Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for March 2015
31/03/2015
€700,000 of funding has been secured to restore the Multiniboyle Bridge outside Glenties in Donegal. Fine Gael TD for Donegal, Dinny McGinley, has welcomed the allocation. Mr McGinley said: "Multiniboyle Bridge outside Glenties collapsed into the river five years ago as it could no longer handle t
31/03/2015
The formal consultation process has launched for the proposed A24 Ballynahinch Bypass. The announcement refers to the publication of the Draft Statutory Orders which will pave the way for the provision of a bypass which represents a potential investment in the range of £40m to £50m. Transport Min
31/03/2015
Portview Fit-Out, based in Belfast, has completed an interior fit-out at Heathrow airport's latest addition to its range of pre-flight dining options airside in Terminal 5. Caterer Rhubarb opened Pilots Bar and Kitchen, a new 145-cover restaurant whose design is inspired by the golden era of 1950
31/03/2015
The Alliance Party is calling on the Environment Minister to justify why he made severe cuts to environmental groups. Alliance Environment Spokesperson, Anna Lo MLA, is also asking why he has had no engagement with the Assembly Committee or the groups themselves on his budget. She said: "I am very
31/03/2015
The Minister for Social Protection has been criticised over her decision not to increase rent supplements to struggling families and individuals, despite rising rent prices in the last year. Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Social Protection, Willie O'Dea, said it is a "disgraceful" decision by the gove
31/03/2015
Fine Gael has welcomed the announcement from Eirgrid of a new option for Grid Link. TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, said it will please many people who were concerned about the impact of new pylons in Ireland. Mr Heydom said: "In short, it involves the upgrading of the existing transmission l
30/03/2015
Eirgrid has been slammed for failing to consider alternatives to pylons along the North South Interconnector. Cavan-Monaghan Deputy Brendan Smith has reacted angrily to plans published by Eirgrid which offer no alternative to high voltage overhead power-lines linking Meath and Tyrone. Mr Smith sai
30/03/2015
Translink has appointed a Magherafelt firm to supply carpets for its ross-border Enterprise train service. Floors for Living (NI) won the contract, worth approximately £90,000, to provide two types of carpet to the service, which is currently undergoing a £12.2million refurbishment. The carpets to
30/03/2015
Fianna Fáil has announced it is to publish legislation to prohibit local authorities from handing over tenant data to Irish Water without the consent of the tenant. A number of local authorities have written to councillors in recent days to advise that tenant data has been handed over to Irish Wat
30/03/2015
25 Historic churches in Northern Ireland have secured £1.2 million through the UK wide roof repair fund. It includes spending of over £136,000 to three churches in L'Derry. The churches are St Columba’s Church, Longtower, St Augustine’s Church and St Columb’s Cathedral. Environment Minister Mark H
30/03/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on landlords and social housing providers to embark on a scheme which will make pensioners' home energy efficient. MLA Oliver McMullan made the announcement after figures provided by Age Sector Platform revealed that 2,390 pensioners have died as a result of conditions related
30/03/2015
Significant progress is being made on the restoration project at Richmond Barracks in Dublin. Part 8 planning permission has been lodged with the Dublin City Council and the refurbishment works are due to be completed by early next year, in time for the 1916 centenary. Fine Gael TD for Dublin Sout
27/03/2015
The mortgage crisis in Carlow and Kilkenny, Ireland, is continuing to escalate. Fianna Fáil bye-election candidate Bobby Aylward has expressed alarm and said the new figures reveal that the mortgage default rate in Carlow and Kilkenny is significantly higher than the national average. The figures,
27/03/2015
NI Water is to increase its prices by 2.4% for non-domestic customers from 1st April this year. The firm said it is the first increase in water and sewerage charges in three years. In the previous two consecutive years, NI Water reduced all non domestic charges. Non domestic charges were reduced on
27/03/2015
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has announced its final roadshow is to take place in Dublin on 16th April. The event will be held in CIF Headquarters, Construction House, Canal Road, at 2pm. The various issues which will be covered at the final CIF Roadshow event are: • House building
27/03/2015
Contractors Bam/McCann have started preliminary works on the Magherafelt Bypass. The joint venture (JV) between the two firms, includes a six kilometre carriageway which will entail the construction of a single carriageway through a green field site between the A31 Moneymore Road just south of Magh
27/03/2015
A major pilot scheme is to begin in Banbridge and Craigavon to introduce more energy saving LED street lighting. Up to 20,000 lights will be installed at a cost of some £6 million capital funding with work expected to start by the summer. Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy said: "In thes
27/03/2015
