National Museum Project by William Tracey & Sons, part of Cronin Group


The task

The National Museum of Ireland (NMI) are consolidating their collections in the Central Resource Centre (CRC), Co. Dublin. There is a large amount of Geology specimens stored in Dublin 4, a building which the NMI have been using for over 40 years as a storage and research centre.

William Tracey & Sons T/A Tracey’s were tasked with packing, moving and unpacking a large amount of geology specimens that are stored in bespoke wooden drawers specifically designed to fit onto shelving in Swords.

The Process

Colin Fox from Tracey’s met with NMI which resulted in the following first-phase plan implemented over two days:

  1. Tracey’s arrived in D4 at 8:00am to pack and palletize the UCD Geology collection that the CRC Documentation Team will need to complete the recording and documenting of the collection. This will comprise the first phase of the current set of moves of material out of D4. The actual move of the collection material to CRC will be two days later.
  2. Palletization of oversized drawers which were ‘clam shelled’ so an empty drawer acts as protection and allows stacking. Bubble wrap, tissue and plastazote were placed in the drawers to act as buffers against vibrations. Large un-stackable drawers were placed on the top of each pallet as a one-layer ‘stack’ on the pallet depending on the fragile nature of the items in the top drawers. The top drawers were film wrapped to keep them in place.
  3. The drawers were placed onto shelves in the geology cabinets. For each cabinet, Tracey’s removed every alternate shelf to take the large drawers.
  4. The spare geology wooden drawers that were used as ‘clam shell’ protection can then be used by the Documentation Team for their additional needs. These drawers were placed by Tracey’s on pallets and the pallets stored. When completed the empty pallets from the move were brought back to D4 in preparation for the second phase involving the moving, consolidation and packing library material, insect drawers, dry zoology, large sheets of plastazote and IAD material.

The Outcome

Tracey’s commenced removing the drawers from the shelves packing them onto pallets and wrapping for transport which was completed by close of business that day. The next day Tracey’s crew arrived in D4, loaded the twelve pallets and proceeded to the CRC, Co. Dublin.

Tracey’s arrived at the CRC and were met by the NMI, Documentation Team. The geology collection was unloaded under supervision and brought into the Geology cage where Tracey’s crew unpacked the drawers from the pallets, removed the packing material and placed them onto shelving as directed by NMI personnel. All of the unpacking was completed the same day and the empty pallets and packing materials returned to D4 the following morning.


Streamlined Office Clearance Project by William Tracey & Sons


The Task:

In late November 2023, a large telecommunications company, vacated a 2,322sqm space spanning three floors due to consolidation efforts in other group buildings.

The task assigned to Tracey’s involved removing and recycling approximately 310 desks, dividers, chairs, pedestals, and 36 storage units.

Additionally, Tracey’s was entrusted with shredding confidential wastepaper, recycling WEEE waste, eliminating manifestation and internal signage, removing external signage, painting car parking spaces, clearing loose debris, and conducting a deep clean of carpets, with a completion deadline of January 31st, 2024.

The Process:

  • Preparation Works (January 2nd, 2024): WTS crews arrived and covered lifts, lift lobbies, and common areas with 10mm corriboard to prevent damage.
  • Desk Dismantling: A team dismantled desks arranged in pods of six across floors, separating metal and wood on-site.
  • Pedestal and Storage Unit Clearance: Simultaneously, another team emptied pedestals and storage units, segregating loose paper, office materials, and personal items.
  • Movement to Ground Floor: Once desks were disassembled, the team relocated parts, pedestals, and storage units to a ground-floor holding area.
  • Loading Skips: Upper floors were cleared, and 35 cubic yard skips were loaded with metal, wood, mixed waste, and WEEE waste. Onsite shredding of confidential wastepaper was performed.
  • Manifestation and Signage Removal: Using hot air guns, internal manifestation and signage were removed, while third-party contractors handled external signage removal, parking space painting, and deep cleaning.

The Outcome:

All tasks were successfully completed in just thirteen working days, and Tracey’s vacated the building on January 26th.

A site visit on January 31st, involving Tracey’s Project Manager, the telecommunications Property Manager, their Project Manager, and the building’s landlord, resulted in commendation for Tracey’s.

