Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for May 2008
30/05/2008
Growing competition among contractors in the Irish market, due to a slowdown in new projects, has led to a reduction in tender prices, according to the Society of Chartered Surveyors Tender Price Index. The latest index, compiled by the Society’s Quantity Surveying 2,200 members, is based on actual
30/05/2008
Two major new housing developments have been officially opened - by no less than the Irish President - who was undertaking the twin engagements, one on each side of the Derry-Donegal border. Mary McAleese was in attendance at the pioneering social housing estate in Derry, where, as part of a series
30/05/2008
NI Finance Minister Peter Robinson has welcomed the launch of new guidelines on equality of opportunity and sustainable development, in the public sector contracting process, which could decide how £6bn worth of future projects are awarded. The guidance has been developed by the Central Procurem
30/05/2008
Two Co Antrim men who pretended to be paramilitaries have been jailed for their role in a so-called protection racket. William McTaggart (38) of Carmeen Drive admitted blackmailing a building contractor who was carrying out work in The Diamond area of the Rathcoole estate in Newtownabbey, earlier t
30/05/2008
NI Environment Minister Arlene Foster has said her association with the newly formed Better Regulations Board will not take a "soft approach". Speaking at a meeting of the Board yesterday, aimed at developing a working partnership between industry and commerce in Northern Ireland, the Minister said
30/05/2008
A £2.5 million infrastructure investment has been announced for the North Down Borough Council area this year. Prior to the meeting between Roads Service and North Down Borough Council, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy said: "This year we plan to spend £2.5million on a number of road impr
30/05/2008
A Kilmacrenan-based PVC and aluminium manufacturer has been awared 'Donegal business of the year 2008' by the Donegal County Enterprise Board. North West Aluminium, who provides roofline products for the construction sector, was selected from a short-list of 20 nominated companies. The final decisi
30/05/2008
A Downpatrick man was fined a total of £3,000 for planning offences, at Downpatrick Magistrate's Court yesterday. Alan Telford of St Dillon's Avenue, Downpatrick, faced two counts of non-compliances with Enforcement Notices, and was ordered to pay £1,500 for each offence. The two Enforcement Noti
30/05/2008
A leading Irish building and civil contractor has invested in an innovative new quality management software system. John Paul Construction has agreed to purchase Workspace, a management and information system design to improve delivery, through efficiency. Workspace, developed by Nottingham-b
30/05/2008
A Coleraine student has been named as the recipient of a national Engineering Leadership Advanced Award from The Royal Academy of Engineering. Glenn Sloan, a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate at Queen's University, is one of only 30 people across the United Kingdom to receive the award this year
29/05/2008
Irish Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey will officially open the long-awaited Carlow bypass this afternoon. It is expected the new 18km bypass will reduce the number of vehicles congesting the centre of Carlow, by 9,000 daily. Saving motorists up to 30 minutes during peak time journeys. The €21
29/05/2008
The A6 Glenshane Road, Londonderry, is to undergo a major £600,000 resurfacing project, which is due to commence next week. The Altnagelvin Brae project, stretching from Millbrook Road to the Altnagelvin Hospital entrance, will begin on Monday 2 June and is expected to finish at the end of August.
29/05/2008
Planned tall buildings in Belfast will have to meet new design guidelines, set to be unveiled by NI Environment Minister Arlene Foster. Speaking ahead of a special event, the Tall Buildings Conference, the Minister said her intentions were to provide design guidelines that will advise both develo
29/05/2008
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie commended a west Bann development organisation, while on a visit to a Coleraine community centre, yesterday. The Minister received a tour of the Bertie Peacock community building, part-funded by the DSD’s Neighbourhood Renewal scheme, which consists of
29/05/2008
People in Northern Ireland, who contract Mesothelioma, through contact with asbestos, are to be provided with immediate compensation, under a new Bill introduced by DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie. The Mesothelioma compensation Bill, which passed its second stage at Stormont on Tuesday, will "break
29/05/2008
Up to 10% of future energy needs in Ireland could be provided by bioenergy, which would create 4,000 sustainable jobs and inject hundred of millions into the domestic economy, according to Bioenergy 2008 organisers. Over 15,000 people are expected to meet, next month, at the Teagasc Farmfest at M
29/05/2008
Opportunities in the European commercial property market are to be seized by a leading Irish investment firm, according to reports. Quinlan Private (QP) has reportedly raised over €725m for the new 'Quinlan Private European Strategic Real Estate Fund', €400m of which was generated in the US, with
29/05/2008
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town. Located on a green field site at Norfolk Drive in
29/05/2008
Its not just gas that is to flow from a new Bord Gáis deal - jobs too are to be created with the launch of a new customer service partnership with the global payments company FEXCO - which has its headquarters in Killorglin, Kerry - from where it is running a 'state-of-the-art' customer contact cent
28/05/2008
A new £1 million job investment in Derry is further evidence that the city is driving economic growth in the North West of the island, the NI Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness has said. During the official opening of the new local office of the Consarc Design Group, the Minister also announc
28/05/2008
A Northern Ireland Water pipeline looks set to stop play at a popular Belfast golf course, for up to six months. Original plans suggested the piping could be placed under the fairways at Ormeau Golf Club, but now NI water has said it will have to dig down from the surface to complete the installat
28/05/2008
Traffic lights will go live tonight at a long awaited junction on Belfast's Stockman's Lane. NI Roads Minister Conor Murphy officially announced the opening of the junction yesterday, and said the work, which lasted 27 month, represents another "significant step" towards the completion of the M1/W
28/05/2008
North Belfast residents will receive advice from international regeneration experts today, on how best to develop the deprived area, with the focus on community involvement. North Belfast contains some of the highest levels of deprivation in Northern Ireland with regard to health, education, emplo
28/05/2008
A new energy saving Waterford sports centre looks set to cut CO2 emissions by 558 tonnes, with a projected annual savings of almost €72,000. The Waterford Regional Sports Centre development was supported by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), who granted funding to the project through its Public Sec
28/05/2008
The Northern Ireland Executive's decision to introduce compulsory Energy Performance Certificates for all house sales will come into effect by July. All new builds will have to produce certificates by September, with all property sales and rentals instructed to provide the document by the end of
28/05/2008
Developers across Ireland have been invited to attend a special one-day event in Dublin, next month, aimed at examining the benefits of sustainable building projects. The Sustainabuild 2008 building conference will discuss the costs and profitability in the sustainable building sector, and how fir
28/05/2008
Fermanagh is set to benefit from a £5.5m roads investment, announced by NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy yesterday. Speaking at a meeting with Fermanagh Council, the Minister welcomed a new bridge at Belcoo, built in conjunction with Cavan Council and the National Roads Authority.
