Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for November 2008
28/11/2008
After several months of bleak prospects for the Northern Ireland construction sector, the Stormont Executive has stepped in to bolster further development in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Plans for a £97m ‘landmark’ building were brought forward by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, who said 600 buil
28/11/2008
The Irish government has allocated €500k to the Health Service Executive (HSE) Western Area to carry out essential repairs on homes occupied by elderly persons living on their own. This latest allocation brings the amount provided to HSE West under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme thi
28/11/2008
Irish Housing Minister Michael Finneran has officially opened a new €9m housing development at Boreen Bradach, Kinnegad, in Westmeath. The 39 social houses were built by the council, with full funding from DEHLG under the Social Housing Investment Programme. A spokesman for Westmeath County Counc
28/11/2008
Construction work is expected to commence on new multi-million euro community facility in Dublin next week. Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne is scheduled to turn the first sod at an official ceremony on Tuesday. The Bluebell Community Facility will be located on Bluebell Road, Dublin12. Lord Mayor Byr
28/11/2008
Following on from yesterday's Executive announcement of a massive cash injection for Belfast Titanic Quarter, it has been revealed high performance tilt and turn hardware from Siegenia-Aubi will be used to help create part of the waterfront development. Some of the most innovative and complex engi
28/11/2008
South Tipperary County Council has invested a substantial sum of money into the upgrade of pavements in towns across the district. Pavement repairs are currently underway on the N8 between Ballytarsna and Horse & Jockey. This scheme is expected to extend into mid-December. On site contractors ha
28/11/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has announced plans to construct a bus lay-by and foot path close to the Ardgarvan Cottages in Limavady. Mr Murphy revealed the plans at a meeting with the local council, during which he provided an update on the £2.7m roads investment in the area. T
28/11/2008
Professor J Owen Lewis has been tasked with heading-up Ireland's leading sustainable energy agency, it has been revealed. Professor Lewis, a long time proponent of sustainable energy practice in the built environment, will take the reins as Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SE
27/11/2008
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has slammed Dublin City Council’s decision. earlier this week, to cut capital spending by €330m over the next three years. Speaking on behalf of the Dublin Branch of the CIF, Martin Whelan described the decision as a "retrograde step for the communities a
27/11/2008
A major extension scheme at a North Down shopping centre will welcome its first new tenant by Christmas, it has been announced. The £5m redevelopment at Bloomfield Retail Park will house Laura Ashley’s third Northern Ireland store. Selling fashion and home-ware products, the 10,000 sq ft unit is
27/11/2008
The redeveloped Timber Jetty at Ballast Quay has been officially opened by the Sligo Harbour office. Costing more than €1.8m, the scheme was completed in three phases. Works were commissioned when the port was transfered into the hands of Sligo County Council, under the Harbour Act. A grant w
27/11/2008
Stormont Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie has celebrated the success of the Urban II European Funding Programme in North Belfast, describing its success as a 'journey' rather than a 'destination' The programme has assisted over 200 projects with £12.4m of funding. It aimed to help regener
27/11/2008
Details of a proposed Cookstown bypass road project have now emerged. It will run through the east of the town, and link the Dungannon Road to the Moneymore Road, the Roads Minister has revealed. Conor Murphy, discussing his department's £2.4m investment in the Cookstown area this year, said: "Ro
27/11/2008
Eighty NI Housing Executive kitchens have been given a make-over as part of £373,000 scheme to revitalise rural communities. Homes in the Gortin and Beltrim areas received brand new modern units and worktops, with tenants choosing from a range of finishes. Electrical and plumbing installations w
27/11/2008
Care homes in Northern Ireland have been urged by the Health and Safety Executive to ensure bedrails are properly installed. The Execuitve said a risk of entrapment exists if measures are not put in place to reduce and control dangers. HSENI’s warning comes after the prosecution of Four Seasons He
27/11/2008
Irish Forestry Minister Tony Killeen has announced the commencement of the third phase of the Bioenergy Scheme. The scheme was launched on a pilot basis in 2007 to provide establishment grants to farmers to plant willow and miscanthus over the period 2007 to 2009. Announcing the third phase, Mr Ki
26/11/2008
A €5m state-of-the-art waste water treatment plant has been officially opened in Sligo, with public representatives lauding the work of contractors Electrical Pump Services Ltd. The Enniscrone development was designed to improve infrastructure in the area, and its completion was heartily welcomed
26/11/2008
The body representing Irish builders has voted down the pay terms detailed in the draft national social partnership agreement, calling for a 10% cut in pay rates in order to secure construction jobs. The Construction Industry Federation's Director General Tom Parlon announced the decision earlier
26/11/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has said work on the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway, in south Down, will be complete by winter 2010. Mr Murphy, meeting with Newry and Mourne District Council, detailed progress on a range of projects, totalling more than £5.8m, in the reg
26/11/2008
The Irish government has been accused of reneging on promises to prioritise infrastructure spending by a consortium of the country's largest building firms. At a time when governments across Europe are pledging money into public contracts, to shore-up domestic economies, the Master Builders and Co
26/11/2008
Building society giant Halifax has announced a welcome boost for first time buyers. The firm is to pump €100m into funds aimed at helping potential property owners get their feet on 'the ladder'. Loans fixed at 3.2% are to be offered, and will be guaranteed until the end of May 2011. The new p
26/11/2008
Cork County Council has placed contracts totalling €4m for major upgrade work on water supply schemes in Dripsey and Coachford. The work will also involve the construction of a new wastewater treatment to serve the village of Rathcormac. Jointly funded by the Department of Environment and Cork Cou
26/11/2008
Controversial plans for a conflict resolution centre at the former-Maze prison site, near Lisburn, could get a boost from the European Parliament, it has been announced. Visiting the Northern Ireland Assembly earlier this week, European Parliament President Hans-Gert Pöttering said the EU would co
26/11/2008
Galway-based Newell Roofing Products Limited has lifted a coveted award at the 2008 Irish Building Exhibition. The roofing materials firms, which has been in operation for more than a quarter of a Century, picked-up a certificate of merit in the New Product category for its ExtruPol and ExtruBit FP
25/11/2008
Construction work has commenced on Northern Ireland's new £30m Public Record Office in Belfast's Titanic Quarter. Stormont Ministers Nigel Dodds and Gregory Campbell welcomed the scheme as a "much needed investment in cultural infrastructure". Mr Campbell said: "My department has committed aroun
25/11/2008
Approval for a new Tesco store in County Laois has been quashed over flooding fears. The planning board rejected proposals for the Midlands site due to its proximity to a floodplain. An Bord Pleanala was not satisfied with Tesco's proposals for a flood relief system and riverside walkway, close
25/11/2008
A Coleraine-based energy firm has announced plans to invest in new range of sustainable products, with help from Invest NI. Transen Sustainable Energy Systems Ltd (Transen) is poised to market and export the energy saving ground source heat pumps across Europe. Support for Transen, formed by thr
25/11/2008
Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív joined Minister for Natural Resources Eamon Ryan to officially open the new Cé an Chalaidh Mhóir harbour earlier this month. The environmentally sustainable harbour is expected to improve local transport access as well as promoting business and tourism links.
