Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for July 2014
31/07/2014
The Government has confirmed it will not proceed with the Narrow Water Bridge project. Fianna Fáil TD for Louth Seamus Kirk said he was "extremely disappointed" with the decision. Mr Kirk said: "The project not only represented a new era in north-south affairs, it would have had a radical impact o
31/07/2014
Irish water has approved works to replace a water main at North Quay in Drogheda. Louth County Council said the scheme will comprise the laying of 287m of water main, from the junction of Shop Street to the junction of Constitution Hill. The project will cost around €129,000 to complete. The sche
31/07/2014
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been agreed to set out procedures to deal with illegal dumping of waste, litter and graffiti at ESB Network's sub-stations in South Dublin County Council's local authority area. The Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Fintan Warfield and the Environment
31/07/2014
A road resurfacing scheme has been announced on the B90 Ballystrudder Road, Islandmagee. The £215,000 scheme will provide 2km of new road surface from Fairview to the Low Road in the village of Islandmagee. The works and traffic management arrangements are programmed in order to minimise inconveni
31/07/2014
Dublin City Council is being called to take urgent action over rent arrears owed by tenants. Fine Gael confirmed tenants who are up to €10,000 in arrears are being transferred to alternative accommodation under regeneration schemes. The party believes that such transfers should cease until arrange
31/07/2014
Fianna Fáil has voiced its concerns after Tamboran Resources confirmed it plans to drill a scientific bore-hole at the site in Belcoo, County Fermanagh. Cllr Michael Moynihan is calling on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to explain what type of drilling is taking place
31/07/2014
Public drinking water supplies in Northern Ireland remain high, according to a new report published today. The 'Drinking Water Quality in Northern Ireland' report found overall compliance for samples taken from water treatment works, service reservoirs and consumers’ taps at 99.81%. Regional Devel
31/07/2014
The UUP said the redevelopment of Howden's Quay in Larne is a "welcome boost for the local economy". The Howden's Quay area has been derelict for some time. Cllr for Larne Lough, Mark McKinty, said: "Larne residents and visitors noted the positive impact of minor improvements prior to the Giro d'I
30/07/2014
Sinn Fein has called for the campaign to save historic Moore Street in Dublin to be "stepped up". The party is also urging for the street not to be left to a NAMA developer, Chartered Land, as it plans to engulf the National Monument into a giant shopping mall. SF Cllr Mícheál Mac Donncha said: "T
30/07/2014
Over €1 million has been allocated from the Better Energy Communities Programme to implement energy efficiency measures in County Kerry. Awarded by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI), the €1,114,492 will be used to install energy efficiency measures in churches, community centres and p
30/07/2014
Serious concerns have been raised regarding the way contracts for the engineering and design of the new €650 million Children's Hospital at the St James's Street site have been awarded. The Mail on Sunday revealed there were question marks over the contract for architectural works, after it was giv
30/07/2014
Local construction firms and tradespeople are being urged to attend a Meet the Buyer event to be hosted in Dublin on 13th August. The information event is designed to connect local suppliers and the consortia that have been shortlisted for the next stage of the development of the DIT Grangegorman c
30/07/2014
Outline planning consent has been approved for a mixed-use development in Larne. Comprising 13 hectares on the edge of the town, the development will transform the redundant Kelly's Fuel Yard at Bank Road, known locally as Howden's Quay. The proposals include waterfront residential development, le
30/07/2014
Fianna Fáil has slammed NAMA after it was revealed only 726 of the firm's units have been transferred over the last two years for social housing. The party said the delays in the delivery of the NAMA properties is resulting in longer waiting lists across Ireland. The news comes after the Governmen
30/07/2014
Dublin City Council's new playground at Merrion Square Park is to officially open today, Wednesday 30 July. Councillor Kate O'Connell, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin, is to open the new play area. Oscar Wildes' short story 'The Selfish Giant' forms the theme for the captivating new playgrou
30/07/2014
A meeting is to take place later this week to discuss serious concerns about fracking. Fermanagh residents and elected representatives will attend as well as the Environment Minister Mark H Durkan. Residents raised concerns after it was announced Tamboran Resources planned to drill an exploratory b
29/07/2014
More than €1m has been allocated to improve amenities in Dun Laoghaire. The funding was given under the Better Energy Communities Programme, awarded by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI). Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, has welcomed the allocation. She said: "D
29/07/2014
Construction is underway on the new €6 million Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon County Hospital. The 14,000 square foot unit is to become a diagnostic centre for the Western region. Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, said: "I gave a commitment to secure significant investment for
29/07/2014
A proposed observatory for Geokaun mountain on Valentia Island in South Kerry has been granted planning permission. The observatory will be located in Ireland's first dark sky reserve, with a viewing point at Feaghmaan West near the Fogher Cliffs on the lands of Bernie and Muiris O’Donoghue. Plans
29/07/2014
REACT Energy has announced that Steve Dalton has resigned as Director with immediate effect. Mr Dalton said he wants to concentrate on other business commitments. He will remain in the post until 30 September 2014. Gerry Madden, CEO of REACT, commented: "On behalf of the Board I would like to th
29/07/2014
Ness Country Park has been awarded a Green Flag. Managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, this is the first time the award has been won in the North West. The park is located between L'Derry and Dungiven. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "This National award is a sign to visito
29/07/2014
A resurfacing project on the Sandown Road in Belfast is to start on 4 August. The scheme is expected to take approximately 10 weeks to complete. The Sandown Road will be closed in one direction, to traffic travelling city-bound from the Knock Road towards the Upper Newtownards Road. In addition,
29/07/2014
People from Cork are being urged to attend a Public Information Day to share their views on proposed flood relief works on the River Lee. Environmental Consultants will be available at Cork City Hall today, 29 July, from 2pm to 9pm to answer any questions relating to the scheme. Minister for Europ
