Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for September 2016
30/09/2016
Hagan Homes in Co Antrim has completed the development of 24 new homes in Carrickfergus. Construction work at the 0.46-acre development of one- and two-bedroom apartments started in November 2015. The scheme was recently acquired by Habinteg Housing Association for £2.3million. Jamesy Hagan, Manag
30/09/2016
A Sinn Féin motion to scrap water charges has been rejected by the Dáil. The party's Spokesperson on Water, Eoin Ó Broin, said he is disappointed by the decision. He said: "Fine Gael and its partner in government Fianna Fail have instead chosen to continue with the charade of the so-called indepen
30/09/2016
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed is being urged to extend the deadline for slurry spreading in Ireland. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture Charlie McConalogue made the call after many farms in Ireland are still waterlogged. The deadline is Saturday, 15 October. Deputy McConalogue said:
30/09/2016
A man has died on a building site in Warrenpoint, Co Down. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has been informed. In a statement HSENI said: "Inspectors from HSENI attended the scene immediately and investigations into the incident are ongoing. "Our sympathies and thought
30/09/2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has met with contractors at an event in Ballymena as its current Asbestos Surveying Services contracts are due to expire in December 2016. NIHE is currently developing a contract management, procurement strategy and tender package for the replacement co
30/09/2016
Wicklow County Council has received a planning application to develop a pipeline and additional structures for the transfer of treated drinking water from Vartry to Callowhill. The new pipeline will secure the water supply to North Wicklow and South Dublin for the long-term and ensure the Vartry W
30/09/2016
Housing Associations in Northern Ireland are to be reclassified as public bodies. The decision was made by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Communities Minister, Paul Givan MLA, said: "Housing Associations make an invaluable contribution to the social housing sector in Northern Ireland an
30/09/2016
Preparation work on a new school in Bullymun, Dublin, has been completed. Children attending the Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna will no longer be using prefabs after today, 30 September, and are moving in to temporary accommodation while construction work begins on the new school. Ballymun Sinn Féin Counc
29/09/2016
Earney Contracts has completed construction work on a £2.2million public realm scheme in Larne, Co Antrim. The project was funded by the Department for Communities (DfC) and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Improvements have been made to the streetscape across the town including new paving, th
29/09/2016
The Labour Party is frustrated that building work has not started on a new maternity hospital in Dublin. Plans for the development have been delayed following a dispute over who should have governance control at the site on the campus of St Vincent's Hospital. Senator and spokesperson on Dublin, K
29/09/2016
Serious concerns have been raised over the development of an art house cinema in Co Galway. A completion date for the building, which is estimated to cost around €9 million, is yet to be confirmed. Sinn Féin spokesperson on the arts, Peadar Tóibín TD, said the Prime Time Investigates exposé on the
29/09/2016
Planning permission to enhance and upgrade a wastewater treatment plant in Co Donegal has been approved. Irish Water is to invest over €5million on the existing Ballybofey/Stranorlar wastewater treatment plant as part of the Donegal Towns and Villages Sewerage Schemes project. The project, which
29/09/2016
Resurfacing work on a £80,000 scheme in L'Derry is to begin on Monday, 03 October. The project on the Foreglen Road near Dungiven is expected to be complete on Saturday, 29 October. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "This investment will greatly improve the surface quality of the carriag
29/09/2016
The Green Party has blamed First Minister Arlene Foster over the £30million overspend in the renewable energy scheme in Northern Ireland. A senior civil servant apologised over "very serious mistakes" in the scheme, however Green Party leader Steven Agnew MLA said "the buck must stop" with Arlene F
29/09/2016
Fianna Fáil has voted against a Sinn Féin motion to scrap water charges in Ireland. Sinn Féin TD for Limerick and party spokesperson for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Maurice Quinlivan has accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of ignoring ordinary people who are opposed to the charges. He said: "The
29/09/2016
Upgrade work on a wastewater treatment plant is Co Wexford has been completed. Minister of State at the Departments of An Taoiseach and Defence with Special Responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, officially opened the improved Gorey-Courtown Wastewater Treatment Plant. A total of €7.2 million has
28/09/2016
Irish energy firm ESB has announced plans to develop a wave energy farm off the west coast of Co Clare. The project has the capacity to generate energy for 4,000 homes. Fianna Fáil's Energy Spokesperson, Timmy Dooley TD, welcomed the announcement. He said: "We have the means by which to wean ours
28/09/2016
Building work has started on a new unit at Bandon Community Hospital (BCH) in Cork. The unit will include two day rooms, a dining room, facilities for families of palliative care residents, a new clinical and therapy facilities and two enclosed gardens. BCH currently accommodates 22 patients, wit
28/09/2016
An additional £120,000 has been secured to carry out improvement work in Co Armagh. The resurfacing and upgrade work will take place on the Monaghan Road from County Monaghan towards Middletown. The project will start on Monday, 03 October, and is expected to be completed on Friday, 14 October. I
28/09/2016
Sinn Fein is urgently calling on Irish Water to resolve ongoing sewerage problems affecting residents in Ferbane, Co Offaly. TD Carol Nolan said some residents living on the Ballyclare Road have been forced to move out of their homes due to the strong odour coming from nearby manholes. She said: "
28/09/2016
Construction work is to commence on a £205,000 road improvement scheme in Co Armagh. The work, which is to start in Thursday, 02 October, will take place on the B77 Red Lion Road in Loughgall. The scheme is expected to be completed on Monday, 24 October. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said
28/09/2016
