Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for April 2018
30/04/2018
A new report has been published that suggests the approved £240 million incinerator in Antrim is not needed. Campaigners against the incinerator, NoArc21, commissioned a professional report that concluded there was not enough waste to warrant the facility. The report was compiled by specialist ind
30/04/2018
Work on a £240,000 road improvement scheme on the A1002 Strand Road, L'Derry, has started today, 30 April. The scheme will resurface and reconstruct the road between the Pennyburn Roundabout and Meadowbank Avenue. The road will be closed from Sunday 27 May to Friday 01 June between 7pm and 7am.
30/04/2018
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has announced that work on phase 2 of the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus in Ballyogan will begin this summer. The expansion will include the development of a new sports building with a swimming pool; an events area within the re-landscaped civic space; a park con
30/04/2018
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has proposed that work on the Finglas extension of the LUAS will begin in 2019, rather than the projected 2027. The proposal suggests that the preliminary design works, route selection and railway order commencement will begin next year. The plans were discus
30/04/2018
Kilkenny County Council has announced water outages for Monday and Tuesday, 30 April - 01 May, due to essential repairs. On Monday 30 April water will be off from approximately 12pm to 5pm in areas across Co Kilkenny. Groton, Monteen, Upper Colton, Cloneen, and Castlecomer will also be affected.
30/04/2018
Construction has begun on phase 1 of the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails (MTB) project. Metro Construction has been appointed to develop the phase, and will work alongside Coillte and Offaly and Laois County Councils. Phase 1 will consist of 35km of mountain bike trails (MTB), split with appro
30/04/2018
A Chinese pharmaceutical giant is set to invest $500 million in a new facility in Dundalk, Co Louth. According to a report from Sunday Business Post yesterday, April 29, WuXI AppTec's investment will create around 400 new jobs when completed. A site at the IDA industrial park on Dundalk's Inner
30/04/2018
Mid Ulster District Council is preparing to move a Coalisland public realm scheme to its next stage which proposes plans for new footways and parking. The £2.75 million scheme also includes plans for new loading bays, stone kerbing, street furniture, tree planting, and improved lighting and draina
27/04/2018
Construction is set to begin on a new school and classroom unit today, April 27, in Co Clare, as part of the nation-wide plan to build 42 new schools over the next four years. Minister Bruton will visit Ennis and Shannon today, as the development plans to build a new 24 classroom school and a 2 cl
27/04/2018
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has requested extra funds to help repair the substantial damage roads in Ireland over the past few months. Mr Smith has called on the Minister for Transport Shane Ross to reconsider his decision not to allocate more money. "Over the past number of
27/04/2018
Phase one of the Churchfield Housing Development in Southill, Limerick, has been opened today, April 27, by the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Damien English. When completed, the new development will have 80 new BER A rated energy efficient homes. "Today is an important day for the
27/04/2018
A total of €77 million is owed to councils from The Department Of Housing, according to the response of a recent parliamentary question. The information shows that Dublin City is owed the most with 17.2m, followed by South Dublin and Limerick City & County with 9.67m and 9.58 respectively. Sinn
27/04/2018
The improvement scheme on the B8 Newry Road at the Ballydoo and Edentrumly Road junctions is almost completed. The £300,000 scheme is designed to improve the road alignment and forward visibility on the B8 Newry Road between Mayobridge and Hilltown. It results in improved safety for road users in
27/04/2018
EPS Group has started work to upgrade the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. Irish Water is investing €6 million in the scheme, and the work is expected to be completed by early 2019. The upgrade includes a new sewer between Muckno Pumping Station and the treatment plant,
27/04/2018
Fold Ireland has begun construction on a new 43 unit senior citizen's housing complex in Dublin 8. The development is part of Ireland's largest ever regeneration project, and will replace the existing senior complex on the Dolphin Park site. It is scheduled to be ready for occupation in early 2019
27/04/2018
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDCC) has revealed that three development projects in the district are making swift progress, including the structure of a Civic Centre, and development of the Southern Relief Road and Newry City Park. The Council has said these projects will both regenera
26/04/2018
Kildare County Council has put forward a proposal to build a community playground in the Sallins Parish Lands. The site is located off Chapel Avenue between the rear of the existing Parochial House and Primary School. This comes after the playground proposals were published last year. Since then
26/04/2018
The Meath County Council has issued three proposals to build new properties across Co Meath. There are plans to build 10 housing units in a Wheatfield, Cortown site. Two 3-bed, 2 storey houses, and eight 2-bed, storey houses are outlined. In Eden, Kilmainhamwood four housing units are proposed,
