Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for May 2016
31/05/2016
Kiernan Structural Steel, located in Longford, has announced it is to create 50 new jobs. The jobs are part of a €3.5 million investment which has been supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland. Fine Gael TD for Longford Westmeath, Peter Burke, welco
31/05/2016
Fianna Fáil is calling on the government to introduce a 'Help-to-Buy' scheme to help first time buyers. The party made the call after it was revealed that only 335 applicants used a scheme to provide relief from DIRT for first time buyers. Spokesperson Michael McGrath said the figures were a "majo
31/05/2016
Over 2,100 children in Ireland are homeless, according to Sinn Féin. TD for Dublin North West Dessie Ellis confirmed 2,121 are sleeping in emergency accommodation and is calling on the government to declare a "housing emergency". Mr Ellis said: "The Minister has promised an Action Plan within 100
31/05/2016
The Housing Minister is being urged to respond to concerns over the housing and water issues in Cork. Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoin Ó Broin called on Minister Coveney after the UN rapporteurs wrote to the government last September. They also said ther
31/05/2016
Developers McAleer & Rushe have started work on a new eight-storey building for the Belfast City Council. The development is being based on the former Clarendon House site in Adelaide Street. Councillor Declan Boyle, Chairman of Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said
31/05/2016
The government has been accused of failing to deal with the coastal erosion problem throughout Northern Ireland. Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong recently held a meeting with the Coastal Erosion Group and said the lack of investment was "no longer acceptable". She said: "Across Strangford coastal bus
31/05/2016
A new primary care centre is to be developed in Carrick-On-Suir in Co Tipperary. The funding has been secured by the European Investment Bank (EIB). Labour Tipperary Senator Denis Landy welcomed the news. He said: "Typically, local Primary Care Centres, allow people to access locally a wide range
31/05/2016
The Green Party has hit out at the government over its decision to abolish the Department of Environment. Environment Spokesperson Cllr Malcolm Noonan said the news that the Government are moving ahead with the statutory instruments to make these changes is incredibly disappointing. Mr Noonan said
27/05/2016
A housing association in Northern Ireland is to develop over 50 new homes in south Belfast. Clanmil Housing is to build 55 new social homes in the Annadale Embankment area. Green Party Deputy Leader, Clare Bailey MLA, welcomed the announcement. She said: "Not only is Clanmill creating secure, aff
27/05/2016
Planning has been approved to develop a new community centre in Co L'Derry. The Causeway Coast and Glens Leisure and Development Committee gave the go-ahead to proceed with plans to build the Magilligan Community Centre. A tender report will now be submitted to the committee to sign off. Sinn Féi
27/05/2016
A march to highlight the homeless crisis in Ireland is to take place on Saturday, 28 May. The National Homeless and Housing Coalition will be joined by members of Siptu the union at Custom House in Dublin at 2pm. The rally will end outside the post office on O'Connell Street. Siptu National Campa
27/05/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for the Narrow Water Bridge project not to be delayed any longer. Leader of the party, Gerry Adams, is urging the Irish Government and the NI Executive to work together to provide funding for the scheme to go-ahead. Deputy Adams hosted the Narrow Water Bridge Community Network
27/05/2016
A new sports facility has opened at Belfast High School in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. The new facilities include a sports hall, a fitness suite, a synthetic turf playing area and a drama studio. The facility was established after funding was received through the School Enhancement Project (SEP). Ed
27/05/2016
Choice Housing Association has signed a deal with Abbeyfield & Wesley to manage a new supported living scheme for the elderly in Co Down. The Service Level Agreement (SLA), at Hamilton Road in Bangor, includes seven ensuite bedrooms with communal facilities with daily support staff on site. Bever
27/05/2016
A total of 14 new primary care centres are to be developed across Ireland. 50 per cent of the funding will be provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the balance is being provided by the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFG (BTMU) and Talanx Asset Management. The new centres will be located at
27/05/2016
A number of developers have taken part in a new scheme to look at a wider range of issues that impact the quality and sustainability of new residential construction. Castlethorn, MKN Group, Dublin City Council and Cluid Housing Association participated in the labeling scheme, launched by the Irish
26/05/2016
The new Justice Minister has been called to push ahead with plans to build a new prison in Co L'Derry. The previous Justice Minister, David Ford, recognised that the standards of Magilligan prison fell short of those required by disability access legislation and that the current infrastructure has
26/05/2016
Contractors Gibson (Banbridge) are preparing to start work on a £6 million road improvement scheme in Lurgan, Co Armagh. The project, at Millenium Way, will include 430 metres of new road from Malcolm Road to Gilford Road. The work will also involve an upgrade of the junction between Millennium Wa
26/05/2016
Concerns have been raised after the Ulster Bank decided to sell 900 family home mortgages. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath TD said that while the Ulster Bank were at pains to point out that the borrowers in these cases did not engage with the bank, there must be a suspicion that
26/05/2016
