Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for March 2009
31/03/2009
Progress on a Cork housing development has stalled after it was revealed by the local council that funds are not available to provide an adequate water supply to the site. The Mallow homes cannot be sold until a system is established, which the council said will not be implemented this year. Cork
31/03/2009
Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has pledged to help the vulnerable in her budget for the next financial year, despite a 'serious' shortfall in spending power. Speaking to the Social Development Committee, the minister highlighted a very serious situation, with an estimated shortfall of around £1
31/03/2009
First time buyers have reemerged in the Drogheda area, according to one local auctioneer. Garry Little from Remax said the number of purchases during the last few weeks have rivalled those he saw throughout the duration of the previous 18 months. Mr Little publicly discussed the recent success o
31/03/2009
NI Water has completed work on a £300,000 sewerage improvement scheme in the North Down area. The water service said the scheme will increase the efficiency of the sewerage infrastructure and reduce the risk of blockages, out of sewer flooding and pollution in the area. The project which was unde
31/03/2009
Improvement works in Fingal have been hit by the recession. Plans for the completion of upgrade work at Balbriggan Cricket have stalled. Fingal council said new government restrictions on spending has reduced the capital available for the project. Works on the boundary treatment will be progre
31/03/2009
The identity of a developer behind plans to build a new north Wexford retail park is shrouded in mystery. Four county councillors from Gorey have said they do not know who was awarded permission to construct the leisure development, on the Courtown Road site. Councillors Lorcan Allen, Jimmy Flem
31/03/2009
Over 2,600 households across Northern Ireland have been making savings of up to £170 off their fuel bill after the Housing Executive installed oil condensing boilers. The Housing Executive has teamed up with OFTEC, the body for registered professionals in the oil heating industry, to promote the fi
31/03/2009
Best Property services have confirmed that the site of the former Woolworths, Armagh has been agreed for lease this month to discount retail giant Around a Pound. Woolworth in Armagh was one of 19 stores to close in January when the administrators were brought in amid mounting debts of £385m. Ne
31/03/2009
A charity group is seeking volunteers for an imaginative Romanian building project. Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland has just launched the initiative, Big Build 09 and need to find 250 volunteers from across Northern Ireland prepared to travel to Romania and help build 10 homes. Peter Farquha
30/03/2009
Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie has said it is time to 'unlock the potential' of west Belfast. Ms Ritchie said the area needs to be better connected with the rest of the city, and has proposed a number of projects under her department's Andersonstown Gateway Feasibility Study. Plans are af
30/03/2009
Construction Industry Federation representatives from Cork held a major seminar on the recession last week. The meeting, held at the Radisson Hotel, focused on the continuing impact of the banking crisis on building firms in the county. During the morning seminar advice was given to delegates on
30/03/2009
As planning approval for a proposed new supermarket in Antrim is granted, traders in Co Down are gearing up for a campaign to stymie a fresh plan for a new Tesco, just outside Banbridge. Giving the 'green light' for a new Asda project in Antrim, Stormont Minister Wilson said: "The granting of this
30/03/2009
Niamh Brennan, a Dublin professor, has been appointed chairperson of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, following the hasty departure of businessman Gerry McCaughey. Mr McCaughey resigned from the post following revelations about his use of a tax loophole. Ms Brennan has served on the Dep
30/03/2009
The first sod has been turned at the site of a new Carlow childcare centre. Work will begin on the new multi-million euro building soon. Located in Gleann na Bearu, on the Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown, the facility will form part of the overall family resource centre. The new building is seen a
30/03/2009
The scale of last week's Energy Efficiency Fair and Seminar in Belfast is evidence interest in the eco-sector is growing, Stormont Minister Arlene Foster has said. Ms Foster joined exhibitioners at the first ever Northern Ireland event, which was organised by Action Renewables and South Eastern
30/03/2009
A liquidator has been appointed to recoup the monies owned by a Carlow engineering firm. Creditors of D&M Utilities & Civil Engineering met last week to discuss the €300,000 revenue billed owned by the Ballickmoyler firm. The firm also owes cash to a number of financial institutions, including B
30/03/2009
Dublin-based firm Industrial Nanotech's Nansulate HomeProtect Clear Coat thermal insulation and mold resistant coating has been named one of the best products of 2008 by Builder, Remodeling, Custom Home and Building Products Magazines. The Building Products Top 100 award recognizes the top 100 buil
30/03/2009
Mallow council in Cork has raised serious concerns about the condition of an historic building in the borough. Bagenalstown House was a hot topic a recent town council meeting, with close scrutiny given to the state of the protected structure. According to one councillor the building has been "t
27/03/2009
A record-breaking €850m development plan has been approved by Cork City Council. Plans lodged to regenerate the city's docklands area represented the largest ever application to be considered by the authority. Twenty-four restrictions were laid down by the council when granting permission for the
27/03/2009
Kerry-based Donseed Ltd has won a contract to provide workplace management solutions to Wilson James Ltd a large UK based construction, logistics and security contractor currently working on a key Olympic site for the London 2012 games. Wilson James is a leading UK Logistics and Security Company pr
27/03/2009
Northern Ireland MEP Bairbre de Brún has made a renewed call for public submissions on the PPS 21 planning legislation, which closes at the end of the month. Ms de Brún said people from rural communities should make their voices heard to ensure that there were further "much needed changes" to the
27/03/2009
Ireland's first online Building Energy Rating marketplace was officially launched yesterday. The site has promised to save Irish homeowners money, by providing a secure bidding arena for BER assessors to compete for business. BerCert.com will create competition in the market and allow Homeowners a
27/03/2009
