Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for July 2018
31/07/2018
More than 1,250 residential units are to be developed in Tyrrelstown near Dublin. Glenveagh Properties has exchanged contracts to acquire a circa 113-hectare site, 39 hectares of which are zoned residential, in Dublin 15. The acquisition, which is adjacent to the Group's existing site at Hollystow
31/07/2018
Graham Construction is to begin extending hard shoulder bus lanes along the M1 and M2 motorways near Belfast. The project involves upgrading existing bus lanes, as well as replacing existing bus lane signs and installing additional CCTV. The existing Belfast bound bus lane on the M1 will be lengt
31/07/2018
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle, has urged Secretary of State Karen Bradley to do what she can to help develop a City Deal bid for L'Derry. During a visit to Northern Ireland last week, Chancellor Philip Hammond invited a bid for a Derry-Londonderry city dea
31/07/2018
Work on an expansion project at the Crannagh Activity Centre in Coleraine is now complete. Together with The Edge Watersports, up to £25,000 has been invested to increase the existing waterpark by 40% to over 2,500 sq ms, while also creating 12 new jobs at the £2 million Crannagh Marina Complex on
31/07/2018
The Central Bank of Ireland has warned of overheating pressures within the Irish economy as it moves towards full capacity. The Bank's latest Quarterly Bulletin of 2018 reports the economy is continuing to grow, with underlying domestic demand expected to grow by 4.4% in 2018 and 4.1% next year. I
31/07/2018
Construction work is underway to upgrade a 1km stretch of Ashbury Avenue in Bangor, Co Down. Up to £175,000 is being invested to improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway. Completion is scheduled for late August. For safety reasons, road closures will be in operation during the c
31/07/2018
An Bord Pleanála have rejected plans to build a chapel and car park on a pauper burial ground in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin. The Department of Culture and Heritage had previously approved €2 million in funding to assist with the work, which included building a chapel on the graves of more than 3,00
31/07/2018
Up to £180,000 is being invested to resurface a section of the Stranmillis Road in Belfast. Work will begin on the road from its junction with Malone Road to the junction with Richmond Park on Wednesday, 01 August. The 10-day scheme will involve road closures between 9.30am – 4.30pm each day and s
30/07/2018
Northern Ireland will "bear the hardest effects of Brexit", according to Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard. Mr Hazzard made his comments after a recent report by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) revealed a 6% decline in NI's private construction sector over the past year. Over the same perio
30/07/2018
Work on the Carlingford Lough Greenway from Newry to Victoria Lock is now complete. The route, which is approximately 5.7kms, was officially opened on 27 July. To complete the Greenway from Newry to the Weir on the Middlebank, initial funding was secured by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
30/07/2018
Work has started on a £100,000 footway upgrade project in Newtownards, Co Down. The 1.4km resurfacing scheme will take place at U9012, Victoria Road, Victoria Crescent, Victoria Park and Victoria Gardens. Overall, the project aims to greatly improve the surface quality of the development. Work is
30/07/2018
More than 70 parks and green spaces in Northern Ireland have achieved a Green Flag Award. A record 71 parks and green spaces have secured the accolade, which is an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management for parks and open, green spaces. Overall for the 2018/
30/07/2018
Residents in the Causeway Coast and Glens area who own or manage a community facility are being urged to take part in a new facilities digital survey. The Shared Spaces initiative is part of the £4.8 million funding from the European Union's Peace IV Programme and involves mapping all community own
30/07/2018
The Department for Infrastructure has decided not to appeal against a Court ruling overturning its decision to grant permission for a £240 million waste incinerator in Mallusk. Despite a Department for Infrastructure civil servant approving plans for the facility in 2017, the High Court blocked the
30/07/2018
A number of war memorials are being repaired across the Lisburn & Castlereagh region ahead of the Centenary of Armistice Day. Councillor Nathan Anderson, Chairman of the Council's Corporate Services Committee, said war memorials in Lisburn, Glenavy, Hilden, Hillsborough and Moira will be refurbishe
30/07/2018
A new 4G playing surface is to be installed at Inver Park in Larne, Co Antrim. Following the recent purchase of the facility from the local authority by Larne Football Club (FC), plans have been revealed to install the new surface including as state-of-the-art floodlights ahead of the 2018/19 seaso
30/07/2018
Work is to begin on a water mains upgrade project in Carlow. Around 600 metres of old and damaged cast iron water mains will be replaced with new piping along Upper Tullow Street. Work will take place between the Potato Market and the junction of Barrack Street. In addition, new water service conn
30/07/2018
A boil water notice has been issued for residents serviced by the Grangemore Public Water Supply and Ballinameen Camlin Group Water Scheme. Irish Water are asking customers in the Croghan, Ballinameen, Ballymore, Killarght (County Sligo), The Plains and surrounding areas to boil their water so it i
27/07/2018
Up to €14 million is being invested by Irish Water to upgrade Bandon Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Cork. A contract has been signed with EPS to carry out the work, which will involve upgrades at the treatment plant and at the Glasslinn Road Pumping Station. Features will include installing new
27/07/2018
A new two-year pilot scheme has been launched which encourages farmers to adopt farming practices that help to protect the quality of river water for communities in Counties Donegal and Tyrone. The scheme is part of a €5.3 million cross-border EU INTERREG VA funded project called Source to Tap. Th
27/07/2018
London-based specialist multi-disciplinary surveying and design consultancy, GIA, is planning to create a new office base in Belfast. The move will create up to 16 new jobs, adding to the 150 staff employed by GIA across Manchester and London. GIA is the largest specialist advisor in the UK on Rig
27/07/2018
Concerns have been raised over the impact the political deadlock at Stormont will have on tackling climate change in Northern Ireland. A recent report by the Westminster Environmental Audit Committee states Britain will suffer 7,000 heat-related deaths every year by 2050 unless the UK Government do
