Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for December 2015
18/12/2015
A number of construction jobs are to be created after almost £80 million funding has been allocated to build a new training college in Co Tyrone. Sinn Féin MLA Ian Milne welcomed the £79.4m funding package for an emergency service training college at Desertcreat. He said: "This project will see t
18/12/2015
Around £57 million capital funding has been allocated for major road schemes to be taken forward. The funding is part of the 2016-17 budget. The projects include the New Buildings to Strabane section of the A5 Western Transport Corridor, the A6 road scheme, as well as Belfast Rapid Transit and the
18/12/2015
The Green Party has hit out at the Government following the publication of the Energy White Paper. Leader of the party Eamon Ryan said the lack of urgency shown by the Government in the paper was as if the COP21 Paris Agreement "never happened". He said: "If we were serious about climate change we
18/12/2015
Around 2,500 homes and businesses were left without power after vandals attacked an electricity substation in north Belfast. Equipment was damaged at the substation on the Ballygomartin Road due to a fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately. Emergency teams from NIE Networks resto
18/12/2015
The Alliance Party has hit out at NI Water and the Minister for Regional Development over "long delays" and "unsatisfactory disruption" during road works in east Belfast. MLA Chris Lyttle said that while the completion of long over-due work on Mersey Street should be welcomed, lessons must be learn
18/12/2015
The upgrade works at the Emergency Department in the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingare are expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2016. €300,000 has been included in the HSE's Service Plan for next year to help complete the €3.6 million upgrade. Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD, Gabr
17/12/2015
Contractor McGarrell Reilly Group has been selected as the preferred bidder to redevelop Tom Kelly House in Dublin. Phase one of the project will see the construction of 79 social housing units which will be ready for occupation in 2018, as well as new community facilities. The community centre wil
17/12/2015
Planning permission has been approved to develop a new hotel in Belfast city centre. The development, by Cathedral Leisure Ltd, involves the conversion of an office block on the corner of Victoria Street and Ann Street to a 58-bedroom hotel, with associated bar and restaurant. The application also
17/12/2015
Over 35 new social homes in Holywood, Co Down, for Clanmil Housing have been completed. The £3.8 million scheme replaced Housing Executive flats which were previously located on the West Green site. The 37 homes are located at Dunville Park, Dunville Link, West Link and Abbey Road. In total, the
17/12/2015
Sinn Féin has accused the Tories of having a complete lack of regard for the environment after MPs voted to allow fracking under national parks and world heritage sites. MLA Oliver McMullan said Sinn Féin also said the Tories have a total disregard for the welfare of communities as evidenced by the
17/12/2015
Fianna Fáil has said the Government's Energy White paper lacks details on how to achieve Ireland's EU 2020 renewables targets. Spokesperson on Energy, Michael Moynihan, said in the white paper there is an absence of tangible actions to reform the Commission for Energy Regulation to reduce costs in
17/12/2015
A £2.5 million regeneration scheme in Co Down is now complete. The works, in Holywood town centre, included the regeneration of pavements and kerbs and the installation of new street lighting, furniture and planting. Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Alderman Alan Graham, said the comp
16/12/2015
Galway County Council is struggling to manage following severe flooding in the area, according to Fianna Fáil. The party has raised concerns about the number of council workers available to help out in the flood relief efforts following a drop in staffing levels over the past five years. General E
16/12/2015
Only 9.2% of Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) properties have adequate insulation, according to the Ulster Unionist Party. Ballymena UUP Councillor Stephen Nicholl also said the latest Home Energy Conservation Authority Progress Report also failed to mention 90.8% of properties need some f
16/12/2015
Causeway Coast and Glens Council has rejected a planning application to build a new recreation centre in Dungiven, Co L'Derry. Sinn Féin has hit out at the decision and said it was based on "sectarian attitudes" rather than "financial implications". Councillor Sean McGlinchey said he was disappoin
16/12/2015
A £133 million dualling scheme between Belfast and Larne has officially opened. The A8 dualling upgrade scheme was developed by a Joint Venture of Lagan, Ferrovial and Costain. The scheme was funded by the Northern Ireland Executive with support from the European Commission and the Government of t
16/12/2015
Sinn Fein has expressed disappointment that the White Paper on Energy failed to announce an outright ban on fracking. Deputy Michael Colreavy, spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, said if the government is serious about developing a carbon free economy based on clean renewa
16/12/2015
The Government has announced an additional €8 million to local authorities to help support ongoing works in areas affected by flooding throughout Ireland. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Alan Kelly said he has been working very closely with the authorities. Minister Ke
16/12/2015
