Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for September 2011
30/09/2011
Seven young apprentices from Northern Ireland will head off to represent the UK at a vocational skills competition. They will take part in four days of intense competition against 1,000 of the world’s most highly skilled young people from 50 nations. The apprentices are part of the 43 strong UK T
30/09/2011
A main contractor has been appointed to undertake construction work on a new €40 million science centre for a Dublin University. The project designed by Dublin-based practice RKD Architects calls for the construction of a new science centre for University College Dublin (UCD). Architects plans hav
30/09/2011
A former linen mill in Northern Ireland has bagged an award for its regeneration that took nearly 15 years. Conway Mill, on the Falls Road, fell into neglect and vandalism during The Troubles before the regeneration project started in 1996. The Conway Mill Preservation Trust was presented with the
30/09/2011
An investment from search giant, Google is set to give the construction industry in Ireland a much needed job boost. In what is being hailed as a significant move Google has announced plans to invest €75m into a new data centre in the capital, creating 30 permanent jobs and 200 temporary jobs. Goo
30/09/2011
Contractors working on an energy project in Ireland have uncovered human remains. EirGrid, who are laying piping for a high voltage underground power line, discovered what is believed to be early Christian remains. According to the Irish Examiner the medieval burial ground was discovered on farmla
30/09/2011
A new resource pack has been released in a bid to help the construction industry better manage their health and safety responsibilities. The package launched by the The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is aimed at smaller contractors working in the construction industry. A
30/09/2011
Viva House, a women's refuge in Dublin 15, has won a national community housing award in the Homeless Services category of the Irish Council for Social Housing's (ICSH) Community Housing awards in Galway. The awards showcase high-quality social housing projects that have been developed by housing
29/09/2011
A developer has been refused planning permission for a series of semi-detached and terraced houses in Waterford. According to
29/09/2011
A new road between Galway, Ennis and Limerick – linked by the new M18 motorway has the potential to create jobs it has been revealed. The Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has said he next decade could see the Technology Corridor’ create hundreds and even thousands of jobs in Galway. Jim Murr
29/09/2011
The amount of planning applications submitted in Northern Ireland is continuing to plummet while a lack of office buildings could impact on inward investment for the country. Planning proposals have seen a decrease of 17% this quarter compared to the same quarter last year. Accordin
29/09/2011
The next step in the Portrush regeneration is set to get moving with contractors appointed and funding allocated. FP McCann have been appointed to carry out the development of the area in the town known as Station Square. The Department of Social Development is providing funding of £1 million to C
29/09/2011
Wexford County Council is considering a proposal to bulldoze so called 'ghost estates'. A Council official recently indicated that the authority is hoping that a request to destroy one Gorey estate, Coill na Giuise, will be approved by the Department of the Environment. The Department has not yet
29/09/2011
Four recently completed Northern Ireland construction schemes will compete with some of the UK's most spectacular buildings for a major award, it is announced today. The Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast; The Laundry Yard at Florence Court in Enniskillen; the regeneration of Newcastle, County Down; and
28/09/2011
In what is being hailed as a significant move forward the main contractor has been appointed for a €1m project in Dublin. PJ McLoughlin and Sons will head up the work involved in building a community development centre at Oakridge House, in Blanchardstown Village, Dublin. A part one/part two-store
28/09/2011
A Belfast building has won a top global architectural prize in the Leaf Awards. Todd architects in the city, won the 2011 Mixed Use Building of the Year award for their building titled – The Boat. Now in its ninth year, the Emirates Glass Leaf Awards honour the architects designing the buildings a
28/09/2011
Eight in every 10 applications for a mortgage are being turned down, it has been shockingly revealed by a survey. The Professional Insurance Brokers Association questioned its members on activity in the second quarter of the year for the study. It was revealed that the majority of respondents said
