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Firm is to build Irish city buses Firm is to build Irish city buses
(about 1 hour later)
A County Antrim firm has won a multi-million pound contract to supply 48 buses to the Irish republic's state bus company.A County Antrim firm has won a multi-million pound contract to supply 48 buses to the Irish republic's state bus company.
Wright Group in Ballymena will supply the single-deck city buses to Bus Eireann.Wright Group in Ballymena will supply the single-deck city buses to Bus Eireann.
Irish Transport Minister Martin Cullen announced the 11.5m euro (£8m) contract at the firm's Galgorm premises.Irish Transport Minister Martin Cullen announced the 11.5m euro (£8m) contract at the firm's Galgorm premises.
"I believe that practical north/south co-operation can benefit us all," he said."I believe that practical north/south co-operation can benefit us all," he said.
"There are many areas in which we can do business to advance the economic agenda, to the advantage of north and south."There are many areas in which we can do business to advance the economic agenda, to the advantage of north and south.
"There is real potential for significant purchasing contracts to service our need for new buses."There is real potential for significant purchasing contracts to service our need for new buses.
"We are in the business of buses - and I'm delighted to see you tendering for the supply of buses in our market.""We are in the business of buses - and I'm delighted to see you tendering for the supply of buses in our market."
The company is to build 48 city buses Ian Paisley was present for the announcement
The visit follows an Irish Congress of Trade Unions' sponsored meeting between the minister and worker representatives from Wright's in January this year.The visit follows an Irish Congress of Trade Unions' sponsored meeting between the minister and worker representatives from Wright's in January this year.
The minister toured the premises of the group - the largest independent bus-building company in western Europe - and met with both staff and management.The minister toured the premises of the group - the largest independent bus-building company in western Europe - and met with both staff and management.
Founded in 1946, the Wright Group has pioneered low-floor buses in the UK and employs almost 900 people.Founded in 1946, the Wright Group has pioneered low-floor buses in the UK and employs almost 900 people.
Among the local dignitaries present for the factory visit was the area's MP and first minsiter designate, Ian Paisley.Among the local dignitaries present for the factory visit was the area's MP and first minsiter designate, Ian Paisley.
The firm has supplied buses to markets in North America, Asia and mainland Europe.The firm has supplied buses to markets in North America, Asia and mainland Europe.
Mr Cullen also confirmed that Dublin Bus has agreed with Wright's to supply their first prototype - a hybrid electric double-deck vehicle, "to advance the sustainable agenda within Dublin Bus".Mr Cullen also confirmed that Dublin Bus has agreed with Wright's to supply their first prototype - a hybrid electric double-deck vehicle, "to advance the sustainable agenda within Dublin Bus".
The firm has been developing a range of passenger transport vehicles which feature environmentally friendly advanced hybrid engines.The firm has been developing a range of passenger transport vehicles which feature environmentally friendly advanced hybrid engines.