27/07/2018
Food manufacturer Crust & Crumb has revealed plans to build a new €5 million factory in Co. Cavan. Up to 80 new jobs will be created at the facility, which will be located in Ballyconnell. Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys T.D, said: "This is a great day for Crust
27/07/2018
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has been criticised over its failure to provide temporary accommodation for people who are homeless in Belfast. SDLP Councillor Paul McCusker, hit out at the lack of action being taken to mitigate the situation. "Everyday it is a struggle to find a bed
27/07/2018
Work is to begin next month on a £50,000 road resurfacing project in Strabane. Around 240 metres of road between Bradley Way Roundabout and Lifford Road Roundabout on the A5 Bradley Way will be repaired. The project is due to begin on 06 August and completion is set for 17 August, subject to weath
27/07/2018
Veolia has announced Gavin Graveson as its new Executive Vice President of UK & Ireland. Mr Graveson will succeed Estelle Brachlianoff, who has taken up the role of Chief Operating Officer for Veolia group based in Paris. As Veolia' former Chief Operating Officer, the company said Mr Graveson has
27/07/2018
Transport Minister Shane Ross is to visit Counties Monaghan and Cavan next month, Fianna Fáil has confirmed. Fianna Fáil Senator, Robbie Gallagher, said the Minister recently contacted him to say he will visit the region in August "to see first-hand the poor condition of the roads". Senator Gallag
27/07/2018
More than €2,000 has been awarded to Coiste Forbartha Charraig Airt to enable the committee to erect signpost information around the town. The €2,125 grant is being approved under the Gaeltacht action of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030. Minister of State for the
26/07/2018
Plans have been approved to redevelop a historic warehouse building on Dublin's quays. The building at 30 - 32 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, which was originally used for the importation of tropical fruit into Ireland, will be transformed into a new 75,000 sq ft waterfront office development.
26/07/2018
New figures have revealed challenges remain within Northern Ireland's construction sector. The latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Tughans Northern Ireland Construction & Infrastructure Market Survey for Q2 2018 reveals workloads were broadly flat for the fifth quarter in a r
26/07/2018
Ireland is set to miss its 2020 and 2030 climate change targets, according to the Climate Change Advisory Council. In its Annual Review 2018, the independent advisory body revealed greenhouse gas emissions increased again in 2016 and projections of emissions to 2035 show the country is some way off
26/07/2018
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan has called for upgrade works to be carried out on the A5 following the publication of a report on the UK's most dangerous roads. The study, published by Teletrac Navman, identifies Fermanagh and Omagh as having the third highest number of road deaths out of the whole of th
26/07/2018
More than €2 million is being invested by Irish Water to develop Drainage Area Plans for Galway City. Contracts have recently been signed with RPS Environmental Management to carry out extensive surveying and mapping of the existing wastewater treatment network in Barna and Oranmore. Survey work is
26/07/2018
NI Water is celebrating after picking up an award at Esri's annual International User Conference in San Diego. The company has won a Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award out of 300,000 eligible candidates for its innovative application of Esri's ArcGIS technology and for fully embracing the platf
26/07/2018
The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Burton, has allegedly blamed Carillon and Sammon sub-contractors for their loss of payments. Fianna Fáil TD for Laois, Sean Fleming, described Minister Bruton's comments as "shameful". They were revealed in a parliamentary question reply from Minister
26/07/2018
Up to £300,000 has been invested to refurbish 12 bungalows in Cookstown, Co Tyrone. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) carried out the thermal comfort scheme for residents at Killymoon Crescent. The prefabricated aluminium bungalows, built in 1950, were transformed to address the value
26/07/2018
Work is to begin on the next phase of a £230,000 road improvement scheme in Ballygowan, Newtownards. A 0.85km section of the C0272 Carrickmannon Road and C0367 Church Hill will be resurfaced to improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway. The work, which includes Church Hill from t
26/07/2018
Dawson Wam is continuing work on a flood alleviation scheme for the Upper Newtownards Road/Knock Road area of East Belfast. With all sewer laying work now completed, the final section of road resurfacing is set to take place on the Upper Newtownards Road, between Pasadena Gardens and Knockhill Park
25/07/2018
Plans have been approved for a £3 million project to bring natural gas to Whitehead in Co Antrim. Having secured the green light from the Utility Regulator, Phoenix Natural Gas will start work later this year to bring natural gas to around 2,250 commercial and domestic properties in the town. The
25/07/2018
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, has invited a city deal bid for the Derry-Londonderry City Region. During a visit to Belfast today, 25 July, Chancellor Hammond said the deal would be an "opportunity for the region to continue to drive forward economic growth and build an economy that w
25/07/2018
New figures have revealed a record 9,872 people are currently homeless in Ireland. The latest Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government data states that 3,824 of the total number homeless are children, while 6,048 are adults. Commenting on the figures, Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy sai
25/07/2018
Irish Labour Party Leader, Brendan Howlin, has called for a resolution "as soon as possible" for subcontractors left out of pocket following the collapse of construction group, Sammon. More than 400 subcontractors working to deliver school buildings around Ireland have been left unpaid after the Ki
25/07/2018
NI-based contractor GRAHAM has completed work to build the new Kenilworth railway station in Warwickshire. The multi-million pound transformation project featured construction of new platforms, a new station building, cycle sheds, two lifts and a footbridge. In addition, a new car park and bus stop
25/07/2018
