Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for July 2016
29/07/2016
A contractor has been appointed to inspect a reservoir in Co Kilkenny after testing showed silt had accumulated in the water. Around 124 households on the Galmoy Replacement Water Supply Scheme have been issued with a 'Boil Water' notice as a precautionary measure. The notice has been in place sin
29/07/2016
An Alliance Party MLA has called on the Infrastructure Minister to invest more money to repair roads throughout the North Down area in Northern Ireland. Mr Stephen Farry made the call after Minister Chris Hazzard announced £245,000 worth of road improvements for Cotton village, just outside Donagha
29/07/2016
Nuclear plants should not be developed in Ireland, according to a Sinn Fein MLA. Ms Caitríona Ruane has raised serious concerns over the nuclear plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset which is set for final approval. She claims the plant will cause serious health risks to people living in Ireland. Ms
29/07/2016
Contractor Dawson WAM has been appointed to carry out work on a water improvement project in south Belfast. Working on behalf of NI Water, the firm will install a new valve and lay approximately five metres of water main and associated structures in the Lislea Drive area. The work will start on Mo
29/07/2016
Sinn Fein has claimed the N59 in Connemara is "not fit" to serve the people who rely on it for a living. Cllr Tom Healy is calling for a safe road to be developed to allow the people of Connemara to connect to the rest of the country in good time. In addition, he called for the creation of a cross
29/07/2016
Irish Water is to save €20,000-per-year by using environmentally friendly processes at two wastewater treatment plants in Galway. A sludge drying reed bed, which acts as a natural filter for the sludge (slurry) which comes out of the wastewater treatment plants in Moylough and Killimor, will elimin
29/07/2016
The Environment Minister is being urged to remove unfair guidelines from the Local Property Tax (LPT) which prevents homeowners affected by pyrite from being charged. Homeowners who believed they would be exempt from the charge may have to pay back four years of LPT. Sinn Féin Junior Spokesperson
29/07/2016
Negotiations over the sale of the Whitegate Refinery in Cork are reportedly at an advanced stage. Fianna Fail Leader Micheál Martin is urging the new owners to focus on the facility as it is "vital" for securing Ireland's energy supply. Deputy Martin said: "Whitegate Refinery provides one third of
28/07/2016
Fianna Fáil and Labour have welcomed the announcement that planning permission has been approved to build a new Center Parcs development in Co Longford. Labour Deputy Willie Penrose said he is looking forward to construction work commencing as soon as possible. He said: "This can become a magnific
28/07/2016
Fine Gael (FG) and Fianna Fail (FF) have been accused of neglecting Ireland's water infrastructure. Sinn Fein TD Eoin Ó Broin has called on the government to increase capital investment to "upgrade Ireland's crumbling water and sanitation infrastructure". However, while Mr Ó Broin welcomed the €40
28/07/2016
A 'Boil Water' notice affecting around 350 households on the Ring Helvick Water Supply Scheme in Co Waterford is expected to last for another six weeks. Irish Water put the notice in place on 15 July following concerns that the disinfection process may have been compromised. The firm is currently
28/07/2016
Construction work is to begin on a £65,000 resurfacing project in Co Down. Improvement work is to be carried out on Comber Street in Saintfield and footways and the drainage system will also be upgraded. The work is to start on Monday, 01 August, and is expected to be completed on Saturday, 27 Aug
28/07/2016
Sinn Féin is calling on South Dublin City Council to be more flexible and to cater for different groups on social housing waiting lists. The party made the call after the council revealed people on the waiting lists are required to fill out a form online to provide documentary evidence of any chang
28/07/2016
BAM Contractors has been selected to develop a new children's hospital on the 50 acre campus shared with St James's Hospital in Dublin. Construction equipment has arrived on site and work is expected to start in the coming weeks. Theo Cullinane, CEO, BAM Contractors said: "We understand the import
28/07/2016
Serious concerns have been raised over the continuing rise in rents in Dublin. The average rent currently stands at €1,454 per month across Dublin and €1,306 for apartments, according to the latest Dublin Economic Monitor. Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly said the issue as "very wor
28/07/2016
Approximately 19,500 people have signed a petition calling for the 5,000 acres of land in the Dublin Mountains to be retained in public ownership rather than being sold off by NAMA to the private sector. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD presented the petition to Ministers Michael Noonan, Paschal Do
27/07/2016
Old watermains in Co Carlow are to be replaced after Irish Water confirmed it is to invest €5.5 million in a rehabilitation programme. Site investigation works are to begin on the Carlow Water Mains Rehabilitation Project in August and they are expected to take up to 12 weeks. The scheme involves
27/07/2016
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the development of Center Parcs' first holiday village in Ireland. Center Parcs will develop a 395-acre site near Ballymahon in Co Longford. The village is to be called 'Center Parcs Longford Forest' and will have capacity for up to 2,500 guests
27/07/2016
The Government is seeking to acquire around 5,000 acres of land in the Dublin Mountains from the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), Sinn Fein has confirmed. Spokesperson on Social Protection John Brady welcomed the announcement and said it would be a "unique opportunity" to expand the Nationa
27/07/2016
Sinn Fein claims Dublin City Council's (DCC) decision to extend planning permission for a proposed shopping centre on Moore Street is "seriously flawed". Planning permission for the White Elephant shopping mall was due to expire in early 2017. However, Cllr Mícheál Mac Donncha said the plans woul
27/07/2016
NI Water has revealed it spends around £2.5 million every year to unblock sewers. The firm made the announcement after flagstones, chairs, wood, children's toys and bricks, were recovered from a blocked sewer in the Poleglass area in Belfast. Gary Little, NI Water's Wastewater Field Manager for th
27/07/2016
Plans to demolish the empty blocks in O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin have been given the green light. Sinn Fein Cllr Janice Boylan said the vote to allow part IV to go ahead will mean homes can be developed on the land. However, she is calling on the Housing Manager and Mayor of Dublin to deviate fro
27/07/2016
