Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for June 2014
30/06/2014
An energy agreement signed by two firms is to cut Dublin Airport's energy by 30%. ESB and the Dublin Airport Authority said the agreement is the first full energy spectrum collaboration of its kind in Ireland. It also aims to make the airport an international energy exemplar airport complex by 202
30/06/2014
Additional accommodation is to be built onto Tralee Community College, it has been announced. Two new classroom ASD units are to be constructed and the mainstream college is also to undergo refurbishment works. Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, said: "I hope that the works
30/06/2014
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has allocated €202,677 to Roscommon County Council for flood mitigation works. The work is to be carried out on Four Roads in south Roscommon. Fine Gael Roscommon/South Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan has welcomed the funding. He said: "Last September, I travelled with
30/06/2014
NIHE residents in Ballymoney are to have their homes fitted with double glazing. Work is currently underway on 68 homes, while in Larne, over £600,000 has been invested on 283 properties. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: "I welcome the fact that the contracts are in place and wo
30/06/2014
The Government and Revenue are being urged to help stamp out shadow activity on State contracts. The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is calling for inspections to all contractors operating on all public projects to be extended. The CIF said this would put an end to the work going to those m
30/06/2014
Northern Ireland's second large-scale solar farm has been given the go-ahead. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan approved the plans for the farm which is to be located in Crumlin. The proposed development by Lightsource Renewable Energy is in excess of 30 acres and is capable of generating a total
30/06/2014
Siptu the union has said the partial merger of Bord na Móna and Coillte has the potential to create new business opportunities. Siptu has pledged to work with the new merged entity in exploring ways in which new job opportunities can be created. Siptu Organiser, John Regan, said: "SIPTU members in
30/06/2014
The development of a new Japanese garden in County Waterford has begun. The garden in Tramore will commemorate writer and translator Patrick Lafcadio Hearn. Labour TD Ciara Conway welcomed the beginning of the project and 10 new jobs have also been announced. She said: "Ambassador Chihiro Atsumi
27/06/2014
Fine Gael has welcomed pledges made by the Minister for Environment and Local Government that climate change remains a top priority for government. Dublin Mid-West TD, Derek Keating, added that the party remains committed to providing certainty on national climate policy and legislation. Mr Keatin
27/06/2014
Homeowners are being urged to take advantage of the Better Energy Home grants. The cash grants can be used to install insulation, solar panels and heating system upgrades, which could save homeowners 20-30% off their energy bills. Commenting on home energy upgrades, Brian O'Mahony, Sustainable Ene
27/06/2014
Sinn Fein has welcomed the announcement that £10 million is to be invested in green energy in schools across Northern Ireland. Mr Barry McElduff, West Tyrone MLA, said it sends out a very important message about the importance of the green economy. Mr McElduff said: "As places of learning schools
27/06/2014
Building has begun at the site of a new primary school in Lurgan. Education Minister, John O'Dowd, turned the first sod of the new Tannaghmore Primary School building. The 21 classroom school will provide state-of-the-art facilities for pupils and staff as well as giving a boost to the local const
27/06/2014
A new housing development is now complete in Kells. Built by Triangle Housing Association, the Social Development Minister officially handed over keys to residents of the six newly built social houses in Maybin Park. The two and three bedroom properties incorporate the very latest in energy saving
27/06/2014
A farmer from Randalstown has been fined after pleading guilty for a pollution offence. Mr Samuel McCracken was fined £500, £22 in court costs and an offenders levy of £15. On 30 August 2013, Water Quality Inspectors inspected an unnamed tributary of the River Maine at Portglenone Road, Randalstow
26/06/2014
A property firm based in County Down is to build a £13.4 million leisure complex in Wales. The Lotus Group's was planning application was recently approved by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. The development project will see the firm deliver a new 70,000sq ft facility to replace the forme
26/06/2014
A £190,000 road improvement scheme in Downpatrick is to begin on Monday 30 June. The work will extend for approximately a 1km stretch of the B176 Killough Road from the Grange Road junction towards Downpatrick. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This £190,000 scheme represents a significant i
26/06/2014
Two political parties have been slammed for failing to make submissions during the public consultation in relation to water charges. Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin failed to make a submission within 30 days on a draft policy direction to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Minister for Environm
26/06/2014