Fold Ireland's latest scheme Anam Cara Housing-With-Care has been officially opened in Glasnevin, Dublin, by the Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne and Junior Minister Máire Hoctor. The €9.4m project has combined accommodation, health care and support services for older people, enabling them to live independ
27/03/2009
A Stormont assemblyman has hit out at Transport Minister Conor Murphy, after it was revealed roads infrastructure spending this year would be almost a quarter less than 2008. Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott said figures suggesting a 24% slash in investment were "very worrying". Mr Elli
27/03/2009
Junior Environment Minister Michael Kitt has told an EU forum on contaminated land that shared experience is key. Addressing the delegates at Dublin Castle, Mr Kitt referred to the shared common goal to protect and build a sustainable future, but also to examine the state of the environment curren
27/03/2009
Northern Ireland's average household rate bills will be around half those in England, the Stormont Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has said. He revealed the news as the Department for Communities and Local Government in England announced that council tax bills there would rise by 3% next year to £1,41
26/03/2009
Plans for a massive new Northern Ireland sports stadium - aimed at regenerating east Belfast - have been unveiled by an ambitious business consortium. Eastonville Traders Ltd said it will build the £66m football and rugby complex in the Sydenham area of the city. Plans are afoot to locate the 20,
26/03/2009
With infrastructural work complete, construction has finally commenced at Ireland's first fully eco-friendly village. Over €5m was invested in the initial works, which will ensure the 130 dwelling site has secure infrastructure. Work on the village is expected to last almost two years. The site s
26/03/2009
Around 500 much-needed construction jobs could be created if an ambitious £100m mixed-used development is approved in Newry. Plans are afoot for a 32-acre development in the south of the city, which could see a massive supermarket, a 10 screen cinema, five restaurants, four office blocks, 29 homes
26/03/2009
A new €5m building project has been officially opened at a Wicklow peace and reconciliation centre. The construction scheme at the new Glencree facility was funded by the International Fund for Ireland and the Office of Public Works. Hundreds gathered to watch Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Mar
26/03/2009
Work has started on a major face-lift for the derelict Curran Street site in Portadown. Regeneration Minister Margaret Ritchie made a pledge to transform the town centre area on a visit in 2007. The site has blighted the town for almost 30 years. Plans have been put forward for a new mixed ten
26/03/2009
Sligo County Council has revealed plans to extend one of its district offices. The council has sought tenders to bid for the work at Cloontyprocklis in Grange. Building work will involve constructing an extension to the Sligo Drumcliff Area Office as well as auxiliary works. A council spokesman
26/03/2009
A lucratrive €750,000 contract has been signed in the Republic of Ireland by a specialist Co Tyrone firm. With support from Invest Northern Ireland, Castlederg-based Corlin Developments is undertaking the contract to provide essential fire resistant coatings in the construction of an €80 million mu
26/03/2009
Bray Council has revealed plans for flash-flood protection in the region, following the disastrous incidents that occurred last summer. Town council engineers told elected representatives of the bottle-neck which has formed in the Swan River. Sean O'Neill and Liam Bourke said the river, one of th
26/03/2009
Two social housing tenants in north Belfast have been turfed out by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for anti-social behaviour. The authority took possession of the two properties in response to ongoing complaints. The repossessed properties are in the New Lodge and Lenadoon areas of Belf
25/03/2009
Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has said the €50m Home Energy Saving Scheme is 'open for business', for both contractors and homeowners alike. From today Sustainable Energy Ireland will accept applications from householders wishing to save money and energy by insulating their properties. Minister
25/03/2009
Ireland's Urban Renewal Minister had met with regeneration directors in Limerick to discuss the ongoing investment in the city. Minister Michael Finneran said the regeneration programme was of great significance, saying it is not only of benefit to the city, but the entire region. "This programme
25/03/2009
A County Down metal roofing firm has bolstered sales nine-fold after receiving help from Invest NI. Befab Ltd has also boosted exports sales of its roofing products in the agricultural and construction markets. The Comber-based firm invested over £100,000 to upgrade its IT systems and recruit a
25/03/2009
Work is due to start soon on a new €4m Galway cinema, it has been revealed. The city council has decided to dispose of a 270 square metre site for the arthouse project. Construction is expected to begin on the four-storey structure in May. The eventual facility will offer a 340-seater cinema c
25/03/2009
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council has announced plans to expand and improve recreational facilities in the county. Proposals have been put forward to install floodlighting at Kilbogget Park, in Ballybrack, on the existing Gaelic pitch with ancillary civil works. The council said it also plans to ins
25/03/2009
An £8.5m business package has been unveiled by Invest NI to help bolster corporate energy efficiencies. Making the announcement, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the Carbon Trust funding would help companies improve their profitability whilst reducing carbon emissions and environmental impac
25/03/2009
Part of Drogheda Borough Council could be taking up residence at the newly developed Boyne Shopping Centre, it has been reported. The council said it is still working on securing new offices for maintenance and planning staff, which is said should be finalised later this month. However, one tempo
25/03/2009
Clare County Council today confirmed it has received a report of non-compliance from the EPA regarding odour issues at its central waste management Facility at Ballyduffbeg, near Inagh in County Clare. The report relates to out-of-hours odour surveys carried out by an EPA inspector, who was based i
25/03/2009
Belfast-based PBN Properties is behind plans for an £80m redevelopment at Glasgow's Savoy Centre, it has been revealed. Proposals submitted to Glasgow City Council include a 221 bed hotel, 6,000 sq m of Grade A office space, restaurants at high level which will boast panoramic views of Glasgow, in
24/03/2009
