Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for March 2016
31/03/2016
Work on over 20 Rapid Building Housing Units is expected to be completed in April this year, Dublin City Council has confirmed. The 22 houses in Baile na Laochra, Poppintree, Ballymun, are two-storey units, with three bedrooms, will provide high quality temporary accommodation for families who are
31/03/2016
Sinn Fein has slammed a decision by Louth County Council to evict over 20 Traveller families from a car park in Dundalk. Gerry Adams TD has expressed his "Serious concerns" after being ordered to leave the site by An Garda Síochána. He said: "The decision by Louth County Council to evict 22 famili
31/03/2016
A new visitor centre at Kilmainham Courthouse in Dublin has officially opened. The new facilities include a café and welfare facilities, a bookshop, as well as historic interpretation and displays relating to the building. The new building will allow the Office of Public Works (OPW), who manage th
31/03/2016
Sinn Féin has called on public representatives to work together to produce emergency measures to tackle the homeless situation affecting Ireland. Mr Dessie Ellis said in recent weeks more families have been made homeless and mortgage distress continues to be a major problem. He said: "All parties
31/03/2016
Dublin City Council is calling on all applications for the 'Structures At Risk Fund' to be submitted by Friday, 15 April. In conjunction with the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht the money will be administered by the Conservation Section of Dublin City Council. Only structures or parts s
31/03/2016
Fianna Fáil said it "absolutely contests" the legal advice being put forward by Irish Water. Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform Sean Fleming said it's extraordinary to see Irish Water quoting EU rules as sacrosanct considering they failed to meet the key Eurostat market test last year.
31/03/2016
There will be no changes made to non-domestic water and sewerage charges, NI Water has confirmed. The firm said that from 01 April this year charges will be put on hold at the same levels as last year, however trade effluent charges will rise by 2.8%. NI Water Director of Finance & Regulation, Ro
31/03/2016
Private equity company I Squared Capital has acquired Irish energy firm Viridian in a deal reported to be around €1 billion. Virdian, which also owns Power NI and Energia in Ireland, has employs approximately 480 people and has a 20% of domestic electricity and 27% business electricity sales across
30/03/2016
A new energy scheme which could provide energy savings for properties in Northern Ireland is being looked into by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI). The new EnergyWise scheme is being developed by the DETI in collaboration with Department of Social Development (DSD) and the
30/03/2016
Sinn Fein has hit out at the people responsible for illegal dumping at a park in Dublin. The party is calling for "urgent action" to be taken following a rise in anti-social behaviour as well as illegal dumping at St Cuthbert's Park. Dublin Mid-West TD Eoin Ó Broin said during the last three weeks
30/03/2016
A Co L'Derry based firm has scooped an estimated £250,000 deal to supply its mobile shelving to a company in Qatar. Sperrins Metal Storage in Draperstown will supply Fino International with its mobile shelving into the Ministry of Interior with support from Invest Northern Ireland. Enterprise Mini
30/03/2016
The number of people in mortgage and rent rent arrears suffering from anxiety and depression is increasing, according to new findings from a suicide prevention charity. Console said the ongoing housing crisis is having an effect on people's mental health. Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has called on
30/03/2016
Owners of properties affected by flooding following the heavy rainfall in Northern Ireland in November and December are being urged to apply for the Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme. The scheme will provide flood assistance of £1,000 to non domestic properties and small businesses, including f
30/03/2016
Contractors JH Turkington and Sons has been awarded a £12 million deal to develop new Government Department headquarters in Ballykelly, Co L'Derry. Work will start immediately on the pre-construction design phase of the project, which will create around 155 full-time construction jobs, with buildin
30/03/2016
Plans for a new facility to be developed at Aughnacloy College in Co Tyrone are to be discussed by the Department for Social Development (DSD). The DSD is to work with the college over plans for a new 6,600 sq m multi-purpose synthetic playing field within the grounds to be developed. Plans for th
30/03/2016
Sinn Féin has called on Irish Water to publish its full legal opinion after leaked legal advice to the Irish Times on getting rid of water charges does not correspond with her information from the EU Commission, MEP Lynn Boylan said: "Our view is that there is nothing to stop Ireland from using the
24/03/2016
The construction industry in Ireland has been given a boost after it was announced that €56.25 million is to be made available for Housing Adaptations for Older People and People with a Disability living in private houses this year. Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan K
24/03/2016
Belfast City Council has been awarded over £53,000 to continue to monitor and assess the air quality in Northern Ireland. The council will receive a total of £53,961 to address problems with air quality within its district. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "In a tough financial climate I p
24/03/2016
Dublin City Council is being placed under "enormous" pressure to cover the Government's failure to deal with the housing crisis, according to Sinn Fein. TD for Dublin Bay North, Denise Mitchell, said that in 2016 the council has an overall budget of €803 million. She said: "The expectation is tha
24/03/2016
The Alliance Party has called on the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Health Service to "step up" over the homeless issue in Northern Ireland. Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown said the death of another homeless person in Belfast City Centre highlights the lack of a joined-up
24/03/2016
Nine new listings to protect buildings in the Lisburn and Castlereagh Council area have been announced. The series of early Georgian townhouses at 41-43, 49 and 51 Market Square date from the early 18th century and are amongst the oldest known buildings in Lisburn City Centre. Another well known b
24/03/2016