The Warm Homes Scheme has been extended until March 2015. The scheme was due to end on 18 June, however because of its popularity the Department for Social Development (DSD) has extended it until next year. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said: "Heating your home can be one of the biggest drains on t
26/06/2014
Fianna Fáil is calling for the government to bring forward legislation to protect mortgage holders. The party's spokesperson made the comments after the Bank of Ireland announced that its ICS division is selling €250m worth of mortgage loans to Dilosk. Deputy McGrath said: "Mortgage holders whose
26/06/2014
£10 million is to be invested to improve energy efficiency in schools across Northern Ireland. The 'spend to save' initiative for 2014/15 aims to help cut energy costs. Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "A portion of this £10million investment will be used for solar panels on schools. This part
26/06/2014
Planning performance in Northern Ireland is improving, according to statistics. 92% of Large Scale Planning Applications have been dealt within 6 months. which exceed the 75% target. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "A key priority when I took Office was to speed up planning. It is welcome
25/06/2014
House prices have risen by 10.6% in the last year, according to new Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures. However, Property Industry Ireland (PPI) believes this is a direct result of an under supply in the housing market. PII Director Dr Peter Stafford said: "The volume of housing transactions
25/06/2014
A competition has been launched to design a new primary school to include an urban setting in Dublin. The Office of Public Works (OPW) recently acquired a site at Harcourt Terrace where the school is expected to be built. The architectural design has to include 24 classrooms and a special needs un
25/06/2014
A new procurement approach is to be taken to support the delivery of social housing in Northern Ireland. Under the new initiative, 'Competitive Land, Design and Build', a Housing Association enters into an agreement with a developer to deliver a complete package of supplying land, commissioning the
25/06/2014
Fine Gael has slammed a move by AIB Bank to appoint a receiver to construction firm Dan Morrissey (Ireland), and claims the company has already repaid €19m to the bank over the last six years. Pat Deering said he spoke to the CEO of the AIB, David Duffy, and was informed by letter that a receiver
25/06/2014
A funding package has been announced to refurbish a studio in L'Derry. Alpha Glass Studio, next to the historic City Walls, has previously been used as a glass making workshop for Alpha. The firm are the current owners of the building and the £547,000 fund will bring it back into use. Shop units wi
25/06/2014
A £130,000 public realm scheme in the Waterside area of L'Derry is now complete. The works have vastly improved the appearance of Clooney Terrace, known as one of the busiest commercial streets in the area. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: "This scheme is further evidence of my
24/06/2014
Purcell Construction has completed refurbishment works on the new Primary Care Centre at St. Brendan's Campus in Loughrea. Planning for the centre began in 2011 and has now finished at a cost of €1m. It also included refurbishing a section of the former St Brendan’s Community Nursing Unit. The ref
24/06/2014
Fianna Fail spokesperson on Environment is calling for the government to confirm if its 'First Fix Free' policy will extend to lead piping in instances where there is excessive lead. Tests carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found 41 different schools, businesses and houses had
24/06/2014
Bord na Mona and Coillte are to partially merge, the government has announced. The joint venture (JV) is to focus on the bio energy and wind energy sectors. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney said that the decision is the "culmination of an in-depth analysis undertaken b
24/06/2014
A road resurfacing scheme in Ballymoney is expected to start on Monday 7th July. The £75,000 improvement scheme from Drumahiskey Road to near Beechwood Drive, Balnamore, is scheduled to be substantially finished on Friday 11th July. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly
24/06/2014
The Employment and Learning Minister has announced that he will continue to look positively on expansion plans at the University of Ulster. Minister Stephen Farry met with SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey to discuss the future of the campus. Mr Ramsay also urged the University management staff at Magee ca
24/06/2014
An underground cabling project in the Dungannon area is set to continue. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is to start a new phase of the works on the Drumkee Road on Monday 30th June. It is an ongoing project to complete extension works on the Tamnamore electricity substation. The Drumkee Road
24/06/2014
Road schemes worth around £10.5m have been completed in the Fermanagh area in 2013/2014. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy congratulated staff and contractors on the structural maintenance work on the roads in the last financial year. He said: "In particular in the Fermanagh area, despite ever incr
23/06/2014
Holland & Barrett signs Energia supply deal for sixth year in a row and continues to grow its 'Plan it Green' initiative. NBTY Europe, owners of Irish health food retailer Holland & Barrett (formerly Nature's Way), has announced its continued relationship with competitive energy provider Energia.
