NI BUILDER
Editor’s COMMENT
CONTENTS
ISSUE 35-5 OCT/NOV 2024
FUNDING DEFICIT LIMITS HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
Another busy few months since our last edition have included publication of the Northern Ireland Executive’s draft Programme for Government and the Labour Party Conference 2024, both pledging investment in housing, infrastructure and net zero. While such commitments have been welcomed, lack of funding remains a key barrier to progress, with historic underfunding for NI Water an issue of particular concern, imposing major limitations on housing development here. CEF used its Construction Excellence Awards 2024 as a platform to call for the Executive to take “bold, decisive action” to address the barriers to growth, and you can read more inside alongside full coverage of the Awards. Congratulations to all the winners! Also inside, CIOB is calling for urgent policy intervention to decarbonise the built environment sector at the scale and pace required to achieve Northern Ireland’s net zero targets, with an ageing housing stock and reliance on oil heating creating an acute residential emissions problem for the region. The good news is many developers have already adopted a proactive approach to decarbonisation, including a new social housing development representing NI Housing Executive’s first new-build project in 25 years, featured inside. Energy-efficient solutions will also be a focus of BEPEX Belfast 2025, to be held at the Eikon Exhibition Centre over April 9-10. Alyson Magee
7
41
11
Products: Set to join multi-national operator Saint-Gobain, Kilwaughter Group has been shortlisted for five major UK construction awards for its Systems external wall insulation.
21
In Focus: NI government has been urged to take bold, decisive action to address barriers to growth at the 25th CEF Construction Excellence Awards in Belfast on October 3. 56 In Focus: Contractor OHMG has set new standards in educational, operational and sustainable performance with £31m new-build project Lismore College in Craigavon. 77 News & Views: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Fire Glass Direct has evolved into a leading designer, manufacturer and installer of bespoke glass solutions. 99 Products: Panasonic and tado° have partnered to introduce their first integrated solution aimed at boosting heat pump efficiency and energy savings for European homes. 104 News & Views: BEPEX has announced new venues for 2025 - the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Belfast over April 9-10 and National Sports Arena, Dublin over September 10-11.
NI BUILDER IS OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER FOR THE CEF - FOR ITS LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES, SEE PAGES 21-42
56
101
THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Editor Alyson Magee Publication Manager Karen Jess Sales Advisor Bethany Coulter Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney Design Chris McKeown
CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira, Co. Armagh BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: nibuilder@kmpltd.co.uk wwwnibuilder.co.uk
FOLLOW US ON:
NI Builder Magazine
Digital Creative Manager Jo Hendron Digital Communications Natasha Nelson
NI Builder
Accounts Andrea Simpson Web/IT Support Ben McAvoy Administration Laoise Boyle Photography Gordon McAvoy Printed by W&G Baird
nibuildermag
With reference to the Misdescriptions Act, please note that the measurements and artist’s impressions within are for illustrative purposes only and may not be accurate. Reproduction of whole or in part of this publication, without prior permission from Karen McAvoy Publishing Ltd, is strictly prohibited.
www.nibuilder.co.uk
FOLLOW US ON:
NI BUILDER | 3
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online