Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for February 2017
28/02/2017
Refurbishment work has been completed at a Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) in Co Down. NI Water invested a total of £8million in Newcastle WwTW which will deliver an improved standard of discharge to local bathing waters in line with future European Directives. As well as major refurbishment wor
28/02/2017
Sinn Féin has slammed South Dublin County Council (SDCC) after tenants on a window replacement scheme are being forced to wait up to five years to get new ones installed. A total of 775 homes are on the waiting list and many of the houses are over 30 years old. TD for Dublin Mid-West Deputy Ó Broi
28/02/2017
Irish Water customers supplied by the Williamstown Water Supply in Co Galway are being urged to conserve water over the next few days following heavy rain over the weekend. The firm confirmed high turbidity levels are being detected in the raw water source supplying the Williamstown water treatment
28/02/2017
The UUP has hit out at the DUP after it was revealed the findings of the upcoming Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) public inquiry will now not be known before people go to the polls this week. Ulster Unionist Finance Spokesperson, Philip Smith, also accused the DUP of deliberately picking the Economy
28/02/2017
Contractors Dixons has installed over 70 new kitchens in social homes in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) invested over £350,000 in the kitchen replacement scheme. Ahoghill woman Emily Fleming was delighted with her new kitchen. She said: "There was a small back
28/02/2017
Serious concerns have been raised over the safety of buildings on Mountjoy Square in Dublin. Residents raised the issue after a recent fire in Numbers one and two Mountjoy Square, which was a near carbon-copy of a similar fire ten years ago in which 35 people were rescued from the same buildings in
28/02/2017
The government has been accused of not doing enough to support property owners in Ireland with additional investment schemes needed. Fianna Fail said the government "missed the boat" to kick start rural Ireland. Cork East TD Kevin O'Keeffe said: "There is a glaring need to support property owners
28/02/2017
Sinn Fein has said Fianna Fail or Fine Gael cannot be trusted not to increase water charges in the future. Spokesperson on Water Eoin Ó Broin TD also revealed that Fianna Fáil spokesperson on water Barry Cowen TD confirmed last year that the party would reintroduce water charges if elected to Gover
27/02/2017
Lagan Construction has been selected to carry out work to provide a secure supply of water to residents living in Greencastle, Co Donegal. Irish Water is investing €5.8 million in the Inishowen Regional Water Supply Scheme, which will enable the decommissioning of the Greencastle Water Treatment Pl
27/02/2017
A boil water notice affecting over 370 residents in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, has been lifted. The boil water notice was put in place as a precautionary measure due to potential contamination issues as a result of agricultural runoff. All Irish Water customers were temporarily switched to a nei
27/02/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at Fianna Fail and Fine Gael over the scrapping of water charges. Spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Broin TD accused the two parties of making a "backroom deal" on water. The accusation was made in response to a Sunday Business Post report which suggests that a deal has been conc
27/02/2017
A firm based in Bristol has been fined for a health and safety breach in Northern Ireland. Vertase FLI Limited was fined £6,000 plus costs of £1,033 for one health and safety breach at Dungannon Magistrates' court. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) launched an investigat
27/02/2017
Businesses are being urged to attend the Energy Show 2017 in Dublin. The event is taking place at the RDS on Wednesday, 05 April, and Thursday, 06 April. The annual two-day free event brings together 160 exhibitors of sustainable energy technologies and services. Commenting on the Show, Jim Gann
27/02/2017
Fianna Fáil is calling for the tender process to extend a Community Nursing Home in Sligo to proceed without delay. Construction work on the site of Ballymote Community Nursing Home is to get underway later this year and the new unit is expected to open in 2018. TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon
27/02/2017
Commercial firm Coillte is being urged to convert its 2,500 acres of forestry in the Dublin Mountains into a National Park. The Green Party made the call after it welcomed an announcement that Coillte is halting planned clear felling of 20 acres of trees in Ticknock Forest Park. Green Party Leader
27/02/2017
Sinn Fein is calling on both Wicklow and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to tackle hazardous waste at Bray beach flowing into the Irish Sea. The party made the call after a new report carried out on behalf of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
24/02/2017
An additional €26million has been secured for a pilot scheme which targets vacant properties to be repaired for social housing. Housing Minister Simon Coveney said the additional investment means that up to 800 vacant properties can be brought back into use as new homes for families on local author
24/02/2017
The National Trust has transformed timber from the Lagan Weir footbridge in Belfast into picnic tables, benches and signage. The timber, donated by Graham Construction, has now been transformed and installed at Minnowburn Park on the outskirts of Belfast. The new furniture is being used to improve
24/02/2017
Significant progress is being made on the development of a new storm sewer in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. NI Water has confirmed all of the pipelaying has been completed on Barrack Street and Sloan Street. The road crossing from Barrack Street to George Street has also been completed by an underground t
24/02/2017
Work on a £100,000 road improvement and reconstruction project is to begin in L'Derry on Friday, 10 March. The work will start on the A2 Clooney Road at Maydown Roundabout and it is expected to be completed on Friday, 24 March. A contra-flow system will operate between 10 and 13 March and there wi
24/02/2017
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Climate Change is being urged to immediately tackle the waste recycling industry in Ireland. Labour Spokesperson on Energy, Seán Sherlock, made the call to Minister Denis Naughten following reports 160 containers were returned to Ireland from China becaus
24/02/2017
A commercial property agent is seeking tenants for two Grade A office buildings in Belfast. Lisney recently acquired North Tower, 31 Clarendon Dock, which is a self-contained modern office building over four floors, with suites available from 4,507 sq ft to 13,826 sq ft. The space is currently ar
24/02/2017
The Green Party has slammed Fianna Fáil over the need to get vacant housing in Ireland back into use. Leader Eamon Ryan accused the party of being hypocritical after voting down the Derelict and Vacant Sites Bill 2017 in the Seanad, despite Cllr Barry Cowen calling for action on empty properties.
