Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for October 2016
31/10/2016
Work on a €500,000 gas and water scheme in Malahide, Dublin, has been completed. 1km of collapsed and deficient sewers have been repaired and replaced and the laying of 100m of a new water main along Dublin Road, Yellow Walls Road and Woodlawn is now finished. The laying of a new gas main was al
31/10/2016
Bus firm Wrights Group has announced it is to acquire JTI's premises in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The deal to buy the 100-acre site is expected to be completed in early 2017. Economy Minister Simon Hamilton welcomed the announcement. He said: "This investment by the Wrights Group is positive news for
31/10/2016
Fingal County Council is being urged to apply for funding to improved Balbriggan Harbour. Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal Louise O'Reilly made the call after no application was made by the council under the annual Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme in 2017. She said: "Vi
31/10/2016
First Minister Arlene Foster is being urged to reveal what "whistleblowers" told her about the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. UUP MLA Steve Aiken said it is clear that she is now intent on attempting to pass the buck over a monumental scandal which will cost the country hundreds of millions
31/10/2016
Work on a £200,000 road resurfacing project has been completed in Portadown. The scheme on the A3 Northway extended from outside Portadown railway station towards Armagh, taking in the junctions of West Street and Corcrain Road. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "This is a main link roa
31/10/2016
A housing association in Northern Ireland has selected a contractor in L'Derry to upgrade its Rocks Mills project in the city. AMSON Consortium were appointed to carry out refurbishment work on the Choice Housing scheme on the Strand Road. The series of works will reconfigure the Rock Mills site t
31/10/2016
Irish Water is replacing old watermains in Ballyedmonduff and Glencullen to improve the security of water supply for over 1,250 customers. The firm is investing €200,000 to upgrade the Burrow Road Reservoir and Ballyedmonduff Water Treatment Plant. Work commenced on 19 September and is expected t
31/10/2016
Co Louth has received the lowest funding for housing adaptions for the elderly and disabled people. Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster said the funding of €121,955 is "shocking" and "disgraceful. She said: "The paltry sum given to Louth is disgraceful as year on year the scheme is only open for several w
28/10/2016
Irish Water is investing €80,000 to replace an aging water main in Co Clare. The water main in Griffin's Cross, Parteen, has burst several times and design and tender documents are being prepared as part of the investment. It is thought the documents will be completed by the end of this year and i
28/10/2016
A contractor has been sent a provisional letter offering a contract for the Brandywell Regeneration Project in Co L'Derry. Karen McFarland, Director of Health and Communities with Derry City and Strabane District Council said: "Derry City and Strabane District Council is fully committed to this sig
28/10/2016
The Moore Street Battlefield Site plan aims to preserve and develop the historic quarter in Dublin, according to Sinn Féin. Councillor Críona Ní Dhálaigh said the plan offers an alternative vision for the area instead of demolishing buildings and developing a shopping centre. She said: "I am delig
28/10/2016
A boil water notice has been put in place for around 1,500 Irish Water customers living in Ring Helvick, Co Waterford. The firm has completed site and investigation work is starting on the construction of a new 1km section of water main which will link to the Roberts' Cross Water Supply. Irish Wat
28/10/2016
Fine Gael has presented anti-fracking legislation in the Dáil. Mr Tony Mc Loughlin TD said he is concerned about the damage fracking could cause in Ireland and the 'The Prohibition of the Exploration and Extraction of Onshore Petroleum Bill 2016' aims to prevent it. He said: "It provides for a cle
28/10/2016
The Ulster Unionist Party has hit out at the Minister for Infrastructure after he decided to put the York Street Interchange project in Belfast "on hold". UUP Leader Mike Nesbitt accused Minister Chris Hazzard of "avoiding" to answer his question in relation to the scheme. Mr Nesbitt said: "I wrot
28/10/2016
Cairn Wood and Ballysallagh Upper Reservoir and Forest in Co Down has been taken off the market after the public raised concerns over the sale. It will now be retained in public ownership under the Forest Service and Ards and North Down Council has agreed to look at alternative options to manage th
28/10/2016
Work on a new water treatment plant in Leenane, Co Galway, is now complete. Irish Water invested €1 million in the Leenane Water Treatment Plant which has officially opened. The upgrade works included the installation of a coagulation, flocculation, and clarification process along with filtration
27/10/2016
Two firms have been selected to develop plans for three new buildings in Co L'Derry. Doherty Architects has been appointed to put together plans for the new Top of the Hill Community Centre which was demolished in 2013 due to its poor condition. HMD Architects has been awarded design contracts to
27/10/2016
A boil water notice issued to Irish Water customers in Galway has been lifted with immediate effect. The notice was put in place for consumers on the Mid Galway Water Supply Scheme on 18 October due to persistent heavy rainfall which led to a drop in the raw water source. As a result, the plant was
27/10/2016
Over 20% of workers at Tarbert Power Plant in Co Kerry are to be made redundant over the next two months. The firm told staff it is offering a series of redundancies which are expected to be completed by the end of this year. Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil said the announcement will have a devastatin
27/10/2016
Funding of £268,300 has been allocated to improve and enhance shop fronts in Co L'Derry. A total of 16 properties in Upper Strand Road and Clooney Terrace will benefit from new frontages, painting, replacement of rainwater goods, as well as repairing or replacement of windows, doors and external pl
27/10/2016
The Economy Minister is being urged to explain what areas of expenditures are being cut to pay for the overspend in the Renewable Heating Initiative (RHI). Ulster Unionist MLA Steve Aiken said he was told £20 million from the resource budget had been set aside to meet pressures arising from the sch
27/10/2016
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, has been slammed for attempting to "filibuster" proposed legislation to ban fracking in Ireland. Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley said the Minister should be doing everything he can to end fracking once and for all. Mr Doo
27/10/2016
A new £840,000 development at The Scout Centre in Crawsfordsburn, Co Down, has officially opened. The Department of Education invested £500,000 under the Voluntary Youth Capital Funding Scheme. Chief Commissioner for Scouts in Northern Ireland, Mr Stephen Donaldson, thanked the Department and spon
