Latest news with #ManufacturingNI
Irish Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Appeal for prevention of more A5 road deaths following court order quashing upgrade
A man whose father was killed in a crash on the A5 in Northern Ireland has warned more people will lose their lives on the road because of a court ruling that has quashed its upgrade. On Monday Mr Justice McAlinden at the Belfast High Court said he was aware his ruling would bring 'fresh anguish' to bereaved families, but the proposed scheme breached elements of the Climate Change Act 2022. 'My appeal is to the minister, infrastructure officials in the department, to get this [upgrade] over the line, get the evidence that the judge has said is required delivered at pace and get moving on this,' Stephen Kelly, whose father, Terry, was killed on the road in 1995, said afterwards. 'Pull everybody together first thing and get working, because in the time it's going to take between now and whenever this project comes forward again, more people are going to lose their lives, and that is completely unacceptable.' READ MORE Mr Kelly, who is chief executive of Manufacturing NI , also said the A5 was a 'critically vital piece of economic infrastructure' for the west, and was needed 'from an economic, a political and a familial point of view'. In a statement following Monday's ruling, the North's minister for infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, said it was a 'disappointing day' and re-emphasised her commitment to the A5 upgrade. She saidshe would 'take time to carefully consider the judgment in full, including any implications for the scheme, and the department's next steps'. The upgrade of the A5, which runs from Derry to the Border at Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone and connects the northwest to Dublin, was first announced in 2007 but has been mired in delays and legal challenges. In that time more than 50 people have lost their lives on the road. The £1.2 billion (€1.4 billion) scheme was approved in October but judicial review proceedings were brought against the Department for Infrastructure by nine applicants including residents, farmers and landowners. The judge acknowledged it was 'likely that delays in the progression of this scheme will coincide with the occurrence of further loss of life and serious injury on the existing road' but he said the decision to proceed 'must be taken in accordance with the law'. Mr Kelly's father Terry, 45, was on his way home to Derry from his construction job in Omagh when he died in a collision 'on that bad corner in Bready', Co Tyrone. 'My father was just a normal working man in the construction industry, he left to go to work early in the morning of 31st August 1995 and he never returned home.' His son was 24. 'I'll never forget,' Mr Kelly said. 'This young police officer had to come to my family home, where I answered the door. 'He was visibly upset and stressed, and I was taken away in the police car to go down to Altnagelvin [Hospital] and identify his body. That's an experience that will always live with you. 'That corner has been slightly improved since then but there's been next to no improvement on that road in the 30 years since he lost his life.' Niall McKenna, chairman of the A5 Enough is Enough campaign group, also warned it was 'inevitable ... that delay will cause deaths'. He said the judge's decision had caused more 'anguish' to bereaved families who could not understand why, 'when there's a scheme there, and the vast majority of people want it, the money's there to build it, why can it not go ahead?' 'What is wrong with our legal system? What is the dysfunctionality of our system, a lot of our systems, that cannot deliver things that are for huge societal benefit?' he said. Additional reporting – PA.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tributes paid to Derry City president Paul Diamond
Tributes have been paid to the prominent businessman and president of Derry City Football Club, Paul Diamond, following his death. Mr Diamond, who died at the weekend, owned the packaging company Diamond Corrugated in the city. He was appointed OBE in 2002 for his services to the packaging industry. A life-long supporter of the Candystripes, Mr Diamond held several senior roles at the club, including chairman and honorary president, after succeeding former SDLP leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume. Foyle MP Colum Eastwood led tributes to Mr Diamond, describing him as "an institution in Derry". "His whole life was dedicated to the city and using his extraordinary talents to help people," Eastwood said. "He gave people the opportunity of good jobs at his packaging firm Diamond Corrugated in Pennyburn." Mr Eastwood said the late businessman loved the city and "gave back to it in every way that he could". Manufacturing NI, of which Mr Diamond was a founder, said he was a huge contributor to the north west economy. Very sorry to hear of the passing of Paul Diamond. A huge contributor to the NW economy, community and sport. He was also one of the founders of Manufacturing NI. Deepest condolences to Mary and his family and colleagues. — Manufacturing NI (@ManufacturingNI) May 11, 2025 In a statement, Derry City FC remembered Mr Diamond as a "lifelong supporter" and long-time sponsor of the club. He was appointed club president in 2021and the club said his support had been demonstrated over many decades. He joined the board of the club in 1995 and served as club chairman when they last won the League of Ireland in 1997. The club said Mr Diamond's love of the Candystripes was triggered by his own father's support for the team the red, white and black of his firm's logo were inspired by the club colours. "The Diamond family links to the club continue as his son Niall was appointed to the club board in 2022," the statement said. "Everyone at Derry City extend our sympathies to his wife Mary, sons Niall and Gerard and the wider family circle."
