Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for April 2012
30/04/2012
Companies with an interest in sustainable electricity and Smart Grids are invited to participate in an R&D programme involving demonstration projects, it was announced by EirGrid and System Operator Northern Ireland (SONI), the operators of the grid in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The power sys
30/04/2012
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD officially opened the major new €39.5 million Dinish Wharf Development on Dinish Island at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre and also launched the community led development strategy – 'Castletownbere – An Economic Survey to Dete
30/04/2012
Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, today announced plans to invest £1.1 million for the redevelopment of housing in the Tiger’s Bay area of North Belfast. The redevelopment will see seven properties on the Limestone Road and three properties on the Halliday's Road demolished for replac
30/04/2012
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan is urging people in Derry and throughout the North to back FairFuelUK's campaign to stop the British government’s rise in fuel duty this summer. Mr Durkan said: "I am deeply concerned at the rising cost of fuel and the devastating impact this is having on firms and familie
30/04/2012
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, today officially opened the €7 million extension and refurbishment at Enniscorthy Vocational College, Co Wexford. The two-story extension has classrooms, multi media learning laboratories/language laboratories, two new science laboratories, a
30/04/2012
The Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has called on the banks that were mortgage lenders to Priory Hall residents to engage in a process of conciliation as proposed by the Supreme Court. This would be chaired by the retired Supreme Court judge Joseph Finnegan. He made his comments in
30/04/2012
Agnew Timber based in Redhills, Co. Cavan, is a family owned company established in 1962, employing more than 30 people and has a proven track record and envious reputation for the manufacture of high quality timber mouldings. The exclusive use of natural timber is a feature of all their products.
30/04/2012
KCC ARCHITECTURAL is bringing to the market a highly versatile, electromechanical swing door drive for internal doors, enabling barrier-free access for all. Ideal for sheltered housing, hospitals, schools, residential and care homes, hotel rooms, restaurants and even leisure facilities, the flexibl
27/04/2012
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan TD launched Focus Ireland's annual report for 2011. Speaking at the launch Minister O'Sullivan confirmed her intention to realise the Programme for Government commitment to end long-term homelessness. "The Programme for Government commits the Gover
27/04/2012
Translink has taken action to address the serious issue of fly-tipping along the railway line in Antrim coinciding with TIDY Northern Ireland's Big Spring Clean month. With the support of Antrim Borough Council, the NI Housing Executive and community representatives from Parkhall Estate which is s
27/04/2012
Having powered farms for over 80 years Power NI, Northern Ireland’s leading electricity supplier, is well aware of the challenges in the farm industry here. John McCay, Power NI's Farm Manager, explains how the local electricity company can give the sector a helping hand to cut costs. "Power NI is
27/04/2012
Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, today announced the introduction of the "National Water Safety Awareness Award". This is a series of courses aimed at workers who work in, on or near water. As well as a general course there are three site specifi
27/04/2012
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., has released new proposals for public consultation which will significantly strengthen the building control system with a view to ensuring that failings in building quality which have been a regular occurrence fo
27/04/2012
DOE today hosted a UK wide conference to highlight the crucial importance that regenerating our Built Heritage has on contributing to social and economic development. Entitled 'Opening Doors to the Future', the conference was organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) in partnersh
27/04/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community and local government Brian Stanley today accused the government of establishing Irish Water as a Trojan horse for the installation of water meters and the imposition of water charges and laying the foundation for the full privatisation of the water se
27/04/2012
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has joined over 100 MPs in support of the Energy Bill Revolution campaign which is calling on the government to spend carbon tax revenue on energy efficiency programmes in order to make homes super-energy efficient – not least here in Derry and throughout the North. The ca
27/04/2012
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has visited Coote Engineering in Ballygawley to congratulate the company on securing orders to the value of almost £1million in Saudi Arabia. A family-run business, Coote specialises in the design and manufacture of machinery and moulds for the pre-cast concrete in
26/04/2012
Firmus energy's marketing team received the prestigious 'Excellence in Marketing' Award at the Belfast Telegraph Awards Gala in the Ramada Hotel, Shaws Bridge on Tuesday 24th April, 2012. Firmus energy's greater Belfast strategic marketing campaign was recognised as 'best in class' among businesses
26/04/2012
Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced a number of changes to the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) that will see increased availability of funding for both private promoters and community groups in rural Ireland. The enh
26/04/2012
The standard variable rate (SVR) mortgage customers of Permanent TSB must benefit from the split of Permanent TSB announced by the Minister for Finance today, according to Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath. Deputy McGrath stated: "The restructuring of Permanent TSB announced today pr
26/04/2012
SDLP Housing spokesperson, Mark H Durkan, has said DSD Minister Nelson McCausland must do more to provide social housing. He was speaking after the Minister's announcement of plans to build 4600 new social homes over the remainder of the budget period. The Foyle MLA said: ''I do welcome any new pr