The Heritage Minister has refused to rule out an appeal over the High Court's judgement to declare Moore Street in Dublin a national monument. Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh criticised Minister Heather Humphreys and said it is 'outrageous' that the state 'defended the destruction of most important s
23/03/2016
The development of a new 46 MegaWatt (MW) solar farm in the south of Antrim should be given planning consent, according to the Environment Minister. Minister Mark H Durkan said the building on the Dublin Road includes around 179,000 static solar panel modules mounted on frames with associated ancil
23/03/2016
The Government has once again been accused of failing to deal with the housing crisis. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, hit out at the Government after figures revealed it failed to develop 1,300 council homes in five years. Deputy Ellis said the government has failed to protect te
23/03/2016
Plans to build a Premier Inn hotel in Bangor, Co Down, have been welcomed by the DUP. The new hotel is to be developed at the Castle Leisure Centre site. North Down DUP MLA Gordon Dunne said it is "great news" for the town. Mr Dunne said: "Bangor town centre, like many town centres has suffered i
23/03/2016
Sinn Fein has written to Fingal County Council requesting a review of all piers, slips and jetties after five people were killed when their car went off a pier in County Donegal. Sinn Fein TD for Fingal Deputy O'Reilly said the safety issue must be assessed to ensure that such a tragedy is not repe
23/03/2016
Work on two new bicycle routes in Belfast is continuing. However, the first of the three £700,000 routes, linking Alfred Street from Ormeau Road to Chichester Street, is set to open in time for Easter. Transport Minister McIlveen said: "This continuous route is of a high quality and provides great
23/03/2016
Work on a concrete platform to help disabled anglers at a reservoir in Co Antrim is now complete. The platform at Copeland Reservoir in Carrickfergus was built to a high specification and gives anglers who use wheelchairs close and safe access to the water. Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Carál
23/03/2016
Graham Construction has started work on Stage 2 of NI Water's sewerage rehabilitation programme in Comber, Co Down. The work is expected to be complete in approximately six months. Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "Once both stages are complete, the project will provide the lo
23/03/2016
Work has been completed on two platforms at the Bellarena Train Station in Co L'Derry. This is part of the second phase of the £46.4million project which is being primarily funded by the Northern Ireland Executive with EU funding support. The scheme includes the construction of a rail passing loop
23/03/2016
Almost 5,000 people are waiting to be housed in Co Louth, it has been revealed. Louth Sinn Féin TD Imelda Munster hit out at the council after almost 70 acres of land banks have been zoned for social housing. She said: "The County Council is paying over three million in interest only loans per ye
23/03/2016
Lagan Construction has completed work on the new St Andrew's Pumping Station in Temple, Co Antrim. The new Station is a key part of the recently completed £14 million Castor Bay-Belfast Water Pipeline for customers in Belfast and the wider Lisburn area. The scheme, which got underway in January 20
22/03/2016
Up to 250 construction workers have started to develop an Energy from Waste facility in Belfast's Harbour Estate. The Full Circle Generation facility will see the waste industry change as it gains a critical piece of infrastructure which is capable of recovering energy. The 14.85 MW Energy will pr
22/03/2016
Work has started to develop a new £3.9 million primary school in Rostrevor, Co Down. The new build, for St Bronagh's Primary School, will be carried out in two stages and includes a seven class Primary School and a Youth Club, which is subject to planning permission. Education Minister John O'Dowd
22/03/2016
Sinn Féin believes the Seanad should be recalled to help over 100 residents facing eviction from their homes in Tyrrelstown, Dublin. Senators Trevor Ó Clochartaigh and Kathryn Reilly said the crisis requires "urgent action" by the Government and Oireachtas to stop the evictions. They said: "The wi
22/03/2016
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan and the Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen have signed a prosperity agreement to help preserve archaeological heritage in Northern Ireland. In 2012, construction works on the A32 Cherrymount Link Road at Drumclay in Enniskillen uncovered a site of anc
22/03/2016
A scheme to help bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use has been reopened in Northern Ireland. The Urban Development Grant scheme which helps developers also bring underused land back into use was reopened by Social Development Minister Lord Morrow. The Urban Development Grants (UDG) ar
22/03/2016
The Government has been slammed after it failed to respond to Irish League of Credit Union (ILCO) plans to develop 26,000 homes in Ireland. Sinn Féin’s Peadar Tóibín TD is calling on any new government to engage with the plans. Deputy Tóibín said: "The plan outlined how this money could be kept of
22/03/2016
Extension work has started on a rock barrier fence near Castlerock, close to Coleraine. The work at Seacoast Road in Downhill is expected to last for approximately three weeks. A spokesperson for TransportNI said: "In order to ensure that materials and equipment are offloaded safely, it will be ne
22/03/2016
Significant progress has been made on the development of a new slipway on the Strangford Ferry. The ferry service, which has been operating from a temporary slipway during construction, will return to the newly constructed £750,000 slipway at the end of March. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen
22/03/2016
Fianna Fáil said it supports the High Court decision to declare Moore Street in Dublin a national monument. However, the party is also urging the Government not to appeal the decision and preserve the site for prosperity. Chairman of Fianna Fáil Coiste 1916 Committee Éamon Ó Cuív said: "We all nee
22/03/2016
A new website has launched to provide householders with advice on a range of environmental and health matters. Livegreen.ie, launched by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), also supports the public in accessing up to date environmental information. Laura Burke, EPA Director General said: "Li
21/03/2016
Fianna Fáil has hit out at Irish Water after it spent €300,000 on hiring four separate Dublin based PR firms since January 2014. Spokesperson on Environment Deputy Cowen said the firm appears to be more concerned with its public image than ensuring that water quality and infrastructure is improved.
