Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for November 2015
30/11/2015
The public consultation process on planning proposals for a development at Limerick Prison has started with the publication of a Notice of Development. The proposed development will see the replacement of both the A & B Wings with a new modern cell block designed to meet international standards and
30/11/2015
The Taoiseach is being urged to sign up to achievable climate change goals as he attends the Climate Change Conference in Paris. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams made the call and said the Irish government's approach to climate change has not been good. Mr Adams said: "The island of Ireland is alre
30/11/2015
Labour has welcomed SSE Airtricty's and Electric Ireland's cut in electricity and gas prices. SSE Airtricity is to cut its electric prices by 2% from 11 January 2016 and Electric Ireland is to reduce its gas prices by 2.5% fron 01 January next year. Minister for Energy, Alex White, TD, said: "The
30/11/2015
A temporary ban has been placed on roadworks in Belfast and Lisburn over the Christmas period. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said the halt will come into effect from today, 30 November, until 04 January. She said: "This voluntary arrangement between TransportNI and the utility companies wil
30/11/2015
The Shell Corrib Tunnel in County Mayo has scooped a prestigious award in Switzerland. Developed by BAM Civil and its sister firm Wayss & Freytagg, the tunnel was awarded the Environmental Initiative of the Year accolade at the International Tunnelling Association Awards 2015. The 4.9km TBM tunnel
30/11/2015
A consultation process to make improvements to soccer stadiums in Northern Ireland has opened. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín welcomed the news and said over £36 million is to be invested in stadia and roots soccer. Mr Ó hOisín said: "The aim of the consultation is to increase the quality of stadia
30/11/2015
Donegal County Council has partnered with Irish Water for major infrastructure development projects to address the drinking water quality issues affecting South West Donegal. The projects represent an investment of approximately €20 million, part of a total investment of over €73 million in Donegal
30/11/2015
The Social Development Minister has pledged to commit to help people who are homeless. Minister Mervyn Storey made the confirmation to mark the start of Homelessness Awareness Week. He said: "The sector does an excellent job each year in raising awareness of this important issue and highlighting t
27/11/2015
A new wastewater treatment plant has officially opened in Co Cork. The old Riverstick Wastewater Treatment Plant was in poor condition and failed to meet EU standards. However, Irish Water in partnership with Cork County Council invested €1.35 million to upgrade the existing plant as well as build
27/11/2015
Key speakers are to attend a seminar to discuss the Dublin Docks development today, 27 November. The speakers at the seminar, which is being held at Custom House Quay, include Frank Daly, Chairman of NAMA; Brendan Kenny, Assistant City Manager, Dublin City Council; Evanne Kilmurray, CEO of Inner Ci
27/11/2015
Protesters gathered at the Blackmountain Quarry Site in west Belfast on Friday, 27 November, to oppose planning permission to use the site to dump asbestos. Whitemountain Quarries applied for planning permission to dump 300 tonnes of asbestos at the site every year as well as an extra 2,400 tonnes
27/11/2015
Electric Ireland has announced it will cut its standard gas unit prices for customers by 2.5%. The price reduction will come into effect from 01 January 2016. This is the firm's second residential gas price decrease this year. Jim Dollard, Executive Director Electric Ireland said: "We are partic
27/11/2015
Construction work has started on a £135,000 resurfacing project in County Armagh. The scheme, on the B31 Armagh Road, Newtownhamilton, will extend from the junction with Friary Road for 1.4kilometres. To help minimise disruption to road users and to meet strict Health & Safety Regulations it will
27/11/2015
Over £230,000 funding has been secured to improve the towns of Ballycastle and Coleraine in Northern Ireland. The funding will be used to help support existing traders, promote the towns as shopping destinations, and improve the attractiveness of shop frontages. Improvements will include: • Pai
27/11/2015
Energy use in Ireland dropped by 0.5%, according to figures from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The report, Energy in Ireland 1990-2014, highlights how for the second year running Ireland's economic growth has been achieved with an overall reduction in energy use. Transport re
27/11/2015
Concerns have been raised over allegations that the European Union (EU) has allegedly given confidential papers to oil and gas firms on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations. Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resou
26/11/2015
Labour has hit out at Sinn Fein for opposing the water charge and said it will sink the plans for the investment in the Garryhinch Reservoir in Laois-Offaly. The reservoir was to be a Bord na Mona-Irish Water joint venture costing €550 million which would create hundreds of jobs and serve as a major
26/11/2015
Sinn Féin has said the Governments modular housing is not a solution to the shortage of homes in Ireland. Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD said that the provision of modular units may be necessary to boost emergency accommodation supply, however he described the motion as an "ugly and messy eme
26/11/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling for the Home Choice Loan scheme for first time buyers to be improved. New figures released show there were only two loans facilitated under the scheme last year and none this year. Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath said: "The Home Choice Loan is a mortgage scheme, in p
26/11/2015
The landfilling of waste in Northern Ireland has decreased at its fastest rate ever, according to a new report. The 2014/15 Northern Ireland local authority collected (LAC) municipal waste management statistics annual report revealed that energy recovery rate now sits at almost 15%, a year-on-year
26/11/2015
Irish energy firm ESB turned on the Christmas lights in Dublin's Merrion Square on Tuesday, 24 November. The lights mark the official start of Christmas for the residents and businesses on the square. Sponsored by ESB, the lights were turned on by An tArdmhéara, Críona Ní Dhálaigh and ESB Executive
26/11/2015
The Alliance Party has slammed the Social Development Minister for dropping the Regeneration Bill. The Bill was designed to transfer a series of powers from the Executive to local Councils. Mr Stewart Dickson MLA said it had prevented key services being provided for citizens. He said: "This whole
26/11/2015
A man from Fermanagh has been sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, for waste offences. Mr Lee Williams, 22, of Cules Road, Fermangh, was sentenced for breaches of waste management legislation at Enniskillen Magistrates' Court. On 23 March 2015, officers from the Northern Ire
26/11/2015
The Ulster Council has appointed the GAA (UCGAA) key personnel to redevelop Casement Park in west Belfast. Rory Miskelly has been appointed as Project Director and Professor John Cole and Michael McGuckin have joined the Casement Park Project Board. Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan welcomed the appointme
25/11/2015
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has launched plans to deal with flooding problems in Blackpool, Co Cork. Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, and Minister for European Affairs, Dara Murphy, confirmed there will be an opportunity for members of the local community to share their concerns about the
25/11/2015
Two workers believed to be from Northern Ireland are understood to have been killed in a workplace accident in Australia. The men, aged in their 20s, are reportedly from Tyrone and L'Derry. It is understood a concrete slab fell on them while they were working on a building site. In a statement, J
25/11/2015
The Department of Transport has been allocated an extra £1 million in funding to repair broken street lights and potholes and other road maintenance. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen welcomed the extra money and said it is very good news for the public and for wider employment in the sector.
