Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for August 2014
29/08/2014
Irish energy provider, Pinergy, is to create over 40 new jobs in Tipperary. Pinergy's Chief Executive Enda Gunnell told Newstalk that the 46 new jobs will be in sales, telesales and business development. Pinergy plans to expand its services across Tipperary and Limerick. (CD/MH)
29/08/2014
NI Water has confirmed that the Ravenhill Road in Belfast is to re-open fully on Sunday 31 August following essential sewer improvement work. The Park Road will still remain closed until Tuesday 30 September 2014 in order to complete the work. Diversionary signage will be in place as necessary.
29/08/2014
Fine Gael is calling for Cavan to be considered as a potential location for a new housing development. FG TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Joe O’Reilly, has already made representations to the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Housing, Paudie Coffey TD on the issue. He said: "Speaking to peo
29/08/2014
357 households in Omagh have had their inefficient boilers replaced through the Boiler Replacement Scheme. With the scheme due to come to an end on 31 March 2015, households are being urged to apply by the end of December. The scheme offers owner occupiers a grant of up to £1,000 to replace ineffi
29/08/2014
The nine-week Builders' Strike is to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Monday 1st September. An event, hosted by the Builders' Strike Commemoration Committee, is to be held in the Matt Merrigan Hall, Unite House, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin. The event will be addressed by several participants in t
29/08/2014
A development proposal to expand Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh in Strabane has been rejected. The Western Education and Library Board, on behalf of the Board of Governors of Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, published a development proposal seeking to expand the school through the establishment of an 'off-sit
29/08/2014
Nearly €6m is being spent every week on house refurbishment and renovation work, following the introduction of the Home Renovation Incentive Scheme. Labour TD Derek Nolan said that he is "delighted" his proposals are proving to be successful. The scheme provides substantial tax relief to homeowner
28/08/2014
The number of people working in the construction sector in Ireland has increased, with 106,000 people now employed. Minister for Housing and Planning, Paudie Coffey, made the submission following the publication of the latest CSO Residential Property Price index. The aim of the strategy is to help
28/08/2014
An electrical contracting firm, based in Tempo, County Fermanagh, has announced it is to create 20 new jobs. G R White & Son said the new positions include apprentices, qualified electricians, quantity surveyors and project planners. Invest Northern Ireland has offered £42,000 of support for six o
28/08/2014
Over 14,000 boilers have been replaced in Northern Ireland since the introduction of the Boiler Replacement Scheme. Launched in September 2012, in total 14,500 boilers have been replaced providing households with increased fuel efficiency. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland is urging th
28/08/2014
Energia has signed a deal with GameStop to supply electricity power to its 50 stores in Ireland. Shane Canavan, Key Account Manager, Energia, commented: "Energia is delighted to retain the business of GameStop. We supply over one-third of Irish retailers, so choosing to renew their supply contract
28/08/2014
A £120,000 footway improvement scheme in Newtownards is to start on 8th September. The project, on the Old Shore Road, includes minor carriageway realignment and localised widening has been identified and prioritised under the Department's Local Transport and Safety Measures programme. Works are e
28/08/2014
Transport NI has confirmed it is to improve street lighting and pathways in the Hollymount Park area of the Waterside, L'Derry. SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly welcomed the news and said the improvements were "much-needed". He said: "The pathways had been disrupted during the installation of the lig
28/08/2014
Alliance MLA Anna Lo has called on the Environment Minister to tackle climate change in a bid to make Northern Ireland more sustainable. The MLA for South Belfast was speaking after it was announced that plastic bag use in Northern Ireland dropped by 72% since the 5p levy was introduced last year.
28/08/2014
A Ballymoney student has completed a summer work placement with Northern Ireland Electricity. Christopher Surgeoner, who attends Dalriada School, spent four weeks with NIE working on an engineering project on high voltage circuit breakers. As part of the Nuffield STEM Engineering Bursary, Christop
27/08/2014
An international meat and cheese product manufacturer has signed a deal with Energia to continue to 'green' its operations in Ireland. Feldhues plant, based in Clones, Co Monaghan, has renewed a deal with the energy firm to provide 1.7 GWhrs of 100% renewable 'green' energy. The plant serves the U
27/08/2014
A proposed "giant" wind farm in Co Tipperary has been given planning permission by An Bord Pleanála. The farm, to be sited just 2km from the village of Upperchurch, will create enough electricity to power some 23,000 homes, Ecopower Developments have said. It is understood that the turbines will s
27/08/2014
Building has started on a £3.7m social housing project in Belfast. The development, on the Upper Newtownards Road, is being built on a site previously occupied by a former car sales forecourt and when completed, will comprise of 32 two-bedroom apartments for families and the active elderly. The s
27/08/2014
Property prices in Dublin rose by 27% in July, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Dublin house prices increased by 2.5% in the month and were 23.1% higher compared to a year earlier. Dublin apartment prices were 26.3% higher when compared with the same month of 2013. The price of pr
27/08/2014
The government has been called to push ahead in the new Dáil session to protect up to 10,000 vulnerable mortgage holders whose mortgages have been sold off to unregulated third parties. If loans are sold to an unregulated third party customers automatically lose their statutory rights. Fianna Fáil
27/08/2014
