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NI Water Launches Silent Valley Schools Christmas Colouring Competition

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Local pupils are being invited to get creative this festive season with the launch of NI Water’s Silent Valley colouring competition.

Running from Monday 1st to Sunday 14th December 2025, the annual contest invites primary school children to showcase their artistic flair by colouring in scenes inspired by the magic of Christmas and the natural beauty of Silent Valley. The NI Water judging panel will go on to select the standout entries that demonstrate imagination and enthusiasm, and the winners will each receive a complimentary NI Water annual family pass to Silent Valley.

Set amid the breath-taking Mourne Mountains, Silent Valley is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, rich wildlife, and scenic walking trails. It offers an ideal place of solitude during the busy festive season with a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, a visitor centre, and interactive educational displays, making it a favourite destination for families and school groups alike.

Anna Killen, NI Water Education Officer, said: “Our Silent Valley Christmas colouring competition is always very popular and we’re very much looking forward to receiving lots of creative entries from talented local budding artists. The aim of the competition is to inspire children to learn and celebrate how vital safe, clean, drinking water is for prosperity and health, all year round.

“Silent Valley is a stunning site open for visitors to explore and enjoy all year round, while also operating as a key strategic reservoir providing drinking water for a large part of County Down and the Greater Belfast area. We have no doubt it will offer great inspiration to the next generation to creatively show the value the of our most precious of assets: water.”

To download a copy of the NI Water Silent Valley colouring competition go to https://www.niwater.com/media/g5gf4i0z/silent-valley-colouring-competition.png

Further information about Silent Valley Mountain Park is also available online via www.niwater.com/education-and-the-community/silent-valley

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Get the fluted look with Abode’s new Ornate kitchen tap collection

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Fluted design elements are one of today’s most sought‑after trends, having emerged as a style of choice in high end kitchen schemes. Abode, award-winning designer and distributor of market leading kitchen sinks and taps, boiling water taps, bathroom taps and showering solutions bring this look to life with the launch of Ornate, a new addition to its growing portfolio of British-designed kitchen taps.  

The new Ornate tap collection presents a signature range of monobloc mixer taps, which are designed with solid brass, fluted dual lever handles and a regency-style spout. Responding to the growing demand for fluted interior design, which increased by over 200% in 2025, Ornate suits both modern and traditional kitchen environments by presenting a neo-classical style, which draws inspiration from the past and present.

Dan Biddle, Product Manager at Abode says, “Offering a fresh way to introduce vertical grooves into the hybrid kitchen space, our new Ornate tap collection is designed to complement our recently introduced Optima Belfast sink, which features a fluted surface on one side and smooth on the other so you can ensure the right look in your kitchen.”

0-2. Lead image_Abode Ornate Dark Bronze

Bringing understated elegance to fluted home interiors, the new Ornate collection is available in a range of exclusive finishes including new dark bronze, a warm metallic that moves away from the brighter, more yellow tones of brass to present a darker, reddish-brown finish option with ultra-matt surface texture. Dark bronze also joins polished nickel, another new addition to the Abode finish library, which is exclusively available for the new Ornate collection to provide a richer alternative to contemporary chrome.

Ornate features ceramic disc technology to offer superior durability with easy operation using the dedicated dual flow lever handles, which keep the hot and cold water supply separate while introducing beautifully decorative, fluted detailing. Ideally suited for anyone using a gravity fed or lower pressure water system, Ornate can operate on as little as 0.3 Bar water pressure. Made from solid brass, Ornate offers smooth quarter turn handle action, and anti-splash technology, which prevents water spray, reduces water consumption, and saves energy to ensure a quality kitchen tap with lasting quality and performance.

The Ornate tap collection is also available in antique brass and brushed nickel, and over time, dark bronze and polished nickel will be extended throughout the entire portfolio of kitchen taps and accessories by Abode. For now, you can pair your choice of Ornate mixer tap alongside a traditional-style Fenton handspray and matching Fenton soap dispensers to create a truly coordinated kitchen, which enhances the functionality of the sink and prep area.