29/07/2014
ESB has completed the installation of electric vehicle fast chargers across the country, plus 10 AC chargers. The chargers are located at Iarnród Éireann sites as part of a pilot project co-funded by European Commission via the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). In addition, five fast char
28/07/2014
Reconstruction and resurfacing work has begun on the Main Street in Saintfield. The work on the £200,000 scheme will take place from its junction with the A7 Belfast Road to the Ballynahinch side of the Downpatrick Street junction. On completion of the preliminary works, a temporary one-way system
28/07/2014
Sinn Féin is calling for an urgent meeting with the Environment Minister following an anti-fracking protest near Belcoo, Fermanagh. The protest began following the erection of a security fencing and the announcement that Tamboran plan to drill an exploratory borehole on the site. Sinn Féin delegat
28/07/2014
The closing date for submissions to the Government's Energy Policy Green Paper for Ireland is fast approaching. Those interested are being urged to get their submissions in before the closing date, Thursday 31 July. Labour TD, Michael McCarthy, said: "The Green Paper is a precursor to a White Pape
28/07/2014
Planning permission has been approved for a range of temporary mobile classrooms in the grounds of St Patrick's College in Banbridge. This will facilitate the transfer of pupils from the nearby St Mary's Primary School site later this year to allow work to commence on a new school approved last yea
28/07/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has been given a tour of the Carnbrae Way site by developers The Hill Partnership. Planning permission for the development was approved in May this year. Investing £47m in Newry, the regeneration of the 15-hectare site will see an additional £6.9m in wages inject
28/07/2014
The Stormont Estate has received The Green Flag Award® by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. The award is recognised as the most widely accepted measure of quality relating to the management, operation and improvement of freely accessible public parks and green spaces. Finance Minister Simon Hamilto
25/07/2014
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a waste licence for the remediation of East Tip site at Haulbowline Island. It is in accordance with section 42(2) of the Waste Management Act 1996, (as amended). The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD has welcomed
25/07/2014
Sinn Féin has pledged to continue its campaign against controversial fracking. MEP Martina Anderson has continually supported the people of Fermanagh in opposing fracking measures, which the party believes would have would have a devastating impact on the natural environment. She said: "That poli
25/07/2014
Fianna Fáil has slammed the Government as it emerged Dubliners face massive property tax increases in 2017 because of its legislation. A report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) revealed that Dublin property values have increased by over 24% in the 12 months to the end of June. Councillor J
25/07/2014
Manufacturing Engineering students from South Eastern Regional College's Lisburn campus have devised a solution which has helped local SME improve its manufacturing processes and they expect to see great results. The duo students from Lisburn, Ruairi Dillon and Rhys Highan, worked on the project as
25/07/2014
Irish Water has announced that due to cleaning of water mains there will be temporary disruption to the water supply in the Termonfeckin area until the 31 July 2014. Works may cause temporary discoloration of water or a localised drop in water pressure. The areas affected include: Termonfeckin, Ga
25/07/2014
A £90,000 improvement scheme for Sion Mills is to begin on 29 July. The carriageway improvement scheme on the B165 Bellspark Road will improve the corner located approximately 700 metres from the A5 Melmount Road junction. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly improve th
24/07/2014
Energy provider Energia has launched a Summer Savings offer which could save the average household €325 every year. The offer also guarantees savings of up to 18% of their gas and electricity standard rates. Geoff Codd, Head of Marketing, Energia said: "When we entered the home energy market in Ja
24/07/2014
€15,000 has been allocated to refurbish Killygoan play park in Monaghan. The facility was closed in 2013 after being condemned as unsafe. The development will also include a 'Smart' playground as well new equipment for children with limited mobility. Fine Gael Cavan/Monaghan TD, Sean Conlon, welc
24/07/2014
Public consultations on proposals which aim to raise the supply of affordable housing in Northern Ireland has been extended until 23 September. The draft proposals require developers to provide a proportion of newly proposed housing developments, over a certain threshold, as affordable housing. En
24/07/2014
NI Water has awarded Meridian Utilities two contracts worth more than £64m. Meridian Utilities, based in Gilnahirk in Belfast, will support NI Water through a £55m Water and Wastewater Networks Services contract. The firm will provide a range of water and sewerage services, including sewer and wat
24/07/2014
ESB has appointed Mr Jerry O'Sullivan as its new Deputy Chief Executive. Mr O'Sullivan is to tie up the role at the end of September. He is to replace Bris Horan who took up the post in May 2013. Chief Executive Pat O'Doherty said: Jerry O'Sullivan is an immensely experienced and respected member
24/07/2014
Sinn Féin has pledged to support the redevelopment of Armagh Gaol. The party said it is committed to the project and will continue to explore options for the development of the site. Sinn Féin's Cathal Boylan said: "A clear example of good practice already exists if we look at how the Crumlin Road
23/07/2014
Fianna Fáil is urging the Government to back its campaign to introduce a 15% reduction in property tax for homeowners. The party is also calling on the Government not to penalise local authorities which introduce the tax relief. FF Environment spokesperson Barry Cowen TD said people on lower and m
23/07/2014
The Government's 'Mortgage to Rent' scheme has been branded an "abject failure" after only 42 cases have been fully concluded since its launch in July 2012. Fianna Fail spokesperson Deputy Michael McGrath is calling for a complete review of how the scheme is operating. He said: "We know there are
23/07/2014
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has named Energia as the Greenest Home Electricity Supplier in the Republic of Ireland. The report is based on fuel-mix and CO2 emissions for each electricity supplier licensed in Ireland. The report found that Energia's emissions of CO2 in tonnes per Meg
23/07/2014
A mixed-use development in Strabane has been given the green light. The developments plans include an employment park, a learning campus; a 90-bed hotel, a retail foodstore, a garden centre, petrol filling station, a children's play area, a sports and wellbeing centre, a river wildlife centre and e
23/07/2014
