‘Sustainable infrastructure must be a strategic priority now’ urges Women’s Infrastructure Network NI

‘Governments and corporations must prioritise sustainable infrastructure now rather than viewing it as a future aspiration’ heard infrastructure professionals attending a breakfast event, titled Sustainable infrastructure: The future is now yesterday in Belfast. The breakfast event was organised by the Women’s Infrastructure Network Northern Ireland (WIN NI).

The organisation’s Northern Ireland network launched in April at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office with the purpose of being an impactful network where women working in infrastructure can connect, collaborate and collectively influence NI’s Infrastructure Agenda. The network is open to professionals at all stages of their career whether just starting out or an experienced leader.

A&L Goodbody sponsored yesterdays’s event which featured a panel discussion with Micaela Diver from A&L Goodbody, Sian Kerr from the Department for Infrastructure, Aine Finnegan of Room2 Hotels, and Jean Manuel Lejeune, Director at OutForm Consulting.

Micaela Diver, Partner, A&L Goodbody said: “The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect, catch up and network with fellow WIN members and provided a platform to discuss one of the most pressing issues in infrastructure – sustainability. Our speakers were firmly of the view that we can’t afford to keep viewing sustainable infrastructure as something that will be achieved in the future, sustainability needs to be built into infrastructure strategies and projects of all sizes now.”

Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour and a member of the steering group for WIN NI, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Belfast Harbour and becoming a truly green port is one of our strategic priorities. It was great to be able to share our experience of developing sustainable infrastructure, as well as some of our sustainability ambitions for the future, with other women in the infrastructure industry. Belfast Harbour is delighted to support WIN NI and help it to provide a platform where women can thrive, inspire, and lead, while contributing to the growth and innovation of the Irish infrastructure sector.” 

Date published: 13 November 2024