A public consultation is being held today, 26 May, over the proposed development of a new GAA stadium at Casement Park in west Belfast. The consultation is taking place at Andersonstown Leisure Centre between 1pm and 8pm and the public and businesses are being urged to give their opinions. Sinn Fé
26/05/2016
Irish Water has been slammed for continuing to bill customers who are living in areas with a 'boil water' notice. Sinn Féin TD for Cork East, Pat Buckley, said it is "unacceptable" and is demanding the firm to cease billing immediately. Deputy Buckley said: "Despite the proposed suspension of wate
26/05/2016
Energy firm ESB has appointed a new Group Finance Director. The Board of ESB selected Pat Fenlon to take up the post. Mr Fenlon was previously General Manager of Electric Ireland, Corporate Change Manager and Group Finance & Commercial Manager. He will replace Donal Flynn who is to take up the
26/05/2016
The SDLP is urging the new Infrastructure Minister to put plans in place to complete the Narrow Water Bridge scheme. MLA Sinead Bradley said the people of South Down have waited and been disappointed by successive Ministers and is calling on Chris Hazzard MLA to commit to the project. She said: "T
26/05/2016
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has been slammed over comments he made during Sinn Féin's Bill on Irish Water. Minister Paschal Donohoe said the suspension of water charges will mean that "tax revenues will have to be re-directed from elsewhere". The party's spokesperson on Public
25/05/2016
Banks refusing to reduce their variable mortgage rates has been described as "completely unjustifiable", by Fianna Fáil. The party made the announcement after it was revealed AIB managed to increase its net interest margin despite reducing its standard variable rate on four occasions in the past ei
25/05/2016
Sinn Féin is to hold an Oireachtas briefing to discuss the importance of the Narrow Water Bridge project. The briefing is to be held in the Dáil this evening, 25 May. Leader of the party, Gerry Adams, who hosted a meeting with the Narrow Water Bridge Committee in Leinster House, said: "The Taoisea
25/05/2016
The government is once again being called to abolish the water charges. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Maurice Quinlivan TD is demanding the government to listen to the people after it was revealed several of them are refusing to pay the "unfair tax". He said: "In the re
25/05/2016
Two water charge protesters have been released from prison. Eamon McGrath and Sean Doyle were released from Cloverhill Prison in Wicklow on a 'technicality' after being remanded in custody following a demonstration against water charges. Sinn Féin TD John Brady said the two men should have never b
25/05/2016
Improvement works to a water treatment plant in Williamstown, Co Galway, are ongoing, however the boil water notice for customers has been lifted with immediate effect. Irish Water customers on the Williamstown Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food pre
25/05/2016
Work on a tree planting project in Co L'Derry has been completed. NI Water, The Woodland Trust and The Loughs Agency joined forces for the scheme on the banks of Glenedra River. NI Water uses water from the Glenedra River, where water quality can frequently be poor due to bankside erosion and inst
25/05/2016
Fine Gael is calling on Sinn Féin to come clean with the public on how it intends to fund water and waste water infrastructure in the future. FG TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, slammed SF over its "populist charade". Mr Fitzpatrick said: "This week Sinn Féin is to use Private Members time in the
24/05/2016
A Sinn Féin MLA has described the water charges and the privatisation of water services as "wrong and unfair". Mr Conor Murphy said the charges "can and must be ended". He was speaking as his party colleagues and other deputies tabled a Dáil motion to scrap water charges. Mr Murphy said: "When I
24/05/2016
NIE Networks has confirmed it has restored power to approximately 9,000 homes and businesses in Ballymoney, Co Antrim. The electricity firm said the fault was due to a problem with an underground cable in a substation. It said the areas affected were Ballymoney town, Stranocum, Dervock and Dunloy.
24/05/2016
A new co-operation deal has been signed between NI Water and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. The contract is to improve joint operational response in the event of an emergency incident at any NI Water site across Northern Ireland. Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at the NIFR
24/05/2016
The Irish Government is being urged to work with the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) to ban all fracking throughout Ireland. Two Sinn Féin TD's made the call and said they are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure fracking is not permitted. Spokesperson on Communications, Climate Change
24/05/2016
The Alliance Party is calling on NI Water to complete a £4.5 million project to end pollution problems at Kinnegar Lagoons in Holywood, Co Down. The firm confirmed it has encountered significant technical difficulties in the final phase of the scheme and Alliance Cllr Andrew Muir said he would be p
24/05/2016
Businesses and organisations in Ireland are being called to apply for grants under a new management framework which complements the Irish Energy Efficient Design Standard I.S.399. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) confirmed up to €250,000 per applicant has been made available under
24/05/2016
The Government is being urged to establish a commission on the Private Rented Sector (PRS) to make it fit for purpose. The national housing charity Threshold renewed its appeal following the increase in homeless figures throughout Ireland. Bob Jordan, CEO of Threshold said the commission would exa
24/05/2016
Fianna Fáil has pledged to bring forward a number of recommendations to increase housing supply to address the homeless crisis in Ireland. The party made the announcement after figures revealed a dramatic rise in homelessness in Co Meath, The figures, released by the Department of Environment and
23/05/2016