26/04/2012
Wicklow based company CPI Foam Ltd. have been announced as the main sponsor of The Garden of Ireland 7k Run & 3k Family Walk in Powerscourt Estate on Saturday 7th July. The event will take place on Saturday 7th July 2012 and 100% of the proceeds will go to Bray Cancer Support Centre’s work in provi
26/04/2012
CITB-ConstructionSkills NI are now working in direct partnership with federations and industry bodies to help fund demand led training within the local construction industry. This scheme, formally titled 'Tier 2' is integrated as part of the already existing training grants scheme and is essentially
26/04/2012
Fianna Fáil Senator Averil Power has called on the Government to use its influence to ensure that the banks participate in the resolution process for Priory Hall chaired by Mr Justice Finnegan. Speaking in the Seanad, the Dublin North East Senator welcomed the resolution process that Dublin City Co
26/04/2012
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture, marine and food Michael Colreavy TD has highlighted the impact of high fuel costs on Irish agriculture. Deputy Colreavy met a delegation from the Association of Farm Contractors in Ireland who raised the impact of high fuel costs of the agricultural indust
25/04/2012
Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland and Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy are seeking to appoint a 'preferred developer' for a major development site at Smithfield in Lisburn City centre. The development site consists of the existing surface car park and was identified as part
25/04/2012
Nearly all of Ireland's 3rd level colleges are now litter-free and a model for other public places to follow, according to a litter survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL). Launching its 2012 litter league at Trinity College Dublin, IBAL said those in charge of keeping clean public amenities
25/04/2012
Plans to build 4600 new social homes across Northern Ireland have been announced by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland. The social housing development programme for 2012/13 to 2014/15 sets out plans to build 4,600 new homes for rent, using government funding of £268 million combined with
25/04/2012
Irish Cement workers will use their voting rights as shareholders in the building material supply group, CRH, to oppose the re-election of the company's existing directors at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Wednesday, 9th May. The workers are in the fourth week of their strike actio
25/04/2012
Fianna Fáil has called on Fine Gael TD for Meath West Ray Butler to stand up for commuters, hauliers and farmers in Co Meath and support a Fianna Fáil Bill that would immediately cut the cost of petrol and diesel. TDs will vote on the Motorists Emergency Relief Bill in the Dáil tonight, Wednesday, 2
25/04/2012
The recent strong flow of FDI projects announced will deliver a significant boost for the construction industry, IDA data indicates. Ten recent investments will have a combined total requirement of over 1.5m square feet, predominantly for manufacturing. IDA estimates this will lead to a need for 1,
25/04/2012
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has opened the £1.67million Madams Bank Road reconstruction scheme in Londonderry. Speaking at the opening of Madam's Bank Road, the Minister said: "This scheme will further improve travelling conditions for the people of the north west and complements th
25/04/2012
Ulster Unionist Energy spokesperson Sandra Overend MLA has highlighted Sinn Fein’s lack of answers in today’s Assembly debate on how to address the impact of high local fuel prices. Speaking following a debate at Stormont, the Mid-Ulster Assembly member said: "In the Assembly debate Sinn Fein sough
25/04/2012
Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has said that we must ensure that history does not repeat itself when it comes to the mistakes made during the planning process. Senator Coghlan was speaking during an address to the Seanad on the Mahon Tribunal Report. "The Mahon Tribu
24/04/2012
77 schools around the country have been given the green light to replace rented prefabs with permanent classrooms. The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., announced the first round of approvals for schools in an initiative to replace rented prefabs with permanent accommodation. T
24/04/2012
Transport Spokesperson Timmy Dooley will bring the Motorist Emergency Relief Bill before the Dáil for debate this evening. The legislation will reduce petrol and diesel prices by 5c a litre. Deputy Dooley said: "This is extremely important legislation that will bring immediate relief to hundred
24/04/2012
Labour TD Robert Dowds has urged Iaranród Éireann to speed up the process of getting the Kishogue Railway Station in Lucan opened to the public, saying that having a brand new railway station lying idle for over two years was "an appalling waste of taxpayers money." The station is very close to th
24/04/2012
Michelle O’Neill has said that rural development funding is playing an important part in preserving rural heritage across the north. The Rural Development Minister was speaking as she attended the official opening of Lissan House outside Cookstown. The 17th century country house on the banks of the
24/04/2012
The Health and Safety Authority has agreed a draft Code of Practice for Dock Work, which will now be presented to the Government. It is aimed at tackling the gross exploitation of seafarers on some ships visiting Irish ports, as well as protecting jobs on shore. The International Transport Workers
24/04/2012
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on jobs, enterprise and innovation Peadar Tóibín TD has identified a major fall-off in applications to the Better Energy Homes Scheme, which is designed to improve the energy performance of the housing stock in Ireland. Deputy Tóibín said: "At the time of the budget Minis
24/04/2012
East Antrim Sinn Fein MLA Oliver Mc Mullan has called on Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy to make it a legal requirement that all domestic properties display their allocated number. Mr McMullan said: "I held a meeting with representatives of the Emergency Services and one of the points t
24/04/2012
SDLP Finance Spokesperson Dominic Bradley will call today for the establishment of a commission to investigate devolving further fiscal powers to the Assembly, including the ability to vary fuel duties. The Newry and Armagh MLA is speaking on an SDLP amendment to a Sinn Féin motion condemning escal