23/06/2014
The Grid West project is EirGrid's plan to develop a new high-capacity power connection, linking north Mayo to a strong point on the national grid. In January 2014, EirGrid announced that it would undertake a comprehensive analysis of an underground route for the project. This analysis will be rou
23/06/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that a £155,000 improvement scheme at Belfast Road, Ballygowan is scheduled to begin on Monday 30 June 2014. The resurfacing scheme is expected to be substantially completed by the end of July. Mr Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly i
23/06/2014
Fine Gael Kerry TD and Member of the Oireachtas Transport and Communications Committee, Brendan Griffin, has welcomed the sod turning on the Cahersiveen to Renard Greenway. Mr Griffin said: "The South Kerry Greenway, from Glenbeigh to Renard, has the potential to be a world class greenway. This wil
23/06/2014
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD has welcomed a notification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of their proposed decision to grant a waste licence for the remediation of East Tip site at Haulbowline Island, in accordance with section 42(2) of the Waste Man
23/06/2014
A medieval souterrain and house have been uncovered as part of advanced works on the £65m A26 scheme. The early medieval souterrain is a substantial archaeological feature consisting of a number of underground passages, some of which were stone lined. This was used by local people to hide from raid
23/06/2014
DUP MLA William Irwin has welcomed the discovery of a diesel laundering plant, capable of producing over eight million litres of illicit fuel a year, on a farm near Crossmaglen. However the local MLA said the real test as to whether the problem is being tackled will be to see if arrests follow the
20/06/2014
Green Party Environment Spokesperson, Cllr Malcolm Noonan, has voiced concerns over the failure to reach minimum targets set by the EU for Irish air quality. The most recent report from the National Emissions Ceiling Directive (NECD) deals with years 2010-2012, and in all three years our air was f
20/06/2014
Fianna Fáil Senator in Meath Thomas Byrne has expressed shock and concern following a proposal to increase by 50% the Public Service Obligation levy on Electricity Bills. The levy subsidises energy companies which generate electricity from renewable resources. Senator Byrne commented: "This 50% ju
20/06/2014
East L'Derry constituency is the first constituency in Northern Ireland to achieve full uptake of schools in the world leading Eco-Schools Programme. The initiative, funded by the Department of the Environment, encourages environmental action by schools which leads to improved attitudes and behavio
20/06/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that a £230,000 road improvement scheme for Main Street in Cullybackey is scheduled to begin on Monday 23 June. The resurfacing, drainage and footway scheme along Main Street from Dreen Road to Station Road is expected to be finished on Thursday 21 Aug
20/06/2014
An increase in the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy, the subsidy charged to all electricity users to support Irish Government energy policy objectives, is having a major impact on a Westmeath firm which employs in excess of 250 people directly and indirectly. Lagan Cement of Kinnegad is facing
20/06/2014
First Minister Peter Robinson MLA has launched a blueprint which sets out bold and aspirational plans for Belfast City Centre. Belfast City Council's City Centre Regeneration Framework and Investment Plan sets out development and investment priorities for the city's future economic growth ahead of
20/06/2014
James Joseph Heaney, 45, from L'Derry, has been sentenced to 240 hours community service for breaches of waste management legislation. Mr Heaney was convicted on four waste counts and was given 240 hours community service on each charge, to run concurrently. During July and November 2008, office
20/06/2014
SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has slammed the social development minister for refusing to publicly apologise to contractors named in the Assembly for alleged £18m overpayments. Nelson McCausland was questioned by Assembly Social Development Committee members, including Ms Kelly, earlier. During
19/06/2014
Fianna Fáil Whip, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, says Minister Jan O'Sullivan's new Housing Bill completely ignores the chronic lack of social housing provision in Ireland. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl said that simply getting rid of 77,000 people from the social housing list will not address the crisis. He said: "Un
19/06/2014
Phil Hogan, TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced that he has given sanction to County Kildare Leader Partnership to approve funding of €427,242 to The ACRE Project, an eco-friendly community resource building and amenity-based facility in Celbridge, Co Kild
19/06/2014
SDLP Waterside Councillor Martin Reilly has welcomed a joint initiative by the Housing Executive and Land & Property Services to help tackle the problem of derelict properties in L'Derry and throughout Northern Ireland. Councillor Reilly, who has made consistent representations to the Department of
19/06/2014
Meath Senator Thomas Byrne has queried why Meath County Council or the EPA have not erected signs at the entrance to Bettystown Beach advising of a 'no swim' advisory due to a possible pollution incident. Senator Byrne commented: "Many people in Meath were shocked to learn, after they had been to B
19/06/2014
Fine Gael Kildare South TD, Martin Heydon, has welcomed an announcement by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, that almost €67,000 is to be put towards Kildare's Grey Abbey Conservation Project. The grant is part of a €347,200 funding allocation to five local authorit
19/06/2014
For the first time, progressive parties and Independents have come together to agree a programme for the running of Dublin City Council over the next five years. Following last month's election, which returned a clear majority of left-wing Councillors to Dublin City Council, an agreement on mayora
19/06/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the introduction of a road improvement scheme on the A26 Moira Road at the junction with Lough Road. Work is due to begin on Monday 23 June and be completed in September 2014. Minister Kennedy said: "I am pleased to announce the start of this import
19/06/2014