Subsequently, the landlord engaged Tracey’s for additional clearance projects within the building.


Art Removal Project by William Tracey & Sons


The Task:

The Office of Public Works, Art Management division invited William Tracey & Sons to tender for the removal and packing of Artwork from a building on Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. The building is currently occupied by the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications who will be vacating the premises in May 2024. The Artwork consisting of five individual pieces is on display in the atrium six metres overhead, suspended by steel cables from the 5th floor. Following a detailed survey by Project Manager Colin Fox and submission of our tender documents, WTS were awarded the contract.

The Process:

  • Preparation Works : WTS crew arrived onsite and covered the atrium floor with 10mm corex board to prevent against damage and placed barrier tape around the perimeter to prevent unauthorised access
  • A sub-contractor engaged by WTS arrived onsite and built a six-metre mobile scaffold tower in the Atrium.
  • WTS crew positioned the tower and commenced removing three of the pieces of artwork from the suspended cables.
  • WTS crew then relocated to the 2nd and 5th floors to remove the remaining two pieces of artwork. These two pieces (made up of three sections bolted together) had a shorter suspension cable and required a different approach. We were able to draw in the cables towards us on a fifth floor balcony, attach ropes to the brackets and cut the suspension cables, enabling us to lower the Artwork down.
  • Two WTS crew members positioned directly underneath on the 2nd floor unbolted each piece as it was lowered which made it easier for us to handle.
  • Once this process was complete the scaffold tower was removed and the artwork was carried down to the ground floor lobby for packing.

The Outcome:

All tasks were successfully completed in one day, both the client and building manager were delighted with how smoothly and efficiently the whole process went. Follow up comments from the clients were well received at WTS:

Colin,

Thank you to you and your team for a seamless removal of a difficult artwork last Friday. It could not have gone any better.

Best wishes,
Louise

Colin,

Thanks for the great job as Louise has said – that was a bit of an awkward one!

Claire


Antique Relocation Success: William Tracey & Sons’ Expert Move


The Task:

In May 2024, the Irish Heritage Trust enlisted William Tracey & Sons (WTS) to relocate antique furniture from a historic Dublin 1 building to Johnstown Castle in County Wexford.

The Dublin 1 building, dating back to 1753, was once the headquarters of the Dublin County Council.

The task included moving several large antique pieces, including a conference table that had to be fully dismantled for removal.

The Process:

Day 1

WTS crew arrived onsite, carefully dismantled the large conference table, and relocated all furniture from the first floor to the ground floor for loading preparation.

Day 2

WTS crew arrived with two trucks, wrapped the furniture, and began the loading process for transport to Wexford.

Day 3

Early morning at Johnstown Castle, the WTS crew unloaded the furniture. Most pieces were moved to the first floor, while some large, non-dismantlable pieces remained on the ground floor.

The Outcome:

All tasks were successfully completed in one day, both the client and building manager were delighted with how smoothly and efficiently the whole process went. Follow up comments from the clients were well received at WTS:

All tasks were successfully completed, leaving the client and the Johnstown Castle manager delighted with the smooth and efficient process.

Positive feedback was received and well-appreciated at WTS:
“Hi Colin, Matt was very complimentary about your guys, well done and please pass it on.”

Trust William Tracey & Sons for your next complex relocation project.
Our expert team ensures every piece is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.


A Transformative Partnership Reshaping the Landscape of Cultural Relocation


In the evolving landscape of corporate and cultural relocation, the acquisition of William Tracey & Sons by Dublin-based Cronin Group marks a significant chapter in the evolution of specialised logistics and moving services. The deal, finalised on May 16th last year, signifies not only a strategic alignment of two industry leaders but a commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing customer experiences, and propelling the relocation industry in Dublin and Ireland into a new era of excellence.

 


William Tracey and Sons and Cronin Group providing logistics solutions to the public and private sectors


The acquisition of William Tracey and Sons by the Cronin Group Limited in May 2022 resulted in a seamless integration for both companies and staff, offering an enhanced service to the firm’s clients in both the public and the private sectors.