25/11/2008
Appearing at Coleraine Crown Court last Thursday (20 November 2008), Charles Brand Limited and Gerard Martin McMullan were fined a total of £25,000 after pleading guilty to breaches of health and safety legislation. The court case was the result of an investigation of a serious accident which too
25/11/2008
Northern Ireland Regional Development officials have launched consultation on the proposed Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2009. The regulations will make the monitoring of raw water quality by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) a legal requirement. NIW already carries out this
25/11/2008
Volunteers from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) have taken part in a one day refurbishment project at a west Belfast homeless centre, as part of Business in the Community's Business Challenge. The 14 strong team carried out extensive repairs to the Welcome
25/11/2008
Homeowners who cannot afford to move house have been urged to spruce up their kitchen by an online makeover site. Dublin-based Kitchenfitters.ie has offered clients an alternative to changing their address, by taking advantage of its kitchen and bedroom facelift service. In the last two years, Ki
25/11/2008
SmartLIFE – Lessons Learned, a new BRE report published on the 4th of November brings forth the industry's first hard data gathered from ground-breaking research into both modern and traditional methods of construction. Fusion Building Systems were selected to provide the light gauge steel frame
24/11/2008
Around a tenth of people working in the Irish construction industry have lost their jobs in the last three months, it has been revealed. Figures from the Central Statistics Office suggest almost 10% has been wiped off employment levels in the sector within the last quarter. The CSO's latest Quart
24/11/2008
Northern Ireland Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has reaffirmed her commitment to building more than 5,000 new homes over the next three years. The Minister, speaking at the annual conference of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Association in Fermanagh, told delegates her department ha
24/11/2008
A leading consumer group has called for sweeping reforms in the domestic building sector through tighter regulation. A report compiled by the National Consumer Agency has produced 25 recommendations in the areas of insurance, legal and conveyance issues, as well as building regulations. The agenc
24/11/2008
A year on from earlier 'threats' to move his £1 billion dream to build 'the world’s finest golf course' to Northern Ireland, it emerged yesterday that millionaire developer Donald Trump may yet dump his project in Scotland and take it to the province after all. He is said to be ready to shelve the
24/11/2008
Northern Ireland Energy Minister Arlene Foster has said she will engage in 'shared thinking' with the Scottish Parliament to tackle climate change and ensure better energy provision. Meeting with her MSP counterpart, Jim Mather, in Belfast last week, Ms Foster said a global approach to securing en
24/11/2008
There has been a 70% jump in the number of people seeking government help to pay their mortgage since January. Figures released today suggest that 7,000 people are now receiving support from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Last December 4,000 people sought help. Short-term relief
24/11/2008
A top County Down block plant has received its Certified Environmental Profile results from the world renown Building Research Establishment Global. Newtownards-based RoofBLOCK, which produces award winning masonry roof overhang, achieved the highest environmental accreditation, making it one of Eu
24/11/2008
Mouchel's A5 Western Transport Corridor team has delivered early on the first stage of one of the most significant Roads Service projects in Northern Ireland, identifying a preferred corridor and maintaining the positive momentum established early on in the project. The preferred corridor was rece
24/11/2008
Newell Roofing Products Ltd were pleased to accept a New Product of the Show Award (Materials) Certificate of Merit at the Building Exhibition 08. The certificate was awarded for ExtruPol and ExtruBit FPO Single Ply Membrane for Roofing and Waterproofing. ExtruPol sets the new standard for syntheti
24/11/2008
Freefoam Plastics, a market leader in environmentally friendly and UV protected roofline and rainwater products, has reported record sales of its Freeflow rainwater system with year-to-date sales in the UK up 86% on last year. Customers have cited the innovative, high quality and user friendly fe
21/11/2008
A new planning policy - developed to replace the controversial PPS14, introduced by direct rule minister Lord Rooker two years ago - has been welcomed by the incumbent Environment Minister. Sammy Wilson lauded the Executive's endorsement of the new policy for sustainable development in the count
21/11/2008
Work is due to start to restore Antrim Old Court House to its former glory, it has been announced. Gary Shaw, Cultural Services Manager with Antrim Borough Council, said: "Contractors will begin on clearing the site this week and as work progresses it will lead to the major restoration of one of An
21/11/2008
The £5m refurbishment of the Orchard Leisure Centre, in Armagh is nearing completion, the local council has revealed. Visions Fitness Suite now has an extended gym area, boasting state of the art equipment, including a specialised Easyline circuit. Other finishing touches currently being install
21/11/2008
Roche Manufacturing Ltd has officially unveiled an updated range of concrete machinery for the hollow core pre stressed concrete industry. The Galway firm's range now includes concrete saws, fixed and angular; lintel saws; bed cleaners, for cleaning, oiling, wire pulling and covering operations; l
21/11/2008
Daft Media, the owner of Ireland's largest property website daft.ie, has announced the launch of a new rentals website focused on students and young professionals, www.rent.ie Rent.ie has been developed as a test bed for new technologies, and aims to continue to grow Daft Media’s overall market sh
