Surface dressing in Tuam Municipal District now uses a secondary sealing process that adds durability and protects the carriageway against wear. Kiely Group, the UK surface treatment specialist, completed its first Irish contract in County Galway, combining traditional surface dressing with the innovative Kiely Lock encapsulation treatment.
Dual-surface treatment on site
The project in Tuam saw application of surface dressing, where stone chippings are spread and bound with bitumen to reinforce the road surface. Kiely Lock, a specialised encapsulation process that seals the surface dressing, was introduced for the first time in Ireland. This second treatment creates a tougher, waterproof barrier that resists surface damage and delays deterioration caused by traffic and weather.
Kiely Group began in the UK and has decades of experience delivering surface treatments that extend road life and reduce the need for costly repairs. The firm’s entry into the Irish market offers councils new preventative maintenance options that stretch highway budgets further.
Where it fits on Irish roads
Tuam Municipal District, part of Galway County Council’s network, faces typical challenges like frost damage, surface water ingress and high traffic volumes. Applying surface dressing extends pavement life by restoring skid resistance and preventing microcracks. The addition of Kiely Lock offers a further layer of protection, improving longevity and safety on regional roads and slip roads.
John Coyle, Senior Executive Engineer for Tuam Municipal District, noted that the treatments finished on schedule with minimal disruption. He highlighted the professionalism and efficiency of the Kiely Group team, and welcomed the opportunity to work with them on future frameworks.
What changes for contractors and authorities
Kiely Lock reduces water penetration and stone loss, which slows surface ageing. For contractors, this means fewer return visits and longer-lasting results. For local authorities, it supports compliance with maintenance standards under NRSWA and the Traffic Management Act by improving carriageway condition cost-effectively.
Mike Kiely, Managing Director of Kiely Group, said the choice of these treatments reflects pressure on highway budgets across Ireland and the UK. Preventative measures like surface dressing and sealing reduce the need for disruptive and costly rehabilitation schemes.
Kiely’s Head of Business Development in Ireland, Mike Freeney, said the quality and expertise brought from the UK have been well received in Galway. He sees strong potential to expand delivery across Irish local authorities and councils.
Heritage and commitment in every layer
The company has roots in Ireland dating back over seventy years, with founder Michael Kiely originally from Limerick. His grandson leads the company’s Irish expansion, supported by a team that includes family members. Lauren Kiely, Head of Marketing and Communications, travelled to Tuam to film the work and described it as a full-circle moment for the business.
Introducing a new surface sealing technology marks a meaningful development in the Irish road maintenance sector. Kiely Group’s combination of established techniques with Kiely Lock encapsulation aims to deliver safer, more durable roads that serve communities long term.
