William Dargan civil engineering contractor
This article is part of ICE's Engineer biographies series.
DARGAN, William (1799-1867), civil engineering contractor, was born in Co. Laois, not far from Carlow town, on 28 February 1799, the son of a farmer on the estate of the Earl of Portarlington.
He received his early education in Carlow and commenced his training in a local surveyor's office. His potential was recognised by Major Alexander of Milford and by Sir Henry Parnell MP, supporter of the Holyhead Road and thus a close associate of Thomas Telford (q.v.). Parnell wrote a letter of introduction to Telford, which led, in 1820, to Dargan being appointed as overseer of a portion of the Holyhead road contract. Amongst his responsibilities was the embankment over the Stanley Sands joining Holy Island to Anglesey.
Returning to Ireland, Dargan took on a number of small contracts on his own account, the most important being sections of the road from Dublin to Howth, including the long sea wall protecting the road towards Sutton. He also acted as surveyor to the Dublin to Carlow and Dublin to Dunleer road trusts and carried out some work on the River Barrow navigation.
In 1831, he took on his first large and prestigious project when he became the contractor for the construction of Ireland's first public railway, the Dublin and Kingstown. This contract provided the foundation upon which Dargan built his subsequent contracting enterprises. These included the Kilbeggan branch of the Grand Canal, the Ulster Canal, and contracts for many of the Irish railway companies, notably the routes from Dublin to Cork, Dublin to Drogheda, Dublin to Wicklow and Mullingar to Galway.
By 1853, he had constructed over 600 miles of railway and his name became synonymous with the development of Ireland's transport infrastructure. In the same year, he sponsored the Dublin Exhibition of Industry and was offered a knighthood, which he declined.
In 1866, Dargan was seriously injured in a fall from his horse and died in Dublin on the 7 February 1867 and was buried in Glasnevin cemetery in the city. He was survived by his wife, Jane. An oil painting by Stephen Smith the Elder hangs in the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, an institution which he helped financially to establish, and a fine bronze statue to him stands outside the building.
Works prior to 1830:
- 1820-1821. Western end of Holyhead road, including Stanley embankment between Holy Island and Anglesey, surveys and supervision of construction.
- 1821-1830. Road construction and maintenance contracts in Dublin and surrounding districts, for grand juries.
Written by RON COX.
This text is an extract from A Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers in Great Britain and Ireland, published by ICE in 2002. Beginning with what little is known of the lives of engineers such as John Trew who practised in the Tudor period, the background, training and achievements of engineers over the following 250 years are described by specialist authors, many of whom have spent a lifetime researching the history of civil engineering.
Featured articles and news
Tackling the lack of knowledge or confidence in heat pumps
The CICV Green Home Festival part of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Home improvements swapped for green energy upgrades
As applications down since and desire to reduce bills up.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
The Use of Natural Insulation Materials in Retrofit
New paper from STBA with support from SDF.
National Retrofit Hub in partnership with InstallerSHOW.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.
Biodiversity and the built environment digital series
The nature of building, with CIOB and CWP.
A call for prevention and sensitive re-use.
Risks to the long-term effectiveness of the BNG scheme
National Audit Office publish review of Biodiversity Net Gain.
The CIAT principal designer register
Providing assurance and verification of the capability and competence of registered ATs.
Building Safety recommendations and Northern Ireland
The NI roadmap to improving safety in high rise residential.
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.