Kingspan Insulation has unveiled the latest additions to its popular K-Roc range of Euroclass A1-rated insulation:
· K-Roc Soffit Slab
· K-Roc Flat Roof Slab 70/039
· K-Roc External Wall Slab and
· K-Roc Partial Fill Cavity Wall Slab.
The rock mineral fibre insulation products provide simple, practical solutions for applications where enhanced fire performance may be required.
K-Roc Soffit Slab is suitable for use on a wide range of structural ceilings including basements and underground car parks. The A1 rated mineral fibre slab is available in thicknesses from 100 to 200 mm to suit project requirements and has a thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/mK.
For external wall applications on masonry constructions, K-Roc External Wall Slab can provide an effective solution. Suitable for use behind traditional and lightweight polymer modified renders, the insulation achieves a thermal conductivity of 0.037 W/mK and can be installed as part of both new builds and refurbishment projects.
K-Roc Partial Fill Cavity Wall Slab joins Kingspan’s existing range of Euroclass A1 rated external wall solutions, alongside K-Roc Framing Slab and K-Roc Rainscreen Slab. The insulation achieves a thermal conductivity of 0.035 W/mK and is designed to be installed with a clear cavity (in line with the regulatory requirements for the application), supporting its use in applications where walls may be exposed to significant driving rain.
K-Roc Flat Roof Slab 70/039 can be fitted on new or existing roofs with concrete, timber or metal decks. The product is fully compatible with most mechanically fixed single-ply waterproofing systems and achieves a thermal conductivity of 0.039 W/mK.
All four products have been assessed under Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) System 1 for Reaction to Fire.
The new K-Roc products form part of Kingspan’s full spectrum range of insulation solutions, helping project teams meet their targets on any developments. The products are backed with dedicated technical support.
MoneySuperMarket’s new Van MOT Fail Checker reveals the most common MOT faults for the UK’s most popular van models
Van insurance expert MoneySuperMarket has analysed over 815 million MOT results
The Nissan Primastar and the Fiat Scudo are the UK vans most likely to fail a MOT
Vans most likely to pass include the Volkswagen Amarok and Mitsubishi L200
The huge analysis of DVSA data reveals the most common MOT faults for vans include worn-out handbrakes and broken registration plate lamps
The results of an enormous MOT data study have been released this week by van insurance expert MoneySuperMarket.
Researchers at MoneySuperMarket filtered down over 815 million MOT results from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to create a Van MOT Fail Checker tool, showing the most common faults for over 70 different van models.
Alongside the Van MOT Fail Checker tool MoneySuperMarket also released a new MOT Fail Report revealing which van models have, on average, the best and worst MOT pass rates.
The most frequently seen MOT faults in UK vans
The new research shows the top reasons UK vans fail their MOT- the handbrake isn’t strong enough to safely hold the vehicle securely; the registration plate lamps aren’t functioning correctly; or the windscreen wipers aren’t effectively clearing the windscreen.
Handbrake failure is a common MOT issue in many van models. Drivers often don’t notice handbrake problems, especially if they usually park on flat surfaces or leave the van in gear.
Other very frequent fail reasons include the front tyre tread depth falling below requirements of 1.6mm; the windscreen washer providing insufficient washer liquid; or front position lamps not working.
The 10 Most Frequent Van MOT Fail Reasons in the UK from 2005
Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
2,210,491
10
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
2,177,809
Alicia Hempsted, Van Insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: “For tradespeople and van drivers, an MOT failure can mean more than just inconvenience – it can lead to lost earnings and even invalidate your insurance. That’s why our Van MOT Fail Checker is designed to help drivers spot common issues, like worn tyres or faulty handbrakes, before test day. By analysing over 20 years of MOT fail results, we’ve created a tool that empowers van owners to make informed choices, save money, and stay safer on the road. While we can’t guarantee a pass, taking proactive steps could help reduce the risk of unexpected costs.”
Nissan Primastar and Fiat Scudo among van models most likely to fail their MOT
Based on van models that have had over 10,000 MOT tests since 2005, the Nissan Primastar is the model most likely to fail an MOT, with the Fiat Scudo and Vauxhall Astravan completing the top three.
