Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for June 2015
30/06/2015
€3 million in funding has been secured from the European Union (EU) for development works in Foynes Port, Co Limerick. The funding comes from the EU's Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T) and will be used on the construction of the East Jetty in the Port. Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O'Donov
30/06/2015
The deadline for registering with Irish Water is midnight tonight, 30 June. To be eligible for the Government's €100 Water Conservation Grant households must register today. Those who register will receive letters from the Department of Social Protection in late August or September with details on
30/06/2015
The sites for the redevelopment of the Rotunda and the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospitals have been announced. A review of the proposed sites for the development of maternity hospitals in Dublin was necessary following the Government's decision to develop the new children's hospital at t
30/06/2015
The new bridge across the River Lagan in Belfast has officially opened. The new Lagan Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, which connects Donegall Quay with Queen's Quay, replaces the old footbridge and represents a £5m investment in the city from the Department for Social Development. With 16,000 pe
30/06/2015
A newly refurbished gym has opened at the Falls Leisure Centre in Belfast. Following a £200,000 investment, the refurb includes a new 53-station gym with cardiovascular and resistance equipment. GLL, one of the UK's largest leisure providers, which runs the centre under its brand name Better, has
30/06/2015
The Minister for Social Development is being urged to put in place safety requirements for electricity and gas in private sector buildings. SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat said since the deaths of Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson, both 18, who lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning, no new m
30/06/2015
The Government is being accused of trying to push through new laws to force people to pay their water charges. The Environment Minister, Alan Kelly, published new amendments last week which will impose new penalities for people who do not pay the water charge. Fianna Fáil General Election candidat
29/06/2015
The SDLP has backed Trócaire campaigners from Northern Ireland at Westminster in its new climate change campaign. The charity's 'Feel the Heat' campaign calls on international governments to address the dangerous effects of global warming at a major UN climate summit in Paris later this year. Tróc
29/06/2015
AbbVie has announced it is to invest €40 million to expand its facility in Ballytivnan, Sligo. Fine Gael TD for Sligo/Leitrim, Tony Mc Loughlin TD, welcomed the news. He said: "AbbVie launched in Sligo in 2013 with the creation of 75 new jobs and since that time the company has gone from strength
29/06/2015
More customers switched energy supplier in 2014, according to the latest report by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The CER Annual Electricity and Gas Retail Market Report 2014 highlights the positive impacts of continued strong competition for domestic consumers in Ireland. In total, 1
29/06/2015
Work on a £300,000 watermains improvement programme has started in Hillsborough, County Down. The investment is part of an overall £2,544,000 investment in the wider Lisburn, Dromore, Banbridge and Newry areas. The extent of the work is along Lisburn Road and Lisburn Street between the roundabout
29/06/2015
Refurbishment work at the Tullyally Community Centre in L'Derry is now complete. The Department for Social Development provided almost £200,000 for the refurbishment work at the Tullyally Community Centre which recently fell into a state of disrepair. Derry City and Strabane District Council prog
29/06/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out over plans to take unpaid water charges from wages and social welfare payments. Spokesperson on the Environment Brian Stanley TD said this represents another desperate attempt by the Government to bully people into paying their water charges. Deputy Stanley said: "As with the
26/06/2015
The Saudi Electricity Company has awarded ESB International a €17 million contract to project manage the development of a gas fired Combined Cycle power plant. The four-year project will see 40 staff from ESB International working in the region throughout the period, as well as bringing 15 engineer
26/06/2015
Construction work has started on a £1.3 million development scheme for Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach in Crumlin. The new four classroom-based system build accommodation, funded through the Department of Education's Accommodation Fund, will replace the school's existing mobile accommodation. Educatio
26/06/2015
A newly developed medical & dental facility and a primary care centre has officially opened in Dublin. The new development, Centric Health Medical & Dental Practice and the HSE's Navan Road Primary Care Centre, is located on the corner of Cabra Road and the Navan Road. The facility provides 3,252
26/06/2015
Entries for the Sustainable Energy Awards 2015 has been extended until Friday 10 July, it has been announced. Now in its 12th year, the Awards are presented by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and sponsored by Electric Ireland and Enprova. The competition encourages and rewards
26/06/2015
The GAA's submission on the Casement Park redevelopment has been welcomed by Sinn Féin. MLA Rosie McCorley the GAA presented "clear and robust" evidence that safety was always paramount throughout the project. She said: "The committee heard forthright and clear evidence from the GAA officials, whi
26/06/2015
The Government is being accused of taking an "underhand" approach after trying to bring in a series of changes to Water legislation. The government has introduced around 33 pages of amendments to the Environmental Miscellaneous Provisions Bill which was only originally 29 pages and designed to deal
25/06/2015
The Odyssey Arena, Northern Ireland's largest and most famous entertainment venue, is to be renamed the SSE Arena Belfast when it opens following refurbishment in September. The SSE Arena Belfast will join the UK-wide stable of SSE entertainment venues including the SSE Hydro in Glasgow and the SS
25/06/2015
The Environment Committee has passed Sinn Féin's Right2water report. The report, by Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan, said she was delighted the committee had adopted all the recommendations on the European Citizen's Initiative on the Right2Water despite the attempts by Fine Gael's EPP group to pos