28/09/2011
An upgrade to an important Northern Ireland railway line will not be completed before the anticipated date of 2013, it has been confirmed. It is understood that the proposed work on the Coleraine to Londonderry railway line will not be undertaken due to a lack of funding. In August, the Stormont T
28/09/2011
Work is to get underway on the construction of a new €15 million Public Transport Bridge in the heart of Dublin City. The scheme consists of the construction of a bridge and associated road tie-ins to carry public transport (including light rail) over a the River Liffey in the city centre. The bri
28/09/2011
A new pilot scheme to help address skills shortages in the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings has been launched at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh. This included demonstration of traditional building skills by a number of local craftspeople, showing how these skills have survived
28/09/2011
Acheson & Glover's Plaza paving was chosen over other options to rejuvenate the exterior of Marks & Spencer's Sprucefield Shopping Centre when the original flagging needed refreshed. Shoppers at the Sprucefield centre have been impressed by the fresh new paving, which greets them as they arrive at
27/09/2011
Plans to build up to 52 schools in Northern Ireland have been abandoned. The beleaguered construction sector has been disappointed after the Stormont Sinn Fein Minister for Education, John O'Dowd said plans for new schools will be shelved - but at the same time refused to say which ones. He said u
27/09/2011
It has been reported that house building is key to Northern Ireland's economic recovery. According to John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) the new build housing sector is one of the key industries that can help turn round Northern Ireland's economic fortu
27/09/2011
Negotiations are underway between a council and landowners in Limerick with the aim to get the go-ahead for a multi-million euro road. Limerick County Council and Newcastle West landowners are said to be "pretty close" to reaching an agreement which will finally let the controversial road go ahead
27/09/2011
Becker Acroma and Sayerlack have formally announced their integration into The Sherwin-Williams Company. As the world's third largest paint & coatings company, Sherwin-Williams has brought together more than 200 years experience in industrial wood finishes with the acquisitions of Sayerlack and B
27/09/2011
A £4m boost has been announced for Lisburn with the hope that it will transform the city centre. The Stormont Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland has announced that main city centre streets and public spaces will be regenerated to high quality contemporary design standards: in a proj
27/09/2011
Tenders are being to be sought from contractors to undertake work on an extension to a Monaghan school. The construction of a new single storey extension of 438 sq.m to the north of the existing school is described in the plans. Three new classrooms, toilet facilities, an entrance area and link co
26/09/2011
Plans for a proposed metro system in Dublin have been put on hold indefinitely. The Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said funding would not be available for the Metro West project in the foreseeable future. Metro West is a transport system which was to run from an intersection with Metro Nort
26/09/2011
A new campaign will 'crack down' on poorly planned maintenance that has the potential to kill and injure. Amid news that 100 people died from asbestos-related illness in the last few years, the Health Service Executive in Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Districts Councils will team up with safety
26/09/2011
Ireland's residential property prices have fallen by 1.6% in August, so say figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The CSO's monthly Residential Property Price Index revealed that overall house prices have fallen by 13.9% in the year to August. This compares with an annual rate o
26/09/2011
Supermarket Tesco will give a £100 prize to the person who can think-up a road name. According to the Newtownabbey Times, Tesco is offering the chance to name the street that will form the entrance to the redeveloped Northcott shopping complex in Glengormley, which is due to open its doors in Novem
26/09/2011
An innovative boiler replacement scheme has been opened up to those in 'vulnerable' households. The scheme will now be open to those aged 70 or over in receipt of Lone Pensioner Allowance and with the condition their boiler is over 15 years old. This will be in addition to those already eligible.