Northern Ireland's building industry is remaining resilient despite political uncertainty, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The organisation's latest State of Trade Survey for Q2 2018 reveals workloads, enquiries and expected workloads rose by 21% between April and June this ye
25/07/2018
Work is to begin next month on a £110,000 carriageway and footway resurfacing scheme in Banbridge. The project will be carried on Reilly Street, from Scarva Street to Downshire Road, from Monday, 06 August. Around 400 metres of the route will be resurfaced. Once finished, the scheme will deliver s
25/07/2018
Three new Non-Executive Board Members have been appointed to the Department for Infrastructure. Mary O'Dwyer and Trevor Conway have been chosen as Non-Executive Board Members to the Departmental Board, while Kathy Graham has been appointed to the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) Board. In addition, Ms
25/07/2018
The Government has agreed to back a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) for Ireland. The scheme aims to incentivise the introduction of sufficient renewable electricity generation to meet national and EU-wide renewable energy and decarbonisation targets out to 2030. Overall, RESS will
25/07/2018
Up to £275,000 is to be invested to resurface Concession Road in Cullaville, Co Armagh. Around 1.6km of the road from the speed limit signs at Cullaville to Ballynacarry Bridge at the border with County Monaghan will be resurfaced. Work will get underway on Monday, 06 August with completion expecte
24/07/2018
Irish architectural glazing specialist Alucraft has been purchased by UK-based private equity firm, Elaghmore Partners. The deal marks Elaghmore's fifth and largest acquisition made to date. As part of the acquisition, Elaghmore will provide financial backing to deliver the next phase in Alucraft
24/07/2018
New Central Statistics Office figures have revealed national residential property prices in Ireland increased by 12.4% in the year to May. The rise compares with an increase of 13.5% in the year to April and an increase of 10.9% in the 12 months to May 2017. With Dublin's residential property pric
24/07/2018
Sinn Féin has called for development work to stop near a protected neolithic site in Co Down. South Down MP Chris Hazzard said despite the Knock Iveagh hill site known for being at the centre of a ceremonial and ritual landscape, the recent hot weather has revealed further significant archeological
24/07/2018
More than £1.6 million in grant funding has been unveiled by skills provider CITB NI. The organisation has launched its new £1.65m training grants scheme as well as increasing their overall funds available by 30%.. The investment is aimed at helping to train the local construction industry in orde
24/07/2018
New figures have revealed a 16% drop in the number of people waiting to access social housing across Ireland. In June, a total of 71,858 households were assessed as being qualified for and in need of social housing support in the Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) The figure is down by a
24/07/2018
NI housing association Radius Housing is celebrating after its board member, Liz Cuddy, was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours List. The accolade recognises Ms Cuddy's services to the Social and Affordable Housing sector in Northern Ireland. As the former Chair of Helm Housing Ass
24/07/2018
The Department of Infrastructure has been urged to prioritise resurfacing works for a number of roads around Newtownhamilton in Co Antrim. SDLP Councillor Pete Byrne revealed he has written to the Divisional Roads Manager due to the deteriorating state of roads surrounding the village, particularly
24/07/2018
The Government is seeking public feedback over its plans to bring old and vacant buildings back into residential use. The draft 'Bringing Back Homes – Manual for the reuse of existing buildings' has been published by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The document aims to pr
24/07/2018
Irish Water is continuing to plan emergency upgrade works at Lough Talt Water Treatment Plant in Co Sligo. A boil water notice has been in place for residents in Tubbercurry and the surrounding areas since 05 February. A planning application for essential emergency works at the facility was lodged
24/07/2018
Triur Construction has completed work to repair a bridge in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. The contractor carried out the project at Saint Brendan's Bridge. Works included masonry repair and repointing, grouting, and the installation of tie bars and pattress plates. The council has also reinstated a plaq
23/07/2018
Up to €53 million is to be invested in building new National and Regional Greenways in Ireland between 2019 to 2021. The "Strategy for the future development of National and Regional Greenways" was launched by Ministers Shane Ross and Brendan Griffin on the Old Rail Trail in Moate, County Westmeath
23/07/2018
Work is continuing on a new £5.6 million railway station project in Portrush, Co Antrim. The scheme is part of a £17m Portrush Regeneration Programme led by the Department for Communities, which includes a major public realm improvement scheme in the town. Once finished, the new Station offer enha
23/07/2018
BSG Civil Engineering has started work on a £500,000 sewer infrastructure upgrade in Lisburn. The six-month scheme involves upgrading the existing sewers on Antrim Street and Antrim Road (rear entrance to Bow Street Mall), and the relocation and upgrade of an existing Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)
23/07/2018
Dungannon-based manufacturer Mallaghan Engineering has revealed plans to create over 200 new jobs. The advanced manufacturing firm is creating 210 new roles as part of its five-year expansion plan, which includes significant new product development, underpinning the need for capital investment in f
23/07/2018
Up to 470 new homes are to be built in Inchicore, Dublin. The council-owned Emmet Road site has been chosen as the location for Dublin's first major cost rental development. While the final tenure mix will be decided by the Council and informed by the detailed site development process, proposals i
23/07/2018
Work has started on a £155,000 road repairs project on the Gilnahirk Road in Belfast. A section of the route from its junction with King's Road to the junction with Kensington Road will be resurfaced to improve the surface quality of the footways and carriageway. Work is scheduled to last six week
23/07/2018
Contractor Meridian Utilities is continuing work on a £500,000 watermains improvement scheme in Maghera. NI Water is working with the company to improve the town's water supply. The six-month programme, which commenced in June, is taking place at Station Road, Main Street and Carricknakielt Road.