The SuperValu TidyTowns competition has officially launched. The competition encourages the efforts of all local people who bring huge benefits to their communities. The Minister of State for Rural Affairs, Ann Phelan, TD, said: "It recognises all the work of the TidyTowns volunteers, from the pla
27/03/2015
The Supreme Court in Britain has found that a London woman has the right to be rehoused in accommodation close to her children's schools Sinn Fein housing spokesperson Fra McCann believes this will have a major impact on the housing situation in Northern Ireland. Mr McCann said: "Many applicants h
27/03/2015
Kinetico commissioned talkeczema, one of the UK's largest eczema support groups, to conduct an independent product trial and survey. A Kinetico water softener was installed in the homes of selected talkeczema members for a 3 month period. The participants completed a questionnaire at the end of ea
26/03/2015
As many as 10% of residential households in Dun Laoghaire may be affected by lead water pipes. Green Party representative for the area, Cllr Ossian Smyth, is calling for action to be taken, and outlined the health concerns related to lead consumption, particularly to infants and young children. Cl
26/03/2015
ESB International has scooped a new €2.4 million three year contract with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) in the Middle East. Under the new contract ESB International will provide engineering services to SEC in Saudi Arabia and also other locations around the globe. Ollie Brogan, Managing Dire
26/03/2015
Lagan Brick has announced it is to create 30 new jobs in County Cavan. The jobs will be located at Drumgill, Kingscourt on the site of its old Lagan Brick facility. The development is being supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland. With signs of
26/03/2015
Construction work has started on the £55 million Dualling scheme in Northern Ireland. The project, on the A26 Glarryford to A44 Drones Road, will extend over 8km, consisting of 7km of new dual carriageway, a new roundabout at the junction of the A44 Drones Road as well as a number of grade separate
26/03/2015
The Government is being called to clarify its position on the import and use of fracked gas from the United States. Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan was responding to a report that Fine Gael MEP's are in favour of removing restrictions on US Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) exports under Transatlantic Trad
26/03/2015
The new Community Health Services Centre at Donegal Community Campus has opened. The Minister for State at the Department of Health and Children, Kathleen Lynch, congratulated local HSE management on the provision of this new state of the art facility in Donegal. She said: "The perception of an in
26/03/2015
The Bio-Energy (Willow) scheme has officially opened. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, has announced the opening following extensive discussions with the EU Commission over the last few months. Minister Coveney said: "Given the importance of renewable sources of
26/03/2015
The DUP is being called to clarify over the allocation of new homes in a social housing development in Carryduff, Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir confirmed loyalists have erected UVF flags, painted fences and daubed slogans around the site where 42 social homes are being built i
25/03/2015
Details of a proposed redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire’s public baths have been revealed, in a presentation to the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. Constructed in 1843, the baths were completely redeveloped by then Kingstown Town Council in 1910 and operated until 1997 when they were closed. Th
25/03/2015
Fianna Fáil is furious over the cuts to rural development in Kilkenny. Bye-election candidate for Kilkenny Bobby Aylward is angered after it was revelaed communities in Kilkenny are being hit with savage cuts of 42% to local funding under the LEADER programme. Mr Aylward has described it as yet an
25/03/2015
A public inquiry is to be held over plans for the York Street Interchange in Belfast. The scheme is expected to cost around £125million to £165million. The announcement follows the completion of the Formal Consultation process into the Draft Statutory Orders which ended on 10 March. Transport Min
25/03/2015
Farmers are to receive cheaper loans over a longer periods of time to help with the development of farm buildings and provide more investment for equipment. The funding has been made available as a result of a new of understanding agreed between the EU and the European Investment Bank. Fine Gael T
25/03/2015
Over 70 apartments and 8 houses are to be developed in Bangor, Northern Ireland. The new dwellings are part of a major regeneration scheme at Queen's Parade. A recommendation to give planning approval from the Department of the Environment, was endorsed by North Down Borough Council's Planning Comm
25/03/2015
The Minister responsible for Gaeltacht affairs has confirmed that there will be no funding for the Gaeltacht Community Roads Scheme. Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh expressed his disappointment over the admission of Joe McHugh, and questioned the Minister on the scheme in the Seanad today.
25/03/2015
Up to 8,500 homes in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area of Dublin may have drinking water contaminated by lead. According to reports this figure is twice the national average previously estimated by Irish Water. The figure was revealed in response to a query from Green Party councillor, Ossian Smyth.
