Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for January 2018
31/01/2018
Over two thirds of Ireland's roads are in a state of disrepair, according to a report by the National Oversight and Audit Commission. Fianna Fail spokesperson, Robert Troy TD, accused the government of failing to invest in the road infrastructure which has has left them requiring significant remedi
31/01/2018
Dennison in Ballyclare has been appointed JCB's new dealer in Northern Ireland for sales and service of construction, industrial and access equipment. The firm will be JCB's construction dealer will also cover the County Donegal markets and is now recruiting in preparation for a launch in March 20
31/01/2018
Sinn Fein is calling for more contractors to be brought in to help deal with the backlog of housing maintenance issues in Dublin. TD Dessie Ellis also called for more resources and extra council staff as Dublin City Council is believed to be under "severe pressure". He said: "There is now an unacc
31/01/2018
Contractors Dawson WAM have started work on a £5 million scheme to improve the sewerage infrastructure in Belfast. The upgrade work is taking place in the Ormeau area, which will include Ormeau Avenue, Dublin Road, Bruce Street, Sandy Row and sections of the lower Ormeau Road. The project will red
31/01/2018
Sinn Fein has slammed the Government's 'Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan' scheme. Dublin Bay North TD, Denise Mitchell, called for an amendment to Part 5 of the Planning and Development Act to provide for 10% affordable housing in addition to the existing 10% social housing requirement. She said: "Is
31/01/2018
Work is to start to replace old and aging water mains in Roscommon. The work on Athlone Road will start on Monday, 12 February, and is expected to take eight weeks to complete. Irish Water, in partnership with Roscommon County Council, will replace lead service connections and approximately 420 me
31/01/2018
The Government has approved the legal drafting of the Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) Bill 2018 to proceed. HBFI was announced in October as part of Budget 2018 and funding of up to €750 million from the Irish Strategic Investment Fund will be made available for the establishment of the fund.
31/01/2018
The Housing Minister has been urgently called to publish a report on the Tenant Purchase Scheme, after it was revealed that people are being prevented from entering the scheme despite being able to buy their homes. The scheme, which was reintroduced in 2016, allows for council tenants to enter into
30/01/2018
BSG Civil Engineering has completed improvement work to upgrade and improve the water infrastructure in Belleek, Co Fermanagh. The work involved laying approximately 5km of new water mains along part of the Lough Shore Road, Brollagh Road and Cornahaltie Road, up to Gortnalee Service Reservoir, as
30/01/2018
The Department of Education is planning to develop a new school and college on the former Foyle College site in Co L'Derry. Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Karen Mullan welcomed the announcement and confirmed it is to be located on the Northland Road. She said: "It's my understanding that the pro
30/01/2018
Fianna Fail is calling a a public campaign to be launched to crackdown on illegal dumping. There has been a major increase in the amount of dumping in Dublin and it has been revealed that over €1,890,000 was spent across the four Dublin local authorities in 2017. The party's Dublin Spokesperson, J
30/01/2018
The Housing Minister has been slammed for having "no credible plans" for affordable housing in Ireland. Sinn Fein's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said Minister Eoghan Murphy's proposals will not solve the housing crisis. The party has outlined a number of solutions both in the motion up for
30/01/2018
Ards and North Down Borough Council is being urged to sign up to a refill scheme aimed at cutting waste. Green Party Councillor Rachel Woods made the call and is set to put a motion to the council next week calling for a report to be put together on how it could designate itself as Refill Ards and
30/01/2018
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has been called to announce its plans to replace existing cladding as recommended by the expert panel following the Grenfell tragedy. The Grenfell Tower fire broke out in North Kensington on 14 June 2017 and caused 71 deaths, including one stillbirth, a
30/01/2018
Irish Water has issued a boil water notice in parts of Wicklow and south Dublin after a mechanical failure at the Vartry Water Treatment plant. The notice has been issued in the following areas: • Ashford • Newcastle including Newcastle Hospital • Newtownmountkennedy • Kilcoole • Kilquade • K
30/01/2018
A new £11 million teaching block has opened at the Ulster University's Magee campus in Co L'Derry. Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald said the development will be a "huge asset" for the university. She said: "It is a major boost for the staff and students at Magee and also bodes well for the universi
29/01/2018
Sinn Fein is calling for a "real investment" in social and affordable housing for those people in need. Spokesperson on housing Carál Ní Chuilín made the call after the party held a Housing and Inequalities Conference. She said: "Sinn Féin want to work with the Department for Communities, we want
29/01/2018
A total of €417 million has been allocated to carry out work on roads throughout Ireland. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, made the announcement and confirmed overall 2018 will see a funding increase of about 29%. He said: "While the funding in 2018 will largely continue t
29/01/2018
A man from Tyrone has received a suspended sentence following the discovery of an illegal landfill site containing waste from the Republic. Patrick Nugent was sentenced to two-years imprisonment suspended for three years at Dungannon Crown court for breaches of environmental legislation. He had p
29/01/2018
Fine Gael is calling for the Dart line to be extended to Drogheda. Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Fergus O'Dowd, said the extension of the line to the Louth town would be a huge advantage to commuters. He said: "An extension of the Dart line would mean increased capacity and shorter
29/01/2018
The Housing Minister has been slammed for making amendments to the planning guidelines on design standards for new apartments. Housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin TD, said Minister Eoghan Murphy's proposed changes to the guidelines were as "a result of veiled threats by IRES Reit, who conveyed to th
29/01/2018
The European Union (EU) has rejected a complaint lodged with the Commission by a group of five Irish property developers, namely, that the involvement of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), in house building was anti- competitive. Labour spokesperson Joe Costello welcomed the announcement.