24/04/2012
Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland has announced the commencement of a public consultation for the transformation of Lisburn City Centre. The significant public realm improvements aim to make over the main city centre streets and public spaces to high quality contemporary design st
23/04/2012
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, has today announced that Bord Gáis Energy (BGE) is to open two new wind farms in 2012 that will provide enough power for over 30,000 homes. At the official opening of Bord Gáis Energy’s first developed wind farm, Ball
23/04/2012
One of Northern Ireland's biggest car retailers is creating 25 new jobs in a two million pound investment at Campsie on the outskirts of Londonderry. The jobs on offer include technical and sales staff and the managing director of the company, Donnelly and Taggart, Houston Taggart revealed that the
23/04/2012
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson commends the Quarry Products Association for its valuable contribution in helping to shape policy and best practice for the delivery of construction projects in Northern Ireland. The Minister was speaking at an event today to launch 'Quarry 2012' – the industry journal
23/04/2012
SDLP Derry City Councillor Jimmy Carr has expressed concern at the impact of major roadworks on the Racecourse Road on local businesses. Cllr Carr said: "I work in one of the retail units along the affected stretch of road, which is now closed for ten days for major works. "Business owners from ar
23/04/2012
Following the agreed mediation process in the Vita Cortex dispute, Kevin Duffy and his colleagues, Jack Nash and John Doherty have concluded that there is no basis for a mediated settlement. However, the mediators have issued guidance containing recommendations which, in their opinion, would repres
23/04/2012
Environment Minister Phil Hogan today noted reports that the Supreme Court proceedings in relation to Priory Hall have now been postponed for three months to allow for a conciliation process between the parties, chaired by Mr Justice Finnegan. Welcoming this development, Minister Hogan said: "The p
23/04/2012
Traders in Sandy Row are celebrating the completion of the first phase of a regeneration programme which has helped to improve the appearance of the locality – and to attract more shoppers into it. A number of local shop fronts have been given much needed `makeovers` as part of Belfast City Council
23/04/2012
Galway based greentech company, Cellulac, has been approved for a record €2.8m grant from the European Commission to commercialise its biorefining technology that converts agricultural waste into lactic acid. Cellulac is a high-potential start up client of Enterprise Ireland which supported the com
23/04/2012
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community and local government, Brian Stanley TD, has said that the government's plans to install water meters will become "another political disaster". Responding to today's reports that one third of households are unable to be installed with water me
20/04/2012
EirGrid stated that the upgraded grid which is being put in place will provide a platform for economic recovery and inward investment, when it announced its annual results in Dublin. Speaking at the launch, EirGrid Chairperson Ms Bernie Gray stated that implementing the Grid25 programme will creat
20/04/2012
Extensive refurbishment works have recently been completed to enhance the waiting facilities for passengers using the Bus Station in Foyle Street, Londonderry. Mayor of Derry City Council Alderman Maurice Devenney is accompanied by Alan Young, Translink Service Delivery Manager, for a tour of the n
20/04/2012
Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, Jennifer McCann, has called for action on the price of fuel at our petrol stations. This follows the news that petrol prices have hit an all time high with diesel prices set to follow suit. Speaking today Ms McCann said:
20/04/2012
Senator for Thomas Byrne has welcomed funding of €40,000 for the design and construction of two bus stops at Rath Cross that will be used to service the 130, 105 and 109A Bus Éireann routes. This funding from the Department of Transport to Meath County Council will allow for the design and construc
20/04/2012
A Co Armagh farmer pleaded guilty and was fined £500 plus court costs at Armagh Magistrates' Court today. Damien McParland, of Ballymoran Road, Lisnadill, Armagh, Co Armagh, was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 7 April 2011, a Water Quality Inspector,acting on behalf of the
20/04/2012
Labour Court chairman, Kevin Duffy, led mediation discussions with SIPTU representatives and the owners of Vita Cortex in the latest effort to resolve the long running dispute at the former foam manufacturing in Cork. Duffy, who is assisted by former Labour Court officials, Jack Nash and John Dohe
20/04/2012
After an exhaustive assessment of all issues from every angle, DOE Planning has given planning permission for a retail and residential development of the Athletic Stores site. The Environment Minister Alex Attwood has concluded this is, with regret, the better way to proceed. The existing building
20/04/2012
Folding doors have become a 21st century design essential, transforming living spaces and inspiring a world of architectural opportunities. The C1 is one of the most thermally efficient aluminium bifolding systems on the market and can achieve a U-value of 1.106 W/m2K (already surpassing proposed c
20/04/2012
The provisional Northern Ireland Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste Management Statistics October - December 2011 have been published today. The report shows a continuing decrease in the amount of local authority collected municipal waste sent to landfill in Northern Ireland. In October to D
19/04/2012
The Green Party have stated its outright opposition to the establishment of Irish Water. The Party is also opposed to the approach the Government is taking. Cllr Malcolm Noonan, Green Party Environment and Local Government spokesperson said: "We believe this is a de facto first step towards the pr
19/04/2012
The Young Farmers' Club of Ulster (YFCU) today unveiled leading Northern Ireland wind energy company Simple Power as the overall sponsor of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference this year. The event takes place on 21st April 2012 at Armagh City Hotel and will be attended by young farme
19/04/2012