Limerick County Council has said it will revisit and review the Route Corridor Selection for the N21 Adare Bypass. Changes in national infrastructural policy along with the recent announcement of the Emerging Preferred Route for the M20 Cork to Limerick Motorway Scheme have led to the revaluation o
24/03/2009
A design guide has been launched to preserve and enhance one of County Down's most picturesque towns. Environment Minister Sammy Wilson visited the Old School House in Holywood where he formally launched a new Design Guide for Holywood Conservation Area. He said: "It is extremely important we shou
24/03/2009
A new €57,000 play park has been officially opened in Coosan Point, County Westmeath. Joe Whelan, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, officially unveiled the facility, which was built under the Playground Provision Scheme. Mr Whelan said the scheme has already made a valuable contribution
24/03/2009
Irish energy firm Flogas has announced plans to slash prices for business customers by 15%. The Drogheda-based supplier said it intends to become a key player in the commercial natural gas market nationwide, and will offer businesses a 15% saving on the price currently charged by Bord Gais Energy
24/03/2009
Repairs works have begun at the former Drogheda Council chambers, which were ravaged by a fire earlier this year. A temporary roof has now been installed at the building which was seriously damaged during the January blaze. The 100-year-old site formally housed the council chambers and the boroug
24/03/2009
Improvement works have commenced at the Moneenageisha junction in Galway city. A new signal controlled junction will replace the Ffrench roundabout. The programme of works is expected to last five weeks. Galway City Council has warned that during the works some traffic delays will occur. Once
24/03/2009
Dublin-based commercial furniture and interiors firm Designflow Spielmann's has secured a €25m contract for a landmark hospital fit out for the President’s Hospital project in Astana the capital of Kazakhstan. This is the first joint project won following the merger of Designflow with German compa
24/03/2009
Energy consultancy company Smartheat Limited has picked up the 'Best Interior Design Product of the Show Award' at Plan Expo, with its Tonwerk Heat Storage Stoves. The award was presented by Environment Minister Michael Finneran and CIF Director General Tom Parlon. Smartheat are the Irish partner
24/03/2009
Homeowners need to do more research with regards to stoves and flues. Don’t rely on the shirt and ties in a fancy showroom to give you all the advice. Believe us... the information available is only as good as the shop assistant you get to speak to. Try speaking to a solid fuel-heating specialist; y
23/03/2009
Ireland's Transport Minister has played down suggestions the Dublin Metro project will be axed under the forthcoming supplementary budget. Noel Dempsey, speaking to RTE, denied the scheme was under threat. However, he said the final decision cannot be made until next year because An Bord Pleanal
23/03/2009
The private sector wants to work more closely with politicians North and South to confront the infrastructure challenges facing the island, according a survey by Infrastructure Ireland. Around 96% of delegates who answered the Barclays Commercial Bank survey at the fourth All-Island Infrastructure
23/03/2009
Irish development firm McInerney has posted pre-tax losses for last year in excess of €200m. According to industry experts, the firm was badly hit by the dwindling demand in the UK and Irish house building sector. Falling land sales accounted for a €82.5m loss, with €10m lost in restructuring cos
23/03/2009
Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has called on the rural public to respond to the consultation on draft PPS21, associated with planning in the countryside. Speaking after chairing a public meeting on Rural Planning, Mr McKay said: "In November the Department of Environment published new proposals on Rur
23/03/2009
A new employer-led water apprenticeship has been launched in Northern Ireland. The new apprenticeship, which forms part of the Employment and Learning Department's ApprenticeshipsNI provision, offers employers the opportunity to provide high quality training whilst planning for the future as the wa
23/03/2009
Residents in Larne have welcomed the work recently undertaken to improve ground in the St John's Place area. The project, funded by the Housing Executive, was lauded by Dixon Park Residents Association chair Anne Marshall. She said: "The new planting and fencing have given a real lease of life to
23/03/2009
A provider of water and wastewater treatment services, has been named as one of Ireland’s 'Best Managed' companies in the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards. Response Group was one of twenty-five companies recognised at the awards gala in Powerscourt, last month. The Deloitte Best Managed Awa
23/03/2009
A wood energy centre in Londonderry has been lauded by the Rural Affairs Minister Michelle Gildernew. The scheme, located on the Brook Hall Estate, is managed by Rural Generation Ltd and is recognised as a 'centre of excellence', demonstrating wood fuel in a range of applications. The Wood Ene
20/03/2009
Iarnród Éireann has announced further works at the site of the new Sixmilebridge train station. Works will be carried out on the R471 at Atterbury Railway bridge, and disruption to road users is expected. A three-day, full road closure on the R471 at Atterbury Railway bridge in Sixmilebridge will
20/03/2009
A double job's boost is heading for the North West area with news this week of both a planned contract for a supermarket extension and a separate bid to build a new north coast hotel. Sainsbury's first revealed plans to expand their Coleraine operation in a move that will see the creation of up to
20/03/2009
There was more than a 25% drop in planning approvals for house and apartments in Ireland during the last quarter of 2008, compared to the previous year, it has been revealed. During October and December last year planner granted permission for around 14,000 homes. The number of successful applic
20/03/2009
Tenants living on Belfast's Lower Falls area are to get new kitchens, as part of a £275,000 scheme by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, it has been announced. The 71 homes are a mixture of two and three storey houses, bungalows and flats, which were all built between 1982 and 1988. As par
20/03/2009
Tendering has closed on a massive regeneration scheme proposed for the Cranmore estate in Sligo. Consultation has been on-going for some time between Cranmore residents and Sligo County Council's Regeneration Team towards vacating the centre block area of the estate. With the vast majority of u
20/03/2009
Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has lauded Northern Ireland's composite materials sector for its innovation and significant contribution to economic success. Ms Foster was speaking at the 2009 International Conference for Manufacturing of Advanced Composites (ICMAC) in Belfast. The two
