Hopes Gobbins will scoop construction industry award

Local representatives will travel to London to support The Gobbins Cliff Path’s nomination at the Construction Industry Awards in October.
The GobbinsThe Gobbins
The Gobbins

The state-of-the-art facility has been shortlisted for Civil Engineering Project of the Year at the ceremony, which will be held at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 14.

The local project faces competition from schemes including the Herne Hill Flood Alleviation Scheme, Littlehaven Promenade and Sea Wall, Teeside Transporter Bridge and Tennison Road Bridge Replacement.

At a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on August 3, Chief Executive Anne Donaghy told councillors that contractors McLaughlin and Harvey had invited two council representatives to attend the event at their table, and had offered to pay the costs.

However, she added that group party leaders had indicated that members could consider paying for themselves.

UUP Councillor Stephen Nicoll said he would be in favour of two representatives going along.

“Given the nature of the event, I don’t think it would be appropriate for McLaughtlin and Harvey to pay, keep it clean, council should pay,” he stated.

“I propose the Mayor and the Chair of the Gobbins Steering Group Roy Beggs, given the work they have done to bring the project to fruition.”

His proposal was seconded by Alliance councillor Robert Logan, who agreed that it was “not appropriate for McLaughlin and Harvey to pay for it.”

This was echoed by Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Maguire.

However, DUP Councillor Beth Adger suggested that the Chief Executive should go herself.

When Deputy Mayor Timothy Gaston pointed out that there were two places available, Councillor Adger suggested the Mayor and Chief Executive should go.

Chief Executive Anne Donaghy commented: “I am very happy and appreciate the proposal but I’m very happy that elected members and officers from the steering group go and if there is a a third place I will enquire.

“I think perhaps it would be two but I’m in your hands.”

After councillor Adger withdrew her proposal,the original proposal to send the Mayor Billy Ashe and the Chair of The Gobbins Steering Group Roy Beggs was agreed.