26/09/2011
A new building will be constructed to facilitate the Irish Coast Guard. It is understood that building work has started on the new two-story building in Crosshaven, County Cork. All associated hard & soft landscaping works including improvement of perimeter boundaries, provision of 17 car-parking
23/09/2011
A Northern Ireland property developer owed more than £10m to creditors when a family run company collapsed. Herdmans Limited and a sister company, Herdmans Holdings Limited, moved into property development in 2004, investing in various projects. It is understood that in June, outstanding debt and
23/09/2011
A new service has described itself as a 'life-line' for Ireland's construction sector. A new fortnightly publication called CIS Fit Out will provide companies with critical information on all projects that are at completion and fit-out stage. The CIS publication is being marketed as a helping hand
23/09/2011
The fall in construction and building output in Ireland was larger than average across the EU, it has been revealed. Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have shown a fall of 6.4% for the industry in the second quarter of 2011. This also reflects falls in the volume of civil engineerin
23/09/2011
A new improvement scheme is set to provide significant benefits to road users in Fermanagh. The Stormont Minister for Transport, Danny Kennedy, has announced a scheme that will see the realignment and widening of the A32 road in the county. Mr Kennedy said the main objectives of the scheme is to r
23/09/2011
Homes in Ireland will go under the hammer today in a so-called distressed property auction. Nearly 700 people have turned up for the event, a turnout lower than expected, but even still nearly 100 people were queuing to enter before 10am this morning. This is the third Allsop/Space auction of dist
23/09/2011
A new £2.2m housing scheme for active older people, St Mark's Court, has been officially opened in Newtownards. Soon after the builders moved off site the residents moved in and now the NI Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has highlighted the scheme's completion by officially opening th
23/09/2011
Suggestions to replace the current grant aided scheme for retrofitting old houses with insulation with a new 'pay as you save' scheme have been heard. While over 30,000 homes availed of grants this year to have work carried out, many more will have to be included if Ireland's to meet 2020 targets
22/09/2011
It has been announced that so-called planning interventions are to be used to help aid economic recovery. Two independent bodies will be established to examine measures to improve the planning system - a bid that is hoped will help the economy. The two groups are to be made up of key industry an
22/09/2011
A promoter's dream of a resort-style casino in Tipperary has been crushed after the Government has said that no such venue was needed in Ireland. Last June, An Bord Pleanála gave the go-ahead for a casino, 500-bedroom hotel and racetrack complex at Two-Mile Borris in Co Tipperary. However the Iris
22/09/2011
Six local construction apprentices are celebrating success following their participation in Skill M&E UK and the Skillbuild UK National finals that were held in Leeds last week. The students achieved four gold medals, one silver and one bronze in cabinet making, carpentry, electrical installation,
22/09/2011
Dublin will celebrate a decade of engineering achievement with an exhibition this week. The exhibition to be held on Friday at Dublin City Council Civic Offices will feature displays on some of the memorable projects that have transformed Dublin city over the last 10 to 15 years. These include fas
22/09/2011
One of Ireland's largest building firms has reported profit for the first nine months of 2010, with a helping hand from significant business in England. Lagan Homes have reported a pre-tax profit of £1.3m for the months of April to December 2010. In their last financial statements the company repo
22/09/2011
In what is being seen as a significant move forward, the main contractor has been appointed for a major update to water works in County Clare. P J Finn Brothers will tackle the work involved in the Moyglass Tiermanagh Water Scheme Upgrade. According to
21/09/2011
According to RTE an alleged illegal cartel pushing up prices of concrete is being investigated. The news site has reported that The Competition Authority is investigating allegations that an illegal cartel in the west of Ireland is driving up the price of concrete. This follows the Senior Chief E
21/09/2011
A call is being made for sustainability to be considered before putting price tags on property in Northern Ireland. With high transport costs and significant fuel poverty for households in Northern Ireland, the cost of running a home should be a significant consideration within its property valuati
21/09/2011
An IT institute in Waterford will be getting a new multi-euro sports facility it has been confirmed. It is expected that the main contractor will be appointed in December 2011 to undertake construction work on the new facility at the Waterford Institute of Technology. The Development designed by H
21/09/2011
The decision on whether to pass the controversial planning application for a golf resort in county Antrim will take another ten weeks after ten years in the planning stage. Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has said that he will weigh up the pros and cons of the application carefully before he ma
21/09/2011
There's a debate heating up over a bid to extend a scheme designed to help older people keep warm this winter. Sinn Fein's Spokesperson on Poverty, Francie Molloy has called on Social Development (DSD) Minister Nelson McCausland to explore how the Boiler Replacement Scheme could be extended to thos