23/07/2018
Subcontractors in Dublin who fail to comply with terms and conditions for their employees have been been shown the 'red card' by workers and campaigners. Last week, a group of workers and trade union organisers handed out 'red cards' to workers entering the Hanover Quay site, as well as to members
23/07/2018
Staff shortages and high turnover within the Housing Delivery Office is undermining the unit's ability to properly carry out its role, according to Fianna Fáil. Having been established under Re-Building Ireland in August 2016, the office aims to support the accelerated delivery of housing across th
23/07/2018
Energy provider ESB Networks has reminded farmers over the danger of transporting high loads of hay and straw. The company issued a public safety warning to the farming community over the dangers of loads coming into contact with overhead electricity wires. ESB Networks Safety Manager, Arthur Byrn
20/07/2018
NI-based contractor Graham has been appointed to build a new £45 million eye hospital in Edinburgh. The development will replace the existing Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in the city centre, close to the Royal Infirmary on the growing Edinburgh BioQuarter campus. NORR Consultants are set to be
20/07/2018
Construction work is underway on a €10 million flood alleviation scheme in Athlone, Co Westmeath. The project involves delivering eight parcels of flood defences on a phased basis to protect over 500 properties in the town. Works are currently underway at the Quay and at Brick Island, while works a
20/07/2018
A new Garda Headquarters has been created in Galway. The Western Region Garda Headquarters was delivered by contractor JJ Rhatigan & Co. Designed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) Architectural Services team led by State Architect, Ciaran O'Connor, the 11,000 sq m complex of buildings are clad i
20/07/2018
Up to 5kms of ageing and problematic water mains are to be replaced in the Ballycoolan and Luggacurren areas of Co Laois. Irish Water has started work to replace the existing pipes, which will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to the customers'
20/07/2018
Only State-led action can deliver the supply of social and affordable housing that Ireland needs, according to the Labour Party (Ireland). With recent commentators describing the Government's flagship Rebuilding Ireland as failing, Labour's spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, Ja
20/07/2018
Specialist cladding inspectors have been called in to investigate Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda along with four other hospitals. Sinn Féin TD for Louth, Gerry Adams, said the news that HSE has confirmed that Our Lady of Lourdes is one of five hospitals in the "highest risk" category is "
20/07/2018
The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RUSA) has described the latest fall in Northern Ireland's private sector construction activity as "another alarm bell for the wider economy". Official statistics published on Thursday revealed construction output in NI for the first quarter of 2018 fell by 6%
20/07/2018
Irish organisation the National Guild of Master Craftsmen has become the latest member of the European Builders Confederation (EBC). Founded in 1996, the National Guild of Master Craftsmen has more than 4,500 members and represents skilled and accredited tradesmen and builders in Ireland. Pat Doyl
20/07/2018
A Northern Ireland-wide hosepipe ban imposed during the recent heatwave has now been lifted. Sara Venning, Chief Executive Officer of NI Water, said there had been a "fantastic response" from the public following the company's appeal to conserve water, with demand decreasing from three quarters of
20/07/2018
The Government has been urged to seize a 'golden opportunity' to purchase the historical Castlehyde House in Fermoy, Co Cork. The iconic venue, which is owned by renowned Irish dancer Michael Flatley as well as being the former residence of the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde, is up for sa
19/07/2018
Small building firms in Northern Ireland are feeling the effects of political deadlock at Stormont, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) NI. Northern Ireland has been without an executive since January 2017 due to a political fallout over the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) s
19/07/2018
The High Court has granted a temporary injunction against subcontractors preventing them from blockading a number of sites in Co Carlow. In recent days, subcontractors have mounted pickets at school sites in Carlow in protest at not being paid for equipment they have installed. Irish company Samm
19/07/2018
New figures have revealed a drop in Northern Ireland's construction output during the first three months of 2018. The latest data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency revealed the total volume of construction output in the first quarter of 2018 decreased by 6.5% when compared wi
19/07/2018
Work is continuing on a conservation project at the Andrew Jackson Centre in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. The centre, also known as the Andrew Jackson Cottage, is the ancestral home of the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. Works are now underway to conserve the Centre, which con
19/07/2018
A new £250,000 play park has been opened at Antrim Lough Shore Park. The new facility was officially opened by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for County Antrim, Joan Christie CVO OBE, and the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael, on Monday, 09 July. The nautical themed play par
19/07/2018
Fianna Fáil's Cork North West TD, Aindrias Moynihan, has called upon the Government to develop a new fire station for Macroom in Co Cork. Mr Moynihan, who made the call after a recent fire injured two members of the Cork Fire Service, said the current station's site is "highly unsuitable" due to it
19/07/2018
Work on a £1.4 million façade installation contract at Microsoft's new office in Dublin is now complete. Aliva UK designed and supplied the façade for Microsoft's new 35,000 sq ft Irish HQ by using 9,300 sq m of anodised aluminium cladding from its Alucovering range. The 'random' pattern used four
19/07/2018
A new report has revealed only 118 social homes were built last year in Co Louth. The Focus Ireland publication states 25 units of these units were delivered by the local authority, while 93 were built by approved housing bodies. Overall, there were 2,249 households designated as having a housing n
19/07/2018
Dr. Sharon McGuinness has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority (HSE). Dr. McGuinness took up her new position on 01 July following the retirement of Martin O'Halloran. Welcoming the appointment, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital S
19/07/2018
Almost £125,000 has been invested by Derry City and Strabane District Council in a new road sweeper lorry for Strabane town. The new vehicle, which has additional brushes to carry out specific work on roundabouts, traffic islands and other road structures, brings the total number of road sweepers f