– AI-Powered Technologies, Advanced Displays and Modular Batteries Designed to Revolutionise Compact Construction Equipment –
Bobcat, a global leader in compact construction equipment, unveiled a suite of groundbreaking technologies at CES 2026 to transform how work gets done. Engineered for simplicity and productivity, these innovations aim to make equipment operation more intuitive, empowering operators to accomplish more with confidence. The new solutions integrate artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomy and connectivity into a scalable system of solutions designed to support operators, technicians and fleet owners alike.
“For nearly 70 years, Bobcat has led the compact equipment industry by solving real problems for real people,” said Scott Park, CEO and Vice Chairman of Doosan Bobcat. “Today, as workforce needs change and jobsites become more complex, we’re responding with intelligent systems that empower people to accomplish more, faster and smarter. These innovations aren’t concepts for the distant future; they’re advancements that are shaping how work gets done right now.”
Bobcat Jobsite Companion: The Industry’s First AI-Enabled Feature for Compact Construction Equipment
At the centre of Bobcat’s CES 2026 announcement is Bobcat Jobsite Companion, a first-of-its-kind, AI-enabled feature for compact construction equipment.
This prototype technology will provide real-time support and automation for everyday machine tasks. Operators can simply ask a question or state a command, and the system responds through voice and display interactions—adjusting attachment settings based on environment, offering operational recommendations and automating more than 50 functions without taking hands off the controls.
Powered by Bobcat’s proprietary AI large language model, Jobsite Companion runs entirely onboard the machine, enabling real-time responsiveness without reliance on cloud connectivity. This ensures full functionality even in remote or connectivity-limited jobsites, a critical requirement for construction environments. This technology redefines the machine-operator relationship, delivering the most significant interface evolution in nearly two decades.
“Jobsite Companion lowers the barrier to entry for new operators while helping experienced professionals work faster and more precisely,” said Joel Honeyman, Vice President of Global Innovation at Doosan Bobcat. “It’s not just smarter technology; it’s a smarter experience that puts expert-level guidance directly in the cab.”
Service.AI: AI-Powered Support for Faster Repairs and More Uptime
Bobcat also announced Service.AI, an AI-powered service and support platform designed to minimise equipment downtime by giving dealers and technicians instant access to Bobcat’s full repair expertise. With Service.AI, Bobcat dealers and technicians can instantly retrieve repair manuals and warranty details, receive real-time diagnostic guidance, and leverage Bobcat’s extensive archive of historical cases for faster troubleshooting.
This prototype technology delivers the expertise of a master technician—providing step-by-step guidance to streamline the service process and complete repairs efficiently. By simplifying complex diagnostics, Service.AI not only accelerates repair timelines but helps to address the ongoing labour shortage.
Collision Warning and Avoidance System: Purposeful Innovation for Jobsite Confidence
Bobcat showcased its prototype Collision Warning and Avoidance System, the first and only system in development for the compact equipment industry designed to actively slow or stop a machine before a collision occurs.
Using advanced imaging radar, the system tracks the position, direction and speed of surrounding objects in real time. If a potential hazard is detected, the machine will automatically alert and even slow down or stop the machine. Designed to assist operator awareness without adding complexity, the system is already being cited through customer testing as a differentiating factor for choosing Bobcat equipment.
Advanced Display Technology: A Smarter View into the Jobsite
Bobcat also highlighted its Advanced Display Technology, a MicroLED, transparent, auto-tint, touch-enabled display concept seamlessly integrated into the cab door or machine window.
The system overlays critical operational data directly onto the operator’s field of view, allowing them to see both the jobsite and machine insights simultaneously. Integrated features include:
360-degree camera views
Collison warning and avoidance alerts
Jobsite feature display
Real-time machine performance data
Real-time visual asset tracking and monitoring
“It’s not just a screen,” Honeyman said. “It’s a smarter window into the work, delivering clarity, control and confidence.”
RogueX3: The Next Evolution of Autonomous, Electric and Modular Equipment
Bobcat is pushing the boundaries of innovation with RogueX3, its most advanced concept machine to date. Fully electric and autonomous, RogueX3 takes modularity to the next level, adapting seamlessly to a wide range of jobsite needs.
