Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for December 2011
22/12/2011
Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has approved the establishment of a twenty-six place part-time nursery unit at Orchard County Primary School, Portadown. The Minister had initially turned down a proposal to establish the new unit. Explaining the reasons for his revised decision, he said: "The orig
22/12/2011
At a meeting in the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, Minister Hogan and NAMA agreed that 2,000 housing units would be made available in 2012 to people on social housing lists through leasing agreements with Local Authorities and volunteering housing associations. This deci
22/12/2011
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport and local TD Leo Varadkar has welcomed confirmation that €2.2 million is being spent on flood relief works in the Dublin 15 and Swords areas. This includes flood relief schemes Swords and Rowlestown, as well as the new bridge currently under construction in M
22/12/2011
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described the government's decision to bring forward its plans to introduce a property tax as another attack on low and middle income earners. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the government should have considered his party’s proposed wealth tax which would bring in €800mil
22/12/2011
Landowners have pledged their support for a major tourism project that will provide improved public access to some of County Clare's most scenic coastal locations. The Clare Coastal Walk Project, the contract for which was signed today, will be a stand alone coastal walk linking the villages of Doo
22/12/2011
Formal consultation has just begun on part of a road scheme that will boost both Northern Ireland and border counties of the Irish Republic. Helping to ease traffic along part of the heavily used main road from Belfast to the border city of Derry, the proposed highway dualling will reduce journey t
21/12/2011
McCloskey International Ltd, was fined a total of £35,000 plus prosecution costs, for breaching health and safety regulations which led to a serious injury to one of its employees. The young fitter, 24, who was injured, was working in the fabrication shed at McCloskey International Ltd's site at 47
21/12/2011
SIPTU has called on Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the closure of Lagan Brick, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, to ascertain whether the company adhered to legalisation governing compulsory redundancies. Worker representatives at the
21/12/2011
SDLP Derry City Councillor John Boyle has welcomed the £250,000 commitment from Environment Minister to fund emergency works at Marlborough Terrace in Derry. Speaking from Marlborough Terrace, Cllr Boyle said: "I welcome this fast and decisive action from SDLP Minister Alex Attwood which will suppo
21/12/2011
A man was fined £7,000, plus departmental costs of £453.08 and court costs of £37 at Lisburn Magistrates' Court today for waste offences. Mr Robert Johnston of Halftown Road, Lisburn, was fined for storing and burning waste without the proper authorisations. He admitted allowing the deposit of wast
21/12/2011
Labour TD Robert Dowds has given a warm welcome to news that the Government has approved a funding mechanism for the multi-million euro upgrade of the Newlands Cross junction in Clondalkin. Work is set to start next year on upgrading the Newlands Cross bottleneck on the Naas Road, and is expected
21/12/2011
Clare Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley has welcomed the go-ahead for construction to begin on a new school building for Ennis National School, following a long campaign by parents, teachers and management. Deputy Dooley said: "This is a very good day for Ennis and students at Ennis National School. I w
21/12/2011
A leading local renewable energy firm is celebrating the submission of its 50th planning application, marking the surging growth of the renewable energy sector in Northern Ireland. Air Core, a Belfast-based company specializing in wind power development, ultimately plans to invest approximately £6
21/12/2011
Texam in Lisburn has used Invest Northern Ireland trade missions to win a series of contracts from major manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia. Texam, a leading supplier of power transmission and conveying products, has taken part in missions to key Saudi business centres such as Riyadh, Jeddah
20/12/2011
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the news that construction will be progressed on six schools in Meath in 2012. The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, announced a total of 56 major school building projects today as part of the €430 million educational infrastr
20/12/2011
The Minister for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon, T.D., has notified 8,779 construction workers and apprentices made redundant in various areas of the construction sector between 1 July 2009 and 31 March 2010 of further tailored opportunities for reskilling and upskilling. These opportunities ar
20/12/2011
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry highlighted that Northern Ireland performed better than any other UK region at WorldSkills London 2011. At a ceremony held in Parliament Buildings to celebrate the success of Northern Ireland's competitors, the Minister said: "This has been Norther
20/12/2011
Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary has said he is "shocked and appalled" at the news that two psychiatric units in Co Mayo are due to be shut in two months time. Teach Aisling, a purpose-built 10 bed stand-alone unit in Castlebar for male and female residents, and the Ballina Psychiatric Unit based
20/12/2011
