Global Rail Services Limited are pleased to announce the successful renovation of Progressive Credit Union’s (PCU) new facility on East Road, Dublin. PCU provides banking services to over 60,000 members in North Dublin locations and beyond.

The contract, which commenced in December 2019, covered the management and delivery of a fast-track program of high-quality refurbishments including Building, Mechanical & Electrical works. This called upon the depth of GRSL’s organisation, with in house management and operatives across the full suite of fit-out trades working together in unison to successfully complete these works.

Site activities were meticulously planned and required careful co-ordination with several specialist Progressive Credit Union business services providers, including IT, secure comms and other security interface specialists, for items such as counters and security doors. GRSL worked closely with appointed Architect Rankin Associates and key stakeholders from PCU throughout.

During such a compressed program a number of challenges were both faced and solved by the team.

• Mechanical, Electrical and Fire Systems design was unapproved, which meant that GRSL worked collaboratively with the Rankin Associates team – whilst co-ordinating with the PCU business service providers – in order to deliver and produce the MEF drawings that were approved and utilised for the project.
• The ceiling void was extremely low, which meant that all services were very tight to the ceiling. The team procured and installed specific cassette ventilation and heating systems in a short timeframe to meet the space requirements.
• A leak was encountered during the build phase which came from the flats above. This slowed works down, however, our teams worked over several weekends to stay on track.
• Interior Design was concluded during the works program. This meant that the external signage could not be procured in time. GRSL instead installed suitable temporary signage for the branch opening and then returned to install the new signs afterwards.

With only a 12-week fixed timeframe, due to Progressive Credit Union having already sold their existing premises, Global Rail Services Limited, who were appointed as the Project Supervisor Construction Stage, used every spare minute to complete. The team commissioned on the Friday night before the opening, when the keys were handed over, providing a fully operational Progressive Credit Union facility, to the delight of all concerned.

Contracts Manager, Paul Connell was quick to praise the strength in depth of GRSL’s impressive turnkey fit-out solution:

“Our one-stop solution from acquisition through to project completion, provides a tailored service to each individual client’s requirements. Having a fully managed service and dedicated in-house construction, mechanical and electrical teams, allows us to co-ordinate time pressured schemes and delight our clients even when challenges are faced.”

Global Rail Services Limited provide a turnkey building/construction solution for railway, private housing, commercial and industrial projects. Services also include general contracting and building work and can be offered as standalone disciplines in addition to the fully managed turnkey service and works can be contracted on a main contract, joint venture, sub-contract, or resource only basis.

Services offered include but are not limited to:

• Design
• Commercial & industrial construction
• Sub-station construction
• Railway station new build and refurbishment
• Telecom and signalling room construction
• Mechanical and electrical
• Project Management
• Resource supply

Dublin based Global Rail Services, has had it’s licence renewed by The Private Security Authority (PSA). We are delighted that our Irish team have passed the necessary scrutiny of their operations. This accreditation is fundamental to the company’s CCTV and Access Control projects, as the PSA is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland.

Our M&E team – led by Director Aidan Kelly – have successfully delivered crucial projects for Irish Rail and a number of other infrastructure clients and this accreditation provides all future customers with the required project surety for Private Security Access programs.

Mechanical & electrical services provided by Global Rail Services are constantly upgraded through training and development and are consistently delivered to the highest specification. Design and project management of these specialist services are deployed on a wide range of rail, utilities and energy projects including: 

• Commercial and industrial
• Private domestic
• Bespoke installations
• Site enabling field works
• Fibre splicing & copper jointing
• Clean earth systems
• Telecom and signalling room fit outs
• Electrical maintenance
• Access and security systems including CCTV
• Fire alarms
• Lighting control systems
• Building management & control

Dublin based Global Rail Services Limited, has appointed Paul Connell as a Contracts Manager.

Paul will be responsible for the management of multiple project teams to ensure the safe delivery of projects on time and within budget to the stated quality and customer’s satisfaction.

Paul is a Civil Engineer by training, having studied Civil Engineering at Loughborough University, achieving a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering with a diploma in Industrial Studies. He then continued his personal development and in 2017 became a Chartered Civil Engineer.

Paul’s engineering experience covers a number of industries including Rail, Civil Engineering, Construction and Utilities over the past 20 years.

Prior to joining GRSL he was a Project Manager, working on various building, rail, roads, bridge, commercial and airport projects.

General Manager Tom Staunton commented on this appointment by saying:

“Paul’s all-round experience will add value to our business. His experience of the complete project lifecycle from pre-qualification and bid preparation, through to project execution and completion, will enhance our offering further.

“We all look forward to working with him.”