26/04/2018
A €10 million investment has been put forward by Irish Water to replace the ageing water mains in Galway City. The mains are prone to leakages and bursts, resulting in outages and reduced water pressure occasionally. The work, contracted to Shareridge Limited, will replace 19 kilometres of water
26/04/2018
Tunnelling in Dublin for the new rail service MetroLink must use an alternative site, according to Fine Gael TD Noel Rock. Speaking at a special meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport to discuss the MetroLink proposal, Deputy Rock said: "It is clear now that the tunnel
26/04/2018
Contracts have been signed to acquire the site of former Harold's Cross Stadium, Dublin, for the construction of two proposed new schools. Minister Bruton revealed the news today, April 26, after last week he announced the plans to build 17 new schools opening next year. "We are now creating mor
26/04/2018
Planning permission has been granted to Moorefield Hospitality Ltd and Premier Inn for the development of a hotel on the Antrim Road, Crumlin. The Planning Committee of Antrim and Newtonabbey Borough Council granted permission for the site, set to be located adjacent to the junction of Ballyrobin
26/04/2018
Luke Poots, the son of DUP MLA Edwin Poots, is to be investigated following allegations of a conflict of interest in a number of planning decisions. Mr Poots is the chairman of Lisburn and Castlereagh City council's planning committee and according to reports allegations have been made that he has
26/04/2018
The Managing Director of Hagan Homes, Jamesy Hagan, has been named in the Northern Ireland 40 Under 40 List 2018. Hagan Homes in Ballyclare is one of Northern Ireland's largest homebuilders, having built over 4,000 homes across Northern Ireland. Mr Hagan has been in the role of Managing Director s
25/04/2018
Plans have been announced by Irish Water to build a new wastewater treatment plant in Castletownbere in an effort to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater in Bantry Bay. Alongside the plant, the plans also include the construction of an associated sewage network and infrastructure. Irish Wa
25/04/2018
A major water main in Ballinlough is to be replaced after a series of bursts have resulted in water outages for the local area. A total of 1,550 meters of the main will be replaced by Roscommon County Council in partnership with Irish Water. A minor valve installation programme has already began
25/04/2018
Irish Water is to issue new water meters to its business customers in Co Donegal and Co Limerick. The new meters have in-built drive-by technology that allows for faster and more frequent meter readings. The data will then be sent to Irish Water to assist in identifying potential leaks at premis
25/04/2018
Deputy Ó Broin has hit out at local authorities after figures released by the Department of Housing showed that only 13% of real social homes delivered in 2017 were built by local authorities. According to the statistics only 780 of the 6,000 homes delivered were built by local authorities. This n
25/04/2018
JP Corry Lisburn has won the overall award at the fifth Octabuild Builders Merchant Awards for Northern Ireland. The event, on 12 April, also honoured other Northern Ireland companies in six other categories. Another branch of JP Corry, located in Coleraine, won for Best Premises. Two differen
25/04/2018
The Calnan Group provide specialised equipment to various sectors such as the mining industry, energy, waste and state bodies not only nationally but also internationally. Product types such as transformer rooms, switch rooms, rescue stations, workshops, storerooms, sub stations and pump stations
25/04/2018
Comber Greenway has entered a second phase of construction, with plans to widen the path by four metres and extend its reach by 1.8 kilometres. The path will reach Millmount Chase with the new extension. The second phase has begun after an extra £120,000 of funding was put towards the project.
25/04/2018
The government's plan to deliver 17 new schools next year has taken a blow, after Deputy Thomas Byrne revealed that no sites have yet been identified. Thomas Byrne, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education, urged Minister Richard Bruton to act on his plan after discovering the new information. "New
24/04/2018
A new €2 million underwater robot which will inspect, repair and maintain facilities for the Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) sector has been unveiled in Limerick city. The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) was officially launched by Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single M
24/04/2018
Development work is to resume on the A29 Cookstown Bypass project. Mid Ulster District Council has confirmed that plans for the project will be progressed after a delegation met with the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Infrastructure, Peter May, last month to lobby for the scheme's develo
24/04/2018
Up to £67 million to be invested towards improving internet speeds across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. With the Government launching a nationwide Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS), the £67m investment is being made in addition to the £200m allocated to the Local Full Fibr
24/04/2018
Irish Water has published a new report summarising the feedback on the Water Supply Project, Eastern and Midlands Region. The project aims to deliver a secure, reliable and sustainable long-term water supply that will support the Eastern and Midlands Region's social and economic growth from 2025.
