When Pipes Tell Stories: Insights for Project Managers from Michael Rooney’s Infrastructure Journey

In a sector dominated by concrete, steel, and logistical complexity, it’s easy for the human narrative to vanish. Yet in our recent conversation with Michael Rooney of Rooney Pipelines Civil Infrastructure, we heard about his story of the day-to-day challenges he faces and how our Guardian shields help him to execute jobs safely, efficiently and to a top spec. Those managing projects will find plenty of value in what Michael has to say!

The Unseen Complexity of Infrastructure Work

On the surface, pipelines are utilitarian: channels for water, gas, or waste. But as Michael made clear, each job comes with a different set of challenges— live traffic, pedestrians, live services, unknown services, that add complexity to the job.

Increase productivity with a 7.2m Aluminium shield

For Michael, solving problems daily helps him to face and overcome challenges like getting quality staff and finding ongoing work in a tight market. Having access to our 7.2m aluminium shield helps Michael be more efficient as he needs a lightweight shield that his 20 tonne diggers can lift easily. The weight of the shields is what stood out to him, as our 7.2m shield allows him to lay a 6m length of sewer which he says “increases productivity” on his sites and makes the job safer.

Guardian’s shields – stronger, lighter and more versatile

Michael highlighted that when he first had a look at our shields, he thought they were a pretty strong shield compared to our competitors in the same range. He now uses them extensively for installing stormwater and wastewater lines, along with our manhole boxes at various depths. Michael likes to use our adjustable struts as the different lengths cover most of the pipes he lays.

The Long Game: Maintenance, and Resilience

As the government starts to tighten up on safety and compliance Michael was happy to note that Guardian “has all the equipment to make it safe”. He spoke of our service being top-class, as there is always someone around to help. When the job is urgent Michael said “You’ll get it out straight away or you do your best to” and that he finds us very easy to deal with.

Michael Rooney reminded us that a pipeline project isn’t just delivered and forgotten. There is an immense amount of work that goes into it from all sides to keep those on-site safe and those around the site safe. Having quick and easy access to safety gear like our 7.2m trench shield makes each infrastructure job compliant and efficient for him.

A big thanks to Michael Rooney for his time and for sharing his experience working with the team here at Guardian and with our trench and site gear that helps protect people and get them home safe to their families and friends each night.