Building work has commenced on the new St Teresa's Primary School in Lurgan. Education Minister, John O'Dowd cut the first sod on the site today. Speaking today at the site, the Minister said: "I am delighted to be here today to officially launch the beginning of construction of new school accommo
18/06/2014
Stewart has handed over its 54th project for ALDI Ireland, a new ALDI Store in Carrickmacross. ALDI now have over 100 stores nationwide. The new ALDI store is located on the Riverside Road at Magheross in Carrickmacross. The single storey discount store has a total floor area of 1500 square metres
18/06/2014
The Deputy Mayor, Mick Duff congratulated Solas Chríost National School on receiving their Green Schools Flag for Litter & Waste as part of the Green Schools Programme supported by South Dublin County Council and An Taisce. The Mayor said: "Taking part in the Green Schools Programme involves a lot
18/06/2014
The Education Minister has cut the first sod at the site of the new Eglinton Primary School in County L'Derry. Construction on the new accommodation, which begins today, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the school. Minister John O'Dowd said: "Construction work on a new school build for Eg
18/06/2014
Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the news that £250,000 resurfacing work will take place at the A6 Castledawson bypass. Mrs Overend, who is the Assembly Private Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development, said: "I am very happy to welcome the anno
18/06/2014
The Green Party has welcomed proposals from Dublin City Council to put in place a high quality cycle lane along the Liffey Quays in Dublin City. With a huge increase in the number of Dublin cyclists, upgrades to this dangerous and dysfunctional section of road are long overdue, and will quickly be
18/06/2014
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen TD, has called on the Minister for the Environment to immediately publish the regulations which set out how Local Authorities will be able to vary the Local Property Tax paid by homeowners in 2015. Deputy Cowen questioned the Minister on the topi
18/06/2014
Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has condemned Minister Jan O'Sullivan's dismissals of criticism of her Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014, stating that the Bill contained measures to turn social housing on its head and do untold damage to the campaign to provide housing. He
17/06/2014
Vayu has announced it has signed a renewable electricity deal with Bord na Móna valued at €50m over 15 years. As part of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), electricity produced by a new Bord na Móna landfill plant in Co. Kildare will be purchased by Vayu and sold on to its business customers throug
17/06/2014
SIPTU members began strike action at Roadstone Woods Ltd facilities across the country on Monday in a dispute concerning an attempt by management to implement major cuts to workers' wages. Roadstone Woods is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of building materials in Ireland. The strik
17/06/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has commended staff and contractors for the successful completion of road schemes in 2013/2014 which accounted for £6.7m investment in the roads infrastructure in the Dungannon and South Tyrone area. The Minister said: "My Department has invested over £135million in
17/06/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £270,000 road improvement scheme on A5 Tulyvar Road in Aughnacloy. The improvements including the resurfacing of around 850 metres of the road on the Ballygawley side in the area of Hillcrest extending to St. Mary's Chapel in Aughnacloy.
17/06/2014
The Mayor Dermott Looney has congratulated Bishop Shanahan National School on receiving their Green Schools Flag for water as part of the Green Schools Programme supported by South Dublin County Council and An Taisce. The Mayor, said: "Taking part in the Green Schools Programme involves a lot of ha
17/06/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has encouraged people to have their say on proposals to protect coasts and waterways across the North. The Newry and Armagh MLA said: "Last year we brought forward proposals for the creation of Marine Consultation Zones to protect our loughs, coastlines and other waterw
17/06/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has granted planning approval for a multi-storey car park and ground level car park within the grounds of Altnagelvin Area Hospital in L'Derry. The multi-storey car park will be three storeys high and constructed on the site of the existing outpatients car park. A
17/06/2014
Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O'Sullivan has dismissed as "misleading and grossly inaccurate" opposition claims that recipients of the new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) will not have a route to other forms of social housing. She said: "The new Housing Assistance Payment is the most radic
16/06/2014
Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor, has welcomed the new Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme which he feels will assist working families on low income to find suitable accommodation. Mr Lawlor said: "The new HAP scheme, which will allow people to work full time, is very welcome. Und
16/06/2014
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan has announced the allocation of €347,200 to five local authorities for urgent conservation and preservation works to five heritage structures of national significance. The allocation will assist with works to safeguard a number of importa
16/06/2014
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced planning approval for the restoration of an historic railway signal cabin in Downpatrick, County Down. The signal cabin has lain in a garden in Ballinamallard for nearly 60 years. The signal cabin is to be restored to its former glor
16/06/2014
Fine Gael TD for Cavan Monaghan, Seán Conlan TD, has welcomed the news that funding has been allocated for the Patrician High School in Carrickmacross. He said: "The Department of Education has announced that funding for two additional classrooms has been allocated to the Patrician High School. "T
16/06/2014
SDLP MLA Colum Eastwood has welcomed the approval of a £500,000 refurbishment project for Altnagelvin's Accident and Emergency Department in County Derry. The Western Health and Social Care Board has approved a business case for the major redesign, which it says improves minor and major injury and
16/06/2014
