Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for November 2009
30/11/2009
Streets in and around Armagh city centre have undergone a major transformation. Over £5.7m has been spent revamping the area as part of a government-led regeneration project. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said she hoped the investment would stimulate further developments in the hi
30/11/2009
A housing estate in Co Kerry has been recognised at the annual Pride of Place Awards, which took place in Co Down last week. Iveragh Park, in Killorglin, was one of three Kerry finalists in the awards. The estate won top prize in the Housing Estates Category, rewarding the hard work the local co
30/11/2009
Plans for a new Downpatrick secondary school have been approved. The new school will replace the existing Down High School where the site does not allow for the expansion and modernisation needed. Environment Minister Edwin Poots said the approval will now enable the South Eastern Education & Lib
30/11/2009
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has launched a new qualification aimed at smashing the the non-graduate 'glass ceiling' for professionals in the industry. The new entry-level qualification, which carries the letters AssocRICS, was unveiled in Northern Ireland today. RICS Northern Ir
30/11/2009
Proposals have been made for a new 384-capacity car park in Malahide. Fingal County Council said the development would form an extension of the current paid Bridgefield car park, in Malahide Demesne. The proposed works will involve the extension of the existing car park and include 16 new special
30/11/2009
Over £900,000 is to be spent improving a popular promenade along the world-renowned Causeway coast. Works to the East Strand Promenade, in Portrush, will include enhanced lighting, increased street furniture and better landscaping. The planned project with will be undertaken on a number of ke
30/11/2009
Planning for a new Toome dualling scheme in Antrim should be complete next year, the Northern Ireland Roads Minister has said. Providing an update on a £4.2m investment in the region, Conor Murphy said public information days explaining the proposed road works will be held within the next month.
30/11/2009
Over €5.6m has been made available to bolster recycling efforts by local authorities across Ireland. Environment Minister John Gormley said the money would meet the costs incurred during January to June 2009. A previous package of €6.4m was allocated in the period July to December 2008. The year
27/11/2009
Fine Gael has criticised the Republic's Environment Minister's handling of the review into the contentious Poolbeg Incinerator project, following the issuing of a commencement notice. Dublin South East deputy Lucinda Creighton said John Gormley failed to act in time, suggesting a review is pointle
27/11/2009
A newly built train station has been opened in Newry, following a £14.2m investment by Northern Ireland Rail. The modern facility has incorporated 300 new customer parking spaces, and will play a vital role in the Dublin to Belfast express service. Stormont Transport Minister Conor Murphy said he
27/11/2009
A new multi-use games area has been officially opened in the Sandy Row area of south Belfast. Funding for the scheme, which offers areas to play football and basketball, as well as new changing facilities, came from the Department for Social Development, Belfast City Council, the local community se
27/11/2009
A new piece of public art has been commissioned for the entrance to Mullingar Town Park, in Co Westmeath. Westmeath County Council said the feature will enhance the local environment and act as a focal point for those living in the vicinity and visiting the town. The sculpture will be located a
27/11/2009
Fines for the illegal dumping of waste on the Irish border should reflect the cost of clean-up, a SDLP Assemblyman has said. The party's environment spokesperson John Dallat said fines should also exceed legal disposal costs if they are to act as a deterrent. Speaking after a meeting of the Assem
27/11/2009
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has published a new guide to the level of Radon gas in private homes. The Radon in Dwellings map is part of the Radon in Dwellings in Northern Ireland: 2009 Review and Atlas Report. Radon - which is a naturally occurring radioactive gas - is formed as
27/11/2009
Further emergency flooding talks were held by Ireland's government departments yesterday. The Emergency Response Coordination Committee met in The National Emergency Co-Ordination Centre to assess the ongoing problem. Committee representation included the Department of Environment, the Taoiseach
26/11/2009
Fine Gael has branded the Irish Government's Home Choice Loan Scheme a "dismal failure", after it was revealed only two loans have been released since its introduction last year. The Opposition party's housing spokesperson Terence Flanagan said the scheme is a "serious let down". Mr Flanagan dub
26/11/2009
Plans to build a £13.5m 'peace bridge' over Londonderry's Foyle have been given the go-ahead. The new structure has been described as the most significant infrastructure project in Derry city for almost 40 years. Announcing planning approval for the scheme, Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Po
26/11/2009
Dublin's new Luas docklands tram line will open next month, the Rail Procurement Agency has announced. The project, which has spanned several years, is nearing the end of phase five. Once all testing is complete, the line will go active from 8 December. On-site construction teams have worked t
26/11/2009
The chair of Northern Ireland's public accounts committee has voiced concerns over an Audit Office report into the Planning Service. Auditors suggested customer service was not wholly satisfactory, with the length of time taken to process applications highlighted as an issue. Sinn Féin MLA Paul M
26/11/2009
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority made losses of €186m last year, it has been revealed. Its annual report shows a deficit of €27m last year, compared with a €3m surplus in 2007. Authority officials have attributed the losses to the collapse of the Irish property market. It also blamed a
26/11/2009
Twenty-three new social houses have been officially handed over to Housing Executive tenants in west Belfast. The Devonshire development, by Ulidia Housing Association, was funded by the Department for Social Development, and incorporates the latest in energy saving, design and security features.
