the OPW Bru na Boinne tour buses. Significant landscaping works were also undertaken.

The second front was to refurbish the existing farm buildings at the site. These would be used as exhibition space and to accommodate visitors on their arrival and prior to their departure.

• Polished concrete floors with underfloor heating
• Stabilisation and insulation of existing roofs
• Working in such close proximity to the Knowth Burial Chamber required a good working relationship with the OPW design team and archaeologists
• The curved reinforced concrete retaining wall in the carpark was crafted on site by Lissadell carpenters and experienced operatives

Location  Knowth, Co. Meath
Sector  Heritage
Year Completed  2018
Client  OPW

Architect  OPW Architecture
Engineers  OPW Engineers

Refurbishment and electrical upgrade of 19th Century rural chapel

Location  Maynooth, Co Kildare
Sector  Heritage
Year Completed  2004

Architect  Brady Shipman Martin Architects

Charles Fort is a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort. As one of the largest military installations in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of these are the Williamite War 1689-91 and the Civil War 1922-23. The intervention by Lissadell called for the insertion of several sock anchors into the inside face of an earth and stonework structure supporting the   Cockpit Bastion. Also required were inspections of joints, raking out joints and repointing and installation of wall ties.

• On an exposed site elevated high above the water and overlooking the entrance to Kinsale Harbour the works site afforded us with some spectacular views. Thankfully, the weather was favourable throughout the works.

Location  Kinsale, Co.Cork
Sector  Heritage
Value  €45,000
Year Completed  2017
Client  OPW

Architect  OPW Architecture
Engineers  OPW Engineers
Quantity Surveyors  OPW

This project involved:

Investigation works within a protected structure.

Enabling and construction of lift shaft.

Renewal of historic stairs.

The State Apartments are located off the upper yard in Dublin Castle which dates to the 1200’s.

The project required a strip out of the Marble Hall and preparation for a follow-on phase of work. The scope of work included the construction of a lift shaft including piled foundations and the replacement of a flight of the Battle-axe stairs.

The strip out included the removal of two marble columns and decorative capitals introduced to the Castle in the 1960’s. This was a difficult and delicate element of work and Lissadell devised a methodology of strapping the columns and lowering them from eye-bolts.

Historic joinery including window surrounds and doors had to be adjusted by Lissadell operatives due to a rise in the floor level.

The flight of the Battle-axe stairs was designed by a firm of engineers working with Lissadell, sourced from the UK and fitted by Lissadell operatives.

Furthermore, and in conjunction with DFK Engineers, Lissadell undertook the load testing of the Battle-axe stairs upon completion.

This work was carried out within an enclosed hoarding space to allow the castle tours to continue using the other part of the Battle-axe stairs outside the hoarding.

Other protections included the castellated wall at the rear of the State Apartments where Lissadell accessed the works via a designed scaffold.

After the project, when the provenance of the marble columns was subsequently explored it was discovered that they were of Roman origin, likely to have originated from the time of Emperor Nero.

During the excavation works the foundations of the original fourth castle tower was uncovered. Following archaeological investigation this was protected and covered over allowing works to complete.

In the middle of the project, works had to be suspended for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II on her historic first visit to Ireland. Her arrival at the state dinner in Dublin Castle was via the Battle-axe stairs.

Location  Dublin 2
Sector  Heritage
Value  €8000,000
Year Completed  2011
Client  OPW

Architect  OPW
Engineers  O’Connor Sutton Cronin
Quantity Surveyors  Declan Reddy