24/02/2017
Refurbishment work on a bridge is Maghera, Co L'Derry, has been completed. A total of £200,000 was invested in the reconstruction work which also included the provision of a new footway across the bridge and refurbishment and strengthening of the old twin span masonry arch. The work involved the r
23/02/2017
Fianna Fail is calling on the Energy Regulator to explain why the reduction in wholesale energy prices has not been passed onto customers. Spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Timmy Dooley made the comments following a recent review of competition in the gas and electrici
23/02/2017
Sinn Féin has claimed the development of Ireland's national children's hospital will be the "most expensive children's hospital to be built anywhere in the world". Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD made the statement after she challenged Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald in relation to the out of contro
23/02/2017
Work on a £120,000 road improvement scheme in County Tyrone is to begin on Monday, 28 February. The project, on the B83 Old Monaghan Road between Clogher and Monaghan, will include localised road widening to improve visibility for motorists. It will also include verge widening to facilitate the ere
23/02/2017
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has selected 15 properties to undergo refurbishment work across NI. A total of £300,000 is to be invested in the project after the NIHE partnered with the Heritage Lottery Fund's Townscape Heritage scheme and launched a pilot project called 'Heritage in
23/02/2017
Contractors MP Colman have started work on a new play park in L'Derry. The park, located in Strathfoyle, is being funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from the Department for Communities and RiverRidge Recycling through the Landfill Communities Fund. Mayor of Derry City
23/02/2017
The Chair of Connswater Homes has been voted number one in the UK Housing Power Players list, published by 24 Housing. Professor Paddy Gray said he was "delighted" with the award, which recognises people using their power to influence the sector and wider society for the better. Housing associatio
23/02/2017
Work has started to replace the road bridge at Carrick-on-Suir in Co Tipperary. Iarnród Éireann, with the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, are carrying out the work which begun on Wednesday, 22 February. The Pill Road (N24) at Carrick-on-Suir is now closed until 8am on Monday, 27 Febru
23/02/2017
Minister for Housing Simon Coveney has once again been slammed for failing to urgently tackle the housing crisis throughout Ireland. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD described the additional additional €26million that has been allocated as "paltry". Deputy Ó Broin said: "There are ov
22/02/2017
Fianna Fail is calling for a new school development to be built in Co Kildare after raising serious concerns about the condition of the current building. Saplings Special School development in Kill has ongoing problems with heating and sewage in the building and the school cannot expand due to a la
22/02/2017
Signature Living is to develop at least two new hotels in Belfast. The hotel developer confirmed one will include a George Best themed hotel. The announcement was made at the Waterfront Conference and Exhibition Centre as Belfast revealed it will take its largest ever trade delegation when it retu
22/02/2017
Housing Minister Simon Coveney has been called to tackle the housing crisis in Ireland after figures revealed a further increase in the number of homeless people. The number of homeless people in Dublin increased to almost 6,000 in January, according to figures by housing charity Focus Ireland. Fi
22/02/2017
Work on a new road improvement project near Waringstown, Co Down, is to start on Monday, 27 February. The work is to take place at the Hall Road/Anaghanoon Road junctions on the A26 Lurgan to Banbridge Road. The £350,000 scheme will provide dedicated right turn lanes into both junctions and a new
22/02/2017
Construction work has started on a new water treatment plant in Ardsbeg, Co Donegal. EPS Group was appointed by Irish Water to carry out the work which is part of a €3.8 million investment in the Gortahork/Falcarragh Water Supply Scheme. The deal involves the development of the Ardsbeg Water Treat
22/02/2017
A housing association in Northern Ireland has gained the British Environmental Standard BS8555 in recognition of its strategic approach to reducing energy and waste and meeting recycling targets. Choice Housing scooped the accreditation which relates to environmental management at the company's off
22/02/2017
Enabling works on a new acute mental health facility on the Sligo University Hospital campus is to begin in June. Fianna Fáil TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon welcomed the announcement. He said: "Plans for this unit have been almost 10 years in the making and I am glad that we now have a roadmap
22/02/2017
The government has been accused of "watering down" its promises to help families who are in mortgage arrears. Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said the government has forgotten about the 80,000 families and has "taken its eye off the ball when it comes to mortgages". He said: "421
21/02/2017
Dawson WAM has been appointed by NI Water to carry out work on a sewerage improvement project in Bangor, Co Down. The work is part of an overall investment of around £12million in the local infrastructure by NI Water. The current phase of the programme involves replacement of the existing Waste Wa
21/02/2017
Work on a carriage resurfacing project in Pomeroy, Co Tyrone, is to start on Monday, 06 March. A total of £130,000 is being invested in the work which is to be carried out on the B4 Cavanakeeran Road. The works will extend for a distance of approximately 1.1Kilometres, from Shanroy Park to Loughma
21/02/2017
There has been a rise in the number of people in emergency accommodation in Ireland, according to new figures. The Department of Housing published data which revealed the number of households in emergency accommodation has increased by 84 in January. Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TDu