28/05/2008
A series of public meetings will be held across Ireland during the next fortnight to discuss policy on architecture. Held by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Irish Architecture Foundation, the meetings will take place at eight locations between 29 May and 12 Jun
28/05/2008
The NI Roads Minister has announced a £2.85m investment plan for Limavady. Meeting last night with Limavady Council, Minister Conor Murphy discussed the ongoing schemes in the area - as well as projects set to commence work this year. The Minister said: "It is proposed to realign and widen the D
28/05/2008
Graffiti is a common sight in inner city areas across Ireland, but one firm is helping tackle the increasing vandalism on buildings and streets in Galway, with a zero tolerance approach. Clean Slate has dedicated itself to removing graffiti around the city. Although the company recognises it is
27/05/2008
Dublin's Grafton Street is not only Ireland's most desirable address; it now ranks sixth, in the world, as the most expensive area to rent property. Grafton Street, proceeded only by New York's Fifth Avenue, Paris's Champs Élysées, the Tverskaya in Moscow and London's Bond and Oxford Streets, comm
27/05/2008
Plans for a controversial runway extension in east Belfast's already busy facility at the George Best Belfast City Airport may be crucial to attracting a buyer. Today's widely anticipated news that the airport has been put up for sale follows denials that it was secretly on the market by the Spanis
27/05/2008
The NI Environment Minister has outlined new environmental guidelines to the Executive - and has rejected calls for an independent body to protect Ulster's environment. But, already the move has sparked a row with conservationists and Executive colleagues. A member of the Assembly's Environment Co
27/05/2008
The cost of relocating a Dundrum hospital to a prison site could prove greater than simply redeveloping the current site, according to a report published today. The report published by the Central Mental Hospital Carers' Group, the Irish Mental Health Coalition and Schizophrenia Ireland says the
27/05/2008
Explorer and environmentalist, Ben Fogle was at Ballyholme on Thursday to launch TIDY Northern Ireland's Green Coast Award which is supported by Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ulster Ltd). The brand new award is a symbol of environmental excellence, aimed at rural beaches in Northern Ireland that may not have
27/05/2008
Williaam Cox Ireland Ltd has been awarded the contract for the design, manufacture and installation of the Lansdowne Road Stadium roof, façade and internal screens. The contract, which is worth more than €20 million, was signed with John Sisk & Son, the Main Contractor, and the Lansdowne Road Stadi
27/05/2008
A new £22 million Wellbeing Centre, the first in Northern Ireland to offer, health, leisure and library facilities under one roof, is opening its doors to the public today. The new centre is a partnership between Belfast City Council, Belfast Health Trust and Belfast Education and Library Board and
27/05/2008
Construction of Galway’s 2009 'Race Village' will only begin a few weeks before next year’s Volvo Ocean Race’s stopover in the city. Due to pass through the city in May 2009, organisers say major construction work, associated with the event will not start any earlier than a month prior to the stop
27/05/2008
A Northern Ireland tombstone maker has accidentally brought to life an entirely new form of environmental-friendly glass. Basil Haslett, from County Antrim, inadvertently invented an original type of glass, etching himself a completely new business path. Mr Haslett transforms the molecular struc
27/05/2008
Tony Killeen, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), has warned that large tracts of land along the River Fergus are in danger of being flooded. Minister Killeen recently met with landowners, community represe
23/05/2008
Belfast's best-known teaching college has picked up two major design awards for its impressive Orchard Building. The building, at Stranmillis University, lifted a Wood NI Award, as well as gaining a commendation in the 'Over £3m' category at the Royal Society of Ulster Design Awards 2008. The ann
23/05/2008
A leading Irish building material firm has announced its latest international acquisition. CRH, who yesterday announced its appointment of a new Chief Executive designate, has purchased a 45% stake in an India-based cement firm. This, according to the firm, this is the first phase of investment
23/05/2008
Despite the slowdown in the housing market, consumer desire, in Ireland, to own a home is still high, according to new research. A survey by GE Money has suggested that one third of those currently renting have the ambition to purchase a home within the next year. Although there are still conc
23/05/2008
NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today welcomed the unveiling of a new multi-use games area in Londonderry, a project that received almost £150,000 of funding from the minister's department. Located in the Waterside area of the Maiden City, the games area offers children and young p
23/05/2008
People using New Line Recycling Centre in Lurgan are reminded that construction work of the centre - which will be increased in size by a third - starts this week. The £857,000 investment will result in much more room at the Craigavon Borough Council run site with compactor skips holding much more
23/05/2008
An urgent warning has been issued to workers on construction sites of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from generators used in unventilated areas. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) have also appealed to employers to remind their employees of the dangers of using generators in enclosed a
23/05/2008
A new Rural Development Programme has been described as a "shot in the arm" for rural communities across Co. Clare. Tony Killeen, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with special responsibility for Fisheries, made the announcement saying that under the programme,
23/05/2008
A successful Co Down manufacturer is flying high today with news of yet another contract to supply its aircraft seats. NI Economy Minister Nigel Dodds has welcomed the multi-million pound deal, between Thompson Solutions and Swiss International Airlines. The Kilkeel company will supply its Vantage
23/05/2008
A Dungannon building company has been fined £400 for charges relating to pollution. Donaghmore Construction Ltd, of Savings Street, pleaded guilty at Lisburn Magistrates to making a polluting discharge to a waterway. The company was fined £400 plus costs of £186.46. On 15 May 2006, an Environment
23/05/2008
A Newtownabbey school is pitching for support for a new-look, all-weather pitch to be constructed. The innovative project would allow members of the wider community to benefit from use of the proposed football pitch being planned for the Edmund Rice College site in Glengormley. The College wishes
22/05/2008
Northern Ireland homebuyers will have to pay for a special energy assessor to indicate whether their home is 'energy efficient' under new plans which come into effect from the end of June. However, there's as yet no indication of actual costs for the Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) - which a
22/05/2008
Rock of a different kind was featured at Stormont today as NI Executive Minister Arlene Foster launched a Biodiversity and Geodiversity Strategy. Following on from the successful rock concerts of recent years, rocks of the 'Flintstone' variety featured at Stormont, as Arlene Foster welcomed the pub
22/05/2008
The Northern Ireland developers undertaking the restoration of a grade A-listed castle, hit by a massive blaze on Monday, are said to be confident the project can still be recovered. Daniel Platt and Richard Pollock suffered a second blow when Monday’s fire at Lennox Castle, east Dunbartonshire
22/05/2008
