Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for March 2017
31/03/2017
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action and Environment has backed a Private Members Bill to ban fracking in Ireland. Fine Gael TD Tony McLoughlin said Ireland is now "one step closer to having an outright ban on fracking". He said: "I am glad to see that my Bill has now received the full
31/03/2017
A number of homes had to be evacuated following a major gas leak in Co Antrim. The incident happened in the Stiles Way area at around 10pm on Thursday, 30 March. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended the scene and local residents were advised to stay indoors and keep all thei
31/03/2017
Dublin City Council is to prioritise the use of empty homes to house homeless individuals and families. Housing and homeless charity, Peter McVerry Trust, welcomed the announcement which is part of the Government's new Repair and Leasing scheme. Pat Doyle, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Peter Mc
31/03/2017
Housing Minister Simon Coveney has launched 'Changing Perceptions – Stigma and Social Housing in Ireland'. Clúid's Head of Policy, Simon Brooke said some people have preconceived negative views about social housing tenants, who are depicted as work shy, exploiting the benefits system, living rent f
31/03/2017
Fold Housing Association and Helm Housing will be officially known as Radius Housing from Monday, 03 April. The two housing associations, based in Northern Ireland, announced a merger earlier this year. Radius Housing will manage over 2,000 homes, providing services for around 30,000 households an
31/03/2017
IDA's new Advance Technology Building has officially opened in Kerry. Located at the Technology Park, the development is designed to provide high quality production and office accommodation, which will be suitable for future technology or life sciences projects. Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "The Gov
31/03/2017
Land & Property Services (LPS) has announced a delay in the issuing of rates bills for 2017/2018. Normally at the beginning of April each year, LPS issues annual rates bills to homes and businesses across Northern Ireland and this year bills will be late due to the delay in the setting of the Regio
31/03/2017
Significant progress is being made on a water mains rehabilitation in Co Fermanagh. NI Water is investing around £2.8 million in the scheme located in the Rossory area, which includes replacing a section of water main along Old Rossory Road. Works on the Old Rossory Road are nearing completion, an
30/03/2017
Work has started on a watermains scheme in Portnoo, Donegal. Irish Water is investing over €970,000 in the project which will ensure a clean and secure water supply for the 940 people served by the Portnoo Water Supply. The supply is on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Remedial Action L
30/03/2017
Construction work has started on a new addiction treatment centre in Togher, Co Louth. Work on the €4.8 million project is expected to be completed by autumn 2018. Fine Gael Cork senator Tim Lombard said: "Tabor Group has played an important role in the treatment and rehabilitation of people with
30/03/2017
Construction work has begun on footway and carriageway resurfacing projects in Belfast. The schemes, in Hillside Drive, Hillside Park and Hillside Gardens, are expected to be completed by 26 May 2017. Local access for residents will be maintained at all times during the scheme. (CD/MH)
30/03/2017
Cobh in Cork has been designated as a Rent Pressure Zone. Housing Minister Simon Coveney made the announcement under the Government's rental strategy which aims to protect tenants from unreasonable rent increases. Fine Gael Cork East TD, David Stanton, said: "At the initial announcement of the Gov
30/03/2017
Irish Water is investing €275,000 to replace ageing watermains in Athlone. The work will take place in Clonbrush West and Milltownpass. Engineers are currently on site to replace the watermain in Clonbrusk and work is expected to commence in early April to replace the watermain in Milltownpass.
30/03/2017
Sinn Féin has said the Oireachtas Water Committee is close to the "full abolition of water charges". Spokesperson on Water Eoin Ó Broin TD made the announcement following a positive meeting of the Water Committee. Deputy Ó Broin said: "The Expert Group Report recommended a charge for so-called exc
30/03/2017
A European intellectual property firm has established an office in Galway. Keltie has opened its first office outside of the UK and it is being led by the firms partner Sean Cummings. He said: "The West of Ireland is a hotbed of technologies that match Keltie's traditional strengths, including med
30/03/2017
The Green Party is urging the Government build new safe segregated cycle lanes on major roads without delay. The party made the call after the fourth cyclist died in less than three weeks on Ireland's roads. Green Party Transport Spokesperson Councillor Ciarán Cuffe said: "Tackling cycling deaths
29/03/2017
A new Holiday Inn Express Hotel is to be developed in L'Derry. The Duddy Group is investing £7million in the project which is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for Communities. The hotel will have 116 bedrooms, a Marco Pierre New York Italian Restaurant, two meeting roo
29/03/2017
A new electricity supplier has entered the Irish market. BEenergy is offering a month's free electricity to new customers. The firm is part of Northern Irish company Budget Energy. Eoin Clarke, Managing Director of Switcher.ie, said: "At the end of the day, more players in the market can only be
29/03/2017
Funding has been allocated for the €125m City Quay Development in Dublin's Docklands. City Development Fund, a sub-fund of Targeted Investment Opportunities ICAV (TIO), has confirmed that Irish Life will pre-fund the €125m development of 13-18 City Quay. Upon completion of the development, full ow
29/03/2017
Maynooth has been designated as a Rent Pressure zone. Housing Minister Simon Coveney made the announcement under the Government's rental strategy aimed at protecting tenants from unreasonable rent increases. Fine Gael Kildare North TD, Bernard Durkan, said: "This will help protect tenants from unr
29/03/2017
Residents living in Strabane and Lifford are being urged to have their say on on a major cross border development planned for the region. Derry City and Strabane District Council in partnership with Donegal County Council are hoping to drive forward plans on the 'Riverine Project', which seeks to
29/03/2017
Plans for the new A6 dual carriageway scheme must progress, according to the Alliance Party. MLA Kellie Armstrong made the call after attempts to halt the project through a judicial review failed. She said: "It is unfortunate that when the initial plans were being put together and money being comm
29/03/2017
The announcement that the government has allocated €226m for the Local Infrastructure Fund has been slammed by Sinn Féin. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said the additional funding is "nowhere near enough". He said: "Sinn Féin is not opposed to a Local Infrastructure Fund, but to invest just
29/03/2017