25/06/2015
Refurbishment work at St Brigid's Parish Centre in L'Derry is now complete. The Parish Centre is owned and used by the Resource Centre Derry (RCD) which provides a wide range of services including Sure Start, meals on wheels, counselling, therapy services, and a service for the care of older people
25/06/2015
Piperhill Construction has been appointed to renovate new premises used by the North Down TMCA in Bangor. The YMCA agreed to sell their premises to the Department for Social Development (DSD) and relocate to new premises in High Street. North Down YMCA currently operate out of premises at 39 Quee
25/06/2015
The Government is to examine and review the impacts of property price increases on the local property tax. A review of the system conducted by Dr Don Thornhill is currently ongoing. Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty said its purpose is to make recommendations on changes that might be mad
25/06/2015
The GAA is currently working on submitting a fresh planning application for the redevelopment of Casement Park in west Belfast. Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín says there is widespread support among the local residents. The Minister was speaking after meeting a delegation from the Andersonstown R
25/06/2015
Significant progress is being made on a £3.8 million school improvement scheme in Ballymoney, Co Antrim. The project, at Ballymoney High School, includes a new two-storey modular building which will provide specialist accommodation, including provision for science, home economics and ICT in additio
25/06/2015
The Government is being accused of failing families who are having difficulties with mortgage repayments and repossession. Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare South Seán Ó Fearghaíl highlighted the current flaws with the Governments Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears and accused the Government of being "u
24/06/2015
The National Roads Authority (NRA) and Louth County Council is being urged to keep disruption to a minimum during planned works on the N53 over the summer months. Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams spoke at a meeting in Naomh Malachi Clubrooms, Courtbane (Shelagh), Hackballscross, involving other local
24/06/2015
Contractor FP McCann and Transport NI have completed strengthening works to a bridge in Killyclogher. The work on the Ballynamullan Bridge, Farmhill Road, included precast extensions to the existing masonry arch structure. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This is a major investm
24/06/2015
The Alliance Party is calling on NI Water to begin an open consultation on future plans for redundant impounding reservoirs. Cllr Andrew Muir made the call following the passage of the Reservoirs Bill through the Northern Ireland Assembly. Councillor Andrew Muir said: "In recent years the lack of
24/06/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling on the Government to keep its promise on three delayed road schemes. General Election Candidate for Kildare North Cllr James Lawless aid the Sallins bypass was vital for Sallins and taking the gridlock out of the village at the Naas Municipal District meeting. Cllr Lawless s
24/06/2015
The Government and local authorities are being urged to respond after in was revealed that the operators of the Poolbeg incinerator, Dublin Waste to Energy (Holdings), have engaged in a profit-reducing arrangement with a subsidiary in Luxembourg. The arrangement will see Luxembourg-based Dublin Fir
24/06/2015
Almost 27,000 farmers have applied to join the Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS), the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed. Mr Simon Coveney also released more details of the first tranche of applications for GLAS, Ireland's new agri-environment scheme. GLAS is
23/06/2015
The Fine Gael/Labour government has been slammed over its housing strategy plans. Sinn Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD claims they are failing to meet their own "miserably low" targets for new housing. Teachta Ellis said: "The Coalition has a pathetically low new housing target, of just 1,700
23/06/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling once again for the revaluation of properties to be suspended until at least 2020. The party also hit out at the Government for continuing to ignore the property tax regime. Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen TD said many families will face "cripplin
23/06/2015
A farmer from County Fermangh has been fined £250 for a pollution offence at Enniskillen Magistrates Court. Patrick Joseph Higgins from Springfield was also ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15. On 3 June 2014, Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs), acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environmen
23/06/2015
The SDLP has slammed the decision to withdraw subsidies for new onshore wind farms one year earlier than expected. South Down MP, Margaret Ritchies, said the decision by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change will "hinder rather than help the UK". Ms Ritchie said: "The Secretary of S
23/06/2015
€45,000 has been secured for conservation works to be carried out at Tomas O'Criomhthain's house in County Kerry. Minister for the Diaspora and TD for Kerry, Jimmy Deenihan, welcomed the news. Mr Deenihan said: "For some time I have been consulting with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gae
23/06/2015
Fianna Fail is urging the Government to include the Slane bypass in County Meath in its capital expenditure programme. It is believed the Govt is to launch the programme in July. Senator Thomas Byrne said: "It was included in the previous Government's plans and funding was made available to let it
22/06/2015
An upgraded Water Treatment Plant in Boyle, County Roscommon, has officially opened. The plant will provide improvements in the drinking water quality for 6,000 customers in Boyle. It is the first step in an integrated programme to resolve all outstanding Boil Water Notices in Co. Roscommon in 2015
22/06/2015
Applegreen has announced plans to develop a new facility at the former Cemex and Donnelly Mirrors site in Naas. The building is expected to include a garage forecourt, central office space and a research and training facility. Fianna Fail Councillor Lawless welcomed the plans and said he has been
22/06/2015
The final phase of works have started on the £650,000 junction upgrade at Friary Road /Newry Road in Newry. Resurfacing work at the junction started on Sunday 21 June. In addition, work to Scotch Street car park will be complete by the end of June and any remaining work on the scheme will be comp