The cost of policing operations at a proposed 'fracking' site in Fermanagh have been slammed by Sinn Féin. Between 21 July and 11 August, £461,828 was spent on policing at the site near Belcoo. SF MLA Phil Flanagan described the costs as "outrageous". He said: "It is wholly unacceptable that this
27/08/2014
A new interim water treatment plant is to bring to an end one of the country's longest running boil water notices. Residents in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, have lived with a boil water notice for four years, following the discovery of the parasite, cryptosporidium. Irish Water has announced a new int
26/08/2014
Cork University Hospital (CUH) saved €96,318 in 2013, equivalent to 1,265,862 kwhr or 493 tonnes green house gases reduction, as part of its green initiatives. The campus improved its waste management practices and this resulted in an increase in the waste recycling rate to 34%; a reduction in food
26/08/2014
A £2.5m public realm scheme in Newry has officially opened. The scheme included upgrading and extending of footpaths; increased and improved lighting provision; under grounding of overhead services; new railings, additional street furniture and trees throughout the area. The total cost of the Newr
26/08/2014
The A5 Victoria Road in Clogher is to be resurfaced. £265,000 is to be invested in the scheme which is set to begin on Monday 1 September. The resurfacing scheme will start close to Ballydonaghey Road and extend for almost 1.5km northwards towards Bready. During the final resurfacing works it wil
26/08/2014
Drinking water restrictions that were affecting 3,300 customers in Kildysart, Coolmeen, Corofin and Ruan, County Clare, have been removed. Almost 1,500 customers of the Kildysart Public Water Supply scheme were advised as a precautionary measure that water on the scheme was not suitable for drinkin
26/08/2014
The public are being urged to express their opinions on the Laganbank Quarter Development Scheme in Lisburn. The scheme's main objective is to regenerate the Laganbank Quarter area of Lisburn by enhancing the city centre's regional role and strengthening links with the River Lagan. Social Develop
26/08/2014
Lagan Construction is making significant progress on Donaghmore Village's new £2.5m Wastewater Treatment Works. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy visited the site today and said he is pleased to see the project well underway. Mr Kennedy said: "This is an important program of work involvi
26/08/2014
Gardaí have launched an investigation following a fire at an Irish Water facility in Sligo. The fire happened at premises housing water meters in Union Place. No-one was in the building at the time of the blaze. A forensic examination has been carried out, however gardaí believe the circumstances
26/08/2014
Schools in Newry and Armagh have been commended on their 100% uptake of the Eco-Schools Programme. The international environmental education initiative, funded by the Department of the Environment, encourages environmental action by schools which leads to improved attitudes and behaviours towards t
22/08/2014
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has said the supply of housing in Ireland could double within two years, if the Government adheres to a seven-step plan. In its Budget submission report, the CIF has suggested that the measures could see as many as 20,000 houses built per year by 2016.
22/08/2014
Dublin City Council (DCC) has offered property developers Chartered Land a land swap at the site of the planned 1916 Heritage Centre on Moore Street. DCC has proposed taking ownership of the heritage centre being established at 14 to 17 Moore Street to mark next year's centenary of the Easter Risin
22/08/2014
Great National Asset Management has bought Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar, Co Mayo. Savills Hotels & Leisure handled the sale on behalf of the receiver Michael McAteer of Grant Thornton. "Breaffy House Resort attracted strong interest from domestic and international hoteliers and investors," T
22/08/2014
There have been calls for works on an unfinished housing estate in Cushendun, Co Antrim, to be completed after residents were said to be living in "intolerable conditions". Oliver McMullan, Sinn Féin MLA, said: "The residents in the Craigagh View area of Cushendun have been left living in an unfin
22/08/2014
An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a proposed nine-turbine wind farm in the Kerry-Cork border region, near Kilgarvan. The board cited "a perceived risk" to a recently introduced white-tailed sea eagle to the area, along with the visual impact of the wind farm and a need for new ro
22/08/2014
It has been reported that £1.1m of funding for the delivery of Altnegelvin Radiotherapy Centre is under threat, which could delay the opening of the new centre. SDLP Colum Eastwood is calling on the Health Minister Edwin Poots to remain committed to the project. Mr Eastwood said: "While I welcome
21/08/2014
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Grain Committee Chairman Liam Dunne is calling on farmers to be very careful and to check machinery in advance, especially when transporting grain on public roads. He said farmers need to be safety conscious at all times. Mr Dunne said: "Understandably, farmers
21/08/2014
The Castle Basin area of Enniskillen is to be transformed. Working jointly with Fermanagh District Council, the £1.9 million funding will regenerate the Castle Basin area of Enniskillen providing an extensive riverside walkway, an events area and a new Castle Promenade along the River Erne' shoreli
21/08/2014
Carlow County Council has confirmed it is renewing its current Litter Management Plan. Carlow residents are being encouraged to express their views on litter problems in the area and how it could be prevented. All submissions received will be considered for inclusion in the plan. Any suggestions
21/08/2014
Solid State Supplies has signed a distribution agreement with Plessey to expand its European network into the UK and Ireland for its GaN-on-Si LED products. John Macmichael, Managing Director of Solid State Supplies said: "Plessey's GaN-on-Si technology looks set to cause major disruption in the LE
21/08/2014
Sinn Féin is calling on the owner of a site in an unfinished housing estate in Cushendun to take responsibility after it emerged the residents are living in intolerable conditions. Oliver McMullun, MLA, said the residents in the Craigagh View area are living in an estate with no street lights, no f
21/08/2014