Labour has hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney for excluding Limerick, Waterford and Drogheda from rent pressure zones. Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan said the announcement is "disastrous for tenants". She said: "Linking rent increases to the Consumer Price Index as the Labour Party has
28/03/2017
Refurbishment work on a new Coast Guard station in Co Kerry has been completed. The building in Waterville, which was originally taken over by the State from the British Coastguard in 1923, had fallen into disrepair and has now been fully refurbished by the Office of Public Works (OPW) with an inve
28/03/2017
The High Court has ruled in favour of the A6 dual carriageway at Toomebridge. Sinn Féin leader in the North Michelle O'Neill welcomed the ruling. She said: "The A6 upgrade represents an investment of over £160m and has long been a key priority for Sinn Féin. "It is a key infrastructural project t
28/03/2017
Over £140,000 has been secured for a major carriageway resurfacing project in Coleraine, Co L'Derry. Work on the Ballycastle road scheme is expected to start on Monday 03 April and be substantially completed by Friday 07 April. The resurfacing work extends for a distance of approximately 500 metre
28/03/2017
Fine Gael is calling on An Bord Pleanála to reject a planning application over a proposed new incinerator in Cork Harbour. The decision regarding waste management company Indaver's proposal for an incinerator has again been deferred over concerns for aircrafts in the vicinity. Cork Senator, Tim Lo
28/03/2017
A total of 34 infrastructure projects have been approved across 15 local authority areas as part of the the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund's (LIHAF) 'Rebuilding Ireland' programme. Housing Minister Simon Coveney said this represents the culmination of a commitment originally made in
28/03/2017
Manufacturers and suppliers are being urged to present their products, materials and systems suitable for the sustainable improvement of homes for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). The NIHE is responsible for approximately 87,200 homes with a further 6,000 lease-hold properties, dating
28/03/2017
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks has announced it has connected over 1.2GW to the electricity network. This delivers more than 25% of the total energy consumed from renewables, mainly wind and solar power. Michael Atkinson, Head of Generation Connections, said this is a significant advancemen
28/03/2017
Quinn Automatic is making significant progress on NI Water's Sewer Rehabilitation Project withing Derry City Walls. Work has now started in the Bishop street area and is expected to take a week to complete. Extensive investigation works, which were carried out during November 2016, identified that
27/03/2017
Planning permission has been approved to upgrade the Gort Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Galway. A contractor is expected to be appointed and work is due to commence on site before the end of the year. The existing Gort WTP produces up to 1.4 million litres per day and the upgrade works are necessa
27/03/2017
Two schools in Donegal are to receive funding for new accommodation. Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada Árainn Mhór is to receive funds towards a new woodwork room and associated electrical works. Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana is to receive funding for a new technology room. Emergency works funding has also bee
27/03/2017
EnergyPro Analytics and Galetech Energy Services (GES) have announced a 50:50 joint venture (JV) to create EnergyPro Asset Management. The new company will use its analysis tools to maximise the electricity produced at each wind turbine and in turn increase investors' return. It will have an initi
27/03/2017
Lightsource Renewable Energy has been commissioned to work on a major solar development in Antrim. The project will deliver over 32 MW of clean, renewable energy into the Northern Irish energy grid. The Antrim project will create enough energy to power more than 11,000 homes. The 32 MW solar ene
27/03/2017
Sinn Féin has accused Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for creating the housing crisis in Ireland. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney and Deputy Barry Cowen's "empty rhetoric" on the crisis. He said: "Minister Coveney has claimed that he is making progress in
27/03/2017
A grant of €11,800 has been secured to carry out essential works at Teach Mhicí Mhic Gabhann in Donegal. Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Seán Kyne TD said: "I am pleased to be in a position to provide this assistance to Togra Fiontar agus Cultúr Uladh so that they can put a new thatched ro
27/03/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Government over its failure to deliver a proper housing scheme in Co Louth. TD for Louth and East Meath Imelda Munster TD described the housing situation in the county as "shocking". She said: "There are almost 4,000 people on the housing waiting list in County Louth,
27/03/2017
Housing Minister Simon Coveney has been called to bring forward the launch of the vacant homes strategy following a rise in homelessness. Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams described the homeless figures as "deeply depressing". Mr Adams said: "While the homelessness statistics for last month (Februar
24/03/2017
Four new sections of the Connswater Community Greenway have officially opened in east Belfast. The sections include new cycle and pedestrian paths, two new play parks, two new multi-use games areas and two new bridges. The locations of the four new sections and key features are: • Newtownards Ro
24/03/2017
Preparatory works are taking place on a route alignment and station locations project for Metro North. Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority expect the work to last throughout 2017, after which a public consultation process will get under way in 2018. Minister for T
24/03/2017
EirGrid has opened a consultation on it's new initiative 'Tomorrow's Energy Scenarios 2017 – Planning our Energy Future'. The firm recently held an information session in Co Mayo where a range of industries and organisations gathered to hear more about four future energy scenarios. The consultat
24/03/2017
The Green Party is calling for the proceeds of the sale of RTÉ’s Montrose site to be "ring-fenced for badly needed capital expenditure at the company". The party made the call following the announcement that 8.5 acres of its Montrose site is to be sold, with housing to be developed on the site. Gr
24/03/2017
Graham Interior Fit-Out has complete its first JD Sports project of 2017. The firm has handed over the keys at Northern Ireland's National Football stadium, Windsor Park. Fit-out Director, Mark Gibson, said: "JD sports are one of GRAHAM Interior Fit-out's long-standing clients and we are delighted
24/03/2017
A new Plant Risk Register has been launched to help monitor and manage plant health in Northern Ireland. The new register was announced at a major plant health conference in Belfast to develop a new plan to safeguard Northern Ireland's environment and its £4 billion agri-food sector. Forest Servic
