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Protecting Drinking Water Sources When Spraying Rushes

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NI Water wishes to remind farmers about the important practical measures which can be put in place to protect our drinking water sources from MCPA contamination whilst also helping farm finances.

What is MCPA?

MCPA, or 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid, is a chlorophenoxy herbicide widely used to control broadleaf weeds and rushes on grassland. In Northern Ireland catchment areas, MCPA commonly appears in watercourses during the April–October application season and is particularly challenging and costly to remove during water treatment.

It has been shown that weed-wiping with glyphosate is more effective at killing rushes than boom-spraying with MCPA. Weed-wiping also causes less pollution as glyphosate breaks down in 3–7 days, whereas MCPA persists for 15–25 days, greatly reducing the risk of leaching into streams and reservoirs.

Practice Careful Pesticide Handling

Small drips or spills during filling, application or equipment cleaning can wash into drains and watercourses, where MCPA is highly soluble. By taking precautions—using drip trays, cleaning kits away from open drains, and disposing of containers responsibly—farmers can prevent costly contamination. NI Water and the Water Catchment Partnership stress that avoiding drips and spills protects both raw-water quality and farm-business finances, since lost pesticide is wasted product.

Plan Applications to Minimise Runoff

Timing applications for dry, calm weather and avoiding pre-rain spraying windows reduces surface runoff.

Establish Buffer Zones Around Watercourses

Leaving unsprayed margins—buffer zones—between treated fields and any nearby ditches, streams or drains prevents direct entry of MCPA into water. Even a single drop of pesticide can breach drinking-water standards up to 30 km downstream, so a 5–10 m buffer zone is a simple yet effective safeguard.

By adopting these practical measures farmers can play a pivotal role in safeguarding raw drinking-water sources from MCPA contamination.

NI Water Catchment Officer Peter Quinn commented:
“It is important to remember that MCPA loss from the land represents a financial loss to the farm business in wasted product. It also poses a risk to the water environment and the plants and animals that depend on it. We all need to work together to protect our precious drinking water resources.”

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Farrans Sacyr JV opens Children’s Book Donation Point in Belfast City Centre

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Farrans Sacyr Joint Venture, the main contractor delivering Belfast Grand Central Station for Translink, has opened a Children’s Book Donation Point on Glengall Street in the city centre to encourage those passing by to gift stories and learning materials they no longer need for use in local schools and nurseries.

Willow and Xander McCreadie joined their father, Duane McCreadie, Project Director for Farrans Sacyr, to be the first to add their books to the collection.

As part of the construction of Belfast Grand Central Station, Farrans Sacyr has committed to an impactful social value and stakeholder engagement plan which has delivered 1,100 hours of volunteering on community projects, over £69,000 has been raised for charitable organisations, 5,500 students have taken part in over 72 school events and 180 placement and apprenticeship positions have been created.

Duane McCreadie, Project Director for Farrans Sacyr, said:

“The Children’s Book Donation Point is another opportunity for us to have a positive lasting impact on the local community as we work towards the completion of Belfast Grand Central Station.

We know that there will be many households, like ours, whose children have grown out of books and we want to provide a way for those to now go to good homes in schools and nurseries across Northern Ireland. Willow and Xander were very excited about getting to be the first to use the letterbox and we are planning on keeping it open until the end of August to give people time to donate.”

Sudah Van Der Have, Project Manager at Translink, added:

“This is a fantastic initiative to help share the joy of reading among young people in our local communities and I’m sure it will help many families and children learn and develop together through the opportunity to explore new stories.”

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The Road To Net Zero: CDE Publishes Sustainability Report

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The report showcases the environmental impact, social responsibility and transparent governance of CDE’s operations

Today marks Earth Overshoot Day, the day in which humanity’s consumption and use of ecological resources and services exceeds what earth can regenerate in that year.

With this day landing a week earlier than in 2024, there is pressing need for businesses across the globe to increase sustainability efforts and work towards net zero carbon goals.

CDE, a leader in wet processing solutions for the natural and waste recycling sectors, has published its 2024 sustainability report to mark a significant step in committing to green business practices.

Darren Eastwood, Business Development Director at CDE says that the commitments in the report are about doing what is right.

“CDE’s purpose is to create our best world, a ton at a time, and we have driven that through our ambitious recycling systems around the world. Our sustainability plan has three key focus areas, people, planet and economic development and is driven by a sustainability taskforce.”

