More than 250 colleagues from Uisce Éireann’s North West framework gathered at the Clayton Hotel Sligo for a safety, training and wellbeing Soft Start to mark the return to work.

Held on 6 August 2026, the event brought together Farrans, its supply chain partners and client Uisce Éireann to reconnect teams, recognise recent achievements, identify areas for improvement and set out priorities for the remainder of the year.

Attendees represented projects delivered under Uisce Éireann’s Water and Waste Water Multi-Supplier Framework across the North West region. The session was opened by Contract Manager Brian White, who welcomed participants and outlined the aims for the day.

-- Advertisement --

A technical update focused on safe working near existing services, including changes to operating procedures and the adoption of best-available locating tools such as the gCAT4+ and Genny.

Engineers and Location of Underground Services (LUGS) operators also received additional hands-on training delivered by a specialist trainer from Sygma Solutions, reinforcing consistent standards and practical competence on site.

Road safety featured prominently, with a presentation from An Garda Síochána highlighting driver behaviour and the 'Life Saver Project'. Given the extensive travel required across multiple counties, the guidance was tailored to the realities faced by project teams and suppliers.

Guest speaker William Sayers shared his personal account of a farm accident and its lasting impact, a message that resonated with those who work daily with plant and equipment, as well as colleagues from agricultural backgrounds.

Representatives from Sligo Cancer Support Centre discussed lived experiences of cancer, the different types affecting men and women, key signs and symptoms to watch for, and the range of support and services available locally.