Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for June 2017
30/06/2017
Plans have been approved to develop over 80 homes on the former industrial site in Newbuildings, Strabane. The redevelopment of the former site will include demolishing the existing derelict buildings on site, site remediation, repositioning and the existing vehicular access on Woodside Road. 81 h
30/06/2017
Fianna Fáil has introduced a Bill in the Dáil which aims to help 41,000 family mortgage holders who have been in arrears for one year or longer. The Mortgage Arrears (Family Home) Bill 2017 has been designed to help mortgage holders in arrears to secure sustainable solutions and to help them to sta
30/06/2017
The Government has been accused of "sitting on its hands" and failing to tackle the continuing increase in house prices in Ireland. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD commented after findings on the latest Daft.ie House Price Report stated that the average house list price across the st
30/06/2017
The Green Party is calling for recycling to remain free under the new pay-by-weight scheme. Leader Eamon Ryan said people must not be penalised for recycling and without guidance or regulation, bin companies will be allowed charge what they want. He said: "We support the concept of pay-by-weight
30/06/2017
Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has called for an urgent meeting with Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) Kieran Donnelly after "significant concerns" were raised over the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Mr Donnelly published his report over the scheme which revealed "serious sy
30/06/2017
30 residents living in Carriag Eden, Co Wicklow, who had previously been served eviction notices, will now be able to stay in their homes. The notice of sale has been received and Tiglin is to continue to provide services at the site. Following the breakdown of a deal to purchase Carraig Eden earl
30/06/2017
Plans have been announced for a new Student Centre for Queen's University in Belfast. The proposals also include a new Students' Union facility to be developed on the site of the current Students' Union building. The project is due to commence in 2019 and open in September 2021. The new centre
30/06/2017
Mast Construction has started work to replace a section of a watermain between Convoy and Raphoe in Co Donegal. Part of the watermain has been subject to frequent bursts and poor quality water. Irish Water has invested €1.1 million in the project. Over six kilometres of cast iron watermain will be
29/06/2017
Almost one million Electric Ireland customers are to receive an automatic reduction in their bills before the end of the summer. The firm confirmed the savings will continue to be automatically applied every year, with no contract, no renewal requirement or no exit fee. Last year, Electric Ireland
29/06/2017
Over 1,500 Irish Water customers in parts of Galway have been issued with a boil water notice with immediate effect. The notice applies to residents on the Kilkerrin-Moylough Water Supply Scheme and Group Water Schemes in Lecarrow/Cooloo, Elmhill, Mullaghmore, Shankill and Fartown. The boil water
29/06/2017
People living in Ireland will now be safeguarded from the negative effects of hydraulic fracking, after a bill was passed to ban fracking. The Bill, put forward by Fine Gael TD Tony McLouglin, will now be signed into law by the President. Ireland will now join three other EU member states in banni
29/06/2017
The Green Party is urging the Government to establish an interest free "loan fund" for householders who are unable to afford the costs of remediation. The party is also calling for measures to be introduced to assist homeowners to carry out essential remedial works in defective buildings. Deputy L
29/06/2017
The Housing Minister is being urged to ignore the call from the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) to reverse the bedsit ban. Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said lifting the ban would "not see" 5,000 so-called homes returned to the market. He said: "It would see people crammed in
29/06/2017
Fianna Fail is urging the Government to give all landowners in Ireland compensation if electric cables or pylons are placed on their land. Currently, landowners who engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) get access to a consultant who acts on their behalf to get them the best possible c
29/06/2017
Fianna Fáil is calling for a Waste Regulator to be established. The party made the call after Energy Minister Denis Naughten confirmed that from 01 July waste collection operators will be allowed to provide either pay by weight or pay by lift services across Ireland. Spokesperson on Communications
29/06/2017
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed that all children under the age of 12 will be allowed free admission to visit all heritage sites in Ireland. Sinn Féin spokesperson Heritage Peadar Tóibín TD welcomed the announcement and said there are "multiple benefits for children to visit such pla
28/06/2017
Lacuna Developments has submitted plans to save a historic building in Holywood, Co Down. The development in Stewart's Place partially collapsed in July last year. Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir welcomed the plans. He said: "Working alongside Holywood Conservation Group a brighter future has bee
28/06/2017
Construction work has been completed on a new school building extension in Raheny, Dublin. Over €750,000 was invested in the extension for Naíscoil Íde. The facilities provide bright and spacious new classroom accommodation in a new two-storey building. The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr.
