Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for January 2009
30/01/2009
Sean Dunne's plans for 32-storey Dublin tower block have been turned down by the planning appeals board. The €1.5bn Ballsbridge development would have been one of the city's tallest building, incorporating office and retail space, as well as residential units. Sean Dunne acquired the former Jur
30/01/2009
The procurement process for public sector contracts is expected to speed up, under proposals unveiled by the Northern Ireland Finance Minister today. Nigel Dodds said he has instructed officials to work on shortening the lag time between procuring a project and awarding it to a tenderer. He has
30/01/2009
The European Commission has allocated €100m of EU contributions towards the construction of the East-West Electricity Interconnector across the Irish Sea. Foreign Minister Micheál Martin welcomed the move, after urging the Commission to support the Interconnector in a list of proposed projects. T
30/01/2009
Kerry councillors have passed a controversial planning policy, which could see planners and engineers face criminal prosecution. The policy will no longer allow a person to be refused planning permission for a house that has an existing family entrance onto a national road. It was backed unanimous
30/01/2009
Extensive damage has been caused to a Dublin industrial estate during a major late night fire. Seven fire crews were called to tackle the blaze at the JFK Industrial Estate on the outskirts of the city. Foam and water tankers were used at scene. It is believed the fire started in the Bluebell fa
30/01/2009
Five more deprived areas in Northern Ireland have been awarded support under the government's Areas at Risk Pilot Programme. Unveiling phase III of the scheme, Communities Minister Margaret Ritchie said the money is targeted at areas 'at risk' of descending into instability, crisis and decline.
30/01/2009
Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne has officially opened Dublin City Council's new Digges Street football pitch in Dublin 2. The Lord Mayor said providing leisure facilities was a key priority for the council. "A football pitch like this offers local people, especially children and young people, the opport
30/01/2009
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has lauded the work of a Lisburn recycling project, which is helping people on low incomes. The Voluntary Service Lisburn's (VSL) facility, backed by the Environment Department's community waste fund, recycles electrical goods and furniture, which
29/01/2009
A £40m plan to expand Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon has been approved by the local council. The east side of the complex will be developed to include almost 14,000 square metres of extra retail space, a two tier car park and a five screen cinema. Work on the scheme is expected to be comp
29/01/2009
Plans for a multi-million euro community centre in Brackenstown, Fingal, are set to get the nod from local planning officials, it has been revealed. The scheme, one of only two community-based capital spending project earmarked for the region this year, could be released for tender as early as the
29/01/2009
Construction work has commenced on a £6m eco-friendly housing scheme in Newtownards, Co Down. Forty homes, all two bedroom apartments, will be built at the Donaghadee Road site by Connswater Homes and Sky Developments. The scheme is being piloted as the first social housing scheme to meet Level 4
29/01/2009
Tara Hill protection pressure group, TaraWatch, has called on the government to radically redesign the National Development Plan (NDP), as public and private sectors prepare to begin discussions on how to revitalise the economy. TaraWatch has demanded a new form of NDP, based on redevelopment, rath
29/01/2009
As demand grows for hotel accommodation in Belfast, one established facility, Ten Square, in Donegall Square South, has unveiled plans for £60 million expansion - with a boost for employment in the beleaguered construction industry at the same time. The hotel will increase bedroom capacity from 23
29/01/2009
The decision to construct a massive €100m viewing platform in Killarney, Co Kerry, has been called into question by a local councillor, who believes the picturesque area may be 'selling itself short'. Michael Courtney said there are fears the 271 foot structure could turn the town into a 'one-stop
29/01/2009
The government has offered-up a derelict Londonderry car park to potential developers, in a bid to push forward further regeneration in the city's Waterside area. Officials first put the site on the market in 2003, and later again in 2005. On both occasions no development proposals progressed.
