Repairs to Helipad on Skellig Michael
Michael Taylor
One of the many maintenance jobs carried out successfully in
1996 by the Irish Lights coast workforce was the repairs to the
Skelligs helicopter landing pad. Skelligs Lighthouse is the second
most westerly lighthouse in Europe and the helipad on this remote
island is the principal means of access for much of the year when
landings by boat are difficult because of Atlantic swells.
Work on the Skelligs helipad nearing completion, with Little Skelligs in the background (photo: Jim Pickett)
The helipad was constructed in 1969 with reinforced concrete and is partially supported off the cliff face by three 5 metre high concrete columns. There was some concern in 1973 about corrosion of the steel in these columns and they were then treated and encased with brickwork to provide additional protection from the aggressive marine environment.
This protection lasted well for 20 years but during a survey in 1995 it was found that the brick cladding on the columns, and many of the supporting concrete beams under the deck, were badly cracked.
While the helipad was not in danger of collapse, it was decided to undertake a programme of strengthening before any further deterioration occurred. Work commenced in June 1996 on removing the old brickwork and gradually strengthening the columns and main support beams with additional reinforced concrete. All materials and equipment for the job were flown to Skelligs by helicopter from Valentia.
Like all our work on the coast these days, safety was the main concern especially as the operation required the erection and dismantling of scaffolding on the edge of the cliff, 37 metres above sea level.
The helipad repairs were successfully completed on schedule before the winter storms, thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, in particular Dougie Laffan, Coast Tradesman from Midleton, Co. Cork, and John Murphy, Coast General Operative from Valentia, Co. Kerry.
Work on the Skelligs helipad nearing completion, with Little Skelligs in the background (photo: Jim Pickett)
The helipad was constructed in 1969 with reinforced concrete and is partially supported off the cliff face by three 5 metre high concrete columns. There was some concern in 1973 about corrosion of the steel in these columns and they were then treated and encased with brickwork to provide additional protection from the aggressive marine environment.
This protection lasted well for 20 years but during a survey in 1995 it was found that the brick cladding on the columns, and many of the supporting concrete beams under the deck, were badly cracked.
While the helipad was not in danger of collapse, it was decided to undertake a programme of strengthening before any further deterioration occurred. Work commenced in June 1996 on removing the old brickwork and gradually strengthening the columns and main support beams with additional reinforced concrete. All materials and equipment for the job were flown to Skelligs by helicopter from Valentia.
Like all our work on the coast these days, safety was the main concern especially as the operation required the erection and dismantling of scaffolding on the edge of the cliff, 37 metres above sea level.
The helipad repairs were successfully completed on schedule before the winter storms, thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, in particular Dougie Laffan, Coast Tradesman from Midleton, Co. Cork, and John Murphy, Coast General Operative from Valentia, Co. Kerry.