Planning permission has been approved to refurbish a former linen warehouse in Belfast city centre into offices. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee granted permission for Phase Two of the Bedford Street development which includes the conservation, alteration, refurbishment and extension of t
27/07/2016
Representatives from Sinn Fein (SF) have held a meeting to discuss environmental issues in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The party said an "all-Ireland" approach is needed to deal with future energy needs. Sinn Fein MLA Oliver McMullun said: "We must also harmonise our efforts in dealing with wast
27/07/2016
A total of €27 million in funding for Irish energy research schemes has been secured under the EU Horizon 2020. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has been supporting many of the organisations in their Horizon 2020 bids, as well as providing additional research funding. Horizon 20
26/07/2016
Quinn Automatic Ltd has teamed up with NI Water to start sewer rehabilitation work in the Diamond area in Co L'Derry. The work is to start on Monday, 01 August, and is expected to take around five weeks to complete. Extensive investigation works were carried out in June and results showed the sewe
26/07/2016
Construction work has started on a new €9 million wastewater treatment plant in Co Mayo. The plant, which is being developed at the site on the Toorglass Road, is being built by Roadbridge and EPS on behalf of Irish Water. Colm Claffey, Wastewater Programmes Regional Lead at Irish Water said: "The
26/07/2016
Sinn Fein has hit out at the Government over its decision not to develop any social housing in the area. A total of 150 homes have been included in the Govt's Housing Action Plan, however Cllr Noeleen Reilly said there is enough vacant land to build 2,000 units. She said: "I welcome the news that
26/07/2016
Dublin Diocese has made a formal proposal to South Dublin City Council (SDCC) to resolve the dispute over the ownership of land at Balgaddy Community Garden. The proposal includes a new Section 183 land disposal that would give the Dublin Diocese legal entitlement to the land which is currently bei
26/07/2016
The Green Party has launched a petition calling for the Finance Minister to ensure a 5,000 acre site in the Dublin Mountains at Glenasmole Valley is not sold off by NAMA and will remain in State ownership. Minister Michael Noonan is being urged to come to an arrangement with the National Parks and
26/07/2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is raising awareness of the urgent need for safe homes by building a shack from scrap materials. The organisation has joined Habitat NI's challenge event which takes place on 03 and 04 September at the Village Centre in Hillsborough. The teams will bui
26/07/2016
The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government has been renamed the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. The change reflects the priority placed by the Government on addressing housing issues following the recent publication of the Action Plan for Housing
26/07/2016
Fianna Fáil has called for Ireland's planning process to be "fit for purpose". Mr Frank O'Rourke TD said the current planning process is a "long, drawn out process" and it needs to be addressed. Deputy O'Rourke said: "The Government and Local Authorities should be focusing on making additional res
26/07/2016
South Dublin City Council (SDCC) has been slammed after announcing a 20% price hike at the Ballymount Civic Amenity and Recycling Centre. Green waste transported by cars has increased from €8 to €9.50 and general waste has risen from €15 to €18. Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Sean Crowe said the p
26/07/2016
BSG Civil Engineering is making significant progress on a sewerage infrastructure project in Co Armagh. Work is currently ongoing on the Newry Road and Folly Lane progressing towards the Cavancaw Road. The work on the £3 million programme is expected to be complete in September this year. The sch
25/07/2016
A contractor is expected to be appointed to carry out work on the proposed Foxord Sewerage Network And Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Mayo by Summer 2017. The tendering process is to begin later this year and the scheme is being done at the same time as the Killala and Charlestown Sewerage Scheme
25/07/2016
Gas Networks Ireland has started connecting up a number of new natural gas customers in Wexford. The firm has partnered with Irish Water as part of the €16.5 million infrastructure project in the town. With work complete on extending the gas network from Campile, Great Island to the Ring Road on t
25/07/2016
Serious concerns have been raised after residents living in Kilkenny have been living without functioning heating systems for almost eight years. The Housing Minister has been called to address the problem immediately as the residents of Polerone Green in Mooncoin are living in danger due to the la
25/07/2016
Refurbishment work has been completed on new Tearooms at Herbert Park in Dublin. The work is part of Dublin City Council's Parks and Landscape Services initiative to refurbish older buildings in parks and transform them into more useable spaces for the public. The building in which the Tearooms ar
25/07/2016
Sinn Féin has cautiously welcomed the Government's housing and homelessness action plan. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh welcomed the plan however he said he is worried about the lack of movement for those who are in mortgage difficulty and may face losing their home. He said: "The commitment in th
25/07/2016
NI Water has completed emergency repair work on a pump after a number of customers were left without water in areas of north and west Belfast. Staff are currently on the ground working to clear any airlocks in the system affecting customers on higher ground. A statement from NI Water said: "The re
25/07/2016
SSE Airtricity has been awarded over 30 new contracts for the supply of metered electricity on behalf of all local authorities, which covers electricity supply to local government offices throughout Ireland. The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) awarded the 31 deals to the firm under its Elect
25/07/2016
More than 150 construction workers in have been left without work after a firm issued a suspension notice to its main contractor working on the Mayo Renewable Power project. Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary has called on the Taoiseach to lead a focused effort to secure the future of the projec
25/07/2016
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) is being urged to team up with Dublin City Council (DCC) after it was revealed homeless families are being forced to leave Lynham's Hotel and to look for emergency accommodation elsewhere. Sinn Féin Cllr Daithí Doolan described the situation as "unaccepta
25/07/2016