Patrick Gillian, an engineering apprentice with Fivemiletown Creamery, has been announced as Northern Ireland's Apprentice of the Year 2008. The Apprentice of the Year competition, sponsored by City and Guilds, is open to young people currently on the Department for Employment and Learning's appre
22/05/2008
International building materials group CRH has appointed two men to lead the company, in a designate capacity. Myles Lee will now be tasked with the role of Group Chief Executive Designate, succeeding the current Chief Executive Liam O'Mahony. Mr O'Mahony recently announced he would be retiring at
22/05/2008
A Belfast woman, at the helm of €1bn Liverpool retail development, is preparing to welcome the Queen and Prince Philip for a preview of the 42 acre project, later today. Joanne Jennings, former-Belfast City Centre Manager, left her high profile post in the Province's capital city last year. As C
22/05/2008
NI Fisheries Minister Michelle Gildernew, along with Executive colleague Culture Minister Edwin Potts, met with the Republic's Energy Minister yesterday, for a North/South ministerial sector meeting, at Dublin Castle. Ms Gildernew welcomed the chance to meet with her Irish ministerial counterp
22/05/2008
Following DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie's announcement that her department is involved in a drive to fill vacant homes in the Province, Finance Minister Peter Robinson has requested public consultation on a new rate policy for empty homes. The Executive team, including Mr Robinson's department, wi
22/05/2008
The Irish government look set to reconsider the current guidelines overseeing public and private partnership agreements, after the dramatic decision by Michael McNamara to withdraw from five projects, earlier this week. However, Minister of State for Finance Michael Finneran has said there is ab
22/05/2008
Any doubts about the future of the railway line to Londonderry have now been allayed with the announcement that a specialist construction and management consultant, Turner & Townsend, has been appointed as the project managers of Translink's £12 million Ballymena to Derry Track Life Extension projec
21/05/2008
The DUP can expect a Sinn Fein veto on any plans to axe a Northern Ireland national stadium at the site of the former Maze prison. The nationalist party's announcement, yesterday, was met with SDLP fears of a lost opportunity for reconciliation. Sinn Fein questioned the figures detailed in the e
21/05/2008
The Irish government has announced plans to invest €425m into the development of rural areas in the country. The figure, announced yesterday by Minister for Rural Affairs Eammoin O'Cuiv, is almost three times more that the amount provided in the 2000 rural development programme. Money will be di
21/05/2008
The Prince of Wales has said Northern Ireland stands at a crossroads, during His Royal Highness's two day visit to the Province. Prince Charles said the country must determine whether it will commit itself to preserving places with architectural heritage or completely abandon them. The heir to
21/05/2008
Fresh-thinking Londonderry farmers are supplying the building with trade with a radical new crop, famed for it's controversial drug association. Around a dozen northwest farmers are producing hemp, a no drug value variety of cannabis. They are growing the plant for totally non-intoxicating uses
21/05/2008
A west Tyrone MP has said the green light for a £250m Omagh investment plan could create 300 new jobs. Pat Doherty, MP for the area, said planned development on the town’s Derry Road includes a hotel, offices, shops and leisure facilities. On Tuesday, a call was made at a district council meeting
21/05/2008
A fire in Dublin has caused serious damage to a number of houses in he Ballymun area of the city. Gardai in Ballymun are investigating the fire, which occurred at approximately 10.30pm last night at the Parkview Road, Jamestown Road, Dublin 11. A number of units from Dublin Fire Brigade arrived at
21/05/2008
A Belfast man is to take the helm of Heathrow Airport, following the resignation of Mark Bullock, the man in charge of the disastrous Terminal 5 launch. Mike Brown, a Queen's University graduate, will leave his current Chief Operating Officer post at London Underground in September to take up the
21/05/2008
The Northern Ireland construction industry is one of the best regions in the UK at producing high quality, value for money buildings and facilities. To demonstrate this, Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland (CEni) is just about to host an Exemplar Projects Event, to bring together and showca
21/05/2008
Another 400 Limerick homes are set to be demolished, to make way for a regeneration masterplan, Houses in the Southhill estates of Carew Park and Kincora Park look likely to face bulldozers, like their neighbours in O’Malley and Keyes Park. The latter areas had been earmarked for demolition sinc
21/05/2008
The Coleraine area is set to benefit from a £3.8m roads investment, which was unveiled by the DRD Minister last night. Conor Murphy announced the multi-million pound strategy at a meeting with Coleraine Council, where the Minister also discussed on-going projects in the borough. M
20/05/2008
Dublin City Council has confirmed a private developer has pulled out of five multi-million euro social housing schemes, which would have delivered thousands of housing units. The public-private partnership (PPP) projects - worth over €900m - were to be built by Castlehorn Construction, owned by bus
20/05/2008
The Irish construction sector is capable of weathering the current storm in the industry, meaning new buyers should not hold out for further cuts in housing market prices, according to the man at the helm of Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Tom Parlon, head of the CIF, has said potential bu
20/05/2008
The Irish Green Party has said major road works proposed for Dublin will see the taxpayer incur European fines, as a result of increased emissions, and that funds should be injected into better public transport links. Speaking today, Green Party Transport Spokesperson Ciaran Cuffe said new road pr
20/05/2008
Two major funding initiatives have been revealed for historic listed buildings in Northern Ireland, Minister of the Environment Arlene Foster has announced. The schemes will total £3.9m. Firstly, the historic buildings grant-aid scheme will receive an additional £1.5m, increasing it from £2.4 to £3
20/05/2008
The cost of renting a home in Ireland fell during the first three months of this year, according to an industry report. The Draft Rental report said the decline in fees could be attributed to the housing market slowdown, a reduced number of migrants in the country, as well as a steady fall in the
20/05/2008
Vice-Taoiseach Mary Coghlan has revealed to Deputy John Deasy that she allocated €470,000 for works at Dunmore East harbour before leaving office as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The funding was distributed under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme
20/05/2008
A lack of finance has halted the building of 26 new schools in Ireland, Fine Gael has insisted. Brian Hayes, Education Spokesman for the party has called on newly appointed Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe to take action. Mr Hayes claimed the Minister has left schools "out in the cold" after
20/05/2008
A multi-million pound cash boost has been promised to improve the facilities at an Irish League football club's grounds. Drumahoe-based Institute FC - who have recently received the news they will be included in the newly formed 12-team Irish League Premiership - will receive £800,000 from the Spor
20/05/2008
Entire social housing schemes across Ireland are energy inefficient while some are in desperate need of being upgraded, a new survey has found. A two-year project, entitled 'Advanced Ventilation Approaches for Social Housing' (AVASH), recently concluded the country's first energy performance audit
