Dublin Port Transportation Network Enhancement Project

This multimillion-euro transportation network enhancement project significantly improved the infrastructure within Dublin Port, the primary transit facility for containerised freight on the island of Ireland.

The project provided Dublin Port Company with the capacity to deliver its Masterplan 2040 and delivered, through the development of new customs facilities and alterations to port passenger and roll-on, roll-off terminals, a comprehensive response to the challenges presented by Brexit. 

The scheme comprised:

• 1.5km of new roads
• 1.5km of road reconstruction/resurfacing
• four major junction upgrades, including three roundabouts
• 3.7km of new truck queuing capacity
• 1.9km of greenway (phase one)
• four major surface water inceptors
• a port-wide signage project involving 50 new or replacement signs
• introduction of improved pedestrian and cycle facilities
• diversion or relaying of major utility services routes, including 220kV cables

ROD was involved in the project from its inception in 2014, undertaking master-planning, options selection, design and assessment before securing full and final planning approval for the scheme in 2016. In addition to undertaking the detailed design and preparing enabling and main works contracts, we administered and supervised the construction contracts and undertook the role of PSDP throughout.

The main construction contract, comprising the road, pedestrian and cycle network, was completed in 2022. Procurement of the landscaping and finishes contract for the greenway is expected in 2023.

The project team included:

• Kilwex Ltd. (main contractor)
• SIAC (Enabling Works contractor)
• Hugo Munro, James Wark (M&E)
• Redscape, Austen Associates  (Landscape architects)
• ThermalImage, KCA, John Dungan (Public lighting)
• Darmody Architecture, TTT Landscape Architecture, Storyline, Cloake Brand Management, Cleary Connolly Artistic Consultants, Cundall (Lighting)

When it became clear that the successful completion of the project was essential, not just to the continued high performance of Dublin Port but to the mitigation of Brexit impacts in Ireland and the support of the Irish economy, the client, ROD and the contractor responded with alacrity and flexibility to manage the changing design requirements.

The project presented numerous challenges for the design team. These included reclaimed and contaminated ground conditions, critical traffic management requirements, multiple Seveso sites, and the significant environmental constraints posed by the adjacent Dublin Bay Biosphere. Brexit compounded these challenges, particularly as its consequences for the project only become apparent during the main construction contract.

Innovative traffic circulation and road engineering were required to maximise network performance and resilience while minimising capital and whole-life costs. Extensive consultations were undertaken with TII, DCC, and other affected groups to ensure the interfaces with city, M50, and tunnel traffic were effectively accommodated at all stages.

Ground conditions were carefully managed, with waste minimised through in-situ retention, where practicable. A surcharge was required to consolidate the ground at the eastern end for the new combined terminals check-in truck queuing area. The drainage system was overhauled, with major new oil interceptors installed up to 7m below ground level to add an extra layer of protection to the sensitive biosphere.

In addition to the provision of 1.5km of new roads, the works included a new 300m, seven-lane truck queuing area for the roll-on / roll-off check-in booths. This area provides additional resilience for the port in the event of adverse weather or any other form of delays, and reduces the risk of queues propagating back from the port and causing disruption in the Dublin Tunnel and on the M50. 

Several junctions within the port were upgraded, with roundabouts enlarged to more comfortably convey two lanes of traffic. In addition, existing roads within the port were resurfaced and lighting and services upgraded.

All the works were constructed in a sensitive manner, reflecting the importance of the surrounding bay for wildlife and Dublin Bay’s designations as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, and a UNESCO Biosphere. The provision of appropriate screening formed an important environmental commitment in the planning documentation, as it is essential to ensuring that impacts on birds are avoided.

Running alongside part of the new road network is the Tolka Estuary Greenway, a 3.2km greenway that will allow the public to fully appreciate and enjoy the natural wonder of Dublin Bay.

Phase one of the greenway, which runs 1.9km eastwards from East Point Business Park, opened to the public in September 2024.

• Planning and development
• Engineering design
• Project management
• Construction management
• Construction supervision