OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Project Management Services
Project Management Services (PMS), in conjunction with OPW's Architectural and Engineering Services delivers new construction, refurbishment, conservation and major maintenance projects on behalf of the state and OPW's customers. Project Management Services articulates, in detail, the client or customer brief of requirements in order to assist in delivering these projects on time, within budget and to the highest architectural and engineering standards, in compliance with Government and EU Procurement procedures.
PMS has developed a strong expertise in construction contracts procedures, has a detailed knowledge and expertise in dealing with the construction industry and has developed a Project Management Plan (PMP) for the management of these projects. PMS acquired the Quality standard ISO 9001:2000 in January 2000.
The delivery of customer requirements involves managing the development of tender documentation, assembly and appointment of the design team, securing necessary planning permission, selecting contractors, overseeing progress on site and managing the costs of the projects.
PMS projects typically include:
- construction of new office accommodation, in particular the delivery of the new decentralised office requirements;
- construction and refurbishment of Garda Stations;
- management of the Prison Building Programme;
- restoration & conservation of the State's National Historic Properties;
- office fit-outs of State-owned and leased properties;
- restoration, conservation, adaptation and extension of the State's prestige properties, which include Leinster House, Dublin Castle, the National Gallery, the National Museum, the National Library and Dublin Zoo; and
- major maintenance projects.
PMS is divided into four sub-sections, each of which is responsible for differing types of project management work:
- The Justice Unit primarily manages work for the Dept. Justice, Equality & Law Reform, that is, Garda Stations, the Courts Service, Coast Guard Stations, Prisons and as well as other miscellaneous Government accommodation work including Social Welfare Offices;
- Special Projects Unit handles the Public Private partnership (PPP) projects such as the proposed new National Concert Hall and the National Theatre, as well as the National Conference Centre amongst others;
- The Cultural Institutions Unit manages the new build, restoration and conservation projects in the State's cultural institutions and historic buildings. This Unit also administers Government Grants to various cultural and heritage bodies;
- Decentralisation Unit is currently managing the procurement, design and delivery of the Government's decentralisation strategy.
The Office of Public Works has unparalleled experience in the management and design of the construction and restoration of buildings. Its work has been highly commended and publicly acclaimed. Awards won in recent years include the European Union Cultural and Heritage Award (Europa Nostra Medal) 2006 for the Palm House Complex, Botanic Gardens; Opus Architecture and Construction Award and the All Ireland Landscape 'Best Public Project' award for the Marine Institute, Co. Galway; Europa Nostra Heritage Award 2001 & the RIAI Irish Architecture Award 2001 for Leinster House 2000; Dedalo Minosse International Prize 2007 (Commendation) for 7-9 Merrion Row - The Billets; Opus Architecture and Construction Awards for the Galway City Museum and the Irish Architectural Archive; and the RIAI Triennial Gold Medal for the Ceide Fields Visitor Centre. PMS section were responsible for the management of these award-winning projects.