The people of Fermanagh staged a protest yesterday after plans to drill a borehole near Belco were announced. Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew also attended the protest and said the party is opposed to any form of fracking. She said: "There is widespread opposition to fracking in Fermanagh and righ
23/07/2014
NI Water has completed a £1.9m upgrade to Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) in Swatragh village. The scheme will improve the river water quality in the local Knockoneill River. The new treatment technology installed will increase the capacity of the treatment works to accommodate development in th
22/07/2014
The refurbished Sports Pavilion at Bushy Park in Dublin has been officially opened. Local Councillor Jim O'Callaghan thanked all of the people involved in the refurbishment process. He said: "I also want to acknowledge the very important role played by the City Council Parks Department and the vol
22/07/2014
Electricity firm ESB is currently reviewing plans for the future of the old Poolbeg power station site. The company has confirmed it will make a decision by the end of this year. ESB will consider a wide range of issues including the safety and structural integrity of the old station. In a statem
22/07/2014
A new Chair person has been appointed to CITB-ConstructionSkills NI. Mr William Johnston will take up the post on the 1st August for three years. Mr Johnston has over 20 years experience as an architect in both small and large companies. He is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects
22/07/2014
A £133,000 road improvement scheme is to begin in Glengormley. The scheme on the Hightown Road is to begin on 28 July and is set to deliver improvements to the road network. Resurfacing improvements will also take place from the Antrim Road to Derry Road. The Department of Transport has programme
22/07/2014
Fianna Fail has slammed the government after it has confirmed that 57% of the family home sub-prime mortgage book is in arrears of 90 days or more. The party's spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath said he was "appalled" by the state of the sub-prime mortgage book, and accused the government of s
22/07/2014
Sinn Fein Energy spokesperson Phil Flanagan is urging the Department of Environment in Northern Ireland to subject Tamboran's proposed drilling of a 750 metre borehole to the full planning process. Mr Flanagan said the licence was given to Tamboran by the DETI without any public discussion. He sai
21/07/2014
Grafton Architects + Shaffrey Associates have been chosen as the preferred Design Team to deliver on a design brief set for the redevelopment of Parnell Square Cultural Quarter (PSCQ), as a new cultural landmark for Dublin. The centre-piece of the Quarter will be the development of over 11,000m2,
21/07/2014
92% of buildings in Ireland have received an A/B rating according to figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The Building Energy Rating (BER) was introduced by the Green Party. Eamon Ryan, Green Party Leader, said: "The statistics from the CSO show that we still need to do more in improv
21/07/2014
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has confirmed that bathing waters at White Rock and Killiney Beaches are back up to standard. Swimming bans were imposed last week following poor water sample results. Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, said: "The Council has said that there w
21/07/2014
Fianna Fail has hit out at the Central Bank for failing to protect vulnerable mortgage holders. The news comes after it emerged that the Central Bank has not imposed a single sanction on banks for failing to honour the mortgage arrears rule book, despite evidence of breaches occurring. The party's
21/07/2014
A planning application has been put forward by electricity firm ESB to redevelop the Fitzwilliam Street site in Dublin. The development is believed to deliver one of the most efficient, sustainable and commercial offices in the city. The current complex is a mix of inefficient aging buildings, som
21/07/2014
The Department of Environment (DOE) has been informed by energy firm Tamboran of its plan to drill an exploratory borehole in Fermanagh. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "There is no planning application with DOE to frack. I have been consistently clear on this issue: granting permissions r
21/07/2014
NAMA has been commended following its review for its work to date published last week. Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, said NAMA has been steady progress in getting value for the Irish taxpayer. Mr Coghlan said: "If market conditions continue to improve, the Agency looks set to not only redeem it
18/07/2014
Powerstar, a voltage optimisation system, is now available in Ireland, it has been confirmed. The announcement follows a distributor agreement with leading Irish energy solutions company Powerstar Voltage Limited. Led by Gerry Corrigan, the company is identifying strategic energy efficiency oppo
18/07/2014
Finglas, Swords and Rathfarnham have seen the highest volume of property sales in Dublin so far this year, followed closely by Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock. The news comes as ValueMyProperty.ie published a report on the property market in Dublin, including the top-selling locations. "The three-bed
18/07/2014
Dublin City Council has confirmed it has selected its preferred Design Team that will deliver a design for the redevelopment of Parnell Square Cultural Quarter (PSCQ). Grafton Architects + Shaffrey Associates have been selected for the ambitious project. The focus of the Quarter will be the devel
18/07/2014
Jan O'Sullivan, Minister for Education and Skills, has today confirmed that BAM PPP has been selected as the preferred tenderer for four new schools in Ireland. The schools will form the fourth bundle of schools to be delivered under the Department's Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme. Und
18/07/2014
Education Minister John O'Dowd has approved a new nursery unit at St Malachy's Primary School in Kilcoo. The unit will provide 26 places at the part-time unit, and will replace the current Kilcoo Playgroup and reception class. Minister O'Dowd said: "It is well-established that high quality pre-s
18/07/2014
Dublin City Council is to launch the Dublin House Project on Monday 21 July at 11:00 at a site to be advertised for sale at 29/30 Fishamble Street, Dublin 8. Lord Mayor Christy Burke and the City Architect Ali Grehan will be attending the launch. The project has been initiated by the Housing Depar
18/07/2014
A protest is underway outside the Department of Education by construction and trade workers in a dispute over pay and employment rights. It is understood that the dispute concerns a school building project and is one of a series of protests planned as part of a 'Campaign for Decent Work', organised
18/07/2014
A protest has been held in Kilkenny city in relation to work being conducted at a bridge site in the area. According to reports, gardaí attended the scene at around 4am on Friday morning and cordoned off Green's Bridge and a section of Irishtown. It is understood the protest was at the site of a m