24/04/2018
The deadline to express interest in providing social housing in Offaly is Friday, 27 April, Offaly County Council has announced. The local authority is seeking to purchase schemes of houses up to a maximum of 20 on one site for Social Housing purposes in County Offaly. The criteria for a decision
24/04/2018
Louth County Council has made confirmation orders detailing the compulsory purchase orders of four listed land sites. The sites listed in the acquisition are; • 10-13 Castletown Road, Dundalk • 38 Cooley Park, Dundalk • 41 Cooley Park, Dundalk and • Drummallagh, Omeath. The orders authori
24/04/2018
Kilkenny County Council has issued a statement regarding water problems in a number of Kilkenny areas today, 24 April. Water supplies will be turned off from approximately 11am to 2pm in Mill Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. In Templeorum Village, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, water will be off from app
24/04/2018
Mid and East Antrim Councillors have called for clarification over the future positions of Kilroot and Ballylumford Power Stations. Last week, it was revealed the start date for an all-Ireland new single electricity market had been postponed by utility regulators north and south of the border due t
23/04/2018
Improvement work to upgrade old and ageing water mains throughout Galway city is to begin. Irish Water has teamed up with Galway City Council and a total of €10 million is being invested to replace 19 kilometres of ageing water mains. It is estimated that up to 50 per cent of treated water running
23/04/2018
IDA Ireland is being urged to make more land available for investment. Fianna Fail TD James Browne made the call after figures revealed that Wexford has the sixth lowest amount of hectares available for IDA-supported investment in the entire country. He said: "With just 3.596 hectares available ac
23/04/2018
Sinn Fein has raised serious concerns after figures revealed the rise in private rents in Northern Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín made the comments according to figures in the Homelet Rental Index. She said: "Average rent in the private sector has risen by 2.4% here com
23/04/2018
Plans to move Forge Integrated Primary School onto the former Knockbreda High School site in south Belfast has been given the go-ahead. Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw welcomed the announcement and said it is a "hugely exciting move". He said: "I have worked with the Principal and others
23/04/2018
Fianna Fail has hit out over the ongoing delay in the R336 Galway to Ros a’ Mhíl road project. A preferred route for the scheme has not been chosen and the Minister for Transport Shane Ross has only allocated €20,000 this year towards the scheme. The money is to be used for an updated appraisal, i
23/04/2018
Fianna Fail is calling on the banks to pay money back to all customers affected by the tracker mortgage scandal as well as compensation. The party's spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath TD was responding to comments reported on RTE News from the Governor of the Central Bank Philip Lane in Washin
23/04/2018
If we don't make affordable housing a reality for buyers and renters we will condemn a generation to uncertainty and damage our own economic prospects, according to Fianna Fail. The party's housing spokesperson also hit out at the government over its three-year delay in the affordable rental scheme
23/04/2018
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has held its seventh Insight Housing Market Intelligence Exchange event, which brings together key professionals representing housing and associated sectors in Northern Ireland. The exchange looked at evidence and policy on the private rented sector and
20/04/2018
A new slip road is to be developed at Lakeview Roundabout in Midleton, Co Cork. The new slip road will allow traffic from the South R630 to merge with the N25 westbound to Cork City. Sinn Fein TD Pat Buckley welcomed the announcement. He said: "This is wonderful news and I'm sure all users of thi
20/04/2018
Work is to start to replace old and ageing water mains in Co Monaghan. Over 1.2 kilometres of new water mains are to be installed in Newbiss. The works are scheduled to commence on the week starting April 23 as part of Irish Water's national Leakage Reduction Programme. The old and damaged cast i
20/04/2018
The £7 million redevelopment of the Brandywell Regeneration Project in L'Derry has officially opened. It is one of the key strategic capital projects identified in the Strategic Growth Plan and is funded by Council and the Social Investment Fund (SIF) under the NI Executive's Delivering Social Chan
20/04/2018
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has been called to expand the number of Housing First tenancies to 1,000, beyond the target of 300 set for 2017. Sinn Féin made the call after figures revealed a significant drop in the number of people sleeping rough in Dublin. Deputy Ó Broin said: "There are now 40
20/04/2018
