Year 9 technology and design pupils from Thornhill College recently visited the ‘Old Thornhill College Site’ to learn about firmus energy’s Foyle Rover Crossing project to hear about the work being undertaken by firmus energy, Kier Group and McCormack Drilling.
The £3m River Foyle Crossing development is the largest drilling project to be undertaken on the island of Ireland and will install a large gas pipe under the River Foyle from Strathfoyle to Thornhill scheduled for completion before the end of the year.
The Year 9 pupils interested in careers in Engineering and Construction were given a tour of the site and shown some of the equipment that’s being used to bring gas beneath the River Foyle. Students were also given the opportunity to ask questions about potential future careers in engineering and what subject choices they should make if they want to pursue a career in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM) role.
Commenting on the project, Jonathan Strain, Construction Manager, said:
“This is an ambitious and innovative project that we were delighted to showcase to young aspiring female engineers. Thornhill College have generously assisted us in the logistics of our project, allowing us to set up a compound on their old school grounds and store a section of the 660m pipe within the security and grounds of their College. This enabled the smooth progression of our project and we are extremely grateful for their continued support.”
Commenting on the visit the students said,
“It was a great experience to see the engineers at work and I found out about the work they are doing here to help our community.”
Another added,
“I had an amazing time and got an insight into what I need to do to have a career in engineering in the future.”
firmus energy invited local stakeholders, including media, elected representatives, school pupils and industry colleagues to visit the site to hear first-hand of the benefits this project will bring to the local economy, including local job creation throughout the construction phase.
firmus energy currently services 10,541 customers in the Derry~Londonderry area. The 355mm diameter, 660m long, 2” thick wall polyethylene (PE) gas main will be installed beneath the River Foyle from Strathfoyle to Culmore Road at the Old Thornhill College site.
Using a 50 tonne drilling machine, the work is being carried out by local, specialist drilling contractor, McCormack Drilling. Since beginning the work, they have drilled through rock 25m under the riverbed and 20m under the Derry~Londonderry to Coleraine railway line.