17/07/2014
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has said that the Government should reduce water charges in order to help those on lower and middle incomes. It added that the introduction of refundable tax credits should also be made. The comments were made by General Secretary David Begg on RTÉ's Morni
17/07/2014
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has said it has approved a new simplified Levy calculation process. Following an 18-month consultation with industry and research with employers, the process has been designed by the Levy Working Party (LWP); a group of industry representatives taske
17/07/2014
Preparatory work on a Luas installation project in Dublin city centre has temporarily stopped after a number of bones were discovered at the site. According to reports, the remains, thought to be human, were discovered by workers who were removing utilities ahead of the installation of the transpo
17/07/2014
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a £6.8m Advanced Engineering Competence Centre is to be created in Northern Ireland. The facility will be based at the Northern Ireland Advanced Composites & Engineering Centre (NIACE) on the Airport Road, Belfast, and will focus on developing innova
17/07/2014
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said that NAMA should be making a profit, not just breaking even and repaying its debt. His comments come after review, published on Wednesday, found that the organisation was "meeting its strategic objectives". Deputy Doherty said: "I have been
17/07/2014
Sean Fleming, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform, has confirmed that Eirgrid will be subject to the Freedom of Information (FoI) legislation. Previously, the company was an exempt agency from the legislation, but in the Report Stage of the Freedom of Information Bill 2013, D
17/07/2014
A new economic and residential hub for Dublin is edging closer to fruition, following the announcement that Cherrywood Business Park and Development Lands is for sale through Irish property managers Savills, with a guide price in excess of €220m. The 400-acre site to the south of Dublin City is exp
17/07/2014
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) group has been shortlisted for the 'Sustainable Business of the Year' award in the National Business Awards 2014. Other competitors in the category include IKEA, Amey, Veolia and Anglian Water. The award recognises organisations that precipitate business s
16/07/2014
A new survey has revealed that Northern Ireland's construction sector has experienced its fourth successive quarter of growth. However, the sector also continues to face a skills shortage. According to the latest RICS Construction Market Survey (Q2 2014), a majority of sub-sectors within the indus
16/07/2014
Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has published the review of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) and concluded that the organisation is meeting its strategic objectives. In its findings, the report said that NAMA continues to be necessary and will have at least 80% of its work achieved
16/07/2014
Planning permission has been approved for a redevelopment of the Mall in Armagh city centre. Located next to the historic Mall in the city, the development site – which was identified as a key regeneration priority in the Armagh City Masterplan in 2009 – consists partly of the existing multi-store
16/07/2014
National housing charity Threshold is to present a pre-budget submission on what it terms the "affordability crisis" in the private rented sector to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform today. Threshold says an "affordability crisis" is "undermining people's secu
16/07/2014
Cork City Council has called on interested parties and the public to have a say on a new proposed strategy for the renewal and regeneration of Cork City Centre. In 2013, the council commissioned Colliers International to prepare a strategy for the plan. 'Cork City Centre Strategy' was recently pr
16/07/2014
Kildare County Council has submitted plans to develop a vacant site at the Bawnogues in Kilcock. It adds that the site would be transformed into a community garden for use by the public. Explaining its reasoning behind the plans, the Council said the site is located at a "highly visible entrance
16/07/2014
Sandra McLellan, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Arts, Heritage, Tourism and Sport, has called on the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, to review a decision to grant Chartered Land a license to demolish Moore Street. The demolition would be making way for a shopping centre. Speaki
16/07/2014
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has become the latest authority to vote to cut the Local Property Tax by 15%. The motion was brought forward by Fine Gael and Labour on Tuesday (15 July) and Councillors voted in favour. Councils are able to amend the rate applied by reducing, or increasing it
15/07/2014
The new Royal Canal Greenway, Ashtown to Castleknock, has been officially opened by Tánaiste Joan Burton and Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar. The project is a dedicated cycle and walking route Greenway, located along the Royal Canal towpath and is also part of the wider Dublin
15/07/2014
There have been further calls made to protect Dublin's Poolbeg chimneys from demolition. Last week, it was reported by the Irish Times that the iconic structures could be destroyed because ESB believe the volume of structural and repair works needed to keep the chimneys standing might not make the
15/07/2014
Construction activity in Ireland continued to expand in June, for the tenth consecutive month, it has been reported. According to the latest Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), the increase was supported by new order growth, which also led to an increase in employment and pu
15/07/2014
Dublin City Council is inviting submissions from the public and interested parties on whether the Local Property Tax (LPT) should be varied in Dublin City. Section 20 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 allows Dublin City councillors to vary the rate by plus or minus 15%. However, it is st
15/07/2014
The new Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) has been officially launched. Environment Minister Phil Hogan TD announced the new facility, which aims to enable the public, public procurement authorities and construction professionals to conduct all-Ireland searches for construction companie
15/07/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £150,000 resurfacing scheme for the B67 Moyarget Road, Mosside. The project will commence on 4 August, from the C100 Moycraig Road West, for around 1.5km towards the U44 Carnbore Road. Where possible, the work will be carried out using lane closur
15/07/2014
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, has announced a grant of €975,000 to help improve boxing facilities in Ireland. The allocation will go to the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA). A majority of the allocation, €750,000, will be used to extend the 2011 facilities initiat