The version showcased at CES features an electric powertrain and can operate remotely or autonomously without a cab. However, RogueX3 was engineered for ultimate flexibility. Its modular design allows interchangeable components—cab or no cab, wheels or tracks, configurable lift arms and more—so users can tailor the machine to specific tasks. Looking ahead, the machine could be built and powered in multiple ways, including electric, diesel, hybrid or even hydrogen. Building on insights from RogueX and RogueX2, RogueX3’s innovative design has already generated multiple pending patents that will shape the future of Bobcat’s product lineup.
Bobcat Standard Unit Pack (BSUP): Modular Power for an Electric Future
Powering Bobcat’s electric future is the Bobcat Standard Unit Pack (BSUP), a fast-charging, modular battery system engineered for rugged jobsite conditions. BSUP units are:
Stackable and designed to fit the space constraints of compact equipment like loaders, excavators and forklifts
Designed for dusty, dirty and high-impact environments
Scalable across Bobcat equipment and available to other OEMs
By enabling flexible, cleaner and quieter operations, BSUP will serve as a foundational building block for the next generation of electric construction equipment.
Together, Bobcat Jobsite Companion, Service.AI, Collision Warning and Avoidance, Advanced Display Technology, RogueX3 and BSUP form an integrated system of solutions set to redefine what’s possible on the modern jobsite.
“We’re not just imagining the future — we’re engineering it,” Park said. “By combining AI, autonomy, electrification and connectivity, Bobcat is creating technology that empowers people, simplifies work and sets a new standard for the industry.”
Products and technologies featured at CES are showcased as prototypes or concept models, highlighting the innovation shaping the future. While not commercially available at present, several are advancing toward commercialisation.
About Bobcat
Since 1958, Bobcat has been empowering people to accomplish more. As a leading global manufacturer of compact equipment, Bobcat has built a proud legacy of innovation and a reputation for delivering smart solutions to customers’ toughest challenges. Bobcat now offers extensive line ups of compact machinery (including loaders, excavators, telehandlers, portable power, compact tractors and mowers) and material handling equipment (including forklifts and warehouse solutions), plus a broad range of attachments, parts and services. All of these products are backed by the support of a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors. The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat.
About Doosan Bobcat
Doosan Bobcat is a company within the Doosan Group. Doosan Group is a top-tier global enterprise that has proudly served customers and communities for more than a century. Doosan Bobcat is based in Bundang, South Korea.
To learn more about Bobcat’s products, attachments and services, visit www.bobcat.com.
Donegal based roofing and rainwater specialist Kytun has picked up the Most Innovative Product award for its Performance Plus Aluminium Slate Trim at the 2025 Pitched Roofing Awards, reinforcing its position as one of the UK and Ireland’s most forward-thinking roofing manufacturers.
Held in November at The Midland Hotel in Manchester, the awards celebrate technical excellence, innovation and best practice across the pitched roofing sector. Kytun also sponsored the Best Use of Slate for a Domestic Project category, reflecting its long-standing commitment to quality slate detailing and the installers and designers who deliver it on site.
Innovation driven by real-world roofing challenges
The pitched roofing sector is undergoing a clear shift. Traditional mortar-based solutions are increasingly being replaced by dry fix systems that offer improved durability, faster installation and consistent performance over time. At the same time, pressure is growing around sustainability, waste reduction and long-term compliance.
Performance Plus was developed to address these challenges head-on, delivering a continuous dry fix solution for slate and tile roofs, removing the need for additional materials or multiple installation stages. By combining form, function and speed, it creates a cleaner roof edge and viable alternative to traditional methods that are vulnerable to weathering and failure.
For installers, the benefits are obvious: Performance Plus can reduce installation time by up to 50%, enabling efficient installation without compromising finish or performance. The system installs cleanly, creates consistent alignment along the verge, and eliminates the variability often associated with mortar applications.
Performance, durability and long-term good looks
Performance Plus has been cleverly engineered for both speed and longevity, so Kytun can confidently provide a 30-year warranty as standard.