28/06/2017
Fianna Fáil has urgently called on the government to reform its Homeless Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme. Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen TD said the scheme, which was introduced in Dublin in 2015, is failing to provide secure accommodation for homeless families. He was commenting afte
28/06/2017
The Green Party is calling on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to order a "systematic re-check" of fire safety in buildings after it was revealed the same cladding used in Grenfell Tower in London was also used to build the Cork County Hall. Over 75 people were killed in the Grenfell Tower disaster a
28/06/2017
Concerns have been raised over proposals to open up the Stillorgan reservoir site in Dublin to the public. Irish Water has lodged an appeal to An Bord Pleanála seeking the removal of the planning condition which will impact the firm's ability to ensure the delivery of drinking water to meet the evo
28/06/2017
Irish Water has invested €100,000 to install a new watermain in Crophill, Castledermot. The work included the laying of new watermains on the road in front of properties and new service connections for customers at six properties including the replacement of two lead service connections. It also ad
28/06/2017
Sinn Fein has raised concerns over how low-income households will be charged for household waste collection. TD for Laois/South Kildare Brian Stanley, said: "We are concerned with how different households are going to be charged under this new regime. For example, low income households that may ha
28/06/2017
The Minister for Communications, Energy and the Environment has been slammed for "ignoring the fundamental concerns" of the community by proposing a new study in the North South Interconnector dispute. Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Niamh Smyth, accused Minister Denis Naughten is "attempting to
27/06/2017
Almost 130 leaks have been repaired in Westmeath. Irish Water is working in partnership with Westmeath County Council to carry out the repairs for residents on the Lough Owel water supply. The firm has also repeated its call for residents to conserve water usage for the "forseeable future" due to
27/06/2017
The new Lord Mayor (Ardmhéara) of Dublin, Sinn Féin Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha, has pledged to tackle the housing crisis across Ireland. He also said the campaign to save the Moore Street 1916 Battlefield Site will be one of his top priorities. Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha said: "My first ac
27/06/2017
Translink has submitted a planning application for the new Belfast Transport Hub. The Hub is part of the Weavers Cross development which could create up 400 jobs during the construction period. As the main gateway for Belfast with rail and bus connections to all parts of Northern Ireland and beyon
27/06/2017
Refurbishment work on a play park in Ballybeen, Co Down, has officially been completed. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council invested approximately £95,000 in upgrading and reinstating the Ballyoran Play Park. The renovation project involved public consultation as well as close working with local sc
27/06/2017
Workers at Bennett Construction recently visited a primary school in Dublin to explain the dangers on building sites. The firm is currently carrying out work on its Dorset Street Student Accommodation project which is directly adjacent to St Mary's Primary School. Colm Sharkey, Bennett Constructio
27/06/2017
Essential maintenance work is to start on a water main supplying Howth, Sutton, Baldoyle, Kilbarrack Lower, Grange Road and surrounding areas in Dublin. The work will begin at 10pm on Saturday, 01 July, and is expected to be completed by 10pm on Sunday, 02 July. The work is necessary to improve th
27/06/2017
The Government has been called to "get serious" about building regulations following fire safety concerns at apartments in Mountjoy Square in Dublin. Green Party Deputy Leader Catherine Martin TD confirmed 20 people, including children are to be evacuated from the unsafe building following a High C
27/06/2017
The water supply in parts of Cork will be shut down tonight, 27 June, as essential maintenance and repair work is being carried out. Water for parts of the the city supplied from the Cork Lower Reservoir will be shut down from 11pm until around 7am on Wednesday, 28 June. The supply interruption wi
26/06/2017
Five fire hydrants had to be shut down after they were vandalised in north Belfast. A number of residents living in the New Lodge and North Queen Street were left with no water or low water pressure rolling the incident. This is the second time fire hydrants have been vandalised in the past week.
26/06/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out after pallets were dumped at the base of tower blocks in north Belfast. They have been dumped in the New Lodge area and has called for them to be removed "urgently". Carál Ní Chuilín MLA said: "Those who have stacked and dumped pallets at the base of one of the tower blocks i
26/06/2017
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the new Housing Minister for failing to meet the deadline for homeless families to be rehoused in more suitable accommodation. Spokesperson on Children & Youth Affairs Anne Rabbitte said the decision by Minister Eoghan Morphy is "inhumane". She said: "A consensus had bee
26/06/2017
Refurbishment work at Drumglass Park in south Belfast has been completed. As part of the £400,000 project, funded by Belfast City Council, the playground was refurbished, pathways in the park upgraded as well as a new drainage system, reseeding was carried out and the installation of new park furni
26/06/2017
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has teamed up with Ashton Centre for refuse collection in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. Almost £20,000 a year has been invested by the NIHE in the new project. It is hoped the new agreement will lead to a more responsive refuse collection proces
26/06/2017
NIE Networks has visited several primary schools in NI to deliver its Kidzsafe programme, which aims to encourage children to stay away from electricity equipment. The firm is urging children to have a safe summer and reminding everyone how dangerous electricity can be. Alex Wallace, Safety Office
26/06/2017
AES UK & Ireland has teamed up with a charity to protect the wildlife surrounding two of Northern Ireland's largest power stations. The firm announced a partnership with Ulster Wildlife following the discovery of a rare bee orchid more than twelve years ago. AES now boasts over 350 different plant
26/06/2017
JCA Architects in Cork have been selected to prepare a Masterplan for the Future Use, Conservation and Restoration in Camden Fort Meagher. Located on a 45 acre site of natural beauty with extensive ocean views, Camden Fort Meagher comprises a sizeable number of buildings and a vast underground infr
26/06/2017
The Green Party has called on the Government to put in place a regulator following Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's first Dáil defeat on the Greens' motion on building standards and regulation. Green Party Deputy Leader Catherine Martin TD said: "The message from the Dáil is clear – the Government must end
26/06/2017
Planning applications for large-scale housing developments of 100 units or more, and large scale student accommodation projects are now to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, TD signed a Commencement Order and associated supporting Regulations. The introduction of