25/11/2015
A new winter readiness campaign to help the public prepare for winter has been launched. BT, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, NI Water and Phoenix Natural Gas have launched the campaign. The companies have also issued a 'cut out and keep' list of useful contact details should utility service
25/11/2015
Work on a newly refurbished emergency room (ER) at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) is now complete and is open to patients. The new unit has individual, walled cubicles to allow privacy and dignity to patients as they are being assessed, examined, investigated and/or admitted. The refurb
25/11/2015
A new television advertisement aimed at tackling the increasing fatality rate in the construction sector has been launched. The ad by the Health and Safety Authority, 'Building is hard. Rebuilding is harder', is a graphic depiction of the typical tools used on construction sites placed alongside th
25/11/2015
Unauthorised waste deposits have been found by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) in Co Tyrone. The discovery was made following two separate operations in the Galbally area on Monday. The waste uncovered was on private land and was both buried and surface deposited. The majority of wa
25/11/2015
€320 million has been invested in new and upgraded wastewater infrastructure in Ireland in 2014 and 2015, Irish Water has announced. The firm also expects to invest more than €2 billion on wastewater infrastructure up to 2021. Irish Water has completed new wastewater and upgraded treatment plants
24/11/2015
The Environment Minister has been slammed over the cost of modular housing units in Dublin. New figures revealed that 22 housing units in Ballymun would cost a total of €4.2 million. The party's Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD it would cost less to build real social housing with bricks
24/11/2015
Water treatment specialist EPS Group scooped a prestigious accolade at the Sustainable Energy Awards. The Irish firm won the Leadership Award after it co-ordinated several community outreach projects around the country. Its efforts saw 81 community and voluntary groups including addiction centres,
24/11/2015
Tún architecture + design located in Dublin has won a competition to design a new primary school. The Irish firm designed a school for a site at Harcourt Terrace in Dublin. The site comprises the former Garda Station and Irish Film Censor Building, overlooking the Grand Canal. The brief was for a
24/11/2015
Belfast City Council and Transport NI has pledged to carry out more work to help clean up a major road problem in east Belfast. Representatives of the Alliance Party discussed a range of issues to deal with the problem at Carncaver Road off the upper Castlereagh Road. MLA Judith Cochrane and Counc
24/11/2015
Electric Ireland have launched a new guide to help Irish consumers understand the main cost elements that make up their bill. The new Electricity Pricing Guide is expected to appear on their next bill. Electric Ireland reveal that the full breakdown of their household electricity bill includes a n
24/11/2015
A £2 million Sewerage Improvement scheme in County Tyrone is now complete. The project in the Coalisland area included improving the sewerage infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding. The work involved the construction of a new pumping station at Annagher to replace the existing one located o
24/11/2015
Fine Gael is calling on Cork County Council to explain why it has not used all of its funding allocated for housing. Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, said between 2011 and 2014, the Government allocated €30 million to the City Council but not all of it was used. Deputy Buttimer
24/11/2015
Concerns have been raised over farmers losing land due to coastal erosion along the Magilligan coastline in Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín said the loss of the coastline is having a "detrimental effect" on wildlife and natural habitats are also under threat. He said: "I know one f
23/11/2015
Lagan Building Contractors has been appointed to develop the second office block of a £250 million 20-acre regeneration project in Belfast. The £18m City Quays 2 development will provide additional Grade 'A' office space in Belfast. The scheme will also generate 600 construction jobs. Lagan Build
23/11/2015
Irish Water is to invest €228 million in upgrading water and wastewater infrastructure in Cork. The wastewater network is to undergo a €180m upgrade, while a further €48m will be spent on improving drinking water quality and supply. The Cork Lower Harbour Main Drainage Scheme will provide a new wa
23/11/2015
Contractor Dean Public Works Ltd has been appointed to carry out £862,000 of improvement works in Newry. Upper and Lower Hill Street, Marcus Street East/West and Margaret Street East/West are set to undergo Public Realm Improvements. Features of the project include: • Upgrading of footpaths • In
23/11/2015
The Director General of Engineers Ireland (EI) has said Ireland requires a single Government unit to plan and fund the country's infrastructure needs. A single unit, residing in the Taoiseach's office, should be set up to better integrate investment in key areas like transport, education, health, e
23/11/2015
Dublin City Council has demanded a "substantial redesign" of a proposed 1,000 bedroom student housing development in the docklands. The council has said that it has "serious concerns" over the development, and has given Nama-appointed receivers William O'Riordan and Declan McDonald of Pricewaterhou
23/11/2015
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has launched a new awareness raising campaign aimed at tackling the rising fatality rate and level of injuries in the construction sector. The new television ad – "Building is hard. Rebuilding is harder." – is a graphic depiction of the typical tools used on c
23/11/2015
Fine Gael has demanded that Cork City Council explain why it has not used all of the housing funding allocated to it. Speaking in the Dáil, TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, referred to information furnished to him by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, in rep
23/11/2015
Dublin-based Tún architecture + design has been announced as winner of an architectural design competition for a new primary school. The competition was to design a school for a specific site at Harcourt Terrace, Dublin 2. The site comprises the former Garda Station and Irish Film Censor Building,
20/11/2015
The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) has announced its plans for €1 billion worth of social housing, education, justice and healthcare projects. The pre-procurement and procurement processes are due to begin in 2016. Projects include spending €300m on 1,500 social housing units, investin
