Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for October 2009
30/10/2009
Ireland's Environment Minister has said the 'green economy' presents "huge potential" for the country. John Gormley said investment in the sector can help tackle national economic and environmental challenges. Speaking at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards ceremony, the M
30/10/2009
Regeneration plans for five deprived areas of Belfast have been opened for public consultation. Launching the formal consultation period, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the plans essentially aim to improve living standards for communities in east Belfast, York Road/Shore Road, t
30/10/2009
Fine Gael has described the government's second home tax as "complicated and confusing", after it was revealed just over half of the expected income has been raised nationally. The party's innovation spokeswoman Deirdre Clune attacked Finance Minister Brian Lenihan over the payment system, which w
30/10/2009
Northern Ireland's Roads Minister has welcomed progress on a £13.2m investment scheme underway across Belfast. Conor Murphy said preliminary work is continuing on a strategic road proposal to widen a 2.5km stretch of the A2 Sydenham Bypass. This scheme has been designed to widen the existing dua
30/10/2009
The Auditor General is expected to criticise Invest NI over the investment body's record in the North West, a Foyle assemblywoman has revealed. Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson met with the Auditor General this week in relation to her party's ongoing investigation into the allaged failure of Invest
30/10/2009
The Irish Republic's Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has raised the 'Green Flag' at an eco-conscious Cork school. Speaking at Scoil Eoin Aspal, in Mayfield, Minister O'Keeffe praised the school’s commitment to the Green Schools Programme. "The programme is an international education initiative in
30/10/2009
A Lisburn-based blinds firm is to invest over £1.3m in launching new products, it has been announced. Decora Blind Systems received support from Invest NI to enhance company capability and bring to market an innovative new range. The firm, which currently employs over 220 people, has spent the l
30/10/2009
Belfast's refurbished Ulster Hall has picked up a major international award for marketing excellence. The venue's success at the global Meetings Industry Marketing Awards (MIMA) follows on from a major local award won by the contractor who undertook the £8.5 million restoration scheme. The Ulster
30/10/2009
Consultants have been appointed to produce a walking and cycling strategy for Galway city and its surrounding area. Galway City Council and Galway County Council said the objective of this work is to provide a clear plan for the future development of cycling and pedestrian networks in the region.
29/10/2009
Over €1.2m has been granted towards the Tullamore canal corridor project in Co Offaly as part of a wider €28m investment in urban regeneration. The Border, Midland & Western (BMW) and the Southern & Eastern (S&E) Regional Assemblies approved the grants under the National Spatial Strategy for desig
29/10/2009
The new SONI Control Centre in Castlereagh House, a critical piece of infrastructure serving all electricity customers in Northern Ireland, has been opened. SONI, the Transmission System Operator in Northern Ireland, is responsible for ensuring the safe, secure and economic operation of the electri
29/10/2009
Schools across Ireland have been invited to seek funding for small-scale projects under 2010 Summer Works Scheme New water conservation measures under next year's Summer Works Scheme will help schools cover metered water costs from January when they'll have to pay according to how much they use, ac
29/10/2009
A new state of the art £1m community hall has opened in Castlerock, Co Londonderry. Peter Thompson Hall will provide a new base for 1st Castlerock Scout Group. The hall was originally opened in 1979 following a unique agreement and partnership between Coleraine Borough Council and the scouts. T
29/10/2009
Repair works on a Leitrim bridge will force the closure of a nearby road, the county council has said. Local authority officials said the road linking the townlands of Gulladoo and Fihoragh will be closed for six weeks to facilitate the upgrade of Gulladoo Bridge. Major reconstruction and refurbi
29/10/2009
Retrospective funding has been awarded to cover improvement works at a south Down rugby ground. Ballynahinch Rugby Football Club completed a programme of improvements to the club's facilities, backed by Down District Council's Sports Development Grant scheme. Council chairman William Dick, who pr
29/10/2009
A Co Down masonry firm has caused a flutter among wildlife experts with its latest development. Roofblock Ltd has produced a maintenance free alternative to wood or pvc around the soffit and fascia of a building, which normally makes excellent housing for birds and bats. "We have always been in
29/10/2009
Five re-appointments have been made to the board of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland. Serving a second three-year term on the board will be Stephanie Lowry (Deputy Chair), James Collins, John Gillvray, Brendan Mackin and Brenda Maitland. Announcing the re-appointments, Enterpri
28/10/2009
They may have sang of a Las Vegas in Donegal, but new plans could see Tipperary becoming home to an entertainment 'village', complete with a casino and replica of the Whitehouse. The 'Las Vegas-style' development submitted to An Born Pleanála includes a 15,000-seat concert venue, a golf course, a c
28/10/2009
Work has begun on a new purpose built £1.8m community centre in Coleraine, known locally as the Ropewalk. The council owned facility has been in operation for over 18 years, and is set to move to a new premises funded partly by the Department for Social Development. Coleraine Borough Council sai
28/10/2009
Construction works on the new €12m Robinstown Link Road in Co Westmeath will be completed in December 2011, the county council has said. The ongoing project will eventually link the Castlepollard Road from the roundabout at the entrance to Lough Sheever Corporate Park to the Delvin Road, adjacent
28/10/2009
Delays in the public inquiry into the proposed retail development at Sprucefield is halting the creation of 2,000 jobs, an assemblyman has said. Lagan Valley Sinn Féin MLA Paul Butler said wrangling over the scheme which will be anchored by John Lewis, is unwelcome given the current economic condi
28/10/2009
A quarry worker has died following a work-related incident in Co Kerry. The incident was reported at around lunch time yesterday, after the man, said to be in his 50s, was fatally injured at the Lispole site. It is believed he was operating machinery at the Arkil Quarry at the time. A post morte
28/10/2009
Works has commenced on a £100,000 arts project in the Craigavon area. Located in the Drumbeg district of Brownlow, the scheme will provide an enclosed garden area with a number of commissioned sculptures and interactive lighting on vacant land overlooking a nearby roundabout. Drumbeg North and So
28/10/2009
