An evening seminar on recent planning and waste legislation and the implications for the extractive industry was held in the Engineers Ireland offices, Clyde Road, Dublin 4 on July 8 2010. Speakers on the night included Chairperson Sean Finlay (President of the IMQS / Director Tobin Consulting Engineers), Brian Quirke (EPA) and Michael Owens (EPA).

Engineers Ireland have now made the WebCasts from the event available online as follows:

Introduction and Brian Quirke's Presentation

Michael Owens's Presentation

Q&A Section

The seminar included the new Planning and Development Bill (2009), Waste Management (Management of Waste from the Extractive Industries) Regulations (2009) and the Waste Management (Hazardous Waste) Regulations 1998 (re: 31st December 2010 deadline for PCB and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) disposal).

Connacht GAA was in celebratory mood when Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana turned the sod on the province’s new €10m Centre of Excellence.

“This is a hugely significant day in the history of the GAA in Connacht. It will be the first provincial Centre of Excellence in the country, which is a real feather in Connacht’s cap,” said Mr Ó Cuana, speaking at the site of the Centre at Bekan, near Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo.

Tobin Consulting Engineers are the main consultants for the project and current construction work is being crried out by Joe Reilly Plant Hire.

The Centre will feature six floodlit outdoor GAA pitches, a state-of-the-art indoor pitch, gymnasium, and related facilities. There will also be dining facilities, meeting rooms, hurling wall, cross-country pathway, handball alley, eight dressingrooms, referees’ room, equipment room, and physio and rehab rooms.

The Centre will act as a venue to test all county, club and school teams, as well as providing physical and cardiac screening for players. A research and development facility will be provided to further research into the physiological demands on GAA players. Handball and Rounders will also be catered for at the broadly-based venue.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers were represented at the Enterprise Ireland Trade dinner in Warsaw Poland by Ciaran O'Keeffe and Marek Klimczyk. TOBIN recently opened a new office in Krakow, Poland.

Pictured (l-r): Karen Cohalan, Enterprise Ireland; Billy Kelleher TD, Minister for Trade and Commerce; Ciaran O'Keeffe, Tobin Consulting Engineers; Marek Klimczyk, Tobin Consulting Engineers.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers has recently been appointed to perform sound level and noise compliance monitoring for a major outdoor concert at Marlay Park, Dublin.

This project involved both compliance monitoring at noise sensitive receptors surrounding the event location and technical liaison with the sound engineers on the sound desk. Monitoring at such events is required to ensure noise levels remain in compliance with Local Authority derived noise licence limits throughout an event.

TOBIN provide a full range of sound level and noise compliance monitoring services applicable to concerts, construction, planning and environmental studies.

The Official Opening of the new facilities at Ballinrobe Race Course, County Mayo, took place at the meeting of Tuesday, June 22nd 2010.

 The development works consisted of:

• 160-seater restaurant
• New entrance hall
• New pavilion behind the main stand
• New Carra Bar  

"These new developments are all about giving our customers greater comfort on the days of races. Our supporters have stood by us through thick and thin, and they take great pride in watching the on-going developments at the course,” said Racecourse Manager John Flannelly.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers provided all consultancy services as well as the role of Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) on the project. TOBIN have a wide range of expertise in the design, procurement and construction of sport facilities.

Séan Finlay, Director at TOBIN and current President of the Irish Mining and Quarrying Society (IMQS), is interviewed the latest issue of Machinery Movers. The article examines the state of the mining and quarry industry in Ireland.  

TOBIN Consulting Engineers provide for the evaluation of Resources, determining the quality, quantity, value and most effective options for the extraction of Minerals. TOBIN also offers its clients experience in preparing Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Planning Applications (PA) for the development of quarries, pits and mines.

The Machinery Movers article can be viewed here.

TOBIN Energy & Environment acts as the Litter Monitoring Body (LMB) on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. On the 31^st of May 2010, Mr. John Gormley, T.D. Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government announced the publication of the 2009 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report. This report was compiled by TOBIN and provides important statistical data on the composition, extent and severity of litter in Ireland.

The results were covered extensively in the media including numerous newspaper articles and an interview with WLR FM. The media coverage highlighted that cigarette butts and packets accounted for almost half of all litter thrown on Irish streets last year.  Pedestrians were the worst culprits for littering, but litter generated by motorists throwing items from their cars was on the increase.

The results also showed that 6.8% of areas surveyed were litter free, 63.5% were slightly littered, 25.7% were moderately littered, 3.7% were significantly littered and 0.3% were grossly littered.