20/11/2015
Water treatment specialist EPS Group has been awarded an accolade at this year's Sustainable Energy Awards. The organisation scooped the Leadership Award after helping 81 community and voluntary groups secure €2m for energy saving projects. The awards are presented by Sustainable Energy Authority
20/11/2015
Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has called for an explanation as to why Cork City Council has not used all of the housing funding it has been allocated. Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Deputy Buttimer was referring to information presented to him by the Minister for the Environment,
20/11/2015
NI Water and contractor Conwell Contracts are carrying out urgent work on a manhole which was discovered in a very poor condition in east Belfast. To carry out the essential work, Dee Street – between Severn Street and the Sydenham Road roundabout – will be closed from Monday 23 to Friday 27 Novemb
20/11/2015
Labour has welcomed the announcement that North Kildare Gaelcholaiste has been included in the Government's major school building programme. Deputy Emmet Stagg said the new Gaelcholaiste is to be developed in Maynooth and will come under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training B
20/11/2015
A man from Ballynahinch in Co Down has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for illegal waste offences. John Paul Branniff, 34, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Downpatrick Crown Court. Nine months of Mr Branniff's sentence will be served on licence. Mr Branniff had previously been made t
20/11/2015
Sinn Féin has slammed Tánaiste Joan Burton for failing to address the housing crisis affecting Ireland. Leas Uachtaráin Mary Lou McDonald TD said the Tánaiste's approach to housing is 'just like the water charges'. Speaking to the Tánaiste, Deputy McDonald said: "Your government is unwilling to 'i
20/11/2015
Industry Training Services (ITS) has announced that it has gained further CABWI approval. The organisation has gained approval for Confined Spaces training, which is the equivalent to CITY and Guilds who are working in partnership with CABWI. CABWI Awarding Body is a nationally-recognised awardi
19/11/2015
Two new schools are to be developed in Dublin under the Governments major school building programme. A new primary school is to be built for the Pelletstown/Ashtown area and in the Castleknock and Carpenterstown area a new secondary school will be developed. St Mochta's Clonsilla and St Patrick's
19/11/2015
Planning has been approved to build a new hotel in Belfast. The hotel is to be located on the site of the former Belfast Metropolitan College adjacent to Blackstaff Square. Cookstown-based developer McAleer & Rushe acquired the site just over a year ago and plans to develop the site with a mixed-u
19/11/2015
Two new Irish-French bilateral energy agreements have been signed in Paris following an EU-wide ministerial meeting. The new agreements strengthen ties and growing cooperation between Ireland and France in the field of energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy security. This follows the succe
19/11/2015
GEDA Construction has been appointed to carry out a £1.5 million regeneration project in L'Derry. The work on Portstewart's promenade is expected to start at the end of this month. The joint initiative will include £750,000 from the Department for Social Development (DSD), with Causeway Coast and
19/11/2015
The Government has been called to urgently address the housing crisis in Cork. The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) made the call after it was estimated that the annual demand for housing in the Cork City & County area alone is in excess of 2,500 units per annum. CIF Regional Director, Cono
19/11/2015
Irish energy firm Electric Ireland has issued a warning about a scam email attempting to obtain customers debit card details. The firm is advising consumers who received the phishing email not to click on the link or reply to the email. In a statement Electric Ireland said: "We would urge any cust
19/11/2015
The Department of Environment has been accused of being "underhand" after it was revealed tenants who have not paid their water charges will not be eligible to purchase a local authority property. Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, said the issue should be dealt with separ
19/11/2015
A scheme worth over €5.4 million for the restoration of Active Raised Bog in Ireland's Special Area of Conservation (SAC) Network has been approved by the European Commission. The project, which will operate from 2016 to 2020, seeks to improve the conservation status in Ireland of active raised bog
19/11/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Government after it was revealed that County Louth saw an increase of 13.3% in rents since last year. According to figures by Daft.ie, the rental market throughout Ireland is spiralling out of control and Louth is among one of the regions with the highest rates of infla
19/11/2015
A farmer from L'Derry has been fined for a pollution offence at Limavady Magistrates' Court. Mr Paul O'Kane was fined 1,500 as well as a £15 Offenders Levy for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 26 June 2014, Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environmen
18/11/2015
Alternative Heat located in Castlewellan has announced it plans to create 23 new jobs as part of its expansion plans. With support from Invest NI, the expansion is aimed at providing the company with the capability to win and fulfil increased contracts for biomass boilers, service and maintenance o
18/11/2015
A £75 million funding package has been secured for the upgrade of the A5 project. The A5 travels through L'Derry and Tyrone and passes through Strabane and Omagh before it meets the N2 across the border in the Republic of Ireland. Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer the scheme has the potential to transf
18/11/2015
Galway County Council is unable to put together a flood plan because the Office of Public Works (OPW) has refused to sanction official maps, Fianna Fáil has revealed. General Election candidate for Galway East Cllr Anne Rabbitte said residents and businesses have no plan to protect them and warned
18/11/2015
Inmates in Maghaberry prison in L'Derry have been making specialist furniture and equipment for a special needs school in Lisburn. Reading easels, miniature chairs and tables and a sensory frame for wheelchair-bound kids have been developed in the prison's Donard Gardens workshop for Parkview Speci
18/11/2015