A new €3m school has been opened in Co Kerry. Holy Family National School in Rathmore is an amalgamation of two schools - Convent National School and St Josephs Boys' National School. Speaking at the opening, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe said: "I'm delighted to open this new school for over 2
28/10/2009
A regional museum project in the north west has secured £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Coleraine Borough Council said the redevelopment of the historic Market Yard will create a new public space for the local community, and contribute to the regeneration of the town. The proposals
28/10/2009
Around 40 new jobs are expected to flow from a proposed bar and restaurant project which is set to get underway shortly in a Co Down town. The former Rea's Hotel in Downpatrick's Lower Market Street is to have a major internal and external overhaul to provide function and upmarket restaurant and ba
27/10/2009
Building work will begin next spring on two new Bantry schools, the Department of Education has confirmed. Macquarie Partnerships for Ireland (MPFI) was selected as the preferred tenderer for the projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The two Bantry schools, which are co-loca
27/10/2009
Funding has been granted to radically improve one of the main gateways into Derry city centre. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the £420,000 project, which has been developed in partnership with the Roads Service, will significantly enhance the Victoria Road gateway route into the
27/10/2009
The first ever baseline study of soil quality in Dublin has been launched. According to Natural Resources Minister Conor Lenihan, the study will help inform future land-use policy in the city and suburban areas. "In an era of increasing public interest in our environment it is opportune that we
27/10/2009
Construction works on Derry's new multi-million pound Foyle footbridge could be hindered by disgruntled residents. Locals halted works yesterday in protest at site access during the building scheme. Browning Drive was blocked off by residents, who want the street left clear during progress on th
27/10/2009
Coleraine Borough Council has recruited town planning and urban design consultants Colin Buchanan & Partners to develop strategy documents for Portstewart, Garvagh, Kilrea and Castlerock. The outcome of this work will be a "vision for the future" of each of these areas, according to the council, an
27/10/2009
Funding awarded by the Irish Football Association (IFA) has contributed towards the regeneration of an Armagh football ground. The cash, along with significant investment by the city council, helped bring Kingston Memorial Playing Fields up to intermediate standards. Works included the improveme
27/10/2009
Northern Ireland's Finance Minister yesterday inspected the progress made on Belfast's multi-million pound sewers project first hand. Sammy Wilson dropped 40-metres below ground to tour the network, which is undergoing massive upgrade works. The Minister was lowered in a safety cage, to gain a
27/10/2009
Antrim Borough Council has sought the public's views on plans for the new Muckamore and Steeple play areas. The new play area at Muckamore will replace the old playground next to Muckamore Community Centre and the Steeple play area will be located on a new site next to Stiles Way. Proposals for b
26/10/2009
Two new swimming pool facilities have opened in Co Kildare. Sports Minister Martin Cullen allocated €3.8m towards the schemes, which are located at the K Leisure buildings in Athy and Naas. The new K Leisure Athy facility includes a 25-metre swimming pool with movable floor, village/family chang
26/10/2009
Upgrade works will be necessary on 49% of Fermanagh's roads by 2015, a local assemblyman has claimed. SDLP MLA Tommy Gallagher received figures from the Department of Regional Development acknowledging substantial repairs would be needed over the next five years. Roads Minister Conor Murphy told
26/10/2009
Over 5,000 construction workers and BER assessors have registered to carry out works under the Irish Government's Home Energy Saving Scheme. Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has urged householders to avail of the scheme, revealing that more than half of the budget has already been applied for. Accordi
26/10/2009
The architects behind Belfast's rejuvenated Ulster Museum have picked up a high profile accolade. Hamilton Architects, based in the city, was named Architect of the Year at the UTV/Business Eye awards earlier this month. The event now in its third year recognises the best of the Northern Ireland
26/10/2009
A leading economist has claimed the Mid West of Ireland has suffered from an imbalance of regional development. Jim Power said authorities could not longer 'just paying lip service' to the issue. He claimed serious investment was needed to ensure the region could cope with the "population explos
26/10/2009
Public consultation opens tomorrow on ambitious regeneration plans for Craigavon. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the framework would seek to identify key sites for development. Discussions will also be held on the appropriateness of developments and the likely timing. "I bel
26/10/2009
More than a third of Dublin's rental offering is below the minimum legal standard, it has been revealed. According to figures obtained from the Department of Environment, 35% of properties in the county were unsatisfactory, in comparison to 19% nationally. Senator Paschal Donohoe said the find
26/10/2009
A Kildare water systems specialist has launched a new site offering fittings services. Terra Services Integrated said selling the products direct to trade and consumers will create up to seven new jobs over the next three years. Tom Hennessy Managing Director Terra Services suggested significant s
23/10/2009
The first sod had been officially cut at the €12m Clonmore Road bridge scheme in Co Westmeath. Designed to link Lynn Roundabout on the Tullamore Road to Clonmore Business Park, the bridge represents the final link necessary to complete the Mullingar Orbital Road, which was commenced by Westmeath Co
23/10/2009
A new protein free cement product has been launched in Northern Ireland. 'Supaflo' - brought to the province by Cemex NI - is a unique protein free liquid cement, which the developer says is set to revolutionise the flooring solutions market. The liquid cement known as a 'flowing screed' in the b
23/10/2009
Environment Minister John Gormley has told delegates at the Irish National Landscape Conference he plans to rule out "anomalies" in archaeological policy and "chronic" over-zoning. Speaking at the Tullamore meeting Mr Gormley said landscape agenda has become a mainstream national objective through
23/10/2009
A Mid Ulster Assemblyman has questioned the Stormont Roads Minister over the proposed closure of maintenance depots. Ian McCrea also expressed his concerns over the need for a full time section engineer in Cookstown and proposed closure of the town's depot. He said: "I asked the minster to clarif
23/10/2009
Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan had met with his northern and Scottish counterparts to explore the opportunities for strengthening East-West energy co-operation. Meeting in Edinburgh yesterday, Mr Ryan, Stormont Minister Arlene Foster, and Jim Mather of the Scottish Parliament addressed delegates
23/10/2009