26/11/2009
Over £775,000 has been spend on road resurfacing schemes in Coleraine this year, the Transport Minister has confirmed. Conor Murphy, providing an update on the £4.2m planned investment in the region, said over 7.6km of carriageway has already been upgraded. This has included 1.1km of resurfacin
26/11/2009
One of Belfast's best-known city centre water features has been recognised with a top UK award. Custom House Square's liquid creation gained a special commendation at the Marsh Fountain Society's 2009 awards ceremony held in London. The state-of-the-art feature traces the course of the River Fars
25/11/2009
River drainage at Belfast's Broadway underpass, which flooded last summer, is now compliant with recommendations made by an independent investigations body. The underpass became dangerously waterlogged when a screen at the Clowney Water inlet got blocked in August 2008. A section of the embankmen
25/11/2009
Ireland's Housing Minister has addressed an international conference on home energy efficiency in Vienna. Michael Finneran met United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) International Forum delegates at the Austrian capital's city hall earlier this week. Discussing UNECE's draft action
25/11/2009
A Northern Ireland contractor has been fined £60,000 for health and safety breaches which led to the death of a worker in 2006. Northstone (NI) Ltd, the principle contractor during the fatal incident, faced three breaches at Dungannon Crown Court last week. One of the firm's sub-contractors, Gerar
25/11/2009
A £1.5m improvement scheme is nearing completion on 49 Housing Executive properties in Antrim. Homes on Dublin Road have had their internal layouts redesigned, and in some cases extensions have been built. Structural works have facilitated the installation of new kitchens and bathrooms, and upgr
25/11/2009
Plans for a small-scale apartment development have been approved in Celbridge, Co Kildare. Kildare County Council granted permission to Pinewood Properties Limited to build at a site on Vanessa Close, in the town. County planners earlier gave the green light to a housing scheme in Straffan. K-C
25/11/2009
A Northern Ireland Water project manger has been 'highly commended' at a recent industry awards ceremony. Martin Gillen, from water authority's engineering procurement, was recognised by Business in the Community through the George Dawson Award. The award is designed to celebrate the contributio
25/11/2009
A Lisburn councillor has welcomed the potential for jobs resulting from a new £6m waste-management facility on the outskirts of south Belfast. Brian Heading said the Natural World Products scheme is "especially welcome" during a time of economic and industrial hardship. He is hopeful the developme
25/11/2009
A Newry-based entrepreneur, Dr Gerard O'Hare, has been recognised for his commitment to the ethical practice of land use by Lambda Alpha International. The Honorary Society for the Advancement of Land Economics awarded the 2009 International Urban Affairs Award to Dr O'Hare, Managing Director of P
24/11/2009
Ambitious plans for a proposed €430m leisure development close to the border have been announced. If approved, the all-weather sports centre would be built on a 29-acre site just off the M1 Dublin-Belfast motorway at Dowdallshill, Dundalk. Altitude snow sports and leisure centre developers said t
24/11/2009
An Bord Pleanala has upheld a Clare County Council decision to grant planning permission for the development of 'park-and-ride' facilities to the Cliffs of Moher. Developer, the Atlantis Group, said the project will generate 20 full-time positions when up and running, with a further 20 jobs being c
24/11/2009
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed progress on the new Belfast/Larne dual carriageway. A preferred route for the scheme was announced in August. Procurement is now said to be well advanced with draft orders expected to be published in mid-2011. Mr Murphy said the project w
24/11/2009
Limerick County Council has officially opened its new €6m area office and regional library in Kilmallock. Áras Mainchin Seoighe, which is one of the largest ever-civic building projects to be undertaken in the county, features 1000 square metres of office accommodation and a full-time library. Th
24/11/2009
International consultancy WYG Ireland has been recognised at the 18th Annual Occupational Safety Awards ceremony held in Castlebar, Co Mayo The distinction award was presented by the National Irish Safety Organisation/Northern Ireland Safety Group. WYG was lauded for its own proactive health and
24/11/2009
A Ballymena-based beef and lamb company is to invest over £1.25m in new production facilities. Doherty & Gray said its plans to increase production would create up to ten new jobs. Bank of Ireland has provided £750,000 in funding, with £500,000 coming from the European Agricultural and Forestry P
24/11/2009
Ardglass in south Down has been named Northern Ireland's Most Improved Village 2009 at the recent Amenity Council Awards, after undergoing a council-backed environmental improvement project. Local councillor William Dick said it is hoped the completed scheme will acts as catalyst for further invest
24/11/2009
Local banks must increase lending to viable local businesses at reasonable terms, according to Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson. The Minister was speaking after the second meeting of the Executive's Cross Sector Advisory Forum's Banking Finance and Lending sub-group at Stormont, which brings
24/11/2009
Dublin Zoo is being lit-up by a leading UK lighting display firm. KE Fibertec UK has delivered a new installation, the KE-DireJet system which consists of 28 segments of each one metre alternating four colour pattern with matching nozzles. The system was installed by Ashbrook Engineering in the gi
24/11/2009
The second round of funding has been unveiled for village renewal schemes in Armagh, Craigavon and the Newry & Mourne region. Councillors from the Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas Partnership (SOAR) have urged local people to apply for grants to carry out village development project
23/11/2009
Thousands of Irish primary schools are to receive funding to carry out small scale works, the Education Minister has confirmed. Grant payments amounting to €28m have been sanctioned for small-scale structural and mechanical works at more than 3,200 schools, according to Batt O'Keeffe. Announcing
23/11/2009
A new £6m state-of-the-art waste management facility has been officially opened in Belfast. Natural World Products’ (NWP) recycling plant is located on the site of the former Glenside Quarry in the city. NWP will use world leading technology, known as in-vessel composting, to recycle bio-waste su
23/11/2009