29/01/2009
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has been urged to review its decision not to sanction upgrading and repair works to embankments along the River Fergus. The OPW undertook a feasibility study of the embankments after local TD Tony Killeen met with landowners, community representatives and concerned
29/01/2009
Wexford County Council has been urged to maximise the financial potential of the authority's new Holmestown landfill site. It has been claimed the facility could generate millions of extra euros every year if operated more efficiently. According to local councillor Padge Reck, the authority c
28/01/2009
Gregory Campbell today slammed the 'final nail in the coffin' of a much-mooted multi-sports stadium at the former Maze prison site. According to BBC News, the Sports Minister has finally decided to drop the plans, following months of uncertainty and political wrangling. Mr Campbell said he will
28/01/2009
Environment Department officials have approached Fingal Council to look at the possibility of transforming vacant properties in the county into social housing, it has been revealed. Such a move would reduce the council's financial outgoings, and eliminate the need to build new houses. However,
28/01/2009
The developer who pulled down a Victorian property situated on the picturesque Newcastle promenade could be forced to rebuild the three storey home, and face a fine of up to £30,000, it has been revealed. Demolition men - hired by John Fitzpatrick - flattened the end terrace house in the early hou
28/01/2009
A 24-metre crane, which has been an imposing feature over the Gorey skyline for almost a year, was successfully moved off-site earlier this week. Main Street traffic in the Wexford town was sealed off on Monday night to allow the structure to vacate the area. Mythen Construction said it was deli
28/01/2009
Twenty-two privately developed properties in Lisburn have been bought by the government for social housing. The Causeway Meadows homes will be managed by Clanmil Housing, and have been described as a "important route" to shared future by Minister Margaret Ritchie. Ms Ritchie paid a visit to a nu
28/01/2009
Clare County Development Board has launched its blueprint for the future development of sport and recreation facilities in the region. The two-year strategy has received backing from a number of local sports and recreational agencies, who wish to promote existing facilities in the area, as well as
28/01/2009
Plans for a new roundabout in Gorey been discussed by Wexford County Council. Officials are said to be looking at the practicality of installing a new system at the 64 junction on Main Street. It is believed the roundabout would replace the existing traffic lights in the area. Speaking at last
28/01/2009
The minority employer bodies - that have an input into the Electrical Registered Employment Agreement (REA) - have followed the lead of the National Electrical Contractors Ireland (NECI) and called for a 10% pay cut. Last November Ireland's largest electrical trade association - with excess of 600
27/01/2009
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has gave his backing to the National Trust's proposals for an £18m Giant's Causeway visitor centre. Plans for the new tourist facility were submitted by the Trust last summer, following years of wrangling over the future of the development. The original centre b
27/01/2009
Planning permission has been granted for part of a €1 billion mixed-use development at Greystones in Co Wicklow, with the developer being told to ditch plans to built a multi-million euro shopping complex on the site. The planning authority returned a split decision on the Zapi Properties scheme,
27/01/2009
Work on a new dual carriageway - linking Fermoy and Mitchelstown - in Cork is to be completed ahead of schedule, with the local council suggesting the N8 road could be open by the end of this year. A council spokesman said: "It is already apparent that a significant improvement will be achieved in
27/01/2009
A Wexford councillor has expressed disbelief at his colleagues' apparent 'U-turn' on the use of roundabouts in the county. Lorcan Allen called on fellow council members to explain why ten years ago roundabouts were deemed inappropriate for the area, and now it seems they are installed 'everywher
27/01/2009
A multi-sports facility in Omagh is to receive a £19,000 upgrade, the Social Development Minister has revealed. Margaret Ritchie also lauded community schemes in the town, which have so far attracted over £880,000 of government funding. The Neighbourhood Renewal projects in O'Kane Park and Stra
27/01/2009
The riddle of missing incinerator planning papers at Meath County Council has been solved. Plans regarding the controversial facility had been held in around 10 boxes, but late last year the detailed papers apparently disappeared. An investigation by anti-incinerator campaigner Pat O'Brien lead
27/01/2009
An Omagh woman has been named the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's 'greenest' tenant in its annual Energy Competition. Barbara Davies received a voucher for a short break in the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle. District runner-ups also received an energy saving gift pack. This
27/01/2009
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed Thales Air Defence's announcement of a £200 million contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). Belfast-based Thales, an employer of over 500 people in Northern Ireland and a longstanding client of Invest Northern Ireland, will deliver the Air Defe
27/01/2009
Some Finance Managers consider marketing to be an "optional" expenditure item; and in times of recession it is one of the first budget headings they cut. Other more far-sighted Finance Managers realise that if you reduce your Marketing, then you reduce your likelihood of keeping and gaining busin
26/01/2009
Two Portadown estate agents have hinted at what may be the first 'tender shoots of recovery' in the local housing market. Joyce Estate Agents, in the town, revealed a slight upturn in sales amid an ongoing slump in the number of property transactions. Managing Director Libby Clarke told the Port
26/01/2009
After 40 years of delays, it has been confirmed a new €4.3m wastewater treatment network is to be built in County Clare. The works will benefit five local villages in the east and west of the county. Clare council awarded the contract to Treatment System Services Ltd (TSSL), who will construct t
26/01/2009
A County Down resident has been left outraged after a developer demolished the house next to her without warning at the weekend. The incident has prompted a local assemblyman to seek immediate intervention by the planning service. Caroline Richman, who lives on the Newcastle coastline, said she
26/01/2009
A new stretch of quay on Dinish Island, at the Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre, has been officially opened today. Junior Fisheries Minister Tony Killeen welcomed the launch of the 120 meter facility, which has been in operation since October 2008. The new quay allows for larger vessels carr
26/01/2009
A new half a million pound youth facility has opened in Lurgan. The cross-community scheme will offer a drop in centre for young people, arts sessions and training programmes, as well as offering audio and video equipment. Local Communities Minister Margaret Richie welcomed the opening of the
26/01/2009
Dublin-based lighting specialist Derrywood has shore-up its on-line presence with the launch of a new corporate website -
26/01/2009
A £29,000 contract has been agreed to establish a broadband access network in Cookstown, the Communications Minister has confirmed. The work will be undertaken by Derry firm North West Electronics using the latest fibre-optic technology. Minister Arlene Foster said the scheme would ensure high-s
26/01/2009
A Co Antrim man has been fined a total of £1,000 plus costs of £89 at Lisburn Magistrates' Court for planning offences. Jackie Tate, Moira Road, Lisburn, appearing at court on 22 January, was found guilty of the non-compliance with a stop notice for the unauthorised use of the land as a scrap yard;
23/01/2009
A new €110m Ikea superstore will open in Dublin this July, the company has confirmed. The 30,500 square-metre site has already been developed to an extent, with the completion subject to an upgrade at the Ballymun junction. Work on this road was a condition laid down by the planning authority.
