Smith Groundworks & Civil Engineering Ltd is a leading specialist in groundworks, demolition, civil engineering projects and formwork based in Hacketstown, Co. Carlow. Established in 1995 by Pat Smith, it has grown to employ between 40 and 50 people, and was the Outright Winner of the Groundworks Construction Award at the 2021 Public Sector Magazine Awards.
The company specialises in all aspects of earthworks, from bulk excavations to full site development, including the laying of water mains, electrical ducting and sewer and storm water lines. It also holds waste collection permits for all of Ireland, including hazardous waste.
Smith Groundworks & Civil Engineering delivers high-quality groundworks and civil engineering projects on time and within budget. All employees are trained to be of a very high standard and are skilled, experienced and dedicated workers who complete projects that not only meet, but exceed customers’ expectations.
Complete client satisfaction is achieved through working together as a team and providing a reliable, efficient, value-for-money and all-round exceptional service. Under the direction of Pat Smith and his wife Assumpta, the Carlow contractor has developed an excellent working relationship with many leading main contractors as well as local authorities and other public sector bodies.
The award-winning company owns and operates a modern fleet of trucks, plant and equipment which can undertake any civil engineering project. The excavators range from 1.5 to 35 tonnes, while Pat has also recently invested in crawler cranes for his burgeoning formwork business.
“We provide the whole package for our clients with the most skilled labour force. We have our own fleet of lorries, dump trucks and excavators as well as our own landfill where we take in soil and stone,” Pat explains.
“We’ve recently branched into formwork and the whole RC frame sector. With our crawler cranes and formwork expertise, we can cater for full site and RC basements. Our experienced engineers can look after your project from start to completion.”
Smith Groundworks & Civil Engineering is currently involved in site development projects in Kilternan (150 apartments and housing units) for Dwyer Nolan Developments, Tallaght (220 apartments) for MB McNamara, Monasterevin (St Paul’s Post Primary School) for O’Hare McGovern, Sandyford (basement dig) for Walls and Bray (where the new Ardmore Studios are located) for MAC Interiors.
St Paul’s Post Primary School is just the latest in a long list of public sector projects the groundworks specialist has been associated with in recent years. Last year, it completed works on a HSE Primary Care Centre and housing in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow in conjunction with Mackee Construction. The scope of works included demolition, block excavation and full site development. The project was brought to floor levels and handed over to the builder to continue.
Another local project Smiths Groundworks was delighted to be involved with recently was the Borris Viaduct Walkway. The project consisted of placing concrete bases and railings on the viaduct – which was built in 1860 – including a walkway, steps and car park.
“This is not only a great amenity for the local community, but also a great tourist attraction for Co. Carlow. Borris and the viaduct are steeped in history. From the time you enter the car park, you get the full history of the bridge through signs and notice boards which are located as you progress along the pathway towards the bridge.
“The full history of the viaduct is told, which is amazing as it was originally completed 180 years ago and is well worth a visit.”
Commenting on his company’s long association with the public sector, Pat says: “The public sector is a great place to work. The projects we work on have a big impact on the local communities. Projects such as schools, student accommodation, sports pitches and so on. It’s a joy to work on projects that are appreciated and used by so many.”
Past stresses that Smith Groundworks does everything by the book as its reputation would be at stake otherwise. The company also takes Health & Safety very seriously, and never more so than in this Covid-19 age.
“We are fully insured, tax compliant and C2 registered. Where applicable, we do a full risk assessment and provide safety statements before any work is done,” he continues.
“We place a strong emphasis on Health & Safety, and ensure that our employees are up-to-date with the latest HSA requirements. We expect all our employees to cooperate with their safety officer and supervisors in all matters relating to Health & Safety.
“In addition, all machinery is maintained and serviced regularly to ensure that it is in perfect working order, and all legal requirements are met.”
Pat concludes by thanking his customers, suppliers and staff for their continued support.
“We’ve built up a solid reputation and have delivered for our clients time and again. We’re always interested in meeting new clients and briefing them on what we have to offer. We’re reliable, which is so important in this business, and are always prepared to go the extra mile for our customers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them sincerely for their loyalty, and our staff for all their hard work and dedication.
“It’s a team effort at the end of the day.”
Smith Groundworks & Civil Engineering Ltd
Bridge Street,
Hacketstown Upper,
Hacketstown,
Co. Carlow,
R93 V6WA.
Telephone: 059 6471827
Mobile: 087 2771939
Web: www.smithgroundworksandcivilengineering.ie
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, June 2022, Vol 8 No 6
Smith Groundworks & Civil Engineering