Belfast's refurbished Crescent Arts Centre will opens its doors to the public in April, it has been confirmed. The £7.2m restoration project at the listed Victorian complex began in September 2008. Works undertaken at the arts centre include the creation of new state-of-the-art dance studios, per
23/11/2009
Small-scale sustainable developments across Ireland have received a central funding boosts. Environment Minister John Gormley approved grants totalling €636,111 to be paid under the 2009 Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund. The fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small
23/11/2009
Banbridge's new multi-million pound visitor attraction has scooped a top tourism award. The recently built F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, beat off stiff competition to win the ‘Northern Ireland Special Achievement Award’ at this year’s prestigious Travel and Tourism Awards. The £2.2m facility
23/11/2009
Plans for a new £1.8m community recent have been mooted at a residents meeting in Coleraine. At a recent council event, Churchlands residents heard how the Department for Social Development plans to implement its neighbourhood renewal programme. Churchlands is one of two renewal areas identified
23/11/2009
Local children and young people have been enlisted to help draw-up plans for Antrim's latest play facility. The borough council encouraged eventual users to set-out want they want from the new developments at Muckamore and Stiles Way. In an unprecedented move for Northern Ireland, pupils from nur
23/11/2009
Fine Gael transport spokesman has joined with the party’s local representatives in Galway to call for the immediate opening of the M6 motorway to provide access to Galway city and the west of the county, which have been isolated by the floods crisis. Fergus O’Dowd TD said: "Huge parts of Galway are
20/11/2009
The new N52 Tullamore bypass, in Co Offaly, has been opened just 19 months after the sod cutting ceremony. The €45m single carriageway road was completed some 10 months ahead of schedule and within budget. Work commenced on-site in March 2008 with a contract completion date of August 2010. Co D
20/11/2009
The first of a three stage assessment for the new Ballykelly bypass has been completed, Northern Ireland's Roads Minister has revealed. Conor Murphy, providing a update to Limavady Borough Council on his department's £3.2m investment in the area, said Roads Service was now well into 'Stage 2' of t
20/11/2009
A new €1.6m auditorium and lecture facility for Dublin's fire service has been officially opened. Local Services Minister Michael Finneran said the facility at the O’Brien Institute, in Marino, will be used for "vital" training and development. "Modern training facilities such as this are invalu
20/11/2009
Construction work on the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway is several months ahead of schedule, the contractor has said. Roads Service, who sanctioned the scheme, has welcomed the news. Builders on-site expect the current momentum to be maintained. Fifteen of the 17 major structures on
20/11/2009
A development framework has been published to bolster planning in Ireland's 'Atlantic gateway' regions. The document, unveiled by Environment Minister John Gormley, provides policy guidance for schemes in Galway, Limerick-Shannon, Cork and Waterford. In September 2006, a reported outlined how an
20/11/2009
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing to decide whether Arklow will get permission to establish its long awaited sewage treatment plant. The matter was given priority listing for the court following a preliminary hearing in June of this year, according to Arklow Council. The plans have been i
20/11/2009
A new £1.7m hostel for homeless people has been opened in Londonderry. The facility, in Derry city, replaces the previous hostel on the Bond’s Hill site. Social Development Margaret Ritchie said the old premises had "served its purpose well, but added that it had come to the end of its useful life
20/11/2009
Paving along one of Waterford's popular pedestrian areas is to get a complete revamp. The Merchant's Quay footpath is being replaced with high quality limestone paving, similar to recent improvements in other areas of the city centre. Contractor Niall Barry & Co Ltd has been appointed to carry o
19/11/2009
Northern Ireland's Road Service has identified and prioritised a number of drainage improvement schemes to address flood risks in North Down, the Transport Minister confirmed yesterday. Works have already been completed at various locations in Bangor, Helens Bay, Groomsport and Holywood with more
19/11/2009
Limerick's Richard Russell Fountain has been officially re-opened in the city's award winning People's Park after months of restoration work in the UK. The fountain, the only one of its kind in the State, has been returned to the People's Park after spending seven months being restored by Eura Cons
19/11/2009
Progress on the A5 North West Gateway road between Derry and Aughnacloy has been welcomed by a local MLA, following a €9m boost to the scheme from the Irish state. Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson said there was concern amongst the business community that works would be adversely affected by the econ
19/11/2009
Land has been purchased to increase the number of lanes approaching the Moneenageisha junction, in Galway. City council officials said the small strip was acquired to ease traffic using the junction. Work at the Wellpark Road has already commenced, after the council ruled the new lanes should be o
19/11/2009
There have been intensive discussions on the 'road ahead' this week as an Ulster Unionist MLA joined a UU peer to look at local concerns over the proposed A5 Transport Corridor. Lord Laird of Artigarvan and transport specialist Brian Guckian met MLA Tom Elliott this week to discuss concerns they ha
19/11/2009
A new scholarship for post graduate civil engineering students has been launched in Northern Ireland. The £3,000 a year William Bald scholarships will open for students attending Queen’s University of Belfast and the University of Ulster, and will be awarded for a dissertation in the field of high
19/11/2009
Owners of protected structures in Wicklow have been invited to apply for conservation grants. Funding has been made available under the 2010 scheme for owners and occupiers to complete restoration works. The scheme is part of a package of measures introduced by the Department of Environment, Her
18/11/2009
Planning permission has been given to a major development located at the former Lotus Factory, on Newry Road in Banbridge. The Art Deco building is now set to become mixed housing, incorporating the 1940s architecture. Permission was granted for 163 new units, representing an investment of aroun
18/11/2009
