NEWSLETTER
Q2 | 2024
I am thrilled to share that we have had an extremely busy and positive Q2. Exciting times are upon us, especially with the recent awarding of FW096 alongside our partners Adman. This significant achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work each of you puts in every day.
I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone in the business for your relentless efforts behind the scenes. Your consistent commitment and teamwork have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Whether working on the track or supporting from behind the scenes, your contributions are invaluable and deeply appreciated.
As we move into Q3, let's carry forward the momentum we've built. Many opportunities are ahead, and we can continue to achieve great things with our combined efforts.
Together, as a team, we will face new challenges, embrace innovation, and drive our growth to new heights.
Message from Daryl Irwin
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FRAMEWORK SUCCESS
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We are thrilled to announce that we have been successfully awarded FW096, securing the Number 1 position on the active list!
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.
We have exceptional support from everyone in their areas of expertise. Your collective effort has made this possible; we couldn't be prouder.
Thank you all for your incredible contributions and commitment. We are grateful for our amazing TEAM and all that you do.
BALLAST MANAGEMENT
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At On Track Technicians, we had a fantastic team dedicated to the ballast management project.
From scanning for services, excavation works, moving sleepers, and installing new ballast, they ensured every step was meticulously handled.
Proud to keep the rails running smoothly!
BOTANIC STATION
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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our team at On Track Technicians for their dedication and support in assisting Cleary Contracts at Botanic Station.
Our team's hard work in carrying out essential enhancements ensures the safe flow of passengers during their daily commute.
These temporary works are crucial for managing the increased number of passengers at Botanic during the blockade works at Belfast Grand Central.
IRISH RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
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The On Track Technicians team recently contributed to an infrastructure project in Carrick-on-Shannon for Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail.
Thanks to the leadership of ADMAN GROUP Engineer Mark Gaffney, this project highlighted the importance of railway infrastructure in ensuring safe and efficient travel.
We are proud of our team's efforts and their commitment to enhancing the rail network.
RAIL PEOPLE, RAIL CHAT
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This quarter on the 'Rail People, Rail Chat' OTT podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting some exciting guests who brought diverse perspectives to the table!
Our podcast recently featured insightful conversations with Heidi from Irish Rail, Joan Heery from PWI, Clare Crooks from Translink, and OTT Apprentices Adam, Glen and Raymond.
We've delved into sustainability, Women in the railway industry and what it is like to be an apprentice.
If you're eager to be part of the podcast, don't hesitate to fill in the form and share your thoughts with us.
Pigeon - OTT Control
John Riley - Irish Rail
Graeme Banks - DFI
Ash Gardner - RAIB
Thank you to all who have sponsored this event
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Thank you to all who have sponsored this event 〰️
Thank you to all who have sponsored this event
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Thank you to all who have sponsored this event 〰️
Event Sponsors
Hole Sponsors
Exciting School Visits for OTT Safety Month!
What a fantastic few days we had at Tonagh Primary School and Brownlee for OTT Safety Month! We enjoyed sharing insights about railway safety with the kids and interacting with everyone.
Congratulations to the Safety Poster Competition Winners!
A big shout-out to the lucky winners of our safety poster competition. We hope you enjoy your We Are Vertigo vouchers!
As we departed, the school was filled with vibrant orange PPE vests, reminding us all that safety should always come first.
Stay safe and see you at our next event!
OTT Belfast Marathon 2024
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What an Incredible Achievement! Huge congratulations to all OTT marathon runners!
A massive THANK YOU to everyone who supported us and generously donated to Air Ambulance NI. Together, we've raised an INCREDIBLE £2,229.
Thank you all for joining us as we ran in memory of Alistair Wiltshire. His memory will continue to inspire us.
Rail Live 2024
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On Track Technicians had a great time at Rail Live 2024! It was fantastic catching up with industry peers and seeing some incredible innovations firsthand.
We were thrilled to visit the UK's largest outdoor rail exhibition and experience the latest rail technology and best practices.
It was great to see ADMAN GROUP, Translink, McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd, GRAHAM Group, and Pandrol there!
Geismar Anniversary!
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Andrew Irwin and Lewis Irwin had the privilege of representing OTT at Geismar’s prestigious 100-year anniversary.
The event took place in the picturesque town of Colmar, France. Formed in 1924 by the Geismar family, the company celebrated a century of innovation and success.
Raphael Geismar addressed his staff, suppliers, and customers at a spectacular evening event at the Cite du Train museum. Andrew and Lewis remarked that, besides the brilliant weather and an interesting factory tour, they had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones from around the globe.
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 Ryan Ferguson
Photo by David Morrison
Photo by Jonathan McLlroy
Say “Hello” to our team
Andrew Irwin
Strategic Director
About Andrew:
I joined the railway with NorEx in 1999. I followed my father, Vic, brother Colin and sister, Hazel, into the industry. The family was instrumental in the success of NorEx, which was based in Stoke-On-Trent, England. NorEx grew to be the 2nd largest fleet in the UK of 150 RRVs.
Although I spent a lot of time in England, my focus was on supporting Translink and growing the business at home. Colin Irwin supported this work, managing the day-to-day delivery of all rail works.
My main role is responsible for the strategic growth of OTT. I look for opportunities in the market, assess the industry's future needs, and seek to bring innovation and new products to the market. Alongside this, I am passionate about people. Without our people, we cannot achieve anything.
I work closely with the Learning & Development team, whose goal is to help OTT staff grow and reach their full potential. I am proud to have worked with Translink to bring the first-ever Pway apprenticeship to fruition. During these last few years, OTT has brought almost 30 young people into the industry via the apprenticeship route.
OTT was formed to provide opportunities in railway technical roles, and Daryl, Lewis, and Ryan will continue to promote and invest in this as the company grows.
I am also very proud to still be working alongside OTT staff whom I have known for some or all of those 25 years, I thank all of you for your support and the things you taught me, how you challenged me, this all contributed to who I am today.
Hobbies:
Following F1. But plan to take up some hobbies when I’m in my 60’s. I might try golf or maybe darts! Suggestions welcome.
Ryan Irwin
Track Safety Quality Assurance Advisor
About Ryan:
The rail industry has been a family trade, with my grandfather, father, and uncle all working there. For the last 12 consecutive years, I have worked on the NIR rail infrastructure, which has helped me as a Track Safety Quality Assurance Advisor.
Our team ensures that high-quality standards are met through additional learning for staff, auditing, feedback, mentoring, and workplace assessments. We ensure all staff members are competent and confident in their roles. I enjoy seeing the professional development of our operational team; it makes all the effort worthwhile and helps to provide a safer working environment.
Hobbies:
I enjoy expressing myself through writing and performing live poetry. I also play goalkeeper with a football team. I'm challenging myself to run a half marathon in under two hours. I am learning to speak Brazilian Portuguese and love a good karaoke night.