18/07/2018
McLaughlin & Harvey (McL&H) has been appointed to deliver a £50 million redevelopment project for Liverpool Football Club. The Northern Irish contractor will redevelop Liverpool FC's Academy site in Kirkby, combining first team and Academy football training operations and facilities into one traini
18/07/2018
Work on a £1.4 million fit-out project at City Quays 2 in Belfast is now complete. The project, which was delivered by Graham Construction for U105, has involved the transformation of the radio station's 10,500 sq ft office and broadcasting studio. Eoin King, Project Manager for GRAHAM, said: "One
18/07/2018
Work on a €5 million water upgrade project in Co Kerry is now complete. The Kenmare Water Treatment Plant has been officially opened following Irish Water's upgrade to improve treatment facilities and ensure a clean, secure water supply for the local community. The scheme has provided comprehensiv
18/07/2018
Work is to begin on a £320,000 road resurfacing project in Ballymena. Around 1.4km of Frys Road on the A43 Cushendall Road will be upgraded to improve both the structural integrity and surface of the road. The scheme, which starts at Broughshane Road, will get underway on Sunday, 22 July. As part
18/07/2018
Only 30% of Ireland's social housing need will be built under the Rebuilding Ireland initiative, according to Sinn Féin. The party's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin TD, said the Government's flagship housebuilding programme is set to deliver 40,000 real social homes over six years. However, Dep
18/07/2018
Up to £270,000 is to be invested in a road repair programme in Keady, Co Armagh. Work on Kinelowen Street, Davis Street, Bridge Street, Victoria Street and Market Street will get underway on Monday, 23 July. Features include strengthening and resurfacing, which along with ancillary work, will impr
17/07/2018
Plans have been approved to develop Ireland's first Technological University in Dublin. Known as Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), the facility will be located on three campuses at Grangegorman, Blanchardstown and Tallaght. The project has been spearheaded by the TU4Dublin consortium, w
17/07/2018
NI-based contractor Graham has been appointed to build a new £90 million link road scheme in Cheshire East. The 5.5km Congleton Link Road project will link the A536 Macclesfield Road to the north with the A534 Sandbach Road to the west, significantly improving travel between Macclesfield, Congleton
17/07/2018
More than €29 million is to be invested in six flood relief projects in Kilkenny. The Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, has confirmed funding for schemes in Ballyhale, Freshford, Graiguenamanagh, Inistioge, Piltown and Thomastown. Once co
17/07/2018
Residents in Doolin, Co Clare are being invited to views final plans for upgrading the village's public realm. The draft Village Enhancement Plan has been prepared by Bucholz McEvoy Architects on behalf of Clare County Council and the strategy design team have identified a number of enhancement str
17/07/2018
Work is continuing on a £1.3 million housing development in Broughshane, Co Antrim. Developer Loft Estates is delivering the three-home Copper Barns scheme within a 4.5-acre site overlooking Slemish Mountain and the Braid Valley. The company is now planning to replicate the award-winning project w
17/07/2018
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB in Northern Ireland is to launch a new free training programme for construction site operatives. The initiative will train 15 new or existing operatives to help; • Develop a skilled pool of labour – prepared for work • Employers fill skills gaps and
17/07/2018
Action must be taken to move Ireland to a zero carbon society, according to Sinn Féin. The party's Energy, Environment & Climate Change spokesperson, Cathal Boylan MLA, said with three extreme weather events having already hit Ireland this year, climate change poses a "real threat" to the island.
17/07/2018
Only one third of appeals cases to An Bord Pleanála are finalised within the 18-week legal timeframe, Fianna Fáil has revealed. The party's Spokesperson on Regional, Rural, Gaeltacht & Island Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, revealed that only 35% of cases are being completed in time, despite Section 126 of
17/07/2018
A new group home for elderly people with disabilities has been built in Carlow. The Tinteán Willow scheme was developed by Carlow Voluntary Housing Association working in partnership with Carlow County Council and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government as part of the Rebuilding Ir
17/07/2018
The Government has been criticised for failing to protect sub-contractors in the wake of Carillion's collapse. The multi-billion industry services firm collapsed into compulsory liquidation in January while still owing millions of pounds to sub-contractors in unpaid fees and cash retentions. Sinn
16/07/2018
Work is continuing on the £160 million A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling scheme. A joint venture between Graham and Farrans is delivering the scheme, which will provide around 14.7km of new dual carriageway along with 7.3km between Randalstown and Toome and 7.4km between Toome and Castledawso
16/07/2018
A new €130 million mozzarella cheese manufacturing facility is to be created in Portlaoise, Co Laois. Glanbia Cheese, a joint venture between Glanbia and Leprino Foods, has revealed plans to build the new factory at Togher National Industrial Estate. With a production capacity of 45,000 tons per a
16/07/2018
A consultation is to take place over proposals to develop a new bridge across the River Suir in Waterford City. The structure will provide a new sustainable transport link between the North Quays and South Quays, promoting the further development of the City and pave the way for development of the
16/07/2018
The Fossil Fuel Divestment Bill 2016 has been passed in the Dáil. The legislation amends the investment mandate of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) to both prevent it investing in, and requires it to divest from, fossil fuel undertakings. Welcoming the Bill's passing, Minister of State
16/07/2018
More than 100 coastal community projects are to benefit from funding under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). A total of 106 coastal-based projects will share €1.5m of grants awarded by Ireland's seven Fisheries Local Action Groups. The grants, which are co-funded by the Government o
16/07/2018
Work is continuing on a £3.25 million housing development in Portrush. Hagan Homes is delivering the 24-home 'The Rocks' scheme at Dhu Varren Park. With the first phase of 16 homes selling in record time, the second phase of eight homes will be announced shortly with overall handover scheduled for
16/07/2018