21/09/2011
The Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar has announced a €1.1m upgrade of Bus Éireann vehicles and facilities. Minister Varadkar confirmed that the funding will be used to install 'real-time' displays at eight bus stations around Ireland, to provide up-to-the-minute service information and upgrade
20/09/2011
A leading biopharmaceutical company has revealed that they will invest €145m in their Dublin plant and with it create up to 400 jobs. Pfizer will make the investment at its Grange Castle biotechnology manufacturing facility in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin. The investment will enable Pfizer to introduce
20/09/2011
A meeting will be held today to discuss the controversial method of gas exploration otherwise known as 'fracking'. It was reported at the beginning of September, by The Irish Times, that if the process would get the go ahead that it would split communities in the northwest of Ireland. The Joint
20/09/2011
Supermarket giant Tesco has announced plans to locate to the new superstore on the Opportunity Omagh development. West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed the news, stating: "I have been engaged in ongoing negotiations with the developer for over three years and am confident that the decision of Tes
20/09/2011
A main contractor is to be appointed to undertake the redevelopment of a church in Dublin. St. Sylvester's Church in Malahide, County Dublin will undergo work in October of this year. The project, designed by Sean Harrington Architects calls for the demolition of an existing two-storey extension t
20/09/2011
Planning permission has been granted for a residential, hotel and retail development in Dublin. Developer Sean Dunn has faced a six-year wait for the permission to redevelop the former Jurys and Berkeley Court hotels in Ballsbridge. An Bord Pleanála have now given the go ahead for the ten year per
20/09/2011
With fuel poverty fast approaching 50% of households a call has been made for Northern Ireland’s Government to place fuel poverty as a priority on their agenda. Fuel poverty issues have reached crisis levels says, Alliance Social Development Spokesperson Judith Cochrane. She claims that 60% of ol
19/09/2011
Irish Rail is to benefit from a €6m investment, it has been announced. According to the Public Transport Minister, Alan Kelly, the funding will go to line speed improvements, further rollout of wifi on the train service and important fuel saving technology to reduce costs. The funding is coming f
19/09/2011
In an attempt to revive the struggling housing market pod-style apartments have come to Northern Ireland. According to The Belfast Telegraph the 'Never Monday' project at Montgomery Street in Belfast’s city centre has been revealed. Small, single spaced homes, which combine a living room, kitchen
19/09/2011
There has been public outcry at the Roads Service failure to complete road works to Jordanstown Road by a deadline. Roads Service had given an assurance that the Jordanstown Road would reopen before the end of the month. But now, after a series of delays, it seems that it could be early October be
19/09/2011
Building Product Specialists, C-Tec, will head to ploughing championships in a bid to showcase their goods. The company will have a stand at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy where they will give live demonstrations of their innovative products. Live demonstrations for the infamous CT1
19/09/2011
The restoration of St Mel’s Cathederal in Longford could take up to five years to complete, it has been revealed. Parish priest Fr Tom Healy said the initial period was spent carrying out emergency works to make the building safe, while they are now moving on to the design and planning stage, with
19/09/2011
RICS launches new guidance for its members which addresses the issue of breach of contract and damages for delays in the completion of construction projects. Damages for Delays to Completion addresses the legal and financial repercussions associated with breaches of contract in relation to missed
16/09/2011
The former developer of a half- built shopping complex in Limerick has spoken out saying the project has "no potential". Controversy has surrounded the half built Park Valley Centre since construction halted in 2008 but fresh debate has erupted now a new developer has taken on the project. Norther
16/09/2011
A controversial road-widening scheme on the outskirts of Cookstown is expected to get underway in the coming months. During a meeting, with the Roads Service, locals were given the opportunity to see what the proposed roadworks on the Drum Road, near Blackhill would entail. The scheme has not come
16/09/2011
A livestock sales company has been given the green light to build a new state of the art facility in Markethill. Markethill Livestock Sales has successfully obtained permission to relocate to a new 15 acre site at Cladymilltown Road in the town. The proposals outlined for the new site include sale
16/09/2011
An extension to a fire station in Tipperary has been approved. According to,
16/09/2011
Construction has began on a €192k school extension project in Roscommon. Tarpey Construction has recently commenced work on the extension to The Don National School in Ballaghaderreen in County Roscommon. The development designed by Mayo-based architect John Halligan & Associates calls for the co
15/09/2011
A number of businesses in Belfast have taken steps to enhance their sustainability and promote their long-term competitiveness. Representatives from ten companies across the city have completed the award-winning Business Improvements Through Environmental Solutions (BITES) programme.