The Fenton accessory range by Abode is available in dark bronze, polished nickel, chrome, brushed nickel or antique brass, with each handspray designed with an ergonomic push button control function and single spray pattern to make light work of cooking, cleaning and filling large pots. Complementary by design, Fenton soap dispensers provide the final finishing touch to deliver convenient handwashing and minimise the risk of cross-contamination at the kitchen sink.

Prices for the Ornate tap collection start from £279 (polished nickel) up to £399 (dark bronze). Complete the look and pair the Ornate tap with a Fenton handspray from £169, Fenton soap dispenser from £99, and an Optima fluted Belfast sink in either white granite, grey metallic, black metallic or taupe granite (£499).

For further information, please contact Abode:

t 01226 283 434 | e info@abodedesigns.co.uk | w www.abodedesigns.co.uk

Connect with Abode on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn #WaterTheWayYouWantIt

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Northern Ireland construction industry poised for recovery after challenging 2025, forecasts CIS

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Northern Ireland’s construction industry is poised for recovery after a difficult 2025, with project starts predicted to grow by 10% in 2027, according to the latest Construction Industry Forecast from CIS, powered by Hubexo.

The forecast reveals that construction starts are projected to have declined by 17% in 2025 due to geopolitical uncertainty and economic headwinds. However, activity is expected to begin recovering in 2026 with 2% growth, accelerating to 10% in 2027.

Dave Thompson, VP for UK and Ireland at CIS, powered by Hubexo, says: “While 2025 has been a challenging year for Northern Ireland’s construction sector, the fundamentals for recovery are in place. Strategic government investment in infrastructure, education and healthcare, combined with improving economic conditions, will drive renewed growth from 2026 onwards. Firms that position themselves now to capture opportunities in emerging sectors will be best placed to benefit from this recovery.”

Private housing shows resilience

Private housing construction is forecast to grow by 39% in 2026 and a further 18% in 2027, following a modest 3% increase this year. The sector faced significant challenges in 2025, including political uncertainty, affordability issues and water infrastructure constraints, which dampened planning approvals and construction activity.

Social housing, meanwhile, experienced a sharp 54% decline in starts in 2025, though modest recovery is anticipated with 2% growth in 2026 and 8% in 2027.

Office sector defies wider market trends

The office sector has emerged as a bright spot in 2025, with project starts growing by 42% as demand for high-quality commercial spaces continues. New hybrid working policies are bringing people back to the office on a more consistent basis, driving demand for Grade A facilities. Growth is expected to continue at 18% in 2026, though starts are forecast to decline by 14% in 2027 as the development pipeline moderates.

Hotel and leisure sector sees surge

The hospitality sector has performed strongly, with the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation’s Hotels 2025 report highlighting continued growth driven by new investment and projected rises in visitor numbers. Hotel and leisure project starts surged by 174% in 2024, with growth remaining robust at 56% in 2025. A 47% decline is projected for 2026 following reduced approvals, though a rebound of 11% is anticipated in 2027.

Public sector investment supports long-term outlook

Budget allocations are supporting the longer-term outlook across key sectors. The Northern Ireland budget allocated £270 million in capital funding for education and £933 million for infrastructure, focusing on roads, public transport and energy projects.

Education sector starts are estimated to have declined by 30% in 2025 and are predicted to drop to 11% in 2026, before recovering with 2% growth in 2027. Health sector starts are forecast to fall 13% in 2025 and 28% in 2026, though a 10% recovery is projected for 2027 as budget allocations take effect.

Civil engineering starts are expected to decline by 21% in 2025 with a further 6% decline in 2026, before recovering with 24% growth in 2027.

Industrial and retail sectors face headwinds

The industrial sector has experienced a challenging period, with construction starts estimated to decline by 57% in 2025 and a further 15% in 2026, due to geopolitical uncertainty and cost pressures. The sector is expected to recover slightly in 2027 with 3% growth.

Retail construction starts are forecast to decline by 17% in 2025 and a further 19% in 2026 despite a 10% increase in retail planning approvals and 4.7% growth in retail output during Q2 2025. Recovery is expected in 2027 with a 10% increase in projects starting on site.

