Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for August 2016
31/08/2016
Refurbishment work at Manor House in Rathlin Island, Co Antrim, has been completed. Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) undertook a major refurbishment programme to upgrade the interior and exterior of the Grade B+ listed building to three-star Guest Inn standard. The refurbishment
31/08/2016
Construction work on a £62,000 road improvement project in Banbridge, Co Down, is to begin on Sunday, 04 September. The scheme on A26 Church Street extends for approximately 220 metres from its junction with Church Square to Church View Drive. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "This inv
31/08/2016
NI Water has slammed those responsible for vandalising fire hydrants across Belfast over the Bank Holiday weekend. The firm has also called for the vandals to stop immediately as it has "serious public safety" implications. Sean McAleese, NI Water's Director of Customer Service Delivery, pointed o
31/08/2016
A total of £700,000 has been secured to develop and upgrade community buildings in the Fermanagh, Strabane, Omagh and Limavady areas in Northern Ireland. Funded by the Northern Ireland Executive's Social Investment Fund, the Community Premises Support project will provide financial assistance to vo
31/08/2016
Irish firm Bord na Móna has acquired a 50% share of Electricity Exchange, a provider of smart grid technology and services. The Company, co-founded by Dr Paddy Finn and Mr Duncan O'Toole, operates a virtual power station from its operations centre in Limerick. The company's technology allows them
31/08/2016
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has published a report which reveals the use of renewable electricity in Ireland rose significantly in 2015. The Renewable Electricity in Ireland 2015 report also shows that renewables contributed to the second largest source of electricity last ye
31/08/2016
Sinn Fein has called on the government to urgently address the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland after recent figures revealed over 6,500 people are living in emergency accommodation. Junior spokesperson on Housing, Dessie Ellis TD also confirmed the number of people in emergency accommodation has
31/08/2016
Many families who accept the Housing Assistant Payment (HAP) scheme are unlikely to secure a permanent home, according to Fianna Fail. Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen TD said it is a "fundamental flaw" in the scheme which needs to be reformed. Deputy Cowen said: "This is a fundamental flaw in
30/08/2016
Bord Gáis Energy has announced a 5% drop in its electricity unit rate and a 2.5% drop in its gas unit rate. The move will save a typical dual fuel household a further €67 every year. The changes will come into effect from 01 October 2016. Dave Kirwan, Managing Director of Bord Gáis Energy said: "
30/08/2016
Irish Water is investing €5.5 million in a water mains rehabilitation programme in County Carlow. The work includes the rehabilitation and replacement of approximately 14km of aging water mains with new heavy duty polyethylene (heavy duty plastic) pipes and the replacement of approximately 1,200 wa
30/08/2016
A conference hosted by Mr David Gibney, Co-Ordinator of Right2Water, is to be held at the Carnegie Court Hotel in Dublin on Friday, 02 September. Sinn Féin TD Louise O'Reilly has said that Right2Water movement is gaining momentum again and will continue to seek the abolition of water charges. Depu
30/08/2016
The McAvoy Group in Northern Ireland has been awarded a place on each of the four Lots within the multi-million pound Southern Modular Building Solutions Framework for a range of modular contracts in Southern England. The Framework for the South East, South West and London authorities has a total s
30/08/2016
A new visitor centre owned by Eastside Partnership has officially opened in east Belfast. Delivered by Landmark East the centre aims to increase visitor numbers to the area and provide a boost to the local economy. The EastSide Visitor Centre was part-funded by the European Regional Development F
30/08/2016
Wicklow Port Company has been transferred to Wicklow County Council. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD signed the oprder with the consent of his colleagues Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Simon Coveney TD Minister for Housing, Planning, Commu
30/08/2016
Work to repair a building which partially collapsed in Holywood, Co Down, has started. The work at 1 Stewart's Place was due to begin over a month ago and the Bangor Road remains closed. Alliance North Down Councillor Andrew Muir said he is glad to see the work has finally commenced. However, he
30/08/2016
Irish energy supplier Vayu has achieved a 100% Renewable Electricity rating for all electricity supplied to its customers according to the latest Fuel Mix and CO2 Emissions report by the Commission for Energy Regulation. The report also shows that Vayu achieved a rating of zero tonnes CO2 per megaw
26/08/2016
Planning permission has been approved to expand Apple's European Head Office in Cork. The work is expected to create an additional 1,000 jobs and around 200 construction posts. An Bord Pleanála gave the go-ahead to the project which includes a four-storey office block and over 750 car parking spac
26/08/2016
Prime Minister Theresa May has put plans for the development of a nuclear plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset on hold. She has ordered a review to be launched, however the SDLP has called for the plans to be abandoned. MP for South Down, Margaret Ritchie, made the call following serious concerns ov
26/08/2016
Housing applicants living in the South Dublin County Council area are being encouraged to return their Housing Need Assessment form before they lose their place on the housing list. Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, made the call as he believes there is a new dimension and added difficult
26/08/2016
Sinn Fein has met with representatives from energy firm DC Power following concerns over a proposed tidal energy project in Co Antrim. Mr Oliver McMullun MLA and Caoimhe Archibald said the community in the East Antrim area were concerned about the impact of the proposed project on Fairhead and Murl
26/08/2016
A waste management firm has been slammed for charging customers twice in one year for an annual contract. Sinn Fein TD for Dublin North West, Dessie Ellis, also hit out at Greyhound Waste for "going against" the agreement to postpone planned bin hikes in June. Deputy Ellis said: "In a reply to a P
26/08/2016
The Minister of State for Regional Economic Development has officially opened the refurbished Gardens at Killarney House. The gardens have been recreated after funding was allocated by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Fáilte Ireland. Minister Michael Ring
25/08/2016
Construction work has started on a new water treatment plant in Co Kerry. The plant, located on Lough Guitane, is being developed as part of a €30 million investment by Irish Water in the Kerry Central Regional Water Supply Scheme. Glan Agua has been appointed the main contractor and will carry o
25/08/2016
NI's Infrastructure Minister has been called to "present evidence" or "apologise" over complaints against councils in relation to new planning regulations. Alliance Councillor David Armitage challenged Minister Chris Hazzard after he said a number of Councils had fallen foul of their own rules. Mr
25/08/2016
The number of carrier bags sent to landfill in Northern Ireland has dropped by 199 million, according to new figures. Statistics published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs showed a significant reduction in carrier bags since the introduction of the levy in April 2013.
