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ROTHE HOUSE TRUST
I wish to confirm that the firm of Bluett and O’Donoghue are the consultant architects to Rothe House Trust, and that Michael O’Boyle is the Conservation Architect advising the Trust on the maintenance and conservation works associated with the implementation of our Heritage Conservation Plan, the plan was commissioned by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, and the Heritage Council of Ireland.
Rothe House is a late 16 th century Irish Merchant’s house and gardens, and the complex is the home of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, and it was saved from an uncertain future by the society, and for the past 60 years, the society has restored, conserved and maintained the complex. The complex consists of three late 16 th century Tudor style houses and courtyards, and an extensive burgage garden, the garden restoration project was completed and opened by the President of Ireland in April 2008.
The complex is managed for the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, by the Rothe House Trust, and our board members are nominated by the Local Authorities, Chamber of Commerce, and Kilkenny Tourism, Failte Ireland, Heritage Council of Ireland, and members of the society.
Our Conservation plan was approved and accepted by the society and members of the trust board in 2002, and since then we have been progressing the recommendations of the conservation programme. Bluett and O’Donoghue are our architectural consultants, and have been actively involved in implementation of the recommendations and elements of the plan. Michael O’Boyle has advised on general conservations and maintenance policies, he is a member of the RHT Capital Project team, and the Structural Conservation and Maintenance team, and he has provided expert and practical advice and supervision of all of the architectural and conservation works.
Joseph E. Ledwidge,
Chairman,
Rothe House Trust.
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FURTURA ENGINEERING LTD.
This is to confirm that Furtura Engineering Limited has been involved with Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects for some years. One of the main projects was the restoration and upgrade of Rockshire House in Waterford City. From a Georgian residence to an exciting residential development consisting of nine apartments.
In all our dealings, we have always found Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects efficient, courteous and would have no hesitation in recommending them.
Yours Faithfully
Michael Kelly
Furtura Engineering Ltd.
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CHURCH HILL NATIONAL SCHOOL,
To whom it may concern,
Architects, Bluett & O’Donoghue acted as Project Managers for a large extension and major refurbishment to our school, Church Hill N.S. at Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny. The project began in 2004 and was completed on time and to budget in 2005.
At all times the Board of Management had the confidence in Bluett & O’Donoghue to design, oversee and complete the project to a high standard. The consultation process was inclusive at all times and communication with the Department of Education was always positive.
In conclusion, our finished building stands as a constant reminder of the professionalism of the design team led by Architect Peter Bluett. I can be contacted at the above number for further clarification.
Yours sincerely,
James Fennelly
Principal.
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DANESFORT VOLUNTARY HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Recommendation
Danesfort Voluntary Housing Association Limited is a voluntary community group comprised of three registered charities.
In January 2009 we completed the development of a community centre, crèche and six homes for actively retired people in our local community.
At the outset of the project we engaged the services of Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects to advise, plan and design the project.
We found that they demonstrated an understanding of our requirements and of the nature of the project throughout the development. On a day to day basis, Mr. Peter Bluett was efficient, courteous, helpful and available at all times to meet with our committee.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects for similar projects.
LIAM MULLEN
CHAIRMAN
DANESFORT VOLUNTARY HOUSING ASSOCIATION
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Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects, No. 2 John Street, Kilkenny
To whom it may concern:
I have known and worked with the above Architect’s Firm, Bluett & O’Donoghue, for the past almost five years. When I was appointed as parish priest to the parish of Mooncoin (July 17 th. 2004) and chairperson of the Board of Management of Carrigeen National School, the above firm was the architectural firm appointed to plan and execute the refurbishing of the old school and building of an new four classroom extension to the school. I worked closely with Mr. Peter Bluett and the office on this project. I found the firm and Mr. Peter Bluett most helpful at all times and contactable if I needed any queries answered. I liked the design of the school and I found the firm always eager to please the client. It is because of the great level of satisfaction with the €1,800,000 project at Carrigeen National School I employed the above firm to oversee the re-slating of our church roof in Mooncoin. They have and are doing a thorough job and I am most pleased with the high standard and attention to detail of their work.
I have no hesitation in recommending the above firm and I wish them well.
Yours sincerely,
Rev. Eamonn G. O’Gorman P.P. (Parish Priest of Mooncoin Parish)
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Health Service Executive, Lacken, Dublin Road, Kilkenny.
To whom it may concern,
This is to confirm that Bluett & O’Donoghue have been engaged as architectural consultants for the HSE (and previously SEHB) for many years.