27/10/2016
With an excess of €17 billion in Key and Major Construction Projects already scheduled for 2017 in the Construction Sector, the opportunities are plentiful for all companies that wish to take full advantage of continued growth in the Irish Construction Industry. Construction Information Services (
26/10/2016
Serious concerns have been raised after a report predicted a €300,000 house will cost €321,000 next year. The report by Davy Stockbrokers "should set alarm bells ringing in the Department of Finance", according to Sinn Fein. Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said: "The government's help to bu
26/10/2016
An undersea cable fault located approximately 2km off the coast of Inis Mór has been repaired. Irish energy firm ESB Networks and ESB International have restored mains electricity supply to Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr using a world-first in-house technology. A 26-strong project team have been based o
26/10/2016
Fianna Fáil has called on more banks to cut mortgage rates for new and existing customers. The party made the call after KBC Bank announced it was cutting rates for consumers and is now offering a one year fixed rate of 2.9% for customers with a loan to value (LTV) of less than 90%. A customer wi
26/10/2016
A tenderer to carry out a construction project for Irish Water on Cape Clear Island in Cork is expected to be appointed in spring next year. Design work on the Cape Clear Water Main Rehabilitation Project, in partnership with Cork County Council, has been completed and the project is expected to ta
26/10/2016
Group Chief Executive of Ervia, Michael McNicholas, is to step down. The multi-utility firm, responsible for developing Ireland's water and gas infrastructure, confirmed he will be leaving the post in May 2017. The Board of Ervia will now begin the process of seeking a suitable candidate to succe
26/10/2016
Construction activity could potentially generate a requirement for 112,000 jobs up to 2020, according to a report commissioned by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). The report, carried out by DKM consultants in conjunction with SOLAS, states additional workers will be needed to deliver on
26/10/2016
Not-for-profit organisations aiming to improve the environment in Northern Ireland can now apply for funding after £400,000 has been made available from the carrier bag levy. The Challenge Fund will enable local communities, schools and voluntary organisations to undertake small-scale projects to i
26/10/2016
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has confirmed £15 million is to be invested in structural roads maintenance in Northern Ireland. The investment is part of the October Monitoring round. Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer said it is a welcome addition to the road network. He said: "I welcome the in
25/10/2016
Residents and businesses have raised concerns over the plans for a new stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast. SDLP MLA Alex Attwood said he would "fully interrogate" the new proposals after changes were made to the original design. Mr Attwood said: "The SDLP will be using our influence to get t
25/10/2016
A construction firm based in Dunmurry has been awarded a contract to carry out refurbishment work at a youth organisation building in east Belfast. Maurice Flynn & Sons is to begin work to redevelop a sports hall and meeting room at Willowfield Parish Church youth organisation. The firm will also
25/10/2016
Communities Minister Paul Givan has revealed plans to refurbish Rathkeltair House in Downpatrick, Co Down. The building is to be redeveloped after a £3.36 million development plan was unveiled by the Minister on Monday, 24 October. It is currently home to Downpatrick JobCentre and the Social Secur
25/10/2016
Energy crops grown by Irish farmers offer the largest potential to expand Ireland's domestic bioenergy resource over the next 20 years, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The firm published a report, Bioenergy Supply in Ireland 2015-2035, which reveals that energy crops along
25/10/2016
An NI Water scheme has been postponed following further consultations with a housing developer and Transport NI. Concerns were raised over the timing of the proposed storm sewer project in Dungannon, however the scheme has been put back until after Christmas. Grahame Millar Project Sponsor said: "
25/10/2016
The Department of Transport and Kildare County Council have been urged to complete work on the ring road in Clane following concerns from local residents. Fianna Fail TD, Frank O'Rourke, recently met with residents to discuss the issue and said the number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) passing thro
25/10/2016
Four schools in L'Derry are to undergo improvements under the Department of Education's minor works scheme. A total of £281,745.08 has been approved for an electrical review of Drumachose Primary School in Limavady and two classrooms are also to be refurbished. St Canice's Primary School in Dungiv
25/10/2016
Vandals used bolt cutters to rip open perimeter fencing at a newly developed centre in Co Antrim. The Dunsilly GAA Centre of Excellence recently opened for young gaelic players. Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney condemned the incident. He said: "I am bitterly disappointed that the centre
24/10/2016
The Government is being urged to use its stake in Ardmore Studios in Bray to ensure its sale will only take place on the basis that the studio will continue to be used for film production. Fianna Fail TD for Wicklow Pat Caset said people are worried about the future of their jobs and the film commu
24/10/2016
A boil water notice for over 10,000 Irish Water customers living in the east Cork area has been lifted with immediate effect. The notice was put in place after cloudiness in the water was detected on 27 February 2016. The scheme draws its water from the Dower Spring Source and concerns were identi
24/10/2016
Sinn Fein has slammed Fine Gael and Fianna Fail for continuing to oppose rent certainty. Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan said the private rented sector is "not fit for purpose" and "isn't working". She said: "A litany of reports, including RTB, DAFT and the most recent Savills report have demonstrated that
24/10/2016
The protection of the social housing stock is "crucial" for future generations, according to Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann. He also called for the house sales scheme to be suspended after it was revealed 100,000 social homes had been sold off. Mr McCann said: "We have a duty to protect what is left of
24/10/2016
Sinn Féin is calling on all political parties to reject the 'Help to Buy' scheme after it was revealed the Central Bank was not consulted about its merits. Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said the Governor of the Central Bank, Philip Lane, has confirmed to him in a letter that the bank was o
24/10/2016
A Christian organisation has been awarded a total of £235,000 to refurbish its building in Comber, Co Down. The money for the Comber Youth for Christ organisation was given under the Department of Education's youth capital works scheme. The funding will be used to refurbish the existing building a
