Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for February 2008
29/02/2008
Controversial private developer Seymour Sweeney is appealing against the decision to refuse planning permission for his visitors' centre at the Giants Causeway. Mr Sweeney's company, Seaport NI Ltd, said the reasons for the refusal were "not sustainable". Previously Environment Minister Arlene Fos
29/02/2008
January saw a continued decline in lending to the real estate and construction sectors, according to statistics released today. The latest borrowing figures from the Central Bank provide further evidence of belt-tightening across the economy. Activity in the household mortgage market was revealed
29/02/2008
Ian Paisley Junior is again getting involved in property development issues. The politician is to meet US tycoon Donald Trump's officials next month amid continuing uncertainty over the future of the millionaire's plans for a luxury golf resort in Scotland. Despite it being just days since Mr Pais
29/02/2008
Every business in Northern Ireland that employs workers from outside Europe must get a licence as part of massive changes to the immigration system, it was announced today. New fines for employers who hire illegal workers and a tough new points system so only the most skilled can work here are amon
29/02/2008
Bord Gáis is set to invest up to €750m in expanding into the electricity and renewable energy market. Chief Executive John Mullins told the Irish Times that the company was looking at "very significant investment" in renewable energy, mainly in developing wind power. The state company, which opera
29/02/2008
IT innovation in the construction sector is being held back because of the unreliability of Ireland’s broadband services, Noelle O'Connell Head of Training and Development of the Construction Industry Federation has said. Speaking before yesterday's Construct IT Conference 2008, Ms O'Connell said t
29/02/2008
Ireland's first-purpose built state of the art opera house is on budget and on schedule, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Séamus Brennan said yesterday as he performed the topping out ceremony for the Wexford Opera House. The new €33 million Opera House will be up to four times larger than
29/02/2008
The Environment Minister's publication of another circular letter on 'Taking in Charge' policies is grossly inadequate as there is a growing crisis in Ireland regarding the number of unfinished estates, Fine Gael's Housing spokesman Terence Flanagan said yesterday. According to Mr Flanagan the tota
29/02/2008
Neighbourhood Renewal funding for organisations in the North West has now topped £4.5 million, the Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie announced today. The funding which has been delivered by the Department’s North West Development Office since 1 April 2007, has helped local organisati
29/02/2008
Grafton Homes (NI) Ltd was fined £5,000 at Lisburn Magistrates' Court yesterday after pleading guilty to five offences under the Waste and Contaminated Land Order 1997. The construction company was charged under two counts Article 4(1)(a) for depositing controlled waste, and three counts under Arti
28/02/2008
Local residents have appealed a County Council decision allowing property developer Bill Doyle to build houses in the grounds of Barrington Tower. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council granted Doyle permission to build 158 houses and apartments in the grounds of the house on Brennanstown Road, in C
28/02/2008
Planning permission has been granted for a new Emergency Department at Letterkenny General Hospital. Permission has now been given to proceed with building the new emergency department, with an integrated Medical Assessment Unit and three new medical wards on the floors above. Senator Cecilia Keav
28/02/2008
An Bord Pleanála has finally given the go-ahead for a redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse in Co Kildare. Proposals - which were passed by Kildare County Council in October 2006 - include creating a new state-of-the-art grandstand, a new parade ring, new block with roof terrace, new weigh room,
28/02/2008
Landowner, Marietta McKavanagh (57), of Derryola Bridge Road, Aghalee, was fined £2,250 at Craigavon Magistrates Court today for illegal waste disposal. Riverside Construction (Down) Ltd, of Bridge Street, Banbridge, was also fined £500 at the same court for two offences under the Waste and Contami
28/02/2008
A National Roads Authority (NRA) decision to build a roundabout on HSE owned land near the N22 has enraged Kilarney residents and town councillors. The residents have long been campaigning for a roundabout just over a kilometre away to relieve severe traffic congestion. Just recently, the latest i
28/02/2008
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy yesterday visited the site where the new £152 million A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway is being constructed around Newry, Co Down. The visit was arranged so the Minister could see, first hand, the work being undertaken to construct this Strate
28/02/2008
A County Armagh building firm has been fined £1,500 for breaches of waste legislation at Craigavon Magistrates' Court. Bann Ltd, of Charlestown Road, Portadown, CO Armagh was fined £500 each for three charges. Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) officers observed controlled waste including house
28/02/2008
Two state bodies have reportedly initiated proceedings against the builders of the Dublin Port Tunnel over repeated system failures -which they claim have led to frequent closures. The National Roads Authority and Dublin City Council decided to take the legal action yesterday after a problem caused
28/02/2008
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has announced the launch of its poster on Mesothelioma. The poster targets people who work in construction related trades, such as joiners, electricians, plumbers, ventilation engineers and installers of IT cabling, with the aim of raisin
28/02/2008
Fingal County Council has approved plans to develop Traveller accommodation at Ardla, near Skerries in north Dublin. Councillors have given the green light - without taking a vote - to the plans despite efforts by property developers to have the accommodation re-sited. Treasury Holdings had offere
27/02/2008
A 52-year-old man has been killed in a construction accident at a building site on the Ormeau Road in south Belfast. It is understood a forklift truck was involved in the incident, which was reported at just before 12pm today. The Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident. Anothe
27/02/2008
The decision to call a 'halt' to a proposal for a passenger rail facility - or rail halt - to service the fast-growing commercial development at the Holywood Exchange has been slammed by an East Belfast MLA. The DUP's Robin Newton said that despite a significant rise in passenger numbers on the bus
27/02/2008
Dublin City Council is to invite tenders for the €27m first phase of the Dublin Region Water-mains Rehabilitation Project. The project is part of the Dublin City Council's Water Conservation Scheme for which Environment Minister John Gormley has allocated a total of €118m under his Department's Wat
27/02/2008
