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Ards and North Down Council
DENNIS EAGLE & MANVIK KEEPING LOCAL BOROUGH COUNCIL’S WASTE COLLECTIONS ON TRACK
With a population of around 162,000 people to serve, and seven district electoral areas to cover, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s refuse collection fleet of vehicles has to be robust, reliable and fit for purpose, which is why they’ve opted for Dennis Eagle, supplied by Dennis Eagle’s Northern Ireland distributor Manvik Plant & Hire Ltd, as Plant & Civil Engineer’s David Stokes has been finding out.
Ards and North Down Borough Council’s vehicle fleet of trucks and support vans totals around 180 vehicles of different brands including DAF, Volvo, MAN, Renault, Vauxhall and Iveco. Significantly, it includes 26 front line Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles, in addition to eight back-up trucks, all at 26 tonnes, and fitted with Terberg bin lift systems. The council’s Chief Executive is Stephen Reid, while Fleet Manager is Jeff Shaw, a prominent member of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers in Northern Ireland who has many years of experience in the industry. It is his responsibility to keep the fleet running smoothly
and on schedule, which can be a logistical challenge at the best of times. Waste and recycling, of course, is set to remain high on any local council’s agenda. Latest figures show that Northern Ireland’s councils collected 284,771 tonnes of waste during April to June 2021, a 20.4% increase compared to April to June 2020, with household waste accounting for 88.2% of all waste collected during this period. So, like all councils across Northern Ireland, Ards and North Down has a crucial role to play in successfully managing that waste, and they can only do that by employing the best people and equipment available. LOW ENTRY CABS
“One of the prime reasons we favour the Dennis Eagle brand is its reliability and the fact the trucks feature low entry cabs, which is appreciated by both drivers and crew members,” says Jeff. “You can imagine the big difference having a low entry cab can make to the refuse collection teams who are getting in and out of the cab maybe several hundred times a day.” The council’s area is vast, stretching from Holywood, Bangor and Newtownards right down to Portaferry on the Ards peninsula and across to Comber and Killinchy. The vehicles are based at the council’s depots in Bangor and Newtownards and each is assigned to a specific area. “Bearing in mind the Covid-19 restrictions, we try to assign the same driver and crew members to the same truck on each collection route,” says Jeff. “Not only does that protect them from the potential of picking up the virus, but it also means they become very familiar with the households and businesses in that area.” SERVICE & SUPPORT
Another reason for choosing Dennis Eagle is the high level of support and service the council gets from Manvik Plant & Hire Limited who are based at Dargan Crescent on the Belfast Harbour Estate, which means their service engineers are only minutes away in cases of emergencies. “We do have our own workshops and carry out all routine maintenance on the refuse trucks, but it is always reassuring that Manvik is on our doorstep if and when we need them,” says Jeff. “We can’t fault the service they and Dennis Eagle provide.
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“Having that high level of support is crucial to our collection operations. The crews work to very defined schedules; households expect their bins to be emptied on a certain day of each week, and if that doesn’t happen it reflects badly on us.” He adds: “In the past, we have considered and trialled different truck brands and manufacturers; we don’t favour one over the other, all are good in their own right. We have rigorous procurement processes and we always prioritise quality and what we believe will best service the council’s needs and activities. “We keep a regular eye on what is coming on to the market and before Covid-19 we attended some of the big transport shows to stay abreast of all the latest technologies and innovations. “However, at the end of the day, Dennis Eagle vehicles have proven very fit for our purposes, and as I said our crews like them; indeed, they all take a certain amount of pride in their vehicles, as most truck drivers do. We provide them with all the necessary cleaning materials to ensure the vehicles present a clean image; after all, rate payers’ money is used to acquire the trucks in the first instance, so we need to care for those assets.” All the front line trucks, which are replaced every seven years, are fitted with camera recording and tracking devices for both the protection of the driver and crew and for the general public; equipment suppliers include Brigade Electronics and Mantis. “The cameras produce fantastic images and give our drivers an all round view of what’s happening in the immediate areas they are working in, which is vital considering the working environment takes in heavily built up housing estates, town centres and rural locations. Having such cameras fitted to the trucks means any incidents or accidents can be quickly dealt with and resolved.” SOLAR PANELS
In recent times, the council has been running a pilot scheme to fit several trucks with solar panels on the roof of the vehicles; they have been provided by a company called Trailar who have UK bases in Rugby & Oldham and who operate across the globe, with many blue chip companies as customers. The shatter proof and ultra thin solar panels - or mats, as they are called – are said to save fuel, CO2 and maintenance costs, so has Jeff found that to be the case? “Without doubt,” he says. “We have made comparisons and find that the vehicles with solar panels benefit from better fuel efficiency, and we are saving up to a tonne and a half of carbon per vehicle. We are very pleased with these outcomes, which make a excellent contribution to the Council’s ambitious commitments around sustainability and tackling climate change.” The council’s fitters have been trained on how to install and maintain them, so going forward every new vehicle that is added to the fleet will now feature solar panels, such has been the success of the pilot programme. Undoubtedly, other local councils will follow Ards and North Down Borough’s lead.
