Projects

Project Summary

Coffey was appointed to upgrade accessibility at Balbriggan, Laytown, Dundalk and Drogheda stations on the Belfast route. The primary objective was to ensure that each station complied with legislation for mobility and visually impaired users. A secondary objective was to carry out general enhancements across the station infrastructure. All works were undertaken within live Irish Rail facilities, requiring detailed coordination and phased possessions to minimise disruption to rail services and the public.

Project Description

The project involved concurrent works at four operational train stations to improve accessibility and enhance existing infrastructure. Upgrades included platform surfacing, tactile paving, lighting, drainage, CCTV, PA systems, and new station fittings. Each station building was refurbished with modern facilities such as new ticket counters, toilets, kitchens, and flooring.

To maintain uninterrupted service, temporary waiting rooms, accessible toilets and ticket offices were installed during the works. Night-time possessions were used for platform upgrades, taking place four nights per week, six hours per shift.

Due to the absence of accurate records, extensive surveys were required to establish existing services and conditions. Unforeseen ground conditions were encountered and resolved collaboratively with Irish Rail.

With four active work sites progressing simultaneously, resource and effective  programme planning were crucial for timely and safe delivery of the works across the multiple locations.

Scope of Works

The works included:

• Installation of tactile paving and platform copers.
• Resurfacing and line marking of platforms and car parks.
• Installation of ducting, chambers, aco-drains and tie-ins to existing drainage.
• Provision of new lighting, CCTV, PA systems, Help Points and Hearing Induction Loops.
• Full refurbishment of station buildings including:
  o Ticket counters.
  o Anti-slip flooring, tiling and ceilings.
  o Kitchen and toilet fit-outs (including accessible toilet packs).
  o Automatic doors, roller shutters and new timber doors.
• Upgrade and rewiring of fire alarm, intruder alarm and lighting systems.
• Provision of temporary public facilities (toilets, ticket offices, waiting rooms).
• Preliminary investigations to locate and confirm existing infrastructure.

Technical Highlights

• Works carried out under live station conditions with night-time possessions.
• Simultaneous progress across four stations with staggered sequencing.
• Lack of utility records necessitated significant investigative works.
• Complex logistics involving internal teams, subcontractors and Irish Rail staff.
• Centralised project management structure overseeing planning and delivery.

Added Values

• Project completed on time and within budget.
• Achieved full compliance with accessibility standards.
• Open and proactive approach to risk management with the client.
• Responsive adaptation to site-specific issues and changing ground conditions.
• Strong coordination of shared resources across multiple active sites.

Environmental, Safety or Community Measures

• Phased possessions and works reduced disruption to the public.
• Temporary accessible services maintained user convenience.
• Public areas securely fenced off and clearly signed.
• Car park works at Drogheda supported by approved Traffic Management Plans.
• Safety measures implemented for key risks:
  o Working on/near the line: All relevant staff trained under Personal Track Safety (PTS); Irish Rail protection staff provided (Lookouts, TSCs, ES, PICOPs).
  o Mobile plant and machinery: Certified operators, visual/auditory aids, toolbox talks.
  o Overhead services: Risks managed in coordination with ESB.
  o Live traffic: Works phased and planned to reduce public interface.
  o Work at height: Carried out by qualified scaffolders with fall protection equipment.
  o Public interaction: Barriers, signage and clear communication used throughout.
  o Weil’s Disease: PPE provided, welfare facilities in place, toolbox talks conducted.
  o Manual handling: Mechanical lifting aids used; staff trained in proper techniques.
  o Portable tools: Appropriate training and PPE ensured safe operation.
• The site was regularly inspected by the Eastern Regional H&S Officer, who reviewed conditions with staff and liaised with Irish Rail. Toolbox talks, method statements and safety documentation were kept up to date by Coffey personnel on each site.

To learn more about Coffey’s work in active travel and urban infrastructure, or to discuss future opportunities, please contact us at 091 844356 or info@coffeygroup.com.