24/03/2015
Irish energy company ESB has entered a joint venture with the UK Green Investment Bank plc (GIB) to invest in a new £1.9 million renewable power facility in Essex. The facility, at the Port of Tilbury, involves the two firms each committing £35m in a combination of equity and shareholder loans, wit
24/03/2015
The Environment Minister has dismissed the Government's failure to keep records of meetings involving the set up of Irish Water, Fianna Fáil has revealed. The party's Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen said it is outrageous that no minutes were kept of high level meetings between former Minister
24/03/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Government for failing to deal with the scale of the housing crisis. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD said Environment Minister Alan Kelly has serious questions to answer in relation to the issue and has requested a debate in the Dáil today, Tuesday. Deputy Ellis s
24/03/2015
Northern Ireland's Regional Development Committee has referred Transport Minister Danny Kennedy to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) after he refused to carry out a Project Assessment Review (PAR) over the Derry railway upgrade. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín welcomed the news and said: "The comm
24/03/2015
Land has been bought to complete the extension to the Millenium Way Proposal in Lurgan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland's Department for Regional Development (DRD) has confirmed. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "I am pleased to announce this exciting proposed scheme which involves the constr
24/03/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling for a new primary school to be developed in Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, as the current school is "unfit for purpose". Cllr Timmy Dooley said the delay in delivering the new school building is damaging children's education. The Clare TD is urging the government to allocate the ne
24/03/2015
A formal consultation process for the planned A24 Ballynahinch Bypass in County Down has been launched. The announcement refers to the publication of the Draft Statutory Orders which will pave the way for the provision of a bypass which represents a potential investment in the range of £40 to £50 m
24/03/2015
Northern Ireland's Alliance Party is urging the Health Minister to provide answers over the further delay to the completion of the critical care building at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The BBC revealed problems in the pipework were first detected in 2012; however it was hoped the buildi
23/03/2015
Developer John Cleary is seeking planning permission for a new €50m retail and office development in Cork city centre. The plans proposes a re-development of the former Capitol Cinema site, which would see it converted into a five-storey office, retail and food innovation centre. It is claimed tha
23/03/2015
The Environment Minister is being accused of "knowingly" overstating the number of homes the Government plans to build under its housing strategy. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment Barry Cowen TD confirmed emails between the Departments of Environment and Finance admit that the Government has
23/03/2015
A €250 million Rural Development Programme in Ireland has launched today. The funding, which will support the delivery of the LEADER programme to rural areas out to 2020 will focus on tackling rural isolation, generating employment and stimulating village renewal. Each local area will have to deve
23/03/2015
The Minister for Environment is being urged to answer questions over claims that the meter installation firm, Siteserv, is seeking more money from Irish Water. Sinn Féin Environment, Community & Local Government spokesperson, Brian Stanley, confirmed Siteserv is seeking to recoup extra costs incurr
23/03/2015
Consultations are continuing for six new buildings to be listed in L'Derry. The talks, between L'Derry City Council and the Department of the Environment, also include the proposed delisting of three other buildings in the city. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "Listing these additional bu
23/03/2015
A "major block" on the introduction of rent control is the "self-interest of landlord TDs", according to Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis. Deputy Ellis made the comments following the publication of the Register of Dáil members' interests, which revealed that up to 11% of TDs are landl
20/03/2015
Irish Water has been slammed for spending taxpayers' money on an advertising campaign. Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD said hundreds of thousands of euro is being spent on a campaign to tell people what they already know. Deputy Cowen said: "Once again we see Irish Water spendi
20/03/2015
The Green Party is urging NAMA to scrap its plans for a shopping centre to be developed on Moore Street in Dublin, after a new survey revealed many buildings earmarked for demolition are of regional architectural importance. The survey is being carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is
20/03/2015
Officials from Monaghon County Council have met with Waterways Ireland to discuss the development of off-road cycling and walking facilities, along the route of the Ulster Canal between Castle Saunderson and Clones. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, said: "I a
20/03/2015
Contractor PK Murphy has installed new double glazing windows on over 60 Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) properties in west Belfast. The scheme, which cost over £95,000, included 67 homes being fitted with new windows in the Ainsworth area. Gordon Reilly, West Belfast Housing Services Ma
20/03/2015
A £2.1 million public realm scheme in Ballynahinch, Co Down, is now complete. The project involved improvements to footpaths, street furniture, planting and lighting throughout the town centre. Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey said: "Ballynahinch is an excellent example of the difference
20/03/2015
A £250,000 improvement scheme between Dungannon and Donaghmore is to be completed by Wednesday 1 April. The work, on the Mullaghmore Road, includes the resurfacing of a 1,450-metre stretch and reconstruction of the adjacent footpaths, commencing at the junction with Tullycullion Road and extending