Aesthetically, the slim aluminium profile provides a sharp, uniform finish that complements both contemporary and traditional builds: an increasingly important consideration as homeowners and designers place greater emphasis on detailing.
From a performance perspective, the use of aluminium also supports wider industry movement towards durable, low-maintenance materials that perform consistently over time.
Sustainability as standard, not an afterthought
The Roofing Awards judges highlighted innovation and sustainability as key factors in Kytun’s win, and rightly so.
By reducing material waste, removing wet trades from the verge installation process, and extending product lifespan, Performance Plus aligns with more responsible building practices. Aluminium’s recyclability further strengthens its sustainability credentials, supporting circular economy principles increasingly valued across residential and commercial construction.
This focus is not isolated to a single product. Kytun’s broader dry fix roofing systems range reflects a manufacturer-led approach to sustainable innovation, one that starts with real installer feedback and ends with practical, compliant solutions that stand up to scrutiny.
Supporting excellence across the industry
Kytun’s sponsorship of the Best Use of Slate for a Domestic Project category reinforced its ongoing support for craftsmanship and technical skill within the roofing industry. The category showcased how high-quality materials, thoughtful specification and skilled installation can deliver outstanding results, particularly in slate roofing where detailing matters.
Speaking after the event, the Kytun team highlighted the awards as recognition not just of a product, but of a wider commitment to performance-led design, manufacturing quality and installer-focused innovation.
Setting the benchmark for modern dry fix systems
Winning Most Innovative Product at the 2025 Pitched Roofing Awards positions Performance Plus as a benchmark for modern verge solutions – one that reflects where the industry is now, and where it is heading.
As regulation tightens, sustainability expectations grow, and time pressures on site increase, solutions that combine speed, durability and clean detailing are no longer optional. They are becoming the standard.
For Kytun, this recognition signals more than a successful awards night. It underscores a clear mission: to design roofing systems that perform better, last longer and make life easier for the professionals who install them.
Eimear O'Reilly Chadwicks Group Picture Conor McCabe Photography.
Chadwicks Group, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchanting company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Eimear O’Reilly as HR Director of Chadwicks Group. As HR Director for Chadwicks Group, and as a member of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team, Eimear will lead the company’s people strategy.
In the role, Eimear will shape and deliver a forward-looking strategy that supports the company’s ongoing transformation and growth ambitions. She will lead initiatives to enhance the employee experience, strengthen talent pipelines and build organisational capability, ensuring Chadwicks Group is equipped to meet the evolving needs of its colleagues, customers and wider market.
Eimear brings over 20 years of extensive experience in Human Resources, organisational development and people strategy across a wide range of sectors, including financial services, insurance and mobile technology. Her career spans leadership roles with well-known brands such as Allianz Ireland Insurance, Bank of Scotland, AIB, Meteor Mobile and Vodafone, as well as senior positions in global operational and engineering environments.
Most recently, Eimear served as HR Director with Allied Universal, following a successful five-and-a-half-year tenure with Hilti Fastening Systems. Throughout her career, she has delivered significant achievements in organisational development, talent management, employee engagement and change leadership. She is also a qualified business coach, an experienced mediator, and currently serves as a Director of Positive2Work Skillnet Ireland, contributing to national workforce development initiatives.
Speaking on the appointment, Patrick Atkinson, CEO, Chadwicks Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Eimear to the Senior Leadership Team at Chadwicks Group. Her deep experience across HR, organisational development and people management will play a crucial role as we continue to invest in our colleagues and shape the future of the business. Eimear’s strategic insight and strong focus on developing high-performing teams align closely with our ambition to deliver an exceptional customer experience and support our growth plans across Ireland.”
Speaking on her appointment, Eimear O’Reilly, HR Director, Chadwicks Group, commented: “I am delighted to be joining Chadwicks Group at such an important stage in its growth journey. Chadwicks’ strong reputation, values-driven culture and commitment to developing colleagues aligns closely with my professional principles and experience. I am excited to contribute to the next chapter of Chadwick Group’s success.”
