Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for November 2010
30/11/2010
A major 10-year multi-million Euro redevelopment for Irish state broadcaster, RTÉ is to proceed, despite the recession and the perilous state of the Irish Republic's finances. A planning application was initially made in October 2009 and now that the revised plan has been approved, construction wor
30/11/2010
A major water supply scheme in south Dublin has benefited from the expertise of Northern Ireland concrete products manufacturer. Acheson & Glover, the Co Tyrone-based company was able to come up with an effective, efficient package of products and expertise for the design of two reservoirs at Sagga
30/11/2010
Builders and other businesses in Coleraine are set to benefit from a new partnership between Invest Northern Ireland and Coleraine Borough Council. The project is part of an initiative by Invest NI and Councils focussing on making their services more accessible to local businesses. Invest NI ha
30/11/2010
The River Shannon is to be boosted with news of a base for seaplanes being built at Lough Derg. The building plan was approved by An Bord Pleanála at the end of November after the board rejected appeals against the proposal from An Taisce and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Local anglers and resid
30/11/2010
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has announced significant reductions in Ireland's electricity and gas prices. Official data published by Eurostat, the EU's statistical office, shows that in the year to June 2010, in Electricity:
30/11/2010
For more than 35 years B&G have worked with Irish Retailers to provide consumers with a door collection that offers real choice in terms of value, style and enduring quality. Over that time they have carefully considered the subtle distinctions that Irish Consumers prefer when designing their homes
29/11/2010
Cork South Central T.D. Michael McGrath has welcomed the confirmation from the Department of Transport that the funding is in place for the Bandon road and Sarsfield road flyovers to proceed in 2011. The estimated value of the contract is in the region of €160 million. Deputy McGrath has been lob
29/11/2010
Banbridge window manufacturer Bowmans NI Ltd has begun insolvency procedures. All 31 employees were made redundant on Wednesday as the company entered into a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). Administrator Walter Lismore, from the Lismore Group, said: "This particular industry has contracted ov
29/11/2010
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a 37,000ft workspace development at St. Angelo airport in Enniskillen. The stand alone unit will accommodate a fixed-wing aircraft maintenance firm complementing the various helicopter maintenance facilities already available at the Airport. The proj
29/11/2010
Plans for a world-class financial services campus, to be located at Belfast's Titanic Quarter, (TQ) have moved one step closer following the formal granting of planning permission by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. Acting on behalf of Titanic Quarter Limited, leading plannin
29/11/2010
Fermanagh and South Tyrone UUP Assembly candidate Kenny Donaldson has said that the current A5 master road plan "threatens the future sustainability of the many rural communities to which it affects." In a statement Mr Donaldson confirmed that he was "totally opposed to the Scheme" stating that "th
26/11/2010
Wexford is to get its long awaited €40m county hall and a €20 million civic square in Gorey after all. However, the projects are now expected to be completed by the local county council, following the collapse of Pierse Contracting with a liquidator this month appointed to Pierse Contracting and Pi
26/11/2010
The Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has described the £5m Conway Mill project in west Befast as a 'shining example' of how NI's economy can work in a sustainable way. Speaking at the opening of the project, the Sinn Fein politician described the project as an inspiration and a trib
26/11/2010
Transport Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £3.6million in the Castlereagh area this year. Speaking ahead of yesterday's evening meeting between Roads Service and Castlereagh Borough Council, the Minister said: “Roads Service is committed to ensurin
26/11/2010
NI's first 'A Grade' eco friendly private development has been welcomed by an Executive Minister - and hailed as 'heartening' because it is offering heating costs of just £5 weekly. Environment Minister Edwin Poots unveiled the first private housing development in NI to achieve the highest level of
26/11/2010
A local NI heating provider has teamed up with the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) to launch a new 'Community Pay and Donate Scheme'. By booking a domestic gas or oil boiler service with Solv Group consumers donate £5 of the cost of the service to UCF - at no extra cost. Stephen Kane, Director, S