Work on a new 3G sports pitch is Co Fermanagh is now complete. The pitch was officially opened by football manager David Jeffrey. The Department for Communities invested £357,000 funding towards the Maguiresbridge facility through the Regional Shared Sports Facility pilot programme. The pitch was
23/05/2016
The government has been accused of "sitting on its hands" after figures revealed over 230,050 homes across Ireland are vacant. The figures, which were in a report by the Housing Agency, showed there are 7,995 vacant houses and 16,321 vacant apartments in Dublin alone. Sinn Féin housing spokesperso
23/05/2016
House prices in Northern Ireland have dropped, according to a new report. Research by the Ulster University shows the overall average house price of £146,472 for the first quarter of 2016, lower than might have been expected based on the strong growth during 2015. Produced in partnership with the
23/05/2016
Work is underway on a £175,000 road improvement project in Omagh. The scheme on the A505 Barony Road is expected to be complete by Friday, 27 May. The improvements will increase the strength and surface quality of the route between Omagh and Cookstown and help resolve ongoing maintenance issues as
23/05/2016
Sinn Fein is calling on the State to look at the full potential of the Moore Street site, after the High Court ruling came into effect on Friday, 20 May. The ruling prevents the destruction of the site. Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Chairperson of Sinn Féin’s National 1916 Commemoration Committee welcomed
23/05/2016
A demonstration to scrap water charges is to be held in Dublin on Wednesday, 25 May. The demonstration will take place at 5pm outside the Dáil and coincides with Sinn Féin's Private Members time on Tuesday and Wednesday to table a motion to abolish the charges. The motion has been signed by 39 ant
23/05/2016
A 'significant' waste site has been discovered in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. It is believed to be linked to further waste sites which had previously been uncovered in the Ballygawley and Sanholes areas. The site, in the Galbally area, is currently being assessed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agen
23/05/2016
80 per cent of people are against the development of a new nuclear power plant beside the Sellafield site in Cumbria, according to a new poll. The poll, carried out by Cumbria's North West Evening Mail, showed people are 'very concerned' over the development of the plant which is already a year beh
23/05/2016
A Sinn Féin MLA has contacted gas storage firm Infrastrata to meet with with the local community over concerns the drilling at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus may affect the drinking water in the area. Mr Oliver McMullan MLA met with protestors at the site today, 23 May, to discuss concerns the
23/05/2016
The removal of Part V homes from the Tenant Purchase Scheme is preventing potential buyers to purchase homes, according to Fianna Fáil. The party's spokesperson on Housing, Barry Cowen TD, is calling for the scheme to be extended and to include private developments. Deputy Cowen said: "Over 15,000
20/05/2016
The Labour Party has proposed changes to the Constitution that would see a referendum to keep Irish Water and energy firm ESB under public ownership. If the amendment is approved it would mean Ireland could not privatise gas, electricity or water services. The Green Party welcomed the Bill and sai
20/05/2016
Northern Ireland's first ever large-scale solar farm has been developed in Co Antrim. Lightsource Renewable Energy established and connected the 4.83 Megawatts peak (MWp) solar farm on the Crookedstone Road. It is now connected directly into the private network of Belfast International Airport, pr
20/05/2016
The Chief Executive of Dublin City Council has requested an extension on the lease of a homeless hostel in the area. Mr Owen Keegan has written to the board of the Digital Hub, where Brú Aimsir is based, and asked for the contract to be extended for another 12 months. Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-W
20/05/2016
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has appointed a new Chief Executive. Mr Jim Gannon is to take up the role on Monday, 23 May. Mr Gannon will lead the development and delivery of the Authority's new five year strategy. Mr Gannon said: "The new White Paper and recent commitments
20/05/2016
Sinn Féin is to table a motion to abolish Irish Water and end the water charges at its Private Members time next week. The party made the announcement after figures revealed a dramatic drop in the number of people paying the charges. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water, Eoin Ó Broin, secured figures f
20/05/2016
A firmus energy registered installer has made his 75th energy connection in Newry, Northern Ireland. John McCusker of McCusker Gas Appliance & Oil Boiler Services said since becoming a registered installed he has been kept busy in the Newry area. Mr McCusker said: "Since I became a registered firm
20/05/2016
Refuse collection firms will still be free to charge for the collection of recyclable waste, Sinn Féin has claimed. The party raised concerns after plans to introduce a minimum charge for green recycling bins were scrapped by the government. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Climate Change
20/05/2016
Energy firm ESB has named its Apprentice Network Technician of the Year. Mr Kevin O'Sullivan from Macroom in Cork scooped the award which recently took place at the ESB Networks National Training Centre in Portlaoise. ESB Chief Executive Pat O'Doherty said: "I would like to extend my warmest congr
19/05/2016
A €17 million infrastructure project, which will bring natural gas to Nenagh in Co. Tipperary, is to begin on Monday, 23 May. The Ervia scheme will also upgrade the existing water and wastewater systems in the area. The main phase of the project involves upgrading the waste water system in the ce
19/05/2016
