Four product design students from the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) have came out on top at the inaugural ESB Networks National Safety Challenge.

The challenge invited third-level and secondary students to develop ideas and initiatives to help create a safer working environment in the agricultural and construction sectors.

Final year students Elliot Halpenny, Donal Healy, Daniel English and Cáit Boyce Willis won the challenge for their product, Reach LTD's R-TEKT 110. It is a 110v smart plug that helps lower injuries and fatalities by only allowing workers the ability to power the piece of equipment they're currently using.

-- Advertisement --

Dr Colm O'Kane, Product Design Programme Chair, said: "Winning the ESB Networks National Safety Challenge is a wonderful and well-deserved achievement for Elliot, Donal, Daniel and Cáit and their triumph is a testament to their talent and the wealth of expertise provided by the teaching team of Product Design in DIT. We are all immensely proud of their success in the national competition, and believe it is an indication of the great things that are to come in their careers."

Paul Mulvaney, Executive Director, Networks Customer Delivery, ESB Networks, added: "Established this year, the ESB Networks National Safety Challenge invites students to think critically and analytically, to push the boundaries for a safer working environment for the future of the agricultural and construction sectors. Each of the finalists should be really proud of the commitment to farming and construction safety. I was hugely impressed by their innovative approaches to the competition and the wider practical applications, both on the farm and on construction sites."

(CM/MH)