Two Dungannon based agri-food firms have signed the world's first Prosperity Agreement. The agreement, signed by Linden Foods and Linergy, will turn environment issues from barriers to business into economic growth opportunities. Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, said: "I believe the biggest im
21/08/2014
Planning permission has been approved for a Seamus Heaney Interpretive Centre to be developed in Bellaghy, L'Derry. The new facilities, totalling 2,036 sq m, will provide a community resource facility and will include exhibition areas, a library, arts studio, café area, amphitheatre and outdoor pub
21/08/2014
Litter wardens have been appointed to examine the Chapel Road area in L'Derry to reduce the amount of black bin bag waste. SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly contacted the council following concerns from residents. Mr Reilly said: "The dumping of domestic rubbish in black bags at the bottom of Primrose
21/08/2014
Traffic calming measures are to be considered for the Creggan Heights area in L'Derry. The SDLP has been in contact with the Roads Service after a number of people complained about ongoing traffic and speeding problems. SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said: "There are lots of young children that play
21/08/2014
Local natural gas company, firmus energy, has announced it is to be the main sponsor for all three divisions of the Ballymena Saturday Morning League (BSML). The partnership with firmus energy follows the natural gas company's support of last season’s Top Four Final which drew a very large crowd to
20/08/2014
The new interior of Ireland's highest pub is now complete. County Antrim firm Marcon Fit-Out carried out the work at the Ponderosa Bar & Restaurant on the Glenshane Pass. The pub has been completely renovated internally and major landscaping has been carried out around the building. Karl McErlean
20/08/2014
There is a shortage of construction and engineering students entering third level courses, according to Engineers Ireland and recruitment firm Hays. The comments were made following the allocation of college places published by the Central Applications Office (CAO). Analysis carried out by the two
20/08/2014
Dublin City Council is reminding property owners the deadline for the Non Principal Private Residence (NPPR) charge is Sunday 31 August. The NPPR charge relates to property owners who own a property which is not their principal private residence. If no payment has been made to date, the amount cur
20/08/2014
A statement issued by Irish Water has revealed that some customers in Limerick City could be without usable water for up to a year. Letters were sent to some 356 households in Kilkeely on Tuesday warning residents not to use their water supply for drinking or preparing food, including baby formula
20/08/2014
Banbridge District Council is top of the leader board in the Northern Ireland Local Authority Municipal Recycling statistics. From January to March 2014 the council achieved a recycling rate of 51.6% in its household waste dry recycling and composting. The result is almost 3% higher than the next
20/08/2014
Lisburn City Council has slammed the Environment Minister's decision approving a mixed-use development at a former mill in Edenderry Village. In a statement, the Council said: "The Council is very disheartened that this application is proposed for approval as it is not compatible with character of
20/08/2014
The housing market in Northern Ireland is continuing to increase with more than 4,800 residential properties sold this quarter. The Northern Ireland Residential Property Price Index (NI RPPI), produced by the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Land & Property Services, showed a 25% increase on t
20/08/2014
Echo Managed Services has scooped a £27m contract to deliver contact management, billing software and debt management services to NI Water. The contract is for seven years. Echo and NI Water will focus on delivering the customer service commitments outlined in NI Water's recently launched 'Our Str
20/08/2014
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has welcomed plans for a new cycle path on Melmount Road in Strabane. £300,000 of capital funding is to be invested to build the 1,250 metres of cycle path, which will extend from the existing cycle route at the Great Northern Road to Beechmount Avenue. Mr Byrne said
20/08/2014
NI energy firm, SSE Airtricity has teamed up with the University of Ulster and South West College, to launch the SSE Airtricity Scholarship. Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry and Mark Ennis, Chairman of SSE Ireland unveiled the Scholarship today. The new Scholarship is funded by SS
19/08/2014
Banks are being called to make a statement on the amount of consumers in Northern Ireland who have been 'double charged' after falling behind on their mortgage payments. The news comes after a High Court judge ruled that the Bank of Scotland had been unfairly billing customers who fell behind on pa
19/08/2014
Students are being urged to know their rent rights as they search for new college accommodation. Labour TD, Brendan Ryan, was speaking following a report by Daft.ie showed there are 40% fewer properties available for students to rent this year compared to last year. Deputy Ryan said: "This demand
19/08/2014
A draft framework has been published for investment in land transport for consultation. The findings and conclusions of the work undertaken will contribute to the development of a new multi-annual capital funding framework 2015-2019 and subsequent capital funding programmes. Minister for Transpor
19/08/2014
Former Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sam Foster has died at the age of 82. He served as Environment Minister in the Assembly between 1999 and 2002. He stood down at the 2003 election. Alliance Leader, David Ford, MLA, said: "Sam was committed to the restoration of devolution and played a s
19/08/2014
The Roses sculpture on the Tralee Bypass has been unveiled. The sculpture which consists of three red roses on their stems was created by Mayo sculptor, Rory Breslin, as part of the Percent for Art Scheme for the Tralee Bypass. Situated beside the roundabout, linking the Tralee Bypass to the N22 K
19/08/2014
Fianna Fáil is calling for the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre to be kept in public ownership. The call comes following reports that the venue will be sold at a heavy discount on what was spent to develop the Daniel Libeskind-designed facility. Arts Spokesperson, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, said: "We should be
19/08/2014