24/10/2016
Over £100,000 has been allocated to a youth organisation in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, to upgrade the fire suppression system, access doors and heating system. Share Discovery Village has been allocated a total of £103,191.11 to carry out the improvements. Education Minister Peter Weir said: "This i
24/10/2016
A college in Banbridge has secured £545,000 for pre-fabricated accommodation. The money for New-Bridge Integrated College in Loughbrickland was allocated under the Department of Education's minor works scheme. Education Minister Peter Weir confirmed the quadruple unit will be used as a general pur
21/10/2016
Construction work has started to develop over 70 new homes in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The 74 homes on Larne Road will accommodate 238 people when the development is completed in April 2018. The Department of Communities allocated £4.4 million funding and an additional £4.1 million has been provided
21/10/2016
A boil water notice has been issued to around 40 households in Tipperary. The notice on the Church Road in Cappawhite was put in place following the detection of a low level of E.coli and coliforms in a section of the water main. Irish Water and Tipperary county Council have issued an apology and
21/10/2016
Three primary schools in East Antrim have secured funding for upgrade and improvement works to be carried out. Glenann Primary School in Cushendall has been awarded £114,500 for a replacement mobile classroom, £97,900 has been approved for a DDA pupil specific modular POD scheme at Carrickfergus G
21/10/2016
Sinn Féin has pledged to support an anti-fracking bill which is set to go before the Dáil next week. Mr Martin Kenny TD for Sligo, Leitrim, West Cavan and South Donegal, said the party will do "all in its power" to ban fracking on Irish soil. He said: "In this constituency I am following in the pi
21/10/2016
Construction work is to begin on a £69,000 road improvement project in Banbridge, Co Down. The scheme on the C351 Ballygowan Road extends for approximately 500 metres from its junction with Commercial Road to Edenderry Road. The work is to start on Monday, 24 October, and is expected to be comple
21/10/2016
Irish energy supplier, Energia, has scooped a 100% Green Energy award. This is the third year the firm has won the title which is based on the Commission for Energy Regulation's (CER) report on fuel-mix and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions for individual electricity suppliers licensed in Ireland. 1
21/10/2016
A series of demonstrations are to take place to address the housing crisis throughout Dublin on Saturday, 21 October. The public is being urged to show their support after it was revealed 4,000 adults and 2,300 children are currently living in emergency accommodation. Sinn Féin TD Dessie Ellis sai
21/10/2016
Irish energy firm ESB has invested €2.5 million in Terra Solar. Terra Solar and ESB have the potential to deliver over 260 megawatts of electricity generation capacity from solar energy, which would power over 50,000 homes every year. Manager of Solar and Storage for ESB Generation and Wholesale m
21/10/2016
Significant progress is being made on a new primary school extension in Portadown, Co Armagh. Construction work is continuing to provide a 12-classroom extension at Millington Primary School. Education Minister Peter Weir visited the site to view the progress on the £3.9 million scheme. Minister
21/10/2016
Sinn Féin has described the private rented sector in Ireland as "completely dysfunctional". The party's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, made the announcement at a recent event in the Morrison Hotel in Dublin. He said: "It is bad for tenants and bad for most landlords. The government's decision
20/10/2016
David Walsh Civil Engineering has started work to replace old watermains in Maynooth, Co Kildare. Irish Water appointed the firm to carry out the work which also involves improving the water pressure to homes and businesses as well as upgrading the security of the water supplies in the Dublin Road
20/10/2016
A boil water notice issued to 28 householders in Sligo has now been lifted. Customers on the Lough Talt Regional Water Supply Scheme can resume normal use of the water supply following advice from the Health Service Executive. The notice was put in place in May 2015 due to low chlorine residuals i
20/10/2016
The government has been slammed for sending "mixed messages" to farmers about slurry spreading. Fianna Fáil Agriculture Spokesperson Charlie McConalogue called for flexibility on the 15 October deadline, however the Taoiseach said farmers would be treated on a "case-by-case basis". Deputy McConalo
20/10/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for the government's first-time buyers scheme to be abolished. The party's Finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty, said the scheme can only drive house prices up and is "fundamentally flawed". Teachta Doherty said: "This scheme can only drive up house prices and it should be scr
20/10/2016
A primary school in Toomebridge, Co Antrim, has secured £479,480 for minor works to be carried out. St Oliver Plunkett's school was allocated the funding under the Department of Education's minor works scheme. The funding will also be used to replace a single mobile unit with a double unit. Educa
20/10/2016
The Government is reportedly set to revise the requirement that assistance for first time buyers will only be available to those who are taking mortgages for 80% of the value of the property. Fianna Fáil's Sean Fleming TD welcomed the reports after he clarified he was dissatisfied with the proposed
20/10/2016
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has been slammed by the Alliance Party over his decision to put a £165 million road project in Belfast on hold. The York Street Interchange was designed to ease congestion around the meeting point of M1, M2 and M3, close to the Westlink. Work was due to begin n
20/10/2016
Work to refurbish Sydenham Wastewater Pumping Station in Belfast is now complete. The station will continue to be inspected daily and staff will also attend the site in the event of an official Met Office weather warning, NI Water has confirmed. The firm is also hosting a 'drop-in' information ses
20/10/2016
The amount of household waste sent for recycling in Northern Ireland has increased by 1.5% compared to the same period last year. Statistics published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs revealed that the quarterly household recycling rate for April – June 2016 was 46.4%
20/10/2016
There are over 20,000 homes lying empty in Northern Ireland despite over 37,300 people currently waiting for social housing, according to the SDLP. North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon is calling on the Government to do more to tackle the housing crisis. She said: "In North Belfast this crisis is forc
19/10/2016
Plans to expand a hotel in Belfast city centre have been given the go-ahead. Scottish Amicable House in Donegall Square South is to be changed from offices into additional hotel accommodation for Ten Square following a decision by the Belfast City Council. It is the second expansion of the hotel t