26/11/2010
With the introduction of revised Building Regulations Part L 2010, the calculation and assessment of thermal bridge performance will have greater impact than ever before. Linear thermal bridges and associated Ψ Values previously inserted by default, are now required to be accurately calculated
26/11/2010
Riverside Machinery have recently teamed up with the Microsoft Tag Application to provide the customer with breathtaking digital information. The application works by inserting a barcode into the tag (the coloured square box). This can be from anything to a link to our website right, viewing our ne
25/11/2010
Safety should be the primary focus of those involved in the design and development of all new construction projects in Northern Ireland. This was the message delivered to approximately 100 professionals from the local construction industry at a special event held by the Professional College of the
25/11/2010
The NI Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has announced nine offers of grant totalling £967,000 made under the DARD EU co-funded Biomass Processing Challenge Fund. The grants will support the installation of biomass processing facilities to produce renewable energy on farms. The fund provide
25/11/2010
One of NI's newest businesses, Lenis Aer - a University of Ulster spin-out venture - has been recognised as one of the best early stage companies on the island. The company was announced as the overall winner for best venture stemming from a university spin-out / platform programme at InterTradeIr
25/11/2010
A former engineer with Waterford County Council is in court today facing a deception charge. Joseph Brennan, from Ring, is pleading not guilty at the circuit court to charges under the Fraud Act relating to an allegation from November 2002 at Waterford County Council Civic offices. The trail of th
25/11/2010
NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service's progress on investment totalling £6.2million in the Ballymena Borough Council area this year. The Minister said: "Roads Service is committed to ensuring that it can make best use of our resources and continue to deliver quality public
25/11/2010
RoanKabin, Ireland's leading manufacturer of modular and off-site buildings, has won the contract to design and build a new modular pharmacy aseptic compounding unit (chemotherapy) at Waterford Regional Hospital. The 80sq meter new modular building is an extension to the existing pharmacy departmen
24/11/2010
Claregalway Leisure Centre is to receive a grant of €10,000 for repair works according to Galway West Fianna Fáil TD Frank Fahey. Deputy Fahey believes that this will make a big difference to the centre and everyone associated with it. "The leisure centre has been looking for this grant for some
24/11/2010
Northern Ireland's direct telecommunications link to North America has been completed, recalling Lord Kelvin - a world-beating Belfast-born scientist whose work revolutionised Victorian era communications. Today's Project Kelvin involved connecting a submarine cable to the Hibernia North Transatlan
24/11/2010
The Irish Republic's President, Mary McAleese has been welcomed to her home town by the NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane. She was greeted as she helped to open new accommodation provided for St Dominic's High School, Belfast. The Minister, speaking at the official opening, which was performe
24/11/2010
Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has said he will oppose cuts to housing benefit for those on Jobseekers Allowance for more than 12 months. In a statement to the Assembly this morning, the Minister outlined the welfare reforms being proposed by the Coalition Government and his plans to ensu
24/11/2010
Fine Gael plans for investment in the electricity grid to Donegal and the north west to the tune of €200 million will stimulate growth in the region and get people back to work according to Fine Gael bye-election candidate, Cllr. Barry O'Neill. The plan entitled 'Going for Growth' has been authored
24/11/2010
The Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher , joined Donegal company Mantis Cranes on a site visit to Brazilian company Construtora e Incorporadora Rossi, where the first Mantis Cranes self-erector crane is currently on trial. The visit was made during this week's Enterprise Ireland trade
23/11/2010
The average house price in Northern Ireland has fallen below £150,000 for the first time in nearly five years, according to University of Ulster research. The latest University of Ulster Quarterly House Price Index - produced in partnership with Bank of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Housing Exe
23/11/2010
Over 40 roofers from 12 countries descended on Belfast's King's Hall last week to compete in the 23rd IFD World Championships for Young Roofers, over a challenging three day competition that brought together the best in the industry. The British team of Mark McAvoy (25) and Neil Armstrong (23), spo
