Other News In Brief

NI Sites Shortlisted For Heathrow Construction Hub

Two Northern Ireland sites have been shortlisted for Heathrow's offsite construction centres.

They will compete with 16 other locations to become an offsite hub to help deliver the airport's expansion plans.

A long list of 65 sites was whittled down following a nationwide tour last year and a pre-qualified questionnaire.

The NI sites include GRAHAM's Michelin Site in Silverwood Business Park, Co Antrim and MJM Marine's Ballykelly site in Co L'Derry.

Some of the other sites still in the running include Britain's largest steelworks firm, Scotland's largest airport and one of the main ports in Wales.

Each of the shortlisted sites have showcased a strong base of local support, their area's thriving supply chain, convenient connectivity links and the potential to tap into a skilled workforce.

The 18 shortlisted sites will have the opportunity this autumn to pitch to the airport's bosses for their chance to become one of the final four construction centres, to be announced early next year, ahead of work starting in 2021.  

The final four sites will become offsite construction centres that will help to deliver Britain's new runway, bringing jobs and economic opportunities. This innovative approach will also help to make the project more affordable and sustainable- by transporting assembled components in consolidated loads.

Speaking at the BCC annual conference Emma Gilthorpe, Heathrow's Executive Director for Expansion said: "Our expansion plans are progressing apace and continue to be refined thanks to feedback from a wide range of stakeholders. Heathrow is as committed as ever to creating a plan that delivers for every corner of the UK. Logistics hubs are key to achieving that. This innovative approach will be more cost effective, efficient and sustainable, helping to unlock much needed capacity quickly and responsibly.

"Logistics hubs are also integral to harnessing the skills the UK needs post-Brexit. We are working with other major infrastructure projects to see if they might also benefit from these hubs, creating a bright, new future for the UK's construction sector. One in which we're better utilising new technology and offsite techniques to spread the benefits of major projects like expansion nationwide."

Claire Walker, Co-Executive Director at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), added: "A strong skills base and high-performing infrastructure network are vital to securing the UK's economic future in the long-term. We are pleased that Heathrow is consulting with so many business communities from the Chamber of Commerce Network to ensure that its expansion plans can benefit the whole of the country.

"We look forward to hearing more of these plans from Heathrow at the BCC Annual Conference."

Alliance In Call For Independent EPA After New Pollution Figures

An Alliance MLA has reiterated his call for an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after recent figures revealed the extent of pollution problems at a Ballyclare river.

MLA for south Antrim John Blair gained figures from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency that show 676 reported incidents of pollution in the Six Mile Water River since records began, 57 of those rated medium to high severity.

"These figures make clear incidents of pollution are happening again and again, with polluters not deterred from dumping materials in our rivers," Mr Blair said.

"It is obvious the system remains toothless to punish polluters, which is a point I will be raising with the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Environmental Agency when I meet with him next month.

"A strong, independent EPA with the ability to educate and prevent such pollution will not only send out a tough message against polluters but undoubtedly improve the quality of life for everyone in Northern Ireland.

"We have an amazing potential as a green economy and the creation of an independent EPA would demonstrate our credentials, allowing us to showcase ourselves as a world leader on green issues.

"However, the current lack of an Executive means this issue cannot be progressed and in the meantime, our environment will suffer. It is vital we see restored institutions so we can create a system which makes the polluters pay."

Further Setback For L'Derry Medical School

An SDLP Councillor has expressed concern at a further setback for the proposed postgraduate medical school in L'Derry.

Sinead McLaughlin's comments come in response to the actions of three government departments in relation to progressing and supporting the Ulster University business case for the development of the facility.

The council contacted the Departments of Health, Economy and Finance and gained a response indicating that the plan will require ministerial approval.

"This is disappointing news for the entire region and poses a setback for the City's Strategic Growth Plan," Councillor McLaughlin commented. "The expansion of Ulster University at the Magee Campus is a key priority for the SDLP; university expansion will be a key catalyst for economic development for the North West region and any further delay to this process is simply unacceptable.

"I have proposed that Derry City & Strabane District council seek an urgent meeting the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley MP, together with senior Civil Servants to progress this matter. Any further delay beyond May 2019 might delay student intake back until September 2021.

"The expansion of Ulster University is just one of many vital economic development programmes that is being held back by the Sinn Féin and DUP failure to take positive action to re-establish the Executive. 


"Communities across the North West deserve better than this."



(JG/CM)