21/02/2017
Sinn Féin has slammed Housing Minister Simon Coveney over his rent predictability measures. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD called on the Government to urgently reconsider its opposition to rent certainty and introduce legislation linking rents to an index such as the CPI. Deputy
21/02/2017
Construction work is underway on a road resurfacing scheme in Rathfriland, Co Down. Banbridge Road and Dromore Street will be closed from Monday, 27 February, until Sunday, 12 March, to facilitate to the works. The preparatory works on the £183,000 scheme are being carried out to adjust kerbs, dra
21/02/2017
DUP Minister Simon Hamilton has been asked if he has contacted the PSNI over the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme amid further allegations. Sinn Féin's Mairtín Ó Muilleoir has written to Minister Hamilton and raised further questions about the operation of the scheme which is set to co
21/02/2017
Work on a £103,000 road resurfacing project is to begin in south Belfast. The scheme on Annadale Avenue from Mornington to its junction with the Ormeau Road, will start on Saturday, 25 February. It is expected to be completed by 5 March 2017. The work will be carried out over two consecutive week
21/02/2017
Have you noticed a build up of Dust on your Goods and Racking systems? Has your automated scanning systems stopped functioning? Do your employees complain of respiratory problems? If you answered yes to any of these questions your warehouse could be suffering from poor air quality. These problems c
20/02/2017
Construction work has started to develop over 20 social homes in Sligo. The 22 properties at Fr O'Flanagan Terrace will be a mix of one, two and three bedroom houses and apartments, which are designed to achieve an A3 BER rating, making them some of the most energy efficient houses in the town. T
20/02/2017
An interactive energy portal where visitors can explore Ireland's energy use since 1990 has been launched by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The visualisation tool uses data and figures from SEAI's publications on energy statistics and projections. The interactive charts provi
20/02/2017
Work is to start on a £110,000 road improvement project in Carrowdore, Co Down. The work on the Upper Gransha Road is scheduled to commence on Monday, 27 February. The resurfacing scheme is expected to be substantially completed by the end of March. It will greatly improve the strength and surface
20/02/2017
The UUP has hit out at the DUP for refusing to answer questions in relation to the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme which is set to cost the public purse around £490million. Ulster Unionist Assembly candidate for Upper Bann, Doug Beattie MC, called on the party to explain their role in
20/02/2017
Sinn Fein has slammed the government after it was revealed that only just over 650 social housing units were delivered in 2016. According to the Social Housing Construction Projects Status Report for 2016 the majority of the developments, over 70% of the social housing units announced, are being he
20/02/2017
Sinn Féin has said the outline plan for social and economic regeneration in the north inner city doesn't deal with the "wider and longer term issues in the area". However, spokesperson on urban regeneration Deputy Ellis welcomed the "positive aspects" of the plan. He said: "Successful urban regene
20/02/2017
Fianna Fáil has proposed the introduction of an Empty Property Grant Scheme. The party's aim is to encourage owners to lease properties to Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) or rent directly to tenants nominated by Local Authorities on long-term leases. Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen TD said the
17/02/2017
Fianna Fail is calling for new homes to be developed in Carlow and Kilkenny. The party made the call to help provide a solution over the housing and rental crisis which is continuing throughout Ireland. Fianna Fáil Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said the shortage of accommodation has led to exc
17/02/2017
AECOM Design Build Ireland (ADBI) has been acquired by Murphy. The decision to buy ADBI helps Murphy broaden its water offering to meet market needs. ADBI's clients include Irish Water and Northern Ireland Water. The new acquisition will strengthen Murphy's existing presence in the sector by brin
17/02/2017
Construction work is to start on a £355,000 road resurfacing project in Ballyclare, Co Antrim. Contractors will begin work on the A57 Templepatrick Road on Monday, 20 February, and it is expected to be completed by Friday, 24 March. The majority of the work is programmed to be completed using a on
17/02/2017
The Alliance Party has hit out at the DUP over the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which is set to cost the public purse around £490 million. South Antrim candidate David Ford was speaking after the BBC reported it had a list of the claimants, which revealed a small number of compani
17/02/2017
Many young people in Northern Ireland are still facing obstacles in buying their first homes because there is no working Assembly, according to the DUP. East Antrim MLA Gordon Lyons said the DUP is committed to getting the Assembly back and working again to continue supporting Co-Ownership and the
17/02/2017
Work is to begin on a road improvement scheme in Comber. Work on the project, which is worth around £255,000, will take place on the Ballgowan Road from Friday, 03 March, and is expected to be substantially complete by the end of March. The work will improve the strength and surface quality of the
17/02/2017
The Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, is being urged to invest more in infrastructure throughout Ireland. The Green Party made the call after figures revealed a 10% increase in the number of cyclists commuting in Dublin. Green Party Councillor Ciarán Cuffe, said the improvements are happening "f
17/02/2017
A Fianna Fáil motion to establish an independent review in relation to the North-South interconnector has been passed by the Dáil. The review will look into the feasibility and cost of undergrounding the interconnector. Residents have raised serious concerns about the project which plans to see ov
