News

Double win for Arup at engineering excellence awards

Clare O'Loughlin Clare O'Loughlin Europe Press Office, Ireland
3 April 2024

Arup has picked up two awards from the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI), which celebrate consulting engineering and highlight innovative designs across the country.

Chris Behan, an Associate working in Arup’s Dublin office, was recognised by ACEI as the 2024 Consulting Engineer Future Leader, while the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge received the excellence award in the Civil Small/Medium category.

A Chartered Engineer, Chris has extensive experience across sectors, with a focus on mission critical and data centre projects. As Project Design Manager, Chris has been responsible for all stages of multidisciplinary projects, guiding them from inception and design through construction to commissioning and handover. Leveraging his diverse experience, Chris consistently delivers high-quality, sustainable engineering solutions.

Speaking about his Future Leader of the Year Award, Chris said, “This award is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the collaborative efforts of our entire Arup team. It’s a recognition of our commitment to innovation, excellence and sustainability in engineering. I’m honoured to accept this award and excited to continue pushing boundaries, shaping the future of our industry.”

Photo of Chris Behan receiving the ACEI Future Leader Award 2024 from James Kavanagh (ACEI President). Photo of Chris Behan receiving the ACEI Future Leader Award 2024 from James Kavanagh (ACEI President).
Chris Behan (left) received the 2024 Consulting Engineer Future Leader Award from ACEI President, James Kavanagh (right).

Winner of the Civil Small/Medium category, the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge in Galway City, an elegant three-span steel arch bridge, is the first crossing of the River Corrib in over 30 years.

Working closely with Galway City Council, Seán Harrington Architects and Brady Shipman Martin, Arup provided a comprehensive range of services including structural bridge design, planning, environmental, geotechnical, health and safety and landscape architecture.

Aerial photo of Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Aerial photo of Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge

The bridge improves safety, accessibility and provides a new public space for leisure and a focal point for tourists, creating a pleasant link from the cathedral to the city centre.

Flared approach spans integrate the bridge with the quays, drawing over 10,000 pedestrians and cyclists daily towards the river crossing.