Bank of Ireland have announced that, in line with Central Bank of Ireland guidelines, it has launched a range of new product features that will allow much greater numbers of customers in negative equity to move home. They are: •Trade Up Negative Equity – this will enable customers who are in ne
19/04/2012
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has hailed the fracking report and said his party is committed to protecting the people and the area, ensuring they do not come to any harm. The UUP also held a range of meetings with various groups and individuals and is currently engaged in a consultation process r
19/04/2012
Health Minister Edwin Poots today officially launched Phase 1 of the Allotments project at Kilcooley Square in Bangor. The aim of the allotments project is to expand movement across Northern Ireland to support the development of community gardens as a means of contributing to sustainable communiti
19/04/2012
Greenpeace activists took the 'How Clean is your Cloud' challenge today directly to Apple, Amazon and Microsoft, the three companies which need to switch from dirty coal to clean, renewable power. The challenge follows yesterday's launch of our 'How Clean is your Cloud’ report. Greenpeace Luxembo
19/04/2012
Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has welcomed more than €4 million in funding allocated to Dublin City Council for a range of sustainable travel projects across the city. The money is being made available under the National Transport Authority’s Sustainable Transport Programme.
19/04/2012
Seventy Housing Executive tenants living in Berlin Street, Brussels Street and Paris Street in the Shankill area of Belfast are getting brand new kitchens in a scheme worth over £275,000. The homes, which are a mixture of bungalows, flats and houses, built between 1985 and 1989 have been upgraded o
19/04/2012
An important test case has been won by a group of property purchasers bidding to exit from their purchase contracts, one of the first times a court ruling has gone in favour of buyers since the property crash. Tughans' dispute resolution lawyer Barbara Creed was instrumental in bringing together a
19/04/2012
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD has expressed surprise and anger at the Taoiseach’s inability to give any detail or properly answer questions about his proposals for introducing water charging and dismantling the current water service system. Deputy Martin commented: "Since the Taoiseach and M
19/04/2012
Housing Executive tenants in Bloomfield, Bangor are to be given the opportunity to change their landlord. Following the success of a pilot scheme in Londonderry, where Housing Executive tenants voted to transfer management of their homes to a housing association the tenants of 71 bungalows in Bloo
18/04/2012
SIPTU and TEEU representatives signed a cost saving agreement with the management of Balfour Beatty CLG Limited which protects the terms and conditions of employment of over 250 employees at the construction company. SIPTU Organiser John Regan said: "The jobs of 320 trade union members were transfe
18/04/2012
The latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) projections show that Ireland is unlikely to meet its annual obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2017 onwards, despite the fall-off in emissions associated with the economic downturn. Under the EU’s climate targets, Ireland is legally
18/04/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood did his bit to help improve the local environment. Along with a team from the Department of the Environment and the Belfast Hills Partnership, the Minister helped to remove litter and rubbish from the picturesque Colin Glen Forest Park. The clean-up is part of Tidy
18/04/2012
The Government has failed to provide any clarity on the charges households will be forced to pay for the installation of water meters and for their water use, according to Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins TD. Deputy Collins has said a lengthy statement issued by the Government th
18/04/2012
Donegal County Council has made a landmark decision to instruct Council staff not to access utility information from those boycotting the Household Charge. Cllr Jack Murray said: "I am delighted that members of Labour, Fianna Fáil and some independent councillors were able to put politics aside to
18/04/2012
The Minister for Natural Resources Fergus O'Dowd has announced a €250,000 environmental research call that will allow for contracts for up to 10 researchers in the geosciences area over the next year. The Minister is this opening a two-day conference in Dublin Castle that will look at the contribut
18/04/2012
Sinn Féin Energy Spokesperson Phil Flanagan has said that a review into fracking by the British Government is irrelevant and that the claim that fracking is safe bizarre. The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA said: "This report is completely irrelevant to what happens in Ireland and for the so called ‘p
18/04/2012
Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has called for an independent report to be carried out into the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing in Northern Ireland. Her call follows a report that was carried out into the small earthquakes that it caused in Blackpool. Anna Lo MLA said: "Thi
18/04/2012
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has expressed his concern that best value for money was not gained during the opening of the Peace Bridge in June last year. Mr Ramsey submitted an assembly question to the First and Deputy First Ministers' Office regarding the breakdown of the costing. Mr Ramsey said: "I
18/04/2012
Labour TD Kevin Humphreys has said it is "outrageous" that Irish Rail have not published a report into the flooding that occurred last October along the banks of the River Dodder, The obstruction caused by debris collecting under the Irish Rail Bridge led to the flooding of dozens of homes and prop
17/04/2012
Regeneration proposals for historic Thomas Street in the centre of Dublin's Liberties have been put forward in a new study by Dublin Civic Trust, being launched on Tuesday 17th May 2012 by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague, in the National College of Art and Design in the centre of Thomas St
17/04/2012
Fracking for oil and gas is 'safe', so says an independent report published today. The controversial process of drilling for gas and oil has come under attack following the acknowledgment that it can cause mini-earthquakes or tremors but a government-commissioned report has given it a green light.