24/03/2017
Motorists travelling to Belfast International Airport are being urged to take extra time for their journey next weekend due to resurfacing works taking place. Work on a £55,000 resurfacing project on the A57 Ballyrobin Road at Kilmakee NIR crossing is to commence on 31 March. The scheme will invol
24/03/2017
NI Water and Farrans Construction have announced they have laid one million metres of watermains on the ongoing £100 million Watermains Improvement Programme. NI Water is approaching a decade of delivery in April this year by investing £1.8 billion in water and wastewater services over the past ten
23/03/2017
Louth County Council has received a planning application to upgrade and improve the Tinure Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Irish Water proposals include the construction of a new storm water holding tank and pumping station and the installation of new inlet screening at the wastewater treatment pla
23/03/2017
Around €3 million is being made available to Irish firms to advance in the ocean energy sector. A €17 million fund has been launched by the European Union (EU) which is part of the OCEANERA-NET COFUND project and brings together a consortium of seven governments and agencies from across Europe who
23/03/2017
The Minister for Housing has been slammed for failing to tackle the current housing crisis throughout Ireland. Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly Barry Cowen criticised Minister Simon Coveney for failing to deliver on commitments contained in the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. He made the commen
23/03/2017
A farmer from Co Antrim has been fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. Samuel Brennan from Larne was convicted and fined £750 at Ballymena Magistrates' Court. He was also ordered to pay an offender's levy of £15. On 21 March 2016, a Senior Water Quality Inspector (SWQI), acting on
23/03/2017
Construction work is to start on a roundabout improvement project in Belfast. A total of £200,000 is being invested to improve the Fortwilliam Roundabout. Work is to begin on Friday, 31 March, and is expected to be completed by Saturday, 15 April. During Phase One, the roundabout will be closed f
23/03/2017
Housing Minister Simon Coveney has been urgently called to outline how he plans to fast-track investment in the waste water treatment plants currently in breach of the Urban Waste Water Directive. Sinn Féin spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Broin TD made the call after it was revealed that a €1 billion
23/03/2017
Over 7,200 businesses customers in Co Mayo have moved to Irish Water. The firm will now take responsibility of the administration of 7,233 business customer accounts. Charges for business customers, credit terms and the frequency of billing will remain unchanged while this transition is taking pla
23/03/2017
Construction work has started on a new water treatment plant in Ardsbeg, Donegal. The work is part of €6.3 million in infrastructure contracts being signed off by Minister of State Joe McHugh. The contract involves the construction of a new water treatment plant immediately adjacent to the curren
22/03/2017
Approximately 50 construction jobs are to be created during the development of 38 new homes in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. The £4.5 million scheme for Hagan Homes will be based on the Darby Road and is expected to take two years to complete. The development will include 38 townhouses - semi-detached
22/03/2017
Construction work on a £100,000 road resurfacing project in Bangor, Co Down, is to begin on Monday, 27 March. Preparatory work has already commenced on the Ward Avenue scheme which will improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway on the link road between Donaghadee Road and Seacliff
22/03/2017
Fianna Fáil is calling on the Government to "get to grips" with the housing crisis in Ireland. Spokesperson for Dublin, John Lahart said it has clearly not achieved progress on delivering new social housing construction. The Deputy made the comments following the publication of new timelines by Du
22/03/2017
AECOM has been appointed to prepare a Cycling Network Plan for the Cork City Metropolitan Area and surrounding towns. The firm was selected by Cork County Council and Cork City Council. The National Transport Authority will fund the plan. The objective of the project is to provide a clear proposal
22/03/2017
Sinn Fein has called on the Minister for Housing to introduce legislation that will ensure where semi-state commercial land is being sold off for residential use, a special minimum rate of 30% social housing must be included. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD made the call to Minister Simon Cove
22/03/2017
NAMA has approved 240 sales involving 'open marketing exceptions' since January 2014 with a value of €1.2 billion, according to Minister for Finance Michael Noonan. The practice of property under the control of NAMA being sold in an 'off market' manner requires detailed scrutiny to ensure that maxi
22/03/2017
Almost seven in 10 Irish households went without heating at some point this winter to save money on energy bills, according to new research. The findings, from Switcher.ie, revealed the extent that households will go to in order to keep a lid on energy costs during the coldest months of the year, w
22/03/2017
A housing association in Northern Ireland has officially been opened for 40 years this month. Clanmil Housing opened in March 1997 and has been providing high quality, affordable homes for people who need them. The organisation owns and manages more than 4,300 homes throughout Northern Ireland for
22/03/2017
A residential development site in Donnybrook, Dublin, has been sold for €75 million. 'Project Montrose' includes 8.64 acres of lands owned by Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann). The site is adjacent to RTÉ's broadcasting headquarters at Montrose and provides an incoming purch
22/03/2017
The number of unfinished developments in Ireland over the last six years has decreased by 85%, according to a new report. Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, Damien English TD, published the fifth annual progress report and seventh housing survey on tackling the issue of unfinished housing deve
21/03/2017
Irish Water has completed work on a €55,000 watermain project in Slane, Co Meath. The firm connected customers in Riverview to a new watermain which has improved the security of the water supply. Padraig Farrell, Capital Programmes Lead, East and Midlands Region, said: "The replacement of the agi
21/03/2017
The number of households in mortgage arrears has dropped, according to figures from the Central Bank. Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Jim Daly, welcomed the figures and said he is glad to see the work is paying off. Mr Daly said: "The number of homes in mortgage arrears for more than 90 days fel
21/03/2017
Cork County Council has partnered with Irish Water to improve the water supply on Cape Clear. The Cape Clear Watermain Rehabilitation Project will involve the replacement of 11.5km of watermains much of which is in poor condition and subject to frequent leaks and bursts. Over 11 million litres of