23/06/2017
Coffey Construction has started work to upgrade and enhance a water treatment plant in Dublin. The €10.5 million upgrade at the Ballyboden Water Treatment Plant includes the construction of a covered reservoir to store 16 million litres of treated drinking water, the decommissioning of the existing
23/06/2017
Cairn Homes has put forward plans to develop an enterprise centre in Charlesland, Co Wicklow. The centre will form part of a development which includes the building of a new school, a community centre, and hundreds of new homes for Greystones residents. Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow and East Carlow S
23/06/2017
Fianna Fail has slammed the new Housing Minster over his decision to abandon targets for re-housing homeless families. Spokesperson on Housing, Barry Cowen, said Minister Eoghan Murphy has shown his "true colours" and called for Tusla, a child and family agency, to "step in". Mr Cowen said: "Lynam
23/06/2017
Police have launched an investigation after vandals broke into a service reservoir site in Poleglass, Co Antrim. The incident happened on Wednesday, 21 June, and significant damage was caused. NI Water has issued a warning that vandalism at water and wastewater sites could have serious consequence
23/06/2017
A total of 6% of all social housing new build developments will be set aside for individuals with complex needs, the Department of Communities has confirmed. SDLP Housing spokesperson Nichola Mallon welcomed the announcement. She said: "There are over 450 households across the north, over 100 in B
23/06/2017
A number of areas in Donegal have been left without water after a watermain burst in Inishowen. Crews working on behalf of Irish Water and Donegal County Council are currently working to repair the burst as quickly as possible. The areas affected are: Fahan, Burnfoot, Inch Island, Bridgend, Muff,
23/06/2017
The Housing Minister has been called to put houses in the Oldcourt estate in Wicklow under "proposed review" following serious fire safety concerns. Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and East Carlow, John Brady, said work to ensure fire safety measures are in place remain incomplete. He said: "For many yea
23/06/2017
Former Housing Minister Simon Coveney has been accused of "rushing through" legislation to allow for the fast tracking of large private sector housing developments, despite calls to bring the same urgency to social housing delivery. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said that the "Depa
22/06/2017
Work to repair a burst water main in Cork has been completed. Water has now been restored to all parts of Cork City, Irish Water confirmed. The disruption in supply was caused by a burst in a trunk water main supplying many low lying parts of Cork City near Lee Road. Crews working on behalf of Ir
22/06/2017
Work to resurface a footway and carriageway in Belfast has begun. The £290,000 project is taking place in the University Avenue area and will improve the surface quality of the footways and carriageway. The work is expected to be completed by mid September 2017. The road work will be carried out
22/06/2017
Sinn Fein has called for the Single Electricity Market (SEM) during the Brexit negotiations to be protected. Spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and Environment Brian Stanley said the uncertainty around what will happen to the Irish energy market after Brexit could have profound economic
22/06/2017
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has issued a warning to residents living in the Lisburn area to be aware of 'bogus callers'. The NIHE was contacted by a tenant who answered the door to a man claiming he was there to carry out a boiler service. As the boiler had only recently been serv
22/06/2017
Up to 36,000 vacant units in Ireland can be brought into use through a range of measures, according to Sinn Fein. The party the claims the submission in its Vacant Homes Strategy to Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. Some of the initiatives included a statutory vacant homes register, a vacant homes t
22/06/2017
The Government has failed to meet the 01 July deadline to move homeless families out of hotels. Labour Housing Spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan TD, said she was "disappointed" that the deadline had not been met. She said the Government talks a lot about tackling the homeless crisis, however it is not
22/06/2017
Labour has said all homes and buildings under construction must undergo assessments to ensure the they are "sound, safe and of good quality". Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan also called for an independent inspectorate with the power to examine buildings to be appointed. Deputy O'Sullivan said:
22/06/2017
Asbestos at a bonfire site in Cookstown has been removed safely. The hazardous material was discovered at a bonfire in Monrush after residents reported the find to the Mid Ulster Council. The Council described it as a "serious health and safety issue". A spokesperson from the Council said: "This
22/06/2017
Residents on the Williamstown water supply in Galway are being urged to conserve their water. Irish Water, working in partnership with Galway County Council, issued a water conservation notice as the reservoir levels have reached a "critical point". Demand is currently very high on the scheme and
22/06/2017
Construction work on a new Changing Pavilion in Ballymacoss, Lisburn, has been completed. The new pavilion at Queen Elizabeth II Playing Fields is part of a £280,000 renovation programme. The existing six team changing modular units have been replaced with more modern amenities containing toilets,
21/06/2017
Plans to revitalise the Queen's Parade area in Bangor, Co Down, have been unveiled by Ards and North Down Borough Council. The £75 million project is aimed at revitalising the town centre and the waterfront. Preferred developer Angelvale Consortium presented its vision for the development scheme,
21/06/2017
BSG Civil Engineering in Maghera has completed work to improve the Camlogh Reservoir for NI Water. The £3million project improved the facility and has provided an enhanced recreational and tourism resource. The scheme also included strengthening the reservoir embankment to provide extra security i
21/06/2017
Fianna Fail has hit out at the Government for failing to make "very little progress" on the housing crisis throughout Ireland. Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen TD said homelessness is continuing to increase at an alarming rate. He said: "Just last week we had a change in Minister at the Departm
21/06/2017
Fianna Fail has hit out after the Tánaiste confirmed there are no plans to develop new buildings at a business park in Cork, despite it lying empty since 2002. Cork East TD, Kevin O'Keeffe called on the IDA to consider building or installing facilities at the Fermoy Business and Technology Park in
21/06/2017
Lagan Construction Group has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr Nick Fletcher, who is currently Morgan Sindall's Managing Director of Infrastructure, is to take up the role in December 2017. He was previously employed by Lagan Construction Group between 2000 and 2007, before moving
21/06/2017
Work to upgrade energy efficiency in homes is worth over €35 billion to the Irish economy between now and 2050, according to the Sustainable Energy authority of Ireland (SEAI). The firm made the announcement at its National Deep Retrofit Conference at the Aviva Stadium. The conference is the firs