15/07/2014
A new piece of commissioned work by sculptor Alex Pentek has been installed at a location in Cork City. The unveiling coincides with the opening of a new three-storey building at Ashton School in the city. The work aims to link the subjects of art, nature, mathematics and science together; while t
11/07/2014
More social housing should be built in Ireland to address the growing shortage of homes in the country; that's according to People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett. The call from the Independent politician comes as he prepares to join protesters at a demonstration this afternoon at the NAMA-o
11/07/2014
It has been reported that the famous Poolbeg chimneys in Dublin could be demolished. According to The Irish Times, ESB will make a final decision on the future of the structures by the end of the year. The power station has not been operational since 2010. According to the publication, ESB is
11/07/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has confirmed a road improvement scheme is to be carried out on the B62 Craigs Road in Rasharkin. The £85,000 project will see resurfacing works commence on 31 July, between the Tamlaght Road and Duneoin Road, for a stretch of around 0.8km. The scheme is expected t
11/07/2014
A new report, published today by CBRE, has found there was an increase in prime industrial rents in Dublin for the first time in six years. For the second quarter of 2014, more than 61,400sq m of industrial accommodation was leased or sold over the period – a level which is over 2.5 times more tha
11/07/2014
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has appealed for information after unauthorised turf-cutting took place at a number of protected bogs in Meath and Westmeath. The bogs – Moneybeg bog, Clareisland bog and Ross bog – are designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and are conside
11/07/2014
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has officially opened the new Kribben Cottages complex in Annalong, Co Down. The five self-catering cottages have been developed with assistance from Invest Northern Ireland have four-star accreditation from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). Minister Fo
11/07/2014
Grafton Group has posted "favourable" trading conditions in the first half of 2014. Group revenue for the six months to 30 June 2014 increased by 11.3% to £1.015bn (six months to June 2013: £912m). In Ireland, Grafton saw 7.4% like-for-like revenue growth during the three months to 31 March, 18.6%
11/07/2014
Abbey plc has reported a profit of €24.1m before taxation for the year ended 30 April 2014. This compares to a profit of €11.3m in the previous year. The group's housebuilding operations completed 390 sales (UK 353; Ireland 22, CZK 15) with a turnover of €99.3m, generating an operating profit of €1
10/07/2014
The Smartply facility in Belview is to be upgraded. €59 million is to be invested in the upgrading of its current plant and a new innovation centre is to be developed. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD, said over 400 construction jobs will be created. Mr Coveney
10/07/2014
Irish energy supplier Vayu has achieved a 100% renewable energy rating for all electricity supplied to its customers. According to the last annual Fuel Mix and CO2 Emissions report, this is the second consecutive year the firm has achieved a 100% rating and is the only energy supplier in Ireland to
10/07/2014
Sinn Fein has hit out at the government for failing to introduce a Climate Change Bill. Senator David Cullinane has said that the government is not dealing with the issues of flooding and environmental damage. He said: "Climate continues to be an ongoing issue not just in Ireland but on a global l
10/07/2014
€289,000 has been allocated to refurbish 19 vacant homes in Offaly. On average €15,211 will be spent on the upgrade each property. Fine Gael Laois/Offaly TD Marcella Corcoran Kennedy welcomed the announcement. She said: "In Laois, €178,000 will be spent to bring 14 social houses back into use. "
10/07/2014
Property company CBRE has put the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on the market with a guide price of €20m. CBRE have been instructed to conduct the sale by receivers, Grant Thornton. The theatre, in Dublin's docklands, is Ireland's largest and opened in 2010 as the Grand Central. It was renamed in March
10/07/2014
The green light has been given for a £20 million new School of Law to be developed at Queen's University Belfast. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan granted planning approval for the former library tower redevelopment to provide a new School of Law and student cafe/amenity area. The building will
10/07/2014
The public is being urged to view the outline plans for the redevelopment of a 40 acre site in the Waterside area, L'Derry. SDLP Waterside Cllr Martin Reilly has welcomed the plans. Mr Reilly said: "The Top of the Hill area needs investment in play provision, and I am glad to see this plan incorpo
10/07/2014
A £120,000 road improvement scheme is to start in Comber on Monday 28 July. The resurfacing project, on the Hillsborough Road, is expected to be finished by the end of August. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly improve the strength, surface quality and vertical alignm
10/07/2014
Phase one of the Ballyleague riverbank development in Shannon can now go-ahead thanks to €60,000 in Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) funding. The phase works include a new quay wall and perimeter fence, a new pathway and stands for disabled anglers. Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank F
10/07/2014
€100,000 funding has been announced for more developments at Castletownbere Harbour. Construction of another deep water quay at the harbour is currently being investigated. Fine Gael TD for Cork Noel Harrington has welcomed the funding as he has been lobbying for funding to carry out the survey on
09/07/2014
Almost €4 million has been allocated to Dublin City Council to refurbish 236 vacant units. The Minister for Housing, Jan O'Sullivan TD, has announced that €15 million has been allocated nationally to bring 1,008 vacant local authority units into use. Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine B
09/07/2014
Irish firm Premier Electrics has completed an electrical fit-out at Primark's new store in Europe. The company carried out installation work at the store in the world famous Alexanderplatz in Berlin. The main contractor on the project was Mullingar-based Bennett Construction. Joint Managing Direc
09/07/2014
The European Commission has awarded €23 million to ESB's Westwave project. It is the only project in Ireland to be given funding under the scheme. ESB WestWave will develop the first wave energy project in Ireland by 2018, generating an initial 5MW of clean renewable electricity from the wave ener
09/07/2014
Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has achieved 98% in its environmental compliance target. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan welcomed the news and said there has been a sustained improvement with compliance of discharges from wastewater treatment works. The target is set by the Northern Ireland Author