22/06/2015
Sinn Fein has hit out over the cost of a hard copy of the planning application of the North South Interconnector. Members of the North East Pylon Pressure Campaign (NEPPC) confirmed the cost is 5,000 each. The group had requested four copies of the application for their members and are also asking
22/06/2015
The Secretary General the Department of Agriculture has been questioned over plans for the department's office building in Portlaoise in County Laois. Fianna Fáil TD for Laois Sean Fleming said the current situation is leading to a waste of resources as there is up to €1m of tax payer's money bein
22/06/2015
£650,000 improvement works are to start at Strangford Harbour in Downpatrick. The improvements will happen in advance of the delivery of the new Strangford Lough Ferry Service vehicle ferry in Autumn 2016. Construction work to re-grade the Strangford slipway is scheduled to commence in late Autumn
19/06/2015
Construction work to develop a new school in Letterkenny has been brought forward. The school, for Letterkenny Education Together, is to be built on the former site of Unifi. Construction work is expected to start in November 2015 and be completed by September 2016. Fianna Fáil TD Charlie McConal
19/06/2015
There has been a 96.7% increase in new planning permissions in Ireland, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, said this is another sign the recovery is taking hold. She said: "In the first three months of 2015 planning permissio
19/06/2015
A school in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, has been forced to close for the remainder of the academic year after "minor particles" of asbestos were identified in the building, according to the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS). Cross and Passion College informed parents on Tuesday that the sc
19/06/2015
Significant progress is being made on a £3m improvement project at a school in Warrenpoint. Education Minister John O'Dowd visited the St Mark's High School site on Thursday. The project includes a new three-storey block at the rear of the school as well as internal alterations and refurbishment o
19/06/2015
Building work has started on a £1.55m extension at Rathore School in Newry. The new extension will replace the current temporary accommodation, providing children with new facilities, including five new classrooms and a post-16 suite, as well as a parent meeting room and increased ancillary facilit
19/06/2015
A Bill to provide a discount on property tax for homeowners living in managed estates in Co Kildare has been published by Fianna Fáil. Councillor James Lawless said many homeowners are paying "on the double" for many services. The Fianna Fáil Bill provides a discount on property tax, worth a third
19/06/2015
Transport NI has completed work to improve road safety outside a school in L'Derry. The firm repainted road markings on both sides of Racecourse Road outside St Patrick's Primary School in Pennyburn. SDLP Councillor Brian Tierney welcomed the work and said the road markings should keep passing veh
18/06/2015
A design team has been selected by the HSE to discuss plans to upgrade the Carndonagh Community Hospital in Donegal. Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue confirmed that the work on the hospital is scheduled to begin next year. Deputy McConalogue commented: "The work will see much needed
18/06/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government for failing to tackle the escalating housing crisis throughout Ireland. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government, Barry Cowen TD, said the Ministers have acknowledged the crisis, however they are failing to resolve the issue. Deputy Cow
18/06/2015
A Fianna Fail Councillor has submitted his objection over the proposed Maighne Wind Farm in Co Kildare. Councillor James Lawless believes the 47x167m turbines will damage house prices, tourism, and the local economy if constructed. Councillor Lawless has called for a planning moratorium until the n
18/06/2015
The Department of Environment has discovered the foundations for houses believed to be from 700 years ago in Cookstown. The foundations in Tullaghoge are believed to belong to the Gaelic O'Hagan clan, where O'Neills were crowned as chiefs of their lands, and the O'Hagans were the hereditary guardia
18/06/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government for failing to outline the water charging system for farmers. Councillor Eamon Scanlon said the situation is "ludicrous" and confirmed farmers are currently receiving bills from Irish Water and the county council. He said: "I have been contacted by numerou
18/06/2015
The Minister For Agriculture and Rural Development is being urged to explain why there are no plans for the former army barracks in Ballykelly, L'Derry. SDLP East Derry Assembly Member John Dallat has said he would like to see a 'comprehensive plan' to identify a future for the site. Mr Dallat sai
18/06/2015
The Drapers' Towns Partnership has received over £100,000 to develop and maintain the heritage and walking trails across the Sperrins, along the border of County Tyrone and L'Derry. The Partnership was awarded the funding by the South West Action for Rural Development (SWARD) from the Rural Develop
18/06/2015
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has confirmed it is ending its support for onshore wind in 2016, one year earlier than planned. The Renewables Obligation across Great Britain to new onshore wind projects only from 1 April 2016 is to close. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minist
18/06/2015
An Action Group has transformed a derelict piece of waste ground into a community growing space in L'Derry. The Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group created the space at Sperrin Park after the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) allocated almost £30,000 funding. It allows residents on the estate to
18/06/2015
Building work has started on one of the largest social housing schemes in Northern Ireland in over 10 years. Developed by Apex Housing Association, the new scheme on Skeoge Link Road in L'Derry will deliver over 197 new homes. The work is expected to be completed in spring 2017. (CD/JP)
17/06/2015
Gaelectric has officially opened its operating windfarm on the outskirts of Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim. Based at Faughary, the development is Gaelectric's second operating windfarm in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) and its fourth operating wind farm in Ireland. Faughary is a 6-Megawatt wind farm ut
17/06/2015