Sinn Féin have slammed the Government's Rebuilding Ireland programme for failing to tackle the homelessness crisis. The latest homelessness figures for May this year show there were a total of 9,846 people, including 3,826 children, living in emergency accommodation. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Br
16/07/2018
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks has warned farmers about the dangers of working near overhead power lines and poles as national Farm Safety Week gets underway today, 16 July. National Farm Safety Week aims to remind farmers of the dangers around the farm and the dangers of working close
13/07/2018
Trinity College Dublin has unveiled plans to develop a new €1 billion campus at Grand Canal Quay. The 5.5-acre Innovation District, which is based on other similar schemes in Boston, Toronto and Barcelona, aims to significantly strengthen Ireland’s competitive advantage when developing new indigeno
13/07/2018
BAM Ireland has won a new contract worth over €25 million to build a new cheese production facility and administration building at Mogeely, Co. Cork. The company secured the deal from TINE Ireland - a subsidiary of the Norwegian dairy cooperative TINE. With an estimated capacity of 14,000T of chee
13/07/2018
The Irish Government has been criticised for failing to deliver sufficient 'affordable' student accommodation. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education, Thomas Byrne TD, hit out at the Government and claimed an increasing number of students are "unable to meet basic accommodation costs". "The reality
13/07/2018
Farrans has started work on a water mains renewal project in Co Leitrum. Approximately 2.1km of old and damaged cast iron pipes will be replaced in Manorhamilton with modern, high density polyethelene (plastic) pipes. The eight-week scheme is part of Irish Water's National Leakage Reduction Progra
13/07/2018
The McAvoy Group started work on a new £800,000 multi-use games area (MUGA) at Seymour Hill in Lisburn. The new facility will provide sporting and recreational opportunities for residents of all ages in the area.. Alderman Paul Porter said: "There has been considerable growth in the local area in
13/07/2018
Fine Gael's Hildegarde Naughton has been named as the Chair of the new Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action. The new committee is designed to focus solely on measures to be taken to drastically cut down on carbon emissions. Deputy Naughton, who is Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee for Comm
11/07/2018
Engineering consultancy RPS has been appointed to lead a £2.5 million public realm improvement scheme in Maghera. The company will be responsible for producing the economic appraisal and design concepts for the project, which involves developing new paving, lighting, planting and street furniture i
11/07/2018
More than 60 new homes are to be built in Cookstown and Magherafelt. A total of 23 new houses will be developed near Loran Vale in Cookstown, while a residential development comprising 43 units will be built on the Moneymore Road in Magherafelt. In addition, plans have been approved for SGN to fur
11/07/2018
Sinn Féin has called for forestry plantations over five hectares large to be subject to planning permission. The party's spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Kenny TD, has introduced a Bill to amend the provisions of the Forestry Act 2014 which would provide for planning permiss
11/07/2018
Plans have been approved to build a new play area for Upperlands in Maghera. The facility will be developed at Kilrea Road and will include climbing frames, swings, a fully inclusive roundabout and picnic area. The scheme, which will transform a previously unused piece of ground, is one of two pro
11/07/2018
More than £670,000 is to be invested in capital projects in Limavady and Strabane. A total of £678,796 has been awarded to two projects under the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment initiative. The Bethany Community Trust in Limavady has secured £400,000 towards the construction of a new community ha
11/07/2018
Farrans Construction are to begin carrying out water upgrade works between Falcarragh and Gortahork in Co Donegal next week Irish Water said the renewal scheme will involve the decommissioning and replacement of around 1.7kms of old and damaged water pipes with modern, high density polyethelene (pl
10/07/2018
Applications are now open for the Irish Governments new €500 million Climate Action Fund. The fund, which will support initiatives from the public and private sector to help achieve climate and energy targets, is a central element of the Government's National Development Plan 2018-2027. This call
10/07/2018
L&M Keating Contractors is to begin work on a new €5 million pedestrian and cycle bridge in Cork. The Harley's Street Pedestrian & Cycle Bridge will link the city centre and Victorian Quarter. Work is scheduled to get underway in mid to late July, with the initial phase of work consisting of site s
10/07/2018
Belfast City Cemetery is to be restored following a £1.68 million lottery grant. The grant, from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), will enable Belfast City Council to restore Belfast City Cemetery's historic features, raise awareness of its rich heritage and reconnect people to it as a useable green
10/07/2018
NI contractor McLaughlin & Harvey (McL&H) has started work on a £25 million expansion and redevelopment programme at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, The two-year Critical Care scheme will nearly double capacity in adult intensive care and allow for treatment of up to 2,000 patients ever
10/07/2018
Bord Gáis Energy has revealed plans to increase residential gas and electricity prices. The changes, which will take effect from 06 August, will increase typical gas bills by 4.7% and of 5.8% on an average electricity bill. Overall, gas bills will rise by €3.06 per month and electricity bills by €
10/07/2018
Only six out of 15 Irish Governmental departments provide electrical car charging points for vehicles, Sinn Féin have revealed. The party's TD for Wicklow, John Brady, received a breakdown on the availability of e-car charging points at each Department office through Parliamentary reply. Deputy Br
10/07/2018
NIE Networks has signed a deal with the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division to work towards delivering additional protection for Northern Ireland's archaeological heritage. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out ways the two organisations can work together to secure Pro
10/07/2018
A new €8.3 million EU-funded environmental protection project has been launched to restore natural habitats and protect endangered species throughout Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland. The 'Collaborative Action for the Natura Network' (CANN) scheme will be led by Newry, Mourne and Down Distric
10/07/2018
Plans have been revealed for a wastewater infrastructure upgrade project in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. Irish Water is aiming to purchase lands in Annacroff to facilitate upgrades to the wastewater infrastructure in the region. A notice of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) has been submitted to A