15/09/2011
New homes built in Larne are believed to be amongst the most sustainable and energy efficient in Northern Ireland. Oaklee Homes Group has built the 11 new houses at Drumalla Park using materials from renewable resources and new technologies to ensure maximum insulation. The houses will also cont
15/09/2011
Work will begin on a £12m bypass in Enniskillen within the coming weeks. Regional Development Minister, Danny Kenny has announced that work on (A32) Cherrymount Link Road will begin on 26 September and should be completed by Spring 2013. The Minister has called the long awaited development a "wort
15/09/2011
It has been reported that an Irish traveler who is claiming 'homelessness' is the mastermind behind a multi-euro housing development in Ireland. According to the Daily Mail, a builder living on Europe's largest illegal traveler site is secretly backing the lavish 33-home property development in Ire
15/09/2011
Despite opposition plans have been approved for a new supermarket in Limerick. The part two-storey over part basement supermarket will be built in the Abbeyfeale area. Although Limerick Council approved detailed plans on March 31 a third party appeal was submitted against the decision. The appe
15/09/2011
Tenders are currently being sought for the appointment of a contractor to look after the construction of a new school in County Galway. The project in Carrowmanagh will see the demolition of the existing school followed by the construction of new single-storey 16-classroom school. A new access jun
14/09/2011
A move to finish housing in 'ghost estates' in Galway will be made following an outcry for social housing. Housing Minister, Willie Penrose, said that a discussion between the National Assets Management Agency and developers is on going with hope of having proposals finalised by January 2012. The
14/09/2011
Construction work has commenced on a new a campus for Monaghan VEC at the former Army Barrack’s site in County Monaghan. The site on the Armagh Road in Knockaconny will see the demolition of all existing buildings onsite including the perimeter wall. Meanwhile the change of use from army barracks
14/09/2011
It has been revealed that city and county councillors will meet to talk about the controversial shopping centre being built in Limerick. This follows a Northern Irish property developer taking on the job of finishing the half built Park Valley Centre. There are fears that the centre will be the fi
14/09/2011
SIAC (NI) Ltd, which is part of the SIAC Construction Group, has announced the appointment of Professor Sir Desmond Rea to its Board. The appointment is seen as confirmation of the strategic importance of the Belfast-based operation within the Group. Commenting, Group Chief Executive, Finn Lyden s
14/09/2011
Cookstown Leisure Centre are currently tendering for the appointment of a contractor to look after an extension at the leisure centre located on Fountain Road in Cookstown. The project calls for a proposed single-storey extension to the existing fitness suite at the centre. Work is anticipated to
14/09/2011
Brett Martin Daylight Systems' Technical Sales Manager, Darragh Coleman, recently presented the company's first RIAI approved CPD seminar titled 'The Natural Choice for Natural Light' to a group of architects at Fitzgerald Kavanagh & Partners in Dublin. Raising awareness of the benefits of natural
13/09/2011
Northern Ireland surveyors are split between those who say house prices are falling and those who say they are stable. But according to a housing survey by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Ulster Bank house prices in Northern Ireland are at 2010 lows whilst transaction volumes
13/09/2011
The Irish Prison Service (IPS) is looking for suitably trained construction workers to complete projects on several buildings in Ireland. IPS intends to form a framework of suitably qualified and experienced contractors for the design and build of buildings within its estates The reference number
13/09/2011
A water scheme in the Dublin Suburb of Sandyford has been declared open. Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government opened the Sandyford High Level Water Scheme yesterday. The scheme cost in the region of €15.6 million to build and fit-out with purpose of supplying an
13/09/2011
In a significant move forward plans have been approved for the expansion of new research and development facility in Raheen, Limerick. Limerick County Council have gave a 'thumbs up' to plans submitted by manufacturer Analog Devices. The Boston- Based semi-conductor manufacturers submitted plans
13/09/2011
Tenders are currently being sought for the appointment of a contractor to look after an extension to a nursery. Harrison Nurseries in Greyabbey in County Down will undergo renovations including the demolition of the existing nursery building and replacement with new coffee shop. Meanwhile altera
13/09/2011
This week building supplier, JP Corry, will hold its third and final trade event of 2011. The company will display an array of products at the event to be held at South Eastern Regional College in Downpatrick. Products on display will include doors, floors, washroom systems, bricks & stone, civils
12/09/2011
