NEWSLETTER
Q4 | 2024
So, after a well-deserved Christmas break for some of our team, it’s a good time to reflect on 2024.
Every year, the OTT team amazes me with your commitment and attitude. I am incredibly proud to have you represent this company. Honestly, I’ve run out of ways to express my gratitude.
We’ve shared laughs and losses this past year, as well as successes and challenges. Through it all, your resilience and teamwork have been inspiring.
As we enter 2025, let’s move forward with the same drive and dedication as last year. Together, we will continue to grow as a business and as individuals.
Here’s to another successful year ahead. Let’s make it a great one! Thank you all.
Message from Daryl Irwin
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FLASH BUTT WELDER
UPDATE!
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We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a brand-new Flash Butt Welder from GEISMAR, set to revolutionise how we operate at On Track Technicians.
This state-of-the-art machine is designed to enhance precision, efficiency, and safety across our railway projects, enabling us to deliver even higher standards of excellence for our clients.
This innovative addition to our fleet showcases our commitment to staying at the forefront of railway technology and continually improving the services we offer. The Flash Butt Welder represents a significant investment in both our future and the ongoing development of the railway industry.
Stay tuned as we put this incredible piece of equipment into action—demonstrating how cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team can transform railway operations. Exciting times ahead!
TRANSLINK FRAMEWORK 111
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On Track Technicians are proud to share photos from our first site as one of Translink's appointed contractors to secure over 300 miles of track boundary.
Safety is Translink’s top priority, and our work together will ensure the continued protection of the NI Railways network.
The project aims to:
Strengthen and maintain the NI Railways boundary
Deter trespassing on railway property
Minimize animal incursions for rail safety
Our team has completed the first site, installing Translink’s high-specification stockproof fence with durable Moore Concrete precast strainer posts, reinforcing our shared commitment to network safety.
SUPPORTING IRISH RAIL
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Proud to Support Irish Rail Over the Holidays
This Christmas season, the On Track Technicians team has been hard at work supporting Irish Rail to ensure smooth and efficient operations during this busy time of year. From maintenance to critical upgrades, our team has been dedicated to keeping the network safe and reliable for all passengers.
A huge thank you to our incredible staff for their commitment and expertise throughout the festive period. Together, we’re making a real difference on the tracks!
2024 NEW CAPABILITY DOCUMENT
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We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our updated 2024 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!
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
Young Rail Professionals
Gerard McErlean - GME Coaching
Jamie Wilkinson - One2One Fitness
RAIL PEOPLE, RAIL CHAT
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As we wrapped up the year, the Rail People, Rail Chat podcast welcomed an incredible lineup of guests who brought fresh perspectives and inspiring stories.
We were thrilled to chat with Jamie Wilkinson from One2One Fitness, Gerard McErlean from GME Coaching, and Bonnie, Matthew, and James from Young Rail Professionals. Their insights covered everything from fitness and coaching to inspiring the next generation of railway talent.
A huge thank you to all our guests for sharing their journeys and expertise. If you’d like to join us on the podcast and share your own story, get in touch—we’d love to hear from you!
Let’s keep the conversations going in 2025! 🎙️
Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Sectoral Partnership
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On Track Technicians were delighted to host the Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Sectoral Partnership.
It’s always inspiring to see industry leaders and partners driving forward apprenticeship opportunities and innovation in manufacturing.
Again, a huge thank you to all involved, including SP employers, NI universities and FE sectors, Department for the Economy, CCEA Regulation, and Development Partners.
Great to be part of such a progressive group!
NOVEMBER MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
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In November for Mental Health Month, our team embraced activities to boost both physical and mental well-being
We kicked things off with an energising group training session at One2One Fitness NI, led by the brilliant Jamie Wilkinson and David. 💪 The session left us buzzing (and maybe a bit sore), but the mood boost and camaraderie were well worth it! A huge thanks to the One2One team for putting us through our paces—it’s always great to come together and focus on fitness. 🙌
Later in the month, some of our team swapped the gym for the outdoors, enjoying a coffee and a refreshing run with GME Coaching at Wallace Park, Lisburn. It was fantastic to see some of the OTT kids join in, making it a true family affair! 🏃♀️☕
These moments of connection, movement, and fresh air remind us of the simple yet powerful ways we can support our mental well-being. Let’s keep building on this momentum—small steps lead to big changes!
Here’s to prioritising health and happiness, both on and off the tracks.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM RECENT EVENTS
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Young Rail Professionals (YRP) Launch Ireland
Our Strategic Director, Andrew Irwin, and Training & Development Manager, Kathleen Faloon, attended the YRP Launch Ireland, an event that brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of rail. Highlights included:
• Piers Wood, Managing Director at Alstom Ireland, sharing insights on the DART+ Battery-Electric Rolling Stock project.
• Peter Adams, Rail Business Lead at Arup Ireland, discussing the All-Island Strategic Rail Review with a focus on sustainable connectivity and regional development.
Thank you to the YRP team for organising such a fantastic event. Discover more about YRP and their mission here: Learn more about YRP
Horizon Europe Roadshow
Andrew Irwin also represented OTT at the Horizon Europe Roadshow in Lisburn. This event provided valuable insights into growth opportunities through innovation, with key speakers sharing expertise on collaboration and support initiatives.
Special thanks to the speakers from Invest Northern Ireland, Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, and other organisations who made this event a rich learning experience. The networking opportunities were invaluable for fostering future partnerships and growth.
PWI Belfast Meeting at the Clayton Hotel
OTT was delighted to attend one of the largest PWI meetings in Belfast, which featured in-depth discussions on the Belfast Grand Central Station.
Key highlights included:
• Cathal Mangan, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, introducing the session.
• Mervyn McCollam, Translink, sharing the 10-year journey to deliver the project.
• Lisa McFadden, Translink, providing insights into the project’s management and the challenges overcome for its successful completion.
This meeting offered a fantastic platform to connect with professionals and gain deeper insights into Belfast’s evolving rail infrastructure. A big thank you to all the organisers for their hospitality and effort in hosting such an informative event.
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 Barry McGuigan
Photo by Penny McGeown
Photo by Gaz Tweats
Photo by Gaz Tweats
Say “Hello” to our team
John Teggart
Commercial Manager
About John:
I am married with 2 children and live near the office. I have been in the company for over 3 years and am involved in procurement, insurance, tendering and contract terms and conditions. Trained as a Quantity Surveyor over 50 years ago in the Ulster Polytechnic, I have worked mostly overseas with construction contractors and consultants on railways, airports, dams, hospitals, etc. I aim to increasingly share my extensive construction project knowledge with the company to assist in building and sustaining relationships with our railway clients.
Hobbies:
I’m a keen stills photographer. I regularly go to the gym and swim. I constantly enjoy rugby (watching only now), and I have a certain set of golf skills that do not scare anyone!
Shannon O’Rawe
Finance Assistant
About Shannon:
This month marks one year at OTT as Finance Assistant for me. I graduated from UUM with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies with Accounting and found this helped me fit into OTT finance team perfectly. Although I have no prior knowledge or experience working in the railway industry, I was welcomed warmly - the team are continuously offering their knowledge and experiences that I can gain from.
I mainly run the Purchase Ledger within my department and find it rewarding meeting deadlines, liaising with suppliers & balancing accounts. I am met with new tasks weekly which enables me to enhance my skillset.
Hobbies:
I am a mum of a 2-year-old which keeps me busy! I’m a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo that I started when I was a child. While I don’t actively compete anymore, I now take my daughter to classes which she loves and enables me to train & coach with a different perspective. I have recently started running and have been enjoying the journey so far.