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has given the go-ahead for school building schemes at Dean Maguirc College in Carrickmore and Priory Integrated College in Holywood. The schemes had been put on hold because of uncertainties on the provision needed in the relevant areas and the potential impact of
27/02/2008
CO2 emissions targets set by the EU will add €2.6 billion a year to Ireland's energy bill, the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) said today. According to the Association, targets set by the EU Commission for greenhouse gas emissions and use of renewable energy will add significantly to the cost bas
27/02/2008
A High Court judge has ordered two directors to pay debts owed by their construction company to the tune of €1.8 million. Mr Justice Peter Kelly refused a stay on the order for judgment against Colm and Martina McNulty, of Kilreesk Lane, St Margaret's, Co Dublin, in proceedings brought by Doka Irel
27/02/2008
Fine Gael Dublin South-East Deputy Lucinda Creighton yesterday welcomed the decision of Dublin City Council to refuse permission for Sean Dunne to build an apartment block on Church Avenue, Dublin. Ms Creighton said that she had objected to Mr Dunne's plan on the grounds that it "would have a detri
27/02/2008
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in association with ESB Customer Supply has commenced the search for the most energy efficient firms in Ireland. Now in their fifth year, the Awards are intended to encourage, recognise and reward excellence in energy management in the industrial, commercial and pu
27/02/2008
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley yesterday announced new policy guidance to planning authorities in relation to the taking in charge of residential estates. The Minister said that the new policy guidance is clearly focused on proactively addressing the
27/02/2008
The Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA) has welcomed the announcement by John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, new policy guidance to planning authorities in relation to the taking in charge of residential estates. Hubert Fitzpatrick, IHBA Director said: "The new policy guidance puts in
26/02/2008
A Northern Ireland building services company is to be taken over by an Australian firm in a multi-million pound transaction. It has emerged today that the Co Antrim based company, Rotary Group, will be bought by the Australian Hastie Group in a deal worth almost £100 million. Rotary, which is base
26/02/2008
Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie today outlined her new Housing Agenda for Northern Ireland. In a wide ranging statement to the Assembly, the Minister announced a series of new measures to tackle the housing crisis across Northern Ireland. Specifically it includes getting man
26/02/2008
A number of environmental groups have blasted plans to site a €10 million football academy close to a bird sanctuary at Rogerstown Estuary, near Donabate, north Co Dublin. Birdwatch Ireland, Conservation Volunteers Fingal, Coastwatch and An Taisce have all submitted objections to the plans to Finga
26/02/2008
Minister of State Tony Killeen today confirmed that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, has expressed its intention to shortly grant a Foreshore Licence for Ballyvaughan. According to the North Clare T.D., the issuing of the licence will clear the way for works to commence on the lon
26/02/2008
The Department for Social Development has announced the preferred developer selection process for the Eden Street development scheme in Enniskillen. Consultants are working on a selection process prioritising quality of design, suitability of use and deliverability as the key attributes of the sche
26/02/2008
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley yesterday announced a €16.5m parcel of water service scheme approvals for Galway City and County. He is giving Galway City Council approval to proceed with planning, including preparation of Contract Documents, for substantial
26/02/2008
Five hundred mixed tenure homes will be built over the next five years in Northern Ireland's first eco-village. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today announced the plans for the former Grosvenor Barracks Military Base in Enniskillen. She said: "My Department will undertake a £25m reg
26/02/2008
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has said that alternatives will be tried and tested before congestion charges are even considered. The Minister was speaking yesterday as he launched a public consultation document on sustainable transport and travel. The document - which sets out a vision for a
26/02/2008
An €11m contract to construct the Midleton Northern Relief Road, Phase One has been awarded to Ascon Ltd, Kill, County Kildare. The relief road forms an important component of the Cork County Development Plan. The completion of the Road will ease traffic congestion along Main Street, and allow traf
26/02/2008
Diamond Corrugated have announced savings of almost £700,000 - achieved through a successful programme of continuous improvement. The North West based group supplies innovative packaging solutions to many industry sectors throughout the UK and Ireland. As part of its recent continuous improvement
25/02/2008
The Ulster Bank has launched a substantially discounted mortgage product to benefit those who are committed to reducing their homes' carbon footprint. The 'Solar Mortgage', according to the bank, will do its bit for climate change and reducing the carbon footprint of householders. It will offer a
25/02/2008
Two more Bank of Scotland Ireland customers have raised concerns about their dealings with a former lending manager at the bank who had business links to a property developer. Yesterday it emerged that a second and a third customer have initiated legal proceedings against the bank. As with the fi
25/02/2008
The main domestic risk to Irish jobs comes from the housing sector, according to a report from the European Commission (EC). The market, which has been experiencing a steep decline from its peak in 2006, "may fall further and faster than expected". The EC, in its Joint Employment Report for Irelan
25/02/2008
Environment Minister Arlene Foster today outlined her plans to streamline the planning process to the Chartered Institute of Building in Ireland (CIOB). Speaking at the Northern Centre's annual dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick, the Minister said that an up-to-date planning system is crit
25/02/2008
The opening of Northern Ireland's first £25 million Marriott hotel has been welcomed by the First Minister Ian Paisley. Culzean Holdings Ltd made the announcement following the signing of brand and management agreements with global hotel company Marriott International. The four-star 169-room hotel
25/02/2008
Plans to turn derelict land in east Belfast into a multi-million pound business park were unveiled today. The four acre site on the Ormeau Embankment will be transformed at a cost of £18m into high grade office space for 650 workers — and create over 250 construction jobs in the process. The sche
25/02/2008
A private developers' plan to build a new border village near Derry has sparked controversy. Residents of Kilrea, three miles from Derry, have said they will oppose proposals to build 500 new properties, on a 47-acre former factory site, next to their homes. The border area has seen a huge growth
25/02/2008