29/01/2018
Electricity provider AES is being urged to lift the threat of closure at the Kilroot Power Station in Carrickfergus. Sinn Féin Energy spokesperson, Cathal Boylan, MLA, made the call and said the firm has an obligation under the Grid Code to help ensure continuity of supply. He said: "Before they c
29/01/2018
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has been called to employ workers from construction firm Carillion. The company recently collapsed and hundreds of worker are now uncertain about their future. Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said: "Heating and general maintenance for thousands of citiz
26/01/2018
Kilroot Power Station in Carrickfergus is facing a possible closure after it failed to win a major contract. Over 200 jobs are at risk and the plant may close at the end of May. Unions are calling on the UK government and politicians to intervene in the decision of the All-Island regulatory author
26/01/2018
Work has been completed to improve and enhance Newpoint Wastewater Pumping Station in Newry. NI Water invested £1.5million in the project which included installing new pumps, screens and other essential equipment to increase capacity and improve services for customers. Most of the improvement work
26/01/2018
Sinn Fein has hit out at the UK Government after it announced a consultation, which includes Northern Ireland, to find a site to develop a geological disposal facility (GDF) to store nuclear radioactive waste. Spokesperson on Energy, Environment and Climate Change Cathal Boylan rejected any sugges
26/01/2018
Sinn Fein has raised serious concerns over the provision of social homes in Northern Ireland. Housing Spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín, called on the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to do more to address housing inequalities and increasing the supply of ho
26/01/2018
Fianna Fail has raised serious concerns after it was revealed that only 46 homes in Leitrim accessed funding under the Better Energy Homes scheme last year, compared to 4,791 in Dublin. Just over 100 homes in Sligo accessed grants under the scheme which are used to upgrade insulation in houses and
26/01/2018
The SDLP has slammed the Department of Finance (DoF) over the proposed cuts to rural development budgets. Spokesperson Patsy McGlone said infrastructure west of the Bann that has been neglected for decades. He said: "It's potholes on rural roads that won’t be filled, it's rural bus services that a
26/01/2018
Sinn Fein has slammed the Housing Minister for failing to confirm whether or not any 'affordable' houses would be developed this year. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD raised the issue with Minister Eoghan Murphy and called on him to outline a clear pathway and timeline as to how an
26/01/2018
Savills Ireland has appointed a new head of its residential division. Mr Robbie Dillon from UK estate agent, Marsh & Parsons, is returning to his native Dublin, and will be responsible for growing Savills second hand property sales department. Angus Potterton, Managing Director, Savills Ireland sa
25/01/2018
Ward & Burke Construction is to start work to improve old and ageing water mains in Kildare on Wednesday, 31 January. The work, to replace 240 metres of water mains on the station Road in Leixlip, is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete. The project involves the replacement of th
25/01/2018
Fianna Fail has made changes to plans to develop a sports campus in Co Wicklow. The amendments to the proposals include the campus in North Wicklow increasing to 22 acres in size. The council has also agreed to move the development of the campus to phase one of the development. Previously, the cam
25/01/2018
Motorists in south Belfast are being warned to expect delays as essential repair work is being carried out on a footbridge. The work on the A24 Saintfield Road will take place this weekend, 27 and 28 January. To facilitate the work the city-bound lanes of the Saintfield Road at its junction with C
25/01/2018
The Government is being urged to take "strong action on a national level" to tackle plastic waste. The Green Party made the call following the publication of the European Union's first strategy to tackle plastic waste. Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD welcomed the publication of the strategy, which call
25/01/2018
Around 700 residents in Sixmilebridge, Annagore Bridge, Soreeney and surrounding areas have been left without water due to a burst water main. Irish Water crews are currently working to repair the water main and the water supply is expected to remain off for most of today, 25 January. Alternative
25/01/2018
The Alliance Party has welcomed the announcement that full planning permission has been approved for the North-South Interconnector. MLA Kellie Armstrong said the interconnector will "help create a vital piece of infrastructure for Northern Ireland". She said: "The interconnector is crucial to ong
25/01/2018
Sinn Fein is calling for consumers to be provided with greater legal protections when they buy a home. The party's spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD made the call and urged the government to act on the recommendations contained in Oireachtas Housing committee report 'Safe as Houses'. The report, which
25/01/2018
Construction work to improve or replace leaking water mains in Mayo is to start on Monday, 29 January. The works will take place on the N83 Tooreen Road and are part of the Ballyhaunis Water Mains Replacement Project. The benefits to customers are significant improvements in network performance an
24/01/2018
Construction work to replace aging watermains in Donegal is to start on Monday, 29 January. The works, on the High Road/Windyhall Water Mains Replacement Project, will include the replace of 750 metres of water mains. The scheme is part of Irish Water's National Leakage Reduction Programme. It wi
24/01/2018
Plans to proceed with the development of a Primary Care Centre in Drimnagh, Dublin, have been shelved. The Health Service Executive (HSE) made the decision to cancel the plans. Fianna Fáil Seanad Group Leader, Senator Catherine Ardagh, said she was disappointed over the decision. She said: "It wa
24/01/2018