21/03/2017
Contractors are being urged to attend an event in relation to construction works contracts for planned schemes from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). The supply market event will take place at Twickenham House, Mount Street, Ballymena, between 10am and noon on Wednesday, 05 April. NIH
21/03/2017
Construction work on a £155,000 road resurfacing project in Co Down is to begin. The scheme on the Cunningburn Road in Newtownards is to start on Monday, 27 March, and is expected to be substantially completed by the end of the month. Preparatory work has already commenced, which will improve the
21/03/2017
Work on a £95,000 road resurfacing scheme is to begin on Tuesday, 28 March. Work to resurface Broom Park carriageway will be carried out between 9.30am and 4.30pm. The scheme is expected to be completed by Friday, 07 April. Diversions will be put in place during the works. (CD/LM)
21/03/2017
BAM Ireland has been appointed the preferred bidder for the construction of the Bolands Quay Development in Dublin. The Bolands Quay Development Group is a collaboration between property consultants Mark Reynolds & Glenn Cran of Savills Ireland and Cleary McCabe. The firms have reached a deal, whi
21/03/2017
The number of homeless people in Ireland is "unacceptable", according to Labour Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan. Ms O'Sullivan made the statement ahead of the homeless seminar in the European Parliament on Tuesday, 21 March. She said: "We need to finally deal with the issue of supply- so far t
21/03/2017
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has allocated €300,000 to upgrade stretches of the N59 between Bunnakill and Maam Cross. Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West Éamon Ó Cuív welcomed the announcement, however he repeated calls for Galway County Council to ensure that improvement works at the National
21/03/2017
A Co Armagh farmer has been fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. Sean Magill from Camlough was convicted and fined £500, an Offenders Levy of £15, plus a Compensation Order for £1,750 for fish kill costs to be paid to the Loughs Agency, at Newry Magistrates' Court today. On 23 Jan
20/03/2017
Concerns have been raised over the future of the briquette factory in Derrinlough, Co Offaly. Sales of briquettes have dropped over the last year due to the higher cost as a result of the carbon tax which was introduced by the previous Fine Gael/Labour Government. Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly Barry C
20/03/2017
Work has begun on a £200,000 road resurfacing scheme in Keady, Co Armagh. The scheme on the Castleblaney Road will involve the resurfacing of two miles of road and where appropriate the reinstatement of drainage and verges. From 7am Monday 20 March to 6pm on Saturday 8 April the road will be close
20/03/2017
The DUP has welcomed plans to redevelop Crumlin Road Courthouse in Belfast. Signature Living Group is planning to transform the former courthouse into a hotel and training school. North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds welcomed the announcement. He said: "I am delighted an agreement has now been reached to
20/03/2017
Belfast City Council is to hold a number of public drop in sessions to discuss plans for a new park which is being created in west Belfast. The park, which will be built in the Colin area on the Stewartstown Road, is being developed in partnership with the Urban Villages initiative, a key action wi
20/03/2017
The Government has been slammed over its "lack of ambition" following the publication of the National Climate Mitigation Plan. The Green Party hit out at the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD, after it was revealed Ireland is only one of two countries in
20/03/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at Finance Minister Michael Noonan after data from Central Bank revealed that five families a day are losing their homes. Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty accused the government of "political cowardice" in allowing banks to sell distressed mortgages to unregulated vultures.
20/03/2017
The Alliance Party has said the release of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) claimants should have been done in December. The RHI scheme is set to cost the public purse around £490 million. Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said the release needed to be followed up with the revealing of donors to pol
20/03/2017
Fianna Fail is calling for restructuring options to tackle the mortgage arrears problem in Ireland. Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath TD made the comments following the publication of the Central Bank's mortgage arrears statistics. He said: "The number of household mortgages in arrears over
20/03/2017
Work is to start on a major carriageway resurfacing project in Garvagh, Co L'Derry. The £230,000 scheme is planned for the A26 Carhill Road and work is to begin on Monday, 27 March. It is expected to be substantially completed by Sunday, 09 April. The resurfacing work extends for a distance of app
20/03/2017
Multiple world records were achieved at the unique one‑day Hewden crane disposal sale organised by Euro Auctions, Europe's largest auctioneers of industrial plant, construction machinery and agricultural equipment, on behalf of Joint Administrators from Ernst & Young LLP, at the Newark showgro
16/03/2017
Signature Living has confirmed that it has purchased the Belfast's Crumlin Road Courthouse. Some £25 million will be invested to restore the building to its former glory when it will become the home for the first of up to five new hotels the hotel developer will bring to city in the next three yea
16/03/2017
Work is continuing on plans to develop a new £26.5 million office development in Belfast. Titanic Quarter Ltd and Belfast Harbour are progressing arrangements on the Olympic House scheme and construction is set to begin this autumn. The scheme involves creating 148,000 sq ft of speculative office
16/03/2017
SSE has commenced construction on a new nine-turbine wind farm at Leanamore, Co Kerry. Leanamore Wind Farm will have a permitted export capacity of 18MW, enough to power 9,500 homes. The turbines are scheduled to arrive on site in August 2017 with the wind farm expected to be operational by Janua
16/03/2017
A new advice service pilot scheme has been launched in Northern Ireland for private landlords. The Housing Rights service will be conducting a pilot on behalf of the Department for Communities, offering landlords free confidential advice to ensure that the rights of landlords and tenants are protec
16/03/2017
New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have revealed an increase in the amount of successful planning permissions for properties in 2016. Last year, approval was given for 16,375 dwelling units, up 26% from 2015. In addition, planning permissions for all developments rose 21% to 21,0
16/03/2017
Mid Ulster District Council is seeking proposals for a newly released development site in Dungannon. The 4.12-acre site on Ann Street, which has been vacant for a number of years, is now being released for future development activity. Councillor Trevor Wilson said: "The Ann Street site has been lo
