Trimble praise for NI firms

David Trimble at a bicycle refurbishment shop

Northern Ireland companies have shown that they can be successful in many parts of the world, First Minister David Trimble has said.

The Ulster Unionist leader was speaking in Johannesburg where he is attending the Earth Summit.

He oversaw the signing of a contract between County Down company FM Environmental and Food Serv Solutions Ltd of South Africa for the manufacture of the Grease Guardian product.

Here at Ivory Park, Johannesburg, we can see examples of sustainable housing from which Northern Ireland can learn valuable lessons

David Trimble
First Minister

This is a system for extracting grease and oils from kitchen wastewater which has been installed in hotel and restaurant kitchens throughout the world.

Mr Trimble said: "This innovative system helps to reduce the pollution load on the environment and I congratulate FM Environmental on their work, which complements some of the aims of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

"Northern Ireland companies, across many sectors, have shown that they can be both innovative, in terms of the products they sell and aggressive, in terms of the markets they are penetrating.

"In an increasingly competitive world environment, this approach is essential if our economy is to prosper."

FM Environmental Ltd, which is based in Newry, currently employs 50 people in the supply, installation and servicing of equipment for the wastewater treatment industry.

Impact

During his visit to south Africa, Mr Trimble also visited the Ivory Park Sustainable Homes Project in Johannesburg.

He met 11-year-old Peter Burton, from Ballymena, County Antrim who won the WWF Northern Ireland Our World Schools Challenge.

Peter Burton on his prizewinning trip to S Africa

Peter is one of only four youth representatives from across the UK who will be communicating the views of young people on a global political platform.

Mr Trimble said; "Sustainability is an important issue which impacts on all of us.

"Here at Ivory Park, Johannesburg, we can see examples of sustainable housing from which Northern Ireland can learn valuable lessons.

"The principles of this project can translate into similar design and building techniques for use in many parts of the world."

The Ivory Park Sustainable Homes Project is building a terrace of housing and a community centre, which incorporates the principles of sustainable design and building techniques.

Mr Trimble also visited a bicycle refurbishment and sales workshop where used bicycles imported from the UK, Holland, China and the US are refurbished and sold.