Fianna Fáil's bill on mortgage rates has been described as "ineffective" by Fine Gael. Mr Peter Fitzpatrick, TD for Louth, said the bill will result in long term difficulties and long term solutions are needed for mortgage holders. Mr Fitzpatrick said: "I know the challenges people face paying hig
19/05/2016
Concerns have been raised over the High Court ruling, which prevents the destruction of the Moore Street battlefield site, may be appealed. The Minister for Regional Development, Heather Humphreys, is being urged by Sinn Féin not to appeal the decision. President Gerry Adams also confirmed the pa
19/05/2016
Plans for a new boutique hotel in L'Derry have been given the go-ahead. Derry City and Strabane District Council gave full planning permission and Listed Building Consent to refurbish and extend buildings in the city centre. The application is for the refurbishment and extension of the buildings a
19/05/2016
Sinn Fein is urgently calling on the Government to release more funding to local authorities after it was revealed it will take over 27 years to clear the housing list in Ballyfermot, Dublin. According to the latest housing report by Dublin City Council, over 180 families have been on the waiting l
19/05/2016
The deadline to enter the Sustainable Energy Awards is approaching. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) made a final call to businesses, organisations and communities to submit their entries before Friday, 20 May. The awards, sponsored by Enprova, are open to large and small project
19/05/2016
An online firm for destinations for home furnishings and décor has opened a new facility in Co Galway. Wayfair said the new 30,000 square foot facility on the Tuam Road is to replace its facility in Mervue Business Park. The company also announced it will create approximately 160 new jobs at its n
19/05/2016
Fianna Fail has accused banks of charging thousands of mortgage customers "exorbiant rates" and has pledged to build a consensus on the issue in the Dail. TD for Dublin Fingal, Darragh O'Brien, said he is eager for the Dáil to debate the Central Bank Variable Rate Mortgages Bill 2016. He said: "Ma
19/05/2016
Petro River Oil has announced it has started drilling operations at the Larne Basin. The firm confirmed it is working on drilling a well at Woodburn Forest, which is estimated to hold 25 million barrels of oil. The vertical well is expected to be drilled to a depth of 2,000 metres. Stephen Brunne
19/05/2016
Contractors BSG Civil Engineering is making significant progress on a £3 million sewerage improvement scheme in Co Armagh. Work on the NI Water project has started along Mall East, progressing towards Gaol Square and is expected to take six weeks to complete. The first phase of work will maintain
18/05/2016
Farrans Construction has been appointed by NI Water to carry out a watermains improvement scheme in Newtownards. Work is expected to start on the Loughdoo Road in the middle of May and is to be completed by July 2016. The works will take place in the Loughdoo Road area between the Deer Park/Rowrea
18/05/2016
Construction work on a new Irish school in Ballymun, Dublin, is to start this summer. Work on the Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna was expected to commence in 2014, however following a planning objection the work was unable to proceed. Sinn Fein Councillor Noeleen Reilly welcomed the news and confirmed a Le
18/05/2016
Outline planning permission has been granted to develop a new 'town centre' in the Colin area of west Belfast. The 21 hectare development, based around the existing Dairy Farm complex, proposes a new multi-purpose community building, a Belfast Rapid Transit hub building, health centre, leisure cent
18/05/2016
A Green Party Councillor has visited the Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus in Co Antrim after Infrastrata started drilling at the site. Councillor Ross Brown backed the 'Stop the Drill' campaigners at the site over concerns the drill may affect the drinking water in the area. He said he was "furi
18/05/2016
Plans to introduce a minimum charge for green recycling bins have been scrapped by the government. A pay-by-weight system will come into effect for all households from 01 July. Housing Minister Simon Coveney said he removed the minimum pay-by-weight charge as part of the new household waste collec
18/05/2016
Electric Ireland has announced that its 1.2 million residential customers can benefit from additional savings of up to 8.5% every year. Electricity customers can get an annual saving of 5.5% and customers who take both electricity and gas from Electric Ireland can get a saving of 8.5% across both.
18/05/2016
Residents living in a housing estate in County Waterford have been left "high and dry" after contractors failed to comply with building regulations, according to Sinn Fein. A number of health and safety defects have been identified on homes in the Ceol Na Mara Housing Estate and the developer is no
18/05/2016
Belfast City Council's new Planning Service received a total of 1,945 planning applications and issued over 1,700 decisions in the 15 months since the devolution of powers. Chairman of the Planning Committee Councillor Matt Garrett, who is stepping down from his position on 01 June, admitted the tu
18/05/2016
New legislation has been introduced to help customers deal with banks charging "rip-off" variable mortgage rates. Fianna Fáil Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath launched the legislation in the Dáil on Tuesday, 17 May. Deputy McGrath said: "Under the terms of the legislation, the Central Bank wou
18/05/2016
A new Director has been appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dr Micheál Lehane was selected by Government with a term of office for five years. Dr Lehane has more than 23 years experience working with environmental regulatory bodies in both the UK and Ireland. He joined the EPA
17/05/2016
Gas storage firm Infrastrata has confirmed on its website that it has started drilling at Woodburn Forest in Co Antrim. However, those monitoring the site said there is no evidence that work is under way. Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said confirmation was needed around the situation at the site.