Sinn Fein is to meet with the Department for Infrastructure (DfC) to discuss the development of the North South Interconnector. Environment, energy and climate change spokesperson MLA Cathal Boylan is calling for the interconnector to be developed using undergrounding technology in order to protect
24/01/2018
The Education Minister is being urged to clarify when construction work will continue on six school buildings following the collapse of construction firm Carillion. The schools include Tyndall College, Carlow and the Carlow Institute of Further Education. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Kathl
24/01/2018
Work on more than 100 new park and share spaces in Loughbrickland, Banbridge and Clough has been completed. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) invested £200,000 in the project. The Loughbrickland site is located at Greenan Road with 37 spaces. The Banbridge site is on the Rathfriland Road at
24/01/2018
The Government has been accused of "failing to act" to address the serious flooding problems in Roscommon and Galway. Fianna Fail said an exact plan for ramping up flood defences is needed. The party's spokesperson on flood relief, Eugene Murphy, said: "I recently raised questions about department
24/01/2018
SERC Construction students have had the opportunity to visit the site of the Ulster Hospital's new £95 million Acute Services Block. The visit was organised through Attracta Mathews, Community Engagement Advisor for Graham BAM. Students where shown round the eight-story, 31,000 sq. meter site by H
24/01/2018
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) have outlined a five point plan on how to tackle the housing crisis in Ireland. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin welcomed proposals from the ICTU and said a minimum of 10,000 new social homes need to be built annually. He said: "The right to hou
23/01/2018
Full planning permission has been approved for the North-South Interconnector. The proposed development will create a cross border electricity line with the Republic of Ireland. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) published the independent report prepared by the Planning Appeals Commission (PA
23/01/2018
The Canary Wharf Group has selected Belfast-based Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) to provide pedestrian barriers to secure the Winter Lights Festival in London. The event is now in its fourth year and runs from Tuesday, 16 January until Saturday, 27 January. It is a display of light installat
23/01/2018
Conwell Contracts is to start work on a sewer rehabilitation project in Groomsport, Bangor. Appointed by NI Water, the works in the Donaghadee Road and Springwell Park areas, will begin on Monday, 29 January, and are expected to take four months to complete. The scheme will improve the existing in
23/01/2018
An electricity firm in Northern Ireland has launched a campaign to recruit new apprentices in 2018. NIE Networks is seeking to find its class of 2018 and has confirmed the campaign is officially open for applications. Raymond McMenemy, Training Manager at NIE Networks said: "Our apprenticeship pro
23/01/2018
The Green Party has called on Fine Gael and the Independent Ministers to stop burying their heads in the sand and get serious about emission reductions in transport, energy, housing, and agriculture. Leader Eamon Ryan said land-use plan needs to be established to reconsider the nature of farming, f
23/01/2018
Serious concerns have been raised over the Government's revised Affordable Mortgage Scheme. Fianna Fail General Election Candidate in Dublin North West, Cllr Paul McAuliffe said the revised scheme will prove ineffective without an increase in affordable housing supply. He said he is concerned that
23/01/2018
Flogas is to be the Official Energy Supplier for IFEX 18. The event will take place on 20-22 March at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast. Paul Ruegg of Flogas said: "Professional chefs always prefer to cook on gas and as the Show’s official energy supplier, we're delighted to be providing L
23/01/2018
Real estate advisory firm Savills has appointed a new Senior Surveyor. Mr Johnny Hanrahan joins Savills from Cushman Wakefield, where he spent the past six years working in both the industrial and professional services divisions. He has vast experience in industrial agency, providing sales, lettin
22/01/2018
Irish Water is investing €50,000 to improve and upgrade the Ballinakill Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co. Laois. The work will improve the level of treatment at the plant and enhance the discharge quality of treated water from the plant into the River Ballymaddock. The project includes the install
22/01/2018
The Government has been called to develop more affordable homes for sale or rent. Labour spokesperson on housing Jan O'Sullivan made the call and said plans announced by the Government today, 22 January, did not go far enough to address the housing crisis. She said: "The Government has rebranded t
22/01/2018
Plans to develop a new college in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, have been welcomed by Sinn Fein. Work on the South West College is to start in March this year. MLA Caoimhe Archibald it will ensure training and education for skills development is available for the economy into the future. She said: "
22/01/2018
Sinn Fein has said the affordable housing package could have the potential to "cause real problems for the future". Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy announced a revised Council loan scheme, an affordable home scheme and an affordable rental scheme. However, Sinn Fein spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD sai
22/01/2018
No new homes were delivered under the Repair and Lease scheme initiative for the first three quarters of last year, it has been revealed, According to reports, the Department of Housing is planning to make changes to the scheme, however the Labour Party also called for vacant homes to be brought ba
22/01/2018
The Chancellor's proposals to address the lack of housing will fail, a Westminster committee has warned. Sinn Fein said the only way to help resolve the crisis is to establish a comprehensive building programme. North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said described the Conservative policy as "exacerba
