Kilroot and Kilwaughter workers 'credit to Mid and East Antrim'

Mayor Cllr Peter Johnston along with Adrian Alexander, Head of Operations, Steven Norris, MEA, Fiona Byrne, Head of Organisations & Development and David Smith, Finance Director.

Cllr Johnston met with workers during visits to Kilroot Power Station and Kilwaughter Minerals last Thursday.

The visit was focused on the work that the two companies have been carrying out throughout the Covid crisis.

The Mayor said: “I am so impressed with how Kilroot and Kilwaughter have adapted throughout this pandemic and ensured continued delivery in line with customer demand.

“They have faced many challenges throughout the last few months but their resilience and hard work have paid off. They are a credit to Mid and East Antrim.”

Ian Luney, EP Kilroot and Ballylumford Commercial Director, said: “As a society, Northern Ireland has been going through unprecedented challenges in relation to managing the impact of the Covid-19 virus.

“At our power stations our focus has been on the safety and welfare of our staff and contractors whilst ensuring that we continue to operate reliably ensuring security of electricity supply for Northern Ireland.

“We are also fortunate to have people at Kilroot and Ballylumford who understand the critical nature of the work we do and have responded with commitment and flexibility through the crisis.”

The visit follows the announcement by the new owners of Kilroot Power Station, EPUK Investments (EPUKI), of their investment of up to £600million in the creation of a new energy park at the Kilroot site.

The plans, which are at early concept stage, would represent the largest ever single investment in electricity generation in Northern Ireland and could include a range of renewable energy technologies and electricity generation solutions.

The Mayor also visited Kilwaughter Minerals, an established mineral and quarry processor since 1939.

Head of Organisational Development at Kilwaughter Minerals, Fiona Byrne, said: “During the pandemic, Kilwaughter have strived to meet customer demand across each of our market segments, throughout the UK and Ireland whilst maintaining the safety of our suppliers, customers and teams.

“Like most businesses, we faced new challenges in unprecedented circumstances and with a much reduced team. However, we’ve been able to adjust our processes at each stage to ensure the Customer Experience remains central to our operations.

“We continue to adapt, mindful that this chapter is still evolving and the impact will be felt, not least in the economy, for the coming years.

“Our commitment to our strategic plans remains firm and we look forward to brighter times ahead.”