• Modest growth will be limited by labour shortages, not demand • Firms will turn down work due to lack of skilled people and burnout • Tool theft and rising costs will continue to undermine delivery and cash flow • Businesses that protect skills, security and wellbeing will outperform those chasing volume
Industry forecasts suggest construction output could edge up in 2026, but Fix Radio’s view, shaped by daily on-air conversations with trades across the UK, is that growth on paper will not translate into jobs completed on site unless labour pressures ease.
The Construction Products Association (CPA) forecasts total construction output growth of 2.8% in 2026, with infrastructure expected to rise by 4.4% and private housing by around 4.0%. (Construction Products Association, 2025)
Fix Radio’s prediction for 2026 is that the biggest challenge will not be winning work, but having the people, time and resilience to deliver it. Labour shortages, rising costs, tool theft and burnout dominated trade conversations throughout 2025, and those pressures remain unresolved heading into next year.
Trade research across the sector shows seven in ten tradespeople say skills shortages are stopping them from expanding, while 79% say rising materials and tool costs make growth unviable even when order books are full. (Checkatrade, 2025)
The labour picture remains tight. Screwfix warns the UK could face a shortfall of around 250,000 tradespeople by 2030, and reports that 25% of tradespeople plan to retire within the next five years. (Screwfix, 2025)
Security has become a parallel constraint. Direct Line research indicates almost four in five tradespeople (79%) have experienced tool theft at some point. (Direct Line Group, 2025) Each incident results in downtime, missed jobs and immediate income loss, particularly for sole traders and small firms.
Burnout is now part of the same delivery problem. Industry wellbeing research found 91% of tradespeople experienced work-related stress in the last year, with 56% experiencing it at least once a week. (IronmongeryDirect, 2025) Fix Radio’s view is that pushing longer hours on shrinking crews is no longer sustainable and is actively reducing output.
The impact is already visible to homeowners. A Markel Direct survey of 1,187 UK homeowners found nearly half struggled to find an available tradesperson, while 52% said they had been turned away by fully booked firms. (Markel Direct, 2025; Electrical Times, 2025) The issue is not lack of demand, but lack of capacity to take work on safely and profitably.
According to Louis Timpany, CEO of Fix Radio, 2026 will not be won by the firms doing the longest hours, but by those able to retain skilled people, protect wellbeing, secure their tools and plan jobs realistically. Skills, security and mental health are no longer optional, they are now fundamental to making work possible.
Fix Radio’s latest published audience figures show it reaches 833,545 weekly listeners, with listeners tuning in for an average of 27.9 hours per week. (RadioToday, 2025) Its prediction for 2026 is clear: demand may improve, but delivery will get harder unless the workforce is protected.
GRAHAM’s Facilities Management division has been awarded a new Hard Facilities Management contract with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), marking the start of a long-term relationship that will run for up to five years.
Under the new agreement, GRAHAM will deliver a comprehensive building repair and maintenance service across more than 600 properties/assets throughout the borough. The contract includes planned and remedial works, reactive maintenance, and minor works, covering all aspects of building fabric maintenance, mechanical and electrical services, and the management of specialist sub-contractors.
Central to the contract is a shared commitment to collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement, supported by a focus on creating positive social impact across the borough. GRAHAM will work closely with RBKC to deliver tangible community benefits, including supporting local initiatives, providing employment and training opportunities, and building long-term relationships with local partners and suppliers.
Joanne Bell, Interim Strategic Head of Property at Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said: “We are determined to provide value for money services of the highest quality for our residents. GRAHAM has a track record of providing high quality, proactive and resilient Hard FM and we feel confident they will be able to do the same for us across our occupational commercial estate.”
Stewart Palmer, Regional Director at GRAHAM Facilities Management, said: “This relationship presents a tremendous opportunity to create meaningful impact in one of London’s most iconic boroughs. Our primary focus will be on ensuring full compliance while driving efficiencies, fostering innovation, and delivering continuous improvement across the service. We are committed to supporting the Council’s net zero objectives, maintaining transparency, and ensuring value for money – ultimately delivering lasting benefits for residents, the wider community, and all stakeholders.”
The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) takes a look back at a sample of the award-winning architecture that has been delivered right across Northern Ireland in the first 25 years of this century.