21/06/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at the government for failing to address the issue of short term lets. Spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin accused the government of "dragging its heels" and said the working group set up to look at the issue has only met once. Deputy Ó Broin said: "A stumbling block that wa
21/06/2017
The overall winner of Ireland's Best Kept Town competition 2017 has been announced. Rathbarry in County Cork has been named the overall winner and also wwon the Best Kept Village category. Kenmare, County Kerry, won the Best Kept Small Town category, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh won the Best Kept
20/06/2017
Concerns have been raised after Element Power submitted plans to Westmeath County Council to develop 175 meter high wind turbines in North Westmeath. If permitted, the thirteen industrial size wind turbines will be the highest turbines erected anywhere in Europe. Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Peada
20/06/2017
Irish Water is investing over €10 million to carry out three projects in Co Sligo. The work includes pipe replacement and repairs, leak detection and repairs and the upgrade of wastewater treatment plants. The projects will improve water quality and supply to customers as well as ensuring the safe
20/06/2017
Energy firm ESB has donated €43,000 to three charities. Through its Energy for Generations Fund the firm gave the money to Blossom Ireland, The Salvation Army and The Iveagh Trust. So far in 2017, the ESB Energy for Generations Fund has awarded €322,226 to 38 charities working in the areas of suic
20/06/2017
Funding has been allocated to develop a 4.6MW wind farm in Curraghderrig in Co Kerry. Scottish Equity Partners (SEP) provided the project finance which was developed by Rengen Power. SEP made the investment through its Environmental Capital Fund (ECF) which is targeted at infrastructure projects
20/06/2017
Sinn Fein has welcomed a report by the Equality Commission which revealed work still needs to be done to address housing inequalities in Northern Ireland. MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said the latest evidence of persistent inequalities in housing are further proof of the need to enshrine equality within al
20/06/2017
Construction work on the new Omagh Hospital and Primary Care complex has been completed. West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer toured the new hospital along with Michaela Boyle MLA and other local representatives, including Cllrs Sean Clarke and Frankie Donnelly. Mr McAleer said: "This is a state-of-the-
20/06/2017
Labour has called on the new Housing Minister to "take action" with new legislation to crackdown on the illegal full time, short-term rental of properties without appropriate planning permission through AirBnB and the other 15 rental platforms operating in Dublin. Senator Kevin Humphreys welcomed t
20/06/2017
Reported littering throughout Belfast is at it lowest level since 2004, according to new research. Belfast City Council launched the next phase of its anti-litter campaign and surveyed the public with just over a quarter (27%) reporting some form of littering in the last six months compared to 52%
20/06/2017
The Housing Minister has said the practice of placing homeless families in hotels "has to stop". Minister Eoghan Murphy TD made the statement following a meeting wit the four Dublin Local Authorities. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct a detailed examination of the work being done to help h
20/06/2017
Irish Water is to invest a total of €1.3million in flow monitoring and performance sampling equipment in wastewater treatment plants across County Cork. The project will also allow Irish Water to identify where investment is needed in the wastewater infrastructure to facilitate future development i
19/06/2017
Sinn Féin has called on the new Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to increase investment in social and affordable housing. The party's Housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin TD, was speaking at a demonstration to highlight the homeless crisis across Ireland. Deputy Ó Broin said: "Under Simon Coveney's wa
19/06/2017
A prosperity agreement, which aims to deliver a range of benefits over the next five years, has been signed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and energy provider AES UK & Ireland. Under the agreement, AES will progress an additional 100MW battery storage array in Northern Ireland to
19/06/2017
The Green Party is call for all new homes to be developed at an acceptable and safe standard. Deputy Leader Catherine Martin made the call and announced the Dáil will debate and vote on improved regulation of building standards and quality; the implementation of remedial schemes to assist homeowner
19/06/2017
Derry City and Strabane Council has announced a talk is to be held to discuss the most extensive archaeological survey ever carried out of Inishowen. In the latest of the Tower Talk series, the vast and detailed collection of local teacher, naturalist and archaeologist, Mabel Remington Colhoun, wil
19/06/2017
Representatives from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are to host an event for residents living in tower blocks throughout NI. The event will take place at the Recy at 6pm on Thursday, 22 June. Sinn Fein invited the representative
19/06/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at the government for not heeding the warnings over the help to buy scheme. The final cost of the scheme, which is to be axed, could be as much as €80 million. Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said the reports are "worrying" given that the money spent on the scheme amounts
19/06/2017
Sinn Fein has objected plans for a regional biosolids storage unit at Greenogue Business Park in Dublin. TD for Dublin Mid-West, Eoin Ó Broin, said the site is "unsuitable for the project". He said: "Irish Water clearly did not take into account a number of important criteria when drawing up its s
19/06/2017
Ecocem Ireland has invested £2.5 million to create a new bulk import terminal in the Port of Medway. The facility at Sheerness has been developed in partnership with Peel Ports to help the company capitalise on the potential to supply high performance, low carbon cement to the London/south east con
16/06/2017
Work has started to repair leaking pipes in Killaloe, Co Clare. Irish Water and Clare County Council are investing €200,000 to repair leaking pipes in the area. The investment will improve the water supply for residents. Leakage of treated water has been a serious issue in Killaloe for some time
16/06/2017
The SDLP and Sinn Fein have welcomed an announcement that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is planning to carry out a review on over 30 tower blocks, following a fire at Grenfell, London, which killed at least 30 people. A number of people were also injured in the blaze at Grenfell Tow
16/06/2017
Construction work has started to restore Rosetta Cottages in south Belfast. Clanmil Housing Group's new Hearth Heritage Division has begun restoration work on the cottages which were built in the early 1800s. The project will see the restoration of six of the grade 2B listed cottages, which have b
16/06/2017
Sinn Fein claims tenants using the Housing Assistant Payment (HAP) Scheme are being discriminated against. TD for Louth and East Meath Imelda Munster was speaking after a test that was carried out recently, where five people called the same letting agency on the same day, enquiring about the availa
16/06/2017