21/11/2008
Road Minister Conor Murphy has provided an up-date on a £2.5m improvement scheme in the North Down area. Mr Murphy welcomed the completion of a new £2m roundabout at Six Road Ends, which was marked by the approval of legislation and signage erection. This measure introduced a mandatory 40mph spe
21/11/2008
Freefoam Plastics, the market leader in environmentally friendly and UV protected roofline and rainwater products, has always worked hard to ensure that it provides its customers with the highest levels of service. In doing so, Freefoam has developed a unique service culture that provides customers
21/11/2008
The North Clare Amenity Park and Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna has been allocated €42k under the government's Community Services Programme. The facility was the only Clare recipient of funds out of a national allocation of €2.4m, announced by Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív. The Lisdoonvarna Fáilte
21/11/2008
Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey has said a new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) will be implemented in Northern Ireland. The QCF is a credit and unit-based system that will allow learners to combine different learning units to form qualifications, based on the amount of credit awarded t
20/11/2008
Another subsidiary of the Taggart building group has gone into administration, it has been announced. Taggart, once one of Northern Ireland's largest building firms, yesterday confirmed its Taggart Estates business had been put into administration, at the request of its directors. The estates su
20/11/2008
National Electrical Contractors Ireland (NECI) has rejected the 5% Pay Increase that is proposed under the Electrical Registered Employment Agreement (REA). At a meeting in the Labour Court earlier this week, the NECI held its position as stated last May, and objected to a proposed 5% (over 12 mont
20/11/2008
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has announced that the Irish government will spend €15m this year, and next, on insulation to make houses warmer for those on low incomes. This is expected to help householders to save up to 50% in their energy use. According to the latest figures, approximately 40,000 h
20/11/2008
Ahead of this afternoon's long-awaited meeting of the Assembly's Executive - which is expected to focus on the struggling economy - there has been a positive announcement on employment. Some 30 new jobs related to the construction industry are in prospect today as the NI First Minister Peter Robins
20/11/2008
Antrim Borough Council has confirmed that a programme of works is now underway to clear debris from the Market Square area in Antrim, following the collapse of a section the historic Town Wall and Ramparts in early October. In addition to the clearing operation, the council has confirmed that an a
20/11/2008
Loyalist emblems and murals in Newtownards, Co Down have been transformed into two historic murals dipicting the town's rich hertigage. Two emblems painted on walls in the Glen estate, together with murals containing a warning to those engaged in anti-social behaviour and another picturing gunmen,
20/11/2008
Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride has urged people to be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. He was speaking during Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of carbon monoxide by providing information on the dangers, simple steps f
20/11/2008
Business owners in Armagh have been urged to spruce up their buildings' facade for 2008. Armagh City and District Council have offered commercial property owners and tenants grant assistance to improve their building facades, and retail frontages, across the city centre. Grants are available for
20/11/2008
Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has announced that 82% of 2008 Single Farm Payments will be paid next month. The Minister said that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s aims to complete 80% of payments before Christmas, 82% by the end of December and 87% by
20/11/2008
Money has been pledged for new health facilities to be built in the Co Antrim and mid Ulster areas. Major developments include new health and care centres that are to be constructed in Larne, Carrickfergus and the Ballymena areas. The Northern Ireland Health Minister announced his plans yesterday
19/11/2008
Planning permission has been granted for around 30 environmentally friendly homes at the Cloughjordan Eco Village project - allowing construction work to finally begin. Billed as Ireland's first 'eco village', the scheme will eventually encompass 113 homes, built to have a minimal impact on the en
19/11/2008
Construction Industry Federation boss Tom Parlon has claimed Irish builders would be 'crazy' to accept the new national pay deal. The plans include a 6% pay rise for all workers over the next 21 months. Both the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and employers' body IBEC have already approved the de
19/11/2008
Irish building firm John Sisk & Son Ltd has been awarded the contract for the re-development of the PJ Carroll Building at Dundalk Intitute of Technology. The 57 week contract, which commenced late last month, will involve a re-roof of the entire building (including occupied areas), remedial works
19/11/2008
Northern Ireland Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie has unveiled an £800,000 funding package for an Environmental Improvement Scheme in Dunclug, Ballymena. Improvement works will involve the replacement/upgrade of current street lighting and the reconstruction of the existing footways in Dunclu
19/11/2008
Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has unveiled plans to invest £29m in capital over the next three years to improve health and social care services and facilities in the Northern Trust area. This funding is part of a total planned investment of £175m over the next ten years for health and
19/11/2008