Contractor T&A Kernoghan has started work on a £9.5 million social housing development in County Antrim for Connswater Homes. The 98 family homes are being built on the former Dunmurry High School site. The scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Social Development and Connswater Homes
16/12/2015
The Rivers Agency has confirmed that the River Finn, which flows between County Donegal and County Tyrone, is being dredged following widespread flooding. The SDLP welcomed the decision and said the Clady area in Strabane has been badly affected. West Tyrone representative Daniel McCrossan said: "
15/12/2015
The Bundoran Water Treatment Plant is now operating after severe flooding forced the facility to close last week. Irish Water and Donegal County Council have made significant progress at the plant after it was submerged in over half a metre of water. Last week, drinking water was supplied to the B
15/12/2015
Contractor O'Hare and McGovern has started developing a new £20.7 million school in Co Antrim. The project, funded through the Department of Education's Capital build programme, will see pupils at Parkhill Integrated College being educated in a new purpose built two-storey school on a single site a
15/12/2015
A £1 million drainage scheme in East Belfast has been completed one week ahead of schedule. The work, on Mersey Street, which started in summer 2014, proved to be difficult and challenging. Grahame Millar, Project Sponsor said: "Throughout the course of this project, many engineering challenges we
15/12/2015
Fianna Fáil said it is "unfair" for families who have been affected by flooding in Ireland to have to pay their property tax and is calling for it to be waived under new proposals. Party Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform Sean Fleming moved an amendment on the issue in the Dáil during th
15/12/2015
The Paris climate change agreement that has been reached by 195 countries has been welcomed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Minister Simon Coveney said the agreement included some particular points of importance to the agriculture, food and forest sectors. He said: "I welcom
15/12/2015
Donegal County Council has been awarded funding for the second phase of the Malin Head development. The council will received over €396,000 to address visitor management issues on the site. The work includes road widening, associated drainage improvements and surfacing, extending existing car park
15/12/2015
Significant progress is being made to develop a £35 million bypass in Magherafelt, L'Derry, in a joint venture (JV) by contractors Bam/McCann. Construction work on the six kilometre project started earlier this year and is expected to be complete by October next year. The Northern Ireland Executiv
15/12/2015
Located at the foot of Bunratty Castle, Co. Clare lies one of Ireland's most famous pubs. 'Nelly's' as it is known locally, is the real deal. Established in 1620 the pub has an interesting and colourful history.Music sessions, great food and the craic are guaranteed at Nelly's. Deck25™ decking wa
14/12/2015
The UUP is calling on the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) to do more to on climate change. The party's Environment spokesperson, Sandra Overend MLA, said the NIE must improve its poor record on cutting greenhouse gas emissions. She said: "The debate regarding the cause of climate change has now l
14/12/2015
Construction work to develop a new £5.1 million sports centre for Ulster University has started. Funded by the Department for Employment and Learning, will provide a modern sports centre for Ulster University's Coleraine campus. It will also include an eight multi-sport indoor courts, a fitness st
14/12/2015
A Fianna Fáil councillor has been slammed for showing a "lack of understanding" about the housing crisis in Ireland. Dublin Sinn Féin city councillor Seamás McGrattan accused Cllr Paul McAuliffe of failing to grasp the enormity of the housing problem. He said: "Let me be clear, Sinn Féin accepts t
14/12/2015
Many at-risk borrowers are more likely to have variable rate mortgages on a higher interest rate than holders of fixed-rate or tracker mortgages, according to a report by the Central Bank. The report also showed for those in long term arrears, the amount they have fallen behind in their repayments
14/12/2015
Sinn Féin has raised concerns over the low level of participation in a consultation by The Department of Social Development (DSD) on the private rented sector in Northern Ireland. Housing spokesperson Fra McCann said it is crucial as many tenants groups, community organisations, housing groups and
14/12/2015
Fine Gael is calling on the Revenue to publish clear guidelines for homeowners affected by pyrite. TD for Meath East, Helen McEntee, has said that legislation going through Committee Stage, will allow pyrite homeowners to avoid thetesting they previously had to undergo to in order to avail of the e
14/12/2015
A new children's home and apartment complex has officially opened in Dublin. Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, officially opened the Novas' Bellevue Children's Home and Haarlem Court Apartment Complex. The Haarlem Court apartment complex includes eight two-bed apartments, which are speci
14/12/2015
Waterways Ireland is being urged to admit culpability for the recent flooding in Corbally, Limerick. 14 homes were devastated by flooding and the local school and rugby club were also affected. Limerick Sinn Féin Councillor Maurice Quinlivan called on the body to make restitution to those affected
11/12/2015