17/05/2016
The meeco Group has installed a sun2live solar shelter on a property in Co Cork. The roof of the shelter, built in the form of a carport, consists of 40 polycrystalline solar modules of 250 Wp each providing the main and the guest house with clean energy from the sun. The aluminium substructure wa
17/05/2016
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been accused of "burying their heads in the sand" over the housing crisis in Co Carlow. Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada is calling for finance from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to be used to develop houses in the area. She said: "The European Investment Bank has a
17/05/2016
A meeting has been held to discuss solutions to the ongoing flooding issues in Co Leitrim. Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy met with Sligo/Leitrim TD Martin Kenny, Mayo Senator Rose Conway-Walsh and other Sinn Féin Councillors from Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon and Westmeath to talk about concerns in the Shan
17/05/2016
A new health & safety inspection has revealed that the buildings surrounding the youth detention centre at Oberstown in Dublin are "unsafe". Over 100 violent incidents took place at the centre last year and the staff said that the substandard nature of the accommodation creates the environment for
17/05/2016
The Minister for Climate Change has discussed the European actions to deliver on the objectives agreed in Paris, France, with the European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy. Minister Denis Naughten said he will have a number of opportunities to meet with Commissioner Cañete and looked forw
17/05/2016
A former Labour minister has been slammed over legislation to introduce green bin waste charges. Sinn Féin said the "bad legislation" by Minister Alan Kelly will discourage recycling of household waste and accelerate the already widespread practice of illegal dumping of rubbish. The party also ta
17/05/2016
A planning application has been submitted for a new housing development in L'Derry. The new development will be located in the Clooney Road area and could have implications for the upgrade of a new traffic management system at the Caw Roundabout, according to the SDLP. Waterside Councillor Martin
17/05/2016
NI Water has started essential works in the Shaftesbury/Botanic Area of Belfast as part of the ongoing Watermains Improvement Scheme in Central Belfast. The work is part of a wider ongoing investment in the watermains infrastructure across Northern Ireland and is expected to be fully completed by
17/05/2016
The Housing Minister is being urged to make more money available to local authorities to help tackle the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland. Sinn Féin is calling on Minister Simon Coveney to review the procurement and tendering rules to allow faster delivery of new social housing. The party's spoke
16/05/2016
IKEA has announced it will open its second store in Dublin. The outlet will be located in Carrickmines and will act as a planning studio, it is understood. A full product range will not be available at the site, which will be located just off Junction 15 on the M50, but customers using the store
16/05/2016
Work is due to begin next month on a €3.2 million water infrastructure investment programme in Co Cork. Around 17km of water mains will be upgraded on the Cork Countywide Advance Priority Water Mains Rehabilitation Project. Works include replacing old water mains with new polyethylene and ductile
16/05/2016
Eoin Ó Broin TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water, has called for Irish Water to cease its metering programme. In a statement, Mr Ó Broin said: "Sinn Féin and the other Right 2 Water TDs will be tabling a private members motion in two weeks time calling for the abolition of water charges and Irish
16/05/2016
ESB's Group Finance Director Donal Flynn is to leave the company and join electrical goods firm Glen Dimplex, it has been announced. The electricity company added Mr Flynn will continue in his present role until a successor has been appointed. Before joining ESB in August 2010, Mr. Flynn was Chief
16/05/2016
FP McCann has completed the first stage of a £1.9 million public realm improvement project in Magherafelt. The contractor has installed new paving on Broad Street as part of the scheme for the Mid Ulster District Council and the Department for Social Development (DSD). The paving forms part of the
16/05/2016
Residents in Craigavon are benefitting from a £750,000 energy efficiency project, the NIHE has announced. Last winter, 128 properties across the Lurgantarry/Drumbeg area had their heating system upgraded to a more energy efficient system. Area Manager, Denise McNally, said the Housing Executive is
16/05/2016
UNESCO World Heritage Site Skellig Michael has re-opened to visitors, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed. The site, which is located off the coast of Kerry, opened on Sunday, 15 May, a day later than initially planned. It is understood the opening was delayed due to additional work tha
16/05/2016
Airbnb has opened a new office at Hanover Quay in Dublin. The 36,500 sq ft, three-storey renovated 18th Century warehouse is the company's second office in the city. Currently, it employs 445 staff across 46 nationalities and speaking 18 different languages in Ireland. The office is Airbnb's sec
13/05/2016
A Dublin energy firm has acquired a wind farm in Co Antrim. NTR bought Altaveedan Wind Farm near Loughguile which is under construction by Larne-based developer RES. The project has already injected almost £4 million into the Northern Ireland economy since it started construction in 2015 and the t
13/05/2016
Work has started on a cable project to upgrade electricity supplies to the new Ulster Hospital extension in east Belfast. Northern Ireland Electricity Networks started the work at East Link Road on Monday 09 May. The cables will run from NIE Networks' Dundonald Substation to Knock Main Substation
13/05/2016
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have reached a framework agreement to help protect struggling mortgage holders. The campaign aims to protect the interests of mortgage holders struggling under the burden of large repayments. Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath TD said: "Fianna Fáil negotiated three key
13/05/2016
A contractor is to be appointed to carry out work on the River Ilen Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme in Co Cork. Letters have been sent out to the successful firms and an announcement is expected to be made next week, according to Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Jim Daly. Mr Daly said: "This multi
13/05/2016
NI firm H&J Martin Construction & Fit Out has scooped a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) award for restoring Mount Stewart, a Grade A listed house on the banks of Strangford Loch in County Down. The firm will now go on to the RICS Awards Grand Final to compete for the National Award i