Plans for an impressive public art sculpture at a main gateway into Belfast have been unveiled. The piece, named Rise, will be built at Broadway Roundabout by the artist Wolfgang Buttress and will stand at 123 ft high (37.5 metres) by 98.4ft wide (30 metres). Globe shaped, the white and silver alu
19/11/2008
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has met around 800 listed building owners to discuss how the full potential of the province’s heritage can be realised. Organised by NIEA in partnership with the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS), the Owner's Forum is one of several key init
19/11/2008
Roads Minister Conor Murphy has lauded the progress of a £5.4m investment scheme in Ballymena. Mr Murphy told Ballymena Council the £1.8m realignment and bridge widening scheme at Tullygarley Road between Rosses Roundabout and Dan’s Road is nearing completion. He said the scheme will also provide
18/11/2008
Plans for a massive regeneration scheme in Ballymun, north Dublin, have been laid out following several years of wrangling between the developer and council officials. Treasury Holdings unveiled its plans for the town centre after a six-year protracted pre-planning process. The scheme, named Spri
18/11/2008
Boosting building jobs could be on the agenda at a much-touted Stormont Executive meeting, expected to be held this week. For months the Northern Ireland devolved institutions have remained in a virtual deadlock, with the two biggest parties - Sinn Fein and the DUP - failing to agree on key issues
18/11/2008
No Irish jobs will go at plumbing and suppliers firm Wolseley, it has been reported. Today, the firm announced 2,300 jobs cuts across 200 UK stores, after reporting a 45% fall in pre-tax profits. However, a spokesman for the firm, which runs 100 supply stores in Ireland, has told Irishconstructi
18/11/2008
A mere 670 Northern Ireland homes were sold during the summer it has been revealed. And according to the University of Ulster's House Price Report - published in conjunction with the Housing Executive and Bank of Ireland - there could be worse to come. Figures for the third quarter of this year
18/11/2008
Irish rents have hit a two year low, according to a leading online property firm. And according to Daft.ie, they are set to fall for another year. During the past three months rents have fallen, on average, by 3% countrywide. This, according to Daft.ie, can be explained by the increased suppl
18/11/2008
A residential area in Downpatrick has welcomed the allocation of £20,000 funding by Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie. Ardmeen Green housing estate is set to benefit from environmental enhancements and road safety improvement works as part of the investment. The project will be funded through a g
18/11/2008
Work at massive Drogheda shopping complex has ground to a halt after scores of 18th Century human remains were recovered from the site. The Scotch Hall scheme, being undertaken by development firm South Bank, appears to be built on a previously undocumented medieval settlement. So far 30 bodies h
18/11/2008
Luxury apartments in south Belfast, built by a private developer, could be dealt out as social housing, it has been revealed. Housing Executive waiting lists could be alleviated if units in the Curzon development, on the Ormeau Road, are bought by the local housing association. The upmarket sche
18/11/2008
Fine Gael's Andrew Doyle has accused Ireland's food safety authority of keeping "schtum" after details emerged the authority knew some of Ireland's bottled water was contaminated with E.coli. The party's spokesman on food issues said it was completely unacceptable that the public were kept in the
17/11/2008
An Bord Pleanala has approved plans for a huge shopping centre that will create over 1,300 jobs. The €200 million Newgate Centre to be based in Waterford in three years time will also mean 600 jobs in the construction industry for the 5.1 acre site. The scheme includes more than 50 retail outlet
17/11/2008
Kingspan's Trapezoidal Roof & Wall (RW) and Architectural Wall Panel (AWP) systems have achieved the new A+ top rating in the BRE's highly respected Green Guide to Specification. Kingspan Insulated Panels was the first and still the only manufacturer in the metal roof and wall cladding industry to
17/11/2008
Wicklow-based Vista System's sign system has been installed at Rotulos Gavalda new office complex at Alicante, Spain Vista System International, a world leader in modular curved frame technology (MCFT), with Irish exclusive distribution centre at Arklow, recently supplied its elegant and easily upd
17/11/2008
Junior Agriculture Minister Tony Killeen has confirmed that the government will commence payments under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. "Payments of €80 per cow will continue on a rolling basis in respect of the 2008 born calves, as additional animals become eligible," said Minister Killeen. "The
17/11/2008
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has paid tribute to the work of Dungannon and District Housing Association at a dinner to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Congratulating them on their work to date the Minister said: "As a rural dweller myself, I know all too well the challenges and
17/11/2008
A Co Antrim railway station has received a Highly Commended Award in the 'Best Small Station' category of the International Station Awards 2008 held in Belfast last week. NI Railways picked up the runner-up award for their Carrickfergus station after beating off stiff competition from other rail c
17/11/2008
Housing Executive residents from Drumbeg have taken part in a campaign to clean up their estate. The clean was organised by the Housing Executive in conjunction with Craigavon Borough Council and Drumbeg Residents Association. The campaign, which ran for a fortnight, was aimed at encouraging loc
17/11/2008
Leading roofline manufacturer Freefoam Plastics has gave an insight into its unique service culture that provides customers with a level of service unavailable from any other supplier in the market. The service culture at Freefoam developed from a desire to go the extra mile for its customers.