Northstone (NI) Ltd Material Division has been selected to carry out over £2m of regeneration work in Warrenpoint, Co Down. The £2.1m works include upgrading Church Street, the Town Square, Charlotte Street, Newry Road and Dock Street. Also included is: upgrading of footpaths; increased and impro
18/11/2015
Crews at Irish energy firm ESB are continuing to restore power to 30,000 customers after the recent heavy rain and gale force winds caused damaged to the electricity infrastructure. Around 15,000 customers remained without power on Wednesday morning however the firm said it is deploying all availab
18/11/2015
A Newtownabbey firm has secured two deals to supply its street furniture and solar products overseas. Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) designs, sources and exports a selection of exterior street furniture products and integrated solar solution and technology based solutions. The products are pr
18/11/2015
A Sinn Féin Councillor has tabled a motion to establish a working group after a growing number of shopping units in Clondalkin Village in Dublin remain vacant. Cllr Eoin Ó Broin said the village has been hit hard with the recession, however if a working group was set up it would help to revitalise
18/11/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling on the Environment Minister to make "realistic proposals" on how to tackle the housing crisis throughout Ireland. Spokesperson for Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen said Minister Alan Kelly has failed in what he set out to do. According to a report by Daft.ie rent
18/11/2015
Two schools in the Dublin 8 area are to benefit from a major school building programme announced by the Government. Our Lady School of Lourdes National School in Goldenbridge is to undergo refurbishment and extension works to begin next year. A new special school is also to be developed at the new
17/11/2015
The Government has pledged to invest around €2.8 billion over the next six years as part of a new programme in schools throughout Ireland. Under the new capital investment in schools programme which will run from 2016 to 2021 a total of 310 major school projects will be carried out. Minister for E
17/11/2015
Fianna Fail has accused the banks of not committing to offering mortgage switches after new figures revealed only 712 customers have been able to switch their mortgage from one provider to another in 2015. Spokesperson Michael McGrath said over 100,000 residential mortgage holders could save on the
17/11/2015
A special needs school in Co Cavan has received funding for essential building work to be carried out. The Holy Family School Cootehill were awarded the funds under the Department of Education's 2016/2021 Schools Buildings Programme. Sinn Féin's Seanad Education spokesperson, Senator Kathryn Reil
17/11/2015
Irish Water has apologised to 250 customers over the boil water notice on the Kilcommell Public Water Supply in Co Galway. The firm said the boil water notice was issued following advice from the Health & Safety Executive. In a statement Irish Water said: "This precautionary measure has been taken
17/11/2015
A total of 500 modular housing units are to delivered in Dublin in 2016, the Government has confirmed. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly TD, and Minister of State, Paudie Coffey TD , Minister with Special Responsibility for Housing, Planning and Coordinati
17/11/2015
Niall McLaughlin Architects have been selected to represent Ireland at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice in 2016. The theme of the 15th International Architecture Exhibition, which will be held from 28 May to 27 November 2016, is entitled 'Reporting from the Front'. Aleja
17/11/2015
Fine Gael has expressed disappointment after it was revealed flats and maisonettes will not be included in the new tenant purchase scheme. The new scheme will enable local authority tenants to purchase their own at a discount. Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, welcomed the scheme
17/11/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the government after figures revealed rents increased faster in 2015 compared to any other time during the boom. Rent levels increased rapidly in September, according to new figures from Daft.ie. Since September, rents have risen across the state by 3.2%. Dublin, Cork, G
17/11/2015
An £85,000 resurfacing scheme in Craigavon is to start on Monday, 30 November. The work on the Soldierstown Road is expected to be complete on Monday, 14 December. The resurfacing works will extend for a distance of over half a mile from Drumbane Road towards A26 Glenavy Road. Transport Minister
17/11/2015
The Irish Football Association has been called to explain what actions have been taken to ensure the Windsor Park stadium is fit-for-use. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín made the call following safety concerns over a complaint by Cliftonville FC after the match on Saturday. Mr Ó hOisín said: "The sa
16/11/2015
Over 4,000 home repossession orders have been lodged in courts, according to new figures. A total of 188 homes in Ireland were repossessed from July to September, a 92% rise on the same period in 2013. Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming accused the Government of ignoring the figures and said the Mortgage
16/11/2015
A total of £3,300 funding has been awarded to a primary school in L'Derry to be used to improve the environmental education resources. The funding to Glendermott Primary School and Nursery Unit was awarded through the DOE's Challenge Fund. The project entitled 'Glendermott Garden Community' will s
16/11/2015
The SDLP is urging the Government to go-ahead with the A5 and A6 schemes in Northern Ireland. Members of the party voted in favour of a motion calling for the delivery of the A5 and A6 at the annual party conference on Saturday. Regional Development spokesperson John Dallat said the developments h
16/11/2015
NI Water has launched its new winter campaign to encourage the public to check their homes and businesses are winter ready. The 'Beat the Freeze' advertising campaign, which was recently launched at the Parliament Buildings, is being rolled out through various media outlets including TV, radio, pri
16/11/2015
NI householders who have been affected by the recent heavy rainfall are being urged to apply for a £1,000 payment from their local council. The payment, which has been confirmed by the Environment Mark H Durkan, is to be used to ensure homes are to be habitable as soon as possible, however it is no
16/11/2015
Fianna Fail is calling on the Government to overhaul the Mortgage-to-Rent scheme. Only 119 Mortgage-to-Rent transactions have been approved nationally since it was introduced, the party has revealed. Under the scheme, the family will lose the ownership of the home but will continue to live in it.
