March 2024

Templemore Flood Relief Scheme nominated for Sustainability Natural Environment Award

The OPW's River Mall Flood Relief Scheme in Templemore has been nominated for an Association of Consulting Engineers Ireland (ACEI) award.

The scheme involved the diversion of the existing Mall River in the town along a newly created river channel before reconnecting to the river further downstream.

This project also saw the inclusion of 160 individual biodiversity enhancement components throughout.

Consultant firm Tobin worked alongside the OPW throughout the project’s lifecycle, assisting with the initial feasibility studies, completing various environmental assessments, undertaking public and statutory consultation and more recently as Ecological Clerk of Works (ECW) throughout the construction phase (2017-2024).

The approach of this project is a first for an Irish flood relief scheme and these biodiversity enhancement measures will be replicated on new OPW schemes and within existing maintenance programmes for other schemes, further supporting the sustainability of Irish biodiversity and the natural environment.

OPW designs Ireland pavilion for Osaka World Expo 2025

Ireland will be one of 160 countries participating in Expo 2025, which will be held in Osaka, Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025.

Expo will be a key platform for delivering on the Government’s ‘Global Ireland’ ambition to build Ireland’s presence in the world, and will see a strongly integrated ‘Team Ireland’ approach.

Ireland’s pavilion for Expo Osaka has been designed by the architects at the Office of Public Works (OPW) – and is the first national Pavilion to commence construction. A harmonious relationship between built and natural environment is central to the design. The building consists of three overlapping ellipses, echoing the traditional Celtic Triskele motifs and is located at a strategically important entrance point to the overall Expo site.

Sustainability has been a critical design principle. The structural frame with an external envelope of vertical timber louvres has been designed to allow ease of dismantling and recycling or re-use of materials.

The building will use sustainable Irish timber supplied by Ireland’s Forestry Agency, Coillte. The use of timber also evokes a connection between Irish and Japanese craft.

The full programme for Ireland at Expo 2025 Osaka will be launched in Summer 2024 and will reflect priorities for Ireland the event.

OPW and partners honoured for co-operative effort in delivering?rapid build programme

The Office of Public Works and its partners have won the Working In Partnership Award at the Chartered Institute of Housing All-Ireland Housing Awards.?

This project not only addresses immediate housing needs but also symbolises an ongoing successful, collective effort and commitment to upholding humanitarian values.

The homes designed by the OPW in consultation with relevant industry representatives, are manufactured to a high energy efficiency standard thus aligning with the OPW’s strategic themes of sustainability and climate action. The homes are insulated 2-bedroom modular structures that comply with key building regulations and are designed for a 60-year lifespan. Manufactured off-site, they are transported and installed efficiently, minimising environmental impact.

This pioneering project serves as a blueprint for future developments. Despite unique challenges in each phase, the lessons learned will guide future initiatives, exemplifying the strength of partnerships in addressing immediate needs and creating a sustainable model for future humanitarian efforts.

Glendalough masterplan launched

The masterplan to develop the tourism potential of the Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park region was launched in December of 2023.? The aim of the Visitor Experience and Management Masterplan (VEMMP) is to protect and enhance the setting of the OPW managed Glendalough site as well as the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

The masterplan was developed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in collaboration with National Monuments and National Parks and Wildlife Services, Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, OPW, Wicklow County Council and representatives from the local community. ?

Speaking at the launch, Wicklow County Council Cathaoirleach, Councillor Aoife Flynn Kennedy said: "Glendalough is one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland with a rich and fascinating history that attracts many tourists and recreational visitors. I want to pay tribute to all of the agencies involved in the development of this Masterplan as well as local community interest groups for their contribution to the Plan which will provide guidance for future development within Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Park ensuring sustainable tourism within the Park and wider area."

National Biodiversity Action Plan launched

The launch of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) 2023-2030 was held in the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Co. Dublin.?

The strategy aims to deliver the transformative changes required for how we value and protect nature. The 4th NBAP has been developed with the support, advice and input of the interdepartmental Biodiversity Working Group and the independent Biodiversity Forum.

Of the nearly 200 individual targets within the strategy, the OPW will be a major player for 15 as well as being the main driver and owner of eight.

By 2026, the OPW is tasked with implementing its Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026 in full.

The full strategy can be found here.