An Irish renewable energy firm company has successfully deployed the first commercial scale in-stream tidal turbine in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. OpenHydroon completed the work on behalf of its customer, Nova Scotia Power. The one-megawatt (1MW) rated commercial scale turbine reached the Fundy Oc
18/11/2009
The Road Service's £6.8m investment in Craigavon is progressing well, the NI Transport Minister has said. Conor Murphy welcomed the completion of a major collision remedial scheme to provide a roundabout at the junction of the Cottage Road, Inn Road and Belfast Road, Dollingstown. Works started i
18/11/2009
A new blog has been developed focusing on planning in Co Kildare. David Mulcahy, a planning consultant in Athgarvan, Newbridge has established the blog to provide up-to-date information about planning in the county. The blog includes a list of newspaper articles concerning planning in Kildare, s
18/11/2009
The proprietor of a Belfast building materials business has been fined £500 plus costs at Newtownards Magistrates' Court for non-compliance with a Planning Service Enforcement Notice. Jackie Davidson of Wynard Park, Belfast, was charged with the unauthorised use of land for sale, storage and supply
18/11/2009
Lands in Co Monaghan have been rezoned under amendments to the Castleblayney town development plan. Local authority plans were altered to rezone lands adjacent to the existing public sewage treatment works in the town from recreation or amenity use to civic, community or educational use. The count
18/11/2009
A new community-led playground project has been officially opened at Coole, in Co Westmeath. The facility was constructed under Westmeath County Council's Playground Provision Scheme. Coole is the now fourth community-led playground provided in the county, following on from Multyfarnham, Rathowen
18/11/2009
Over €10,000 has been allocated to eight environmental awareness projects in Co Clare, under the 2009 Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund. The fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level. It has operated in various fo
17/11/2009
A new aircraft factory is being built at Bombardier's site in east Belfast, representing a positive boost to both Belfast Harbour Estate and also to NI's economy, writes
17/11/2009
Any recovery in the Northern Ireland housing market is still patchy, according to the latest University of Ulster research. Average house prices have increased by around 2.1% in the third quarter. This brought the average property value to £164,017 compared with £158,886 in the second quarter.
17/11/2009
A €250,000 contract has been awarded to commence refurbishment of the old museum at the De Valera Library in Ennis, Co Clare. The dedicated exhibition venue is being developed by Clare County Council in an effort to address the ongoing lack of suitable gallery space in the region. Mayor Tony Mulca
17/11/2009
Northern Ireland's Roads Service has acquired the land necessary to construction the new Cherrymount Link Road in Co Fermanagh. Transport Minister Conor Murphy confirmed the purchase, as part of a £6.4m investment in the county's roads. Mr Murphy said his department remains committed to completi
17/11/2009
Two Northern Ireland building firms, with significant investments in the Republic, have gone into administration. Family-owned Eassda Ltd, which is based in Templepatrick, was handed over to administrators BDO last week. Waringstown-based Euro Construction Corporation, owned by Raymond Acheson,
17/11/2009
Fingal County Council is set to recruit six new engineers to assist with its Portrane wastewater treatment plant works. The six posts will range from one to two and a half year contracts. A council spokesman said the authority will seek one senior resident civil engineer, two resident civil engi
17/11/2009
Twenty-two Housing Executive households in Cookstown have had their kitchens revamped as part of a £123,000 improvement scheme. Homes in Sullenboy Park had their kitchen layout revised to provide additional space for kitchen appliances. Electrical and plumbing installations were upgraded, with
17/11/2009
A Co Down man has been given a suspended prison sentence at Newry Crown Court after pleading guilty to illegal waste offences. Arthur Seamus McAvoy, 66, a farmer and landowner of Tullintanvally, in Annaclone, was given a nine months prison sentence, suspended for two years, for offences under the W
17/11/2009
November has marked the beginning of a new green emphasis placed on business across the south east of Ireland. Firms have been urged to reduce costs by making improvements to their environmental performance. The EcoCert scheme is a joint collaboration between Laois and Offaly County Councils, W
16/11/2009
The number of possession applications for property in Ireland has trebled in the last two years, it has been revealed. Around 846 applications have been filed this year alone, according to the Irish Independent. Fine Gael housing spokesman Terence Flanagan has accused the Government of failing to
16/11/2009
A new building extension has been opened at the Armagh Business Centre. The £1.3m scheme has increased the centre's facilities by 13,485 square-foot, creating 24 new work-space units. Funding was provided by Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, with additional support
16/11/2009
A new register of qualified architects will tighten industry standards, a national body representing the profession has said. Only architects who meet set criteria will be listed on the register, which was welcomed today by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. Its president Sean O'La
16/11/2009
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched its new asbestos awareness campaign, warning hidden traces could prove fatal. The campaign, which is targeted at the province's 40,000 tradesmen, aims to remind them of the dangers of breathing in asbestos dust. HSENI urg
16/11/2009
An Irish business delegation, including representation from the ailing construction sector, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates on a trade mission. The 44-strong group is accompanied by Trade and Commerce Minister Billy Kelleher and hopes to increase awareness within the UAE of Ireland's produ
16/11/2009
Irish infrastructural projects can be made more efficient by contributing information gathered remotely by scientists, a Dublin conference has heard. Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), billed as Ireland’s premier gather of earth observation, said the island is now contributing a range of outstand
16/11/2009
Northern Ireland must grasp the opportunities sustainable energy offers if it is to prosper, the Energy Minister has said. Arlene Foster said the province must be put on a definite path in order to secure its energy future. Minister Foster told delegates at the annual Northern Ireland Energy Con
16/11/2009