Sinn Féin has hit out at manufacturers in Ireland and accused them of creating a "conveyor belt" of waste in the country. TD Brian Stanley also slammed the Government and said it has "little interest" in changing the situation. Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Stanley said: "The waste keeps being produced
20/04/2018
The Department of Education has confirmed that a site has been secured to develop the new Greystones Community National School. The school is currently located on the grounds of Greystones Rugby Club. Stephen Donnelly, Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow and East Carlowsaid: "I have been working closely wi
20/04/2018
A total of £7 million funding has been approved to upgrade the North West Regional College's Springtown campus in Co L'Derry. Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald said the announcement is positive news for the college and the wider North West. She said: "This investment is important in terms of enhanci
19/04/2018
Córas Pipeline Services has replaced a total of 785 metres of ageing water mains in Dublin. Irish Water, in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, has invested €350,000 in the project which took place on the Monkstown Road. The water main, which was around 140-years-old, was prone
19/04/2018
Construction work has started on 28 new homes in the Dundonald area of east Belfast. Hagan Homes is developing the new houses in the Comber Road area and the scheme is expected to be completed by Spring 2019. 50 construction jobs are to be created and Phase 1 of the development is scheduled for co
19/04/2018
Work has started on the final phase of a flood alleviation scheme in co Fermanagh. The £350,000 project is taking place in the Acres area of Lisnaskea. The work will reduce the risk of flooding to dwellings in the Acres area of Lisnaskea that flooded during the December 2015 floods. The final pha
19/04/2018
Sinn Féin has accused Fine Gael of not understanding the causes of the housing crisis throughout Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson, Deputy Ó Broin, was speaking following the publication of the 2017 social housing output report and new targets for 2018. He also described the figures as "de
19/04/2018
Labour has hit out at the government on relying heavily on the private sector to provide social and affordable homes. The party's housing spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan, said social housing targets need to be increased as the State is not developing enough social homes. She made the call after the l
19/04/2018
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is being urged to begin preparatory works "as soon as possible" to ensure that the Luas project is not delayed. Fine Gael TD Noel Rock made the call to ensure protection of the land needed for the project. He said: "The potential land marked out in Finglas an
19/04/2018
Work to upgrade the Royal Canal cycle and walkway in Dublin is to get underway, according to the National Transport Authority. Fianna Fáil TD Jack Chambers welcomed the announcement, however he said more needs to be done to encourage more people to get on their bikes. "As we come out of a particul
19/04/2018
Sinn Féin is urging the Human Rights Commission to "step up to the mark" to promote the right to adequate housing. The party's housing spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín, said numerous reports from the UN have expressed concern and called for the issues to be addressed immediately. Speaking after a me
18/04/2018
There has been a 30% rise in the use of prefabs in Irish schools between 2015 and 2017, according to new data. Fianna Fáil Seanad Group Leader, Senator Catherine Ardagh, described the poor quality of some prefabs as "simply not acceptable". She said: "A significant number of the prefab facilities
18/04/2018
Coffey Northumbrian Limited has started work to improve the Grange, Strandhill, Tubbercurry and Ballinafad wastewater treatment plants in Sligo. The work is expected to be completed in 22 months and is expected to serve around 8,300 people. The upgrade of the wastewater treatment plants will bring
18/04/2018
The Minister for Education has been called to ensure there are no further delays in the development of the school building project for Whitecross School in Julianstown, Co Meath. Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Declan Breathnach, made the comments after the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Educat
18/04/2018
Plans are to be unveiled to end the discharge of untreated water to Galway Bay. The practice threatens water quality as well as the amenity value of the coastal waters around Spiddal. Plans to stop the discharge of the equivalent of 600 wheelie bins of untreated wastewater being discharged into Ga
18/04/2018
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is being urged to submit plans in relation to the N6 Galway city ring road to An Bord Pleanála immediately. Fianna Fáil described the delays as "completely unacceptable" and said it is "one of the most urgently needed infrastructure projects facing the city".