Sinn Féin has described as "scandalous" the tens of thousands of euro that are being spent annually by Tallaght Hospital on an unused building that was originally commissioned to provide a breast cancer service. €60,000 is being spent annually on the Berkley House which was originally commissioned
20/12/2011
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D. and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. have announced that Bord na Móna is to create 91 new jobs as part of a €6million R&D investment. The posts will be allocated over the next three
20/12/2011
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced Neighbourhood Renewal funding of over £100,000 for Mullaghmore and Castleview Community Association (MACCA) in Omagh. The Eco Centre project will incorporate a cultural, horticultural, heritage and activity centre which will provide a soci
20/12/2011
The Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock T.D., today opened the new extension at CBS Primary School, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. Speaking at the event, Minister Sherlock said that he was "delighted to be here to perform the very pleasant duty of opening the new extension". Funded under
19/12/2011
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn T.D., today announced details of the schools that are planned to advance to construction in 2012. The major projects due to go to construction next year comprise:
19/12/2011
Balfour Beatty the international infrastructure group has been awarded, in a joint venture with CLG Developments Ltd (CLG), a £414 million contract by Bord Gais Networks in the Republic of Ireland. The nine-year contract is for the installation and maintenance of vital gas transmission and distribu
19/12/2011
Belfast is about to turn its face back to the River Lagan and revisit the vital part played by the waterway in the history of the city. Once a major river arterial route for cargo that was integral in helping it to become one of the greatest ports in Europe in the 19th century, the river is again i
19/12/2011
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has turned down a development proposal relating to the existing St Vincent's Centre, Belfast. The development proposal had proposed the closure of the existing unit and the opening of an 11-16 maintained special school on the St Vincent’s site. Commenting on his de
19/12/2011
Over 130 of Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) tenants in the New Lodge area of North Belfast have been included in a kitchen replacement scheme costing over £500,000. The properties, which are a mixture of houses and flats, have been upgraded on a regular basis. As part of the latest scheme
19/12/2011
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has launched a Design Guide for Malone Conservation Area which will protect the area's special architectural and historic character. The design guide also changes the boundary of the Conservation Area as originally designated in 2000. The Conservation Area now incl
19/12/2011
Dublin North East TD and Oireachtas Environment Committee member Sean Kenny welcomed a commitment from the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan, TD to produce a roadmap with regard to the creation of climate change legislation. He said: "I am pleased that Minister Hogan has said that he would pr
19/12/2011
Rising levels of income poverty, a high proportion of older people living alone, reliance on oil-based central heating and poor housing conditions are notable features of fuel poverty among older people In Ireland, according to new research launched at DIT Aungier Street, Dublin by Mr Pat Rabbitte
19/12/2011
SDLP Derry City Councillor John Boyle has called for "active and immediate action" from the Stormont Executive after witnessing a further collapsing of a large section of wall in the Marlborough area of the city on Saturday. Cllr Boyle said: "The situation in the Marlborough area is intolerable for
16/12/2011
A new €5.2 million Wastewater Treatment Plant and upgraded Collection Networks in Kinvara in Co. Galway has been given the go-ahead. Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, announced he has given approval to Galway County Council's Design Review proposals
16/12/2011
Mr Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has addressed the Joint Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht on his approach to the development of national climate policy. He also informed the members of the negotiations at the United Natio
16/12/2011
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Eamon Gilmore T.D. and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Owen Paterson M.P., have welcomed the announcement of the next stage of offshore wind and tidal energy development off the coast of Northern Ireland. This was made p
16/12/2011
Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has called for a targeted approach to be taken to tackle fuel poverty, following the publication of a new report which reveals that 51% of older people have gone without food or clothing to pay for home heating. Ms Byrne said: "As we face into ano
16/12/2011
The keys have been handed over to residents in one of Northern Ireland's biggest social housing developments. The completed 42 houses and apartments are the latest phase of a flagship development by Clanmil Housing on the site of the former North Rugby and Cricket Ground. The Lavinia housing scheme
16/12/2011
University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland has become the first university worldwide to achieve the ISO 50001 standard in energy management. It is also the first public sector body in Ireland to be certified to the international standard. Enerit ISO 50001 software was used to implement UCC's energy
16/12/2011
There may be ongoing change on the way health and social services are being delivered, but investment continues with a new Critical Care Building nearing completion at the Royal Hospitals site in west Belfast. Speaking today, the NI Health Minister Edwin Poots has said all patients will benefit fro