20/05/2008
Brian Cowen has announced his new official Dublin residence will be the Steward's Lodge at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park. Recently refurbished at a cost of €600,000 to the tax payer, the estate would command an asking price in the tens of millions due to its unrivalled location and historic associa
20/05/2008
NI Roads Minister Conor Murphy has unveiled a £4.3m investment plans for Craigavon. Yesterday, the Minister met with Craigavon Council to discuss ongoing Roads Services schemes in the borough. Minister Murphy said: "Work has commenced on improving safety on a 1.1km stretch of the Carn Road at C
19/05/2008
An army bomb disposal team has been called to the site where Cork's tallest building is being constructed, after a suspicious device was found. Workers at The Elysian Tower site in Cork city centre were evacuated after an old artillery shell was uncovered. It is understood the device - which is no
19/05/2008
NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has said she wants to see more of the Province's vacant properties occupied. Minister Ritchie has said 10% of the current 40,000 vacant homes in Northern Ireland could be let overnight, meaning at least 4,000 homes could be filled immediately. The
19/05/2008
Rural areas will face serious economic consequences if the decline in construction is to continue, according to the Irish Rural Link. Delegates attending the organisation's national conference in County Cork, heard how the building trade is a main off-farm activity for many farmers across the count
19/05/2008
Prices have been slashed on the latest phase of a Letterkenny housing development, with the company reducing costs by around €26,000. Property developer Patrick J Doherty and Son has cut the cost of homes in The Forest development, in Ballymacool, to €189,000. The three-bedroom semi-detached home
19/05/2008
An Irish brick firm has reported a sales figure surge, following the building boom in the country. Outhaus - previously known as Country Manor Brick - has recorded sales of around €75m. The firm, who operates in the UK and Ireland, has experienced expansion in both markets, and now employs 275 peo
19/05/2008
A major quarry equipment firm is profiting from an innovative staff training programme - literally. With help from Invest Northern Ireland, the Ballygawley-based company Fintec Crushing and Screening has managed to save over £1 million through the programme of staff training, which aimed to improv
19/05/2008
The construction of a multi-million euro retail development in Letterkenny could begin within months, despite traffic concerns raised by local representatives. The project was given the green light by Letterkenny Town Council and has planning permission to build on the Donegal Creameries site at
19/05/2008
The NI Roads Minister has announced further progress on the £33m bypass planned around Magherafelt. The Minister's department are now publishing formal Notices on its intention to make a Direction Order and Vesting Order. The move comes after two public consultations, held in October 2007 and Ja
19/05/2008
A leading Irish building company has insisted an increase in affordable housing will provide an improvement in the market over the next quarter of 2008. Meeting last week for its annual general meeting, McInerney, said price incentives and an increase in mortgage interest relief has seen affordab
19/05/2008
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location. The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society is now believed to be interested in the former Maze prison site, and with doubts now openly expressed about
19/05/2008
Ian Paisley truly felt the hands of time upon him recently as the outgoing-First Minister officially started a clock mechanism at Belfast’s latest Titanic attraction. Titanic Dock’s Clock Tower and Pump House, which played a pivotal role in the infamous ship’s construction, have been restored to t
19/05/2008
This year has seen the launch of many new products by Freefoam Plastics. One, a new double plank cladding is now available in the UK, Ireland and Mainland Europe. The new cladding product is an addition to the Fortex textured wood effect range. It is available in white, grey, sable, gold and a new
16/05/2008
The official assessment of a Northern Ireland multi-purpose stadium, based at the former Maze prison site, was presented to Finance Minister Peter Robinson, today. And Stormont sources say the project, tipped for rejection by the First Minister-in-waiting, Mr Robinson, has exceeded expected costs
16/05/2008
The Irish Central Statistics Office (CSO) has reported the largest decline in employment in the building trade, for 14 years. And job losses are expected to increase, by thousands. The CSO's employment index has reported an 11.7% fall in employment, by private building firms, during March 2008
16/05/2008
There will be no 'noisy disco' to disrupt the ambience of Lisburn's first ever hotel. The already successful hotelier behind the project, Arthur Mooney has moved to address concerns from local residents that the planned top hotel will bring disruption. "It will not be a disco hotel," said Mr Moone
16/05/2008
Fifty percent of Irish construction firms have experienced a complete halt in new building projects, as they continue to try to offload finished contracts, according to a Merrion Capital survey, published today. The leading Dublin-based stock-broking and finance firm said construction firms believ
16/05/2008
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, today announced a £2 million investment programme through the Local Community Fund over the next year. Over 60 targeted areas across 18 District Councils in Northern Ireland will benefit from the fund. It will complement the support the Department for S
16/05/2008
The crumbling rock-face close to the façade of one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive landmarks is being secured by abseiling enthusiasts. Rock falls around the edge of Dunluce Castle prompted safety concerns regarding the future of the world-famous site. Hanging on the edge of a 100-foot cl
16/05/2008
A Lisburn businessman has been 'up to his eyes in it' this week dealing with raw sewage seeping into his premises. In what turned out to be a problem caused by a blocked sewer, Jim McCann of Dunmurry Upholstery said he fears if the problem is not sorted his stock could be completely ruined and he
16/05/2008
A major blaze that broke out at a building site in Dublin was started accidentally, it is believed. Fire fighters are currently tackling the major fire at the site in Kilmainham which started just before 1pm on Friday. Gardaí have advised that some of the roads in the vicinity of the building site
16/05/2008
A widely expected jump in the price of electricity in Northern Ireland has been delayed due to ongoing discussions. The delay followed this week's news that coal prices are to rise by a quarter, compounding inflated natural gas, oil and food costs. Also, Phoenix Natural Gas has recently said its p
16/05/2008
Research carried out for the Changing Ageing Partnership (CAP) has found that those who design and plan sheltered accommodation in Northern Ireland could do more to meet the needs of the residents who live there. The research, entitled 'Better Housing for the Ageing Population in Northern Ireland',
15/05/2008
The Irish housing market slowdown, and inflated prices in raw materials, could result in earning losses and plant closures this year, according to a leading Irish building products firm. Kingspan, based in Cavan, issued a statement ahead of its AGM, today in Dublin, highlighting the challenges i
15/05/2008
Queen's University has unveiled a new £1 million suite of design studios as part of a development of facilities for students in the University’s School of Planning, Architecture, and Civil Engineering (SPACE). The opening is part of a new vision for the future of architectural education at Queen's.