21/03/2016
A planning application has been submitted to build over 40 social homes in Wicklow. Wicklow County Council is planning to develop 42 social housing units on Kilbride Lane in Bray. Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/East Carlow, Andrew Doyle, welcomed the news. He said: "Public housing is in great demand in
21/03/2016
The High Court has declared 1916 Moore Street buildings in Dublin a national monument. Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan welcomed the decision and accused the government of ignoring their pleas. She said: "On two occasions I have raised the Save Moore Street campaign with Ms Claudia Luciani, Director of Demo
21/03/2016
The Department of Education has allocated funding to create a new purpose built facility for Gaelscoil Éanna in Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin National chairperson and candidate in the forthcoming Assembly election Declan Kearney welcomed the announcement. Mr Kearney said: "The news of this investmen
21/03/2016
The Sirocco site in Belfast has been sold. Sinn Féin Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile said the vacant site needs to be developed in conjunction with the local community. Councillor Ó Donnghaile said: "It is a massive site with massive potential to help address decades of under-investment and local co
21/03/2016
Ten councils have been awarded funding to continue to monitor and assess air quality in Northern Ireland. A combined total of £192,000 was awarded through the environment Fund managed by the Department of Environment (DoE). Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "he right to breathe clean air is
21/03/2016
Credit unions should be engaged to help ease the housing crisis in Ireland, according to Fianna Fáil. Spokesperson on Environment Barry Cowen supported a statement by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ICLU) which highlighted the important role that Credit Unions can play. He said: "We brought for
21/03/2016
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is reminding the construction industry about the importance of internal fall protection when working at heights. Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of death, disability and injury in construction and are of great concern t
21/03/2016
Belfast City Council has teamed up with the Department for Social Development (DSD) to invest in the regeneration of Belfast City Centre. Minister for Social Development, Lord Morrow MLA, said the shared policy will provide a clearer vision on how the city can become even more attractive to major p
21/03/2016
The Government has allocated €1 million funding for over 40 small scale geoscience research projects to be carried out in Ireland this year. 41 projects will take place from UAV mapping to landslide modelling and clean drinking water. The projects have been funded by the Geological Survey of Irela
18/03/2016
Work to install new double glazing windows at over 70 social homes in the Drumbeg area of Craigavon is now complete. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) invested £142,000 to install the double glazing at 72 homes. Denise McNally, Area Manager, said: "This is a terrific boost for our tena
18/03/2016
Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers has signed a €130,000 deal with energy firm Vayu to supply renewable electricity. The contract will see Vayu supply the Co Tipperary firm with 100% green electricity to meet its year-round energy requirements. The deal provides Cashel Farmhouse with direct access to w
18/03/2016
The Linen Green shopping complex has opened after repair work which was carried out following damage from Storm Desmond. Rivers Minister Michelle O'Neill said she has seen how hard businesses have worked to refurbish their stores. Visiting the complex, she said: "Today my spirits have been lifted
18/03/2016
The Woodland Trust has secured £40,000 to deliver wooded landscapes throughout Northern Ireland. The wooded landscapes will be better able to withstand and recover quickly from environmental pressures such as tree disease and climate change. The funding is part of the Environment Fund managed by D
18/03/2016
The second meeting of the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group has taken place in Athlone, Co Westmeath. The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established to enhance on-going co-operation across all of the State Agencies involved with the River S
18/03/2016
A £100 million plan to expand the Northern Ireland Science Park is being supported by Sinn Féin. The NI Science Park has submitted a bid for €15 million in European funds through the INTERREG scheme and a fresh bid for additional £6m in Executive funding, MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: "I admire th
18/03/2016
The Enterprise Minister and Stormont have been accused by the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) for "failing" Northern Ireland's renewable energy sector. The party's economy spokesperson, Adrian Cochrane Watson MLA, said what has unfolded in the intervening period has been nothing less than a shambles.