16/12/2011
The proposed Dart Underground project, which was controversially shelved by the Government earlier this month, has won planning permission from Dublin authorities. The Dart Underground was planned to run from Docklands to Inchicore, and increase the capacity of the Greater Dublin area's rail servic
16/12/2011
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has unveiled three energy roadmaps to 2050 focusing on the potential benefits of Ireland moving to a future energy system where electricity, managed via a smart-grid, and increasingly generated by wind, meets more of the country's energy needs, in
16/12/2011
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry addressed an international skills conference in Washington today entitled 'Building the Employment Agenda: New Solutions to Close the Skills Gap'. While new job creation tops the political and economic agenda across developed and developing economie
15/12/2011
Mr Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced the opening of the new Stable Wing Conference and Event Centre at Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare. The Centre was offi
15/12/2011
The Sinn Féin President has accused the Taoiseach of implementing 'scrooge-like' policies which will leave many homes "colder and poorer this Christmas". Speaking during Leaders Questions in the Dáil this morning Gerry Adams pressed the Taoiseach on the appointment of a Minister for Housing. The Ta
15/12/2011
IBEC, the group that represents Irish business, said it was positive to see that output from the Irish manufacturing sector is continuing to grow despite the very difficult trading conditions in the eurozone. Commenting on the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) industrial production figures IBE
15/12/2011
Fine Gael is urging the Minister for the Environment to ensure that houses affected by pyrite will be exempt from the household charge. Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, said: “Thousands of people living in these homes have had to deal with raised floor, swollen and cracked walls and jammed doors and
15/12/2011
A new planning framework which will boost development and aid economic recovery in the Magherafelt area has been launched by Environment Minister Alex Attwood. The framework, the Magherafelt Area Plan 2015, has been published following a lengthy public consultation process that included an Indepen
15/12/2011
Two parallel Leasing Rounds for offshore wind and tidal stream development as new sources of renewable energy for Northern Ireland have been announced by The Crown Estate. The Crown Estate is seeking expressions of interest from private sector developers for offshore wind and tidal stream Leasing R
15/12/2011
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr Phil Hogan TD, has welcomed the decision by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to pass on the 0.25% decrease in the rate charged to local authority mortgage holders, decreasing the rate from 3.00% to 2.75%. The differential between
15/12/2011
£2.9 million government funding has been given for Northern Ireland's first environmentally sustainable bus and rail station and Antrim. The newly refurbished, integrated bus and rail centre in Antrim will incorporate environmentally sustainable features such as roof mounted solar panels, a grey wa
15/12/2011
SIPTU has called on the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) to unfreeze funds it controls in order to pay 40 Vita Cortex workers their redundancy entitlements when the company’s Cork plant closes this Friday 16th December. Vita Cortex, a foam manufacturer, is owned by Jack Ronan who secured a
14/12/2011
The Minister for Health James Reilly has announced €300,000 of funding is being provided for the construction of the specialised Cystic Fibrosis unit at Cork University Hospital. Fine Gael Kerry South TD, Brendan Griffin, has welcomed the news and confirmed €150,000 has been already been signed for
14/12/2011
Mr Waffle, Galway's award-winning café and restaurant, is switching to competitive electricity provider Energia in a new "green" energy deal. The terms of the new deal will see Energia supply Mr Waffle's Galway store with over 80,000 kilowatt hours of renewable-generated electricity over the coming
14/12/2011
Art Glass, artists in glass a specialised stained glass design company has been commissioned to research, design and manufacture a dome to match the huge stained glass dome over the main staircase that was situated in R.M.S Titanic. This enormous decorative glass dome which was made famous in the
14/12/2011
Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Community & Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has warned that the controversial household charge will bankrupt many local authorities. Deputy Stanley said councils are struggling to fund their services with reduced commercial rates and now the government
14/12/2011
The trade association, the Northern Ireland Independent Trade Association (NIIRTA) has expressed disappointment on the postponement of this week's Judicial Review hearing on Banbridge Tesco. The decision was taken by the Court for technical timetabling reasons unconnected with the merits of the sub
14/12/2011
Ireland is now among the countries that can benefit from accelerated rural development payments following a vote of the European Parliament. The European Commission fast-tracked the proposal in August to increase the EU contribution to the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) fro
14/12/2011
Online Flood Maps have been updated with information now available on areas across the north that may be affected by flooding from rivers, sea and now rainfall. The Strategic Flood Map also gives helpful information on the location of flood defences already in place to reduce risk and is intended t
14/12/2011
