An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. officially opened the UCC Beaufort Building in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. The 4,700m2 five storey building with state-of-the-art wave simulators, test tanks, workshops and offices provides Ireland with world-class infrastructure for renewable energy and maritime research to power the ‘blue economy’.
The ambitious development was led by UCC Capital Projects Officer Niall McAuliffe and employed more than 200 people on site. Designed to resemble a naturally eroded cliff face with incredible sea views, the architects on the project were McCullough Mulvin and the civil and structural engineers were ARUP. The main contractors appointed were JJ Rhatigan who won the contract by competitive tender process.
Named after the Irish hydrographer and globally adopted Beaufort Wind Scale creator, Rear Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort, the Beaufort building will house the headquarters of the multi-institutional home to the SFI MaREI Centre (Marine Renewable Energy Ireland) and the LIR National Ocean Test Facility.
Speaking at the official opening, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, T.D. said, “Marine research and development is a part of this Government’s plan to rebuild a sustainable enterprise based economy. Our seas will increasingly support more jobs, enterprise and research. The UCC Beaufort Building, while firmly rooted on dry land, is a vessel of scientific discovery for our seas. Its world class facilities will attract world class researchers and new entrepreneurial endeavours in the maritime and energy sectors. The spirit of collaboration between academia, private enterprise and the Irish Naval Service in Irish maritime research is a model for public – private partnerships not only in Ireland, but globally.”
Beaufort Building Team
The design team for the building is:
Architects: McCullough Mulvin – http://www.mcculloughmulvin.com/
Civil  & Structural Engineers: ARUP – http://www.arup.com/Global_locations/Ireland/Cork.aspx
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: RPS – http://www.rpsgroup.com/Ireland.aspx
Quantity Surveyor: John J Casey & Co –  http://www.jjcasey.ie/qs.htm
Health & safety: Bruce Shaw Safety Management – http://www.bruceshaw.com/
Our image shows An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. at the official opening of the UCC Beaufort Building