Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for August 2017
31/08/2017
A new National Paediatric Hospital is to be developed on the site of St James's Hospital in Dublin, the Health Minister has confirmed. Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh welcomed the announcement by Minister Simon Harris, however he said he was disappointed that the Minister missed an opportunity to an
31/08/2017
The Department of Rural and Community Development has been called to fully restore funding to the Local Improvement Scheme to €5million. Fianna Fail TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth also urged the Department to extend the expressions of interest deadline. She said: "The Local Improvement Scheme s
31/08/2017
The Government is being urged to use NAMA to help deliver new social homes throughout Ireland. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen TD also said that NAMA should be reconstituted by giving it an additional mandate to enable it to manage housing development on public owned sites on behalf
31/08/2017
Energy provider SSE Airtricity has awarded over €5 million to community groups to its Irish wind farms. A new report, titled 'Energising Communities in Rural Ireland', looks back on the community funding awarded by SSE Airtricity last year, as well as its overall contribution since 2008. Through S
31/08/2017
The Green Party wants to see an increase in investment in renewable energy to reduce climate footprint in Northern Ireland. East Belfast Councillor Georgina Milne and Party Secretary Rowan Tunnicliffe made the announcement after they met with Harland and Wolff Ltd. to discuss how the party can work
31/08/2017
Labour has repeated its call to introduce a hotel bedroom tax. Former Dublin Lord Mayor and City Councillor, Brendan Carr, made the call following the release of new statistics which indicate the sector is booming. Cllr Carr said: "A new independent survey by accountancy firm Crowe Horwath indicat
31/08/2017
A preferred site for a new storage facility to serve the greater Dublin region has been identified by Irish Water. The preferred site is located at Newtown/Kilshane, Dublin 11. The new facility will store biosolids produced at the upgraded Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant and at the Greater Dub
31/08/2017
Sinn Fein has called on insurance firms to deliver on their responsibilities to their policy holders for residents in Donegal affected by flooding. Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said families have been left traumatised after their homes were hit by flooding and said some people are already facing
30/08/2017
Planning permission to develop 11 industrial scale wind turbines at Ballymanus in Co Wicklow has been rejected. Wicklow County Council turned down proposals by ABI Wind Ireland. Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady welcomed the decision. He said: "I am glad that common sense has prevai
30/08/2017
Fianna Fáil has called on the Government to reduce the holding period on land sites to four years in a bid to tackle land hoarding by large investors. Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Barry Cowen TD also accused the Government of showing "little interest" in tackling land hoar
30/08/2017
Labour is calling on the Government to urgently establish an affordable housing scheme for the development of Clonburris in west Dublin which is a designated Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). Spokesperson on Affordable Housing, Joanna Tuffy, said the development is expected to eventually have over
30/08/2017
A mixed use investment property is Dublin has gone on the market for €6 million, Savills has announced. The property, 22 – 23 Dawson Street, is located by the busy intersection at St. Stephen's Green. The property comprises a mid-terraced five storey over basement period building which extends t
30/08/2017
Sinn Féin is urging Ireland to start thinking more creatively when it comes to safeguarding its electricity supply for the future. MEP Matt Carthy also confirmed he will host a delegation to the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday 05 and 06 September which will hear at first ha
30/08/2017
There has been a 160% rise in rent review disputes since the introduction of the Governments Rent Pressure Zones, according to a new report by the Residential Tenancies Board. Sinn Fein has called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to introduce stronger regulation of the rental sector to protect bot
30/08/2017
Residents living in the Millfield Manor Estate in Newbridge have raised serious fire safety concerns. Six homes in Millfield Manor were burned to the ground on 31 March 2015 after flames rapidly spread from an isolated fire which ignited in one house. An investigation found there were no proper f
30/08/2017
Sinn Fein Is To Meet with the permanent secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs today, 30 August, to demand assistance be made available to those affected by the recent floods. The party's agriculture spokesperson Declan McAleer called for a concerted action by sta
29/08/2017
The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) has chosen a £160m Dualling Scheme in Northern Ireland as the feature project for a poster campaign highlighting the positive impact of civil engineering. Around 18,000 road users currently take the route every day, which often experiences congestion at key ti
29/08/2017
Irish Water has announced that it has identified a preferred site for a biosolids storage facility to serve the greater Dublin region. The preferred site is at Newtown/Kilshane, Dublin 11. The new facility will store biosolids produced at the upgraded Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant and at the
29/08/2017
More than 60 families have been given financial aid since last week's floods, Minister Joe McHugh has confirmed. Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Fine Gael Donegal TD, Joe McHugh, said further support is being made available and Donegal County Council staf
29/08/2017
South Dublin County Council management must listen to the local community before finalising the proposed 109 social houses in Clondalkin, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin has said. The Council is due to make a final decision on the development later this month. The Sinn Féin Housing s