Solace, the debut novel of Longford arts journalist, playwright and former festival curator, Belinda McKeon, has been voted the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Year for 2011. The public were asked to vote for their favourite title from the list of ten category winners announced at the recent Bor
13/12/2011
A €1 million library and local services project is being planned for Ferrybank, Co Wicklow. Minister for the Environment, Deputy Phil Hogan has asked his Department officials to explore the possibility of opening a new library and providing local services at Ferrybank Shopping Centre which is built
13/12/2011
Cuts of up to 64% in home insulation grants in Budget 2012 will devastate a specialised sector within the construction industry and put thousands of jobs at risk, according Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader and Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Éamon Ó Cuív. Deputy Ó Cuív said: "
13/12/2011
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new extractive industries website. Extractive Industries are facilities engaged in surface or underground extraction of mineral resources for commercial purposes for example, quarries, mining sites or peat extraction. The website,
13/12/2011
Belfast's Titanic Signature project is again looking like it is heading into troubled waters today after an official government report questioned the financial viability of both it and another key tourism project in Northern Ireland. While construction is still ongoing, the Audit Office said it was
13/12/2011
The draft Queen's Quay Regeneration Masterplan has been opened up for public consultation - with new jobs also on the way. The masterplan includes options for improving cross-harbour pedestrian and cycle routes from the north of the city to Odyssey and Titanic Quarter. The Social Development Minis
13/12/2011
The Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced the completion of a major conservation project at Boyle Abbey. Speaking yesterday afternoon at the announcement in the King House, Boyle, Co. Rosco
13/12/2011
The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) is disappointed the Budget 2012 delivered difficult news for vulnerable households in need of social housing. Non-profit housing associations will be affected by both capital and revenue funding cuts which make the challenge of delivering social housing f
13/12/2011
The Department for Social Development has said that it will be re-inviting applications for the EXPO West Architectural Design Competition. The competition, originally launched in November 2010, aimed to secure a landmark design for the DSD-owned site at 519 Falls Road. The design competition, sup
13/12/2011
Labour TD for Galway West Derek Nolan has welcomed a Government initiative to help homeowners struggling with mortgage repayments. Mr Nolan said the Government had committed to helping people who purchased their first home during the property boom by increasing Mortgage Interest Relief to 30pc. He
12/12/2011
The construction employers' body, CIF, has welcomed a number of construction related measures in the Budget but has expressed disappointment at the absence of any initiative to help counter the loss of €2 billion to the Exchequer per annum through the growing black economy in construction services.
12/12/2011
Minister for Public & Commuter Transport, Alan Kelly, together with the National Transport Authority has launched the new integrated transport ticket for Dublin. From today, the 'Leap' card goes for public sale with commuters in the greater Dublin area now being able to switch between Bus, Luas, Da
12/12/2011
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited the refurbished Spectrum Centre on the Shankill Road, Belfast. The Greater Shankill Partnership received almost £270,000 from the Department’s Modernisation Fund Capital Programme to significantly increase services to the local community wit
12/12/2011
Tyndall National Institute, UCC and the University of Limerick's Stokes Institute have recently commenced a contract for research with the European Space Agency (ESA). The one-year programme will evaluate the reliability of lead-free solders, a critical challenge for electronic assemblies deployed
12/12/2011
The Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced detail of a programme of major capital works for 2012. Brian Hayes TD said: "I very much welcome the allocation by the Government of €45 million per annum for flood risk management and mitigation in
12/12/2011
Labour has expressed concerns on the decision to amalgamate the Female Open Unit in St Brendan's Hospital, Grangegorman. Joe Costell TD blasted the verdict as "unacceptable". He said: "There are thirteen women in the open unit and nine in the high security unit at present. Serious health and safet
12/12/2011
The Environment Minister has welcomed the agreement reached at the UN climate conference in Durban as a major step forward in the fight against climate change. Minister Phil Hogan said: "This is a significant step forward for global action on climate change. We are moving to a legal framework that
12/12/2011
SDLP Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP MLA has warned the Employment and Learning Minister that the closure of St Mary's University College will have a detrimental impact on our economy. Speaking after leading a party delegation to visit St Mary's University College on Belfast's Falls Road including
09/12/2011
The Minister for Environment has given sanction to Galway Rural Development company to approve funding of up to €200,000 to the Slieve Aughty Centre, Loughrea. The funding, provided under the Tourism measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will provide the necessary financial support t
09/12/2011
Northern Ireland has outperformed any other UK region at the Wordskills London 2012. Seven young people from NI formed part of the 43 person Team UK, winning gold, silver and bronze medals as well as two Medallions for Excellence. The Northern Irish contribution to Team UK's outstanding success h
