Driven by excellence, Conack is delighted to be a finalist in the 2024 Irish Construction Industry Awards for its successful delivery of a major expansion and upgrade to Colbert Station in Limerick.
Shortlisted for Contractor Commercial Project of the Year, the expansion and upgrade of the 167-year-old train station situated on the edge of the Victorian section of Limerick City involved significant construction efforts aimed at transporting the station into a modern, efficient and aesthetically-pleasing transport hub while respecting its historical significance. Original features there since 1857 were maintained where possible.
The project was a complex, multi-faceted process that successfully modernised the station while preserving its historical character. It delivered significant improvements in terms of passenger capacity, accessibility and overall user experience, establishing Colbert Station as a key transport hub in Limerick that is equipped to meet future demands. The Bus and Train Station integration now provides a single large concourse and extends the existing concourse into the new bus area. The project will also see the complete fleet of Limerick buses converted to electric vehicles, becoming Ireland’s first fully electric city service.
Valued at €17 million and funded by the National Transport Authority, the development was completed between May 2022 and July 2024 for client Iarnód Éireann. Taking place on Thursday, November 7 in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, the Irish Construction Industry Awards recognise, encourage and celebrate original and innovative contractors, businesses, teams, consultants and projects that demonstrate excellence in the built environment. No stranger to winning prestigious awards, Conack – one of Ireland’s leading construction firms – has also been shortlisted in the Contractor Residential Project of the Year and Excellence in Health & Safety categories.
“We’re thrilled with the nomination. It was a real team effort,” enthuses Trevor Hayes, who was contracts manager on the Colbert Station project.
“It’s always nice to be recognised alongside the best in the industry. The project was quite challenging from the point of view that it was carried out in a live environment where there could be no interruption to bus or train services. Everything remained fully operational while we built a new bus bay, offices, toilets and car park. It turned out to be a super job which everyone was happy with.”
The project involved demolition of structures within the concourse, construction of a bus bay to accommodate the new fleet of 20 buses, new offices and staff areas, new public toilets, three retail units (one in the new build and two in the existing building), car parking on the southern side of the building and all associated mechanical and electrical plant and equipment. A total of 326 new car spaces have been created along with room for 264 bicycles in the new car park.
Innovation, community impact and sustainable design make this project stand out. The project introduced cutting-edge architectural designs that not only modernised Colbert Station, but also preserved its historical elements. The seamless integration of contemporary aesthetics with the station’s original structure reflects a respect for heritage while meeting modern needs.
The project employed state-of-the-art engineering techniques to enhance the station’s functionality and safety. For instance, the inclusion of advanced materials and construction methods has improved the station’s durability and reduced its environmental footprint.
In addition, the project emphasised sustainable development by incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems and waste reduction strategies. This not only reduces the station’s carbon footprint, but also serves as a model for future transportation projects.
The redevelopment of Colbert Station included creative use of available space, optimising passenger flow and accessibility while minimising land use. The project’s focus on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment and enhancing connectivity to other modes of transport promotes sustainable urban mobility.
Furthermore, the project has transformed the city-centre station into a vibrant hub for the community with upgraded facilities that improve the passenger experience. The redesign includes better amenities, more comfortable waiting areas and improved accessibility, making the station more welcoming and user-friendly.
By revitalising the station, the project has stimulated local economic growth. The station now serves as a key transport hub that supports the surrounding businesses and facilitates smoother commuting options, boosting both local tourism and commerce.
The project focused on inclusivity, ensuring the station is accessible to all, including those with disabilities. The inclusion of tactile paving and clear signage enhances the safety and convenience for all users. The new-look station includes accessible toilets, changing place toilets, accessible public counters, accessible bus bays and low floor bus kerbs, extensive accessible car parking bays, age-friendly parking spaces and internal lifts.
The project exemplifies excellence in urban development by successfully blending innovation with sustainability, community engagement and historical preservation. Its thoughtful design and execution have not only enhanced the station, but also contributed positively to the wider Limerick area.
As the main contractor, Conack enjoyed an excellent working relationship with all stakeholders, suppliers, contractors and Iarnród Éireann’s inhouse design team. Key suppliers were Roadstone, Rearcross Quarries, Chadwicks, Manhole Covers Ireland, Proflo, Greaney Concrete Supplies and James McMahon Ltd, while contractors included Goggin & Buckley (structural steel), H&H Groundworks (groundworks), HAF (curtain walling and glazing), Chris Dowling (roofing and cladding), Promech (mechanical), CB Electrical (electrical), Wallace Paving (external paving) and Tile & Wood (tiling and flooring).
Fronted by Tom O’Connor and Kieran Cusack, Conack delivers recognisable and essential projects that are helping to shape our built environment. The measures and standards the Limerick-headquartered contractor has set for itself has seen it become one of the fastest-growing firms in the construction industry over the last decade. Conack is building award-winning projects across multidisciplinary sectors to the highest architectural and sustainability standards on budget and programme.
Conack
Unit C1,
Eastway Business Park,
Ballysimon Road,
Limerick,
V94 TD90.
Telephone: 061 310002
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.conack.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, December 2024, Vol 10 No 12