14/11/2008
Belfast City Airport has submitted proposals for a runway extension to the planning service, it has been revealed. The current runway would be lengthened by 590 metres, stretching closer to Belfast Lough, if plans were given the go ahead. Chief Executive Brian Ambrose said the redevelopment woul
14/11/2008
Plans for a 22-storey development close to Dublin city's Custom House have been progressed by councillors, and will now undergo public consultations. It is expected a public debate will be held on the proposed tower next year. Touted as a new 'midtown' district, the council is hoping to regenera
14/11/2008
Two further Group Repair Schemes have kicked-off in North Belfast, by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), under its North Belfast Housing Strategy The aim of scheme is to sustain and improve private housing by carrying out a range of external improvements to almost 60 dwellings in the Ne
14/11/2008
Northern Ireland, and a number of border counties, are set to benefit from a £3.8m (€4.7m) funding boost from the International Fund for Ireland, it has been announced. The money will be targeted at supporting a range of projects to promote integration and reconciliation, including regeneration
14/11/2008
Stormont Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie has outlined her plans for a co-ordinated approach to proposed development in Glen Road in West Belfast. There are 10 sites stretching along the Glen Road, which could be developed. Minister Ritchie said: "The Glen Road Lands have great potential i
14/11/2008
Irish building firm Graham has finished third in ARENA Network's 10th Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey. Results of the were announced at the Harbour Commissioners' Buildings in Belfast, where Graham also received a Platinum ranking recognition. This is a new category in 2008 for
14/11/2008
Northern Ireland will suffer from the volatility of worldwide shifts in the cost of oil, gas and coal, Energy Minister Arlene Foster has warned, suggesting the era of using 'cheap' fossil fuels 'is over'. Ms Foster, speaking a the launch of a scoping consultation on a revised energy policy, told
14/11/2008
A Co Fermanagh farmer, appearing at court on 12 November 2008, has been fined £6,000 for unauthorised operation of his poultry farm. Barrie Hicks, 61, of Teemore, Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, pleaded guilty at Enniskillen Magistrates' Court. The Industrial Pollution and Radiochemical Inspectorate of th
13/11/2008
The Health Minister has announced plans to invest £180 million in capital over the next three years to improve health and social care services and facilities in the Belfast Trust area. Much needed jobs in the construction industry will also flow from the massive investment in new developments as we
13/11/2008
Trade Minister Mary Coughlan has welcomed retailer Aldi's €350m retail investment plans for Ireland. The expansion of operations in the country is set to result in 650 new jobs over the next three years. Ms Coughlan said: "Irish consumers will very much welcome the announcement that Aldi is to in
13/11/2008
Plans to expand Dublin Port are premature and still need further consultation, according to a report by Dublin City Council. City councillors backed the report, which will now be forwarded to the planning appeals authority. The document has reportedly called on An Bord Pleanala to assess proposa
13/11/2008
Hugh Cooney has been appointed the new Chairperson of Enterprise Ireland, amid 'significant global challenges', Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Mary Coughlan has announced. The Tánaiste said: "I am delighted to welcome Hugh as Chairperson and wish him every success in his new role. "He take
13/11/2008
North Belfast MLAs Carál ni Chuilín and Gerry Kelly have held a 'positive' meeting with Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie on the future development of their constituency area. One of the key items on the agenda was the development of the Girdwood Barrack site. A Sinn Fein spokesman said: "This
13/11/2008
A new Educational and Recreational Centre has been opened in St. Teresa's Gardens in Dublin. Communities Minister John Curran officially unveiled the facility yesterday. The new centre forms part of Dublin City Council's regeneration programme for the Liberties area. Included in the building is
13/11/2008
Roads Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the progress of a £6m investment in the Omagh Council area. Meeting with the Roads Service and local councillors, the Minister provided an update on the A5 bualling project. Mr Murphy said: "Work on the A5 Western Key Transport Corridor continues to make
13/11/2008
Stormont Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has revealed that a review of the newly-formed Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is scheduled for 2011, after the next Assembly elections. The Minister defended the NIEA - previously known as the Environment and Heritage Service - which many envi
13/11/2008
Two Northern Ireland manufacturers have become the first firms in the province to be inducted into the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland’s (HSENI) new Recognising Excellence Programme. 3M Bangor and Invista Textiles Derry were honoured at an event hosted by the United States Consul G
13/11/2008
A new £190 million hospital planned for Omagh can only be built when it has the full support of the local council and community. Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said yesterday he would only build the new facility if local people wanted it, and particularly emphasised that he has
12/11/2008
There's good news on job creation this week with a Co Antrim company revealing that it has invested £3.3 million to develop new products and increase its focus on export markets. Williams Industrial Services (WIS), which is Northern Ireland's largest provider of process control and environmental en
12/11/2008
Work on the N85 Western relief road between Skehanagh Roundabout and Clareabbey Roundabout is to begin later this month, Clare County Council has announced. The scheme will to allow Gama Strabag Construction Ltd to carry out essential repair works to the western abutment of the River Fergus Bridge,
12/11/2008
The University of Ulster’s new 'world-class' £20m sports facilities have been officially opened at its Jordanstown campus. On hand to officiate at the event was double Olympic gold medallist Sebastian Coe. Lord Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) said: "Ope
12/11/2008
Stormont Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey has stepped in to help trade apprentices who could face redundancy as a consequence of the economic slowdown. The Minister unveiled new contingency arrangements to MLAs yesterday, which will allow construction, engineering and the motor vehicle workers to
12/11/2008
Work on the Ballybofey/Stranorlar by-pass will not begin in January, nor is it expected to begin any time in 2010, according to a Donegal councillor. Cora Harvey told fellow council members the National Roads Authority (NRA) project was "dead in the water", following public consultation. She said
12/11/2008