Global Rail Services Limited (GRSL) is pleased to confirm the promotion of Aidan Kelly to MEP Director. The Rail and Infrastructure contracting specialist which delivers the design and project management of these specialist services, is delighted with this appointment. It is full testament to the commitment and passion that Aidan has provided during a career which spans over twenty years in the Mechanical, Electrical & Power sector.

His role going forward, will involve autonomously running our in-house MEP Division -a core competency within the company – whilst liaising with the other business divisional Directors.

Whilst an ability to bring in additional business is always welcome; the role will concentrate on growing further and developing the existing engineering capability of the organisation with a competent and efficient in-house MEP team, delivering cost effective solutions to the various existing and new projects.

Ivan Holloway, CEO of Global Rail Services also added:

“Aidan is a qualified professional with suitable certifications and accreditation to reflect his seniority in the industry and has spent a number of successful years with us, supporting the management and delivery of Mechanical, Electrical & Power works for our customers. This new role is well deserved, and we look forward to him to developing our MEP offering substantially over the coming years.”

GRSL are deployed on a wide range of rail, utilities and energy projects including:

• Commercial and industrial
• Private domestic
• Bespoke installations
• Site enabling field works
• Fibre splicing & copper jointing
• Clean earth systems
• Telecom and signalling room fit outs
• Electrical maintenance
• Access and security systems including CCTV
• Fire alarms
• Lighting control systems
• Building management & control

Global Rail Services have had another successful weekend working on its contract for Irish Rail, constructing the new Limerick Junction Down Platform and Footbridge Works

The team has successfully completed its latest contract milestone, by completing the assembly and installation of all steelwork for the new footbridge.

The works were undertaken between 12^th and 23^rd August 2019, utilising a combination of normal daytime working hours within a green zone and midweek night-time possession working hours between 11pm and 5am – all in agreement with Irish Rail.

The works included a number of carefully planned stages which included:

1. Site Set Up

• All plant set up in advance of the works within the confines of the site perimeter in a green zone. A large zone for working was built and fenced at the back of the of the new down platform and the new tracks have been ballasted out to allow access up the new platform.

2. Delivery and assembly of the Structural Steel Footbridge

• All pre galvanized, pre painted structural steel, mesh panels, handrails, stainless steel items for the new bridge frame delivered into the green zone and carefully unloaded with the GRS teleported and stacked for assembly
• The main bridge portal placed onto a prefabricated temp support frame and bolted into position. When all portal frames were in place all supports and braces were placed and secured into their final position in line with the AFC Fabrication drawings.
• On completion of the steel support frame the Woven Wire mesh panels were placed and aligned into the required position and secured with SS SHS sections and 60x5mm flat as per the AFC drawings.
• The entire section for the footbridge was completed and checked against the existing sleeves on the footbridge and confirmed that the structure fits when lifted into position in line with the AFC drawings
• Horizontal Ties were installed across each portal frame to support the frame during lifting.

3. Stair Steel Assembly

• Anchor bolts were installed into the side of the stairs to the required centres utilising a small MEWP placed on the platform behind fencing within a green zone.
• Drilling holes within a green zone with the exception of the Cork line side of the up platform, which was completed under possession as this section of platform is live during the day. GRSL made every effort to pre-drill as much as possible within a green zone environment to speed up the possession works.
• The stairs steel frame units which consist of 2 nr uprights and 1 nr cross member were assembled on the ground in line with the AFC drawings.

4. Main Bridge and Up Platform Stairs

• The main bridge steel and the up-platform stairs steel, were then installed under possession with a 90t crane
• The bridge steel on the down platform was installed and placed from the back of the platform with the aid of the GRS teleporter. Each frame was lifted and guided into position by our team from Hyland Engineering, with slings onto pre-drilled bolts to the required line and level. Once in position each frame was bolted and secured into its final position
• Each frame was then connected with the horizontal running beams as per the AFC drawings. All beams were lined up and bolted into position

5. Installation of Handrails and Woven wire mesh to stairs

• All materials were placed onto the platform with the teleporter and carried across the footbridge and stairs to their final position in a green zone
• All Woven Wire mesh panels were then placed and aligned into the required position and secured with SS SHS sections and 60x5mm flat as per the AFC drawings.

