Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for December 2008
19/12/2008
Stormont Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has lauded regeneration work taking place at Lissize in Rathfriland. Minister Ritchie highlighted that commitment by local residents to a common goal, harnessed with good community relations, can make a real difference to their lives. During he
19/12/2008
Stormont Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew has announced important changes to cattle registration rules and DNA testing, which will benefit herdkeepers. The new DNA testing measures will assist herd-keepers in appeals procedures by proving calf and dam relationships. The Minister said: "Farmers
19/12/2008
Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew has announced that the BSE testing age will increase to 48 months for all bovines from 1 January 2009. The announcement follows official confirmation from both the Food Standards Agency and Health Ministers that they agree with this change. The minimum BSE testin
19/12/2008
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has launched the government’s framework for economic renewal. Entitled Building Ireland’s Smart Economy : A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal, it sets out a number of priorities and actions that the Government will be taking in the short and medium term. Key elements
19/12/2008
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has launched a new, more accessible programme of Research and Development (R&D) support for companies across Northern Ireland. Invest NI's 'Grant for R&D', which is part funded by the European Regional Development Programme, will make it easier for companies to acc
19/12/2008
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster hopes to improve broadband services in rural areas through the £1.9million Broadband Fund, by announcing the first two companies to be awarded financial assistance from the Broadband Fund, North West Electronics and Avanti Communications Group. The Broadband Fund,
18/12/2008
Clare TD Tony Killeen has welcomed the Department of Education's decision to approve funding for small capital projects at five schools throughout County Clare. Mr Killeen confirmed works will shortly commence on the respective projects at Inagh, Carron, Carrigaholt, Furglan and Clooney National Sc
18/12/2008
A new housing scheme for Irish Travellers has been officially opened in Derry. The Department for Social Development provided £1.63m towards the development of ten new family homes at Labre Park, Derry. Whilst Travellers have been living on this site for over 30 years, this is the first time that
18/12/2008
Dublin Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne has welcomed the opening of Sundial House homeless facility in the city. She said: "Services like this are the key to eradicating long term homelessness. It represents that joined up service that is so vital and I particularly welcome the concept of onsite medical
18/12/2008
A team of marine science experts from Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland have received funding worth almost €6m from the EU to pioneer innovative research into marine renewable energy. The Institutes of Technology in Dundalk and Sligo will work with Queens University Belfast, the University of
18/12/2008
The cost of building and construction materials fell by 0.3% during November, according to new figures. Despite the Central Statistic Office's Wholesale Price Index reporting a decrease last month, the cost of materials is still 3.5% higher than 12 months ago. However, the increase in the buildi
18/12/2008
Businesses in Limerick have welcomed the news of a second annual rates freeze announced by the council. Announcing details of the Council's Budget for 2009, the Limerick County Manager confirmed that the commercial rate for 2009 would remain at the 2007 level. Ned Gleeson said that the decision w
18/12/2008
Improvement works are to take place at Belfast's main Orange Hall - in Clifton Street - to restore the façade of the historic building back to its former glory. The hall is a building with significant architectural merit and includes Belfast's only equestrian statue. The works include removing the
18/12/2008
Ballinruan Community Centre, near Crusheen has been awarded €690.20 under the Government's Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The centre was among fifty-one organisations nationally to receive grants under the scheme, which is administered by local community and voluntary groups and is f
17/12/2008
There's further confirmation of the downturn in the construction sector today with official Irish Government statistics revealing that the level of planning permissions being granted during the third quarter of 2008 is well down on the same period in the previous year. 'Dwelling units' approval fel
17/12/2008
Major construction projects that include a new health and care centre and phase one of a major re-development for Craigavon Area and Daisy Hill Hospitals are among planned infrastructure developments within the Southern Health Trust. Substantial fresh building work and employment for sub contractor
17/12/2008
The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has confirmed that work will begin on the construction of a new greyhound stadium in Limerick in March of next year. The project will generate 250 new construction jobs through to its completion in September 2010. Filling on the Dock Road site is already underway.