Timed to coincide with 80th anniversary of the original museum, the reopening of the Ulster Museum has marked this date as well as inaugurating a new era in Northern Ireland's culture. The new museum was officially reopened yesterday, after a two-years, complete refurbishment of its interior. The
23/10/2009
Over £60,000 has been made available to carry out upgrade works to the services offered by Dungannon West Renewal Ltd. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the funding boost would help people with disabilities and older people in the Dungannon area. The money will help upgrade the co
23/10/2009
A Kildare-based firm has been selected as the Construction Industry Federation's preferred supplier for safety training. Shorcontrol Safety said its appointment indicates the high standard of training and value for money it provides to all CIF members. The Construction Industry Federation has bee
23/10/2009
Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots has attended the Northern Ireland launch of the Committee on Climate Change first annual report. Entitled ‘Meeting Carbon Budgets – The Need for a Step Change’ the report focuses on the progress made by the UK Government in reducing emissions. Main findi
22/10/2009
Funding has been granted for a new Athlone arts gallery, which will eventually be complemented by an improved local cycle network. Over €1.45m has been made available under the European Regional Development Fund to build the gallery and adjoining studio area. Westmeath County Council received a f
22/10/2009
Small scale construction projects in Northern Ireland could go ahead without applying for planning permission under new proposals. Environment Minister Edwin Poots said he hopes to extend the range of minor developments that can be carried out without submitting paperwork. The proposals include
22/10/2009
Repair works totalling almost €380,000 are to be carried out on a Tipperary Irish language centre, it has been confirmed. Making the funding announcement, Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív said the restoration scheme at Dún Mhuire, in Nenagh, would involved improving the roof, indoor and outdoor
22/10/2009
There's a major 'performance' this week at Belfast's Lyric Theatre. The award-winning architects at O'Donnell & Tuomey will guide prospective audience members through a presentation of the Lyric's new £18m home, due to open in spring 2011, as well as talking through their design concepts. The move
22/10/2009
Ireland's Energy Minister has announced further investment in the island's ocean energy development, through IDA Ireland. Tonn Energy, a joint venture between Irish ocean energy company Wavebob and Swedish electricity utility Vattenfall, will receive grant assistance for the development of the worl
22/10/2009
A new business centre has been officially opened close to Portglenone. The £900,000 development was lauded by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. Almost half the funding came from Ms Ritchie's department, and the International Fund for Ireland. Located near Clady, the Glenone Park co
22/10/2009
Upgrade works have been completed in 50 Banbridge homes. The £215,000 investment by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is part of a wider maintenance programme and repair service to improve housing stock. Commenting on the Banbridge scheme, Housing Executive District Manager, Aengus Hannaway
22/10/2009
Families in Booterstown and Blackrock have welcomed to the official opening by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council of three new neighbourhood playgrounds. The facilities are located in Carysfort Park, Springhill and in Booterstown at Blackrock Park. These new facilities are part of the council'
22/10/2009
A former Belfast lord mayor has said the pedestrianisation of the city centre is a matter of "urgency". Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers said a preliminary ban on bus traffic was not enough. It is almost a year since 16-year-old Ciara Park died after being struck by a bus at a busy junction
21/10/2009
The government has allocated over €60,000 for safety measures at a redeveloped Galway pier. Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív said the grant would allow safety works to be carried out on Cé an Chalaidh Mhóir in Inis Meáin. The works include the installation of fenders, lighting, stairs and a ra
21/10/2009
The NI Housing Executive has completed two modernisation schemes in Magherafelt totalling £1.4m. The projects focused on the Westland estate in Magherafelt and Crawfordsburn in Maghera. District Manager Eddie Doherty said major improvements were carried out on 25 homes in Westland Gardens and West
21/10/2009
Over €1.2m has been granted to Clare Local Development Company Ltd to undertake a wide range of schemes. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs sanctioned the €1,221,091 package under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. Clare TD Tony Killeen said the funds would enable th
21/10/2009
The construction industry is set to receive a jobs boost as £8 million worth of environmental improvement works are planned for Co. Armagh. Lurgan and Portadown town centres are set to be revamped with improved accessibility and pedestrian friendly urban environments. Social Development Minister M
21/10/2009
A major manorial house project in the Dublin suburbs has implemented an eco-friendly heating system. The grand architecture of Malahide Manor has been complemented by Geothermal power, as well as a solar-heated pool, designed to reduce running costs. A solid wood kitchen in the retreat was desi
21/10/2009
The success of the Programme-Led Apprenticeships programme was outlined this week by Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Employment and Learning. Speaking to the Assembly, Sir Reg disclosed that over 2,700 school leavers have enrolled for the training since the inception of Programme-Led Apprenticeships i
21/10/2009
The tragic death of a worker in Co Antrim was recalled in court this week as the firm involved faced action from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI). Montgomery Transport Ltd. was fined a total of £75,000 after pleading guilty at Belfast Crown Court to two breaches of healt
21/10/2009
Glenvale Kitchens - who are based in the small border town of Keady - have won the National KBB Industry Awards. It was a design created by Darren Morgan, one of the Glenvale team, that secured Glenvale Kitchens the National Recognition that they have long deserved and won Darren the prestigious t
21/10/2009
An Irish midlands timber frame firm has been awarded membership of a new quality standard. Future Structures is now part of the NSAI Quality Approval Scheme for Timber Frame Manufacturers. The NSAI's assessment and subsequent inspections, verify compliance with the scheme requirements, ensuring
21/10/2009
An East Antrim assemblyman has raised the issue of sewage treatment at Islandmagee during question time in the Assembly. Ulster Unionist Roy Beggs asked about the implementation of the EU Urban Waste Water Directive, pointing out that in England and Wales the government insists on secondary treatme
20/10/2009
There were celebrations this week as a new toll road and bridge opened months ahead of schedule in Co Waterford. The 23km Waterford City toll-bypass was officially opened on Monday - some ten months ahead of the original timetable. Part of the N25, the road was developed at a cost of more than €50