The Old Wallboard Factory in Ferrybank has been selected as the preferred site for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) to be developed in Arlow, Co Wicklow. Arklow is one of 45 towns identified by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), where wastewater is discharged without any treatment. In
11/12/2015
Construction work to extend the gas network into East Down in Northern Ireland is to begin next year. The Utility Regulator approved the extension of Phoenix Natural Gas' gas conveyance licence to the area. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell welcomed the decision. Minister Be
11/12/2015
Sinn Féin has described the Local Property Tax (LPT) Amendment Bill as a "cynical" piece of legislation. Junior Finance Spokesperson Peadar Tóibín said there is no correlation between family wealth and the value of a home. He also called for areas affected by the recent flooding to be exempt from
11/12/2015
Funding of €900,000 has been allocated to the Cork Institute of Technology which will help meet costs already incurred on a range of small-scale building works, refurbishment work and upgrading equipment. The money, which is part of a €10 million Infrastructure Maintenance Fund Grant, will also go
11/12/2015
Construction work is to begin on a new £10.9 million scheme to upgrade the water supply across Belfast and Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. The new programme of work will get underway in early January 2016, and will be part of an overall capital investment by the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE)
11/12/2015
An additional £25 million has been allocated to the UK wide Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund which has been reopened. Organisations, trusts and congregations of all faiths and denominations can apply for a grant from £10,000 to £100,000 to meet the costs of urgent repairs to roofs and rain
11/12/2015
Cork County Council has made changes to how the housing funding is managed and used in the city to ensure the use of available funding is maximised. Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, recently met with the Chief Executive of Cork City Council and members of the management team in
11/12/2015
A newly developed Causeway Rural and Urban Network Community Hub has opened in Coleraine, Co L'Derry. Funding of £1.8 million from the Department for Social Development (DSD) through its Modernisation Fund along with £462,000 funding from the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers (OFMDFM)
10/12/2015
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has rejected an application to carry out drainage works in Galway. Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East Colm Keaveney slammed the decision and said the recent flooding could have been prevented if proper flood reliefs had been put in place. He is calling on Minister Simo
10/12/2015
A total of €10 million funding has been announced by the government to upgrade and improve Ireland's 14 Institutes of Technology. The funding will allow the Institutes to discharge costs already incurred on a range of small-scale building works, refurbishment of existing facilities and upgrading eq
10/12/2015
€20 million in grant offers has been confirmed for local communities under the 2016 Better Energy Communities scheme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Minister for Energy Alex White, TD, made the announcement on Wednesday, and said the building upgrades funded und
10/12/2015
A newly developed office and ICT unit at a primary school in Co Tyrone has officially opened. The new unit is located at St Joseph's Primary School in Cookstown. The Department of Education invested £70,000 in the new facility, which also includes a medical room. The Parent Fundraising Group also
10/12/2015
The SDLP has slammed the British Government after it allocated a £50 million flood fund to help people affected by Storm Desmond in England, however it failed to provide funds to help people in Northern Ireland. Finance Spokesperson and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has called on the Chancellor to dir
10/12/2015
The Action Renewable Awards, which offers quality assurance to the renewable energy industry, are to take place at the Titanic Belfast on 31 March next year, it has been announced. Vayu Energy and Tughans Solicitors are the main sponsors of the event. Ciaran McConville, Business Development and Ma
10/12/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the government to provide an additional €300 million in funding to develop social homes in Ireland. The party made the call after it was revealed that in 2015 the amount spent on developing social housing was down 80% compared to figures in 2011. Housing spokesperson Dessie
10/12/2015
Energy firm SSE Airtricity has confirmed it is to become a living wage employer. The move means all of its employees will earn a Living Wage of at least €11.50 per hour from the 01 of January 2016. An Tánaiste Joan Burton TD said: "As we secure our economic recovery, we want to be sure that the jo
09/12/2015
Sinn Féin has described the Local Property Tax (LPT) as "unfair". The party hit out at the government for reviewing the LPT and said it is "not working". Senator Kathryn Reilly called once again for the LPT to be abolished. Senator Reilly said: "The Thornhill Report, carried out to look at the LP
09/12/2015
A newly developed community play space and garden in Dublin has been officially opened. The play space, located in the York Street Flat Complex, offers children and young people in the local area, a new form of free play which has an emphasis on imagination and social interaction. The new play are
09/12/2015