A £190,000 road resurfacing project is to begin in Portglenone, Co Antrim. The structural maintenance scheme on the B52 Largy Road is to start on Monday, 10 October. The scheme from Aughnahoy Road to Carnearney Road will provide 1.5 kilometres of new asphalt road surface. Work is expected to be
28/09/2016
The Alliance Party is calling for a "fully costed strategic plan" to be established to improve the roads in Northern Ireland. Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn urged Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to ensure spending is strategically planned to avoid continually carrying out expensive repairs. He
28/09/2016
Construction work to improve the sewerage network in Co Armagh is to re-commence on Monday, 03 October. The work on Mall East is expected to take around two weeks to complete and will include a major connection to the existing sewerage network. A one-way closure will be put in place along Mall Eas
27/09/2016
Fianna Fáil is urging the Central Bank to amend the mortgage deposit rules as the current regulations are having a "negative effect" on the ability of buyers. Finance Spokesperson, Michael McGrath TD was speaking after the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Sharon Doherty, suggested th
27/09/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for water charges in Ireland to be scrapped "once and for all". The party made the call before it launches a motion to abolish the charges before the Dáil on Wednesday, 28 September. TD for Meath West and Chairperson of the Meath Right2Water campaign, Peadar Tóibín, is also se
27/09/2016
Redevelopment work on the United Fish Industries (UFI) fishmeal plant in Killybegs, Donegal, is now complete. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD officially opened the new building on Monday, 26 September. He said: "This is a very significant investment by the company an
27/09/2016
The Limerick to Cork motorway urgently needs to be upgraded, according to Sinn Féin. At a recent meeting, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, confirmed she would be contacting the local councils to make sure the road was given "priority". However, Sinn Féin sp
27/09/2016
The Non Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme in Northern Ireland has been slammed by Sinn Féin. MLA Declan Kearney said the Comptroller and Auditor General's report into the scheme has revealed "serious concerns". Mr Kearney said: "It is clear the scheme has had very serious systemic wea
27/09/2016
A new heritage development has officially opened in Co Fermanagh. The Fermanagh Heritage Gateway is located at Enniskillen Castle and has been spearheaded by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. The development has been undertaken over the past 18 months, with contributions from the Historic Envi
27/09/2016
Skerries Tidy Towns group in Dublin has scooped the Irish Water National Value Water Award. The group received the accolade at the Tidy Towns Awards ceremony held at the Helix in Dublin City University (DCU). Skerries also won Ireland's Tidiest Town. The Awards recognise communities that are red
27/09/2016
A new blueprint to protect and improve the Lough Neagh shoreline, the largest lake in the British isles, has been launched. The blueprint sets out how government, landowners, farmers and other stakeholders can co-operate to protect and enhance the area. Agricultural Minister Michelle McIlveen said
27/09/2016
A man from Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to four waste offences. Stephen Harron was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for each of the four charges which related to the illegal deposit and keeping of controlled waste on a site on Arney R
27/09/2016
The Government has been called to support a mixed tenure development in Santry, Dublin. Sinn Féin is seeking between 600 to 700 homes to be developed on the Oscar Traynor Lands. Councillor for Santry Noeleen Reilly recently met with the Lorcan Residents Association and Dublin City Council to discu
26/09/2016
A boil water notice for Irish Water customers the An Rinn Heilbhic Water Supply Scheme in Waterford is expected to be in place for another 12 weeks. Around 350 households have been affected by the notice which started on 15 July. Site investigation and design works have been completed ahead of con
26/09/2016
Planning permission has been approved for a development to house Radio Fáilte's Irish language broadcast in Belfast. The building will be located on the junction of the Westlink and Divis Street. It will be used for training, recording, archiving and community facilities. The Planning Committee a
26/09/2016
Students in Northern Ireland are being urged to apply for help with their fees from the SSE Airtricity Scholarship fund. The fund has a total annual value of around £80,000 which will give up to 20 students support totalling 50% of their Third Level Student Fees from University of Ulster and South
26/09/2016
NI Water is to host an information event on a new storm sewer which is to be installed in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. The event will be held between 4.30pm - 6.30pm at the Tower Room in Ranfurly House on Tuesday, 04 October. The work is due to start on Sloan Street in mid-October and is expected to take
26/09/2016
A building firm in Strabane, Co Tyrone, has been fined for causing water pollution. Strabane Developments Ltd on the Leckpatrick Road was fined £1,000 at Strabane Magistrates' court. An investigation carried out by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) on 02 February 2015, found pollution
26/09/2016
An Alliance MLA has met with Caterpillar's Operations Director to discuss the job losses at the manufacturing firm. The company recently announced it is to axe over 200 jobs and close its site in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, over the next 12 months. East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson met with Mr
26/09/2016
A 12-week public consultation on two draft Guidance documents have been launched to help support the development of offshore renewable energy in Ireland. The draft documents aim to provide Guidance on the preparation of Environment Impact Statements (EIS) and Natura Impact Statements (NIS) for off
26/09/2016
Engineering firm Actavo has opened a new depot in Dublin. Officially opened by Republic of Ireland Football Manager, Martin O'Neill, and Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Guss O'Connell, the new depot will serve as the Irish headquarters of Actavo's Hire & Sales and Events operations. Actavo
26/09/2016
NI's Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard and Sinn Fein MLA Sean Lynch have visited Waterways Ireland in Fermanagh to look at its potential for development. The pair also met with the Ulster Canal Advisory Forum. Mr Lynch said: "The Minister has committed to reviewing the Ulster Canal as set out
26/09/2016