Construction work on a new women's and children's hospitals cannot get underway until more funds are released by the Executive, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has warned. The Minister called for more than double his allocated capital spending budget to complete health 'priorities'. Speaking a
12/11/2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) has announced plans to inspect quarries across Northern Ireland, as part of an intensive, two-week long initiative to improve on-site safety. Inspections will begin next week. Over the last four years the quarry industry has put in a great deal of effort t
12/11/2008
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has emphasised how urban regeneration must be linked to improving the local economy, at a breakfast with leading Northern Ireland developers and planners. The Minister was the first guest at a Belfast business breakfast organised by International PR Com
12/11/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has met with Carrickfergus Borough Council to discuss the ongoing £1.6m investment scheme in the area. Mr Murphy provided an update on the progress of a number of projects. He said: "Preparatory work on the proposed widening of the A2 Shore Road at Gr
12/11/2008
Energy consultancy company Smartheat Limited has picked up the 'Best Interior Design Product of the Show Award' at Plan Expo, with its Tonwerk Heat Storage Stoves. The award was presented by Environment Minister Michael Finneran and CIF Director General Tom Parlon. Smartheat are the Irish partner
11/11/2008
Newry and Mourne District Council has commissioned a feasibility study to assess the merits of developing a much-mooted marina in Warrenpoint. The council has teamed up with Warrenpoint Harbour Authority to look at the possibility of providing a state-of-the-art maritime facility in the popular Co
11/11/2008
An 'exciting' £3m office complex in Newtownards has been officially opened by the local council. The Sketrick House development, located on the Jubilee Road, was designed to provide high quality office accommodation for ICT and service-based businesses, with conference, seminar, meeting and traini
11/11/2008
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is to undertake a study to identify social housing needs in Downpatrick, it has been revealed. The study will be focused on the Ballyhornan and Bishopscourt areas of the County Down town. Public consultation will be taken under the NIHE's Rural Home
11/11/2008
Over one million surfers clicked on the Daft.ie property website in September, it has been revealed. The figures support recent market indicators suggesting the renting sector is on the rise. And shows a welcome sign that the buying market could be starting to recover. According to the latest
11/11/2008
Lisburn Mayor Ronnie Crawford has insisted that John Lewis's decision to build a Dublin store should stimulate political support for a Northern Ireland site. He said: "This will be a test of the seriousness with which our politicians treat our Northern Ireland economy. An urgent decision is requir
11/11/2008
Roads Service has overruled Armagh City Council's proposals to ease traffic congestion in the city, by making a road 'one-way in' rather than 'one-way out'. A council report had previously proposed to make Ogle Street one-way as part of the overall Environmental Improvement Scheme in the city centr
11/11/2008
Officials from Cookstown Council are to be dispatched to inspect vacant properties in the area, in an attempt to gain ownership details. The aim of the operation is to enforce the Department of Finance's new rates system for vacant buildings, which will no longer be exempt from the charge. A cou
11/11/2008
Clare TD Tony Killeen has urged householders across the county to test their homes for the cancer causing radioactive gas radon. Mr Killeen issued the advice after receiving notification from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) that 342 or 11% of the 3033 Clare homes tested by t
10/11/2008
An Bord Pleanala has approved the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) Planning Scheme for Clonburris, which could see thousands of homes built over the next decade. This is the fourth SDZ Planning Scheme approved in Ireland and is the second in the South Dublin County Council area, after Adamstown.
10/11/2008
A public realm scheme costing around half a million pounds has kicked off in Newtownabbey. The project, devised by the local borough council, Road Service and Department for Social Development, will transform the Ballyclare Square area. Work – valued at around £465,000 - is scheduled for compl
10/11/2008
A two-year scheme to improve rails links in County Meath is set to commence this week. The commuter rail line will serve Dunboyne, and cost around €160m to build. Stretching 7.5km, the track will branch off the Maynooth line at Clonsilla in west Dublin and terminate at the planned interchange w
10/11/2008
Dublin City Council has urged the Department of Environment to take tougher action against developers who breach planning laws - particularly those involved in illegal demolitions. A letter written by city councillors has called on the Environment Minister to put stricter controls on renegade deve
10/11/2008
Food retailer Iceland has announced plans to open a new store in Downpatrick, Co Down, with new jobs in store too. Engineers have already moved onsite to kit out the store, which will the first new tenant in the town's renovated Grove shopping centre. Town Centre Manager Eric Tommasini welcomed t
10/11/2008
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cúiv have unveiled an energy sustainability programme for the Aran Islands. The programme comprises a feasibility study on a wind and tidal powered energy network for the islands, and effective from 1 January 2009, a 50% increase in gran
10/11/2008
An interactive play area has been officially opened at the new £200,000 Grove Health and Wellbeing Play Park in Belfast. The scheme is designed to encourage children to beat obesity and improve their health by stealth at the 'open air gym', which provides a whole body work-out. The interactive e
10/11/2008
Dublin City Council has been named Local Authority of the Year at the Excellence in Local Government Awards. The event was attended by over 520 local authorities officials and chamber representatives and held in association with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Env
10/11/2008
Irish Minister Jimmy Devins has officially opened a new building at Dromore West Central National School. Mr Devins was joined by Bishop Fleming, reverend clergy, members of the board of management, teachers and pupils. "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this new building
10/11/2008
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) will find out this week whether it has won two national awards for regeneration. NIHE has been nominated for the Developing and Regenerating Communities prize and the Outstanding Achievement in Housing in Northern Ireland accolade. The nominations h
07/11/2008
Public property outsourcing through Northern Ireland's £1bn Workplace 2010 scheme has been suspended, amid a mooted merger between two firms shortlisted to manage the project, it has been reported. The outsourcing initiative has been stalled until next year over the possible implications of a Land