22/01/2018
Sinn Fein has slammed the government once again for failing to address the housing crisis in Ireland. The party's President Gerry Adams described the slight decline in homeless figures as "deeply alarming" and urged the government to do more. He was commenting on the December 2017 figures from the
22/01/2018
A number of roads will be closed during construction work on the A6 Castledawson to Randalstown Dualling scheme in Northern Ireland. The closures will start on 26 January and diversions will be put in place. The works will involve excavation directly adjacent to and across the existing carriageway
19/01/2018
Regeneration work to improve the Brandywell Stadium in Co L'Derry is progressing well, according the the council. Progress on the new the 3G pitch with the laying of the carpet is advanced although the final installation of the rubber crumb and sand dressing will complete as soon as weather permits
19/01/2018
There are still over 3,000 children living in emergency accommodation in Ireland, according to the latest figures. The homeless figures for December revealed there has been a 23% increase in the number of children in emergency accommodation in the last twelve months. Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Hou
19/01/2018
Failure to invest in the N11 will lead to more congestion, according to Fianna Fail. TD for Wicklow Stephen Donnelly said vital works could not be carried out without investment from Transport Minister Shane Ross. He also said said the situation is "getting worse". He said: "In April 2017, the TI
19/01/2018
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has issued a warning to tenants living in the Lisburn area to be aware of bogus tradesmen calling and demanding money. The firm said a recent incident saw a resident answer their door to a man laiming he was there for roof repairs, demanding £200. Lisb
19/01/2018
A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) has been submitted to acquire lands at the car park Loughshinney, Dublin, to improve and upgrade the water infrastructure in the area. Irish Water submitted the proposal to An Bord Pleanála and is also investing €3 million which will protect the environment by stop
19/01/2018
Plans to sell the last remaining Magdalene Laundry in Dublin must be rejected, according to Fianna Fail. General Election Candidate in Dublin Central, Mary Fitzpatrick, also revealed that Dublin City Council had accepted a proposal to sell the building on Sean MacDermott St to a large hotel chain.
19/01/2018
The government has been urged to abolish the local property tax. Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said the penny has finally dropped with the Finance Minister that having set rates when property prices were low, the property tax will be even more punitive in nature now that house prices ha
19/01/2018
Sinn Fein has hit out at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) for failing to meet its rural homes target. Housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín said there needs to be an immediate programme of new builds. She was commenting on the NIHE's first annual Sustainable Rural Communities report w
18/01/2018
Irish Water is to invest €260,000 to develop a pumping station and a new storm water holding tank in Co Louth. Upgrade work will be carried out to the Tinure Wastewater Treatment Plant and new inlet screening will be installed at the facility. The new storm water tank will increase the capacity at
18/01/2018
Work is to start next week on a carriageway resurfacing project in Portadown. A total of £150,000 is being invested to carry out the scheme on Scotch Street and Moy Road. The work will begin on Monday, 22 January, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 02 February. A road closure will be nece
18/01/2018
Work has started to replace 720 metres of old and ageing watermains in Smear Hill, Co Longford. A total of 600 metres in Corbaun have already been replaced to improve water supply for residents living in the area. Final reinstatement work in Corbaun is expected to be completed this week. The proje
18/01/2018
A new campaign has launched to urge the public to plan ahead to avoid contact with overhead power lines. The 'Look Out Look Up!' campaign launched after an increase in the number of incidents in farms and fields. NIE Networks is supporting the campaign and has issued advice for the agricultural an
18/01/2018
Dawson WAM and NI Water are continuing to undergo work to improve the sewerage infrastructure and key pumping stations in Bangor, Co Down. NI Water confirmed it is investing £10million in the major capital works programme. The current phase of the programme involves the replacement of the existing
18/01/2018
Contractors Coffey Northumbrian have been appointed by Irish Water to carry out upgrade work to improve the water supply in Tivoli, Cork. The firm will be required to improve 2.4km of water mains in the area and the scheme also includes the replacement of old water mains along the Lower Glanmire Ro
18/01/2018
South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is being urged to amend the SDZ Planning Scheme for Clonburris to increase the percentage of social and affordable housing that will be developed. Labour spokesperson on Affordable Housing, Joanna Tuffy, said SDCC has only required 10% social housing in its draft
18/01/2018
The Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection has confirmed that the current rates and payment period of the fuel allowance will be reviewed. Minister Regina Doherty changed her decision to carry out a review, despite refusing to do so during deliberations of the Social Welfare Bill last
17/01/2018
Contractors Ward & Burke have completed pipe laying works on the Sligo Water Mains and Sewer Rehabilitation project ahead of schedule. The works, which were due to be completed by the end of March this year, represent a €6.8 million investment by Irish Water in Sligo and will ensure an improved sup
17/01/2018
Around 600 homes in the Craigavon, Newry and Ballyclare areas have been left without electricity following the heavy snow throughout Northern Ireland. Workers from NIE Networks are continuing to work to restore the power, however difficult road and field conditions are continuing to disrupt many of