25/08/2016
Ireland needs to produce more engineers at a quicker rate if the Government's Housing Action plan is to succeed, Engineers Ireland has warned. The firm also said Ireland could face persistent housing shortages unless the supply of engineers catches up with demand. While welcoming the general upwar
25/08/2016
A Newry, Mourne and Down District Councillor has been appointed to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, which is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving Warrenpoint Port. Councillor Glyn Hanna was appointed by Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to serve a first term. The c
25/08/2016
Sinn Fein has urgently called on the Government to "look again" at introducing rent certainty after figures from Daft.ie revealed wages are not keeping up with increases in property and rent prices. Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, said the government needs to alleviate the pressure on p
24/08/2016
Planning permission has been approved to redevelop Donnybrook House and 'The Avenue, Sandyford' in Dublin. U+I secured the planning permission after acquiring the two sites in 2014 and 2015. The two developments combined will deliver up to 147 new homes, over 60,000 sq. ft. of new commercial space
24/08/2016
Renewable energy firm SALIIS, based in Carryduff, Co Down, has announced that it is to create up to 15 new jobs after securing a £500,000 loan. The Growth Loan Fund provides loans to established Northern Ireland SMEs seeking to access growth finance. Michael Burke, Managing Director of SALIIS, sai
24/08/2016
One of Northern Ireland's largest homebuilders has announced a 65% rise in its annual home completions for the 2015/16 financial year, compared to the year before. Hagan Homes also recorded a turnover of over £20 million in 2015/16. Jamesy Hagan, Managing Director of Hagan Homes confirmed it is th
24/08/2016
The Alliance Party said "prosecutions alone are not enough" to deter people who carry out fish kills in Northern Ireland. Leader David Ford made the call after it was confirmed those behind the recent fish kills in the Glenavy and Six Mile Water rivers are being prosecuted. Mr Ford said: "These in
24/08/2016
The public is being urged to attend information events to discuss the development of a new covered reservoir at a site in Stillorgan, Dublin. Irish Water will be hosting the events that will take place at the Glenalbyn Sports Club, Glenalbyn Road, on Thursday, 25 August and Monday, 05 September 201
24/08/2016
NI Water is to host a public information event over plans to improve sewerage infrastructure and pumping stations in Bangor, Co Down. The firm is to begin work on the second phase of a £3 million project to replace the existing Waste Water pumping station at Castle Park, along with the upgrade of s
23/08/2016
Energy firm SSE Airtricity has scooped a deal, worth over £100 million, to provide electricity and gas to Northern Ireland's Health & Social Care Trusts (HSC). The contract is the largest energy supply contract ever to come to the Northern Ireland market. SSE Airtricity now supplies 'dual fuel' na
23/08/2016
Over 2,000 children are living in homeless accommodation in Dublin, according to new figures. The data, released by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, revealed a total of 2,020 children are homeless. Sinn Féin TD and Children and Youth Affairs spokesperson, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, said the figur
23/08/2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has pledged to invest over £21 million to build new homes, carry out upgrade work and maintain its properties in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon areas in Northern Ireland. Following a meeting with representatives from Armagh City, Banbridge and Crai
23/08/2016
Construction work is to begin on a £300,000 major carriageway and resurfacing project near Maghera, Co L'Derry. The work on the A6 Glenhane Road includes resurfacing which extends a distance of approximately 1km from its junction with the Glen Road to just beyond its junction with the Fallaghloon R
23/08/2016
Serious concerns have been raised after a number of households have been told they will have to pay local property tax, despite having been in receipt of the exemption up until 2016. Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal, Louise O'Reilly, said several households had contacted her in Dublin over correspond
23/08/2016
Sinn Féin has renewed its call to the government to look again at introducing rent certainty after figures revealed a national rise in rents of 3.9%. Dessie Ellis TD made the call following a report from property website daft.ie. He said: "The consequences of these continuous rent increases are no
22/08/2016
Fianna Fáil has criticised Fingal County Council over its decision to close a bridge in Portmarnock in order to carry out repair works. The council is planning to close the bridge on 12 September for two weeks. However, businesses and residents said it will cause "serious disruption". Fiann Fáil
22/08/2016
Work is continuing on a new €1 million water reservoir and network upgrades in the Outrath area in County Kilkenny. The work is part of the Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme by Irish Water. The main elements of the project are the construction of a new 275m3 reservoir adjacent to the existing
22/08/2016
