NEWSLETTER
Q2 | 2025
Over the past quarter, On Track Technicians have continued to demonstrate what sets us apart — a commitment to excellence, care for our people, and pride in everything we do.
From running the Belfast Marathon in memory of our friend and colleague Ali, to launching our Live Well Work Well healthy eating initiative across our teams, we’ve focused on both wellbeing and impact.
We completed the Auglish culvert renewal over a challenging Easter weekend blockade, working with ecology surveys to protect local wildlife, and delivered complex residential fencing projects with precision and care.
Our work was supported by fantastic collaboration with key partners, including Translink, FP McCann, and ADMAN Group. Beyond the track, we engaged in meaningful community discussions, with Andrew Irwin attending the NI Boys’ Impact Hub launch to support positive change in education.
Beyond the track, we’ve been actively building connections and representing OTT at industry events. Our senior leadership team travelled to Rail Live 2025, proudly showcasing our new Flash Butt Welder in partnership with King Rail. With blazing sunshine, great conversations, and brilliant demos from Menzies, the event offered the perfect platform to strengthen networks and share what makes OTT unique.
From community engagement to high-impact project delivery, it’s been a quarter full of purpose, progress, and people. We’re proud of the difference we’re making together and excited for what lies ahead.
Message from Daryl Irwin
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Auglish Culvert Renewal
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We’re proud to share the successful completion of our recent railway infrastructure works at Auglish — delivered safely, efficiently, and on programme despite wet and challenging conditions.
Delivered for ADMAN GROUP over the Easter weekend blockade
Over a 56-hour blockade between Antrim and Coleraine, our team carried out a full culvert renewal, including:
✅ Site compound and access set-up
✅ Damming and diversion of the watercourse
✅ Removal of track furniture and demolition of the old culvert
✅ Installation of new precast headwalls, pipe sections and scour protection
✅ Full track reinstatement, handback, and monitoring
✅ Final stock-proof fencing installation
A huge thank you to the team on-site — your dedication and precision ensured a high-quality finish and a successful handback.
This project showcases our commitment to safety, collaboration, and timely delivery in even the most demanding conditions.
Ecology Surveys Underway
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Protecting wildlife, enabling progress
As part of our ongoing commitment to responsible and sustainable rail infrastructure, the On Track Technicians team has been out on site conducting ecology surveys ahead of upcoming works on the Translink Lineside Boundary Fencing Contract.
These early-stage surveys play a vital role in identifying and protecting local wildlife habitats — including hedgehogs, birds, and important plant species — ensuring that our work is completed with minimal disruption to the natural environment.
Environmental responsibility is not just a checkbox — it’s built into every stage of our project planning. Working alongside environmental specialists, we ensure compliance with best practices and regulatory standards before any fencing installation begins.
By carrying out these surveys, we help safeguard biodiversity, maintain habitat continuity, and support Translink’s long-term sustainability goals.
✅ Early-stage environmental checks
✅ Responsible planning and habitat protection
✅ Supporting safe, sustainable infrastructure delivery
This is just one part of our wider commitment to building a greener, safer future for the rail industry.
Our On Track Technicians team has recently completed a residential boundary fencing project as part of wider infrastructure improvements on the Translink network.
Working within a residential backyard environment brought unique challenges — including tight access, close proximity to homes, and the need to minimise disruption. Our crews carried out the works with professionalism, care, and a strong focus on community respect.
✅ Careful planning in residential setting
✅ Clear communication with local residents
✅ Safe and efficient delivery by experienced teams
✅ Supporting larger-scale network upgrades
We’re proud to be working alongside FP McCann Ltd, delivering quality infrastructure on behalf of Translink, and contributing to safer, more secure rail boundaries across the network.
Residential Boundary Fencing Works Completed
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Precision, planning, and professionalism in the heart of the community
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
Boundary Fencing Works Poyntzpass
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Protecting local land and rail infrastructure — metre by metre
On Track Technicians are proud to be delivering essential boundary fencing works in the Poyntzpass area, carried out on behalf of Translink as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard and strengthen Northern Ireland’s railway infrastructure.
This phase of works involves the installation of both stockproof fencing, protecting local farmland and livestock, and security fencing, reinforcing the safety of the rail corridor and reducing the risk of trespass.
With a strong focus on safety, environmental consideration, and efficiency, our crews are working hard to ensure the project remains on time and to specification.
✅ Dual-purpose fencing (stockproof + security)
✅ Rural location, demanding precision and planning
✅ Supporting railway safety and local landowners
✅ Delivered by experienced OTT field teams
Every metre installed is another step forward in securing the railway — a job that reflects the pride and professionalism of our crews on the ground.
