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Christmas Closure gate times 2023/2024

Dear Students and Staff Please follow the below links in relation to the Christmas Closure gate times for 2023/24.

Holiday Power Down

We all know how important it is to act to protect our planet against the effects of climate change!

This is how you can help play your part to help Trinity meet our 2030 Greenhouse Gas emission targets and protect our planet:

Before leaving for the long weekend and if you’re lucky a longer mid-term break!, please remember to shut down your computer, switch off lighting and anything else that can be safely turned off or unplugged

Please also close windows, blinds and doors, and encourage colleagues to do the same!

User behaviour, primarily through switching off non-essential equipment and lighting at evenings, weekends and holiday periods is a key factor in helping Trinity reduce energy usage, lower CO2 emissions and reduce costs.

Even if you are planning to be in Trinity during the long weekend doing research or studying please remember to put in an extra effort to switch off all non-essential equipment.

So before you leave:

  • Switch off computers, monitors and chargers
  • Switch off any peripheral equipment- speakers, printers, photocopiers
  • Close all windows
  • Switch off all lights
  • Switch off all non-essential research equipment
  • Switch off and close as many fume cupboards as possible- try to minimise the number left on for chemical storage
  • Switch off glass drying ovens

If you observe any central plant that is on and should be off, please email estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie or myself and we will assess what can be done to rectify that.


All suggestions above equally apply at the end of every working day.


In shared areas it is important not to assume someone else will turn off equipment or lights. If possible please agree with colleagues to ensure that that those leaving last will switch off non essential equipment and lighting.


Thank you once again for your ongoing assistance in reducing energy consumption and helping the College work towards our 2030 energy efficiency targets.


We will report back after the mid-term on how successful we have been in reducing energy and CO2 emissions over the period. 

Estates & Facilities

STUDENT LOCKER rentals 2023/24 Academic Year

Student lockers are available in the following locations:

  • Arts
  • Hamilton
  • Lloyd
  • Trinity Bio Science Institute (TBSI)
  • 7/9 South Leinster Street
  • St James Hospital (Trinity Centre)

You can reserve a locker in a similar manner to purchasing online tickets via our TCD, T-Card, all Students registered for the 2023/24 Academic Year are eligible to rent a locker at https://tcard.tcd.ie

Lockers will be offered on a first come first served basis for a period of 9 months commencing Tuesday 26th September 2023, rental end date will be Friday 5th July 2024 with a rental fee of €20.00.

You can reserve a locker in a similar manner to purchasing online tickets via our TCD, T-Card, all Students registered for the 2023/24 Academic Year are eligible to rent a locker at https://tcard.tcd.ie

Please note lockers cannot be rented prior to 26th September, the locker rental system goes live on that date.

Estates & Facilities

12 Energy Saving Tips


Here are 12 useful tips to help staff and students save energy....

Starting now…

1. Talk to your colleagues to agree responsibilities for switching off shared kitchen and office equipment, including photocopiers, printers, scanners, fax machines, fridges, freezers, vending machines, hot water boilers, radios, etc.

2. Survey labs, to identify and agree with colleagues which equipment can be switched off during the break. Remember some equipment may affect other labs (e.g. fume cupboards on linked ductwork). For example; arrange the combination of equipment etc into one fume cupboard, so the rest can be turned off.

Before you leave…

3. Shut down your PC and turn your monitor off

Did you know that leaving your PC and monitor on over the holidays would cost nearly €6!

4. Ensure all windows and doors are closed.

5. After doing the background work in tips 1 and 2, switch off all office and lab equipment, including photocopiers, printers, scanners, fax machines etc, and fume cupboards, incubators, glass ovens, compressors etc, Un-used fume cupboards in particular can waste huge amounts of warm air – which costs money, and wastes fuel.

Did you know that a fume cupboard left on 24/7 uses 6 tonnes of CO2, which is more than the average home!!!

6. Switch off all unnecessary lights – but only switch off exit route lights
if you are sure you are the last to leave.

7. Switch off vending machines - ideally hot drinks machines should
be emptied of water before the break and then re-filled before being
switched on again after Christmas.

8. Turn off all water consuming devices in your area and leave off when the
College is closed. This reduces risks of flooding with unsupervised equipment

9. Switch off your Zip/Burco hot water boiler – Turn off all wall mounted water boilers in labs, break rooms and rest areas

During a long break…

10. Take time to ‘switch off’ while College is closed - if it is necessary for you to come in over the holidays please ensure you switch off all lights and equipment as you leave.

Road works at Pearse Lane and the Printing House - from the 8th August to the 15th September 2023

Traffic on Pearse Lane and at the Printing House will be restricted from 8.00 am on Tuesday, August 8th until 4.00 pm on Friday, September 15th for the excavation of a trench and the installation of a new services ducts. These new services are required for the Book Kells Experience Project which is currently under construction in New Square.