17/04/2012
Over the past 2 years, The Lizard Lifeboat Station has been going through a station rebuild and taken delivery of a new Tamar class all-weather lifeboat. Saturday 5 May will see the culmination of the build project with the opening of the new station and dedication of the new lifeboat, Rose. Admira
17/04/2012
Government disarray over the installation of water meters is shaping up as the latest fiasco at the Department of the Environment, according to Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins TD. Deputy Collins commented: "The notion that the Government would force households to pay hundreds o
17/04/2012
NIE, the electricity network company, has completed a £20 million investment project in the Omagh area by building a new overhead electricity line from Omagh which supplies a newly built major substation at Magherakeel, just outside Killeter. The 38 kilometres of overhead electricity line, which wa
17/04/2012
NI Water has raised serious concerns about a recent break in at a pumping station in Larne. Parts of the surrounding fencing were damaged and vital equipment was stolen during the break-in. NI Water representative, Gavin McCready, who has been dealing with the break-in, explained: "While such acti
17/04/2012
With over 80 years experience in this part of the world, Power NI, Northern Ireland’s leading electricity supplier, knows a thing or two about the challenges of doing business here. Even after a decade of competition, 30,000 small businesses still make Power NI their number one choice. And now, tha
17/04/2012
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community and local government, Brian Stanley TD, has today slammed the government for forcing households to pay over €700 for water meters. Deputy Stanley said: "Comments made by An Taoiseach today clearly show that Fine Gael is driving ahead with the
17/04/2012
A Co Down pig farmer was today fined £5,000, in his absence, at Newry Magistrates Court for non-compliance with a DOE Planning Enforcement Notice. Mr John McCracken, Ballyrussel Road Burren Warrenpoint was served with an Enforcement Notice to demolish the unauthorised structure and remove all assoc
17/04/2012
Strike action by workers at the Irish Cement Ltd production plants in Castlemungret, Co. Limerick and Platin, Co. Meath, has entered its third week. Workers are calling on the company to honour a Labour Court recommendation relating to the payment of outstanding monies to its employees. Pickets we
16/04/2012
Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Kerry, Mayo, Galway County, Cavan, Carlow and Waterford County are ranked worst (in that order) in a system that requires radical overhaul says Ireland's National Trust . An Taisce has today published the results of its objective study of the Planning Systems in 34 City
16/04/2012
Sinn Fein spokesperson on environment, community and local government Brian Stanley TD, has said: "any attempt to bill households for the huge cost of installing water meters will be fiercely resisted". Deputy Stanley was responding to press reports that a Department of the Environment spokesperson
16/04/2012
Limerick Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins has called on Irish Cement Ltd to immediately pay the outstanding money it owes to staff at its two plants in Castlemungret, Co Limerick and Platin, Co Meath. Deputy Collins, who met the workers in Castlemungret this week, has described as 'disgraceful' the com
16/04/2012
This week, 140,000 households across Dublin city will finally receive their waste bills for the last quarter of 2011. Technical problems matching the Greyhound and Council IT systems caused further delays after bills were initially deferred due to data protection issues. The bills, which are now th
16/04/2012
The new Emergency Department at Kerry General Hospital has officiall opened today. The new facility, built at a cost of €4m will cater for approximately 33,000 attendances annually, replaces the existing Emergency Department and will provide a greatly enhanced environment for patients attending the
16/04/2012
340 Housing Executive tenants in the Woodside, Ardcaoin and Glenkeen areas of Poleglass are having their windows replaced with new uPVC windows through schemes costing £1.1million. This is a major boost for our residents living in these estates. The windows being replaced in these properties had co
16/04/2012
Ireland's opposition parties have attacked the government’s plans to make households pay for the installation of water meters. Last night, Enda Kenny said people would have to pay for the meter itself, but the cost of installation would be covered by money from the National Pension Reserve Fund. S
16/04/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced the launch of a consultation process on the Draft Regulations for a charge on single use carrier bags. Carrier bag charging will be introduced in two stages. In stage one a discounted levy of five pence for single use carrier bags, including bags ma
16/04/2012
Mr Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced the provision of €2,150,000 in grants to local authorities, €900,000 under the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme, for public education and awareness initiatives in relation to both litte
13/04/2012
Queen's University Belfast today announced its intention to establish a China Queen's College in partnership with the China Medical University, in Shenyang, one of China's top ranked universities for Health Sciences. This partnership will see some 1000 Chinese students studying for Queen’s Universi
13/04/2012
Following the announcement by EirGrid to upgrade its network infrastructure, The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) have waned it is important to ensure the improved competitiveness of the national economy and the development of rural energy in Ireland. IFA National Environment and Rural Affairs Chai
