Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are involved with the design, development and construction of a huge range of projects in the built and natural environment. Our role is central to ensuring the safe, timely and well-resourced completion of projects in many areas, including road construction, waste management, coastal development and geotechnical engineering.

AOCA provide a full service on civil engineering projects from initial concept through detailed design and construction to completion and certification for clients in all sectors. Our philosophy at all times is to meet the design brief by producing the most cost effective and appropriate construction solution. We have been involved in a large number of Civil Engineering Projects ranging from waste permit licence applications to large scale earthmoving projects for commercial and private clients.

At Aidan O’Connell & Associates Ltd. we have over 20 years’ experience in designing all types of road infrastructure from single carriageway county road realignments to motorways.

Portlaoise Southern Orbital Route:

In recent years, our portfolio has included a critical section of the Portlaoise Southern Orbital Route. This section of road was required to tie into both the Timahoe Road (R426) and a previously completed section of the Orbital route, as well as providing access to Lismard Retail Park via a roundabout. Indeed, two large roundabouts were designed as part of this road to the complete satisfaction of Laois County Council.

Various Residential Developments:

As part of each and every residential development, we have designed and constructed both internal roads and junctions with major public roads where they formed part of the overall project. This has involved numerous junctions with National and Regional Roads generally located within the periphery of the required speed limits. At all times the requirements of the Local Authorities and the NRA were adhered to.

At Aidan O’Connell & Associates Ltd, we understand that the proper collection and discharge of surface water run-off from the built environment is an essential element in the delivery of sustainable development. To achieve this, we have designed and overseen the construction of a number of innovative and economically sustainable drainage systems to serve a wide variety of developments, including numerous residential developments, retail parks, car parks and community buildings. Some of the projects for which we have designed and overseen the installation of sustainable drainage networks include: –

50 Unit Housing Development, Mountmellick, Co. Laois.

This mixed residential development, with detached, semi-detached and terraced units, was constructed to quite a high density directly adjacent to a tributary of the river Barrow. A section of this river had to be culverted to accommodate the entrance to the site. This was designed in close co-operation with the Fisheries Board to ensure that there was minimal disturbance to the river and its inhabitants.

142 Unit Housing Development, Mountmellick, Co. Laois.

The site on which this development of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, together with a large apartment block, also housed a strategic foul water pumping station for the town of Mountmellick.

As part of the Portlaoise Southern Orbital Route, we over saw the installation of a 500mm diameter water main as part of the water supply works. We have also designed and overseen the installation of watermain’s at all of the residential and commercial developments that we have overseen. This has resulted in these developments being accepted by Laois County Council upon completion.

Foul water pumping stations are used where gravity drainage is not possible. The tank collects the sewage or foul water from low lying developments and pumps it at intervals to a main sewer or sewage treatment plant. A float switch in the tank activates the pump when the level of foul water or waste reaches a pre-defined volume. Pumping chambers contain a tank, pump, pump controls, float and / or an alarm, based on individual requirements. Multiple and back-up pumps are also available.

Several the developments we have been involved in have required the installation of a foul water pumping station. We have liaised with both the County Council and specialist manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that both the client and the Local Authority were completely satisfied with the finished product. We have overseen the installation of pumping stations for developments ranging in size from six to two hundred units.

At Aidan O’Connell & Associates Ltd. we understand the importance of the geotechnical evaluation of a site at the earliest possible opportunity. By establishing the ground conditions at the outset of the project we aim to provide our clients with the most appropriate foundation solution in both Engineering and Economic terms whilst reducing the risks to all parties.

We have extensive experience in dealing with a wide variety of ground conditions and accordingly, we provide a full Geotechnical Engineering Design & Consultation Service. Some of the techniques and methods we utilise to establish the required information include boreholes, in-situ soil sampling, laboratory soil testing and trial holes.