6. Installation of Avigilon IP camera system on stairwells and footbridge

• Avigilon IP cameras were installed onto the steel work of the new footbridge and stairwells to capture and record 360° video footage 24hrs a day
• Steel conduit was installed onto the steel work from the newly built service rooms under each stairwell, up to the location of each IP camera.
• A CAT5 network cable was installed via newly installed conduit, from the new IP Network switch in service rooms to the IP cameras
• All IP cameras were tested from the from the station controller’s office and images agreed by Irish rail

7. Installation of lighting system on stairwells and footbridge

• Once the steel work of the bridge arrived on site it was examined, a few proposals were put forward for the best and neatest way of installing the cabling for the proposed luminaires.
• An installation design and method was agreed before the steelwork was erected.
• Once the steel work was installed the electricians worked on all sections of the stairwells and footbridge at the one time
• MEWPs and ladders were used for height access
• Steel conduit was installed from the newly installed service rooms under stairwells up to the steel work of the stairwells and footbridge
• 03No of lighting circuits were installed from the newly installed distribution boards in service rooms under stairwells, up to the proposed luminaires
• These lighting circuits were wired with four core 2.5mmsq Silflex cable
• This Silflex cable was installed via the box section of the steel work and the newly installed steel conduit
• The luminaires were installed into position as per AFC drawings
• All luminaires were terminated and tested as to ETCI regulations

On completion of this milestone, the works were successfully inspected and signed off by Irish Rail.

Global Rail Services are managing and delivering these works as part of a new €2.5m project at Limerick Junction on behalf of Irish Rail. The overall objective via the implementation of this scheme is to deliver improved journey times and provide timetable enhancements on the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Limerick lines, which are currently restricted by a platform conflict at Limerick Junction.

A big thanks to all involved for their dedication to ensure the safe and successful completion of another important project milestone.

Global Rail Services are delighted to announce their successful installation of a new Precast Concrete Footbridge at Limerick Junction Station.

The footbridge is a staggering 20m long and weighs in at nearly 100 tonnes and was installed utilising 1nr 500 tonne crane and 1nr 300 tonne crane lifting in tandem, in order to install the structure to its final resting place.

The works were safely completed on Wednesday Night 10th April 2019, during a mid-week night TIII possession of the railway between 11pm to 5am.

The footbridge installation works were fully managed and co-ordinated by Global Rail Services’ Project and Site Management Team in conjunction with supply chain partners, Shay Murtagh Precast, who supplied the bridge and Kavanagh Crane Hire.

Global Rail Services are managing and delivering these works as part of a new €2.5m project at Limerick Junction on behalf of Irish Rail. The complete rail project involves construction of a new 260m precast concrete platform, the production, delivery and installation of the new Precast Concrete footbridge, stairs and lift shafts on piled foundations including all associated structural steelwork and all associated electrical and station/platform infrastructure.

The overall objective via the implementation of this scheme is to deliver improved journey times and provide timetable enhancements on the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Limerick lines, which are currently restricted by a platform conflict at Limerick Junction.

Works are being completed both between trains and during railway possessions and are due to continue until June 2019.

Congratulations and a very big thanks to all involved for their dedication and many months of hard work, to ensure the safe and successful completion of this very important project milestone.

The M&E Division of Global Rail Services Ltd (GRSL) has been awarded a contract with Irish Rail, to replace the existing life expired Mechanical and Electrical systems in Heuston Valeting Plant (HVP).

HVP is a currently unused facility within the confines of Heuston Station, Dublin. However, the site and its surrounding areas are busy at all times, especially in peak hours from 07.00 to 10.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00. GRSL has put forward a 24 hour – 7 day a week contract programme of works, which takes cognisance of this, particularly in relation to the delivery and movement of materials and the licenced disposal of waste. Normal access to HVP is via a subway.

GRSL has also been appointed to the role of Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) for the project, complying with the Safety, Health & Welfare At Work Act, and all legislation appropriate to the work in question including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction Regulations) 2006 and any subsequent amendments.

The project scope of works includes:

1. Surveying the building, to confirm the dimensions of area/rooms, confirm the proposed routes and issue design proposals;

2. The safe removal and disposal of any residual Mechanical and Electrical systems and hazardous substances;

3. The design and installation of new high efficiency modulating boilers, connectivity to a new oil storage tank and the provision of new pumps, valves etc;

4. The fabrication and installation of new connective pipes, air ducts, cable containment and cabling;

5. The fabrication and installation of Form 4 type 2 electrical switch panels, BMS control equipment and panels, cable containment and cabling;

6. All Electrical services, BMS heating controls, Fire Detection and remote fault monitoring;

7. All builders’ works in conjunction with coring walls, installing fire sheathing, fire doors and with the clearing of waste and discarded materials

Mechanical and Electrical services provided by Global Rail Services are constantly upgraded through training and development and are consistently delivered to the highest specification. Design and project management of these specialist services are deployed on a wide range of rail, utilities and energy projects including:

• Commercial and industrial
• Private domestic
• Bespoke installations
• Site enabling field works
• Fibre splicing & copper jointing
• Clean earth systems
• Telecom and signalling room fit outs
• Electrical maintenance
• Access and security systems including CCTV
• Fire alarms
• Lighting control systems
• Building management & control

Global Rail Services has commenced works on a new €2.5m project at Limerick Junction on behalf of Irish Rail.