A nightly water restriction put in place for residents living in Inis Mór in Galway has been lifted. Irish Water issued the notice on 15 May, however residents, businesses and visitors to the island are being urged to continue conserving water throughout the summer to ensure the drinking water supp
16/06/2017
Concerns have been raised after a mobile cath lab has been approved for tender for University Hospital Waterford. Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane welcomed the announcement, however he said Waterford needs a "permanent solution". Deputy Cullinane said: "The HSE was able to tell me hat th
16/06/2017
Developers are being urged to attend an information workshop after Belfast City Council opened a £18.77 million City Centre Investment Fund for high quality office buildings in the area. The Council is seeking to invest in high quality, substantial city centre office developments and has called for
16/06/2017
Restrictions issued on the Tully and Letterfrack water supplies in Galway in May have now been lifted. Irish Water announced the notices due to the unseasonably dry weather leading up to the month of May. The firm imposed restrictions on the Tully and Letterfrack schemes nightly and also asked re
15/06/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at new Taoiseach Leo Varadakar for failing to keep Simon Coveney as Housing Minister to "finish the job he started". Minister Coveney has been appointed the new Foreign Affairs Minister, however Sinn Fein spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD accused the Taoiseach of not tak
15/06/2017
A boil water notice that has been in place since May in Millstreet, Cork, has now been lifted. Irish Water issued the notice following the detection of low levels of cryptosporidium in the supply. However, work to install a new ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system at the treatment plant has been c
15/06/2017
Construction work on a road resurfacing project has started in Antrim. A total of £290,000 has been invested in the scheme on Oriel Road and the work also includes the upgrading of street lighting. The resurfacing up to the junction with Steeple Road will improve the strength and surface quality o
15/06/2017
Coláiste Ailigh in Limerick has scooped a Medal for New Buildings at the 2017 International Union of Architects (UIA) Friendly & Inclusive Spaces Awards. The development was built by BAM and designed by McGarry Ní Éanaigh Architects under the Schools Bundle III PPP Scheme. The UIA is the overarchi
15/06/2017
Development lands in Donnybrook, Dublin, owned by Irish national broadcaster RTÉ have been sold to Cairn Homes for over €107.5 million. Known as 'Project Montrose' the sale was carried out by Savills. The site sits adjacent to RTÉ's broadcasting headquarters in Donnybrook and will provide the buye
15/06/2017
Just under €5 million in funding has been secured to develop and improve play areas in rural communities throughout Ireland. The funding for Safety Measures and Play Areas under the CLÁR Programme is part of the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development. Michael Ring T.D., Minister of State
15/06/2017
The Green Party launched the Waste Reduction Bill 2017 which aims to to reduce the amount of plastic consumed in Ireland every year and encourage recycling. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: "The issue of plastic pollution is a massive challenge. Every year, over 110 million tonnes of plastic
15/06/2017
Newly appointed Housing Minister, Eoghan Murphy, has been called to urgently address the homeless crisis in Ireland. Labour Housing Spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan TD, said the new Minister had been given a clean slate to tackle one of the biggest issues currently facing the Irish people - that of hou
14/06/2017
The set back distances included in the Government's proposed Wind Farm Guidelines have been described as "totally inadequate" by Sinn Fein. Spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Brian Stanley TD said the guidelines "don't go far enough" and "give no protection to rural dwe
14/06/2017
Work is to start on a £225,000 road project in Portaferry, Co Down. The resurfacing work on the Shore Road will start on Monday, 26 June. Preparatory work has already begun to improve the strength and surface quality of the footways and 850m of carriageway on this coastal road in Portaferry. It is
14/06/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at Taoiseach Enda Kenny for failing many homeless families during his two years in office. Mr Kenny will leave office today. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said his term in office "is epitomised by the deepening housing crisis". He said: "The latest homeless figures in
14/06/2017
A farmer from Fermanagh has been fined for a pollution offence at Omagh Magistrates' Court. Mr James Henderson received a fine of £500, plus a £15 Offender Levy, for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 03 July 2015, Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs), acting on behalf of the Northern Irela
14/06/2017
A new scheme to redevelop St Agatha's Court in Dublin has launched. The development is a partnership between Peter McVerry Trust, DRHE/Dublin City Council and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. The value of the project, funded through the Department of Housing, Pla
14/06/2017
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is to begin discussions with Gardai over the refurbishment of Stepaside Garda Station in Dublin. The Government announced the station is to reopen on an interim bases after it was closed in 2013. Fine Gael TD Josepha Madigan said: "The Garda Commissioner, having an
14/06/2017
Fianna Fáil is calling for more to be done to bring mortgage rates in Ireland closer to European norms. The party made the call after the Bank of Ireland announced it is to cut its mortgage rates for fixed rate customers by up to 0.35%, however the bank is continuing to charge standard variable rat
14/06/2017
There has been significant reductions in the amount of food waste going to landfiill in L'Derry since the new food caddy system was introduced, Derry City and Strabane District Council has confirmed. From April 2015 until now, 2968.82 tonnes of food waste has been diverted from landfill resulting i
13/06/2017
A new water treatment plant has officially opened in Castlecomer, Kilkenny. The work was part of an overall investment of almost €6 million by Irish Water to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in the county. The new plant was delivered as part of a €3.1 million project which also included upgra
13/06/2017
Over the last two years over £5 million has been spent clearing blockages from the sewer system for which 70-80% are caused by Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) and inappropriate items, NI Water has revealed. The firm also revealed it took workers five hours to clear at blockage in a manhole at Buttercrane
13/06/2017
One of Northern Ireland's largest homebuilders has scooped a Certificate of Recognition for being ranked number 82 in the Top 100 Northern Ireland family-owned and owner-managed businesses in 2017. Ballyclare-based Hagan Homes featured in The Top 100 list, which was compiled by Ulster University Bu
13/06/2017
Major concerns have been raised over waste water treatment systems in Dublin after the implementation of bathing prohibitions in Dollymount and Sandymount. The Green Party is calling for "urgent action" to be taken to address the issues which "threaten public health, tourism and the environment".