13/05/2016
The number of homeless people in Co Offaly has risen, according to new figures. Fianna Fail has expressed "alarm" and said the housing crisis has spread "far beyond areas such as Dublin". The figures were released by Offaly County Council. TD for Offaly Barry Cowen said: "As of Friday 06 May the
13/05/2016
Sinn Fein has raised questions over the Housing Finance Agency lending money to Dublin City Council (DCC) to provide home loans, however it will now distribute money to develop new homes. Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly described it as a "curious situation". She said: "I was told approval wo
13/05/2016
A school in County Cavan has been named the overall winner of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) 'One Good Idea' competition. St. Mogue's College in Bawnboy won overall winner and the students picked up their award for their project 'Showerlite'. The plan encouraged teenagers to
12/05/2016
An Irish energy supplier has signed a contract to supply 100 per cent green electricity to Dundrum Town Centre. The deal with Vayu Energy allows Dundrum Town Centre to achieve cost savings by taking advantage of cheaper prices available in the wholesale electricity market. Spanning more than 120,0
12/05/2016
A new campus, named after playwright Samuel Beckett, has opened in Rathdown, Dublin. The Samuel Beckett Civic Campus on the Ballyogan Road includes a gym, crèche, three grass sports pitches, four artificial sports pitches, a playground, a skating area and changing rooms. Fine Gael Senator, for Dub
12/05/2016
Many business owners in Louth are struggling or unable to pay their commercial rates arrears, according to Fine Gael. TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, said many businesses had been in contact with him and is calling on the Housing Minister to examine the prospect of introducing a commercial rates a
12/05/2016
Sinn Féin has made a submission containing 12 key recommendations to the Dáil committee to help tackle the housing crisis in Ireland. The submission outlines key priorities which the party believes should be included in the report of the Committee on Housing and Homelessness. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin s
12/05/2016
The water infrastructure in County Louth is to be upgraded after Irish Water announced it is to invest €3.4 million in the project. In partnership with Louth County Council, the work includes the replacement and rehabilitation of 9.4km of aging water mains in Dundalk Town and the surrounding enviro
12/05/2016
Dublin City Council and An tArd Mhéara Críona NíDhalaigh have agreed to keep a homeless hostel opened until new accommodation is provided. The proposed closure of Brú Aimsir has been put on hold following a meeting with management. Sinn Féin Cllr Daithí Doolan welcomed the announcement. He said:
12/05/2016
Construction Information Services (CIS) has published a Northern Ireland Social Housing Report. The report identifies social housing projects which are currently at early pre-planning discussion and notification stages, those which have progressed to full plans submission, those approved at plannin
12/05/2016
A Belfast skip business has been fined for waste offences. Ace Bates Kip Hire and its former directors, north Belfast brothers Thomas and Gary Bates, were ordered to pay a £200,000 confiscation under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 for depositing and keeping controlled waste on lands at Ballyutoag R
11/05/2016
Thousands of people from the farming and business sectors are expected to attend the 2016 Balmoral Show. The event is kicking off today, 11 May, at the Eikon Exhibition Centre near Lisburn and will run until Friday, 13 May. It is run by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) and is even bigg
11/05/2016
Waterford is in the midst of a housing emergency, according to Fianna Fáil. There are currently 3,460 households on the social housing waiting list, a 36 per cent increase since September 2015. Fianna Fáil TD for Waterford Mary Butler has called on Waterford City and County Council to introduce a
11/05/2016
Sinn Féin has raised concerns over the "alarming increases" in the price of rental properties in Co Galway. The party also called on the government to "act immediately" to tackle the crisis after a report by Daft.ie revealed a 15 per cent increase in the cost of some properties in the last year.
11/05/2016
Electricity emissions in Ireland have decreased by 29 per cent over the past 15 years, according to figures compiled by the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA). In a period where electricity generation increased from 21,024 GWh in 2001 to 25,069 GWh in 2015, CO2 emissions associated with the elect
11/05/2016
Éirígí is calling for the immediate release of two water protesters who were remanded in custody following a demonstration against water charges. Spokesperson Damien Farrell claims the arrests were "clearly politically-motivated". Mr Farrell said: "Both Sean Doyle and Eamon McGrath were assaulted
11/05/2016
A footbridge in Belfast, developed by Graham Construction, has scooped an Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Northern Ireland Infrastructure award. The Lagan Weir Footbridge was officially opened in 2015. The Infrastructure award category aims to highlight the excellent achievement by a
11/05/2016
Counties Cork and Wicklow are the most popular locations for country home buyers. The report, by Savills Ireland, suggests that many of those seeking the benefits of country living are also looking to remain within arm's reach of major cities, be it for shopping and entertainment purposes, prestigi
11/05/2016
Sinn Féin has hit out over new charges customers will have to pay for their green bins to be collected. The new charges will come into effect on 01 July. Councillor for Sandyford Glencullen, Chris Curran, said people with be "furious" over the new legisation and claimed it will only succeed in an
10/05/2016
Cork Opera House ha secured €170,000 from the council for essential maintenance works to be carried out. The works will include provision for a multi-functional room that can be used for rehearsals for major shows, refurbishment of the back bar, improvements to public bathrooms, plumbing and genera
10/05/2016
The announcement that AIB is to reduce its standard variable mortgage rate has been welcomed by Fianna Fáil. However, the party said it is "disappointed" that EBS and Haven, who are subsidiaries of the AIB group, do not seem to be included in the reduction. Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath is
10/05/2016