16/11/2015
The Minister for Energy, Alex White, has confirmed he will attend a ministerial meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris despite the recent attacks. The Minister consulted with the French Government and the OECD and the IEA are to go-ahead with the meeting as scheduled on Tuesday a
16/11/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the government over proposals to offer a 60% discount on the sale of social housing homes. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis said the plans will do nothing but hinder housing provision. Deputy Ellis said: "The rents raised by local authority housing is over 300 million eur
13/11/2015
Irish Water's parent company Ervia has announced that €40 million is being invested in Waterford to bring Ireland's national water infrastructure to an acceptable level. It is part of a €5.5bn investment in capital spending on drinking water quality and capacity, wastewater quality and capacity and
13/11/2015
Restoration work on the Pond and Water Feature in Palmerston Park in Dublin is now complete. The park was designed in 1891 by landscape architect William Sheppard and contains many mature deciduous and evergreen trees dating from the original 1891 planting. Leslie Moore, Dublin City Council Park
13/11/2015
Laganwater has launched its newly designed website to help prospective customers and clients communicate with the firm more easily. The new website provides complete design support and engineering expertise, from the concept design and project management, through to installation, commissioning, con
13/11/2015
The SDLP is urging the NI Executive to invest in the poor transport infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Regional Development Spokesperson John Dallat MLA recently tabled a motion at the Assembly for a capital investment plan in the North West. Mr Dallat said: "There must be a collaborative strateg
13/11/2015
Flood relief work has been announced for the Clare River, the first scheme to be confirmed under new EU regulations. Under the regulations, there is now a requirement for an independent assessment of the Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the scheme. Announcing the scheme, the Minister fo
13/11/2015
Essential remediation works on the Latoon Creek Bridge in Co Clare are to begin as soon as possible. Clare County Council has imposed a weight restriction of 3.5 tonnes on the bridge, located four kilometres south of Clarecastle, following the results of a Structural Investigation. A Council spoke
13/11/2015
Four community and voluntary organisations in Limerick have scooped fund of €42,000 from Irish energy firm ESB. The funding is part of the 'Energy for Generations' community fund which supports the work of not-for-profit organisations, charities and community and voluntary organisations whose work
13/11/2015
The carbon content of electricity generation in Ireland fell to a record low last year according to figures published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Renewable electricity helped Ireland avoid 2.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2014, and is now one of the single bigges
13/11/2015
All schools in Northern Ireland are now Eco-Schools, the Environment Minister has confirmed. Minister Mark H Durkan was speaking at the Eco-Schools National Operators Meeting (NOM), an annual global conference, coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The annual global meet
13/11/2015
A Co Tyrone farmer has been fined for a pollution offence at Omagh Magistrates' Court. Mr Mervyn David from Dromore was fined £350 plus an offenders levy of £15. On 5 March 2015, Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) inspected a waterway at Ow
12/11/2015
The Irish Government is being urged to support the Narrow Water Bridge project. The project would link Omeath with Warrenpoint across a narrow stretch of water which divides the two counties. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Border Region Development Brendan Smith TD said with additional capital resou
12/11/2015
Sinn Féin has criticised the new measures for rent certainty and rent freezes and said they are failing families in Fingal, Dublin. Election candidate for Dublin Fingal, Louise O'Reilly, said the measures announced by the Environment Minister Alan Kelly will do little to protect families relying on
12/11/2015
The Ulster Unionist Party claims the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland is in crisis following the announcement that 100 jobs are to be axed at Caterpillar NI. 50 permanent full time jobs are being lost as well as 50 agency staff. MLA for East Antrim Roy Beggs said the loss of jobs will hit
12/11/2015
Plans to extend the gas network into west Tyrone have been announced. SDLP West Tyrone representative Daniel McCrossan welcomed the move that will see Strabane connected to the network by 2016. Mr McCrossan said: "It's great to see that plans for the extension of the network are well underway and
12/11/2015
Fine Gael has welcomed the Government's new housing supply and rent stability measures. TD for Dublin South Central, Catherine Byrne said the new initiatives will help reduce social housing waiting lists. She said: "The maximum rent limits applying to properties that can be accessed by people asse
12/11/2015
A £5 million investment scheme to improve and regenerate Lisburn City Centre is now complete. Lisburn & Castlereagh Council, in partnership with the Department for Social Development (DSD), undertook the public realm scheme. The scheme covers the heart of the city centre, transforming Market Squar
12/11/2015
The Minister for Social Development has announced he is carrying out a review to improve regulations in the private rented sector in Northern Ireland. Minister Mervyn Storey is urging the public to take part and is seeking their views on how to make the sector more attractive. Through a discussion
12/11/2015
Phase two of demolition work has started in north Belfast. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive appointed contractors to demolish the current properties in the Fortwilliam Parade area to make way for new social homes to be developed. The new properties will consist of eight two bedroom homes and
12/11/2015
