Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for May 2009
29/05/2009
Another flood prevention scheme has been completed in Dublin. Phase one of the Dodder Flood Alleviation Works, between Ringsend Bridge and London Bridge, was welcomed by Environment Minister John Gormley. He unveiled a plaque to officially mark the completion of the works alongside Public Works M
29/05/2009
Almost £7m is to be invested in Fermanagh road works, it has been announced. Unveiling the funding, Transport Minister Conor Murphy revealed design work on a number of carriageway improvement schemes on the A32 Omagh to Enniskillen Road is progressing well. He said a scheme to realign and widen t
29/05/2009
Dublin's latest social housing development has been officially opened by the city's Lord Mayor. Eibhlin Byrne welcomed the completion of the Newbury Woods Housing Development on Clonshaugh Road, in Dublin 5, which offers 59 new affordable homes. The development consists of 33 three bed and 26 two
29/05/2009
Irish Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has awarded a grant of €10,000 to enable Cumann Peile na bPiarsach, Ros Muc, to carry out improvement works on their playing pitch. A grant of €8,333 is being sanctioned under the Gaeltacht Improvements Scheme and a grant of €1,667 under the CLÁR Programme.
29/05/2009
New kitchens are to be installed in 67 Housing Executive homes in east Belfast, in a project worth £273,000, it has been announced. The homes involved were all built between 1980 and 1986, and comprise two, three and five bedroom houses, and two bedroom flats. Electrical and plumbing installatio
29/05/2009
Irish Trade Minister Mary Coughlan has discussed a project aimed at improving opportunities for small and medium enterprise (SME) access to public procurement opportunities. Ms Coughlan, speaking in Brussels at a meeting of the EU's Competitiveness Council, emphasised to colleagues that EU procure
29/05/2009
All wind farm proposals will be considered on a case by case basis, Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has said. During a tour of the Antrim Area Hospital turbine and the Wolf Bog wind farm near Doagh, the Minister told representatives of the wind industry he intended to bring forward the new planni
29/05/2009
The development of all-weather soccer and multiuse facilities in Limerick has been lauded by the manager of the Republic of Ireland women's senior team. Noel King officially opened the Abbeyfeale Mini-Pitch, one of five such facilities to be developed at separate locations throughout Co Limerick, y
29/05/2009
The nationwide tool and equipment hire company, HSS Hire, is set to revolutionise hire for major accounts with the launch of LiveHire, a unique, free online hire management system already dubbed 'the most powerful tool in the equipment hire industry'. HSS Livehire is a secure and personalised extra
28/05/2009
A wind energy development co-operative in Co Clare has announced plans to construct one of Ireland's largest wind farms. Subsequent to obtaining planning approval and permission for grid connection, West Clare Renewable Energy Ltd. (WCRE) says it hopes to construct 30 3MW wind turbines on the slope
28/05/2009
A blueprint for the future development of the historic Cathedral city of Armagh has been unveiled. The masterplan launch coincided with the completion of the Market Square Public Realm improvement scheme, which features in the blueprint. Work to transformation Armagh Gaol into a boutique hotel wi
28/05/2009
Irish Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has opened the new €1m refurbished West Pier at Baltimore and Skibbereen Harbour. Speaking at the opening, Minister Dempsey said: "They (the works) have resulted in a new safer structure for boat users and ferry operators alike. "These works will lead to redu
28/05/2009
Magherafelt-based FP McCann has been awarded a £6m contract to build a dual carriageway at the A26 Ballee Road East to Ballymena Bypass. The major improvement scheme will provide a direct connection from the A26 Ballee Road East dual carriageway, underneath the Larne Road Roundabout to the M2 Bally
28/05/2009
Irish Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has allocated €383,712 to enable Coiste Pobail Chill Chiaráin, in Co Galway, to carry out improvement works on the community hall. A grant of €319,760 is being sanctioned under the Improvements Scheme and a grant of €63,952 under the CLÁR Programme. As pa
28/05/2009
A new sustainable Dublin City Council social housing scheme has been officially opened in the capital. The City's Lord Mayor, Eibhlin Byrne, and Environment Minister John Gormley both welcomed the development, located on York Street, Dublin 4. Consisting of sixty-six units, the complex is one of
28/05/2009
Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a £15m scheme by Invest NI, to help businesses currently in difficulty to retain key skills. The Short Term Aid Scheme, aimed at those in the manufacturing and tradable services sectors, will offer up to £450,000 to help firms retain key sta
28/05/2009
Irish Environment Minister John Gormley has announced a €12.5m funding package to support built heritage projects this year. Around €5.3m will be allocated to the Office of Public Works to support works on heritage properties in State care. A further €4m will be awarded in local authority grants f
28/05/2009
Up to 12 new jobs are being brought to Co Antrim this year by a local company servicing and supplying conveyor components to the bulk-handling industry across the UK and Irish Republic. Lisburn-based ConveyorTek's founding director Philip Trimble emphasised the need for high calibre applicants. "I
27/05/2009
Planning permission has been granted for a new €250m Limerick hospital, which could generate around 620 much-needed construction jobs in the mid-west. Beacon Medical Group (BMG) said the 183 bed, six theatre, co-located hospital will be built on grounds leased from Mid-West Regional Hospital.