Senior officials at Irish Water have confirmed they do not know the number of homes containing lead pipes in Ireland, despite the Minister for the Environment announcing 200,000 homes have been affected, according to Fianna Fáil. The party's spokesperson on Environment and Local Government, Barry C
17/06/2015
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, operating as Vistakon Ireland, is to expand its manufacturing facility at its site in Co Limerick. The firm is investing over €100m in the expansion in the National Technology Park, Plassey. It is expected that the 18-month construction phase will create 200 temporar
17/06/2015
Lumicity's management team and RWE Supply & Trading, a division of RWE AG, have acquired ESB Novusmodus' stake in Lumicty, the specialist Agritech Energy Services provider. ESB Novusmodus is a Cleantech Fund set up by Irish utility firm ESB with a view to investing in companies and projects involve
17/06/2015
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is to replace 200,000 electricity meters over the next two years. Contractors MD Electrical and KJM Electrical have been selected to carry out the first phase of the project. KJM Electrical has started work within the Greater Belfast area and MD Electrical will c
17/06/2015
£190,000 is to be invested to help restore a church in L'Derry. The investment, from the Rural Development Programme, is to be used to restore the architectural and historical legacy of St Patrick's Church in Claudy. A works programme centred on the church's exterior and its bell tower, would rest
17/06/2015
The Department for Social Development (DSD) and Mid Ulster District Council have allocated £4.5 million towards Public Realm works of £8m in Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt. The works will include upgrading pedestrian areas and pavements with high quality materials, improved lighting provision
17/06/2015
The Government's proposals to reform Part V of the Planning and Development act have been criticised by Sinn Féin. Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis said that the plans will benefit developers, however it will in "no way" help those in housing need. Mr Ellis also welcomed the proposal of a vacant
17/06/2015
A Northern Ireland based housing association has completed improvements to apartments in Donagaghdee, Co Down. Clanmil Housing Group have finished the improvements at The Imperial, which provides 24 self-contained apartments for older people. A total of £168,143 has been invested to refresh the
17/06/2015
Sinn Féin is urging the public to give their opinions over the north south interconnector. The public consultation period on the planning application began on Tuesday, 16 June, and MEP for the Midlands North West Matt Carthy is calling on the public to voice their concerns. Mr Carthy said: "Unfort
16/06/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Environment Minister for sending a letter to local authorities in Ireland encouraging them not to introduce higher standards for housing. Spokesperson Mr Dessie Ellis said the letter showed a "worrying disregard" for the standards of housing being provided for people in
16/06/2015
Galway City Council has partnered with Irish Water to replace over 14km of watermains in Carraroe. An assessment of all the watermains in County Galway identified the sections of mains that are the highest priority for replacement due to their high leakage rates, poor condition, carrying capacity a
16/06/2015
Fianna Fáil is urging the Transport Minister to allocate funding to upgrade the rail network on the main Galway to Athenry line. Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West Éamon Ó Cuív has been informed by Iarnród Éireann that it is looking at ways to upgrade the level crossing system, particularly at junction
16/06/2015
The 0.20% cut to the variable mortgage rate has been welcomed by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Mr Alan Kelly said he was pleased with the decision by the Board of the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and confirmed it is being passed on in full to local authority borrowers. Min
16/06/2015
Building work has started on a new manufacturing facility for West Pharmaceutical Services in Waterford. The Waterford facility will manufacture packaging components for insulin injector cartridges and other high-value packaging components for injectable drugs. The company intends to employ approx
16/06/2015
Over £100,000 has been secured for resurfacing works on roads near Saintfield, Co Down. The £110,000 scheme on Oughley Road and part of Drumalig Road is to start on Monday 27 July. The works will take place between 8am and 6pm daily including some weekend working. It is expected to be complete b
16/06/2015
Two firms based in Portadown have been fined for waste offences at Craigavon Crown Court. Portadown Recycling and Skip Hire Limited of Brownstown Business Centre in Portadown was fined £7,000. A compensation order of £5,912.10 was granted to HM Revenue & Customs for lost revenue. Jameson Properties
16/06/2015
A £207,000 road improvement project has started at the A26 Dunsilly Roundabout in County Antrim. The scheme extends to both lanes of the roundabout and will include reshaping on the Lisnevenagh Road towards Ballymena. Work is expected to be complete by Thursday 02 July. Diversions are currently i
16/06/2015
A dairy firm has been fined for a pollution offence at Dungannon Magistrates Court. Dale Farm pleaded guilty of making a polluting discharge to a waterway and was fined £750. The firm also pleaded guilty to breaching a condition of its Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Permit and was fined £1
16/06/2015
Fine Gael has welcomed the announcement that Mullingar Courthouse is to be extended and refurbished. TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, said she is delighted that a preferred tender has been identified. She said: "I have been informed by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances F
15/06/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the Environment Minister to scrap the water meters and use the resources to replace lead pipes. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh said the money being wasted by Irish Water would be much better employed in replacing lethal lead piping. He said: "If the government are serious a
15/06/2015
BAM PPP PGGM has been selected as the preferred tenderer to carry out major work on courthouses throughout Ireland. The project includes four new courthouses to be built in Drogheda, Letterkenny, Limerick and Wexford, as well as substantial refurbishment and extension works to existing courthouse
15/06/2015