23/01/2009
High specification upgrade works have been completed at one of Belfast's most prolific tower blocks. The £1.1m improvement scheme was carried out at Divis Tower by the Housing Executive. In recent years the block has benefited from a 24-hour concierge service, the latest work on the eighteenth
23/01/2009
A new sports complex is to be built in Lusk, County Fingal, it has been announced. The county council said the scheme would encompass a full-sized, enclosed football pitch, a gym, lecture hall and meeting rooms. An ancillary building with changing facilities and a cafe have also been incorporated
23/01/2009
A massive regeneration master-plan proposed for the centre of Omagh has been unveiled. The Omagh Town Centre Master-plan and the Omagh Visioning Framework 2025 will influence future regeneration policies and proposals for the town. Speaking at the launch of the plans, Minister Margaret Ritchie sai
23/01/2009
A number of city councillors in Dublin have voiced concerns over the rate at which high rise developments could be passed through by planners. New planning guidelines have been detailed in a document called 'Maximising the City's Potential', which could see more 16-storey schemes emerge in certain
23/01/2009
Northern Ireland Water Ltd has been fined £5,000 plus £22 court costs at Lisburn Magistrates' Court for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 23 October 2007, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (formerly the Environment and Heritage Servi
23/01/2009
Work to build a new fire station in County Sligo has been put out to tender. A spokesperson for Sligo County Council said the authority was seeking to appoint a panel of competent building contractors to tender for the construction of the station at Ballymote. "All particulars including pre-qualif
23/01/2009
Northern Ireland must shore-up other energy resources to avert threats posed by foreign fuel supplies, the Stormont Energy Minister has said. Arlene Foster, speaking to industrialists at an international energy conference in Belgium, said the gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine highlighted the
22/01/2009
Around 75 much-needed construction jobs are to be created as part of a £4.5m expansion plan at the Port of Belfast, it has been revealed. Building work is set to take place at the dock's paper and newsprint handling facilities. The news comes a day after government's latest unemployment figures r
22/01/2009
Local representatives in south Down have welcomed the commencement of a roads realignment scheme on the outskirts of Downpatrick. Heavy machinery has moved on-site to redistribute hundreds of tonnes of earth. This, it is hoped, will improve sight lines at the Slievegrane Road junction and the mai
22/01/2009
Government officials have denied suggestions that an upgrade at Belfast's Ravenhill sports ground has signalled the death knell for a national stadium at the Maze. The home of Northern Ireland rugby is set to undergo a £5m redevelopment, which is expected to boost the ground's capacity by around
22/01/2009
Workers at Tara Mines in County Meath decided their fate today, after 60% of those balloted voted in favour of cost-cutting measures at the facility. Union members accepted proposals that could see a number of changes to operations at the mines. SIPTU and the facility's management negotiated the
22/01/2009
A County Tyrone firm that builds livestock housing has announced plans to expand sales by 40%, with the help of Invest NI. Turkington Livestock Systems said it is looking to Great Britain to expand turnover and external sales. The firm designs, manufactures and erects prefabricated livestock ho
22/01/2009
Local businesses in Northern Ireland have been warned of fraudsters impersonating Health & Safety Executive officials, who attempt to extort money in return for phony policies and posters. The Trading Standards Service said they have received reports of unauthorised 'cold calls' to unsuspecting bu
22/01/2009
A County Antrim scrap metal merchant was fined £5,000 plus £22 court costs today (22 January) for breaches of waste management legislation. Jackie Tate, 48, of Moira Road, Lisburn, was fined at Lisburn Magistrates' Court. On 23 November 2007, Northern Ireland Environment Agency (formerly Environme
22/01/2009
Tenants in the Ballykeel area of Ballymena have been allocated extra government funding to help secure their homes. Over £2,000 was released by the Department for Social Development, under its Neighbourhood Renewal scheme, to implement a home safety training programme for community volunteers.