20/10/2009
Roofing specialists Alumasc have supplied their Hydrotech MM6125 structural waterproofing system to an award-winning landmark building in the heart of Belfast. Victoria Square Shopping Centre is a highly-acclaimed scheme from developers Multi Development UK, encompassing 75,000m² of retail, leisur
20/10/2009
The pedestrianisation of Belfast city centre is taking a step forward. NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy has met with his Stormont Executive colleagues, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and Environment Minister Edwin Poots. They discussed the issue of traffic management with a focus o
20/10/2009
A Co Down man was this week fined £600 plus £75 court costs at Newry Magistrates' Court for non-compliance with a Planning Service Enforcement Notice. Robert Newell of Ballynahatten Road, Kilkeel, Co Down was charged under Article 76 (a) of the Planning (NI) Order 1991 (as amended). The Enforceme
20/10/2009
Improvement of part of the major north-south road that links Belfast and Dublin has been highlighted. The Stormont Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed NI Roads Service's progress on investment totalling £4.7million in the Banbridge District Council area this year. Speaking ahe
20/10/2009
A proposed apartment development in one of the North West's most scenic areas has been turned down. An Board Pleanála has refused permission for the construction of eight permanent residential apartments in a picturesque area of Co Donegal. The entire Downings development plan has been rejected in
20/10/2009
An 'alternative energy' company which is developing algae-fuel technology has been awarded the national 'Rising Star' Award at the 2009 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards. Alternative Energy Resources supplies bioethanol to the Irish market and is also developing algae-fuel technology for the world
20/10/2009
Concerted local opposition to a proposal to begin open cast limestone mining on the headland above a picturesque Co Antrim village is continuing. The company is continuing its fight to gain permission, but has this month been forced into scaling-down its plans. Omya UK's proposal to begin open cas
19/10/2009
A long-established Co Down stone-cutting firm faces closure after its administrator applied to have the company wound up. Cunningham Stone had been in administration for some time, saying it had been forced to reduce operations due to the economic downturn. In papers submitted to the High Court th
19/10/2009
The construction of the new, state of the art £270m acute hospital near Enniskillen, is estimated to sustain as many as 850 jobs on site of which 200 will be 'new' by the time it opens in 2012. While many of those employees on the Co Fermanagh site come with the main contractor, FCC Elliott Healthc
19/10/2009
Belfast's Victoria Square retail complex and the Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena were named last week among the best development projects completed in Britain and Northern Ireland during recent years. Both were commended in the regeneration section of the highly prestigious Royal Institution of Char
19/10/2009
What is being billed as a new name in comfort and efficiency and air cleanliness is being launched at PlanExpo – EcoBuild. ComfortDisc is the be at the show from November 3rd to 5th at the RDS, and will highlight increasing concerns over swine flu and other air borne containments, air filtration an
19/10/2009
Building work on a Co Antrim Asda store is continuing to progress - with piling work already well underway. As the landscape at Redlands in Larne changes to turn the site of the former Ferrymasters depot into a £20 million store, a spokesman for the supermarket giants confirmed that construction wo
19/10/2009
There has been a warning that it might take as long as 20 years to clear an alleged backlog of underfunding and get NI roadways 'fit for purpose'. The claim comes as it was revealed that a third of Northern Ireland's road maintenance budget last year was spent simply on patching up potholes instead
19/10/2009
It has been alleged that cuts in the NI Housing Executive's maintenance budget could leave some tenants in a Co Antrim seaside town in unsuitable housing. The claim comes as a parallel fall in the number of tenants leaving Housing Executive and housing association properties in Carrickfergus means
19/10/2009
A multi-million pound social housing scheme for older people has been unveiled in east Belfast. It is in Sydenham and provide accommodation for 32 households and up to 94 people. Completed by Helm Housing, the £4.25 million Butterfield Lodge, located at 221 Holywood Road, will have a welcome impac
16/10/2009
The Government has been urged to introduce measures to aid the ailing construction industry to save thousands of jobs. The call was made by the President of the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) Ken Cribbin at the organisation's annual conference in Dublin: "The UK and US governments have brough
16/10/2009
Seven local firms have been invited to tender for a huge restoration project at one of Co Down's best known listed properties. NI Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson has revealed that each of the firms have successfully completed the first stage of the tendering process to restore and refurbish Cultra M
16/10/2009
Concerns raised by the Union of Students in Ireland regarding the problems facing third level students in accessing accommodation in the private rented sector, especially in the greater Dublin area, are to be addressed. John Gormley Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and B
16/10/2009
Graham FM has successfully ensured a continued profile at the Ormeau Bakery site by securing a contract for the provision of ongoing facilities management services for the prestigious complex. The company recently convered the Ormeau Bakery into luxurious modern apartment accommodation. During Aug
16/10/2009
Football pitches in Armagh have been upgraded - creating much needed work for the local construction trade. Works entailed the improvement of access and egress to the grounds, the provision of quality fencing, new first aid facilities and the supply of purpose built dugouts. The scheme was funded
16/10/2009
The 'Belfast Streets Ahead' design team has been awarded with a Civil Engineering Environmental Quality Award in the Excellence Category. This project is the first team to get this award in Northern Ireland within the public and private sectors. The award highlights the team's achievement in maxi
16/10/2009
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has stepped in to protect seven historic buildings at risk of demolition. The Agency confirmed that Building Preservation Notices (BPNs) have been served on The Valley, 15 Valley Road, Crevilly Valley, Ballymena, Co Antrim and six houses at 1-6 Harker
15/10/2009
A major new hospital for children should be open by the end of 2014, the hospital development board has said. Subject to planning permission, building will begin next year on the Children's Hospital of Ireland. Construction should finish by the end of 2013, after which it will be fitted out. An a
15/10/2009