25/08/2017
Labour has called on the government to introduce a national Affordable Housing scheme. The party's Spokesperson on Housing, Jan O'Sullivan, made the call after online mortgage advice for young people by the Bank of Ireland reflected the "grim reality" of the housing and rental market. Deputy O'Sul
25/08/2017
A housing association in Northern Ireland has announced plans to deliver up to 200 units of new build accommodation over the next five years. Ark Housing Acting CEO Jim McShane made the announcement at the launch of the firm's 2017-2022 Corporate Strategy. Mr McShane said:"Ark's focus will be on b
25/08/2017
Work is to start on a £151,000 road improvement project in Downpatrick, Co Down. Work on the A25 Strangford Road will begin on Monday, 04 September. The resurfacing scheme, which will include drainage works, will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of a 1.1km stretch of the A25 Strang
25/08/2017
A social housing scheme in Fermoy, Cork, has been shortlisted for a national housing award. The Cork County Council social housing scheme, 'Tur Liath', in Oliver Plunkett Hill, has been shortlisted in the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) Community Housing Awards 2017 in the category Housing
25/08/2017
Essential maintenance work in the Carlow and Bagnalstown areas has been rescheduled, ESB Networks has confirmed. Approximately 3,425 ESB Networks customers will be left without electricity during the work. The work was due to take place on Saturday, 26 August, however to facilitate customers who m
25/08/2017
Galco, Ireland's largest hot dip galvanizer, is inviting the public to attend a Galvanizing Industry Open Day on 12 September. A spokesperson from Galco said: "It is a perfect opportunity for you to see how the domestic galvanizing industry contributes to building Ireland. This will also mark the o
25/08/2017
Fianna Fail has raised serious concerns after funding to help victims of this week's floods does not include businesses and community organisations. Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue said he is "extremely concerned" about the lack of support for the many businesses, which have been rav
25/08/2017
A new survey – Export Market Watch – has found that since the Brexit vote, nearly half (45%) of Enterprise Ireland construction firms have reduced their exposure to the UK, with almost seven in 10 firms surveyed now viewing the Eurozone as providing key opportunities for growth. The new publicati
24/08/2017
Energy firm SSE Airtricity has announced a 7.5% price rise in household electricity prices. The increase will come into effect on 01 October. This is the firm's first electricity price increase for customers in Northern Ireland for more than four years. The price change means a typical household
24/08/2017
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is urging the government to set up a small builders fund to put the construction industry on a "sustainable footing". The CIF said it will enable regional builders to deliver the essential housing and infrastructure required to deliver targets in the Gover
24/08/2017
The government is being urged to progress with projects for flood defence. Fianna Fail made the call after torrential rain caused severe flooding in Donegal, Sligo and some areas in Roscommon. Deputy Murphy said that while the government has allocated money for the schemes they need to be progress
24/08/2017
Fianna Fáil has slammed the Department of Education for failing to progress on the Holy Family School building project in Co Cavan. Funding for the works was approved two years ago, however the design team is yet to finish the pre-qualification assessment. TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth said: "
24/08/2017
Addressing climate change will insulate Ireland from international economic shocks, the Green Party has claimed. Leader Eamon Ryan also said that the Citizens' Assembly can help to start a new national dialogue on climate change. He accused the government of failing to show "real climate change am
24/08/2017
Planning permission has been approved for a permanent location for Greystones Community National School in Co Wicklow. The school, which is in Greystones Rugby Club, was faced with having to open for the September term in the function room of the club, as the portacabins in which it is currently lo
24/08/2017
Almost 1,000 people have been issued with a Boil Water Notice in Galway. The notice, for the area supplied by the Williamstown Public Water Supply, was put in place as a precautionary measure as the treatment plant is operating outside its design conditions due to extremely heavy rainfall in the ar
24/08/2017
The scale of the flood damage in L'Derry and the north west has been described as "unbelievable". Torrential rain on Tuesday night, 22 August, forced some residents from their homes and Sinn Fein MLA Declan McAleer said isolated communities have been "badly affected". He said: "Major landslides re
23/08/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at the government's "abysmal failure" to tackle the housing crisis in Ireland. MEP Liadh Ní Riada was speaking in the wake of two reports this week which revealed that rent prices have leapt yet again while just 9% of available properties nationally fall within Rent Supplement
23/08/2017
Design and architecture company, HLM, has bolstered its Northern Ireland leadership team with the appointment of Nicola McKay to Associate, who alongside Steven Lennon will support Simon Bell in leading HLM operations locally. With studios in Belfast city centre, HLM provides architecture, landscap
23/08/2017
Irish Water is to upgrade the sewer network in Rush, Co Dublin, as part of a project to improve the bathing water at South Beach Rush, North Beach and Harbour Road Beach. The firm is investing €9.7 million in the Rush wastewater collection project to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater (sewa
23/08/2017
Irish Water is submitting the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to An Bord Pleanála to acquire lands needed to deliver the Howth Water Supply Scheme. The firm is working in partnership with Fingal County Council to aquire lands in Howth, Baldoyle, Burrow, Deerpark and Howth Demesne to progress the pr