21/01/2009
A well-known Irish property developer has died in a suspected suicide. According to police, Patrick Rocca, 42, sustained a single, fatal gun shot wound to the head. Mr Rocca's body was found close to his Dublin home. The wealthy developer, believed to be worth in the region of £460m in 2007, ow
21/01/2009
News of a funding shortfall in Northern Ireland's social housing budget has prompted a UK construction union to seek an urgent meeting with the Stormont Housing Minister. The Union of Construction, Allied Tradesmen and Technicians (UCATT) wants to hold talks with Margaret Ritchie after she reveale
21/01/2009
The body representing Irish builders has called on the government to take more decisive action to prevent further jobs losses in the sector. Construction Industry Federation boss Tom Parlon made his comments following new data showing huge job losses across all construction sectors. Mr Parlon sai
21/01/2009
Work on an underpass at the Larne Road roundabout in Ballymena will kick-off in April, a local MLA has confirmed. Assemblyman Robert Coulter received a pledge from the Roads Service that construction work will begin in the next few months. Mr Coulter said he was 'delighted' with the news. Trans
21/01/2009
Over £576,000 of government funding has been released to improve public amenities in Craigavon, just days after planning began on the town's regeneration master plan. Announcing a range of environmental improvement schemes for the Brownlow area, Minister Margaret Ritchie reaffirmed the importance
21/01/2009
Rail passenger services in Ballymena have been upgraded as part of a £17m investment programme by Translink. Improvements were made to make the local station more accessible, attractive and easy to use, according to the transport provider. NI Railways has put in place a broader investment prog
21/01/2009
Hard-pressed Northern Ireland home and business owners are turning to biomass fuel grown on local farms for a clean, green source of competitively priced energy. Already over 50 willow growers province wide supply biomass energy to colleges, leisure centres, commercial and domestic premises. Earl
21/01/2009
The island of Ireland can now boast having Europe's first transnational Geopark, after the Marble Arch Caves Geopark in Northern Ireland expanded into County Cavan. Geoparks are areas of internationally significant geological heritage which are used by the local community to promote economic devel
21/01/2009
4HOME Superstores has recently opened new kitchen showrooms stocking an exciting range of Sigma3 kitchens in 5 of their 13 stores nationwide. Exclusive to 4HOME Superstores, the Sigma 3 range is exclusive yet affordable ranging in price from €2,000 right up to €30,000 depending on your specific re
21/01/2009
Given today's social, economic and environmental pressures, garden design is evolving at an unprecedented rate. Spurred on by factors including increased public awareness of the value of good design; a growing sensitivity to the fragile nature of our environment; rising population densities and the
20/01/2009
The Construction Industry Federation has claimed any bank failing to pass on the full ECB interest rate is "acting against the economy's interests". Federation boss Tom Parlon said: "This is the fourth ECB cut in a row and part of its strategy to help boost consumer confidence across the EU. Mr
20/01/2009
An enterprising 'Jack of All Trades' has secured a massive contract to carry out 24-hour support to a top Northern Ireland property firm. Belfast man Kieran Murphy, who works for the support services company Resource, has branded himself a 'one stop man' for all maintenance needs, a work ethic tha
20/01/2009
Agreement has been reached on the site for a new Search and Rescue Headquarters in Doolin, northwest Clare. Clare TD Tony Killeen has confirmed notification of the agreement following numerous representations to Junior Finance Minister Martin Manseragh, who has special responsibility for the Offi
20/01/2009
Two Ulster contractors have clinched a £320m contract to carryout substantial upgrade works on a major Scottish motorway. John Graham and Northstone and internally active construction and services company Bilfinger Berger have entered into a joint venture to complete the works. The local firms
20/01/2009
An landmark building on Belfast's Falls Road has been rejuvenated by a specially designed light installation, fitted to mark its Centenary year. The Carnegie Library's ornate features have been highlighted through the custom lighting scheme. Twenty-five pieces were implemented at various points,
20/01/2009
An extension of the park and ride facility at Greenisland Railway Station has been welcomed by local representatives. Transport provider Translink expanded the car-park capacity from 10 to 71, including two accessible spaces. Larne Line Route Manager, Frank Moore, said: "This excellent new facil
20/01/2009
Households across Northern Ireland have been told to be aware of rogue traders in the province. The Trading Standards Service issued the warning after its Consumerline received 800 complaints last year. The majority of calls came from consumers who had problems with what seemed to be good value h
20/01/2009
The Housing Executive has appealed for young people in Derry to stop riding quad bikes on greens in the Moss Park area. According to the housing authority, the vehicles are causing severe damage to the ground. District Manager Kevin McDowell said large sections of grassed areas in Moss Park have
19/01/2009
Repairs engineers are still reeling from the damage caused by heavy gales at the weekend, which reeked havoc for telecoms provider Eircom. Today the firm's nationwide network was still recovering from what a spokesman described as "very severe and dangerous" storm conditions. Customers in Mayo
19/01/2009
A weekend storm that battered the east coast of Northern Ireland left a woman motorist dead in its wake. Mairead Teresa Shields, 35, from Raholp, near Downpatrick was killed in Co Down after a tree blown down by strong winds struck her car. Mairead was a director in her family business BJ Caraher
19/01/2009
After much wrangling, union officials and management at a Navan-based mine are to put forward a cost-cutting plan to workers today. Tara Mines employees will either vote to accept or reject the agreement, which was formulated in a bid to save jobs. However, should workers fail to vote favourably
19/01/2009
A major overhaul of services at Londonderry Rail Station has been completed. Translink said it hopes the improvements will make local rail travel even more attractive, easy to use and hassle free. The investment in Derry forms part of an overall £17m upgrade scheme undertaken by the transport pr
19/01/2009
A new €35m materials recovery facility has been officially opened in South Dublin. The Merrywell Industrial Estate facility will service the four Dublin regional authorities. The facility has been developed to process material collected from green bins throughout the Dublin region, which include
19/01/2009
The formulation of a regeneration strategy, aimed at revitalising the Craigavon area, has got underway. Craigavon, which received town status in the 1960s, has issues that need resolved before it can reach its full potential, according to Stormont Minister Margaret Ritchie. Launching work on the
19/01/2009
As US President-Elect Barak Obama prepares to take the oath of office in front of thousands in Washington DC, and millions more world wide, speculation surrounding the future of his Irish ancestral has intensified. Talks have centred on developing a possible heritage centre at the County Offaly si
19/01/2009
A new Environment and Renewable Energy Centre has officially opened at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Hillsborough, County Down. The new research centre, which has already initiated a wide ranging renewable energy research programme, was lauded by Rural Affairs Minister Michelle
19/01/2009
Irish dairy farming has received a much-needed boost, following the announcement by EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Mariann Fischer Boel, to introduce a series of supportive measures for the sector. Junior Farming Minister Tony Killeen welcomed the scheduled reintroduction of export refunds for bu
19/01/2009
While on one hand NI's largest political party is calling for cost-saving cuts in the Stormont Assembly - by seeking a reduction in the number of Government departments - a DUP Minister has today pledged a multi-million pound support package for local councils. NI Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has a
16/01/2009
The man tasked with overseeing the delivery of Belfast's light rail system has been appointed. Ciaran de Burca, an engineering expert, lauded for his work on Dublin's rapid transport network, will head up the Belfast-based project team. In addition to working on Dublin's Luas system, the chartere
16/01/2009
Around half the number of house built in 2008 will be constructed this year, according to a leading Irish bank. Allied Irish Bank predicted roughly 25,000 home will be built across Ireland this year. This could be set to drop further to 20,000 in 2010. In 2008 almost 51,000 house and apartments
16/01/2009
Northern Ireland Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has called for a 'radical change' to her budget, after she revealed her department is facing a £200m shortfall. Minister Ritchie told the Stormont Social Development Committee that her department's house building strategy for the next two years co
16/01/2009
Clonmoney National School, in County Clare, is be allocated capital funding by the Education Department to allow for roof repairs, it has been revealed. Local TD Tony Killeen said the funding will pay for roofing works to be undertaken at the school, which is located close to Newmarket on Fergus.