A £170,000 road improvement project is to start in Dunmurry, Belfast. The work, which will begin on Wednesday, 24 August, will take place in two phases between the M1 Motorway Bridge and Auburn Street. Phase 1 will start on Wednesday to Friday 26 August and will include overnight closures for dra
22/08/2016
A major new exhibition area is to be established in the City Hall in Belfast. Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee approved the exhbiytion area which aims to provide a significant educational and tourism attraction. It is expected to open to the public in May 2017. The
22/08/2016
A further tranche of draft Flood Risk Management Plans for public consultation for the South Eastern, North Western and Neagh Bann River Basin Districts has been announced. Minister of State at the Office of Public Works (OPW), Sean Canney, also called on communities, businesses and environmental g
22/08/2016
Sinn Fein has hit out at the Government after figures revealed insulation retrofitting in homes dropped by 15% over the past five years. Figures received by Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín also showed in the seven years of the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme only 7% of the homes in the state have had
19/08/2016
HG Construction has been appointed to build new social homes in Cork. The development in Bandon includes nine houses, providing long-term accommodation for older people. Cork County Council is the Sanctioning Authority for the project and assisted in securing the £1.4 million funding from the Dep
19/08/2016
A planning application is to be submitted to develop a new wastewater treatment plant and pumping station in Co Galway. Irish Water confirmed it is part of its Glenamaddy Sewerage Scheme. The new plant will replace the old, existing plant that is overloaded and discharging partly treated effluent
19/08/2016
The Alliance Party has said the decision to proceed with work on a major dualling scheme in Northern Ireland is "long overdue". Minister for Infrastructure Chris Hazzard recently announced construction work is to begin on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme in October. Alliance Sout
19/08/2016
A building firm in Co L'Derry has been fined for breaching waste management legislation. O'Kane and McLaughlin Builders Ltd in Ardmore has been fined £250 and an offender levy of £15 at Londonderry Magistrates' Court. Officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency visited the site on Green
19/08/2016
NI's Infrastructure Minister has confirmed he is to open a consultation on traffic calming plans in Downpatrick, Co Down. Minister Chris Hazzard said £200,000 will be invested in the scheme on Fountain Street. Minister Hazzard said: "This scheme represents a significant investment in the roads inf
19/08/2016
Discussions have been held over plans to develop a Land Mobility Scheme for Northern Ireland. The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) and the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) met with key stakeholders about the proposals. The UFU and YFCU presented findings of its survey and discussed a range of optio
18/08/2016
Irish energy firm Mainstream Renewable Power has scooped contracts worth $1.65 billion to develop and operate seven utility-scale wind energy plants in Chile. The 20-year term contracts, awarded by the National Energy Commission of Chile, are scheduled to begin supplying low-cost, clean energy into
18/08/2016
Construction work has started on a £300,000 road improvement project in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The scheme on the A42 Galgorm Road from Sourhill Road to Galgorm village will provide 0.8 kilometres of new asphalt road surface and also include the construction of a new footway from Galgorm Castle to th
18/08/2016
Planning permission has been approved to extend a hotel in Belfast. The Holiday Inn Express is to undergo a four-storey extension, which will provide 60 new bedrooms, after the plans were given the go-ahead by Belfast City Council (BCC). BCC also granted planning permission for a replacement main
18/08/2016
The Alliance Party is calling for a crossing to be installed on a major road in Co Down before someone is seriously injured or killed. Councillor Scott Wilson said a crossing is urgently needed on the Belfast Road in the Bangor area as it remains "extremely busy and dangerous to cross". He said: "
18/08/2016
Contractors Wills Bros Ltd, headquartered in Foxford, has been appointed to carry out work on a €2.3 million Flood Alleviation Project in Foynes, Limerick. Consulting Engineers Nicholas O'Dwyer and JBA Consulting have also been selected to design and oversee the construction of permanent flood defe
18/08/2016
NI's Minister for Infrastructure has been slammed by the SDLP over his decision to proceed with work on a major dualling scheme in Northern Ireland. Minister Chris Hazzard announced construction work is to begin on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme in October this year. However, S
18/08/2016
McFadzean VC Memorial Committee in east Belfast has been given the go-ahead to place a commemorative stone in memory of William McFadzean VC. McFadzean, who lived in the Cregagh area, was posthumously awarded the country's highest honour for gallantry, after he sacrificed himself to save his comrad
17/08/2016
A drill site at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus is to be restored to its natural state. Workers at Infrastrata stopped drilling work after failing to to locate any oil in the area in June this year. East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said he had been in contact with Infrastructure Ministe