An economist has claimed that Ireland needs to build around 30,000 homes each year for the next 15 years. According to Marian Finnegan, of property auctioneer Sherry Fitzgerald, Ireland’s growing population would require substantial additional housing between now and 2026. Speaking at the National
12/09/2011
A Donegal estate agent has picked up the supermarket slogan of 'buy one get one free'- yes that's right buy one house get another free. Auctioneer Brendan McGlynn, has a number of houses in Donegal on his books and if customers buy one for €100,000 he will throw in another, free of charge. Two se
12/09/2011
A school in Limerick could face up to €12m of fines following concern the construction of their new school breaches planning regulations. Limerick City Council has started proceedings against the school management at John F Kennedy Memorial National School. City Hall’s planning department has serv
12/09/2011
Tenders are currently being sought for the appointment of a contractor to complete work on a new church building in county Derry. The £530k project involves work to a church building and community hall on the Glendermott Road. The development consists of the demolition of the existing church hall
12/09/2011
13 young apprentices from NI will be competing in the UK National Skillbuild finals on 14-16 September at Leeds College of Building. All the Northern Ireland team members qualified for the UK National finals by competing at the Skillbuild Northern Ireland competition held in South Eastern Regional
12/09/2011
A main contractor has been appointed to undertake construction work on a €200k school extension. St. John of God National School in Owning in Piltown in County Kilkenny will undergo a single-storey extension to its existing building. The project calls for a classroom, a withdrawal room and a learn
09/09/2011
A Tesco Extra store in Banbridge has been granted leave for Judicial Review following concerns that the hyperstore could lead to hundreds of job losses. The leave hearing in the High court yesterday heard the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association’s (NIIRTA) case against the decisio
09/09/2011
A four-star Dublin hotel will be the first major property to be put on sale by an assets agency. The National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) will put the Morrison Hotel on the market with a guide price of €25 million. The move follows the appointment of receivers to the business and property em
09/09/2011
Despite controversy a consortium has said that it remains committed to developing an energy-from-waste plant in County Antrim. Rose Energy, which is jointly owned by Moy Park and Glenfarm Holdings and promoted by O'Kane Poultry, has gone public this week to confirm they will stand by their chicken
09/09/2011
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) has published the first report on the future shipping and ports requirements for the Irish marine renewable energy industry. The study highlights the importance of developing Ireland
09/09/2011
Residents and clients of St Brendan's Community Nursing Unit (CNU) and St Martin's Day Services in Loughrea are moving into the new Community Nursing Unit, located alongside the former building in Loughrea. The recently completed, 100 bed St Brendan's CNU is a purpose built facility which provides
09/09/2011
NI Water says has announced a £7m investment for the water supply infrastructure in the greater Cookstown area, Co. Tyrone. This programme of improvements is set to get underway in late September 2011 and will last approximately 12 months. The work is good news for the area and will involve the r
08/09/2011
The Irish Government has again promised to cover almost half of the bill for work on the A5 cross-border road upgrade. It is understood that the Dublin government will start contributing to the Londonderry to Aughnacloy road re-vamp. The total cost will be £850m and of this, the Irish government h
08/09/2011
Falling property prices are causing additional strain on couples going through a separation or divorce, many of which have already lost their jobs and have large mortgages outstanding. House prices in Dublin fell 49% from their peak in February 2007 according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
08/09/2011
In a significant move forward the main contractor has been appointed for an extension of a national school in Cavan. P McGovern and Son have been appointed as the new contractor to complete the work at Laragh National School, Stradone. The extension will contain four classrooms with toilets and st
08/09/2011
A new service has described itself as a 'life-line' for Ireland's construction sector. A new fortnightly publication called CIS Fit Out will provide companies with critical information on all projects that are at completion and fit-out stage. The CIS publication is being marketed as a helping hand
08/09/2011
A new recycling centre is now open for business in the Co Antrim town of Larne. The NI Environment Minister Alex Attwood has officially opened Larne Borough Council's new Household Waste Recycling Centre. Larne Borough Council received a grant of £252k from the Department of the Environment's Re
08/09/2011
