Farrans Glanua and NI Water are working in partnership with the Responsible Plastic Management Program as part of their commitment to achieving zero plastic to landfill.

This initiative is being rolled out across a number of construction projects throughout Northern Ireland. As part of the IF105 Integrated Partnerships Framework, plans to reduce the amount of plastic being sent to landfill are in place as part of the trunk main works at Fofanny, Tullywhisker and Blacklough to Crocknabohill.

Farrans Glanua and NI Water are currently upgrading the Fofanny strategic watermain, which brings water from Fofanny Water Treatment Works (WTW) in the Mournes west towards Mayobridge and Newry, providing supply to a population of over 30,000.

The construction works, which includes the commissioning of the new trunk main and outlet mains with associated connections, fittings and maintenance, have been progressing well, with works now running through the main street of Hilltown, County Down.

Crocknabohill is situated within the Lough Macrory Water Supply Zone and receives a gravity supply of water from Blacklough. During periods of high consumer demand, lack of hydraulic capacity within the upstream network results in reduced supply. With population growth within the area, the Crocknabohill – Blacklough project will bring significant improvement to the local water network.

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John Murphy, Utilities Director at Farrans, said: "We are delighted to be involved in the Responsible Plastic Management Program and working with NI Water to tackle plastic waste on our projects. Sustainability is embedded into our core business strategy and culture.

"Farrans Glanua's actions to date have included packaging refusal, single use plastic audits, training and awareness sessions, a review of our procurement to eliminate plastic in our supply chain, removal of plastic from our marketing and stationery departments and the integration of recycled plastics in our PPE and materials. This project in partnership with NI Water is another significant step in our journey to our zero plastic waste goal."

Gary McFadden, NI Water Senior Project Manager, added: "NI Water strives to work in an environmentally responsible manner, demonstrating high standards of environmental care in our projects. We are pleased to work together with Farrans in association with the Responsible Plastic Management Programme to help reduce plastic and work towards our common goal of sending less plastic to landfill."

As part of a wider drive to reduce plastic waste on construction sites, several plastic audits identified pipe coverings as a key single-use plastic item. In response, Farrans Glanua and NI Water have worked with suppliers to eliminate this product from procurement. Hard, reusable and recyclable end caps are now being used in place of single-use plastic socks.

This change has significantly reduced plastic waste, avoided fly-away littering and continues to support the delivery of clean water. The initiative promotes circular use of materials and ensures a more sustainable approach to construction across the trunk main framework, helping to meet the zero plastic to landfill target.