Rents in Dublin have risen by 8.8 per cent in the year to the end of March 2016, according to a report by Daft.ie. Rents are currently 1 per cent higher than when they were at their peak in 2008. The average rent in Dublin is now over €1,460. Rents increased by 12 per cent in Cork city over the p
10/05/2016
Dublin City Council is being urged to develop the vacant land in Ballymun and to engage with retailers to establish shops in the area. Ballymun Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly said the council needs to start "thinking outside the box". She said: "If we cannot attract private development then D
10/05/2016
A large boulder has fallen at the Sceilg Mhichíl/Skellig Michael island in Co Kerry, just days before it was scheduled to reopen. Staff from the Office of Public Works and a safety contractor are currently at the scene assessing the scale of the problem. The boulder broke free from the slope above
10/05/2016
Construction work on Phase One of the Dolphin House Masterplan and St. Teresa's Gardens is to begin in the second half of 2016. Through a Dublin City Council initiative, developed in partnership with the Office for Government Procurement, both construction contracts will include on-site employment
10/05/2016
The development of Dublin Port would attract greater numbers of visitors to the city, according to Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Bay South Jim O'Callaghan. Mr O'Callaghan has renewed his calls following the docking of the MSC Splendida cruise liner in the port last weekend. He said: "Last August I ca
10/05/2016
The Housing Minister has been called to make a statement in relation to two Irish Water deals. The firm has signed off on a tax free retirement package for John Tierney and has renewed its lease for ten years in Dublin city centre. However, Minister Coveney claims to know nothing about either of t
10/05/2016
Two students from Co Louth have scooped the top prizes in the Green Schools 'Water School of the Year' awards. Brendan Ngandu from St Mary's Discesan School, received the Green-Schools Ambassador Award for spreading awareness of water conservation issues in his school and wider community. Sophie N
10/05/2016
Two men have been remanded in custody for protesting against water charges. Sinn Féin TD John Brady said it is "disgraceful" that Sean Doyle and Eamon McGrath have been jailed. Deputy Brady said: "It is the petty revenge of a Government that did not get its own way with water charges. "The Govern
09/05/2016
A new water treatment plant is to be developed in Co Meath as part of a €3 million investment by Irish Water. Veolia Water Ireland recently signed a deal to develop the new plant at Kingscourt. Works will commence in July and are expected to be completed in one year. The contract includes the con
09/05/2016
The AIB has announced it is to reduce mortgage rates for new and existing customers. The Finance Minister welcomed the announcement and said the move is "illustrative of the increasingly competitive mortgage market we now have in Ireland". Minister Noonan said: "I further welcome the bank's initi
09/05/2016
The Workers' Party has launched a costed proposal for multi-income public housing in Ireland. 'Solidarity Housing: Getting the vultures out of Irish Housing' aims to address three issues: the current high costs to the state of public housing provision, the high costs of market rents which are placi
09/05/2016
Sinn Féin has called on the management and Board of St Vincent's Hospital to revisit its position and allow the planning application to proceed to develop the National Maternity Hospital. Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD spported the stance taken by Heath Minister Leo Varadkar. Deputy Ó
09/05/2016
Two homeless men have locked themselves into Wicklow County Council offices, claiming they have nowhere else to go. The Council have locked all of the windows, turned the heating up and are stopping food getting into the building in an attempt to get them to leave. The Housing Minister is being ur
09/05/2016
Dublin City Council's Chief Executive, the Digital Hub and Department of Communications have been called to work together to stop the closure of a homeless hostel in the city. Sinn Féin said the threat to close Dublin's 100-bed Brú hostel is a "disgrace". Councillor Daithí Doolan said: "The newly
06/05/2016
NI construction firm Farrans has started work to extend a primary school in the London Borough of Barnet. The £4.2 million design and build contract at Monkfrith Primary School involves the construction of new modular classroom blocks to expand the school's current 1FE capacity to 2FE. Works on t
06/05/2016
A housing association in Northern Ireland is to develop 300 social homes after receiving a £7 million loan from the Ulster Bank. Triangle Housing Association is to build the houses over the next three years. Alan Crilly, Triangle Finance Director, said: "Ulster Bank has been active in the social h
06/05/2016
The current housing crisis in Ireland is continuing to get worse, according to Sinn Féin. The party has launched a Bill calling on the State to recognise the right of all citizens to adequate, appropriate, secure, safe and affordable housing. Speaking at the launch of the Bill, Deputy Ó Broin said
06/05/2016
New figures have revealed Mid Ulster District Council is among some of the best performing local authorities concerning planning applications. Statistics from the Department of Environment show the council had the highest approval rate for applications at 96.5% from April to December 2015. Overall
06/05/2016
Commercial company Shannon Group has appointed Matthew Thomas as its new Chief Executive. With 20 years' experience in the industry, Mr Thomas joins from the Vantage Airport Group where he is currently Chief Commercial Officer. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor James Breen, welcome
06/05/2016
NI firm Lagan Construction Group has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. The firm has been shortlisted for the Best Employee Engagement Strategy Category at the CIPD NI Awards 2016, which are being held at the Titanic Belfast on 19 May. The award seeks organisations who are operating at high
05/05/2016
Work is to start on one of Northern Ireland's largest housing development schemes in Co Antrim. The £350 million project at Readers Park in Ballyclare is also expected to create around 600 jobs. The Neptune Group acquired the 165-acre site last year. Outline planning permission for the 1,800 home
05/05/2016
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been slammed for failing to address climate change in their agreement. The Green Party said "it is unbelievable that the document setting out the agreement between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil makes absolutely no reference to climate change". Party Leader Eamon Ryan sai
05/05/2016