20/03/2009
The Border Regional Authority is to review the current Regional Planning Guidelines for the Border Region, and prepare new Regional Planning Guidelines for the period 2010 to 2022, it has been revealed. The functional area of the Border Region comprises of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan
20/03/2009
Shorcontrol Safety, a specialist safety company for Training, Equipment and Consultancy has announced a new course for Health & Safety at Roadworks enabling companies to comply with changes in legislation, 'Amendment No. 2 to Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006'. Sh
20/03/2009
One of world's most advanced ergonomic hand tool manufacturers - Bahco - has launched its next generation ERGO Handsaw System. Designed for professionals, serious craftsmen and DIY enthusiasts, the ERGO Handsaw System employs a revolutionary handle design, which enables users to interchange 10 diff
19/03/2009
Plans for a €30m landmark shopping centre in Galway have been unveiled by the architect. The building is located on the eastern boundary of Galway near Galway racecourse, at the Briarhill roundabout. The scheme will acts as a gateway to the city for traffic coming from the airport, Dublin, Limeric
19/03/2009
Construction work has commences on the first phase of the Western Distributor Road, from the Ballydoogan Road to the Strandhill Road, in Sligo. Works will include the construction of approximately 550m of 10m wide single carriageway with cycle lanes and footpaths on both sides of the road, and the
19/03/2009
Council cut backs could mean one solitary plumber will be left with the task of servicing the entire social housing stock in the town of Mallow, County Cork, it has been claimed. Concerns were raised by Councillor Noel O'Connor over the issue at last week's Northern Area meeting. He said a tempora
19/03/2009
Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland (CEni) has unveiled details of its Spring Modern Procurement Training Programme. The announcement follows on from two previous programmes, which ran in Spring and Autumn 2008. The eight module Programme will be delivered over a period of eight consecuti
19/03/2009
Ireland's Environment Minister John Gormley has announced the completion of the purchase of the majority land-holding interest on the Great Blasket Island, County Kerry. Mr Gormley, who oversees the Office of Public Works (OPW), said negotiations with the owners, Blascaod Mór Teoranta, had been suc
19/03/2009
Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív have announced plans to hold talks with community representatives Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal le Chéile and the Royal Dutch Shell in Dublin tomorrow. The meeting, which will take place in the Department of Community, Rural
19/03/2009
Over 60 jobs are to go in Co Tyrone as a local timber firm shuts down. Some 17 jobs in retailing have also been lost with the closure of the Belfast branch of a top footwear store. OSC, the Original Shoe Company, is closing 10 stores across the UK. The stores are owned by JJB Sports which has a
19/03/2009
There is still no indication as to when a new water treatment plant will be built in the Cork town of Mallow, it has been revealed. Speaking at a recent town council meeting, Assistant County Manager Tim Lucey said the scheme has faced further delays due to funding gaps. He refused to confirm whe
19/03/2009
Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced £80,000 funding to extend the Londonderry Wireless Walls Project into the wider city precincts. The Wireless Walls Project, part funded by Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment and the European Union, tested the usability and usefuln
18/03/2009
The Model Arts and Niland Gallery in Sligo has welcomed a €600,000 contribution from the borough council towards its ambition €6m redevelopment project. Model Niland has said the overall redevelopment scheme aims to build on its reputation as one of Ireland's leading centres for contemporary cultu
18/03/2009
A Toomebridge electrical engineering firm has secured contracts worth over £1.8m with some of the biggest names in UK retail. CMM Electrics Ltd will deliver electrical installations to three Marks & Spencer stores, two B&Q stores and other leading high street retailers across Great Britain and the
18/03/2009
Irish Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has officially opened a new extension in Slieverue National School, County Kilkenny. The school was allocated €360,000 enabling it to build two extra classrooms and two resource rooms. Speaking at the school, Minister O'Keeffe said parents and the local commu
18/03/2009
Over £500,000 has been invested in community renewal projects in Newry since January, the Social Development Minister has said. Margaret Ritchie said her department's funding contributed to projects including the provision of sports, music and arts equipment for community groups. Government inve
18/03/2009
Irish Tourism Minister Martin Cullen has launched the Dromoland Collection of Hotels including the official launch of the Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork, under the management of Dromoland Castle, County Clare - the first external management contract undertaken by Dromoland Castle. The Castlemarty
18/03/2009
Members of the public across Northern Ireland have been encouraged to play their part in the protection and improvement of Northern Ireland waterways. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) will be holding a series of Water Information Days which will provide the public with an opportunity
18/03/2009
A sustained period of severe weather events led to power outages in parts of County Clare in January, ESB Networks has confirmed. At one stage on Saturday 17 January, 5,000 of the 40,000 customers in Clare were without supply. The ESB was responding to a representation by local TD Tony Killeen on
18/03/2009
A new analysis of the recession has highlighted a part of Northern Ireland as being among the hardest hit areas of the UK. The survey, by BBC Radio 4's World at One programme reveals the local authority areas suffering the biggest jobs' downturn. The three highest percentage rises are in the same
18/03/2009
Ireland's Environment Minister John Gormley has reminded local authorities, public bodies, contractors and private land owners of their responsibilities under the Wildlife Acts relating to restrictions on the destruction of hedgerows, and vegetation on uncultivated land. Section 40 of the Wildlife
16/03/2009
A new mixed use development has officially opened in Delvin, Westmeath, following a €3m construction project. County council chairman Joe Whelan unveiled the scheme on Main Street, describing it as a much needed local facility. Mr Whelan said the finished development represents many years of har