27/05/2009
WYG Ireland has won a major contract to provide civil and structural engineering and environmental consultancy services for the new £150m Desertcreat Training College near Cookstown. The project, expected to be completed by the end of 2012, will provide an integrated training college serving the Po
27/05/2009
The M8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown roads scheme has opened nine months ahead of schedule. Costing €174m, the 16km motorway came in on budget and was funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007–2013, with part funding by the European Union from the Trans-European Transport Ne
27/05/2009
Around £7.5m is to be invested in roads infrastructure in the Newry and Mourne area, it has been announced. Discussing on-going schemes in district, the Transport Minister Conor Murphy said construction works on the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue has continued throughout the year, which has seen earth
27/05/2009
A new €29m wastewater treatment plant has been officially opened in Sligo. The scheme will provide treatment for an initial 50,000 population equivalent, with scope for future expansion to 80,000. Local Services Minister Michael Finneran described the plant as a benefit to the entire region. The
27/05/2009
World-class building projects completed in Northern Ireland during the past four years have been recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The winners of the prestigious RICS Northern Ireland Awards for Excellence in the Built Environment included Belfast's Victoria Square
27/05/2009
South Dublin Mayor Marie Corr will today officially open the county's latest innovative play park. The newly constructed Sean Walsh Park Playground, which has also developed a 'Garden for All Seasons', aims to improve general accessibility around the lake surrounding the Tallaght Stadium. As part
27/05/2009
Darren Morgan from Northern Ireland-based Glenvale Kitchens has received national recognition from the bathroom and kitchen industry, after picking up and award at the prestigious kbbreview Industry Awards. Mr Morgan won the coveted Designer Award for Kitchens for projects that cost up to £25k, spo
27/05/2009
Anxious first-time buyers who queued outside Co-Ownership's Belfast office last month hoping to get one of just 55 places set aside for May, could be the last forced to line-up. Weeks after prospective homeowners camped out overnight to reserve a place for the heavily over-subscribed scheme, a draw
26/05/2009
Ireland's largest lifeguard facility has been officially open at the County Clare seaside resort of Lahinch. Clare County Council constructed Lahinch Lifeguard Centre on the beach promenade. The €340,000 facility was constructed by Ballinasloe-based contractor Mota Engil Ireland Construction Ltd.
26/05/2009
A North Antrim assemblyman has called on the three councils in his constituency to adopt a united front on building regulations. MLA Robert Coulter made his call after receiving an assurance from the Minister for Finance and Personnel that there must be consistency across all councils in Northern I
26/05/2009
The new extension at Clonpriest National School in Youghal adds a "modern dimension to a school that's over 100 years old", according to Ireland's Eduction Minister Batt O'Keeffe. Speaking at the official opening of the extension, Minister O'Keeffe said: "I'm delighted to open the new extension co
26/05/2009
North Down is set to benefit from a £2.3m roads investment, it has been revealed. Making the announcement, Transport Minister Conor Murphy said the funding will focus on improving road safety in the area. Works will take place in and around St Columbanus College, Bangor Central, as well as Bally
26/05/2009
Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen has officially opened the new accessibility features at Tullamore Station, as part of Iarnród Éireann's investment programme in accessibility improvements on the Galway-Dublin line. These improvements are designed to give greater access to those with mobility and sensory
26/05/2009
David Dilger has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), following the resignation of Garry McGann earlier this year. Mr Dilger is a former Chief Executive Officer of Greencore Group plc. Making the announcement, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said: "I am very
26/05/2009
Seven local companies have been bidding for business on an Invest Northern Ireland stand at the All Energy 2009 show in Aberdeen. A further four companies have also been assisted by Invest NI to visit the event, the UK's biggest renewable energy exhibition. The two-day All-Energy exhibition and c
26/05/2009
Two aviation firms have moved their operations to Ireland's leading executive Business Campus in Shannon, Co Clare. Westpark Shannon Ltd announced that Maintenance Support Systems Ltd has relocated its global Headquarters to the Campus, while Parc Aviation has relocated its Shannon office to the si
22/05/2009
Irish Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has announced the allocation of over €2.3m from the Dormant Accounts Fund to support around 200 projects in disadvantaged RAPID areas. The Minister said the move reflects the government's commitment to ring-fence significant levels of disbursements from dorm
22/05/2009
Over £5m is to be invested in Omagh roads, it has been announced. According to Transport Minister Conor Murphy there has been rapid progress on the A5 Western Key Transport Corridor. The four possible corridors for this scheme were unveiled in November 2008. A preferred route in due to be announ
22/05/2009