Ciarán Fox said, “We love our 15s up north, so we’ve set ourselves the almost impossible task of selecting only 15 of the best examples of architecture in Northern Ireland in a quarter of a century. There is such a vast range of excellent projects from which to choose and we’re more than happy to hear views on what else should’ve made the list.
But we’ve considered the different project types from one-off housing right up to the largest public buildings, the location, the time period and the societal impact. All 15 projects have been noted for the quality of their architecture through regional and national awards.”
“Everyone will have their own favourite and we’ll be listening out for feedback to see which of these buildings the public has taken into their hearts. Undertaking the review has highlighted how important design competitions are to achieving excellence particularly in public buildings. Those competitions have become very rare in Northern Ireland in recent years. We will be working with Government in 2026 to get design competitions back into the mix.”
Please see the list of the 15 projects below.
1. Armagh Marketplace Theatre and Arts Centre
Architect: Glenn Howells Client: Armagh District Council Completion year: 2000 Location: Armagh
The winning entry in an international architectural competition, Glenn Howells Architects’ design for The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre won a RIBA Regional Award in 2000. The modernist building which replaced a cinema destroyed by a bomb, is made of five terraces of cast stone volumes that navigate the steeply sloping site of Market Square. The theatre which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year was opened by Prince Charles, now King.
2. Batik Building
Architect: Twenty-Two Over Seven Client: Doug and June Elliott Completion year: 2003 Location: Belfast
The Batik Building, designed by Twenty-Two Over Seven, was part of the redevelopment of the former Belfast Gasworks on the Ormeau Road. Surrounded by the restored Victorian architecture on the site, this new building was recognised for its sensitive integration with Belfast’s industrial heritage. Originally, the building combined mostly showroom space for a contemporary design and furniture shop but is now office space.
3. Falls Road Leisure Centre
Architect: Kennedy Fitzgerald Client: Belfast City Council Completion year: 2005 Location: Belfast
Kennedy Fitzgerald Architects’ leisure centre on the Falls Road focused on glass, light and colour. The centre was hailed as ‘a brave and deliberate break with Belfast’s siege mentality architecture’ by the RIBA Journal at the time. It won awards across Ireland and Britain. The project was the first a string of award-winning projects in the Gaeltacht Quarter including Sportlánn at Coláiste Feirste, Raidió Fáilte and the Liam McCormick Prize winning building of 2022, Áras Uí Chonghaile.
The Lyric Theatre in Belfast is one of only three Ulster buildings to have ever won Ireland’s top accolade for architecture – the RIAI Gold Medal. Designed by architects O’Donnell +Tuomey, who have since picked up the RIBA Royal Gold Medal, the Lyric is admired for its material quality and its integration into the constrained site between the red-brick terraced housing of Stranmillis and the River Lagan. The building was the setting for an historic handshake between the Queen and Martin McGuinness in 2012.
5. The MAC
Architect: Hackett Hall McKnight Client: The MAC Completion year: 2012 Location: Belfast
Belfast architects Hackett Hall McKnight won the commission for the new Metropolitan Arts Centre Belfast, ‘The MAC’, through an International Design Contest in 2007. The centre opened its doors in 2012, providing Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter with a new public space and acting as a beacon for the ongoing regeneration of Belfast. Its architectural excellence was recognised with a RIBA National Award and the architects behind the project have gone on to deliver numerous award-winning buildings.
Designed by Heneghan Peng, the architects behind the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre is folded into the landscape surrounding Northern Ireland’s most iconic natural attraction and only World Heritage Site. Much of the building is tucked beneath a grass-covered roof to retain the uninterrupted coastal views while its façades echo the legendary hexagonal columns of the Causeway itself. The architects were appointed following an international design competition which attracted over 200 submissions. The project went on to win the Liam McCormick Prize for NI’s building of the year and was shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize and the EU Mies Awards.