Alternative temporary pedestrian access to Printing House Square will be required, at times during the works. Parking restrictions on Pearse Lane and at the Printing House will be in operation from 8.00 am on Tuesday, August 8th until 4.00 pm on Friday, September 15th.

We thank you for your understanding as we continue to improve the College’s built environment.

Beidh srian ar thrácht ar Lána an Phiarsaigh agus ag an gClólann ó 8.00am Dé Máirt an 8 Lúnasa go dtí 4.00pm Dé hAoine an 15 Meán Fómhair mar go mbeidh díog á tochailt agus duchtanna nua seirbhíse á suiteáil. Tá na seirbhísí nua sin riachtanach do Thionscadal Eispéiris Leabhar Cheanannais atá á thógáil faoi láthair sa Chearnóg Nua.

Beidh gá le bealach isteach sealadach eile do choisithe chuig Cearnóg na Clólainne ag amanna le linn na hoibre. Beidh srianta páirceála i bhfeidhm ag Lána an Phiarsaigh agus ag an gClólann ó 8.00 am Dé Máirt an 8 Lúnasa go dtí 4.00 pm Dé hAoine an 15 Meán Fómhair.

Gabhaimid buíochas leat as bheith foighneach linn de réir mar a leanaimid orainn ag feabhsú thimpeallacht thógtha an Choláiste.

 

Crane Lift - SNIAM Building - Saturday 19th August 2023

The planned crane lift for SNIAMS is proceeding on Saturday 19th August commencing at 7am to remove obsolete chiller and buffer vessel.

Please see here detail of crane location. Sirus along with crane specialist will carry out the work and should be complete by 11am.

We apologise for any inconveniences this may cause during these essential works

 

Essential tree works - Tuesday 20th June 2023

Due to essential tree works for the Summer Series (as per the College Habitats Maintenance Policy) it will be necessary to curtail access to the College Park broad walk area (walkway between the college park and the rugby pitch) for tomorrow, Tuesday 20th June.

An alternative pedestrian walkway will be made available along the college park side of the board walk while these works are taking place.

Wheelchair and emergency access will be maintained during these works.

Crane Lift - O'Reilly Building - Saturday 10th June 2023

There is a planned crane lift at the O’Reilly Building for tomorrow Saturday 10th June from 6am to 11am.

The crane will access the site via Lincoln and down by the hording of the E3 site.

There will be no interruption to pedestrian routes during the works or exit routes from the Lloyd or O’Reilly Buildings.

Nassau St. Gate - Closure - Thursday 25th May

The Estates Department wish to advise all students and colleagues that the Nassau Street exit will be closed from 9.45pm on Thursday 25th May to permit maintenance works occur in the vicinity.

It will re-open as normal on Friday morning 26th May.

We appreciate your patience whilst we carry out these essential works.

The Estates Team.

Trinity Ball 2023 - Second Notice

11.04.2023

The Board has approved the holding of the Trinity Ball on Friday the 14th of April 2023.

The University main campus only, (other University sites will operate as normal) will be closed from 17.30 on Friday 14 April 2023 for the annual Trinity Ball. The following information on the arrangements for the Ball is issued for your guidance on that day:

Other University Sites

Building and campuses in the vicinity of the main campus will operate as per normal and are not required to close and be vacated at 17:30.

Pedestrian Access & Front Gate Closure

Front Gate is closed until Tuesday the 18th of April 2023 to allow for the erection and decanting of the stage safely. The University Community will still have access to the houses (including Regent House) off Parliament Square, but access will be from Front Square side only. Access for pedestrians will be through the new Printing House Square Gate beside Pearse Street Gate and the Nassau Street Gate at the Arts Building. Access for residents after midnight will still be through Front Gate.

The Nassau Street entrance (Arts Building) will open as normal on Saturday 15th of April 2023 at 08:00 and remain open until midnight.

Restricted Access from 14:00 on the 14th of April 2023 to the West End of the University

Pedestrians accessing (entry and exit) the West Area of University between 14:00 and 17.30 on the Friday of the Ball is through Nassau Street entrance (Arts Building) on production of a valid student / staff card or App.

All staff and students who are not working at the Ball are requested to leave the University main campus before 17.30 on the 14th of April 2023 whether based in the Ball area or otherwise, as all gates including perimeter key gates, the Narrows Gate and the House 40 Rose Garden Gate will close at 17:30.

Access for Visitors Non TCD Staff / Students from 14:00 on the 14 of April 2023 to the West End of the University

It is recommended from 14:00 on the 14th of April 2023 that if staff and students have meetings with non TCD staff, students, and / or visitors they should try if possible to arrange the meeting in the East Area of campus or a building in the vicinity of the main campus.

