Kier has been recognised with a national award for its efforts to raise Port Talbot schoolchildren’s awareness of wildlife, environment and safety issues.

The Kier Rail team is currently delivering improvements to the town’s train station on behalf of Network Rail Wales.

It scooped a Community Engagement category at the inaugural CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association) BIG (Biodiversity Interest Group) Challenge Awards 2014.

Craig O’Brien, Kier Rail environment manager, delivered three days of interactive wildlife, environment and safety workshops to nearly 230 children. The aim was to enhance awareness about the dangers of playing near building sites and railways.

The BIG Challenge Awards have been launched as an extension of the CIRIA BIG Challenge, which was launched in October 2013 to encourage organisations to undertake one new biodiversity enhancement on their construction site, development or building.


Activities organised for the pupils by Craig included dissecting owl pellets and making 70 bird feeders. Kier provided the children with a bird box, bird feeder, fat balls and books to help their environmental education.

Craig O’Brien, Kier Rail environment manager, said: "As businesses, both Kier and Network Rail take our corporate responsibility very seriously, and we always aim to contribute in a positive way to the communities in which we work. The CIRIA Big Challenge is an excellent way to get companies thinking about doing just one thing differently to enhance biodiversity and it can be great fun; it was a pleasure to visit Central Junior School - the children soaked up the information and it was fantastic to see everyone getting involved with the activities. To have our efforts recognised with the BIG Challenge Community Engagement Award is the cherry on the cake."

Nia Furlong, project manager for Network Rail, added: "The work at Port Talbot Parkway will completely revamp the station with improvements for passengers that will last for years to come. We are working with our contractor Kier to engage with the community while work is being carried out to create a positive impact in the local area.

"Revitalising the station and improving the gateway to the town will also act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area, helping to boost the economy locally in the long term."

(IT/MH)