An architectural heritage survey of Co Clare has been published, marking the twenty-second document in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) series. NIAH surveys record a sample of built heritage, ranging from structures of grand design to simple construction, spanning the period
13/11/2009
The new £33m South Wing of the Western Health and Social Care Trust's Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry – designed by HLM Architects in Glasgow in association with Hall Black Douglas – has been commended in the Best Hospital Design Award category at the Building Better Healthcare Awards cerem
13/11/2009
Immediate implementation of Fine Gael's home owner support scheme would support thousands of Irish families facing mortgage problems, the opposition party has claimed. Front bench spokesman Denis Naughten quoted figures from housing charity Respond, which estimate some 25,000 families are facing r
13/11/2009
Plans for a new Belfast neighbourhood could see 1,400 homes built in the west of the city. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the scheme would "address some of the long-standing inequalities" in the area, as well as generate jobs for the ailing construction sector. The regeneratio
13/11/2009
A new government laboratory building has been recognised by one of Ireland's leading architectural awards scheme. Backweston Campus, in Celbridge, was constructed for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries by Walls Construction. The completed project has now scooped the OPUS Architect
13/11/2009
Public procurement spend in Northern Ireland grew by 9% during 2008 and 2009, the Stormont Finance Minister has said. Sammy Wilson, speaking at a Procurement Board meeting in Belfast, said his Executive colleagues recognise that during difficult economic times, local businesses "need as much help
13/11/2009
A £3m project to upgrade Dungannon's water infrastructure has been completed by Northern Ireland's water body. NI Water's work stretched to Coalisland as part of a massive water mains rehabilitation scheme, which upgraded 42km of pipes over the past year. Project Manger, Gary Lawther said the pro
13/11/2009
City planners have commenced work on a development document, which will provided the framework for future regeneration in suburban Cork. The local area plan for North Blackpool is being devised by Cork City Council and will outline a development and planning strategy for the area. The suburban di
13/11/2009
A "groundbreaking" housing development in Co Antrim has been lauded for its emphasis on community cohesion. Clanmil Housing Association, which developed Shared Futures at Causeway Meadows, picked-up the overall accolade at this year's UK Housing Awards. The Lisburn scheme is made up of owner occ
13/11/2009
Northern Ireland's district councils will become the enforcement authority for Energy Performance Certificates from the start of December, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said. The Minister made the announcement as he delivered the keynote speech at the Building Control Northern Ireland Annual Co
12/11/2009
A Carrigaline-based building firm has signed a €4.8m deal to construct the final phase of the Christchurch renewal project in Cork city centre. Joseph Lane and Sons will refurbish the protected Christchurch structure, which will be incorporated into the existing Triskel Arts Centre in Tobin Street.
12/11/2009
Plans to expand one of Belfast's most luxurious hotels have been unveiled. The Merchant, nestled in the heart of the city's thriving Cathedral Quarter, will build an additional 38 rooms, as well as a spa, jazz bar and rooftop garden as part of the £16m scheme. The five star establishment, formall
12/11/2009
Construction work has commenced on five new social houses in north Belfast. The apartments are being built on Cedar Avenue by Ulidia Housing Association. A former crèche facility will be transformed into modern apartments, complemented with further building to the rear. Designed to 'Lifetime Ho
12/11/2009
A two-year civil building project in Co Westmeath has scooped a top architectural award. The county council facility, in Mullingar, was opened on 11 June, having incorporated several sustainable systems into its design. Last week the scheme picked-up the 2009 OPUS Architectural and Construction
12/11/2009
Northern Ireland's Housing Minister has confirmed targets to provide new social properties is "on track". Margaret Ritchie said 508 new homes have been started and a further 522 have been completed. She said the Department for Social Development has set aside £155m to provide 1,750 new homes, whi
12/11/2009
The construction industry is vital lifeblood to the recovering economy of Northern Ireland, a conference in Belfast will hear today. Hosted by Belfast City Council at the Hilton Hotel, 120 delegates made up of elected representatives and officers from our 26 district councils are gathering to disc
12/11/2009
Tax relief has been offered on works to improve tourism facilities in the Shannon area. The scheme will stretch to construction and refurbishments projects undertaken from O'Briensbridge in Co Clare to Lough Ree, Co Roscommon. A considerable area of west Co Offaly is also included. First launche
12/11/2009
A new park and ride facility has been opened in Co Londonderry. The 120 car capacity facility is located in Drumahoe, and, according to the Transport Minister, will play a vital role in encouraging more people to choose sustainable transport methods. Conor Murphy said the project represents the
12/11/2009
An €11m exploration venture is going ahead in Co Donegal. The economy of south Donegal in particular could be in for a major boost with confirmation that rock samples uncovered around Laghey and Ballintra have led to a Canadian-based company signing up for a 'rare earth elements' excavation program
11/11/2009
Investment in Shannon's transport infrastructure is vital to ensuring balanced regional development, delegates at a regeneration conference have heard. Meeting in Thomond Park Stadium Limerick last week, the Shannon Development Conference brought together national and international experts in the
11/11/2009
Land arrangements concerning a major Carrickfergus road scheme could be agreed by early next year, the Roads Minister has said. Preliminary works are underway to widen the carriageway between Carrickfergus and the M5 at Whiteabbey, providing a continuous four lane road. The scheme will widen the
11/11/2009
A Longford sustainable home heating firm has picked up an accolade at the annual Plan Expo 2009 in Dublin. Smartheat Limited (
11/11/2009
Northern Ireland householders have been urged to 'winterproof' their homes, after it was revealed £90m of energy is lost every year because of poor insulation and inefficient heating systems. Noel Williams, Head of the Energy Saving Trust in Northern Ireland, said 'winterproofing' can cut down on