The contract for a major school building project in Co Clare has been authorised. News that the major work at Barefield Mixed National School is to proceed was revealed by the Fianna Fail T.D. for Clare, Tony Killeen, who is also a Minister of State. He received confirmation from the Department of
15/10/2009
The NI Roads Minister, Conor Murphy has welcomed the findings of an independent assessment of the investment required for the structural maintenance of NI's 25,000km road network. The report was presented at a meeting of the Regional Development Committee by Professor Martin Snaith, a leading auth
15/10/2009
Local business has a major role to play in driving renewable energy innovation. NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots highlighted the part that enterprise needs to play when he visited a local firm helping to provide a solution to sustainable home heating. Transen Sustainable Energy Systems specialis
15/10/2009
The NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has launched a new website, to help small businesses manage their workplace health and safety - and especially those in the construction sector. The Health and Safety Works NI (HSWNI) website,
15/10/2009
A 'Hi Tech' facility in the border counties has been officially opened this week - and is already helping a Co Fermanagh construction firm to 'build business'. Located in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, Aura Internet was established by two talented, locals, Breda McGuigan and Claire Cunningham. An Ta
15/10/2009
The state of the construction industry for small builders is getting worse, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to data from its latest State of Trades survey of member's workloads for the third quarter of 2009. The workload for the building sector over the last three months a
15/10/2009
A successful construction project which was recently completed has now been officialy opened. NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie visited Blackwatertown today to open the new Bridge Business Park. It will incorporate workspace for manufacturing, tradable services and offices. Margare
14/10/2009
The Planning Appeals Commission is understood to be close to making a decision on the controversial bid to build a 130,000 sq ft Tesco store at Bridgewater Park near Banbridge. If approved, Tesco's total investment across NI will then pass the half-a-billion-pounds threshold. The scheme's backer
14/10/2009
Northern Ireland's quarry and quarry products sector has been praised this week for its commitment to improving its safety standards. HSENI’s Chairman, Professor Peter McKie, made the comments at the Quarry and Quarry Products Health and Safety Conference in Cookstown, where he presented awards to
14/10/2009
An award-winning construction company has been making travel to and from an isolated Aran Island safer and easier. SIAC won the Irish Concrete Society's 2008 Infrastructural and Overall Award for Excellence for their sheltered harbour project on Inis Meáin in the Aran Islands, a community which is
14/10/2009
A church restoration has carried off the top prize at a major NI awards ceremony, which celebrate the best of the Northern Ireland industry and underlines its recent achievements. Patton Construction has been awarded with the top prize at the 2009 Construction Employers Federations (CEF) Specify Co
14/10/2009
HSBC Bank has said that its mortgage lending in Northern Ireland has almost trebled in the past three months, with loans to first-time buyers increasing four-fold since the start of the year. This is good news for the beleaguered property market and will act as a fillip for the construction industr
14/10/2009
There's good news today for rurally based companies with a renewed communications commitment from the Stormont Executive. The engineering, construction and related industries that have facilities based outside the main towns and cities will soon be able to look forward to better communications afte
14/10/2009
A new trading partnership between Steico Limited and Sonae UK Limited covering the whole of Ireland has been agreed with immediate effect. The partnership will see Sonae's Spanboard sales force teaming its own market leading chipboard flooring panels with the extensive Steicojoist and new Steicoult
14/10/2009
There's been a substantial investment at a north Belfast soccer ground - which has already helped bring the club a giant-beating match result. Cliftonville beat the Scottish champions, Celtic, 3-0 last night in a surprise friendly match result whose score line was the icing on the cake for the club
14/10/2009
An Irish communications group has announced a €100 million investment to facilitate high-speed broadband and said the move will create up to 200 jobs. While the job creation will be welcome, many Irish firms in the construction and engineering sector will also be able to benefit from enhanced commu
13/10/2009
Although a third of local estate agents are reporting falling house values, Northern Ireland's house prices are said to be becoming more stable. This glimmer of hope in a previously 'free-fall' market comes from the latest survey prepared by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It shows a
13/10/2009
It has emerged that the Irish national broadcaster, RTÉ, is to pay for a major muti-million Euro development by borrowing against its existing estate. The €360m redevelopment of the RTÉ Montrose site will be funded mainly through borrowing and the rental of offices and residences at the broadcastin
13/10/2009
The construction of buildings that are 'fire safe' was on the agenda last week as a major conference addressed by a wide range of experts including consultants, engineers and practitioners looked at fire safety in the 'build environment'. Michael Finneran, Minister for Housing, and Local Services w
13/10/2009
Substantial fines have been imposed for non-compliance with enforcement notices. At Dungannon Magistrates' Court, Simon Loughran of 75 Blackrock Road, Cookstown was fined £5,000 plus £85 costs for non compliance with an enforcement notice which required the demolition of a builders storage shed. M
13/10/2009
Downpatrick, one of Northern Ireland's most historic towns, has been selected for a new £14 million hotel right in the heart of the famous St Patrick’s Trail. Plans unveiled today reveal a three-star-deluxe 80 bedroom themed 'St Patrick’s Abbey Hotel'. The hotel will provide a significant job boos
13/10/2009
A €2.4m grant is to aid Sligo's Model Arts Centre, providing a major boost of confidence for the area. The funds - from the EU/BMW Regional Assembly - are for the Model's major redevelopment project, which is currently underway, and due for completion at the end of this year. It is estimated the a
13/10/2009
One of Ireland's most prominent young economists, believes there are good prospects for recovery in the Irish property market. Based on his premise that natural cycles underpin all commercial and residential property markets, Dr. John McCartney has analyzed how these past market cycles provide the
13/10/2009
A survey has shown that by promoting the regional economies a country can recover from crisis. Next month, the survey will be discussed by Christina Diegelmann, from the Assembly of European Regions (AER). She is going to deliver a talk 'Dynamic Regions- Future Directions in Regional Development'.