The new bedroom wing at the 5-Star Culloden Estate and Spa in Holywood was officially opened by tennis legends Bjorn Borg and Pat Cash (pictured) recently. A total of 26 bedrooms have been added in a £3.5 million investment. The rooms include a mix of appointed bedrooms, suites and two opulent dupl
25/02/2008
Irish contractors can spend up to 35% of the company turnover on the buying of materials and services, according to Irish consultancy specialists Donnelly CCT. The firm claims that without the use stringent purchasing controls this spend can result in a direct cost to profitability. Additionally, m
25/02/2008
One of Ireland’s leading tile adhesive and grout manufacturers, has launched its pioneering new website. BAL is hoping to make a big impact with the improved site, which launches following months of planning and development. The new site will have a completely refreshed design and provide a wide
22/02/2008
Banks lent more than €100 billion to property developers last year, according to new figures from the Irish Central Bank. Private-sector credit figures published yesterday show that in 2007 lending for real estate dealing and property development reached a high of €105.8bn - representing a growth
22/02/2008
Shaving around a quarter of an hour off the sea trip to Scotland has been costly for a leading shipping company. Stena Line is now preparing to open its new terminal on Belfast Lough in a development that well benefit passengers - but cost Stena £37 million. The ferry company revealed that passeng
22/02/2008
Developers in Northern Ireland may be obligated to contribute to the provision of social housing, if proposals get approved. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has told her Assembly scrutiny committee that she is considering the plans and intends to make an announcement on Tuesday outlini
22/02/2008
Women in their forties are taking out loans in huge numbers to fund a home improvement craze, new figures from GE Money show. The fortysomethings are borrowing an average of almost €12,000 to fund home extensions. The abundance of property magazines and makeover t.v programmes have no doubt fueled
22/02/2008
Tender prices for residential construction are falling for the first the time since 2003, according to the Bruce Shaw Handbook 2008. The report shows that following a period of static prices during 2007 tender prices have reduced; and the handbook predicts that prices will fall by a further 2% to 3
22/02/2008
Plans for a new sports complex to service Clongriffin and the surrounding areas, have been sent to three architectural firms and construction work will begin when the most suitable design is chosen, according to local Fianna Fáil Senator Martin Brady. Senator Brady said he was pleased with the prog
22/02/2008
Developer Sean Dunne faces legal action following a bitter split with the prominent hotelier recruited to run his three Ballsbridge hotels. Mr Brennan and Mr Dunne both moved to terminate the relationship on Monday when tensions came to a head - sources have claimed that Mr Dunne and his team were
22/02/2008
Plans to make over Dún Laoghaire's coastline in a multi-million euro investment were announced yesterday. The make-over plans will see the area along East Pier to Sandycove transformed into a "world-class" tourist attraction. Two competing designs have been presented to councillors at a private l
22/02/2008
Irish Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal & Developing Areas Batt O'Keefe has called for increasing partnership between local authorities and voluntary bodies in addressing the accommodation needs of the vulnerable. Minister O'Keefe's comments coincided with the laying of the foundation stone of th
22/02/2008
Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) has today announced plans to build a swimming pool and a marina in the middle of the River Liffey. The project forms part of the River Regeneration Strategy for Dublin Docklands. As yet the exact location for the plans has not been chosen. A water-bas
21/02/2008
Sports Minister Edwin Poots will field questions from the Stormont committee about proposals for a stadium on the old Maze prison site. The committee will quiz the Minister about the leaked feasibility study which recommended the Maze as the best location for the mutli-sport stadium. Stormont Fina
21/02/2008
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Seamus Brennan has today launched details of a new €100 million investment in the upgrading and enhancing of existing tourist attractions and the funding of new initiatives that will be designed to entice more visitors to Ireland. Minister Brennan said that
21/02/2008
Plans for a multi-million euro expansion of the Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle, are to be resisted by Limerick City Council. The extension plans, initially put forward last month, include Limerick's first-ever Marks & Spencer outlet and a seven-storey car park. City councillors have objected
21/02/2008
The go-ahead has been given for the first phase of development for the terminal building at Ireland West Airport Knock. An Bord Pleanala granted planning permission after considering an appeal made by a third party in September 2007. The appeal was lodged after Mayo County Council originally appro
21/02/2008
A major retail park in Donegal Town proposed by Bennett Commercial Development has been granted planning permission. The €40 million retail development is expected to create 250 jobs when complete, while approximately 150 jobs will be sustained during an 18 month construction phase. The developmen
21/02/2008
The official opening of Ireland's newest Tesco store in Kilrush tomorrow will herald the beginning of a new chapter for the economy of West Clare, according to Minister of State Tony Killeen. The Clare T.D. said the development would bring an estimated €2.5m into the local economy on wages earned b
21/02/2008
Dublin Bus has appealed a Dublin City Council decision to allow a Petrogas Engineering development beside its bus depot on Conyngham Road. The Dublin 8 project along the Liffey would see the construction of 81 apartments, six retail and commercial units, 2,500 sq m of offices with a crèche and a ri
21/02/2008
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness officially opened a development of self-catering accommodation in Pomeroy, County Tyrone today. Sperrin View Cottages have been developed in a £1 million investment backed by Invest NI. The cottages are targeted at lucrative niche tourism markets, particularl
21/02/2008
Readymix has claimed that the slowdown in construction, combined with the sale of part of the business, is the reason behind their downturn in profits. The cement manufacturing company expects 2007 operating profits to be 65% less than the €19.6m reported in 2006. The company said the fall-off in
21/02/2008
A tour of titanic proportions will be running all through March as Belfast City Council commemorates the world’s most famous 'accursed' ocean liner, the Belfast-built Titanic. Bus and boat tours will explore a Belfast of the ‘Titanic’ era, telling the story of the mighty ship and taking in all of t
20/02/2008
Minister John Browne has announced funding of over €23 million for the Development Programme for Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Projects. The funding is being allocated to projects that have been identified as priorities by both the Local Authorities and the Department's Engineering Division.