17/01/2018
Work is continuing to develop a new interceptor sewer to connect Newbridge to the Osberstown Wastewater Treatment Plant in co Kildare. Work on the Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme will reduce overflows to the River Liffey at Kilbelin and Newhall, ensure that wastewater is treated and discharged
17/01/2018
Fianna Fáil is calling for a new Housing Authority to take the lead in delivering social and 'affordable' homes right across Ireland. Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen TD also challenged the housing figures used by Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy after responding to the Minister's publication of n
17/01/2018
Construction work is to start on a widening scheme for the Comber Greenway in Belfast. The work will widen the existing Greenway between Holywood Arches and East Link Road. A total of £350,00 is to be invested in the project and the work is to begin on 18 January. For health and safety reasons ea
17/01/2018
The Minister for Rural & Community Development has been slammed for failing to spending the €163million allocated last year. A total of €19m of allocated funds remained unspent, despite work being needed in infrastructure projects throughout Ireland. Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív said the underspend
17/01/2018
The Alliance Party has called on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to confirm to social housing residents the disruption it will cause to maintenance works after construction firm Carillion announced it was going into liquidation. The firm currently three contracts the NIHE for home maintenanc
17/01/2018
Sinn Fein is calling for the Local Property Tax in Ireland to be abolished. The party made the call after the government announced it is to reveiew the tax. The party's spokesperson Pearse Doherty said that the pending increases are an inevitable result of the design flaws of the property tax. He
17/01/2018
Residents are being urged to support the campaign to extend Luas Cross City via Finglas to the Metro North at Ballymun. Fianna Fail TD Dublin City Councillor lPaul McAuliffe is calling on residents to sign a petition which was launched recently. He said: "The proposal to develop the Luas in D11 wa
17/01/2018
The government has been accused of using "dodgy data" over the number of real social homes throughout Ireland owned by local authorities and approved housing bodies (AHBs). Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD asked Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy how many real social homes were owned by l
16/01/2018
The Federation of Small Businesses have issued advice to businesses affected by businesses they supply going into liquidation January is often a demanding time for businesses, large and small. After demanding trading over the Christmas period, some may even be forced to call in the administrators o
16/01/2018
The events surrounding the demise of construction giant Carillion should be "thoroughly investigated", as the international construction company faces inevitable liquidation, Sinn Féin's Chris Hazzard has said. The South Down MP said: "It's imperative in the short term that the Government, and loca
16/01/2018
The Taoiseach has been urged to clarify when all homes and businesses will have access to a high-speed broadband connection. Making the call, Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith , said that large parts of Cavan and Monaghan fall under the Government's National Broadband Plan, but the
16/01/2018
A significantly enhanced road investment programme has been announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross. The announcement follows the conclusion of the Capital Plan Review process from October. Overall, an additional €486 million was secured for roads for the period of 201
16/01/2018
The Department of Education and Skills and National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) are currently assessing the implications of the news that construction firm Carillion has entered liquidation. Carillion is the lead consortium member and a 50% shareholder in InspiredSpaces, the Special Purpose V
15/01/2018
NI-based workers for construction giant Carillion are holding emergency meetings with unions after it was announced this morning that the firm has entered compulsory liquidation. Thousands of jobs are now at risk as discussions between the company, its lenders and the government failed to reach an
15/01/2018
Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey has called on the government to create a range of 'affordable' housing schemes to help get families, couples and individuals onto the property ladder. The Dun Laoghaire TD said she wants to see a broad range of options created in the rental and purchase sector, which will
15/01/2018
An informational event to discuss the need for social and affordable housing in Trillick, Co Tyrone is to take place later this month. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) said following a recent meeting with various key stakeholders, the issue of housing provision in the area was discusse
15/01/2018
Education Minister Richard Bruton has been called upon to act "as quickly as possible" in regard to five school projects that have been left hanging in the balance following the collapse of major UK contractor, Carillion Fianna Fáil's Education Spokesperson, Thomas Byrne, said decisiveness from the
12/01/2018
A new interactive centre dedicated to educating on climate change has officially opened in Co Wicklow. Sir Richard Branson opened the Cool Planet Experience at Powerscourt on Wednesday, 10 January. Fianna Fail TD for Wicklow Stephen Donnelly said: "The centre's opening marks the culmination of yea
12/01/2018
Labour has hit out at Fianna Fail after the party confirmed it is to go ahead with an 'Affordable Housing' plan. The party's spokesperson, Joanna Tuffy, said while she welcomed the report in the Irish Times the move has come "too late". Ms Tuffy said: "For the last two years the Labour Party has a
12/01/2018