Schools and Departments that require access for non TCD staff, students, and / or visitors to the West Area from 14:00 will be required to forward an excel spread sheet with the names, contact numbers, access location required (i.e. Arts Building Burke Theatre), the TCD contact and contact number to the Estates & Facilities Services Centre (estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie) by close of business on Thursday the 13th of April 2023.

The above applies to Schools and Departments that have partnerships with external service providers to run courses in the School or Department that will require access after 14:00. Unless they have a TCD ID or are on the visitors list they will not be permitted access.

Ball Staff

Pedestrian access after 17:30 for authorised Ball staff will be via Nassau Street entrance (Arts Building) only. The Ball staff will be required to produce a valid student / staff card or App with their letter confirming they are working at the Trinity Ball.

Secretary’s Supper Staff

Pedestrian access is via Nassau Street entrance (Arts Building) only. The staff will be required to produce a valid student / staff card or App with their letter confirming they are working at the Supper.

Secretary’s Supper Guests

Admission to the Secretary’s Supper is via Nassau Street entrance (Arts Building) only at the time stated on the invitation.

Ticket Holders

Admission to the Ball for ticket holders only is via the Nassau Street entrance (Arts Building) and the Westland Row Entrance at the O’Reilly Institute (opposite the Pearse Street Train Station) between 21:00 and 22:30.

There is no entry for ticket holders via Front Gate.

Residents

Residents will be admitted as outlined below on presentation of valid identification – Staff or Student Card / App and Residents Key Card.

Residents not attending the Ball must be in the rooms by 19:00 as there will be no access to residents who are not ticket holders between 19:00 and 02:00 into the University.

Residents who are ticket holders must leave the University by 19:00 and can only enter the University with a valid ticket at their assigned gate (Westland Row Gate or Nassau Street) between 21:00 and 22:30. They cannot remain in the Trinity Ball Area until the gates open.

East End of Campus Residences Houses 47 to 56

Residents not attending the Trinity Ball must stay in the rooms from 19:00.

From 17:00 until 19:00 access for Residents for Houses 47 to 56 is via the Lincoln Place Gate.

There is no access to the University for residents between the hours of 19:00 and 02:00.

After 02:00 access is via the Lincoln Place Gate.

Those attending the Trinity Ball must leave the University by 19:00 as they will be required to queue like everyone else attending the Trinity Ball.

Goldsmith Hall Residences

Residents will be admitted by the door at Westland Row only after 17:30.

There will be no access to the University via the Goldsmith Hall bridge until 05:00 the following morning.

New Square Residences

Residents not attending the Trinity Ball must stay in the rooms from 19:00.

From 17:00 until 19:00 access is via the Nassau Street Gate.

There is no access to the University for residents between the hours of 19:00 and 02:00.

After 02:00 access is via the Nassau Street Gate.

Those attending the Trinity Ball must leave the University by 19:00 as they will be required to queue like everyone else attending the Trinity Ball.

Residents in New Square attending the Trinity Ball will have NO Access to their residences and they will not be able to come and go from their residences like previous years as the area is outside the Trinity Ball area.

Front Square Residences

Residents not attending the Trinity Ball must stay in the rooms from 19:00.

From 17:00 until 19:00 access is via the Nassau Street Gate.

There is no access to the University for residents between the hours of 19:00 and 02:00.

After 02:00 access is via the Nassau Street Gate.

Those attending the Trinity Ball must leave the University by 19:00 as they will be required to queue like everyone else attending the Trinity Ball.

Botany Bay, Houses 28 & 30 Residences

Residents not attending the Trinity Ball must stay in the rooms from 19:00.

From 17:00 until 19:00 access is via the Nassau Street Gate.

There is no access to the University for residents between the hours of 19:00 and 02:00.

After 02:00 access is via the Nassau Street Gate.

Those attending the Trinity Ball must leave the University by 19:00 as they will be required to queue like everyone else attending the Trinity Ball.

Residents in Botany Bay, Houses 28 & 30 attending the Trinity Ball will have restricted access to their residences and they will not be able to come and go from their residences like previous years as crowd control measures will be in place for the operation of Stage 2.

Printing House Square Residences

Residents not attending the Trinity Ball must stay in the rooms from 19:00.

From 17:00 until 19:00 access is via the Printing House Square Pedestrian Gate.

There is no access to the University for residents between the hours of 19:00 and 02:00.

After 02:00 access is via the Printing House Square Pedestrian Gate.

Those attending the Trinity Ball must leave the University by 19:00 as they will be required to queue like everyone else attending the Trinity Ball.

Residents in Printing House Square attending the Trinity Ball will have no access to their residences and they will not be able to come and go from their residences.

Vehicle Access

All Gates, including the Narrows Gate and the Gate at the Rose Garden (House 40), will close at 17:30 on Friday the 14th of April 2023. It will not be possible thereafter to get from one end of University to the other in any circumstances.