The Housing Minister has been called to explain his plans for Part V of the social housing obligations after reports revealed property investment fund Bartra Capital is planning to acquire them. According to recent reports a property investment fund is to launch a €100 million fund to purchase Part
22/07/2016
Eight site locations have been approved to build 450 social homes throughout Ireland. Environment Minister, Simon Coveney, gave the go-ahead to the sites which are to be delivered through a public private partnership (PPP) programme. The sites approved are: • The Walk, Roscommon Town, Co. Rosc
22/07/2016
Five new schools are to be developed in Ireland. Education Minister Richard Bruton TD gave the go-head for building work to start on four new post-primary schools and one new primary school in respect of Bundle 5 of the Government's Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme. The contract, which
22/07/2016
NI Water has slammed youths responsible for vandalising fire hydrants across Belfast and is calling on them to stop immediately. The firm has received a number of reports of fire hydrants being opened over the past few weeks. Sean McAleese, NI Water's Director of Customer Service Delivery, said it
22/07/2016
Site investigation works have started to help with the design of the water and wastewater network upgrade in Co Cork. Irish Water is to invest €7 million in the Bandon Water Main and Sewer Network scheme. The works will improve the drinking water and wastewater networks for around 6,500 residents
22/07/2016
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has been called to use the land it holds in Co Wicklow to develop new houses on. Sinn Fein made the call after it was revealed 36 properties out of 6,637 nationwide were identified as NAMA properties in the area. Spokesperson for Social Protection John B
22/07/2016
Two Irish contractors are preparing to start work on a triple decker roundabout scheme in North Tyneside. In a joint venture (JV) between Lagan Construction Group and John Sisk & Son, the firms have been appointed to upgrade the A19/A1058 Coast Road junction. The work is part of the A19/A1058 Coa
22/07/2016
Northern Ireland's health and social care sector has awarded a £140 million energy contract for the supply of electricity and natural gas. The four-year deal was awarded by combining the buying power of all six Health and Social Care Trusts, the Health and Social Care Board, the Fire and Rescue Ser
22/07/2016
A L'Derry firm has been fined for a pollution offence. Greenan Generation Ltd was fined a total of £4,000 and ordered to pay a £15 Offender Levy at Londonderry Magistrates' Court for discharge to a waterway. A Water Quality Inspector (WQI), acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agen
22/07/2016
Central Bank has ordered banks to give more information to customers in relation to variable interest rate mortgages. Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD welcomed the move however he said it was "long overdue". Deputy Doherty said: "The move today by the Central Bank to force banks to
22/07/2016
The Green Party said the Government's decision to bypass local authorities on certain planning applications and to go straight to An Bord Pleanala is wrong. The Party made the announcement following the publication of the Govt's Action Plan for Housing. Cllr David Healy, of Fingal County Council s
21/07/2016
A new wastewater treatment plant is to be developed in Co Galway. The Oughterard Sewerage Scheme is part of a €4.2 million investment by Irish Water. Glan Agua Ltd has been appointed to carry out the work which will begin in August and is expected to take a year to complete. The plant will increa
21/07/2016
Oaklee Housing Trust has acquired land to develop over 40 social homes in Dublin. Oaklee is currently clearing the Stormanstown site on the Ballymun Road, which was left in a terrible condition by its previous owners Grassridge Ltd. The 42 units will cater for families on the social housing waiti
21/07/2016
Ireland is at the very bottom of the EU climate list after failing to meet its 2020 targets, according to a publication by the European Commission. The Green Party claims Ireland is falling behind the rest of the world when it comes to the environment and said the lack of ambition in the 2030 targe
21/07/2016
Farrans Construction has started work on a watermains improvement project in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. The scheme, on behalf of NI water, started in the Shore Road area and is expected to be completed in five weeks. A lane closure is in place along the Shore Road with traffic management in effect.
21/07/2016
Sinn Fein has introduced a Bill which aims to abolish Minister's powers to issue mandatory guidelines to local authorities on planning matters. The powers were controversially introduced by former Minister for Environment Alan Kelly in 2015 and were used to lower the minimum apartment sizes. Spoke
21/07/2016
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Eirgrid and French Transmission Operators Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE), to move to the next phase of development of the Celtic Interconnector Project. The phase, which will take two years to complete, will include initial design
21/07/2016
Belfast City Council has won the UK wide Green Flag status at 15 parks for maintaining high quality standards. The parks that have retained their Green Flags are Belfast Botanic Gardens; Barnett Demesne; Grove, Belmont; Cavehill Country Park; Dunville; Lagan Meadows; Musgrave; Ormeau; Falls; Rosela
21/07/2016
Concerns have been raised over the lack of emergency and social housing for people living with a disability. Fianna Fail Senator Catherine Ardagh raised the issue following the publication of the Government's Action Plan. She also said cuts to the Housing Adaptation Grant introduced by the last Go
21/07/2016
Sinn Fein has hit out at a South Dublin City Council after it allowed a waste recycling facility to increase its prices. The party described Panda Waste's price hike at the Ballymount Civic Amenity and Recycling Centre as "outrageous". The charge for green waste transported by cars has risen from
21/07/2016
The first building restoration projects under the new GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme, have been approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed. Under the new scheme, the approved buildings must be put back into some form of agricultural use, with the Minister d
20/07/2016
Around 30 construction jobs are to be created after plans for a new £2.5 million retail and fuel forecourt adjacent to Belfast International Airport were approved. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council gave the green light to the project which will create 35 new jobs when the development is compl
20/07/2016
Irish Water has been accused of wasting tax payer's money for failing to properly address ongoing problems with the sewerage system in Co Offaly. Some residents living on the Ballyclare Road and Ferbane have been forced to move out of their homes due to the strong odour coming from nearby manholes.