Clancourt Group has been chosen to develop a new Global Headquarters for IDA Ireland. The building is to be located at Three Park Place on Upper Hatch Street in Dublin. IDA Ireland selected Three Park Place as the most suitable location following a thorough and detailed tendering process supported
12/01/2018
The Government and Fianna Fail have been called to urgently address the housing crisis in Ireland. Labour spokesperson on housing Jan O'sullivan made the call and said the State must now take an active role in the development of affordable housing. Deputy O'Sullivan said: "As far back as Summer 20
12/01/2018
The Minister for Office and Public Works (OPW) has visited Co Wicklow to see the damage flooding has caused in the area. Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran viewed coastal erosion at both Murrough and Arklow North Beach. Fianna Fail TD for Wicklow Stephen Donnelly said: "Minister Moran and the OPW toured
12/01/2018
A new aseptic suite is to be developed at Craigavon Hospital in Co Armagh. Construction work on the £3.37 million suite is to begin soon and the building is expected to be completed by January 2019. Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd welcomed the announcement. He said: "The new aseptic suite will be attac
11/01/2018
Concerns have been raised over the government's "lack of action" on climate change. Sinn Fein Senator Máire Devine also hit out after it was revealed that the government is going to have to pay heavy fines for missing Ireland's EU2020 commitments. She made the announcement after Minister for Clim
11/01/2018
Transport Minister Shane Ross has been urgently called to allocate funding for upgrade work to be carried out on the N11. Fianna Fail made the call after a study found several elements of the N11 that need to be improved to tackle the ongoing congestion. TD for Wicklow and East Carlow, Stephen Don
11/01/2018
The DUP has welcomed news that a firm in Newry has scooped a multi-million pound deal to refit a luxury Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Belfast. MJM will refit the Azamara Pursuit and the scheme is expected to bring more jobs and investment to the NI's economy. East Belfast DUP MP Gavin Robinson sa
11/01/2018
Moderate to high levels of air pollution are expected across urban centres in Northern Ireland today, 11 January. In a statement the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said: "The wind is expected to strengthen from the early hours of Friday morning which should disperse pollutants and brin
11/01/2018
Grid operators EirGrid and SONI have announced they have joined Coreso, the coordinating body aimed at ensuring security of electricity supply across Western Europe. Coreso was established following serious power disruption in Europe in 2006 that resulted in 15 million people being left without pow
11/01/2018
Outline planning permission for the development of 3,500 new homes in L'Derry has been given the green light. Plans for the major development on land west of the Buncrana Road between Whitehouse Road and Benview Estate also includes community facilities, open space, cycle/pedestrian routes and vehi
10/01/2018
The Government has been called upon to start delivering new homes after it was revealed that Ireland is 6,000 homes behind its Rebuilding Ireland social housing targets. The data, revealed by Fianna Fáil Housing Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD, shows the Government delivered 743 homes in the first nine
10/01/2018
The Minister for Office and Public Works is being urged to invest funding for flood defences for Arklow. Fianna Fail TD, Stephen Donnelly, is to meet with Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran on Thursday, 11 January, to discuss Murrough and Arklow Coastal Defences. Deputy Donnelly said: "For months now I'
10/01/2018
Resurfacing work has started on a £220,000 road improvement project in Armagh. Work on the scheme on the A28 Killylea Road includes drainage and verge reinstatement work which will improve the strength and surface quality of about half a mile of a rural section of the road near Killylea. The work
10/01/2018
Refurbishment work at a Church in Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast has been completed. H&J Martin Asset Management Services Minor Works Team carried out the redecoration work, which was part of their MTC Contract with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. All previously painted surfaces and stain
10/01/2018
Quinn Automatic has started construction work on the development of two play parks in Ballymagroarty and Kilfennan, Co L'Derry. The schemes have been jointly funded by the Social Investment Fund under the NI Executive's Delivering Social Change framework, and the Council through its Parks Developme
10/01/2018
Fianna Fail has hit out after it was revealed that only 40 new homes are being developed in Farganstown, Co Meath, instead of 62. TD for Meath West, Shane Cassels, said the deal involves the inclusion of the cost of the land which was purchased a number of years ago, which means the cost of buildin
10/01/2018
The Alliance Party have pledged to promote and support Infrastructure projects throughout Northern Ireland. MLA Kellie Armstrong made the announcement after attending the official launch of Northern Ireland's Year of Infrastructure, adding the aim over the next 12 months was to communicate to every
10/01/2018
Sinn Fein is calling for a ban on all products containing microbeads in Northern Ireland. The party's Spokesperson on Energy, the Environment and Climate Change, Cathal Boylan made the call following a decision to prohibit the manufacture of the plastic product in England. He said: "Every year tho
09/01/2018
Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance is to develop 39 new homes in Ballymun, Dublin. Last year the firm completed work on 49 new houses in Poppintree. Labour spokesperson Cllr Andrew Montague welcomed the announcement, however he called for the government to deliver more "affordable" housing. He said: "T
09/01/2018
Work on a new £120,000 cycle lane in Co Fermanagh is expected to be completed within eight weeks. The cycle lane, located on the Sligo Road in Enniskillen, will connect the large residential areas of Coleshill and Windmill Heights with the existing cycle track on Henry Street, providing a 700-metre
09/01/2018