Extension and upgrading works at Shannon Fire Station were officially completed this week with the opening of the re-developed facility. The Mayors of Clare and Shannon attended the event, which marked a €1,224,725 Capital Grant Aid investment by the State. Kilmihil-based contractor L&M Keating
22/05/2009
A High Level Action Group on Green Enterprise has been established by the Irish Government, in a move aimed at shoring-up Building Ireland's Smart Economy, a framework for sustainable economic renewal. Launching the scheme, Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan said there is huge potential for the gree
22/05/2009
More than half of Northern Ireland households are not confident enough carry out basic DIY jobs in their home, it has been revealed. According to the Energy Saving Trust, around 60% of those questioned in the province are 'DIY shy', much higher than the national average of 53%. The Energy Savin
22/05/2009
Ireland's Sports Minister Martin Cullen will officially open the Abbeyfeale Mini-Pitch in Co Limerick facility next week, it has been announced. The Mini-Pitch forms part of a joint project between the council and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) involving the development of five all-weat
22/05/2009
A new mortgage advice and debt service has been launched for Northern Ireland. Funding for the Housing Rights Service has been provided by the Department of Social Development. The service will provide specialist advice and support for people in mortgage difficulties. Minister Margaret Ritchie s
22/05/2009
Irish Arts Minister Martin Cullen has officially opened the latest phase in the restoration and development of the Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum in the village of Inistioge. Carved out of the Kilkenny landscape, this setting is a complex of formal and informal gardens, which includes an arboretu
21/05/2009
Around 120 construction jobs are to be created with the €40m expansion of a Co Mayo manufacturing plant, it has been revealed. BioSpark - a newly-formed joint venture between Imperative Energy Ltd and Sustainable BioPolymers Ltd - said it intends to invest in the development of a next generation b
21/05/2009
A new £17m Belfast arts centre is set to create hundreds of local construction jobs, it has been revealed. Touted as one the most significant urban regeneration projects planned for the city's Cathedral Quarter, it is believed the MAC will be an incubator creating hundreds of new job opportunities
21/05/2009
The Dublin Government is committed to building a new €400m prison in north Dublin, according to the Justice Minister. Dermot Ahern's announcement came after talks with a consortium - enlisted to build the Thornton Hall development - collapsed. He said the Irish Cabinet expected to see new plans fo
21/05/2009
Almost €3m is to be invested in Ballymoney's roads, it has been revealed. Making the announcement, Transport Minister Conor Murphy proposed a realignment project on the Kirk Road, east of Bellisle Road to improve visibility on Kirk Road and at the Bellisle / Kirk Road junction. "It is also prop
21/05/2009
A new Dublin City Council housing scheme has been officially opened at Saint Andrews Court/Denzille Lane. The unveiling was witnesses by Environment Minister John Gormley and the city's Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne. The scheme consists of nine newly constructed social housing units, the conversion of
21/05/2009
Plans for the new acute hospital outside Enniskillen took a major step forward this week with the formal signing of the contract with the consortium, Northern Ireland Health Group. Construction work is now beginning on site to ensure the £270m hospital is completed as planned by 2012. At least 18
21/05/2009
A new €100,000 state-of-the-art playground has been officially opened in Askeaton, Co Limerick. The facility was developed by Limerick County Council in conjunction with the Askeaton Playground Committee. Located along the banks of the River Deel and adjacent to the local Pool And Leisure Centre,
21/05/2009
A Carryduff firm has become the first in Northern Ireland to supply customers with a secure fuel storage and dispensing system for commercial and agricultural applications in a 9,000 litre size for increased capacity. The new FMV 9000 Titan FuelMaster, available from Knockbracken Fuels, Carryduff,
21/05/2009
A Dublin sports club has made a substantial investment in its engineering equipment. Elm Park Golf & Sports Club purchased second STV36 compact tractor and an L5740 mid-range tractor, which will add to it Kubota fleet. The club, at Donnybrook, was founded in 1924 and is one of the best known in
20/05/2009
Building work is set to start on a new €40m engineering building at the National University of Ireland, in Galway, creating up to 300 building jobs. Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe approved the contract for the project last week. The new 14,000sq/m facility, which is expected to be finished in
20/05/2009
Over £3m is to be spent on road improvements in the Limavady area, it has been announced. Roads Minister Conor Murphy works are proposed to improve the junction of Broad Road and Ringsend Road with the provision of a full standard right turning facility. As well as improvements to the visibility
20/05/2009
Mid-West Construction Industry Federation (CIF) members have accused the Government of dismantling NDP investment in the region, and "rowing back" on promises to prioritise balanced regional development. Speaking at the launch of the CIF Mid West Construction Report in Limerick, Conor O'Connell, CI
20/05/2009
A new €5m state-of-the-art social housing scheme has been officially opened in Killaloe, Co Clare. The 'Crossroads' scheme will provide housing for 24 families in two, three and four bedroom houses. Constructed by Killaloe-based firm Gatecastle Construction, the new development brings the total o