The self-declared report centres on the environmental impact, social responsibility and transparent governance of CDE’s operations which are aligned with the United Nations Strategic Development Goals (SDGs).

Environmental impact

The report highlights CDE commitment to achieving net zero by pledging to decrease its scope 1 & 2 net emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. CDE is committed to reducing both water consumption and steel scrap waste by 10% by 2025.

CDE follows the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS) and as such has implemented PV arrays, EV charging facilities, LED lighting and rainwater harvesting as well as other carbon reduction initiatives such as green electricity contracts and carbon literacy training.

Social responsibility

The report also showcases CDE’s commitment to social responsibility, with initiatives focused on mental health, employee wellbeing, and community engagement. These include STEM outreach programmes, volunteering opportunities, and a robust safety and wellbeing strategy supported by a dedicated committee.

Darren comments:

“Our people are the driving force behind our progress. By fostering a culture of wellbeing, inclusion, and innovation, we’re building a business that’s fit for the future. One that delivers for our customers, our communities, and the environment.

“Sustainability is embedded in our DNA at CDE, we have supported customers to divert over 230 million tonnes of recyclable waste from landfill. Every tonne of material we help our customers recover is a step toward a more circular, resource-efficient future. This report reflects our commitment to transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement as we work together to protect our planet and empower our people.”

To read the full report, or learn more about CDE’s sustainability efforts please visit CDEGroup.com/sustainability

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IRISH GOVERNMENT’S MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE SPEND WELCOMED

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Construction plant and equipment distributor, McHale Plant Sales of Birdhill, Co. Tipperary has welcomed the announcement by the Irish Government confirming that it is finalising a major investment plan to inject up to €30billion of additional funding into Ireland’s infrastructure between 2026 and 2030.

Representatives in Ireland for Komatsu and Metso, the Irish company views the Government’s announcement as ‘one that will be universally welcomed given its capacity to create significant employment, generate extensive spin-off investment, enhance the national estate to an immeasurable degree, and create a greater sense of wellbeing amongst our community generally’.

Noting the separate action being taken to revise Ireland’s National Development Plan by increasing overall investment in the State’s infrastructure to nearly €100bn over the next five to six years, McHale Business Development Director, Darragh O’Driscoll said: “with this new commitment and the plans that will accompany it, Ireland is investing in projects that have been long-overdue”.

Citing the construction of a new bridge spanning the River Shannon – Ireland’s longest river – between the Tipperary village of Ballina and Killaloe in Co. Clare, O’Driscoll stressed the benefit that “properly planned spending on infrastructure can bring in terms economic return, spin-off tourist spending and in an enhanced level of convenience to residents, visitors, retail suppliers and materials providers generally”.

“Another major project commissioned by the Irish Government, and currently in progress, is a EUR450million upgrade of the Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue section of the N5 in Co. Roscommon on which Wills Brothers of Foxford is lead contractor,” O’Driscoll said.

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Abloy UK expands team with two digital access specialists

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Abloy UK has expanded its team with the addition of two new digital access specialists, as part of its ongoing commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and growth within the industry.

By enhancing its team of experts, Abloy can support the increasing demand for advanced, connected access solutions across a range of sectors, helping customers specify and install systems with greater confidence and flexibility.

Darren Keating

Darren Keating has joined as Technical Sales Manager for SMARTair, and brings over two decades of specialist experience in access control to the role. His expertise spans across high profile hospitality companies and venues, holding senior positions for over a decade.

In his new role, Darren will support the sales team and account managers, while also delivering expert guidance directly to end users of SMARTair. A key part of his responsibilities will involve working closely within the hospitality sector, where he will use his knowledge and experience to drive tailored access control solutions.

He said: “This role aligns with my skill set and experience and I’m really motivated to expand SMARTair’s footprint in the market, and reaffirm it as a widely recognised and trusted product. My focus is on delivering value and helping our customers achieve smart, secure and scalable access control.”

Jay Stopes

Jay Stopes has been appointed as Regional Sales Manager for Digital Access Solutions for the Southeast, covering areas including Kent and Sussex. He has a practical, solutions driven background in site-based access control installation and engineering, with experience in applications such as luxury apartment developments, student accommodation and domestic security projects.

Jay began his career through an on-site apprenticeship focused on security systems installation, including CCTV, alarms and access control. Over the last four years, he has developed key technical knowledge and a reputation for delivering reliable, client-focused solutions across a range of vertical markets including healthcare, education and hospitality.