18/03/2016
The GAA has started a consultation into the new stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast. The GAA confirmed it is holding a two tier consultation process into the development of a new stadium. Sinn Féin MLA Rosie McCorley welcomed the announcement. She said: "I am particularly pleased that the GA
16/03/2016
A heating installation firm based in Warrenpoint has scooped a prestigious award. CTS Projects was awarded 'NI's Heating Installer of the Year 2016' by Installer Magazine. The awards, judged by industry experts and sponsored by Continental Underfloor in conjunction with Daikin UK, Graham Plumbers’
16/03/2016
Planning permission has been approved to develop a new hotel in Belfast. The new 188-bedroom hotel is to be situated in the City Quays area of the city. The site was last used as part of the former Seacat ferry terminal. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee also approved a planning applicati
16/03/2016
The tender process to select a contractor to help with the development of a £130 million project in Belfast has begun. The York Street Interchange scheme follows a public inquiry into proposals to separate strategic traffic from the local streets by providing direct vehicular links between the West
16/03/2016
Bus, cycle and pedestrian routes are to be upgraded in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) after it was announced over €23 million has been secured for sustainable transport projects. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, allocated the funding under the Sustainable Transport Meas
16/03/2016
The Young Social Innovator (YSI) programme has teamed up with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in Cork. Over 500 young children attended the YSI Speak-Out at the City Hall this week, where teams of school children pitched their ideas about how to change the world to a panel of experts in
16/03/2016
A new £8 million primary school development has opened in Newry, Co Down. St Joseph's Convent Primary School provides a 14-class base school, double nursery and two classrooms for pupils with moderate learning difficulties. Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "Improving the schools estate has bee
16/03/2016
Construction work has officially begun on the Ballymun Boiler House project in Dublin. The scheme will see the building transformed into a 3-D textbook, an architectural prototype in educational space design. The repurposing of the Boiler House, as part of the 'working with industrial spaces to e
16/03/2016
A businessman from Newtownards, Co Down, has been fined for waste offences. Leslie Wright, 73, trading as Leslie Wright and Son Plant Hire, was fined £2,000 at Lisburn Magistrates' Court for breaches of waste management legislation. On 12 March 2014, Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) off
16/03/2016
A planning application for a new housing development is Lisburn, Co Antrim, has been rejected. Lisburn and Castlereagh's planning committee turned down the application to develop new homes at Gortmore Park and Ardane Gardens following concerns from the local community. Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn we
16/03/2016
The Northern Ireland Executive, the Regional Development Committee and Assembly members have helped pass a Land Acquisition and Compensation (Amendment) Bill through its Final Stage. The Bill aims to bring compensation levels for land and property owners in Northern Ireland affected by compulsory l
15/03/2016
Northern Ireland's renewable heat target of 4% has been exceeded with an estimated 6% of heat now being provided from renewable sources. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell hailed renewables in Northern Ireland as a "success story". He said: "The Executive's Programme for Gover
15/03/2016
Irish Water is to submit plans to upgrade Ringsend Water Treatment Plant in Dublin towards the end of 2016. In the meantime, the firm has launched a public consultation on issues to be considered in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) for the plant. The two
15/03/2016
Concerned Cruise Park residents have attended a meeting to discuss their pending evictions from their homes in Tyrrelstown, Dublin. Sinn Féin councillor Paul Donnelly hosted the meeting and proposed a suspension of standing orders to deal with the urgent matter, before 208 families are made homeles
15/03/2016
Over £9 million has been secured for a new school build in L'Derry. A total of £9.2m is to be invested to build a new development for Rossmar School in Limavady. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín has welcomed the announcement. He said: "The funding has now been increased from £6.4 million to £9.2 mil
15/03/2016
Work on a controlled pedestrian crossing outside a primary school in Newtownards is now complete. The crossing, close to the entrance of Castle Gardens Primary School, was provided under the Safe Routes to Schools Initiative and represents an investment of over £35,000 in the local area. Transpor
15/03/2016
Northern Ireland's construction industry has been given a boost after the Education Minister announced an additional ten school projects as part of a £40 million capital investment. Minister John O'Dowd, who made the announcement, said new state of the art facilities will be installed in the primar
15/03/2016
Fianna Fáil has pledged to introduce legislation ensuring protection from the vulture funds for mortgage holders and tenants as a top priority. The party made the announcement after reports by homeless campaigner Fr Peter McVerry revealed that up to 3,000 children living in Ireland could become hom
15/03/2016
Sinn Féin has called for emergency legislation creating a compulsory code of conduct for banks and funds, where they are selling buy-to-let properties that are rented. The party made the call after it introduced measures to prevent homelessness in Ireland and limit the rise in rents. Mr Eoin Ó Bro
15/03/2016
The 2016 CSR Awards which recognise the work done by the business community for the benefit of their employees, the local community and the environment are now open. Chambers Ireland said the competition offers the business community in Ireland a chance to promote their Corporate Social Responsibil
15/03/2016
Street furniture designers and manufacturers Omos has completed a prestigious project for Kildare County Council. The project was located in George's Street, Newbridge. Some years ago well-known artist, Ann Meldon Hugh was commissioned to create a number of sculptures depicting the tradition of tr
14/03/2016