13/04/2012
Northern Ireland's housing market is still undergoing a period of stabilisation with house prices likely to remain at best flat during 2012. This annual review examines the most recent housing market data compiled by both the public and private sectors. It analyses the key economic and demographic
13/04/2012
Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D. today, announced a review and public consultation of the ‘smoky coal ban’ regulations. The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous fuel (or 'smoky coal ban') was first introduced in Dublin in 1990 in respons
13/04/2012
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has today announced the first accreditation of a price comparison website in the Irish energy market. Bonkers Money Ltd is the first energy price comparison website provider to be accredited by the CER through its new accreditation framework launched last
13/04/2012
Data submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the EU Commission show that emissions of Greenhouse Gases in 2011 for companies in Ireland covered by the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are considerably lower than in 2010. The data for 2011 shows emissions have dropped sharply to 15
13/04/2012
Reacting with disappointment to the decision by the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association (TCCA) to withdraw from talks to resolve the turf-cutting issue, Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has said he is puzzled as to why TCCA members have completely reversed their position
13/04/2012
As more people are choosing to rent their homes the Housing Rights Service has launched a new website with information on all aspects of renting private accommodation. Developed by Housing Rights Service, with funding from the Housing Executive, the aim of the new site is to improve the experience
13/04/2012
The Lagan Brick workers have marked the 120th day of their dispute at the brick manufacturing plant in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, yesterday. Workers at the Lagan Brick manufacturing plant were informed it was closing only hours before it ceased operation on Friday, 15th December. Since then 25 SIPTU
13/04/2012
A Co Tyrone farmer pleaded guilty and was fined £1500 plus court costs of £22 at Strabane Magistrates Court. Mr Charles Crumley, of Dergalt Road, Strabane, Co Tyrone was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 11 May 2011, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northe
12/04/2012
The Finance and Social Development Ministers have highlighted the importance of the Co-Ownership housing scheme in helping people get onto the property ladder. Finance Minister Sammy Wilson and Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland visited successful Co-Ownership applicant Sian Blair in her
12/04/2012
Public consultation starts today on the Grid Link Project, an estimated €500 million project planned by EirGrid to upgrade the electricity grid that will deliver a wide range of benefits to the national and regional economies. The development will involve the construction of a new power line linki
12/04/2012
Some improvements were evident in the NI housing market in March, according to the latest RICS and Ulster Bank Housing Market Survey. The latest survey indicates that the data for transaction volumes and transaction expectations remain firmly in positive territory, reflecting seasonal factors. Ther
12/04/2012
A Co Antrim farmer pleaded guilty and was fined £5,000 plus £25 court costs at Ballymena Magistrates' Court today. Mr Martin Atcheson of Rushy Island Road, Newtown-Crommelin, Co Antrim was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 11 July 2011, Water Quality Inspectors, acting on be
12/04/2012
Better air quality, a fall in greenhouse gas emissions, improved water quality, a fall in the amount of waste being sent to landfill, and an increase in the numbers of low emission vehicles are some of the areas which show the quality of Ireland’s environment has improved over recent years. These a
12/04/2012
Waterford Workers' Party Councillor Davy Walsh has said that Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin is in denial if he thinks that the lack of a bill is the reason so many people have not paid the Household Charge. Cllr Walsh said that the Labour Party minister's claim that people hadn't paid i
12/04/2012
Celebrity broadcaster George Hook has launched Tell The Future, a story-writing competition encouraging primary school children North and South to write a short story on how to power homes, hospitals, factories and schools into the future. Now in its second year, the competition rewards the best ide
12/04/2012
Workers are continuing their strike action at the Irish Cement Ltd production plants in Castlemungret, Co. Limerick and Platin, Co. Meath, in a dispute over the company’s failure to honour a Labour Court recommendation relating to the payment of outstanding monies to its employees. Pickets were pla
12/04/2012
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has visited the construction site of the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre. The new Centre, located at the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site is an integral part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Signature Project. It is a key initiative in developing Northern Ireland's
12/04/2012
It's Spring time again, the days are getting longer and so too are the daylight hours available from which to capture solar energy. Comfort Solutions Ireland are the leading suppliers of Solar Hot Water Systems in the West of Ireland and are offering special discounts to new customers this Spring.