Community and amenity sector shows strong growth

The community and amenity sector has performed strongly, with project starts growing by 101% in 2025. Growth is expected to continue at 70% in 2026, before moderating with a 9% decline in 2027.

Expert insights

The full findings and many more sector-by-sector breakdowns are available in the new Construction Industry Forecast 2025–2027 from CIS. Packed with expert insights, the report delivers tailored, data-driven intelligence to help construction industry professionals in Northern Ireland grow their business, mitigate risk and make well-informed strategic decisions.

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Over 250,000 customers in Armagh and Down to benefit from a multi-million-poundscheme to safeguard delivery of their drinking water

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NI Water has awarded a multi-million-pound programme of work to the Farrans-Glanua Joint Venture (JV) which will ensure the delivery of high-quality drinking water to over 250,000 customers in the Armagh and Down areas for the next 25 years.

At the heart of the £34m scheme will be the construction of a new state-of-the-art pumping station at Castor Bay Water Treatment Works, near Lurgan, to replace the existing facility built in 1970.

A new dedicated high-voltage electrical supply will also be incorporated within the NI Water-owned site; replacing the current aging system to protect against power outages and safeguard water supply. The new assets will be future proofed with enhanced connectivity to accommodate potential integration of Solar PV, supporting NI Water’s Net Zero Strategy.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “This much needed scheme is good news for over 250,000 customers in the Armagh and Down area. This major £34million scheme at Castor Bay Water Treatment Works will ensure continued supplies of clean safe drinking water into the future.

“I also commend NI Water on increasing the operational resilience at this site and am delighted that NI Water is continuing to make best use of the funding provided by my Department to ensure that such new assets will benefit customers now and in the future.”

Tzvetelina Bogoina, NI Water’s Director of Infrastructure Delivery added: “As part of our strategic planning we look at the balance between water supply and demand across the network, taking into account population growth forecasts. This three-year programme of work at Castor Bay is a proactive measure by NI Water to meet the demand for drinking water in the South, East and Central Water Resource Zones until at least 2042.

“The Farrans-Glanua JV brings a wealth of experience in civil construction, process, mechanical and electrical engineering to this upgrade, which will be carried out in phases to ensure continued operation of existing water supply assets. Technical and project management support for the extensive improvements is being provided by WSP UK Ltd. These key framework partners will work collaboratively with NI Water’s Infrastructure Delivery team and their local supply chain to ensure the best value for money solution is achieved.”

The existing pumping station at Castor Bay is capable of transferring up to 95 million litres of high-quality drinking water a day from Castor Bay Water Treatment Works to Ballydougan Service Reservoir, near Craigavon, to serve customers across the Down and Armagh areas.

With demand increasing, this significant NI Water investment will increase the output capacity of the pumping station to 115 million litres of water a day – enough water to fill nearly 1.5 million baths – with scope for further expansion. A new multi-branch cross-connection between Ballydougan, Forked Bridge, and Magheraliskmisk pumping mains will give NI Water the ability to re-route flows during shutdowns or emergencies, adding much-needed resilience.

Welcoming the start of work on site, Stephanie McCullagh Director of Customer & Operations added: “NI Water’s core function is to produce high quality drinking water in a cost-effective manner to meet the needs of all our customers, both existing and future.

“Our overall drinking water quality compliance last year was 99.98%, which exceeds regulatory targets.

“Through investments such as this at Castor Bay, we continue to meet the targets placed upon us by our Regulators to comply with water quality standards and will continue to improve the service to all our customers in the future despite working in a challenging environment.”

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JComms wins more awards than any other agency at CIPR NI Awards

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Agency wins eight gongs for clients including Specsavers, Primark and Telefonica Tech

JComms won eight awards at the CIPR Northern Ireland Awards on Friday evening at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.

The agency which provides PR, digital content, video production and event management services to many of Northern Ireland’s leading organisations, won three Gold and five silver awards.

It took home more awards on the night than any other agency.