16/03/2009
Construction work has been completed on Sligo's new Waste Water Treatment Plant at Finisklin, and the facility is now fully operational. The state-of-the-art treatment plant will mean the elimination of untreated discharges into Sligo Bay, and will enable Sligo Local Authorities to fulfil their ob
16/03/2009
A Belfast skip company was fined a total of £20,000 today (16 March 2009) for breaches of waste management legislation. Sean McStravick, director of Colin Glen Contractors (also trading as CG Skips), of Colinglen Road, Belfast, pleaded guilty at Belfast Crown Court to eight charges of depositing an
16/03/2009
Galway City Council has unveiled a draft proposals for the expansion of Knocknacarra District Centre. The proposals relate to the provision of the sports and community centre, playing pitches, rezoning of lands to accommodate the expansion of the centre and dedication of lands for amenity purpose
16/03/2009
Kilkenny Borough Council has announced plans to carry out work at Talbot's Tower in the city. The building, located on Ormonde Road and Lower New Street, and the adjoining Town Walls are protected under the National Monuments Act 1930-2004. The tower is listed in the Kilkenny City Development Pl
16/03/2009
Irish Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe at turned the first sod at the site of a new extension and renovation works at Marymount National School, The Rower. Speaking at the school, Minister O'Keeffe said: "The new extension will provide Marymount with four new classrooms, a general purpose room a
16/03/2009
Cork City Council has responded to difficulties reported in connection with the Kinsale Road Landfill Site. The problems concern odour and flies arising from landfilling at the most elevated portion of the site. "In order to address the matter arrangements have been made to cover most of this ele
16/03/2009
NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has lauded an innovative 80/20 wood recycling project in Newry. Under the scheme, waste wood and furniture is collected from homes and businesses in the area and is recycled, repaired and sold to the local community. Income is generated from the ch
13/03/2009
A €6m streetscaping scheme has been completed in Cork city. The Grand Parade Streetscape Renewal Project, designed by Spanish architect Beth Gali, was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Cork Brian Bermingham. The project is part of the city centre's street renewal programme, undertaken by Co
13/03/2009
The new Castletowngeoghegan Waste Water Treatment Plant has been officially opened in Westmeath. The recently completed Castletown Geoghegan Sewerage Scheme will provide improved drainage facilities for existing and future housing and commercial development within the village and immediate enviro
13/03/2009
Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new €120,000 extension to St. Columcille's National School, Inistioge, County Kilkenny. The extension provides St. Columcille's with one new classroom, ancillary facilities, a new learning support room and two new offices for the Principal and Secretary
13/03/2009
Community facilities in Lurgan are to undergo a massive £738,000 face-lift, it has been announced. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie outlined her plans for the area, which include the demolition of St Mary's Hall and a former community centre building on the Shankill Estate. Environme
13/03/2009
Wicklow council has announced plans for the development of new bored well and pumping facilities at Ashtown, Roundwood, in the county. The purpose of the proposed development is to augment the existing source of water for the Roundwood Public Water Supply. Water will be pumped from the well via a
13/03/2009
Westmeath representatives have welcomed the signing of a contract to build a new bridge in the county. The proposed bridge is part of the Clonmore Link Road joining Clonmore Business Park to the Lynn Roundabout on the Tullamore Road, Mullingar. It is the final link necessary to complete the Mull
13/03/2009
NI Water has announced a £16,931 investment programme in Lisburn to improve water and wastewater services in the area. The package was announced at a Lisburn City Council meeting earlier this month. NI Water said the programme will bring significant benefits to the local community, economy and me
13/03/2009
Irish Urban Development Minister Michael Finneran attended a one-day conference on Energy Efficiency in Historic Buildings in Dublin earlier this week. The talks were a collaboration between the Environment Department and the Irish Georgian Society. Minister Finneran said: "Improved energy effi
12/03/2009
Plans to build 900 new homes in the Belfast area could generate up to 400 construction jobs, it has been revealed. The Dermont Groups said it intends to build the properties after acquiring lands from one of Northern Ireland's largest building group, which went into administration last year. Five
12/03/2009
Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach Joe Whelan has officially launched the completed Multyfarnham Village Enhancement Project. Mr Whelan was joined by County Manager Danny McLoughlin and council officials in celebrating the completion of the works, which commenced last year. The project works
12/03/2009
Irish Housing Minister Michael Finneran has welcomed the European Central Bank's (ECB) move to reduce interest rates to record low levels. Tuesday's rate decrease is the fourth decrease since October bringing the cumulative rate decrease in the period October 2008 - March 2009 to 2.75%, from 4.25%
12/03/2009
A new social housing scheme is to be built as part of the £10m Pottingers Quay riverside development in east Belfast, it has been announced. Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie said the project is scheduled for completion by September 2009, and will see 27 social housing units side by side numerous
12/03/2009
Irish Housing Minister Michael Finneran has held talks with representatives of the Financial Regulator and the Irish Banking Federation on the issue of mortgage arrears and repossessions. Mr Finneran said: "At the outset, it's crucial to remember that the most important issue here is the very real
12/03/2009
NI Water has laid its one millionth metre of water main pipe as part of the body's £80m Water Mains Rehabilitation Project. The project has been ongoing for four years, systematically upgrading the water main infrastructure throughout Northern Ireland. Putting the scale of the project into conte
12/03/2009
North Tipperary County Council has signed a contract worth €161,000 with Kilderry Instruments in respect of a Telemetry System for use at Ballaghveny Landfill. Terry O'Niadh, County Manager, said the contract will enable the highest possible standards of environmental monitoring and protection to
12/03/2009