16/02/2017
Ireland needs at least 25,000 new homes to be built each year, according to Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen. Deputy Cowen made the comments after Daft.ie published a report which revealed rent levels across the country have reached historic peaks. He also called on Housing Minister
16/02/2017
A boil water notice affecting around 370 people has been issued in Waterford. Irish Water and Waterford City & County Council issued the notice for customers on the Kilmacthomas Water Supply Scheme following potential contamination of the spring source. Alternative water supply has been provided w
16/02/2017
Fianna Fáil is calling for a taskforce to be set up to help revitalise Enniscorthy town centre in Co Wexford. The party made the call after there has been a surge in the number of vacant premises in the area due to businesses closing down. Mr James Browne TD said the situation has got worse recent
16/02/2017
Planning has been approved to build two new social housing developments in Belfast. Clanmil Housing is to develop 24 semi-detached dwellings and six complex needs bungalows on the site of the former Lisnasharragh High School in east Belfast. Habintag Housing Association was also given the green l
16/02/2017
Construction work is to start to develop a new play area in Brandywell, Co L'Derry. The Brandywell Recycling Centre is to close on Friday, 17 February, to make way for the work to begin at the end of this month. The work, which is expected to start at the end of February, Head of Environment wit
16/02/2017
Work is to start on a £120,000 road resurfacing project in Portadown, Co Armagh. The work on the A27 Mahon Road will begin on Monday, 27 February and is expected to be completed on Friday, 10 March. The resurfacing extends from Markethill Road junction up to Artabrackagh Road. Traffic is being di
16/02/2017
The European Commission (EC) has confirmed it is to take action against Ireland over failures under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. The Green Party has welcomed the decision and said that the government's failure to invest in wastewater treatment in urban areas was harming the environment
16/02/2017
Work on a £230,000 resurfacing project in Newtownabbey is to begin on Monday, 20 February. The work on B59 Doagh Road in Monkstown, between Bridge Road and Monkstown Road, is expected to continue for approximately eight weeks. To help minimise any inconvenience to the travelling public and local
16/02/2017
Significant progress is being made to transform a former army barracks site into a greenway in Forkhill, Co Armagh. The Department of Agriculture has invested £250,000 in the project. Sinn Féin's Megan Fearon welcomed her party colleague Michelle O'Neill who visited the site to view the progress b
15/02/2017
Rent in north Dublin has risen by 11.7%, according to a report by Daft.ie. Sinn Fein TD Louise O'Reilly is calling on the Government to introduce rent certainty in the area to help struggling households. In the last quarter rents have increased by 4.2%. Deputy O'Reilly said: "This trend in North
15/02/2017
Work is to begin on a £105,000 reconstruction and resurfacing project in L'Derry. The scheme will take place on the A2 Clooney Road at Judges Road, Maydown, and work is to start on Monday, 20 February. A Department spokesperson said: "This significant investment will greatly improve the road surfa
15/02/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at the DUP over its handling of the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The scheme is set to cost the public purse around £490 million. Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said Arlene Foster cannot continue living in denial over the scheme. Mr Murphy said: "There is widespre
15/02/2017
TNEI has provided technical grid and environmental due diligence for international investor, CGN Europe Energy S.A.S. (CGNEE), to support its acquisition of a large wind power portfolio from Irish renewable energy and energy storage organisation, Gaelectric. The portfolio of wind farms, of which se
15/02/2017
Fine Gael said it's time to 'name and shame' offenders of illegal dumping. Kerry Senator, Paul Coghlan has suggested the idea of a website that would publicly list offenders who ignore or fail to pay their court fines for illegal dumping and said it's time to "think outside of the box". He said:
15/02/2017
Work is to start on a £100,000 resurfacing project in Co Tyrone. The work will take place on the Parkanaur Road in Castlecaulfield on Monday, 20 February and is expected to be completed in March this year. The resurfacing works extend from the junction of the Caulfield Glen with the C636 Parkanaur
15/02/2017
Sinn Féin is urging Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to introduce a rent cap in Co Meath. Rents in Meath have risen by 17.3% between September and December last year, according to Daft.ie. The figures show that this is the highest increase in the state, along with Co Louth who have also seen rents increa
15/02/2017
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has granted permission to a number of new schemes across the city, including the next stage of the Rapid Transit scheme. At a meeting on Tuesday, 14 February, the Committee granted permission for a new Rapid Transit Hub and engineering works at Duncrue Stre
14/02/2017
It has been reported that permission has been approved by An Bord Pleanála to construct a new business development at Dublin Airport. The approval is for four Grade A buildings. Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) secured planning permission for almost 500,000 sq ft of office space in a planned new 70-
14/02/2017
Irish Water has carried out remedial works to the local water supply network in the Ring Helvick area of Co. Waterford. Around 875 people can now resume normal use of water for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth. A Boil Water Notice was put in place in July following concerns that the d
14/02/2017
Property prices in Northern Ireland increased by almost 6% last year, it has been reported. According to the NI Residential Property Price Index, prices rose in all council areas – and across all property types. Across all property types, the average standardised price is now said to be £125,480