20/03/2015
The Lagan Construction Group has been announced as a finalist in the 2015 Construction News Awards. The firm has been shortlisted for Contractor of the Year and Employer of the Year. Construction News' consultant editor Denise Chevin said: "The judges and the Construction News team have been simpl
20/03/2015
The Alliance party has expressed concerns over paramilitary flags and emblems at a new housing development in Carryduff in south Belfast. UVF flags have been put up around the development which is not yet complete. The Irish News has reported that OakleeTrinity, the Housing Association responsible
19/03/2015
Irish energy firm, Energia, has announced it will be exhibiting at this year's Energy Show at the RDS in Dublin on 25th and 26th March. The firms energy efficiency team and partners will be on hand to give visitors advice and information on a wide range of projects. The firm said: "Our team can ta
19/03/2015
Only 85 cases in the Government's 'mortgage-to-rent' scheme have been fully concluded since its inception in July 2012, Fianna Fáil has revealed. The party says the scheme has collapsed after it was originally hoped it would facilitate approximately 500 cases a year with a total of 3,500 over seven
19/03/2015
Northern Ireland Environment Minister has been commended for keeping a large area at Upper Dunmurry Lane in Belfast as an open public space. Minister Mark H Durkan confirmed the area will not be used for construction and will be offered to the Belfast City Council for public use. SDLP Belfast Coun
19/03/2015
Sinn Féin aims to fill O'Connell Street in Dublin in Saturday's Right2Water march. The party's TD Dessie Ellis said it is receiving positive feedback. Deputy Ellis said:"The demonstration will be a peaceful, family friendly event just like every other Right2Water march. "The people have not been
19/03/2015
Prospective developers are being urged to put forward their ideas for the development of a site in Bank Street, Belfast. The site, at 38-42 Bank Street, is centrally located in the commercial heart of the city in an area which has recently seen the Department for Social Development (DSD) invest £3
19/03/2015
Ireland has been awarded 11th place in a Survey of Mining Companies for 2014. Published by the Fraser Institute of Canada, Ireland ranked first globally in the Policy Perception Index which ranks the attractiveness of Government mining policies to industry. A regions policy climate is an importan
19/03/2015
Safety across the waste and recycling industry is continuing to improve in Northern Ireland. Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster was presenting awards to local organisations in recognition of their work in promoting safety across the sector. She said: "I congratulate this year's
19/03/2015
This conference has become the industry’s leading forum for thought leadership in Regeneration and Economic development. • Where? St. George's Hall, Liverpool, L1 1JJ • When? Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th March 2015 • Time? 11am - 5pm • Omos Stand Number? B10 The Conference will once again addr
18/03/2015
A $1.25m grant has been secured towards the redevelopment of the Irish Arts Center in New York. The centre was founded in 1972 and is primarily focused on the showcasing of Irish culture, through performance, exhibition and education, in New York. Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Hea
18/03/2015
High levels of air pollution are being monitored across Northern Ireland. The air quality forecast indicates that the pollution is likely to persist into tomorrow and Friday, depending on weather conditions. The pollution levels are the result of the cold, calm, foggy weather conditions we are cur
18/03/2015
Work has started on a £1.698 million refurbishment project at a primary school in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. The scheme, at St Joseph’s Primary School, includes the construction of three new classrooms and refurbishment of three further classrooms, a new multi-purpose hall and the refurbishment o
18/03/2015
Construction work has started on a £1.52 million sports hall at Saintfield High School in Northern Ireland. The project was approved in March 2014 to be carried out under the School Enhancement Programme (SEP). Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "This is a good day for all the pupils and staff a
18/03/2015
Two firms, Mutual Energy and SGN, have scooped conveyance licences to extend the natural gas network in the west of Northern Ireland. Jenny Pyper, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator, which ran the competition to award the licenses, said: "We are delighted to have reached this stage and I cong
18/03/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government for failing to take action to deal with the rising arrears in the sub-prime mortgage market. New figures provided to Deputy Michael McGrath indicate that 19,935 mortgage accounts issued by sub-prime lenders were in arrears of more than 90 days at end of Dec
16/03/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out over the Irish mortgage market and said it is a "rip-off", following figures released by the Central Bank. The figures show that the interest rate on outstanding loans for house purchase is 38 basis points above euro area rates, while the rates on new loans is almost 1 percent
16/03/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the upgrade of the A6 to take priority. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín welcomed the resurfacing of the Glenshane Pass, but said that the upgrade of the A6 remains a priority. He said: "The £350,000 resurfacing scheme will greatly improve the roadway alongside the Eden Quarry
16/03/2015
Local residents are being urged to attend a public meeting to discuss the proposed social housing development on the Glen Road in west Belfast. The meeting, being held by the Apex Group, will help residents discuss the plans with the design team. SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said: "Having this sor
16/03/2015
Property develop Greg Kavanagh has bought 15 acres of land attached to St Paul's Secondary School on Sybil Hill in Raheny, Dublin. Fianna Fáil has expressed concern over the sale and is calling for a commitment that the school and local sports clubs which currently use these grounds will continue t
16/03/2015