Newry Council is being urged to consider a proposal to place a permanent light fixture at the 18 arches viaduct. The fixture would allow the landmark to be lit in different colours to celebrate cultural festivals and support charities throughout the year. Currently the council pays thousands of po
19/08/2014
Planning permission has been approved to develop a new sports and community building for a GAA Club in L'Derry. The facilities, at Banagher Gaelic Athletic Association Club (GAC), Feeny, will consist of a multi-purpose hall, gym, multi-purpose rooms, changing rooms and storage plus car parking and
18/08/2014
The Irish construction industry is facing a shortage of construction specialists and graduates, according to a report released by professional body Engineers Ireland. The report said there was a need to promote careers in engineering and construction amongst students entering third-level courses. I
18/08/2014
BAM has begun construction of the LNG jetty in Aqaba, Jordan. The project is being undertaken as part of a collaborative project with sister company BAM International and its Jordanian joint-venture partner MAG Engineering & Contracting. BAM was awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Constructio
18/08/2014
Kingspan, the Irish insulation and building materials manufacturer, has said it is to acquire US firm Pactive. Subject to local approval of licence and permit transfers, the deal will be worth $82m. The acquisition involves the building insulation business of Pactiv. It produces a variety of ins
18/08/2014
A significant geological survey is to be carried out in the north midlands area, it has been announced. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has said the survey has the potential to "deliver significant long-term economic and environmental benefits for the area", and foll
18/08/2014
Planning officers have overturned a decision by Dublin City Council to allow the facade of the former Bewley's building on Westmoreland Street to be altered, it has been reported. The building, now partly occupied by TGI Friday's, had previously received permission to remove the decorative windows
18/08/2014
Galway City Council has said it is looking for expressions of interest from prospective landowners, within the region's boundary, for lands that could be used as a new graveyard site. In a statement, the local authority said the lands should be "suitably serviced by roads, have services including
18/08/2014
A £145,000 project to resurface the footway and carriageway at Coronation Road, Carrickfergus, is to begin today (18 August). The work is expected to be completed by Friday 26 September. Partial lane closures and traffic management systems will be in place for the duration of the scheme for the sa
18/08/2014
A new sculpture, known as 'The Roses', has been officially unveiled by Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. The sculpture is located on the Tralee Bypass and consists of three red roses on their stems. It was created by Rory Breslin as part of the Percent for Art Scheme.
15/08/2014
Fine Gael is calling for the upgrade to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire to push ahead. Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O' Connor, is urging all interested parties to engage in the design process. She said: "The NRH is submitting a planning application to An Bord Pleanal
15/08/2014
More than £100,000 has been invested in Northern Ireland Electricity's (NIE) Campsie apprentice training school. Three transmission towers have been built, making it the first transmission training school in Northern Ireland. The towers measure up to 12.3 metres in height and will enable apprentic
15/08/2014
Belfast has recorded its highest ever recycling rate, according to new figures. In 2013-14, the city's recycling rate has reached 40%, putting the council on course to achieve its 45% recycling target for 2014-15. Councillor Steven Corr, Chair of Belfast City Council's Health and Environmental Ser
15/08/2014
Sinn Féin has hit out at the consultation process regarding Local Property Tax (LPT) as "a sham exercise and a cynical attempt to pretend there has been meaningful consultation". The consultation process allows the public to have their say on the LPT issue. However, Sinn Féin's Spokesperson on the
15/08/2014
Health and Safety Executive inspectors for Northern Ireland (HSENI) will make unannounced site visits to tackle a number of risks facing local construction workers. During the site visits, HSENI inspectors will look for improvements where work activities fall short of expected standards. However, i
15/08/2014
The Irish Farmers Union (IFA) has slammed Irish Water after it was revealed farmers are to be charged for water. The IFA is also calling for a meeting with the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), who have responsibility for water pricing policy, to resolve the issue. IFA Environment & Rural Af
15/08/2014
An environmental group is seeking an injunction in the High Court to require Marine Harvest to cease the extraction of water from a lough in Connemarra, to remove a 3km pipeline, and to restore the site to its natural condition. The injunction, by Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) taken under
15/08/2014
Cube Lighting & Industrial Design Ltd are currently looking for distributors of our products in Ireland. Cube is a product design and manufacturing company, specialising in the production of best quality, technically superior LED lighting products. The principal and senior management of the company
14/08/2014
Building work has started on The Teeling Whiskey Company's new distillery in Dublin. Located in The Liberties, 100 people are expected to be employed during the construction phase. Jack Teeling, Founder and Managing Director of The Teeling Whiskey Company, said: "We are proud to be returning to ou
14/08/2014
Property prices and sales remained strong in Northern Ireland, according to the latest survey by RICS and the Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey. July was the 14th month in succession that the RICS and Ulster Bank survey indicated that prices rose, with a price balance of +58. Sales also incre
14/08/2014
NAMA has been criticised for not taking enough consideration into Ireland's long term economic and social needs. Fianna Fáil Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath pointed out that legislation underpinning NAMA's establishment includes as one of its purposes "to contribute to the social and economic
14/08/2014