14/02/2017
A new national conference aimed at tackling Ireland's housing crisis has been launched by Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, Damien English. The 'Rebuilding Ireland – Delivering a Sustainable Housing Recovery' event is co-hosted by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Gover
14/02/2017
Sinn Féin's Raymond McCartney has welcomed the official opening of the new North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital. Attending the opening alongside Health Minister Michelle O'Neill and Elisha McCallion, Mr McCartney said the facility is a boost for all-Ireland healthcare. He said: "The
14/02/2017
AMS Ltd has started work to build a new jogging trail in Derry/L'Derry. The company will develop the trail to add to recreation facilities at Leafair in Shantallow. The Leafair Jogging Trail is to be built around the existing grass football pitch and will be floodlit at night time to provide a saf
14/02/2017
The Sport and Fitness Markievicz Leisure Centre in Dublin has officially re-opened. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr, helped to re-open the facility on Townsend Street. The Lord Mayor said: "I want to congratulate Sport and Fitness Markievicz for organising this day to encourage people to
14/02/2017
Work is to begin on a £205,000 road upgrade scheme in Lisburn. The Transport NI scheme involves extensive reconstruction and resurfacing on an 860-metre section of road between Aghnatrisk Road and the entrance to the Eikon Centre on Halftown Road. The project will improve strength and surface qual
13/02/2017
Irish construction sector activity recorded a "healthy" growth in January, according to the latest Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). New figures have revealed a 55.7 reading for January, down from 58.9 in the previous month, signalling a slower pace of expansion for the thi
13/02/2017
New figures have predicted Dublin's prime office and retail rental values will rise by 7% this year. According to a new commercial property survey by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), both office and retail rents in Dublin will increase, while residential land development values wi
13/02/2017
New regulations have been signed to improve the quality and management of rental accommodation in Ireland. The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017 were signed last month by Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney. The new strategy outlines a
13/02/2017
Work is underway to upgrade the Moneyduff Water Treatment Plant in North Leitrim. The works are part of an €8.4 million investment by Irish Water in the North Leitrim Regional Water Supply Scheme. Around 9,000 people in the area will benefit from improved drinking water quality, reduced disruptio
13/02/2017
A new grant building improvement scheme has been launched by Cork City Council. The 2017 Building Facade Improvement Grant Schemes is aimed at improving the character and appearance of the South Douglas Street Area and Blackpool. The funding incentive is to encourage residential and commercial pro
13/02/2017
Work is to begin on a £200,000 road maintenance scheme in Larne. The resurfacing project, on the C37 Lower Ballyboley Road from the C37 Moss Road to the UR56 Lismenary Road, will start on Monday, 20 February. The scheme will provide 3.1km of new road surface and will strengthen the Lower Ballybole
10/02/2017
A new pumping station is to be developed in Kilcummin, Co Kerry. The plans are part of a new sewerage scheme in the area. Irish Water is investing €3million in the project which will have major benefits for the local environment. The scheme project will ensure the environment is protected by impr
10/02/2017
Fianna Fáil is calling on Housing Minister Simon Coveney to tackle the rising litter problem in Dublin. Spokesperson for Dublin, John Lahart, said the local authority has spent almost €700,000 on the removal and disposal of illegally dumped bags alone. He said: "Those deliberately and covertly dis
10/02/2017
Sinn Féin has described the Mortgage to Rent scheme as a "failure". The party made the comments after it was revealed that only 217 families have been able to remain in their homes since the scheme was introduced five years ago. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has called on Housing Minister Simo
10/02/2017
Belfast International Airport is urging motorists to take extra time for their journey this weekend as resurfacing work is to start on the A57 Ballyrobin Road in Templepatrick. The road will close at 7pm on Friday, 10 February, and will reopen at 6am on Monday, 13 February. It is the main road to
10/02/2017
External maintenance work on over 85 social homes in Lurgan, Co Armagh, has been completed. The work was carried out on properties, owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), in the Kilwilkie estate. It included work on chimneys, garden walls, roof coverings and drainage. The NIHE in
10/02/2017
The Derelict Vacant Sites Bill 2017 has been blocked by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Fine Gael raised concerns about constitutional implications of moving the timeline on levies forward, while Fianna Fáil objected to the stronger tenancy rights in the Bill, which was co-signed by the independent Civi
10/02/2017
Mechanical cleaning works are to be carried out on the Great Northern Link Road in Strabane. The work from Railway Street to Melmount Road will take place between 8am and noon on Sunday, 12 February. A spokesperson from Derry City and Strabane District Council said: "This is a very busy road and i
10/02/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney over his "failing" Housing Action Plan. The party made the announcement after the Department of Housing revealed that only 2,192 'real' social houses were added to the Approved Housing Stock in 2016. Housing spokesperson Deputy Ó Broin said t
09/02/2017
Construction work has started to develop 1,300 new homes in south Dublin. The houses at Cherrywood are part of Ireland's first build-to-rent projects on the Government's plan for 'Rebuilding Ireland'. The properties will also pave the way for a substantial element of the 7,000 new homes envisaged