THIRD PARTY WORKS
Working within 50 meters of the railway boundary?
Working within 200 meters of a level crossing?
Working with the potential to cause ‘blocking back’?
Need advice? Contact our team
Rail Live 2025
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The sun was shining, the conversations were flowing, and innovation was on full display — Rail Live 2025 did not disappoint!
We were proud to represent On Track Technicians at one of the rail industry’s leading events, where we officially launched our Flash Butt Welder across the UK and Ireland. Fully branded and ready to go, it marked an exciting step forward for us as we continue to invest in cutting-edge rail technology and infrastructure solutions.
A special thanks to our stand partner King Rail Ltd, whose collaboration helped make this launch a standout success. Together, we welcomed a stream of industry professionals, clients, and friends to our stand — sharing insights, reconnecting with familiar faces, and making valuable new connections.
Some of the industry leaders we were excited to see at the show:
Translink, GEISMAR, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, Pandrol, Dual Inventive, Nexus, GoliathTech Corporation, SPL Powerlines UK, HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd, Signal Global, Network Rail, Carl Chippendale, Breffni Group, and more.
A huge thank you to the Rail Live OTT crew:
Carl Garrud, Andrew Irwin, Daryl Irwin, James Swan, Wes Calvin, and Colin Goodman — your energy, expertise, and teamwork made it a brilliant experience.
As we reflect on Rail Live 2025, we’re energised by the conversations and inspired by what’s ahead. From new technologies to collaborative partnerships, it’s clear the future of rail is bright — and we’re proud to be playing our part.
2024 NEW CAPABILITY DOCUMENT
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We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our updated 2025 Capability Document!
Discover our complete range of services, cutting-edge expertise, and the skilled team that makes it all happen. Whether you’re planning a major project or need tailored railway solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s make 2024 a year of innovation, collaboration, and success on the tracks!
Safety Critical Steve Gets a Makeover – and a New Teammate!
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As part of our 2025 Safety Month, On Track Technicians proudly launched a refreshed version of our much-loved educational mascot — Safety Critical Steve, now joined by his new colleague, Safety Critical Sarah! Together, they’ve been helping us take an important message directly into classrooms across Northern Ireland.
Our focus this year was on P6 and P7 pupils, who are at a vital stage for understanding railway safety, personal responsibility, and awareness around live rail environments.
Over the course of our visits, we had the opportunity to speak with engaged and curious young minds about:
How to stay safe near platforms, level crossings, and railway fences
The dangers of trespassing on or near the tracks
And just as importantly, the exciting range of careers available in the railway industry
From engineering to operations, planning to safety management — we gave pupils a look behind the scenes at what it takes to keep the network running smoothly and safely.
It was a brilliant experience for all involved. The energy, questions, and enthusiasm from the students made it a day to remember for our OTT crew. A huge thank you to the schools who welcomed us in — and to Safety Critical Steve and Sarah for bringing the craic!
We’re proud to support the next generation in understanding the importance of safety and opening their eyes to the rewarding world of rail.
📸 Keep an eye on our socials for pictures and more highlights from our school visits.
Pedal the Periphery
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Congratulations, Elizabeth Kennedy! We’re absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news!
Our colleague Elizabeth Kennedy has completed the #PedalThePeriphery challenge — cycling an astonishing 480 miles around the entire perimeter of Northern Ireland in just 48 hours as part of the unstoppable Turbo Tigers team. 💪🎉
This mammoth effort wasn’t just a test of endurance, but a powerful show of support for NIPANC, a charity dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting individuals and families affected by pancreatic cancer. 💜
Through wind, rain, hills, and sore legs, Elizabeth powered through with grit and determination — proving what can be achieved with a strong cause and an even stronger heart. Her commitment, resilience, and compassion have inspired us all.
Elizabeth, your achievement reflects the spirit of On Track Technicians — committed, community-minded, and unstoppable.
If you’d like to show your support, it’s not too late to donate. Every penny makes a difference:
Let’s continue to back this vital cause and honour the effort of every single person involved in this journey.
A Healthier Start for Our Track Teams
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At On Track Technicians, we believe that looking after our people is just as important as the work we do on the railway. That’s why we’re proud to be actively delivering on our Live Well, Work Well programme — a commitment to supporting health, wellbeing, and balance across our teams.
This week, we’ve taken a proactive step after recent internal surveys highlighted that 64% of staff were skipping breakfast. Recognising how vital a nutritious start is for both physical and mental performance, we launched Healthy Eating Packs to help encourage better habits across our track teams.