17/12/2008
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has published a new report, Energy in Ireland 1990 - 2007, which shows that since 2005, energy-related CO2 emissions have reduced by 1.4%, while the economy grew by 12% during the same period. The report also shows that Ireland is continuing to become more energy e
17/12/2008
While the construction industry in Northern Ireland accounted for approximately one third of a dramatic rise in the number of unemployment benefit claimants in November, job losses have been more widely spread among other sectors this month. Figures released today show the largest monthly increase
17/12/2008
Labour and Sinn Féin are calling for a moratorium on house repossessions. The two political parties tabled a motion in the Dáil last night which also calls for an expansion of the programme of social housing and new measures to deal with the problem of homelessness. The parties claim that in the
17/12/2008
Belfast City Council is set to make a £10 million contribution to the Titanic Signature Project, which would see the creation of hundreds of jobs in the construction sector. The decision, which followed a specially convened committee meeting on Tuesday 16 December, is expected to receive the full r
17/12/2008
The Irish Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe has announced details of seven new schools to be built using Public-Private Partnerships. The schools will be built in six different counties, including Donegal, Leitrim, Galway, Wexford, Waterford and Westmeath, and are expected to provide new school
16/12/2008
Irish Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has announced plans to build seven new schools under Public-Private Partnerships. Spanning across six counties, the new buildings will provide 4,800 pupil places. They will be located in Donegal, Leitrim, Galway, Wexford, Waterford and Westmeath. Six of th
16/12/2008
Supermarket chain Asda has expressed hopes it will receive the go-ahead to build a new flagship store at the Junction One retail park, in County Antrim. Proposals are currently being assessed by the Planning Service, which is expected to return its decision before Christmas. The £25m developmen
16/12/2008
The body representing building employers has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to spend every last pound in its budget for this financial year. The Construction Employers' Federation, responding to yesterday’s spending plan announced by Finance Minister Nigel Dodds, asked for greater detail
16/12/2008
Stormont's top Executive Ministers have this week outlined plans to better deal with the recession into the New Year- including significant support for the construction sector. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have announced new measures which aim to target
16/12/2008
Limerick County Council has signed a €552,638 contract with Meath-based Jons Civil Engineering to commence works on converting the Great Southern Trail from Newcastle West to Barnagh and Newcastle West to Ardagh, Co. Limerick into a walking and cycle path. The dismantled rail line is still owned by
16/12/2008
Dublin's latest indoor entertainment venue will open its doors tonight, with some of the biggest names in pop music set to take to the stage. Ireland's own O2 arena was expanded and refurbished by engineering consultants Buro Happold and architects HOK Sport. The venue now boasts 14,300 seats, fo
16/12/2008
Average weekly earnings for Irish builders fell by one per cent in the 12 months leading to September, the Central Statistics Office has revealed. The figure represents around €8.50 less pay per week. Despite hourly rates increasing by one percent, the earning potential of builders dropped due t
16/12/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed progress on a project to widen and realign a junction at the Carn Road in Craigavon. The Minister also provided an update on his department's £4.3m investment package already underway in the Craigavon area. Mr Murphy said: "Roads Servi
16/12/2008
Dublin-based Derrywood Agencies has officially unveiled its new Gewiss Saturno Architectural Floodlights. The Saturno range offers one fitting with multiple uses for both internal and external locations. A Derrywood spokesman said: "With its unique and innovative design; the Saturno is available
15/12/2008
Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has responded to calls from the Northern Ireland construction sector by releasing a package of building schemes estimated to be worth around £115m, which will be bolstered by a further injection of more than £28m. The Minister also pledged to push forward a capital sp
15/12/2008
A €80m Sligo mixed-use development will kick-off in the New Year, creating 500 much-needed construction jobs, it has been revealed. The town centre scheme was finally granted permission to proceed by the planning board earlier this month, following 13 years of wrangling. Treasury Holdings will
15/12/2008
Fashion retailer River Island is to open a new store at the ILAC shopping centre in Dublin, it has been announced. The city centre store will encompass 15,000 square feet, spanning two levels of shopping space, with a main entrance on to Henry Street. The letting terms were agreed between the re
15/12/2008
Around 300 much-needed construction jobs are to be created with the building of two Londonderry schools in a scheme valued at £38m. Newry Construction firm O'Hare & McGovern along with its facility's management partner Interserve reached financial close on the Public Private Partnership project ea
