Design for visually impaired is a grand idea

neaco provided a bespoke modification to our Techdek aluminium decking system as part of a bridge specification at the Grand Canal Dock development project in Dublin. Using the renowned design versatility of the company’s technical team and state-of-the-art precision engineering facilities at our Malton factory, we developed a unique grille surface which features tactile strips to alert visually impaired pedestrians when they are nearing a step. We created the solution as part of our work with infrastructure specialist, Murphy Group, on behalf of client Irish Rail.

Since 2000 Grand Canal Dock area has undergone significant redevelopment as part of the Dublin Docklands area regeneration project with includes extensive commercial estates. The area has been dubbed “Silicon Docks” due to its emergence as a magnet for high-tech multinationals such as Google, Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, Airbnb, and more. Around 366,000 square metres of office space and 2,600 homes will eventually be developed across 22 hectares of land in the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock under the Docklands Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) planning scheme.

neaco’s national sales manager, Peter Melia, comments: “Bridge developments have become a major market for our Techdek system and we are proud to have the product specified as decking on some of the UK’s most prestigious bridge projects in the past two decades, including the Twin Sails bridge in Poole, the Peace Bridge in Londonderry, the Media City footbridge in Salford Quays and the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead. Grand Canal Dock is the latest high-profile development to feature the system and it is another example of neaco’s ability to adapt our products to meet the specific needs of clients and their projects.”

“In addition to its many practical qualities, Techdek provides a high architectural aesthetic that is manufactured to last. The system is extremely versatile and can be used in many other applications, including staging, modesty screens, solar shading, maintenance galleries and roof access walkways.”