15/05/2008
Bord Gáis, who yesterday announced plans to increase gas prices by 15%, has today reported a "milestone" profit increase in 2007. The leading energy supplier, which is continuing to expand throughout Ireland, said profits before tax rose 29% to €166 million. Total sales figure rose 10% to €1.2 bi
15/05/2008
Over 2,000 megawatts of electricity could be generated by the development of offshore wind farms in Ireland, with a saving of €236m every year in carbon offset costs. This is according to the National Wind Association of Ireland, who supports the view that Ireland has some of the best wind resource
15/05/2008
Roads Minister Conor Murphy has said investment in an integrated transport strategy is key to a successful economy in Northern Ireland. But the Minister feels, despite multi-billion pounds worth of investment, congesting on our roads is set to rise. Mr Murphy said this demands a "step-change in
15/05/2008
Irish household were in the red with mortgages and debts totally €197.3 billion last year, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office. Data, published yesterday, shows household debt rose by €21b to €197.3b in 2007. The CSO reports, that last year, Irish householders borrowed alm
15/05/2008
The long-awaited Construction Act has formed part of the Queen's speech on the UK's draft legislative programme for 2008/09. The new Act is included in the Community Empowerment, Housing and Economic Regeneration Bill. Even though the bill does not directly refer to the Construction Act, it does
15/05/2008
Leading UK urban planning expert Professor Greg Lloyd has been appointed Head of the School of the Built Environment at the University of Ulster. Currently Professor of Planning at Liverpool University, he takes up his new post at the start of the next academic year. He served as an Adviser to th
15/05/2008
The Irish property developer who was at the helm of schemes including Dublin's Jervis Street shopping centre and Clarence Hotel, has been awarded a $1bn (€646m) contract in Vietnam. Paddy McKillen has been given the go-ahead by the Vietnamese government to construct a biotechnology park in the cou
15/05/2008
Described as a "milestone" in the construction industry, Construction Information Services has announced the launch of iCIS Online, its most innovative product to date. At the click of a mouse, iCISdelivers comprehensive information on every building project in Ireland, north and south. Users can l
14/05/2008
One of Ireland's leading energy suppliers, Bord Gáis, is expected to apply to the Energy Regulator for permission to increase prices by over 15%, which could hit consumers' pockets by October. Bord Gáis management are expected to announce annual results today, in conjunction with the firm's outlin
14/05/2008
Plans for a €25m four star holiday resort in Ballyliffin, County Donegal have been announced. The multi-million euro project, which will be developed by Belfast-based architects RPP, will encompass bars, restaurants and conference space, which all promise to make the village one of Ireland's leadi
14/05/2008
The famous Donegal soccer team, Finn Harps has announced that it hopes to move into a brand new 6,800 all-seated stadium in 2010. Harps have done a deal with the trustees of their present ground, a local developer and Donegal County Council. Work on the €9m project, which will also receive financi
14/05/2008
While controversy continues to surround the proposed creation of a Northern Ireland Sports Stadium - most recently with news that local sports chiefs said there was no viable alternative to the original proposal for the former Maze prison outside Lisburn - a high profile delegation is today in Belfa
14/05/2008
A County Antrim business owner has criticised the lack of support he received from Invest NI, which has resulted in him opening a new based in the Republic. County Donegal is now set to gain 135 new jobs, when Randox Laboratories opens its new diagnostic and research facility in Dungloe. Compan
14/05/2008
SITPU union members working for Bord Gáis have announced they are planning strike action from next Monday. Members of the company working on the maintenance of the Bord Gáis network in Dublin and Leinster have said the strike could affect Bord Gáis' ability to maintain its network. The union has s
14/05/2008
A local contractor, SIAC Construction, NI has been appointed as contractor to undertake a major development project in the historic city of Armagh. The Public Realm Scheme was being discussed by NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie when she met with representatives from the contractors w
14/05/2008
Magherafelt is set to benefit from £3.5m roads investments, announced by the Regional Development Minister yesterday. Minister Conor Murphy outlined a number of major and minor schemes due to take place in the Magherafelt Council area, this year. The minister said he was pleased to
14/05/2008
A quarter of a million pound roads investment in east Belfast, due to commence next week, aims to strengthen roads and improve skidding resistance. The 500-metre stretch, on the A20 Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald, spanning East Link Road and the Comber Road, will undergo resurfacing from Monday
14/05/2008
New regulations for goods vehicles have been introduced by NI Environment Minister Arlene Foster, aimed at tackling illegal operators. The purpose of the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Bills is to legislate on the proper use of vehicles, to ensure fair competition within the industry, and
13/05/2008
A top Irish property developer has warned a number of key developers and builders look set to go out of business within the coming months. Managing Director of O'Callaghan Properties, Owen O'Callaghan, speaking to the Sunday Tribune, also said the recent level of development in Dublin is "a step t
13/05/2008
A Co Down-based specialist manufacturing firm is set to invest £800,000 in a new environmentally friendly facility, making it Northern Ireland’s first business to gain an Energy Performance Certificate. Vivomed - which is based in Downpatrick - said the innovative facility will help the firm to ta
13/05/2008
NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has congratulated the ongong partnership between Northern Ireland's Roads Service and the road building industry after the successful completion of one of the most intensive work programmes in recent years. The Minister highlighted the positive contrib
13/05/2008
Energy Minister Nigel Dodds today welcomed a collaborative natural gas storage project in underground salt caverns in the Larne Lough area. Details of the project involving Northern Ireland Energy Holdings (NIEH) and Portland Gas, were made known earlier today following completion of seismic studie
13/05/2008
The major refurbishment and extension programme at the Orchard Leisure Centre, Co. Armagh, is progressing well with the complex now on schedule to re-open in January 2009. The £5m refurbishment programme will see a significant improvement in all the facilities at the site with particular
13/05/2008
Construction of the €18m University of Limerick medical school building is expected to begin in March next year. Dublin based Grafton Architects are now drawing up plans for the scheme on the university's north campus in Co Clare. Consultants White Young Green and quantity surveying firm Nolan Rya