15/12/2008
Northern Ireland Transport Minister Conor Murphy has been on site to view progress on the construction of a new £14.6m rail station in Newry. Work started in February this year on the new station and 300 space Park and Ride facility, which are on schedule to be finished by autumn 2009. Clive Bradb
15/12/2008
Hundreds of jobs are set to be created when a multi-million pound large scale, 'one-stop' health care facility is built in Co Antrim. The aim is to build the £16 million community health village in Ballyclare with the firm behind the proposal having just submitted a planning application for a 9,500
15/12/2008
Plans for a half a million pound civic centerpiece in Cookstown have been finalised. Designed to compliment existing buildings on the Burn Road, the public realm scheme will see improved footpaths and street furniture installed. Lighting between William Street and Park Avenue junction will also
15/12/2008
Stormont Transport Minister Conor Murphy has lauded the progress on a £3.5m investment scheme in the Magherafelt area this year, and provided an update on the A6 dualling project and Magherafelt Bypass. The Minister said: "The A6 dualling from Randalstown via the Toome Bypass to Castledawson Rounda
15/12/2008
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has chaired the first meeting of a forum informing built heritage policy. The Built Heritage Stakeholders Forum involves high level decision makers from across Northern Ireland and will focus on the contribution of historic buildings to the economy
12/12/2008
Construction output in Ireland will drop by a further €1bn next year, it has been claimed. The estimated value of the industry for this year was put at €30.5bn, economists, however, have suggested this could drop to €29.1bn in 2009. Industry figures peaked in 2007, with values set at around €38
12/12/2008
An ambitious energy project has been launched by Belfast City Council, which will convert landfill gases into electricity. The scheme, due to be operational by next summer, has been described as having an "enormous environmental benefit to the city", as well as generating income for the council.
12/12/2008
The rapid decline in building work is easing off according to a leading economist. Pat McArdle, a top economist with the Ulster Bank, said contraction in the industry has decelerated towards the end of November. Launching the bank's latest construction purchasing manager's index, Mr McArdlw said
12/12/2008
Another hotel development will open its doors to city tourists in Belfast later this month, following a £23m investment by Park Inn. The city centre scheme will be officially opened on Monday, creating 60 full-time jobs and more part-time posts locally. Park Inn is part of the Carlson hotel grou
12/12/2008
Sinn Féin MLA Willie Clarke has called on Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie to give a clear and definitive timescale for new build social housing projects in the south Down area. Speaking at Ministerial Question Time Mr Clarke said: "There are currently high levels of housing stress in areas of So
12/12/2008
Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy has lauded progress on a £5.1m investment package in the south Down area. The Minister said Roads Service is currently awaiting the outcome of the public inquiry into the draft Ards/Down Area Plan 2015, which includes the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass proposal. "It
12/12/2008
Even in these times of economic recession, the global demand for high-grade tropical hardwoods has never been higher, it has been claimed. According to new figures, annual demand is around 90 million cubic metres, with present demand is satisfied mostly from the deforestation of unsustainable natur
12/12/2008
Four local students have been lauded at a Stormont reception, hosted by ConstructionSkills in NI, for achieving top GCSE marks in built environment courses - with girls leading the way, by taking the best grades. Caoimhe McReynolds from Catherine's College in Armagh achieved joint first place in G
11/12/2008
A new £7m wastewater treatment plant has officially opened in Glenstall, Ballymoney. The new works are capable of treating wastewater flow from a population of approximately 40,650 in the area. The state-of-the-art treatment facility will result in reduced carbon footprint, operational flexibili
11/12/2008
Dublin City Council has terminated the Croke Villas Public Private Partnership procurement process, blaming the economic downturn for its decision. The council's Housing and Residential Services Department is expected to recommend to the Project Board, made up of council officials; the Environmen
11/12/2008
Stormont Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the start of work on a new football pitch at Cathedral Road in Armagh. Mr Ritchie performed a sod cutting ceremony on site for the £275,000 project which, when completed, will provide a much needed recreation facility for Cathedral Road r
11/12/2008
A Europe wide conference, focused on the construction sector, has heard that Ireland will be worst hit by the continued downturn next year, with no signs of recovery in the industry expected until 2011. Delegates were told that output in Ireland and Spain could fall to record level, with around 16