The rail project involves construction of a new 260m precast concrete platform, the production, delivery and installation of a new 20m long Precast Concrete footbridge, stairs and lift shafts on piled foundations including all associated structural steelwork and all associated electrical and station/platform infrastructure at Limerick Junction Station.

The overall objective via the implementation of this scheme is to deliver improved journey times and provide timetable enhancements on the Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Limerick lines, which are currently restricted by a platform conflict at Limerick Junction.

These important works will provide time savings for Down trains scheduled to stop at Limerick Junction of 4.8 minutes, which affect 13 Cork trains/day and typically and one direct Tralee train. There will also be an average time saving of 11 minutes for all Limerick passengers connecting to and from Cork services at Limerick Junction.

Works will be completed both between trains and during railway possessions and are due to continue until June 2019.  Global Rail Services have already set up a safe working compound and delineated the site from the railway corridor in order to commence works.  Piling and Foundation works are nearing completion on both platforms. The delivery and installation of the new PCC Platform units will commence at the end of January.

The new down platform will remove constraints and speed restrictions associated with the current single platform, which caters for Dublin to Cork/Kerry services in both directions.

Global Rail Services offer rail infrastructure contracting services on a design and construct basis. Led by experienced professionals with in depth knowledge of these sectors and supported by skilled and dedicated in house teams, they offer a fully integrated solution, allowing us to provide clients with a unique turnkey offering that is value adding.  This inclusive approach allows customers to benefit from expertise in a number of rail sectors and ensures they receive the most appropriate advice and solution for their schemes.

With a skilled, multi-disciplinary workforce providing a broad range of services and operating in tandem with a highly experienced management team, Global Rail Services is geared to meet our clients exacting demands.

Bespoke solutions for individual client requirements are central to Global Rail Services offering which can deliver a fully planned and managed design and construct service, which includes materials procurement and logistics management.

Global Rail Services Limited in Ireland, has achieved further success, with a higher distinction award at the 27^th All Ireland Safety Awards.

With health, safety and people wellbeing central to their everyday approach, Global Rail Services were highly commended for their continuous improvement in occupational health and safety management. This performance is achieved through the implementation and maintenance of an occupational health and safety management system which meets and is fully accredited to the requirements of OHSAS 18001:2007.

By promoting a safety culture through a series of events such as this, the National Irish Safety Organisation (NISO) are able to award those organisations who make a positive impact on the lives of their workers and the stakeholders they engage with.

Set-up to create conditions where Irish workplaces are among the safest and healthiest in Europe, the National Irish Safety Organisation Limited (NISO), provides:

• Leading information, advisory and training services.
• The promotion of a culture of excellence in workplace health & safety.
• A leading role in advancing the national health & safety agenda.
• Helping members develop a culture of health and safety in their workplace

A delighted Tom Staunton, General Manager of Global Rail Services, who is pictured being presented with the award, said:

“Global Rail Services places people at the heart of what they do, from their employees, clients and supply chain partners, to their neighbours and the wider community.

“Our daily aim is to minimise the impact of our activities on all project stakeholders and the wider environment, to ensure that we operate a successful business in a way that is safe, sustainable and socially responsible. The principles of corporate responsibility are an intrinsic part of our business and are central to our long-term strategy.

“I’d like to thank all of our team for their efforts and do please keep up the great work you are doing!”

Global Rail Services has secured a further contract success with its latest contract award comprising Coastal Defence works for Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).

The overall objective of the project is to reinstate coastal protection elements adjacent to the Dublin ‐ Rosslare Railway Line by February 2018. This involves removing and replacing the rock armour and reinstating/replacing the geotextile underlay along with any granular sub-layers.

Global Rail Services experienced railway site teams – led by Project Manager Eoin Shortt – will set up work sites, pedestrian and traffic management as required, whilst collaborating with operational staff from both Irish Rail and Wicklow County Council.

The company will deploy two fully kitted crews, consisting of 2nr 50t track machines, 1nr 35t machine, alongside 1nr moxy. The teams will work simultaneously in order to intensify the project to meet the fast-track completion date. There will also be another available moxy floating between both crews, which will be used as conditions dictate. In addition, a 25t track machine will be at the access point, which will load all moxy’s – servicing both crews as required.

Managing Director Ivan Holloway commented upon this latest Irish success, by saying:

“This is testimony to the Irish team for their continued hard work, skill and endeavour. This is the fourth contract success in a matter of weeks. Not only are we winning work at a rate of knots, we are also competently delivering them.

“This award is a result of our clear appreciation of working on both railway and environmentally-sensitive sites, where access is restricted, time is limited and where tidal operations are required.”

The total construction period will be approximately 16 weeks for these works.