20/05/2009
Northern Ireland's Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has discussed possible improvements to 'unacceptable' social dwellings in the Parkside area of north Belfast. The area contains 93 dwellings, split between public and private ownership. Most of the houses were built in the early 1900s. Ms Ritch
20/05/2009
Construction workers in Co Clare are said to be buoyed by a wave of green and clean-tech opportunities announcement yesterday. Trade Minister Mary Coughlan revealed details of the green courses, which focus on Sustainable Energy, Gas safety and installation, Insulation technologies, Building Energ
20/05/2009
A purpose-built Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) is to be constructed in Ballyshannon, it has been revealed. Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan announced the concession agreement was awarded to BT Ireland following a public procurement process. The service will result in employment for up
20/05/2009
Londonderry-based Emerald Lawns (Ireland) has revealed plans to expand its turfgrass products across Ireland, with help from Invest NI. The investment in growth by the company, which is based near Eglinton, was announced by Colin Sherrard, Managing Director of Emerald Lawns, and welcomed by Invest
20/05/2009
A proposed rail-link between Co Donegal and Co Londonderry could attract up to 750,000 customers per year. A new study has revealed that such a line could indeed be viable with a track from Sligo, to Donegal town, through Letterkenny and on to Derry in Northern Ireland forming part of a project tha
20/05/2009
Gypsum Recycling UK Ltd has rolling out an innovative recycling and collection system for plasterboard waste in the UK, in response to new legislation. The system assures that Gypsum Recycling UK Ltd can collect and recycle plasterboard waste from Kent over Wales and the Midlands and back again ove
19/05/2009
Ireland's Trade Minister Mary Coughlan has announced a raft of new training programmes aimed at unemployed construction workers. The new FÁS courses are designed to help those in construction convert or upgrade their skills set to take advantage of the new wave of green and clean-tech opportunities
19/05/2009
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has had a first hand view of what a Co Antrim quarrying firm is doing to promote biodiversity. The Minister joined pupils from Broughshane Primary School on a fact finding visit during European Minerals Day to Craig's Quarry in Ballymena, where Robinson Quarry Mast
19/05/2009
Ireland's seven universities will for the first time get funding for small-scale building works and high-tech equipment upgrades as part of a €40m scheme announced by Education Batt O'Keeffe. The fund, which until now only covered works in the country's Institutes of Technology sector, has been ext
19/05/2009
Reports that a €350m Limerick retail scheme will not go ahead have been rubbished by the developer, who described them as a "red herring". Doubts had been cast over the development due to its affiliation with the Allied Irish Bank, however, plans for the Opera Centre in the city are still in the ha
19/05/2009
Following a nine day sea journey from Rotterdam, the steel superstructure for the Samuel Beckett Bridge over the River Liffey last week arrived in Dublin. The bridge is being constructed by in joint venture between Graham and Hollandia, a specialist steelwork company from Holland. The bridge left
19/05/2009
Clare TD Tony Killeen has confirmed the state will allocated €1.8m to the Health Service Executive (HSE) Western Area to carry out essential repairs to homes occupied by elderly persons living on their own. The grant aid, provided under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly (SHAE) Scheme, will en
19/05/2009
HLM Architects has been short-listed for recognition in the Employer of the Year category of the National Business Awards for the North of England and Northern Ireland. The awards are open to any company with an office in the North of England and Northern Ireland, public or private, from any sector
19/05/2009
Stellar Statics, a mobile home manufacturer, has selected Irish-owned Freefoam's Fortex range of triple plank cladding to clad its static homes for the export market. Freefoam, a market leader in environmentally friendly and UV protected roofline and rainwater products, manufactures the Fortex ra
18/05/2009
Dublin Lord Myaor Eibhlin Byrne has officially opened a new elderly housing complex in the city. Merville Court, built on St Helena's Drive in Finglas, consists of 45 apartments, 39 one bedroom and six two bedroom units. The apartments face onto a walled garden, which is actively maintained and
18/05/2009
Work is to begin on an £11.5m Londonderry school development, it has been announced. Financial closure has been reached on the HLM and RPP joint architectural design for St. Mary's College. The school forms part of the city's £38m schools improvement programme and is being delivered by the Belfas
18/05/2009
The new Tallaght Stadium will be officially opened next Wednesday, it has been revealed. Mayor of South Dublin Marie Corr will unveil the purpose built, state-of-the-art facility in the presence of Sports Minister Martin Cullen. Owned by South Dublin County Council, phase one of the stadium opene
18/05/2009
Extensive renovation have been carried out by the Housing Executive in Kilkeel to modernise the Slieveshan Flats, as part of a £275,000 project. District Manager Jim Bagnall welcomed the completion of the work. He said: "I am delighted to be here today to welcome our new tenants to their homes.