13/06/2017
Derry City and Strabane District Council is urging the public to have their say over plans for the area. The public consultation for the draft Strategic Growth Plan and the Local Development Plan Preferred Options Paper is well underway, and people are reminded that further information sessions wil
13/06/2017
Irish Water is to "further review" the water restrictions that have been put in place in Inis Mór and Inis Oirr on Friday, 16 June. The restrictions will be maintained from 11pm to 7am for the rest of this week following heavy and persistent rainfall over the weekend. Irish Water, working in partn
13/06/2017
Labour is calling on Fianna Fail to "come to their senses" and support the investment urgently needed for housing, hospitals and schools Spokesperson for Public Expenditure, Seán Sherlock TD, welcomed reports that the so-called "rainy day fund" may yet be shelved in favour of increased spending on
13/06/2017
Gas from animal manure, food waste and grass could provide 28% of Ireland's gas needs by 2050, according to a study by the Sustainable Energy Aurity of Ireland (SEAI). The study also revealed that renewable gas could cut carbon emissions by as much as two million tonnes a year. Jim Gannon, CEO of
12/06/2017
Ireland's largest windfarm has officially opened in Donegal. Energia invested €145 million in the new wind farm at Meenadreen and also announced a €95,000 investment in a third phase of the Meenadreen Community Fund. Energia will use power from Meenadreen to supply green electricity to homes and S
12/06/2017
Brooke Park in L'Derry, which has recently been regenerated, scooped a major honour at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) 2017 Awards. The Park secured the Highly Commended title in the Community Benefit award. Derry City and Strabane District Council undertook a major capital devel
12/06/2017
A new modern school building for Gaelscoil Philib Barún in Co Waterford has officially opened. The development includes eight classrooms, a general purpose room and ancillary accommodation. It was delivered under the Department's School Construction Programme. Education Minister Richard Bruton s
12/06/2017
A Co Armagh waste firm, its manager and landowner have been fined for a number fuel laundering offences. Transco Waste Ltd, Vivian Devlin and Paul Devlin were fined a total of £8,000 at Newry Crown Court after they pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. Officers from the Northern Ireland Environmen
12/06/2017
Gas Network's Ireland is urging Ireland's Public Transport operators to move towards Natural Gas. The firm made the call after it welcomed the announcement by the National Transport Authority that Ireland's public transport fleet will begin the journey to sustainability. Vehicles fuelled by Compr
12/06/2017
A housing association in Northern Ireland is investing £3 million to refurbish apartments in L'Derry. The investment by Choice, which is supported by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Derry City and Strabane District Council's Planning Department, has revitalised and completely transformed
12/06/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney after he "looks set to break a key action plan commitment that pledged to end the use of emergency hotel accommodation for homeless families". Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD said the Minister is "unlikely" to meet his own de
12/06/2017
A total of 65% of all family home mortgages in arrears have still not been restructured, according to figures from the Central Bank. Fianna Fail is urging for a renewed focus on resolving the "stubbornly high" number of long-term arrears cases. Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath said: "With 3
12/06/2017
The Green Party has called on the government to prioritise a ban on microbeads. The party made the call after the publication of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report that shows a number of potential impacts for the environment, wildlife, and humans. A bill introduced in the Seanad by G
12/06/2017
Proposals have been brought forward to develop a 2000 sq ft community centre as part of a new development at Charlesland in Co Wicklow for Cairn Homes. Cairn Homes have included the community centre as part of recent communications with Wicklow County Council. Stephen Donnelly, Fianna Fáil TD for
09/06/2017
The Hilden Mill site, located in Lisburn, Co Antrim, is to be redeveloped. The 24-acre site has been purchased by an English Development company, St Francis Group. In a statement, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council said it would work closely with St Francis Group to look at the wider vision for
09/06/2017
New figures have revealed residential property prices increased by 10.5% in April. Compared with an increase of 9.6% in the year to March, the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveals the figure for April is an increase of 5.8% compared to the same period last year. In Dublin,
09/06/2017
Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, has officially opened the new school building for Gaelscoil Philib Barún. The state-of-the-art facilities include eight classrooms, a general purpose room and ancillary accommodation. Delivered under the Department's School Construction Progra
09/06/2017
Sinn Féin has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) to investigate the recent uncontrolled release incident at Poolbeg Incinerator in Dublin. 11 workers were hospitalised after they were surrounded by lime cloud during work to take down scaffo
09/06/2017
Work is to start on a £250,000 resurfacing scheme in Ballymena. The scheme will see new asphalt road surfaces laid for Church Street, Wellington Street and Ballymoney Street. Work will commence on Monday, 12 June. The project follows on from the recent completion of a council public realm programm
09/06/2017
Farrans has won an accolade at the Responsible Business Awards in Northern Ireland. The company secured the 'Education Award' at the ceremony in Belfast Waterfront Hall on Thursday, 01 June. The award was given to Farrans for helping to raise the aspirations and achievements of young people throug
09/06/2017
Irish Water has confirmed that a Boil Water Notice is to remain in place for customers on the Fintown Public Water Supply and Meenmore – Meentinney group water scheme. The notice was imposed earlier this month as a precautionary measure following detection of low levels of cryptosporidium. A rout
09/06/2017
Line improvement works are continuing on the Dublin to Cork line, with Iarnród Éireann focusing this year on the section between Hazelhatch and Thurles. The annual investment of €10 million in line improvements will lead to higher reliability, smoother running of trains and, with other works, deliv
08/06/2017
Glan Agua has been awarded a contract to build new water treatment plants in Goldrum, Co Donegal. Irish Water is to invest €19 million in improving the quality of water supplied to over 40,000 people served by the Letterkenny and Creeslough Water Supply Schemes. Construction is expected to start t
08/06/2017