Government plans to regenerate Moore Street in Dublin have been slammed by Sinn Fein. The party claims the proposals are "minimalist" and "lack vision". Deputy Seán Crowe said the plans fail to protect the 1916 monument and battlefield site. He said: "Irish Volunteers commanded by Patrick Pearse
12/11/2015
The Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources has welcomed the announcement that Apple has allocated €1 million funding and is partnering with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support research in offshore energy technology. Minister Alex White TD said: "The west
11/11/2015
The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) has allocated over €930,000 to be invested in building energy upgrades. A total of €2.4m is being used on 99 nationwide building energy upgrades as part of a collaboration between Donate as you save Energy (DaysE), Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency and Ca
11/11/2015
Sinn Féin has slammed the government over its new rent regulations and described them as "too weak", "too late", and they do not constitute a real rent freeze. Rent reviews will now be limited to a two-yearly basis with some other measures aimed at dealing with the rent crisis. Housing spokesperso
11/11/2015
American multinational technology company Apple is partnering with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support research in offshore energy technology. It is establishing a €1 million Ocean Energy Industry Fund which will support new ways of capturing wave energy and converting it
11/11/2015
The Government has announced new measures to develop more houses in Ireland and create jobs within the construction industry. From January 2016 the supply of housing is to be increased at more affordable prices. The actions include: • Enhanced supply of more affordable starter homes in key locati
11/11/2015
Fianna Fáil has identified a landbank in Galway for the development of a permanent Park & Ride facility. General Election candidate in Galway West John Connolly has called on Galway City Council to consider the proposal located adjacent to Galway West Retail Park. He said: "There are a number of f
11/11/2015
The Environment Minister has been called to explain how staff at the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) are expected to take on more work after It was revealed the number of workers has dropped by 46% since 2010. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen TD sa
11/11/2015
Not for Profit organisations in Northern Ireland are being urged to apply for an Environment Fund grant to help them continue to protect landscapes, habitats and species. The money will be used to promote health, well-being, resource efficiency and sustainable economic development so that we can al
11/11/2015
A new Sure Start building in south Belfast has officially opened. The newly-refurbished building in Belvoir will be used to create a community Early Years hub for the whole community. Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "We all recognise that quality early years leaning and development have a dir
11/11/2015
The Alliance Party has raised concerns after sectarian graffiti was daubed on the wall near a mixed social housing development site in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. The incident happened close to the Feldon development in the Mill Road area. Councillor Billy Webb said he is aware of the ongoing issues
11/11/2015
Sinn Féin has said the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Moore Street plan does not protect the entire historic terrace and the 'lanes of history'. The Government has confirmed that 14-17 Moore Street in Dublin is to be restored, however the party said the planning permission which woul
10/11/2015
Fianna Fáil has expressed disappointment after the Government decided not to proceed with a proposed cycleway between Athlone and Galway. TD for Longford and Westmeath Robert Troy has called on the Government to re-commit to the project and to ensure the cycleway is completed in full. Mr Troy said
10/11/2015
Construction work has started in a new £2 million water pipeline in County Tyrone. The scheme involves the construction of 11 kilometres of water pipeline from Carland Service Reservoir to the Sandholes Road in Cookstown. In advance of the construction of the main pipeline, some work will take pl
10/11/2015
Work is underway to develop a new Commemorative Centre at Nos 14-17 Moore Street in Dublin. It follows the Government decision to acquire the Dublin city centre buildings. The purchase of the buildings has been completed, paving the way for major conservation and restoration work to take place, and
10/11/2015
NI water has announced it is to start sewer improvement work in County Fermanagh. The work in Kinawley is to commence on 16 November and will upgrade the sewerage infrastructure in the village. It is expected to continue for approximately two weeks. The work will involve extending the sewer on t
10/11/2015
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has been slammed for refusing to attend a meeting with Galway County Council to discuss a flood risk plan for residents in Headford, Ballinasloe and Portumna. Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Galway East Councillor Anne Rabbitte is being forced to work off
10/11/2015
New Forestry Grant Schemes under the Rural Development Programme have opened in Northern Ireland. Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill confirmed over £17 million has been secured to support woodland expansion and sustainable management of existing woodland. Three Forestry Grant Schemes hav
10/11/2015
Sinn Féin is urging the Department of Environment to invest in the refurbishment of properties after it was revealed over 3,000 social housing units are lying idle throughout Ireland. Dublin North-West TD Deputy Dessie Ellis was responding to new figures which showed a larger number of social housi
10/11/2015
Contracts for Phase 2 of the Cornalcoy section of the N16 in Sligo are expected to be signed before the end of this year. Work is expected to start in the New Year, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has confirmed. Fine Gael Sligo Leitrim Senator, Michael Comiskey, said it is a welcomed develo
10/11/2015
The new Ballyshannon Health Campus in Donegal has officially opened. The campus has been developed on the site of the former St. Catherine's Convent. It is a modern centre facility for primary care services in the South Donegal area servicing a population of approximately 10,000. In addition, it