Habinteg Housing Association (Ulster) Ltd has appointed a new Chief Executive. Mr Darren McKinney will take on the role with immediate effect and will move from his post with the Association as Director of Development. He has been part of the Habinteg team for 13 years, holding a number of roles a
23/09/2016
EPS Limited has igned a €4.6 million deal to improve and upgrade the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Westmeath. Appointed by Irish Water, construction work is scheduled to begin in November and is expected to take approximately twelve months to complete. The project will upgrade the exis
23/09/2016
The Athenaeum in Enniscorthy has officially opened following conservation and restoration work. The Athenaeum theatre is one of the nine capital projects developed as Permanent Reminders under the 1916 Centenary Programme. The newly restored theatre will act as a community and arts venue catering f
23/09/2016
Construction work is to begin on a £300,000 road resurfacing project in Co Tyrone. The work will extend from the junction of the A5 with the B165 Melmount Road for a distance of 1,000 metres towards Newtownstewart. The scheme will start on Monday, 26 September, and is expected to be completed at t
23/09/2016
Up to 600 homes are to be developed at O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin if plans are approved. 30% will be social houses and 20% will be private affordable homes. Dublin City Council has voted to allow the development of O'Devaney Gardens to proceed. Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan said: "If the go
23/09/2016
The HSE is planning to develop a new residential unit for older people in Ardee, Co Louth. The original plans to upgrade the existing St Joseph's Nursing Home have been put on hold and the HSE is now planning to build a new facility on the same site. Louth Sinn Fein TD Gerry Adams welcomed the ann
23/09/2016
Since 2008 funding for Traveller Accommodation has been cut from €40 million to €4.3 million in 2015, Sinn Féin has confirmed. The party is calling on the government to outline how and when it intends to restore traveller accommodation funding to pre-2008 levels. Spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Bro
23/09/2016
A new play park, a community garden over 30 allotment sites and a community hub have been created in the Drumtara Estate in Ballymena. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) fitted out Community House as well as providing the land for the allotments and play park. Minister for Communities P
23/09/2016
Fianna Fáil is calling on Tourism Ireland and Cork Tourism to run an advertising campaign to encourage homeowners with spare capacity to enter into the Bed & Breakfast (B&B) or Airbnb business. Cork South West TD, Margaret Murphy O'Mahony, said figures from Cork Airport showed a 19% increase in tra
23/09/2016
Irish Water has published a leaflet for farmers on how to conserve and protect water on their farms. The firm launched the 'Water Conservation and Projection Advisory Leaflet' at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore. Mark Macaulay, Water Supply Strategy Lead at Irish Water said: "Iris
23/09/2016
Housing Minister Simon Coveney is being urged to reverse his decision to end the Ministerial Order under which 50% of social housing was allocated to homeless and other vulnerable households. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, also said the creation of an additional 300 Housing Fir
22/09/2016
A boil water notice put in place in Galmoy, Co Kilkenny, has been lifted with immediate effect. The notice on the Galmoy Replacement Water Supply Scheme and the Galmoy Group Water Scheme, which serves approximately 120 households, was put in place on 08 July this year. However, following remedial
22/09/2016
A new £20 million School of Law building has officially opened at Queen's University in Belfast. Located in the Main Site Tower it is a key element in the major investment of £350m in world-class facilities for staff and students at Queen's. The facility provides a number of innovative teaching sp
22/09/2016
Sinn Fein is calling for Moore Street in Dublin to be fully preserved. Cllr Mícheál Mac Donncha said was speaking in advance of the first meeting of the Moore Street Consultative Group. He said: "We need to see this area sensitively preserved and developed as our unique civic and national heritage
22/09/2016
Around 320 'Rapid Build' Homes currently under construction in Ireland are expected to be completed by the end of this year. Over 200 emergency beds are also being allocated for rough sleepers, according to the Minister for Housing Simon Coveney. The Minister outlined the details of the Homele
22/09/2016
McMackin Contracts in Omagh has completed work to expand a Park and Ride facility in Ballymoney, Co Antrim. An additional 46 parking spaces are now available bringing the total to 104 spaces including six disabled bays. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "My Department's aim in developing
22/09/2016
Work on a new two-storey building and modular buildings at a grammar school in Donaghmore, Co Tyrone, has been completed. The new building at St Joseph's Grammar School will house PE and drama, and the modular buildings will be used for science, general classrooms and toilets. Principal Geraldine
22/09/2016
The Minister for Public Expenditure has been slammed after claiming the suspension of water charges impacted the government's decision to prioritise tax cuts for the wealthy over investment in public services. Sinn Féin TD and party spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Broin TD described Minister Paschal D
22/09/2016
An infrastructure package for Rathlin Island in Co Antrim has been published. The Rathlin Island Action Plan 2016-2020 includes enhancement of community involvement; improvement of public services; advancement of sustainable services for islanders and the conservation of the island's exceptional en
21/09/2016
Planning has been approved to develop a major office development in Belfast. The £55 million Grade A office building will be located on East Bridge Street and was given the green light by Belfast City Council's Planning Committee. It is believed the project has the potential to create 2,500 jobs.
21/09/2016
The Minister for Finance has been criticised over proposals to introduce new incentives to first time home buyers in Ireland. The Green Party claims Minister Michael Noonan has "forgotten all the lessons of the last boom and bust period". Party Leader Eamon Ryan said: "Minister Michael Noonan says
21/09/2016
Wood fuel and heating firm Clearpower is now a member of the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme. The scheme, which is run by the Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It covers Wood Logs, Wood Briquettes, Wood Pellets and Wood Chip.