Car Parking

All cars must be removed from the West End of the University and Rugby Pitch Car Park by 17:30. Cars may be left in the East End, but please be warned of the potential for damage caused by ‘gate-crashers’ attempting to gain admission to the Ball. Cars may not leave the East End of the University via the Lincoln Place Gate after 17:30 on Friday the 14th of April 2023 until 08:00 on Saturday 15th of April 2023.

Accessible Spaces

Temporary accessible car parking spaces (reserved for people with disabilities) will be provided in 200 Pearse Street / Rugby Pitch Car Park to replace those lost due to the restrictions.

Off Campus Parking Facilities

To compensate for the loss of parking spaces on Campus, fifty (50) spaces have been reserved for Trinity College permit holders in the Parkrite Public Car Park on Fleet Street. University permit holders may avail of these spaces ‘free of charge’ between Thursday the 6th of April 2023 and Monday 17th of April 2023 inclusive. These parking facilities are available on a 24 hour basis throughout the period and are being funded by the Ball Committee.

University Buildings

All University buildings on the main campus (all other University sites will operate as normal) will remain closed from 17:30 on Friday 14th of April 2023 until normal opening hours on Saturday 15th of April 2023. There will be no access to any of the University buildings on the main campus after 17:30 (even outside the Ball area). This restriction affects all staff and students including those who would normally have access to buildings outside the usual opening hours. An essential staff list must be submitted to estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie by the close of business on Thursday the 13th of April 2023.

Security

The University will be at greater risk than normal during the period of the Ball. Therefore, please pay particular attention to securing rooms / offices and other facilities by ensuring that doors and windows are properly locked (including shutters if fitted). Do not leave valuables on view. This warning applies to all accommodation in the University, both residential and office, whether in the Ball area or not. Special attention should be paid to securing windows and doors in ground floor areas, particularly in the properties in Pearse Street, Westland Row, South Leinster Street and Lincoln Place.

Trinity Ball 2023 - First Notice

03.04.2023

The Board has approved the holding of the Trinity Ball on Friday the 14th of April 2023. Preparations for the Ball will begin on Thursday the 6th of April 2023.

There will be a new layout for the Trinity Ball in 2023 which will take in Parliament Square, Front Square, Library Square, Fellow Square and Botany Bay this year. The main stage will be constructed at the end of Parliament Square, at Front Square, with a second Stage in the Botany Bay courts and marquee in Fellow Square. The preparations associated with the safety and security arrangements for the Ball are substantial and your co-operation is requested please.

Parking Restrictions and Traffic Arrangements:

  • Botany Bay

    This is a new measure due to change in the layout. All vehicles must be removed from Botany Bay from 17:00 on Wednesday the 5th of April 2023. For safety reasons there will be no parking in these areas until the evening of Tuesday the 18th of April 2023.

  • New Square

    All vehicles must be removed from New Square from 17:00 on Wednesday the 5th of April 2023. For safety reasons there will be no parking in these areas until the evening of Tuesday the 18th of April 2023.

  • 200 Pearse Street / Rugby Pitch Car Park

    All vehicles must be removed by 17.30 on Friday the 14th of April 2023. There will be no parking in this area until Saturday the 15th of April 2023 at 5pm.

Front Gate Closure (6th of April 2023 to the 18th of April 2023)

Front Gate will close on midnight on Thursday the 6th of April 2023 until Tuesday the 18th of April 2023 to allow for the erection and decanting of the stage safely.

The University Community will still have access to the houses (including Regent House) off Parliament Square, but access will be from Front Square side only.

Access for pedestrians will be through the new Printing House Square Gate beside Pearse Street Gate and the Nassau Street Gate at the Arts Building.

Access for residents after midnight will still be through Front Gate.

Entrance - East End of Campus

A condition of the license from the Statutory Authorities is that a third entrance is required at the Westland Row Gate beside the Sports Complex.

The entrance will be the Westland Row Gate through the SNIAM / Physiology walkway along the Broadwalk and into the Rose Garden. A corridor will be formed with ‘ready’ fencing along this route to shepherd the attendees to the Ball area as quickly, safely, and securely as possible.

This will cause disruption to the East End of Campus on Friday the 14th of April 2023 in order to set up for the Ball.

University Closure – Island Campus Only (Change in time 17:30)

The University main campus only, (other University sites will operate as normal) will be closed from 17.30 on Friday the 14th of April 2023 for the annual Trinity Ball and remain closed until normal opening hours on Saturday the 15th of April 2023.

All staff and students who are not working at the Ball are requested to leave the University main campus only before 17.30 on Friday the 14th of April, whether based in the Ball area or otherwise, as all gates (including perimeter key gates, the Narrows Gate and the House 40 Garden Gate will close at 17:30.

Other University Sites

Building and campuses in the vicinity of the main campus will operate as per normal and are not required to close and be vacated at 17:30.