Newry and Mourne residents are being urged to recycle more after council officers noticed more recyclable material being thrown into black bins which increases the amount of waste sent to landfill. Sending black bin waste to landfill cost the rate payer nearly £2 Million pounds in landfill tax last
14/08/2014
Groundforce recently invited the local community to join them and their neighbours Bann Hire, for a family fun day and BBQ at their newest depot in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Despite the challenging weather conditions those that braved the elements to come along still managed to enjoy a fun-filled
14/08/2014
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is reminding employers, self-employed and employees of the dangers of roof work. In recent months here, falls through roofs of buildings led to two deaths in separate accidents, tragically underlining the dangers of roof work. These dea
14/08/2014
The Government has been called by Friends of the Earth for Ireland to be fossil fuel free by 2050. Commenting, Friends of the Earth Policy and Campaigns Manager, Kate Ruddock, said :"This is a golden opportunity for the Government to set out a positive vision for Ireland to be fossil-fuel free by 2
14/08/2014
Over 400 participants recently attended an event in Dublin for suppliers in the construction sector to learn how to become part of the supply chain for the €200m Central and East Quads PPP development project at DIT's new education campus in Grangegorman, Dublin 7. The 'Meet the Buyers' event also
14/08/2014
Ireland's energy firm, ESB, is urging the 'brightest sparks' to enter ESB Spark of Genius Awards. Marguerite Sayers, Generation Manager, ESB joined Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of Web Summit to announce details of the award, now in its fourth year. The ESB Spark of Genius award focuses on high
14/08/2014
The Alliance party is calling for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing to be carried out, following the Environment Minister's decision to reject permission for an exploratory borehole for shale gas in Fermanagh. Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA it is appropriate that the Minister should requir
13/08/2014
Fine Gael is urging young people to choose a career in construction. CSO figures indicate that employment in the construction sector has begun to increase. Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, Colm Burke, said the economy is expected to grow by 3% this year and up to 4% in 2015. Mr Burke said: "
13/08/2014
A prohibition notice has been placed at Garryvoe beach in Cork. The Health & Safety Executive issued the notice, and it will apply until the quality of bathing water is at satisfactory levels. Elevated levels of bacteria was found in the bathing water and possibly a nearby stream. The water will
13/08/2014
The Department for Regional Development Minster Danny Kennedy has announced he is to cut jobs and sub contractors providing frontline road services. His decision has been slammed by Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy. Mr Murphy said: "Danny Kennedy has chosen to make low-paid workers carrying out maintenan
13/08/2014
The Caw/Nelson Drive estate in L'Derry has had an environmental makeover. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive's (NIHE) maintenance team, district office staff and members of Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group joined forces to transform the estate. Work on the estate has included new entrance beds, t
13/08/2014
Using planning obligations to get more homes built could work well in Northern Ireland, however lessons must be learned from other parts of the UK and Ireland, according to the Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland (CIH NI). Speaking after CIH NI's seminar on developer contributions polic
13/08/2014
The building of new homes at Bradleys Pass in Shantallow are nearing completion. However, the SDLP is concerned that existing junction and adjoining thoroughfares are not adequate. SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins said: "I fully empathise with the need for houses to help alleviate the ongoing housin
13/08/2014
Northern Ireland Energy Holdings and Scotia Gas Networks have been named the preferred applicants for new licences to take forward the 'Gas to the West' project. The Utility Regulator announced the applicants following the publication of its consultation paper. The licences will push forward plans
13/08/2014
Resurfacing work is to begin on the Magheramayo Road in Banbridge. Over £200,000 is to be invested in a capital scheme in the road network in the Leitrim/Ballyward area. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This is a very significant investment particularly for people living in the Ballyward &
13/08/2014
Construction unions are holding protests today, Wednesday, after serious abuses were revealed in relation to the Grange Gorman Development Project. The protests, organised by the Construction Industry Committee (CIC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, are also in supporting the 'Decent Work' in
13/08/2014
Work has started on the first phase of a £300,000 cycle path in Strabane. The scheme includes the construction of 1,250 metres of footway / cyclepath on Melmount Road extending from the existing network at the Great Northern Road / Melmount Road roundabout to Beechmount Avenue. It is expected to
12/08/2014
SSE Airtricity has confirmed it is to create 143 new jobs in Belfast. The call centre roles will be in the areas of customer service, sales and administrative support. The company currently employs 98 staff in two Belfast offices. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the investment represents f
12/08/2014
The development of two new film studios in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast have been given the go-ahead. At an estimated cost of £14 million, the extension of Belfast film studios will provide an additional 100,000 square feet of facilities. The application is for two film studios, film production
12/08/2014
Fianna Fáil is being accused of trying to mislead the public and hide its own legacy on water investment. Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O'Donovan, said if Fianna Fáil was still in Government, "higher water charges would have been brought in two years ago". He said: "Successive Fianna Fáil governm
12/08/2014