23/08/2017
A farmer has been fined for causing pollution to a river in Co Armagh. Mr Owen Martin pleaded guilty and was fined £500 plus £15 Offenders Levy at Newry Magistrates' Court for causing polluting discharge to enter a waterway. On 25 November 2015, a Water Quality Inspector (WQI), acting on behalf of
23/08/2017
Fianna Fáil has called on the Government to provide emergency funding to help repair damaged transport infrastructure in areas hit by severe flooding. Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport Robert Troy TD made the comments as torrential rain overnight led to the collapse of roads and bridges
23/08/2017
Fianna Fail is urging the Department of Education and Skills to set up a student accommodation taskforce to help target the housing supply shortage. Spokesperson on Education and Skills Thomas Byrne TD also said the Government must accept responsibility for the chronic housing crisis that desperate
23/08/2017
Sinn Fein is once again calling for the North-South electricity Interconnector project to be undergrounded. Matt Carthy MEP was speaking following a decision by the High Court to reject a challenge by North East Pylon Pressure Campaign against An Bord Pleanála's to provide planning permission for t
22/08/2017
The Housing Minister has been called to take action over the rental crisis in Co Louth. Sinn Fein TD for Louth and Meath East Imelda Munster has written to Minister Eoghan Murphy asking him to include Drogheda in the Rent Pressure Zones which would restrict the rise in rent increases to a maximum o
22/08/2017
Work to upgrade the water treatment plant in Fenit, Co Kerry, has been completed. As a result over 950 Irish Water customers have been removed from the Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) Remedial Action List. The list is updated quarterly by the EPA. The water supply serving 955 people in Fen
22/08/2017
Sinn Fein is calling for Claremount Stadium in Navan to be preserved. A receiver has been appointed to find a new owner and the future of the stadium is now in doubt. TD Peadar Tóibín said it is a "key community and sports infrastructure in Navan". He said: "It is home to a large number of clubs
22/08/2017
The Government has announced plans to double Ireland's global footprint by 2025. An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, made the comments in a speech to an Enterprise Ireland Business Breakfast in Toronto. The Taoiseach also outlined his intention to further deepen the strong trading relationship between
22/08/2017
The High Court has rejected a challenge taken by North East Pylon Pressure Campaign against An Bord Pleanála's decision to provide planning permission for the erection of the North South Interconnector. Sinn Fein Meath West Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín said: "Successive Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Lab
22/08/2017
NI Water's education team is preparing to deliver a programme to school pupils across Northern Ireland to teach them about water. With three vehicles to deliver the programme the team are 'driving change’ through engaging with young people about water education. Anna Killen, NI Water's Environmen
22/08/2017
The rate of rent increases has been described as "completely out of control" by Labour. Spokesperson on Housing, Jan O'Sullivan TD, was speaking afther a report by Daft.ie revealed the "absolute failure" of the Government's Rent Pressure Zone model to slow the pace of increases in the rental market
22/08/2017
Students and parents are being urged to "be vigilant" while searching for rented accommodation. Fianna Fail TD for Kildare South Fiona O'Loughlin warned the to be aware of rental scams after she was contacted by a number of students who have highlighted that they have been targeted by scammers in r
21/08/2017
Contractor Graham Construction has been appointed to develop a new Wastewater Pumping Station at Galgorm in Ballymena, Co Antrim. NI Water is investing £1.2 million to significantly upgrade the wastewater pumping stations serving the villages of Galgorm Cullybackey and Ahoghill. The project provide
21/08/2017
Construction work on a new playground and sensory garden in west Belfast has been completed. Belfast City Council invested £200,000 on the development located on the Blacks Road. The playground features a range of play equipment for children of all ages and abilities, brightly coloured safety surf
21/08/2017
Cuts to the Supporting People Programme would have a damaging impact on housing security in deprived areas, Sinn Fein has claimed. The party's housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín was speaking as she met senior civil servants and pushed for urgent action on a range of issues, including Belfast Cit
21/08/2017
The ICSH Biennial National Social Housing Conference is to take place on the 27 & 28 September 2017 in the Limerick Strand Hotel. Supported by Gas Networks Ireland and the Allianz Community Housing Awards the theme for the conference is 'Social Housing –The Next Phase Scale | Innovation | New Housi
21/08/2017
Plans for a €7m solar energy project by Gaelectric on a site in Dublin have been rejected. Fingal County Council said it would not set an unwanted precedent and would contravene a zoning objective to preserve the rural landscape. The 'Mainscourt' scheme would have cost €6.8m to develop and would t
21/08/2017
The manager of social housing provider Triangle Housing has joined the Board of the European Union of Supported Employment (EUSE). Mr Norman Sterritt is now on the board which was established in 1993 to facilitate the development of Supported Employment throughout Europe. Its main functions are:
18/08/2017
Carty Contractors is to restart sewer rehabilitation work in Sligo after it was suspended in November last year. Sligo County Council and Irish Water are investing €1.3 million in the scheme which will ensure improved maintenance and operation by increasing the structural life of the existing combi
18/08/2017
Construction work on two social housing projects in County Kilkenny is continuing. The homes which are being developed by Oaklee Housing will provide 30 new homes, nine bungalows in Moneenroe and 21 apartments in Thomastown to be allocated to households on the Kilkenny County Council housing list.