A storm sewer is to be installed on at a new development in Crumlin, Co Antrim. The new sewer will be located on the Mill Road/Nutt's Corner Road. NI Water is currently carrying out work which involves the laying of approximately 136 mwtres of pipe and associated manholes for the new connection to
14/03/2016
Over 200 tenants are facing eviction in Tyrrelsown in Fingal. Dublin West Sinn Féin representative Cllr Paul Donnelly will present an emergency motion at Fingal County Council to highlight the issue for 208 families in Tyrrelstown. He said: "They are shocked that their homes were bought by venture
14/03/2016
A public consultation on a new Historic Environment Fund, aimed at supporting NI's heritage, has been launched. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan launched the consultation aimed at kick starting a wide range of projects and initiatives in the sector. Minister Durkan explained: "In this period of
14/03/2016
Housing association Apex has opened a new 'shared neighbourhood' development in south Belfast. The scheme includes 67 housing units with a mix of houses, apartments and dwellings for those with complex needs. Junior Minister Emma Pengelly said: "It is a key milestone in our vision of a united com
14/03/2016
Work on a £529,000 watermains improvement project in Larne, Co Antrim, is now complete. NI Water upgraded the watermains to allow Mid and East Antrim council to finish its public realm scheme throughout the town centre. Tracey Mitchell, NI Water Project Manager said: "This major investment is good
14/03/2016
A new £6.3 million school development has opened in Newry. St Clare's Abbey Primary School is an amalgamation of St Colman's Abbey and St Clare's Convent Primary School. Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "The new build represents a significant investment of over £6 million and brings us to this
14/03/2016
The Government is once again being urged to scrap the water charges. Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan said the government needs to "withdraw" the Irish River Basin Management Submission and amend it to reflect the election result before the 22 March deadline. She said: "The majority of TDs elected to the
14/03/2016
Harland & Wolff (H&W) employees are being offered support after it was announced 60 jobs are to be axed. Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said he will be proactively working with employees affected by the announcement to determine what steps to take to assist those facing redundanc
14/03/2016
Sinn Féin are preparing a bill aimed at helping to prevent homelessness in Ireland. Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis said the focus now must be on forming a government so that progressive Bills can be presented to the House and solutions found to the critical issues facing the country. Deputy Ell
14/03/2016
The Government is being urged to create a Minister for Infrastructure and Construction. The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) made the call to help deal with the infrastructure and housing crisis in Ireland. CIF Director General Tom Parlon said: "We are storing up problems around the supply o
11/03/2016
Over €3 million has been secured to carry out upgrade works at a wastewater treatment plant in Shannon, Co Clare. Irish Water and Clare County Council have teamed up to carry out the works which also includes a sewerage network project. The work involves cleaning and surveying the sewers and an an
11/03/2016
The latest ESRI report on housing has been described as "damning". The report revealed the government needs to take immediate action to tackle the housing crisis in Dublin. Sinn Fein Councillor Daithí Doolan accused developers of using the current housing crisis as an excuse to drive down apartmen
11/03/2016
Around 60 jobs are to be axed at Belfast engineering firm Harland & Wolff. The company is blaming the move on the downturn in the offshore oil and gas sector. Michael Mulholland, spokesperson for the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering, said: "The announcement by Harland and Wolff manage
11/03/2016
Planning permission has been approved to develop a new community building in Swords, Dublin. The new Swords Men's Shed is to be built on lands at, and adjoining, the Parochial House. Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal, Louise O'Reilly, welcomed the announcement. She said: "There had been a lot of wor
11/03/2016
A new £4 million primary school development has officially opened in Belfast. The new Victoria Park Primary School, located in the Sydenham area, is the first new school building to be opened since the Education Authority was formed in April last year. First Minister Arlene Foster MLA, who attende
11/03/2016
A public consultation has been launched to develop a new Park and Ride facility in Co Armagh. The Translink proposal is to build a new 340-space facility at Portadown Train Station on Corcrain Road. Transport Minister, Michelle McIlveen, said it would be an additional asset to the wider Portadown
11/03/2016
The Alliance Party and Sinn Féin have hit out at the Environment Minister after his Department ignored a request which gave an oil firm permission to drill in Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus. Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson is calling on Minister Mark H Durkan to establish an independe
11/03/2016
Rapid International Ltd, based in Co Armagh, has recently supplied Kent based Gallagher Group with a new Rapidmix 400CW mobile continuous mixing plant. The Rapidmix machine is operated primarily at the group's Hermitage Quarry site and is also utilised on location if haulage presents an issue. E
10/03/2016
A €1 million fund has been allocated for Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) projects this year. The funding, from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), is to be used to speed up new market solutions and overcome technical or other barriers in the move to a secure, c
10/03/2016
A NI energy firm is to cut its gas prices in the 'Ten Towns' licence area, just outside Belfast, by 7.7%. Firmus Energy said the price reduction will come into effect on 01 April 2016. Michael Scott, managing director for Firmus Energy, said: "We have more than 28,000 customers in the Ten Towns ar
10/03/2016
A firm based in Castlereagh, Belfast, has been appointed to refurbish a bridge in Co Tyrone. Highway Barrier Solutions (HBS), on behalf of Transport NI, is to strengthen and refurbish Verners Bridge in Tamnamore. The firm will start the work in mid-March and it is expected to be completed in June
10/03/2016