16/01/2009
Around 60 Ulster firm have signed up to international trade fairs, in a bid to bolster sales. The events, scheduled to take place as far a field a Russia, Saudi Arabia and Korea, are supported by Invest NI. Helping the ailing construction industry has become a major concern for the development a
16/01/2009
A fall in state spending, coupled with the on-going property market slump, resulted in almost half of Ireland's architects losing their jobs in 2008, according to an industry body. The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland cited the massive downturn in construction output for the jobs cuts
16/01/2009
The merging of two land management companies has put the tendering process for a massive civil buildings outsourcing contract in serious doubt, according to reports. Procurement activity on Northern Ireland's Workplace 2010 was suspended late last year, after it emerged two of the final bidders loo
16/01/2009
Businesses and landowners across County Clare have been reminded that new regulations providing for the conservation of water are now in effect. Section 56 of the Water Services Act 2007 applies in situations where leakage occurs due to unrepaired pipes or equipment or where poor management results
15/01/2009
While last year saw construction industry output top €30.5bn, economists have now predicted that more than €1bn could be wiped-off this value in 2009. In 2007 values peaked at around €38.5bn, according to figures produced by DKM Consultants economists Annette Hughes and John Lawlor, who have hinted
15/01/2009
Business leaders in Northern Ireland have called on the Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson, to act immediately to address the blockage that the Planning Service is having on economic development. The Institute of Directors said it had engaged with the Planning Service over the past six years, but r
15/01/2009
An major Irish building material group has backed out of a much-mooted takeover of a paving stone manufacturer. CRH has revealed that its planned acquisition of Pavestone Group LP would not go ahead. Releasing a joint statement with Pavestone, CRH confirmed it had withdrew the Hart-Scott-Rodino
15/01/2009
Building firm Graham FM has secured a £2m Planned and Reactive Maintenance Service Contract for Student Plus Facilities at Queens University, Belfast. The contract will provide 24/7/365 building fabric, mechanical, electrical and Helpdesk services for all buildings within the Student Estate. This
15/01/2009
The Irish government has approved funding for upgrade works to be carried out at Ennistymon National School, County Clare. Welcoming the news Clare TD Tony Killeen said: "The Building Unit of the Department of Education and Science will be in contact with Scoil Mhaínchín shortly in relation to the
15/01/2009
Rural dwellers across Northern Ireland have been invited to information seminars explaining the new draft PPS21 planning regulations. Information days involving Department of Environment officials will be held in 15 locations across the province between now and the end of February. Environment Mi
15/01/2009
Good news for homeowners today, as €82 is expected to fall from average mortgage payments as interest rates take another fall. The key policy rate has been cut to 2%, and reduced monthly repayments on a €300,000 mortgage by €82. In some other good news, the Taoiseach Brian Cowen has given a surpr
15/01/2009
Social housing tenants should also benefit from the extended green rates rebate, according to a west Belfast MLA. Jennifer McCann called on Finance Minister Nigel Dodds to make provisions for the most vulnerable in society. Ms McCann said: "By not extending the 'Green' rate relief scheme to those
15/01/2009
The Ulster woman at the helm of a mammoth £1bn retail development in the heart of Liverpool's city centre has left her high profile job. Joanne Jennings announced plans to step down last month, following 18 months of overseeing the Liverpool One project. Ms Jennings, former Chief Executive of Be
14/01/2009
The Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute has reaffirmed much-mooted predictions that property prices in Dublin fell by 15% last year. A survey by the institute also found a significant drop in commercial rental costs. Members reported an average house price decrease of 15% in the capital city
14/01/2009
Despite challenging circumstances, the restoration of an impressive historic Dublin building has been completed. The €4.8m restoration scheme at 114 Grafton Street has seen the property transformed into a prime commercial property at the heart of the city. Original features in the protected buil
14/01/2009
Renovations to social houses in west Belfast - costing almost £2m - have been officially unveiled. The work, carried out by the Housing Executive at the Rossnareen Road and Culmore Gardens area of Upper Andersonstown, included improvements to 50 maisonettes and four flats. The four blocks of pro
14/01/2009
A former Derry school has been acquired by the Department for Social Development as part of its 'Shared Future' regeneration scheme. The department bought the former Clondermot School site for £3.2m and now plans to oversee the regeneration of the area. Minister Margaret Ritchie said the redevel
14/01/2009
An Ulster fencing firm has secured a number of high-profile contracts across Ireland and the UK. Draperstown-based Rogers Fencing Systems will supply the innovative steel security gates after receiving marketing and sales advice from Invest NI. The firm is currently in the process of manufacturi
14/01/2009
The Irish Trade Minister has held talks with elected representatives in the mid-west to discuss a way forward, after the axing of 1,900 manufacturing jobs in Limerick. Mary Coughlan met with the mayors of Limerick City and counties Clare and North Tipperary. Clare Mayor, Madeleine Taylor Quinn w
14/01/2009