09/12/2011
Ulster Unionists have slammed the Executive at the news that the Titanic Signature Building may not qualify for £20 million of funding from Europe. Spokesperson Mike Nesbitt (pictured) was shocked the application may be rejected, sighting problems with the tendering process and submission. Mr Nes
09/12/2011
An official statement has insisted that there will be no funding shortfall for Titanic Belfast - despite claims to the contrary by the UUP. This followed a BBC exclusive story this morning that reported the Titanic Signature building in Belfast could be facing a €20m funding shortfall. The spokesm
09/12/2011
Fine Gael South Tipperary TD, Tom Hayes has hit out at misleading statements relating to the introduction of septic tank charges saying those debating the matter need to "get their facts straight". Mr Hayes has urged people to re-evaluate the announcement made by the Minister for the Environment, P
09/12/2011
Sinn Féin has urged the Irish Government to force banks to pass on the latest ECB interest rate cuts to struggling mortgage holders. Interest rates have been cut by 25%, however not all banks are passing the relief on to their customers. Speaking in the Dáil, Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse
09/12/2011
Irish Fencing and Railings Ltd. have acquired the services of Cathal Rogers to act as General Manager of the enterprise and have added the Rogers Prosport Fencing Range to their own range of products for sports grounds. Cathal has over 30 years experience in the fencing industry throughout Ireland
09/12/2011
The SDLP has hit out at the Executive's proposals for one-off fuel payments claiming "it is a very short term solution". SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan would like support for cancer patients to be continued, in a more consistent way as part of a "long term commitment". However, he also said it would co
09/12/2011
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has announced the launch of the 2012 Bioenergy scheme to grant aid the planting of willow and miscanthus crops. The project is part of the re-opening of a range of Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Measures. Simon Coveney TD said the scheme will c
09/12/2011
The Irish Energy Centre has announced that energy use in Ireland dropped by 0.3% in 2010 when increased energy use was offset by improved efficiency and economic factors. The findings were published in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) annual report 'Energy in Ireland 1990-2010'.
08/12/2011
New measures have been announced in Budget 2012 in a bid to increase activity in the construction sector, as reported by the construction employers’ body, CIF. Measures introduced in the Budget relating to the Irish commercial property market, will provide the basis for renewed international invest
08/12/2011
Navan Town Council has granted planning approval for the construction of a giant cinema complex, creating over 60 jobs and boosting the local construction sector. The €6m complex by Flix Cinemas, based at Navan Retail Park, will feature a 15 metre glazed entrance with 10 3D screens and seating for
08/12/2011
A Galway based construction firm has successfully won an award for 'Sustainable Construction'. Stewart has scooped the prize for its commitment to a sustainable environment which was demonstrated through its proactive environmental policy. The firm was presented with its prize at the CMG Building
08/12/2011
A Lisburn-based metalworks has announced 15 redundancies due to the construction industry downturn, according to The Belfast Telegraph. The McGrath Group, who recently completed works on major transport projects in London and Birmingham have outlined plans for redundancies but added that they had s
08/12/2011
The proposal for a complete overhaul of the water mains in Ennis, County Clare has been given the go-ahead by the Department of Environment (DoE). Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Michael Gilfoyle has welcomed the €233,154 deal and said it was a "positive development for residents". The Mayor said: "I w
08/12/2011
The Regional Development Minister is urging the Irish Government to put "the money back" after it declared it could not provide the £400m for the A5 road scheme. At an Assembly meeting Danny Kennedy said he was looking at the viability of other projects if the scheme stalled. Mr Kennedy said: "It
08/12/2011
The Labour Party has pledged its commitment to tackling fuel poverty in Ireland. Dublin North Central TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáinhas welcomed recent initiatives launched by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabitte. Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: "The Affordable Energy Strategy t
08/12/2011
Lack of affordable mortgages and a flagging local property market continue to prop up rent prices in and around Belfast, with values holding their own in the face of steady tenant demand, according to new research. The latest quarterly report by online lettings company Citylets shows private landlo
08/12/2011
One of the Garda Stations to be closed down by the Justice Minister is currently undergoing a complete overhaul, according to Fianna Fáil. The Loughglynn Garda Station in Roscommon is having major refurbishment works, however this week it was named as one of the 31 stations Alan Shatter plans to cl
08/12/2011
The Bank of Ireland has unveiled a new Mortgage Fund of €1.5bn in support of customers who will be purchasing their first home or moving home in 2012. In a statement the Bank said: "This fund is consistent with our business plans and will act as a further support to the Ministerial announcement in
08/12/2011