09/07/2014
€3 million funding has been announced for the ongoing maintenance and development of piers and harbours in Ireland. Repair work is to be carried out on Blackrock Harbour, Glengarriff Pier, Baltimore Pontoon, Adrigole Pier, Durrus Pier, Passage Pontoon and Ballycotton Pontoon in Cork. Fine Gael Cor
09/07/2014
The Global Environment Monitoring System for Water (GEMS/Water) is to be sponsored by Ireland, who will also provide €600,000 of funding every year towards the programme. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme, GEMS/Water will provide a key tool for the urgent work that needs to be done to
09/07/2014
The Irish Government has approved the publication of a national Bioenergy Plan. The plan will contribute to Ireland's future energy needs and has the potential to provide economic and environmental benefits. Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resource, Pat Rabitte, TD said: "Our avail
09/07/2014
Fianna Fail has slammed the government for failing to provide enough information on local authority mortgage arrears. 31% of local authority mortgages are now in arrears according to figures, and 6,135 consumers are over 90 days behind in payments. FF Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said that
09/07/2014
The Ulster Unionist Party is calling for the Executive to dedicate to the building of a new college on the Desertcreat site in Northern Ireland. The construction of the Northern Ireland Community Safety College has been plagued with delays from the beginning. Mid-Ulster Unionist, Sandra Overend, s
09/07/2014
With effect from 1st July 2014, Powrmatic Ltd has acquired the assets of SHEV Company Limited, a supplier of smoke and heat exhaust ventilation products. The acquisition reinforces Powrmatic's position as a UK leader in the manufacture of smoke and natural ventilation products. Stuart Parris, Ven
08/07/2014
A wind farm in County Limerick has scored 92%, CEEQUAL's highest level of achievement, for work carried out during its construction. SSE's Athea Wind Farm is the second project in Ireland to received the CEEQUAL award, a scheme that aims to improve sustainability in civil engineering and public rea
08/07/2014
A new inpatient psychiatric unit for North Dublin Mental Health Service has officially opened. The total cost of the Ashlin Centre, including enabling and ancillary works, was €13million. Minister for Health James Reilly TD said: "This state of the art facility, which the people of North Dublin an
08/07/2014
The Executive is being urged to take action to help construction industry recovery following the publication of the Federation of Master Builders' survey. The latest 'State of Trade' survey shows the economy has still a long way to go o bring the industry back to pre-recession workload levels. SDL
08/07/2014
Dublin based wind and solar power developer Mainstream Renewable Power has appointed Andy Kinsella as Chief Operating Officer. Andy joined Mainstream as an Executive Director on the formation of the company in 2008 and is also a member of the company's Board of Directors. Andy has been Chief Exec
08/07/2014
Siptu the union is calling on the government to establish a task force to review employment conditions and other issues in the waste disposal industry. The call follows a dispute at Greyhound Household Ltd were over 70 union members refused draconian pay cut of around 35% and changes to their empl
08/07/2014
One Good Idea, part of The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) schools programme, has scooped an award. The National Energy Globe Awards, hosted in Dublin, has more than 1,000 entrants from over 120 countries each year. The One Good Idea programme aims to increase students' understand
08/07/2014
A new 'green roof' technology has been unveiled at Donegall Quay in Belfast. The £657,000 new green space its directly on top of Obel Tower's underground car park. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: "Green areas are vital to city centres, but with space at a premium, it can be dif
08/07/2014
The Department for Employment and Learning has announced a partnership with the local education sector to adhere to specialist welding needs for Harland & Wolff. The pilot Welding Academy will allow 30 trainees to become skilled in high quality, specialised welding fields. The initiative will be ai
07/07/2014
A leading union has suspended strike action at Roadstone Woods Ltd, manufacturers and suppliers of building materials in Ireland. SIPTU said the decision was made pending a ballot of members, in accordance with a Labour Court Recommendation. The strike is following a dispute concerning an attempt
07/07/2014
Smith Property Management has signed an €175,000 electricity contract with Energia. The electricity deal covers 12,000 residential and commercial customers across Dublin City, County & surrounding areas. Paul Murray, Managing Director of Smith Property Management, said: "We recently undertook a ri
07/07/2014
Work has begun on the £90,000 road improvement scheme in Broughshane. The project is at the crossroads junction of the B94 Rathkeel Road and C66 Lisnamurrican Road. The scheme will improve visibility on the western side for drivers emerging from Lisnamurrican Road onto Rathkeel Road. It will also
07/07/2014
Dublin City Councillors are being urged to back a Sinn Féin motion to cut Local Property Tax by 15%. The party is currently opposing the government's property tax and believes it is an "unfair, unjust tax that puts the burden on middle and low-income households". SF Councillor Daithí Doolan said:
07/07/2014
Students from South Eastern Regional College's Lisburn campus have devised a solution which has helped local SME improve its manufacturing processes and they expect to see great results. The duo of enthusiastic Manufacturing Engineering students from Lisburn, Ruairi Dillon and Rhys Highan, worked o
07/07/2014
A supported housing scheme for youths in Downpatrick has opened in English Street. The scheme is owned by Clanmil Housing Association and managed by MACS, working in partnership with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and the Housing Executive. It provides self-contained accommodation f
07/07/2014
SSA Architects has been commissioned to design two new residential studios for Dublin's Fire Station Artists' Studios. It is part of a major expansion programmes which will see the number of combined living and working studios it offers to artists increase from eight to ten. Since its conception
07/07/2014
A new further education campus is to be developed in Craigavon. The proposal is for a single campus for students, employers and the community. Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry said the new campus will replace the current facilities in Lurgan and Portadown. Minister Farry said: "Furt
04/07/2014
UTV's new all-Ireland channel has secured its headquarters in the ground floor of Macken House, Dublin 1. UTV Media plc is already located at Macken House, with its FM104 radio station located on the first floor and Q102, UTV Radio Solutions and UTV Sales based on the second floor of the building.