17/08/2016
Plans to develop a 'boutique travel hotel' in Belfast city centre's Bank Square have been approved. Belfast City Council's Planning Committiee gave the go-ahead for a four-storey hotel with 17 bedrooms and a ground floor restaurant to be built beside the Mourne Seafood Bar and Kelly's Cellars. Per
17/08/2016
Irish Water is to invest over €4 million to upgrade Stranorlar Wastewater Treatment Plant in Donegal if the plans are given the go-ahead. The upgrade is being carried out to address compliance issues, provide increased capacity, and lessen impacts on receiving waters. Works include the upgrade of
17/08/2016
Work is to start on a major resurfacing project in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. A total of £950,000 is to be invested in the scheme on the A8 Ballynure Road. Work is to begin on Monday, 22 August, and is expected to take 20 weeks to complete. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "This work is
17/08/2016
Contractor Eamon Costello (Kerry) Ltd has been selected to develop a new Advance Technology Building (ATB) for IDA Ireland in Tralee, Co Kerry. The firm will proceed to build the c.2,322m 2 building on a c.1.0 hectare site at Kerry Technology Park (KTP). IDA has agreed terms with Shannon Commerci
17/08/2016
The establishment of the Ulster Canal Advisory Forum has been welcomed by Sinn Fein. The party's Infrastructure spokesperson, Declan McAleer, MLA, said the development has the potential to transform tourism in Armagh, Tyrone, Cavan, Fermanagh, and Monaghan. The forum will also examine possible fun
17/08/2016
Two contractors have been appointed to work on a major dualling scheme in Northern Ireland. In a joint venture (JV), Graham Construction and Farrans Construction have been selected to carry out work on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme after plans to proceed were given the go-ahead
17/08/2016
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is urging all construction firms to re-emphasise the importance of safety to their employees with a view to further reducing workplace accidents. CIF has launched its annual construction safety week campaign, which will commence on 12 September and will s
16/08/2016
JMC Mechanical and Construction Ltd, based in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, has been awarded a £3 million maintenance service contract. The HA5 contract, which is for three years with options to extend, includes a 24-hour, 365 days a year response maintenance service and larger planned maintenance p
16/08/2016
AGC Equity Partners Limited has acquired an office block for €242 million in Dublin. Joint receivers Luke Charleton and David Hughes of EY announced the sale of One Spencer Dock, a 21,000 square metre office block which is fully occupied by professional services firm PwC. Joint selling agents Savi
16/08/2016
Irish Water has announced it has completed over 25,800 free leak investigations. The firm has also repaired 4,219 leaks as part of its First Fix Free scheme. Over 14,000 householders have benefited from the scheme and Irish Water is urging more householders to make use of the free service. Irish
16/08/2016
House prices in Northern Ireland have increased over the last three months, according to new figures. The average price of a home now stands at £123,241 according to figures published by Land & Property Services assisted by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency. A total of 4,075 reside
16/08/2016
A boil water notice in Leenane in Co Galway has been lifted following advice from the Health Service Executive (HSE). Over 200 Irish Water customers were effected by the notice which started on 15 July. Irish Water has invested almost €1 million at the Leenane Water Treatment Plant to ensure a saf
16/08/2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has announced it is to develop new homes and invest over £17 million to upgrade and maintain properties in the Mid and East Antrim area over the next four years. The firm said it will also support people to live independently, increase the energy effici
16/08/2016
A total of £6.7 million has been invested to improve and upgrade roads in the Lisburn and Castlereagh areas over the past year. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "Investment of £6.7m in Lisburn and Castlereagh over the past year, including the reconstruction of the A26 Glenavy Road at Bal
16/08/2016
Refurbishment work at the Emergency Department in Temple Street Children's University Hospital in Dublin is now complete. Minister for Health Simon Harris TD officially opened the extended Emergency Department, funded by the HSE and a donation from Danielle Ryan and the Cathal Ryan Trust. The depa
16/08/2016
The second phase of newly-refurbished apartments at the Obel building in Belfast city centre is now on sale. The recent release of the high-end units is the latest stage of the ongoing £2 million upgrade of Ireland's tallest building, with the first phase of apartments now sold out. The prices of
16/08/2016
Construction Information Services (CIS) has published its Q2 2016 Construction Market Review. The review provides a comparative analysis of the construction sector between Q1 & Q2 2016 and the same periods in 2015 and 2014. It also gives an insight into future planning pipelines for each sector.