Variable mortgage rates are to be cut by 0.20% it has been announced. The Board of the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) decided to decrease its rates at a meeting on Friday 12 June. Environment Minister Alan Kelly welcomed the decision. He said: "The current variable mortgage interest rate of 2.75% i
15/06/2015
Dublin City Council has spent over €1.2m on removing graffiti from buildings and infrastructures since 2010, according to new figures. Fianna Fail Dublin Councillor Jim O'Callaghan released the figures today, Monday. He has also called for a greater focus on the use of community service orders und
15/06/2015
The SDLP has slammed the lack of progress of the Affordable Warmth Scheme. 5,971 houses have been approved for the scheme since September but as of this month only 49 have been retrofitted with energy efficient measures. SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said she was disappointed to discover that
15/06/2015
The contract for the provision of a new Visitor facility at Kilmainham Courthouse in Dublin has been signed. The facility will provide modern facilities for the approx 335,000 visitors who visit the site each year. It is expected to be complete in early 2016. Simon Harris, Minister of State with
15/06/2015
A Co Tyrone farmer has been fined £250 for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. Mr Ivan Jobb from Fintona was also ordered to pay an offenders levy of £15 at Omagh Magistrates Court. On 5 June 2014, Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs), acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency
15/06/2015
The keys of the former Garda Station in Ballycastle have officially been handed over for community use. Minister of State, with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Simon Harris, handed over the keys. He said: "I'm pleased to be here in County Mayo today, to hand over a for
12/06/2015
The government has rejected plans to redevelop Moore Street in Dublin. Government Senators this week refused to support a Fianna Fáil Bill in the Seanad, which had the support of the 1916 Relatives Group, the Save Moore Street Committee and the Moore Street traders. One Labour and two Fine Gael Se
12/06/2015
A planning application has been submitted for the development of the North-South 400kV Interconnection. EirGrid submitted the application to An Bord Pleanála. The North-South 400kV Interconnection Development is part of across-border electricity interconnector scheme being proposed by EirGri
12/06/2015
A new £1.2 million sports development has been completed in L'Derry. The sports changing and community meeting space complex at Lowry's Lane will allow residents of all age groups the opportunity to become actively involved in many sporting activities, was supported by the Department for Social De
12/06/2015
A new geology field school has officially opened in County Clare. Developed by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, in collaboration with Caherconnell Archaeological Field School and NUI Galway, the Burren Geology Field School will teach students about the world-class geology of the Burren and h
12/06/2015
The green light has been given for an existing open cast mining operation in Omagh to be extended underground. The permission for the mining of gold, silver and lead includes approval for a further 15 years of work at the operation in the Cavanacaw area. The underground works within the existing m
12/06/2015
Over €110,000 has been allocate for coastal protection works in Louth. In total €114,300 is to be spent on minor flood mitigation. Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, said: "In Castlebellingham, €13,500 will be used to repair the sea defence; €10,800 will be used to construct a rock armour
12/06/2015
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been slammed for a delay at approving drainage works on the River Clare in Galway. The Commissioner for Public Works submitted the plan to the department 18 months ago, however there has been no progress on the issue. Fianna Fáil TD for Galway We
12/06/2015
€3 million in funding has been allocated to build a new bridge at Cockhill, County Kerry. Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal, Charlie McConalogue, has welcomed the funding and said it has been a long standing issue for the people of Buncrana and North Inishowen. He said: "I would like to pay tribute to ev
11/06/2015
Over €1.2m in funding has been secured for energy efficiency projects in Donegal. The Better Energy Communities scheme is designed to improve energy efficiency in public buildings, businesses, sports clubs and homes. Fine Gael TD for Donegal, Dinny McGinley, welcomed the announcement. He said: "A
11/06/2015
Caterpillar, a manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, has announced it is to axe 35 jobs at its facility in Northern Ireland. The posts that will be cut include both permanent and agency staff. Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, said the news is "very disappointing". Mr Dicks
11/06/2015
ESB International, which is wholly owned by ESB, Ireland's state-owned electricity company, has announced a number of major overseas contracts. The contracts include: a €12m contract in Ghana; a contract with the World Bank in Zambia and Zanzibar; a €17m contract which will be signed in Saudi Arab
11/06/2015
Sinn Féin has "no confidence" in the latest research report on fracking after it was revealed it is being led by a company with "such deep interests" in the fracking industry. Michael Colreavy, Spokesperson on Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources, confirmed the Environmetal Protection Agen
11/06/2015
Lisburn-based firm Earney Contracts has started pre-construction works to improve Larne town centre in Northern Ireland. The areas to benefit from the Public Realm works include Agnew Street, Quay Street, Main Street, Broadway, Main Street Upper and High Street. The improvement works include: • L
11/06/2015
Eleven members have been appointed to the National Expert Advisory Council on Climate Change. The group will advise Government departments and agencies on the actions required to significantly decarbonise the Irish economy by 2050. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill commits to the
11/06/2015
A grant scheme to cover the cost of replacing lead water pipes is to be introduced in Ireland. Dublin Bay North Labour TD, Sean Kenny, welcomed the announcement and said he was pleased that the problem is being tackled. Mr Kenny said: "Tests on drinking water in Dublin homes (up to last December)
11/06/2015
A Fianna Fáil Bill to redevelop the national monument at Moore Street in Dublin is to be debated in the Seanad. The Bill is to be introduced by Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Dublin, Darragh O'Brien. It has the support of the Save Moore Street Committee, the 1916 Relatives Group and the Moore Stree