20/07/2016
Construction work is to begin to develop a new cell block at Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn, Northern Ireland. The new £55 million facility will include 360 cells on three levels and is expected to be completed by 2019. Justice Minister Claire Sugden visited the site and cut the first sod. She sa
20/07/2016
Dublin City Council (DCC) has secured €25 million of funding to develop 100 new social homes as part of the regeneration at the Dolphin House estate. Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney TD approved the funding. He said: "This is one of a number of regenera
20/07/2016
Fianna Fail has introduced a new Bill to make the Tenant Purchase Scheme "fit for purpose". The 'Housing (Sale of Local Authority Housing) Bill 2016' aims to open up the scheme to thousands of additional families by including homes which were originally developed under Part V. Only 73 applications
20/07/2016
Sligo has the highest rate of vacant commercial units in Ireland, according to a report. A total of 16.8% of units are currently empty and disused, Geo Directory has revealed. Fianna Fail TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon is calling on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchel
20/07/2016
Sinn Fein has introduced a new Bill to regulate the development of wind turbines through providing limits on the exportation of product generated from them. Launched by spokesperson for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Brian Stanley TD, the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2016 aims to prot
20/07/2016
Labour has raised concerns over the Government's Housing Action Plan. Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan TD said there is nothing in the plan to stop developers hoarding land when it could be used to build urgently needed homes on. She said: "The Labour Party wants the recommendations of the Ke
19/07/2016
An action plan to build more homes and address the homeless crisis throughout Ireland has been launched by the Government. 'Rebuilding Ireland - an Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness' was launched by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The plan also aims to accelerate social housing and improve the ren
19/07/2016
Demolition work at Boland's Quay, set in the heart of Dublin's docklands, has been completed. The Boland's Quay Development Group (BQDG) – a collaboration of property consultants Savills Ireland and Cleary McCabe & Associates - announced the news. Hegarty Demolition Limited demolished the large co
19/07/2016
Construction work has started on a new Early Learning Centre in Newry, Northern Ireland. Funding of over £152,000 has been allocated by Communities Minister Paul Givan. The new facility will be built in the grounds of St Malachy's Primary School at Carnagat, adjacent to the current Family Learning
19/07/2016
An apprentice at NIE Networks has graduated from Queen's University in Belfast. Joanna Barclay from the Ardoyne area in north Belfast is the first apprentice to graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Joanna joined NIE Networks as an overhead lines apprentice in 2010. After completing he
19/07/2016
The construction industry will benefit greatly from the introduction of the Construction Contracts Act, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). The Act is to come into force on 25 July. The primary benefit of the legislation is that it regularises cash-flow for companies as it set
19/07/2016
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a website providing up-to-date information on the water quality at 140 beaches throughout Ireland. Its new Splash website, www.splash.epa.ie, uses an interactive, colour-coded map, where details of water quality, if a beach is dog friendly, whe
19/07/2016
The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has expressed disappointment over the decision to cease any further installation of water meters in domestic properties. In March 2015 NI Water increased its non-domestic water and sewage charges by an average of 2.4%, resulting in farmers and other metered businesse
19/07/2016
The national average salary for a Chartered Surveyor is €71,000, according to a survey by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). The survey found that construction surveyors within the same experience category are earning €46,800, where most of the respondents were based in Dublin. Two
19/07/2016
A Swiss automation firm has announced it is to establish an international SAP IT Hub in Kill, Co Kildare. Endress+Hauser offers comprehensive process automation products, solutions and services across pressure, level, flow, analytics and temperature allowing customers to optimise their processes to
19/07/2016
Northern Ireland firm FP McCann has won the Small Projects category at Trimble's UK Tekla Awards 2016. The company will now be entered into the Tekla Global BIM Awards. The Tekla Awards focuses on projects of all shapes and sizes, which have used Trimble's Tekla software as part of the process for
18/07/2016
Dublin City Council (DCC) has been called to "come clean" over its plans to create a €25 million 'super depot' in Ballymun. Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly was speaking ahead of a report on the Consolidation of Dublin Northside Depots. Ms Reilly revealed that DCC is planning to consolidate 18
18/07/2016
Approximately 124 homes in Co Kilkenny have been issued with a boil water notice following advice from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Irish Water is currently working on the Galmoy Replacement Water Supply Scheme and the Galmoy Group Water Supply Scheme. Following sampling and testing by the
18/07/2016
A man has died following an accident at a manufacturing plant in Omagh. Stevie McTeague, aged 51, from Co Tyrone, died from his injuries at the South West Acute hospital over the weekend. The accident occurred at the Terex manufacturing plant on the Cookstown Road on Thursday, 14 July. Two men we
18/07/2016
Irish Water is to invest almost €14m to improve the water supply for residents and businesses in Donegal. The €13.8 investment is part of the Donegal Countywide Water Main Rehabilitation Project. The scheme involves the rehabilitation and replacement of approximately 46 kilometres of ageing water
18/07/2016
The number of homes vacant in south Dublin is "unacceptable", according to Sinn Fein. There are currently almost 4,000 homes vacant across South Dublin County Council (SDCC), according to new CSO census figures. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said it is "unacceptable" as over 200 households
18/07/2016
The Government has been called to find out more details before it introduces a First Time Buyer's scheme. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD said the government must ensure that such a scheme does not drive house prices up. He said: "At the heart of any First Time buyer’s scheme mus