12/10/2009
The now abandoned Maze stadium project cost the taxpayer over £3.5m in consultancy fees. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) paid out that sum to planning consultants for the project over the past three years. In addition, a Belfast advertising firm was paid more than £10,000 for adv
12/10/2009
Multi-million Euro development plans for a city centre rail station are being delayed as planners are insisting on a new design proposal. The 60-metre high office skyscraper at Dublin's Tara Street Station (visualisation pictured) will have to be redesigned after criticism from the planners. It eme
12/10/2009
Dublin's urban heritage will be in focus today as a special conservation event takes place. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Emer Costello, launched the 'Learning from Henrietta' conservation seminar this morning. The seminar's main focus is on encouraging discussion on the repair and use of e
12/10/2009
A total of £6.3million is being spent on roads infrastructure in the Down District Council area this year. NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service's progress on their investment and said: "Design development is continuing on the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass in which Roa
12/10/2009
There has been a call to speed up a proposed mortgage 'relief' scheme for those in danger of repossession. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Fra McCann MLA has called on the Stormont Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to explain what is alleged to be a delay in the "much lauded mortgage sche
12/10/2009
A leading trade union has launched its own bid to help shore-up the ailing construction sector, which currently has more than 100,000 workers unemployed. SIPTU, the largest trade union in Ireland, has demanded that the Dáil invests in the industry with a €5 billion package which they said could cre
12/10/2009
The future of Ireland's 'build environment' is the focus of a new Government document just launched. John Gormley, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has just published the Policy on Architecture 2009-2015 Towards a Sustainable Future: Delivering Quality within the Buil
12/10/2009
A project to build a replacement for an ageing Co Londonderry prison facility has moved a step further. Just months after designers were appointed for a new 800-bed facility at Magilligan Prison, the NI Prison Service (NIPS) has made its final external appointment to the growing Magilligan Project
09/10/2009
News of the building of motorway service areas is being hailed as a fillip for the Irish construction sector, which has been hit hard by the recession. The National Roads Authority (NRA) yesterday signed a deal with the Superstom consortium to build three motorway service areas over the next year.
09/10/2009
Around 150 construction jobs are to be created at a £180m east Belfast housing development. Developer Lagan Homes said it plans to build 1,000 new properties on a 96 acre site in Dundonald. It is expected 150 of the homes at Millmount will be completed by next summer. Final planning approval
09/10/2009
Outstanding achievements in NI's construction industry have been recognised. Junior Minister Gerry Kelly, this week attended the 10th Anniversary of the CEF Specify Construction Excellence Awards 2009 gala dinner. Held in the Culloden Hotel, the event underlined what is best about the local buildi
09/10/2009
Over €130,000 has been awarded to village renewal projects in Co Donegal. Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, who granted the funding to the county council, said works would be carried out in the Gaeltacht. Around €90,000 has been granted for works in the village of An Charraig in the south west o
09/10/2009
A new wind turbine production facility has opened in Limavady. Mechanical engineering firm Gear Company operates in the heavy plant market. The north west business also produces wind turbines and refurbishes gear boxes for machinery in a range of industries, including renewable energy, textiles,
09/10/2009
Funding has been granted for the development of new offices, a university centre and a community centre in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh. Awarding the project almost €120,000, Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Rural Affairs, said Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne Teo would now be able to clear the costs
09/10/2009
An east Belfast Sinn Féin representative has given a cautious welcome to £100m plans to develop the Odyssey arena complex. Niall Ó Donnghaile was speaking after the Odyssey Trust filed for planning permission to build 800 residential units, two hotels and a promenade within the Titanic Quarter. "
09/10/2009
A new exhibition entitled 'Now What?' about the future of architecture in Ireland will open in Dublin's Smithfield Market this weekend. The exhibition is composed by architects made recently redundant in the recession. 'Now What?' is a voluntary initiative organised by architects over the summer
09/10/2009
A new website has been launched to help small businesses manage their workplace health and safety. The Health and Safety Works NI (HSWNI) website,
09/10/2009
A west Belfast assemblyman has called on housing bodies to outline their approach to families involved in vandalising properties. Fra McCann has written to the Housing Executive and Housing Associations to ask what measures are in place to deal with the problem, which he says has left many neighbo
08/10/2009
Plans to integrate Belfast's Odyssey entertainment complex with the city centre and emerging Titanic quarter have been made public. Developers have spend two years working on the designs, which have now been submitted as an outline planning application. Proposals include the construction of a new
08/10/2009
The opposition party has accused the Government's School Building Programme of being "chaotic" after huge surpluses were revealed today. It emerged this morning that the Department of Education had yet to spend almost half of its 2009 budget for new school buildings and other capital projects despi
08/10/2009
Carpenters have been warned all woodworking machines should now comply with the new braking and limited cutter projection tooling requirements. Industry regulators have also reminded the sector that chip thickness limitation tooling regulations have also been operation for over a year. Woodwork
08/10/2009
Calls have been made to the Irish Justice Minister to clarify the new laws on property auctions. Fine Gael Senator Paul Coghlan has sought answers on the bill, which aims to regulate the auctioneering profession. The Property Services (Regulation) Bill was first debated in Seanad Éireann last May