TOBIN has acted as the LMB since 1999 and the success of the System is a result of conscientious work from Mairéad Hogan, Claire Walsh, Emma Delaney and Mary Lynch.

A milestone was reached by TOBIN Consulting Engineers on Tuesday 11th May when, after 58years in business, we officially opened our first Overseas Office. This was the culmination of months of research, analysis and action involving numerous personnel- including TOBIN’s Polish staff, and reaffirms TOBIN’s commitment to develop new markets.

Pictured at the Official Opening are (L-R) Vice President of Kraków Prof. Wiesław Starowicz, Marek Kilmczyk General Manager of the TOBIN Kraków office, the Chargé d’affaires from the Irish Embassy in Poland Mr. Eddie Brannigan and Robert Tobin, Managing Director,TOBIN Consulting Engineers.

The opening of our office in Kraków Poland brought together local politicians and dignitaries including the Vice President of Kraków Prof. Wiesław Starowicz, the Chargé d’affaires from the Irish Embassy in Poland, Mr. Eddie Brannigan and also some of our newest clients in Poland, who in some cases travelled great distances to celebrate with us.

Since 2009, TOBIN has won seven projects in Poland in the fields of waste water, airport design, infrastructure layout, building refurbishment and logistics facilities.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers are pleased to announce the following appointments effective from 1st January 2010;

Eamonn Waldron, Chartered Engineer, is appointed Chairman. Eamonn served as Managing Director of TOBIN from 1999 to 2009, a period which saw the major expansion of the company in Ireland and in Poland and developing strong elements of new business in environmental engineering and infrastructural development. He served as President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland in 2007-2008.

Robert Tobin, Chartered Engineer, is appointed Managing Director. Robert has been a director of TOBIN since1992, responsible for much of the company’s water services work and for the strategic development of the practice since 2000. He is the son of the late Patrick Tobin the co-founder of the company.

Commenting on these appointments Eamonn Waldron, Chairman said

 “ The current climate for professional engineers is extremely difficult but TOBIN is well positioned to emerge stronger from this difficult period, having implemented cost cutting measures; reconfiguring the management structure and entering new markets which promise to replace the much reduced public expenditure arena in Ireland.

I also pay tribute to our outgoing Chairman, Donal Downes, a co-founder of the firm,who retires after an illustrious and successful career with TOBIN since 1952. I am glad to note  Donal remains with us as a Senior Consultant .”

On November 19th 2009, Minister Gormley launched a report on the International Review of Waste Management Policy in Ireland. TOBIN and European Environmental consultants Eunomia were engaged to conduct the review and the IRWMP report with 24 recommendations on the management of waste and future policies was introduced to the waste industry at the 7th National Waste Summit at the Croke Park Convention Centre.

The report and associated documents can be found at the following links:

http://www.environ.ie/en/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,21596,en.pdf
http://www.environ.ie/en/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,21598,en.pdf

Newly graduated Declan Gavigan from Ardara, Co Donegal is the recipient of this year’s P.J. Tobin and Company Gold Medal and Research Scholarship in Civil Engineering at NUI Galway.  The gold medal is awarded to the student who attains the highest overall mark in the B.E. Degree Examination in Civil Engineering. 

Pictured at the recent graduation ceremonies at NUI Galway were (L-r):  president of NUI Galway, Dr James J. Browne, Dr Piaras Ó hEachteirn, head of civil engineering; Eamonn Waldron, MD of Tobin Consulting Engineers, Declan Gavigan; and Declan’s parents Eileen and Hugh, with sister Gráinne.

Pictured at the ICF and IMQS Conference are:

Siobhan Tinnelly (TOBIN), Sean Finlay (IMQS President), Minister John Gormley, Christy Loghnane (ICF) and Gerry Farrell (ICF)

The Irish Concrete Federation (ICF) and Irish Mining and Quarrying Society (IMQS) Planning and Environment Seminar took place on November 19^th in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Sean Finlay (as IMQS President) acted as Chairman for the afternoon session.

A varied group comprising of legal, planning and environmental experts provided excellent presentations on recent changes to legislation that are affecting the extractive industry, case studies on recent planning court cases and the potential impacts on the industry as a result of the awaited amending legislation required by ECJ C-215/06 (Derrybrien case/Retention) which we anticipate will be introduced at the Committee stage of the current Planning & Development Bill 2009.

The Archaeological Code was also addressed by the DEHLG and the NPWS provided an insight into the new Biodiversity Guidelines.