7. Titanic Building
Architect: Eric Kuhne (Civic Arts) and TODD Architects Client: Titanic Quarter Ltd. Completion year: 2012 Location: Belfast
Titanic Belfast is the centrepiece of the £97 million Titanic Quarter regeneration project. London architects CivicArts were responsible for the original design concept, while local practice TODD Architects worked alongside them to deliver the completed building. The four steel-plated wings of Northern Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction, located at the head of the slipway where RMS Titanic was built, have become an iconic addition to the landmarks of Belfast. The building was an RSUA Award winner in 2014 and it has gone on to become an undoubted tourism success story.
Studio PDP’s Killynure Green development in Carryduff is an important example of the growing role of well-designed social housing in Northern Ireland over the past 25 years. The scheme demonstrates how social housing can deliver high-quality homes that are practical, durable and responsive to their setting. This development for Choice Housing was the first scheme in Northern Ireland to achieve the highest energy efficiency grading possible for sustainable homes.
9. Fallahogey House and Studio
Architect: McGarry Moon Client: Jessica McGarry and Steven Moon Completion year: House completed in 2009 and studio in 2017 Location: Kilrea
There aren’t many architects who can say they’re behind two UK-wide award-winning buildings on the same site, but husband-and-wife team Jessica McGarry and Steven Moon (McGarry Moon Architects) can. Fallahogey House and Studio follow the form of a simple barn, housing a series of fluid spaces within. The double-height windows create bright spaces which flow into the rural landscape. In 2009, Fallahogey house in Kilrea won a RIBA national award and the studio won another in 2017.
10. St Bronagh’s Primary School
Architect: d-on architects Client: Trustees of St. Bronagh’s Primary School Completion year: 2017 Location: Rostrevor
St Bronagh’s Primary School won the Liam McCormick Prize for best building in Northern Ireland in 2018 and is the only school to have ever done so. The school’s restrained and structured design by d-on architects created a calm and airy learning environment. The pupils of St. Bronagh’s and the wider community were heavily involved in the project, from engaging on environmental matters at the outset to painting the roof cowls.
11. Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex
Architect: TODD Architects with Hall Black Douglas Client: Health Estates Investment Group (HEIG) Completion year: 2017 Location: Omagh
The £75 million Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex received an RSUA Design Award in 2018. TODD Architects and Hall Black Douglas delivered this high-quality, modern facility that sets new standards for healthcare architecture and service delivery. The complex building provides a holistic and welcoming environment for healing and brings acute, primary and community care together on one site in a way that was unique in NI and the UK.
This ‘dream home’ in County Down, designed by McGonigle McGrath and built on the ‘tightest of budgets’ was named by RIBA as the UK’s House of the Year in 2019. It was named as the winner during the final episode of the Channel 4 television series Grand Designs: House of the Year. House Lessans used simple details and cost-effective materials to create an elegant and bespoke home that resonates with its owners, a semi-retired couple. McGonigle McGrath has won Northern Ireland’s House of the Year and also Building of the Year on numerous occasions.
The North West Transport Hub in Derry-Londonderry was restored and reimagined by Consarc Design Group. By revitalising the once derelict 1873 Waterside railway station into a vibrant multimodal transport hub, the project not only preserves significant Victorian railway architecture but also supports sustainable travel, community use and regional connectivity in the North West. Its high-quality restoration and creation of civic and social spaces earned multiple RSUA awards for design, conservation, sustainability and placemaking.
14. Ulster University Belfast Campus
Architect: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios with McAdam Design, Scott Tallon Walker & White Ink Architects Client: Ulster University Completion year: 2023 Location: Belfast
The Liam McCormick Prize-winning Ulster University Belfast Campus opened to students and the public in 2023. The design team of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, McAdam Design, Scott Tallon Walker & White Ink Architects faced the challenge of fitting close to 300 learning spaces for some 15,000 students and staff into the site on the northern edge of Belfast’s city centre. The completed project is a city within a city and is estimated to have had a regeneration impact of £1.4 billion on the Northern Ireland economy.
The Queen’s Business School Student Hub by TODD Architects was designed to sit sensitively beside the historic Riddel Hall and mature woodland, offering a mix of teaching, study and social spaces that reflect students’ needs. A low energy design approach was also promoted from the beginning of the project. The building was awarded the Liam McCormick Prize as Northern Ireland’s Building of the Year 2025 and has also been recognised with a RIBA National Award.