07/11/2008
A Belfast building firm has broke the UK market with its innovated walling technique, by securing a contract to erect a wall almost half a mile in length. Family-owned Colinwell Concrete, established in 1888, recently joined forced with an English firm to formulate a new market for it Allan Bloc
07/11/2008
A Galway engineering firm has gone into receivership with the loss of 135 jobs. The plant has operated in Oranmore for 30 years, but today SIPTU union members were called in to discuss the news of APW's closure with workers. APW took over operations at the firm seven years ago. APW, this aftern
07/11/2008
The demolition of houses close to City of Derry airport, and the subsequent runway extension, cost almost £19m, it has been revealed. Other works undertaken as part of the investment included health and safety improvements. The British and Irish governments supplied around £14m of the capital spe
07/11/2008
A €165,000 all weather soccer pitch project has been officially opened in Dublin by Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne. The eagerly awaited playground is located at Markievicz House, one of the largest Dublin City Council housing complexes in the city. Over 250 children live in the complex, which encompass
07/11/2008
Forty percent will be wiped off Northern Ireland house prices - from their August 2007 peak - by the end of next year, it has been claimed. Ulster Bank made the prediction in a recent assessment of the Northern Ireland economy. The bank predicted the local economy has already fallen into recessi
07/11/2008
County Clare has received the fourth highest allocation nationally under the largest ever Rural Development Programme, announced by Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív. Under the Programme, funding of €14,028,529 is being provided to Clare Local Development Company Ltd, 55% from the European Union
07/11/2008
Infrastructure Minister Conor Murphy has launched a conference aimed at revising the Regional Development Strategy (RDS). The revised strategy - described by the Minister as a blueprint for growth - will set out a long term vision for development in the province. "A revised RDS will provide clea
07/11/2008
Dublin City Council has appointed a new Public Art Manager - who will be tasked with overseeing creative public projects throughout the city. Ruairí Ó Cuív will work with the council to develop and manage programmes arising from existing and new Per Cent for Art commissioning opportunities. He
06/11/2008
John Lewis has unveiled plans for its first Irish store, creating 80 Dublin jobs. The store will be the retail giant's first venture outside Britain, and occupy five levels at the proposed Dublin Central development, on O'Connell Street. The Chartered Land scheme is due for completion in 2013, an
06/11/2008
Business Minister Arlene Foster has lauded the growth of a Moira-based building firm as a 'symbol of confidence' in the skills and talents available in Northern Ireland. Ms Foster was speaking as she officially opened a new extension at the international headquarters of McMullen Architectural.
06/11/2008
The downward trend in Northern Ireland construction activity remained unchanged during the 12 months proceeding June, it has been revealed. Figures have just been released from the Northern Ireland government, detailing building activity between April and June this year. The Construction Bulletin
06/11/2008
The Irish planning authority has warned that regional bodies may have to revise their approach to aspects of their development plans. An Bord Pleanala, which oversees appeals, said councils, who provisionally grant planning permission in the Republic, should make more decisions based on climate ch
06/11/2008
Stormont Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has lauded a Canadian sustainable home programme during a meeting with international experts, and hinted that a similar scheme could be implement in Northern Ireland, to make social housing more energy efficient. Ms Ritchie met the Canadian delegation to
06/11/2008
The Irish government has launched an initiative aimed at resolving the contentious Corrib gas issue. Headed up by Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, the taskforce will look at the suspension of plans to lay the off shore pipeline. Work on building a multi-million
06/11/2008
Roads Minister Conor Murphy has spoke of the 'significant progress' made in his department's £4.3m Strabane infrastructure investment. Meeting with Strabane District Council, the Minister provided an update on the A5 dualling project. He said: "Work on the A5 Western Key Transport Corridor contin
06/11/2008
Northern Ireland-based construction firms are looking south for new business. Ten building supplies companies are being helped by the Government agency, Invest Northern Ireland to market their products and expertise in the Republic of Ireland. The companies are taking part in an Invest NI group st
06/11/2008
Residents living in Craigavon's Meadowbrook estate have taken part in a 'litter lift' campaign to brighten up their local area. The project was organised by the NI Housing Executive, in conjunction with Craigavon Borough Council and Meadowbrook Residents Association, with the aim of improving the s
05/11/2008
An established County Down building firm has axed 35 jobs at its Kilkeel base. RG Coulter has operated in the town for over 40 years, but of recent times, has fallen victim to the housing market slowdown. At its peak the firm employed around 300 staff, making it the largest employer in the area.
05/11/2008
Construction work on a massive roads project - that will provide a continuous dual carriageway linking counties Limerick, Clare and Galway - is set to commence next week. Galway County Council has just signed a €92m Design Build Contract with Wills Bros Ltd and SIAC Wills JV Ltd. The contract prov
05/11/2008
Northern Ireland builders - forced to find work abroad, amid a domestic construction sector slump – might never return to the province, an industry group has said. As ailing construction firms continue to reduce staffing levels, many local builders have accepted employment opportunities in countri
05/11/2008
Bord Gáis is to seek a 4.2% hike in natural gas prices next year, after slightly reducing its original calls for a 5-8% rise. Details of the proposed price increase were disclosed in a submission document published by the Commission for Energy Regulation yesterday (CER). The projected increase fo
05/11/2008
Stormont Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey today lauded the work of the Construction Skills Register (CSR), at a reception marking the scheme's achievements in Northern Ireland. CSR aims to raise health and safety standards and reduce accidents in the industry by ensuring construction workers unde
05/11/2008
A two-day Green Infrastructure Conference will conclude in Dublin today, after providing a platform for experts in sustainable architecture and building. The Grand Hotel in Malahide played host to the conference, which aimed to share experiences of 'green infrastructure' planning and delivery. Gr
05/11/2008