Work on a £350,000 resurfacing scheme on the Glenshane Pass in L'Derry is to begin on 23 March. Transport NI will carry out the work on the 2km scheme in the vicinity of Eden Quarry. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of the ca
16/03/2015
The recent announcement by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, that grants for retrofits are to increase is "too little too late", according to the Green Party. Minister White said that a pay-as-you-save scheme urgently needs to be introduced, and that insulat
16/03/2015
Over 370 families were housed in emergency accommodation last month, new figures have revealed. Fianna Fáil is blaming the government for allowing the homelessness crisis slip back down the agenda. Spokesperson on Environment Barry Cowen TD said: "Last November the Taoiseach claimed that homelessn
16/03/2015
The Minister for Regional Development has confirmed that a crash barrier removed from the Malone Road in September 2014 will be replaced before the end of March. The removal of the crash barrier became of critical importance when in October of the same year, 18-year-old Enda Dolan was killed after
13/03/2015
The Grafton Street Improvement Scheme is now complete. A special event is to be held this evening, Friday 13th March, to celebrate the completion of the work outside Marks & Spencer's at 6.45pm. The project cost approximately €4 million and saw the street's old red brick surface replaced with natu
13/03/2015
Over £550,000 has been secured from the Rural Development Programme (RDP) to create Village Renewal Development projects in Omagh. Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill recently visited projects in the villages of Gortin, Fintona and Carrickmore, where she met with local communities. Omagh D
13/03/2015
The Public Appointments Service process to find the next Chair of the ESB has launched. The new Chair will be tasked with steering the organisation through a period of change as Irish and international energy markets evolve. The ESB group of companies plays an important role in the Irish energy m
13/03/2015
Two contractors have escaped injury in the last week after two separate incidences in Co Fermanagh which damaged the electricity network and cut supplies to over 2,500 customers. On Thursday, 5th March, contractors cutting trees for a Ballinamallard landowner felled trees across a high voltage line
13/03/2015
An £85,000 resurfacing scheme near Kircubbin is to begin on Monday 23rd March. Transport NI has been appointed to carry out the work at C0257, Innishargy Road. It is expected to be substantially complete by the end of April. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly improve
13/03/2015
The Green Party has hit out at the Government for failing to pick the green initiatives introduced by them. The Green Financial Services Centre was launched in 2011 and had the potential to make Ireland a centre of ethical financial services, according to the party. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan s
12/03/2015
The government is being called to start more building council homes after figures revealed a 40% rise in homelessness since June 2014. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD said this was down to "complete government inaction on tackling rising rents and the shortage of social housing". A
12/03/2015
A housing scheme built by Helm Housing, to help dementia people live independently, has officially opened on the Shankill Road in Belfast. The Department for Social Development gave funding of £4.7 million towards the project at Hemsworth Court. The scheme provides 35 one and two bedroom self cont
12/03/2015
Cork County Council is being called to take responsibility for and act on the current situation regarding Housing Adaptation Grants for those with disabilities in Cork. Cork North Central Senator for Fine Gael Colm Burke confirmed he has been making representations on behalf of Lacey Kiely and her
12/03/2015
£180,000 funding has been announced for the regeneration of Armagh City Centre. The Friary Road/Newry Road Junction Environmental Improvement Scheme will receive funding from Department for Social Development (DSD) of £150,000 which will be used for high quality paving material, landscaping, new st
12/03/2015
Over £20,000 funding has been secured to improve buildings and derelict sites in Newcastle, County Down. The £21,500 funding was announced to prepare for the Irish Open Golfing Championship in May 2015. Social Development Minister Mervyn Minister Storey said: "The funding will be used to improve b
12/03/2015
A Bill has launched today, Thursday, proposing the set-up of a cross border, multi-agency task force to tackle fuel smuggling. Fianna Fáil said the agency would bring together all the statutory organisations responsible for detecting and policing the illicit fuel trade north and south of the border
12/03/2015
KCC Architectural has been named as one of Ireland's Best Managed companies in the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards programme. KCC, which demonstrated superior business performance for the second year running was recognised at an Awards Gala Dinner in Dublin on 6th March 2015. The awards, h
12/03/2015
The Alliance Party has welcomed the announcement that funding to the Mortgage Debt Advice Service (MDAS) is to be increased. The funding is to rise by £340,000, which is a 50% increase. Mr Dickson said: "There is an expectation that the demand for advice services will increase significantly due to
11/03/2015
€350,000 funding has been secured for the development of the of the Killala-Ballina Greenway in County Mayo. Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary welcomed the funding and said it will provide a major boost to the north Mayo area. Deputy Calleary said: "The success of Greenways in other parts of t
11/03/2015
Energia is helping an Irish fresh produce firm reduce its carbon footprint by 94 tonnes of CO2 this year. Keelings undertook at its facilities at Foodcentral, Ireland's national food and drink park in North County Dublin. The firm replaced the facilities' existing lighting with an energy efficient
11/03/2015
Over 240 of Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) homes across Bangor will have their heating system upgraded as part of a £1 million investment. 243 homes will have their heating system upgraded, from E7 or 15 year old boilers, to a more energy efficient system in a series of schemes worth £1.