A County Tyrone quarry owner was fined £5,000 plus £29 court costs at Dungannon Magistrates' court on 9 March 2009 for a waste offence. Mr Robert Donaghy, 63, of Coolreaghs Road, Cookstown, was fined for one charge of breaching of waste management legislation. On 25 April 2007 officers from the No
11/03/2009
A new Wexford-based Department of Environment headquarter is to open within the next month, following a massive construction project. Pierse Construction undertook the work at the state-of-the-art facility located on Newtown Road. The scheme forms part of the government's decentralistation scheme
11/03/2009
The 'winds of change' are blowing new life into a Newtownards housing estate, following an additional £1.6m investment by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Renovations will be carried out on properties in the Westwinds Estate as part of a major £10m improvement scheme, which has now entered
11/03/2009
Sligo Council has temporarily closed a dilapidated bridge in the county. A spokesman for the council said th action was taken as a matter of urgency. The bridge, located in the town of Cloonlaughil, Curry, has been closed to traffic since Monday and the restriction is expected to remain in place
11/03/2009
NI Water is to spend over £20m on improving water and wastewater services in Londonderry, it has been revealed. The investment, announced at the Derry City Council meeting earlier this month, relates to a number of schemes that are already underway or planned to commence within this financial year
11/03/2009
The Irish Environment Department has commissioned the Centre for Housing Research to undertake an evaluation of three housing adaptation grant schemes. The schemes - Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, Mobility Aids Grant Scheme - are r
11/03/2009
Stormont Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has commissioned a review of the government agency Land & Property Services (LPS). The review, the latest to be undertaken by the Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit (PEDU), will assess the capacity of the agency to meet current and future challenges. Mr
11/03/2009
Laois Council has announced plans to improve the county's road network, as part of its Bituminous Surfacing 2009 scheme. The council invited tenders to bid for the works which will require a clause of 804 35,000 tonne; Stabilised Wet Mix of 1,000 tonne; DBM Bindercourse 1,000 tonne; CGBMSurface Cou
11/03/2009
Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has heard concerns raised by Executive colleague and south Down MLA Caitríona Ruane regarding the lack of social housing being built in her constituency. The Sinn Féin assemblywoman also said there was inadequate support currently available for homeless people, e
11/03/2009
Designed to meet the needs of the customer in an ever-changing market, Dunlop Adhesives has introduced 'Standard Set Plus Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive'. The product has been developed in a direct response to the growing popularity of large format wall tiles (often 600mm x 300mm and above) and the in
10/03/2009
A new 6,000 seater stadium will be officially opened in South Dublin later this week. County Mayor Marie Corr will officiate the ceremony at the new Tallaght Stadium on Friday. The unveiling will be marked with a League of Ireland match between Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers, which will be tele
10/03/2009
A Lisburn housing scheme has been lauded for its "ground-breaking" environmental merits. Woodbrook in Brokerstown was recognised for its environmentally friendly design. The prize was awarded by the RSPB/RTPI under the Urban Areas and Built Development category. The developer behind the scheme
10/03/2009
Kilkenny County Council has listed a number of new properties now available under its affordable home scheme. The houses for sales include two bedroom apartments at the Weir View development on Castlecomer Road, which have been prices between €150,000 for ground floor to €165,000 first floor dwell
10/03/2009
Irish builders have held an emergency meeting in Dublin to look at ways the government's infrastructural spending could save jobs in the sector. The Construction Industry Federation identified infrastructure spending as the key to saving jobs, increasing exchequer revenues and providing a platform
10/03/2009
Donegal County Council has announced plans to upgrade social housing in the Milford area. The council has sought a tender to complete the works at a local authority estate under the Milford Housing Regeneration Works 2009. Building contractors are invited to tender for the work, which includes car
10/03/2009
Further details have been revealed about a £1m development in outdoor play facilities for children living on the Ards peninsula. Ards Borough Council has said the new initiative is designed to revamp the area's play parks over the next year. In a decision which follows a strategic assessment of e
10/03/2009
Irish Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has announced a new Gaeltacht scheme called Scéim Bóithre Pobail (Community Roads Scheme). This new scheme succeeds Scéim na mBóithre Portaigh (Bog Roads Scheme) which has been in operation since this year. The Community Roads Scheme will be limited to ro
10/03/2009
Wexford County Council has received an application from JMCL regarding new apartments in the town of New Ross. JMCL has asked for permission for retention and completion of an additional seven apartments at a Mountgarrett. The proposed scheme consists of two, two-bedroom apartments to level two,
09/03/2009
A draft area plan for the Bray region is to go on public display, after the County Manager's report was approved. Amendments to the draft proposals were made at last week's County Council meeting, with great emphasis placed on the Kilruddery Action Area Plan. This focus was welcomed by local cou
09/03/2009
Work on Northern Ireland's new Lyric Theatre commenced today - a construction project work more than £17m. Arts Minister Gregory Campbell welcomed contractor Gilbert Ash on-site. "Detailed work has been completed on the design and costs of the new building and the contractor, Gilbert Ash is now
09/03/2009
An area close to a known flood plain in County Kerry has been re-zoned for a greater scope of development. It was agreed the lands in Listowel, previously zoned 'residential low density', could be used for 'general development'. The decision to change the publicly-owned land's status was made at
09/03/2009
Grants of up to £30,000 are to be made available to property owners in Portaferry, County Down, under the 'Town Centre Living Initiative'. Ards Borough Council was successful in achieving Town Centre Living Initiative Area Status (TCLIA) for Portaferry. The designation of TCLIA enables owners of
09/03/2009
Plans for an anaerobic digestion facility have been filed with Wexford County Council's planning department. The application has outlined proposals to construct the organic waste processing plant at a site in Ballyshannon, Adamstown. Patrick Berridge is behind the scheme, which could also see the