18/08/2017
Fianna Fáil is urging older people living in Ireland to apply for the Winter Fuel allowance before the deadline on 15 September. The Department of Social Protection has agreed for the allowance to be paid in two lump sums of €292.50 in October and the remaining €292.50 in January or people may cont
18/08/2017
Work is to start to flush the watermains network in Dundalk, Co Louth. Residents living the area may have reduced pressure or discolouration during the works, according to Irish Water. The work will take place in the Bay Estate area from 8.30am on 21 August until 6pm on 04 September. The areas af
18/08/2017
The safety and quality of drinking water in Northern Ireland remains high, according to a new report. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), which is responsible for regulating drinking water quality, has published its Annual Report for 2016. The results are based on samples taken from water treat
18/08/2017
Belfast City Council is to host a public information event on updated plans for a new park and playground in Belfast. The development is to be located between Old Golf Course Road and Upper Dunmurry Lane. The public is being urged to give their views at the event which is taking place in Our Lady
18/08/2017
Quinn Automatic has scooped contracts to develop two play parks in Co L'Derry. One of the parks is to be developed in Ballymagroarty and the other will be in Kilfennan. Both schemes form part of the Social Investment Fund – Invest in Play Project and Council's Parks Management & Development Progra
18/08/2017
The Chief Executive of Eirgrid is to step down at the end of this year to join National Grid UK. In his new role, Mr Fintan Slye will run the firms UK gas and electricity System Operator business. Chairman of the Board of Eirgrid John O'Connor said: "On behalf of the board I would like to thank Fi
17/08/2017
Electricity firm Power NI has announced it is to increase its prices by 5.6%. The price rise will come into effect on 01 October. The firm said the increase is due to increases in the costs of producing electricity. Stephen McCully, Managing Director of Power NI, said: "So much is dependant upon
17/08/2017
Sinn Fein and the SDLP have slammed a decision by the Belfast City Council to build a retail-only development in north Belfast. The Council passed a proposal to develop the building on the Hillview site in the Crumlin Road area. However, Sinn Fein described it as a "disastrous decision". Housing
17/08/2017
The proposed changes to the Pyrite Remediation Scheme in Ireland will fail to support hundreds of families in Fingal, according to Fianna Fail. TD Darragh O'Brien has called for the whole issue of Pyrite to be revised. The new revised version of the Irish standard has proposed changes in standards
17/08/2017
Construction work on over 100 social homes in Bangor, Co Down, has been completed. The 102 homes for Radius Housing are located in the Rathgill area. Sheila Taylor, Area Housing Manager, Radius Housing said: "The build reflects the needs of families currently on the NIHE waiting list for the Bango
17/08/2017
Construction work is to continue on the A1 southbound in Northern Ireland this weekend. Motorists are being urged to allow additional time for their journeys. As part of works to develop a new access to Hillsborough Castle, both lanes of the A1 southbound will be closed from 11pm on Friday 18 Augu
17/08/2017
A new reservoir and water mains are to be develop in Co Tipperary. Irish Water and Tipperary County Council gave started work as part of the Clonmel Regional Water Supply Scheme North Storage project. The project includes the construction of a new reservoir and the construction of over 4km of new
17/08/2017
Irish Water has confirmed it is to carry out a €325,000 rehabilitation project on water mains in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon. The project will involve the replacement of approximately 800m of asbestos cement water main with polyethylene pipe located along the L1244. Working in partnership with R
17/08/2017
Only one property was available to rent in Limerick City within the Housing Assisted Payment (HAP) Rent Supplement, a new study has revealed. Sinn Fein said the report by the Simon Community has revealed the major gap that has developed between the levels of Rent Supplement. TD for Limerick Mauric
16/08/2017
Plans to transform a leisure centre in west Belfast have been given the go-ahead. The £25 million project at Andersonstown Leisure Centre is part of Belfast City Council's £105 million ten year programme to improve centres, programmes and services across the city. The existing Andersonstown Leisur
16/08/2017
Labour has welcomed plans introduced by the Government to put vacant homes in Ireland back into use. Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan said the Government has "finally woken up" to the fact that there are almost 200,000 homes lying vacant throughout Ireland. She said: "While Minister Murphy has
16/08/2017
Over 90 businesses attended a 'Meet the Buyer' event in Belfast aiming to share £43 million contract to transform leisure centres in the area. Belfast City Council and property specialists, Heron Bros, said the number of companies attending the event at the Olympia Leisure Centre made it a "worthwh
16/08/2017
Contractor Quinn Automatic is to start work on a sewer rehabilitation scheme in Coalisland, Co Tyrone. In partnership with NI Water the work in the Coalisland area is to begin at the start of August and is expected to take around eight weeks to complete. Previous investigation works were carried o
16/08/2017
Boiler sites involved in the "botched" Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme are now being inspected. Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has welcomed the beginning of the scheme, however he insisted much more will be required to restore public confidence in the political institutions in Northern Ire
16/08/2017
The family of a corporal who served with the Defence Forces for 17 years have been refused rented accommodation by landlords unwilling to accept the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). The family have now been forced to register as homeless and Fianna Fail Defence spokesperson Lisa Chambers is callin
16/08/2017
Fianna Fail has hit out after the Heritage Minister confirmed that applications under the Town & Village Renewal Programme 2017 are still being "assessed". Spokesperson on Regional, Rural, Gaeltacht & Island Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív said the delays within the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rur
16/08/2017
The current water treatment plant at Lough Talt in Co Sligo is posing a "serious public health risk" and needs to be upgraded urgently, according to Fianna Fail. The current plant has been operating for almost 70 years and is the main source of drinking water for around 13,000 people living in area
15/08/2017
Doosan Bobcat dealer, Adare Machinery based in Limerick, is to showcase a variety of new Bobcat and Doosan products at the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly. The show is taking place in Screggan, Tullamore, from 19 to the 21 September. The National Ploughing Championships is the larges
15/08/2017
Work on a £120,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme in Belfast is to start on Monday, 21 August. The work, from 642 Crumlin Road to the Ligoniel Road junction, will improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway. It is expected to be completed by Monday, 28 August. To help ensure the
15/08/2017
Contractor Dawson Wam is continuing to work on a Flood Alleviation Project in east Belfast. The work for NI Water is taking place in the Upper Newtownards Road and Knock Road areas. It will resolve historical internal and external flooding issues within the area. The work is expected to be complet
15/08/2017