20/02/2008
The housing market is expected to return to "normality" by Spring 2009, according to a Hooke and MacDonald report published today. A market leader for new developments in Ireland, the company regularly undertakes surveys and publishes reports on the Irish property market. Today's report shows tha
20/02/2008
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy hopped on a plane today for a visit to the Netherlands to study a variety of rapid transit systems. The trip - which comes on the back of proposals to create such a system in Belfast - is to educate the Minister on the various urban rapid transport options
20/02/2008
Advertisements are to be placed for tenders for sewerage works to serve a new fish processing plant in Killybegs. The new sewers, pumping station and sea outfall are part of the Killybegs Sewerage Scheme which is being funded by the Government to the tune of €20 million. The Minister for Agricultu
20/02/2008
A customer of the Bank of Scotland Ireland is bringing a case to the High Court, accusing the bank of negligence. The case relates to the customer's 2003 dealings with a lending manager at the bank, who has since left the company. The customer contacted the bank to arrange a loan for property inve
20/02/2008
Northern Ireland Water has been fined after untreated sewage was discovered in two rivers in west Belfast. Belfast Magistrates’ Court yesterday fined the company £100 and ordered them to pay costs of £211, for causing pollution at Colin Glen River. The company admitted in court it was to blame for
20/02/2008
Those selling their homes have 'missed the boat' - according to a new survey - and even those buyers hoping to cash in on a downturn in the market are still struggling. Last year's hugely inflated rise in house prices across Northern Ireland faltered during the last part of 2007, leaving sellers wh
20/02/2008
LTS First Aid Specialists, Chamber Buildings, North Street, Swords have just been awarded the prestigious designation of Irish Heart Foundation Training Site. LTS First Aid Specialists, who moved offices to Swords in July 2007, are now offering Heartsaver AED training every Friday in Swords. The
20/02/2008
The highly controversial £240m (€318m) multi-sport stadium should be built at the site of the former Maze prison, a leaked consultants' report has revealed. The feasibility study found that the Maze site, just outside Lisburn represented the best value for money for a 38,500-seat venue for rugby, f
20/02/2008
An Enniskillen construction firm has been found guilty of failing to provide a safe system of work for their employees. McAloon Construction Limited was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs after pleading guilty to Article 4(2)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work Order 1978. The case was brought
19/02/2008
As the first two Topaz-branded service stations opened today - at Dublin Port and in Citywest - it has emerged that the Shell and Statoil names will soon be no more. Topaz Energy, the group which bought out more than 300 of Ireland's Shell and Statoil filling stations between 2005 and 2006, is to r
19/02/2008
Omagh District Council has took the lead in a project to use the weir on the Camowen River, to generate electricity through a hydro turbine. The project will complement the Council's initiatives to develop 'green' energy from renewable sources, including the installation of a biomass boiler at Oma
19/02/2008
Fast food giant McDonald's and Irish Life have agreed to mediation in a bid to resolve a bitter row over the lease of a McDonalds branch at the Ilac Centre. The Irish contingent of the global fast-food restaurant launched a High Court legal action against property developer Joe O'Reilly and Irish
19/02/2008
The Labour Party and Sinn Féin have tabled a Dáil motion pushing for the prevention of exploitation of agency workers. The private members' motion demands the enactment of EU legislation protecting the rights of migrants and agency employees. The two parties claim the failure to introduce legislat
19/02/2008
A building firm that helped to construct Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium has announced its own record breaking trading results. County Down firm, McMullen Architectural revealed that turnover soared by 60% last year, with orders on the books worth over £50m. The Moira based company makes windows an
19/02/2008
The High Court has approved a €75 million rescue package for a flailing construction firm, McEnaney Construction. The Louth company, which spearheaded the €200m M1 Euro Park, came out of examinership yesterday after the High Court gave the go ahead for John McCann to take a 75% stake in the busines
19/02/2008
A new Luas and public transport bridge across the river Liffey, from Marlborough Street to Hawkins Street, has been given the go-ahead by Dublin City Council. Councillors have approved a revised plan, which includes the development of the new link from Eden Quay to Burgh Quay. The plans provide f
19/02/2008
Unfinished roads and substandard housing appear to be the norm in many new housing estates, according to Fine Gael's Housing Spokesman. Terence Flanagan has said that the current process is not working and the Minister for the Environment must force local authorities to take in charge housing estat
19/02/2008
Spending on Northern Ireland roads is falling short of investment in the rest of Ireland and the UK. UUP MLA Fred Cobain told the assembly yesterday that Northern Ireland is spending five times less on each mile of road than England. Accusing the Department of Regional Development of complacency,
19/02/2008
Dublin City Council has reportedly approved plans for a 15-storey tower in the Ballsbridge area. Reports out this morning said permission has been granted for the building as part of a €600m development on the site of the former UCD veterinary college. The development will include luxury apartment
19/02/2008
Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) has published a new edition of the Belfast and Northern Ireland Conference, Meetings and Incentives Guide, designed to assist those planning to host major events here. The guide, which is used extensively by association and meeting planners, corporate ag
19/02/2008
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) throughout Clare and Limerick risk going under if they fail to control their energy bills and establish an energy efficient manner of conducting business. That is according to the Limerick Clare Energy Agency (LCEA), which today launched an Energy Management Cer
18/02/2008
Mounting pressure over payroll revelations, lobbying claims and links with developers has forced Ian Paisley jnr to step down as Junior Minister in the Stormont Executive. Speaking outside Stormont Castle, Mr Paisley admitted the last 10 months had not been without controversy. Most recently he ca
18/02/2008
An additional €746,000 has been sanctioned for a housing project at Gortboy, Newcastle West, according to Limerick Fianna Fáil TD, John Cregan. This funding is supplementary to €5.86m funding already approved in respect of the housing project, and has been confirmed by the Minister for Housing, Ur
18/02/2008
Planning permission in Sandyford, south Dublin will not be granted for any major developments in the near future. Landowners have been told that until the sewage infrastructure is improved, developments of more than two residential units - or the equivalent in commercial space - will not be given t
18/02/2008
Plans to build a new coastal station have been overshadowed by renewed calls to save the Valentia and Malin coastal stations. Labour Party Spokesperson on the Marine, Senator Michael McCarthy has called on Minister Noel Dempsey to immediately reverse the Government's plan to shut down transmission
18/02/2008
A planning application for the construction of more than 60 new properties at the edge of a Jordanstown housing estate has sparked controversy. Residents of Meadowbank fear the proposed erection of 22 apartments, 15 townhouses, 20 semi-detached and five detached dwellings would have a detrimental e
18/02/2008
The Government has failed to complete almost two thirds of the specific actions scheduled for 2007 under last March's Energy White Paper, according to information obtained by Fine Gael Energy Spokesperson Simon Coveney. The information was provided by Energy Minister Eamon Ryan in response to a se
18/02/2008
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has announced a record €618m investment programme in the regional and local roads network for 2008 - the biggest ever grant by Government for regional and local roads. This year is the first time the Department of Transport has assumed responsibility for the administ
18/02/2008
The total number of houses and apartments completed in January 2008 was 4,858 units, with a total of 77,097 houses completed in the 12 months to end January 2008. Output nationally in January 2008 was 16% lower than January 2007. There were 1,203 houses/apartments completed in Dublin, up 6.1% on Ja
18/02/2008
Around a third of NI employers are having problems finding the right people to match the required set of skills for the job. The Department for Employment and Learning has published findings from a research report looking at the current need for skills of Northern Ireland employers. Current