A County Antrim businessman was fined £3,000 plus £262 court costs at Antrim Magistrates' Court yesterday (13 January). Forty-four year old Brian Reid, of Printshop Road, Templepatrick, was fined for breaches of waste management legislation. On 4 July 2006, officers of the Environment and Heritage
14/01/2009
A £1.1m plan to increase broadband access across Northern Ireland has been unveiled by Communications Minister Arlene Foster. The contract will deliver broadband services to those customers in the province who cannot access broadband via telephone lines. Ms Foster awarded the contract, which will
13/01/2009
One of Ireland's top estate agents has hinted that this year could see heightened activity in the country's housing market. Sherry FitzGerald also suggested that 'notable' price stability could emerge. According to the estate agent, price deflation in the property market came in at around 18% for
13/01/2009
A new £27m hotel is to open its doors to Belfast visitors in March, it has been announced. The Fitzwilliam Hotel will take up a prime location in the city centre, boasting 130 bedrooms and creating 110 new jobs for Belfast. Businesswoman June Burgess is behind the venture, which will operate as p
13/01/2009
Social housing tenants in Northern Ireland have been offered a revised scheme to enable them to purchase a stake in their home, which could help more than 100,000 people become first-time property owners. At present social housing tenants can only buy their houses in one lump sum. However, this
13/01/2009
Residents in Limerick have been offered the chance to provide feedback on development plans for the city. Council officials outlined a number of major regeneration schemes planned for the city late last year, which will now be the subject of public consultation. This is the start of a two year pro
13/01/2009
Planners have refused permission for a proposed housing development in Lisburn, following tens of objections were lodged against the development. The scheme was set to be built in the Hillsborough Old Road area of the city. Northern Ireland Planning Service officials processed 22 objections to t
13/01/2009
Tipperary Council Council has sought interest from painting contractors to undertake work on vacant houses in the district. The council said the work would arise when housing stock became vacant. The Housing Section of South Tipperary County Council said intends to compile a list of suitably qua
13/01/2009
Two Ulster firms have joined forces in an effort to conserve and harvest rainwater, in a project backed by Invest NI. Dungiven builders Cross Concrete and Rainvault, which is based in Draperstown, plan to manufacture and market the unique process, which has already been trialled by another local c
13/01/2009
The Irish Department of Environment has invited owners of historic building to apply for conservation grants. Encompassing public owned premises and those open to the general public, cash is provided to carry out repairs and maintenance works. Buildings must carry protected structures status and
12/01/2009
Asda is to open a £25m store at Junction One, the retailer has confirmed. The investment will create 400 sales jobs, in addition to much-needed construction contracts. Stocking food, fashion, household goods and electrical equipment, the Antrim supermarket will have flagship store status. It wi
12/01/2009
Draft proposals to regenerate the city of Armagh have been opened to the public. The city's residents have been invited to a master plan session, later this month, which will see the future of the area shaped. Northern Ireland Regeneration Minister, Margaret Ritchie, said: "A key priority for m
12/01/2009
Building activity in Ireland took another dip last month, bringing the lack of new projects to an all time low. The fall has been blamed on the ongoing international credit crisis, coupled with the current recession in the domestic economy. However, according to a top economist, Ireland is not
12/01/2009
Six construction firms have been shortlisted for the contract to build Northern Ireland's first ever mechanical biological treatment facilities, in a deal worth up to £500m. The arc21 recycling scheme, which provides the basis for the development, is led by of 11 of Northern Ireland's councils and
12/01/2009
A top Irish building group has been lauded as an 'outstanding employer' by the body representing Irish Engineers. Walls Construction achieved the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Accredited Employer standard, awarded by Engineers Ireland, earlier this month. A spokesman for Walls said:
12/01/2009
There's a dire need for more social housing in an urban area of Co Antrim - a situation exacerbated by a series of empty properties being demolished over past years - mainly to deal with antisocial behaviour and other problems of dereliction. It has just been revealed that over 1,000 people are on
12/01/2009
There has been a welcome boost in Dublin's office-space market, with the announcement that a top law firm is to occupy a substantial part of the capital's Grand Canal Square. According on reports on Property week, William Fry has signed up to take 121,000 square feet at the site. The Dublin south
12/01/2009
Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has announced the creation of a new legal entity charged with the operation and management of the electricity distribution system in Ireland. The new entity - ESB Networks Limited - will remain a part of the ESB group of companies but will be legally and functional
12/01/2009
A Londonderry farmer has been given a five month prison sentence, suspended for three years, for illegal waste disposal. Robert Herbison, 60, from Roguery Road, Toomebridge was convicted of five offences under the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997 at Antrim Magistrates' Court on 5 January
09/01/2009