19/10/2016
Fianna Fáil has called on the government to provide funding for minor works to be carried out on schools throughout Ireland. TD for Longford – Westmeath Robert Troy said the government's failure to a commit to a Minor Works Grant for schools is resulting in higher costs for parents. The Minor Work
19/10/2016
Work has started on a £250,000 road resurfacing scheme in Crawfordsburn, Co Down. The project on the Ballyrobert Road is expected to be substantially complete by the 18 November. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "This £250,000 scheme represents a significant investment in the roads infr
19/10/2016
Applications are now open for organisations to apply for funding to improve and upgrade community halls throughout Northern Ireland. A total of £500,000 has been secured for organisations in urban and rural areas to undertake minor works and improvements to their premises. First Minister Arlene F
19/10/2016
The Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Environment, Denis Naughten TD, has confirmed he has received Cabinet approval to begin the ratification process of the Paris Climate Agreement. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said welcomed the announcement and said it is very positive news. Mr
19/10/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to be given more financial resources to develop more social houses. MLA Fra McCann made the call after the opposition in the NI Assembly proposed to build less houses than the Executive. Mr McCann said: "Demand for social housi
19/10/2016
Local company Designer Kitchen by Morgan is celebrating a double success after being shortlisted for two separate awards at the prestigious Designer Awards 2016 in London. The Designer Awards recognises the very best in kitchen and interior design talent from across the UK and Ireland and continua
19/10/2016
The government is being urged to implement a proposal to help protect homes, businesses and farm land in Shannon, Co Clare, from flooding. Sinn Féin TD for the Offaly and North Tipperary Constituency, Teachta Carol Nolan, made the call after extensive flood damage was caused in the area last year.
19/10/2016
A block of flats near Belfast city centre are to be demolished and redeveloped. Belfast City Council gave the green light for Durham House, owned by Helm Housing Association, to be knocked down. Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann welcomed the decision. Mr McCann said: "These flats became synonymous with an
19/10/2016
Construction work is to start on a £120,000 road resurfacing project in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh. The work on the B127 Ballyconnell Road will begin on Monday 24 October and is expected to take up to two weeks to complete. A 1,000 metre stretch of the road near Greagh Bridge will be closed from 8am t
18/10/2016
The final roof beam has been set in place on a new £3.3 million development in Greenisland, Co Antrim. Developed by Choice Housing in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Greenisland House will provide 32 new homes and care services
18/10/2016
The housing sector in Northern Ireland is in a good place to deal with the challenges ahead, according to the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA). Mr Cameron Watt made the announcement at its Annual Conference at the Slieve Donard Hotel. The 2016 Sect
18/10/2016
Work to install new kitchens at 135 social homes in Lisburn is now complete. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties located on the Hillhall Estate received new modern kitchen facilities as part of a £19 million investment, which will see 4,280 NIHE properties receive new kitchens by Marc
18/10/2016
The government has been accused of "failing renters" after research published by Savills revealed rents are still continuing to rise. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD called on Minster for Housing Simon Coveney to make rent certainty a key component of his overdue strategy. He sai
18/10/2016
Production at a water treatment plant in Williamstown, Galway, has temporarily been stopped following a contamination incident. Irish Water and Galway County Council are currently working on the issue and tankers of drinking water from an alternative supply were distributed across the community on
18/10/2016
Environment Minister Denis Naughten has been urgently called to meet with SIPTU union members at Bord na Mona (BNM) to discuss the future of employees at the firm's power stations. Around 1,300 workers jobs are under threat in the midlands and the High Court granted a stay to three BNM subsidiary c
18/10/2016
The Green Party has slammed the Government after it disregarded the need to protect Irish soils and biodiversity. The party said it was disappointed after the Government said it will sontinue to allow the use of pesticides on Ecological Focus Areas (EFA). Spokesperson on Environmental Protection,
18/10/2016
The number of construction related deaths in the workplace dropped from five to two in 2015/16 compared to the previous year, according to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI). In its Annual Report, figures from 2015/16 showed workplace fatalities were down 48% to 12 co
18/10/2016
Preliminary work has started on a £200,000 road improvement and resurfacing project in Clogher, Co Tyrone. The scheme on the A4 Ballagh Road will extend from Fintona Road to Findermore Road. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard: "This £200,000 scheme represents a significant investment in the roa
18/10/2016
A man from Tyrone has died in a slurry-related incident on Friday, 14 October. Alistair Sloss is believed to have been overcome with fumes after falling into a slutty pit. His funeral was held on Monday, 17 October. Sandra Overend, Ulster Unionist MLA for Mid Ulster, said: To hear of another loca
17/10/2016
Planning permission has been refused to develop a windfarm in Maigne. An Bord Pleanála made the decision and the local community were seriously concerned about the project. Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare South Fiona O'Loughlin TD welcomed the announcement. She said: "I feel that these concerns were n
17/10/2016
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has been called to rule out a price rise for electricity customers during repair works to the East-West interconnector. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Energy Timmy Dooley confirmed the interconnector will be out of commission for the next
17/10/2016
The government's first time buyers scheme in Fingal, Dublin, has been slammed by Sinn Fein. The party claims families are unable to buy homes as the "crippingly high" rents are preventing them from saving deposits. Sinn Fein TD for Fingal Louise O'Reilly said: "This scheme has simply forced up pri
17/10/2016
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government after it was revealed that 99% of farmers who applied for the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) have not received any payments. Farmers used the scheme to modernise equipment and buildings on their farms. TD for Laois, Sean Fleming, said: "
17/10/2016