A firm in Newry has scooped a multi-million pound deal to refit a luxury Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Belfast. MJM will refit the Azamara Pursuit and the scheme is expected to bring more jobs and investment to the NI's economy. SDLP spokesperson Daniel McCrossan welcomed the announcement. He sa
09/01/2018
Consumers who took out their mortgage prior to 2006 are to be included in the Tracker Mortgage examination, according to Central Bank. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance, Michael McGrath, said customers affected by the tracker scandal have been treated disgracefully by their banks. He said: "Cert
09/01/2018
Fine Gael has hit out at Transdev and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for failing to give considerable notice to LUAS users after works started on the line and altered services. Senator Neale Richmond confirmed he had been notified by a number of frustrated people who have been affected by t
09/01/2018
The first bulk payment of annual tax-free premiums for this year for forest owners has been released. Around 7,300 forest premiums have been paid this week totalling €27.8 million. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle, said: "The Department will con
09/01/2018
Fianna Fail is calling for repair works to a health centre in Donegal to be carried out immediately. The facility in Quigley's Point was damaged by flooding last August. The HSE confirmed the works are expected to be completed by April 2018, however TD Charlie McConalogue said it seems an "excepti
09/01/2018
The government has been accused of hiding behind "official" figures in an attempt to spin its success, according to Sinn Fein. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD also called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to abandon the current misleading data source of ESB meter connection data to officially
08/01/2018
Conwell Contracts is to begin work on a sewer rehabiltation project in Groomsport, Bangor. The work will take place in Springwell Park, Springwell Crescent, Groomsport Road and the Donaghadee Road. They are expected to take up to four months to complete. The works will improve the existing infras
08/01/2018
Fianna Fáil is calling on An Bord Pleanála to confirm a date for the public hearing over the future of College Green in Dublin, after commuters were warned of traffic disruptions in the area. Fianna Fail spokesperson on Dublin Deputy Lahart made the comments after it was revealed that An Bord Plean
08/01/2018
The Housing Minister has been slammed over his "bad decision" to reappoint Conor Skehan as Chair of the Housing Agency. Sinn Fein housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said the Minister Eoghan Murphy's decision is "hard to understand", and said Mr Skehan's recent comments about homeless families "ga
08/01/2018
Statutory agencies have been called to review their land ownership to help identify any surplus land suitable for housing. Alliance Councillor David Armitage made the call after he revealed that 66,000 new homes will be needed in Belfast by 2035. He was speaking during a motion he brought at Belf
08/01/2018
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), which was established in 2010 to clear up the indebted property mess, has achieved most of its objectives, according to Labour. Spokesperson on Urban Regeneration Joe Costello said paid back the $30 billion which it borrowed from the State to buy out th
08/01/2018
Fine Gael has been accused of abandoning people in mortgage arrears in Ireland. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath TD said the pitifully low number of completed mortgage to rent cases since 2012 is evidence that Fine Gael has abandoned people. He said: "The fact that a mere 282 mo
08/01/2018
Low carbon and renewable energy production is out performing fossil fuel production, according to new information by Dr Iain Staffell. Sinn Fein said the data shows that "positive steps" are being taken to move towards a low carbon society. Environment Spokesperson Cathal Boylan MLA said: "However
08/01/2018
A new legal challenge has been lodged against the £800 million A5 L'Derry to Dublin Road upgrade, according to the Department of Infrastructure. Sinn Fein is disappointed over the challenge, however said it is "not unexpected". Ms Elisha McCallion said: "Having met the Department of Infrastructure
05/01/2018
New figures have revealed 2017 was a solid year for job increases across Ireland's construction and engineering sectors. Enterprise Ireland, the Government agency responsible for developing Irish business globally, has reported an 8% rise in the number of construction jobs created last year compare
05/01/2018
The Labour Party has called for the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) to be reconfigured as the State's National Housing Body. Labour spokesperson on Urban Regeneration Joe Costello, made the call in response to the organisation's end of year summary, which he said provides "much food for tho
05/01/2018
Contractor Farrans Utilities is to begin work on a £2.4 million water mains improvement scheme in Cookstown. Approximately 30km of new watermains will be installed in the Orritor Road area of the town and the eight-week scheme will get underway on Monday, 08 January. Work will be carried out in tw
05/01/2018
Work is continuing on a play area upgrade project in Brooke Park, Derry/L'Derry. Contractors Allplay Ireland completed the installation of new wheelchair friendly play equipment at the site in December. However, the weather dependent installation of supporting infrastructure around the site cannot
05/01/2018
Fine Gael has unveiled new legislation which will ensure fire time buyers are protected from losing their deposit. The Bill has been sent to the Oireachtas by the party's Dublin North West TD, Noel Rock, and will be presented to Dáil Éireann later this year. Deputy Rock said the current law states
05/01/2018
Plans have been approved for a new mixed-use housing development in Derry/L'Derry. Pragma Planning, on behalf of Coredale Management, has secured outline planning permission for the development of land west of the Buncrana Road between Whitehouse Road and Benview Estate, Coshquin. Up to 3,500 new
04/01/2018