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland has launched a market leading 0% APR finance rate across the range on orders placed during June 2014. With this best in market finance rate available on the award winning Volkswagen Caddy, Transporter, Crafter and Amarok models, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicl
16/06/2014
Queen's University Belfast (QUB) has selected Graham FM as their chosen Measured Term Contract (MTC) provider. For the last five years Graham FM has delivered reactive mechanical and electrical, building fabric maintenance and minor works services for QUB. The reappointment will potentially see Gr
16/06/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has said building more social houses is the most effective to reduce waiting lists. Speaking after chairing a session at the Policy Forum seminar on housing, the South Belfast MLA said: "This was an important conference as it included a range of speakers working across al
13/06/2014
The European Union's Ocean Energy Forum announced its Steering Committee members at its first working meeting in Dublin. The Committees, composed of an all-star cast of European ocean energy actors, commenced work on a comprehensive strategy for the commercialisation of the renewable ocean energy
13/06/2014
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) called on businesses to avail of enterprise opportunities in Ireland’s sustainable energy sector with a projected value of €2.5 billion per annum by 2020. This is according to a new report launched by the Authority at an event in Dublin. The repo
13/06/2014
Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy has visited the site of the City Quays 1 Project. The £10million, 83,000 sq ft building represents phase 1 of Belfast Harbour’s 24-acre, £250million City Quays development and will provide 400 construction jobs. Mr Kennedy said: "Encouraging regional
13/06/2014
Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon, has raised questions in the Dáil about the Service Area Policy of the National Roads Authority (NRA), questioning why it is taking a state led approach to the provision of online service areas, which are the service stations directly accessible from moto
13/06/2014
Pupils from Hollymount National School, Rathmore, recently visited Energia's wind farm at Caherdowney. The visit offered pupils the chance to learn about the turbines and renewable electricity from Energia staff. The pupils were brought on a tour of the wind farm and there was also turbine painting
13/06/2014
The Government should face the fact that it has lost the argument on water charges and should cease the rollout of water meters, according to Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha. Speaking following the stand-off between protesters and Irish Water contractors and Gardai in Edenmore
13/06/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has called on the Department of the Environment to explore all forms of renewable energy. Speaking after an event at Stormont, which was attended by environmental groups and representatives of the wind energy industry, the West Tyrone MLA said: "This event was hosted by
13/06/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has commended staff and contractors for the successful completion of road schemes in 2013/2014 which accounted for £9.2 million investment in the roads infrastructure in the Omagh area Minister Kennedy said: "My Department has invested over £135million in structural
12/06/2014
McLaughlin & Harvey has recently completed the construction of a new 1050m2 shell retail unit at the Oaks Retail Park in Dungannon, County Tyrone, which is to be occupied by retailer Home Bargains. The steel frame cladded and internal blockwork building with a suspended slab and architectural entra
12/06/2014
Dessie Ellis, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Housing, has welcomed the publication of a new report by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESC), entitled 'Social Housing at the Crossroads'. He added that a lot of the report was "a vindication of the kind of policies on housing which
12/06/2014
Three landmark hotels in Kilarney and Cork City are to be sold for €30m, according to property specialists Savills Ireland. Three hotels form part of Ireland’s first hotel portfolio sale for almost a decade. The sale comprises three hotels and 400 bedrooms in Cork City, Kilkenny City and Killarney
12/06/2014
A new Eco Centre has been opened in Omagh by Northern Ireland Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland. The facility, which cost £225,000, will be managed by the Mullaghmore and Castleview Community Association (MACCA). It has been constructed within their Community Garden which already has a
12/06/2014
A new flagship TK Maxx store is to open in Dublin's Ilac Centre today (12 May). Hoarding has been removed from the store front to reveal the new two-storey 35,000 sq ft retail space. More than 90 new jobs have been created by the investment. Speaking to RTÉ, Sharon Harkin, Manager of the Ilac
12/06/2014
Financial mechanisms capable of funding the quantity and quality of housing in Ireland are necessary if the country is to meet demand for social housing, according to a new report released by the National Economic and Social Council. The report discusses how to meet the aims of 'Construction 2020',
12/06/2014
Hollister Incorporated, a speciality medical products company, has announced it is to invest €80m in its Ballina, Co Mayo, facility. The investment is being supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, through IDA Ireland, and will build upon the firm's existing continence care
12/06/2014
GRAHAM Construction has completed work on a new £2.9m Day Centre and Medical Practice at Hamilton Road, Gullane in Scotland. The facility will house a new day centre and the local GP practice. The project was delivered under a partnership by GRAHAM Construction and Hub South East Scotland Limited.
11/06/2014
The SIAC Construction group of companies has been "rescued" following agreement among the Feighery family, the majority shareholders of SIAC Holdings Ltd, CEO Martin Maher, senior management and Michael McAteer the Court appointed Examiner. Schemes of Arrangement provide for the operating businesse
11/06/2014
£5m of projects are currently being undertaken in Lisburn in Northern Ireland to upgrade city centre streets and public spaces. The Public Realm and Revitalisation Schemes are a collaboration between the Department for Social Development, Lisburn City Council, local traders and other stakeholders.