15/08/2016
Serious concerns have been raised over the increase in illegal dumping in south Dublin. Sinn Fein Councillor Mark Ward said several local residents have contacted him complaining about the amount of illegal dumping along St Cuthbert's Road in Bawnogue, Clondalkin. Cllr Ward said: "I have visited
15/08/2016
Work has started on a Water Improvement Scheme in south Belfast. The scheme, in the Strangford Avenue area, is expected to take around three week to complete, according to NI Water. The proposed construction work will involve the installation of a new valve and laying approximately five metres of
15/08/2016
Housing statistics reflecting the levels of homelessness in Northern Ireland have been criticised by Sinn Fein. Released by the Department of Communities, west Belfast MLA Fra McCann said he has concerns over people being directed away from going through with homeless applications by the new Housin
15/08/2016
Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, has re-opened following refurbishment work. Exploris had been threatened with permanent closure in 2013, however the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and North Down Borough Council invested £2 million to secure the future of
15/08/2016
A property firm in Belfast has been prosecuted for breaching health and safety (H&S) legislation. Granite Properties Limited was found guilty of four breaches of H&S legislation. Belfast City Council brought the firm to court for failing to ensure the H&S of employees and the public, by potentiall
15/08/2016
The Ulster Canal Advisory Forum has been established to consider options for advancing the Ulster Canal project. The forum will also examine possible funding mechanisms, including existing funding streams as well as the potential to leverage funding from other sources. The Forum will have regard t
15/08/2016
NI's Infrastructure Minister has visited a £20 million water treatment works in Castlewellan, Co Down. Minister Chris Hazzard said the Drumaroad Water Treatment Works provides customers in large parts of County Down, and south and east Belfast with high quality drinking water. He said: "Around one
15/08/2016
The Housing Minister has been slammed for ordering Kildare County Council to go ahead with the Sallins Plan excluding lands previously zoned for community, educational and housing need. Fianna Fáil Councillor in Kildare Rob Power said the decision by Minister Simon Coveney, "flies in the face of th
12/08/2016
The Government has announced it is to expand the choice-based letting scheme for social housing in Ireland. Under the scheme, councils will have to advertise vacant properties online and those on the housing waiting list will express their preference for the type of home they need on the list. Si
12/08/2016
New pumping stations are to be developed in Rush, Dublin, to improve the bathing water quality at South Beach. Irish Water is investing €9.7 million in the Rush Wastewater Collection Network Scheme. The company has confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the necessary land at South Shor
12/08/2016
NI Water is calling on the public to 'Bin It Not Flush It' after the firm revealed it spends around £2.5 million cleaning up avoidable sewage spills caused by flushing inappropriate items into sewers. Every year NI Water retrieves millions of waste items from the sewerage network that "simply shoul
12/08/2016
Residents living in Dublin are being warned they may face a disruption to their water supply during valve repair works on a large water main this weekend, 13-14 August. Irish Water, who is carrying out the works on behalf of Dublin City Council (DCC), said there may be reduced pressure and possible
12/08/2016
Power has been restored to over 370 ESB customers living in Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. Two generators have been connected to the islands electricity system following a fault on a subsea cable. Following a detailed examination of the cable damage and the seabed conditions, engineers from ESB Network
12/08/2016
A peace wall at an interface in north Belfast has been removed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). The brick wall was built in the Ardoyne area around 30 years ago. It has now been replaced by a family friendly landscaped area and railings with decorative panels, which local resident
12/08/2016
NI's Infrastructure Minister has refused to attend a meeting to discuss the lack of grass cutting in Belfast. Alliance Councillor Michael Long accused Minister Chris Hazzard of "hiding in the long grass". Mr Long made the request after raising constituents' concerns with the Department over the ov
12/08/2016
Sustainability consultants HLMGreenBuild, with offices in Belfast, has won the rural category at this year's UK Passivhaus Trust Awards for its design of Tigh na Croit. The awards recognise Passivhaus buildings across the UK that are designed to meet the most stringent energy standards in two categ
11/08/2016
Construction work is continuing on a £13 million social housing project in Bangor, Co Down. A total of 106 new homes are being developed on the Old Belfast Road for Choice Housing Association. The Department for Communities (DfC) is supporting the development with a £6.3m Housing Association Grant
11/08/2016
A Fianna Fáil TD has been slammed for refusing to rule out the introduction of domestic water charges, despite the party stating it in their latest manifesto. Sinn Féin TD Imelda Munster accused Mr Thomas Byrne of "playing deeply cynical politics" following a radio interview on LMFM. She said: "De
11/08/2016
Councils in Ireland are being urged to "make best possible use" of the Minor Works Scheme, which aims to address flooding problems throughout the country. The Minor Works Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009 following the severe
11/08/2016
Refurbishment work at the Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, has been completed. The aquarium is to officially open on Monday, 15 August. It has been fully renovated as part of a joint investment of almost £2million by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Ar
11/08/2016
A pharmaceutical firm has opened a new manufacturing and development facility in Roscommon. The building for Jazz Pharmaceuticals is situated on a 17-acre site in Monksland. It is the first directly owned, managed and operated manufacturing facility built by Jazz. The company has invested approxim
11/08/2016