10/11/2015
Sinn Féin said it is "absolutely ludicrous" that the upgrade of the A5 Western Transport Corridor will only benefit one side of the community. West Tyrone candidate Grace McDemott described it as "one of the most important infrastructural projects" in Ireland. Mrs McDermott said: "It would help tr
09/11/2015
Fianna Fáil has issued a warning to the Government not to pump anymore money into Irish Water. Spokesperson on Environment Barry Cowen said the public does not want the firm and said it has been a "complete fiasco" from day one. Deputy Cowen said: "There is no sense in throwing more taxpayers' mon
09/11/2015
Improvement works at Ballynahinch Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) in Co Down are now complete. The £5 million improvement package included the total modernisation of the existing plant with the construction of a new inlet works, new storm storage facilities, sludge treatment facilities and an imp
09/11/2015
Significant progress is being made on a £55 million dualling project in Northern Ireland. Work on the A26 Glarryford to A44 Drones Road scheme is continuing and the 8km dual carriageway scheme will consist of a new roundabout at the A44 Drones Road junction, as well as a number of flyover junctions
09/11/2015
Around 3,000 housing units are vacant throughout Ireland, Fianna Fáil has revealed. In most cases the units need to undergo refurbishment work, according to data released under Freedom of Information to Fianna Fáil. Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen was shocked at the figures after the refurbis
09/11/2015
Fine Gael said the new wastewater treatment plant in Kinvara, Co Galway, will end the practice of untreated sewage being discharged directly into Kinvara Bay. Galway County Council and Irish Water have signed a deal to develop the new plant which will cater for a population of 1,300. Galway East,
09/11/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Environment Minister over concerns about how flooding will impact a new housing development in Bettystown, County Meath. Leader Gerry Adams said local people living in the Northlands and Brabazon Bay housing estates are already tortured with persistent flooding. He s
06/11/2015
A deal has been signed to build a new wastewater treatment plant (WwTP) and marine outfall pipe in Galway. The contract for the new plant in Kinvara was signed by Irish Water with the support of Galway County Council. A separate contract to upgrade the town's sewer network is also expected to be
06/11/2015
A housing and homeless charity has welcomed a deal between Minister Kelly and Minister Noonan on the issues of rising rents and housing. The Irish Times reported that a set of measures dealing with rent and housing supply have now been agreed and will go forward to cabinet for formal approval on Tu
06/11/2015
The overall winner of the 2015 ESB Spark of Genius Award Winner has been announced. Bizimply were named the winners and scooped a cash prize of €25,000. Led by Gerard Forde, Bizimply is an all-in-one people and shift management solution for the service industry including restaurants, retail stores
06/11/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the government over its leaked rental crisis measures. Cllr Lynn Boylan said the measures are "insufficient" and lack protection for tenants. She said: "Landlords already have to justify rent increases when they are brought before the PRTB so this is nothing new and this s
06/11/2015
Fine Gael said a successful end to the Stormont talks is needed to support the ongoing North/South Cooperation in relation to investment in infrastructure. Louth TD Peter Fitzpatrick said: "The Capital Plan has reaffirmed our support for the EU PEACE and INTERREG programmes. Almost half a billion e
06/11/2015
A total of £280,000 in funding has been allocated to help improve and revitalise the Lisburn, Castlereagh, Carryduff and Dundonald areas in Northern Ireland. The funding for the 'Strategic Revitalisation Project' will enhance and complement works already undertaken in the towns and will include: •
05/11/2015
250 construction jobs are to be created after the UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) announced it is to invest £47 million in a new Energy from Waste (EfW) in Belfast. The £107m facility is to be located adjacent to Bombardier’s wing facility in the city's Harbour Estate. GIB has made its investment i
05/11/2015
The Government needs to release "serious" funding for social housing in Co Cork, according to Sinn Fein Cllr Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. He made the call after the Choice Based Lettings Scheme website launched in the Cork City Council area. Cllr Ó Laoghaire said: "I have been speaking to a number of co
05/11/2015
Homeless charity Focus Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy have announced a three year partnership deal to help families affected by the housing crisis in Ireland. The energy firm is to invest £1.2 million to provide support directly to families at risk, and a programme to raise awareness of the factors l
05/11/2015
Sinn Féin has written to Louth County Council over concerns about the refurbishment work at St Joseph's Hospital Ardee. Almost two years ago a refurbishment plan was put in place to bring St Joseph's up to HIQA Environmental Standards by this year. However, the council are still to approve full pl
05/11/2015
A total of €28.5 million has been announced for the payment of a Minor Works grant to primary schools throughout Ireland. €80m has also been confirmed for a multi-annual Summer Works Scheme for schools over 2016 and 2017. The €28.5m fund is focused on improving the physical infrastructure of schoo
05/11/2015
Pipelaying work on NI Water's Ballydougan to Newry Trunk Main Scheme has been completed. Just over 5km of new large diameter water main has been installed to link pumping stations in the wider Newry area with the new reservoir at Crieve. The latest £6 million NI Water investment forms the third ph
05/11/2015
Eirgrid has confirmed it is technically possible to underground the North-South Interconnector. Sinn Féin Senator Kathryn Reilly welcomed the admission and is calling for action to be taken. Senator Reilly said: "The people affected in Cavan, Monaghan and Meath have made it explicitly clear that t