Sinn Féin is urging the Minister for Arts and Heritage to develop 14-17 Moore Street in Dublin and the surrounding areas into a historical national quarter. Sinn Féin TD and Heritage Spokesperson Sandra McLellan said if the sites were developed into a historic battlefield site it would encourage mo
09/12/2015
A £165,000 road resurfacing project in Moira, Co Down, is to start on Monday 14 December. Funded by the NI Executive, the work on the Clarehill Road will extends for a distance of approximately one mile from Bottier Road to Redhill Road. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "This significant
09/12/2015
The Government has launched an emergency scheme for small businesses and property owners in Cork, who were not insured, to help them after the recent flooding in the area. €5 million funding has been allocated to help small firms and home owners who are unable to claim flood insurance. Fine Gael T
09/12/2015
Construction work has started on an £875,0000 extension at Fermanagh House in Enniskillen. Fermanagh House is the headquarters of the charity Fermanagh Trust. The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA and Finance Minister, Arlene Foster MLA cut the first sod on the development. Minister Mc
09/12/2015
An Ulster Unionist MLA has visited a number of areas in Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh affected by flooding. Mr Tom Elliott has raised questions over the levels of flooding and is asking if any of the incidents could have been prevented. Mr Elliott said: "These businesses have been gearing up for t
09/12/2015
With the heating season firmly upon us and the popularity of wood-burning stoves ever on the increase, homeowners and installers alike are always looking for a healthy balance of quality and affordability. The most important factors in deciding on a stove and flue system must always be safety, follo
08/12/2015
A project to refurbish the Drogheda Viaduct in Co Louth is now complete. The scheme involved the installation of a new drainage system, steelwork repairs to replace sections of the bridge's steel infrastructure and the relaying of track work over the viaduct. Funding of €6.1 million was received u
08/12/2015
A contract worth over €202 million has been awarded to Bouygues Energies & Services, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, to deliver a turnkey waste-to-energy gasification plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The firm will be responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction of the 15
08/12/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling on the Office of Public Works (OPW) to install proper flood defences in Crossmolina, Co Mayo. The party made the call following severe flooding in the town over the weekend which caused significant damage to a number of homes and businesses. Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Cal
08/12/2015
A new system aimed at supporting the implementation of the language planning process in Gaeltacht areas has been launched. Developed by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the new Geographical Information System has been provided to further support organisations who are and who will
08/12/2015
Only 49% of the public believe that climate change is a serious issue in Ireland, according to a new poll by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). 53% of citizens believe that they have a role to play in tackling climate change, putting themselves ahead of businesses, environmental gr
08/12/2015
SIPTU the union has condemned the huge growth in 'bogus self-employment' in the construction sector. The Irish State could have lost over €600 million since 2007, according to a new report from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). 'False Economy: The Growth of Bogus Self-Employment in the Co
08/12/2015
Northern Ireland Water has been fined £7,500 for a pollution offence at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court. The firm convicted for causing a polluting discharge of sewage effluent from Saintfield Waste Water Treatment Works to a waterway known locally as the Carson's Dam River. On 23 May 2014, a Water
08/12/2015
Further flooding is to be expected along the banks of the Lower River Shannon in the Springfield area of Clonlara in southeast Clare. Energy firm ESB is increasing the release of water from the Parteen Weir from 315 cubic meters per second to 375 cumecs. Area staff at Clare County Council have bee
07/12/2015
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) is being urged to rethink its plans for the north docks in Dublin. The firm announced proposals to develop a luxury hotel, office space and student accommodation. However, Fianna Fáil said its plans need to include the development of family homes. Fiann
07/12/2015
Only one registration fee now needs by to be paid in the case where there are joint owners of a property after a change to the Landlord Registration Scheme. Around 5,000 landlords will be refunded as a result of the change announced by Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA. However, all n
07/12/2015
A farmer and contractor from L'Derry have been fined for a pollution offence. Mr Hugh Sinton Curry and John Lyons, were fined £750 for causing a polluting discharge to enter a waterway. They were also ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15. Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the North
07/12/2015
A Canadian firm is to acquire Ireland's convenience and fuel retailer Topaz Energy Group. Couche-Tard has signed an agreement with Topaz Energy that will lead to the acquisition by the Canadian company together with linked companies Resource Property Investment Fund plc and the recently-acquired Es
