Other News In Brief

NI Water Completes £3.5 Million Investment

A £3.5 million investment to replace the Avish Water pumping station within the Carmoney Water Treatment Works has been completed, NI Water has announced.

The investment, which will be essential to the future resilience of the local water supply infrastructure, forms a key part of the first phase and is an integral part of the overall Carmoney to Strabane Strategic Trunk Main.

This is an essential water supply system, including a new ongoing 28km pipeline between Carmoney Water Treatment Works in Eglinton and Castletown Service Reservoir in Strabane, that will ensure the resilience and ongoing provision of high-quality water to customers in the Northwest.

The pumping station is critical to improve operational flexibility; increase the resilience and robustness of the network and provide connectivity between the Northern and Western water zones (serving the wider Derry/Londonderry and Strabane areas).

"We are delighted to announce the completion of this major pumping station, which plays a key role in improving the water supply infrastructure in the Carmoney area and wider Northwest," said Tzvetelina Bogoina, NI Water's Director of Infrastructure Delivery.

"This pumping station and wider improvements to come in future phases will bring many benefits to our customers, including improved security of the local water supply.

"This investment will be particularly important during the winter months and other unplanned events, helping to reduce supply interruptions and restrictions, whilst enhancing water quality. This will future proof the local water infrastructure, providing people with an improved, more reliable service," she continued.

"We appreciate the support of local landowners and the wider community in helping us to progress the overall Carmoney to Strabane Trunk Main scheme, which, once complete, will deliver an improved water supply network and help safeguard the local water supply."

The main contractor for this project is Murphy Dawson WAM, with project management support from McAdam Design.

SDLP Expresses Concern On Potential Hike In Energy Prices

SDLP Economy Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin has expressed concern to Economy Minister Conor Murphy about possible increased energy prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Ms McLaughlin highlighted that the unrest in the region could lead to a spike in oil prices, which in turn would negatively impact both homes and businesses.

"We are all dismayed at the escalating violence in the Middle East and the senseless loss of life there," said Foyle MLA Ms McLaughlin.

"This conflict has also had an impact on global oil markets which will lead to price increases with serious consequences for energy costs in both homes and businesses. We have seen the impact the conflict in Ukraine has had on gas and electricity prices and a repeat with oil will have a significant knock-on effect.

"This problem could become particularly acute in the North, with a far greater proportion of our homes and businesses relying on oil for heating."

Ms McLaughlin also stressed the potential price increase could particularly affect pensioners after the removal of the winter fuel payment. "We know that the cost of living crisis is still impacting many families and that businesses are already closing at an alarming rate,” she said.

"As we head into winter any dramatic increase in oil prices could leave many simply unable to afford it. At a time when the British government and Executive both decided to remove the winter fuel payments from vulnerable pensioners there is a real concern that price hikes could have a significant impact on health, with hundreds of older people already dying from the cold each winter."

She added: "In light of these concerns I have contacted the Minister directly to ask what, if any, mitigations he is considering against potential price increases. We need to see action on this now and not when it's too late and we are already dealing with a crisis."

Building Mental Health Alliance Scoops Prestigious Award

Northern Ireland-based construction industry initiative, Building Mental Health Alliance (BMHA), has scooped the Safety Groups UK (SGUK) Award for Innovation 2024.

The award, which was secured ahead of this year's World Mental Health Day (October 10), celebrates BMHA's Mental Health in Construction Signposting Service, a crucial resource launched in 2022 to highlight and address mental health challenges faced by workers in the construction sector.

The judges of the SGUK Award praised BMHA for its "comprehensive, impactful, and innovative approach" to a significant issue within the construction industry, while also recognising its potential to be replicated in other sectors.

A total of 26 organisations helped form BMHA, which were all committed to tackling mental health concerns in the trade including addressing a critical need for awareness, accessible support and employee training.

Those organisations include GRAHAM, Farrans, Henry Brothers, the Construction Industry Training Board NI, Construction Employers Federation, McLaughlin and Harvey, Northern Ireland Safety Group, and many others.

Together, they represent over 12,000 construction employees and a combined turnover of £2.3 billion.

Wilson Lambe, Chair of BMHA, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. It highlights the power of collective action and collaboration across the entire industry. While the number of people using our service isn't the primary focus, what truly matters is that we’re providing vital access to mental health support for those who need it most."

He added: "We are also more than happy to assist any other organisations looking to implement a similar model and make a real difference in their sector."

A previous survey of the industry highlighted a major gap in awareness about available support within Northern Ireland.

In response, BMHA made bridging this gap one of its three key pillars, positioning itself as the essential signposting service to connect workers with the wide range of existing support services.

This collaborative effort is the first of its kind, bringing together various stakeholders in construction under the shared mission: "By the Industry, for the Industry."

The Mental Health in Construction Signposting Service, easily accessible via a QR code, offers users a straightforward route to a wide range of mental health resources, including helpline numbers and online support. Statistics have shown high engagement with the service, highlighting its effectiveness.