The wins were for clients including Specsavers, Employee Ownership Ireland, Evora Hospice, Primark, Telefonica Tech, Ringland Group and NI Science Festival.

Aimee Moore, a Senior Consultant with JComms was also recognised in the Young Communicator of the Year category with a Silver Award.

“The CIPR NI Awards celebrate the very best of public relations and communications in Northern Ireland and recognise exceptional work, creativity, and professionalism,” said Chris Harrison, Managing Director at JComms.

He continued: “Our purpose is to help organisations become the best version of themselves by positively impacting on their profile, reputation, relationships, culture and bottom line. Our team works extremely hard to deliver work that is impactful and excellent and I am delighted that their outstanding efforts have been recognised through these award wins,” he adds.

The CIPR Northern Ireland Awards is the leading celebration of outstanding public relations and communications across Northern Ireland.

JComms, established in 1976, will mark 50 years of history in 2026. Based in east Belfast, it is a multi-award-winning company which in recent years has not only been named NI Outstanding Consultancy of the Year but also UK Outstanding Small Consultancy.

www.jcomms.co.uk

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£4m Loughmacrory Water Infrastructure Improvements Underway to Benefit Water Supply Infrastructure

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NI Water is pleased to announce that a major £4m Water Infrastructure Improvement Scheme is underway, which will benefit customers throughout Loughmacrory (outside Omagh) and the surrounding area.

This major improvement scheme will continue until August 2026.

The scheme involves the construction of a new pumping station at Loughmacrory Water Treatment Works and a new pumping main to Loughmacrory Hill Service Reservoir. A new Pumping Station and 2km of essential water pumping main has also been replaced as part of the project.

This is good news for customers in the local area as it will improve the security of the water supply and ensure the robustness and resilience of the water supply network.

The work will involve pipelaying in agricultural lands with two minor crossings on the Ballybrack and Coolaharan Road in Loughmacrory. Major work to install the pumping main is underway and it is expected that the majority of the work will be completed in Summer 2026.

Mark Richardson, NI Water Senior Project Manager said:

“I am delighted to announce that this major £4m Water Upgrade scheme is underway at the existing Loughmacrory Water Treatment Plant. This project involves improving the essential water supply system for Loughmacrory and the surrounding areas of County Tyrone, which will ensure the ongoing provision of high-quality water to our customers in the area.

“Once complete, this work will be particularly important to ensure security of supply during emergency situations such as bursts/interruptions to supply.

“Finally, NI Water and our contractor GRAHAM would like to thank the public for their cooperation as this essential improvement scheme progresses. The work will help deliver a more resilient, improved water supply network and help safeguard the local water supply for many years to come.”

GRAHAM Construction is the main contractor for this major project, with RPS TetraTech providing technical and project management support.

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Grant Westfield appoints new National Specification Manager, New Build

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Grant Westfield, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wall panels, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Teasdale as National Specification Manager, New Build.

Marc brings with him over four decades of experience in the bathroom industry, having dedicated 38 years to Roman, one of the sector’s most recognised brands. In his previous role as Sales Director at Roman Enclosures, Marc played a key part in leading the contract arm of the business while also building long-standing relationships across key buying groups within the market.

Commenting on his appointment, Marc said:
“At 62 years of age, I’m entering the autumn period of my sales career and still carry the same passion I had when I first stepped into the industry 41 years ago. People buy from people they trust, and my aim is to work alongside the specification team and others to further elevate the Grant Westfield brand across the marketplace. I’ve always had a strong belief in shower panelling, having seen first-hand the issues builders and installers face with tiles and grout. Wall panels solve so many of those challenges, and I simply couldn’t work for a company I didn’t believe in wholeheartedly. I have every confidence in both the product and the brand, and I’m excited to get started.”

Jamie Sandilands, Specification Sales Director at Grant Westfield, commented:
“We are thrilled to welcome Marc to the team. His industry knowledge, track record, and deep understanding of the specification market will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in the new build sector. Marc shares our values and vision, and I have no doubt he will make a significant impact on our future success.”