09/03/2009
Plans for a new hotel on the southern outskirts of Belfast have been hailed as "very welcome" by a local MP. Details of the proposed £5m hotel and restaurant complex in Carryduff were revealed this week and are expected to stimulate scores of new jobs. Strangford MP Iris Robinson - whose constitue
09/03/2009
Wexford to Dublin commuters have been asked to bringing forward ideas which could shape the future transport infrastructure between the two regions. Members of the public are urged express their opinions online. Over 2,000 people have already logged on to the Dublin Transportation Office's (DTO)
09/03/2009
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has called on the construction and demolition industry to help develop revised Pollution Prevention Guidance. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Environment Agenc
09/03/2009
A major renovation scheme has been launched along the River Bann towpath, which includes modernisation of the area's signage. Large signs which now incorporate more local information will replace the old ones. They display facts and photographs of the history of the area, the types of fish that can
06/03/2009
A new £80,000 play area has been opened in Portavogie, Co Down. Climbers, slides, seesaws, a variety of swings and other equipment, all with a nautical theme, were installed at the new site in the village's Anchor Car Park. The facility is the first to be completed under Ards Borough Council's dri
06/03/2009
Councillors in a Cork town have voted down plans for 100 new homes in the area, putting €25m set aside for the local development in jeopardy. Mallow representatives refused to make changes to the town's 2004 development plans almost unanimously, subsequently restricting the building of two storey
06/03/2009
Phase one of the development of Backburn Park in Limavady has commenced. A pre-start meeting was held on site to discuss the final elements of the sensory garden which will be created across from the Play Group in the park. The funding for the garden came from the Local Community Fund administe
06/03/2009
A £2m development at Solitude Park in Banbridge is progressing well, the local council has said. The footbridge project has now reached the stage where it is necessary to close off the facility to the general public, until further notice. Upgrade works to the footbridge, which crosses the River
06/03/2009
Belfast's new M1/Westlink scheme is gearing up to take it's first full influx of weekly traffic on Monday, after the official unveiling of the £104m project on Wednesday. Roads Minister Conor Murphy said the improvements to the route will deliver huge benefits to the local economy. He said the c
06/03/2009
Northern Ireland colleges and learning institutions have been urged to get involved in this year's Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Day, to support aspiring tradesmen and women. Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey said the VQ Day event, held on 24 June 2009, is a UK-wide celebration of the achievement
06/03/2009
The Environment and Heritage Service has announced plans to carry out the Second Survey of Historic Buildings in the Omagh district. The survey, which was commenced in January of this year is due for completion by the end of April 2009. The Second Survey of buildings of Architectural and Historic
06/03/2009
Donnelly CCT, a specialist consultant in the purchasing of materials and the delivery of in house training for the construction industry, in Ireland is to stage a number of event for less than €55 per person, it has been revealed. Donnelly CCT offers a wide range of services and courses available
05/03/2009
A new £3.5m logistics and product training facility has officially opened at Glen Dimplex NI Limited in Craigavon. Glen Dimplex NI is part of the Glen Dimplex Group, which specialises in the manufacture and distribution of a range of renewable energy products and electrical appliances for cooking a
05/03/2009
An Emergency meeting of major construction employers has been called by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Monday's planned meeting is in response to the government announcement of a new spending and tax plan and the deteriorating situation with regard to employment in the industry. Tom
05/03/2009
Twenty-two companies from Northern Ireland, mostly from the construction industry, will arrive in Saudi Arabia today as part of a week long investment drive. It is the second visit to Saudi Arabia by a Northern Ireland trade delegation in the past six months and the first of three scheduled visits
05/03/2009
Some of Northern Ireland's most most deprived communities have been awarded a significant financial boost from the government. Around £640,000 is being made available for 17 communities across Northern Ireland in the coming year, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said. The scheme is
05/03/2009
Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has awarded a grant of €28,558 to Cnoc Fola Community Centre Committee for improvement works carried out at its base in Brinlack, Donegal. Announcing the grant, the Minister said that he was pleased that his Department was able to provide assistance to the Cnoc Fol
05/03/2009
Transport provider Translink has picked up 12 'Gold' TIDY Northern Ireland awards, recognising the efforts of employees in building a cleaner, tidier and more environmentally friendly bus and rail network. First launched in 2007, when three stations achieved 'Gold' standard, the 2008 TIDY Translink
05/03/2009
Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey has encouraged individuals to enter skills competitions to qualify for WorldSkills 2011 before the closing date of 9 April 2009. WorldSkills, the world's greatest skills showcase event, is to be staged for the first time in London in 2011. Held every two years,
05/03/2009
Trend has now extended its range of popular replaceable tip router cutters. A further nine 1/4" shank styles have been added as well as a 1/2" shank stair cutter. This type of router cutter is ideal for the heavy trade user and has a number of economical advantages over conventional brazed tip cut
04/03/2009
A major scheme to replace kitchens in 114 homes in the Braniel estate, Belfast, has commenced. Commenting on the work, which is being undertaken by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, District Manager Paul Carland said: "I am delighted that we are able to proceed with this work which will see
04/03/2009
Irish Environment Minister John Gormley has announced the appointment of Gerry McCaughey as Chairperson of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. Mr McCaughey was co-founder and ex-CEO of Century Homes, the timber frame housing business, which was sold to building-materials company Kingspan in
