Providing bespoke TM solutions

The professionalism and expertise of Swords Auto was called upon recently to build a new state-of-the-art emergency ISU (Incident Support Unit) for the M50. Irish Trucker contacted company managing director Brian O’Neill to discuss the finer details of this bespoke vehicle and also to take a look at Swords Auto’s vast range of Traffic Management solutions.

Crashes on motorways cause chaos to road users

Swords Auto is Ireland’s premier supplier of traffic management tools and materials. The Dublin company offers for sale or hire a range of state-of-the-art, specially-equipped, self-drive vehicles designed to cater for all aspects of Traffic Management. It also provides training services for the use of this equipment and general Traffic Management procedures.

As qualified auto electricians, they can supply and fit a variety of quality products to any vehicle in accordance with a client’s express specifications. Swords Auto boasts over 20 years’ auto electrical experience and was the obvious choice when M50 Concession Limited (the company charged with looking after the operation and maintenance of the M50 motorway) was seeking a partner to design and build a brand-new, purpose-build motorway Incident Support Unit.

The resultant Ford Transit – based on a 350 LWB 2.4 litre TDCi – is the sole ISU patrolling the M50 and will be on call 24 hours a day to provide emergency assistance to users of the country’s busiest motorway. “We are delighted to be providing this service in our home city,” said MD Brian O’Neill at the launch of the vehicle. “For any incident – be that a breakdown or an accident – the ISU will provide a first line of support ahead of the arrival of the emergency services.

A Lagan Iveco dual-purpose IPV

Patrolling the M50 24/7, the new vehicle will clock up an annual mileage of approximately 130,000km. Thus, the Ford Transit model was chosen due to its versatility and reputation as a workhorse. The ISU is equipped with emergency lighting, while on-board equipment includes First Aid supplies, fire extinguishers and special tools. The ISU drivers are specially trained and the vehicle can be contacted at the free phone number 1800 775050.

What were the criteria that had to be met when the vehicle was being designed and built? “Visibility is very important – the vehicle has to be seen,” says Brian. “The storage area is also vital. We need somewhere to store all the gear like fire extinguishers, wet gear, brushes, shovels etc, as well as an area for debris collection. We also had to take into consideration the mileage this vehicle will be covering. As this will be the only ISU on the M50, we designed it so that a new chassis can be placed under it. The vehicle will be re-chassised in 18 months. The whole concept has been carefully planned from the start. We started with the chassis and cab and then purpose built the body.”

The M50 Incident Support Unit

Swords Auto is the only crash cushion manufacturer in Ireland. The company started out in 1987 as Swords Auto Electric, specialising in commercial vehicle electrics. In 1992, sister company Swords Auto Truck & Van Hire was established, specialising in the supply of commercial vehicles, particularly municipal vehicles to local authorities. From there, the company started to manufacture crash cushions and block vehicles. A depot was opened in Wrexham, Wales to build, hire and lease these block vehicles into the UK market.

The company’s renowned expertise in electrics was crucial when it came to securing this contract. As Swords Auto specialises 50/50 between body building and electrics – and has a proven track record working on vehicles that carry big loads and are heavy on power – they were an automatic choice. Swords Auto was recommended to M50 Concessions by Transroute, for whom they worked on the port tunnel.

A Dennis IPV on the N2 at night

Swords Auto can kit out any vehicle with everything from batteries and alternators to audio sound systems, starters, car alarms and hands free mobile kits. Swords Auto Truck & Van Hire hires out a range of 4x4 jeeps, transit vans, Isuzu tippers with tail lifts, box body trucks, car vans, Dyna trucks, Isuzu single and crew cabs and flat body trucks.

Traffic Management vehicles and equipment are supplied, complying with the highest standards of health and safety. Self-drive and meeting with all requisite UK and Irish specifications, these include 100km crash cushions, mobile information vehicles, advanced warning trailers, truck-mounted warning signs, amber lights, cones & sleeves and dual-colour pictogram signs.

Customised Traffic Management vehicles are manufactured using off-the-shelf components, providing fast turn-arounds and low cost repairs. Products used are of the highest standards, ensuring long life and flexible solutions. Swords Auto is the only company to use fully-galvanised bodies to guarantee strength and long-life to vehicles. Using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing techniques, Swords Auto can equip any vehicle to provide TM solutions in mobile lane closures, urban Traffic Management, dual purpose Traffic Management, swappable solutions and Incident Support Units (ISUs).

On the road: the Dennis dual-purpose IPV

Swords Auto builds three types of vehicles: large block vehicles, advance-warning vehicles and general ISU units. 90% of these are built to order. “There are standard specifications to which a client can add or subtract as they wish,” Brian notes. “Most clients will have the vehicle modified to their own specific needs, depending on what exactly they want the vehicle to do.”

Founded by Brian’s parents Brian Snr. and Kathleen, Swords Auto is a family business with an emphasis on personal service and quality. They can build Traffic Management and road maintenance vehicles ranging from 3.5 tonnes up to 26 tonnes. These are all available for contract and long-term rental.
Having recently acquired Lantra-approved training status, Swords Auto also provides customised Traffic Management related training courses, with a training school up and running at the Wales depot.

Since its inception, the main objective of the company has been to provide quality products and services to both private and commercial customers. The staff commitment to fulfil this objective has earned the company the trust of its many clients. The company specialises in providing clients with an entire wiring and electrical service plus the supply and fitting of quality products. Swords Auto is an authorised Hella service partner and parts stockist and a Lucas-approved agent.

Swords Auto
Lawless Yard,
North Street,
Swords,
County Dublin.
Tel: 01 8404748
Fax: 01 8406230
Email: info@swordsauto.ie