The High Court has quashed the HSE decision proposing the closure of Abbeylix Community Nursing Unit. The HSE did not contest the order by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Nolan. Labour Senator John Whelan is pleased with the news and said the HSE have now given a solemn undert
07/12/2011
An engineering consultancy in Ireland has been appointed to carry out a major study in the South Western River Basin District (RBD) catchment. Mott McDonald Ireland will identify and examine in detail the causes of flooding throughout the catchment - which includes Counties Cork, Kerry and a portio
07/12/2011
NI Water has successfully completed the first phase of its Water Mains Rehabilitation Project and have released details about the ongoing second phase, according to Trenchless International. With 491km now completed, the scheme involves upgrading in excess of 1,000 km of water mains infrastructure
07/12/2011
One of Northern Ireland's planning specialists has taken the bold step of setting up a new consultancy business in Belfast, according to the Ulster Star. Despite the challenges faced by the local development and construction sectors, Lisburn man Clyde Shanks said his new company of the same name, w
07/12/2011
Following concerns voiced in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), the Northern Ireland Assembly has voted for a ‘moratorium on ‘fracking’ pending an environmental assessment, according to the Belfast Telegraph. The Green Party/Alliance motion stated: "the production of hard-to-reach fossil fuels is not c
07/12/2011
First time buyers who bought their homes at the height of the property boom are to benefit from an increase in the rate of mortgage interest relief. Fine Gael TD, Joe McHugh, has confirmed that the Budget 2012 delivers their General Election pledge to increase mortgage interest relief to 30% for fi
07/12/2011
A Newcastle man has been found guilty of failing to comply with an enforcement notice for the unauthorised use of land. Mr Eugene Ward of Dundrum Road was fined £750 and £103 court costs for the collection, dismantling repair and storage of vehicles and parts, at Bannanstown Road, Leitrim, Castlewe
07/12/2011
Frustrated Fianna Fail members have expressed serious concerns at the Irish Government's failure to improve the mortgage crisis. Fianna Fail Seanad Leader and Finance Spokesperson Senator Darragh O'Brien slammed the Governments failure to deliver on promises made since coming to power in March. He
07/12/2011
Archaeologists may have discovered one of Ireland’s earliest surviving timber-framed homes, according to The Belfast Telegraph. The discovery, made in Ennis, Co Clare, is undergoing analysis and expected to date back to the late 16th century. David Humphreys, from ACP Consultant Conservation Engin
07/12/2011
One of Britain's biggest unions has called for an end to the shameful situation of English and Welsh citizens being denied the right to claim compensation for an asbestos related condition, when the citizens of Northern Ireland and Scotland can. Unite has welcomed the NI Executive's announcement ha
07/12/2011
There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, according to Snickers Workwear, who've launched two new offers on their cutting edge clothing to help Irish workers cope with the extremes of the coming winter. As the nights close in and the temperature drops people have to still keep worki
07/12/2011
A Stormont Minister has been 'messing about on the river' this week with news of the launch of a modern marina facility at the newly revamped Donegall Quay in Belfast. The Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland was on hand to open the new River Lagan Marina and mark completion of building wo
07/12/2011
Hydrotech MM6125 Structural Waterproofing from Alumasc has been used on the Titanic Belfast Building – the world's largest Titanic visitor attraction. Specified in favour of four competing systems, Hydrotech offered an innovative and practical waterproofing solution for the intricately shaped podiu
06/12/2011
The long awaited Killybegs Coast Guard Station has been given the go-ahead by the Office of Public Works. The Minister of State at the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Dinny McGinley, is delighted it has been approved by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Var
06/12/2011
A major range of maintenance improvements have been completed in Dungannon following a £5 million investment. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy planned out the Roads Service's progress and said the scheme will improve safety and traffic progression. The Minister said: "The priorities and
06/12/2011
The NI Roads Service is being urged to immediately address the traffic bottleneck on Strabane's town centre. SDLP Strabane District Councillor Patsy Kelly has called on the department to take action on the traffic congestion in the town's Bridge Street. Mr Kelly outlined the negative impact this i
06/12/2011
The new 'Forestry & Timber Yearbook 2012' to boost the Irish Forestry sector has been launched. The Yearbook, published by the Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA), includes a range of useful statistics and serves to increase people's awareness of the extent of the forestry sector. Welcoming th
06/12/2011
A Northern Ireland based construction company has maintained a benchmarking top spot for the fourth year running. ARENA Network's 13th Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey ceremony saw GRAHAM successfully hold their standing as one of the top nine companies for the fourth year in a ro
06/12/2011
The Sinn Fein spokesperson on housing has condemned budget attacks on those receiving or seeking Rent Supplement. Dessie Ellis TD was speaking in the wake of announcements that the Department of Social Protection is imposing a 25% increase on the contribution single tenants make towards their rent,
06/12/2011