23/11/2010
A Co Antrim tradesman, Carrick roofer, Martyn McAllister and his team mate, Matthew Timby from Leeds, were officially crowned World Champions in the pitched roofing category at an awards ceremony for the 23rd World Championship for Young Roofers at the Europa Hotel in Belfast last week. The event w
23/11/2010
A radical new way of financing social housing has been proposed to the Government by the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH). The initiative would see housing charities borrowing privately to fund social housing for the first time in a major way. Under the ICSH proposal the Government coul
23/11/2010
Energia have completed construction of their new 10MW windfarm at Drumlough Hill, Buncrana, Co Donegal. The green electricity generated by the windfarms will be supplied to businesses across Ireland by Energia which has 17%, rising to 25% by 2012, of the all-island renewable electricity connecte
23/11/2010
Transport Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service's progress on investment totalling £1.95million in the Moyle area this year. Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Moyle District Council, the Minister said: "Roads Service is committed to ensuring that it can m
22/11/2010
The recent refurbishment of the Nenagh Arts Centre in County Tipperary in the Irish Republic represents an impressive piece of international collaboration. That's according to the architect Eoin O'Grady of Healy and Partners who turned to the expertise of the Blairgowire, Scotland based A. Proctor
22/11/2010
Rapid International Ltd, a privately owned company based at Mullavilly, Tandragee, recently installed a 500Kw wind turbine at their production plant in Co Armagh. Rapid International enlisted the services of Horizon Renewables to manage the entire project from start to finish including foundations,
22/11/2010
Rents rose by 0.3% during the third quarter of 2010, according to the latest report published by the property website, Daft.ie. The average rent nationwide now stands at €840. Following a similar rise in the first quarter, it means that rents in October were just 2% lower than a year previously an
22/11/2010
There is to be a minor boost for the construction sector with news of a £900,000 funding package offered by International Fund for Ireland (IFI) to develop the old Templemore Avenue School in east Belfast. Robin Newton, East Belfast DUP MLA, said: "I want to express my thanks to IFI for their visio
22/11/2010
People in a loyalist area of Belfast are being advised to seek grant aid to redevelop and repair their homes - and to take advice from the local Sinn Fein representative. South Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey is encouraging the owners of private homes in the 'Village' area to apply for the grant
22/11/2010
Dedicated online auction portal
19/11/2010
Charging consumers for their water would raise enough funds to pull the beleaguered construction sector out of recession. A top building professional group has again called for the imposition of charges as it emerged that construction activity in Northern Ireland continued to fall significantly in
19/11/2010
A huge construction contract came to partial fruition today as Dublin airport's new terminal - known as T2 - opened. However, Aer Lingus will be the only airline to use the €600 million terminal until Tuesday, when it is due to be joined by Etihad Airways. Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) had initi
19/11/2010
There was good news this week for an Irish building and engineering company that is to construct a series of schools in the United Arab Emirates. In a contract worth €120 million, the Kildare-based Sammon Group deal was signed with the Abu Dhabi Education Council, part of the emirate's government,
19/11/2010
The construction trade is to enjoy a minor fillip with news that work on a £1m upgrade to Institute FC's ground in Drumahoe in Co Londonderry has begun. The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and party colleague Sports Minister Nelson McCausland cut the first sod of the major improvement scheme
19/11/2010
Co Down is to enjoy a modest housing boost with news that many local families will next year reap the benefits of a new, shared housing scheme. It was announced by the NI Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood who saw at first hand how the building work in rural Loughbrickland is currently progr
19/11/2010
A regeneration board has welcomed the successful contractor on site at St. Michael’s Estate, Inchicore in Dublin 8, to begin the redevelopment of this historic neighbourhood. This first phase will develop 2-acres out of 14-acres planned for regeneration. The construction will take place on a 2-acre
18/11/2010
A major tourism development that would have newly expanded an existing rail museum in West Clare has been rejected by An Bord Pleanála. The official body said that plans for the road and rail were turned down on road safety grounds. The proposal was part of the West Clare railway tourist attractio
