Founded in 2001, Ward & Burke Construction Ltd delivers class-leading, reliable and cost-effective construction solutions, specialising in bespoke design and quality construction of water and wastewater infrastructure, including treatment processes, pumping and storage solutions.
Ward & Burke has forged a successful partnership with Uisce Éireann – formerly Irish Water – in recent years which has seen it undertake some of the largest civil engineering and infrastructural projects in the country. The Galway company recently collaborated with Uisce Éireann and Fingal County Council to deliver the €88m Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme (BRDS) – 9C Sewer Duplication and Storage Contract.
The upgrade of infrastructure reduces wastewater overflows into the River Tolka and protects habitats in Dublin Bay. It also plays a critical role in supporting residential and commercial development in North West Dublin and East Meath. The project was delivered against a background of significant technical and environmental challenges and constraints, and by use of cutting-edge construction technologies, innovative design and detailed planning.
The works increased capacity of the sewerage network, catering for increased flows and facilitating future development of the area. The project consisted of 3.2km of micro-tunnelling (1.8m and 1.5m diameter) and 30,000m3 of off-line storage beneath Waterville Park.
All civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control design were carried out in-house and the project was delivered by Ward & Burke’s direct labour construction team of carpenters, tunnellers, skilled drivers and many more. Unsurprisingly, the project was recognised by some of the industry’s leading award schemes. Ward & Burke were Highly Commended for Sustainability in the Infrastructure Category at the Irish Concrete Society Awards and were also shortlisted in the Civil Engineering Over €20m Category at the Irish Construction Excellence (ICE) Awards.
The Irish Construction Excellence Awards are the original and premier recognition of performance excellence for the contracting sector in Ireland, and provide an opportunity for the industry to showcase and reward best practice across the full range of construction disciplines and project categories.
Since its establishment, Ward & Burke has sought to develop and adopt the ideals and aspirations to civil engineering construction. The result is a company that has enjoyed rapid growth and development in a wide variety of construction disciplines. Ward & Burke currently employs over 1,000 highly-skilled, self-motivated and dedicated people with experience across a broad range of construction activity. Micro-managing construction projects in terms of design alternatives, construction method and programming has been fundamental to ensuring client satisfaction and company success.
Ward & Burke excels in the areas of water, wastewater, road and bridge, marine and coastal, energy infrastructure and waste treatment facilities. The company is an industry leader with experience in water conveyance, pumping stations, water treatment facilities and reservoirs. Its reputation in this technically complex area stems from a combination of civil and MEICA resources, design, project management skills and extensive self-performance capabilities.
The Galway firm’s award-winning projects in the wastewater sector include design, construction, operation and maintenance of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, pipelines, storage and full turnkey solutions. It delivers schemes utilising in-house civil and MEICA resources.
The company’s approach combines industry-leading design expertise with self-performing capability, not just in construction but with maintenance, repair and operation. Its wastewater experience includes major projects for municipal water authorities as well as industrial water treatment. Its expertise in design, construction and start-up of wastewater solutions and processes for customers ensures the whole life cost and operability are at the forefront of every solution. Ward & Burke has experience with all major treatment technologies and can provide solutions that offer the lowest risk and best results for its clients.
Ward & Burke has undertaken numerous road and bridge construction projects on behalf of both local and national authorities. It has adapted to an increasing variety of contract forms, ranging from traditionally procured to lump sum design and build construction.
Bridge construction projects undertaken by the company have included new architecturally significant bridges, rehabilitation of existing structures and reconstruction of protected bridges. A particular feature of many of its road and bridge construction projects has been the use of in-house design solutions and innovative construction methods to deal with project constraints such as environmental restrictions and fisheries requirements.
Ward & Burke’s marine experience includes sea defence works, flood prevention, breakwaters, fish passes, causeways, harbours and maintenance projects such as fendering works. Many of these projects are typically isolated geographically and demanding on both labour and plant. In-house engineering and ingenuity are a key feature of the company’s marine and coastal capability. It carries out marine projects as stand-alone schemes and as part of major frameworks.
In addition, Ward & Burke has carried out a number of energy and waste-to-energy projects, particularly in the UK. Its size and flexibility allow it to offer various construction options to suit clients’ needs, including stand-alone FRC, earthworks, pipework or any combination of the above. Ward & Burke also provides detailed design across civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control automation and process disciplines.
With offices in Ireland, the UK, USA and Canada, Ward & Burke is ideally placed to continue its remarkable growth well into the future.
Ward & Burke Construction Ltd
Stradbally East,
Kilcolgan,
Co. Galway,
H91 W279.
Telephone: +353 (0)91 340 100
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.wardandburke.com
This article was published in Building Ireland Magazine, November 2023, Vol 9 No 11