11/12/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has suggested that an A2 dualling scheme close to the Derry City Airport could begin early next year. At a meeting with the local council this week, the Minister provided a detailed update on his department's £5.2m investment package in the area. He to
11/12/2008
The first Forum for North West Mayo, attended by two top Irish ministers, has been held in Belmullet. The meeting, chaired Joe Brosnan is part of a government initiative aimed aims at facilitating dialogue on local issues relating to the Corrib Gas Project, and also offering a public platform the s
11/12/2008
A boil water notice affecting 2,000 customers in Adare, County Limerick, has been lifted. The notice was put in place by the local council on 5 December following the detection of a deterioration in the water quality leaving the Water Treatment Plant in Adare. Extensive testing by the Local Autho
11/12/2008
A further report is suggesting that the majority of mortgage brokers expect the market to remain weak next year. Job loss fears and expectations of further falls in house prices are also anticipated to slow demand, according to the KBC Homeloans/Irish Mortgage Advisers' Federation survey. It said
11/12/2008
Northern Ireland Energy Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed a report, by Douglas McIldoon, into the process which led to the recent electricity price increase. The report follows Mr McIldoon’s independent review of the price setting process, which was commissioned by the Northern Ireland Authority
10/12/2008
Northern Ireland Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie has unveiled a £1.2m public realm "boost" for Kilkeel, to improve "unattractive" parts of the town centre. Works planned for the area include the undergrounding of cables; upgrading of footpaths; increased lighting; and improvements to street
10/12/2008
Plans for a national sports stadium on the site of the former Maze prison will be deferred for another four years, according to reports. However, it has been suggested plans are afoot for a Conflict Resolution Centre at the site, with other major funding expected to be announced in the New Year to
10/12/2008
Preparation work on the A3 Armagh link road scheme between Armagh and Monaghan has begun following the announcement by the Road Service of the preferred ‘out of town’ route a few months ago. The proposed 6.9km long carriageway road will link from the A3 Portadown Road on the east side of the city
10/12/2008
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has congratulated an Irish recipient of one of Scotland's most prestigious renewable industry awards. The Scottish Renewables Green Energy Awards were announced at a gala ceremony, last week, which saw over 700 individuals from communities, the European renewables indust
10/12/2008
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has lauded the proposed Titanic Quarter development a "fine example" of how developers and planners can work effectively together to deliver key projects rapidly. During a visit to the quarter in east Belfast, the Minister hailed the progress that
10/12/2008
Stormont Transport Minister Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the progress made on a £3.8m Roads Service investment in Coleraine. Mr Murphy, meeting with local councillors, said the realignment of an ‘S’ bend on the Ballymacrea Road, Portrush and the extension of the cycle path along Sea Road, Ca
10/12/2008
Belfast's new shopping mecca Victoria Square has picked up another top industry award. The regeneration scheme, designed by BDP, lifted a Gold award at a BCSE gala dinner earlier this week. Gold awards are given by the jury to any project that they consider demonstrates innovation and excellence,
10/12/2008
Outstanding engineering students from the University of Ulster have been recognised at a special award ceremony. The awards, sponsored by leading manufacturing firm, Schrader Electronics, aim to strengthen relationships between the University, students and industry. Professor Robin Clarke, Head of
09/12/2008
Two hundred and fifty much-needed construction jobs at to be created at a Limerick greyhound stadium project, it has been revealed. Work on the new stadium will begin in March, the Irish Greyhound Board confirmed today. The project will generate 250 new construction jobs through to its completio
09/12/2008
Limerick City Council has announced plans for a distributor road along the north west of the city. Council officials say they have identified a necessary extension from Coonagh Roundabout on the N18 northwards to the Knockalisheen Road. The proposed scheme will also provide a link road to Moyro
09/12/2008
Almost €2m worth of capital funding projects have been announced for Cork, Kerry, Leitrim, Offally and Tipperary. The €1.8m investment package capital will go towards improving and extending six family resource centres. Families Minister Mary Hanafin made the announcement yesterday, stating the
09/12/2008
A new €6m pavilion stand at Cork Racecourse, Mallow, has been officially opened by Irish Minister Batt O'Keefe. A full day of racing was accompanied by music from 'Nice and Easy', and children's entertainment, including a bouncy castle and face painting. Horse Racing Ireland's Chief Executive Bri
09/12/2008