The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has announced it is supporting this year's edition of the Wood Awards Ireland (WAI). WAI aims at promoting wood usage and design among architects, engineers, designers and craftspeople. It is compatible with AHEC's aims and objectives to promote wood as
11/08/2016
Sinn Féin has called on the Minister of State to engage with community group SWAP over the high density buildings being developed on a floodplain in Co Wicklow. SWAP have been campaigning to prevent development on the floodplain at the Dargle River in Little Bray for a number of years. The group a
11/08/2016
Irish energy firm Mainstream Renewable Power attended the official opening of the Laboratories of Renewable Energy implemented in both Tomé and Federico Schwager technical Schools in Chile for students studying electricity. In 2013, Mainstream partnered with the Educational Corporation of the Chamb
10/08/2016
The Government has allocated €10 million to revitalise 200 towns and villages throughout Ireland. The funding means every county will receive around €380,000 to carry out on work in areas which have been neglected. However, while Fine Gael welcomed the announcement, Sinn Fein said the amount of mo
10/08/2016
Forestry company Coillte is being urged to stop the proposed sale of 26 acres of land at Clarinbridge in Co Galway. Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has called for the sale to be "stopped immediately" to allow for a proper local consultation and a full assessment of the potential of the sta
10/08/2016
The European Commission (EC) has been criticised for "sticking its nose" into the water charge issue in Ireland. Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Lynn Boylan said the EC needs to take a "cold hard look at itself" as it is aware a review into water charging is ongoing. Ms Boylan said: "It must be noted tha
10/08/2016
A builder has been accused of making "more empty promises" following a three-week delay in repairing a listed building in Holywood, Co Down, after it partially collapsed. The site, located at 1 Stewart's Place, partially collapsed last month. However, Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir said the owner
10/08/2016
NI's Economy Minister has met with representatives from Moore Concrete in Ballymena, Co Antrim. Minister Simon Hamilton commended the firm and said it is 'at the heart of the Northern Ireland economy'. Mr Hamilton said: "I want to transform Northern Ireland into a globally competitive economy. The
10/08/2016
Seven new members have been appointed to the Historic Buildings Council in Northern Ireland. Following an open competition, the new members are: • Mr John Anderson • Mr Ciaran Andrews • Mrs Johanna Higgins • Mr Erl Johnston • Mr Paul Kendrick • Mr Charles McMurray MBE • Dr Tanja Po
10/08/2016
Preparation work has begun on a £100,000 resurfacing scheme in Stewartstown, Co Tyrone. Work on the Hillhead Road extends a distance of around 300 metres from West Street to Chambre Park. The work also includes the resurfacing of approximately 100 metres of footway. Road closures are scheduled for
10/08/2016
The Minister for Health has been called to provide funding for home adaption grants for council tenants living in Clondalkin and Lucan. Sinn Fein TD Eoin Ó Broin is urging Minister Simon Harris to provide money for the tenants who are only allowed to apply for a grant if they pay for a private Occu
09/08/2016
The Housing Minister is being urged not to axe the Social Regeneration fund in Ballymun, Dublin. Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly is calling on Minister Simon Coveney to give a commitment the funding will be continued in future years. She said: "The Regeneration in Ballymun was about much more
09/08/2016
Several incidents of vandalism have been reported in the Connswater Greenway area in east Belfast where contractors are currently carrying out work. Farrans Construction is undertaking Phase 2 of the works. DUP MLA Sammy Douglas condemned the attacks. Mr Douglas said: "Such behaviour is actually
09/08/2016
The SDLP is calling for all of Northern Ireland to be "fracking free". The party made the call after the British Government announced new plans to compensate residents who would be affected by fracking by using money received from taxing the process. SDLP MLA Richie McPhillips said the proposal i
09/08/2016
An aging water main in Athlone has now been replaced. Irish Water invested €560,000 to replace 3km of water mains from Wash House Turn to Ballydonagh. The new water main will reduce interruptions to the water supply for customers in the Creggan, Clonbonny, Fardrum, Ballydonagh and Glenwood areas
09/08/2016
The Department of Housing has been accused of failing to refurbish almost 1,500 housing units in Ireland. Fianna Fáil has obtained new information which reveals around 1,449 units are vacant throughout the country. Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Barry Cowen TD has called on
09/08/2016
Contractor Arup has teamed up with Irish Water and Wicklow County Council to carry out site investigation works for the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant scheme. Irish Water is investing over €30 million in the project which will end the current practice of discharging untreated wastewater into the
09/08/2016
Building standards and good planning must not be compromised in a rush to push through planning applications, according to a Sinn Féin TD. Mr Eoin Ó Broin, spokesperson on Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, said that while he welcomed the Housing Minister's urgency to develop new ho
09/08/2016
A tender process has started to select a contractor to complete a multi-million pound improvement scheme in Belfast. Phase 3 of the Belfast Streets Ahead scheme has launched from Castle Place to the new Ulster University campus on York Street The area is to be transformed with new paving, street f
08/08/2016
Around €12 million has been secured to develop over 65 new social homes in Dublin. A total of 67 units will be built as part of the rapid build programme of housing for homeless families. The homes, consisting of a mixture of two and three bed units, will be built at two locations in Dublin, 29 u
08/08/2016
Serious concerns have been raised over the closure of a hostel in west Belfast. The Regina Coeli Hostel caters for over 20 homeless women suffering from mental health issues. The hostel is to close later this month. Sinn Fen MLA Fra McCann is calling for the situation to be dealt with "urgently".