Plans to introduce a new value-based property tax have been announced by the Irish Government, according to the Irish Independent. The proposal has been put forward with finalisation of details scheduled for 2012. The €100 charge, costing families approximately two euro a week, will raise €160m a
06/12/2011
One of Ireland's largest building and engineering firms has put a hospital building deal as security and collateral for an extended debt package, according to the Irish Independent. John Paul Construction has set out the plans with St Vincent's Private hospital Dublin. The construction firm repor
06/12/2011
KCC Architectural have extended their product offering to architects and contractors with the addition of Reinaerdt timber doorsets and 'Best of Steel' steel door frames, to compliment their existing portfolio of architectural ironmongery and access control products. KCC Architectural (Dublin/Cork
06/12/2011
A crippling illness that has hit many people who were working in the construction industry is being tackled with new legislation on compensation. People suffering from the asbestos-related lung condition pleural plaques - usually contracted in the building sector - will be able to seek compensation
06/12/2011
Three important new lettings at Northern Ireland's Richmond Centre are a significant vote of confidence in the Londonderry scheme. JD Sports has just opened a new 5,000 sq ft store in time for Christmas, having spent 12 weeks fitting the unit out in its stylish new shop fit. The store will stock th
06/12/2011
Sixteen unemployed young people recently celebrated their graduation from The Prince's Trust's 'Get into Construction' programme with two completing work placements with O'Hare & McGovern Ltd. Supported by the Construction Leadership Group which incorporates O'Hare & McGovern Ltd as well as Heron B
05/12/2011
A major development is underway in Athlone with the news of a huge mixed-use development being planned. Main construction work for Phase 1 is expected to cost in the region of €175 million, with the overall project expected to cost in the region of €1.9 billion and could create around 9,000 jobs.
05/12/2011
A modest rise in the number of homes in Northern Ireland has been reported in the new Statistics Annual. The Northern Ireland Housing Statistics Annual, detailing recent trends in housing in the province, was published by the Department for Social Development last week. Among the key findings for
05/12/2011
A Bill has been published to provide for the introduction of the household charge of €100 to fund vital local services in line with the requirement in the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland. The Government had announced, in July, 2011, its intention to introduce the household charge
05/12/2011
The Climate Change Bill has been put on ice as the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has admitted that he has no intention of publishing it in the near future, despite promises made in the Programme for Government. The impact this delay could have on local business, from the construction sect
05/12/2011
Tenders are currently being sought for the appointment of a design and build contractor to undertake work on the N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass scheme. The contract shall comprise the design, execution and completion of the N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass Road project, including without limitation the provisio
05/12/2011
As part of a €120 million investment programme in Ireland, Tesco Ireland has today unveiled their new Kildare store creating over 130 new jobs. This follows on from the recent opening of the new Cabra and Rush stores, as well as the Northcott Centre in the north of the province. Tesco’s €120 mil
05/12/2011
Plans to spend £37m on the redevelopment of housing in the Shankill area of Belfast have been announced. Speaking at the Shankill Convention on Housing, Stormont Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland outlined plans for 170 new homes and improvements for a further 2,700. With other plans fo
05/12/2011
The Port of Cork is scaling down its plans for a new container terminal in Ringaskiddy, according to the Irish Examiner. Officials have announced they are planning to resubmit their planning application for a scaled-down container terminal in Ringaskiddy. A decision would be expected from the plan
05/12/2011
Irish Distillers have today announced they will be expanding their operations at the Fox and Geese bottling plant, creating 60 permanent positions and 250 construction jobs in the process. Catherine Byrne of Dublin's Fine Gael said: "This is great news for the company involved and an important boos
05/12/2011
Greater emphasis on skills training has been hailed as the way forward for many people who left school with few or no qualifications. Essential skills – such as those in the building sector – are today in focus as the Stormont Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, announced the launch
05/12/2011
Three important new lettings at Northern Ireland's Richmond Centre are a significant vote of confidence in the Londonderry scheme. JD Sports has just opened a new 5,000 sq ft store in time for Christmas, having spent 12 weeks fitting the unit out in its stylish new shop fit. The store will stock th
05/12/2011
Estate management within the police service has been in the news with the SDLP NI Policing Board Member Conall McDevitt MLA questioning the wisdom in the proposed closure of 40% of Northern Ireland's PSNI stations. Plans put by the PSNI to the Policing Board have suggested closing 34 of its 83 stat
02/12/2011
Construction work is expected to commence imminently on a new supermarket for Lidl in Swords, County Dublin. Located on the Rathbeale Road in Swords, the project consists of the construction of a licensed discount food store on the site of an existing convenience store and petrol station forecour
02/12/2011
