Delivered services
Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The upgrading works comprised of the provision of additional accommodation for the legal profession, additional prisoner holding cells, the installation of a lift, upgrade of services and drainage, and the reversal of a number of interventions which were made following a fire in the 1980’s including the removal and replacement of the main staircase. The additional accommodation was provided by the refurbishment of the vaulted basement and the introduction of a mezzanine floor. The installation of a new lift and careful design of public spaces ensures the building is universally accessible for public and staff. The courtrooms have also been re-designed to provide universal access for persons with mobility difficulties. The entrance foyer has been re-modelled and lined with Carlow limestone and increased in floor area. A large glazed atrium roof-light illuminates the principal circulation area which is dominated by the new main public staircase.
PROJECT COMPLEXITIES
Areas of the basement floor were lowered to improve floor to ceiling height and the basement was lined with a Platon liner which doubled up as a radon barrier. Considerable attention was given to the sandstone exterior of the building in an effort to restore it to its original condition. The courthouse was constructed using large blocks of creamy-coloured Carnmore Sandstone quarried at Eshnaglogh, 15km to the north-west of Monaghan. That quarry has long since closed but stone from the same formation was sourced from Rossmore Quarry, County Fermanagh.