11/03/2015
A new £6.3 million housing scheme has officially opened in the Shankill area of Belfast. The 54 new homes are located on Battenberg Street, and a further 22 new homes are to be developed in the Lawnbrook area. Social Development Minister, Mervyn Story, said: "These 54 much needed, new and modern,
11/03/2015
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has welcomed the rising number of students choosing construction related courses. The CIF were speaking after figures released by the Central Applications Office (CAO) showed significant growth in the numbers hoping to undertake third level study in course
11/03/2015
A Design Island exhibition has officially launched at Dublin Airport. The photographic exhibition celebrates the breadth of Irish creativity as part of Irish Design 2015 (ID2015). Presented by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and daa, Design Island features a series of 300 photographs by awa
11/03/2015
The Minister for Education has paid a visit to the newly refurbished accommodation at the Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt. The accommodation was provided through a £1 million investment from the School Enhancement Programme (SEP). During the visit, the Minister John O'Dowd had a tour of the s
11/03/2015
The Government is being called to stop the development of one-off housing, which is forcing families to move to towns and villages instead of more rural locations. Fianna Fáil Sligo Councillor Jerry Lundy has accused the Government of presiding over another anti-rural policy in relation to the hous
10/03/2015
Energy grants available to householders under the Better Energy Homes Scheme have been increased. The cash value of every grant has risen by between 25-50%. In addition, a bonus payment has been introduced which will see householders receive bonus payments if they complete three or more energy ef
10/03/2015
Celtic Pure has won the Manufacturer of the Year category, at the Small Firms Association Awards, sponsored by energy firm Energia. The Corcreagh-based firm bottles natural spring water. The awards were be presented by Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Alan Mulcahy,
10/03/2015
A new Local Planning Office in Newtownards is to open on 23rd March. DOE Planning for the Ards and North Down council area currently operates from Rathkeltair House, Downpatrick. From Monday 23rd March, Planners from the DOE Area Planning Team will relocate to council offices in Newtownards. En
10/03/2015
The Finance Minister is being urged to do more to stop home repossessions. Sinn Féin TD and Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis made the call following reports that 7101 bills for repossession had been lodged in Irish courts. Deputy Ellis said: "Government policy facilitates the repossession of Fami
10/03/2015
Funding to the Mortgage Debt Advice Service (MDAS) has been increased by 50%. The MDAS, provided by the Housing Rights Service, will see its funding rise to £340,000 in 2015/16, an increase of £115,000 from 2014/15. The increase in funding will enable the Housing Rights Service to provide valuable
10/03/2015
Water protestors who were put behind bars for objecting to the installation of water meters have been released from jail. Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley, welcomed the news, however he said the arrest of the protesters was clearly a deliberate act against the anti-wa
09/03/2015
A new Planning Office for the Belfast City Council is to open on Monday 30th March. At present DOE Planning for the Belfast council area operates from Bedford House, Belfast. Planners from the DOE Area Planning Team will relocate to the new Belfast Planning Service in Cecil Ward Building, which is
09/03/2015
A design team has been selected to develop the Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. Rhatigan architects and Tangram architects have been appointed to design the proposed development in South Donegal, which will see the merging of the Rock Nursing Home and the Sheil Hospital when a new 80 bed
09/03/2015
Students are being invited to represent the all-island electricity sector at the EURELECTRIC conference 2015. Sponsored by energy firm ESB, the EURELECTRIC is the sector association which represents the common interests of the electricity industry at a pan-European level. This year's two day confer
09/03/2015
Transport NI has started construction work on a £150,000 road improvement project in Dromara, County Down. The resurfacing and improvement works on the Hillsborough Road is expected to be complete by Friday 27 March. To help ensure the safety of road users and contractors traffic management will b
09/03/2015
£2 million funding has been secured for the development of additional Park & Ride facilities in Northern Ireland. The facilities include over 200 additional Park & Ride spaces in Cullybackey, Whiteabbey and Ballymoney. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "There is a growing demand for Park and
09/03/2015
The Northern Ireland construction industry is trailing behind the rest of the UK, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The firm is calling on the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) to stem the tide of construction workers leaving NI to work on the mainland by committing to greater le
09/03/2015
Almost 150 Burren farmers are to receive €942,000 in payments under the 2014 Burren Farming for Conservation Programme (BFCP). Fine Gael TD for Clare, Pat Breen, welcomed the announcement and said the Burren is one of Ireland's outstanding landscapes. The payments to 148 farmers brings the allocat
