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NEWS
Savoy wins Residential Development Award
HSENI and HSA have launched a joint campaign highlighting the
risks associated with inhaling silica dust.
Bangor housing project The Savoy has triumphed in the Residential Development category at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Regional Awards. Developer Clanmil Housing lifted the award, celebrating excellence in design, construction and delivery of an outstanding residential development, at the RICS Regional Awards 2026 in the Europa Hotel Belfast on July 2. The Savoy was also named Residential Development of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in November 2025, as well as winning the Social Housing Development category at this year’s Royal Society of Ulster Architects Awards. Completed in 2025, the project extended the historic Savoy complex with 26 new high-quality two-bedroom apartments for people aged 55 and over. It combines contemporary, energy-efficient homes with Art Deco-inspired design that reflects the heritage of the original Savoy hotel built in 1932. The scheme also marked a significant milestone for Clanmil, with the completion of its 6,000th home. Project partners included McGarry-Moon Architects Ltd and Derryleckagh Contracts Ltd, with the development now representing NI at the RICS UK Grand Final in London in October. www.clanmil.org.uk
Silica dust warning for small builders HIDDEN KILLER ON SITE: SILICA DUST
Serious health risks associated with silica dust exposure are highlighted in a new all-Ireland campaign targeting the construction sector. Builders risk having sites shut down immediately if they fail to comply with a new ban on the dry cutting of engineered stone, with the Federation of Master Builders warning small builders may be unaware of the scale of the crackdown or the severity of the consequences. Demand for engineered stone is continuing to rise as more homeowners renovate. A joint summer campaign by the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) and Health and Safety Authority (HSA) highlights serious health risks such as silicosis, lung cancer and COPD associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust during cutting, grinding, drilling and demolition involving concrete, stone, brick or other sand-based materials. Inspectors from both jurisdictions are also carrying out coordinated inspections across the island of Ireland over the summer period.
Employers are reminded that the most effective way to protect workers is to eliminate exposure where possible. Where elimination is not feasible, exposure must be reduced through engineering controls, safe systems of work, appropriate equipment and ongoing health monitoring. Control measures include water suppression systems, on-tool dust extraction, containment and isolation methods, appropriate use of RPE and PPE and adequate training and health surveillance for workers Julian Richmond, Principal Inspector with HSENI, says, “Silica dust remains a significant health hazard within the construction industry. By working collaboratively with the HSA, we are reinforcing the importance of prevention, control and ongoing vigilance in managing dust exposure risks. Employers must take responsibility for implementing appropriate controls, providing appropriate equipment and training and ensuring that workers are protected from harm at all times.” Further guidance is available at www.hseni.gov.uk and www.hsa.ie
The Savoy, Bangor
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