21/09/2016
Sinn Féin is calling on Fianna Fail to clarify its stance on water charges. The party claims Fianna Fail has gone back on its decision to abolish water charges and is now stating it does not rule out the reintroduction of domestic charges. Spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Broin TD described the latest
21/09/2016
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the state of the roads in Northern Ireland. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has called on the Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to develop a costed strategic plan for road maintenance. Ms Armstrong was speaking after an Assembly debate on road mainte
21/09/2016
Primary and post primary students are being urged to enter the 'One Good Idea' competition launched by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Now in its 9th year, the aim of the competition is to increase students' understanding of energy efficiency and climate change by encouraging th
21/09/2016
We need a "common approach" to tackle fuel poverty, according to Sinn Féin. MEP Martina Anderson made the statement at a conference in Bratislava in Slovakia this week. She said: "With rising energy costs more and more people across Europe are experiencing fuel poverty. It is simply unacceptable i
21/09/2016
The Children's Heartbeat Trust and Bryson Recycling recently teamed up to urge householders to increase recycling levels by thinking about items that get forgotten about when recycling at home. A number of local companies have partnered with Bryson Recycling in pledging to donate £1 to Children's H
21/09/2016
Housing Minister Simon Coveney has been slammed by Sinn Féin over not doing enough for homeless people throughout Ireland. The party hit out at the Minister after figures from the Simon Community revealed a 32% rise in the number of people sleeping rough over the past year. Sinn Féin spokesperson
21/09/2016
Forest owners with technical planting approvals are now able to apply for financial approval under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, Andrew Doyle, said: "Since responsibility for fore
20/09/2016
A boil water notice for residents living on the Carraroe Public Water Supply Scheme in Co Galway has been lifted with immediate effect. The notice was put in place on 05 March this year, however following advice from the Health & Safety Executive the notice has been lifted. Sinn Féin Senator Trevo
20/09/2016
A deal has been signed to upgrade Moneyduff Water Treatment Plant in Co Leitrim. The EPS Group has been chosen by Irish Water to carry out the work which is estimated that following the completion of the design phase, construction works will commence in December 2016 and expected to be completed in
20/09/2016
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson is to meet with Caterpillar's Operations Director to discuss the recent job losses at the manufacturing firm. The company announced it is to axe over 200 jobs and close its site in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, over the next 12 months. Representatives of the Larne, Monkstow
20/09/2016
Sinn Féin has confirmed it will be writing to the Housing Minister asking him to review the level of allocations to homeless households. Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin criticised a government decision to end the practice of prioritising homeless and other vulnerable household
20/09/2016
Work on a £200,000 road improvement project in Portadown, Co Armgh, is to start on Monday, 26 September. Resurfacing will take place on approximately 700metres of the A3 Armagh Road east of Vicarage Road and it is expected to be completed by Friday, 07 October. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzar
20/09/2016
The SDLP has welcomed a £7 million funding package for the City of Derry Airport, however the party is calling for a long term commitment to improve and enhance the transport infrastructure throughout the North West. SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood is currently working on a private members' bill which w
20/09/2016
Contractors for Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) are continuing to replace over 200,000 meters across NI as part of a major metering scheme. The firm has selected ROL Testing, MD Electrical and KJM Electrical to carry out the work. KJM Electrical is working within the Greater
20/09/2016
A new Community Garden at a high school in east Belfast has officially opened. The Department for Communities (DfC) provided £33,000 to Ashfield Boys' High School to support the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) who participated in the 'Building Stronger Communities through Volunteering' project.
20/09/2016
Major concerns have been raised over the proposed new Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) headquarters at Ballykelly in Co L'Derry. Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann accused previous Sinn Fein Ministers of letting their own political ideology flaw their decision making pr
20/09/2016
Sinn Féin is urging Fianna Fáil to support the party's motion to abolish water charges in Ireland. MEP Lynn Boylan confirmed the motion will come before the Dail on Wednesday, 28 September. She said: "Fianna Fáil, after months of flip-flopping on this issue, now say that they support the abolition
19/09/2016
A funding package of £7 million has been reportedly put forward by Stormont ministers for City Of Derry Airport. Last week, there were calls for the government to support the airport after Ryanair – the facility's main air carrier – said it was to drop a number of its services from the city next y
19/09/2016
A €500 million investment development programme will be delivered over the next five years in Limerick. As the single biggest development initiative to be undertaken outside of Dublin, the Limerick Twenty Thirty Strategic Development DAC (Designated Acvitiy Company) will deliver transformational i
19/09/2016
Sinn Féin Councillor Deirdre Hargey has said residents' views regarding a proposed development on Stewart Street in the Markets area must be taken in account. Plans are in place to develop tower blocks in the residential area. In a statement, Councillor Hargey said: "The local community in the M
19/09/2016
Specialist pharmaceutical company Mallinckrodt has opened a new research and development (R&D) facility at Blanchardstown, Dublin. The new €10 million facility will generate 40 new jobs and will house global device engineering for the company. Overall, Mallinckrodt has invested a total of €85m at
19/09/2016
EPS Group is to deliver a €8.4 million water supply upgrade project for Irish Water in Co Leitrim. The North Leitrim Regional Water Supply Scheme is part of Irish Water's €530m investment to improve the country's water and wastewater infrastructure. Work will include upgrading Moneyduff Water Trea
19/09/2016
A new public library has been opened in Co Cork. Community Minister Simon Coveney unveiled the new Hollyhill Library in Knocknaheeny today, 19 September. A total of €1.5 million was invested in the project by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Designed by Cork Ci
19/09/2016
A multi use games area (MUGA) has re-opened at Lagan Park, Dromara. The facility first opened in 2006 in partnership with Dromara Community Assocation, Dromara Primary School and the local council authority. It is regularly used by a variety of sporting clubs, groups and children for sports and le
19/09/2016
