Declan's Blog
Meditations over the Mersey
With competitive dialogue now underway on the Mersey Gateway, shortlisted bidders are embarking on a robust re-examination of the bridge design, which could see aspirations for an iconic cable-stayed structure abandoned in favour of a cheaper, more austere alternative.
Squally political conditions hamper wind farm growth
Wind turbines continue to get a pummelling in the press, with onshore wind farms invariably bearing the brunt. But indecision and quarrelling among factions of the UK government is increasingly fuelling the arguments of the naysayers.
Localism stymies waste incineration projects
Last week’s decision by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to revisit the issue of whether waste incinerators pose a health threat looks set to stoke waste industry fears that such development will stagnate for years to come.
Is shale leading the UK into a second dash for gas?
A report confirming that shale gas drilling caused two earthquakes off the Lancashire coast in May and June could be expected to cast serious doubt over its future, but many experts appear committed to supporting its contribution to the energy mix.
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Foggy thinking on renewables is no way to drive policy
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Learning from Fukushima
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Infrastructure cash injection faces obstacles
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Can Scotland keep a lid on construction costs?
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Energy policy is finally translating into work
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Shale gas fuels debate over renewable energy
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Low carbon: doubts about government commitment
NEWS FROM NCE TECHNICAL REPORTER DECLAN LYNCH
High Speed 2 could trigger Euston capacity meltdown
Commuters at London’s Euston station could face a wait of up to 30 minutes for a Tube train after High Speed 2 comes into service in 2026, former transport secretary Lord Adonis told NCE this week.
Airport chiefs frustrated by lack of UK hub policy
The government’s lack of policy on developing Heathrow’s capacity as hub airport is frustrating rival airport chiefs, NCE has learned this week.
Berlin airport opening delayed after failing fire regulations
The opening of Berlin’s new €2.5bn (£2bn) airport has been delayed by nine months following a dispute over fire safety regulations.
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Engineers say £118M Wear bridge is waste of public money
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Christchurch: Quake destruction avoidable
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London Underground trains hit ‘bulge’ in tunnel lining
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Cost cutting forces redesign of Mersey Crossing
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Huhne warns against kneejerk ban on fracking
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Coventry Cathedral awaits cathodic protection cash decision
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Cracks found in key Olympic Road Network bridge
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UK’s energy future in chaos after Horizon fails
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Plans to tackle Sellafield plutonium stockpile move step closer
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Consultants revealed for Mersey Gateway
FEATURES FROM NCE TECHNICAL REPORTER DECLAN LYNCH
Harnessing wind power and making it work for the UK
Offshore wind is a central part of the government’s energy policy. Constructing up to 32GW of capacity of the coast of Britain is aimed at providing low carbon energy for the country and help meet ambitious European Union renewable energy targets of 15% of energy coming from renewable sources by 2020.
Declan Lynch
Declan Lynch is Technical Reporter for New Civil Engineer.
I joined New Civil Engineer in March 2010 and cover energy and technical stories – from small bridges to tall buildings, nuclear to tidal turbines and anything in between. In my short time at the magazine I have been lucky enough to cover a wide range of interesting events from spending two weeks embedded with the Royal Engineers in Afghanistan as well as covering a landslide disaster in Italy in first week. Having trained as an engineer I worked as a project engineer working in the UK and far flung places such as the Falkland Islands. I completed a four year Civil Engineering degree with studies in the UK, USA and Brazil. With a background in engineering I enjoy getting out in the field and talking with engineers on the ground.