08/08/2016
Irish energy firm ESB hopes to restore power to residents living in Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr following a major power outage over the weekend. Crews are continuing to work to restore the power, however the firm said: "Due to the complexity of repairing undersea cables, initial indications are that b
08/08/2016
Approximately 50 Consultant Engineers have attended a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Seminar in Belfast. The CPD Breakfast Seminar was hosted by FK Lowry Piling, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Geotechnical Group (NIGG) at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast on Wednesday, 03 Augu
08/08/2016
Adare Machinery, the sole main dealer for Bobcat in Ireland, has delivered the new Bobcat E26 excavator and T40180 telehandler into Dublin. With a reach of 18m, state-of-the-art safety systems and class leading performance, the T40180 is one of the most in demand telehandlers on the market. The T40
08/08/2016
Renewable energy firm Gaelectric has concluded agreements on a total €38 million financing package for the development of two wind farms in County Kilkenny. Ballybay was acquired by Gaelectric in 2015, whereas Foyle is being managed by Gaelectric on behalf of Art Generation Limited. Both wind farm
08/08/2016
The Green Party has hit out at DUP MP Sammy Wilson following comments he made which attacked "green luddites" over their opposition to fracking. Green Party representative for Fermanagh South Tyrone, Tanya Jones, said Mr Wilson's comments were "bordering on offensive". She said: "The disdain with
08/08/2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is developing a contract management, procurement strategy and tender package in relation to Heating Services agreements, which are due to expire in March next year. The NIHE recently held a supply market event with contractors in Ballymena, Co Antrim, r
05/08/2016
Dublin City Council (DCC) is currently locked in a dispute with Western Building Systems over the cost of 22 modular homes. The units, in the Poppintree area, were supposed to be developed in 12 weeks, however the project took six months to complete. Sinn Fein Councillor Noeleen Reilly said the €2
05/08/2016
The Alliance Party has hit out at the Minister for Infrastructure for failing to discuss the lack of grass cutting across Belfast. Alliance Group Leader at Belfast City Hall, Councillor Michael Long, called for an urgent meeting to be arranged, however Minister Chris Hazzard has failed to address t
05/08/2016
Sinn Fein has renewed its call to abolish Irish Water after it was revealed an additional €100 million loan had been allocated to the firm, according to the Exchequer Financial Statements for 2015. Party Leader Gerry Adams said the facility has been a "disaster from day one" and is calling for a "p
05/08/2016
The delay in building new social homes in Ireland is a direct result of local authorities being starved of essential funding, according to a Sinn Féin MLA. Spokesperson on Housing, Planning, and Local Government, Eoin Ó Broin, blamed the Department of Housing's "cumbersome approval, procurement and
05/08/2016
Over 19,500 people have signed a petition to stop the sale of 5,000 acres of land in the Dublin Mountains near Glenasmole Valley. The Green Party is calling for the land to be retained in public ownership and has presented the petition to Government officials. Party Leader, Eamon Ryan, said he hop
05/08/2016
Two Northern Ireland construction firms are continuing to prepare a site for an offshore wind turbine facility in Hull. In a joint venture between Graham Construction and Lagan Construction, work is progressing well on preparing the site for the Siemens' offshore wind turbine manufacturing, assembl
05/08/2016
Companies across the NI Cement and Concrete industry will take each other on in a new form of competition as they attempt to pull a Lagan Cement Products truck 20m in the fastest time on Sunday 09 October. UK Strongman and record breaking Champion, Eddie Hall is helping to launch the event, organis
05/08/2016
Priority has been given to five flood mitigation schemes in Co Fermanagh, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed. Minister Chris Hazzard said additional funding has been secured to carry out work at a number of locations. He said: "The extent of the work at each location will be dictated by fac
04/08/2016
Work on a new wastewater treatment plant in Gorey, Co Wexford, has been completed. Irish Water invested over €7 million in the new plant which will protect and improve water quality at receiving waters as well as facilitating future growth and economic development. The work involved extending the
04/08/2016
NI Water has confirmed the water in Co L'Derry is safe to drink following a pollution spill at the River Faughan which killed over 1,000 fish. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has launched an investigation and NI Water is continuing to monitor the water quality in the river. Staff ha
04/08/2016
A planning application has been submitted to develop 850 homes in Co L'Derry. However, concerns have been raised on how the traffic will impact the development, which is adjacent to the Caw Roundabout. The roundabout is a very busy intersection which carries in excess of 50,000 vehicles per day.
04/08/2016
Work on a social housing development in Rathcoole, Co Antrim, has been completed. The Helm Housing complex, located in the Derrfin Park area, includes eight two-bedroom apartments for those aged 55 and over. The properties have also obtained Secured by Design approval. Work on the remaining four
04/08/2016
The Green Party in Northern Ireland has raised serious concerns over the demolition of a listed building in Holywood, Co Down. The building, located at 1 Stewarts Place, has fallen into a state of disrepair. However, Green Party Councillor, John Barry, is calling for the law to be changed as under
04/08/2016
The Labour Party has announced it is "looking forward" to engaging with Irving Oil on the security of energy supply in Ireland. Irving Oil confirmed it is to acquire Whitegate oil refinery in Cork. Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform, Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources,
04/08/2016
The Nuclear Plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset has the potential to contaminate Ireland, according to a Sinn Féin MLA. Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Seán Crowe TD, said the £18 million plant is "unwanted" and is "another source of deadly danger" to Ireland. The plant is believed to be set for fina
04/08/2016
The Minister of State for Regional Economic Development has confirmed 5,000 acres of land will be used to secure the extension of the National Park in Co Wicklow. Minister Michael Ring TD announced that the government is currently in the final stages of buying land in the Wicklow Mountains. Sinn F
03/08/2016
Building work is to start next week on a housing development in Poppintree, Dublin. O'Cualann Cohousing Alliance is developing 49 'affordable' units in the area which have all been allocated. Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor, Noeleen Reilly, welcomed the announcement and said the project needs to