Used plant and equipment specialist Mr Machinery has introduced a new interactive service to help buyers and sellers get the most out of its reserved auctions. The online auction expert, which enables construction companies to bid on a wide range of high-quality used plant and heavy equipment, has
07/09/2011
A controversial planning law has been shelved, with the withdrawal receiving a warm welcome. The Stormont Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has rejected the PPS 24 planning policy after 'listening to the public, business groups and the commercial sector'. The PPS 24 legislation suggested
07/09/2011
Irish construction workers have been lending a helping hand with the re-build at the ground zero site in America. Work on the Four World Trade Centres has started to take shape on the land now known as ground zero. Irish tradesmen John O'Shea and his son Patrick O'Shea are among workers employed by
07/09/2011
A Northern Irish property developer has taken on the job of finishing a half built shopping centre in Limerick. According to the Irish Times, Suneil Sharma has agreed to take over building the Parkway Valley centre off the Dublin Road after acquiring an adjacent retail park for €30m. Construction
07/09/2011
Plans have been approved for a series of holiday chalets in Wexford. According to
07/09/2011
Penalties for late or non-filing of a contractor's monthly return within the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) are changing next month. From 6th October, CIS contractor monthly returns will be liable to a new penalty regime. The following penalties will apply to that return and all subsequent mon
07/09/2011
The main contractor had been appointed to start work on a medial centre in Galway. The new medical centre in Raheen in Galway calls for the construction of a two storey medical centre, retail unit and a sub station including all associated site works and services. Galway-based architects Associat
07/09/2011
Dunnes Workshop, a one stop shop for the supply of Windows, Doors, Stairs, Kitchens, Woodturning, Skirting's, Architraves and all types of mouldings, has announced it will be taking part in The SelfBuild Extend & Renovate Show at Citywest Convention Centre in Saggart, Dublin. The successful firm, b
06/09/2011
Northern Ireland continues to remain the UK sector with the highest decline in construction-based work. According to recent findings by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Northern Ireland remains the UK region with the largest number of construction sector chartered surveyors expe
06/09/2011
In a positive move forward Kilkenny based contractors have been appointed as the main contractors for an extension to St.Paul's Community College, in Waterford. Southbrook Construction Ltd will take on the project designed by Waterford architects, Tritschler & Tritschler Architects. The develop
06/09/2011
Work on the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, in Limerick is due to take a step forward in October. The development will start with demolition works and then continue on to the construction of a seven-storey facility that will be linked in the existing four-storey hospital building. Starting next mon
06/09/2011
McDonalds have been refused admission into the prestigious Temple Bar in Dublin's city. The fast food chain has been refused planning permission to build a restaurant in the tourist hot spot. This follows Dublin City Council ruling that the proposed outlet would go against the "dignity" of the cap
06/09/2011
A multimillion-euro investment may be made to update a $500m data centre in Dublin. The software giant, Microsoft, is planning to invest a significant amount of money to expand the centre at Grange Castle in Dublin, which opened just two years ago. According to Microsoft they hope to expand the ex
06/09/2011
An article by a construction sector specialist has revealed that the UK's Construction Act will receive a face-lift this October. According to Rupert Choat, the Head of Construction Disputes at CMS Cameron McKenna, changes to the Construction Act will come into force in England and Wales in October
06/09/2011
Dromad Hire completed its second major deal of 2011 with UK company Access Platform Sales. Included in the deal was a second Hinowa 23.12 tracked telescopic boom bringing the number of this much specialised machine to two in the Irish market. Speaking on the hand over Seamus Byrne commented: "Desp
05/09/2011
It has been revealed that a new housing development, at a former NI Housing Executive site, will provide housing for those in urgent need. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has outlined plans for the £4.5m worth of new housing at Somervale in North Belfast. According to the DUP Mi
05/09/2011
An Irish recruitment agency has announced a partnership with New Zealand based contractors, with the aim of rebuilding Christchurch. Three Q Professional, the professional services division of Three Q Recruitment has announced the commercial partnership with New Zealand-based construction agency Ca
05/09/2011
Home Insurance prices are set to soar by the end of the year, according to the Irish Brokers Association (IBA). Premiums are set to increase by between 10% and 15% . Brian McNelis, Director of General Services at the Irish Brokers Association, said re-insurers have suggested that rates will increa