18/07/2016
There are currently over 5,000 vacant housing units in Co Louth, according to new data. The preliminary 2016 census results show that there are a total of 5,005 vacant units in the area alone. Fianna TD for Louth and Meath East Declan Breathnach is urging the Housing Minister, Simon Coveney, to ex
18/07/2016
Concerns have been raised over the ongoing flooding issue affecting residents living in Portstewart, Co L'Derry. TUV Councillor Timothy Gaston said residents living in the Toome Road area of Harryville have faced many years flooding and is calling for the problem to be fixed. He said: "I welcome t
18/07/2016
A housing association in Northern Ireland is to launch a new text messaging service for tenants. NB Housing teamed up with Deeplake Communications and Omniledger Ltd to create the new service which is to be introduced this summer. The system will give tenants a quick and easy method of communicati
18/07/2016
The Central Bank is to release aggregated data revealing how much of the potential 35% leeway the banks are using under the new mortgage rule later this month. Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty welcomed the announcement and said there is a national debate about the rules with many comme
15/07/2016
A planning application has been submitted to redevelop a pub and restaurant in Santry, Dublin. The Old Swiss Cottage Pub and Restaurant has deteriorated over the years and the plans include demolishing the former structure. The application proposes to build a three-storey mixed-use structure compr
15/07/2016
A newly refurbished community centre and two play parks have officially opened in the Waterside area, Co L'Derry. The Department for Communities invested £248,355 to upgrade the Clooney Community Centre. The works included improved layout, access and an extended kitchen. All rooms are now individu
15/07/2016
Growth in the Irish construction sector increased in June, according to a new report. There was also a rise in activity, new orders and employment, a report from the Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) revealed. Simon Barry, chief economist for Republic of Ireland at Ulster B
15/07/2016
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) is urging the Government to provide more certainty on solar energy. IFA President Joe Healy made the announcement at a recent seminar in Portlaoise. Although up to 15,000 acres of farmland in Ireland are under some form of solar contract, Mr Healy said a number
15/07/2016
The first phase of work to install a high voltage underground cable near Omagh is to begin on Monday, 25 July. Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) said the scheme involves installing a 110kV transmission cable along Doogary Avenue, the A5 Doogary Road and the Bankmore Road to facil
15/07/2016
Sinn Fein is calling on the government to "urgently" address the ongoing housing crisis throughout Ireland. The party claims the crisis is "getting worse" and has introduced a Social Housing Bill which will provide a "significant increase" in the number of social housing developments. Spokesperson
15/07/2016
Almost €5 million is being invested in infrastructure projects in Co Monaghan, Irish Water has announced. The firm said 8,000 customers will benefit from an improved supply of water after the €3.6m Monaghan Water Mains Rehabilitation Project has been completed. The work includes the replacement of
15/07/2016
Sinn Fein is calling for €148 million allocated for the water metering programme to be used to mend the water infrastructure throughout Ireland. The party made the call after it was revealed the money accrued from the capital metering programme remains unspent. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water Eoin
15/07/2016
Sinn Féin is calling on the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources to pay more attention to solar power. Spokesperson on Energy and the Environment, Brian Stanley, said that while wind, biomass, anaerobic digestion, hydro and biogas all receive feed tariffs, solar does no
15/07/2016
Concerns have been raised after a cleaning contractor in Galway is proposing to reduce the number of hours it provides at the Valeo Vision Systems Plant in Tuam. Specialised Sterile Environments (SSE) is hoping to half the number of hours from 600 to 300 per week. However, SIPTU union members rais
14/07/2016
Fingal County Council and Irish Water have teamed up to carry out design and planning works on the Swords Water Main Rehabilitation project in Dublin. Irish Water has announced it is investing around €8 million in the scheme which will replace the strategic trunk water main to provide a more reliab
14/07/2016
Nearly 50 social homes have been fitted with new guttering in north Belfast. Finlock guttering has been removed from 49 Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) properties in the Ballysillan area. The new facia and guttering, which cost almost £2,000 per property, will help reduce damp and future
14/07/2016
Around 100 homes have been issued with a boil water notice in Waterford. The notice was put in place over concerns that disinfection may be compromised following advice from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Irish Water confirmed residents on section of the Ring Helvick Water Supply Scheme hav
14/07/2016
A total of €9 million has been secured to help local authorities complete work on 356 unfinished developments in Ireland. Housing Minister, Simon Coveney TD, said residents can be confident that the housing developments they live in will be properly finished out and maintained in the future. Minis
14/07/2016
Farmers and landowners in Northern Ireland are to receive support after the Agriculture Minister opened the next phase of the Forest Expansion Scheme. Minister Michelle McIlveen confirmed the first phase of the scheme last year resulted in over 180 hectares of new woodland planting. The initiative
14/07/2016
Fianna Fail has raised concerns over the number of homeless children living in emergency accommodation throughout Ireland. The party confirmed there are over 2,177 children currently sleeping in emergency homeless accommodation across the country. Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs Anne Ra
14/07/2016
A water and waste solutions company and a civil engineering firm have officially opened new offices in Loughrea, Co Galway. Glan Agua and MEIC are subsidiaries of Mota-Engil, who are expanding their operations in Ireland through the two firms. The move will lead to the creation of 60 new jobs over
14/07/2016
Work on two new social housing developments has been completed in north and east Belfast. The buildings, owned by Helm Housing, are located in the Bellevue Park area and the Upper Newtownards Road. The 4 x 6 person development at Bellevue Park includes four-bedroom new build houses. The Upper New
