Ireland

O’Connell Mahon wheels out yet another successful project

A&E Dept Kerry General

Kerry General Hospital is preparing to celebrate the upcoming practical completion of a new Emergency Department (ED) at their existing site in County Kerry.

As the second largest of the Health Service Executive South’s seven acute hospitals, the hospital provides services to the population of CountyKerryand a proportion of the populations of West Limerick and North Cork.

Phase one began in November 2010 and has consisted of the construction of a new 1500 square metres Emergency Department. Phase Two will comprise the refurbishment of the existing Emergency Department, which will subsequently connect the two departments and facilitate the expansion of the Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU).

The €3.9 million project was designed by architects O’Connell Mahon and is being carried out by main contractors BAM Contractors. The first phase will be completed in February, followed by the completion of the second phase in June 2012.

Covering two floors, the new department will provide several vital emergency services including a large treatment and observation area, examination cubicles, an X-ray room and a resuscitation room.

The exterior of the building comprises cream limestone, red sandstone and timber cladding. Although the modern new build is in contrast to the existing 1960s development, the two buildings share a common language of colour. Other interesting features include a large cantilevered ambulance canopy to the south and a large glazed waiting area at the entrance to the north.

Landscaping has included the creation of paved areas and the planting of trees to the east of the development.

A&E Dept Kerry General

Donnacha Murphy, O’Connell Mahon, said:

“Despite the challenges of working on the site of an existing hospital, the project has progressed well. Any potential disruptions were mitigated by the careful phasing of enabling works and arranging road access well in advance. Given the close adjacency of the existing Emergency Department, the main contractor is carrying out weekly monitoring reports pertaining dust, traffic and services.

“This project will bring important health facilities to the local area.”

O’Connell Mahon

O’Connell Mahon Architects is amongstIreland’s most established architectural practices and to this day the company continues to provide their clients with an extensive range of knowledge, skills and experience.

Recognised as preeminent in specialist healthcare and design, O’Connell Mahon works hard to establish durable relationships with clients, colleagues and partners. The company has a highly professional approach, which has enabled them to deliver major projects in both the private and public sectors.

The work of the company is celebrated not only by repeat business but by an impressive range of awards, including ‘BestHealthBuilding’ at the RIAI Architecture Awards 2009 and the ‘Art in Architecture’ award at the Bank of Ireland OPUS Architecture & Construction Awards in 2007.

For more information on O’Connell Mahon, visit www.oconnellmahon.ie

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