The Government is being urged to support home owners whose properties are affected by pyrite. Sinn Fein made the call after the NSAI published the revised standards for homes impacted by pyrite. Sinn Féin TD for Fingal Louise O'Reilly said: "Home owners in North County Dublin with pyrite need more
15/08/2017
The Government will miss its own targets to bring vacant homes back into use unless the current pace of delivery improves significantly, Fianna Fail has claimed. Spokesperson on Housing Barry Cowen TD made the comments after Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy took to the airwaves to discuss the establi
15/08/2017
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has been praised over his commitment to tackle the number of derelict properties throughout Ireland. Sinn Féin TD and junior spokesperson on Housing Dessie Ellis also called on the Government to take an ambitious approach to dealing with vacant homes. He said: "A key
15/08/2017
Sinn Fein is refusing to support plans for a retail only development in north Belfast. Housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has lodged a formal objection to the developer's proposals. She said: "Sinn Fein along with other parties, local residents, housing campaigners and local traders have public
15/08/2017
A Vesting Order has been acquired for the proposed dualling scheme on the A6 between Dungiven and Drumahoe in Northern Ireland. The order comes into effect on 19 September 2017. The NI Executive scheme, which includes a bypass of Dungiven, will further improve the economic route connecting Belfast
14/08/2017
Contractor BAM has scooped a build-only deal worth around €600 million to develop a new children's hospital project at St James's Hospital Campus site in Dublin. The construction of the new children’s hospital is expected to take four years. Full planning permission for the hospital, the two Paed
14/08/2017
Cregagh Green in east Belfast has been awarded £5,000 funding to help promote physical activity and community participation in the space where George Best first kicked a football as a young boy. It scooped the funding from the London Marathon Charitable Trust (LMCT) as part of The Active Spaces For
14/08/2017
Sinn Fein has described the latest homeless figures as "shocking and shameful". The data, by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), revealed 765 children under the age of four are homeless in Ireland. Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs, Denise Mitchell TD, said: "The numbers of fam
14/08/2017
Work to fit-out at TK Maxx store in Lisburn has been completed. H&J Martin Construction & Fit Out, part of the Lagan Construction Group of companies, carried out the work. This is the third store delivered for TJX Europe this year. The eight week programme of works included flooring, ceilings, pa
14/08/2017
Irish energy firm ESB has confirmed that entries are now open for the 2017 Spark of Genius Award. The ESB Spark of Genius Award, which will be presented in November at Web Summit in Lisbon, will see one Irish company win €25,000 and the opportunity to exhibit at Web Summit, along with mentoring sup
14/08/2017
The Government is being urged to consider a vacant tax on properties lying empty for long periods of time. Labour made the call as the deadline for public consultation on Rebuilding Ireland has passed. The party's Housing spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan TD, said: "People are quite rightly appalled at
14/08/2017
Contractor Quinn Automatic has been appointed to carry out sewer rehabilitation work in Downpatrick, Co Down. The work on Irish Street is to take place in mid-August and is expected to be completed in five weeks. In a statement NI Water said: "The majority of the works will be undertaken during no
14/08/2017
Mortgage rates in Ireland remain dramatically out of line with rates charged elsewhere in Europe, Fianna Fail has claimed. Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said Irish mortgage holders are continuing to pay dramatically more than consumers elsewhere in Europe. Deputy McGrath commented: "For exa
11/08/2017
Irish Water has agreed an action plan with Galway County Council and businesses in the area after a rise in seasonal demand in water supplies in Roundstone has led to pressure problems for many consumers. It has been agreed that a booster station will be turned off from noon to 6pm daily to help pr
11/08/2017
Serious concerns have been raised over the high number of young homeless children. St Vincent de Paul (SVP) said the latest CSO Census figures are of "grave concern" and has called for "urgent action". The data revealed that children aged between 0-4 are now the largest single age group experienci
11/08/2017
Resurfacing work is to start on a £200,000 scheme in Co Fermanagh. The work on the A4 Sligo Road in Rossole is to begin on Monday, 21 August, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 01 September. The resurfacing work, which will run for 1km from the Coleshill Road to Rossorry Link Road, will de
11/08/2017
Fianna Fail is calling on the government to allocate funding for a bypass on the N71 in Innishannon in Co Cork. Cork South West TD, Margaret Murphy O'Mahoney, said the development of a bypass would open up west Cork to tourists and commmuters. She said: "It's hampering access to West Cork from the
11/08/2017
An Irish renewable energy firm has received funding of $410 million (£316m) to build two wind farms in Chile. Aela Energía, which is 60% owned by Actis with the remaining 40% owned by Mainstream, will go-ahead with the construction of the 170MW Sarco and 129MW Aurora projects. Sarco is located in F
11/08/2017
Essential repair work is to be carried out on a footbridge in south Belfast. The work will begin on the A24 Saintfield Road in the Glenhugh Park area at 8pm on Saturday, 12 August. Three lanes of the carriageway will be closed, allowing one country-bound lane to operate for the duration of the wor
11/08/2017
Labour is calling for a national affordable housing scheme to be established after Census figures revealed almost 7,000 people were homeless or in emergency accommodation last April. Housing spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan TD, said the figures have "risen considerably". She said: "With the vast major
11/08/2017
Concerns have been raised about the supply of bulk gas across Ireland. Sinn Fein said there are many homes across the country being supplied through bulk gas (LPG) by companies such as Calor Gas and Flo Gas, where there is limited alternative and no protection given by the regulator. Spokesperson
10/08/2017
Irish Water has invested €80,000 to upgrade and improve the wastewater network in Rathsallagh, Shankill. The work, which has been completed, included removing tree roots from the network that were causing blockages and reducing the capacity of the sewers in the area. The work also involved survey
10/08/2017
Fine Gael is calling for plans for a new hospital in Cork to be brought forward as soon as possible. Senator for Cork Jerry Buttimer said the plans must be prioritised as the three existing hospitals in the county do not have space to expand. He said: "As former chairperson of the Oireachtas Healt
10/08/2017
Sinn Féin is urging the State to fund council led mixed tenure developments throughout Ireland. The party made the call after claiming that private developers have shown they do not want to build 'affordable' homes. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said the government has rolled out a number o
10/08/2017
The Ulster Unionist Party has accused Sinn Fein of 'exacerbating' the problems in the social housing sector in Northern Ireland. The party's Housing spokesperson Andy Allen MLA was commenting after figures revealed there was a 1,500 rise in the number of households presenting themselves as homeless
10/08/2017
Construction work to upgrade and improve the Newcastle Wastewater Treatment Plant is to begin soon. Irish Water has partnered with Wicklow County Council to ensure the plant is fully compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency's regulations. A total of €350,000 is being invested in the pro