Minister Gormley was in attendance in the morning to launch the new National Biodiversity Guidelines for the Extractive Industry and to address the legislative issues currently affecting the ICF/IMQS members.  The new Draft Waste Management (Management of Waste from the Extractive Industries) Regulations 2009 were also introduced by Michael Owens, EPA.

Conference Theme.

Following on from the highly successful seminars of recent years, the Irish Concrete Federation is pleased to announce that this year’s
seminar will be hosted in association with the Irish Mining & Quarrying Society. This important annual event will concentrate, this year, on the regulatory impacts of recent changes in legislation and court judgements, as well as welcoming the launch of the National Parks &
Wildlife Service Biodiversity Guidelines for the Extractive Industry.

Numerous developments in planning and environmental law over the last number of years have had a significant impact on the extractive
industry. The key developments are reviewed and discussed, including the impact of European Courts of Justice decision, ECJ C-215/06, the recent transposition of the Management of Waste in the Extractive Industry Directive, and the Industry’s stated position on the
requi red regulat ion for a sustainable industry.
Stakeholder concerns and participation are addressed through presentations from leading figures from An Taisce and the European
Aggregate Producers Association (UEPG). The programme has areas of interest for industry
operators, consultants, local authority planners, environmental scientists and engineers, as well policy makers, ENGOs, and the legal profession.
Minster for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley T.D., has again kindly agreed to open the seminar. Both the ICF and the IMQS are delighted to welcome Minister Gormley to our 2009 Seminar, which we confidently expect to once more attract a full capacity attendance.

Click here to download the full conference brochure in pdf.

TOBIN has been awarded a contract by Airtricity to complete an Environmental Impact Statement and a full planning application for the development of a 9MW Windfarm in the townland of Teevurcher County Meath. The site is located approximately 0.75km northeast of the village of Tierworker. The closest town to the site is Bailieborough in Co. Cavan, which lies 5km to the northwest. 

TOBIN has previously completed an Environmental Impact Statement and a full planning application for this Windfarm in 2003. This Windfarm received planning in 2003 but the planning application time line has lapsed, therefore a new application is currently underway.

TOBIN Environmental have been reappointed as the Litter Monitoring Body with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) for a further six months. This is an extension to TOBIN's third contract with the DoEHLG which commenced in 2007. TOBIN's role is to assist local authorities in the prevention and control of litter pollution within their functional areas. This includes providing guidance on a methodology by which to assess the success of anti-litter initiatives and to better direct local authority resources, assessing the performance of local authorities in relation to their objectives under the Litter Management Plans and advising the Department in relation to Litter Management Planning at a national level.

Kerry County Council have confirmed the extension of the brief for the Kerry Central Regional Water Supply Scheme to include network modelling of the distribution systems at Tralee and Killarney.  This project is being undertaken in partnership with Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers are delighted to announce that we have been appointed to undertake a project in Łomianki, in east central Poland. (Łomianki is an urban-rural “gmina”(administrative district) in Warsaw West County, Masovian Voivodeship, which lies approximately 15 kilometres north-east of Ożarów Mazowiecki and 16 km north-west of Warsaw.)

The gmina covers an area of 38.06 square kilometres and as of 2006 its total population is 21,985.

The aim of the project is to upgrade the existing Łomianki water supply system and sewerage system to comply with Polish and European Union law requirements, i.e. to improve environment protection through the gradual improvement of sewage collection and treatment systems, and improve ground water protection through the significant reduction in the number of septic tanks in the system. The project is due for completion in March 2010.

TOBIN Director Ciaran O’Keeffe signed contract documents with Zaklad Wodociagow i Kanalizacji w Lomiankach Sp. z o.o. (Lomianki Water & Sewerage Authority) in Łomianki on Thursday July 23rd, 2009.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers opened a branch office in Lodz, central Poland, in March 2009.

Irish Mining and Quarrying Society (IMQS) /International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH)

Please find below a link to the recent IMQS/IAH joint technical discussion entitled
 
“Digging into Geological Databases – a guide to FREE websites”.

Click here for video 

Note: If you haven't used this player before, the video panel can be expanded using the icon on the top right of the player.
You may also need to activate some programmes when promoted in order to view the presentation and video of the speaker.

