Arklow Sewerage Scheme Marine Outfall SI

Causeway Geotech were appointed by Byrne Looby ARUP JV on behalf of Irish Water to carry out overwater site investigation works for provision of geotechnical and environmental information to characterise ground conditions along the alignment of the proposed Arklow Sewerage Scheme Marine Outfall pipe for input to the design and construction phases.

This was a complex project with multiple marine set-ups in marginal conditions; the site area was in the direct path of Storm Ophelia when it hit in mid-October.  Two different barges were utilised for the works due to the shallow water depths upriver.

Using a local crane company ensured a smooth transition between each of the phases; all lifts were conducted on the North Quay, This also helped to minimizing downtime and allowed quick and easy communication on site between the Site Agent and the local Harbour Master.

A small section of the South Quay was used as the Shoreside set down area; small boat crew transfers conducted at 07:00 and 19:00 daily from the South Quay Marina.

An added complexity was the presence of a third-party offshore windfarm export cable traversing the nearshore site. Through close communication with the cable operator, the site crew were able to adhere to the strict protocols for working in this area; all intrusive works were completed without incident.

The success of this project relied on good communication between all parties; 24 hour works carried out under full time site supervision with two designated Site Engineers (1 dayshift and 1 nightshift) from Causeway Geotech Ltd.