Accessible Spaces

From Monday the 3rd of April 2023 three (3) temporary accessible car parking spaces (reserved for people with disabilities) will be provided in 200 Pearse Street / Rugby Pitch Car Park to replace those lost due to the restrictions.

Off Campus Parking Facilities – Fleet Street

To compensate for the loss of parking spaces on Campus fifty (50) spaces have been reserved for Trinity College permit holders in the Parkrite Public Car Park on Fleet Street. College permit holders may avail of these spaces ‘free of charge’ between Thursday the 6th of April 2023 and Tuesday the 18th of April 2023 – inclusive. Please note there will be no ‘free parking’ on Saturdays or Sundays. Further details on these arrangements will be circulated by the Estates & Facilities Department in due course.

This is a 24-hour facility and is being funded by the Ball Committee.

Access

Access to and from Front Square will be maintained through New Square North

Your cooperation in these matters is greatly appreciated.

Physics Square Lawn – Closure - August-September 2022

In order to carry out essential lawn maintenance it will be necessary to restrict the usage of Physics Square Lawn (next to Fitzgerald & Zoology Buildings) for a period of 6 weeks beginning Tuesday 2nd August 2022.

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to users of this area during these essential works.

Estates & Facilities Department.

Long Room Hub Maintenance Programme - July 2022

Maintenance works will be commencing at the Long Room Hub. As part of these works, a scaffold system is to be installed which will require restricted access for both pedestrian and vehicles.

To safely enclose the work area it is necessary to close off the pedestrian walkway at the side and rear of the 1937 Reading Room and in front of the Long Room Hub, emergency access will be maintained during the works. We have attached a drawing outlining the access restrictions in place, while these works are being completed.

There will therefore, be no pedestrian or vehicle access at the side and rear of the 1937 Reading Room and restricted access in front of the Long Room Hub. There will be a section of the pathway sealed off in front of the 1937 Reading Room for a compound.

The works will commence at 7am on Monday the 4th July at the Long Room Hub and on Friday 1st July in front of the 1937 Reading Room.

Please follow this link in relation to restricted areas due to maintenance works at the Long Room Hub.

Retirement of Prof. John Parnell, Chairman of the Grounds & Gardens Committee

To mark the retirement of the Chairman of the Grounds & Gardens Committee Prof John Parnell, the GAGC and E&F held a reception in the Atrium on Wednesday 17th November, 2021.

A tree, a Quercus robur 'Purpurea' (Purple-leaved English Oak), was planted in the Physics Lawn to mark his tenure as Chairman and invaluable contribution to the GAGC, College and Estates & Facilities.

It is a rare selection of our native English oak with wonderful, smoky-purple coloured leaves and a densely branching, rounded habit. This plant is only available in small numbers and is very rarely listed for sale.

The purple English oak is notable for its deep purple foliage upon emergence in the spring. The stunning leaves become more green as the season progresses but retain a hint of red. At maturity, the purple English oak will be smaller than the species but still a very large tree.

Student Lockers rentals 2021/22 Academic Year

You can reserve a locker in a similar manner to purchasing online tickets via our TCD, T-Card.

All Students registered for the 2021/22 Academic Year are eligible to rent a locker at https://tcard.tcd.ie.

Lockers will be offered on a first come first served basis for a period of 9 months commencing Tuesday 28th September (rental period 28th September 2021 to 30th June 2022).

Contractor/Visitor Covid-19 Questionnaire

To ensure the safety and health of all people attending Trinity College campus, each contractor/visitor must complete this declaration form prior to entering our site:

Contractor/Visitor Covid-19 Questionnaire

Once completed it must be returned to their TCD Contact Person. Access requirements would be forwarded to our Service Centre on estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie

Campus maintenance team challenges

Have a read of this recent article, by Alan Mahon, TurfPro's Ireland editor, featured in Turf Pro’s weekly highlights.

It helps to highlight the scope of the work that’s involved with keeping our campus grounds running smoothly.

It’s not just our Main Campus we have to deal with, there are 17 external properties to manage as well all with each with their own set of unique challenges.

Click here to read

Closure of the Dining Hall, the Commons Rooms and the Atrium

The Dining Hall, Commons Rooms and Atrium will be closed until 19th May 2021 to facilitate window refurbishments. The refurbishment is being carried out to improve functionality, aesthetics and general protection from weathering elements. All works will be carried out in accordance with the Specification for Repair to Sliding Sash Windows.

These works commenced on the 6th of April and weather permitting completion is expected on the 19th of May 2021.

Trinity College Dublin’s first Estates Strategy positions the campus for the future

Student learning, teaching and research at the heart of Trinity’s Estates Strategy


Estates Strategy includes:

  • 230 million capital programme
  • Residential Plan
  • Conservation Plan
  • Refurbishment Plan

Dublin, Wednesday, November 21st, 2018 – Student learning, teaching and research are at the heart of Trinity College Dublin’s first Estates Strategy launched today [Wednesday, November 21st].  College Bursar, Veronica Campbell presented the University’s Estates Strategy with its  €230 million capital programme  to  the gathered College community of  students and staff at a special event organised for the College community.