18/05/2009
The recession is continuing to hit businesses hard with almost three in five (57%) reporting a drop in turnover in the first quarter of 2009, a new survey reveals today. However, according to InterTradeIreland's All-island Business Monitor, southern companies are suffering more with 72% reporting
18/05/2009
Internationally renowned architect, John McAslan, has been appointed Associate Professor at the University of Ulster's School of Architecture. Established in 1996, John McAslan and Partners has won over 50 international design awards and opened offices in across the UK and in Moscow. Among his be
18/05/2009
Junior Education Minister Seán Haughey has opened the new peace garden in St. Brendan's Boys' National School on McAuley Road, Artane. Funding for the construction of the garden was provided by the Department of Education and Science's School Completion Programme and a number of local business int
18/05/2009
Stormont Finance Minister Nigel Dodds has spoken of his confidence in Northern Ireland apprenticeships, following further government focus on creating a sustainable local construction sector. Mr Dodds, touring the site of the new Model School for Girls in north Belfast, met three apprentices who
18/05/2009
A new manufacturing facility has been opened in Trinity Enterprise Centre, in the heart of Dublin city centre. Cellix Ltd said it required the manufacturing space to facilitate the firm's expansion. The new premises functions as a state-of-the-art manufacturing, warehouse and testing facility, d
15/05/2009
A £24m contract to construct the A2 Maydown to City of Derry Airport Dual Carriageway has been awarded to Lagan Construction Ltd. The 6.6km scheme will provide an all purpose dual carriageway and work is expected to commence later this month, running for a period of approximately 18 months. Anno
15/05/2009
Research aimed at boosting the development of extensive land at the Glen Road in west Belfast has been announced by NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. Speaking about the potential re-development of the area, Ms Ritchie said: "As minister responsible for regeneration, it is my job to t
15/05/2009
More details have emerged following yesterday's news that industrial equipment group, C&F, is to expand into wind energy, creating 250 new jobs in the manufacture of wind turbines in Co Galway. The company, which is owned by John Flaherty - who took the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award
15/05/2009
Schools' energy bills will be dramatically cut as a result of a new €20m scheme to improve roof and cavity wall insulation levels in buildings across the country, according to Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe. The new energy efficiency scheme for schools is an add-on to the €80m Summer Works Scheme
15/05/2009
Coleraine-based Alpha Environmental has almost doubled its annual sales to £7.5m with help from Invest NI, it has been revealed. Alpha Environmental provides equipment and services to restore contaminated soil and water for both residential and industrial markets worldwide. Commenting on the succ
15/05/2009
Building materials giant, the Kingspan Group has said the first quarter of 2009 has been predictably tough, characterised by widespread reluctance from customers to commit to newbuild construction projects. Issuing its latest Interim Management Statement, the group said sales have declined by 34% t
15/05/2009
A wood-fired, combined heat and power plant which has the potential to generate electricity and provide heating to several of North Down's public buildings has just received a boost. NI Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster has announced funding totalling £1.088 million, to enable North Down Borough C
15/05/2009
Dublin-based Reynolds Logistics has been named runner-up in the inaugural European Transport Company of the Year 2009. Deemed as the 'Champions League' for European Road Transport Operators, Reynolds Logistics represented by company Chairman, Joe Reynolds and Managing Director, Andrew Reynolds imp
15/05/2009
Managers in the construction sector are being told to offer flexible working to keep hold of key staff during the recession. Management development expert Mark Jacobs of The Mdina Partnership has praised the 57% of managers who already promote it to staff, according to a new survey. Headsets manuf
14/05/2009
Irish Employment Minister Mary Coughlan has pushed through a number of measures to help over 3,000 out of work construction industry apprentices complete their training. Around 3,600 spaces have been made available for redundant apprentices under the schemes. Ms Coughlan said it is essential you
14/05/2009
A £2m roads investment programme has been unveiled for the Moyle area. Transport Minister Conor Murphy said the scheme would include the proposed £150,000 resurfacing project on 1km of road on Rathlin Island. "Other schemes which will be taken forward in the Moyle area this year include traffic c
14/05/2009
A leading bank has suggested the Irish building sector could be "past the worst" of the continued downturn. According to the Ulster Bank, the decline in commercial activity "bottomed out" last month. In its latest Construction Purchasing Managers Index, the bank also said the rate of employment
14/05/2009
A Galway equipment and tool manufacturer has announced plans to create 250 new jobs in the region. C&F, which is based in Athenry, said it will expand its workforce over the next two years as part of a €20m investment progreamme. The firm is to design and manufacture wind turbines at the Galway