16/03/2017
Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney TD, has visited a turnkey housing scheme in Castletreasure, Douglas, Co Cork. Mr Coveney was joined by Councillor Derry Canty, Deputising for the Mayor of the Cork. The visit marked the handover of 16 dwellings which for
16/03/2017
A proposal to charge owners of Beacon Quarter South apartments to fix building defects has been passed by the management company in charge of the complex, it has been reported. It is understood the levy will be an average of €10,000 each to fix the problems with the apartments which are in Sandyfo
15/03/2017
A planning application has been submitted for the largest single office building in Northern Ireland. The Richland Group has put forward plans for One Bankmore Square at the Movie House cinema site on Dublin Road in Belfast city centre. If the development is given the green light, it would provide
15/03/2017
Irish Water is to invest €1.1million to replace watermains and connect the Fintown water supply to the Glenties supply. The firm will replace almost 5km of watermains in the Glenties, Fintown and Meenahalla areas as well as develop two booster pumping stations. The supply is on the Environmental P
15/03/2017
Work on the second phase of a housing project in Cork has been completed. Cork County Council's turnkey housing scheme in Castletreasure, Douglas, includes 16 dwellings which forms Phase 2 of the development. The project is the first to be delivered since the Council embarked, in 2015, on a turnk
15/03/2017
Refurbishment work on an own door office building in Dublin's Central Business District (CBD) is expected to be completed this Summer. A total of 80 construction jobs have been created as part of the €3.5 million refurbishment at 5 School House Lane. The office is being brought o the letting mark
15/03/2017
A businessman from Antrim has been fined for illegal waste offences. Mr Robert Robinson was fined a total of £400 at Belfast Magistrates' Court. He pleaded guilty to two charges of keeping illegal waste. The charges relate to the illegal deposit of controlled waste on land owned by Mr Robinson at
15/03/2017
Morrow Contracts has been appointed by NIE Networks to upgrade an underground cable system in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. The work along the Mill road is to start on Monday, 20 March, and is expected to take around three weeks to complete. Morrow Contracts will carry out the excavation and reinstatem
15/03/2017
Future infrastructure developments will be affected as a result of Brexit, according to Sinn Féin. MEP Martina Anderson said future projects would be "jeopardised" as the funding will no longer be available. She said: "I welcome the fact that the Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB) has
15/03/2017
Irish energy firm ESB has opened its new 884MW gas fired power station at Carrington near Manchester. The €820m development is providing 40 permanent jobs on site and is powering more than one million homes and businesses in the Greater Manchester area. Following three years of construction, the
15/03/2017
Sinn Féin has welcomed the Public Accounts Committee report into the NAMA sale. MLA Conor Murphy said the issue is "clearly this is an ongoing matter of public interest". He said: "The Committee found that the handling of this affair was flawed, compromised and led to a significant loss of taxpay
15/03/2017
Fianna Fail has hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney over his plan for building social housing units in Galway. TD for Galway West Éamon Ó Cuív described his proposal as "completely inadequate". Figures released to Deputy Ó Cuív revealed that only 14 houses are due to be built this year, wi
14/03/2017
A housing association in Northern Ireland has started work on a £1.8 million project in Newcastle, Co Down. Choice Housing plans to develop 16 new homes which are expected to be completed in May 2018. The Donard Street scheme will provide 15 new apartments and one bungalow and accommodate up to 48
14/03/2017
Fianna Fail is calling for proper resources to be allocated to help alleviate illegal dumping throughout Ireland. The party made the call after the Government introduced an initiative aimed at tackling illegal dumping. Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth said the situation has been exace
14/03/2017
Work has started on a £150,000 carriageway resurfacing project in Kilkeel, Co Down. The resurfacing work extends a distance of approximately 1km from its junction with Newcastle Street, Kilkeel to its junction with Mountain Road. The work is expected to be substantially completed by 31 March. Div
14/03/2017
A new Interim Vice-Chair has been appointed to the Board of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). Mr Gregory Lomax, who has been a NIHE Board Member since 15 April 2013, replaces Professor Peter Roberts who became the Interim Chair of the Board from 01 January 2017. A public appointment p
14/03/2017
Fianna Fáil has opposed plans which aims to end EU production of all crop based fuels. Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor voiced her opposition to new proposals recently circulated by the European Commission which seeks to revise the Renewable Energy Directive. She said it could have the unintended
14/03/2017
Vayu Energy, in association with Action Renewables, has hosted a successful energy seminar at Holywood Golf Club in Co Down. Discussions about the the new Integrated Single Energy Market (ISEM) and Energy Procurement was the main focus of the seminar. Talking to the audience, comprising of some of
14/03/2017
A housing estate in Kilkeel, Newry, has been recognised as one of the best kept housing areas in Northern Ireland. Owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), Rooney Park scooped Best Kept Small Housing Area at the 2016 NI Amenity Council awards. The local Grounds Maintenance team have
14/03/2017
The Department of Housing has been called to explain the public private partnership proposals (PPP) for social housing construction projects across Dublin. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD confirmed it is the first time that the Design, Build, and Operate model has been proposed for s
14/03/2017
Concerns have been raised over drone crashes at heritage sites in Ireland. Fianna Fáil is to bring forward new legislation to address the issue aimed at providing a regulatory framework for the use of airborne drones. Spokesperson on Technology, James Lawless, said drones present many interesting
14/03/2017
Many small business owners feel the current commercial rates system is "not fit for purpose", according to Fianna Fail. The party is currently preparing a new policy document aimed at reforming the commercial rates system to ensure the tax burden does not disproportionately impact on small to mediu
13/03/2017
Work on a new £1million housing project in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, has been completed. The Choice Housing scheme at Sunnylands Grove includes 12 new homes for people over the age of 55. The new homes were supported by an investment of £714,192 from the Department for Communities with additional