Emphasising the Estates Strategy’s key objectives, Professor Campbell said:
“Trinity has one of the most significant campuses worldwide. As a university campus it first and foremost serves the needs of the College community. It provides an environment that supports student learning, enables research and creates an ambience in which the Trinity community connects and flourishes.  We aim to provide facilities that support our students and staff for all their needs and ensure there is a plan to sustain growth over the long-term.”
The Estates Strategy includes flagship projects such as the new Trinity Business School which will open in March. The Printing House Square development which is due to open in 2019, providing on campus student accommodation for up to 250 students along with a range of student services.
It also includes the E3-Engineering, Environment and Emerging Technologies initiative at Trinity. Central to the vision of E3 is the construction of the Learning Foundry, a state of the art 6,086 square metre facility based on the main Trinity campus which will deliver new teaching facilities and an innovative interactive learning space for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Other capital developments will include the expansion of student accommodation at Trinity Hall in Dartry to house 300 new beds for students, as well as the expansion of the School of Law and the refurbishment of the Arts Block.
A master plan is being developed for the Grand Canal Innovation District centred on a new campus in the heart of Dublin’s docklands. And there are plans for the  Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute which will provide a comprehensive cancer care centre on the St James’s Hospital campus.
As well as these capital projects, the Estates Strategy  incorporates  a long term  refurbishment plan and  conservation plan  which will take in the Library  as well as other key buildings on campus. It also provides for a residential strategy that will serve the long-term needs of staff and students.

Professor Campbell added:

“The Estates Strategy will allow the campus to continue to evolve and support the academic mission by improving the efficiency and quality of learning space and by introducing adaptive reuse of buildings to meet future requirements.  It will upgrade heritage buildings, support growth areas and position the campus for the future.”

Concluding the launch, Provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast said:

“Space is essential to community, and in Trinity our sense of community comes so much from sharing this beautiful campus. Better management of space will improve connectivity across the University.  The building of new transformative spaces, like the E3 Learning Foundry, will enable new approaches in teaching.”


College Bursar, Prof Campbell is available for interview. Pictures will be sent to your picture desks by 4pm today.
For media queries, contact Head of Media Relations, Caoimhe Ní Lochlainn, tel: 8962310\ 087-9958014, communications@tcd.ie

Public Theatre Organ Project

22/08/2018

Following a 15 month conservation programme, the organ from the Examination Hall in Trinity College has now been re-installed. The project was managed by the Estates and Facilities Department. An article outlining the works undertaken has been just been published in the “Trinity Today” magazine. This can be viewed at the following link: www.tcd.ie/alumni/assets/pdf/trinity-today/legacy-giving.pdf

Oregon Maples - Update

05/07/2018

Letter to University Community on behalf of John Parnell, Chair of Grounds and Gardens Advisory Committee

Dear Colleagues and Students,

A number of you have requested that I continue to inform you as to developments in Library Square and especially the future of the remaining Oregon Maples.

Last week we obtained a second report from our tree consultants – Bartlett Consulting - who made a number of recommendations that reflected the fact that extensive wood decay existed in at least one major limb of the tree. On this basis Bartlett’s stated that:

1.’we recommend that this limb [= the main eastern limb] is removed.’

Almost immediately after Bartlett’s report became available large fruiting bodies of a wood decay fungus – Polyporus squamosus – became visible on that limb [See image below].

Image of Oregon Maple, North side of Library Square.

Estates and Facilities staff therefore commenced limb removal earlier this week. In order to balance the weight of the remaining crown another smaller limb on the west side of the tree was also removed. Nevertheless, removal of the major limb had to cease midway as it became evident that the tree’s structure was so highly compromised that any further work would likely lead to its immediate collapse. After careful consideration and following extensive consultation with the Provost, the Grounds and Gardens Advisory Committee agreed to the complete removal of the tree which will commence immediately.

It is a sad moment for us all, but most especially the staff of Estates and Facilities who had, along with Bartlett Consulting, worked so hard to prolong the life of the College’s Oregon Maples.

John Parnell

Chair of the Grounds and Gardens Advisory Committee

Water Conservation Appeal

02/07/2018

Due to the recent dry weather Irish Water has today issued a hose pipe ban in the greater Dublin area. The current dry spell is expected to continue which is going to create difficulty for Irish Water to meet water demand. The University has to support the effort to reduce consumption of water during what is likely to be a protracted period. Please see details from Irish Water on link www.water.ie

The University is using well water for any landscape watering on the campus.