The Irish marine renewable energy sector is set to benefit from a new €9m EU-funded initiative to provide access to test facilities in specialist marine renewable energy centres across Europe. MaRINET (Marine Renewables Infrastructure Network) offers periods of marine renewable energy testing at t
02/12/2011
The talent and professionalism of NI's construction industry has won praise from NI's top politicians, First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. They have taken on a Titanic mission with a visit to the site of Titanic Belfast to view progress on the Signature Bu
02/12/2011
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has launched a 12 week period of public consultation on the Limavady town centre regeneration Masterplan. The purpose of the Masterplan, which was commissioned by the Department for Social Development and Limavady Borough Council, is to provide strategi
02/12/2011
The volume of bulk shipping and port traffic through the Republic of Ireland continued to decline during the third quarter of 2011. This is according to the latest analysis of traffic figures released by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO). The third quarter data indicates that only 1 of t
02/12/2011
SDLP Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood has said that the additional £156m in capital expenditure, announced by the British Chancellor in his Autumn statement, should be acutely targeted into maximisation of jobs within our shattered construction sector. Mr Eastwood has called on Stormont's Minister of Finan
02/12/2011
Environment Minister Phil Hogan has announced the provision of €5 million in funding to assist local authorities in meeting the costs associated with the operation of their bring banks and civic amenity facilities for the period January to June 2011. Making the announcement, Minister Hogan said: "I
02/12/2011
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Environment, Community & Local Government Brian Stanley TD has challenged the Minister for Environment Phil Hogan, "to seize the opportunity to tackle climate change on an all-Ireland basis now that the Assembly will be introducing a climate change bill". Deputy Stanley s
02/12/2011
Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has reduced the landlord rating allowance to 10% for housing associations and 12.5% for private sector landlords from 1 April 2012. The Minister was speaking following approval of the Rates (Payments by Owners by Agreement) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 i
02/12/2011
"We have allowed our green and wonderful land, producing clean, healthy, wholesome food as its principal export, to be compromised by bad environmental management, but are now on a clear purpose to enhance and protect public health and the environment, for the benefit of rural dwellers and a better
01/12/2011
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport and Dublin West TD Leo Varadkar has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, that work will proceed on the Porterstown School Campus in 2012. Planning permission will be submitted to Fingal County Council in January, and the tender
01/12/2011
NI Water has been hailed a 'National Green Champion' by the Green Organisation for its work on the Rural Wastewater Investment Programme – a project designed specifically by NI Water to upgrade small wastewater facilities in villages and hamlets across Northern Ireland where the population is less t
01/12/2011
Irish tidal energy technology company, OpenHydro, has been honoured at the 2011 Ireland France Business Awards for their outstanding company performance in 2011 and promotion of bilateral trade and investment between Ireland and France. At an awards ceremony held in Paris, OpenHydro was selected a
01/12/2011
There's to be further infrastructure investments at a major Co Down retail park. The work is to be at the expanding Balloo Retail Park in Bangor and will help create dozens of new jobs, as well as construction or shop fitting jobs during the fitting-out phase. When the second phase of development
01/12/2011
SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor, has proposed a new initiative to bring unions, employers and government together to develop Ireland's manufacturing sector. Addressing the SIPTU Manufacturing Division Conference ‘Innovation in Manufacturing – A Driver for Jobs and Growth’ in the Gresham Hote
01/12/2011
Engineering jobs are in focus today with local company Schrader Electronics, which has facilities in Antrim and Carrickfergus, holding a one-day recruitment drive to find around 40 engineers across a range of disciplines with positions available for undergraduates, graduates and experienced engineer
01/12/2011
The Minister For Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabitte T.D. has announced that a settlement has been reached in advance on the removal of the Clondulane Weir. The terms are that the parties will bear their own costs and Lismore Realty Ltd and Lismore Trust Ltd will pay all reaso
01/12/2011
SDLP Derry Cllr Thomas Conway has welcomed action from Roads Service to make safe a wall on Church Street in Claudy village. Cllr Conway said: "I have been lobbying Roads Service for some time now to fix this wall and I am delighted that they have finally taken action to do so. "This wall has been
01/12/2011
Kinetic Concepts (KCI) in Athlone has become the latest organisation to be awarded the prestigious Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Accredited Employer standard from Engineers Ireland. The award follows an audit of the company's lifelong learning practices for their engineering profession
01/12/2011
Phil Hogan, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, has presented the Irish Water Safety awards at a ceremony in Dublin City Hall. Minister Hogan paid tribute to Irish Water Safety [IWS] and thanked the volunteer membership for promoting water safety and saving lives on a daily ba
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