Jeff Shaw, Transport Manager, Ards and North Down Borough Council.
CULLION PLANT SERVICE DRIVING ROTOTILT’S MARKET SHARE IN IRELAND
As the all-Ireland dealer for Rototilt Tilt Rotators and attachments, Cullion Plant Service is aiming in the year ahead to build on the successes of 2021.
Since taking on the Rototilt franchise in 2014, the County Tyrone based dealer has significantly increased the brand’s market share across Ireland, with increasing numbers of operators opting for this innovative and versatile tiltrotator. Regarded as attachment and equipment specialists, Cullion Plant provide a growing customer based with a comprehensive sales, service and installation package, all in house with fully equipped service vans and highly trained technicians that cover the whole of the island of Ireland. Now with a dedicated UK office, Rototilt – and Cullion Plant - is fully focused on further strengthening its position in this part of the world in addition to offering invaluable technical training along with sales training. Tiltrotaters from Rototilt system virtually transforms an excavator into a flexible machine that opens up the opportunity for operators to take on more challenging tasks; not only can they get them done faster, and more efficient, but with less manpower such is the product’s versatility. Rototilt’s tiltrotators are robust and reliable thanks to their cast rotor housing which is both stronger and lighter than welded alternatives. The specially designed guard for the hydraulic motor is integrated with the cast rotor housing and protects it against impact and shocks from beneath. OIL FILLED
Rototilt’s tiltrotators are oil filled. The advantages of oil over grease are numerous, including continuous lubrication, better heat dissipation, a longer service life, particle removal, fewer lubrication points and cleaner components, the latter simplifying maintenance. Rototilt’s central lubrication system offers convenient tiltrotator lubrication. It is designed to be connected to the machine’s central lubrication system and features an easily accessible interface on the mount. The system also simplifies manual lubrication if the machine lacks a central lubrication system. Self-lubricating bushings on the cylinder attachments mean fewer lubrication points and consequently simpler maintenance. All Rototilt cylinders feature load management as standard, which increases workplace safety; the load is secure, even in the event of a hose rupture, for example CONTROL SYSTEMS
With Rototilt you can choose the control system that optimises your excavator and contributes to increased performance, better handling and more options for settings. The Innovative Control System, ICS, is a smart control system that features a clear and simple display that quickly gives you overview and control. With the ergonomically designed handle you can control tilting, rotation and any extra function during the same excavation movement. Choosing the pulse function, for example, will help you to quickly and evenly spread the material. You can also get individual operator settings and smart troubleshooting that even suggests corrective actions. An important ICS function is the safety solution SecureLock. With a built-in sensor in the quick coupler, you get a warning both on the display and with an audio signal if anything is wrong with the tool coupling. Continuous monitoring ensures that the tool remains locked in place. The safety lock also lets you know when tools are worn and require attention. For dual hydraulic circuits common on smaller excavators, TLE (Tilt Lock Extra) is an attractive and cost-effective control system alternative; it also works with larger excavators with dual circuits and can be complemented with SecureLock.
MALLON LOOKS BACK AT TWO YEARS AS INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTER
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has been looking back and reflecting upon her two years in office, saying she is proud of her team who have responded to the challenges of Covid19 and Brexit, while building a better future with plans that include all-island rail connectivity, delivering the iconic Narrow Water Bridge, connecting Derry-Belfast with the new A6 and approving a new stadium for the GAA in Ulster at Casement Park.
Commenting on her key priorities over the last two years, the Minister said: “To address the historic underfunding of our water and sewerage infrastructure, I allocated £344.5 million this year from my budget for essential water and sewerage services. This was the first time in many years that we had been able to fully fund this essential public service as recommended by the Utility Regulator. “Unfortunately, the road network, including footways, cycle lanes and bus lanes, maintenance has suffered due to a historic lack of investment, but this year I was delighted to be able to allocate £17 million towards a Roads Recovery Fund of which £15 million is being targeted towards rural roads. This investment, the highest level of funding to date for a specific rural roads fund, is being used to address areas of immediate concern across the rural roads network. “I have also allocated £19 million for flood protection schemes across the North, including Belfast, Newcastle, Lisburn and Newry, to protect homes and businesses from the devastation of flooding, which can be a distressing and frightening experience for those affected. “Playing my part in tackling the climate crisis has been of huge importance to me. I set up a new £20 million per year blue/ green infrastructure fund to support the transformation of our communities, promote active travel and shape our places. RAIL & ROAD
“I have invested in public transport to encourage a shift away from the car to more sustainable transport. One hundred and forty five zero and low emission buses including 20 hydrogen fuelled buses costing £74 million will begin to go into service from Spring this year. In addition, I have invested £30 million for the purchase of 38 new zero emission battery electric buses for the Foyle Metro fleet, making it one of the first cities across these islands to have a zero emission bus fleet. “I have also invested £66 million in 21 new train carriages and depot infrastructure to transform rail journeys. This will help to reduce carbon emissions and attract more people to make cleaner public transport choices. “I have allocated funding for the feasibility study for the Phase 3 upgrade of the Derry to Belfast railway line. This crucial investment is the first step to getting rail in the North West of Ireland back on track. “The North West Transport Hub has been completed and work on the Belfast Transport Hub is underway. The A6 is nearing completion and other key infrastructure projects including the A1 Junctions safety programme, Narrow Water Bridge, York Street Interchange and a range of bypass projects are moving forward. All of these will have economic multiplier effects and help to address safety, connectivity and regional imbalance. ALL ISLAND APPROACH