A new €150 million biopharmaceutical manufacturing campus is to be created at IDA Ireland's site in Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, it has been announced. GE will invest in the facility, and subject to contract and planning approvals, GE BioPark Cork will feature the Europe's first KUBio, prefabri
16/09/2016
FP McCann has completed a £9.5 million infrastructure scheme near Belfast. The North Foreshore Infrastructure Project involved creating two access road ways and a link road totalling around 1.7km on the north foreshore of Belfast Lough. Work included developing a new slip way and junction off the
16/09/2016
Consultation events have been announced by Belfast City Council on proposed designs for a number of leisure centre transformations across Belfast. The council is to invest £105 million in a Leisure Transformation Programme (LTP), to be developed over the next 10 years. The local authority said that
16/09/2016
Funding has been approved for a major redevelopment project at Galway Racecourse. The Board of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has granted €2.1 million towards revamping an enclosure to the North of the parade ring. In addition, a Tote Ireland building will be demolished and replaced with a new structu
16/09/2016
A new interim Chair has been appointed for the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment (A+BE) in Northern Ireland. Communities Minister Paul Givan has announced Andrew Haley will be responsible for undertaking a thorough review of the MAG. As the interim Chair,
16/09/2016
Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, has officially opened the new Post Anaesthetic Care Unit at Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital. Cappagh is the largest dedicated elective Orthopaedic hospital in Ireland. Under the HSE Winter Initiative, the hospital will receive additional funding for orth
16/09/2016
A new report has claimed that first-time buyers in Dublin now need to earn more than €100,000 in order to get onto the property ladder. The findings, which have been compiled for the Irish Sun, reveal that a single person looking to purchase a home in South County Dublin would be to be receiving a
16/09/2016
Brendan Smith TD, Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party Chairman, has said that the party will focus on "housing, education and the impact of Brexit" at its two-day meeting in Carlow. In a statement, he outlined the issues and speakers that will partake in the event. He said: "As we prepare for the Dá
16/09/2016
Pearse Doherty TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, has welcomed a consensus that a Commission of Investigation into Nama is to take place. Following a meeting with the Taoiseach and opposition leaders, Deputy Doherty said: "We welcome that there is now consensus that a Commission of Investigati
15/09/2016
Fine Gael has been criticised over the €1.3 million funding allocated to upgrade Ireland West Airport Knock in Co Mayo. Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary said the money, which will be used for safety and security upgrades, is "nowhere near what is needed" and called on the Government to commit
15/09/2016
Contractor Dawson WAM is continuing to work on a Water Improvement Scheme in south Belfast. The firm has teamed up with NI Water to carry out work in the Lislea Drive area. The scheme involves the installation of a new valve and laying approximately five metres of water main and associated structur
15/09/2016
The SDLP has hit out at the Prime Minister after she confirmed a nuclear reactor will be developed at Hinkley Point in Somerset. South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said Theresa May's decision will cause "irreparable damage to public health and the environment". She said: "Since day one these plans in
15/09/2016
A joint proposal has been put forward to Stormont to ensure water charges are blocked in Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy welcomed the move. He said: "I am pleased that the Executive backed this proposal and that homeowners in the North will not be charged for water. "Access to water
15/09/2016
Funding has been allocated for essential work to be carried out on properties in the Oldcourt Estate in Bray, Co Wicklow. Two phases of work within the estate have seen a large number of houses refurbished and the serious fire safety issues will now be addressed. €5.3 million in funding has been s
15/09/2016
Electric Ireland has announced it is reducing its gas prices by 5% from 01 October. Average residential gas customers will benefit with a saving of €39.47 per year. This is the firms third reduction in residential gas prices in 18 months. Jim Dollard, Executive Director of Electric Ireland said
15/09/2016
Sinn Féin is urgent calling on the Government to address the increase in rents throughout Ireland. The party made the call following the publication of the latest Residential Tenancies Board rent figures, which revealed rents rose again by 10%. Dublin rents are now 3.9% higher than at the peak of
15/09/2016
Property developer Sam Morrison has acquired the Tower Centre in Ballymena, Co Antrim. In May 2016 the centre reportedly went up for sale for £6million. North Antrim MLA, Phillip Logan, welcomed the announcement. He said: "The Tower Centre contains stores such as Dv8, Boots, Primark, Dunnes, Carp
15/09/2016
The public is being urged to attend a Right2Water national demonstration which is being held in Dublin on Saturday, 17 September. The assembly meeting points are at Connolly and Heuston Stations. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water, Eoin Ó Broin, said: "The majority of TDs returned to the Dáil were el
15/09/2016
A £45million Urban Villages initiative, which aims to transform deprived areas in Northern Ireland has been launched. The money will also be used improve good relations and develop areas which have suffered economic and social challenges. First Minister Arlene Foster said: "These Frameworks are te
14/09/2016
Construction work has started on a £3.5 million development in east Belfast. Hagan Homes is developing the new homes at a site on the Upper Newtownards Road. The 30 two-bedroom apartments will take up nine months to complete. Approximately 50 construction jobs will be created. Phase 1 of the deve
14/09/2016
A £220,000 road reconstruction and resurfacing scheme is to begin in Lisburn. The work on the Mullaghglass Road is to start on Monday, 19 September, and is expected to be completed in October. The work involves extensive reconstruction and resurfacing of a 1.8 kilometre section of the road between
14/09/2016
Significant progress is being made on a new social housing development in Bangor, Co Down. Construction work has started on the second phase of the project at Rathgill Parade and Phase One is expected to be completed in mid 2017. The development will provide 179 new social homes when complete and
14/09/2016
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, in association with Cork County Council, has secured funding of €128,000 to develop a major walk at Mallow Town Park. This represents the largest individual allocation to any project in Ireland in the current round of Rural Recreation funding approvals. Minister of
14/09/2016
Irish energy firm Vayu Energy has signed a contract with Celtic Linen valued at €1.2 million-per-annum. The agreement will see Vayu Energy supply Celtic Linen with gas and 100% green electricity to meet the year-round energy requirements for its operations at its main processing plants in Wexford a
14/09/2016