Restoration work has started at the former Harland & Wolff Headquarters building in Belfast's Titanic Quarter. The development of the four-storey, 84-bedroom hotel is being managed by Titanic Quarter Ltd. Titanic Foundation, with the help of a £4.9 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund's H
10/03/2016
Fianna Fáil's Environment Spokesperson has been slammed over his refusal to confirm or deny his position on water charges. Sinn Féin TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan, accused Barry Cowen of "flip-flopping" over the issue. Deputy Nolan said: "Up until this week, Barry Cowen had been insisting that water
10/03/2016
The public are being urged to take part in a consultation to help councils tackle derelict buildings and neglected sites in Northern Ireland. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan launched the consultation today, 10 March, and it is to run until 30 June. Minister Durkan said he would like to hear fro
10/03/2016
Building work has started on a new £1.3 million nursery school in Co Down. The new Edenderry Nursery School is being developed at the junction of Lanark Way and Mayo link. The nursery school is currently located in Glenwood Primary School. Education Minister John O'Dowd, who visited the site, sai
10/03/2016
An additional 10 major construction projects will take place in Northern Ireland after the Education Minister announced a 32% rise in the 2016-17 Capital Budget for school buildings. A further £47 million has been allocated by Minister John O'Dowd to allow more schools to be improved and minor work
10/03/2016
Many non-domestic organisations affected by the recent flooding in Northern Ireland will receive £1,000 after the Agriculture Minister announced an emergency financial aid package. Minister Michelle O'Neill said it is a one-off programme which will help many organisations significantly affected by
10/03/2016
Karl Asset Management Ltd has been selected as the preferred developer to carry out improvement work on a former Linen warehouse in Belfast. The redevelopment work on Armagh House includes office space over four upper levels with the ground floor being converted into a restaurant/café bar and retai
09/03/2016
Spanish plasma pharmaceuticals group Grifols has brought forward plans to develop a purification plant at its biologics site in Grangecastle, Dublin. The firm is to invest an additional $85 million at its biologics plant due to rising demand. Construction work will begin towards the end of this ye
09/03/2016
Sinn Féin has blamed the British Government for putting pressure on NI's renewable sector. Mr Conor Murphy, MLA, said the threat of penalties from the Department of Energy and Climate Change in London is inhibiting the Executive's determination to provide 40 per cent of NI's energy needs from renew
09/03/2016
The deadline to provide feedback over the regeneration of the Linen Quarter area in Belfast is fast approaching. A public consultation exercise is being held by the Belfast City Council until Friday, 11 March. An exhibition displaying a draft plan of how the Linen Quarter could look in the future
09/03/2016
The Minister for Employment and Learning is being urged to "rethink" his decision to consolidate the Northern Regional College's (NRC) Ballymoney campus to a new development in Coleraine. North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann described Minister Stephen Farry's decision is "yet another blow"
09/03/2016
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has awarded an employee from Fold Housing Association Young Professional of the Year. 26-year-old Fearghal Burke received the award at the recent ceremony held at Belfast City Hall. The awards celebrate excellence in housing and related services across Nort
09/03/2016
Ireland faces considerable challenges to become a low carbon economy, according to figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The projections also showed Ireland is unlikely to meet its 2020 EU greenhouse gas emission reduction target. Ireland's EU target for 2020 is to reduce greenho
09/03/2016
A new Central Library and Cultural Centre based in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, has scooped two prestigious awards. The dlr LexIcon development won the Selwyn Goldsmith Award for International Design and the National Panel Special Award at the 2016 Civic Trust Awards in London The awards are the
09/03/2016
FP McCann located in Magherafelt, Co L'Derry, has used its readymix concrete on a wind farm in Co Antrim. The firm supplied over 6000m³ of readymix concrete to Altaveedan Wind Farm in Loughguile. The concrete mix was used to build nine wind turbine bases, hardstandings and other concrete structure
09/03/2016
A primary school pupil in Clady, Ballymena, has won the junior section of an environmental speaking competition. Liam Harte from St Columba's Primary School scooped the award at the Environmental Youth Speak Northern Ireland Finals held at the Theatre at the Mill in Antrim. Lucia Orsi from Assumpt
09/03/2016
Mencap has opened a new £4.6 million development in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The centre will provide a comprehensive range of support services including a new children's nursery, specialist treatment and activity rooms, a hub for young people to engage in arts and cultural programmes, and family
08/03/2016
Firmus Energy is to cut its prices by over 9% for over 50,000 customers living the the Greater Belfast area. The firm has confirmed it will reduce its gas prices by 9.75%. Michael Scott, managing director for firmus energy, said: "Along with our excellent customer service we have consistently offe
08/03/2016
Sinn Féin is against Eirgrid's plans to develop almost 300 electricity pylons through the northeast. MEP for the Midlands North West, Matt Carthy, made the call after attending the first oral hearing by An Bord Pleanála over plans to build 299 pylons at 26-51 metres in height each through counties
08/03/2016
Construction work is continuing on a new £9.1 million business centre in west Belfast. The centre, which is being developed at Forthriver Business Park off the Springfield Road, is expected to be complete in May this year. The new Innovation Factory will provide annual support services to over 100
08/03/2016
An apprentice from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has won gold at the Skillbuild NI Finals in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. SERC apprentice Jemuel Chamos (brickwork) took part in the competition and scooped the top prize. Altogether, 80 construction apprentices competed against each other and
08/03/2016
