Renovation of the Old Bank of Ireland Building in Tuam, Co. Galway for the Department of Social Protection

This project has been shortlisted for the Irish Building and Design Awards, recognised as being ‘Best in Class’ both nationally and internationally. The IBDAs recognise excellence in build, design, people, and creativity. The winners of the awards will be announced on March 8th, 2024.

After 20 years of vacancy, the Old Bank of Ireland Building in Tuam, Co. Galway has been given a new purpose as the new office for the Department of Social Protection staff. An extensive refurbishment was required to return this state-owned property in the centre of Tuam to its former glory. The refurbishment included various conservation works to restore the original decorative ceiling plasterwork, clean, and repair the brickwork façade, and refurbish the original timber windows. The emphasis was on using traditional materials and historic methods for the conservation of the building. In addition, the design of the internal fit-out maximised the limited space available.

Preserving and restoring historical structures is an imperative pursuit in safeguarding architectural heritage. This journey, though laden with challenges, saw us navigate through the identification of authentic materials, resolution of structural issues, adherence to preservation regulations, and the application of period-accurate techniques. Each step demanded meticulous consideration and expertise. As we confronted these challenges head-on, we persistently contributed to the conservation of the past, leaving behind a legacy for future generations and enriching our cultural tapestry with the narratives of our history.

As the Engineering consultants , on this project, we recognise the value of working together, communicating effectively, and utilising creativity to overcome the challenges we faced. Undoubtedly, this undertaking posed its own set of challenges.

We now eagerly anticipate the revelation of the project’s outcome at the imminent Irish Building & Design Awards.