14/07/2016
Fianna Fáil is calling for additional resources to be put into the Government's housing capital budget. The party made the call after the Housing Minister's plan, which allegedly includes the development of 45,000 new social housing units by 2021, was leaked to the media. Spokesperson on Housing,
14/07/2016
People are being left to choose between topping up their rent or buying food, Sinn Fein has claimed. The party's spokesperson for Social Protection, John Brady TD, raised serious concerns about the practice of rent top ups being paid to landlords by rent supplement recipients. He said: "Ultimately
13/07/2016
Major repair works are to be carried out on the Ardar Bridge in Co Offaly. The bridge has been on the verge of collapse since 2007 and the Office of Public Works confirmed the procurement process to identify and engage with an appropriate contractor to undertake the site investigation is now comple
13/07/2016
Irish Water has submitted a planning application to build a new reservoir in Malahide, Dublin. The plans, to upgrade the Malahide Water Supply Scheme, also include 2kms of new trunk water mains to provide 2,300m3 of additional water storage for the Malahide and Portmarnock area. The new reservoir
13/07/2016
The increase in renting a home in Ireland needs to be brought under control, according to Fianna Fáil. The latest Living Wage Report revealed that while housing costs moved by between €2.24 and €8.93 per week in the rest of the country, the increase in Dublin was €19.62 per week. Fianna Fáil Spoke
13/07/2016
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has been awarded funding to develop new visitor facilities on the Great Blasket Island in Co Kerry. A total of €225,000 from Fáilte Ireland’s Capital Grants Allocation is to be used for Phase 1 of the development. The Blasket Centre is located on the Wild Atlantic
13/07/2016
Sinn Fein has renewed its call for water charges to be abolished. The party made the call after the latest figures revealed that in the last cycle Irish Water only collected 27% of charges that were due. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water Eoin Ó Broin TD said Irish Water needs to be scrapped and the
13/07/2016
South Dublin County Council has passed a motion to abolish pay per weight bin charges. Sinn Fein Councillor for the Clondalkin LEA Councillor Ward called for the motion and said there was some opposition from Fine Gael councillors in the chamber. Cllr Ward said: "The people of South Dublin County
13/07/2016
A new wastewater pumping station is to be developed in Skerries, Dublin. Irish Water confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the land at Holmpatrick is currently underway. As soon as it has been completed the €5.1 million project will increase the capacity of the wastewater network in t
11/07/2016
Ireland's largest water treatment plant is to be upgraded. Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant supplies around one million Irish Water customers in Dublin City, South County Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, parts of Wicklow and Kildare. Dublin City Council has teamed up with Irish Water and signed an €8
11/07/2016
Around 120 homes have been issued with a 'Boil Water' notice in Co Kilkenny. Irish Water and Kilkenny County Council issued the notice following advice from the HSE. Customers on the Galmoy Replacement Water Supply Scheme and the Galmoy Group Water Scheme have been affected. The notice was put in
11/07/2016
There are over 2,750 vacant social housing units across Ireland, according to new figures. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Housing, Planning and Government Barry Cowen obtained the figures through a series of Freedom of Information requests and described them as "shocking and unacceptaable". He said:
11/07/2016
Contractor BSG Civil Engineering is continuing to work on a sewerage improvement project in Lisburn. Irish Water appointed the firm to carry out the work, which was postponed until this summer to minimise traffic disruption in the area. The scheme will improve the sewerage infrastructure in the a
11/07/2016
Contractor A G Wilson has started construction work on a new storm sewer for a new housing development in Ballyclare, Co Antrim. The on-site work in the Ballynure Road area is expected to take around 13 weeks to complete. The first section of work will be through private lands, and work on the roa
11/07/2016
The Government has been slammed after confirming 46 areas of bog are to be de-designated as Natural Heritage Area. The Green Party claims it will remove protections against the destruction of the bogs, and allow turf cutting to take place. Green Party Deputy Leader, Catherine Martin, said she is "
11/07/2016
A new service has launched to help people who may be at risk of homelessness in Galway, May and Roscommon. Housing charity Threshold introduced the Tenancy Protection Service targeted at people living in the private rented sector who are facing problems such as unaffordable rent increases, notice o
11/07/2016
Fianna Fail has called on the Taoiseach to provide funding for homelessness services for the former Defence Forces personnel. The voluntary organisation supports former members of the Defence Forces. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Defence Lisa Chambers said the Organisation of National Ex-Service Per
08/07/2016
Work to improve the water supply for residents living in Sligo is to begin in September this year. The O'Connell Street Water Main and Sewer Rehabilitation Works project is expected to be completed in November 2016. Irish Water said the €1.25 million project will improve water supply and water qua
08/07/2016
A boil water notice has been lifted for all Irish Water customers on the North Leitrim Regional Water Supply Scheme in Manorhamilton. The notice was issued due to work being carried out, which included the laying of a new water main, in Boley Hill. Following advice from the HSE, customers can now
08/07/2016
Vegetable processor Gilfresh Produce in Co Armagh has installed an anaerobic digester to tackle its increasing energy costs. The firm invested over £2.5 million in the project which will see 120 tonnes per week of waste vegetables being used to generate enough energy to power the factory. The inves
08/07/2016
A ceremony has taken place to celebrate the 2016 Third Level Student Wood Awards. The event took place at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin today, 08 July. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Andrew Doyle, TD, attended the cermony and commended the organise
08/07/2016
The Department of Justice has confirmed it is to review the 8% interest rate applying to judgment mortgages. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath received confirmation of the move after he submitted a Parliamentary Question. Deputy McGrath welcomed the news and said over 40,000 judg