10/06/2015
Sinn Féin is urging the government to invest in building new homes after raising concerns at the number of people on housing waiting lists for the Dublin Bay North area. Dublin City Councillor Denise Mitchell said she was shocked to hear that there are now 5,481 applicants on the housing waiting li
10/06/2015
A new two-bay fire station is to be developed in Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny. Ann Phelan, T.D., Minister of State for Rural Affairs in the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, in conjunction with Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, TD ann
10/06/2015
The Transport Minister has been forced to cut back on road maintenance work in NI following budget cuts. Mr Danny Kennedy has raised concerns over the £60 million cuts to the Department for Regional Development in 2015/16, more than half of which will fall to TransportNI, which are having a signifi
10/06/2015
A revitalisation project in Ballynahinch, County Down, is now complete. The aim of the scheme is to support existing traders in the development of their businesses, promote the area as a destination for shoppers, and improve the attractiveness of shop frontages. Social Development Minister Mervyn
10/06/2015
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has raised serious concerns over 'brick bandits' in north Belfast. The NIHE said their actions are causing great difficulties and potential danger to local residents in the Fortwilliam Parade area. As part of a regeneration initiative, the NIHE is curr
10/06/2015
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has slammed the Department for Culture Arts & Leisure (DCAL) for obstructing the search for truth when safety concerns were first raised over the Casement Park development. It follows the Department's failure to comply with a Freedom of Information request. Mr Mike
10/06/2015
Illegal dumping and fly tipping has cost Dublin €1.1m to clear over two years. Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly said it continues to be a "huge problem" for the city and blamed the privatisation of the bins and the removal of the bin waiver for being a catalyst in the increase in fly tipping. S
10/06/2015
Fianna Fáil is urgently calling on Irish Water to fix the pipes affected by lead contaminated water in Dublin households. Councillor Deirdre Heaney has described the lead levels in household water in areas of Clontarf, Coolock and Raheny as a "serious public health hazard". She said: "This is a ma
09/06/2015
Richmond Barracks in Inchicore are to be restored following a major investment. Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Críona Ní Dhálaigh has welcomed the announcement. She said: "It is an integral part of a larger historical trail. Tourists are attracted to the Inchicore area by the Guinness Storehouse
09/06/2015
A Labour TD has welcomed Dublin City Council's plans to acquire Dalymount Park from Bohemians Football Club. Joe Costello congratulated those involved in the negotiations. Mr Costello said: "Bohemians will continue to have its headquarters in Dalymount and to play its home games there, and Dublin
09/06/2015
Fine Gael has been slammed for claiming credit in relation to the Center Parcs development. Fianna TD for Longford Westmeath Robert Troy criticised the party and confirmed that there have been no IDA visits to Longford in the last three years. Deputy Troy made the comments after literature was cir
09/06/2015
Plans on the preferred alignment for the A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass have been announced. A public information day will be held on 17 June in the Ardhowen Theatre to help inform the general public and allow them to comment on the proposals. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said it is hoped the
09/06/2015
Buildings connected with the 1916 Easter Rising on Moore Street in Dublin are to be added to the list of protected structures. Dublin City Councillors approved the move during a recent meeting. Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha said: "This is a further step to protect Moore Stre
09/06/2015
Over 20 play parks in Belfast are to undergo refurbishment works following a £1.8 million investment from Belfast City Council. In total 21 parks across the city will be updated with refurbishment expected to begin in seven parks later this year. A further nine will undergo revamps in 2016-17, with
09/06/2015
The amount of purpose built student accommodation provided by universities in Ireland remains very low, according to Sinn Féin. Spokesperson Dessie Ellis is urging the government work work more closely with universities to provide a strategy for housing students. Deputy Ellis said: "This is a prob
09/06/2015
Advice from The Tile Association Calcium sulfate screeds have seen a huge rise in popularity over the last few years. It's easy to see why, given they have a number of benefits over sand:cement screeds. Whereas traditional sand:cement screeds can take longer and be labour intensive to install, c
08/06/2015
Mayo Renewable Power has confirmed it has secured money to build its wood chip biomass power station in Killala, County Mayo. The 42.5MW Electricity Generating Station and Biomass Fuel Processing Facility will cost €180m and will qualify for Ireland's Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) program
08/06/2015
Dublin City Council (DCC) is to acquire Dalymount Park for €3.8m from Bohemians Football Club. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, said he is "delighted" the council has been able to secure a deal. He said: "Dalymount Park has a special place in the affections of Irish f
08/06/2015
Meath County Council is being urged to improve roads in the area. Fianna Fáil is calling for the council to go "back to basics" to ensure the road network is "up to scratch". Senator Thomas Byrne said: "I raised this issue in a recent meeting with the County Manager in Navan, that it was all very
08/06/2015
The International Peat Society conference has officially opened in Tullamore today, Monday 07 June. The event, which is being held at the Tullamore Court Hotel, provides an open platform for engagement and discussion on all matters relating to peatlands. It will run until Friday 11 June. Minister
08/06/2015
Electric firm ESB Networks has issued a safety warning over the dangers of hanging bunting and flags to electricity poles. In a statement, ESB said: "Electricity poles and pylons carry live conductors which are positioned overhead to be out of harm's way. It is important to keep well away as coming
08/06/2015