07/12/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government after its failure to complete vital drainage schemes in Bandon, Co Cork. The party said that flooding would not have occurred if the Bandon Main Drainage and Flood Relief Schemes had been completed as planned. General Election candidate for Cork South West
07/12/2015
A boil water notice has been placed on the Bundoran Water treatment plant in Co Donegal affecting around 6,000 Irish Water customers. Following heavy rain over the last 36 hours from Storm Desmond, water levels at Lough Melvin have risen to an unprecedented level and as a result breached flood defe
07/12/2015
The Minister for Energy is attending a meeting on renewable energy in Paris today, 07 December, organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Sustainable Energy for All. Minister Alex White said that Ireland is well placed to meet its legally-binding EU target to source 16% of
07/12/2015
Emergency Services have rescued 10 people from a housing development in Strabane, Co Tyrone, following major flooding. The Fire Service dealt with over 30 flooding incidents in NI with counties Tyrone, L'Derry and Fermanagh among the worst affected. Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer said:
04/12/2015
Around 30,000 construction and ancillary jobs are expected to be created after the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) announced plans to develop the docklands in Dublin. The residential programme will require total funding of €5.6 billion and 20,000 new homes will also be built. Dublin Centra
04/12/2015
The Government's freezing of the local property tax has been described as a "cynical move" by Sinn Féin. Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said there is "no logic" for the move and it will "fool nobody". The Donegal South West TD said: "Rushing this Bill through both the Seanad and Dáil in on
04/12/2015
Sinn Féin has unveiled a plan which will deliver 100,000 new social and 'affordable' homes throughout Ireland. The party said the proposal will support tenants, homeowners and buyers. Sinn Féin Vice President, Mary Lou MacDonald TD said the issue must be addressed as the housing across the state i
04/12/2015
Construction firms FP McCann and Lagan Construction have started work on two regeneration programmes in Dungannon and Cookstown in Northern Ireland. The £5.5 million works include upgrading pedestrian areas and pavements with high quality materials, improved lighting provision, undergrounding of ov
04/12/2015
Construction work has started on a new 3G pitch to be developed near Augher, Co Tyrone. The £300,000 facility has been funded by the Department for Social Development (DSD) through the Regional Shared Sports Facility pilot programme. The development will include a synthetic football training pitch
04/12/2015
The Green Party has hit out at the Government over its new Climate Bill. The party said the Bill is "almost worse than doing nothing" and it has "no binding targets". Speaking following the successful passage of the bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas, Green Party Spokesperson for the Envir
04/12/2015
A new £500,000 social housing scheme for Choice Housing Association has officially opened in Co Armagh. The scheme in the Charlemont area includes four new family homes which have been built on a previous derelict site on the Church View estate. Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey MLA,
04/12/2015
Belfast City Council has announced plans to tackle homelessness throughout the city. However, while Alliance Cllr Emmet McDonough Brown supported the plans he said the Council's role is limited and there is a great opportunity to show leadership on the issue. He said: "Let me be clear, homelessne
03/12/2015
Over 25 social homes are available in Co Monaghan despite over 1,300 people being on housing waiting lists, Sinn Féin has revealed. Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said it "beggars belief and defies logic" that the houses are lying idle. Deputy Ó Caoláin said: "This Government pledged to ad
03/12/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the government and the Environment Minister over the rise in the homelessness, despite promising to deal with it. The party's candidate for Dublin Central Mary Fitzpatrick said the lack of a coherent Government policy to deal with the crisis means more families this year
03/12/2015
A newly developed inpatient unit at Linn Dara Cherry Orchard Campus in Dublin has officially opened. The new facility, for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), includes two 11-bed units, one for the older adolescent age group up to the age of 18 years, and one for children and young
03/12/2015
Improvement work on a wastewater treatment plant in Cork has been completed and the facility is now officially opened. Irish Water partnered with Cork County Council to upgrade the plant in Clonakilty. The project primarily upgraded the Clonakilty Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as 13 other pla
03/12/2015
The Green Party has repeated its call for a national ban on fracking. The party said following controversies surrounding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on fracking, they are distracting from the real issue. Green Party candidate for Sligo Leitrim, Leslie O'Hora, said the negative
03/12/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources after most of his colleagues failed to turn up for a debate to introduce rent certainty in Ireland. The government recently voted down Sinn Féin legalisation on the issue of rent certainty and the prevention of h
03/12/2015