08/07/2016
Sinn Fein has hit out over the reduction in Housing Adaption funding available for people living with a disability in Co Offaly. Deputy Carole Nolan TD said she will be raising the matter with the Minister in the Dáil to ensure that adequate funding is made available. She said: "Recently, I made r
08/07/2016
Applications are now open for housing needs assessments in Dublin. Dublin City Council is to carry out the assessments and Sinn Fein Cllr Noeleen Reilly said it is "vitally important" people on the Housing List fill in the questionnaire. She said: "I have come across so many families who for one r
08/07/2016
Four Board members have been re-appointed to the Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland (CITB NI). CITB NI encourages the training of those employed or intending to be employed in the Northern Ireland construction industry. Christine Boyle has been re-appointed as an employer repres
07/07/2016
Contractors McAleer & Teague have been selected to build a new primary school in Coultry, Dublin. The Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna development will include 12 classrooms and proposals have been made for 19 on-site car parking spaces, 60 cycle spaces, new hard play areas, a bin enclosure and two basketbal
07/07/2016
The Minister for Education and Skills has confirmed that "a site option has been identified" to develop a permanent school build for Rochestown Educate Together National School in Cork. Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central Michael McGrath welcomed the announcement by Minister Richard Bruton, howev
07/07/2016
The only future for Irish Water is abolition, according to Sinn Féin. The party made the statement following the resignation of Mr Joe O'Toole, the Chairman of the Expert Commission on Water Charges. Senator Máire Devine welcomed the news that Mr O'Toole is stepping down, however she said Fianna F
07/07/2016
Lagan Construction is to continue work on a £300,000 watermains improvement project in Hillsborough, Co Down. The extent of the work, which is to begin at the end of July, is along Lisburn Street and Lisburn Road between Ballynahinch Street and the Culcavy Road. The overall programme of work will
07/07/2016
Families living in homes rented out privately by a property firm on behalf on Fingal County Council are facing eviction. Paula Barret Properties are currently renting out the homes on the Parnell estate. Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Donnelly is calling on the Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varad
07/07/2016
CITB NI has been shortlisted from over 600 organisations to reach the public voting stage in this year's National Lottery Awards. CITB NI's Heritage Upskilling Apprenticeship Programme is the only nomination from Northern Ireland in the Best Education Project category and the organisation wants sup
07/07/2016
A housing meeting to discuss funding for a major building programme in Dublin is to take place today, 07 July, at Mansion House. Dublin City Council has announced plans to develop three sites with over 1,300 homes and plans are currently being put together for a further 3,000 houses on the old IGB
07/07/2016
Four new members have been appointed to the Ervia Board. Ervia is a commercial semi-state company with responsibility for the delivery of gas and water infrastructure and services in Ireland. The new board members are: • Tony Keohane, appointed for a five-year term • Christopher Banks, appointed
06/07/2016
Roadbridge Limited and EPS Group have been selected by Irish Water to build a €9 million wastewater treatment plant in Belmullet, Co Mayo. Construction work is to begin on Tuesday, 12 July, and is expected to take 18 months to complete. The scheme will ensure that wastewater is treated and dischar
06/07/2016
Four contractors have been awarded new repair deals by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). Carillion Energy Services Ltd, Combined Facilities Management (CFM) Ltd, CTS Projects Ltd and H&A Mechanical Services Ltd have been selected to carry out repairs on 87,000 NIHE homes across Norther
06/07/2016
A Co Antrim man has been fined after pleading guilty to a breach of waste management legislation at Laganside Magistrates' Court. Robert Lappin from Hannahstown, was fined a total of £750. On 05 August 2015, officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) carried out a site inspectio
06/07/2016
Construction firm MEIC Ltd is to start work on the €500,000 North Quay Water Main Project in Drogheda on Monday, 11 July. The scheme includes the replacement of 300m of ageing water mains along the North Quay which will improve the security of the water supply for residents in North East Drogheda,
06/07/2016
Chairman of the Expert Commission on Water Charges Joe O'Toole has announced he is stepping down. Mr O'Toole resigned after facing criticism over commonts he made over the funding of water charges. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Barry Cowen TD said he believes M
06/07/2016
The Housing Minister is being urged to publish the Action Plan for Housing before the Dail breaks for summer recess. Eoin Ó Broin TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, said it is "vital" the issue is not left to linger over the summer months. He said: "I also asked the Minister to make arrangemen
06/07/2016
Threats have been issued to maintenance staff carrying out work in the New Lodge area in north Belfast. Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) employees and contractors working on the Seven Towers have been forced to stop work after being threatened and intimidated. Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuil
06/07/2016
Patients living in a care home in Athlone have been told they will be evacuated following an electrical problem. Fianna Fail TD Robert Troy is calling on the Health Minister Simon Harris to make an urgent announcement after patients and staff were informed of the problem at St. Vincent's Care Home
05/07/2016
Over £4,000 is to be invested to upgrade the roof at a primary school in Limavady, Co L'Derry. St Canice's Primary School was awarded a total of £4,565 under the Department of Education's minor works programme. Minor works are projects less than £500,000 and range from minor improvements to more s
05/07/2016
A renewable energy scheme run by Stormont is set to hit the Northern Ireland budget by "hundreds of millions" of pounds, according to the NI Audit Office (NIAO). The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme could take £140 million for a block grant, the NIAO said. The scheme was established to encour
05/07/2016