10/08/2017
Serious concerns have been raised over the increase in the number of people living in emergency accommodation in Co Louth. A total of 110 people have been recorded as homeless in the area and figures in the north east show 14 families are homeless. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said the figur
10/08/2017
Repair work to three burst water pipes which caused water outages for thousands of Irish Water customers in the Ballina area of Co Mayo has been completed. However, while repair crews were monitoring water flow in the town on Wednesday morning they discovered excessive increased demand in the Boher
10/08/2017
The Government's target of having 50,000 electric or hybrid cars by 2020 will not be met unless there is a drastic change in policy, according to Fianna Fail. The party said Ireland is falling behind the rest of Europe when it come's to moving Ireland's car fleet from petrol and diesel to electric
10/08/2017
There are currently over 120 people with disabilities on the social housing list in Co Mayo, new data has revealed. Figures released to Morning Ireland revealed a total of 122 disabled people are waiting to be housed in the area. Fianna Fail TD for Mayo Lisa Chambers slammed the government's failu
10/08/2017
The government's repair and lease scheme is "poorly prompted and poorly funded", according to Sinn Fein. The party's Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said that while the scheme is a good in theory it would have a better impact if dedicated vacant homes officers were hired to identify propertie
09/08/2017
Irish Water has invested €200,000 to repair leaking pipes in Killaloe, Co Clare. The work will have significant benefits for businesses and residents in the town, providing a much more reliable and secure supply overall and a reduction in supply disruption due to burst pipes. The six-week project,
09/08/2017
Construction work has started on a new play park for the Tullygarley area in Ballymena. Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Cllr Paul Reid said: "Tullygarley Play Park is a demonstration of our commitment to play across the Borough. Council is committed to delivering high-quality play opportunities for ch
09/08/2017
Construction work is to start on a £250,000 road improvement project in Bangor, Co Down. The work, on the Rathgael Road, is to begin on Saturday, 12 August. The resurfacing scheme, which incorporates embankment sidefilling, will improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway on a 550
09/08/2017
The public is being urged to attend drop in sessions to give their views on a proposed development strategy for the East Bank of the River Lagan in Belfast. The sessions, hosted by the Belfast City council, will take place on: • Thursday 17 August – East Belfast Network Centre (3pm – 7.30pm) • Fr
09/08/2017
Approved Housing Bodies have been invited to a further round of housing plans to provide independent living accommodation for people with special housing needs. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy TD, said funding is available under the Capital Assistance Scheme and there are already over 130 approved c
09/08/2017
An Irish motor retailer has confirmed it is to develop two construction projects in Swords. Joe Duffy announced expansion plans at Airside Business Park. Fianna Fáil TD and Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O'Brien, welcomed the announcement. He said: "The highly professional an
09/08/2017
Sinn Fein has slammed Estate Management Companies for advertising what has been described as a "glorified corridor" for rent at €640 per month. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh said it is "absolutely disgraceful" that Estate Management Companies are advertising properties for landlords who are in brea
09/08/2017
'The Road to 2050: The Future of Gas Infrastructure in Ireland' conference is to take place in Dublin on Wednesday, 13 September. Sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland the one day conference, at the Grand Hotel in Malahide, will be hosted by the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM). The co
08/08/2017
Three councils have each been allocated £25,000 in funding to develop Greenway projects. The funding, allocated from the Department of Infrastructure, is being provided under Stage 3 of the Small Grants Programme for Greenways. The grants will be used to develop the following schemes: Ards and Nor
08/08/2017
A construction firm based in L'Derry has been fined for a pollution offence. Corramore Construction Ltd pleaded guilty and was fined £750 plus £15 Offenders Levy at Magherafelt Magistrates' Court for causing polluting discharge to enter a waterway. Water Quality Inspectors (WQI), acting on behalf
08/08/2017
Construction work is to start on a £220,000 road improvement project in Saintfield. The work on the A21 Ballygowan Road is due to commence on Monday, 14 August. The scheme will involve drainage works and the resurfacing of a 1.1km stretch of the A21 Ballygowan Road from the Ballycloughin Road in t
08/08/2017
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging homeowners in Wicklow to carried out a radon test on their properties. EPA results to date show that 33 homes - in areas including Arklow, Aughrim, Avoca, Baltinglass, Blessington and Rathdrum – had radon levels above the acceptable level. One
08/08/2017
Cork County Council has put forward a proposal to extend its area of jurisdiction. The Council has submitted a detailed boundary extension proposal to the City Council which would see the geographical area of the city increase by 84.5% and its current population immediately increasing by 31.2% to 1
08/08/2017
NIE Networks and SONI are urging interested parties to attend a workshop to input the way forward for connecting further generation to the electricty network. The workshop is taking place at the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim on 18 August. Northern Ireland has over 1.3GW of renewable generation connecte
08/08/2017
A new video has been released explaining the benefits of the Rent to Own scheme. Co-Ownership Housing unveiled the footage in which a couple speak about how the scheme is helping them. Rent to Own is an innovative, people-focused initiative to help renters get a foothold on the property ladder. T
08/08/2017
Households in Wicklow are being urged to apply for grants to carry out energy improvement works and environmental screening. The maximum grant for residents living close to the Ballynagran Landfill is €3,500, subject to conditions. The closing date for entries is noon on Friday, 08 September. App
07/08/2017
Planning permission has been approved for the development of the Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. The development will see the merging of the Rock Nursing Home and the Sheil Hospital when a new 80-bed unit will be built on the site of the Sheil Hospital. John Hayes, Chief Officer for Co
07/08/2017
Water restrictions for consumers in Carlow have now been lifted. Irish Water confirmed the Sion Cross Water Treatment Plant is producing water that is fully compliant with Drinking Water Regulations. The restrictions were put in in place due to a fuel spill in the area. Irish Water has put in plac
07/08/2017
The Housing Minister has been slammed after figures revealed homelessness in Ireland in getting worse. Housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin TD, hit out at Minister Eoghan Murphy after data showed that there were almost 8,000 adults and children in emergency accommodation last month, with the number o
07/08/2017
Over €1million is being invested in schemes aimed at developing new energy solutions. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) confirmed it is to invest the money in projects ranging from converting forest residue into fuel to establishing a living laboratory energy zone in south Dublin.