10/07/2018
Work is to begin later this month on a £161,000 road resurfacing and reconstruction scheme in L'Derry. The project will be carried out between Buncrana Road and Summerhill Grove on the B194 Racecourse Road. Work will get underway on 23 July. The scheme aims to greatly improve the strength and surf
09/07/2018
New figures have revealed further growth in Ireland's construction activity. The Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has posted 58.4 in June, signalling another sharp monthly rise in activity.This was despite the index dipping from May’s 61.8 to a three- month low, however tot
09/07/2018
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has described the €2 billion Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) as a "transformational opportunity". The fund forms a key part of Project Ireland 2040 - the Government's National Planning Framework and National Development Plan – to drive regeneration and
09/07/2018
Up to £345,000 is to be invested in road resurfacing scheme across Dungannon this summer. Work to improve the strength and surface quality of Newell Road, Thomas Street, John Street and Railway Road will be carried out to address ongoing maintenance problems. Preliminary works will commence on New
09/07/2018
Fianna Fáil has been slammed for voting against its own Seanad amendment calling for a vote on the final draft of the National Planning Framework (NPF). Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin TD, accused the party of a political u-turn by voting with the government against two amendments they
09/07/2018
Upgrade works are continuing at the Ballymena Showgrounds in Co Antrim. Since May, work to transform the pitch has been carried out in order to revamp drainage and lay a new playing surface. Mid & East Antrim Council said the scheme is well on schedule, with football expected to return to the venu
09/07/2018
A new pedestrian crossing has been built outside the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex in Lisburn. The facility has been installed after a consultation with local residents to help boost safety at the popular venue. Commending the crossing, Chairman of the Council's Leisure & Community Development Committe
06/07/2018
The Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal by the Department of Infrastructure of over its decision to grant planning permission for a £240 million waste incinerator in Hightown, Newtownabbey. Despite a Department for Infrastructure civil servant approving plans for the facility in 2017, the decisi
06/07/2018
Plans have been revealed to build a new urban quarter in the heart of Kilkenny city. The Abbey Quarter scheme will be developed on a 10-acre site that until 2013 housed Diageo's Smithwicks Brewery. Features of the 'masterplan' include; • 14 new blocks creating a new urban quarter to complement th
06/07/2018
An Garda Síochána has saved more than €9 million in energy costs after becoming the first police force in the world to achieve the globally recognised international energy management standard (ISO 50001). Following eight years of work by the implementation team tasked with reducing energy costs acr
06/07/2018
Up to £88,000 is to be invested to repair the U101 Edenavaddy Road in Ballynahinch. Drainage and resurfacing works will be carried out over a 950-metre stretch of the route from its junction with Grover Road to its junction with Chestnut Road on Monday, 23 July. The scheme, which will deliver sign
06/07/2018
Work is to begin on a £265,000 road resurfacing project in Downpatrick. A 1.75km stretch of the Ardglass Road will undergo repairs from Monday, 23 July. Works will involve drainage works resurfacing of the road from its junction with Ballyclander Road to Tobermoney. Overall, the scheme will delive
06/07/2018
Action Renewables has launched a new policy document highlighting a number of areas for renewable energy growth in Northern Ireland. The document, 'Proposal for a Renewable Future', sets out areas for renewables growth as the 2020 targets for heat and electricity as outlined in the Strategic Energy
05/07/2018
WSP has been appointed to help deliver the €220 million Dublin Institute of Technology Campus in Grangegorman. The consultancy's Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Real Asset Investment Services team have been appointed to the role of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Manager for the development. T
05/07/2018
Only around 20% of engineers in Ireland believe the country's overall water infrastructure is in a good condition, according to a new report. Engineer's Ireland's 'The State of Ireland 2018 - A Review of Infrastructure in Ireland' publication, which this year focuses on water/wastewater and floodin
05/07/2018
A new €1.1 million project has been launched which aims to promote good relations across housing associations in Northern Ireland and the Border Regions. The Housing Associations Integration Project (HAIP), funded by the EU's Peace IV Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB),
05/07/2018
Keltbray has announced the launch of its new Distribution & Transmission business. The division will provide construction, maintenance and repair of electricity overhead lines from low voltage to 275kV for utility clients. The business, which will be headquartered in Crewe, has been established af
05/07/2018
A mental-health charity is launching a series of educational sessions in an effort to boost the mental wellbeing amongst Northern Ireland's construction workforce. Mates in Mind has announced the initiative as it seeks to address the stigma of poor mental health within the sector. With over a thir
05/07/2018
MSM Contracts has completed work on a £5 million expansion project at Holiday Inn Express in Queen's Quarter, Belfast. The scheme involved adding a further 60 bedrooms to the property, covering over three floors and including two new underground car parking decks and parking at surface level. In a
04/07/2018
NI-based company Graham has won a £113 million contract to deliver a new student accommodation scheme for the University of York. The 1,400-bed facility is being developed as part of the University's 'Campus Masterplan' and work is scheduled to begin in 2019. As main contractor, Graham will comple
04/07/2018
Work has started on a new €100 million scheme to regenerate O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin. Construction work to deliver the first phase of 56 social homes is now underway under a budget of more than €20m. Once finished, the overall development will deliver approximately 600 homes featuring a mix of t
04/07/2018
A new €34 million Human Biology Building has been opened at National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway. The five-storey building was delivered by BAM in the University's south campus on the previous site of the former National Diagnostics Laboratory building. Designed by Scott Tallon Walker Archi
04/07/2018