Preliminary work is underway on a major road project in Newry. The main site works on the £200,000 scheme, on the A24 Newry Road in Belleek, are expected to begin on 25 July and will take approximately 10 weeks. The scheme is to be substantially completed before October 2016. In order to facilita
05/07/2016
NI Water has confirmed it was satisfied with the quality of water delivered to customers during the exploratory drilling by Infrastrata at Woodburn Forst near Carrickfergus. Workers at Infrastrata recently ended the drilling after failing to locate any oil in the area. Speaking at a Growth and Reg
05/07/2016
Sinn Fein has slammed private firms imposing a hike in bin charges. Councillor Daithí Doolan said the charges are "unacceptable". Dublin City Council (DCC) also supported a Sinn Fein motion calling for a meeting with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Simon Coveney TD. He sai
05/07/2016
Dublin City Council has turned down the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) proposal and instead called for a closer link between trade deals and action on climate change. The Green Party welcomed the decision and said we need to ensure that labour rights and the climate are prote
05/07/2016
The newly appointed Chair of the Water Policy Commission has been accused of "seriously undermining" his position following comments he made to the media. Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Barry Cowen TD slammed Mr Joe O'Toole and said his comments raise serious que
05/07/2016
Energy firm ESB has renewed its 10-year sponsorship commitment to the ESB Centre for the Study of Irish Art (CSIA). The centre, located in the Millennium Wing at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin, has played a significant role in promoting and supporting the study of Irish art since opening
04/07/2016
Concerns have been raised over the rise in house prices in Co Louth. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams raised hos concerns after two reports, by Daft.ie and Myhome.ie, revealed house prices are soaring and that Louth is experiencing some of the highest growth. Mr Adams said: "The two reports by Daf
04/07/2016
An inspection is to be carried out on ten reservoirs in County Wicklow. Irish Water has teamed up with Wicklow County Council to carry out the inspections which will reveal whether any maintenance works need to be done on the reservoirs. The reservoirs included in the programme are Coolboy/Coolafa
04/07/2016
The Labour Party is calling on banks to restore tracker mortgages. The Minister for Finance, Education and Skills, and Arts, Joan Burton TD, made the call after a recent report by Charlie Weston in the Irish Independent said that banks in some instances are refusing to restore tracker mortgages to
04/07/2016
A building firm in Ballymena and a dairy firm in Coleraine have been fined for waste offences. LacPatrick Dairies NI Ltd and Martin and Hamilton were fined £4,500 and £2,000 respectively at Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Friday, 01 July. The firms were fined for infilling waste in a field adjacen
04/07/2016
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has raised serious concerns over the sale of the former Shackleton Barracks military base in Co L'Derry. Leader of the party, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said while the sale of site may have represented a bargain for the MGM Group, he raised concerns as to why the publicly own
04/07/2016
Sinn Fein said illegal dumping has contributed to the number of rats gathering in the Bawnogue area of Clondalkin, Dublin. Councillor Mark Ward said he has "no doubt" illegal dumping contributed to the problem and confirmed there was also an increase in illegal dumping following talks about introdu
04/07/2016
Falling water levels have been detected at Leathemstown Reservoir in Lisburn, according to NI Water. However, the firm confirmed it will not effect customers water supplies but an inspection will have to be carried out. The reservoir has been out of service since 2007 and will need to be nearly em
04/07/2016
Funding for South Dublin City Council (SDCC) has been cut by €1 million next year over the revaluation of rates payable by utility firms, Sinn Fein has revealed. In 2015, the rates bill for utilities in South Dublin was cut by €1.3m. Central government compensated the Council with €962,000 however
01/07/2016
Sinn Fein has expressed disappointment after the Minister for Education confirmed expansion plans at a secondary school in Dublin have been delayed. Pupils attending Lusk Secondary School are currently being accommodated in prefabs. Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal Louise O'Reilly hit out at Ministe
01/07/2016
A new activity centre is to be developed in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, after the Department for Communities allocated £320,000 funding towards the project. Construction work on the new Community Activity Centre at the Na Fianna GFC is expected to begin in Autumn this year. Meanwhile, Owen Roe's Bracka
01/07/2016
Fianna Fáil has pledged to overhaul the Tenant Purchase Scheme to make it fit for purpose. The party made the announcement after a recent report by the Oireachtas Housing Committee recommended urgent action to address deficiencies with the scheme. Spokesperson for Housing, Planning and Local Gover
01/07/2016
Contractors McCallan Brothers has been selected to carry out essential bridge strengthening works in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. The work at Johnston Bridge South is to start on Monday, 18 July. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "The work at the south bridge will be similar to work carrie
01/07/2016
Over £15,000 has been allocated to carry out minor works at a college in L'Derry. Lumen Christi College has been awarded £15,174 in capital funding for visual impairment works under the Department of Education's minor works programme. Education Minister Peter Weir said: "I am confident that the in
01/07/2016
The Finance Minister has pledged to work productively with the construction industry and help firms plan ahead. Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir made the announcement after he met with the Construction Employers' Federation (CEF) on Thursday, 30 June. He said: "It is vital that government continues to
01/07/2016
Almost £19 million has been invested in road projects in the Mid-Ulster Council area in the last year, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed. A total of £18.8m has been put into road schemes which are ongoing throughout the area. Minister Chris Hazzard said: "Work continues on the £35 million
01/07/2016
Funding has been secured for four greenway projects in Ireland. The schemes, in Kildare, Meath, Longford and Westmeath, were awarded funding by the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Mr. Shane Ross TD. He said: "It has recently been brought to my attention that some funding awarded to project