One hundred and fifty new kitchens have been fitted in Housing Executive houses in Derry, as part of a £600,000 investment project. Homes in the Waterside area's Currynierin estate, which were originally built in the late 1970s and early 1980s, provide accommodation for families and singles. As p
05/11/2008
Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy has detailed the progress of a £3.2 million investment scheme in the Newtownabbey area. The Minister told Newtownabbey Borough Council significant progress has been made on major road widening works along the M2 corridor. Mr Murphy welcomed news that the Hight
05/11/2008
More ratepayers than ever are satisfied with the service provided by Belfast City Council, according to a public consultation survey. The Council has been asked to submit a number of 'Best Value Performance Indicators' (BVPIs) to the Local Government Division of the Department of the Environment (D
05/11/2008
A rates deferment scheme for pensioners is to be introduced in Northern Ireland, the Finance Minister has said. The move is a result of last year's Executive review of rating, and will enable home owning pensioners to defer their rate payments. This could provide a further payment option and all
04/11/2008
A UK recession will hit Northern Ireland worst, the Ulster Bank has warned. The gloomy prediction has been attributed to the province's reliance on the ailing construction industry, which has been in free fall for more than a year Unemployment in Northern Ireland could top 50,000 as a consequen
04/11/2008
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has welcomed the commencement of work on Merck Sharp and Dohme's €200m drugs vaccine facility in Carlow, which is set to create 300 much-needed construction jobs. The project is supported by the Government's IDA Ireland programme, and will also create 170 new "high quality" j
04/11/2008
Despite hopes for a Northern Ireland branch of the 'Trump Empire', American magnate Donald Trump has finally gained permission to build a much-mooted £1bn golf resort in Scotland. During intense wrangling over the Aberdeenshire site, a number of local representatives invited Mr Trump to consider a
04/11/2008
Dublin City Council has launched legal proceedings against scores of property developers, who failed to pay levies. Twenty sets of legal proceedings have been initiated, with 50 warning letters dispatched to builders who did not pay the council for the cost of providing water, roads and sewerage t
04/11/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has provided an update on a £4.1m trunk of work underway on the Ards peninsula, County Down. Roads Service awarded a massive contract for the A20 Southern Distributor Link Road in Newtownards last February, with work commencing in March this year. Th
04/11/2008
Limerick County Hall and Library Headquarters have become the first state-owned buildings in Ireland to install Photovoltaic solar panels to reduce their carbon footprint and energy usage. Limerick County Council has estimated the project, delivered by leading solar electricity provider Cool Power
04/11/2008
Fermanagh Housing Executive tenants have welcomed a £220,000 investment in improving kitchen facilities in their homes. New kitchens were fitted in 42 Lisnaskea properties located in Carrowshee Park, Lisnaskea are a mixture of houses, and bungalows. Work included full kitchen replacement, invol
04/11/2008
A €25m leisure center scheme and youth club project have been officially opened in Ballyfermot, Dublin. Work on the Ballyfermot Leisure Centre commenced in October 2004, and was completed in June 2008. It was then handed over to Dublin City Council for fit-out. Located on Blackditch Road, the 4,1
04/11/2008
Plans for a €300m 17-storey mixed use development, close to Dublin Port tunnel, have been submitted by developer Liam Carroll. The application encompasses a 148-bedroom hotel, gym swimming pool and a healthcare centre. Designs also include 900,000 square feet of office space and retail units. M
04/11/2008
County Clare's Tidy Towns participants have been lauded, after picking up numerous awards at the 50th National Tidy Towns Competition. Ennis was recently named Ireland's tidiest large urban area at the 50th National Tidy Towns Competition. County Clare's contingent performed strongly with both th
03/11/2008
A massive development at the heart of Dublin's docklands - dubbed U2 tower - has been deferred, as the Irish recession takes a bigger bite. The 120-metre scheme was set to house rock super-group U2's new studio. Last week, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) suspended negotiations
03/11/2008
An Alliance Party MLA has blasted delays over the 'Maze' stadium decision as "unacceptable". Assemblyman Trevor Lunn urged Sport Minister Gregory Campbell not to renege on promises to bring forward his plans for the site. In August, Mr Campbell said a decision on the future of a national sports
03/11/2008
Mortgage lending growth in Ireland has hit a 22 year low, the Central Bank has revealed. The latest figures from the bank show a 8.5% increase in total lending for residential mortgages during the 12 months proceeding September. This is the lowest rate since September 1986. It is predicted the
03/11/2008
Belfast City Council has urged members of the public, and the local business community, to express their views on a proposal to transfer land to arc21 to site a new waste treatment facility on the North Foreshore. Arc21 is a local government body, constituted in legislation to encourage households
03/11/2008
Northern Ireland's first totally self-reliant home, which eradicates all energy bills, has been unveiled. The A-rated energy performance home - built in Holywood, County Down - offers dwellers a completely carbon neutral living space, free from running costs. Boasting five bedrooms, the 2,5
03/11/2008
A Tyrone-based crushing firm has hit its highest ever level of export, following support from Invest NI Gildernew Environmental, a specialist in the design and manufacture of advanced crushing equipment for the construction and recycling sectors, sells and hires mini on-site crushers across Irelan
03/11/2008
A community development organisation in Ennistymon, County Clare, has been awarded funding and management development support totalling €106,100, under the Government's Community Enterprise Centre Scheme. Project Ennistymon Ltd is to receive a capital grant of €56,100 and a management grant of €50,
03/11/2008
A £337,404 kitchen improvement scheme, undertaken by the Housing Executive in Armagh, has been completed. Homes located in Loughgall, Richill, Killylea, and Tandragee - a mixture of houses, flats, and bungalows - received a full kitchen overhaul. Most of the work involved minor structural repair
03/11/2008
Crisis talks have been held in Portlaoise aimed at finding a solution to the plummeting global prices of recycled materials - which has dipped by as much as 75%. Ireland's waste industry called on the government to provide assistance, amid an international market collapse. Firms want help to sto
03/11/2008
Freefoam, a leading manufacturer of high quality roofline and rainwater products for the UK, Irish and mainland European markets, launched its registered installer scheme in 2002 and it has proven to be a huge success. New installers join the scheme weekly. Since June 2008, some of the installers
