A paper detailing conservation efforts on the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – which stands at a dizzying 30m above the Atlantic Ocean – won a medal at the annual awards.
National Trust's Richard Nicholl has taken home the Ferguson Medal at the ICE Northern Ireland annual awards for his paper on the conservation of an iconic tourist attraction on the North Antrim Coast.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge started its life in the mid-1600s, built by local fishermen to access an optimal salmon fishing spot.
Its name, from the Gaelic Carraig-a-Rade, means ‘The Rock in the Road’, an obstacle for migrating salmon as they search for the river in which they were born.
Early bridges were made up of a single handrail and spread-out slats – definitely requiring some bravery to cross!
Today’s iteration, carefully maintained by the National Trust, features much sturdier construction, but is no longer used for fishing due to pressures on the salmon population and river pollution.
The bridge has a new life as a film location (including HBO’s Game of Thrones!) and tourist attraction for those willing to brave the 20m span across the chasm.
Sitting 30m above the Atlantic Ocean, the rope bridge attracts over 500,000 visitors annually.
The Ferguson Medal
Named after Robert Ferguson OBE, founder of Ferguson McIlveen, the medal recognises the best paper delivered by an ICE Northern Ireland member.
This year the medal was awarded to Nicholl, a senior national consultant: civil and structural engineering at the National Trust.
His paper, titled Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – Conservation of an Historic Landmark, provides a brief history and overview of the rope footbridge and the coastal landscape, which is an area of special scientific interest (ASSI).
STEM Ambassador of the Year
The STEM Ambassador of the Year Award honours an individual who has shown outstanding commitment to civil engineering by giving their own time to inspire the next generation.
In an extremely strong field of contenders, all of whom were commended by the judging panel for their excellent work, the 2025-2026 winner was Áine McCaffrey from GRAHAM.
McCaffrey was chosen because of her innovative and impactful outreach that promotes diversity and alternative routes into civil engineering, particularly the higher-level apprenticeship pathway.
McCaffrey’s nomination clearly demonstrated that her unique and creative methods successfully reach and inspire young people across various platforms and age ranges.
The Chair’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession
New for 2025, this prestigious award recognises members’ exceptional contributions to the ICE in Northern Ireland and to the wider civil engineering profession, delivered over the past three years.
With over 25 years of service in civil engineering and infrastructure delivery, this year’s winner, Mark McGuigan, is a leader who’s been instrumental in advancing the ICE’s strategic agenda in Northern Ireland.
Currently head of rail electrification at Translink, his career spans high-impact water and transport projects.
McGuigan has spent the last three years specifically focused on applying decarbonisation strategies to deliver sustainable, net zero transport infrastructure.
He’s made a sustained and exceptional contribution to promoting the civil engineering profession by placing it at the forefront of the regional sustainability debate.
He’s significantly enhanced the ICE’s profile by forging strong relationships with key industry stakeholders across rail, public realm, water, and the education sector.
McGuigan's commitment goes beyond his professional role, with volunteer roles including secretary, treasurer, and chair of the ICE NI Commerce and Contracts Group.
He currently serves as the regional officer for the ICE NI Sustainability Group, consistently embodying the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Special recognition
ICE NI took the opportunity to recognise other member achievements.
The recently renamed Princess Royal Award for Emerging Engineers promotes and rewards excellence in the originality and communication of civil engineering ideas and research.
Student and graduate members and apprentices compete in heats across the globe, with three papers selected for the international final in October each year.
ICE NI recognised Timothy McCaughey, who, after successfully delivering the winning presentation in the region, ‘RAAC – the Crumbling Concrete Crisis’ at the ICE Northern Ireland Heat’, reached the final this year.
50 years membership
The ICE Northern Ireland annual dinner attendees took the opportunity to recognise the significant dedication of eight members who reached 50 years with the ICE in 2025, and one who achieved 60 years membership:
- Billy Gillespie
- Stephen Dawson
- Peter Quinn
- Thomas Farrell
- Jack Leslie
- John Mulholland
- Kevin Ramsey
- William Maxwell
- Jack McFarland
The ICE Northern Ireland Awards
ICE President David Porter’s visit to Northern Ireland culminated in the annual dinner and an evening of celebration, hosted by ICE NI Committee chair, Wendy Blundell.
As well as marking the success of members, it provided an opportunity to recognise those who became professionally qualified with the ICE, joined as an Associate Member, or achieved Fellowship over the last year.
Sustainable Development Goals:
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