05/09/2011
House prices in Galway have travelled back in time with the price tag on a three-bedroom semi matching 1998 costing. Prices of three-bed semi-detached houses have dropped to around €175k – a level last seen around 1998 – in parts of the city. That’s a drop of around 55% since the height of the pr
05/09/2011
In a positive move forward the main contractor has been appointed for the extension of a £430k art centre extension. Peter O Hare Ltd, as main contractors, will take on the extension of the Moyraverty Arts and Drama Centre in Craigavon, Co. Armagh. The works will be for the re-roofing of the exist
05/09/2011
The tragic deaths of two Co Antrim students when a faulty gas flue led to their suffocation was recalled today with NI's Health & Safety Agency (HSENI) published its latest annual report. Published on Monday, it continues to demonstrate the official body's commitment to improving health and safety
05/09/2011
A sum of £59 million has been revealed as the cost for the proposed A2 road upgrade in East Antrim. These standing costs for the road redevelopment were discussed in a letter from the Ulster Unionist Minister Danny Kennedy - who is responsible for Regional Development - to East Antrim Alliance MLA
02/09/2011
Irish Rail has submitted a plan to build a €200m railway line saying it will make the economy €1bn. The rail company has submitted their business case to the Department of Transport, which says the building of a DART airport link in Dublin would earn up to €1bn. The document says the €200m line co
02/09/2011
Belfast's main library has been left disappointed after being refused funds of £20m for a planned refurbishment. The iconic Central Library recently had £1m spent on improving its exterior. It had however been expecting a further £20m to completely overhaul and improve its interior. The plan to r
02/09/2011
The contract has been awarded to widen A5I5 in Londonderry . Magherafelt based contractor F.P McCann Ltd bagged the €1.6m contract to widen Madam's Bank road (A515). The widened road will be built substantially within the boundary of the existing road. Where the existing road is in cu
02/09/2011
A €3.6m school development in Galway has taken the next step forward with planning permission being approved by the council. Galway County Council has approved the 3,532 sq.m., two-storey, eight classroom educate together school development in Kilcogan, Co. Galway. The development designed by Galw
02/09/2011
The £2.6m refurbishment of the Edinburgh's Kings Theatre took an important step forward this week, with the appointment of the main contractor, H&J Martin Ltd. The long-established south Belfast firm won the main contract, covering the first two phases of a three-phase investment into the building.
02/09/2011
Tenders are being sought to extend a Lidl Store in Newcastle, Co Down. The 1,606 sq.m. Lidl store extension will be in the Railway Street of the town. Designed by Belfast based architects, Consarc Design Group the project will include an extension of existing Lidl store into vacant non-Lidl units
01/09/2011
The contract for the fit-out of the interior Exhibition and Gallery at Titanic Belfast - which is set to open in April next year - has been awarded. Antrim-based Marcon Fit-Out has been awarded the job and will provide design development, manufacture and installation of the joinery exhibition struc
01/09/2011
Construction work is expected to commence in October 2011 on the development of 40-bed residential healthcare unit in Kerry. The project is located in the Kenmare area of Kerry and will replace the existing 24-bed Kenmare Community Hospital. Designed by Dublin based architects, Coady Partnership A
01/09/2011
Engineering firm, FG Wilson Engineering (Dublin) Ltd, have launched their new website. The firm based in Dublin has more than 30 years experience ad over the years the company has become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of prime and standby generator sets. They employ 30 engineers and staf
01/09/2011
A range of construction professionals will once again be on hand to help people, from Cork, in the process of building their own homes. The Acorn Life Cork Modern Homes & Building exhibition will run at the City Hall from October 7th to 9th and will have experts from the building and construction-r
01/09/2011
Belfast-based professional services consultancy Turner & Townsend has secured £12m worth of contracts to deliver construction consultancy on three projects in Northern Ireland. It has been appointed by Northern Ireland Water to provide Cost Management services on the upgrade of the Clay Lake Water
01/09/2011
News that Irish Fencing and Railings Ltd of Dublin has acquired the services of Cathal Rogers to act as General Manager has been revealed. It is part of a move to expand North, and will see Cathal - who has over 30 years experience in the fencing industry throughout Ireland and the UK - take a lead
01/09/2011
A prominent Enniskillen business will be closing its doors soon after over a decade of trading. Café Cellini, on East Bridge Street, is closing to make way for something much bigger and better in the coming months – Enniskillen's first nightclub complex. For owner Leslie Wilkins, it's the culmina