18/04/2018
The A2 redevelopment in L'Derry needs to be taken forward, according to Sinn Féin. MP Elisha McCallion said the proposed A2 Buncrana Road upgrade would see a four-lane road from the Pennyburn roundabout to the border. She said: "This would open up improved access to strategic sites in the city su
18/04/2018
A protest has been held at Leinster House in Dublin over the 27% rise in rent for accommodation in Shanowen student halls near Dublin City University. Sinn Féin supported the protest and called on the Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to include an amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act that treat
18/04/2018
Sinn Féin is calling for a major social housing programme to be established in Northern Ireland. Housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilin urged the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Department of Communities to develop more homes. She made the call after a new report by the Nevin Economic Re
17/04/2018
Breedon has acquired the Lagan Group for £455 million. The acquisition is in relation to only Kevin Lagan's part of the business. Lagan Group was formed in the 1960s on the outskirts of Belfast by Kevin’s father, Peter Lagan, when he opened his first quarry at Whitemountain. Chairman Kevin Lagan
17/04/2018
A boil water notice has been extended to householders on the Lough Talt public water supply in Sligo. The notice has been extended in the towns of Tubbercurry and Ballymote and a large rural hinterland including the villages of Annagh, Aclare, Bellaghy, Bunnanaddan, Curry, Lavagh, Ballanacarrow, Ca
17/04/2018
The Department of Communities has been called to provide more funding to build more homes in Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein made the call after meeting with its senior management team to discuss a number of housing issues. MLA Carál Ní Chuilín stressed the need to build more homes particularly in are
17/04/2018
A government scheme set up to encourage the construction of affordable housing has not made any payments since it was launched in December 2015, according to RTE journalist Louise Byrne. The Development Contribution Rebate Scheme was established by the last government under then Minister Alan Kelly
17/04/2018
The Housing Minister is being urged to "get the new legislation right" following plans that his department believes it will tackle issues for tenants in the private rented sector. The proposals also include a rent register and an increase to the minimum notice period required before a tenant must
17/04/2018
A new secondary school is to be developed in the Citywest/Saggart area of Dublin. The new school is expected to open in 2020. Fine Gael TD Colm Brophy welcomed the announcement and said it is great news for the community. He said: "Fine Gael in Government is determined that no child is left behin
17/04/2018
NIE Networks has launched FishSafe2018 to remind anglers to look up and look out for overhead electricity power lines before they start fishing. With the fishing season underway anglers continue to put themselves and others at risk of injury or death because they accidentally come too close or mak
17/04/2018
Fianna Fail has called for a Green Deal Agency to be established after working families are being priced out of measures to reduce their heating bills and carbon footprints. Deputy Tim Dooley made the call after the Government announced a new grant of up to €3,500 towards the purchase and installat
16/04/2018
Grants of up to €3,500 are now available to householders for heat pumps to be installed. Applications are now open and householders are being urged to apply. The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten said switching to renewable heating options like heat pumps w
16/04/2018
Fianna Fáil has called on Dublin City Council to invest in the development of the vacant Ballymun Shopping Centre. Dublin City Councillor Paul McAuliffe made the call following confirmation that leading French sports retailer, Decathlon, has reached agreement with the council to purchase land close
16/04/2018
Sinn Féin has raised concerns over the number of prefabricated buildings still being used by schools throughout Ireland. TD Gerry Adams submitted a series of Parliamentary Questions seeking the number of prefabricated buildings still in use in Louth, and the number of schools still waiting on the g
16/04/2018
The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) and 24housing have announced a media partnership. The partnership will improve NIFHA's profile and its members through increased presence in the publication across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. With more than 90,000 leaders onli
16/04/2018
Most of last year's area planning targets for schools in Northern Ireland have been missed. The UUP said few people will be surprised at the latest figures. The party's education spokesperson, Rosemary Barton MLA, said of the 106 identified action points across primary, post-primary and special sc
16/04/2018
A number of concerns have been raised over the current mortgage rates in Ireland. Fianna Fáil Jobs Spokesperson, Billy Kelleher TD, said the formation of a European Single Market for mortgages should be examined in detail. The average standard variable rate for a mortgage in Ireland is currently 3
16/04/2018
Sinn Féin has called on the Housing Minister to expand the number of Housing First tenancies to 1,000. The party's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, made the call after a homeless man died in the emergency department of Tallaght Hospital on Saturday, 14 April. It is believed the man was seeking