A retail and leisure park based in Belfast is to undergo a £2 million refurbishment. The work, at Belfast's Cityside Retail and Leisure Park, known as 'CITYSIDE EXCITE', will provide food court and leisure space. The works are expected to be completed in June 2016. Cityside is also an established
08/03/2016
The new £5 million Lagan Weir Footbridge, which connects Donegall Quay with Queen's Quay, in Belfast has been shortlisted in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) NI Awards 2016. The awards will take place on Friday 06 May at La Mon Hotel & Country Club, hosted by Property Developer a
08/03/2016
Significant improvements have been made to the water pressure in Kildorrery, Co Cork, according to initial reports. Irish Water in partnership with Cork County Council developed a hydraulic model of the network to help locate anomalies on the existing network, following complaints about low water p
08/03/2016
Contractor BSG Civil Engineering is making significant progress on a new £464,000 Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) in Co Fermanagh. The ICW, at a site in Castle Archdale, is the second to be developed by NI Water . This ICW is expected to be in operation by the end of March this year. The inv
08/03/2016
Fianna Fáil has pledged to help homeowners in mortgage distress, if voted into the next Government. Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen said his party is "committed" to helping families at risk of losing their homes through repossession. He said: "The Mortgage-to-Rent sche
08/03/2016
Churches in Northern Ireland may be exempt from paying planning fees. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said he is currently reviewing the plans. Not for profit clubs and societies are already exempt. Mr Durkan said: "We need though to take on board councils' experiences of operating as the loca
07/03/2016
A boil water notice remains in place for Irish Water customers living in parts of Co Galway. The firm is currently carrying out work at the Leitir Móir/Tír an Fhia water treatment plant which includes modification of the existing water treatment plant and increased controls in the treatment process
07/03/2016
An Bord Pleanála has been slammed over its delay on a decision for a minor flood relief scheme in south Galway. The decision has been deferred many times despite the application for the project being lodged last year. Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East Anne Rabbitte said the after effects are impactin
07/03/2016
The Department for Social Development (DSD) has been called to prioritise the creation of shared housing developments in Northern Ireland. Alliance Social Development spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA made the call after Minister Lord Morrow responded to a recent report by the Equality Commission on
07/03/2016
Construction firm BAM Ireland has hosted a two-day event in Dublin. The BAM International Safety Officers event included knowledge sharing and learning for continuous improvement. Visitors also received a site tour to a hi-tech development currently underway at Sandyford. The New Strategy of Roy
07/03/2016
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has been called to answer questions before the Assembly Finance Committee after the firm became aware of the involvement of Frank Cushnahan, in the sale of its northern property portfolio more than two years ago. Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay said the sale h
07/03/2016
An oral hearing into the proposed North-South interconnector opens today, Monday, 07 March. An Bord Pleanála has convened the hearing in the Nuremore Hotel in Monaghan which is expected to last 12 weeks. It follows the submission in June of a planning application for the development from EirGrid.
07/03/2016
A new orchard has been planted at Ballymoney Model Controlled Integrated Primary School in Co Antrim. Volunteers from NIE Networks and The Conservation Volunteers helped pupils build the orchard on the school grounds. The pupils involved were the Eco Councillors from P4 to P7 and, together with Th
07/03/2016
Interested parties are being urged to express their views on the strategic planning policy for Development in the Countryside and Renewable Energy. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan nnounced 'Calls for Evidence' on issues with the future of planning policy under the reformed planning system. Mr
04/03/2016
Construction firm BAM has been selected to deliver the new Bantry Inner Harbour Development in Cork. Appointed by Bantry Bay Port Company, the development marks the start of the regeneration of Bantry inner harbour. Phase 1 of the project expected to cost in the region of €8.5 million The develop
04/03/2016
Refurbishment work on a hotel in Co L'Derry is now complete. Bishop's Gate Hotel in the centre of the town has officially opened to the public following the regeneration project. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness open the hotel and confirmed 60 new jobs will be created. He said: "The north
04/03/2016
The SDLP is demanding the Agriculture Minister to expedite payments to business owners who have been affected by flooding in Northern Ireland. SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said Minister Michelle O'Neill is yet to refer a business case to the Department of Finance and Personnel to extend relief
04/03/2016
Anti Austerity Alliance TD's have issued a fresh call for the next government to abolish water charges. Ruth Coppinger, Paul Murphy, and Mick Barry said it is now critical that all sections of the Anti Water Charges Movement join the boycott. In statement they said: "The only reason that the abol
04/03/2016
Fine Gael and Labour's failure to invest in housing has given rise to the crisis in Ireland, according to Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Dara Calleary. Mr Calleary has called on the parties not to neglect the housing crisis in the wake of the General Election and said
04/03/2016
An Armagh firm has been fined for two health and safety breaches at Laganside Crown Court. Raptics Limited was fined £2,400 plus costs of over £1,780. The sentencing comes after a Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) investigation into an incident on 05 September 2014 in which
04/03/2016
NAMA is being urged to fully co-operate with any judicial or statutory inquiry after the BBC Spotlight programme revealed "serious allegations" surround in the sale of its loan book in Northern Ireland. Fianna Fáil Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said it is vital that all of the facts are asce
04/03/2016