14/05/2009
A new £850,000 multi-use games area has been officially opened at Lagmore in the Colin area of west Belfast. The new centre will provide a range of sporting facilities such as tennis, basketball and football. Opening the scheme, Stormont Communities Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "This games area
14/05/2009
Donegal-based builders James Likely has gone into liquidation, resulting in the loss of 75 jobs. The Ballyshannon firm is one of the county's largest contractors. The jobs will be lost with immediate effect, with many other sub-contractor jobs also affected. Company director James Likely assured w
14/05/2009
Irish Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new extension in Dunderrow National School in Kinsale, Co Cork. The school, which has an enrolment of over 200 pupils, was allocated €512,000 enabling it to build an additional four classrooms. This now brings the accommodation at the school
14/05/2009
Two west Belfast health centres, costing a total of £27million to construct, are being built on the Shankill and Andersonstown Roads. Around 200 jobs in construction have been created during the building work on both facilities and when work is completed, they are expected to provide employment for
14/05/2009
A Fine Gael TD has criticised banks for what she described as unacceptably high penalties set to release homeowners from their fixed rate mortgages. Deirdre Clune said she has raised with the Financial Ombudsman's Office. "Taking out a home loan is one of life biggest financial decisions," she sai
13/05/2009
Westmeath County Council has officially unveiled two new housing developments. The schemes at Farrenshock in Mullingar and St. Josephs Gardens in Rathwire were opened by Cathaoirleach Joe Whelan. The Farranshock development consists of 81 units in total, 55 of which are social housing, with the
13/05/2009
Green Party MEP candidate Steven Agnew has said tens of thousands of jobs could be created in the construction sector under a 'Green New Deal' for Northern Ireland. Mr Agnew said the adoption of the scheme across Europe could stimulate over five million jobs. He said: "A vote for me will be a vo
13/05/2009
South Dublin County Council has just issued a report on the ten year Tallaght Integrated Area Plan, one of two urban renewal schemes that has operated in the county over the last decade. The Tallaght report provided details on the €0.7bn worth of development projects were completed in the designat
13/05/2009
Twenty five local companies - more than half of which are from the construction and building sectors - are in the midst of a Invest NI-backed trade mission to Bulgaria and Romania. The mission, which will be based in the key business centres of Sofia and Bucharest, is being assisted by commercial s
13/05/2009
Ireland's Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new extension in St. Lachteen's National School in Ballykerwick, Donoughmore, Co Cork The Department of Education provided an all-in-grant of €905,052, which allowed the school to build a PE Hall, computer room, sensory room for pupils with sp
13/05/2009
Over 50 delegates from the world of concrete manufacturers have met in Belfast to discuss innovation within the industry. The International Prestressed Hollowcore Association (IPHA) Annual conference was hosted by Toomebridge company Creagh Concrete Products Ltd. It was the first time the event h
13/05/2009
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has launched Ireland's first National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, which he said will change the way energy is used over the next decade. "In 1976, Amory Lovins predicted that by the beginnings of this century, 20% of the energy we use will be wasted energy," said Mr Ry
13/05/2009
Dublin City Development Board has launched its Action Plan 2009-2012 at City Hall. The board's Chairperson Councillor Sean Kenny said the Action Plan would address the most pressing economic and social problems facing Dublin and its citizens. Priorities include social inclusion, economic developm
12/05/2009
Work has got underway on a major planning, land use and transportation strategy for Clare, North Tipperary, and Limerick. Limerick City Council, on behalf of the Mid West's Regional and Local Authorities, has signed an agreement with the international civil engineering consultancy, Mott MacDonald P
12/05/2009
The challenges faced by the housing sector in both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland has been debated at a major conference hosted by the Chartered Institute of Housing and the University of Ulster, in Newcastle, Co Down. Ministers responsible for housing in Northern Ireland and the Republi
12/05/2009
A plaque has been unveiled in Dublin city to mark the completion of new flood protection works, constructed as part of the Spencer Dock Sea Lock Restoration Project, on the Royal Canal. The new flood gates completed a programme of flood protection, which were started following the unprecedented ti
12/05/2009
Contraction in the Northern Ireland construction industry remained relatively unchanged during the last quarter, according to new government figures. The latest Construction Bulletin, published by the Central Survey Unit of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), found the pro
12/05/2009
