University of Ulster senior lecturer Alan Strong, who has been appointed chairman of the Institution of Civil Engineers in Northern Ireland, says it is vital that the construction industry ‘does the right things rather than just doing things right.’

The Institution of Civil Engineers represents consulting engineers, contractors, government and academia with over 1800 members in Northern Ireland.

As part of his inaugural address to members of the Institution,  the Jordanstown-based Mr Strong challenged the built environment community to consider the long-term impact of all developments against the demands of environmental, economic and social issues, rather than basing many decisions on capital spend.

"There is a heavy demand in the industry for quality engineers and as a professional body: the Institution is at a crossroads in adopting an advocacy role by advising government on the way ahead on key issues such as procurement, design and sustainability issues.

"In Northern Ireland we have an investment strategy predicting a spend of £16 billion over the next 10 years – and it is vitally important that we get things right."

Mr Strong, originally from Trillick, from Tyrone and a former pupil of Portora Royal School, is the fifth academic to fill the prestigious role of Northern Ireland Civil Engineering Chairman, says that one of his priorities during his term of office will be to put sustainability to the top of the agenda

"Sustainability is a live issue and it should be seen as such by all our members. Building is not just about meeting immediate needs; we have to consider the quality of design, construction and maintenance so that we can leave something for our children and our children’s children."

To raise awareness about the need for sustainability among members, Mr Strong has launched a new awards scheme ‘Celebrating Civil Engineers’.

"The idea is to recognise the input of civil engineers and to award them rather than their projects."

Details of the Celebrating Civil Engineering Awards, covering five categories, can be obtained from the ICE Regional Office (Phone 02890 877157). The Awards will be selected by a prestigious panel appointed by Mr Strong, and be presented in April next year at a celebratory lunch event.

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young