Dún Laoghaire council has announced proposals for the closure of Murphystown Road to allow for the installation of a new watermain. Pierse Contracting Ltd has submitted plans to close the road from 5 January until 14 February 2009 to complete the installation work, as part of the Sandyford High Le
09/12/2008
Energy Minister of State Sean Power has officially launched new Geological Heritage Guidelines for the extractive industry - a joint initiative involving the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Irish Concrete Federation. The guidelines are intended for Irish Concrete Federation members so that the
09/12/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has lauded the progress on a £2.3m investment package for the Larne area. Mr Murphy highlighted the improved visibility at a number of junctions, including those at Ballyhampton Road/Old Ballyhampton Road and at Gobbins Road/Mullaghboy Road. The Minis
09/12/2008
A Comber plumber was fined a total of £500, plus £250 costs, at Newtownards Magistrates' Court yesterday (8 December 2008). In a case brought by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards Service, Edward Kenneth Hopkins (60), of Carnesure Park, Comber, who traded as Comb
08/12/2008
Dublin City Council has announced plans to inject €8.5m into the regeneration of St Michael’s Estate, O’Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street. Originals proposals for the schemes fell through earlier this year, when a Public Private Partnership was deemed no longer viable. Dublin City Council sai
08/12/2008
Ireland's largest electrical trade association has called on the National Joint Industrial Counsel and labour court to abandon further pay talks. The National Electrical Contractors Ireland (NECI) said all of its 600 members, as well as 90% of employers in the sector, have opposed the 5% pay incre
08/12/2008
A new housing scheme for Irish Travellers has been officially opened in Derry. The Department for Social Development provided £1.63m towards the 10 new family homes at Labre Park, Derry. Whilst Travellers have been living on this site for over 30 years, this is the first time that they will be abl
08/12/2008
There is no risk to public health from the toxic waste found at the former Irish Steel plant in Cork, an assessment has concluded. A report, released this morning, suggested the site poses no identifiable threat to local residents. Despite readings of deadly toxins, including Chromium 6, at the
08/12/2008
Fold Housing Association has advertised a £20m project to build up to 112 new homes in Northern Ireland. Works will cover the construction of around 104 houses and eight flats. Extensive remodelling of the site and construction of retaining walls will also come under the deal. Between six and 10
08/12/2008
Tesco opened its fifteenth new premises in Ireland today. The Drogheda store has created 220 jobs in the area, with a selection of produce on offer supplied by six local Louth producers. Located just off the M1, in Rathmullan Business Centre, the store is Tesco’s second Drogheda outlet and its fo
08/12/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has lauded the success of a £7.2m improvement scheme in Lisburn. Mr Murphy told Lisburn City Council of the progress made on the M1 Westlink project. "This capital project is on target to be finalised in early 2009 when its full potential will be real
08/12/2008
A boil water notice was last night issued in Adare town by Limerick County Council. The notice was dispatched following consultation with the Health Service Executive. It is believed around 2,000 customers will be affected by this disruption to service. Almost 700 households are affected by the p
08/12/2008
Freefoam Plastics, a market leader in roofline colour choice and technology, has reported that sales of its coloured roofline products continue to increase significantly in all geographic markets including the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. This growth reflects the fact that 76% of the market n
05/12/2008
Plans for a £10m hotel complex in County Down are to be challenged at the High Court. Glasdrumman residents, who live between Newcastle and Kilkeel, have filed for a judicial review of the Planning Service's decision to allow the hotel and chalet scheme. The 50-room hotel and 20-chalet project,
05/12/2008
Belfast's ambitious Victoria Square retail complex has been internationally recognised for its regeneration impact. The £400m development was lauded at the MAPIC Eg Retail Awards in France, picking up the Urban Regeneration Initiative of the Year title. The prize was collected by a delegation f
05/12/2008
The planning appeals body has refused permission for a new housing development at Greencastle in Inishowen. Twenty-two homes were planned for the Drumaweir development, as part of the third phase of larger residential scheme. Provisions had been made for the construction of a further 22 semi-det
05/12/2008
Calls from Ireland's leading workers union that building firms should be blocked from state contracts have been strongly criticised by the boss of the Construction Industry Federation. CIF Director Tom Parlon said there was no basis for SIPTU President Jack O'Connor's statement, accusing Mr O'Conn
05/12/2008
Irish homebuilder Abbey PLC has reported a €5.93m loss in pre-tax profits in interim results published today. The figures stretch from the six months ending in October. This is a dramatic fall for the Dublin-based firm, in comparison to the €18.2m profit earned during the same period last year.