13/03/2017
A construction firm in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, has been prosecuted following the death of a worker. Mid Ulster Contracts Limited was fined £50,000 at Londonderry Crown Court for health and safety failings. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) launched an investigation followi
13/03/2017
Work is continuing to increase the security of water supply to Dublin City and South Dublin Council. Irish Water is progressing a project to provide connectivity between the major treated water reservoirs at Peamount and Saggart. The firm recently published confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase
13/03/2017
Belfast City Council has been called to "immediately remove" several tyres that have dumped at the Connswater Greenway in east Belfast. Alliance Councillor David Armitage said the illegal bonfire materials have been left on the Flora Street walkway section of the greenway. Mr Armitage said: "Allia
13/03/2017
Minister for the Environment, Denis Naughten, has launched a plan to tackle illegal dumping throughout Ireland. Drones will be used to catch offenders and CCTV cameras will also be installed. Minister Naughten said: "Through the use of smart technology I am confident the new initiative that I am i
13/03/2017
The Minister for Arts and Heritage has been criticised for failing to adequately protect biodiversity in the upcoming National Biodiversity Action Plan. Green Party Deputy Leader, Catherine Martin TD, said Minister Heather Humphreys is 'at risk of being remembered as the most anti-environment Herit
10/03/2017
A planning application for the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) in Dublin has been submitted. Speaking from a visit to the site at St Vincent's Minister for Health, Simon Harris, said it is a "milestone in the development of the future infrastructure". He said: "The National Maternity Strateg
10/03/2017
The public is being urged to take part in a campaign to abolish water charges. Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O'Brien made the call after the date for a national water demonstration was confirmed. Right2Water campaigners will take to the streets on Saturday, 08 April. The Cork North Central TD said: "Iris
10/03/2017
Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney for failing to introduce a "realistic plan" to address the issue. He also urged the Government to bring some of the 198,000 vacant properties in Ireland back into use to help ease the housing crisis. He said: "There are c
10/03/2017
Dublin City Council has been called to ensure that the Poolbeg Special Development Zone (SDZ) takes advantage of the excess heat and energy generated on the Poolbeg Peninsula by using it to power a district heating system in the new Poolbeg SDZ. The Green Party also urged the council for the develo
10/03/2017
NI Water is inviting the public to attend many of its water and wastewater sites to see how the firm safely treats and cleans millions of litres of water every day. April 2017 marks a decade of delivery for NI Water and to acknowledge the role the firm plays in NI it is opening some of its most imp
10/03/2017
Fianna Fáil is calling for a moratorium on all planning decisions on wind farms after revealing the publication of revised guidelines has been delayed "indefinitely". The current Wind Energy Development Guidelines were published in 2006 and offer advice to planning authorities on the planning for w
10/03/2017
Sinn Féin has raised serious concerns after a report by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that of the 2,676 private water supplies registered in Ireland, 37% were not monitored for E.coli. Spokesperson on Water Eoin Ó Broin TD said the findings of the report should serve as "a wake u
10/03/2017
Simpson Strong-Tie has launched its 2017 edition of its flagship catalogue. Alongside the UK's largest range of connectors for timber and masonry construction, sit over a dozen new products and several range extensions, including: • Post Bases • I-Joist hangers • Angle Brackets • Structural scr
09/03/2017
Irish Water is making significant progress on a scheme to replace aging watermains in Kildare and Maynooth. The project will also connect 332 properties directly to the new watermains in the areas of O'Neill Park and Old Greenfield in Maynooth and Assumpta Villas, Campion Crescent, Clearmore Terrac
09/03/2017
The housing market in Northern Ireland continued its strong start to the year last month, with prices, sales and expectations on the rise, according to new figures. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Ulster Bank's monthly Residential Market Survey showed price growth increased
09/03/2017
Sinn Féin is urging the Government to do more to bring vacant homes back into use. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD made the call after figures from the Department of Housing revealed 198,000 homes lie vacant across the state. He said: "The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive published figures
09/03/2017
A national water demonstration is to be held on Saturday, 08 April. Unite official and Right2Water Coordinator Brendan Ogle said: "Without the sustained pressure exerted by the public through the Right2Water campaign since 2014, we would not be where we are now with charges nearly abolished and an
09/03/2017
A public inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme could take longer than six months to complete, according to its chairman. The botched RHI scheme could cost the public purse around £490 million. Sir Patrick Coghlin said: "At present I can say that it will not be possible to report w
09/03/2017
Over 90 private water supplies, affecting over 5,400 people, were found to be on boil water notices, according to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). One fifth of the population, mostly in rural areas, get their drinking water from private water supplies. The remainder of the population are su
09/03/2017
Sinn Fein is urging the Minister for Finance to say "no" to any proposal to sell distressed mortgages to vulture funds. Minister Michael Noonan owns 75% of Permanent TSB. Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said: "Once more the prospect of thousands of families struggling to pay their
09/03/2017
The majority of people are in favour of a new tax on empty homes, according to the Peter McVerry Trust. The homeless and housing charity has called on the Government to bring forward legislation to introduce an empty homes tax in Ireland. Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust, said: "We strongly b
08/03/2017
Firmus Energy is to increase its gas prices by 12.2%. The price rise will come into effect at the end of March. Approximately 80,000 customers will be affected by the change. Managing Director Michael Scott said: "We understand the importance of price stability for customers and apologise for hav
08/03/2017
Work has started to repair and upgrade the Kilkee Wastewater Pumping Station in Co Clare. The work is expected to be completed within the next two months. A 'Do Not Swim' notice issued by Clare County Council in December 2016 remains in place pending completion of the work at the pumping station.