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Paul Diamond: Tributes paid after death of Derry City president
Tributes have been paid to the prominent businessman and president of Derry City Football Club, Paul Diamond, following his death. Mr Diamond, who died at the weekend, owned the packaging company Diamond Corrugated in the city. He was appointed OBE in 2002 for his services to the packaging industry.A life-long supporter of the Candystripes, Mr Diamond held several senior roles at the club, including chairman and honorary president, after succeeding former SDLP leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume. 'Whole life dedicated to the city' Foyle MP Colum Eastwood led tributes to Mr Diamond, describing him as "an institution in Derry"."His whole life was dedicated to the city and using his extraordinary talents to help people," Eastwood said. "He gave people the opportunity of good jobs at his packaging firm Diamond Corrugated in Pennyburn."Mr Eastwood said the late businessman loved the city and "gave back to it in every way that he could".Manufacturing NI, of which Mr Diamond was a founder, said he was a huge contributor to the north west economy. In a statement, Derry City FC remembered Mr Diamond as a "lifelong supporter" and long-time sponsor of the was appointed club president in 2021and the club said his support had been demonstrated over many joined the board of the club in 1995 and served as club chairman when they last won the League of Ireland in club said Mr Diamond's love of the Candystripes was triggered by his own father's support for the team the red, white and black of his firm's logo were inspired by the club colours."The Diamond family links to the club continue as his son Niall was appointed to the club board in 2022," the statement said."Everyone at Derry City extend our sympathies to his wife Mary, sons Niall and Gerard and the wider family circle."
Belfast Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Manufacturing Month returns to showcase the strength of NI sector
Led by Manufacturing NI, the month-long initiative demonstrates the sector's significant contribution to the economy and highlights the companies, workers, and leaders who make Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector a global success story. Sponsored by some of Northern Ireland's leading companies and organisations including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), Barclays, Go Succeed NI, KPMG, Mills Selig, and Reliance, the campaign aims to showcase the sector's capabilities, from cutting-edge technology and sustainability initiatives to career pathways and skills development. Throughout the month, a series of events, factory tours, webinars, and networking opportunities will be delivered to celebrate achievements, discuss challenges, and explore future opportunities. 'We have extraordinary manufacturing businesses who collectively provide almost 100,000 direct and more than 150,000 fully sustained jobs in every community across Northern Ireland.' Stephen Kelly, chief executive of Manufacturing NI, said. 'They dominate our R&D investment and external and export sales. "Manufacturing Month is a chance to celebrate the sector. It is a platform for manufacturers to not only share their achievements but also learn from each other and work together to capture the opportunities in an increasingly difficult economy. "Our 'makers' already provide good, regionally dispersed jobs and Manufacturing Month helps bring them together to collectively work to drive productivity, to decarbonise, and deal with the threats presented by a world embroiled in a trade war. "Manufacturing Month will include a series of 'Meet The Maker' events, and the publication of a major piece of economic analysis, which unveils the impact the sector has on communities throughout Northern Ireland. Manufacturers, supply chains, supporting organisations, Councils, and others are encouraged to participate, with a media kit provided to help them get their good news out.' Manufacturing Month will be rounded off with the Anchor High Leadership Summit on May 29 at The Hilton Hotel, Belfast. Summit attendees, manufacturing leaders, and others will hear from a range of industry experts, guest speakers, and panellists who will share their experiences through a series of practical case studies. The summit will be followed in the evening by the prestigious Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Awards, which recognises those who have shaped Northern Ireland's industrial landscape.