Mitsubishi Corporation has signed a contract with Irish energy firm ElectroRoute to take a 60% stake in the firm. The deal will allow ElectroRoute, which already trades across eight European markets, to continue to scale its operations internationally with the support of a company with a market ca
17/10/2016
Graham Construction has started work to repair a sewer in Newcastle, Co Down. The work is taking place on the entrance road to a council car park in the Park Avenue area. It is part of the ongoing NI Sewer Rehabilitation Project in the Newcastle Area. Due to the location of the sewer and the dept
17/10/2016
A new centre of excellence has officially opened in Dunsilly for the GAA and County Antrim Gaels. Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney described it as a "landmark occasion". He said: "This is the climax of a project now ten years in the making. Many difficulties and challenges have had to be overcome in t
17/10/2016
A boil water notice has been put in place for Irish Water customers on the Ballyhaise Public Water Supply Scheme. The notice was issued after coliform bacteria was detected in the water supply. In a statement Irish Water said: "Irish Water and Cavan County Council wish to apologise for any inconve
17/10/2016
The completion date of construction work at Millenium Way in Lurgan has been delayed until Spring 2017. The work at both the Flush Place / Gilford Road / Banbridge Road and Millennium Way / Malcolm Road junctions has been slower than anticipated as both junctions contain a significant amount of uti
17/10/2016
The Government is being urged to "fast-track" an infrastructure project in the west of Ireland after a report reveled the new Athenry to Ennis section of the Western Rail Corridor carried 102,000 passengers in 2015. The report by Cicero Communications also found that overall the Galway -Limerick ro
14/10/2016
Jons Civil Engineering has been appointed to develop a new wastewater collection network scheme in Rush, Dublin. Irish Water is investing €9.7 million in the project which will improve the bathing water at South Beach Rush by stopping the discharge of untreated wastewater into the sea. The projec
14/10/2016
Around 28% of households in Ireland are experiencing fuel poverty, according to Sinn Féin. Spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD slammed the Government over its inaction on the issue on Budget 2017 and said the situation will continue. Teachta Brady said: "Fine Gael and Labour cut the F
14/10/2016
Two long term boil water notices in Tipperary have been lifted with immediate effect. Following the completion of the new Fethard Regional Water Supply scheme boil water notices in Gortnapisha and Cloran have been removed. The upgrade of the scheme involved building a new water treatment plant and
14/10/2016
Construction work is to begin to improve the sewerage network in Armagh on Monday, 17 October. The work will start on Railway Street and progress towards Lower English Sreet. Traffic management arrangements will be in place and traffic travelling from Lower English Street towards Lonsdale Road wil
14/10/2016
A planning application has been submitted to Tipperary County Council to develop a new water treatment plant in Killeenyarda near Holycross. The project also involves the provision of a new source from the River Clodiagh and a new pumping station. Water mains will be developed to connect the new wa
14/10/2016
Housing Minister Simon Coveney is being urged to publish details about the help to buy scheme for first time buyers. Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has called on Minister Coveney to provide more detail on how he intends to monitor the impact of the scheme. Deputy Ó Broin said: "Follow
14/10/2016
Construction work has started to develop almost 50 new Co-op homes in Ballymun, Dublin. The 49 homes will be located in Poppintree. Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly praised O'Cualann Cohousing Alliance for making the project happen. She said: "The community has been trying to get t
14/10/2016
Almost 3,000 people are currently homeless in Dublin. According to a report from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive 1,357 are adults and 2,065 are children. Chair of Dublin City Council's housing committee Cllr Daithí Doolan described the figures as "shocking". He said: "The time for lectures
14/10/2016
At the end of August, a global revolution in the air filtration industry occurred. For the first time, a new global standard for the testing and classification of air filters was approved following a 100% "yes" decision from voters around the world. The new standard is ISO16890. The landmark decisio
14/10/2016
A boil water notice has been lifted for residents on the North East Roscommon Regional Water Supply Scheme. The notice, which has been in place since March 2014, has been removed with immediate effect. A notice was put in place following the detection of cryptosporidium in the water supply. Irish
13/10/2016
The Government has allocated €100 million for energy efficiency projects in Budget 2017. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Denis Naughten TD, made the announcement and confirmed €500,000 will be directed to the establishment of a National Dialogue on Climate Change, whi
13/10/2016
The Government has been slammed over its lack of investment in housing. Sinn Féin has accused the Govt of providing "meaningless cuts" to the Universal Social Charge (USC) instead of providing more funding for homes. Housing Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said the housing measures contained in Budget 2
13/10/2016
Contractor PK Murphy has completed work on a maintenance programme for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) on over 170 homes in Newtownards, Co Down. The work, on 172 houses in the Westwinds area, included repairing fascia boards, cleaning and mending guttering as well as painting. NIHE'
13/10/2016
Land in Ballymun has gone on the market for the fourth time to develop a new shopping centre in the Main Street area. A larger piece of land has now gone on sale to build a four-storey development following discussions with retailers and the council. Ballymun Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly sa
13/10/2016
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks has issued a warning to farmers and landowners following a number of incidents where lives have been put at risk when cutting down trees and hedges. The firm confirmed some of its electricity networks were seriously damaged when vegetation was being cut b
13/10/2016
Sinn Féin has blamed Fianna Fáil for creating the housing crisis in Ireland. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD accused the party of failing to regulate the private rented sector. He made the comments following Fianna Fáil's reaction to the housing plans in Budget 2017. He said: "On budget day
13/10/2016
The Public Accounts Committee has adjourned its public session in connection with the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Inquiry. Sinn Féin MLA Michelle Gildernew welcomed the decision and said fundamental questions need to be answered. She said: "There are other ongoing investigative processes into R
13/10/2016