11/11/2009
An electrical firm from Cavan has missed out on a top enterprise award. Gilmore Clarke Electrical had been nominated for the County and City Enterprise Boards' National Enterprise Award, which was picked up by Shannon-based manufacturer, Callan Technology. Trade Minister Billy Kelleher welcomed
11/11/2009
A Co Down school is enjoying a boost this month after the donation of equipment from a local construction sector business. Millisle Primary School has just taken receipt of five computers from buildings solutions company Cemex NI. It is part of the company's Computers for Schools initiative, with
11/11/2009
All Irish fuel suppliers will have to incorporate a percentage of biofuels in their mixture by next summer. The government has passed a biofuels obligation which will ensure an average of 4% of fuels are more eco-friendly, at no cost to the consumer. The biofuels used must produce 35% less green
11/11/2009
Northern Ireland's utility regulator has made five reappointments to its board. Etain Doyle and Chris Le Fevre will serve until 30 September 2011. Dr Clive Elphick, Philip Johnson and James Oatridge have all been reappointed until 30 September 2012. The Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Reg
10/11/2009
A major Irish builders merchants has reported 'stabilised' turnover for September and October. Grafton Group plc said it had continued to experience challenging trading conditions but the stabilisation of turnover recorded since April has been maintained in last two months. Quarterly turnover ac
10/11/2009
Several resurfacing schemes have commenced across Omagh's road network, as part of a £5.1m investment by the Roads Service. Meeting with Omagh council, Transport Minister Conor Murphy said good progress had been made on a trunk of works in the district. He revealed a final design for the A5 Weste
10/11/2009
Dublin councillors have backed RTÉ's plans to develop its Donnybrook campus. Ireland's national broadcaster has proposed demolishing existing facilities at the site and rebuilding three interconnected blocks by 2025. South East Area Committee councillors recognised the need for redevelopment, and
10/11/2009
A Co Fermanagh company is investing over £600,000 to develop its environmentally friendly method of laying sewer mains for export markets, with help from Invest Northern Ireland. Conwell Contracts, a family run business, provides drilling services for water and sewage lines, and specialises in tren
10/11/2009
A team of specialist contractors will be drafted in to clear the former Maze prison site at Long Kesh. The area has been earmarked for regeneration, having formally housed a jail and a World War II army base. International consultants White Young Green has been appointed to manage the clean-up o
10/11/2009
The pace of decline in the European construction sector is easing, that's according to one of Ireland's leading materials suppliers. Building group CRH said business had remained difficult, with a like-for-like decline in the third quarter. However, group sales of 19% reflected a small improvement
10/11/2009
A kids TV daredevil scaled the UK's tallest crane on a recent visit to the Obel Tower construction site in Belfast. Blue Peter's Joel Defries climbed 110 metres to see the work being undertake at Donegall Quay by building firm O'Hare & McGovern. After a safety session, fearless Joel commenced th
10/11/2009
A local politician has reacted to news that Ireland is in the midst of its worst ever financial slowdown - while another has applauded the level of new homes being built. SDLP Finance spokesperson Declan O'Loan said the latest economic report predicting a prolonged recession underlines the urgent n
10/11/2009
A Co Tyrone husband and wife have been fined £3,000 each plus costs at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court for not complying with a Planning Service Enforcement Notice. John and Jennifer Crawford of Newpark Road, Dromore, were convicted for failing to remove plastic pipes and associated materials from a f
10/11/2009
New legislation has been drafted to protect the character of established residential areas in Northern Ireland. Launching consultation for the proposed planning policy, Environment Minister Edwin Poots said the law would help the manage the redevelopment of existing properties. The policies wil
09/11/2009
Funding has been sanctioned for the first round of works in a number of Mayo villages. Over €100,000 has been released to carry out improvement schemes across Cill Chomáin, as part of a wider €750,000 investment. Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív said the money would go towards providing footp
09/11/2009
A newly appointed consultancy team has been drafted in to create a regeneration masterplan for Ballyclare and Glengormley. The eventual document will provide a clear strategy for managing the revamp of the two main town centres within Newtownabbey. Consultants will provide a review of the retail
09/11/2009
New kitchen are to be installed in 90 west Belfast homes as part of a £350,000 investment by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Works in the New Barnsley area are being carried out under the EGAN style approach to planned maintenance. Contractor PK Murphy will be working closely with tenants
09/11/2009
Future expansion at Shannon airport could come under the remit of a local development body. Calls have been made to the Department of Transport to look into the possibility of conferring shared responsibility for the airport to Shannon Development and the Shannon Airport Authority. Mayor of Shann
09/11/2009
Despite improvement in the building industry in Great Britain, according to a survey, NI's construction sector is still suffering a significant downturn The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) survey said last week that while an improvement in public spending had helped some British re
09/11/2009
Sinn Fein has accused the Department of Social Development of failing to consult west Belfast residents over the development of an "important" local site. DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie recently announced competition for the former Andersonstown RUC barracks had opened. Assemblyman Paul Maskey ex
09/11/2009
Political stability in Northern Ireland is creating the conditions for a 'public consensus for housing', a new report has found. The Commission on the Future for Housing, chaired by peer Richard Best, published its first report analysing the issues and challenges facing the province's housing syste
09/11/2009
A Co Antrim man has been fined £500 plus £70 legal costs and £19 courts costs for failing to comply with a Planning Service enforcement notice. Norman William Purdy of Tullaghgore Road, Ballymoney, pleaded guilty to the non-compliance with the enforcement notice which required the permanent cessati