09/02/2017
NI Water has launched a new advertising campaign to ensure homes and businesses are prepared for cold weather conditions. The firm is sending out a clear message, 'Don't Wait - Insulate'. Chief Executive Sara Venning said: "The devastation caused by burst pipes cannot be underestimated. Not only c
09/02/2017
Former DUP MLA Jonathan Bell is being urged to put any additional information he has in relation to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal into the public domain. Mr Bell has been suspended from the DUP after claiming he was prevented from challenging the botched RHI scheme because two special
09/02/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at the government over its decision to demolish Rutland Street National School in Dublin, despite funding being made available for the building to be restored. Dublin Central TD Mary Lou McDonald is calling on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to
09/02/2017
Irish energy firm Mainstream Renewable Power has been given approval to build a 245 megawatt Escondido Solar PV facility in Chile. Chile's Environmental Assessment Service has approved the project, making it one of the largest approved projects in the Atacama region. It will involve an investment
09/02/2017
The Ulster University Greater Belfast development has scooped a prestigious award. The Lagan Construction Group site has won either a gold, silver or bronze for the Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Award 2017. The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 22 March at the Lowry Hote
09/02/2017
Fianna Fail is calling on the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, to answer questions over the development of a new Children's Hospital in Dublin. Dublin-based Senator and Seanad Group Leader, Catherine Ardagh, accused Minister Harris of showing a complete lack of impetus and called for him to appea
09/02/2017
A shortage of supply of houses coming onto the market remains a challenge in Northern Ireland, according to a new survey. The supply of new houses coming onto the market is falling, according to a survey carried out by the Royal Institute of Charted Surveyors (RICS) in association with Ulster Bank.
08/02/2017
Contractor Quinn Automatic is continuing to work on the development of a new storm sewer in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. NI Water appointed the firm for the project which is taking place on Sloan Street, which is currently closed. Pipelaying will commence on George Street on Monday, 13 February, where a
08/02/2017
Sinn Fein has raised serious concerns over the Help to Buy scheme. Over two thirds of applicants who successfully claimed under the scheme were in a position to pay the 90% deposit without the help of the scheme, according to new figures. Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD also said the fact t
08/02/2017
Sinn Fein is calling on government departments to release land to make it easier for housing providers to build new homes. Fra McCann MLA was speaking after the Department of Communities released figures which revealed a 5.8 per cent rise in people presenting themselves as homeless in NI. The part
08/02/2017
A number of changes have been made to the Mortgage to Rent scheme in Ireland. Housing Minister Simon Coveney said a number of households will benefit from the changes. Minister Coveney said: "I am pleased to be able to publish the review and set out a series of actions and amendments that will mak
08/02/2017
IDA Ireland is currently working on securing a buyer for HP Inc's Leixlip site in Leinster, Fine Gael has confirmed. HP Inc announced it is to close its facility in the area with the loss of around 500 jobs. However, Fine Gael TD for Kildare, Bernard Durkan, is working with relevant agencies to fi
08/02/2017
Fianna Fáil has slammed the Government's national development programme and claims rural communities in Wexford will "suffer". The 'Ireland 2040' plan was published last month by Minister for Housing Simon Coveney and sets out the key development priorities for the Government over the next 23 years
08/02/2017
BSG Civil Engineering is continuing work on a project to refurbish and improve the water infrastructure in Belleek, Co Fermanagh. Pipelaying on the Cornahaltie Road is scheduled to be completed towards the end of this week, with the contractor then moving on to the Brollagh Road. The new watermain
08/02/2017
Residents in Mayo are benefitting from an investment in Ireland's water services, according to Fine Gael. Mayo Senator Michelle Mulherin said the people in Mayo now have cleaner and healthier water supplies. She said: "The Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) recently published an update on the
07/02/2017
Conwell Contracts has signed a deal with Irish Water to deliver a water rehabilitation project in Ballybofey, Donegal. The investment of €1 million by Irish Water is in partnership with Donegal County Council. The work includes the replacement and rehabilitation of approximately four kilometres of
07/02/2017
Fianna Fáil has described the latest government development plan as "underwhelming" and said rural communities in Offaly will suffer. Barry Cowen TD said the 'Ireland 2040' plan fails to incentivise development in small towns, villages and rural communities. He said: "The Government should have us
07/02/2017
Planning permission has been approved to develop a new water pipeline and additional structures for the transfer of treated drinking water from Vartry to Callowhill in Co Wicklow. The new pipeline will secure the long-term water supply to north Wicklow and south Dublin and ensure the Vartry Water S
07/02/2017
Over 570 construction jobs are to be created during the development of a major new office scheme at the Movie House Cinema site in Belfast City Centre. Subject to planning approval, 'One Bankmore Square', will be the largest single office building in Northern Ireland. The Richland Group is proposi
07/02/2017
A new management plan is being developed to design a way forward for the conservation of Corncrakes on the Falcarragh to Meenlaragh Special Protection Area (SPA) in County Donegal. The plan will be developed in full consultation with the local community and landowners. The corncrake was once widesp