13/05/2008
NI Roads Minister Conor Murphy yesterday put forward a £1.6m investment plan for the Carrickfergus Borough Council area. Minister Murphy last night met with the council to outline the scheme planned for the area. Congestion on the A2, particularly between Ravenhill and Silverstream, has been iden
13/05/2008
A first year electrical and electronic engineering student at Queen's University, has had a minor planet named in her honour after coming second in the world at the Intel Science and Engineering Fair held in Albuquerque, USA. From Warrenpoint, Judy Black is one of only 10,000 people worldwide to
13/05/2008
Millions of public records are on the move, following the approval of a planning application for a new £29 million Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI). The records, which date from the 13th Century, will be housed in a state-of-the-art building, which received planning permission withi
13/05/2008
A County Down man has been fined over £500 for waste offences. Adrian Griffiths, trading as Scrabo Skips, of Bangor Road, Newtownards, was fined £500 plus £32 at Newtownards’ Magistrates Court yesterday. During an inspection last May, Environment and Heritage Services officers discovered an illega
12/05/2008
Figures released today, by Ulster Bank, show the state of the construction market has hit an all time low. Today's survey shows that the sector is in the worst position since the index began eight years ago. The Purchasing Managers' Index last month was at its lowest level since June 2000, stand
12/05/2008
The family of a workman killed in a tragic dumper-truck crash, at a County Antrim building site on Friday, have spoken for the first time about their heartache. Colin Glass's brother-in-law revealed that this is the second fatal accident to happen within the family circle in only five years. The
12/05/2008
Over the decades thousands of famous footprints have been left on the sporting fields at Dublin's Croke Park, but the GAA has announced plans to reduce the magnitude of footprints stamped at the famous grounds - those of the carbon variety. The GAA has unveiled its Cul Green plan, which is set to
12/05/2008
Hot on the heels of figures which showed the number of house repossessions in Northern Ireland rose by a third in the first quarter of the year - from 566 to 754 - an expert has claimed that prices will have to fall to the levels of two years ago for the market to make a recovery. Tom McClelland, o
12/05/2008
A new report has recommended that trade and commercial businesses operating in Limerick's docklands should relocated to nearby Foynes. The report, designed to indicate the possible future of the port, says the area has fallen short of forecasts, and despite the years of the Celtic tiger, no major n
12/05/2008
The Irish construction slow-down is having a negative knock-on effect on other sections of the building industry, with a bathroom products maker reporting a 30% drop in the first quarter of 2008. Wicklow-based Qualceram Shires has said that market conditions in Ireland and the UK remain challengin
12/05/2008
NI Environment Minister Arlene Foster brought a spark to Saturday's official opening of a regeneration project at the Old City Fire Station, Londonderry. The Minister unveiled Derry City Council's conservation-led economic regeneration project of the Grade B2 listed building on Hawkin Street, loca
12/05/2008
Tipperary-based Clancy Construction has signalled confidence in the industry following the opening of the first of two regional offices planned for 2008. The new state-of-the-art southeast regional office in County Waterford is located at The Plaza, Dungarvan. This new base, a functional addition
12/05/2008
Cork-based Freefoam, a leading manufacturer in PVC-U and PVC-UE products, has been selected to supply its roofline products to General Building Plastics' four main UK locations. Freefoam, who currently operate in Irish, UK and European markets, says this announcement reinforces its position in the
09/05/2008
While the number of Northern Ireland homeowners facing repossession orders - after failing to keep up with mortgage payments - is up by more than 30%, there may be help on the way. Fresh from his 'sales-pitch' for bringing investment and jobs to Northern Ireland at this week's US-NI Investment Conf
09/05/2008
Civil engineering output in Ireland has increased by 14.1%, year on year, according to information released by the Central Statistics Office The volume of production figure reflects the accelerated infrastructural development, as set out in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 The €184 billion
09/05/2008
Plans have been revealed by Guinness' foreign owners to move the world famous brewery to another site, with the loss of hundreds of jobs. The London based multi-national has revealed that most of the iconic St James' Gate facility is to be sold for development, valued at around €3 billion at the he
09/05/2008
A two-day public exhibition and consultation on proposals for improvement works on the A2 Sydenham Bypass in Belfast will start on Wednesday 14 May. The exhibition, which takes place at the Park Avenue Hotel, will be open to the public from 3.30pm to 9pm on Wednesday 14 May and 10.30am to 9pm on Th
09/05/2008
A construction company has this week been convicted of breaching safety regulations over a fatality on a Dublin building site nearly six years ago. The English-registered firm, PJ Carey (Contractors) Ltd, was convicted by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of having a dangerous work system at
09/05/2008
Clare County Council's new multi-million euro corporate headquarters have been officially opened. The Mayor of Clare, Councillor Patricia McCarthy unveiled the premises at New Road, Ennis on Thursday. Àras Contae an Chlàir, which has been delivered at a cost of €25 million, provides accommodation f
09/05/2008
The bane of many construction projects - planning applications - has been tackled in the North West. Straightforward planning applications in Londonderry are now being processed in just 21 working days, thanks to a new 'Streamlined Consultation' pilot scheme. Indeed, the initiative from the NI Pl
09/05/2008
Ireland’s first "eco-village" has requested planning permission to begin building work this summer. The Village, Cloughjordan, north County Tipperary, will consist of 130 dwellings of apartments, semi-detached and detached houses. The development will also consist of shops, playgrounds and commu
09/05/2008
A report designed to highlight the importance of small businesses’ contribution to the Irish economy has been welcomed by The Small Firms Association (SFA). The Small Business in Ireland 2008 Report published by the Central Statistics Office also outlines the position of the small business secto
09/05/2008
This week's intensive search for a hill walker missing on the scenic slopes of Benbulben Mountain has ended in tragedy. The body of a Polish man - believed to have been a construction worker - who was tragically killed when he fell from a cliff on the mountain on Monday, is to be formally identifie
08/05/2008