09/11/2009
Four new appointments have been made to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The new board members were nominated by the Housing Council, and welcomed into their four year term by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. Councillor Brendan Curran, Councillor Eamonn O’Neill, Councillor Je
06/11/2009
Two new hotel have opened in Belfast city centre, following a £12m investment by the Andras House hospitality group. Around 50 new jobs have been created by the firm, owned by Northern Ireland peer Diljit Rana. Ibis Belfast City Centre was built on the corner of Castle Street and King Street, w
06/11/2009
Irregular procedures within An Bord Pleanála, and unnecessary cost to taxpayer, has left its chairman in an "untenable position", a Fine Gael senator has claimed. Speaking in the Seanad, environment spokesperson Paudie Coffey called for the resignation of John O'Connor. The senator also called fo
06/11/2009
Northern Ireland's Finance Minister is disappointed by a marked fall in construction sector output, but said a further decline was offset by public sector investment. Responding to the latest NI Construction Bulletin, Sammy Wilson said a 2.5% drop from the previous quarter's reading could be attri
06/11/2009
Irish architects will "reap the benefits" of a new government framework on built environment, John Gormley has said. Addressing the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland annual conference in Limerick, the Environment Minister acknowledged the challenges facing the architecture profession. Des
06/11/2009
Over £870,000 is to be spent on renovating kitchens owned by the Housing Executive in Lisburn. Works will be undertaken on properties in the Glenbawn area of the city. District Manager Danny Cochrane said 191 homes will benefit from the improvement scheme. Mascott Construction, who was awarded
06/11/2009
Over €60,000 has been approved to develop a new playground in Co Galway. Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív said the funding would play an important role in improving facilities at Coiste Forbartha in Chorr na Móna. A grant of €51,606 was sanctioned under the Gaeltacht Improvements Scheme and a g
06/11/2009
A number of visibility improvements are to be carried out on rural roads along the Ards peninsula, the Roads Minister has said. Conor Murphy said a £5.2m investment in the borough over the past year had progressed well. The major A20 Southern Distributor linking the Portaferry and Comber Roads i
06/11/2009
Plans have been published detailing a number of road works in the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council area. The works are proposed as part of the Murphystown Parallel Road Scheme. Improvement will see the replacement of the existing Murphystown / M50 roundabout by a signalized T-junction.
06/11/2009
A new store projects in the centre of Larne could represent a positive jab for the town's economy. The Co-operative Group has announced a new £12m million alteration plan that will triple the size of the current store in Co Antrim port. The enlarged store, which is planned to be 40,000 square feet
05/11/2009
Proposals have been put forward for an expansive new multi-purpose community centre in Ballyogan, Dublin. Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said the planned Samuel Beckett Civic Campus would house several amenities. Plans include provisions for a new community building and regional library.
05/11/2009
Proposals for local councils to have more control over the generation of Northern Ireland's towns and villages have been welcomed. Work is underway to condense the province's 26 local authorities into 11 super councils. These new councils will have more planning powers, which assemblyman Billy Ar
05/11/2009
The Wood Marketing Federation has launched its 'Woodspace' exhibition at the Plan Expo-Eco Build Show at Dublin's RDS. Minister for State Tony Killeen, who officially opened the stand, said the well-established construction trade event provides an ideal opportunity to showcase the versatility of wo
05/11/2009
Final designs for the new A5 dual carriageway will be published next year, the Stormont Roads Minister has said. Conor Murphy said talks were continuing with local landowners, following the announcement of the preferred corridor in July. Mr Murphy said the works will be the key scheme affecting
05/11/2009
The first track has been laid on the Dunboyne Commuter Railway at Hansfield Station, as part of the government's multi-billion euro Transport 21 project. Construction is well underway on the 7.5 kilometre double track rail line, which will branch off the Maynooth line at Clonsilla and terminate at
05/11/2009
Belfast-based Hamilton Architects has been appointed to design a new church centre for Knock Methodist Church in the city. The new church facility will be built on land behind the existing centre, which will be demolished once the new centre is constructed. The single storey development will com
05/11/2009
Over £215,000 is to be spent upgrading Housing Executive properties in Newtownabbey. New kitchens will be installed at 61 homes in the Rathcoole area of the town. Housing Executive District Manager Sharon Crooks said the improved facilities will be "designed to better suit the needs of everyday
05/11/2009
BSD Training Ltd has unveiled seminars aimed at construction workers who operate at hazardous heights. Due to 2005 working at height regulations, all employees who work at height need to show that they have been trained to do so. As well as having to comply with the law, adequate training is als
04/11/2009
Over £1.5m has been spent upgrading one of Northern Ireland's best known nightclubs. Lush at Kelly's Portrush underwent a massive modernisation programme, which saw a complete overhaul of the club's interior. Despite the scale and scope of the refurbishment project, work was completed in 30 days
04/11/2009
Loreto College in Dublin has celebrated the opening of its refurbished dining hall, following a £55,000 construction scheme backed by the Department of Education. Schools Minister Batt O'Keeffe was on-hand to officially launched the revamped canteen facility on Crumlin Road. The college receiv
04/11/2009
Plans to regenerate Dungannon's town centre have been published. The draft master-plan went on display at Ranfurly House in the town yesterday. Members of the public have been asked to visit the exhibit and make their views known. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the presentatio
04/11/2009
The Health Service Executive has spent over €7m renting premises in three counties in the last two years, it has been revealed. Fine Gael's John O'Mahony obtained the information after tabling a parliamentary question to the department. The deputy found that in 2008 the HSE spent had over €3.6m
04/11/2009