The go-ahead has been given to extend an Irish primary school in Termonfeckin, Co Louth. Minister of State for Training and Skills John Halligan confirmed to Sinn Féin TD Imelda Munster that the seven classroom extension at Scoil Naomh Feichin has been given the green light and is due to go out to
13/10/2016
A Sinn Féin bill to introduce Rent Certainty has been blocked in the Seanad. The proposal was supported by charitable organisations such as the Simon Communities, the Peter McVerry Trust, COPE, Threshold, however Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil rejected the bill. Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh
13/10/2016
Work to install 20 mph speed limit signs outside two primary schools in Co Armagh has been completed. The part time speed limit came into effect from Monday, 10 October, at Moyallen Primary School and Tuesday, 11 October, at St Peters Primary School, Collegeland near Loughgall. The restriction wil
12/10/2016
A new £528,000 sports facility has officially opened in Kilkeel, Co Down. The facility based at Binnian Park in Ballinran was jointly funded by the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. It includes a full sized 3G football pitch with associated fencing and flood l
12/10/2016
The Government has been accused of putting people's homes, businesses and farms at risk of flood damage after it failed to comply with an EU directive on flood management plans. Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy said it is "totally unacceptable". Mr Carthy said: "The EU Flood Directive requires each Membe
12/10/2016
NI Water has issued an apology following a pollution incident that killed around 1,600 fish at Carrig River in Newcastle, Co Down. The company confirmed it was caused by an accidental discharge of polyelectrolyte. Polyelectrolyte is used in the sludge thickening process from Annsborough Water Trea
12/10/2016
Rent prices in Co Meath have increased by 50% in the past four years, according to data published by Daft.ie. Sinn Féin TD for Meath East and Cathaoirleach of the Meath Housing Campaign has said that Budget 2017 will do little to support those in the rental sector. He said: "Budget 2017 may offer
12/10/2016
Water charges in Ireland are only being kept alive by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, according to Sinn Fein. The party made the announcement after no provision was included in Budget 2017 to scrap the water charges. Spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Broin TD said it "means that there is a €129 million hole
12/10/2016
A housing association in Northern Ireland has won a Social Housing Scheme of the Year award for its supported living scheme Ballymisert on the Holywood Road in Belfast. Triangle Housing scooped the prize at the 2016 Construction Excellence Awards in the Culloden Hotel in Holywood. The supported li
12/10/2016
The Green Party has said Ireland is increasingly being shamed in the international community for its lack of action on climate change. Leader Eamon Ryan made the comments after Budget 2017 failed to address funding for public transport projects. Mr Ryan said: "This budget makes things worse. There
12/10/2016
Energy Minister Denis Naughten has been called to explain how he intends to spend the €100 million allocated in Budget 2017 for energy projects. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Environment and Climate Change, Timmy Dooley TD said the public are "fed up" with Ministers making announceme
12/10/2016
REACT Energy has signed conditional Heads of Agreement with several parties to potentially fund, through a combination of equity and debt, the repowering of its 4MW biomass gasification project located in Newry, Co Down. Newry Biomass is owned by Newry Biomass Limited (NBL) and is a joint venture w
12/10/2016
Fianna Fáil has raised serious concerns over the design of a new savings scheme for first-time buyers. Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Barry Cowen TD said the initiative will see first time buyers chasing fewer than 10,000 new houses or apartments earmarked for construction n
11/10/2016
The Victorian public baths in east Belfast is to undergo a major refurb after Belfast City Council was awarded £5million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Templemore Baths will be restored, extended and fully reopened for use as a leisure and fitness facility. Templemore Baths was the last in
11/10/2016
Sinn Féin is urging the Assembly to work in partnership with housing providers to tackle homelessness in Northern Ireland. There are around 40,000 people currently homeless across NI and MLA Fra McCann said as not many homes are being developed the problem is getting worse. He said: "Twenty thousa
11/10/2016
Irish energy firm ESB selected Winder Power Ltd to complete the refurbishment of 3 x 5MVA transformers instead of replacing them. Regulators and End users like ESB have become less willing to allow network assets, including transformers, to be replaced simply on the basis of age; preferring to cons
11/10/2016
Work on a £142,000 road resurfacing project on the A26 Seacon Road to Portrush Road Roundabout in Northern Ireland is to start on Monday, 17 October. Works on the 650-metre scheme at Seacon Road are expected to be completed by Friday, 21 October. Motorists are being urged to expect delays and div
11/10/2016
The Green Party in Northern Ireland is calling for a "joined up" approach to social housing. Leader Steven Agnew made the call following a debate about housing associations leading to a wider review of the sector. He said: "We can't look at housing associations in isolation. Social housing is a co
11/10/2016
Over 60% of Traveller accommodation has unsafe electrical connections, according to a recent fire safety audit. The Green Party is urging all agencies work together to address the inequalities. Green Party Spokesperson on Community and Local Government Cllr Malcolm Noonan said that Local Authoriti
11/10/2016
A new €16.5 million building has opened at University Hospital Limerick. The six-storey building has been developed by the HSE in conjunction with three charitable partners, CF Ireland/TLC4CF, the Parkinson's Association of Ireland and the MidWestern Hospitals Development Trust. It consists of a
11/10/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for action to be taken following a major fish kill at Carrig River in Newcastle, Co Down. Environment spokesperson Oliver McMullan MLA said ecosystems in Northern Ireland are under growing threat. Over 1,600 fish were killed in a pollution incident and an investigation is curr
11/10/2016
The Ministry of Defence has been called to ensure the 199 empty homes at an army camp in Ballykinler, Co Down, are not demolished. SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the houses would be better used to provide affordable housing for the local community. She said: "There are over 21,000 people
11/10/2016
Lagan Construction Group has won the 'Utilities Infrastructure' Award at the Construction Excellence Awards. Lagan Construction's winning project, Castor Bay to Belfast Strategic Trunk Main Scheme was one of the biggest Northern Ireland Water pipeline schemes to be undertaken in recent times that p
10/10/2016
