Other News In Brief

NI Water Contractors Win Three Accolades For Major Projects

Contractors involved in NI Water's significant capital delivery projects have won three prestigious accolades, including a gold award, at the CCS (Considerate Constructors Scheme) National Site Awards.

The National Site Awards – which were first introduced by the CCS in 1998 - recognise the outstanding advancements made by dedicated constructors in transforming the construction industry's image and reputation. After a four-year break, the revitalised awards came back this year and recently honoured hundreds of new winners across the UK and Ireland.

Three contractors from NI Water's IF105 program were recognised for their exemplary community engagement and contributions to enhancing the construction industry's reputation through respectful interactions with the public, their employees and the environment.

Murphy Dawson-Wam – a joint venture between Murphy Group and Dawson Wam - was awarded a gold award for their outstanding work on NI Water’s Carmoney to Strabane Trunkmain Scheme. According to the CCS, as a recipient of a prestigious gold award means that Murphy Dawson-Wam and the Carmoney to Strabane Trunkmain Scheme are ranked among the 1% best performing sites in the UK and Ireland – an achievement to be proud of.

GEDA Construction was also recognised for their outstanding performance, receiving a bronze award for their significant contributions to NI Water’s Ravenhill Flood Alleviation Project. Similarly, GRAHAM Construction earned a bronze award for their dedicated efforts in upgrading the Ballygawley Wastewater Treatment Works.

Tzvetelina Bogoina, NI Water Director of Infrastructure Delivery stated: "I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the local contractors whose efforts have been justly recognised by the CCS in this year’s awards. NI Water has in place a robust auditing system to ensure that all our contractors carry out work in a safe and respectful manner and instil high standards of workmanship. We are proud to have this calibre of contractor working in partnership with NI Water to deliver our extensive portfolio of capital delivery water and wastewater projects across Northern Ireland."

At this year's awards ceremonies, CCS presented 522 Bronze, 121 Silver, and 66 Gold Awards from over 5,500 eligible registered sites. The number of sites achieving ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ scores was so high that a perfect score of 45/45 became the minimum requirement for an Award.

Amit Oberoi, Executive Chairman, Considerate Constructors Scheme said: "We are absolutely delighted to have brought back the National Site Awards format for 2024. These awards are much loved by the construction industry, and we received an overwhelming show of support for their return.

"Winning a CCS National Site Award is the mark of the highest levels of performance in the three areas of our Code of Considerate Practice: Respect the Community, Care for the Environment, Value the Workforce. "Our awards are very selective, and the bar was set extremely high. Only the top performing sites of the UK have been receiving an award. On behalf of the CCS, I would like to congratulate all our National Site Awards winners."

Translink Users To Receive Discount On Marble Arch Caves Tours

Fermanagh & Omagh District Council have announced that visitors exploring the Fermanagh Lakelands this summer avail of 15% off tours of the Marble Arch Caves when travelling to it via Translink's Summer Service.

Operating from 1 July to 31 August 2024, this service runs from Enniskillen Bus Station to the Marble Arch Caves and Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, Monday to Friday (excluding July 12). The bus departs at 11:45 am and returns from the Marble Arch Caves at 4:30 pm.

Councillor John Mc Claughry, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, stated: "This is a fantastic service offered by Translink, that will improve access to our unique Marble Arch Caves and Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, two key attractions in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. This initiative will allow both locals and visitors an easy and sustainable way to travel to the area.

"I would encourage everyone to avail of the Summer Translink Service and use this as an opportunity to take time out and experience the beauty of the natural landscapes on offer."

Bus tickets can be purchased online and are priced at £5.40 for an adult return ticket (15yrs+), £2.70 for a child’s return ticket, Family of 6 unlimited day travel ticket £24.00 and children 4yrs and under travel for free.

Guided Cave Tours run daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout July and August, taking 60-75 minutes and suitable for all ages. Tour tickets can be booked online in advance to avoid peak period waiting times. The 15% discount will be refunded upon presentation of a bus ticket, to staff on the day of visit.

Mid Ulster Council Urges Local Groups To Register Defibrillators

Mid Ulster District Council has encouraged residents to register their defibrillators with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network.

The Circuit offers a comprehensive view of defibrillator locations, including those in Northern Ireland.

Currently, many defibrillators go unused because emergency services are unaware of their locations or how to access them. This lack of information can be critical during cardiac arrest incidents, potentially costing lives.

By registering defibrillators on The Circuit, their locations and statuses are immediately synchronised with emergency services' systems, ensuring the information is always current.

Councillor Kyle Black, Chair of the Council’s Development Committee, stated: "The Circuit is vital in making sure that whenever and wherever a cardiac arrest happens, the people on the scene can get to the nearest working defibrillator quickly. Whether it’s in the grounds of a local sports club, shopping centre or office - every defibrillator matters. Registration could be the difference between life and death.

"I would encourage everyone to take the time, not only to check that the defibrillator on their premises or facility is in good working order, but to register it with The Circuit."