Bluett & O’Donoghue have carried out numerous projects, involving major works, in several of our hospitals including Thomastown, Castlecomer and Kilkenny (St. Canice’s and Kilcreene). These projects have ranged from office accommodation, through ward refurbishment to a recently completed upgrade of our orthopedic theatres. The firm are currently engaged in a €2.0m ward upgrade in Thomastown.
I have worked closely with Bluett & O’Donoghue (particularly Mr. Peter Bluett) on all of these projects and have always found them to be very professional, accommodating and extremely efficient.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects.
Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact me.
Ciaran Ruane,
Chief Assistant Technical Services Officer
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RATHDOWNEY SHOPPING CENTRE, CO. LAOIS.
The Firm of Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects, represented by James O’Donoghue and Peter Bluett has been working with me for some years in relation to the Rathdowney Outlet Project.
The initial role was as collaborating Architects with the Firm of Holder Mathias Architects of Cardiff and London on the initial project which has a construction value of c. €10m.
Since the initial construction, there have been changes in the ownership structure. Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects have stayed with us on a range of follow-on projects which included provision of services in support of our advisory Team ; land transactions, compliance Certification, fire safety design and certification, collaboration with Design Architects, attention to the requirements of our Legal and Accountancy Team, etc.
We are currently working on an alterations/re-fit project with Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects as Contract Administrators / Architects working with my other Advisors.
I recommend this Firm for complex projects involving the ability to work and lead in multi-disciplinary environments.
For and on Behalf of AWG Outlets (Rathdowney) Ltd.
Julian Smith
Director
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ST. MARY’S (Kilkenny) VOLUNTARY HOUSING ASSOCIATION, KILKENNY
Day Care Centre and Homes for the Elderly
We are a small voluntary housing group in St. Mary’s Parish in Kilkenny.
With no previous experience in this area we planned to build a day care centre and sheltered housing units for elderly people.
Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects, John Street, Kilkenny, were engaged by us to advise, plan and design the project.
Peter Bluett was particularly helpful to us throughout. In December 2005 we proudly opened the Day Care Centre and fourteen housing units just off the Gaol Road in Kilkenny.
We are very pleased to recommend Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects.
Yours faithfully,
Anna Walton, Secretary,
St. Mary’s Voluntary Housing Association.
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SPECIAL OCCUPATION SCHEME (SOS), KILKENNY
This is to confirm that S.O.S. Kilkenny Limited has been involved with Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects for some years.
The main project in 2002 / 2003 was in excess of €1.1 million and we are delighted with the outcome.
In all our dealings, we have always found Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects efficient, courteous and would have no hesitation in recommending them.
Francis Coughlan
CEO
S.O.S. Kilkenny Limited
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ENABLE IRELAND KILKENNY
Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects, 2 John Street, Kilkenny were engaged by Enable Ireland, Kilkenny to design and construct a purpose built Children’s Treatment and Day Service and to refurbish the existing building.
Peter Bluett with his colleagues worked closely with the Enable Ireland Kilkenny team in a manner that allowed for the development of the rooms in line with our very specific requirements. The project was practically completed in 2000 which was within the terms of the contract.
This development has over the past four years enabled us to meet our service requirements and the team here are delighted with the end result. The feedback from service users and other colleagues both locally and nationally has been very positive with many interested parties paying us a visit prior to the commencement of their own particular projects.
I am very pleased to recommend Bluett & O’Donoghue Architects for other such projects.
Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact me at the above address.
Yours faithfully,
Lucy Dooley
DIRECTOR OF SERVICES – KILKENNY
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LYRATH ESTATE HOTEL, SPA AND CONVENTION CENTRE, KILKENNY
James O’Donoghue provided Project Management Services to me in relation to my Lyrath Project.
My specialist Hotel Architect for the Project is based in South Africa. Other Participants were based here in Ireland with suppliers and services providers from the U.K., Northern Ireland and France.
It is my view that James O’Donoghue has the ability to Project Manage a diverse Team of Professionals and Contractors in the delivery of a complex project as he has done as a Member of my Team for Lyrath.
My overall project was c. €50m. The construction element was c. €30m with professional services, interior fit-out cost, land, legals, etc. amounting to the balance.
Under my direction, the Project Manager fulfilled a role which included interaction with my legal and finance team concerning Contracts, Warranties, Licencing and Statutory Compliance matters.
I recommend James O’Donoghue for similar roles on projects of this complexity.
SIGNED :XAVIER MCAULIFFE
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