Belfast City Council has announced it's intention to reform Planning Services, with a renewed focus on how it communicates with various customer groups. The announcement follows recommendations in a report it commissioned by Scotland's former Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon CBE and broad consultation
04/01/2018
Engineers are continuing work to restore power to around 200 homes and businesses in Southern and Eastern areas of Northern Ireland. NIE Networks' emergency crews have restored power to more than 25,000 properties following Storm Eleanor and the subsequent bad weather on Wednesday, 03 January. The
04/01/2018
Small businesses affected by flooding as a result of Storm Eleanor can receive humanitarian funding support, the Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, has announced. Sports clubs, community organisations and business with up to 20 employees who are unable to secure flood insurance w
04/01/2018
Irish Water is continuing work to restore the water supply to small number of customers in Co Leitrim. Around 10 homes in the Geaglom area of North Co. Leitrim are currently without water due to a power outage at a local booster pump station caused by Storm Eleanor and recent bad weather. Bottled w
04/01/2018
A £200,000 major resurfacing scheme on the U1226 Meenadoo Road in Gortin will commence on 15 January. Bitmac resurfacing work on several stretches of the Meenadoo Road, totalling 3.5 kilometres, will improve the structural condition of this stretch of carriageway, enhance the running surface and re
04/01/2018
Residents in Co Clare are being reminded to submit their applications for two conservation grants schemes before the deadline at end of this month. Clare County Council has secured €50,000 from the Government under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2018, which is aimed at the repair and conserva
03/01/2018
The importance of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Inquiry continues to be underlined, according to the UUP. Steve Aiken said it is vital that the RHI Inquiry gets answers on what went so badly wrong. The scheme, which was aimed to encourage businesses to switch from fossil fuels to biomass or
03/01/2018
Plans have been approved to develop a new covered reservior at Stillorgan, Dublin. The Stillorgan Reservoir site has supplied drinking water to the community for 150 years. The development includes the draining of one of the reservoirs and the construction of a new covered reservoir. Once the new
03/01/2018
The average rent for new tenancies increased by 10% in 2017 compare to the previous year, according to new figures. The data from the Residential Tenancies Board also surpassed the previous peak ten years ago by 7%. Labour housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan confirmed there are now nearly 9,000 pe
03/01/2018
The Green Party is considering appealing a decision made by Clare County Council to approve permission for coastal erosion management works at a golf course owned by US President Donald Trump. Leader of the party Eamon Ryan T.D. said it was always about protecting the dune ecosystem and the ecology
03/01/2018
A new Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant has launched in Ireland. Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD said it will support the cost of installing a home charger for an electric vehicle up to a maximum of €600. The scheme is being administered by the Sus
03/01/2018
Sinn Fein has slammed the Chair of the Housing Agency after he suggested that families living in emergency accommodation are not genuinely homeless. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD also called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to disassociate himself from the remarks made by Conor
02/01/2018
Construction work on a road improvement project in Portavogie, Co Down, is to start on Monday, 08 January. The £217,000 scheme is taking place on the A2 Main Road and U320 Bog Road. The work will improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway and footway on a 1.2km section of these im
02/01/2018
The Alliance Party has hit out at Transport NI after repair work to a damaged bridge in Bangor caused serious disruption for residents living in the area. Councillor Scott Wilson said the situation should "never have happened". He said: "Following the last major closure in 2016 I had warned Transp
02/01/2018
Coillte Forestry has been accused of "cheating" farmers out of tens of thousands of euros in its Farm Partnership Scheme. Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy said the State owned forestry firm's partnerships does not guarantee a fair return for farmers. An investigation conducted by That's Farming revealed
02/01/2018
The Labour Party is calling for an independent investigation to be carried out for customers affected by the tracker mortgage scandal in Ireland. Around 33,700 mortgage holders were impacted, a jump of nearly 14,000 in the past three months, according to the Central Bank. Spokesperson on Finance,
02/01/2018
Fianna Fail is calling for the projected €3 billion profit by NAMA to be invested in a new social housing provision vehicle as a matter of priority. Figures obtained by the party also revealed that only one in three of the units identified by NAMA for social housing have actually been utilised by l
02/01/2018
Contractors are to begin construction work on a carriageway resurfacing scheme in Newry on Monday, 08 January. The work on the £252,000 Hospital Road scheme will enhance both the structural integrity and surface of the road. Work is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete. The res
02/01/2018
Work to develop a £300,000 two-way cycle lane in Belfast is to start on Monday, 08 January. The scheme Middlepath Street is expected to be completed by the end of March this year. The project will provide 600 metres of cycleway, which will include a segregated two-way cycle lane, bicycle signals a
02/01/2018
The Department for Communities has been slammed over housing consultation. Sinn Fein has claimed the consultation on the review of social housing allocations fails to address housing inequalities. Housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín said the Departments proposals must also be equality assessed i