04/07/2014
Carlow Brewing Company has signed a new 'green' energy supply deal with energy provider Energia. The 12 month contract will see Energia supply renewable electricity to the firm's production facilities in Bagnelstown, Co Carlow. The renewable energy will be generated from Energia's operational win
04/07/2014
83 community energy projects in Ireland are to receive €28m in government funding. The money will go towards improvements in homes, community buildings, local authority premises and sports facilities throughout Ireland. One of the successful applicants, the Dublin Simon Community will receive gra
04/07/2014
A £280,000 resurfacing scheme in Omagh is to begin this week. Preparation work for asphalt resurfacing has begun on a 1.2 kilometres stretch of the A5 Curr Road, northwest of the Newtownsaville junction. The scheme is due to be completed by mid August. Transport Minister Danny Keenedy said: "This
04/07/2014
The Alliance Party is urging for more work to be done to ease the difficulty and distress which negative equity causes to home owners. An Initial Evidence paper published on Thursday by the Repossessions Task Force shows negativity equity is a serious problem for Northern Ireland homeowners. The r
04/07/2014
Graham Construction has been 'Highly Commended' at the 2014 Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards in the Titanic Building in Belfast. The firms entry was in the Private Sector Work-Life, Health and Wellbeing Category. In total, over 70 companies from across Northern Ireland were represented a
04/07/2014
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has welcomed the decision to build a new school to replace Newtownbreda and Knockbreda High Schools following an amalgamation. South Belfast MLA Michael McGimpsey said that he is currently looking for clarity from the Education Minister as to where the new school wil
04/07/2014
ESB is warning the public of the dangers of swimming in any ESB reservoir. In a statement ESB said: "This is due to the risk of uneven ground, deep waters, changing water levels and fast-flowing waters. These waters include the reservoirs at Poulaphoca and Golden Falls in Wicklow, Leixlip in Kildar
03/07/2014
The UK's Green Investment Bank (GIB) has announced funding for the construction of two anaerobic digestion plants in County Tyrone and County Down. The investment will help farmers in Northern Ireland create more jobs and generate income from their waste. The UKGIB is working with its fund manager
03/07/2014
ESB has signed an agreement with one of the leading mobile communications providers to invest €450m in building a 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network. The joint venture, between ESB and Vodafone, will offer speeds from 200 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps, propelling Ireland into the ranks of the world'
03/07/2014
McQuillan Envirocare's new chemical treatment facility has officially opened in Northern Ireland. Based in Antrim, the £2 million facility will allow the company to further develop their service to some of Northern Ireland's leading businesses. McQuillan Envirocare aims to create 16 jobs over an in
03/07/2014
Property agents Lisney has been appointed by Irwin Glenbank Ltd, the owner of High Street Mall, Portadown, to place the shopping centre on the market. Built in 1996, the Mall was extended in 2000 and 2013, and currently occupies 140,000 sq ft with 540 car parking spaces. The anchor tenant is Dunne
03/07/2014
Sinn Fein is calling for Ireland's oil and gas extraction to benefit the public and not the private industry. The party's spokesperson on Communication, Energy and Natural Resources Michael Colreavy said Ireland's offshore oil and gas reserves have the long term potential to be a significant source
03/07/2014
Sinn Fein has welcomed £80 million from the Rural Development programme to tackle rural poverty. West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer said it will include the creation and development of small businesses, the renewal of rural villages and improvements in social infrastructure. Mr McAleer continued: "Ru
03/07/2014
A new building is to be constructed for the amalgamation of Newtownbreda and Knockbreda High Schools in Belfast. Education Minister, John O'Dowd, confirmed the new development and said it will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the young people of the area for many years to come. The amalgama
03/07/2014
Building has commenced on a new £4m development for Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin in North Belfast. The new school will provide much-needed and modern facilities for pupils and staff. Education Minister, John O'Dowd, cut the first sod at the development site today. He said: "The start of construction
03/07/2014
Fianna Fail has raised "serious concerns" at the outcome of an expert panel review of the North-South Interconnector project. An expert panel was appointed to review Eirgrid's proposed Grid West and Grid Link projects. However, FF Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michae
03/07/2014
Three housing developments left unfinished by developers in Belfast and Lisburn will be completed using Road Bond funding. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy confirmed Chestnut Hall, Maghaberry; Mount Eagles, Belfast and Glenburn Manor, Dunmurry, will be finished and said the Bond is a vit
02/07/2014
Fianna Fail has slammed Irish Water and the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) as it revealed that the CER could not answer questions about the proposed costs of water. Irish Water also failed to provide the information that was required. Deputy Barry Cowen TD accused Irish Water of having ver
02/07/2014