The Central Bank (Mortgage Interests Rates Bill) 2015 is to be brought forward by Sinn Féin this week. The bill is designed to give the Central Bank the power to cap mortgage interest rates at banks that have been bailed out with public money. Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson, Pearse Doherty, said t
08/06/2015
Wexford County Council and Irish Water are to invest €7.5m in a Wastewater Treatment Scheme for Gorey, Co Wexford. The project, which started in September 2014, is on schedule and expected to be completed in April 2016. The existing Gorey treatment plant is overloaded and unable to meet the requi
08/06/2015
Ireland has promised almost €2m in funding to help the world's poorest countries tackle climate change. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, said the funding will strengthen the ability of poor communities to adapt to climate change and tackle environmental degradation. He
05/06/2015
Irish Water is to invest €5m in the water supply scheme on Cape Clear in Cork. The announcement was made by Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Noel Harrington. Mr Harrington met with representatives from Irish Water to discuss the project. He said: "Irish Water's plan for Cape Clear consists of two pha
05/06/2015
Preparation work has started for a £90,000 road resurfacing project in Kesh. The scheme, on the A35 Main Street, is to begin on 22 June and is expected to last for five days. The road will be closed from 9.30am to 6pm daily, however it will be open to traffic overnight. Diversions will be put in
05/06/2015
Irish Water has announced plans to upgrade two drinking water treatment plants in Donegal. The plants, at Lettermacaward and Killybegs, will ensure sufficient clean drinking water to this region of West Donegal, including the area supplied by the Glenties/Ardara Public Supply. The supply currently
05/06/2015
An Bord Pleanala has refused to suspend plans for Emlagh wind farm in County Meath while the project is subject to legal proceedings. The wind farm was previously designated a 'Strategic Infrastructure Development' (SID) by An Bord Pleanála. The decision is now being challenged in the High Court by
05/06/2015
Almost four homes in Ireland are being repossessed or surrendered every day, according to figures from the Central Bank. Sinn Féin has hit out at the Government for failing to take action and said the figures show "for many it is far too late". Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said there are
05/06/2015
The Acting Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has announced her resignation. Mags Lightbody joined the Housing Executive as a Director in October 2013 and has been acting Chief Executive from April 2014. She said: "I have immensely enjoyed my time with the Housing Exe
05/06/2015
The Government has allocated a total of €61m for the Haulbowline Island remediation project in Cork. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, welcomed the announcement and said the completion of the work is "crucial". He said: "While analysis, testing, design and enabling w
04/06/2015
Construction work on a new distillery in County Meath is to begin later this summer. US distillers Brown Forman, the company behind Jack Daniel's, is to invest $50m to build a new distillery at Slane Castle Estate. Fine Gael TD Helen McEntee has welcomed the announcement. Deputy McEntee said: "I
04/06/2015
Residents in Meath, Monaghan and Cavan are said to be outraged after Eirgrid submitted a planning application to build a new 400kV AC overhead line. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan, has expressed his disappointment that EirGrid's notice of
04/06/2015
Building work has started on a new £4.2m housing project for people suffering with dementia in Greenisland, Co Antrim. The site, situated on the Shore Road, is being developed by OakleeTrinity Housing Association, in conjunction with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. The new accommodatio
04/06/2015
A £110,000 road improvement project near Saintfield in County Down is to start on Monday 22 June. The resurfacing scheme on Oughley Road and part of Drumalig Road is expected to be completed by Friday 10 July. Diversions will be put in place. (CD/JP)
04/06/2015
Representatives from NI housing association Oaklee Trinity welcomed the Social Development Minister to an open day at its sheltered housing project in Ballymoney, Co Antrim. Shiels Court, on Ballymoney's Castle Street, consists of 36 flats where older tenants can enjoy an independent lifestyle in t
04/06/2015
The number of court orders for the sale or repossession of a home in Ireland in the first quarter has increased by 50%, according to the Central Bank's Residential Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions Statistics. The figures also revealed a 10% increase in the quarter in legal proceedings issued to e
04/06/2015
Northern Ireland's Environment Minister has commended the environmental work carried out by pupils from a primary school in Armagh. Students from St. Patrick's Primary School are working on recycling and waste reduction and how they can save more energy in school and at home. Minister Mark H Durka
03/06/2015
Irish energy firm EirGrid's DS3 Programme has been awarded runner-up position at the international '2015 ISGAN Award of Excellence' competition ceremony, held Mexico. In 2011, EirGrid developed the DS3 programme to ensure that the electricity grid in Ireland and Northern Ireland continues to operat
03/06/2015
Dublin City Council is encouraging landlords with available properties in the city to lease or rent them to their local authority. Depending on the scheme chosen, there is a range of benefits including no letting fees, no vacancy costs, no rent arrears and no day-to-day maintenance for periods of
03/06/2015
Construction work has started on a scheme to refurbish and extend a school in Lisburn, Co Antrim. The project at Friends' School Lisburn is part of the School Enhancement Programme. The construction work at Friends' includes new accommodation for the Music, Maths and History Departments and involv
03/06/2015
Revitalisation works in Ballymoney, Co Antrim, are now complete. The £239,000 project involved improving shop fronts and transforming the town. Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey MLA, said it is the first step to bring the Ballymoney Masterplan to life. He added: "Not only is the town
03/06/2015
Plans for a new Health & Wellbeing Campus at Altnegelvin Hospital in L'Derry have been welcomed. Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin said it will provide an information and support centre, particularly for patients with cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis and hypertension.