The highest pub in Ireland has officially opened following refurbishment works. Planning permission was granted in May for conversion and extensions to Ponderosa on the Glenshane Pass. The refurbished facilities incorporate a coffee shop, new kitchen, toilet facilities, smoking areas and relocatio
12/08/2014
The European Commission will not seek a retrospective payment from operators in the construction industry in Northern Ireland who availed of the Aggregates Levy Credit Scheme between 2004 and 2010. Commenting on the decision, which brings to an end fears generated by a review into the legality of s
12/08/2014
Contractors Gibson in Banbridge, County Down, have won a contract to widen 1.9 kilometres of carriageway to two lanes in each direction from the Seagoe to Kernan Loop junctions, Portadown, County Antrim. The £1.1 million scheme is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Transport Mini
12/08/2014
A design and build firm based in Dungannon has been fined £20,000 for a planning offence. Glenfort Timber Engineering was found guilty for non compliance with a Department of Environment (DOE) Planning Enforcement notice at Dungannon Magistrates Court. The firm was also made to pay £440 in legal c
12/08/2014
More than €300,000 has been allocated for local authority housing to be adapted to meet the needs of tenants with disabilities in County Meath. €369,822 has been granted to Meath County Council to carry out the improvements. Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Helen McEntee, said: "In all cases across th
12/08/2014
International exploration firm, Tamboran Resources, has been refused permission to carry out exploratory drilling in Fermanagh. Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, rejected the plans to drill a 750 metre deep exploratory hole at the site adjacent to a quarry at Belcoo. Minister Durkan said: "I ha
12/08/2014
A £130,000 resurfacing scheme has started on the Shore Road, Whiteabbey Village. The scheme will deliver improvements to the road network and will also improve the strength and ride quality of the carriageway. Lane closures began on Monday 11 August and will remain until Friday 15 August from 08:0
11/08/2014
The running costs of Irish Water will be twice the amount of similar UK firms, it has been revealed. Fianna Fáil has slammed the revelations about the "outlandish spending associated with its establishment". Spokesperson for the Environment, Barry Cowen, said: "I am not surprised by these figures
11/08/2014
Sinn Féin is calling on the PSNI to use more resources to stop the rising crime against farmers and heavy plant equipment. Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister Oliver McMullan MLA said: "The latest report from the National Famers Union (NFU) that shows that there has been a 15% increase in crime against
11/08/2014
The Institute of Directors (IoD) has launched its annual search for the most successful Northern Ireland business leaders. The 2014 IoD First Trust Bank Director of the Year Awards, will recognise those who lead their field across all sectors of the local economy. Paul Terrington, Chairman of the
11/08/2014
A £250,000 road improvement scheme has been announced for Fermanagh. The resurfacing project will take place on the A4 Belfast Road at Tattenaheglish near Corralongford, between Fivemiletown and Brookeborough on the road to Enniskillen . The work will involve the provision of drainage, a right han
11/08/2014
A consultation event is to be held on proposals for developers contributions. The proposals would require developers to provide a proportion of newly proposed housing developments, over a certain threshold, as affordable housing. The consultation runs until 23rd September 2014. The consultation e
11/08/2014
Dungloe Community Hospital's 'Rosses Sitting Room' refurbishment is now complete. The funding was sponsored by Supervalu Dungloe who raised €6,300. The new refurbishments provides a space for the residents to relax in a comfortable, homely environment. The oldest resident in the hospital Madge O'
11/08/2014
The Aggregate Levy Credit Scheme is in line with EU state aid rules, the European Commission has announced. The aggregates levy is an environmental tax in the United Kingdom, levied on commercially exploited virgin aggregates, such as sand, gravel or crushed stone. A lower tax rate was applicable i
11/08/2014
A farmer has been fined £600 plus £28 in court costs for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. Brendan McBride had Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs) acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) inspecting his farm premises and observed a milky discharge flowing to the wat
08/08/2014
Apprentices signing up for programmes in the construction sector remains very low, it has been claimed. According to media reports, only 10 plasterers, bricklayers and painter/decorators will qualify in their trades in 2018. Fianna Fáil Education spokesperson Charlie McConalogue said the figures
08/08/2014
The Better Energy Homes roadshow is to begin in Tullamore tomorrow, Saturday 9 August. Hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the roadshow will offer free advice to anyone that is looking for ways to reduce home energy bills. SEAI is encouraging homeowners to visit the SEAI
08/08/2014
Irish Water is currently repairing a leak at McEntee Avenue, Dundalk, at the Pearse Park and Priory Villas Junction. The firm said it expects intermittent disruption to water supply in the Pearse Park area between the hours of 10.00 am. and 4.00 pm today (8 August). Traffic flow in the area will
08/08/2014
Sinn Féin has slammed the DRD Minster's threat to refuse to carry out essential road maintenance and repair street lighting. The Sinn Féin agricultural spokesperson said: "At present rural communities are at a disadvantage as the condition of the roads are inferior to those in urban areas due to he
08/08/2014
Significant progress is being made on the Antrim to Lisburn Branch railway line. Essential track safety works are currently being carried put and the line is used as a diversionary route during engineering works on the NI Railways network or in emergency situations. Transport Minister Danny Kenned
08/08/2014
Sinn Féin is urging the Employment and Learning Minister to change his mind over his decision not to process with the Magee college expansion. Minister Stephen Farry has been accused of "announcing unilateral decisions on the airwaves and is playing politics with vital issues". Sinn Féin MLA Maeve
08/08/2014
Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) tenants in Larne are benefiting from new contracts worth £17.5m that will see all homes fitted with double glazing by 2015. Work is underway at almost 280 homes at Larne Town, Linn Road Millbrook, Islandmagee and Magheramorne, with an investment of more tha
08/08/2014
A new health and safety campaign aimed at increasing 'Safety at Heights' on construction sites is being rolled out around the country. Falls from heights were responsible for 24 of the 42 construction-related deaths that occurred in the last five years (57% of all construction fatalities) and a disp
07/08/2014
Fianna Fáil is urging Dublin City Council to terminate the contract for the construction of the Poolbeg Incinerator. FF Councillor Jim O'Callaghan said: "The European Commission ruled three months ago on 7 May that the Poolbeg Incinerator project did not breach State Aid rules. The Chief Executive
07/08/2014
Fianna Fáil is calling for the Government to stop water charges for Islanders who are rationing. TD for Galway West Éamon Ó Cuív said residents on Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr are expected to pay the new water tax despite having their supply rationed. Deputy Ó Cuív said: "An emergency operation is cur
07/08/2014
The Department for Social Development Minister is being urged to apologise to four contractors after it was revealed that his claims into overcharging the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) were incorrect. Four firms were accused of overcharging the Housing Executive of £18 million, however three contract
07/08/2014
Households affected by flooding are to receive a £1,000 payment, as an offer of practical assistance to those who suffered severe inconvenience during the heavy rainfall. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said that householders who feel they may be entitled to the payment to contact their local co
07/08/2014
Two road improvement schemes have been completed in Antrim. The £250,000 investment sees the completion of a three kilometre continuous combined footway and cycleway along the west side of Stiles Way. This will connect a number of major housing developments to schools, retail developments and indu
07/08/2014
Sinn Féin has accused the Government of ignoring the housing shortage, particularly in the Greater Dublin area. The latest report by the ESRI showed that there will be a massive housing shortage if the building of new properties does not increase rapidly. Leader Gerry Adams TD said: "The Governmen
07/08/2014
Roads Service cuts are being considered by Transport Minister Danny Kennedy. Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has expressed concern over the proposed cuts and said that the reduction in road repairs could cost lives. Mr Molloy said: "Recent flooding across the Mid Ulster constituency was severe, partic
07/08/2014
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is being urged to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Environment before the end of August, to outline the decision making process behind the proposed water charges. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen, said: "With the consultation p
06/08/2014
Tens of thousands of new homes are needed to meet demand, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has stated. The institute has produced its executive summary, in which it says that the largest number of homes are needed in the Greater Dublin area. The summary's author, Dr Edgar Morenrot
06/08/2014
Fianna Fail has accused the Government of "fleecing families with grown up children" over the proposed water charges. The party is calling on the Government to produce "firm evidence" to back up the 45% reduction in the water allowance for children. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance, Michael McG
06/08/2014
Planning has been granted for the redevelopment of a former retail store in L'Derry. The plans, approved by the council, include a new cafe/restaurant to the front of the property and a bar to the rear of 34 Shipquay Street. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "This project will inject invest
06/08/2014
The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) said that Ireland has an urgent requirement for a clean, safe and secure energy future, in its response to the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland. Kenneth Matthews, CEO of IWEA, said: "As Russia threatens Europe with higher energy prices, IWEA is calli
06/08/2014
Work is due to begin on a major resurfacing scheme on the B67 Benvarden Road in Ballymoney. Contractors are due to start working on the £125,000 scheme on Monday 11th August. It will take place from Ballybogey Road Eastwards for approximately 1.2km to near U62 Conagher Road. To help minimise any
06/08/2014
A public inquiry into the proposed north south interconnector is to be reconvened. However, Sinn Féin is urging the Environment Minister to take on board the opposition from local communities to overhead power cables along the interconnector. Cathal Boylan MLA, said: "This is a major issue on both
06/08/2014
The SDLP is calling for the Social Development Minister to apologise to contractors for his "overstated actions" after he claimed they were overpaid £18m in maintenance contracts. Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said a resolution with the Housing Executive which will see them repay less than £1m in ov
06/08/2014
A youth centre in Enniskillen is to be demolished to make way for a new development at an estimated cost of £1.3m. Lakeland Youth Centre is to be rebuilt on the existing site on Wellington Road. Education Minister John O'Dowd welcomed the decision and said that the investment will enable youth org
05/08/2014
Marcon Fit-Out is completing works to a new McDonald's restaurant in Belfast. The building at Boucher Road is the global restaurant chain's first new build restaurant in Northern Ireland since 2001. Antrim-based Marcon is putting finishing touches at what will be the 27th McDonald's restaurant in
05/08/2014
A total of 39 families became homeless in Dublin in July, new figures have revealed. That equates to one family losing their home in Dublin every day this year, according to a report by Focus Ireland. The figures were announced as the charity made a submission to the Department of Social Protectio
05/08/2014
The Society of Chartered Surveyors has published a ten step strategy to tackle the housing shortage in Ireland. In the report the society highlights that the "serious shortage" of residential property is leading to house price inflation of 24% year-on-year, according to the Central Statistics Offic