New figures have revealed a slight drop in the number of house sales agreed in Northern Ireland in May, despite a rise in enquiries from potential buyers and sellers. The latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Ulster Bank found anecdotal evidence some buyers were adopting
08/06/2017
Dublin City Council Manager, Own Keegan, has been called to hold an urgent meeting after Fianna Fail raised serious concerns following an incident at the Poolbeg Incinerator. Eleven people needed medical assistance after the incinerator was lit less than a week. Fianna Fáil Dublin City Councillor,
08/06/2017
A planning application has been submitted to address traffic flow and parking in Market Square, Dungannon. While not responsible for traffic management or roads issues, development of the improvement project has been driven by Mid Ulster District Council in a bid to resolve problems which arose fro
08/06/2017
Residents in Castlederg are being urged to share their views on the future development of the vacant police station in the Castlefin Road area. The station was among a number of sites closed last year by the PSNI as part of its wider rationalisation plans. The consultation exercise will be held in
08/06/2017
Contractors Dawson WAM and RPS have started work on a new pumping station in Strabane. The work is being done to replace the current Bridge Street Wastewater Pumping Station which is over 40 years old. All the new tanks will be below ground and the old concrete building which is currently on site
08/06/2017
Irish homebuilding firm, Cairn Homes, has appointed a new Director of Marketing and Sales. Ms Ruchika Hassan will take up the post with immediate effect. She joins Cairn from Groupon, the global e-commerce marketplace, where she was the EMEA lead for the marketing and communications functions with
08/06/2017
NIE Networks has issued a warning to communities to keep bonfires a safe distance from overhead lines and substations. A NIE Networks spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, in previous years, bonfires have been sited close to or even under our high voltage overhead lines. This is dangerous for everyo
07/06/2017
EDF Energy has purchased Imtech UK and Ireland from Endless LLP. The deal is a joint venture between EDF Energy and Dalkia and completion is subject to merger control clearance from the European Commission. EDF Group will enable Imtech UK and Ireland to continue to deliver services for new and exi
07/06/2017
Construction work has started on a £120,000 carriageway resurfacing project in Belfast. The work on Brians Well Road, from Colinwell Road to Bell Steel Road, is expected to be completed on Friday, 16 June. Diversion routes have been put in place and local access will be maintained at all times. M
07/06/2017
A one-way system is to be put in place from New Street to Damolly roundabout on Monday, 12 June, for the final stage of works to begin on the £350,000 resurfacing project on the A28 Belfast Road in Newry. The scheme, on the main road from Newry to Belfast, will provide almost 1km of new asphalt roa
07/06/2017
Fianna Fail has hit out at the Transport Minister for failing to take action over the funding crisis facing Irish Rail. The party's spokesperson on Transport Robert Troy called on Minister Shane Ross to make a case to the European Commission for greater flexibility on the Fiscal Rules to allow for
07/06/2017
Irish energy firm ESB Networks has awarded Dan Phillips its Apprentice Network Technician of the Year. Mr Philips from Rathfarnham in south Dublin, won against three other finalists shortlisted James O'Hanlon, Luke Ryan and Graham Sutton. The event took place at the ESB Networks Training Centre in
07/06/2017
Ireland's BurrenLIFE project has scooped a Green Award. The ceremony took place in Brussels to mark the 25th anniversary of the LIFE programme. The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD, said: "The Green Award is acknowledgement by the European C
07/06/2017
Tayto Park has applied for planning permission to build a 32,000 square metre, seven-storey hotel with 250 bedrooms in Co Meath. Tayto confirmed the application has been submitted to Meath County Council. The hotel, built from wood, will include a spa, meeting rooms and a function room that can ac
07/06/2017
Monaghan County Council has issued a warning to residents living in the Smithborough area to be aware of bogus tradesmen attempting to gain access to homes. Bogus tradesmen, claiming to be from the council, are believed to be seeking access onto the roofs of houses in the area. The council confirm
07/06/2017
Tipperary County Council has partnered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to adopt cost saving and efficiency measures. The partnership programme helps public bodies to save money, improve the environment and meet national obligations by making significant reductions in their e
07/06/2017
A number of low-cost sensors are being deployed across Dublin to monitor rainfall, weather conditions and river levels. Dublin City Council and the other Dublin Local Authorities, have partnered with the CONNECT Centre, a Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre at Trinity College Dublin, and INT
06/06/2017
Construction work has started to develop over 10 new social homes in Co L'Derry. The 11 Choice Housing properties are being built on Fahan Street. Choice confirmed that a temporary closure of public walkway at Joseph Place and Fahan Street is needed in order to facilitate piled foundation works.
06/06/2017
Irish Water has issued a Boil Water Notice on the Fintown Public Water Supply in Donegal following the detection of low levels of cryptosporidium. A routine water sample detected cryptosporidium in the treated water coming from the Fintown Water Treatment Plant and as a result the boil water notice
06/06/2017
M&M Construction has completed work to convert a hostel in north Belfast into new homes for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The hostel on Wall Street in Carrick Hill has been refurbished into three-bedroom homes which have been completely renovated including new kitchens and bathrooms. NIH
06/06/2017
The best response to the US President's announcement withdrawing from the Paris Climate Change Agreement is "increased ambition in tackling climate change", according to the Green Party. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan called on the Irish Government to "change tack". He said: "We cannot express our
06/06/2017
Lagan Construction Group has scooped the Environmental Leadership Award, sponsored by Arthur Cox, at Business in the Community's Responsible Business Awards. Roy Adair CBE, Chair, Business in the Community NI and Chief Executive, Belfast Harbour, said: "The Responsible Business Awards are a valuabl
06/06/2017
A capital provision of €9 million has been made available from the Government for the delivery of Traveller-specific accommodation including Group Housing and Halting Sites for Traveller families, in 2017. Damien English, TD Minister of State with responsibility for Housing and Urban Renewal, said
06/06/2017
A street furniture firm based in Northern Ireland has been named the 'One to Watch' at the Northern Ireland Family Business Awards in association with harbinson mulholland. Based in Newtownabbey and founded in 2012 by Alan and Caroline Lowry, Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) designs and supplie