03/08/2016
The Housing Minister is being urged to provide funding to Dublin City Council (DCC) and South Dublin City Council (SDCC) to "fully develop" their own mixed tenure estates. Sinn Fein TD Eoin Ó Broin made the call to Minister Simon Coveney after it was announced that DCC is planning to increase its L
03/08/2016
Construction work on a road resurfacing scheme in Magherafelt is to begin on Monday, 22 August. The £115,000 project on the Ballyronan Road extends approximately 525 metres from Killowen Drive to the 30mph speed limit at the town boundary. The work also includes resurfacing approximately 600 metre
03/08/2016
Planning has been approved to develop 1,500 new homes in Co L'Derry. Derry City and Strabane District Council gave the green light to the plans, zoned as H1B on lands at Galliagh in the Derry Area Plan 2011. In addition to the 1,500 houses, there is also land for a school, neighbourhood facilitie
03/08/2016
The Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has reached an agreement to acquire 4,900 acres of land in Dublin Uplands, as known as the Featherbeds. The land will be added to the Wicklow Mountains National Park, expanding the total size of the National Park to 22,000 hecta
03/08/2016
The Union of Students Ireland has secured €49,000 funding to support a Student Housing Officer. The Officer will help identify additional accommodation, including digs and rooms in private homes, to ease the pressure on securing rented accommodation. The funding comes after the recent launch of 'R
03/08/2016
Canadian firm Irving Oil has confirmed an agreement has been put in place to acquire the refinery at Whitegate near Cork. The Whitegate facility is Ireland's sole refinery, processing up to 75,000 barrels of crude oil per day and producing transportation and heating fuels such as gasoline, diesel a
03/08/2016
A public consultation has opened to discuss plans surrounding the development of a new covered reservoir in Stillorgan, Dublin. Plans are currently underway to improve the existing reservoir site and a planning application will be submitted to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council following the con
02/08/2016
Farrans Construction has started work on a watermains improvement project in south Belfast. The work on Balmoral Avenue will upgrade the watermains and improve the quality and security of the local water supply. In order to complete the work traffic management will be put in place. Due to the loca
02/08/2016
Police have launched an investigation after two tractors were stolen from a field in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The incident happened in the Woodside Road area between Sunday at 3pm, 31 July, and Monday at 7.30am, 01 august. Two John Deere tractors and a red coloured McCauley low loader trailer as well
02/08/2016
Work has started on a £121,000 road improvement scheme in Comber. The Belfast Road project began on the 800 metre stretch which extends to Ballyrainey Road and is expected to be substantially completed by the first week in September. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said it will "greatly impr
02/08/2016
Major refurbishment work at the National Gallery of Ireland has entered its final stages. The project, which is costing over €30 million, includes the complete refurbishment of the Miltown and Dargan wings to bring them up to national standards. The Minister for Arts, Heritage Regional, Rural and
02/08/2016
Landlord Liberty IT has selected Graham Interior Fit-Out (GIFO) to carry out work at Belfast's Adelaide Exchange Building. The multi-million fit-out follows two previously completed fit-outs from the GIFO team for Liberty IT at their Dublin premises. William Hamilton, Managing Director at Liberty
02/08/2016
Fianna Fail is urging the Tourism Minister to explain what progress has been made on Ireland's Lakelands Programme. The initiative aims to increase tourism along the River Shannon and its surrounding areas. The plan is contained in the Programme for Partnership Government. Ms Anne Rabbitte TD sai
02/08/2016
Work is to begin on a £120,000 road resurfacing project in Moneymore. The scheme is located on the Ruskey Road and Ballymulligan Road in Loup. It will start on Monday, 15 August. To help minimise inconvenience, preparatory work on the carriageway and completion of the footway work is programmed to
02/08/2016
A new one way traffic system is to come into operation on Brook Street in Omagh. The new system will help ease traffic congestion in the area and will come into effect on Monday, 22 August. The system will operate for its entire length in a easterly direction between Brookmount Road and Castle Str
01/08/2016
A Spanish firm has acquired an Irish energy company. Gas Natural Fenosa (GNF) has bought Vayu in a deal that closed this week. GNF is a leading integrated gas and power group of companies, active in 30 countries with 23 million customers and total assets of €48,132 million. For GNF, the acquisit
01/08/2016
A special unit has been set up to deliver plans to develop homes in Dublin. Dublin City Council is aiming to build more homes after it was revealed there are 28,000 applicants on the housing waiting list. Sinn Féin Cllr Daithí Doolan, Chair of the Dublin City Council’s housing committee, welcomed
01/08/2016
Over €8 million of funding has been secured for a 330 MW energy storage project in Northern Ireland. The scheme uses compressed air energy storage (CAES) technology and is being developed by Gaelectric on the Islandmagee peninsula near the port town of Larne. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) a
01/08/2016
Sinn Fein is calling on city management to find alternative accommodation for the ten remaining tenants in O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin. Plans to demolish the empty blocks have been given the go-ahead and Dublin City Councillor Janice Boylan is also urging the Housing Manager to write a letter to th
01/08/2016
The 81st Tinahely Agricultural show has officially opened in Co Wicklow. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle TD opened the show at Fairwood Park in Tinahely today, 01 August. Minister Doyle said: "Agricultural shows such as the Tinahely Show play a
01/08/2016
A firm based in Co Mayo has announced it is to create 55 new jobs. Portwest, manufacturers of Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment, confirmed over the next four years staff levels will increase from 75 to 130 at its head office in Westport. The family-run business is operated by a trio of br
01/08/2016
People living in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, are being encouraged to conserve water following a pollution incident. As a result of intense downpours on Thursday, 28 July, there was an automated shutdown of borehole sources that feed raw water to the Ballyshannon Water Treatment Plant. However, Irish
01/08/2016
Serious concerns have been raised after less than 50% of housing assessment forms for Dublin have been returned. Only 10,000 forms have been received before 27 July deadline. Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly said she has a "huge concern" from the outset about the process. She said:
