There were smiles all round on May 31st at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The occasion was the official opening of the restored Palm House.

The Great Palm House dates from 1884 and is the last remaining system designed glass house on such a large scale and was built by James Boyd and Sons from Paisley, Scotland. Two side wings, the Camelia and Orchid Houses were later added and these were also part of the restoration programme.

The architectural and project management service were by The Office of Public Works, the mech-elech consulting engineers were Arups. The heating of the Great Palm House is by use of Galvanised Grilled Steel Tubes which are located in a centre trench and round the perimeter beneath the planters. The system, which works only by natural convection is hard wearing and suited to the humid conditions required.

The mechanical services contractors, McGrattan & Kenny carefully installed each section ensuring that the maximum output would be achieved.

The grilled element was supplied by Advanced Technical Products Ltd. ATP and delivered in specially fabricated steel stillages to prevent damage.

The Palm House rere entrance was heated by Sill Line Trench Heating with special perforated stainless steel grilles. The planting of the Palm House will be underway by the end of the year. Visitors to the "Bots" as An Taoiseach referred to them in his official opening speech will marvel at such a magnificent project. 

Pictured at the official opening from left : Eamon McGrattan, An Taoiseach Mr. Bertie Ahern and David Daly from ATP Ltd.