The A2 Shore Road Greenisland dual carriageway scheme in Northern Ireland has officially opened. A total of £50 million in funding was allocated by the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) and the European Union (EU) to help carry out the project. The A2 is a vital link between Belfast and Carrickferg
03/12/2015
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015 will now be referred to the President for signature and early enactment after it was passed in the Dáil and Seanad Éireann. This is the first ever passing of climate legislation in Ireland. The Climate Bill provides a statutory basis for the
02/12/2015
The Inspired Spaces Consortium has been selected as the preferred tenderer to develop five new schools in Ireland. The schools have been included in Bundle 5 of the Department's Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme. Construction work on the schools is expected to begin in the summer next yea
02/12/2015
Around 1,700 homes and businesses have been left without power in Co Sligo. ESB teams are currently working to restore the power in the Enniscrone area. Power has been restored to over 2,000 homes, however it has not been restored in the Carrigaline area. ESB has issued an apology to its customer
02/12/2015
There are 1,500 people on the housing waiting list in Tralee, Sinn Féin has revealed. Deputy Martin Ferris said the crisis is 'out of control' and said there is suffering behind the statistics. He said: "Every one of those people is being disadvantaged by being homeless. Children who are homeless
02/12/2015
A new nursery unit developed under the minor works scheme has officially opened in Cookstown, Co Tyrone. The unit at Phoenix Integrated Primary School cost around £330,000 to build. Minor works are also continuing at the primary school including the creation of new classrooms, an entrance area and
02/12/2015
Live electricity poles have been cut down in Cookstown, Co Tyrone. The incident happened in the Kildress Road area over the weekend. NIE Networks has called on rural communities to be vigilant. Paul Irving, NIE Networks' Security Manager, said: "These incidents are disruptive for local residents
02/12/2015
An old fire station in Armagh is to be demolished and a new Aonach Mhacha Irish Culture Centre is to be developed on the site. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan granted consent for the fire station in the Shambles area to be demolished. The new centre was recommended for approval by Armagh City,
02/12/2015
The Green Party has hit out at the government and said they are being seen as "laggard not a leader" on climate change. The party accused the government of shaming Ireland and said they will be judged on actions, not words, at COP21 in Paris. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: The Government have
02/12/2015
Sinn Féin is calling for more social homes to be developed in the east Antrim area. Oliver McMullan MLA met with the Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey to discuss the urgent need for more social housing in the Glens and Carnlough areas. Mr McMullun also questioned Minister Storey on why the
01/12/2015
Irish Water has partnered with Meath County Council to improve the drinking water supply in the county. Work is to begin to upgrade the existing water treatment plant which was built almost 35 years ago. Upon completion homes and businesses in Kells, Oldcastle, Crossakiel, Kilskyre, Dromone, Carla
01/12/2015
SIPTU the union is calling on the government to urgently address the housing and homeless crisis in Ireland. Its members will march with housing activists from across the country in the National Demonstration on the Housing and Homeless crisis in Dublin today, 01 December. At the event speakers wi
01/12/2015
Fianna Fáil said the Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris will present huge opportunities for Ireland as well as challenges. The party's General Election candidate, Cllr Jim O'Callaghan, said it is essential that as a country, we get a fair deal in negotiations over the technical details asso
01/12/2015
A new cycle track and crossing scheme linking a primary school to the Craigavon Community Greenway is to be developed. £100,000 funding has been announced for the project which will see Portadown Integrated Nursery and Primary School linked to the Greenway. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen sa
01/12/2015
Building work has started to improve visitor access at an archaeological site on Cookstown, Co Tyrone. The work at Tullaghoge Fort is part of a £500,000 investment in one of Northern Ireland's most important historical sites. The site has been temporarily closed to the ublic while the work is bein
01/12/2015
Belfast City Council is calling on green technology investors, developers and occupiers to put down roots at a major new business development at Giant's Park in north Belfast. A marketing campaign has been launched to attract individuals and firms interested in developing at a £9.5 million Cleantec
01/12/2015
A large group of MLA's have met with the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) to discuss major infrastructural projects in the industry. Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said the Fresh Start Agreement will gives the an opportunity to speed up infrastructural projects. He said: "We share their desire
01/12/2015
The Government is being urged to support Sinn Féin's legislation on rent certainty and the prevention of homelessness. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams confirmed it will be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday during private members time. Deputy Adams is also calling on the government to introduce measur