18/02/2008
Irish Minister of State Tony Killeen has expressed optimism that any planning issues relating to the commencement of works on the Doonbeg harbour Development would soon be resolved. The Minister made his comment today after the Government allocated €525,000 to Clare County Council to undertake exte
15/02/2008
A contractor has been fined £25,000 by Newry Crown Court after pleading guilty to a breach of Regulation 6 of the Northern Ireland Construction Regulations. The negligence case against Paul Casement Contracts arose following the investigation of an incident where a 52-year-old worker was seriously
15/02/2008
Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said that regeneration in the North West is to become a top priority for the Executive. Speaking in Derry today at a meeting of the local Chamber of Commerce, he said: "All our towns and cities are important but the North West is a specia
15/02/2008
Normally rival unionist factions have collaborated in a bid to scupper plans for a multi-use sport stadium at the site of the former Maze prison, according to a Northern Ireland Assembly member. Pat Ramsey, SDLP, has claimed that Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) members are joining forces with the r
15/02/2008
International drinks' company Diageo is expected to reveal extensive plans for its world famous Guinness site at St James Gate, Dublin shortly - but remains tight-lipped on the details. However, the group is thought to be relocating production to a new facility in the north side of Dublin. Diageo
15/02/2008
Repairs Force Seanad To Relocate Body The Irish 'Upper House', the Seanad, will relocate to Dublin's Natural History museum soon, while repairs are carried out to Leinster House, it has been revealed. Parts of the 250-year-old building are due to close for at least a year from this summer in order
15/02/2008
Local Fianna Fáil Senator Martin Brady has welcomed the allocation of €165,000 funding for a complete upgrade of Howth Harbour. The funding has been allocated by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Mr John Browne. Deputy Brady said: "I am delighted that this fun
15/02/2008
Residents in Dunmurry have called for a ban on any further development in the area as they claim the infrastructure 'shows signs of cracking' under increasing pressure. Residents - who have complained they are being plagued by the smell of sewage - have the backing of SDLP councillor Brian Heading
15/02/2008
Northern Ireland Electricity has warned contractors to 'dig with caution' or pay the price of repairs to damaged electricity cables. The stark warning follows an incident in the Rochester Drive area of East Belfast on Wednesday, when 5,000 customers lost electricity supplies after a contractor, wo
15/02/2008
Strabane District Council has united with the Ulster Farmers' Union and Emerald Isle Recycle to run a pilot scheme in the district to encourage the recycling of all types of agricultural plastics through a low cost, on farm collection service. The scheme, subsidised by Strabane District Council, cu
15/02/2008
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Arlene Foster has intervened in a planning dispute to consider submissions made against a proposed business park in Co Tyrone. Plans to build offices and community rooms on woodland on the outskirts of Pomeroy have been opposed by a local campaign group with th
15/02/2008
A newly renovated three-bay four-storey building in Galway will become the new home to creative young architect, Paul Dillon and his team at Paul Dillon Architects. Paul has converted the interior of the large Georgian house at No. 1 Court House Square which had been altered over time, often carele
15/02/2008
GGL Security, a leading provider of efficient security services, is an independent specialist in the business of plant, vehicle escorts, tracking, tracing and communications, is helping to keep the construction industry on the right track. The Global Positioning System (GPS) unit the company speci
14/02/2008
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen has today announced the establishment of a Commission on Taxation to consider issues including the introduction of a carbon tax. The announcement will fulfil the commitment in the Programme for Government, to review the structure, efficiency and appropriateness of t
14/02/2008
Fine Gael's Communications Spokesman, Simon Coveney said today that the Minister for Communications must not allow a monopoly situation to develop in broadband infrastructure. "Eircom is bringing proposals to Minister Eamon Ryan today to promote ways in which the Government can invest in the networ
14/02/2008
A study of the impact of the European Single Market on Ireland has been published today. The Forfás report is the first comprehensive look at the impact of the Single Market from an Irish perspective since its launch in the early 1990s. The report confirms that the Single Market has been importan
14/02/2008
A leading commercial property firm has appointed a new group partner. Eugene F. Collins have announced that Margaret Austin has joined the firm's Commercial Property Department as partner in charge of the Construction, Planning and Environment Group. Ms Austin, the firm said, has extensive pract
14/02/2008
Storm-tossed parts of Northern Ireland are to help in the battle against global warming. The NI Executive Environment Minister, Arlene Foster, has just issued a new draft Planning Guidance referring to wind development in the local landscape. Ms Foster invited comment on the document that is inten
14/02/2008
Contract law should be updated to allow third parties to enforce contracts arranged between two other parties, according to the Law Reform Commission. The report on contract law and third party rights, published today, proposes new legislation that could lead to a reduction in legal costs for the d
14/02/2008
The Ulster Archtectural Heritage Society (UAHS) has this week celebrated its 40th Anniversary. NI Assembly Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie addressed officials and members of the UAHS at a reception. The Society was established in order to promote the rich architectural heritage of its
14/02/2008
Many new homes could be unsaleable, uninsurable and uninhabitable unless stricter planning controls are introduced, insurers have warned. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has said tougher planning controls are needed if flood insurance is to remain widely available for new homes. Accordin
14/02/2008
A €9.57m contract awarded for work on part of the Limerick main drainage scheme ended up costing the exchequer almost €83m. The contract was awarded in May 2000 but terminated in September 2001 due to a dispute with the contractor. Limerick City Council claimed the contractor was not proceeding wi
13/02/2008
Government contracted construction workers in Belfast are being given tickets by traffic wardens working for another department. Builders involved in the 'Belfast: Streets Ahead' project are having work vehicles ticketed by wardens on behalf of the Department for Regional Development. The constru
13/02/2008
It may not be the most obvious choice for a relaxing break, but Dublin's infamous Mountjoy Prison could soon be the most exclusive place to stay in the city, with news there are plans to transform it into a boutique hotel. A major new development strategy from Dublin City Council for the north inne
13/02/2008
Growth in commercial property rents has slowed from 12.5% in 2006 to 5.1% in 2007. According to the latest Lisney Rental Indices figures show retail was the best performing rental sector with growth at 8.8% Office rents, which increased by 11% in 2006 had become stagnant in 2007. The agency warne
13/02/2008
A planning decision on the €750m revamp of one of Dublin city centre's busy shopping areas has been delayed. An Bord Pleanála said an announcement on the scheme was due this week but the deadline was put back due to the volume of work, with a new date not yet fixed. "A decision isn't imminent. I d
13/02/2008
Work on Dublin's Metro North project, from Dublin city centre to the airport, will be brought forward with the announcement that the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has given approval for Exchequer funding. It will be used to fast-track the construction of the underground stations at the new Ma
13/02/2008
The Irish Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has announced his Department has issued a request for tenders to undertake a study of comparative merits of overhead electricity transmission lines versus underground cables. The purpose of the study, announced by Eamon Ryan, is to
13/02/2008
The Irish Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has warned he may reconsider the Government's decision to allow Ireland's main state airports to operate independently. Reports this morning say Mr Dempsey has appointed the former Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary Peter Cassells to media
13/02/2008