Around 3,300 much-needed building jobs could be created this year through the Irish government's €900m schools construction scheme, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has suggested. New primary and secondary schools will be built at a a cost of around €580m, a further €265m will be used to maintain
09/01/2009
The largest ever single grant for an historic building in Northern Ireland has been announced by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson. Church House in Belfast's Fisherwick Place, the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, has been awarded a £1m grant from the Northern Ireland Environment
09/01/2009
A Mid-Ulster assemblyman has expressed concerns at the Housing Executive's reported decision to suspend repair projects. Unionist MLA Billy Armstrong said: "I am deeply concerned at these reports of work being halted by the Housing Executive. Mr Armstrong said he has already contacted Housing Mi
09/01/2009
Irish building material giant CRH plc has announced completion of its acquisition of a 26% shareholding in the Jilin Yatai Group's cement operations (Yatai Cement). The deal was made for RMB 2.1bn (€224m), details of which were unveiled in 30 January last year. Yatai Cement's operations comprise
09/01/2009
NI Water has announced a two-year, £10 million investment package to carry out improvement works at a number of minor wastewater treatment facilities across rural parts of Northern Ireland. The Province's water authority will undertake a widespread portfolio of work to upgrade processes at wastewat
09/01/2009
The need to protect the overall 'character' of a suburban area north of Belfast has seen a plan for a new apartment development halted. The original initiative was to demolish a Glengormley shopping complex and replace it with more than 100 apartments. Now, the NI Planning Service has issued a ref
09/01/2009
The Ballysally Estate in Coleraine is to benefit from a major street lighting improvement scheme, it has been announced. Unveiling the £380,000 funding package, Stormont Regneration Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "I am pleased to announce this funding through the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme fo
09/01/2009
Graham has become the first construction company in Northern Ireland to commit to the UK Government's latest target 'Halving Waste to Landfill' by 2012. Over the next three years, Graham will be supported by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), who launched this target in October. This initi
08/01/2009
The green light has been given to a €800m regeneration scheme in North Dublin. Expected to generate hundreds of much-needed construction jobs, the Spring Cross development in Ballymun Town Centre will be undertaken by Treasury Holdings. Building work is expected to start next year, with completion
08/01/2009
Remedial work has commenced on a £2.4m infrastructure project at a new Invest Northern Ireland business park in Dungannon. The construction project will focus on developing the road and utilities infrastructure of a new business park on the Killyliss Road. This will release an additional 26 acres
08/01/2009
The man at the helm of regeneration projects in Londonderry has stepped down from his high-profile post. Bill Kirk resigned as Chief Executive at development body Ilex for family reasons. Mr Kirk said he would continue to champion Derry as an investment opportunity and remain a "committed ambass
08/01/2009
Belfast's Lagan Weir is to undergo a £2m refurbishment, almost 15 years after being first built. The contract was awarded to local firm John Graham (Dromore) Ltd and work commenced this week. Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "This major refurbishment project will protect the Departme
08/01/2009
Planning officials have rejected proposals for a £90m skyscraper in Belfast city centre, leaving the developer behind the scheme stunned in disbelief. The 37-storey apartment building - named Aurora - was planned as a landmark structure for the city and to act as a catalyst for further regenerat
08/01/2009
Greyhound Recycling has been announced as the successful bidder for Dublin's Green Bin collection contract. The contract went live earlier this week, prior to this date Oxigen was responsible for all green bin collections in the Dublin area. Greyhound Recycling is now responsible for covering all
08/01/2009
Mardak Ltd has signed its first client in Northern Ireland. H&J Martin Limited is based in Belfast and has four specialist divisions, Construction, Developments, Fit Out and Facilities Management. They employ over 200 staff and have an annual turnover in the region of £100m. H&J Martin Ltd is cu
08/01/2009
It has been claimed that Northern Ireland could be at the forefront of efforts to stave off the worst effects of a prolonged global recession - but only if it joins a 'green technology revolution' that is said to be taking place around the world. That will be one of the messages coming from a major
08/01/2009
A free advice scheme has been launched in Northern Ireland to help hauliers cut fuel use and emissions. Environment Minister Sammy Wilson, unveiling Freight Best Practice Northern Ireland, said the programme will provide free operational efficiency advice to freight operators in the form of best pr
07/01/2009
Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has officially kicked-off construction at a new £5m housing scheme in Bangor, County Down. The development, by Oaklee Housing Association, will provide 34 high quality energy efficient apartments for older people on part of the former Bangor Dairies site on Sha
07/01/2009
There was a 16% fall in the number of on-site building fatalities last year, according to new figures. The Irish Health and Safety Authority reported three fewer construction related deaths in 2008. The previous year 18 people had been killed when working in the traditionally 'high-risk' sector.
