This project undertaken by Iarnród Eireann was part of a wider nationwide initiative for the upgrading of rail stations and their facilities across Ireland. This was a time sensitive project as it was completed just under 12 months duration from the initial start to the final installation and station opening.

The projects’ objective was to improve Irelands rail network services and make them accessible to all user groups.

Alongside this project, 11 further stations saw the same or similar upgrades in 2024. The Forge Mechanical Engineering was one of many specialist contractors involved and supplied the steelwork required. The majority of the steelwork was inhouse engineered and in accordance with Iarnrod Eireann specifications.

For us, the real challenges on this project lay within the installation process, as there was no room for error. The works needed to be carried out within certain time frames to ensure minimal disruption to rail services. This meant that the steelwork had to be completed and onsite for certain dates to coincide with the clients scheduled track closures, night work permits, and crane hire dates.

The design and inclusion of lifts and access ramps to the platforms plays a huge role in achieving this objective, as without them it would not be possible. Our contribution on this project included walkway bridge with a staircase either end, support steel within both lift shaft towers and various handrails across the site.

Materials used in the structure include various types of Mild Steel for the main structure, Goosewing Grey Seamlap Roofing panels and Vulcan UV protected GRP Panels with shallow crinkle finish each side.

This project is part of a wider initiative for making Irish railway services more accessible to all users, including disability users who require extra services to use the rail facilities. The new infrastructure provides ease of access to the station and its services for all types of users. The initiative undertaken by the client may lead to other sectors adapting and upgrading their services to include access for disability users.

Transport, like any other product/service should be accessible for all, and every effort should be made to ensure this for our future. We as specialist fabricators pride ourselves on being involved on projects like these, as it allows us to be part of something that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Together with our clients we realise the importance of working towards a future of inclusivity and accessibility and we believe this project is one that may forge a future of altered design thinking to include all types of service users.