Petroleum exploration and gas storage firm Infrastrata has acquired an additional 25% stake in Islandmagee Storage Limited (IMSL), the developer of the gas storage facility in Northern Ireland. Following the acquisition, Infrastrata will own 90% of the firm with Moyle holding 10%. Andrew Hindle, C
14/09/2016
A Historic Environment Fund (HEF) which aims to support Northern Ireland's heritage has launched. Following a public consultation, the framework for the HEF has been organised under four themes: Heritage Repair; Heritage Regeneration; Heritage Revival and Heritage Research. The closing date for or
14/09/2016
Construction work has begun to extend and refurbish a high school in Lisburn. The work at Wallace High School is part of a £3.188 million investment as part of the School Enhancement Programme. The work includes new technology-systems, art rooms, PE and Home Economics accommodation. Education Mi
14/09/2016
The Alliance Party has called on Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to "do some work" and invest in roads in the Newtownards and Strangford areas, Co Down. Alliance Cllr Kellie Armstrong accused Mr Hazzard of taking credit for the work of previous Ministers and urged him to invest in the "dreadf
14/09/2016
NI's Infrastructure Minister and the Drainage Council has been called to carry out a review on a sea defence wall in Kircubbin, Co Down, after a hole was discovered in the stone wall separating traffic from Strangford Lough. Alliance Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong has called on Minister Chris Hazz
13/09/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for the Housing Selection Scheme to be reviewed. NI Communities Minister Paul Givan has confirmed he is sending the proposal out for public consultation. Fra McCann MLA welcomed the announcement and said the current scheme is failing many people. He said: "The present scheme
13/09/2016
Work on a £220,000 road resurfacing project in Portglenone, Co Antrim, is to begin. The improvement work on the Hiltonstown Road is scheduled to start on Monday, 19 September. The project will extend for two kilometres on Hiltonstown Road between the Gortfad Road and the Tullynahinnion Road. It
13/09/2016
McCallan Brothers has started work to strengthen and widen a bridge in Maghera, Co L'Derry. Work on the £250,000 scheme is being carried out at Milltown Bridge on the Craigadick Road. A footway has been built from Maghera to the bridge, however the narrow road width means the footway could not be
13/09/2016
Work on a sewer rehabilitation project within the City Walls of L'Derry has been delayed. The work started on 01 August, however following the number and location of existing services with the position of road drainage pipes it is now expected to be completed within two weeks. Once complete, NI Wa
13/09/2016
A Sinn Féin Councillor has sought legal advice over water charges in Ireland and confirmed they can be scrapped. Lynn Boylan said the abolition of the charges would not contravene the water framework directive, providing Ireland can meet the objectives of the directive which is about the conservati
13/09/2016
Tracey Brothers, which is based in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, has been selected to develop a £28.7 million new build for St Patrick's Academy in Dungannon. Construction work has started and is expected to be completed by summer 2018. Education Minister Peter Weir said: "Ongoing investment in our s
13/09/2016
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and Rural Affairs has been slammed following reports she is to extend the hedge cutting season to include August. The Green Party accused Minister Heather Humphreys of showing "blatant disregard" for wildlife and allow controlled burning in mountainous areas in March
13/09/2016
An Alliance MLA has hit out at the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) over proposals to develop a peace centre at the site of the former Crumlin Road courthouse in Belfast. East Antrim Cllr Stewart Dickson accused the UUP of "hypocisy" after the party previously rejected a similar scheme at the Maze site,
13/09/2016
Landlords in Northern Ireland are being reminded to pay their rate bills in full before the 30 September deadline. Landlords who have an Article 20 or Article 21 account are being urged to pay to receive the respective reduction on their bill. The 10% discount is only awarded when an Article 20 or
13/09/2016
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government over plans to build concrete barriers along the river outside Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim. Spokesperson on the Office of Public Works (OPW) Eugene Murphy said the barriers will only push the flood waters further downstream and risks flooding rural area
12/09/2016
Clanmil Housing Association is planning to build almost 50 new social houses in Carrickfergus. The development, if approved, will be located on the site of the old Woodside's Supermarket at Joymount. Alliance East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson welcomed the announcement. He said: "Nearly 50 new home
12/09/2016
Sinn Féin has renewed its call for water charges to be abolished. The party is also urging people to attend the Right2Water's national demonstration. The assembly meeting points are at Connolly and Heuston Stations and the demonstration is to be held on Saturday, 17 September. Dublin North West T
12/09/2016
Fianna Fáil is urgently calling for more 'affordable' student accommodation to be developed after figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) revealed a rise in rents for 50 consecutive months. Housing Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD said the increases are putting significant financial pressure on
12/09/2016
Upgrade work is continuing on water supply schemes in Co Tipperary. Irish Water invested over €3 million to improve the water supply in Graigue and Temple-Etney. The Graigue Water Supply is on the EPA Remedial Action List (RAL) as it currently does not have an adequate barrier in place to protect
12/09/2016
The housing association sector in Northern Ireland has increased by 10% in the past year. The figures were revealed in the 2016 Sector Global Accounts review, the financial performance of the 20 registered housing associations in Northern Ireland. They were unveiled by PwC at the Northern Ireland
12/09/2016
Housing Minister Simon Coveney recently visited Cork to address the social housing and homeless issues in the area. Minister Coveney was promoting the Government's 'Rebuilding Ireland – Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness'. Rebuilding Ireland is a comprehensive, fully-funded Action Plan desig
12/09/2016
The Green Party has raised concerns over a planning application to create an outdoor shooting range in Bangor, Co Down. Leader Steven Agnew MLA said he objected the proposals and said lead contamination in the land from the discharged bullets and subsequent pollution of the ecosystem is a real poss
12/09/2016
The SDLP has hit out at the Minister for Infrastructure over the delay of a street widening project in Co L'Derry. Councillor Brian Tierney made the call after traffic lights broke at the Buncrana Road/Racecourse Road junction for the second time in four days. He said: "This road is a gateway to t
09/09/2016
Funding has been secured to redevelop Portrush Train Station in Co Antrim. Translink was allocated the funding from the Department of Communities. It is part of a £500,000 investment to revitalise the area ahead of The Open Championship in 2019. The investment will also see £250,000 respectively,
