Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Ireland Construction Directory
Search our 26,232 companies....

Construction News

24/03/2023

NI Water Technician Claims International Award

Construction News Image
NI Water employee Claire Cowden has been recognised for innovation and dedication in her role as a Wastewater Assets Technician in Dungannon.

Claire won The Nereda Operator of the Year Award from Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV), celebrating her leadership and role in inspiring women in the wastewater industry. Global operators selected Claire to receive the award at the Golden Granule Awards, during an Operators Day. 

Commenting on the win, Claire said: "The award was a huge surprise, as I wasn't expecting to be recognised for my work. But, I'm honoured to be recognised and privileged to be working with a fantastic team at both NI Water and RHDHV."

Claire currently works on site at Dungannon Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) which uses the innovative Nereda process, technology which places the plant at the forefront of world class industry innovation offering a low energy solution for the treatment of both domestic and industrial wastewater.
-- Advertisement --



She continued: "I realised I had a great interest in wastewater and was keen to expand my knowledge and gain more experience. To enable me to further my career in the future, I felt the best way was to get hands on experience on the ground, in operations! 

"In 2021 I started a Wastewater Assets Technician role based in Dungannon WwTW – Nereda. As the only plant of its kind in Northern Ireland, at present, I was excited for this new challenge and I was soon fascinated and intrigued by this new technology with its many environmental benefits and I wanted to delve into more detail.

"I completed the Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology for Wastewater Treatment course with TU Delft in July '22 and discovered just how interesting this new technology was. After that I participated in the Nereda Operators Day 2022, sharing thoughts and experiences with fellow Nereda Operators worldwide and it was at that event that I received the international award."

Claire is now hoping to use her own success to encourage other women to get involved in the industry.

She added: "Life as an Operator can vary from interrogating trends, troubleshooting, proactive decision making, maintenance of instruments, scientific on-site testing, record keeping, but most importantly – always ensuring compliance. The list goes on, no two days are the same and there is a lot of variety, which also keeps things interesting. 

"I am proud to be a woman working in wastewater and I hope I can encourage and inspire more women to join the Wastewater industry. Just get stuck in and discover the fascinating world at the end of the sewerage system."

Latest Construction News

14/02/2025
Plans for over 600 new homes in South Dublin have been unveiled by the Land Development Agency (LDA). The 607 apartments are being delivered in partnership with Cairn and are already under construction in Dublin 22 at Seven Mills, a new town being developed beside the Grand Canal between Clondalki
14/02/2025
Construction has commenced on a new Premier Inn hotel in the heart of Dublin city. Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has been appointed as the principal contractor for the Whitbread PLC development which is an important part of the regeneration of one of Dublin's most iconic de
14/02/2025
A 120 year-old former water superintendent's house in Kilkeel, County Down, is set to undergo a substantial refurbishment this month. NI Water will spearhead the project on the property located at the entrance to Silent Valley as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting listed assets in its car
14/02/2025
A public consultation will be held next week to shape plans for the reuse of the old Courthouse in Letterkenny, County Donegal. The drop-in event at the old Courthouse has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, between 3-8pm, for the project which has been supported by €199,969 in THRIVE funding
14/02/2025
Plans have been announced for the transformation of two protected structures in County Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The County Council unveiled the proposals for the renovation, extension and reuse of No. 9 George's Place and renovation and reuse of the former Wash House in Kelly's Avenue, to provide a
14/02/2025
Representatives from the Construction Employers Federation and the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) met with Finance and Infrastructure Ministers this week to discuss solutions to funding issues for Northern Ireland's ageing wastewater infrastructure. At the meeting, majo
14/02/2025
Galway-based contracting company Monami Construction has teamed up with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and Dundalk Institute of Technology for this year's CIOB Student Challenge and Construction Conference. The full-day event will take place at the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)
14/02/2025
Farrans Construction, on behalf of Uisce Éireann, is set to replace ageing watermains in Cavan Town. Crews will arrive along Railway Road next week and begin work on removing 1.5km of old pipes and laying new ones, which will reduce bursts affecting homes and businesses. The section of works will
14/02/2025
Various roadworks are set to commence in County Wicklow next week. Works, which include gully cleaning and hedge trimming, will begin on the L1221 Charlesland Dual Carriageway, Greystones, from Monday, February 17, until Wednesday, February 19, between 9.30am and 4pm. Temporary traffic management
14/02/2025
A Galway City road has been scheduled to close next month to facilitate a road reinstatement following gas works. The closure will take place from the junction of Mary Street and Bowling Green to the junction of Mary Street and St Francis Street, from 10am to 6pm, from Tuesday, March 4 to Thursday,
This web site uses cookies to improve your experience and by viewing our content you accept their use. Click here to remove this notice.
ACCON UK LtdAlternative Tying Systems LtdGreen City Paving & LandscapingGSM Guttering & Fascia LtdMMA Joinery Specialists LtdPlanning HandbookStone Systems LimitedPremier Floor ScreedS & N GraniteKG Manufacturing