For more information, please visit: www.grantwestfield.co.uk or call 0131 337 6262.

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CONSULTATION REJECTS DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS PROPOSAL

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House Builders Urge Executive to Stop Tinkering Around the Edges of Wastewater Crisis.

Build Homes NI, which represents Northern Ireland’s largest house builders, has welcomed the findings of a public consultation which has rejected proposals for developer contributions towards wastewater infrastructure.

Over 60% of respondents to the Department for Infrastructure consultation did not support the idea of a new levy.

Build Homes NI said the proposed levy would have the “opposite effect intended” and would reduce house building, increase costs for home buyers and distort the housing market. The group described the proposal as a “regressive water tax” on new home buyers.

Paul McErlean, Build Homes NI’s Director, said:
“Homelessness in Northern Ireland is at a record high with house price and rent inflation among the highest in the UK. The solution is to build more houses, but the flawed proposal for a new levy will have the opposite effect. It would make house building more expensive and reduce rather than increase the supply of housing.

“Given the sharp fall in margins for house builders in recent years, developers would have to pass any additional costs onto home buyers. The levy would become a de facto regressive water tax on new home buyers.

“It is deeply unfair that new homebuyers should be singled out to pay for infrastructure that everyone benefits from. Given that many new homebuyers also tend to be younger and on lower incomes, it is doubly unfair that they should be targeted.”

Mr. McErlean added:
“The fundamental problem is Northern Ireland Water’s broken funding model and its £2bn funding gap. As the consultation itself acknowledged, developer contributions won’t address this issue.

“Wastewater is a civic good that benefits all of society. Instead of tinkering around the edges of the wastewater crisis, we urge the Executive to consider a fairer and more realistic approach that at least begins to address systemic failures in our infrastructure and how we fund NI Water.”

Build Homes NI expressed concerns that the levy would distort the housing market by making lower priced starter homes increasingly unaffordable to build. New projects focused on more expensive higher-end private developments would become relatively more viable given the greater ability of better-off buyers to absorb additional costs.

Build Homes NI also argued that as part of the solution to the wastewater crisis the Executive should be encouraging rather than discouraging new house building. Unlike older housing stock with antiquated sewage designs, new housing developments use less fresh water and relieve pressure on wastewater treatment plants by redirecting stormwater away from them.

Of the 293 responses to the consultation 62% of respondents disagreed with developer contributions, 30% agreed and 8% neither agreed nor disagreed. The results were presented to the Infrastructure Committee earlier this month (12 th November). Departmental officials confirmed that the consultation findings would now be considered by the Infrastructure Minister.

In June the NI Chamber of Commerce, the NI Federation of Housing Associations and the Construction Employers Federation produced a Joint Position Paper outlining potential solutions to the wastewater crisis. The report suggested that the investment shortfall could be met by the average domestic rate bill increasing by £1.95 per week, the equivalent of a bottle of natural spring water.

As reported by PA, NI Water’s CEO Sara Venning advised the Infrastructure Committee yesterday (Wednesday 26 th November), that the provision of water and wastewater services in Northern Ireland is currently on a “knife-edge”. She added:
“Without proper investment in the publicly owned water and wastewater infrastructure, Northern Ireland risks insufficient drinking water during hotter, drier periods and a continued stop on applications for wastewater connections for housing and for economic growth.

“The wastewaster system in Northern Ireland will continue to pollute because when existing connections exceed the capacity of the network, pollution is inevitable because we can’t stop receiving their wastewater.”

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Electronics Engineer, Robert Grimmer, Named Chartered Engineer of the Year by Engineers Ireland

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Robert Grimmer, an Electronics Engineer at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, has been named Chartered Engineer of the Year by Engineers Ireland. He received the award at a ceremony last night at Engineers Ireland’s offices in Ballsbridge.

Supported by Arup, the Chartered Engineer of the Year Award is presented annually to an engineer who has demonstrated commitment to his or her engineering discipline and showcases the standards of integrity, innovation, and professionalism that Engineers Ireland upholds. Recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in Irish engineering, it highlights the impactful role of engineering in shaping a sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced future.