09/09/2016
Work to upgrade Rathangan Pumping Station in Co Kildare has been completed. Irish Water invested €50,000 in the project which included measures to improve the security and safety at the pumping station and landscaping to improve the aesthetics of the site. Ivan Corcoran, Programmes Specialist at I
09/09/2016
Plans for a new hotel to be developed in L'Derry have been given the green light. Full planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings at Great James Street and Strand Road was granted by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee. Plans for the new 116-bedroom hote
09/09/2016
A housing association in north Belfast has won a National Housing Award in London. Newington Housing Association scooped the Best Regeneration Project Award for uts development on the Limestone Road. SDLP Communities Spokesperson and North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon said: "The Limestone Road devel
09/09/2016
Work on a £3 million sewerage programme in Co Armagh has been delayed by three weeks. NI Water confirmed the extension was needed due to "unforeseen circumstances". In a statement the firm said: "An extension of three weeks is required in order to install the remaining section of the sewer on the
09/09/2016
Councillors in Antrim and Newtownabbey have been slammed for supporting a decision to sell a large part of green space in the area for private houses to be developed. Alliance Antrim Councillor Neil Kelly said he was disappointed the open land at Steeple Park will be bulldozed as part of a multi-mi
08/09/2016
Lagan Homes (NI) is to build a residential development, worth an estimated £120 million, in east Belfast. Millmount Village is a 90-acre site that will provide up to 700 new homes supporting the need for the development of more houses in Greater Belfast and across Northern Ireland. The project
08/09/2016
Irish Water has teamed up with Gas Networks Ireland to carry out work on a €25 million plan to bring gas to Wexford. Work on the Wexford Town Gas and Water Project will begin on 12 September. Phase 1 works will run from September until early 2017, with Phase 2 expected to commence mid-2017. Phase
08/09/2016
Planning permission has been approved to develop a new play park in Co L'Derry. The park, at Ballyarnett country park, was given the green light by the councils planning committee. SDLP Cllr Brian Tierney welcomed the announcement. He said: "As a member of the Ballyarnett Master Plan Steering Gro
08/09/2016
Almost 270 households in east Belfast have been provided with an increased level of flood protection as part of a £12 million scheme in the area. Around 1,700 properties are set to benefit from the Flood Alleviation scheme when the works are complete in 2017. The work is being delivered by deliver
08/09/2016
The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has agreed to fund 30% of social housing at O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin. This means up to 300 social and affordable homes will be delivered at the site. Sinn Féin Councillor Janice Boylan said: "This is in line with Dublin City Council's lan
08/09/2016
Fianna Fáil has slammed the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) after employees at Mayo University Hospital were ordered to bring their own water to work following a boil water notice in the area. TD for Mayo Lisa Chambers also confirmed staff from the catering department were sent out to buy bottled w
07/09/2016
A design and manufacturing firm has announced it is to create 13 engineering posts in Ballynahinch, Co Down. Datum Tool Design Ltd also secured a new customer in China and recently signed an initial order for over $1 million with X'ian Aircraft Corporation. Economy Minister Simon Hamilton welcomed
07/09/2016
A planning restriction which was holding up the development of a new £60 million golf resort in Hillsborough, Co Down, has been lifted. The plans will see the development of a championship standard parkland golf course, a luxury hotel with leisure facilities and houses. Lisburn and Castlereagh Cou
07/09/2016
The Gobbins coastal path in Islandmagee, Co Antrim, is to remain closed until next year due to safety concerns. Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan said he intends to ask the Executive how much the work will cost for the path to reopen. Mr McMullun said: "I have previously raised this matter with the Mi
07/09/2016
Irish firm Energia has signed a 'green energy' contract with agri-food firm Aurivo. The new deal will see Energia provide 36 gigawatts of 100% renewable electricity to the co-op's network of retail stores, marts, processing facilities and offices in the west of Ireland over the next two years. Ene
07/09/2016
Irish energy supplier Vayu has achieved a 100% renewable electricity rating for all electricity supplied to its customers according to the latest Fuel Mix and CO2 Emissions report by the Commission for Energy Regulation. The report shows that Vayu achieved a rating of zero tonnes CO2 per megawatt h
07/09/2016
The Sellafield Nuclear Plant in Cumbria's coast is a threat to all of Europe, according to Sinn Féin. MEP Matt Carthy made the comment following revelations on the BBC's Panorama programme which revealed dangerous, radioactive material was being stored in degrading plastic bottles. It also reveale
06/09/2016
A motion to inform Eurostat of the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland has been passed. The motion will allow the government access extra funding to build social houses in Dublin. Sinn Fein Cllr Daithí Doolan, Chair of Dublin City Council's housing committee, called on the government to face up to i
06/09/2016
Irish Water has started a programme of maintenance work on 10 reservoirs in County Wicklow. The firm is currently inspecting the reservoirs and the works will safeguard the quality of the drinking water and increase the security of the supply for the people of Wicklow. The reservoirs included in
06/09/2016
Sellafield Nuclear Plant in England has been described as a "danger" by Sinn Féin. The party has raised serious concerns over the safety of the plant following revelations on the BBC's Panorama programme. MLA Caitríona Ruane said: "The fact that revelations now highlight that the plant has regular
06/09/2016
A report seeking the go-ahead for the sale of council units in the former Priory Hall apartments in Dublin has been described as "inadequate". Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha said the sale of the apartments, which have been renamed New Priory, is designed to refund the Departme
06/09/2016
Farmers and landowners in Northern Ireland are being urged to apply for the Forest Expansion Scheme under the Rural Development programme. Applicants who apply by 12 September will be considered first and and any that are unsuccessful in the first tranche will be considered again alongside those ap
06/09/2016
Over €200,000 has been secured to upgrade the Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden in Galway. The funding, which is part of the Department's Capital Programme for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and includes road repairs and resurfacing as well as construction works on the wall at Sruf
06/09/2016
Sinn Fein has hit out at the price of modular housing units in Ballymun, Dublin. The party claims the price of €180,000 per unit is still to high and said there are houses in the area which cost less. Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly said: "I'm glad a final figure has been agreed and there is