“It is important to recognise the island-wide benefits of iconic cross-border projects like the Narrow Water Bridge that will not only connect people but the economies of this island. I am delighted that working with the Irish Government I have launched an all-island strategic rail review, the first review in over 100 years, looking at how we can connect communities and businesses across Ireland and deliver cleaner rail travel across our island. “Road safety is of course an issue I take very seriously. A consultation on a new Road Safety Strategy to 2030 has just ended which will provide the framework for implementation
to improve road safety. Other initiatives such as the 20 mph scheme at schools; the road safety grant scheme; the introduction of tougher penalties for mobile phone use while driving; and enforcement actions by the DVA, in collaboration with the PSNI continue as we work to make roads safer for all users. “I firmly believe in the need for a long term shared vison and an agreed approach to infrastructure delivery. That is why in August 2020 I established the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure, which recommended that an Infrastructure Commission would more effectively support the long term planning and development of relevant infrastructure here. I was pleased that this has been included as a key action in the Executive’s Covid Recovery Plan and is now being progressed in a positive way via a cross-departmental working group. I will keep pushing for delivery of this ambitious project alongside my commitment to a youth assembly, where we not only work with experts on the future of infrastructure here but also with our young people, the leaders of tomorrow.” She added: “The COVID-19 pandemic remains and was ever present over the last two years which brought many challenges for the delivery of the frontline services for
Proposed Narrow Water Bridge scheme.
which I am responsible. In this challenging time my team has pulled together, we have worked with others to find creative and safe solutions to keep our services running and to help others struggling through the pandemic. For my remaining time in office I remain determined and focused on delivering good governance and improvements to the lives and livelihoods of all the people who live and work here.”
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
• Granted planning permission for a new stadium at Casement Park, Belfast. • Contract awarded for a new regional planning IT system in conjunction with 10 local councils. • North West Multi Modal Transport Hub project completed. • Work on Belfast Transport Hub progressing. • £23.5m in financial support for Taxi Drivers and Private Coach and Bus Operators. • £20million per year Blue/Green Infrastructure Fund set up to promote active travel and support the transformation of communities by providing/ improving cycleways, footways and green/ blue spaces that will encourage people to walk, wheel and cycle as part of their everyday lives. • Published ‘Belfast Cycling Network’. • Work underway to build a new £16.5m Driver & Vehicle
Test Centre and Depot at Hydebank, Belfast. • Introduced a new online booking system for driving and vehicle tests. • Introduced a new Commercial Licensing
System for taxis and buses. • Between 1 August and 31 December 2021 conducted 325,220 full vehicle tests, which is 6% higher than the five-year average for that period. • Between 1 May and 31 December 2021 conducted 46,525 driving tests, which is 39% higher than the five-year average for that period. • Introduced new legislation to exempt vehicles of historic interest from MOT. • The A6 Randalstown to Castledawson
Dualling Scheme completed. • The A6 Dungiven – Drumahoe dual carriageway scheme progressing. • A £1.1 million extension to the M1 bus lanes has been completed. • Five new Park and Ride projects at Newtownards (Bus),
Comber (Bus ), Cairnshill, Belfast (Bus), Downpatrick (Bus),
Trooperslane, and Carrickfergus (Rail) underway. • Work begins on a £19 million major refurbishment of rail infrastructure for the Whiteabbey area. • £10 million investment project underway for a new train station at York Street, Belfast. • Rail infrastructure upgrade works costing £31million underway in the Cullybackey area • £17.85 million Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme underway. • £2.9 million Phase one river Flood Alleviation
Scheme in Newry underway. • £5.1 million Shimna River flood alleviation scheme begins • £365,000 flood alleviation scheme on the
La Salle Stream in West Belfast. • £2.8 million flood alleviation scheme on the Glenbrook River in the Cregagh Road / Montgomery Road area of East Belfast • £900,000 flood alleviation scheme on the Flush Bridge
Stream in the Prince William Road area of Lisburn • Published ‘Living with Water’ plan for Belfast. • Second Cycle Flood Risk Management Plan 2021-27 published. • Planning for the Future of Transport - Time for Change published. • Implementation of a part time 20mph speed limit programme at more than 200 schools. • New legislation to increase penalty points and fines for those using a hand-held mobile phone while driving introduced, • Consultation on proposals to reduce the number of minor motoring offences coming before our courts taking place. • Options paper and online questionnaire published to help inform a future policy for pavement parking. • Provided £350,000 of match-funding for local councils to grow the e-charging network. • Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Task-Force established and new legislation to extend permitted development rights for electric vehicle charging points. • Legislation to extend permitted development rights for telecommunication development and also to remove permitted development rights for oil and gas exploration.