The government is being urged to allocated more funding for the homeless in Ireland. Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan made the call after figures revealed in June that 2,000 children were homeless. She said: "This is a crisis situation that has been replicated in every city in Ireland. In 2016, on
10/10/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for almost 200 empty properties at an army site in Ballykinler, Co Down, to be made available to the public. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said the site should be transferred to the NI Executive. He said: "The 199 empty houses at the British army site at Ballykinler sh
10/10/2016
The deadline for farmers to spread slurry has been extended. The initial deadline was 15 October, however due to heavy rainfall the deadline has been increased by the Agricultural Minister Michelle McIlveen. Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson Harold McKee welcomed the announcement. Mr McKee
10/10/2016
Redevelopment work at the Windsor Park in Belfast has been completed. The Irish Football Association (IFA) received £28.75 million from the NI Executive towards the stadium redevelopment which now has a seating capacity of 18,500. First Minister Arlene Foster said: "It is a privilege to be here th
10/10/2016
The construction industry can generate 75,000 jobs, create 25,000 houses every year and deliver infrastructure projects worth over €26 billion, if a supportive policy framework is in place, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). CIF President Michael Stone said: "This year the con
10/10/2016
Irish firm Sea Power, is preparing to test their prototype wave energy device at the Galway Bay Marine and Renewable Energy Test Site in the coming weeks. Following successful completion of testing at small scale the company, which received grant support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ir
10/10/2016
The development of a transport hub in Co L'Derry will help regenerate the area, according to DUP MLA Gary Middleton. Mr Middleton had recently tabled a question to the Infrastructure Minister asking for an update on the project and today has welcomed the Minister's commitment to develop a transport
10/10/2016
Almost 200 countries have reached a landmark agreement which seeks to curb O2 emissions from international aviation. The agreement, described as a Global Market Based Measure (GMBM), is to start in 2021 and aims to move towards a carbon-neutral growth situation in international aviation from then o
07/10/2016
A social housing scheme in Dublin is the first to achieve the exacting Home Performance Index (HPI) label. The block of apartments at Rathmines Crescent was built by Dublin City Council and designed by its own architects. The label allows housing providers and private developers to highlight the qu
07/10/2016
Construction work is to start on a £150,000 road resurfacing project in Co Fermanagh. The work on the Trunk Road Network at A32 Enniskillen Road, Ballinamallard, is expected to begin on Monday, 10 October, and expected to be completed by Friday, 21 October. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard sa
07/10/2016
Co-Ownership Housing in Northern Ireland has been allocated £165 million to invest in the development of 2,800 homes over four years. Several construction jobs will be created and the investment will also help up to 4,000 people get on the property ladder. A total of £65m was raised through priva
07/10/2016
Bord Gáis Energy has announced it is seeking to recruit expert Registered Gas Installers to join its team. The firm is expanding its contract service engineers team to support business growth and help Bord Gáis Energy customers run their homes more efficiently. Gary Griffin, Service Delivery Manag
07/10/2016
The public are being urged to give their opinions in the creation of the Derry City and Strabane District Council's Local Development Plan (LDP). The public are encouraged to visit
07/10/2016
SDC Trailers in Toomebridge, Co Antrim, has secured business worth £480,000 in Saudi Arabia. SDC has secured a growing number of export orders over the last 10 years, particularly in the Middle East, with the company opening an office in Dubai in 2015. SDC's export success for its bespoke curtainsi
07/10/2016
The Housing Minister has been accused of "washing his hands" of the regeneration of Ballymun in Dublin. Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly is calling on Minister Simon Coveney to visit the area as many projects remain incomplete. Cllr Reilly said: "Much great work was done during the Regeneration
07/10/2016
A new transport hub is to be developed at the Old Waterside Station site in L'Derry. The station was the public's preferred site following a consultation in 2013. Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, said: "This is an ambitious project on the Old Waterside Station which will balance preservi
06/10/2016
Construction firms BAM and FP McCann have completed work on a £35 million road scheme ahead of schedule. The A31 Magherafelt bypass will ease congestion and improve links in the Mid Ulster area to and from the M2. The new bypass was built on a largely green field site to the east of Magherafelt be
06/10/2016
EPS and Sorensen Civil Engineering have developed seven new wastewater treatment plants across Co Waterford. Irish Water invested €24 million in the project. The plants have been built in Ardmore, Ballyduff, Kilmeaden, Cappoquin, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Stradbally and Tallow. The new wastewat
06/10/2016
Over 30 roads in Co L'Derry are to be improved and upgraded. Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the announcement and confirmed work will be carried out on 32 roads in East Derry. She said: "The list of rural roads include some which are very isolated and in need of an upgrade. People using t
06/10/2016
The Housing Minister is being urged to extend the 'Repair and Lease' scheme to Co Louth. Fianna Fáil TD Declan Breathnach made the call as the scheme is currently being rolled out in Carlow and Waterford. The scheme will provide funding for property owners to repair vacant and unused homes, and ma
06/10/2016
Work on a £230,000 road resurfacing project in Ballymena is to start on Monday, 24 October. The work on the A43 Glenravel Road will extend from C68 Glensbrae Road to UR157 Gortnageeragh Road on the main road from Ballymena to the Glens of Antrim. It is expected to be complete by Friday, 04 Novembe
06/10/2016
Sinn Féin has slammed the Conservative Party for giving the go-ahead to fracking projects in the north east of England. Linda Dillon MLA said the party is showing its "dogmatic commitment" to dirty fossil fuels. She said: "For our part Sinn Féin remains resolutely opposed to fracking anywhere on t
06/10/2016
Two new members have been appointed to the Board of energy firm ESB. Mr Alf Smiddy and Mr Paul Lynam have each been selected for a period of five years. The appointments were made effective on 04 October. Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Denis Naughten, TD, said: "I am
06/10/2016
Sinn Fein has hit out at the Housing Minister over his plans to provide more funding for the private rented sector in Ireland. Cllr Daithí Doolan said Minister Simon Coveney's proposals will not provide long term sustainable housing for the 29,000 applicants of Dublin City Council's housing list.