06/09/2016
NI Water and its contractor BSG Civil Engineering is to start the final connections and commissioning work on a new pumping station in Ballymartin, Co Down. The facility, at Annalong Road in Blackrock, is part of a £1.2 million investment by Irish Water. The work includes the laying of new pipelin
05/09/2016
A boil water notice has been put in place for Irish Water residents on the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme in Co Mayo. A routine water sample detected cryptosporidium in the treated water coming from the Lough Mask Water Treatment Plant. Sean Corrigan, Regional Information Specialist from
05/09/2016
Over £280,000 in funding has been secured to regenerate the Glengormley area in Northern Ireland. The work includes the replacement of granite pavements, the installation of new street furniture and street lighting is to be upgraded. Funded by the Department for Communities and Antrim and Newtown
05/09/2016
Farranree in Cork has been found to be seriously littered, according to a report from Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL). Mahon in Cork, Castlebar in Mayo, and Ballymun in Dublin were found to be all littered. Sinn Fein Councillor Noeleen Reilly said she was "disappointed" with the findings. Sh
05/09/2016
Irish energy firm ESB has scooped a prestigious accolade at the 2016 Chambers Ireland CSR Awards which took place in Dublin. The firm won the Outstanding Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility Award for having its CSR practices embedded at the company's core and for its ongoing dedication t
05/09/2016
Serious concerns have been raised over nuclear safety at Sellafield. A BBC Panorama investigation, to be aired tonight, 05 September, has revealed the sharing of confidential information as well as lost electronic equipment and papers. SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie called on the Government t
05/09/2016
The lack of investment in sustainable transport projects in Dublin threatens to gridlock Dublin, according to the Green Party. The party also claimed the stalled development of the Dodder Greenway, City Cycle Routes and Dublin Bikes expansion are also to blame for traffic volumes. Green Party Lead
05/09/2016
Minister for Housing Simon Coveney has launched an Annual Report at the Focus Ireland's newly redeveloped housing in Stanhope Green in Dublin which provides 71 housing units for people who were previously homeless. The Chairperson of Focus Ireland, Gerry Danaher announced a decision by the Focus Ir
05/09/2016
Over €4 million funding has been allocated for rural recreational schemes across Ireland. The funding will facilitate the development of new recreational facilities and the maintenance of existing recreational infrastructure across 75 projects throughout Ireland. Minister of State for Regional Eco
02/09/2016
Irish Water has completed a €100,000 water main scheme in Clonskeagh, Dublin. Residents living in the Bird Avenue area have had their old water main replaced and a new 415 metre water main has been installed. Irish Water also replaced 54 lead connections to customers' homes to ensure the residents
02/09/2016
Contractor Bennett has started construction work to redevelop Primark in Belfast. The work started on Monday, 22 August, and is expected to be completed in late 2018, Belfast City Centre Management has confirmed. The redevelopment project on Castle Street includes the demolition of Commonwealth Ho
02/09/2016
Sinn Féin TD Dessie Ellis has called on the government to declare a "housing emergency" in Ireland. He made the call after figures from Focus Ireland revealed there are currently 6,525 homeless people and 1,130 are families. He said: "This is an extremely worrying situation as the Focus Ireland re
02/09/2016
The number of planning applications has increased by approximately 25% over the past year, according to Belfast City Council (BCC). Between 01 June and 31 August 2016, the Planning Service received 507 new applications, compared to 406 applications in the same period in 2015. The Council issued 54
02/09/2016
Four County Councils in Ireland have been allocated a total of €654,900 to carry out improvement work on several islands. Donegal County Council has been allocated €96,800, Mayo County Council will receive €138,800, Galway County Council secured €246,000 and Cork County Council will get €173,300.
02/09/2016
NI's Economy Minister has been called to take "urgent action" after Caterpillar announced it is to axe over 200 jobs in west Belfast. The manufacturing firm also plans to close down its facility in the Monkstown area over the next 12 months. Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson called on Minister Simon Ha
02/09/2016
Sinn Fein has accused developers of preventing "large tracts of land" from going up for sale during the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland. Chairperson of Dublin City Council's housing committee, Cllr Daithí Doolan, said the situation is "unacceptable" and needs to be tackled immediately. Respondin
01/09/2016
A new Masterplan which aims to regenerate Banbridge town centre over the next 15 years has been launched. The Banbridge Masterplan includes improvements to shop fronts and further public realm enhancements. Minister for Communities, Paul Givan MLA, launched the Masterplan and confirmed some of the
01/09/2016
Caterpillar is to axe over 200 jobs in Northern Ireland, according to Unite the union. The firm plans to close its site in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, over the next 12 months. It also has operations in Larne and Springvale in west Belfast. The company employs 1,800 people in Northern Ireland. Sinn
01/09/2016
Almost €15 million has been allocated for group water and sewerage schemes throughout Ireland. A total of €14.9m has been secured, an increase of nearly 30% compared to last year. Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Mr Simon Coveney, T.D. said the allocations will be pro
01/09/2016
There are over 198,000 vacant properties in Ireland, according to the 2016 Census. Labour's spokesperson on Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, has called on the government to carry out an audit in its Action Plan to find out exactly where the vacant properties are and who owns them. She also ca
01/09/2016
Fianna Fáil is "bitterly disappointed" that no progress has been made on the development of Metro North in Dublin. Dublin Fingal TD Darragh O'Brien has called on the Government to provide an update on the promised link to the airport which was outlined in the Infrastructure & Capital Investment Pla
01/09/2016
The Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, is reportedly considering equalising the levies on petrol and diesel following evidence diesel use may be more harmful for the environment. Fianna Fail has called on the Minister for Climate Change and Natural Resources, Denis Naughten TD, to explain whether
01/09/2016
Construction workers are preparing to carry out roof renewal works on 14-17 Moore Street in Dublin to preserve the buildings. The second phase of works have been authorised by the High Court and the public will see a significant rise in activity on the site. Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional,
01/09/2016
A new acute psychiatric in-patient unit has opened in Drogheda, Co Louth, The purpose-built facility includes 46 single en-suite rooms and will replace the run down facilities in Navan and Ardee. The HSE has recruited over 30 additional staff to open the facility, in conjunction with more than 80