08/03/2017
The Green Party has slammed Fianna Fáil's plan to prosecute householders who waste water. The party plans to use the 2007 Water Services Act to carry out prosecutions. However, the Green Party said using meters to identify households that use excessive water remains the "fairest and simplest optio
08/03/2017
Female construction workers are celebrating International Women's Day by building alliance to increase participation in the industry. Over 100 men and women attended the Construction Industry Federation's (CIF) Breakfast Briefing on Increasing Female Participation in Construction today, 08 March.
08/03/2017
The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) has announced a new partnership with BDO Northern Ireland. The partnership will put specialist tax and business planning support within reach of more than 800 building companies. It will see CEF's membership, ranging from micro-businesses to industry hea
08/03/2017
The Home Energy Saving Kits Scheme in over 20 libraries in Dublin has been expanded. It has also been expanded to a number of additional urban and rural libraries outside Dublin with immediate effect. The expansion will initially target libraries in Leitrim, Roscommon, Cork City and some parts of
08/03/2017
Work on a new build apartment project in Dungannon has been completed. The apartments, owned by social housing provider Helm Housing, are located on Sloan Street and William Street. The development has been built to Lifetime Homes standards and have achieved Secured by Design accreditation. They
08/03/2017
Contractors have been selected to develop new play parks in the Ballyarnett and Brandywell areas in Co L'Derry. The projects are part of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Invest in Play Project, jointly funded from the Social Investment Fund (SIF) which is part of the Executive's Deliverin
07/03/2017
Almost 600 Irish Water customers on the Rathmullun Water Supply are set to benefit from a watermains project which aims to ensure a clean and secure water supply in the area. Irish Water is investing over €820,000 in the scheme which is on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Remedial Action
07/03/2017
Work on a £90,000 resurfacing scheme in Holywood, Co Down, is to start on Monday, 20 March. The project will improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway on a 250-metre section of this B Class Road in Holywood town centre. The scheme will be carried out over four consecutive nights
07/03/2017
Sinn Féin has said the extension to the Water Committee deadline is "unnecessary". The deadline has been extended until Friday 14 April to commission more legal advice. However, spokesperson on Water, Eoin Ó Broin TD, said he was disappointed at the decision. Deputy Ó Broin said: "Fine Gael and F
07/03/2017
A total of 1,400 new social homes are to be developed and over 700 properties upgraded in Dublin and across Ireland under a new inititiative jointly financed with the Housing Finance Agency (HFA). The European Investment Bank (EIB) confirmed support for the project totalling €405 million. Using fu
07/03/2017
The European Union has announced it is to invest €4million in the Celtic Interconnector project. The scheme involves the development of a potential electrical connection between Ireland and France, utilising subsea cables, with the capacity of approximately 700 megawatts (MW), enough to power 450,0
07/03/2017
Two waste management firms based in Omagh have been fined for a number of waste offences. Recyco Ltd and Shergrim Recycling Ltd pleaded guilty at a previous hearing and were fined a total of £5,250. Officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) visited a site at 89 Barony Road, Moun
07/03/2017
A new member has been appointed to the Board of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Ms Kate Ruddock is to take up the post for a period of five years. Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD, said: "I am delighted to appoint Ms Ruddock to the
07/03/2017
A new Vice Chairperson has been selected for the Joint Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Science & Technology, James Lawless TD, was appointed at the most recent sitting of the Committee. The Committee has a broad remit over policy areas which
06/03/2017
Upgrade works at Kilcoole, Kilpedder and Redcross Wastewater Treatment Plants have been completed. Irish Water invested €600,000 in the project, which has improved the level of treatment at the wastewater treatment plants and will benefit the surrounding environments. The treatment plant upgrades
06/03/2017
The Government is being urged to establish a cross departmental and multi-agency strategy to ensure that all steps are taken to conserve water. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water Eoin Ó Broin TD said the strategy should have an emphasis on education and awareness. He said: "Sinn Féin has outlined to
06/03/2017
Work is to start on a £180,000 carriageway resurfacing project in Newtownards. The work on the Greengraves Road will begin on Monday, 13 March, and it will improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway on the link road between Newtownards and Dundonald. It is expected to be substan
06/03/2017
Two additional dates have been announced for information events to raise awareness of the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) in Northern Ireland. Around 1,750 farmers have attended the events which opened on Monday, 27 February. The dates and venues are: • 08.03.17 – CAFRE, Greenmount Campus, Ant
06/03/2017
Over 3,500 Irish Water consumers are to benefit from a new water supply scheme in Burncourt, Co Tipperary. The new water treatment plant in Burncourt was developed as part of a €15.2 million investment by Irish Water in South Tipperary, which also included the upgrade of the Fethard Water Supply Sc
06/03/2017
The Green Party has hit out at Fianna Fáil over its plans to prosecute wasters of water. Leader Eamon Ryan said the proposals could lead up to 165,000 court cases. Mr Ryan said: "Are Fianna Fáil really proposing pursuing all of these households through the courts? "They also insist on an end to m
06/03/2017
Fianna Fail is calling on banks to put thousands of mortgage customers on the correct tracker rate immediately. Spokesperson Michael McGrath TD made the call after it was revealed that Central Bank has still not provided the banks with a firm deadline to restore the affected customers. Deputy McGr
06/03/2017
A housing association in Northern Ireland has revealed plans to set up a new limited firm which will manage maintenance and repairs across more than 4000 homes in its stock. The move will see building, plumbing, electrical and other maintenance services delivered under the Choice brand, and will ad
03/03/2017
