Cape Clear Island Storm Gate Refurbishment
In July 2020, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) appointed GABE to undertake storm gate refurbishment at Cape Clear Island Harbour, County Cork.
GABE acted as Principal Contractor and Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS). The €157,000 project involved eight steel storm gate stop logs. Each measured approximately 12 metres long and 1.6 metres high.
Specialist Storm Gate Refurbishment
GABE’s specialist team positioned the stop logs on supporting stools. The team then erected tube-and-fitting scaffolding and installed full encapsulation.
The scaffold design followed TG20 standards and featured a removable roof. This allowed the team to reposition the stop logs and access contact points during the refurbishment.
Our specialists carried out high-pressure washing, grit blasting and ultra-high-pressure (UHP) surface preparation. They then applied the specified protective coating system to the steelwork.
The team also protected existing services and rubber seals, installed lifting lugs and implemented environmental controls.
Safe Delivery and Quality Assurance
GABE maintained safe harbour operations throughout the project. Pedestrian and traffic management measures protected harbour users while allowing normal activities to continue.
Our scaffold foreman inspected the access system daily. The team also carried out additional inspections following high tides and vessel arrivals.
GABE maintained strict quality controls throughout the storm gate refurbishment. Our specialists checked surface cleanliness, salt reduction, rust removal and coating thickness. They inspected and approved each stage before applying the next coat.
Although COVID-19 delayed the initial start, GABE managed the programme through weekly planning and monthly project meetings.
GABE delivered all works using its own specialist personnel. The project demonstrates our expertise in marine infrastructure refurbishment, steel surface preparation and protective coatings.