Jay will be responsible for identifying customer needs across the region and delivering compliant digital access solutions which are tailored to each unique environment. He will also drive growth in digital key technologies, ensuring customers receive solutions that align with their operational goals.

Jay said: “My focus is always on understanding the client’s specific needs and ensuring they receive the best solution for their environment, not just what’s available, but what actually works. I’m excited to contribute to the growth of Abloy’s DAS portfolio and to build strong relationships with customers across the region.”

For further information on products and services available from Abloy UK visit https://bit.ly/4nTIvR4, email info@abloy.co.uk or call 01902 364 500.

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Property Investor and Asset Manager Citivale Appoints Non-Executive Director

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Jo Bond appointed as a Non-Executive Director at York-based Logistics Developer and Asset Manager Citivale

Today, leading UK Property Investor and Asset Manager Citivale has announced the appointment of Jo Bond as a Non-Executive Director.

Within her new role, Jo will provide governance and oversight to the business, with an input into the strategic focus of the Company, which currently manages 5.1 million sq. ft of property.

Jo joins from UK Property Fund Manager, Lothbury Investment Management, bringing over 35 years of experience in the commercial property sector, gained in respected fund management houses including Legal & General, Gartmore and CBRE investors.

She joins the company at an exciting time, with Citivale recently launching two ESG-led developments Greenbox Darlington and Greenbox Thirsk, which set the benchmark for sustainability in the industrial sector. Citivale, which currently has a development pipeline encompassing 800k sq. ft. of space, offers a holistic service for the life cycle of commercial property assets from sourcing, development and acquisition through to asset management and exit strategies.

Jo Bond, Non-Executive Director at Citivale said: “I have followed the progress of Citivale’s projects and their success in recent years, and I am very excited to be part of the team. I am looking forward to helping shape the future of their business as the company’s fast growth continues.”

James Appleton-Metcalfe, CEO at Citivale said: “Citivaleis delighted to welcome Jo to the team. Her knowledge and expertise will be hugely important to us as we continue on this exciting chapter, and look to build and develop our strategy to deliver sustainable, market-leading industrial assets.”

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Ortus Secured Finance Supports £25m Redevelopment of Landmark Grade II listed Cotswolds Hotel

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  • Structured senior debt facility to support refinance and redevelopment of Dumbleton Hall Hotel
  • 34-bed Grade II* listed hotel in Evesham, The Cotswolds
  • US-based borrower with deep development experience
  • Hotel to reopen under management of Bespoke Hotels in late 2025

Ortus Secured Finance (Ortus) is pleased to announce a significant loan to support the refinance and redevelopment of Dumbleton Hall Hotel, a Grade II* listed country house hotel within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Dumbleton Hall Hotel is owned by Chatham Park Development, a US-based development firm who acquired the hotel in April 2021. Chatham Park Development was advised on the financing by Westfort Advisors. Legal advice on the transaction was provided by Stevens & Bolton LLP.

The facility refinances an existing lender and supports the completion of extensive renovation and repositioning works. The historic 34-bed property, which sits in 15.8 acres of parkland near Evesham, is undergoing a multi-million-pound transformation to become a premium hospitality destination. Practical completion is expected in Q3 2025, and once complete, it will be operated by Bespoke Hotels.

Led by Jamie Russell, Director, at Ortus, the transaction reflects Ortus’ ability to structure sophisticated, projection-led facilities for high-value hospitality assets and support experienced developers through transitional phases. Chatham Park Development plans to expand the hotel further in 2026, with the addition of 20 woodland lodges nestled into the Estate’s picturesque grounds.

Jamie Russell, Director at Ortus Secured Finance, commented:

“This is exactly the kind of complex operational real estate transaction Ortus excels at. We were impressed by the borrower’s commitment to the scheme, their track record, and the level of progress already made. The structure ensures alignment on every drawdown and gives us strong visibility on the delivery path. We look forward to seeing Dumbleton Hall re-emerge as a high-quality destination hotel in a resilient UK leisure market. While we are not usually known for development and refurbishment projects, given the strength of the borrower and asset, we are pleased to support Chatham Park Development and expand our portfolio.”

Deepak Drubhra, Co-Founder of Westfort Advisors commented:

“This transaction presented several structural challenges – most notably the listed status of the asset and the need to refinance part-way through the development phase. Working closely with Ortus, we were able to agree a funding structure that balanced development risk and significantly improved the sponsor’s return on capital. Ortus’ pragmatic, solutions-led approach and ability to underwrite complexity were instrumental in closing the deal efficiently.”