In order to reduce water consumption all staff and students should only use water when absolutely necessary and when used – as little as possible. Please ensure:

  • Any taps are turned off when not in use.
  • Do not leave taps running for washing any dishware
  • In laboratories ensure any water consuming equipment is turned off immediately after use completed.
  • Only run dish washers or glass washers when full
  • If any water based cleaning operations can be deferred they should be scheduled for later in the year.
  • If living in University residences do not run taps washing teeth and take showers for the shortest time possible.
  • If you become aware a water leak please report to estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie giving the building name and exact location of the leak

Further details on measures to reduce water consumption can be found at www.water/for-home/conservation

Collapse of Oregon Maple in Library Square

05/06/2018

Letter to University Community posted on behalf of John Parnell, Chair of Grounds and Gardens Advisory Committee

Dear Colleagues,

I am sure that many of you already know that one of the iconic Oregon Maples in Library Square (that on the GMB side of the square) catastrophically and unexpectedly collapsed at about 2.45am on Saturday: luckily nobody was injured.

As you'll see from the photo below the scene was one of devastation and it is only through the exceptionally hard work of the Campus Services Staff in Estates and Facilities that the many tons of timber have been removed and stored for future use and the Square so effectively cleaned up. So, on a personal basis I'd like to thank them.

Image of Oregon Maple Library Square.

I was more surprised than most people that this tree collapsed when it did. Why? Well as part of the maintenance programme for the grounds of the University we regularly and frequently get the trees professionally surveyed by the leading international experts -Bartlett - so as to assess their condition. The latest survey, in April 2018, indicated that there were concerns about the condition of all three Oregon Maples in the University, two of which are in Library Square. It was not believed, however, that any were in immediate danger of collapse. Indeed, it was hoped the life of the Maples in Library Square might, possibly, be prolonged through remedial works, including lightening of the crown of the trees.

We simply do not know, and probably will never know, why this Maple in Library Square collapsed at the time it did: certainly, there was no failure of the supporting cables in tree, indeed some of the anchor points were dragged through the limbs of the tree in the collapse. It is probable that the collapse was at least in part due to the very hot weather causing exceptional physiological and physical stress for a tree that was not in tip-top condition.

In terms of some of the other iconic trees surveyed this April it is clear, as I mentioned earlier, that both of the remaining Oregon Maples are compromised and I had prepared an email to the University community saying so for delivery this Tuesday. And this email updates my email communication of January 2016 that highlighted plans for the development of the University’s landscape and discussed its trees.

The external consultants we commission use a variety of techniques, including state-of-the-art tomography, to assess the condition of the trees [Tomography is similar to an ultrasound scan providing coloured images of sections through the trunk or branches of a tree - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5238698/ provides a detailed scientific paper on this technique]. In these images blue and pink indicate decay or incipient decay in wood; green indicates damaged wood and brown indicates solid wood.

The image below provided by Bartlett shows a very large amount of dead or damaged wood on the north-west side of the trunk of the Maple in New Square: Bartlett estimate that only approximately one third of the trunk at this level is solid wood. Paul Dowding, our in-house, emeritus tree pathologist and Bartlett also confirm the existence of two different wood-decaying fungi (Ganoderma applanatum / australe and Bjerkandera adjusta) on this tree, with both trunk and roots infected.

Diagram of Oregon Maple Damage.

The Maple in New Square undoubtedly poses a risk to people and objects nearby. The advice of all expert parties concerned, accepted by the Grounds and Gardens Advisory Committee and the Provost, is that this tree be removed. Luckily, it had been anticipated some time ago by the Grounds and Gardens Advisory Committee that this might occur and two replacement trees - an Irish Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) from Killarney and a Beech (Fagus sylvatica) were planted close by a number of years ago. So, whilst a gap will undoubtedly be created initially it should be rapidly occluded and the landscape of that part of the University re-filled.

The other remaining Maple next to the Long Room has significant decay in some of its major limbs. We intend to follow the expert advice that indicates that recurrent remedial works may potentially, allow it to remain standing, at least for a while. These works include lightening the canopy through highly selective removal of over-dense parts of the canopy (undertaken this weekend), treatment of the roots and some of the limbs with a mixture of fungicide and nutrient solution.

As Chair of the Grounds and Gardens Committee I believe that we should use this loss to examine the layout of Library Square and plan its future in detail and without undue haste. I will forward further details on this when they have been agreed.

To end on a more positive note I draw your attention to two things.

Firstly, very recently, through the activities of the Commercial Revenue Unit, and following support from the Provost, sufficient funds have been made available to employ three craft gardeners, including a new team lead. This was a sensitive and critical development as the previous Head Groundsman had moved to a new role in Estates and Facilities and the sole remaining gardener had moved to a post outside of TCD. Colleagues may have noted that the new team have begun to tackle the inevitably huge backlog in maintenance, undertaking essential clearance and commencing a replanting programme: especially in and around the Broadwalk. These activities will continue for some considerable time.