08/10/2009
A well-known Belfast church has been placed on the 2009 'Watch List' of 100 most endangered historic sites in the world Carlisle Memorial Methodist Church at Carlisle Circus was identified by the World Monuments Fund in New York. The church - which was built in 1875 - has been lying empty for the
08/10/2009
A new €400,000 community hall building has been opened in the Westmeath town of Rochfortbridge. County council chairman Fintan Cooney welcomed the new facility, which was spearheaded by a local development group, who gained planning permission in 2006. The total cost of the project was in the re
08/10/2009
Over £180,000 is to be invested in a new Draperstown sewage pumping station, NI Water has announced. The facility will be built at the site of an existing station and will be constructed in line with the latest environmental standards. Project Manager Dermot Lynch said the investment represents N
08/10/2009
Over €22,000 has been allocated to repair swimming facilities in Kerry. Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív said €22,833 would be spent on reinstating the roof at Coláiste Bhréanainn, in Ballybunnion. Coláiste Bhréanainn is a boarding college in which Irish language courses for teenagers are run du
08/10/2009
Around £56,000 has been made available for an Entrance Feature Project in the Ballee area of Ballymena. This project involves the provision of one distinctive entrance feature into the Ballee estate and the erection of seven smaller scale features to define each of the disparate areas within the es
07/10/2009
Over €1m is to be spent improving Westport's walking and cycling tracks over the next three years, the Transport Minister has said. Noel Dempsey approved the funds for Westport Town Council to develop a new link between Westport Quay and Knockranny. He said the project will be largely based on a
07/10/2009
A new £2.5m housing development has been opened in Bessbrook, for people with learning disabilities. The requirements of the twelve tenants, all former long stay patients from Longstone Hospital, were at the forefront of the design process. Ardaveen Manor supported living scheme was built in thre
07/10/2009
A Tullamore concrete firm is preparing to lay off 30 employees, according to reports. Condron Concrete is believed to be making some of the redundancies later this month, with other jobs set to go by the end of the year. The firm, which produces concrete pipes, will retain 29 staff. Tullamore
07/10/2009
Students at Queen's University's School of Civil Engineering have been given rare insight into NI Water's ambitious Belfast Sewers Project, with the unveiling of a four-week photography exhibition. The selection of images on display at the David Keir Building capture important engineering achieveme
07/10/2009
Funding has been sanctioned for a number of community improvement projects in the Kilcommon area of north west Mayo. Announcing the funding, Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív said work would be carried out on the existing North Mayo Coastal Trail, extending its stretch. A linear cycle route will
07/10/2009
A Fermanagh firm has secured a major contract to fit out and refurbish Starplan stores across the UK. McElwaine Electrical, which has a devision in Lisnaskea, won the £250,000 tender and will begin works in Wednesbury in the West Midlands of England this week. Neil Jardine, Contracts Manager for M
07/10/2009
Failing to tackle climate change in Ireland will have a direct impact on the country's built environment, according to a Government report. Launching the Heritage Council findings, Environment Minister John Gormley said climate change presents an "immediate and significant threat" to the nation's
07/10/2009
An SDLP assemblyman has urged the Stormont Executive to take a long-term, joint approach to dealing with social housing issues. Declan O’Loan was speaking ahead of a proposed motion in the Assembly yesterday. The MLA said: "This issue is too important for the arguments that we have seen. "There
06/10/2009
A state of the art £7.6m sports centre is to be built at the University of Ulster's Coleraine campus. The project is the largest single investment ever at the campus for student support. Professor Robert Hutchinson, campus Provost, said the new centre underpins the university’s plan of consolidati
06/10/2009
Irish tidal renewable energy company OpenHydro has been awarded a grant of €2m from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). The grant, provided under the Ocean Energy Prototype Research & Development Programme, will support the design and development of OpenHydro's next generation 16m Open-Centre Turbin
06/10/2009
The first sod has been cut at the site of a new £1.8m Coleraine community centre. Plans for the new centre incorporate dedicated recreation facilities including a purpose-built boxing gym, indoor and outdoor football and changing facilities, as well as a wet play area. Social Development Minister
06/10/2009
Extensive building and renovation works are to be carried out at Coláiste Chomáin Gaeltacht school in Rossport. Funding for the major revamp was approved by Minster for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív. Minster Ó Cuív and Cabinet colleague, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe, sai
06/10/2009
Planning issues could be hindered by the review of Northern Ireland's local authorities, it has been claimed. Foyle assemblywoman Mary Bradley suggested the reallocation of council areas could lead to unbalanced political representation, or "gerrymandering". The SDLP MLA said the boundaries agr
06/10/2009
Last month saw another fall in Irish house prices, according to an online property firm MyHat.ie said despite it becoming "predictable" that property values are dropping, more could be deduced from falling advertised prices. The average asking price for a three-bed semi-detached property in Co D
06/10/2009
Antrim firm Pneutrol Ireland Ltd is investing £75,000 in a project to boost sales in Europe, Asia and the USA, with support from Invest NI. Pneutrol provides a range of software and computerised devices to control the texture and ingredients of concrete when it is being produced. Its current cust
06/10/2009
A joint agreement on flood risk in Northern Ireland has been reached between the Government and the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The agreement to a Statement of Principles (SoP) will help ensure flood insurance remains affordable and as widely available as possible, the government said.