Clare TD Tony Killeen has urged primary and post primary schools throughout the county to consider submitting applications for funding under a newly announced energy efficiency scheme. The Department of Education this week announced details of the new scheme, which compliments the €80m Summer Works
12/05/2009
Ireland's Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe has opened a €170,000 extension to Scoil Naisiúnta Baile Nua an Phobail in Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal. The extension houses two new classrooms, a car park and an all-weather pitch. "I commend the school's principal, James Doherty, teachers, parent
12/05/2009
Belfast based Deramore Property Group has received full planning permission from the City of Edinburgh Council for their proposed redevelopment of 121-123 Princes Street, Edinburgh. The site at the west end of Princes Street, currently covered by scaffolding due to the dilapidated state of the ston
12/05/2009
Cork City Council's Housing and Community Directorate has held an information event with new tenants in a city development. The Gardaí supported the Pre-Tenancy Course for the Susie's Field Scheme which is due to be completed shortly. Prospective tenants were provided with advice in the areas o
12/05/2009
Invest NI boss Alastair Hamilton has announced support for a £750,000 research based investment by Wireless Fibre Systems Ltd (WFS). The Scottish-owned company, which also has two US operations, is the world leader in the development of wireless systems, specifically for through-water, and through-
11/05/2009
Stormont Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has told the Assembly greater emphasis should be placed on the economic impact of developments seeking planning approval. Mr Wilson said the Planning Service should play its role in helping economic recovery. Earlier this year the minister publicly expr
11/05/2009
TD Tony Killeen has welcomed the announcement that 39 Clare schools are to benefit from the 2009 Summer Works Scheme. The scheme, which returns this year after a 12-month deferral period, covers school projects such as electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, window replaceme
11/05/2009
Over £4.6m is to be invested in Strabane roads. Making the announcement, Transport Minister Conor Murphy said significant progress had been made on the A5 Western Key Transport Corridor in the area. Four preferred routes for this road were announced last November. Mr Murphy said his department
11/05/2009
Ireland's Trade Minister Mary Coughlan has officially opened a new office suite at the Convoy Enterprise Centre in Donegal. Convoy Enterprise Centre Limited is a local community initiative designed to provide quality business enterprise units, together with associated business support services, in
11/05/2009
Ireland's Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new extension to Scoil Phroinnseas Naofa in Magherabeg, Co Donegal. The Department of Education and Science provided an all-in-grant of €417,000 which allowed the school to build two new classrooms, two learning support rooms, a car park and t
11/05/2009
Twenty-eight local companies and university representatives, including several specialising in construction and environmental technologies, are currently in Saudi Arabia as part of an Invest NI trade mission. The delegation, one of the biggest-ever from the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia, is the s
11/05/2009
The Response Group, one of Ireland's leading water and wastewater treatment companies, has appointed Tom McDonald to the position of General Manager of Response Engineering. Mr McDonald has over 20 years engineering experience. In his new role, Mr McDonald will be responsible for the design and c
11/05/2009
Sainsbury's is to create 100 jobs in its west Belfast store, it has been announced. Its supermarket in Andersonstown - at around 70,000sq ft - will be its largest in Northern Ireland when it opens on the former Curley's site in late summer. Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast Paul Maskey has welcomed t
11/05/2009
Members of Ireland's largest electrical contractors' trade association have come up with a bold rescue plan to work one hour for free per day in a bid to save jobs in the industry. The National Electrical Contractors association said it has been made aware of the plan by employers, who have come fo
08/05/2009
Three Northern Ireland construction firms are celebrating after securing contracts which will contribute to the 2012 London Olympic Games. Belfast-based Lagan Construction Ltd has won a contract to build a key footbridge from the Olympics Stadium to the Aquatics Centre. Rogers Fencing Systems Ltd
08/05/2009
Despite widespread gloom over the recession there is good news on construction in the Irish Republic. Iarnród Éireann is going ahead with plans to build a 13,000 square-metre, 60 metre-high office development at Tara Street station - an overall scheme costing well over €100m. Commenting on an asso
08/05/2009
The newly refurbished Belmore Court and Motel has officially opened in Enniskillen, following a £2.5m investment. Initially established as a 30-room motel in 1991, it has recently undergone a major redevelopment which has added a further 30 bedrooms, four conference rooms, as well as a new receptio
08/05/2009
An ambitious new conservation and management strategy for one of Ireland's most intact walled towns was unveiled in Co Limerick today. Public Works Minister Martin Mansergh officially launched the Kilmallock Town Walls Conservation and Management Plan, and Kilmallock Walled Town Public Realm Plan.