We have also discovered recently that the drive to promote a more biodiverse campus and promote pollination activities has begun to pay-off with a couple of colonies of ground-nesting / mining bees discovered on the Flat iron – see images below and see: https://campusbuzz.blog/2018/05/09/trinitys-campus-bees-fruits-of-the-campus-pollinator-plan/

Flora Bees

John Parnell

Chair of the Grounds and Gardens Advisory Committee

Fellow’s Square Lawn Maintenance

In order to carry out maintenance on the lawn area of Fellow’s Square it will be necessary to cordon off the area from 7am on Wednesday 9th May to 8am on Monday 14th May 2018.

Members of the University community are requested to cooperate by not entering the lawn area during this time.

Urgent Appeal to Conserve Water

06/03/2018

Following last week’s spell of extreme weather, Irish Water is currently working to restore full water supply to customers by repairing resulting water leaks and pipe bursts. As water demand rises and reservoir levels continue to drop, Irish Water is periodically reducing water pressure and requesting everyone take steps to conserve water.

Further advice on water conservation and planned periods of reduced water pressure is available on Irish Water’s website at: Irish Water Supply Updates

Estates and Facilities encourages all staff and students to follow the advice provided in order to avoid disruption to supply. We would also request that staff and students report leaks or burst pipes as soon as possible to estatesandfacilities@tcd.ie

Medium Voltage Upgrade - Completion of Works

26/02/18

I am pleased to inform you of the successful completion of the Campus Medium Voltage Upgrade project. The campus now has a secure and more resilient electrical power supply, with an additional 40% capacity, to cope with the demands of our new Business School and Printing House Square projects, as well as the E3 project on campus.

The Medium Voltage Upgrade required over 3km of excavation, removing over 5,000 tonnes of soil to install 3.5km of new power cable ducts around the Campus. A new incoming ESB supply room was built at the Trinity Business School to house the most up-to-date electrical switchgear, requiring the replacement of all 10 Campus substations in the second half of 2017, mostly overnight to minimise disruption to our normal operations. On 15th January 2018, our new ESB supply was made live and the project team managed a seamless cutover from the old supply to the new, effectively re-wiring the main electrical infrastructure of the campus while it remained fully operational.

The project required a major financial investment from Trinity, in part funded by revenue generated by the Commercial Revenue Unit. I am happy to report that the project was completed on time, to the highest quality and safety standards and within budget.

I would like to thank Estates & Facilities, in particular Emmet Dalton, Kieron McGovern and Greg Power, and all of you who have facilitated this essential project over the last twelve months, along with our main contractor, Mercury Engineering and consultants AECOM.

Professor Veronica Campbell

Bursar & Director of Strategic Innovation

The photos below show the interior of the new supply room (Photo Credit: Kieron McGovern) and the team leaders outside one of the new substations (Photo Credit: Sharppix).

Image of ESB Supply Room.  Photo Credit: Kieron McGovern MV Project Team Leaders. Credit: Sharppix

Introducing our new Head Of Safety

Estates and Facilities is delighted to welcome our new Head of Safety, Dr. Katharine Murray, who joined us on 3 January 2018, replacing Tom Merriman who retired last year after 18 years’ service as College Safety Officer.

Katharine holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Manchester, and is a chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. She joins us from An Post where she held the role of Safety and Environment Manager and has previous experience managing safety in Tedcastles Oil Products and as an inspector with the Health and Safety Authority.

Dr. Katharine Murray, Head of Safety

Head Shot of Katharine Murray, Head of Safety

Restoration and Re-Installation of the Organ in the Examination Hall

Following a 15 month conservation programme, the organ from the Examination Hall in Trinity College is currently being re-installed. The project saw the restoration of the two cases for the Great Organ (the main case dating from 1684) and the Chair Organ (the smaller case dating from 1705). A new organ was made which was based as closely as possible to the organ as it was in 1705.

Overall the organ is a little more compact than was previously the case, as it had been augmented on a number of occasions. A feature of the new organ is the introduction of a chair organ, which slightly overhangs the balcony from behind the organist’s seat.

During the restoration works, sumptuous paintwork was discovered on the original façade pipes of the organ. All of this 17th Century decoration was revealed, missing sections were touched up and gilding applied where it had been previously lost.

Photo of newly installed organ reproduced by kind permission of Mr David Davison:

Photo of newly installed organ reproduced by kind permission of Mr David Davison

Introducing the new Trinity student on-line locker rental system

You can now reserve a locker as easily as buying tickets online! All students registered for the 2017/18 Academic Year are eligible to rent a locker. Just login to your TCard account at tcard.tcd.ie on Tuesday, 26th September 2017.

Lockers will be offered on a first come first served basis for a period of 9 months commencing 26th September 2017 until 25th June 2018 for a fee of €20.00. You will pay using a debit or credit card, not your TCard balance.