09/03/2015
The Minister for Regional Development is to appoint five Non-Executive Members to the Board of Northern Ireland Water. No specific academic qualifications are required and applications are welcome from all sections of the community. A spokesperson for DRD said: "The Minister is keen to improve th
06/03/2015
Brookvent in Dunmurry has secured a five-figure deal with a firm in New Zealand for its window ventilation systems. Assisted by Invest Northern Ireland, the deal is with Fairview Windows of Auckland. Brookvent Managing Director, Declan Gormley, commenting on the new export business, said: "While
06/03/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the government over a further rise in the number of mortgages in arrears for more than 720 days. Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath was reacting to the latest Central Bank figures which showed that 37,778 mortgages are now in arrears for more than two years, a 13% incre
06/03/2015
QMAC Construction has completed improvements on Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) homes in north Belfast by installing new kitchens for tenants in the Brucevale, Vicinage and Downview areas. The kitchen replacement scheme began in September 2014. It saw a total of 105 homes have their kitch
06/03/2015
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has met with the Council of Energy Ministers in Brussels to discuss the recently published EU Commission Energy Union Package. At the Council meeting, Minister Alex White strongly supported the Energy Union Package as a way to strengthen
06/03/2015
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is being called to explain why its officials argued over EU air pollution regulations using text copied and pasted from a submission by the lobby group for European power generators. In an investigation by Greenpeace, it was revealed that the EPA requested
06/03/2015
A new dye is to be added to agricultural diesel from 1 April to help prevent fuel laundering. Sinn Féin MLA Mickey Brady welcomed the news. He said: "Fuel laundering has been a major issue that has seen the rise of criminal gangs especially along the border area. "These gangs have caused untold
06/03/2015
LogMeIn has officially opened its new extended headquarters in Dublin. The company has also announced it will create 90 jobs over the next three years. The investment is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through IDA Ireland. LogMeIn established its Dublin office in 20
06/03/2015
Transport NI is to begin a £135,000 resurfacing project on the Knock Road in Belfast on 9 March. The improvement work will take place between Knockmount Park and Knockvale Park and is expected to be complete by Sunday 29 March. To facilitate the final stages of the scheme, a full road closure alon
05/03/2015
The new Gas to West scheme, part of a major extension of the natural gas network in Northern Ireland, has been welcomed by the SDLP. The new project aims to provide an extra 40,000 people with new energy options. SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said it is good news for customers living in the we
05/03/2015
Renewable energy is becoming increasingly valuable to Ireland, according to a new report published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). In 2013, the vast majority of renewable energy came from wind (47%) and bioenergy (42%) with the remainder coming from hydro, geothermal and sola
05/03/2015
A new housing scheme for adults with learning difficulties has officially opened in Omagh. The Omagh Supported Living Service, formerly known as Ashley House, provides high quality accommodation and support services to 16 tenants with learning disabilities. Housing association OakleeTrinity and Me
05/03/2015
€84.7 million European funding has been secured for cross border collaborative environmental projects. The European Commission has formally adopted a new INTERREG cross-border co-operative programme for Northern Ireland, the border region of Ireland and Western Scotland for 2014-2020. €72 million
05/03/2015
The Labour Party is urging all local organisations to apply for funding from the Better Energy Communities programme, sponsored by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI). Mr Ciarán Lynch TD confirmed €13m is available to support the community and not-for-profit organisations. Mr Lynch sa
05/03/2015
Transport NI has started construction work on a £130,000 improvement project in Castlereagh, Northern Ireland. The resurfacing works and other improvements on the Lisdoonan Road will take place between 8am and 6pm daily. The work is expected to be complete by Monday 28 March. Transport NI has pla
05/03/2015
A microbrewery based in Mitchelstown has been announced as a finalist in this year's Small Firms Association (SFA) Awards, sponsored by Energia. Eight Degrees Brewing has been named as a finalist in the Manufacturing Category. The announcement was made at the SFA Awards Showcase in Dublin Castle l
05/03/2015
The Eco-Schools Programme has held an event to mark its 20th anniversary. The event, at Meadowban Arena in Magherafelt, was attended by the Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, who challenged every school to become a Green Flag school. The Minister said: "It is wonderful to see so many of our youn
04/03/2015