Sinn Féin has called upon Woodvale Construction to engage with all subcontractors that have previously worked on a contract to deliver six schools in Bray, Wicklow, Kells and Carlow. Woodvale was appointed to deliver the multi-million euro school bundle following the collapse of Irish building cont
04/07/2018
Derry City and Strabane District Council has received a progress update on over £40 million worth of fully funded capital investment projects being carried out in the region. Key schemes include the upgrading of the Melvin Arena in Strabane, the Magheramason and Newtownstewart Play Projects and new
04/07/2018
Work is progressing on plans to establish a £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal. At its monthly meeting on Monday, Belfast City Council agreed further work plans with its five local authority partners Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Mid and East Antrim and New
04/07/2018
A new £12 million hotel has officially opened in Belfast. The 178-bedroom Hampton by Hilton is located off Great Victoria Street in Belfast city centre. Designed by Todd Architects, the nine-storey hotel was built by MSM Contracts and is the first Hampton by Hilton to open in the island of Ireland
04/07/2018
Lowry Building and Civil Engineering has completed work on a flood alleviation scheme in Ahoghill, Co Antrim. The £200,000 project involved replacing an existing culvert chamber, headwall and grille in the grounds of Brookside Presbyterian Church. Further works were carried out at watercourses wit
04/07/2018
A.G. Wilson Civil Engineering has completed work on a £1.1 million flood alleviation scheme in Co Armagh. The project in Laurelvale will help reduce the risk of flooding to residential properties in the Velton Lawns development and the Cricket Club, which have previously been affected by recurrent
04/07/2018
A consultation on the future of House Sales Schemes in Northern Ireland has been launched by the Department for Communities. Currently the House Sales Schemes, which are Northern Ireland's equivalent to the 'Right to Buy' Scheme in Great Britain, are available to all Northern Ireland Housing Execut
03/07/2018
Graham has secured a place on the £2 billion Procure North West Framework. The four-year programme, which encompasses Merseyside, Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Lancashire, covers public sector bodies across the region and is open to NHS bodies, emergency services, colleges, universities
03/07/2018
H&J Martin Construction has started work on a new £4 million classroom extension project in East Belfast. The 12-classroom scheme is being delivered at Strandtown Primary School. The new facilities are funded by Department of Education's School Enhancement Programme which provides investment to me
03/07/2018
City Council-owned land in Dublin is set to be used for housing and community regeneration. A motion proposed by Labour Cllr Mary Freehill, and seconded by Cllr Dermot Lacey, was passed on Monday which ensures sites such as the depot in Rathmines beside the Swan Centre are earmarked for public use
03/07/2018
Galway County Council is still waiting for funding to bring 40 local authority units back into use, Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, Éamon Ó Cuív, has revealed. In March, the local authority applied to the Department of Housing for funding under the Voids Programme, a €24m initiative aimed at bringi
03/07/2018
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has revealed it will launch an inspection campaign later this year on manufacturing and engineering companies who are users of Metal Working Fluids (MWF). In Northern Ireland, it is estimated around 350 – 400 people each year die due to w
03/07/2018
Work is underway on a electricity transmission upgrade project in the Midlands Region. ESB Networks has started preliminary site works for a new 400 kV substation at Coolnabacky south-east of Portlaoise, in advance of main construction works beginning on the Laois Kilkenny Electricity Transmission
02/07/2018
A project milestone has been reached on the £31.2 million A737 Dalry Bypass in Scotland. Irish contracting joint venture (JV), Farrans Roadbridge, have launched the first of two phases of the bridge over the River Garnock. The nine-hour launch operation involved pulling a 650T double girder from t
02/07/2018
Work is ongoing to establish a £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is one of six local authorities working together for the City Deal, a key investment programme to improve infrastructure, digital connectivity, tourism assets and innovation hubs as well as delive
02/07/2018
Work on an electrical upgrade project at Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast is now complete. Grahams' Facilities Management engineers have finished work to replace the main distribution panel within the Hospital's Cardiac Theatre. The programme took place in mid-May and the new electrical distribu
02/07/2018
John Sisk & Son has reported a 73% rise in pre-tax profits in its results for the year ended 31 December 2017. With profits increasing to €24.7m (2016: €14.2m), turnover dropped slightly by 5% to €792.2m (2016; €833.7m). Key highlights include successfully handing over the €70m redevelopment of Pa
02/07/2018
A new £860,000 funding scheme has been launched by the Department for Communities (DfC) to help conserve Northern Ireland's historic built heritage. Applications are being invited to the Historic Environment Fund across four streams of Heritage Repair, Heritage Regeneration, Heritage Revival and He
02/07/2018
NI contractor FP McCann is helping to deliver a new £25 million onshore substation in north Lincolnshire as part of a major wind farm project. The 174-turbine Hornsea Project One is being built 120km off the Yorkshire coast and will be able to power up to one million homes across the UK once finish
02/07/2018
Work on a new £75,000 play park in Lurgan, Craigavon is now complete. The new facility has been built by Farrans at Kinnego Marina on Oxford Island. The part is one of a number being refurbished across the borough as part of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council's £4.75m Play Strate
02/07/2018
Campaigners have staged a protest at Belfast City Hall over the growing issue of housing inequality in Northern Ireland. The demonstration, which took place on Friday morning, 29 June, saw participants supporting the demand for the construction of new social and 'affordable' homes. With 11,276 fam
02/07/2018
No completion date has been set for the M11/N11 improvement work scheme in Co Wicklow, according to the Labour Party (Ireland). Labour's Dáil Candidate for Wicklow, Jack O'Connor, said he is "deeply disappointed and really concerned" over the "snail's pace" of progress since the M11/N11 Corridor S
02/07/2018
Fianna Fáil has raised concerns over understaffing within regional assemblies after new figures show there are just nine planners working on critical regional planning guidelines across the country. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed that there are 10 planners and one economist rec