07/08/2017
Work on a new footpath and pedestrian crossing has been completed at Musgrave Park Hospital in Belfast. H&J Martin Asset Management Services Minor Works Team, part of the Lagan Construction group, completed the work on time and withing budget. The new footpath links Withers Wards to the former Duk
07/08/2017
The development of the A5 is "absolutely critical" for Co Tyrone, L'Derry and Donegal, according to Sinn Fein. The Taoiseach confirmed to the party that he is "committed" that the A5 Transport Corridor is developed as soon as possible. Sinn Féin MP Barry McElduff said: "The A5 dual carriageway wil
07/08/2017
Fine Gael is calling for a special hearing of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing to take place after 70,000 people were left without water in the North East of Ireland. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd said Irish Water and any other potential witnesses should be brought before the first available committee in
07/08/2017
Sinn Féin is calling on the Housing Minister to "take action" following the delay in the delivery of social housing in Clondalkin. TD for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin made the call after it was revealed that seven months after councillors passed planning permission for a rapid build social housing
07/08/2017
Sinn Fein is calling for housing tenants to be provided with security and stability. The party made the call as the Government considers a series of measures to help struggling accidental landlords. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said landlords exiting the rental market is one of the biggest dr
07/08/2017
Vision-Box in Lisbon has scooped a deal to supply and install Automatic Border Control 'e-Gates' at the Irish State's ports of entry. The firm is also partnering with Accenture and ESP Global Systems as part of the contract. The contract was awarded following an open EU Tender Competition, managed
04/08/2017
Northern Irish firm Lagan Building Contractors has won a £35 million contract to build 263 apartments/townhouses in Salford, Manchester. The contractor will deliver Phase One of the Outwood Wharf development and work commenced on site in July. The units are being build as part of a wider £125m inv
04/08/2017
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is to lease Erskine House in Belfast for another 25 years. The building is located on Chichester Street and the firm will be taking an estimated 104,220 sq ft of office space, eventually accommodating around 1,600 full-time equivalent employees. The new eight-storey o
04/08/2017
A campaign has been launched to raise pressure on water thieves. NI Water launched the campaign to make sure water theft is reduced to the lowest possible level. The theft of water involves a range of illegal activities such as, unauthorised connections to the public water main, misuse of domestic
04/08/2017
Wirefox has completed Northern Ireland's largest single commercial property transaction for £125 million. Savills NI acted on behalf of Wirefox, who confirmed the firm has acquired CastleCourt Shopping Centre in Belfast from Hermes Fund Managers Limited. Wirefox is a Northern Irish-based investmen
04/08/2017
The Green Party has slammed proposals to cut down over 50 mature trees in the Fairview Park area in Dublin. The party said the trees, which were planted in 1908, could be felled under Dublin City Council plans to make way for a cycling path. Green Party Representative in Clontarf, Donna Cooney, sa
04/08/2017
Sinn Féin has written to the Department of Communities demanding that there will be no cuts to the Supporting People programme. The programme helps some of the most vulnerable people in society to live independently, including those who are disabled, elderly, and victims of domestic violence. MLA
04/08/2017
A prohibition notice of the bathing water at Kilkee Beach in Co Clare has been lifted. HSE worked with Clare County Council following excess rainfall over the weekend which gave rise to a concern that elevated levels of bacteria could be present in the bathing water. Following testing of the wate
04/08/2017
A tender for the fit out of the Glanmire Garda Station in Cork has been published. The site at Sallybrook Industrial Estate is to be upgraded and refurbished to include an extension to the Mezzanine level. Cork North Central TD, Billy Kelleher, welcomed the announcement. He said: "This project ha
03/08/2017
A total of €1 million has been awarded to the Cork Harbour Greenway project to extend the existing facilities. The money will be used to develop a link that will connect Glenbrook to Carrigaline to provide for a harbour-long greenway. Cork County Council has also received funding for a number of p
03/08/2017
A total of €908,000 has been allocated for environmental projects throughout Ireland. The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund supports local environmental initiatives by communities, individuals and not-for-profit groups. A total of €460,000 for this year's scheme has been allocated wh
03/08/2017
Property specialists Heron Bros and Belfast City Council are urging suppliers and contractors to share in a £43 million contract to transform leisure in Belfast. Interested firms being called to attend a 'Meet the Buyer' event, which will take place at Olympia Leisure Centre on Thursday, 10 August
03/08/2017
Work on an €85 million extension at Baush + Lomb's facility in Waterford has been completed. The extended facility will help meet the consumer demand of its contact lens portfolio, specifically Biotrue ONEday daily disposable contact lenses. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, the parent compan
03/08/2017
Work to repair a burst water pipe in Navan has been completed. Water has now been restored to homes and businesses in north, west and south Navan town and some surrounding areas. Between 5,000 and 10,000 Irish Water customers were affected. The firm has apologised for the inconvenience and thank