Output volume in the Irish building and construction sector fell by 14.9% in the last three months of 2007. This is compared with the same period in 2006, data released by the Irish Central Statistics office today showed. The slowdown in residential building has been even more marked, with product
08/05/2008
Taoiseach Brian Cowen will mark his first full day in office, today, with a visit to Belfast. Mr Cowen will meet with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to discuss progress made in the Northern Ireland peace process. It is expected, like their predecessors, the two heads of government will confir
08/05/2008
Beckham-style 'Bling' appears to be the new thing in design, after a bronze-clad extension to a Victorian house picked-up two special awards from the Architect Association of Ireland The house on Palmerston Road, in Rathmines was designed by Boyd Cody Architects and has been described as "a bespok
08/05/2008
Dublin-based construction group ABM has re-branded its operations in the UK, after only two years in the British market. The division is being split between ABM Precast Solutions and ABM Bridge Systems. The two functional areas total around £10m of the group’s annual turnover. Irish-owned ABM es
08/05/2008
A new Irish Bill is to be introduced to regulate the use of agency labour in the country, which includes employment in the construction industry. The Employment Law Compliance Bill is expected to have a major impact on construction following the planned establishment of a National Employment Rig
08/05/2008
Following yesterday’s NCB Stockbrokers’ report on falling house registrations in Ireland, a leading analyst has warned 2009 could be just as bleak for the industry. Just 1,600 new dwellings were registered in April under the Homebond scheme. The figures are used as an approximate guide to the nu
08/05/2008
Northern Ireland government statistics, published today, have reported a 0.7-point decrease in construction during the last three months of 2007. The data, collated by the Central Survey Unit of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), was published in the latest edition of the
08/05/2008
One of Ireland’s leading builders merchants and DIY group has reported a downturn in profits for the first quarter of 2008, with Irish sales down 16%. Grafton Group PLC, who operates in the UK and Ireland, today released an Interim Management Statement, for the four months ended 30 April 2008. In
08/05/2008
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micháel Martin has announced the signing into law of new regulations to amend the remit of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to include sustainable energy and energy-efficient technologies. The Regulations (SI No 134/2008) are in fulfilment of the co
08/05/2008
Irish airline Aer Lingus has reported a 'lift-off' in traffic statistics for April 2008, year-on-year with 2007. Total passenger numbers grew by 4.2% last month compared to April 2007. This may suggest the airline benefited from earlier Easter traffic. The growth comprises of a 4.6% increase in p
07/05/2008
Contractors in Ireland hope to secure almost £400 million worth of building work for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Some Irish firms have already been awarded contracts associated with the event, including J Murphy and Sons who has been clearing land and moving electric power lines. According to
07/05/2008
Ireland suffered a 45% drop in housing registrations last month, year-on-year with April 2007. The statistics, published in a briefing note from NCB Stockbrokers, today, reflect a cut back on projects by builders, in response to weakening property demand. In the four months through to April, reg
07/05/2008
An ownership package of Bull Island, which includes €1 million towards the island's protection, has been offered to Dublin City Council by The Dublin Port Company. The offer comes ahead of the company's impending application for the expansion of Dublin Port. The company is offering to transfer it
07/05/2008
Sea ferry company, Stena has now abandoned its original terminal, at the city centre periphery, and moved two miles along Belfast Lough. The new three-storey £37m Victoria Terminal 4 (VT4) has now been built at the edge of Belfast Port. Operations switched last night, and the first sailing from VT
07/05/2008
Funding for the new Lyric Players' Theatre in Belfast has been given a boost by Arts and Culture Minister Edwin Poots, who has allocated an additional £3.23 million for the investment project. With demolition work at the existing Ridgeway Street site underway, theatre-goers in the province can look
07/05/2008
With increasing evidence in Ireland pointing towards a general slow-down in the construction industry, a UK trade survey, for the first quarter of 2008, has substantiated feelings by reporting a downturn in building activity in Great Britain. The study, compiled by the Construction Products Associ
07/05/2008
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has unveiled a £5 million investment plan for the Derry City Council area. Yesterday the Minister met with the Roads Service and Derry City Council, to outline a number of minor schemes taking place in the area. Minister Murphy said: "The existing bridge
07/05/2008
Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey today performed the official sod cutting of Southern Regional College’s Downpatrick Campus. The sod turning marks the start of a £40 million Public Private Partnership project to construct new educational facilities at four of the College’s campuse
07/05/2008
Some of Northern Ireland’s freshest building projects are in-line for an industry award, recognising their contribution to regeneration in the province. A total of 11 northern entries will vie for the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Northern Ireland awards, sponsored by Mullusk-base
07/05/2008
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley has endorsed the Final Report of the Working Group on the future preservation and archaeological investigation of the Viking Age national monument at Woodstown, Co Waterford. Minister Gormley praised the group for their "prof
07/05/2008
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced a £4.2 million investment for the Banbridge area this year. Speaking ahead of a recent meeting between Roads Service and Banbridge District Council, the Minister outlined progress on a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the are
06/05/2008
Protestors used today's opening of the Battle of the Boyne site as a platform to criticise the outgoing Taoiseach's reign and to protest against the plans for the construction of the M3 motorway. The 'Save Tara' protestors descended on the official opening of the 500-acre site, which borders Co Lou
06/05/2008
Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland (CEni) has launched an eight-week programme in Modern Procurement Training at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. The programme has attracted delegates from a variety of organisations throughout Northern Ireland and aims to assist the construction indu
06/05/2008
An extended time frame for completion of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has been announced by the Irish Health and Safety Authority. The move comes ahead of their warning to workers to ensure completion of training immediately. Minister for Labour Affairs, Billy Kelleher, ord