18/11/2010
In defiance of the beleaguered construction sector, competition got underway this week for the 23rd World Championship of Young Roofers in Belfast. Even Russian apprentices were among those to travel to a rain-lashed Belfast for the event, hosted by the UK's National Federation of Roofing Contracto
18/11/2010
Ten regional apprentices (from Northern Ireland) have been selected as members of Squad UK for WorldSkills London 2011. The squad members were announced by Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hayes MP, at the Association of Colleges Annual Conference in Birm
18/11/2010
A huge contruction contract has been completed and the NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has congratulated staff and pupils of Grosvenor Grammar School as he attended the official opening of its new building yesterday. Grosvenor Grammar School is one of many schools to have benefited from the Execu
18/11/2010
An international design competition for the former site of the Andersonstown PSNI station has been launched, Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has announced that the Department for Social Development (DSD), working with the West Belfast Partnership Board and PLACE, the Centre for Architectur
18/11/2010
Glenvale Kitchens are the first company in Ireland to win the Design Awards in London. It was a design created by Darren Morgan that secured Glenvale Kitchens the win, and won Darren the prestigious title of 'Contract Kitchen Designer of the Year'. The Design Awards attracts some of the best des
17/11/2010
A married couple have been given the go ahead by the Irish High Court to mount a legal challenge on the power of a County Registrar to order the repossession of homes. The couple who have three children claim that the County Registrar of Dublin acted beyond her powers in making an order for reposse
17/11/2010
The new €3million extension at Ratoath National School has been officially opened by local TD Mary Wallace. A former pupil of the school Mary Wallace said it was a special honour and a day she would always remember. Mrs Wallace's husband Declan Gannon and son Tom had both also attended the school,
17/11/2010
The Department of Transport has announced that construction works will begin at An Daingean (Dingle) Fishery Harbour Centre, Co Kerry today, Wednesday 17th November. The construction works will take place in the Western Basin. They will involve the installation of 17 steel piles, removal of existi
17/11/2010
Planning permission has been granted for a five-storey office and retail development on a site in Donnybrook, Dublin. However, as it had originally been earmarked for a 26-storey tower, opposition to the original plan by developer Denis O'Brien has achieved moderate success. However, builders hop
17/11/2010
There's to be some festive cheer in the North West with details of a plan to create hundreds of jobs being outlined to Derry City Council's Development Committee in December. A German car parts firm, Arntz Belting, has said it hopes to create more than 800 jobs in a multi-million pound development
17/11/2010
Building work is underway on a new office development on Joy Street in Belfast city centre. Designed by Hamilton Architects the £1.6 million energy-efficient building will provide high specification office space in a prime business district. Seamus McCloskey, Partner at Hamilton Architects said:
16/11/2010
Construction work has been completed and the sites handed over in good time for two newly refurbished national schools to be officially opened in Mayo last week. Education Minister and Tánaiste Mary Coughlan expressed her appreciation after Taugheen National School in Claremorris was modernised and
16/11/2010
A decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse permission for a wind energy development on part of the Slieve Aughty Mountains was made on the basis of the increasing pressures faced by wildlife at this location, according to Birdwatch Ireland. In commending the decision, Siobhán Egan, Birdw
16/11/2010
A new 22-kilometre stretch of road has been completed some nine months ahead of schedule. Built at a cost of €207m, the new M18 motorway will significantly enhance the road infrastructure of the region and save approximately 20 minutes during peak commuting times between Ennis and Galway. The deve
16/11/2010
Focus Ireland launched a hard-hitting new campaign which aims to boost the charity's drive to raise funds vital to ensure its services can cope with the growing demand from people who are homeless as the winter nights close in. Focus Ireland parked an admobile outside the gates of Government Buildi
16/11/2010
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £1.7million for structural road maintenance in the Craigavon borough this year. Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Craigavon Borough Council, the Minister said: “
16/11/2010