The number of new planning applications received in Northern Ireland has reached a record low according to new quarterly statistics issued today by the Department for Infrastructure.
In the 12 months up to September 2025, 9,578 applications were received, a 4% decrease on the 9,928 applications the previous year and a 20% decrease on the 12,040 applications over the same period in 2022–23. These figures are also a far cry from the peak 20 years ago, when over 36,000 applications were submitted.
Ciarán Fox, Director of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA), commented, “This record low in planning applications may be a sign that potential development is being shelved as a result of the inability to connect to the wastewater system in so many areas of Northern Ireland as a result of decades of underinvestment in our infrastructure.”
“A lower number of planning applications today tends to lead to fewer construction projects hitting the ground in the years ahead, so it is certainly a concern from an economic perspective.”
“In the short term this low number of applications may provide those in the planning system a bit of space to address some of the bottlenecks but ultimately fewer applications mean a reduced income for local Councils and this could impact on resources.”
The Northern Ireland Planning Statistics publication also reports on how Councils are performing in regard to local and major applications.
For local applications, which include most residential projects, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council were the top performers, with average processing times of 8 and 10 weeks respectively, well within the statutory target of 15 weeks. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council performed the worst, averaging 43 weeks.
Mr Fox said, “The stats show that within the current system it is possible to deliver an efficient planning service which gets applications moved through the system expeditiously. We are keen to see additional support given to those Councils that are struggling to meet the targets.”
A South Eastern Regional College (SERC) apprentice, Matthew Rutherford, has earned a podium place at the SkillBuild 2025 National Finals which took place at Arena MK in Milton Keynes, 19 – 20 November 2025.
Matthew, (20), from Bangor, lifted third place in the national competition which hosted competitors from across the UK.
The young man, who completed a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery before progressing to the Level 3 at SERC’s Newtownards Campus, is employed by Synergy Construction Services (NI) LLP.
No stranger to success, Matthew has won Screwfix Apprentice of the Year 2024 title, lifted first place in the SkillBuild Intercampus Carpentry Competition at SERC, and came third place in carpentry in the SkillBuild NI Regional Finals earlier this year.
Speaking about his latest win Matthew said, “I am delighted with the result. It was a tough competition – you are working against the clock all the time. The competition lasts 18 hours over three days and involved construction of a children’s play frame consisting of a roof, stairs, platform, picket fence and a swing bar.”
He continued, “The main challenge for me was drawing out the true shape of both the rafters and the hip rafters, as the plan provided didn’t give you all the detail you needed to make the completed play frame. I hadn’t drawn out something like this before, but I knew I just had to use all the skills and knowledge I had acquired throughout my apprenticeship and work away, as quickly and accurately as possible, and that seemed to work.”
He continued, “The atmosphere at the competition was amazing. We were staying in the DoubleTree Hilton which wraps around the MK Dons Stadium, so the rooms look right over the stadium. On the last evening, we had a celebration dinner, after which the prizes were presented. It was a fantastic evening and great to meet all the other competitors from across the UK.”
All the podium places in the carpentry and joinery competition were awarded to apprentices from Northern Ireland.
In addition fellow SERC student Luke Wilson (21), from Newtownabbey, employed by Atlas World, a Level 3 Fire and Security apprentice, was Highly Commended in the WorldSkills UK Finals.
The college had a total of five apprentices taking part in SkillBuild and WorldSkills UK including David Johnston (20), from Saintfield, who is employed by Andrew Gill, took part in the SkillBuild Plastering competition; and Zeki Kaya, (20), from Newtownards, employed by Specialised Fire and Security; Alex Punyer (19) from Bangor, employed by ADT Fire and Security WorldSkills UK Finals – although not placed, the young men are top performers from across the UK in their respective disciplines.
In conclusion, Matthew, who is always keen to highlight the benefits of the apprenticeship route, said, “Doing an apprenticeship shouldn’t be a ‘plan b’! I think if more young people knew what the apprenticeship route has to offer, and what they can achieve, it would be in their mix of possible routes after GCSEs or A-Levels.”
Visit www.serc.ac.uk Real Learning for Real Life #BetterOffAtSERC.