11/04/2012
"Planning has not only a vital role to play in our economic recovery but we also owe it to the next generation to ensure that it functions responsibly in their future interests", stated Ann Phelan Labour TD. She said that publication of the Mahon Tribunal's findings have significantly heightened th
11/04/2012
Workers are continuing their strike action at the Irish Cement Ltd production plants in Castlemungret, Co. Limerick and Platin, Co. Meath, in a dispute over the company's failure to honour a Labour Court recommendation relating to the payment of outstanding monies to its employees. Pickets were pla
11/04/2012
A comprehensive national strategy on the practice of fracking must be developed as a matter of urgency, according to Galway West Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív. Deputy Ó Cuív commented: "The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte cannot continue to ignore the serious
11/04/2012
Alliance Party representatives, Castlereagh Councillor Michael Long and Strangford Alliance Chair Kellie Armstrong have held with the Consumer Council to raise their concerns about the use of local pricing policies by petrol retailers which has the effect of pushing up petrol prices in some areas.
11/04/2012
North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has urged NI Water to progress their plans to tackle the sewage pollution problem at Kinnegar Lagoons, Holywood without any further delay after being contacted by numerous local people frustrated that the problem continues to cause an awful pong. Cllr Muir
11/04/2012
The Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson MP, MLA has announced a rating revaluation of non-domestic properties in Northern Ireland in 2015. The Executive has now agreed that preparations need to be put in place to undertake a revaluation of non-domestic properties in Northern Ireland in 2015, aligning wi
11/04/2012
The Labour Relations Commission has confirmed that a three person mediation team, headed by Labour Court chairman, Kevin Duffy, has been appointed to lead discussions aimed at finding a resolution to the long running Vita Cortex dispute. SIPTU Organiser, Anne Egar, said that the workers had been in
11/04/2012
Ireland's electricity utility, ESB, has welcomed the vote of its employees to accept payroll reductions which are part of a wider cost reduction programme within the company. The overall programme will see the company’s cost base reduced by €280m by 2015. With the vote, ESB staff accept the impleme
11/04/2012
Fianna Fáil Senator Marc Mac Sharry has called on the Government to honour the commitment given to him in January this year by Minister of State Brian Hayes to take action against severe coastal erosion at Stranhill Hill, Co. Sligo. The national tourist attraction and amenity that is Strandhill i
11/04/2012
Microsoft’s Dublin requirement would fill Belfast's entire prime office space, says Lisney All of Belfast’s available grade A office space combined would be needed to meet one single requirement issued in Dublin this week, according to Lisney's David McNellis. The leading commercial property agent
05/04/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has opened a new £4.2million family housing scheme at Dunsy Green in Comber. The development of 27 houses and six apartments by Fold Housing Association, on the site of former playing fields, has been allocated to families from the social housing waitin
05/04/2012
The majority position the Government parties have in two thirds of all councils seems to make them reluctant to tackle Local Government reform says the Green Party. Minister Jan O'Sullivan says that the Government will examine the planning issues in the six counties that Minister Gormley selected f
05/04/2012
Lagan Brick workers occupied the company's Belfast headquarters yesterday (4th April) in protest at the owners failure to agree to negotiations aimed at achieving a just resolution to the long running dispute at the brick manufacturer’s facility in Kingscourt, Co Cavan. More than 35 Lagan Brick wor
05/04/2012
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said that using the latest sophisticated technology has delivered vast improvements to the work of mapping surveyors. The Minister was speaking during a visit to a new housing development at Woodside Park, Loughbrickland today where members of the Land & Property
05/04/2012
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Niall Collins TD, says Minister Jan O’Sullivan must ‘get tough’ with the Environment Minister as well as local authorities. Deputy Collins welcomed the announcement from Housing Minister, Jan O’Sullivan TD, that she will get t
05/04/2012
SDLP Health Committee member Mark H Durkan has called on the Health Minister to expedite the building of a new neo-natal unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Mr Durkan was speaking following the publication of a report into the pseudomonas outbreak which claimed the lives of four babies last winter
05/04/2012
Jan O'Sullivan TD, Minister for Housing and Planning, today launched two new initiatives to enhance co-ordination and oversight of the Irish planning system. The Minister launched: •Myplan.ie a new and free planning information system for the public on the details of all of the 400+ development pl
05/04/2012
The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) has informed SIPTU that the owners of Vita Cortex are prepared to enter mediation talks. SIPTU Manufacturing Division Organiser, Gerry McCormack, said that the workers, who have been occupying the former foam manufacturing plant at Kinsale Road Cork for 111 days
04/04/2012
Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed the commencement of repair works to a listed derelict building along Main Street Dundrum. Earlier in February the Department of the Environment (DOE) served an Urgent Works Notice (UWN) on the owner of 119 - 121 Main Street, Dundrum. The Urgent Works
04/04/2012
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson today undertook a walk around of Newry City Centre, viewing plans for regeneration and development contained in the Newry Masterplan. The Minister highlighted the Executive's support for town and city centres and drew attention to the recent rating legislation. Mr Wil
04/04/2012