Two County Down property firms have gone into administration, it has been confirmed. Polly Brothers Ltd and Largie Developments Ltd share an address at Ballyhornan Road in Downpatrick. Directors at the development firms called in the administrators late last month. Polly Brothers, an established
04/11/2009
Development authorities in Limerick have commenced work on an economic action plan for the region. It is expected the three-year programme, which is being developed as a local response to the Mid West Task Force Report, will be finalised by the end of this month. Specific targets will be set on
04/11/2009
There's good news this week for those caring for disabled children. The Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey yesterday announced a £2.2million investment to develop a new residential respite facility for disabled children in the Western Trust area. The new facility, which will be based at th
04/11/2009
Talks have been held on the government's 'shared future' programme for Strabane. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said her main role is to build "united communities". The Minister called on the public to help in shaping the policies which will help communities live together rather th
04/11/2009
Richard Livingston has been appointed a partner of Mr Machinery, the heavy equipment auction online portal. Mr Livingston, who will work on the firm's brand new Irish subsidiary, has been employed in the auction industry for 18 years. He is a well-known live auctioneer within the vehicle and mach
03/11/2009
A new €4m education building was officially opened in Co Kilkenny yesterday. The facility at Kildalton College, in Piltown was described as "a significant step in the development of agricultural education in Ireland". Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith said the unveiling of the building "is a cle
03/11/2009
Proposals have been brought forward to link the M1 motorway and A1 at Sprucefield. Roads Minister Conor Murphy said the "high standard" scheme could be delivered between 2014 and 2018, should it pass the necessary public scrutiny and statutory processes. Mr Murphy said a £8.3m investment by Roads
03/11/2009
The fall in Irish house prices has bottomed out, that's according to the Irish Home Builders Association. The group suggests average new property values across the country have dropped by 40%. Current house prices as not sustainable, the IHBA said, predicting in its Winter Housing Review and Outl
03/11/2009
Questions have been raised over arrangements made between the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and property investment firms. Fine Gael TD Phil Hogan said the €412 million Irish Glass Bottle site deal, which is now being heard in court, will shed more light on the original settlement. "Sin
03/11/2009
Two men have been prosecuted at Magherafelt Magistrates' Court for failing to comply with enforcement notices issued by the Planning Service. John Paul McNally of Glenviggan Road, Draperstown, was fined £250 and £92 court costs for failing to comply with an enforcement notice seeking the removal of
03/11/2009
A Cavan-based electrical firm has been shortlisted for a high-profile enterprise award. Gilmore Clarke Electrical, from Cootehill, specialises in process control and automation for water treatment and waste water treatment plants. The firm is one of eight finalists in the County and City Enterpri
03/11/2009
Around €87m of state money is paid to maintain people in substandard housing every year, it has been revealed. Senator Paschal Donohoe's announcement follows the news one in five rental properties in Ireland are not meeting minimum legal standards. "Recent statistics I obtained from the Departmen
03/11/2009
It emerged today that Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh firms have not been getting a fair share of London Olympic contracts. Stormont Junior Minister and East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton (pictured) said the London Olympic Games presents an excellent opportunity for local firms to gain business
03/11/2009
A powerful, easy-to-use 3d drawing software developed in Ireland has been made part of the Google Suite of products. SketchUp integrates with Google Earth, allowing users to upload photo models of existing buildings into Google Earth's 3d building layer. It also allows users to avail of 3d Wareho
02/11/2009
Funding has been approved for the second phase of the Arklow water supply scheme. Progress on the €1.84m project was welcomed by Donal O'Sullivan, President of the Arklow & District Chamber of Commerce. Wicklow County Council will now commence works on the collector main at Ballyduff to bring the
02/11/2009
A Dromore construction firm has been fined £65,000 for health and safety breaches which led to the death of an employee last year. John Graham (Dromore) Ltd pleaded guilty to two breaches of legislation at Belfast Crown Court last week. Gerard Morgan, 53, died at the premises of the former Ormea
02/11/2009
Limerick city is currently hosting an acclaimed annual architectural event. City Hall is the latest venue to house the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, (RIAI) annual Architectural Awards 2009 Exhibition, which runs until the end of this week. The exhibition features highlights of t
02/11/2009
A £7.4m investment in improving Armagh's road network is progressing well, the NI Transport Minister has said, despite some of the funding still remaining to be secured. Speaking ahead of a meeting between Roads Service and Armagh Council, Conor Murphy said schemes in Edenaveys are at prequalific
02/11/2009
A public lecture has been held in Sligo, promoting the merits of wind energy. The event was hosted by Engineers Ireland and focused on the 'Spirit of Ireland', the national project for energy independence. Launched last May, the initiative proposes storing wind energy in pumped seawater reservoi
02/11/2009
Today marked the start of a government road show focusing on the regeneration of deprived areas across Ireland. Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív will host public information meetings in each of the five towns recently included in the Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development (RAP
02/11/2009
A new state of the art laundry has opened in Antrim. The new £2million facility is owned by Robinson Services, one of the leading employers in the area. The laundry provides accommodation for over 50 employees and has many innovative technological, environmental and sustainability features. Empl
02/11/2009
One of Limerick's largest ever-civic building projects will open later this month, it has been confirmed. The new Kilmallock Area Office forms part of a €6m project comprising a regional library and court facilities for the Court Services of Ireland. David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick Cou