07/02/2017
Fianna Fáil has raised serious concerns over the failure to open Kishogue railway station in Lucan, south Dublin. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is seeking to undertake further review of surrounding lands, however it is likely to be the end of 2017 or early 2018 before the review is underta
07/02/2017
Sinn Féin is calling for Ireland to move towards renewable energy independence if it is to meet its climate change targets. Speaking at the Brexit Civic Dialogue on Energy, spokesperson on Energy Brian Stanley said an impending hard brexit has huge implications for the costs and security of supply
07/02/2017
Recently apprentices from across South Eastern Regional College (SERC) participated in a day-long Inter Campus Skillbuild competition. The event is designed to test and challenge the ability of its apprentices working in the construction trades including bricklaying, electrical, joinery, plasterin
06/02/2017
A €28million Capital Investment Package has been allocated to help improve and develop six Fishery Harbour Centres in Ireland. The money will be used for development works, safety and maintenance at the six Fishery Harbour Centres at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Ros an Mhil and Kill
06/02/2017
Improvement work across nine water supply schemes in Co Wicklow is on target, Irish Water has confirmed. The schemes are on the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL) which was recently published. The nine water supplies on the RAL are Roundwood, Aughrim/Annacurra, Avo
06/02/2017
Work is to begin on a £200,000 road improvement project in Belfast. The work, which is scheduled to start on Monday, 13 February, is on the Glenside Road. It involves the resurfacing of a 2.8 kilometre section of road between Upper Springfield Road and Colinglen Road. Work is expected to be comp
06/02/2017
Work on a £105,000 road scheme in Co Armagh is to begin on Friday, 17 February. The work will be taking place on the Monbrief East Road in Craigavon. Work on the 750 metre scheme is due to be completed on Wednesday, 01 March 2017. Traffic will be diverted via Tandragee Road, Brownlow Road, Moyrav
06/02/2017
The Green Party has introduced legislation to tackle vacant and derelict sites throughout Ireland. The legislation is to be debated and voted in the Seanad on Wednesday, 08 February. The Derelict and Vacant Sites Bill 2017 aims to increase the levies on vacant sites from 3% per annum to 5%, to bri
06/02/2017
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has deferred resolutions aimed at imposing estimated costs of €12million on apartment owners in Beacon South Quarter in Dublin, until more information has been revealed. The apartments have a number of structural issues and fire safety defects. Sinn Féin counc
06/02/2017
Fianna Fail is calling on ministers and officials to take responsibility over the rising construction costs for the new National Children's Hospital in Dublin. The State is facing an additional €300 million bill for the development at the St Jame's site. Spokesperson on Health, Billy Kelleher, sai
06/02/2017
Work is to start on a £90,000 road resurfacing project in Killough, Co Down. The work on the A2 Minerstown Road will begin on Monday, 13 February, and it involves the resurfacing of a one kilometre stretch of the A2 Minerstown Road between the Ballylucas Road and Bright Road junctions. A temporary
03/02/2017
Irish Water is to submit a planning application to build a new wastewater treatment plant in Co Kilkenny. The firm aims to invest €2million in the new plant which will facilitate future population growth and commercial development in the town. A planning application for the project is being lodged
03/02/2017
Sinn Fein is calling for "continuous and rigorous" tests to be carried out on super trawlers and said the environmental damage they cause is immense. MEP Liadh Ní Riada urged the Navy and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) to "aggressively monitor" the ships after another one was found i
03/02/2017
Waters Corporation, developers and manufacturers of advanced analytical science technologies, has expanded its facilities in Wexford. The firm confirmed it has opened a new site expansion which will allow for increases inn operations, services and development functions. President and CEO of the Wa
03/02/2017
Construction work is to begin on a £150,000 road project in Whitecross, co Armagh. The work on the Kingsmill road will start on Monday, 13 February, and is expected to take eight weeks to complete. The works will improve the safety of the junction of the Kingsmill and Drumnahunshin Roads by improv
03/02/2017
A construction firm has started refurbishment work at the former Teagasc building in Cork. Cork County Council selected Conack Construction to carry out the work at its County Hall campus. The work has been designed by the county Architects Department and will provide for the relocation of the Cou
03/02/2017
Irish renewable energy firm Amarenco has secured planning permission to develop a solar farm in Cork. Amarenco Solar has been given the go-ahead for a five megawatt solar farm in Kilmoney which allows for the installation of 22,200 photovoltaic panels on a site area of 10.2 hectares. Amarenco plan
03/02/2017
The Marine and Renewable Energy Ireland (MaREI) centre has announced it is to lead the €10.5million EU MaRINET2 initiative. The initiative aims to speed up the development of offshore renewable energy technologies and infrastructure. Under the first MaRINET funding cycle, 178 projects and 800 comp
03/02/2017
Within weeks of being appointed, Euro Auctions, Europe's largest auctioneers of industrial plant, construction machinery and agricultural equipment, has reported keen interest and strong turnouts at each of the first three Hewden equipment disposal auctions it has held. The three, one day sales hel
02/02/2017
BSG Civil Engineering has been appointed to carry out pipe laying work in Strabane, Co Tyrone. NI Water is to work with the contractor to refurbish and improve the water infrastructure in the Artigarvan area. Work is due to start on Monday, 06 February, and is expected to be completed in 12 weeks.