11/06/2014
A £10m office space project in Belfast Harbour has been opened by Northern Ireland's First and deputy First Minister. Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness launched the City Quays 1 project today. The 83,000 sq ft building represents phase 1 of Belfast Harbour’s 24-acre, £250m City Quays development
11/06/2014
The value of Irish hotel sales is to exceed €350m by the end of 2014, according to property consultants Savills. The group's latest report on the hotels market finds that €115m worth of hotel sales have taken place so far this year and a further €107m are sale agreed. Speaking ahead of yesterday's
11/06/2014
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has said it is to carry out a construction visit campaign in Cork. Marking the beginning of Construction Safety Week, the authority will inspect around 100 sites this week in Cork. The inspections aim to raise awareness of health and safety issues, with a part
11/06/2014
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has said the well-known 'Christ the King' statue by Irish-American sculptor Andrew O'Connor has been restored and is to return to its site in the area. The sculpture had been removed in May 2012 in order to allow construction work to be carried out at the Cent
11/06/2014
The public is being asked to help shape proposals for the future of Queen's Parade in Bangor, County Down. Potential options to develop the site into a major mixed-use scheme have been drawn up by Turley Associates along with key stakeholders, and a public exhibition is now to be held to allow the
11/06/2014
Michael Moynihan, Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on Energy, has expressed his shock following reports that there is to be a 50% increase in the Public Service Obligation levy. The levy subsidises energy companies which generate electricity from renewable resources. It is understood the Commission for
10/06/2014
Energia has announced it is holding a public open day at Hollyford wind farm. The community of all ages are invited to the Hollyford Wind Farm Open Day on Tues 10th June. The open day offers members of the public and local schools the chance to learn about the turbines and renewable electricity fr
10/06/2014
The Health Service Executive has announced that planning permission has been approved for two new Primary Care Centres in Westport and Claremorris. The tender process by the National Development Finance Agency is underway.The Primary Care Centres will be locatedat Kilcolman Road, Claremorris and T
10/06/2014
All quarries and material suppliers should ensure their products are compliant with the correct standards and free from pyrite, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Standards were introduced to help prevent the spread of pyrite products and the CIF is calling on all quarries t
10/06/2014
Pupils and staff at St Joseph's Primary School, Carryduff, are celebrating after their school was named the overall winner of the 2014 Best Kept Schools Awards at a ceremony on 10th June. The award acknowledges the County Down school's outstanding commitment to enhancing its environment, and this m
10/06/2014
Northern Ireland Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has commended roads staff and contractors for the successful completion of road schemes in 2013/2014, which accounted for £2.53million investment in the roads infrastructure in the Moyle area. Mr Kennedy said: "My Department has invested over £135mi
10/06/2014
FlexiPoint is a unique, flexible pointing compound which is designed to flex with the natural movement of roof structures. Pre-mixed, pre-coloured and available to buy in 10 litre tubs, flexipoint is now available to the Irish market through it's sole Irish distributor HD Roofing Services. Like tr
10/06/2014
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) are advising people that water supplies from private wells can be contaminated with E-coli. The HSE meanwhile reports a growing number of cases of VTEC, a particularly serious and nasty form of E-coli. Analysis of ca
10/06/2014
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has invited proposals from interested parties to acquire a long leasehold interest in a key 2.35 hectare site in Dublin's Docklands. NAMA has previously announced plans to invest heavily and to otherwise facilitate development in this area to deliver a s
10/06/2014
Alliance Councillor Jayne Dunlop has said residents in the Toome Road area of Ballymena are frustrated with constant problems with severe flooding. The local Councillor was speaking after heavy rain left many properties in the area damaged for the fifth time in six years - also causing power cuts.
10/06/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced funding of £273,000 for a public realm project in the Waterside, L'Derry. The funding has been awarded to the City Council of L'Derry to extend the Waterside Greenway Network. The project will provide an additional 0.5km of pedestrian and
09/06/2014
Vayu, Ireland's leading independent energy supplier, has announced its expansion into the UK. Targeting the business gas market, Vayu will provide natural gas and energy services to businesses across the UK's industrial and commercial sector. Vayu has grown steadily since 2003, when it became
09/06/2014
Utility works associated with the Luas Cross City scheme have commenced in the College Green area. The works are being carried out during the summer months, when traffic numbers are lower, in order to minimise delays and disruption to road users. One northbound traffic lane will be temporarily clo
09/06/2014
Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring congratulated Erris, Co. Mayo on winning the Irish Times Best Place to Go Wild in Ireland competition. Erris received more than 200 nominations and was picked by a judging panel of four, from a wealth of locations around Ireland. Minister Ring said: "I
09/06/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has approved outline planning permission for a major development at Clarendon Dock Belfast, known as City Quays. The application by the Belfast Harbour Commissioners is for a mix of office accommodation, residential development, a hotel, small scale retail service
09/06/2014
Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced the 2014 Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund. This fund, which has operated since 1997, supports local environmental initiatives by communities, individuals and not-for-profit groups
09/06/2014
Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has welcomed the approval by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., that additional accommodation has been approved in respect of Gaelscoil Faithleann (19941I) in Killarney. Gaelscoil Faithleann will be building
09/06/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has launched a public policy consultation on proposals for new water and sewerage legislation. The Minister said: "I am launching a consultation today on legislative proposals to improve how we deliver water and sewerage services. "With the extreme weath
09/06/2014
SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone has welcomed news that recovery in the Northern Ireland construction industry is beginning to pick up pace, but says there must be a push towards getting major public investment schemes off the ground. Mr McGlone, who is Chair of Stormont's All Party Group on C
09/06/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has activated, with immediate effect, an emergency scheme for householders affected by the recent flooding in the Toome Road and Galgorm Road areas of Ballymena. Activation of the scheme was approved following the recent heavy rainfall and flooding. Mr Durkan sai