05/08/2014
Sinn Féin has condemned a petrol bomb attack at the home of a Tamboran employee. Michelle Gildernew, MP, said even though the vast majority of people oppose fracking, the attack was not the way to "express that opposition". She said: "Peaceful and lawful protests take place on a daily basis at Bel
05/08/2014
The DUP is being accused of blocking the development of an historic prison building. Sinn Féin said the Ulster Aviation Society open day can proceed if the DUP agrees to re-open access to the site. Caitríona Ruane MLA said: "There was an agreement on the development and use of the entire site whic
05/08/2014
Two key steps have been announced in Ireland's implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, published a consultation document on the Timetable and Work Programme for the development of the 2nd cycle of River Basin M
05/08/2014
Essential maintenance work is to be carried out at The Cutts Recycling Centre, Derriaghy. The work is due to begin on Wednesday 27 August until Saturday 20 September. Lisburn City Councillor Jenny Palmer, Chairman of the Council's Environmental Services Committee, speaking about the schedules work
05/08/2014
Maintenance work has started on the weighbridge at Craigavon Borough Council's Newline Household Recycling Centre. Chair of Environmental Service Committee, Councillor Ronnie Harkness, said: "We would ask visitors to the centre to observe the coned off areas and adhere to the directions of staff du
04/08/2014
Sinn Féin has raised concerns over the "alarming" rate of rising house prices. Spokesperson on Housing, Dessie Ellis, said that he does not want the Irish housing market to revert back to Celtic Tiger levels of property prices. He said: "The housing crisis in this state has been brought about by i
04/08/2014
Irish Water is calling for the public's views on how Ireland's water services should evolve over the next 25 years. The firm is inviting submissions on its Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP) Issues Paper and also on a Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report. The non-statutor
04/08/2014
The Energy Policy Green Paper has received over 1,200 submissions. Minister for Energy, Alex White TD, welcomed the large number and said that he was very grateful to all of the stakeholders interested in energy for taking the time to respond to the Green Paper. He said: "There is an absolute nece
04/08/2014
Phase Two of the Northern Ireland Envoiornment Agency's (NIEA) Defence Heritage Project has been launched by Environment Minister Mark H Durkan. The Defence Heritage Project began in 1997 to help co-ordinate work by the Department of the Environment (DoE) and volunteers to record sites of defence h
04/08/2014
The A6 Glenshane Road in L'Derry is to be resurfaced. The £95,000 scheme is to begin on 10 August and is expected to last for about one week. In order to minimise disruption to traffic, the majority of the work will be undertaken at night from 7pm to 7am. For particular operations it will be neces
04/08/2014
A 'Discussion paper on Ireland's housing crisis' has been launched by SIPTU. The paper sets out a four year plan to deal with the shortage of adequate social housing in the State. The union's General President, Jack O'Connor, said: "We propose that the task of resolving the housing crisis over the
04/08/2014
The Green Party is urging Minister Alex White to develop the political and societal consensus necessary to achieve Ireland's targets in renewable energy production and reduction in climate change emissions. Green Party Leader, Eamon Ryan, welcomed the consultation process and hopes that it is the
04/08/2014
Fianna Fáil has slammed the Government over water charges after it emerged that households are anxious about what it is going to cost them. Dublin South West By Election Candidate, Councillor John Lahart, recently met with two constituents to discuss the water charges. He said: "Two examples of co
01/08/2014
Fianna Fail has slammed the Government for "deliberately keeping families in the dark" over proposed water charges. The Taoiseach told the Dáil that families would pay an average of €240 per year in water charges, however it has emerged that it will be €278, which is 20% higher than was promised.
01/08/2014
A total of 70 sports clubs have received €28m in funding under the Better Energy scheme. The money will go towards insulation, heating and lighting upgrades. GAA, soccer, rugby, golf, tennis, swimming, athletics, squash and horse racing clubs will all benefit from the funding. Minister for Communi
01/08/2014
Sinn Féin's Midlands North West MEP Matt Carthy visit the anti-fracking camp near Belcoo, Fermanagh, on Thursday, to show his support to all of those involved in campaigning against fracking. The camp has been set up and maintained on a 24-hour basis following the erection of security fencing and t
01/08/2014
Recent rises in house prices have reduced the number of Irish residential mortgage loans in negative equity, according to a report by the ESRI. Dublin market experienced the greatest reduction. It is estimated that the total number of mortgage loans in negative equity, in Ireland, reached a peak o
01/08/2014
Electric Ireland has launched a new advertising campaign to support the GAA All Ireland Minor Championships. The Energy firm has unveiled a new television and cinema advertising campaign to bring new energy to its sponsorship of the GAA All Ireland Minor Championships. The ad will air for the first
01/08/2014
The new £4.5m sewerage pumping station in Warrenpoint has left residents and business owners in distress, after the switch on pump failed, resulting in sewerage flooding. The open sewerage, on Clemont Gardens and Charlotte Street, damaged businesses and homes. SDLP MLA Karen McKevitt described it
01/08/2014
Clare Council is warning the public that water provided by the Kildysart Public Water Supply is not suitable for drinking until further notice. The precautionary measure is being introduced due to water discolouration caused by increased manganese levels in the public water supply. Approximately 1
01/08/2014
A west Belfast firm is to invest more than £200,000 and provide four new jobs in drainage and civil engineering services. Amelio Utilities, based at Work West Business Park, employs people in the provision of a range of civil engineering services including trenchless technology for major contractor
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