05/12/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has detailed the progress on a £5.5m maintenance and local transport scheme in the Dungannon area. Work on the A4 Dungannon to Ballygawley dual carriageway and single carriageway realignments on the Ballygawley to Aughnacloy and Ballygawley to Augher roa
05/12/2008
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a review of her Department and Invest Northern Ireland’s economic development policy, which will be headed-up by leading university professors. Richard Barnett, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ulster will be supported by four high calibre indivi
05/12/2008
Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith and Minister of State Tony Killeen have announced the appointment of Jim Fennell as Chairperson of the Marine Institute. Minister Killeen described the new chairperson as being very well respected within his profession, a reputation he had earned through hard work
04/12/2008
Stormont Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has announced provisions aimed at tackling the backlog in the province's planning service. Mr Wilson said a streamlined scheme could be rolled out across all council areas by next Spring. The Minister said a streamlined scheme, already operating in Derry
04/12/2008
Coca-Cola's plans to build a new plant in Wexford will bring 500 much-needed construction jobs, the local council has heard, Describing the building work as a "major shot in the arm" for the sector, Mayor Ted Howlin told council colleagues the global corporation’s interest Wexford in could sustain
04/12/2008
Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy has lauded a number of Public Private Partnership (PPP) schemes operating in the Banbridge area. Works being progresses via PPP packages include the A1 grade separated junction schemes located at the Banbridge Road, Dromore; Dromore Road, Banbridge; and the Dubl
04/12/2008
One of Ireland's most influential workers' unions has called for the greater protection of those facing home repossession. SIPTU said a moratorium on mortgage payments should be made available for people who have lost their jobs. Union officials have suggested people unable to make repayments sho
04/12/2008
A significant water services investment has been announced by Northern Ireland Water, to improve facilities in Cookstown. The £18m scheme was unveiled to the local council officials last month. Works will include the upgrade of Cookstown and Pomeroy Wastewater Treatment Works, watermains rehabi
04/12/2008
Northern Ireland Communities Minister Margaret Ritchie has paid tribute to the work of Ramona House, a project in Omagh for people suffering from alcohol related problems. During a visit to the project, the Minister learned about the programmes in place to help residents move back into independent
04/12/2008
Acara Concepts has said the firm is "thrilled" with the response to its ecological, natural soundproofing board, Phonewell, which was exhibited recently for the first time at Plan Expo. A spokeswoman for Acara Concepts said: "Phonewell really caught people's imagination because it is a very versa
04/12/2008
A Craigavon-based ramp manufacturer has been awarded the 100th Invest Northern Ireland Innovation Voucher, it has been announced. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster presented the prize to Access Needs Ltd, as part of Invest NI's Innovation Voucher initiative, which was launched in June 2008. Smal
03/12/2008
Northern Ireland Water has announced a £19m investment programme in Fermanagh to improve water and wastewater services in the area. The investment, announced at a Fermanagh District Council meeting late last month, relates to a number of schemes that are already underway or planned to commence wit
03/12/2008
A record tax settlement has been made at an Irish court, forcing an Offaly concrete firm to payout more than €8m in overdue duties. Revenue officials probed family-owned Condron Concrete Works, based in Tullamore, over offshore assests. Investigators found that the firm, founded by John Condron i
03/12/2008
Offshore renewable energy usage in Northern Ireland took another step forward yesterday, with the appointment of a contractor to conduct further viability studies. Energy Minister Arlene Foster has sanctioned Faber Maunsell, a major UK consultancy, to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment
03/12/2008
Irish Employment Minister Billy Kelleher has officially opened a the new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tipperary. Plans for the Cashel-based development laboratory and finished goods testing facility were announced by Cordis Corporation in July 2006, and supported by IDA Ireland. The
03/12/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has lauded the progress on a £5.8m investment scheme in the Armagh area. The Minister revealed that the Armagh North and West Link Road is due to commence within the next five years, subject to the level of funding available and land vesting. Meeting wi
03/12/2008
A County Down rigging firm has bolstered international sales with help from Invest NI. Irish Spars and Rigging Ltd, based in Saintfield, has increased export turnover, making it a market leader in masts, rigging and bespoke canvas work supplies to the marine sector. The firm also provides archit
03/12/2008
Ireland's first eco-village has reportedly appointed a construction manager to oversee the ambitious project. According to the Nenagh Guardian, Liam Ryan from local firm Ryan Teese Architects will co-ordinate construction schemes at the Cloughjordan site. He will be responsible for the overall i
03/12/2008