09/06/2014
Robin Swann, the Ulster Unionist MLA Assembly for North Antrim and Chairman of the Stormont Employment and Learning Committee, has called on the entire community to remember in their thoughts and prayers the family of a young boy who died in a farm slurry tank accident near Dunloy at the weekend. M
06/06/2014
Dubliners are now able to take a "mosey across the Rosie" after the capital's newest bridge - and only one named after a woman - has been officially opened to the public. The Rosie Hackett Bridge, a dedicated public transport and cycling bridge, is named in honour of the trade union activist and fo
06/06/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has launched a public policy consultation on proposals for new water and sewerage legislation. The Minister said: "I am launching a consultation today on legislative proposals to improve how we deliver water and sewerage services. "With the extreme wea
06/06/2014
Lloyd Acoustics have successfully completed a €700,000 contract to make safe an existing Secant Piled wall at the Heuston South Quarter (HSQ) site in Dublin. Lloyd Acoustics, with offices in Ireland, the UK and Poland, successfully secured the tender to design and install a permanent remedial groun
06/06/2014
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has described the latest quarterly mortgage arrears figures from the Central Bank as "very worrying". Deputy Doherty said: "I welcome the slight decrease in the numbers of households in mortgage arrears. However the figures point to a ramping up of l
06/06/2014
NI Water is currently undertaking essential improvements to the sewerage infrastructure in Downpatrick town centre. This £3 million programme of work involves the construction of a new pumping station with extra stormwater storage and increased pumping capacities, new pumping mains and sewer upgra
06/06/2014
Sinn Féin Mid-Ulster MP Francie Molloy commenting on a working group report on the possible return into public ownership of Lough Neagh said that public ownership of our Loughs and Waterways makes sense from both economic and tourism potential points of view. Mr Molloy said: "I find it inconceivabl
06/06/2014
Fianna Fáil Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath has said that mortgage holders on a standard variable interest rate must also benefit from today's ECB interest rate cut. The ECB announced a reduction in its base rate today from 0.25% to 0.15%. This will be automatically passed on to tracker mortga
06/06/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has commended roads' staff and contractors for the successful completion of road schemes in 2013/2014 which accounted for a £10.82m investment in the roads infrastructure in the Ballymena area. Minister Kennedy said: "My Department has invested over £135million in s
05/06/2014
Labour TD and Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has called on Boards of Management to tackle energy costs in Irish schools, urging them to consider the findings of his 'Back to School Costs' report. Ó Ríordáin was speaking after 'Friends of the Earth Dublin' addressed the Ed
05/06/2014
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has released the results of a comprehensive study of Ireland's electricity system throughout the whole of 2012. The study shows that renewable electricity resulted in greatly reduced use of gas, coal and peat, saving Ireland €245 million in fossi
05/06/2014
Fianna Fáil Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath has stated that the key test of the new targets being imposed by the Central Bank in relation to mortgage arrears will be the sustainability of the solutions put in place. Deputy McGrath is querying the suitably of the requirement that just 75% of ar
05/06/2014
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) conducts research, development and demonstration relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organisation, brings together scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and
05/06/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has said the latest report from the Pensioners Parliament that old people are still sacrificing essentials like food to heat their homes makes grim reading. Mr McMullan said: "A report launched on the last day of the Pensioners Parliament makes grim reading. Over 50% o
05/06/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited Coleraine Town centre to review the completed £300,000 revitalisation scheme on Waterside and Bridge Street. The funding was made available to local traders through grants. The money was used to update their premises with painting, new shop
05/06/2014
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has visited the site of a new £1.7m social housing scheme at Nelson Drive in L'Derry. The new homes, which are being built by Trinity Housing, will provide four apartments for active older people and 13 family homes all for applicants on the social housing waiting
05/06/2014
Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has said she will continue to oppose controversial fracking for shale gas. Speaking after new proposals were revealed at Westminster to allow companies to drill under private land without the permission of the landowner, the Fermanagh/South Tyrone MP said: "Sinn Féi
05/06/2014
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has visited Caterpillar (NI) Limited in Larne to see first-hand the training being delivered for the company's Material Handler project. In October 2013 the First and deputy First Minister announced that Caterpillar were investing more than £7millio
05/06/2014
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has announced that Danny Kennedy MLA will continue as Minister for Regional Development. Mr Nesbitt said: "It is time for a reshuffle within our MLA grouping at Stormont, but the first decision is simple, Danny Kennedy MLA will continue as DRD Ministe
04/06/2014
Turlough Hill, Ireland's only pumped Hydro-electric storage system, will open to the public for tours this summer. The free tours will mark the 40th anniversary of the commissioning of the station which, set in the exquisite surroundings of the Wicklow mountains, is still today regarded as a mass
04/06/2014
Glen Dimplex, the world's largest manufacturer of electrical heating, has announced plans to establish a new facility in North Wales creating 50 new jobs with support from the Welsh Government. The Irish company is investing in a 45,000 square foot industrial unit at Buckley to manufacture medical
04/06/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed the completion of a £1.8million regeneration project on the former Ulster Bank site in Waterloo Place, L'Derry. The prominent building is situated in the heart of L'Derry's commercial and retail core. The regeneration scheme has helped to
04/06/2014
The Ashlin Centre, a new purpose built, inpatient psychiatric unit for North Dublin Mental Health Services (NDMHS) has opened to patients. The acute inpatient treatment and care for NDMHS general adult and psychiatry of old age services will be provided in the new centre. The new unit, located on
04/06/2014
Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland, has announced funding of £146,000 for a range of community group projects across the Waterside area of L'Derry. The funding will be used to improve community facilities providing new equipment for groups and repair work for a number of buildings.