03/06/2015
A PhD student from Dublin has been awarded the 2015 EURELECTRIC Student Award. Killian McKenna fought off competition from students from across Europe to win the prestigious European award in Berlin. At the official award ceremony, he presented his winning submission to the 400 delegates. Killian
03/06/2015
The Energy Minister is calling for citizens to "expedite the transition to a low-carbon future for our own sake and for the sake of our children and grandchildren". Minister Alex White was speaking in Dublin to a group of almost 300 'energy stakeholders' in the final public consultation session bef
03/06/2015
Pupils from Northern Ireland competing in the 2015 SSE Airtricity and Eco-Schools Global Wind Awards have received many accolades. The awards, which were held in the Everglades Hotel in L'Derry, were presented by the Environment Minister Mark H Durkan. The awards celebrate and recognise the effor
02/06/2015
Plans have been revealed for a new Health and Wellbeing Campus to be developed at Altnegelvin Area Hospital in L'Derry. The proposals were unveiled by The Western Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. The new campus will be for patients, carers and their families living with cancer and other long te
02/06/2015
Babcock and McLaughlin & Harvey have scooped the contracts to complete re-signalling works and a passing loop on the Coleraine to L'Derry railway line. Babcock will deliver the signalling scheme and McLaughlin & Harvey will build the passing loop at Bellarena. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy sai
02/06/2015
Construction work is to start this month to complete sewer relining and repair work on the existing brick sewer on the Ravenhill Road in south Belfast. The £500,000 contract will continue for approximately four weeks. Work will take place between 8pm and 6am to complete sewer relining and repair w
02/06/2015
A development proposal to close a primary school in Belfast has been rejected. Education Minister John O'Dowd made the decision and is allowing Malvern Primary School to remain open. Mr O'Dowd said: "I fully acknowledge and understand why the then BELB brought forward this proposal and my decision
02/06/2015
Residents have been angered as the land owned by the Department for Regional Development (DRD) is not being maintained because of cutbacks. SDLP Belfast Councillor Tim Attwood confirmed the contract was not carried over to the Belfast City Council and said the area has deteriorated. Councillor Att
02/06/2015
No definitive evidence has been found that community water fluoridation has negative health effects, according to a review by the Health Research Board (HRB). The HRB has published an in-depth evidence review of existing research in relation to the health effects of community water fluoridation. D
01/06/2015
An Bord Pleanala's decision to approved planning permission to the Port of Cork has been welcomed by Fine Gael. Dara Murphy, Minister for European Affairs and Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central said the decision for a new container facility near the Ringaskiddy ferry terminal and an extension to t
01/06/2015
Tesla and Gaelectric have bought and planned deployment of Tesla's Energy's first battery power utility-scale in Ireland. The two firms are collaborating to develop a pipeline of multiple battery projects to build new transmission system services required to facilitate the integration of renewable
01/06/2015
Enviro Group based in Warrenpoint has successfully developed a franchise model in Great Britain for its kitchen duct cleaning services. The company now aims to roll out a similar strategy in the Republic of Ireland in the coming weeks. Invest Northern Ireland offered the company over £45,000 towar
01/06/2015
Development plans to extend Primate Dixon nursery school in Coalisland have been approved. SDLP Mid-Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone welcomed the decision. He said: "I'm delighted that the Department of Education has approved the development proposal submitted by Primate Dixon for additional Nursery place
01/06/2015
Irish Water is refusing to fix blocked drains in Dublin 9 and 11. The firm is not taking responsibility, which is forcing residents in the area to bear the cost and fix the drains in public pathways outside their homes themselves. Fianna Fáil Leader on Dublin City Council Cllr Paul McAuliffe said
01/06/2015
Fianna Fáil has slammed Kildare County Council over its plans to build only 70 new homes between now and 2017. The party said the council is failing to deliver much needed homes for the community. Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare South Seán Ó Fearghaíl said: "I recently raised the Governments social hou
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