Robin Sheppard, President of Bespoke Hotels, added:

“Dumbleton Hall is a truly special property in one of the UK’s most iconic destinations. We’re delighted to be returning as operator and look forward to unveiling the next chapter in its storied history. Ortus’ commitment to seeing the redevelopment through has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.”

The transaction follows a series of high-profile commercial deals by Ortus in the hotel, care home and mixed-use sectors, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and agile lender for complex real estate scenarios and reinforcing its presence in the hotel, care home and mixed-use sectors.

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IG Masonry Support Delivers Precision Façade Solutions for Landmark Shoreditch Tower

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IG Masonry Support has helped bring architectural ambition to life at the Arc, supplying a full masonry support package, including brick slip systems and precision-cut components for a landmark 22-storey tower.

In the heart of Shoreditch, the Arc is a mixed-use building on City Road offering retail space, contemporary offices, 100 new homes, landscaped roof terraces, and a rejuvenated public realm. The building features a distinctive red brick tiered façade that steps back in three stages and draws inspiration from the early 20th-century towers of New York. IG Masonry Support was appointed to supply a comprehensive package, including masonry support, brick slip systems, precision brick cutting, and all necessary fixings and accessories, for this award-winning scheme.

rb_225-City-Road---The-Arc---detail-pic_11774

With a highly bespoke brickwork design, the project demanded intensive coordination, innovative design adaptations, and custom-manufactured solutions. A key technical aspect was designing systems that could seamlessly interface between the steel frame system (SFS) and the slab soffit from the 8th to 17th floors. The use of 42-faced GeoBricks in an irregular, non-standard bond required precise alignment with traditional brickwork, while bespoke units were created for complex pier geometries and limited anchoring points.

rb_225-City-Road---The-Arc---detail-pic_11773

IG Masonry Support participated in multiple design coordination meetings to ensure all elements, including two-course B.O.S.S. A1 (Brick on Soffit Systems) units, could be safely and securely fixed to both the SFS and the slab soffit.  Brick set out drawings guided precise placement while bespoke Welded Masonry Support (WMS) systems were engineered to follow the specific pier profiles, with one bracket per side used due to spatial constraints. Folded Angle masonry support systems were also designed to wrap around the lower front piers, ensuring structural continuity. Highly bespoke Windposts, Frame Cramps and Wall Ties were also supplied, avoiding clashes and to accommodate non-standard brick sizes.

In addition, sister company Keyfix also supplied over 3,000 metres of its Non-combustible Cavity Trays, including 864 Corners and 8,572 Weeps, accommodating seven floors of the build.

rb_225-City-Road---The-Arc---detail-pic_11772

Close collaboration throughout numerous design meetings ensured exceptional coordination and quality. By managing all elements of the process in-house, IG Masonry Support streamlined project delivery. Its extensive brickwork expertise was key to meeting the project’s structural demands while achieving a high impact façade that defines the Arc’s distinctive tiered form.

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Proteus Waterproofing launches Attenu8® setting a new standard in blue roof technology

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Proteus, one of the UK’s fastest growing waterproofing companies, has announced the launch of a new kind of roof system. It is called Attenu8® and features a patented blue roof system as part of a total package that is set to redefine stormwater management in urban environments, by offering a unique approach to rainwater attenuation – which differentiates it from all other conventional blue roof solutions currently available in the market.

Proteus Welbourne

Traditional blue roof systems rely on the primary roof waterproofing membrane to temporarily hold rainwater, subjecting this critical building component to constant hydrostatic pressure. Attenu8®’s advanced design incorporates an entirely separate, engineered reservoir system positioned above the main roof waterproofing membrane. This means the building’s core waterproof layer remains dry under normal operating conditions, acting as a crucial secondary defence rather than the primary water containment.

The Attenu8® system integrates sophisticated, purpose-designed drainage components from a specialist, alongside its patented blue roof system, to create a dedicated, independent attenuation zone. Water entering this upper reservoir is precisely managed and released at a controlled, pre-determined rate via a calibrated outflow restrictor. The integrity of this primary containment is maintained by the reservoir’s design and its integrated drainage components.

Proteus – Welbourne aerial

Only in the most extreme or unforeseen circumstances, such as a major 100-year rainfall event exceeding design capacity in the primary reservoir, would water contact the main waterproofing membrane. Even then, this independently installed membrane provides an additional, impermeable safeguard. This two-tiered containment strategy is unique to Attenu8®, offering enhanced security and peace of mind for building owners.