Community groups in Meath are being encouraged to apply for funding to upgrade their energy systems under the Better Energy Communities programme. Administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI), €13m is now available for the upgrade of residential, public and community buildings ar
04/03/2015
The Empty Premises Rate Relief Scheme has been extended for another year, until 31 March 2016. The scheme was introduced to bring long-term empty premises back into business use. Finance Minister Simon Hamilton praised the scheme. He said: "The Empty Premises Rate Relief Scheme is a success stor
04/03/2015
A work surface solutions firm, based in Gort, Co Galway, has been announced as a finalist in Small Firms Association Awards (SFA) 2015, sponsored by Energia. Topform has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Manufacturing Category. The announcement was made at the SFA Awards Showcase in Dublin Cas
04/03/2015
Transport NI has confirmed it is to maintain the roads at Mounteagles in Belfast, after the developer abandoned the project following bankruptcy. Residents in the area have been left with unfinished roads and resurfacing is expected to be completed by the end of April. SDLP Belfast Councillor Bria
04/03/2015
The Government has been accused of facilitating, through its policies, the increasing number of family home repossession cases in Ireland. Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson for Finance, Pearse Doherty, said the government has "no interest" in dealing with the repossession crisis. Deputy Doherty added:
04/03/2015
Transport NI has started a £350,000 road improvement project in Fermanagh. The scheme, on the A509 at Derrylin Road at Derryallen, is expected to be completed by Tuesday 31 March. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This is an additional scheme on to earlier work on A509. It will remove a narr
03/03/2015
A plastic recycling firm located in Dundalk has been named as a finalist in the Small Firms Association (SFA) Awards. Leinster Environmentals were announced as finalists in the manufacturing category in Dublin Castle last week. The awards, sponsored by Energia, will be presented by Awards Patron,
03/03/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out over motor tax money being used to "prop up" Irish Water. Galway East TD Colm Keaveney said it is "unacceptable" and should be used to repair roads in the county which remain impassable due to the snow. Deputy Keaveney said: "Just last week it was revealed that Galway resid
03/03/2015
£2 million is to be invested to extend the Boiler Replacement Scheme in Northern Ireland for another year. The scheme, which has helped boost the construction sector, was due to finish on 31 March 2015. Since the scheme was launched in September 2012, 18,500 boilers have been replaced and more tha
03/03/2015
The Minister for the Environment is to introduce measures to regulate residential rents, however Sinn Féin is calling for more detail on the proposal so that high rents can be dealt with as soon as possible. Minister Alan Kelly said that he would be seeking to introduce a framework to give rent cer
03/03/2015
Transport NI has begun work on a £260,000 improvement project in Antrim. The work, on the B59 Doagh Road at Parkgate, is expected to be completed at the end of March. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "The improvements will result in the overall strengthening of the road and road users will q
03/03/2015
A renewable energy firm based in Saintfield, Northern Ireland, has been fined over £1,500 after it claimed to be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Greenhouse N.I Renewable Energy Systems Ltd pleaded guilty to five offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trad
02/03/2015
Construction firm BAM and McCann have been appointed as the contractors for the A31 Magherafelt Bypass project in Northern Ireland. The 6km scheme represents an investment of £35 million and will entail the construction of a single carriageway through a largely green field site between the A31 Mone
02/03/2015
A plan is being published today which sets out comprehensive measures that can be implemented to help restore economic activity and job creation in towns across Ireland. Fianna Fáil has engaged in detailed consultation on 'Streets Ahead: Fighting for the Future of Irish Towns', and believes it reco
02/03/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the government to tackle fuel poverty. Michael Colreavy TD said the government needs to protect those most at risk of fuel poverty and said an EU wide recognition of fuel poverty is essential in tackling the issue. Mr Colreavy said: "Member states are also obliged to reduce
02/03/2015
The upgrade of the L'Derry to Belfast railway may be delayed again due to funding issues. SDLP MLA John Dallat has expressed his frustration. Mr Dallat said: "Clearly the progress on the upgrading of the signalling equipment, which hasn't been upgraded since the 1930s, is welcome news and presumab
02/03/2015
A £184,000 road improvement project is to start in east Belfast. The resurfacing scheme will take place on a section of the Gilnahirk Road. Work will commence from the Lower Braniel Road to Elsmere Heights on Monday 2 March. The scheme is expected to be completed by the end of March. The works o
02/03/2015
The Green Party has slammed the European Commission after the new Energy Paper launched excludes the UK and Ireland. One of the main proposals is the promotion of new regional electricity markets. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan commented: "Our Government have once again dropped the ball on climate