06/10/2009
Construction specialist 'Mr Machinery' will be holding its latest online auction this week. The 'certified' auctions are held every month and allow sellers to sit back and let Mr Machinery arrange the marketing, advertising or transportation. "In the current economic climate every business is lo
05/10/2009
One of Ireland's most prominent economists has said stability will return to the domestic property market by 2011, however full recovery will not emerge for another three years. Dr John McCartney presented his findings to a select group of Waterford’s most prominent business leaders recently. He
05/10/2009
There has been an assurance that housing remains an Executive priority. Despite well publicised economic economic gloom - and looming expenditure cuts - the NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson told representatives of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) that, where additional resources become avai
05/10/2009
Almost €400k is to be spent improving a popular cycle path in Co Cork. Funding has been sanctioned by the Department of Transport to carry out resurfacing works along the Carrigaline to Crosshaven track. The scheme will combine and widen the existing walkway with the bicycle route. It is antici
05/10/2009
A scheme to install gas heating to 58 social homes in Ballymagroarty is underway. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has already installed gas central heating in 635 properties in the city since the start of this latest scheme. District Manager Kevin McDowell said the £360,000 investment would
05/10/2009
Delegates at an industry symposium were last week urged to adopt sustainable design as an integral part of all construction projects. The recommendation came from the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment in Northern Ireland, which hosted the one-day event at S
05/10/2009
A £1.4m community resource building has officially opened in Cork city. The state-of-the-art facility, known as 'The Hut', was unveiled by Lord Mayor Dara Murphy. Lorraine O’Sullivan, Chairperson of the Local Board of Management said the centre has been much awaited and is welcomed by the local c
05/10/2009
Around 82% of people in Northern Ireland do not know what energy tariff they are on, according to the Energy Saving Trust. According to research conducted by the Trust, energy bills are the hardest bill for consumers to understand. The study looked at the implications of rolling out 'smart meters
05/10/2009
A Mid Ulster MLA has welcomed a number of road improvements that have taken place throughout his constituency. The DUP's Ian McCrea lauded Road Service for its work. "I welcome the news that a number of road improvements have taken place in the Mid Ulster constituency and I commend the Roads Serv
05/10/2009
Local communities across Northern Ireland have been encouraged to participate in the Low Carbon Communities Challenge. The challenge aims to provide financial and advisory support to 20 ‘test-bed’ communities, including local councils, charities and social enterprises, across Northern Ireland, Engl
02/10/2009
A Co Antrim construction firm has been £15,000 following the death of an employee. Creevecastle Ltd pleaded guilty at Antrim Crown Court to two breaches in a case brought by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI). Harry Finlay died when the woodworking machine that he was a
02/10/2009
Housebuilder Abbey has for the first time since the beginning of the downturn reported improving sales in Ireland. Speaking at the Abbey National AGM, chairman Charles Gallagher said the firm's excess inventory is gradually being cleared amid steady trading in the first few months of the year. "I
02/10/2009
Sean Dunne has re-submitted plans to build on the Dublin site he bought for a record £380m more than four years ago. Mr Dunne new planning application includes 12 buildings between seven and 15 storeys. Previous proposals for a 37-storey tower on the seven-acre Ballsbridge site have been removed.
02/10/2009
Over £200,000 is saved every day across Ireland, through the use of renewable electricity. Figures from the Irish Wind Energy Association claimed the cost of producing electricity has dropped thanks to strives in the renewable energy sector. However, the group has warned a lack of government inve
02/10/2009
Belfast City Council has opened it first landfill gas electricity generating plant. Located on the former landfill site at the North Foreshore, now known as Giant’s Park, the facility will provide enough renewable electricity to supply around 6,000 households. Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long descri
02/10/2009
North Tipperary County Council is preparing to carry out a series of works as part of the Silvermines Rehabilitation Project. Proposals have been put forward to demolish Waeltz Plant, as well as filling of Calamine open pit, erosion protection works, drainage improvement works and ancillary works a
02/10/2009
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has confirmed its decision to allow people to transfer from Rosemount Court, Dundrum to alternative accommodation from available housing stock. The council is continuing to pursue the redevelopment of the area with the Department of the Environment, Heritage an
02/10/2009
Sport has received a major boost with news that a Co Antrim leisure and sporting facility has completed another development. Newtownabbey Borough Council has unveiled the latest stage of a £3.6m investment into local sports facilities. Council delegates were recently on hand at the Valley Leisure
02/10/2009
Larne firm Biomass CHP is developing a revolutionary renewable energy generator, as part of a £600,000 investment supported by Invest NI. Biomass CHP develops technologies that convert wood chippings into biogas, which is used to generate heat and electricity for industrial and civic use. The inn
01/10/2009
Work has commenced on the £500,000 regeneration of Cookstown's Burn Road. Designs for the environmental improvement scheme were finalised prior to works beginning in the town centre last week. Dromore-based Graham Construction has been contracted to carry out the project, which has been funded b
01/10/2009
The first section of rail works has commenced on the new Luas link to Citywest and Saggart. Construction of Luas Citywest is now well underway with works completed to a level which has allowed the installation of the first section of track through Citywest Business Campus. Track works in the remai
01/10/2009
Investors behind a Sligo retail scheme have called on the county council to revise its local development framework. Newbay Doherty Group said the changes are needed to secure the future of the industrial park. According to the developer's property advisers, retail zoning is too restrictive to su
01/10/2009
NI Water has begun a major programme of works to upgrade four key reservoirs in Co Antrim - from Ballymena to Ballymoney. The £3m project, funded under the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, was described by NI Water as an example of its "commitment to delivering a 21st Century infrastruct
01/10/2009
A new £2.5m community hub for Brownlow is progressing further, Craigavon council has said. The council has now applied for planning permission, following the latest round of public consultation. Craigavon councillors recently heard how the current plans for the centre were presented to community
01/10/2009
Banbridge District Council has beat off stiff competition from across Ireland to win the highly contested 'Leadership in Sustainable Development Award'. Council Chairperson Elizabeth Ingram accepted the prize at this year's Sustainable Ireland Awards, held in partnership with the Northern Ireland
01/10/2009
The increasing trend of erecting miniature dolmens is irreversibly damaging the Burren's fragile limestone pavement, it has been claimed. The Burren Connect Project and Clare County Council have launched a pilot environmental maintenance programme aimed at removing the structures and highlighting
01/10/2009
Derry's Guildhall this week held a workshop aimed at helping local businesses reduce their energy costs. Delegates also discussed new business opportunities presented in an ever-growing sustainable energy market. Organised by Invest NI and Derry City Council's Economic Development Section, the eve
