A pupil at St Matthew’s primary school in Short Strand, Belfast has won a competition to name a crane at a Clanmil development on Mountpottinger Road, Belfast 

Primary 7 pupil Kamalesh Vadlaman’s winning name, An Craein Tithochta, which is Irish for ‘the housing crane’, stood out among the entries in the competition. He explained his thinking behind it: “I picked the name because I enjoy speaking in Irish, and the crane will help build houses for people.” 

Kamalesh was presented with an iPad by Dermot McBride of MJ McBride construction company who are building the homes for Clanmil.  

Kamalesh’s principal, Ciara O’Neill, added:  

“Well done to Kamalesh for his winning name and a big ‘thank you’ to Clanmil for their commitment to investing in the education and wellbeing of our children. It is important for our children to engage in what is happening in the local community, and the partnership between Clanmil and St Matthew’s has enhanced the learning experiences of the children and fostered a sense of responsibility.” 

The newly named crane overlooks a site where 13 new homes are being built for people on the social housing waiting list, including 11 2-bedroom apartments, 1 2-bedroom wheelchair accessible apartment and 1 3-bedroom apartment. The homes, which are being built to Lifetime Homes and Secure by Design standard, will be completed in summer 2026.  

Jan Sloan, Executive Director of Development and New Business at Clanmil added: 

“Congratulations to Kamalesh on choosing such a unique name for the crane at this site. Work is progressing well on this site and we’re looking forward to the apartments being ready by summer 2026, providing much-needed new homes for this part of Belfast.”