05/10/2016
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the government to allocate funding to develop a motorway between Cork and Limerick. Sinn Féin TD for Limerick City Maurice Quinlivan said the infrastructural project is "critical" and a "win-win" situation for the government. He said: "A mot
05/10/2016
Funding of £140,000 has been allocated to improve and upgrade Dromore Town Centre in Co Down. Car parking facilities and shop fronts will be improved as well as screening and greening around derelict sites. Communities Minister Paul Givan said: "This injection of funding will aim to invigorate, re
05/10/2016
Contractor Dawson Wam and NI Water are to start work on a watermain improvement project in Belfast. The work on Alliance Avenue is expected to take around four weeks to complete and will begin on Monday, 10 October. The planned construction work will involve the installation of a new 900mm valve a
05/10/2016
Work on a new social housing development has been completed in Rathcoole, Co Antrim. A total of 18 houses have been built at Donardview Close and Derrycoole Way for Helm Housing Association. The properties have obtained Secured by Design approval. (CD)
05/10/2016
Sinn Féin is urging Galway City Council to put traffic measures in place in Shantalla. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh made the call after the Shantalla Residents Association contacted him following concerns in relation traffic on the Colmcille Road. He said: "There are serious congestion issues at
05/10/2016
The decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) to grant approval for an extension of the natural gas network to Listowel has been welcomed by Fianna Fail. The extension from Foynes to Listowel will cost €20 million, and will use Kerry Ingredients as its flagship anchor load ensuring com
05/10/2016
Fianna Fáil is calling on the Central Bank to changes its rules for first time buyers. The party's Spokesperson on Finance, Michael McGrath, is urging a person's track record of paying rent to be taken into consideration as the hope of owning a home is "incredibly difficult" for aspiring home buyer
05/10/2016
Wood Group, which helps provide energy, products and services that improve the quality of lives around the world, has established a new data analytics centre of excellence at its office in Galway. The centre is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation through IDA Ireland. Wood
04/10/2016
An engineering firm based in Carrickfergus has announced it is to create 10 new jobs as part of expansion plans supported by Invest NI. Woodburn Engineering is also investing in additional machinery and marketing in a bid to secure new tender opportunities in Great Britain, particularly in the Infr
04/10/2016
Sinn Féin is calling on the Government to increase the fuel allowance in Budget 2017. Spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD confirmed around 170,000 older people received the payment last year. He said: "The duration of the fuel allowance was cut from 32 weeks to 26 by Fine Gael and Lab
04/10/2016
EPS Sorensen has completed construction work to improve and upgrade the Carrigtwohill Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cork. The €12.3 million project is now treating waste from Carrigtwohill as well as from other wastewater treatment works including Castlemartyr, Cloyne and Killeagh. Katherine Walsh
04/10/2016
Wicklow TD's have failed to support a Sinn Féin motion to abolish water charges. Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow, John Brady, said he was "disappointed" and called on Independent TD Deputy Stephen Donnelly to decide where he stands on the issue "once and for all". Teachta Brady said: "I am pr
04/10/2016
An emergency motion by Sinn Féin has been passed by Dublin City Council opposing the sale of CIE land at Point Village and Connolly Station. Cllr Daithí Doolan, Chair of the Dublin City Council's housing committee, said it is "unacceptable" that a state body is selling off public land for private h
04/10/2016
Proposed changes to planning rules are not a solution to the housing crisis, according to the Green Party. The changes would see planning applications for developments of 100 houses or more go straight to An Bord Pleanála, bypassing local councils. However, the party's Spokesperson on Housing and
04/10/2016
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) is calling on the Economy Minister Simon Hamilton to consider Ballymena as a potential site for Spanish train maker, CAF, to develop a new UK production and assembly plant. North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA, Robin Swann, confirmed Invest NI has met with the UK r
04/10/2016
A number of households have been told they must pay local property tax despite their homes having pyrite. Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal Louise O'Reilly called on the Minister for Finance to intervene after the households were told they would be in receipt of exemption until 2016. Deputy O'Reilly
03/10/2016
Significant progress is being made on a €1.25 million sewer rehabilitation project in Sligo. The works on O'Connell Street will result in significant improvements in network performance and level of customer service in terms of supply pressure, security of supply, fire flow capacity and operational
03/10/2016
The Government has been accused of "doing very little" to address the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland. Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe said the 39% rise in the number of families and children who are homeless is "unacceptable". The statistics were released by the Dublin Simon Community and has the total
03/10/2016
Graham Construction and Aecom has completed work on a new Wastewater Pumping Station in Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone. NI Water appointed the contractors to carry out the work on Clabby Road. The scheme involved replacing the existing Pumping Station to increase capacity and allow for future development
03/10/2016
The finalists of the 2016 Sustainable Energy Awards have been announced. Organised by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and sponsored by Enprova, the awards include nine categories: large and small business, community, public sector, innovation, research, leadership, buildings and
03/10/2016
Safety works at Skellig Michael, the UNESCO World Heritage Site off the Kerry coast, have been completed. The Island was hit by severe storms which resulted in a significant rock fall from the upper slopes of the Island down onto the Lighthouse Road. Severe damage was caused to the roadway and th
03/10/2016
House prices in Ireland have increased by 3%, according to two quarterly reports. The Daft.ie Housing Price quarterly report indicates that from June to September this year, the average house asking price was up 2.9% compared to quarter two of 2016. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin T
03/10/2016
A man from County Antrim has received a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of waste offences at Coleraine Magistrates' Court. Jonathan Stevensonfrom Portrush received a sentence of five months imprisonment suspended for three years and was made the subject of a £500 compensation order
03/10/2016
Construction work has been delayed to develop new homes in Ireland despite planning being approved. Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North, Frank O'Rourke, said the work is delayed because the necessary infrastructure such as ring-roads are not in place. Deputy O'Rourke said: "The Government needs to fo
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