A graduate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from University College Cork, Robert’s experience spans electronic design, radio-frequency systems, and industrial controls. Currently based in Geneva, he drives innovation at CERN’s Electrical Power Converter group, where he is developing the next generation of control electronics for use throughout CERN’s accelerator complex.

Runners-up on the evening were finalists Sinéad Conneely, Co-founder and Director at Simple Works; Anisa Pjetri, Chartered Structural Engineer and Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis; Emma Shiels, Senior Engineer at Research Driven Solutions; and Diarmaid Long, Civil Engineer at Monroe Construction.

Speaking at the event, Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, commented:
“On behalf of Engineers Ireland, I would like to congratulate our 2025 Chartered Engineer of the Year Robert Grimmer, and each of the exceptionally talented finalists. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Arup for their continued support for this award.

“Obtaining the Registered Professional Title of Chartered Engineer is a significant achievement in a professional engineer’s career. It is a public statement of an engineer’s competence to practice as a professional, and a mark of an engineer’s commitment to the continuing development of their professional expertise and ethical practice.”

Joe Burns, Ireland Country Leader at Arup, added: “Arup is delighted to support Engineers Ireland’s Chartered Engineer of the Year Award, which recognises the high calibre and achievements of Ireland’s talented Chartered Engineers.

“On behalf of Arup, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Robert on being awarded the prestigious title of Chartered Engineer of the Year 2025 and applaud each Chartered Engineer shortlisted for this year’s award.”

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Construction milestone celebrated for new Oasis Academy Temple Quarter in Bristol

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  • Oasis and GRAHAM celebrated the start of construction for Oasis Academy Temple Quarter 
  • The new state-of-the-art secondary school will accommodate 1,600 pupils aged 11–16, with plans to expand to 11–18 once the sixth form opens post-occupation. 
  • The scheme includes a modern main building and the conversion of a listed boiler shop into a sports hall 

Last week, the Multi Academy Trust, Oasis Community Learning and leading construction firm GRAHAM held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for Oasis Academy Temple Quarter – a new mainstream secondary school set to serve communities across East and Central Bristol. 

Appointed by the Department for Education, GRAHAM will deliver the new academy on Silverthorne Lane, within the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone -one of the UK’s largest regeneration sites. Designed to accommodate 1,600 pupils, the school represents a significant step forward in providing high-quality education facilities for the city. 

The scheme includes the creation of a modern main school building alongside the conversion of a smaller listed building, known as the boiler shop, which will be transformed into the academy’s new sports hall.  

The new school has been carefully designed to provide an inspiring learning environment, combining specialist teaching spaces with facilities that support student wellbeing and foster a strong sense of community. Once complete, it will not only meet the growing demand for school places but also create a legacy for future generations of learners in Bristol. 

The ceremony featured keynote speeches from Oasis Founder Rev Steve Chalke MBE, Oasis Academy Temple Quarter’s Head of School Richard James and Regional Director Peter Reavey, from GRAHAM. Students from the academy also attended the event, helping mark the occasion and celebrate the future of their new school. A number of community representatives were also present. 

Richard James, Head of School at Oasis Academy Temple Quarter, said: 

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a proud moment for Oasis and for East Central. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that will see our students and community benefit from a permanent, purpose-built space designed for learning, growth and connection. Standing on the site today, surrounded by our community, you could really feel the excitement for what’s to come.” 

“This site was formerly one of the largest steel works in Europe, and for many years, hard work has been carried out here. It is our intention to continue that legacy, ensuring our students grow into confident, curious and compassionate individuals.” 

Peter Reavey, Regional Director at GRAHAM, added:

“It was fantastic to be on site today to celebrate the start of construction for Oasis Academy Temple Quarter. Groundbreaking ceremonies are always special, but this one felt particularly meaningful given the scale of the project and the passion of the school community. We’re proud to be delivering a facility that will serve generations of young people in Bristol.” 

The permanent academy building is forecasted to open in September 2027. 

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