+353 (0) 1 424 7000
info@galco.ie
The Harbour Amenity Building in Killybegs, County Donegal, is a standout collaboration between McMenamin Engineering Ltd and Galco. Hot-dip galvanized steel components ensuring durability by the water’s edge.
McMenamin Engineering Ltd supplied all structural steel for this development, which houses reception and meeting spaces alongside laundry and shower facilities for visiting boats. Clever design cues, sailing masts and boat-hull shapes, tie the building into Killybegs’ bustling fishing port.
To protect the structure from the harsh marine environment, 8 tonnes of steel were hot-dip galvanized by Galco before being shipped to site.
Design Complexity
The structure’s most defining element was its intricate roof. Featuring multiple slopes, double-bevel cuts, and integrated mast features, the roof demanded absolute precision at every stage.
– This was a very complex roof design with lots of detailing required. All the different angles had to be fabricated with great care. We fully assembled the roof in our workshop before transporting it to site.
High-quality fabrication drawings and exact material preparation were crucial to success. Every team, from detailers and fabricators to on-site installers, faced the same challenge: ensuring each component fit perfectly the first time, avoiding costly modifications on location.
Fabrication & Corrosion Protection
To guarantee a flawless assembly, McMenamin Engineering fully welded various roof sections in their workshop and performed a complete trial fit.
This proactive approach eliminated alignment issues on site and ensured that the nautical theme was realised exactly as intended.
Once fabricated, the steel components were sent to Galco for hot-dip galvanizing – a process that immerses steel in molten zinc, creating a robust, corrosion-resistant coating ideal for maritime settings.
After erection, an additional paint coating was applied on site to enhance aesthetics and further extend the life of the structure.
Durability & Award Recognition
By combining an inventive architectural concept with robust galvanizing technology, McMenamin Engineering and Galco have created a functional, durable and visually engaging amenity building that celebrates Killybegs’ maritime heritage and supports its thriving harbour community.
The project was also named a Finalist in The 2024 Irish Steel Awards, a recognition of its technical excellence and visual impact.
Benefits of Hot-Dip Galvanizing
Long-term corrosion resistance – Zinc protects the steel by corroding first, dramatically extending structural lifespan.
Full coverage – Molten zinc coats every edge, joint and cavity, even in complex designs.
Low maintenance – Typically requires no further treatment for 50+ years, even in coastal environments.
Cost-effective – Reduced lifetime maintenance and repair costs provide excellent value.
Easy inspection – Wear in the coating is easy to spot, simplifying maintenance planning.