06/06/2017
Construction Information Services (CIS) has launched a new feature called Company Connections. On the feature, users can see the relationships between companies that interest them, who their competitors are working with and use the key information to help shape their pitch to work with companies o
06/06/2017
Construction work is continuing on the new £30 million Replacement Acute Mental Health Inpatient Facility at Belfast City Hospital. However, Graham-Bam Healthcare Partnership has also been building homes for local birds. The new facility is not only providing 80 acute mental health en-suite bedroo
06/06/2017
Irish energy firm ESB recently teamed up with colleagues from Jones Engineering/O'Sheas Electrical to put their electrical skills and expertise to use. On Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May, they assisted in the wiring of portacabins and public lighting in Down Syndrome Cork's Field of Dreams at Currahe
05/06/2017
Hey Engineering has scooped a £3.25million deal with NI water. The firm will be supplying and maintaining essential safety and maintenance equipment to NI Water over potentially the next six years. The contract will deliver essential health and safety equipment, which will help staff to safely acc
05/06/2017
A boil water notice put in place in April 2015 in Loughill, Co Limerick, has been lifted after a €300,000 investment by Irish Water. Work to connect the Loughill Public Water Supply to the Foynes Shannon Estuary supply has been completed. Its removal means that there are no boil water notices curre
05/06/2017
Work has started on a flood alleviation project in east Belfast. The work is taking place on the Upper Newtownards Road and Knock Road area. Initial works will commence around the Upper Newtownards Road junction with Hawthornden Way/Knock Road and also on the Knock Road adjacent to the Comber Gree
05/06/2017
Work is to start on the Eslin to Mohill asbestos mains replacement project in Co Leitrim. Irish Water is investing €330,000 in the scheme, which will involve the replacement of 2.2km of watermain that is prone to frequent bursts. The works will take place on the R210 outside Mohill on a section o
02/06/2017
Construction work on 30 new homes in east Belfast has been completed. Housebuilder Hagan Homes built the new homes on the Newtownards Road and Habinteg Housing Association acquired the development for £3.3 million. Construction of the 30 two-bedroom apartments on the 1.6-acre site started in Sept
02/06/2017
Contractor PJ Hegarty & Sons has been selected to redevelop an office in Dublin. Irish energy firm ESB selected the contractor to carry out work at its head office in Lower Fitzwilliam Street. The redevelopment is expected to create up to 500 jobs during peak construction over approximately three
02/06/2017
Approximately 250 construction jobs are to be created after BAM and Global Student Accommodation Group (GSA) signed a €43 million contract to develop Uninest Mill II in Dublin. Uninest Mill II will be an additional residence which is being built next to GSA's 400 bed residence, Uninest New Mill, wh
02/06/2017
Professional services firm KPMG have selected Graham to carry out a multi-million pound fit-out within the Soloist building at Belfast's Lanyon Place. Graham Interior Fit-Out (GIFO) will carry out a complete fit-out across the first and second floors to provide 39,000 sq ft of new office space for
02/06/2017
Multi-utility firm Ervia has appointed a new Chief Executive. Mike Quinn will take up the role on a seven-year contract beginning in October 2017. Mr Quinn joins Ervia from Bord na Móna, where he has held the position of Managing Director since February 2015. Ervia Chair Mr Tony Keohane said: "W
02/06/2017
The Government has allocated €884,000 to tackle graffiti and litter across Ireland under the 2017 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS). The scheme provides funding to local authorities to conduct public awareness and education campaigns at a community level targeting litter,
02/06/2017
The Head of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has issued a warning on Land Hoarding. Mr Brendan McDonagh criticised the practice of landowners hoarding sites which should be used for housing at the launch of their annual report. The Green Party has called on Government to heed NAMA's war
02/06/2017
Labour and Sinn Fein have expressed disappointment following the announcement by US President Donald Trump that he is to pull the US out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Sinn Fein Environment spokesperson Brian Stanley TD said the world needs to move together on the climate change issue. He said: "
01/06/2017
The anti-fracking bill has passed its final stage in the Dáil. The Bill to ban onshore fracking will now be passed to the Seanad. Sinn Féin Agriculture spokesperson, Martin Kenny TD, welcomed the announcement. He said: "I am a happy man today to see this Bill progress because of the environmental
01/06/2017
A man has died in a workplace accident in Co Armagh. It is believed the man was crushed by a road roller while a new road surface was being laid on the Bog Road, Forkhill, on Wednesday, 31 May. Police and the Health and Safety Executive have launched an investigation. (CD)
01/06/2017
Construction work is to start on a new development for Takeda Ireland Limited at the existing Grange Castle site in Ireland. Takeda's existing footprint at the Grange Castle site will be expanded with the construction of a new standalone, high-containment production facility dedicated to manufactur
01/06/2017
McLaughlin and Harvey has announced it has acquired the SOS Group in Belfast. Established in 1969, School and Office Supplies Group has over forty-five years experience in the educational and office market as a manufacturer and distributor of furniture and equipment for nurseries, schools, colleges
01/06/2017
Girdwood Community Hub in north Belfast has scooped the RICS Project of the Year Award. Belfast Waterfront also took won Commercial project of the year at the RICS Awards, which took place in La Mon Hotel. Belfast Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston said: "The judges praised Girdwood for creating a
01/06/2017
The drafting and publication of the General Scheme of the Building Control (Construction Industry Register Ireland) (CIRI) Bill 2017 has been approved by the Government. The purpose of the Bill is to provide for a mandatory statutory register of builders, contractors and specialist sub-contractors,
01/06/2017
Groups in Ireland are being urged to apply for environmental funding to help improve the areas they live in. Up to €460,000 funding is available through the Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund, an increase of 15% on 2016 funding. Fine Gael Dublin Rathdown Senator, Neale Richmond,
01/06/2017
Ireland's electricity transmission system operator Eirgrid has announced it is sponsoring the Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRÉ). CIGRÉ Symposium is currently hosting a two day conference in Dublin which started on Wednesday, 31 May, and ends on Thursday, 01 June. Founded in 1921, CIGRÉ is