06/05/2008
Newtownabbey's leading civic representative, the Mayor, Nigel Hamilton, has stressed his opposition to a plan - just revealed - that could soon see a Co Antrim supermarket complex flattened to make way for a major new housing development. The DUP man, who represents the Glengormley area, claims tha
06/05/2008
Speaking last week at the Meitheal na Gaoithe Annual Workshop, Minister of State Tony Killeen TD emphasised the important role of local communities in meeting Ireland's future energy needs and climate change targets. The workshop, held in Thurles, County Tipperary, provided information and assistan
06/05/2008
An investment of over £3 million has been announced for the Newtownabbey Borough Council. Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy outlined a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the Boro
06/05/2008
Large sections of Dublin city centre could be closed off to all private traffic by April 2009 according to radical plans to tackle traffic congestion within a year. The Oireacbtas Joint Transport Committee has developed a draft report recommending a number key streets be prioritised for buses and t
06/05/2008
Groundbreaking plans to drive forward the regeneration of Belfast through he establishment of An Ceathrú Gaeltachta – a dedicated 'Gaeltacht' quarter - are set to take centre stage on Thursday 8 May when Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams speaks at a national regeneration conference. Speaking at the
06/05/2008
A major road widening and re-surfacing scheme will commence this month on the A26 Frosses Road approximately two miles south-east of Ballymoney, Co Antrim at a cost of £250,000. While the road scheme is taking place, NI Water will lay a new watermain on the adjacent section of Frosses Road near Gle
02/05/2008
The rapidly escalating cost of oil on the world market - roughly twice what it was a year ago - and a range of other market issues has led to the latest price hike for consumers. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is now due to announce a hike in its charges. The increase - in about a fortnight's
02/05/2008
US pharmaceutical company Pfizer has announced 100 jobs will be created with the construction of a new research and development centre in Co Cork. The firm - which currently employs 2,300 people - is expected to announce the multi-million euro investment later today for the new plant at Ringaskiddy
02/05/2008
In a further sign of falling demand within the construction industry, a pessimistic trading statement from crushed stone specialists, Readymix has been issued. It is blaming the slowdown in the construction industry for a reduction in demand for its products. The company predicted first-quarter lo
02/05/2008
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced a £5.8million investment for the Newry and Mourne area this year. Speaking ahead of a meeting between NI Roads Service and the Newry and Mourne District Council, the Minister outlined a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the ar
02/05/2008
Around €1 billion of Government money will be set aside for social housing, it has been announced today. The Minister of State for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas, Batt O'Keefe revealed the money will go towards a number of regeneration projects. These include €65m to regenerate Ballym
02/05/2008
An historic Armagh building has gone on the market - and despite a rapidly falling property market in general - it is expected to generate considerable interest from potential developers. With atmosphere oozing from its very walls, Armagh Gaol - located in the heart of the cathedral city - and at t
02/05/2008
Tony Killeen, Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government yesterday welcomed a capital allocation of almost €24.5 million to support the 2008 social housing programme in County Clare. In addition, the Minister noted the allocation of €2m for traveller-speci
02/05/2008
Newtownabbey Borough Council has unveiled a new sculpture at the Valley Leisure Centre, as apart of its 50th anniversary celebrations. The structure, named 'Endeavour' - designed to capture the sense of sporting movement and personal endeavour - is fabricated in brushed stainless steel. Stephen To
01/05/2008
NI Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey, today visited engineering firm AJ Power at their plant in Craigavon. Sir Reg saw at first hand how his Department's Bridge to Employment programme was making a difference to employers' recruitment and training needs. The Programme provides customis
01/05/2008
New plans for the construction of a replacement Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre are set to be submitted. The National Trust is to show its fresh proposals to Moyle Council - which owns the ground - within the next two weeks and to apply for planning permission in June for its proposed centre to rep
01/05/2008
Groundbreaking plans to drive forward the regeneration of Belfast through he establishment of An Ceathrú Gaeltachta – a dedicated 'Gaeltacht' quarter - are set to take centre stage on Thursday when Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams speaks at a national regeneration conference. Speaking at the Loca
01/05/2008
A socially deprived part of south Belfast, the 'Village', has now been officially declared an 'Urban Renewal Area'. This is a key step in unlocking a £100 million investment in the area as part of the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie's recently launched New Housing Agenda. In welcom
01/05/2008
An eco friendly centre, which would encourage 'greener' living, is being launched today in Londonderry. The Eco Base - built mostly from straw - on Racecourse Road, Derry, is expected to serve as "an environmental Cape Canaveral" and a base for projects to be constructed and launched. Francine Mor
01/05/2008
The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has announced a competition to design a new Bord Gáis building in Dublin. The open, two-stage competition for the architectural design of the building will see the design of a new Bord Gáis Networks Distribution control Centre at Dubber Cross, Fin
01/05/2008
NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy met yesterday with Stewart Stevenson, the Scottish Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change. The Ministers met to discuss transport links between Northern Ireland and Scotland. Speaking after the meeting in Edinburgh Mr Murphy, said: "Co-operatio
01/05/2008
The world famous 4-Star Europa Hotel in Belfast has just completed its new Conference and Exhibition Centre. Equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology, the Centre offers one of the largest and most dynamic conference and exhibition spaces on the Island of Ireland. The new Exhibition Cent
01/05/2008
A printing premises built without planning permission has been demolished as a result of enforcement action by the Omagh Divisional Planning Office. On 1 August 2005 an enforcement notice which required the removal of the unauthorised building, was served on the owner, Mr Francis Nugent of 218 Drum