The Commission for Energy Regulation has revealed discussions are taking place that may lead to the halving of gas and electricity reconnection fees. The number of disconnections has been on the rise ever since the full brutality of the recession hit homeowners, leaving many struggling with their u
15/11/2010
An Irish student has won the prestigious European Energy Savings Award. Karimah Gambo - a transition year student at St. Joseph's College, Lucan, Co Dublin - was presented with the accolade in early November in Trieste, Italy, by Fabio Tomasi, Head of International Project, AREA Science Park. She
15/11/2010
Building materials firm Kingspan has reported a 6% rise in profits in the 9 months to 30 September. However, the group said that Ireland "remains depressed" and the North American construction environment "remained subdued". Combined sales in the UK, Ireland and Western Europe grew 16% in the thir
15/11/2010
Four Northern Ireland students have been honoured at the recent WorldSkills UK 2010 awards ceremony held in London. The awards were to celebrate the gold medal winners of the WorldSkills UK national competitions during the past year. WorldSkills UK is open to young people and adults who have gain
15/11/2010
Fourds, the Draperstown manufacturer of a range of innovative window blinds, has broken into the French and German markets with support from Invest Northern Ireland. The company has also seen its workforce more than triple to 15 since taking part in export programme to develop business in the Nethe
15/11/2010
The shared spaces around rented apartment and other private housing are to be better regulated. Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy will introduce his private members Bill, Apartment Developments' Management Reform Bill, to the Assembly today, when it will get its first reading. The objective is to addr
15/11/2010
Leading figures in the construction industry in Northern Ireland will find out about the creative design possibilities of concrete in construction at a special event by concrete products manufacturer Acheson & Glover. Belfast's Waterfront Conference Centre will be the venue for the book launch of ‘
12/11/2010
Fourteen female transition year students from secondary schools across Dublin had the opportunity to explore the life of a working engineer during the third annual Women in Engineering programme hosted by Electricity Supply Board International (ESBI). The programme is part of a wider initiative by
12/11/2010
Cork should get aid to redevelop so-called 'ghost estates' providing work for the beleaguered construction sector and allowing those in housing need to be accommodated. The Dáil Minister for the Environment John Gormley has been urged to introduce a State-wide policy to assist local authorities to
12/11/2010
A new Las Vegas-style, super casino and sports complex is to be built in the wilds of Ireland - with the ex-policeman behind the project hoping that his 'gamble will soon pay off'. In a major boost for the building trade, it is to be constructed in North Tipperary, close to the village of Two-Mile-
12/11/2010
Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has hit out after the Department for Social Development confirmed that over £1million has been spent on a ‘landmark development' site planned for Foyle Street which will now not go ahead "The Department announced - amid much fanfare - in 2006 that the former Ci
12/11/2010
The leading supplier of ground support equipment for hire, Trench Control, has been selected by SIAC Construction to support its work during the construction of a new Waste Water Treatment Plant in Portrane, North County Dublin. As part of the work, Trench Control will provide SIAC with access to
12/11/2010
An award-winning Irish-owned career coaching company, Career Decisions Ireland, has reminded jobseekers who wish to avail of free career coaching under a Government-backed scheme that they should enrol immediately as places are being snapped up with over 40% of the total places already taken. The
11/11/2010
Fine Gael Dublin South TD and Competition and Consumer Protection Spokesperson, Olivia Mitchell TD, has accused Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council management of a breach of trust with the public in proposing to switch affordable houses at Brehon Grove to social housing for applicants on the Counc
11/11/2010
Belfast-based estate agency Ulster Property Sales has won a UK Property Award. The firm which has five offices across the city has won an award in the category of Best Real Estate Agency 2010 (NI). They will attend a high profile property networking event and gala dinner at the Royal Lancaster Ho
11/11/2010
Building work has begun at Waterford Regional Hospital to fit a new A&E and regional Special Care Baby Unit The new facilities will replace the existing services and are expected to be completed over a two year period. They are expected open on a phased basis to allow existing services to continue.
