Regional development minister presents student bursary awards

Minister Conor Murphy today presented Ministerial bursary awards to 10 university students at an awards ceremony held at the Department for Regional Development.

The students from both Queen’s University Belfast and University of Ulster received their bursary awards, which aim to assist them with their studies in the fields of engineering and transport.

Speaking about the awards scheme, the Minister said: “This bursary awards scheme is about investing in tomorrow’s leaders in the disciplines of engineering and transportation.

“This is the second year I have awarded bursaries and I have no doubt, especially in these financially difficult times, that investing in these transport and engineering students and facilitating them to take forward their individual research projects will be worthwhile.

“Our young people need to be encouraged and provided with opportunities to develop the necessary skills so that they can play a full and meaningful role in improving our society. My department is bringing forward many projects in key infrastructure sectors and the development of skills is essential to ensure that these projects are delivered efficiently and in the most sustainable ways, taking advantage of modern technologies and techniques.

“I applaud all of the students who took the time to apply for the bursaries. The applications were of a high standard and we had some difficult choices to make to come up with the final list of successful candidates. I offer my congratulations to all the students selected on their well-deserved success.”

Notes to editors:

1. This is the second year of the Minister’s bursary awards.
2. The application process for the Minister’s bursary awards commenced in June 2010.
3. A bursary of £1,000 was awarded to each student.
4. Media queries to: Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.