04/06/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has welcomed a proposal which would require private developers to make contributions towards social housing projects. The West Belfast MLA said: "This is a welcome first step towards acquiring additional social housing. "Sinn Féin has raised this issue repeatedly over rece
04/06/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of work on a £170,000 major resurfacing scheme, on Barrack Street, Strabane is scheduled to begin in July this year. Improvements on Barrack Street, a main link into the town centre, will take place between its junction at the Bowling Green a
04/06/2014
Fianna Fáil Whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl has accused the Government of trying to mask the scale of the housing crisis and "disappear" 77,000 people from the waiting list. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl raised the issue last week in the Dáil with the Taoiseach and commented: "Under the provisions of the new Housing Bi
03/06/2014
Dublin City Council and McDonald's Ireland have teamed up to form Grafton Street's Clean Team. McDonald's Grafton Street staff, supplied with cleaning equipment from the council's South East Area Office, carried out a clean-up on the street on Sunday 1st June. Dublin's Lord Mayor Oisín Quinn said
03/06/2014
More than half of Irish construction companies expect their business to grow this year, while three out of four construction companies will take on extra staff if they increase their revenue. That's according to the latest Construction Confidence Index, prepared by the Construction Industry Feder
03/06/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and Environment Minister Mark H Durkan have launched public consultations on proposals that aim to increase the supply of affordable housing. Developer contributions would require developers to provide a proportion of newly-proposed housing developments
03/06/2014
The Chairman and CEO of AbbVie Richard A. Gonzalez, accompanied by other senior leaders, officially opened the company's newly expanded facility in Sligo, Ireland today. The ceremony was attended by An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D. The site is a strategic asset for AbbVie due to its involvement
03/06/2014
Over 1000 homes and businesses near Ahoghill were left without electricity supplies on Saturday afternoon after a farmer cutting silage brought down overhead lines. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has today issued a safety appeal to farmers and agricultural contractors acr
03/06/2014
A new visitor attraction at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin and the development of a new whiskey museum on College Green are getting a funding boost today from Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar. €300,000 is being allocated under Fáilte Ireland's Capital Investment Programme for
03/06/2014
SDLP Strabane Councillor Patsy Kelly has slammed the Housing Executive for what he says are "unacceptable delays" in addressing hundreds of jobs reportedly outstanding on properties in Strabane town and district. Cllr Kelly said: "I raised this issue in January when I spoke with a number of residen
03/06/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has commended roads staff and its contractors for the successful completion of road schemes in 2013/2014 which accounted for a £9.2million investment in the roads infrastructure in the Armagh area. Minister Danny Kennedy said: "My Department invested over £135millio
02/06/2014
George Best Belfast City Airport has awarded Graham Facilities Management a £2 million contract which will last for three years. The contract will see a team of 22 Graham staff provide a mix of services including grounds maintenance, cleaning, energy management and electrical and mechanical service
02/06/2014
The Government's new construction strategy, Construction 2020 has the potential to provide a considerable boost to construction activity and create thousands of new construction jobs, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). The CIF also called for the 75 actions detailed in the s
02/06/2014
A new series of flood maps has been launched today by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill providing the latest information on the depth and speed of flood water during three return periods. The public will now be able to gain a better understanding of the risk they face during a flood which is ex
02/06/2014
Northern Ireland fit-out business Portview was on song when American-style cupcake chain Hummingbird Bakery called on its talent to complete the interior fit-out of its latest London outlet. This is the fourth Hummingbird Bakery the Belfast-based interior fit-out specialists have completed for the
02/06/2014
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has welcomed a high court judge's decision to give the green light to the Western Trust's preferred bidder for the construction contract for the new Omagh Hospital in County Tyrone. Mr Byrne was commenting after Justice Stephens made the decision in a report published
02/06/2014
Construction work is due to start in early June on a scheme to complete the cycle path link on A31 from Magherafelt to Castledawson Roundabout in County Derry. The scheme will see the construction of some 740 metres of cyclepath from Old Magherafelt Road Junction to connect to Castledawson Roundabo
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