04/03/2009
Electricity and gas prices across Ireland are to be reduced, under proposals brought forward by Energy Minister Eamon Ryan, it has been revealed. Electricity prices will be reduced by an average of 10% for all customers in April/May. Gas prices for domestic and small and medium enterprises will b
04/03/2009
Construction work has commenced on five new classrooms in Carlow. The building work is taking place at Ballinabranna NS. Contracts associated with the project were signed last week, and work is due to be complete for the new school term in September. A school spokesman said: "It is due to the bu
04/03/2009
Irish Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has announced a grant of €31,997, which has been approved for the Development Committee of Seanscoil na Trá Báine, An Trá Bháin, Leitir Móir to assist with the costs involved in upgrading the heating system and building a new store. A grant of €26,664 has b
04/03/2009
Leading Irish construction firm Greenspan Products has introduced a cost-effective and energy-efficient insulation system that insulates buildings from the outside. Outsulation is an Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) applied to the outside of exterior walls. Greenspan said it acknowledged
04/03/2009
Irish Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has officially opened a new extension in Gaelscoil Thómáis Dáibhís in Mallow. The €444,000 extension includes two new classrooms and a resource room for the 238-pupil mixed school. Mr O'Keeffe said the new extension adds to "a new modernity" to the school whi
04/03/2009
Stormont Infrastructure Minister Conor Murphy has launched a consultation on the future direction for water and sewerage services. The Minister said the consultation covers 2010 to 2013, and focuses on improving services to customers, promoting sustainability, making NI Water more efficient and me
03/03/2009
Renewables and energy storage firm Gaelectric has submitted a planning application for a wind farm at Smulgedon, Londonderry, which has the potential to create 30 construction jobs. The site, located north-east of Dungiven, will consist of seven wind turbines with a maximum blade tip height of 121.
03/03/2009
Sligo County Council has announced plans to realign the N59 Farranyharpy to Ballygreighan road. The proposed development passes through the townlands of Farranyharpy, Doonflin Lower, Doonflin Upper, Grange Beg, Ballinphull and Ballygreighan in the county. Works will include the provision of approx
03/03/2009
The Mayor of Clare has officially opened the county's first synthetic running track at the Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park in Ennis. The 400m metre track, which is complemented by an athletic field capable of hosting a range of track and field events, cost around €900,000. The project was joint
03/03/2009
The Stormont Assembly has approved regulations to reduce the maximum capital value to £400,000 for rating purposes, from this April. Finance Minister Nigel Dodds welcomed the decision. He said: "It ensures that no one in Northern Ireland will pay more than the average council tax-payer in the hig
03/03/2009
Government Minister Willie O'Dea has visited the Dock Road site of the new Limerick Greyhound Stadium. Mr O'Dea was accompanied by Irish Greyhound Board Chairman Dick O'Sullivan. The Minister was taken through the work done to date on filling the site and the plans for the stadium. The tender
03/03/2009
Eighty two Housing Executive tenants in Ballymoney are to have new kitchens installed in their homes, it has been announced. District Manager Mairead Myles Davey welcomed the start of contracted works, which represent around a £300,000 investment in the borough. Ms Davey said: "I am delighted th
03/03/2009
Rathdown County Council has announced plans for the refurbishment and extensions to the Pavilion and Gate Lodge, and additional ancillary works at the People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire in County Dublin. A spokesperson for the council said works will include the removal of a single-storey extension and s
03/03/2009
A County Antrim development firm has been fined a total of £600 and court costs of £136 at Antrim Magistrates' court. Hagan Homes Ltd of Templepatrick Road in Ballyclare pleaded guilty to one breach of waste management legislation, disclosed during a routine site visit by officers of the Northern I
02/03/2009
A £200m geology project in Larne - planned to revolutionise renewable power generated from wind - could create up to 200 construction and engineering jobs, it has been revealed. Gaelectric, the renewables and energy storage company, is behind the unique Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) facilit
02/03/2009
Major engineering work along the Londonderry railway line is progressing on schedule following the delivery of £250,000 rail trolleys from France, it has been revealed. The bespoke engineering equipment will be used to carry long strings of welded rail from NI Railway's engineering yard in Colerai
02/03/2009
A preliminary planning hearing into the proposed Dublin Metro was launched at Croke Park today. According to the rail procurement authority, the multi-billion scheme could be put before the government by the end of the year, if it receives backing from the planning board. Last week 600 boxes of
02/03/2009
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has announced plans to install gas central heating in 62 homes in Londonderry. Tenants living at Long Tower Court, Durrow Park and Maureen Avenue are included in the scheme. Welcoming the start of the scheme, District Manager Sam McPherson said: "As the Regi
02/03/2009
Irish Housing Minister Michael Finneran has published the Quarter 3 2008 Housing Statistics Bulletin setting out details of housing activity in the first nine months of the year. It has been revealed 5,327 social houses were completed or acquired in the first nine months of 2008, with a further 1,0
02/03/2009
A Co Tyrone man was today (2 March 2009) fined a total of £12,000 plus £37 court costs at Dungannon Magistrates' Court. Mr Joseph McKernan, 46, of Keenaghan Road, Pomeroy, pleaded guilty to four charges of breaches of waste management legislation. On 25 April 2007, officers from the Northern Irel
02/03/2009
Irish Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, along with Energy Minister Eamon Ryan, has launched the State's 'Smarter Travel – A Sustainable Transport Future'. And revealed the new government action plan will be made freely available towns and cities across Ireland choking from traffic congestion. The
02/03/2009
Stormont Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has outlined plans to support owner occupiers remaining in their communities once regeneration work has been completed. The Minister said she wants to ensure that communities stay together as much as possible after regeneration takes place. At present, o