Residents living in south and east Tyrone are being urged to contact the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is they see any suspicious activity in relation to the disposal of illegal waste. Known as 'Operation Teak', the NIEA has produced leaflets for 1,200 households and businesses living
03/03/2016
Site investigation work is to be carried out in Dublin in relation to the development of new water mains and the provision of extra water storage capacity. Fingal County Council has partnered with Irish Water to carry out the investigations in Balbriggan and Howth. The work will enable the design
03/03/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for the water metering project to end. Leader Gerry Adams said the remaining money should be invested in water infrastructure projects in Ireland. Mr Adams also called for the water tax to be abolished "for good". He said: "We witnessed the rise of people power over the past
03/03/2016
The Government has been slammed over its "failure" to tackle the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing and the Environment, Deputy Barry Cowen, is calling for a national building programme to be established in which all primary stakeholders, including the Department
03/03/2016
Refurbishment works at a primary school in Co Armagh have begun. The Armstrong Primary School is being extended and refurbished as part of the School Enhancement Programme. The project will involve the refurbishment and extension of the original school and provide resource areas, classroom stores
03/03/2016
The Social Development Minister has been called to establish an "urgent" programme of house building after in Strabane, Co Tyrone, after the SDLP revealed many of the people in the area are living in "housing stress". SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said he will continue to press Minister Lor
03/03/2016
Residents living in Comber, Co Down, have been invited to attend an information session to discuss NI Water's Sewer Rehabilitation programme. The 'drop in' session, to discuss more about the scheme, will take place at Comber Leisure Centre on Thursday, 10 March, between 4pm and 6.45pm. The work ma
03/03/2016
Construction work has started on the new headquarters for the Department for Agriculture and Regional Development (DARD) in Ballykelly, Co L'Derry. Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met with villagers in Ballykelly to update them on the latest developments at Shackleton Barracks. The former
03/03/2016
Statoil has won six Licensing Options in Ireland's 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round. Statoil will be the operator of four Licensing Options and partner in two Licensing Options, operated by ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Ireland (Offshore South) Limited. The six Licensing Options awarde
02/03/2016
Construction firm DJR Contracts has completed a refurbishment project at a nursing home in Ballyclare. Hamilton Private Nursing Home on the Ballycorr Road has been expanded and refurbished as part of a £1.5 million Ulster Bank-backed investment. New facilities include luxury en-suite bedrooms, lou
02/03/2016
Energy firm Electric Ireland has announced a 10% price cut. The firm is to reduce its electricity prices for customers from 21 March. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell, welcomed the news. Minister Bell said: "I welcome the tariff announcement which is good news for Electri
02/03/2016
Irish firm NTR has announced the final close of its wind investment fund, NTR Wind 1. An additional €50 million has also been secured from Strathclyde Pension Fund and €35 million from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. Strathclyde Pension Fund and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund join
02/03/2016
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has announced its 2016 Energy Show is to take place at the RDS in Dublin on 06 and 07 April. The annual two-day free business event gives attendees the opportunity to view the latest products from leading suppliers of energy efficient and renewabl
02/03/2016
The Minister for the Environment has been called to "get back to work" to tackle the housing crisis in Ireland. The Green Party claims 13 families living in temporary accommodation in Dublin's North Inner City face eviction from emergency accommodation that had been leased by Dublin City Council fr
02/03/2016
Significant progress is being made on a new £86 million hospital development in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Construction work is continuing on the Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex and it is expected to be complete at the end of this year. First Minister Arlene Foster MLA and Health Minister Simon Ham
01/03/2016
A quarter of NI construction firms are still operating in survival mode, according to the latest State of Trade Survey. The survey, from the Construction Employers' Federation (CEF) and Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC), also revealed only around a quarter of the companies are operating at full capacit
01/03/2016
The DUP has welcomed the announcement that SSE Airtricity is to cuts its prices for customers in the Greater Belfast area. Last week the firm announced a 10.2% average decrease in gas prices and a 10.3% reduction in electricity tariffs. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell, said
01/03/2016
Sinn Féin claims the homeless will remain home if Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are voted into government. Leader Gerry Adams said the "current sham fight" between both parties is "nothing to do with real issues". Deputy Adams said: "The people who were homeless on Friday will remain homeless under Fi
01/03/2016
Coillte held its Climate Change and Irish Forestry Conference in Farmleigh House in Dublin on Monday, 29 February. The conference brought together representatives to address the risks and opportunities that climate change presents to the Irish forestry sector. The conference was opened by EU Commi
01/03/2016
A Sinn Féin TD is once again calling for all water charges to be abolished. After being elected TD for Dublin Bay North Sinn Féin's Denise Mitchell confirmed over 400,000 people voted for candidates aligned to the Right2Change platform to end water charges. She said: "The Fine Gael/Labour Governme
01/03/2016
A formal Notice of Intention to Proceed and the making of the Direction Order for a £6 million road realignment scheme in Northern Ireland is to be published. The scheme, at Cornamuck on the A32 Omagh to Enniskillen route, is one of a series of both on-line and off-line improvements identified for