16/04/2018
A social housing provider in Northern Ireland and Barclays have announced a deal that will see £50 million of funds being used to to help with housing shortages in areas of high demand in Northern Ireland. The partnership working will provide the boost for both the housing and construction sector a
13/04/2018
The Department of Education has announced its plans to build 42 new schools over the next four years. The announcement, made by Minister for Education Richard Bruton, detailed that 26 primary and 16 post-primary schools are to be built in the coming years. A total of 17 schools are set to open a
13/04/2018
A new report has revealed that carbon emissions in Ireland are among the highest in Europe, with Ireland beating the European average by 58%. According to the report, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the increase is due to the greater use of high-carbon fuels includ
13/04/2018
The Government has been urged to take action over the housing crisis following the publication of three residential construction cost reports. The reports compare construction costs in Ireland and comparable countries in Europe, the impact of the new construction guidelines for apartments and other
13/04/2018
Punch Consulting Engineers have been appointed as the consulting engineers for work to improve Inis Oírr Pier on the Aran Islands. With some €332,000 approved for Galway County Council to appoint the firm, Punch will carry out the design specification and prepare construction tender documents for t
13/04/2018
Labour has called upon Education Minister Richard Bruton to explain whether his planned new school programme will have an impact on existing school refurbishment projects. Earlier today, 13 April, Minister Bruton revealed plans to establish 42 new schools in Ireland over the next four years, creati
13/04/2018
Lowry Building and Civil Engineering is to begin work on a £275,000 drainage infrastructure scheme in Whiteabbey. The 12-week scheme will reduce flooding to 29 properties in Whiteabbey by replacing existing an inadequate and structurally defective masonry culvert. The project will include building
12/04/2018
Planning permission has been granted for the refurbishment and re-use the existing Grade B1-listed former Waterside Railway Station in Derry/L'Derry. The new £27 million North-West Multimodal Transport Hub will include an active travel centre, passenger facilities, a café, retail space and staff fa
12/04/2018
More than €16 million is to be invested to build a new water treatment plant and associated network for Thurles in Co Tipperary. Glan Agua Limited has been signed to deliver the €16.6m scheme and construction is due to get underway in the coming months. The project will result in a more secure, sa
12/04/2018
A new report has forecasted average house prices in Ireland to increase by at least 10% in 2019. The latest Friends First Economic Outlook report states that a shortage of labour in the construction sector will result in housing needs not being met, posing a "serious national challenge" to Ireland'
12/04/2018
SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson, Nichola Mallon MLA, has welcomed an agreement made between Radius Housing and Barclays that will see £50 million of funding used to tackle housing shortages in areas of high demand in Northern Ireland. The partnership aims to boost both the housing and construction
12/04/2018
The Tropical Ravine in Belfast's Botanic Gardens reopen to the public following a £3.8 million refurbishment. Councillors, local residents, and a number of invited guests got a sneak peek of the new facility to see first-hand how the listed building has been restored to its former glory thanks to t
12/04/2018
Quinn Industrial Holdings has announced a 7.4% increase in turnover totalling €209 million as part of an overview of its 2017 operating performance. Highlights include: • Turnover up 7.4% to €209m • EBITDA up 31% from €18.2m to €23.9m • Group Operating Profit up 48% to €14.9m • Profit Before Ta
11/04/2018
Football club St Patrick's Athletic has revealed plans to develop a new 12,000-seater stadium in Inchimore. The scheme would also include a new shopping complex and new houses. St Pat's said the stadium construction would be financially independent and not reliant on government funding. Dublin Ci
11/04/2018
New figures have revealed more than 1,500 new social and 'affordable' homes were delivered by Northern Ireland's Housing Associations in 2017. The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) said during the last year, work on a total of 1,507 new social and affordable homes was comp
11/04/2018
EirGrid Group has strengthened its senior team by appointing Mark Foley as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr Foley will join the company on 25 June from Coillte, where he is currently the Managing Director of the Land Solutions business and previously held the role of Managing Director of Coi
11/04/2018
A milestone has been reached on a £8.5 million housing scheme in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The first phase of Choice Housing's Larne Road development, located on the former site of St Mary's Primary School, was officially opened on Monday, 09 April. Phase one includes the first 12 units of the develop
11/04/2018
Irish fast-food giant Supermac's is to create 200 jobs by opening three new outlets in Cork city. According to reports, the outlets will be created at Ballyvolane, the Amber filling station near the Bandon Road roundabout, and Tivoli. The restaurants are part of a nationwide six-outlet expansion