02/02/2017
The Government is being urged to "ramp up ambition" after it was revealed Ireland is set to miss its 2020 renewable energy targets. The Green Party said while Ireland has done "quite well" on wind energy the Govt needs to scale up its ambition on solar PV and offshore wind. The European Commission
02/02/2017
A merger between two housing associations in Northern Ireland has been completed. Clanmil Housing Group and Hearth Housing Association confirmed the merger which will boost efforts to preserve Northern Ireland's built heritage. It will see the 4,000 home landlord adopt around 100 homes of architec
02/02/2017
Over 200 properties in Portrush were left without electricity after specialist equipment was vandalised at a substation in the area. NIE Networks responded immediately to make equipment safe and had all power restored shortly after 6am. Kevin McDowell, Head of Health, Safety & Environment at NIE N
02/02/2017
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) delivered €130 million in efficiency upgrades in 2016. Over 24,000 homes and almost 400 community buildings benefited from the works completed. The national energy authority also provided almost €5m funding to 41 research, development and demonstra
02/02/2017
A bill to help address flooding issues along the River Shannon has been moved forward. The Electricity Supply Amendment Bill 2017 removes outdated water level restrictions on ESB regulated lakes along the Shannon. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on the Office of Public Works & Flood Relief, Eugene Murphy
02/02/2017
Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, Damien English, has launched the 2017 Homes for Smart Ageing Universal Design Challenge. An initiative under the Rebuilding Ireland programme, the challenge aims to stimulate and encourage the design and construction industries to be innovative in designing
02/02/2017
Rail Investments Ltd is seeking planning permission to develop a multi-story office block on a site designated as a railway station for the DART Underground project. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Robert Troy TD, said the cost of purchasing the site is likely to be substantially higher if p
02/02/2017
Fianna Fáil has been accused of "delaying" the work of the Oireachtas Water Committee. Kildare South TD and Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Martin Heydon, said in voting with the hard left to invite an interest group, 'Right2Water', into the Committee, Fianna Fáil is holding up the work
02/02/2017
Work on a £100,000 road resurfacing project on the A46 Loughshore Road, from Enniskillen to Belleek, is to start on Monday, 13 February. The resurfacing works on the road, which is a link road to County Donegal, will complement the section of resurfacing carried out last year. Work is expected t
01/02/2017
Sinn Féin has called on the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, to "pull his finger out" to ensure funding is in place to complete the Coonagh to Knockalisheen road scheme in Limerick. Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan said the expected delivery date of 2020 or 2021 is "simply unacceptable". Deputy
01/02/2017
Cork County Council is to apply for planning permission to develop a new link road and fire station in Kanturk. Fianna Fáil TD Michale Moynihan said the announcement was "fantastic news for the town". He said: "The link road will ensure ease of access to the promised new national school for parent
01/02/2017
Work on a £150,000 reconstruction and resurfacing project in Castlederg, Co Tyrone, is to begin on Monday, 20 February. The work is to take place on the C675 Killeter Road at Ferguson Crescent. The resurfacing works extend from Ferguson Crescent to Derg View, a distance of some 300 metres. The s
01/02/2017
The Government is to invest over €28 million to regenerate rural towns and villages in Ireland. The investment is part of the Action Plan for Rural Investment and over 200 towns and villages will benefit from the funding. The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heat
01/02/2017
The latest Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) figures, published in the Irish News, need a fast track audit to be implemented before the election in March, according to the Ulster Unionists. The RHI scheme is set to cost the public purse around £490 million. South Antrim Ulster Unionist Assembly candi
01/02/2017
Work on a £200,000 road resurfacing project in Portaferry, Co Down, is to start on Monday, 06 February. The scheme on the Cloughey Road aims to improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway on a two kilometre section of this important A Class Road between Portaferry and Cloughey. Loc
01/02/2017
Sinn Féin is urging the Cabinet to support the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform's announcement to speed up the construction of the Metro North Rail Link. Minister Paschal Donhoe confirmed an additional €2.6 billion is being made available up to 2021 in its five-year programme for capital i
01/02/2017
Over 30 jobs are at risk after a mechanical services contractor based in Lurgan, Co Armagh, has entered administration. Maurice Stevenson Limited, a family-owned firm, is based in the Annesborough Industrial Estate and employs around 33 staff members. Mrs Alison Stevenson said: “It is with the dee