By protecting the main membrane from constant water exposure, the system significantly extends its lifespan, reducing long-term maintenance costs and potential disruptions. The precise control over water release aids compliance with stringent planning regulations and contributes directly to urban flood mitigation efforts. The inherent redundancy of the dual system enhances reliability, minimising the risk of water ingress and costly damage.

Proteus Waterproofing supports every Attenu8® installation with comprehensive design and technical assistance from project initiation. The Attenu8® system is the complete bespoke build-up and includes waterproofing, insulation, the patented and unique Blue roof, together with finishes such as hard pavers, ballast or Green roof. It can also include solar, all designed by the Proteus team.

Furthermore, Attenu8® is installed exclusively by licensed contractors who undergo rigorous, specialised training provided by Proteus Waterproofing. This controlled installation network guarantees adherence to the highest quality standards, ensuring the system’s engineered benefits are fully realised and maintained throughout its operational life.

Attenu8® represents a strategic investment for building owners and developers seeking a robust, reliable, and high-performance solution for urban stormwater management. Its unique design and integrated support set a new standard for blue roof technology, providing long-term resilience and value.

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Farrans Glanua and NI Water address plastic waste with the Responsible Plastic Management Program

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Farrans Glanua and NI Water have joined forces with the Responsible Plastic Management Program to work towards their shared goal of sending zero plastic to landfill. Work has already started on several projects across Northern Ireland.

Plans to reduce the amount of plastic being sent to landfill are in place as part of the trunk main works at Fofanny, Tullywhisker and Blacklough to Crocknabohill.

Working together, Farrans Glanua and NI Water, as part of the IF105 Integrated Partnerships Framework, are upgrading the Fofanny strategic watermain, which brings water from Fofanny Water Treatment Works (WTW) in the Mournes west towards Mayobridge and Newry, providing supply to a population of over 30,000.

The construction works, which includes the commissioning of the new trunk main and outlet mains with associated connections, fittings and maintenance, have been progressing well, with works now running through the main street of Hilltown, County Down.

Crocknabohill is situated within the Lough Macrory Water Supply Zone and receives a gravity supply of water from Blacklough. During periods of high consumer demand, lack of hydraulic capacity within the upstream network results in reduced supply. With population growth within the area, the Crocknabohill – Blacklough project will bring significant improvement to the local water network.

During several plastic audits, pipe coverings had been identified as a single use plastic waste stream that could be eliminated from operations. NI Water and Farrans Glanua have been working closely with the supply chain to remove this product from material procurement by purchasing hard, reuseable, recyclable covers instead.

The new initiative, replacing the ‘single use’ plastic socks with collectable end caps which are washable and reusable results in less single use plastic, the avoidance of fly away littering and will continue to ensure a clean water supply. This targeted project results in responsible plastic management for this trunk main framework, ensuring as little waste as possible, better circularity and a zero plastic to landfill objective.

Gary McFadden, NI Water Senior Project Manager, said:
“NI Water strives to work in an environmentally responsible manner, demonstrating high standards of environmental care in our projects. We are pleased to work together with Farrans in association with the Responsible Plastic Management Programme to help reduce plastic and work towards our common goal of sending less plastic to landfill.”

John Murphy, Utilities Director at Farrans, said:
“We are delighted to be involved in the Responsible Plastic Management Program and working with NI Water to tackle plastic waste on our projects. Sustainability is embedded into our core business strategy and culture. Farrans Glanua’s actions to date have included packaging refusal, single use plastic audits, training and awareness sessions, a review of our procurement to eliminate plastic in our supply chain, removal of plastic from our marketing and stationery departments and the integration of recycled plastics in our PPE and materials. This project in partnership with NI Water is another significant step in our journey to our zero plastic waste goal.”

Aaron Marshall, RPM Engagement Director, added:
“It is so fantastic to see the commitment to sustainable practices on behalf of both Farrans Glanua and NI Water in this critical infrastructure development for Northern Ireland.

“A focus on Zero Plastic to Landfill means efforts in avoiding unnecessary plastics, opportunities for reusable plastics and ensuring plastic is segregated as a resource for recycling rather than treated as a throw away waste. That’s circularity in action.”

NI Water and Farrans Glanua continue to maintain a strong focus on environmental protection, ensuring the lowest impact is made on the natural environment during the construction and operation of water assets.

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