07/01/2009
Twenty-two new jobs at to be created by a County Down tunnelling company, it has been announced. Terra Solutions is poised to invest an extra £2.1m (€2.3m) to expand its drilling operations. The Newry firm provides services to gas and water pipe laying works. Around eight jobs are expected to
07/01/2009
Irish building materials giant Grafton has reported difficult trading conditions, which it says have continued since November - but the group has insisted it is still very much "cash generative". Grafton, which operates in the UK and Ireland, suggested its full year earning for 2008 could be at the
07/01/2009
Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen has reminded Irish farmers they have until the end of this month to submit applications under the third phase of the Bioenergy Scheme. The scheme was launched on a pilot basis in 2007 to provide establishment grants to farmers to plant willow and miscanthus
07/01/2009
Stormont Energy Minister Arlene Foster has lauded the the Energy Institute Yearbook as an important contributor to the energy debate in Northern Ireland. The Institute is a chartered professional body for the international energy industry. The yearbook is published annually and is widely read by
07/01/2009
A seabed survey is to be carried out on the Shannon Estuary as part of the National Marine Mapping Programme (INFOMAR), it has been announced. Local TD Tony Killeen said the survey would help ensure shipping lanes are safely charted. Covering some 125,000 square kilometres of underwater territory
07/01/2009
To compliment the popular Trend Hinge Jig and Lock Jig, Trend has now launched a Snappy 22 piece Door Hanging Kit. This new addition to the most popular Quick Change System in the UK, contains all the required Snappy accessories to hang a door, such as drill bit guides, screwdriver bits, flat bits,
06/01/2009
A well-known Irish developer has denied reports that he could be "considered insolvent" if the global banking crisis ensues. Sean Dunne reportedly told the New York Times he could face financial difficulties should the international situation fail to improve. However, Mr Dunne has today distance
06/01/2009
A Northern Ireland cement firm has expressed further optimism for Belfast's emerging Titanic Quarter by announcing plans for a £2m on-site plant investment. CEMEX NI said it is confident the company will contribute to 'lifting the gloom' which has taken hold of the construction supply industry in
06/01/2009
The body representing Irish builders has rejected calls from the country's largest trade union for an increase in Capital Gains Tax (CGT). The Construction Industry Federation described such a move as "the completely wrong approach to the current problems in the Irish economy". CIF officials hav
06/01/2009
Tendering for the £4m Ballymote extension project in Downpatrick has officially commenced. The project involves the provision of an extension to the existing Ballymote complex - currently comprising a community hall, office space and shops - and the construction of a separate multi use sports hall,
06/01/2009
Around 20% was wiped off the cost of second-hand homes in Ireland last year. The drop is the largest deflation in prices ever recorded in the country, according to leading estate agents Sherry Fitzgerald. Despite the average fall in value of around a fifth, property prices in Dublin slumped by a
06/01/2009
Northern Ireland's transatlantic telecommunications are to be strengthened by the connection to a fibre optic cable which runs along the seabed. The link up to the cable which connects North America with Europe will improve the speed and extent to which businesses in NI can trade information with t
06/01/2009
Trade union officials are expected to hold talks in Meath later today aimed at saving jobs at Tara Mines. Fears have grown that jobs losses could be incurred at the facility, prompting SIPTU members to take action. A meeting is due to be held in Navan later, after around 370 workers were placed o
06/01/2009
Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced the re-appointment of Invest Northern Ireland's Chairman, Stephen Kingon. Welcoming the re-appointment, which will be for a further three years from the start of this month, Ms Foster said: "I would like to acknowledge the effort and
06/01/2009
Trend Machinery has launched a 110-volt version of its popular T20K biscuit jointer with a number of new features, it has been revealed. The new version features a spindle lock making the changing of the blades quicker and easier together with a smaller body to improve the user’s grip and comfort
05/01/2009
Notorious property tycoon Sean Dunne has said he will push forward with his multi-million Ballsbridge project, should it receive the green light from planners. Speaking to the New York Times, Mr Dunne conceded that failure is not an option for the scheme. Mr Dunne bought the Jurys and Berkeley Co
05/01/2009
Planning permission has been granted for a new £267million acute hospital in Enniskillen. The news was welcomed by Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, who described the announcement as an "important milestone" in the development of world-class health and social care services for the popula
05/01/2009
Around 500 construction jobs are to be created at a €100m Dublin indoor ski-resort, it has been revealed. Work on Snowtopia - a leisure and extreme sports centre at Tyrrelstown, northwest Dublin – is expected to commence this year. The scheme will offer Ireland’s first ice climbing area, and con
05/01/2009
Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister Conor Murphy has officially opened a new £7m wastewater treatment works in Glenstall, Ballymoney. The new works are capable of treating wastewater flow from a population of approximately 40,650 in the area. The new state-of-the-art treatment facility wi
05/01/2009
Construction Industry Federation (CIF) boss Tom Parlon has hit out at claims by Ireland’s largest trade union that some Polish builders are unfairly treated by unscrupulous contractors in the Republic. Mr Parlon blasted the SIPTU’s Michael Kilcoyne’s remarks for showing "gross irresponsibility".
05/01/2009
Stormont Regeneration Minister, Margaret Ritchie, has received a response to her department’s Development Brief for Queen’s Parade, Bangor, from the developer Karl Greenfarm Limited. The development brief, which set out the regeneration requirements for the site, was issued in June. Minister Ritc
05/01/2009
Irish Minister of State Tony Killeen has welcomed the Commission for Energy Regulation's announcement to keep both gas and electricity prices at current levels until October 2009. The Clare TD said it was logical that, as the price of oil and gas falls, that this saving should be passed on to the c
05/01/2009
Northern Ireland's social housing authority has insisted it must 'live within its means' during the ongoing financial crisis, after a projected fall in the value of assets earmarked for sale. The Housing Executive has insisted the revenue generated from house sales could fall dramatically, with a