Over €400 million is to be invested towards building new social housing in Ireland. The scheme will be jointly financed between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to build 1,400 new homes, as well as upgrade 700 properties, in Dublin and across the country. Up
03/03/2017
Wind energy firm Simple Power has completed several new wind energy projects across Northern Ireland. The wind turbines, situated on farms in counties Down, Antrim, Tyrone and Londonderry, are part of the company's continued build and energisation programme. Philip Rainey, Chief Executive of Simpl
03/03/2017
A total of €300,000 has been secured to improve an ambulance base in Carlow. Serious concerns had been raised over the poor conditions the National Ambulance Service staff in Carlow are being forced to work in. However, Fianna Fáil Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has confirmed that Carlow Ambula
03/03/2017
Fine Gael has been accused of neglecting homeowners in mortgage arrears. Fianna Fáil TD and Chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee, John Curran, has called for more measures to be taken to ensure the protection of 2,000 homeowners that are in arrears but in receipt of the soon-to-be abolis
03/03/2017
NI Water is urging the public to attend an information event to discuss plans of a flood alleviation project in east Belfast. The utility provider is currently completing the detailed design of a project for the Upper Newtownards Road area of Belfast. The event will take place at Knock Methodist
03/03/2017
Sinn Féin has slammed the Taoiseach over claims that abolishing water charges in Ireland would be illegal. Spokesperson on water, Eoin Ó Broin TD, described the claims as "bogus". Deputy Ó Broin said: "Enda Kenny has claimed that the complete abolition of water charges would be illegal. His claim
02/03/2017
Sinn Féin is calling for the Housing Agency to receive more funding so it can acquire the 1,000 vacant properties offered to the state by the banks. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD made the call ahead of the launch of the Simon Community 10-point plan aimed at better utilising vacant homes to
02/03/2017
Work on a £250,000 project to develop a new shared cycle-path and footway is to begin in Armagh. The work on the A3 Monaghan Road from Milford Village to Armagh is to start on Monday, 13 March. The scheme will also provide a new controlled crossing near Cregagh Gardens. The works will improve the
02/03/2017
The Economy Minister has been slammed for refusing to publish the names of those involved in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal, which is set to cost the public purse around £490million. Mr Alex Maskey said despite a court stating there is no impediment to publishing the names Mr Simon Hami
02/03/2017
A Sinn Féin Bill could prevent banks from getting away "scot-free" from moving people off tracker mortgages, according to TD Maurice Quinlivan. The Bill, which has won unanimous support in the Dail, would remove the six year rule which currently means that if a bank wronged a customer more than six
02/03/2017
The Green Party has said "kicking the water argument down the road for another few months will not achieve anything". Leader Eamon Ryan TD also said it is hard to see how the standoff on water can be resolved, and a general election may well be unavoidable. Mr Ryan said: "This is now all about pol
02/03/2017
A Fianna Fáil motion calling for an independent assessment of the North-South interconnector project has been passed in the Seanad. Senator Robbie Gallagher said the Government must take action to analyse the real cost of undergrounding the North-South interconnector. He said: "While Fianna Fáil
02/03/2017
Used construction equipment, industrial plant and agricultural machinery, the majority of which was previously deployed in the UK, was snapped up by bidders from across Europe and further afield at the recent two‑day auction in Dromore, Northern Ireland on 17/18 February which achieved a final
02/03/2017
Construction Information Services (CIS) have just published their 2016 Construction Market Review which provides a comparative analysis of the construction sector in 2016 with corresponding years of 2015 and 2014. It provides an insight into future planning pipelines from regional and sectoral per
01/03/2017
GMC Utilities is to begin work on a watermains rehabilitation project in Co Monaghan. Irish Water is investing €5.5million in the project which will improve water quality for consumers in Monaghan town and Clones. The investment includes the replacement and rehabilitation of 9.1 km of ageing water
01/03/2017
Sinn Féin is once again calling for water charges to be abolished. The party made the call after it was revealed that the majority of the special water committee are supporting the total scrapping of the charges. TD and party spokesperson on water Eoin Ó Broin TD said: "The work of the Special Oir
01/03/2017
Belfast City Council (BCC) is to host information sessions seeking the public's opinion over designs of a £25m leisure facility in west Belfast. The designs for the water based family fun facility, on the site of the Andersonstown Leisure Centre, will also feature a range of dry leisure facilities
01/03/2017
Housing Minister Simon Coveney has confirmed the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is now available in Dublin. Eligible households in all 31 local authority areas can now avail of an immediate form of social housing support, with €153 million being made available for the scheme in 2017. Mini
01/03/2017
Electric Ireland has been officially recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland in 2017. Announced at the Great Place to Work Best Workplaces in Ireland awards in Dublin’s Clayton Hotel last week, it is Electric Ireland's first time entering the competition. With Electric Ireland enteri
01/03/2017
The SDLP Party have been accused of misleading the public over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal, which is set to cost the public purse around £490million. Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy saidthe SDLP seems to be labouring under the misapprehension that if you say something often enough people wi
01/03/2017
Irish Water has confirmed to its customers that the water is safe to drink in Leixlip, Co Kildare. The firm has carried out tests on the water following a sudden increase in ammonia levels in the River Liffey. However, Irish Water is reassuring customers that all tests performed on the treated wat
01/03/2017
Fianna Fail has hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney over the lack of social houses in Co Monaghan. Only just over 100 housing units have started being developed in the area since January 2015 despite over 200 units being approved. TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth raised serious concerns abo