11/11/2010
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has welcomed the EU Commission's new energy strategy towards 2020. The new strategy will be discussed by Heads of State and Government in February next year. It sets out a number of priority areas for improvement in the next ten years, which include:
11/11/2010
Antrim-based construction firm Mivan which announced the launch of its new residential brand, Mivan Prime, earlier this year has now secured its first project. Known as 'The Bluff' is in excess of £3.1m and is an individual development located in Chinnor, Oxfordshire for a private client. Work has
11/11/2010
Creative collaborations and a focus on sustainability can tackle the economic, social and environmental challenges facing Northern Ireland. This was the message delivered by the Stormont Culture Minister Nelson McCausland and the Environment Minister Edwin Poots at the launch of a conference serie
11/11/2010
Those hoping to live in a prestigious Dublin suburb are in for a boost with news that Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is to cut the price of houses and apartments in the area. Aimed at buyers, the scheme will offer affordable housing for first-time buyers on the former Dún Laoghaire Golf Club
10/11/2010
Over 6,000 people have nominated Samuel Beckett Bridge as the Engineering Project of the Year in the 2010 Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards. The Samuel Beckett Bridge fought off stiff competition from the Limerick Tunnel PPP Scheme (placed 2nd), the Convention Centre, Dublin (placed 3rd), and the
10/11/2010
Key representatives from the National Federation of Builders (NFB) have visited the Republic of Ireland to deepen ties with the Irish construction sector. The NFB's Chairman John Robinson, together with Julia Evans, NFB Chief Executive and the past, and in-coming national chairs and the Finance Gr
10/11/2010
A new school building project is set to get underway in a scenic part of Co Cork shortly with an expected target for completion in 2011. The Passage West development will mean a boost for local contractors as well as for the present and future pupils of the school. The Department of Education and
10/11/2010
Northern Ireland's economy will emerge from recession in the next 12 months. But, a new report has also warned of a grim outlook for the beleaguered construction sector as the housing market on both sides of the border continues to fall, with all-island house values not forecast to reach peak value
10/11/2010
Transport Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed NI Roads Service's progress on planned investment totalling £2.85million in the Magherafelt District Council area this year. The Minister said: "Roads Service is committed to ensuring that it can make best use of our resources and continue to deliver qua
10/11/2010
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has urged the Northern Ireland Executive to take on social division as a key objective of its capital spending policy. In its submission to the consultation on the Executive's Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (CSI), RICS said last w
09/11/2010
Northern Ireland's construction sector is facing further problems as NI house prices continue to fall over the next three months. They are expected to drop to their lowest levels since the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) started an authorative survey four years ago. The new RICS su
09/11/2010
Architectural students in the west have been discussed the findings of a specialised project which explored the 'boundaries of belonging' experienced by Sligo residents. The Institute of Technology students were at a conference called 'Space, Place and Nature: Connecting our Build Heritage & the Ur
09/11/2010
Progress on investments totalling £1.3million in the Carrickfergus Borough Council area this year has been welcomed. Transport Minister Conor Murphy who was on hand for a meeting between Roads Service and Carrickfergus Borough Council said: "Roads Service is committed to ensuring that it can make b
09/11/2010
The Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots has published consultation proposals for making planning fees simpler and fairer. The proposed changes are designed to correct the current imbalance in the fees structure which sees smaller development proposals attract disproportionately higher plannin
09/11/2010
Stuart Millar (employed by Shilliday Refrigeration) and Bryan Craig (employed by United Dairy Farmers) from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Lisburn Campus have won gold and silver medals in the SummitSkills UK SkillFRIDGE Competition held in Birmingham. SkillFRIDGE is the national refrigera
08/11/2010
The west is set to enjoy two major boosts with news that up to 1,000 temporary construction and permanent retail jobs will be created by the €200m redevelopment of the Galway Shopping Centre. In addition, a multi-million Euro ward block of single rooms with en-suites on the site of University Hospi
08/11/2010
Airlines using the newly built Dublin Airport terminal T2 will begin transferring their services later this month - with travellers seeing big changes as the airport's spanking new multi-million euro passenger terminal is opened on a phased basis throughout the rest of November. The formal opening
