The Office of Public Works (OPW), in partnership with main contractor Kelbuild Ltd, recently hosted a STEM outreach event at the historic Magazine Fort in Dublin's Phoenix Park.

Transition Year students from Mount Sackville Secondary School joined OPW architectural graduates for an insight of the ongoing structural and fabric repair works, and learnt from the various specialist trades about traditional materials and skills required for the conservation of historic buildings and sites.

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The outreach day included the participation of roofing specialist Crannog Roofing, joinery specialist Lambstongue, and masonry and lime plaster specialist Nolans Group, with hands-on demonstrations on lead bossing and brick making.

Visitors were given an overview of the design and construction process from a Conservation Architect’s perspective, and were able to appreciate the fine workmanship of the works carried out to the Magazine Building and defensive Ramparts Walls, among others, and the reconstruction of the Duke of Dorset Gate, currently underway.

This outreach initiative successfully underscored the importance of preserving Ireland’s built heritage by promoting awareness and education in traditional construction crafts.

The first phase of restoration works at the Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park is in its final stage, with works anticipated to be completed in summer 2025.