04/11/2015
AG Wilson and NI Water has started work on a new storm sewer extension in Castledawson in L'Derry. The work is expected to take approximately 12 weeks. It involves the laying of approximately 400 metres of new sewer pipe, as well as the installation of 11 manholes. The work is being carried out to
04/11/2015
The Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is to stand down and take up a new role as Head of the Energy Efficiency Division at the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris, France. Dr Brian Motherway has been Chief Executive for the SEAI for over three years. During his t
04/11/2015
The Minister for Environment has announced that 175 new places for those in need of emergency accommodation in Ireland will be available this winter. Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has welcomed the announcement, however he more needs to be done to stem the flow of renters into homel
04/11/2015
A total of €50,000 is to be made available for conservation works to be carried out at heritage sites in County Meath. The money is part of a new national scheme called The Built Heritage Investment Scheme. Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, made the announcement and confirmed the council is now
04/11/2015
Kildare County Council has been called to allocate land banks for housing, and to bring in outside expertise in order to speed up the design and construction process. Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Kildare North Cllr Frank O'Rourke said the housing crisis has led to a increase in emerg
04/11/2015
Construction work has started to develop a new special school in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The new Castle Tower Special School in Trostan Avenue is costing around £20 million. Minister John O'Dowd, who approved the new development in June 2012, cut the first sod at the site. He said: "It is a great p
03/11/2015
Energy upgrades have been completed at over 50 homes and community facilities in Ennis, Co Clare. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) awarded funding of €345,000 to upgrade a total of 54 homes and four community facilities. The funding was part of the Better Energy Communities proje
03/11/2015
A farmer has been fined for a pollution offence at Newry Magistrates' Court. Mr Jeff Mathers from Co Down was fined £2,000, and an offenders levy of £15 after pleading guilty for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 12 February 2015, Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs), acting on behalf of t
03/11/2015
A number of leading figures have attended the annual RICS Planning & Development Conference to discuss the way forward for the planning system. The event was held at the Belfast City Hall and the conference heard from the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Investment Jonathan Bell, Gerry Millar, Dire
03/11/2015
Sinn Féin is calling for an urgent meeting with the Minister for Social Development over the development of social homes in rural areas. MLA Oliver McMullan said he is "extremely worried" for people looking for homes in rural areas throughout Ireland. According to figures, less than 6% of social h
03/11/2015
Almost £3m in funding has been announced to preserve and improve Lough Erne. A total of £2.9m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has been allocated to enhance one of Ireland's most unique landscapes. The funding, which includes a £253,900 development fund, will go to the Lough Erne Landscape Par
03/11/2015
Construction work has started on a £385,000 road improvement project between Limavady and Dungiven in Northern Ireland. The scheme on the B68 Ballyquin Road at Inisconagher is expected to be complete by mid-January next year. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "The scheme includes carriage
02/11/2015
Sinn Féin is urging Dublin City Council to reverse its decision to develop modular homes on the Co-op site in the Poppintree area. Councillor Noeleen Reilly, who also lives in the area, said she believes the space of land can facilitate both the co-op and modular homes. She said: "The Co-op has pl
02/11/2015
Focus Ireland is calling on the Government to take action to stop the rise in the number of homeless families. The charity said if the issue is not addressed it will spiral further out of control. Focus Ireland has recommended that the allocation of the new emergency accommodation should be based
02/11/2015
Three major wastewater projects in Northern Ireland have been completed in L'Derry. A total of £4.8 million has been invested in the schemes at Feeny Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW), Maghera WwTW and Gortnahey WwTW in Limavady. Sara Venning, CEO of NI Water said: "We at NI Water are pleased to
02/11/2015
The European Commission (EC) has announced new plans which seek how EU citizens will have more access to mortgage products in other member states. An unreleased Green paper from the Commission examines how obstacles can be removed for consumers to have greater access to financial services products
02/11/2015
Energy firm ESB has announced funding of over €150,000 has been allocated to 21 community and voluntary organisations in Dublin. A total of €150,986 has been secured as part of the autumn 2015 round of the 'Energy for Generations' community fund. A cheque presentation took place at ESB Networks of
02/11/2015
The tender process to develop a new 25 unit housing estate in Bagnelstown, Co Carlow, has gone out today, 02 November. The process is expected to take approximately two months and it is hoped construction will begin in January next year. Fine Gael Carlow/Kilkenny TD, Pat Deering, welcomed the news
02/11/2015
Kennedy-Fitzgerald Architects in Belfast have been selected to design a replacement roof for the Great Tower at Carrickfergus Castle in Co Antrim. The roof will be an historically-appropriate timber A-frame 'butt-purlin', which will be made in an authentic traditional manner by a scribe woodwright.
02/11/2015
Ireland's civil engineering contractors Priority Construction has taken delivery of two new Komatsu PW148-10 wheeled excavators. Supplied by Komatsu distributor McHale Plant Sales of Birdhill and Rathcoole, the new machines have been put to work on roadwork projects being carried out by Priority in
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