11/04/2018
New figures have revealed that more than 10,000 households in South Dublin are in need of council housing. The figures, which were revealed at a meeting of Dublin County Council on 09 April, show that 7,633 households are on the standard Housing List; 2,470 are on the Homeless List, Medical List a
10/04/2018
€1.2 billion is to be invested in the Irish culture, heritage and language infrastructure, according to Irish government representatives. The investment was revealed today (10 April) at the National Gallery of Ireland (NGI), as part of the government's Project Ireland 2040. Investing in Our Cult
10/04/2018
Concerns have been raised over the effect of Carillion's collapse on planned school projects across Ireland. Last week, Kildare-based contractor Sammon Group entered into protected receivership as a result of Carillion's failure, with a reported €8 million owed to the company by the now-defunct ind
10/04/2018
Fianna Fáil's new housing spokesperson, Darragh O'Brien, has been called upon to outline his proposals for tackling Ireland's housing crisis. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin TD, said so far Mr O'Brien's party has "managed to avoid spelling out any key proposals it has to tackle the ong
10/04/2018
A new Chair and Vice Chair have been appointed to the Heart of Ancient Ulster Landscape Partnership Scheme (LPS). Following a series of consultation events across the Mid Ulster and Fermanagh and Omagh districts, Monica Coyle has been selected as Chair while Mid Ulster Councillor, Sean Clarke, take
10/04/2018
Plans have been revealed to establish Europe's first 21st Century University Town in Co Clare. Councillors are aiming to gain Government approval for the designation of University of Limerick (UL) campus and the hinterland of the campus as the South Clare Economic Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).
10/04/2018
More than 1,000 homes have been repaired under the Pyrite Remediation Scheme, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Damien English, has announced. Three and a half years after commencing the Pyrite Remediation Scheme in 2014, over 1,000 homes have been have successfully returned to their
09/04/2018
A new pilot project has been launched by ESB Networks to future proof the electricity network for homes, farms and businesses on the Dingle Peninsula. The utility has chosen Dingle for its project to examine the impact of renewables, battery storage and greater use of electricity for heat and trans
09/04/2018
Work is to begin on a new €910,000 play park in Shannon, Co Clare. Over the next six months, the Crawford Group will deliver the new Shannon Town Park and completion is scheduled for this autumn. Designed by Nicholas de Jong Associates|Urban Design (Limerick), features include building formal foot
09/04/2018
BSG Civil Engineering is continuing work to upgrade the local water supply in Co Fermanagh. The contractor has completed the first section of a 3.5km watermain between Ally Hill Service Reservoir (SR), on the outskirts of Lough Bradan and Doochrock SR near Ederney. The new upsized watermain will r
09/04/2018
Waterford Courthouse has been reopened today, Monday 09 April, after a €26 million refurbishment and extension was completed. Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, opened the courthouse. It is now 6000 square metres in comparison to its previous size of 1000 square metres. Mr
09/04/2018
The Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy, has been urged to heed the recommendations of the Housing Committee before publishing his proposals for dealing with the regulation of the short term letting sector and "not capitulate to Airbnb". Making the call, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin
09/04/2018
Plans have been unveiled to carry out an improvement project at Millstreet Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Cork. The scheme involves decommissioning of the existing wastewater treatment processes as it is currently operating over its design capacity by creating a new modern wastewater treatment pl
06/04/2018
Taoiseach Leo Varadker has been urged to act over the housing crisis in Ireland. Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD called upon Mr Varadker to take action during a visit to his Dublin West constituency this morning, Friday 06 April. Speaking outside the Crown Plaza at the Blanchardstown Cent
06/04/2018
Fianna Fáil has raised concerns over the increase in student accommodation costs near Dublin City University on the North side of the city. The party's new Housing Spokesperson, Darragh O'Brien TD, said this year students living in the Shanowen Square complex in Santry will have to pay over €9,000
06/04/2018
A demonstration is scheduled to take place in Dublin this weekend calling on the Government to take action over the housing crisis. The National 'Housing is a Human Right' march will take place in the city from 1pm on Saturday, 07 April. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál Mac Donncha, has joined wi
06/04/2018
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has completed work to create a specially adapted home at the Ballykeel 1 estate in Ballymena. NIHE worked alongside health and social care professionals, occupational therapists and M&M contractors to modify two adjoining properties for the McKay family
06/04/2018