The Mercy Law Resource Centre has published a report calling for the right to housing in the Constitution. A Constitutional right to housing would however put in place a basic floor of protection, according to the report. Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin welcomed the report and said i
05/05/2016
Smartcool Ireland has been appointed to distribute Smartcool Systems in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (RoI). Smartcool Ireland has applied for Energy Efficiency Grants and Business Director of Smartcool Ireland Cormac Mac Artain said: "We are very confident that pending preliminary m
05/05/2016
Northern Ireland's only solar energy co-operative has launched a second Community Share offer which aims to cut electricity bills in half. Northern Ireland Community Energy (NICE) launched NICE2 and hopes to raise £130,000 to install solar panels free of charge for up to 10 charitable and community
05/05/2016
The Kingspan Group, headquartered in Co Cavan, has reported a strong start to 2016 with sales of €903 million for the four months to 30 April - 25 per cent ahead of the year before. However, Kingspan said there has been an "understandable easing in order placement in the non-residential segments in
05/05/2016
A Sinn Fein MEP is to appeal a Freedom of Information (FOI) request which was refused by Irish Water. Lynn Boylan MEP said the firm turned down the request because it believes its legal advice is exempt from the FOI Act. She said: "Irish Water recently commissioned and paid for legal advice which
05/05/2016
The quantity of biodegradable waste accepted for composting and anaerobic digestion increased by 11 per cent between 2013 and 2015, according to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). The quantity of biodegradable waste sent for composting and anaerobic digestion increased by 11 per cent between
04/05/2016
Two housing associations in Northern Ireland are to merge, it has been announced. The merger, between Helm and Fold Housing Associations, is subject to final approval in September 2016. The new organisation is expected to be in place by early 2017. Liz Cuddy from Helm Housing Association said: "T
04/05/2016
Plans to develop a new National Maternity Hospital in Ireland have been delayed. The Labour Party has called on the Minister for Health to "intervene immediately" over the location of the new hospital. Senator Kevin Humphreys said the delays are "totally unacceptable". He said: "The dispute betwe
04/05/2016
Around 2,800 people died last year from medical conditions linked to fuel poverty, according to Sinn Féin. TD Seán Crowe has called on the outgoing government to once again review the fuel allowance, which ended on 01 April. Deputy Crowe said: "There are between 200,000 and 400,000 households in
04/05/2016
A college in Galway has been named the Secondary Water School of the Year at the Green-Schools Water Awards. Seamount College in Kinvara won the title and Greystones Educate Together National School in Wicklow was announced as the national Primary School of the Year. The awards are recognised for
04/05/2016
Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have been accused of providing "vague proposals" over the housing and homeless crisis. Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin said the two parties' agreement on housing is "not sufficient" to deal with the current crisis". Deputy Ó Broin said called on the parties
04/05/2016
Residents from Northern Ireland who are working in the South of Ireland are being refused mortgages, Sinn Fein has claimed. MEP Martina Anderson said residents are being declined due to aspects of the new Mortgage Credit Directive. She said: "The directive has introduced a new category of 'foreign
04/05/2016
A total of €3 million is to be invested in the Obelisk Group, headquartered in Cavan. The investment, by the BDO Development Capital Fund, is supported by matching bank funding which together will drive the expansion in the telecommunications and power infrastructure sectors in both the UK and Sout
04/05/2016
Sinn Féin has opposed the abolition of the 'Part V' rule which requires developers to contribute to social and 'affordable' housing. TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Kathleen Funchion, also recommended urban regeneration in order to increase employment and economic activity in those areas which have many va
03/05/2016
Nordex has announced it has secured orders for two wind farms in Ireland. The wind farms in Cork and Kerry will be fully operational by summer 2017. The Killaveenoge Wind Farm near Drinagh will feature ten N90/2500 turbines with a 125 metre tip height for a local Irish developer and turbine delive
03/05/2016
Purcell Construction has completed refurbishment work at Richmond Barracks in Inchicore, Dublin. The works were part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. The barracks will open to the public in June 2016 as an interactive multimedia tourist attraction which will trace the story of the site fro
03/05/2016
The Irish Government is being urged to implement funding they have drawn down from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to build social homes in Ireland. Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada made the call in the European Parliament in Brussels. She said: "I understand that the European Investment Bank (EIB)
03/05/2016
Too many people use the water issue as a political football for cheap populist gain yet offer no viable or workable alternative, according to Fine Gael. Louth TD said other issues such as housing and homelessness deserve just as much attention. He said: "There is no doubt that water is a very emot
03/05/2016
Glas Civil Engineering has been awarded a €400,000 contract to carry out redevelopment works at Mallow Castle in Cork. The works which have already commenced are expected to be completed within four months. The works will be confined to the formal gardens, terrace and entrance avenue and forecourt
03/05/2016
NI firm FP McCann has scooped two awards at the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) National Site Awards 2016. The awards ceremony, which took place in Manchester, recognises the UK's top-performing registered sites that have demonstrated the highest level of considerate construction towards the
03/05/2016
A 60-year-old man has died from carbon monoxide poisoning. The incident happened at a property on the Castlewellan Road in Newcastle, Co Down. Sinn Fein's Chris Hazzard expressed his sympathies. He said: "It has shocked and saddened the local community. "I want to express my condolences to the
03/05/2016
The establishment of a Development Trust for Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland has been recommended. Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill welcomed the announcement. She said: "Lough Neagh is the biggest body of fresh water on the island and the lough itself and the lands around the banks
![PEFC [Ireland] Ltd](http://www.construction.co.uk/advnew/588433bul.jpg)