The Volvo Ocean Race Galway Stopover which is a two week spectacular sporting event, 200,000 visitors are expected to attend the free venue which comprises of over 100 Acts ranging from music, art, dancing etc.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers are involved in the preparation works for this event which include . Planning Permission for Temporary and Permanent Pontoons . Planning Permission for media centre, . Planning Permission for Deep Water Dock and slipway, . Planning Permission for marina’s, . Foreshore Application for swing moorings and slipway, . Boat layouts for the inner dock . Group meetings with Planning and Roads Departments of Galway City Council.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers have moved their Polish branch office to Kraków. Poland is an emerging market and there are significant opportunities in many sectors there. Poland has a population of over 38million people and has a large European investment fund of €85bn available for infrastructure projects. The TOBIN board took a decision to explore the Polish market and the opportunities that currently exist there. Ciaran O'Keeffe is the dedicated TOBIN Director for Poland. Please contact Ciaran with any queries. (ciaran.o'keeffe@tobin.ie)

Visit www.tobin.pl

The Irish Mining and Quarrying Society(IMQS), the independent society for people involved in all aspects of the Minerals Industry in Ireland, has announced the appointment of Sean Finlay as President of the Society.
 
Sean’s aims for his time as President include developing and strengthening the links between the IMQS and other like-minded organisations in the sector, as well as increasing the number of members joining the IMQS, and influencing the shape of forth-coming amendments to the Planning Act.
 
Sean is a Professional Geologist and a Chartered Engineer, and has been a Director of TOBIN Consulting Engineers since 2000. He is Chairman of both Glencar Mining plc and of Aurum Mining plc, which are listed on London’s Alternative Investment Market. He has a B. Sc in Geology from UCD and a Diploma in Management for Engineers from Trinity College Dublin.

Visit: www.imqs.ie

View media coverage: Click Here Machenery Movers Article

TOBIN can now provide BER (Buildign Energy Rating) assessments through out Ireland.

TOBIN Consulting Engineers use professional in house engineers who are Registered as Building Energy Rating (BER) Assessors for both domestic and non-domestic buildings. Our Assessors are skilled in the use of Sustainable Energy Irelands Energy Assessment Procedure for Domestic and Non-Domestic Buildings.

Our Assessors can provide the following services:

(i) Provisional and Final BER Certificates for Domestic and Non-Domestic Buildings
(ii) Advisory Reports providing cost effective recommendations to improve the BER rating
(iii) Part L Conservation of Fuel & Energy Building Regulations Compliance Reports

Click here for more inforamtion. or Click here to download our BER brochure (PDF)

Brendan Mulligan, Eamonn Waldron, Minister for Trade & Commerce John Mc Guinness, Maura Walsh, Paddy Breen NSAI, Niall O’ Shea

TOBIN Consulting Engineers has become the first Irish consulting engineering firm to achieve accreditation to three ISO standards: ISO 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001 from NSAI.  TOBIN were initially accredited to ISO 9001 and were successful in recent audits in gaining accreditation to ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) and OHSAS 18001 (Safety Management System).

On December  3rd 2008,  Mr. John McGuinness, TD and Minister  for Trade and Commerce with Mr.Paddy Breen, Director of Client Services, NSAI presented Eamonn Waldron, MD of TOBIN Consulting Engineers, with the certificates of accreditation.  The scope of the TOBIN Environmental Management System covers both the organisation's physical office activities as well as the environmental impacts of the Design and Project Management Services TOBIN provides to its clients.  The scope of the TOBIN Safety Management System covers both the organisation's place of work in addition to the Design, Project Supervisor Design Process and Project Management Services TOBIN provides on construction projects.

These add to TOBIN’s existing ISO 9001 accreditation (Quality Management System). These standards, ISO 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001, comprise a suite of recognised standards and demonstrate that TOBIN’s quality, environmental and safety management systems meet best international practice.

Eamonn Waldron with Minister for Trade & Commerce John Mc Guinness.

The Minister congratulated TOBIN on their achievement and commented that it was encouraging to see an Irish owned consulting engineering company aiming and achieving accreditation to the highest international standards.  He went on to say that Irish companies must strive to achieve such standards to contribute further to Ireland’s knowledge led economy.

Eamonn Waldron, MD of TOBIN, in accepting the certificates, noted that the achievement of these accreditations were the realisation of a core deliverable of the company’s strategic plan.  Speaking of the awards, he stated “these systems provide a framework for harnessing TOBIN’s knowledge resources and infrastructure and ensure that we deliver quality engineering solutions for our clients to the highest environmental and safety standards”.

Mr Paddy Breen concurred with Eamonn’s sentiments and promoted  the advantages of an integrated business management system which delivers effective worldclass quality services valued by clients.