08/11/2010
Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP has confirmed that the HSE has approved funding for separate projects at Dungloe Community Hospital, Learning Disabilities Centre, The Angle, Dungloe and Primary Care Centre, Glenties. Dungloe Community Hospital has been approved for an extension to provide additional fac
08/11/2010
There's more gloom today with news that the Irish Republic's construction sector declined at a faster pace in October than previous months as uncertainty led to a fall in new business. With similar bad news in Northern Ireland, the authorative Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PM
08/11/2010
The contract to develop the Connswater Community Greenway has been awarded to joint venture SIAC (NI) Ltd and Galliford Try Infrastructure. The major regeneration scheme led by the East Belfast Partnership will establish a linear park through East Belfast along the Connswater, Knock and Loop rivers
08/11/2010
A decision on the redevelopment of Brandywell Stadium is expected within the fortnight, according to Derry City Football Club. The club's chairman Phil O'Doherty said plans for a new 2.500 seater stand on the Lone Moor Road side of the stadium would "definitely go ahead". The green light from Derr
08/11/2010
A modest housing development in east Belfast has been given a welcome, but news that eight two-bedroom and nine three bedroom homes are on the way in Grove Street East should be only the start. East Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton said: "These 17 additional family homes to the east Belfast housing sto
05/11/2010
Things are looking grim for one of the top three building companies in Ireland. Over 100 people employed by Pierse Construction could lose their jobs as lawyers for the firm whose Group Head Office is in Mulhuddart, Dublin, told the High Court this week that the appropriate course for the company i
05/11/2010
Some parts of Northern Ireland's private sector are still growing despite a weak economic recovery that is underlined by continuing problems in the building sector. That's according to Northern Bank Chief Economist Angela McGowan whose latest 'Quarterly Sectoral Forecasts' report forecasts annual g
05/11/2010
Irish firms have landed deals worth over €36 million during a trade mission to the Middle East this week. The trade mission was organised by the Government's indigenous job creation agency, Enterprise Ireland. Most of the contracts won this week are in the construction sector with firms such as PM
05/11/2010
Three NI carpentry apprentices have been awarded gold, silver and bronze medals at the Skillbuild UK National Finals. The Skillbuild competition is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for young students and apprentices. It covers nine crafts including carpentry, joinery, bricklaying and p
05/11/2010
A new Tesco superstore proposed for Glengormley's neglected Northcott Shopping Centre several years ago might now be getting underway. Store staff have already been told they are to be re-located after Christmas as the demolition of the 35-year-old centre is to commence. Preliminary test drilling
05/11/2010
A Belfast firm has won a contract to install a security system in a Saudi Arabian hospital. CEM AC2000 SE (Standard Edition) security management system has been chosen to secure access to King Khalid University Hospital. The contract was awarded to CEM Approved Reseller, Best InfoTech Solutions.
04/11/2010
A major north Belfast school rebuilding project has been hailed a success. The new facilities, delivered through a £30m Private Finance Initiative, (PFI) has replaced previous school buildings at Belfast Girls' Model - some of which were over 50 years old. NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, h
04/11/2010
Dublin City Council has welcomed the granting by An Bord Pleanála of a Railway Order to allow for the construction of Metro North by the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA). This follows an extensive oral hearing as part of the planning process. Commenting on the announcement, John Tierney, Manager o
04/11/2010
Westmeath-based company Woodfit Ltd, has announced that it has secured a contract of €1.5m as part of the construction of Princess Noura University in Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made during this week's Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates led by the
04/11/2010
A multi-million pound inner city linear parkway project has received a fillip with news that the construction contracts for the innovative Connswater Community Greenway have now been awarded. New bridges, riverside walkways and cycleways are to be built along the banks of the Connswater, Knock and
04/11/2010
Work will now commence on the new Ballyfermot Primary Care and Mental Health Centre after Minister Mary Harney officially turned the first sod on the site. Located on the old Ballyfermot Mental Health Centre site, the new facility will provide a new and modern setting for continuing the work of loc
04/11/2010
The Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has attended the launch of the Northern Ireland Green New Deal Housing Fund, a £253m investment scheme that will see the retrofit of 100,000 homes over a three-year period. The scheme will see over 2,300 jobs created, 50,000 households currently in fu