Fingal County Council has given the go-ahead for a new €60m complex in Blanchardstown, Co Dublin. Green Property has been granted planning permission, for the proposed eight-storey office block in Westland Retail Park, currently a 20,445 sq m surface car park. The development is to consist mainly
13/02/2008
The first sod was cut today by Roads Minister Conor Murphy to mark the start of £134m road improvement works in the Dungannon area. Construction of a dual carriageway and the realignment of the A4 at Annaghilla and the A5 at Tullyvar will greatly improve journey times to the west and south for the
13/02/2008
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Mary Wallace yesterday opened the National Bioenergy conference in Tullamore. Organised by Teagasc and the Irish Bioenergy Association, the conference theme is 'Bioenergy-Making it a sustainable reality'. Speaking at the conference, Minister Wall
12/02/2008
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Arlene Foster has come under attack today from green campaigners accusing her of prompting the start of a 'bungalow blight' in the countryside. Ms Foster outlined the Executive Sub-Committee's findings on PPS14 yesterday, and a series of relaxations were announ
12/02/2008
A surge in the availability of rental properties has led to the levelling off in rents, according to a Daft.ie survey. The figures published today reveal the supply of rental properties across Ireland increased by almost 50% in the last three months of 2007. This dramatic increase in supply has le
12/02/2008
Hundreds of Jobs are to be created by UK supermarket giant Asda following the announcement of plans for a new store in Larne. The Co Antrim project is likely to create around 300 new jobs when the company becomes the anchor tenant in a £20 million mixed retail and leisure scheme that is currently s
12/02/2008
Proposals to build a cross-border bridge linking Counties Down and Louth are to be studied. Almost £300,000 is being spent studying the feasibility of the bridge, which would span Carlingford Lough between Omeath and Narrow Water Castle, near Warrenpoint. The funding was revealed following talks b
12/02/2008
Contractors and others in the building trade should be on alert following a recent spate of thefts of plant and equipment from construction sites. That is the message from police in the H District which includes Ballymena, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Moyle and Larne. Concerned by the thefts, Constable D
12/02/2008
Horse racing galloped ahead this week with the official opening of a new headquarters for Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). The state-of-the art facility, at Ballymany, The Curragh, Co. Kildare, was opened yesterday by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Seamus Brennan. The facility, completed at
12/02/2008
Work has started on the £414,000 Alley Theatre Courtyard Scheme in Strabane. Funding of £316,000, which was secured through the Integrated Development Fund, has been delivered through the Northern West Development Office towards the projects total cost of £414,000. Strabane District Council will fu
12/02/2008
The draft planning guidelines, announced yesterday by the Dáil Minister for Environment, are unlikely to be sufficiently adequate to ensure that infrastructure is provided in tandem with housing development according to the Labour environment spokesperson Joanna Tuffy. Ms Tuffy believes the way to
12/02/2008
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Paddy Bourke, has visited Belfast for a tour of the city's key regeneration projects. Councillor Bourke was a guest of Belfast City Council, and his whistle stop tour outlined plans for Belfast's Titanic and Cathedral Quarters and housing developments in north a
12/02/2008
Building membranes specialist lcopal is celebrating after notching up sales of two million square metres of its flagship Monarperm roofing membrane in Ireland. The milestone was achieved with an order from Belfast-based builders' merchant group JP Corry who have 16 branches in the region as well as
11/02/2008
A new planning guideline relating to the controversial PPS14 policy which restricts house building in the countryside is to be reviewed by the NI Executive, it has emerged. Environment Minister Arlene Foster has announced a new planning policy will go out to consultation towards the end of April.
11/02/2008
New planning measures announced today by Irish Environment Minister John Gormley are preparing the ground for a complete ban on one-off housing in rural areas, according to Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Chairman Tom Hayes. Mr Hayes said: "While some of Minister Gormley's guidelines are sensible and
11/02/2008
British electricity firm, International Power has entered into a joint partnership with Bord Gais to purchase three power stations from the ESB. Reports have declared that both companies would operate the power stations and Bord Gais would sell the electricity produced to the public. The stations
11/02/2008
Construction activity has slowed for the third month in a row in January according to the Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers Index. The Index posted a reading of 35.3 last month, its lowest reading in the survey's history. A reading of 50 marks the centre ground, dividing expansion (upwa
11/02/2008
Tougher planning rules on sustainable residential development in urban areas have been announced by the Irish Minister for the Environment, John Gormley. The proposed planning guidelines will force developers and local authorities to build better quality homes in developments with abundant green sp
11/02/2008
An agreement on the site for the proposed Doolin Search and Rescue Headquarters could soon be reached according to the Minister of State and Clare, Tony Killeen. The Minister confirmed that a meeting between the Office of Public Works, Clare County Council and the Irish Coast Guard is scheduled to
11/02/2008
The Irish Water Waste & Environment (IWWE) and Irish Recycling & Waste Management (IRWM) exhibitions will see the launch of a number of new products and services by exhibitors. So far nine launches are confirmed for the shows, which take place between 5th and 6th of March 2008 at the RDS in Dublin
11/02/2008
Major projects will be blocked if local authorities and developers in and around Dublin fail to provide adequate transport services for large-scale developments. The move has been stipulated under plans being finalised by Daíl Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey. The new legislation, to be introd
11/02/2008
A €5.5 million investment to fund nine new engineering posts across Higher Education Institutes in Ireland has been announced by Dail Minister Micheál Martin. The funding, which is part of Science Foundation Ireland's Engineering Professorship and Lectureship Programme, will support three Engineeri
11/02/2008
Bertoneri Fireplaces, one of Ireland's leading fireplace distributors have announced the launch of the Harmony Collection of antique and period fireplaces. For a number of years Bertoneri have been supplying antique and bespoke antique fireplaces to their customers. Originally this was a niche mark
08/02/2008
One of Northern Ireland's most scenic areas is soon to become a 'powerhouse' with revised plans now at an advanced stage to run an underwater electricity turbine. Strangford Lough, which has one of the fastest tidal flows in the world, is to be home for the SeaGen marine turbine, will produce energ
08/02/2008
New figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have shown employment in construction firms has fallen since 6.4% from last year. The CSO’s construction employment index has been falling since April of last year, but December’s drop was the steepest so far. The figures released cover a
08/02/2008
A gravel company from Omagh, was fined £300 plus £89 court costs at Omagh Magistrates' Court today. John Haughey Rock Sand and Gravel Ltd of Dromore Road, Omagh was convicted for breaches of an Enforcement Notice which required it to cease all unauthorised extraction and processing of material and
08/02/2008
Increased international trade is the key to a successful economy in Northern Ireland. That was the message from First Minister Ian Paisley to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Speaking at the Chamber’s annual general meeting, Mr Paisley outlined ihis plans for creating a strong and prosperous economy
08/02/2008
The bridge which will link Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland at Narrow Water Castle took a step closer yesterday. Following a meeting in the margins of the North South Ministerial Council between Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot A
08/02/2008
A US company will today announce plans to create 200 jobs at a software service centre in Carlow town. The insurance firm, Unum, specialises in providing employee benefits, with products like group and individual disability protection and income protection. Last year, it made more than $10bn in r
08/02/2008
The Irish Water Waste & Environment (IWWE) and Irish Recycling & Waste Management (IRWM) exhibitions will see the launch of a number of new products and services by exhibitors. So far nine launches are confirmed for the shows, which take place between the 5 and 6 of March 2008 at the RDS in Dublin.
