Kee Guard Installation for Hotel in Kilkenny

Project Overview

Skyway was commissioned to deliver a bespoke fall protection solution for a luxury hotel in the heart of Kilkenny, part of the prestigious iNUA Hotel Collection. Known for its blend of heritage charm and modern comfort, the hotel occupies a beautifully restored Georgian building that once served as a bank.

With a strong reputation for high-quality guest experiences and operational excellence, the hotel required an effective rooftop safety solution to protect maintenance staff and contractors who periodically access the roof to service HVAC systems, signage, and other infrastructure.

We were approached through a competitive tender process to provide a non-penetrative, freestanding guardrail system. After submitting our bid and engaging in detailed discussions with the client, our proposed Kee Guard Freestanding Guardrail System was approved. Skyway was awarded the contract based on our proven expertise, technical support, and ability to deliver a compliant solution without compromising the building’s historic fabric or ongoing hotel operations.

Kee Guard - Skyway - Hibernian Hotel, Kilkenny 1

Identifying the Risk

Working at height presents significant hazards, particularly in a busy hospitality setting where multiple contractors may need access to rooftop areas at different times. The risks were further heightened by the hotel’s heritage status and central location in Kilkenny’s bustling city centre, where additional considerations such as public safety, noise management, and aesthetic preservation had to be factored into the design.

Key safety challenges included:

Unprotected roof perimeters that created a risk of falls for anyone accessing rooftop areas
Historic building materials that required a non-invasive safety solution to prevent damage
Limited space on the roof, demanding a flexible, modular guardrail system that could be tailored to fit around existing equipment
Frequent maintenance requirements, making permanent collective protection essential rather than relying on personal fall arrest equipment

The client needed a compliant, durable, and low-maintenance solution that would not only ensure worker safety but also avoid disruption to hotel guests or visual intrusion on the building’s exterior.

Our Solution

Skyway’s role began well before the installation phase. We engaged with the client early, providing design and specification support to ensure the solution would meet both safety requirements and the unique needs of the property.

Freestanding Kee Guard System

We recommended a Kee Guard Freestanding Guardrail, a modular edge protection system designed specifically for flat roofs where drilling or penetration is not an option. This system offered several advantages for the hotel:

Non-penetrative design – no damage to roof membranes or historic structure
Galvanised steel construction – corrosion-resistant and built to last in all weather conditions
Flexible modular components – easily adapted to the roof’s layout, avoiding obstacles and fitting within tight spaces
Permanent collective protection – safety is always in place without relying on harnesses or specialised training

Collaborative Design Process: By working closely with the hotel’s facilities management team and project coordinators, we refined the layout to ensure optimal coverage while maintaining discreet placement to minimise visual impact.

Efficient Delivery & Installation: Skyway coordinated material supply with our logistics partner, ensuring timely delivery to site. Our installation team, fully certified and experienced in heritage building environments, completed the works on schedule with zero disruption to guests or hotel operations.

Compliance & Safety Assurance: Following installation, the system was inspected and certified to meet all relevant Irish and EU health & safety regulations for working at height.

Kee Guard - Skyway - Hibernian Hotel, Kilkenny 2

Outcome / Key Benefits Delivered

The project was completed successfully, delivering a robust and future-proof safety solution for the hotel.

Full Compliance: The Kee Guard system complies with EN 13374 and Irish health & safety regulations, ensuring the hotel meets its legal obligations for rooftop access safety.

Non-Intrusive Installation: The freestanding design preserved the building’s historic roof structure, avoiding costly repairs or alterations.

Low Maintenance: With no moving parts and corrosion-resistant materials, the system requires minimal upkeep, saving the hotel money over the long term.

Always-On Safety: As a passive collective protection system, the guardrail provides constant protection without reliance on PPE, training, or supervision – reducing liability and risk.

Future-Ready Partnership: This successful installation strengthened our relationship with the client, opening opportunities for future projects within the hospitality and heritage building sectors.

Conclusion

This project is an example of how Skyway combines technical expertise, design collaboration, and practical installation skills to deliver effective fall protection solutions in challenging environments.

For the hotel, the result is a compliant, low-maintenance, and discreet safety system that protects personnel while respecting the integrity of a historic property. For Skyway, it reinforces our position as a trusted partner in Ireland’s hospitality sector – capable of delivering A Higher Level of Safety for any building, in any industry.

Need a rooftop safety solution for your hospitality, commercial, or heritage building?
Skyway provides expert design, supply, and installation of guardrail systems across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Contact our safety specialists today.

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Skyway installed a Kee Guard freestanding guardrail at a luxury hotel in Kilkenny, delivering compliant rooftop safety without damaging the roof.

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