The Department for Communities has extended the appointment of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's (NIHE) Interim Vice-Chair by a further six months. Gregory Lomax, who has been a NIHE Board Member since April 2013, has had his role as a NIHE Board Member extended from 15 April 2018 until 14 O
06/04/2018
Labour representative for Dublin Bay North, Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has expressed his bitter disappointment at the decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for a large scale housing development at St. Paul's land in St. Anne's Park. Senator Ó Ríordáin said: "The decision publish
05/04/2018
Irish electricity firm ESB has acquired a 12.5% shareholding in the Galloper Offshore Wind Farm, located off Suffolk coast. The Galloper project is a 353MW development located in the Outer Thames estuary, 30km off the coast of Suffolk, England. It comprises 56 Siemens-Gamesa wind turbines and is in
05/04/2018
Work on the first section of a 3.5km watermain between Ally Hill Service Reservoir (SR), on the outskirts of Lough Bradan and Doochrock SR near Ederney in Fermanagh, has been completed. NI Water has invested £1 million in the project and the new upsized watermain will replace the old cast iron pipe
05/04/2018
Sinn Féin has blamed Fianna Fail over the housing and homeless crisis in Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD hit out at Fianna Fail TD Micheál Martin for criticising the current government housing policy. He said: "Micheál Martin is criticising the current government, that hi
05/04/2018
A new £3.7 million supported housing living scheme developed by Ark Housing has officially opened in Bangor, Co Down. The scheme is designed to meet the latest dementia best practice standards and guidelines and was part-funded by the Department for Communities (DfC) through a Housing Association G
05/04/2018
Over 70 heritage projects in Ireland are set to benefit from the €1.3 million Structures at Risk Fund (SRF) 2018. The SRF supports conservation works to historic structures, in both private and public ownership, which are at significant risk of deterioration. The fund encourages the regeneration an
05/04/2018
Construction work is to start on the development of a new reservoir and over 4km of new water mains and booster station in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. The plans are part of Irish Water's Clonmel Regional Water Supply Scheme North Storage project. Irish Water has signed a contract with John Cradock Ltd
05/04/2018
Fine Gael is calling on the Garda Commissioner to consider opening a new Garda Station on cherrywood, dublin. TD Maria Bailey made the call over the expected increase in population growth in the area in the near future. She said: "Given the planned growth in the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zo
05/04/2018
Councillors are being urged to reject plans to sell the last remaining Magdalene Laundry in Dublin. Fianna Fail made the call following proposals from Dublin City Council to sell the site. A survey conducted and published by the Inner-City Organisations Network has revealed that more than 80% of r
04/04/2018
Concerns have been raised over Minor Works Scheme for schools. Fianna Fail Education spokesperson Thomas Byrne confirmed the scheme has been placed on a statutory bases under a future Fianna Fáil-led government. He said: "Before Christmas, Minister Bruton cast doubt on the Government providing a M
04/04/2018
A new water main is to be installed in Galway. Work to replace 160 metres of ageing water main in Roundstone will begin on Thursday, 05 April. On Monday, 09 April, work will start in Conramon and Clonbur to replace and decommission sections of ageing water mains that are prone to bursts. The rep
04/04/2018
Serious concerns have been raised over new buy-to-let mortgages with an interest only option of up to 15 years. Fianna Fáil's spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath called on the Central Bank to examine the products. He said: "With an interest only mortgage, the capital repayments only kick in af
04/04/2018
The Government has once again been called to take action following the rise in the number of homeless people in Ireland. Labour housing spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan, called on the government to take "quick action" to give renters more security in their homes. She said: "I am launching the Greater
04/04/2018
The SDLP has welcomed the announcement that a contract has been awarded for the Drumahoe-Dungiven section of the A6. Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said that people in L'Derry were delighted to hear that the road improvements are progressing. He said: "Improved connectivity is vitally important not only
04/04/2018
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Housing Minister following reports that the increase in the number of homeless people is because of their own behaviour. The party's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin TD, accused Minister Eoghan Murphy of "victim blaming". He said: "There are a number of stories in th
04/04/2018
Construction work has begun on a road improvement project in Gilford, Co Down. Work on the £80,000 project on the A51 Wall Road includes the strengthening of the retaining wall and associated surfacing work. Diversions will be put in place during the works. Motorists are being warned to expect de
04/04/2018
Work is to start on a £285,000 road resurfacing project in Limavady, L'Derry. The work, whiich will being on Monday, 09 April, will take place on the A2 Seacoast Road between the junction of Bishops Road and Benone Leisure complex. The 2,700 metre long resurfacing scheme includes the provision of