The packs include:
✅ A reusable hot drink flask
✅ Award-winning Embark® Protein Bar
✅ PROPERCORN Lentil Crisps
✅ A delicious nut mix from Kestrel Foods – featuring Forest Feast, Acti-Snack, and Just Live a Little
✅ ACTI-SNACK Protein Trail Mix & Porridge Pot
✅ A handy healthy breakfast recipe sheet
✅ A branded, reusable hessian food bag
We’ve also been delighted to collaborate with two incredible local businesses who share our values of quality, wellbeing, and community support:
🎉 A special thanks to:
– Michael Hall & Bronagh Clarke of Forest Feast, based in Co. Armagh
– Matthew Rainey from Embark Protein, County Fermanagh
Why it matters:
We know the value of small, everyday choices. Whether it’s having a quick protein-packed snack or a warm drink on-site, these packs are a simple yet meaningful way to support our workforce — wherever they’re working across the network.
Here’s to healthy habits, team wellbeing, and building a culture that champions our people from the ground up.
Belfast Marathon 2025!
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Our OTT team took on the challenge in memory of our friend and colleague Ali — and we’re so proud to share that we raised £540 for the incredible Air Ambulance NI
From the starting line smiles to the sore legs at the finish, it was a day full of team spirit, laughs, and love — all captured in our little photo dump 📸
This year was extra special. We proudly ran in tops designed by Ollie, Alistair’s son 💙 His artwork means the world to us, and it was an honour to wear it as we pushed through every mile.
Thank you to everyone who donated, supported, and cheered us on. We’re proud, we’re grateful… and yes, we’re already talking about next year 👀
HIGHLIGHTS FROM RECENT EVENTS
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Supporting Boys’ Education: Attending the Launch of the NI Boys’ Impact Hub
Andrew Irwin attended the official launch of the Northern Ireland Boys’ Impact Hub, a powerful new initiative aimed at tackling the persistent underachievement of boys within the education system.
The event was held at Ulster University’s Belfast Campus, a fantastic venue that welcomed over 300 educators from across Northern Ireland. It was a thought-provoking day, highlighting the outcomes of the Taking Boys Seriously research and its impact on shaping future education strategies.
Education Minister Paul Givan addressed the audience, sharing his hopes for the sector and his support for the programme. Hosted by Susan Morgan, TBS Principal Investigator, the event featured an inspiring lineup of speakers and case studies, including:
Mike Nicholson – Progressive Masculinity
Boys Model & Mercy College – Be The Man
UU TBS Student Advisory Group – Leighann McConville, Tristin Nicholls & Sean McCauley
Dr Alex Blower – TBS & Boys’ Impact UK
Dr Andy Hamilton – Boys’ and Young Men’s Quadrant
Rab Bunting & Calvin McCullough – Monkstown Boxing Club – In Your Corner
Ann McCann – Loughshore – Relational Learning Culture
This initiative is a vital step toward educational equality and better outcomes for boys across the region. We’re proud to support efforts that make a real difference in our communities.
🔗 Learn more:
www.ulster.ac.uk/tbs
www.theboyquadrant.org
https://lnkd.in/eFMz3ity
OTT PHOTOGRAPHY
It's no secret that On Track Technicians are skilled at maintaining and repairing railways, but what many people don't know is that they also have some amazing photographers among their ranks, capturing stunning images that showcase the true artistry of this mode of transportation.
You might say that these technicians have a knack for capturing the rail-y great moments!
Photo by Craig Jones
Photo by Penny McGeown
Say “Hello” to our team
Gerard Hughes
SHEQ Manager
About Gerard:
Gerard brings over two decades of hands-on experience in health, safety, and environmental management across a broad range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, rail, and manufacturing. He has held senior advisory roles on high-profile projects, including the Kilroot Power Station Expansion, West Pharma in Dublin, and Diageo’s Project Seal in Belfast. Gerard is known for his pragmatic approach to risk management, regulatory compliance, and building strong working relationships with clients, contractors, and project teams.
He holds multiple certifications, including NEBOSH International Diploma, ISO Lead Auditor qualifications, and is also a certified instructor in First Aid, Manual Handling, and Mental Health Awareness.
Work Experience Highlights
Lead H&S Advisor at major infrastructure and pharmaceutical projects across Ireland and the UK
Responsible for Integrated management Systems at various Glass manufacturing and Joinery works, overseeing ISO and BSI certifications, implementing safety strategies across UK-wide sites
Hobbies:
Outside of work, Gerard is passionate about scuba diving. He has been an active member of the Belfast Sub Aqua Club for over 16 years and currently serves on the British Sub Aqua Club’s Regional Coaching Team for Ireland. As an Advanced Diving Instructor and Instructor Trainer, he’s deeply committed to promoting safety and skills development under water as well as on land.