03/08/2017
The Office of Public Works has been called to hand over the old Wexford Garda Station to the council. Fianna Fail said the old building should be made available to community groups in the area as soon as the property has been examined. TD for Wexford James Browne said: "Wexford's new Garda station
03/08/2017
The SDLP has hit out after it was revealed there will be cuts to the Supporting People programme, which provides housing services to over 20,000 people. North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon said the cuts will have a "severe financial and human cost in the long term". She said: "It is yet another examp
03/08/2017
The Government has been accused of "hypocrisy on fracking" after plans to import liquefied natural gas into Cork were announced. A liquefied natural gas tanker is to be permanently moored in Cork Harbour, close to the Whitegate and Aghada gas-powered electricity stations. It will be used to store l
02/08/2017
Over 100 new social houses are to be developed in Cork city centre. Cork County Council approved the construction of 109 housing units in White Street (43), Barrack Street (32), Blarney Street (25) and High Street (9). Cork City Lord Mayor, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald said: "These schemes will provide mu
02/08/2017
New LED lighting is to be installed along the A2 in Bangor. The £1 million scheme, from the Ballyrobert Road junction to the Springhill Road, is to replace the existing lighting which is over 40 years old. The new lighting will improve the quality of street lighting in the area, increase reliabili
02/08/2017
Irish Water has submitted plans to Westmeath County Council to build new sections of the sewer network under the River Shannon, decommission existing pumping stations that are not fit for purpose, build new pumping stations and increase storm water storage tanks. The plans are part of the Athlone
02/08/2017
The lack of investment on housing adaption is putting extra pressure on housing lists, the Green Party have claimed. Spokesperson on Local Government and Community, Cllr Malcolm Noonan, slammed the Department of Housing for the "unacceptably high waiting lists" for Housing Adaptation Grants for Loc
02/08/2017
Two new members have been appointed to the Board of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr Denis Naughten TD, has selected Ms Ann Markey and Mr Andrew Ennis. The SEAI was established as Ireland's national energy authority
02/08/2017
Mortgage lenders should be forced to compete on interest rates, according to Fianna Fail. The party said 'cash back' offers should not be allowed in the market and accused lenders of "taking advantage" of the lack of switching in the mortgage market by charging higher rates than are "justifiable".
02/08/2017
Sinn Fein has urged the Department of Infrastructure to provide capital funding to prioritise the development of Greenway projects in Northern Ireland. MLA and Infrstructure spokesperson, Phillip McGuigan, said the projects have proved "hugely beneficial" for local communities. He said: "We have s
02/08/2017
Engineers Ireland has lodged a series of recommendations with the Department of Finance for Budget 2018. The recommendations include calls for a sustained increase in capital investment towards 2027 and list priority projects to support sustainable economic growth. Engineers Ireland's top five pr
01/08/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at the Government for investing €500 million to install water meters throughout Ireland. The party said the government should have out the money into the infrastructure after a water main burst in Navan which left several households without water. Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín,
01/08/2017
Work on a £350,000 scheme to install new kitchens and extend dining areas on Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) homes in north Belfast has been completed. A total of 27 properties in the Northwick Drive area in Ardoyne have been improved and upgraded. Malachy McKinney, NIHE's North Belfast
01/08/2017
Significant progress is being made to improve the water supply in Cookstown. The scheme on the Moneymore Road has been completed and work will now be carried out on the Morgans Hill Road in mid-August for approximately eight weeks. In order to facilitate the works, Morgans Hill Road will be closed
01/08/2017
Work is continuing to lay a new underground power cable to extend the electricity network in Lisburn. The work on the Mullaghcarton Road is expected to complete by October this year. The road will be closed from its junction with Cross Lane to its junction with Yewtree Hill Road. It is part of an
01/08/2017
NI Water is urging firms to pitch their technology innovations to water industry experts. The firm has partnered with Invest NI to host an event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast, on Wednesday, 27 September. Paul Harper, Director of Asset Delivery, NI Water, said: "The increasing pr
01/08/2017
Construction work is expected to start on a £230,000 carriageway resurfacing project in Lurgan. The work on Flush Place and Queen Street/Avenue Road is to begin on Monday, 07 August, and is to be completed by 21 August. The scheme will deliver significant improvements to both the structural integr
01/08/2017
Labour is calling on the Government to urgently address the housing crisis in Ireland. Housing spokesperon Jan O'Sullivan also asked why developments that already have planning permission are not being built. She also said Ireland must move to alleviate the housing crisis if it is to successfully
01/08/2017
The PSO levy on energy is to increase for all commercial premises, the Commission on Energy Regulation has announced. Fianna Fail slammed the latest rise and said it is an "absurd burden" to place on businesses. Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Niall Collins said: "Of course, the CE