Ulster building firms have been urged to emulate the success of two internationally acclaimed local projects by competing for a top industry award. Previously winner of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards have included Belfast's Orchard Building and Omagh’s Strule Arts Centr
03/12/2008
Dublin City Council has been granted a licence to build its controversial waste incinerator at Poolbeg. The Environmental Protection Agency passed the licenece following weeks of discussions and opposition from environmental groups, residents groups and members of the Daíl. The plant has already
02/12/2008
More than half a million pounds has been allocated for regeneration works aimed at improving Warrenpoint town centre, in County Down. The funding was announced by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, who said the £530,000 scheme would focus on installing underground cables, upgrading foot
02/12/2008
Work has finished on a new £3.8m sewage pumping facility at Derry city's Victoria Market, Northern Ireland Water has confirmed. Part of an overall £21.6m upgrade programme on the city's existing sewerage network, NI Water said the new facility will benefit residents and businesses. Director of E
02/12/2008
Renovation works have begun on sixteen privately owned homes in Upperlands, one of Ireland's oldest linen villages. The £230,000 scheme is being carried out by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). NIHE's Director of Design and Property Services, Dr John McPeake, said the terraced prope
02/12/2008
The Environment Minister has called on Dublin City Council to reconsider its approval for a controversial waste incinerator plant in Poolbeg. The council has already granted planning permission, for what is dubbed one of Europe's largest urban incinerators. Minister John Gormley supported local
02/12/2008
A scale model is to be built of the contentious Broadway underpass as part of a plan to prevent a recurrence of severe flooding last summer which left the newly built multi-million pound underpass - part of the Westlink motorway - under 20 feet of water. The £40,000 model, probably on a scale of on
02/12/2008
Sligo County Council has announced plans to build a waste water pumping station at a site in the townlands of Carrowgobbadagh and Drumaskibole. Works at the development will include the construction of a vacuum pumping station, a pressure pumping station, a control building, and an emergency overf
02/12/2008
Stormont Transport Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the completion of road safety measures in the Antrim area, which have been delivered through a £3.1m investment package from his department. Meeting with Antrim Borough Council, the Minister said: "250 metres of footway has been constructed on
02/12/2008
Clare County Council has been given the green light to implement new subsidy payments for dozens of group water schemes throughout the county. Environment Minister Michael Kitt sanctioned the move, which will generally exempt households connected to group water schemes from having to pay for water.
02/12/2008
Northern Ireland Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has paid tribute to the work of Rosemount House, a hostel for recovering alcoholics, on Belfast's Antrim Road. During a visit to the hostel, the Minister learned about the programmes in place to help residents move back into independent
01/12/2008
Limerick City Council has unveiled a major €50m Regeneration Plan, which it says will transform Limerick into one of Europe’s most vibrant and living centres. The proposed plan includes the remodelling and pedestrianisation of Limerick’s centre and the development of a new Orbital Route that will s
01/12/2008
A third lane on Belfast's M1 Westlink opened this morning, with the Roads Minister predicting a significant improvement of traffic flow in and around the city. Work on the entire scheme is expected to be complete by early next year, and Roads Service's Westlink Project Manager Roy Spiers said his
01/12/2008
One hundred and fifty construction jobs are to be created with the building of a new university library at Maynooth, the Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has announced. The state-of-the-art facility, due to be completed by 2011, will employ a further 20 people to run the library. Mr O'Keeffe said
01/12/2008
Construction industry professionals have delivered a stinging letter to the Northern Ireland Executive, calling for action to save engineering, architecture and surveying jobs, which they say will be necessary when an economic recovery occurs. A number of bodies representing professional workers p
01/12/2008
A €40m retail development proposed for the heart of Limerick city has stalled indefinitely after an appeal was filed with An Bord Pleanana, despite the scheme already being given the green light by the local planning authority. Opposition was lodged with the appeals body a mere two days before t
01/12/2008
Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has announced a £117m capital investment package for services in the South Eastern Trust area, designed to improve delivery over the next three years. This funding is part of a total planned spend of over £417m in capital over the next 10 years. New dev
01/12/2008
The employment situation in Arklow, County Wicklow, has received another major setback with the news that local tile manufacturer VitrA Tiles is to cease production for a time in the new year. With the lay-offs set to last for at least two months, the decision comes in response to the low sterling-
01/12/2008
Northern Ireland must step-up efforts to tackle waste management issues, the Environment Minister has warned, pointing at a possible capital investment in new treatment facilities. Sammy Wilson, speaking at a Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) conference last week, insisted the waste secto
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