Titanic will once again be built in Belfast, only this time round, it will be constructed and displayed at Victoria Square in the heart of the city, just in time for the Easter holidays. Victoria Square, Belfast is getting set for the launch of a spectacular balloon sculpture of the Titanic this we
04/04/2012
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins has heavily criticised the Government's plans to punish local authorities over non-payment of the household charge by cutting local services. This is the latest attempt by the Government to shift blame for their failure on the household charge fi
04/04/2012
SDLP Moyle District Councillor Dónal Cunningham has condemned the theft of around 200 litres of heating oil from the Holy Trinity Church in The Diamond, Ballycastle. He said: "There have been similar thefts from other local churches. In my view theft from any faith community is sacrilegious as well
04/04/2012
The Irish FA have received a Letter of Offer from DCAL to allow the Association to begin the first stage of the Windsor Park redevelopment project. The Irish FA has been working closely with DCAL, SportNI and Linfield Football Club regarding the stadium project and the Association acknowledges the
04/04/2012
A Co Down farmer was fined £250 plus court costs at Newry Magistrates' Court. Mr Seamus McAteer, Valley Road, Banbridge, Co. Down, was fined under Article 7(1)(a) of the Water (NI) Order 1999 for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 3 March 2011, following a water pollution report, NIEA
04/04/2012
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said that using the latest sophisticated technology has delivered vast improvements to the work of mapping surveyors. The Minister was speaking during a visit to a new housing development at Woodside Park, Loughbrickland today where members of the Land & Property
04/04/2012
The Sinn Féin jobs spokesperson Peadar Tóibín has challenged An Taoiseach Enda Kenny on comments he made at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis regarding the issue of upward only rent reviews. An Taoiseach said that the government had intended to end upward only rent reviews but that this was "impossible beca
04/04/2012
Sinn Fein President and TD for Louth Gerry Adams has called on Irish Cement to honour a Labour Court recommendation relating to the payment of outstanding monies to its employees. Teachta Adams was reacting to the beginning of strike action this morning at the company's facilities at Platin outside
03/04/2012
Permanent TSB has reported that 12% of mortgages are more than 90 days in arrears. A total of €1.4bn was set aside to cover loan losses. The State-controlled bank's annual report results showed a record loss of €424m in 2011. "A key challenge for the business and for our customers is arrears, a
03/04/2012
ICT Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the high-tech sector in Ireland, jointly with Intellect, the trade body for the UK’s technology industry, recently said that technology holds the key to innovation, economic recovery and job creation. On the occasion of European e-Skills week 2012 Paul Sw
03/04/2012
SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the news that energy firms E.On and RWE Npower will not now develop new nuclear projects on Anglesey and near Bristol. Ms Ritchie, who sits on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee at Westminster as well as leading on energy and climate c
03/04/2012
The Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D., has highlighted the significant opportunities to build on the already €1.2bn of trade between Ireland and Turkey and its potential as a hub for Irish companies doing business in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Caucasus and Central As
03/04/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced a public consultation on proposals for the new public realm scheme in Rathfriland Street, Banbridge. The Rathfriland Street scheme will enhance a busy commercial area which links to the recently refurbished Solitude Park. Proposals for th
03/04/2012
Walter C Campbell Joinery was fined £2,000 plus costs of £1,750 at Laganside Crown Court on 30 March 2012 after previously pleading guilty to a breach of Article 5 of the Health and Safety at Work Order (NI) 1978. The case arose from a Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) inv
02/04/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland MLA today officially started construction of ten new social homes on Rathlin Island. The new homes are situated at Church Bay and are the first social homes to be built on the Island in 18 years. The 10 new build houses will more than double the soci
02/04/2012
Ulster Unionist Environment Spokesperson, Danny Kinahan, has said that the Northern Ireland Executive should set specific targets for each different source of renewable energy to ensure that they are all being fully exploited. The South Antrim representative said: "Northern Ireland is 99 per cent d
02/04/2012
A group of North Mayo residents have submitted a complaint regarding the impact of the Corrib Gas project’s construction and haulage work, according to the Irish Times. Residents along the Sruwaddacon estuary, a special area of conservation, say they rund the gauntlet of convoys of "heavy goods veh
02/04/2012
Construction and development has been blamed for the current demise of the Irish economy, according to the Irish Times. The Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has told the Fine Gael ardfheis, that problems marring the Irish construction industry have been used as the 'scapegoat' of the economy. He
02/04/2012
The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) General Secretary, Eamon Devoy, described the mood at well-attended regional meetings recently as "buoyant but determined not to endure any more pay cuts." Two motions were unanimously adopted at the Dublin meeting, the sentiments of which were
02/04/2012
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins has called on the Environment Minister Phil Hogan to confirm if Mr Conor Taaffe, who he has appointed to the Building Regulation Advisory Board, is the same Conor Taaffe of HomeBond, the insurance company at the centre of the pyrite controversy. Th
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