08/02/2008
The Ministry of Justice has re-appointed construction and management consultants, Turner & Townsend to provide project management services to HM Prison Service in Nottingham until 2010. Building upon an on-going relationship with the Ministry of Justice, Turner & Townsend will be working with HMP N
08/02/2008
Economy Minister Nigel Dodds officially announced the opening of Invest Northern Ireland's first trade and investment office in India. The opening of the new office highlights the Northern Ireland Executive's commitment to establishing closer links with India. It will be located within the British
08/02/2008
REHAU has completed the first commercial installation in Northern Ireland of its environmentally friendly AWADUKT Thermo ground air heat exchanger. The controlled ventilation system has been installed in a new development of serviced business units at Ards Business Centre in Newtownards, near Belfa
07/02/2008
The land used for an airstrip at Clifden Airport has been sold at a €125,000 loss, new accounts have revealed. More than 150 local shareholders were involved in the set up to develop an airstrip in rural Galway. These included Aer Arann, Galway hotel Renvyle House, SuperValu owner Noel Kavanagh,
07/02/2008
The Central Survey Unit of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has published the latest edition of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin. The primary measure of the value of construction output in Northern Ireland (the Index of Construction) is obtained from the Norther
07/02/2008
The Planning Service have announced they will be at next weekend's Northern Ireland SelfBuild Extend and Renovate Show at the King's Hall, Belfast. "If you are planning some new house building or extension or renovations, come along to the King's Hall next weekend and you will be able to meet Plann
07/02/2008
Daniel Libeskind, one of the world's leading architects, delivered a landmark lecture in Belfast's Waterfront Hall to publicly launch the University of Ulster's Real Estate Initiative. This is a unique partnership bringing together sector leaders in real estate and financial services with academic
07/02/2008
While about half of the existing jobs at the Arnotts department store in Dublin are said to be under threat due to a huge hotel and retail development of the surrounding area, many new jobs are expected after completion. In September, a three-year redevelopment programme will begin in the area arou
07/02/2008
The last remaining retail and restaurant units are now available in the restored chq building in Dublin's Docklands. A wide range of quality tenants are already established in the newly opened building, including home furnishings and accessories stores, Meadows & Byrne and Environment Furniture, H
07/02/2008
The Department for Social Development has announced it has agreed Heads of Terms with the developer for the proposed Royal Exchange retail-led regeneration development in the north east quarter of Belfast city centre. Assembly Minister, Margaret Ritchie said terms were agreed to take forward the £3
07/02/2008
Dundonald-based aerospace engineering consultancy BASE has won a major export deal for its expert services in Switzerland. The company, which has taken part in a series of Invest Northern Ireland export programmes including trade missions and exhibitions such as the Farnborough, Paris and Berlin ai
07/02/2008
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will unveil over 50 environmental protection research projects at a conference in Dublin today. Among the presentations by national and international experts - on topics such as climate change, water quality and land-use, there will be demonstrations of no
07/02/2008
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan has announced plans to conduct an independent study on power line infrastructure in Ireland. The national study will address the merits of installing underground cables instead of overhead power lines. It will consider and
06/02/2008
The Debate over a nuclear-free Ireland is raging following a recent North-South meeting in Bangor between the Assembly's Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and John Gormley, Green Party Leader and Dáil Environment Minister. The ministers have teamed up to call all political parties to sig
06/02/2008
The Taoiseach has moved to assuage fears in the Irish construction industry, by claiming that job losses in the sector will be cancelled out by employment creation elsewhere. Bertie Ahern was responding to criticism from his Fine Gael counterpart Enda Kenny, on his governments handling of the econo
06/02/2008
A modern, efficient infrastructure is an essential requirement for economic and social development, NI Assembly MLAs Ian Paisley Jnr and Gerry Kelly told delegates in Dublin today. The Junior Ministers were addressing the All Island Infrastructure Investment conference where they told an audience o
06/02/2008
Invest Northern Ireland has helped fledgling Ballynahinch company Garden Escapes to achieve significant growth and export success by supporting an investment of almost £100,000 over three years. The company designs and manufactures innovative sound and multi-sensory outdoor play equipment aimed at
06/02/2008
An expert in public private financing has warned Ireland will miss out on major investment in infrastructure unless authories can provide a flow of deals. Roger Alexander, head of the European Project Finance at international accountancy firm Mazars said: "Today Dublin is hosting a major all-island
06/02/2008
Letterkenny Councillor Ciaran Brogan is campaigning for the construction of a horse racing track and facilities. Plans are being prepared which could pave the way for the construction on land at the Big Isle. The area of land, over 100 acres in size, was originally obtained by compulsory purchase
06/02/2008
The Indian market offers significant new business potential for tourism enterprises in Northern Ireland. That was the message from Tourism Minister Nigel Dodds when he met with Indian tour operators at Tourism Ireland's offices in Mumbai, India. The Minister spoke to top Indian travel trade and med
06/02/2008
The Cork docklands project can still qualify for state assistance providing some important issues are thrashed out, according to Dáil Minister for Enterprise Michéal Martin. Mr Martin said mechanisms for the €3bn development will still need to be worked out to ensure that any aid from the governmen
05/02/2008
An application for a 100-megawatt gas power station on the outskirts of Claremorris in County Mayo has been withdrawn following strong local opposition. Monaghan-based Mountside Properties Ltd, the company behind the power station have announced the withdrawal of the application lodged with Mayo Co
05/02/2008
Donegal councillors have voted in favour of introducing a tax on holiday homes in the county. There are an estimated 8,000 holiday homes in the county, many of them owned by people from the North. Councillor Bernard McGuinness said that although it could be a way to address a €1m rates shortfall,