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has approved the Project Brief for a new children's hospital in Dublin. Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, said the next stage of the project can now begin, appointing a design team and securing planning permission. The Minister said: "The project brief is th
02/07/2014
Labour has called for people in Dublin local authorities not to be discriminated because they raise more property tax for rural councils. Labour TD, Robert Dowds, said South Dublin County Council, should not be deprived of vital supports because it raises more money. Mr Dowds said: "A much higher
02/07/2014
Carillion has replaced gas heating systems on almost 450 social homes in west Belfast. The schemes are currently underway in Ballymurphy, Mid Shankill, Monagh, Norglen and Whiterock. The current gas boilers are being replaced with new wall hung boilers; the radiators replaced and a new electric fi
02/07/2014
The Paul Hogarth Company is to complete the detailed design and application for Outline Planning Permission for proposals in west Belfast. The firm will begin work on reviewing and finalising the Colin Town Centre masterplan proposals and submitting an application to DOE Planning for Outline Planni
02/07/2014
CDE Global based in Cookstown has announced 50 new jobs. The company designs and manufactures bespoke materials washing equipment for the construction, mining, specialist industrial sands and environmental sectors. The £3m investment underpins its plan to expand its export reach, and in particular
02/07/2014
Sinn Fein has claimed the Housing Bill 2014 fails to provide any solutions to the housing problems. SF Senator Kathryn Reilly said the bill actively seeks to sweep the problem under the carpet. Seantor Reilly said: "The 90,000 applicants on waiting lists are not a problem of definition. They are m
02/07/2014
Ireland's first Small Business Innovation Research (SBAR) competition has launched. The competition is aiming for smart solutions for charging Electric Vehicles (EVs) in communal parking areas. Commenting Dr Brian Motherway, Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) sai
02/07/2014
Planning permission has been approved for an extension to be built onto the University of Ulster library. The extension will provide teaching facilities and will incorporate a large tiered lecture theatre; two smaller lecture theatres; up to 20 classrooms and a cafe. Environment Minister Mark H Du
02/07/2014
A new design team has been appointed for the development of a Transport Hub in Belfast. Arup, Lead Architect Hiro Sao and John McAslan and Partners will design a 21st century Transport Hub as an urban gateway to the city. The Hub is to be on the 20 acre site of the existing Europa Buscentre and Gr
01/07/2014
A €30 million water treatment facility in Leixlip has officially opened. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, and the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Mags Murray opened the water treatment plant expansion hosted by Irish Water. The new facility will provide water
01/07/2014
ESB Novusmodus to put €7 million into Cylon Controls Ltd, based in Dublin. Cylon Controls, a manufacturer and developer of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), has offices in Asia, the Middle East and the United States. The investment is being used for the continued growth of Cylon Control,
01/07/2014
Eirgrid has confirmed it is currently trying to identify an underground route from Cork to Kildare. Labour Senator Denis Landy welcomed the news and said he was pleased that Eirgrid listened to people who made submissions during the public consultation process. Mr Landy said: "The vast majority of
01/07/2014
Wholesale gas prices remain 30% lower compared to the same time last year, according to a report by independent energy management business Vayu. Vayu’s senior energy analyst Joanne Daly says: "Storage stocks are so much higher currently and demand has been depressed which means we’ve seen a signifi
01/07/2014
A Sinn Fein representative has hit out at South Dublin County Council and Respond Housing following revelations that housing units have been allowed to lie empty for years. Sean Crowe TD said it is "unacceptable" that two years after housing units have been complete at Gleann na hEorna, a row betwe
01/07/2014
NI Water has taken delivery of all the pipes at the Maze Long Kesh Development Site for the £14 million Castor Bay to Belfast Water Pipeline. The work will improve the security of water supply infrastructure for customers in Belfast, Lisburn and the Craigavon areas. Pipelaying has started on the
01/07/2014
New headquarters are to be built for Northern Ireland's Department for Regional Development in L'Derry, following an Executive agreement. Detailed design work is getting underway and building work on the Shackleton Barracks site in Ballykelly is set to begin at the end of 2015. Agriculture and Rur
01/07/2014
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has transferred 72 bungalows in Belfast to Oaklee Homes Group. This is only the second stock transfer in Northern Ireland. Oaklee Homes Group will invest £3.2 million on improving the properties in Bloomfield which will include new kitchens and bathroo
01/07/2014
Work has started today (1 July) on a resurfacing scheme in Rasharkin. The £85,000 project will run from the U148 Tarnlaght Road North for approximately 1km. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway on part of this
01/07/2014
Significant progress is being made on the construction of a new pedestrian footbridge at Moira Train Station. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy visited the site today and said he was "very impressed by the innovative way the bridge has been constructed". The new footbridge will allow passengers to
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