03/11/2010
Land in the west of Ireland that was supposed to be used to build much-needed houses and to give the beleaguered construction sector a fillip is instead to be virtually given away. Around 3,500 people on Galway housing list are in for disappointment as Galway City Council outlines plans to hand ove
03/11/2010
Tenders are invited from competent contractors for the refurbishment works for Dungarvan Enterprise Centre. Tenders will be assessed in terms of cost, time effectiveness and suitability of the proposals for the works. Tenders must:
03/11/2010
There was good news for the building trade this week as the NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood announced that over 140 new homes are to be built for the Lisburn area. The development will be the largest social housing scheme to start this financial year, providing 124 family houses and 22
03/11/2010
Domestic gas customers in greater Belfast have this week moved closer to having a choice of natural gas supplier for the first time. Many customers in the greater Belfast and Larne areas will now be able to choose from two suppliers. The NI Consumer Council said that with firmus energy now in co
03/11/2010
A specialist company, Rogers Fencing in Draperstown, has been assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to develop an innovative safety system for sports grounds. The new anti-crush barriers offer an effective solution for the problem of pitch invasions. The unique system of gated steel barriers was us
03/11/2010
Alurad Radiators have launched an unbelievable November sale with 15% discount on all In Stock Radiators. Vertical models from €200 inc vat- a stylish choice for kitchen/dining extensions. Chrome towel rails from €150 inc vat, 300mm low level models and standard sizes. Contact
02/11/2010
A leading construction professional has reacted positively to this week's DUP policy document on dealing with Northern Ireland's financial crisis. However, he also disagreed with the First Minister, Peter Robinson's opposition to water charges. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) N
02/11/2010
Those who would actually use the proposed Dublin underground system will shortly be able to give their views on the plans to build a railway tunnel underneath Dublin city centre. A public hearing begins this month with An Bord Pleanala opening an oral hearing into the €3bn DART underground project
02/11/2010
The European Hotel Design Awards returns this month, again celebrating hotel design across Europe. The impressive hotels shortlisted for this year's awards come from all over Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. This year the 'black t
02/11/2010
Belfast's Harland and Wolff has won a contract for the design and building of two offshore substation platforms for the Gwynt y Môr offshore wind farm off the coast of North Wales. The H&W Heavy Industries business will work on the substations that are to be completed by June 2012. Robert J Coope
02/11/2010
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe, has began a week-long trade mission to the Middle East with 45 Irish firms aimed at landing lucrative deals and creating jobs at home. The Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is the latest
02/11/2010
A consultation on proposals to review the provision of financial assistance for domestic properties not served by a water main has been launched by NI's Department for Regional Development (DRD). It is estimated that there are around 1,200 properties - which are mostly situated in rural areas - not
01/11/2010
Building work is set to start on a new €20m project at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth after the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, approved the contract. This project will deliver over 6,000sq/m of new space designed to integrate with existing facilities
01/11/2010
Plans for a new €460m sports and leisure complex in north Tipperary have been unveiled. The development named The Tipperary Venue will create around 1,000 jobs during the three years of construction and 2,000 full-time jobs once complete. Dublin-based businessman Richard Quirke's proposal's for th
01/11/2010
Northern Ireland will be on 'top of the world' this November when it plays hosts to the 58th Congress of the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD). The prestigious international event is running from 17th - 19th November at the Kings Hall, Belfast and has been organised by the UK's N
01/11/2010
Fears that the multi-million pound redevelopment of a run-down part of Belfast city centre had been shelved have again been refuted this week with news that a planning application has been submitted. The application came five years after the Royal Exchange project was announced. In May this year,
01/11/2010
Castlewellan Castle, a beautiful 19th century castle within Castlewellan Forest Park, in Northern Ireland, is installing a new heating system to be fuelled by locally grown wood chip. The castle is managed by Christian charity, Centre Ministries, and is used mainly as a residential conference cent
01/11/2010
An online industry auction portal is delighted to announce its offer of a free, no-obligation valuation of all plant and machinery on behalf of its customers.