This is particularly true in relation to public sector clients where William Tracey and Sons already enjoyed a well-earned reputation for reliability, service and delivery and where the economies of scale within the expanded group have enhanced this reputation.


Safe Relocation & Installation of Historic Howth Abbey Bells


The Task

Three 15th-century medieval bronze bells, once housed in the bellcote of St Mary’s Abbey Church, Howth, were donated to The National Museum of Ireland by the Gaisford St Lawrence family. These historically significant bells, bearing Gothic inscriptions, played a key role in Howth’s maritime and religious heritage for centuries.

William Tracey & Sons (WTS) were entrusted with safely moving the bells from Howth Castle to the National Museum’s Conservation Stores, where they would undergo extensive conservation. Due to their age and metal fatigue, this move required specialised lifting equipment to prevent damage. Once conservation was complete, WTS was further engaged to relocate and install the bells on a 1.2-tonne concrete plinth at the National Museum in Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

The Process

Safe Removal & Transport – The WTS team carefully crane-lifted the fragile bells using bespoke lifting plates to minimise stress on the metal. They were then transported to the National Museum Conservation Stores for restoration.

Plinth Installation – After conservation, WTS was also tasked with transporting and installing a custom solid concrete plinth (1.2 tonnes), sourced from OPW Collins Barracks, and placing it in the Rotunda of the National Museum.

Final Bell Installation – On January 21, 2025, under the supervision of the Office of Public Works and National Museum Project Director Sharon Weadick, the WTS team used a three-tonne gantry, chain blocks, and specialist lifting gear to carefully position the bells onto the plinth.

The Outcome

The entire project was completed seamlessly and on schedule, over two days.
The bells are now securely in place and on public display at the National Museum, preserving Howth’s rich cultural and maritime history for generations to come.
The move was executed without incident or damage, reinforcing WTS’s expertise in specialist heritage and artefact relocation.

At William Tracey & Sons, we take pride in our ability to handle historical artefacts with the precision, care, and expertise they deserve.

National Museum Project by William Tracey & Sons, part of Cronin Group

The task The National Museum of Ireland (NMI) are consolidating their collections in the Central Resource Centre (CRC), Co. Dublin. There is a large amount of Geology specimens stored in Dublin 4, a building which the NMI have been using for over 40 years as a storage and research centre. […]

Streamlined Office Clearance Project by William Tracey & Sons

The Task: In late November 2023, a large telecommunications company, vacated a 2,322sqm space spanning three floors due to consolidation efforts in other group buildings. The task assigned to Tracey’s involved removing and recycling approximately 310 desks, dividers, chairs, pedestals, and 36 storage units. Additionally, Tracey’s was entrusted with shredding

Art Removal Project by William Tracey & Sons

The Task: The Office of Public Works, Art Management division invited William Tracey & Sons to tender for the removal and packing of Artwork from a building on Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. The building is currently occupied by the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications who will be vacating the

Antique Relocation Success: William Tracey & Sons’ Expert Move

The Task: In May 2024, the Irish Heritage Trust enlisted William Tracey & Sons (WTS) to relocate antique furniture from a historic Dublin 1 building to Johnstown Castle in County Wexford. The Dublin 1 building, dating back to 1753, was once the headquarters of the Dublin County Council. The task

A Transformative Partnership Reshaping the Landscape of Cultural Relocation

In the evolving landscape of corporate and cultural relocation, the acquisition of William Tracey & Sons by Dublin-based Cronin Group marks a significant chapter in the evolution of specialised logistics and moving services. The deal, finalised on May 16th last year, signifies not only a strategic alignment of two industry

William Tracey and Sons and Cronin Group providing logistics solutions to the public and private sectors

The acquisition of William Tracey and Sons by the Cronin Group Limited in May 2022 resulted in a seamless integration for both companies and staff, offering an enhanced service to the firm’s clients in both the public and the private sectors. This is particularly true in relation to public sector

Safe Relocation & Installation of Historic Howth Abbey Bells

The Task Three 15th-century medieval bronze bells, once housed in the bellcote of St Mary’s Abbey Church, Howth, were donated to The National Museum of Ireland by the Gaisford St Lawrence family. These historically significant bells, bearing Gothic inscriptions, played a key role in Howth’s maritime and religious heritage for