05/02/2008
Disaster mitigation and response, traffic management, road maintenance and pollution monitoring are some of the diverse areas set to benefit from £10m investment in research and development by the technology Strategy Board. The collection of data from a wide range of sources underpins many applicat
05/02/2008
Mary Hanafin, Dáil Minister for Education has unveiled plans for 30 new primary schools. Most of the schools will be constructed in Dublin, eight of which in the Fingal region. The Minister added that, in addition to the post-primary school projects progressing to construction over the next numbe
05/02/2008
Shares in building materials group Readymix have taken a dive today, as the company gave a stark profit warning. Shares in the firm have slumped 16.5%, showing further evidence of the slowing construction market in Ireland. The company said that although its annual results have not been finalised,
05/02/2008
Project Management Consultant Turner & Townsend has secured the role of Project Monitor on behalf of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) on the restoration of Gracehill School, refurbishment of The Playhouse Theatre, Derry and redevelopment of the Ulster Museum. The £14.5m redevelopment of the existing Uls
05/02/2008
Davis Langdon PKS (DLPKS), one of Ireland's leading construction cost management firms have said they remain optimistic despite predictions of a -7% reduction in the volume of construction in 2008. DLPKS released their annual review for 2007 on February 5 which stated that although the housing mar
05/02/2008
A Scarva man was convicted at Newry Magistrates’ Court for breaches of waste management legislation. Noel Martin (37) from Scarva, Craigavon, pleaded guilty to two offences and was fined a total of £5,000 and ordered to pay court costs. Environment and Heritage Service officers investigated a site
04/02/2008
The continuing slowdown in the construction sector has lead to the largest increase in unemployment rates since December 1999. The Central Statistics Office figures show the rate of unemployment rose to 4.9% last month. The seasonally adjusted Live Register shows an increase in unemployment of 7,8
04/02/2008
An ambitious plan to establish the Mid West of Ireland as a region of excellence and expertise in the area of energy efficiency will be unveiled later this week. Junior Environment and Energy Minister Tony Killeen will launch Ireland's first Regional Climate Strategy at the Mid West Regional Author
04/02/2008
The views of people from across Armagh and Northern Ireland on the development of a new Palace Park have been unveiled. Armagh City and District Council launched a far reaching consultation over the summer on the creation of a public park in the 51 hectare Palace Demesne, currently home to the Coun
04/02/2008
Environment Minister Arlene Foster has praised the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) for acting to protect two historic buildings threatened by demolition. The Minister said: "We have to look forward. We must plan for our future. But we must not ignore what has shaped us. Our built heritage pr
04/02/2008
Dublin-listed firm Siteserv is to acquire UK contract scaffolding and services company Deborah Services in a £48.2m deal. Due to the size of the Deborah Services deal and under IEX and AIM rules, it will have to be approved by the company's shareholders. An EGM will be held later this month in Dubl
04/02/2008
Environment Minister Arlene Foster has spoken with her Dublin counterpart, John Gormley, about the need to return the illegal waste that had been dumped in Northern Ireland. In several successful prosecutions taken by the Environment and Heritage Service recently, material in illegal landfill sites
04/02/2008
The EPA has released a discussion paper entitled Hitting the Targets for Biodegradable Municipal Waste: Ten Options for Change. The main issue underlying the paper is that the outcomes being achieved with regard to biodegradable municipal waste are less than satisfactory. Latest data from the r
04/02/2008
A woman was convicted at Coleraine Magistrates' Court for failing to remove a shed erected without planning approval. Mrs Karen Jane Houston, of 40 Isle Road, Macosquin, was fined £200 and £86 costs. She pleaded guilty to non compliance with an Enforcement Notice requiring the removal of an unauth
01/02/2008
An increase in funding of £550,000 towards a public realm scheme for Armagh City has been announced by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. The additional funding was required to ensure the successful delivery of the scheme. This additional funding brings DSD's contribution to £3.64m of a
01/02/2008
A new fire station that will enhance community fire safety work and emergency cover in the greater Dunmurry area, is now operational, the Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey has announced. During a visit to the station, he said: "Firefighters will now be present in the Dunmurry area, carrying
01/02/2008
The pressure is on for Environment Minister Arlene Foster to make a decision on an environmental protection agency for NI. Assembly ministers and members of the business community have called for the agency to be set up. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK and Ireland that does not have su
01/02/2008
Irish consultancy specialists Donnelly CCT have announced a new series of courses on purchasing management and construction waste controls for the construction industry. The training course offers construction staff the foundations to Construction Systems and Controls applicable to the €36bn Irish
01/02/2008
Every day clients of Invest Northern Ireland have, on average, invested over £1.4m in the local economy and exported almost £11.5m of goods and services, as investments stimulated by the agency have contributed to increasing employment, new business formation and improved regional competitiveness, f
01/02/2008
On January 25 Ballyrolly Construction Ltd were fined £50,000 for a breach of Regulation 11(1) of the Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996, at Downpatrick Crown Court held in Newtownards. The incident involved the collapse of an excavation, at Drumfad Bay in Mi
01/02/2008
A bungalow and double garage built without planning permission near Magherafelt has been demolished as a result of enforcement action by the Ballymena Divisional Planning Office. The unauthorised buildings at Gorteade Road, between Swatragh and Upperlands, had been the subject of a lo
01/02/2008
A new provision, which will give effect to a new profit resource rent tax on oil and gas production, has been welcomed by the Irish Natural Resources Minister. Section 41 of the finance bill - the profit resource rent tax - will operate on a graded basis, from five to 15%, depending on availability