08/05/2009
Councillors in Wicklow have gone against the advice of the County Manager and removed proposals for affordable housing from the local area plan. Eddie Sheehy had laid out recommendations for new houses in Enniskerry to meet current demand. However, according to local councillor Chris Fox the iss
08/05/2009
Ireland's Housing Minister Michael Finneran has announced an €79.56m allocation for adaptation grants aimed at improving private homes owned by older people and the disabled. Minister Finneran said: "These schemes are vitally important in assisting older people and people with a disability to cont
08/05/2009
Work to modernise 67 kitchens in Omagh's Castleview estate has got underway, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has said. Aidan Colgan, Chairperson of Mullaghmore and Castleview Community Association, welcomed the commencement of the scheme, which will be complemented by a regeneration project
08/05/2009
Ireland's Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened an extension at St Patrick's College in Lacken Cross, Killala, Co Mayo. The new building consists of nine general classrooms, a new sports hall, two science laboratories, a demonstration room, as well as a home economics room. A computer room
08/05/2009
Representatives in Co Wicklow have criticised central government's grant allocation for water and sewage works in the region. Many have said the county has effectively been 'left out in the cold' compared to the amount of investment set aside for other geographical areas. The Department of Envi
07/05/2009
A £44million Public Private Partnership project to construct new education facilities for the Belfast Metropolitan College has officially got underway in the city's Titanic Quarter. Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey announced the start of the construction phase which will deliver a new 22,000m2 Fur
07/05/2009
The developer behind Cork City's €1bn Atlantic Quarter scheme has appealed its planning permission over what it has described as "excessive" development contributions, of €60m. Alleyquay Investments, a subsidiary of Howard Holdings, said there is no problem with the technical conditions attached t
07/05/2009
Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has officially cut the first sod at a new housing scheme in Newtownbreda. The Oaklee Housing Association development at Breda Park received £4.3m from the Department for Social Development. In total 22 two bedroom apartments for active older people and 12 two and
07/05/2009
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the state to immediately introduce the infrastructure bond outlined by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) to save tens of thousands of jobs. Director General Tom Parlon said the move must be taken "to try to halt the downward spiral in t
07/05/2009
External improvement have got underway on 11 homes in Maghera's Crawfordsburn estate, as part of a £200,000 project co-ordinated by the NI Housing Executive. District Manager Eddie Doherty said: "As an organisation we are committed to revitalising rural communities. Good housing contributes to the
07/05/2009
Donegal County Council has officially opened its upgraded civic amenity site in Carndonagh. Construction work had taken place at the site for six months, upgrading the facility to the standard of the county's five other, now fully operational sites. The materials accepted for recycling at Carndona
07/05/2009
Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said renewable energy has a vital role to play in the local economy. Addressing around 70 business delegates at an awards luncheon for the Action Renewables Association, Mr McGuinness stressed that the Executive will do all in its power
07/05/2009
Clare TD Tony Killeen has said the Government remains committed to assisting older people and people with a disability to stay in their own homes. His comment follows the allocation of €1,490,000 to Clare Local Authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants Scheme for 2009. The allocation repres
07/05/2009
Irish designed baths, Jacuzzi's, whirlpools, walk-in shower baths are on display at the Galway self build and renovate exhibition at Galway Racecourse on May 9 and 10 at Stand F14. The Advanz website also provides information on topics such as hydrotherapy and the unique systems features of the
06/05/2009
Irish water treatment specialists, the Response Group, has been awarded a €10.5m Design, Build and Operate contract for new wastewater treatment works by Leitrim County Council. Response was awarded the contract as part of a public tender process. The project will comprise of the design, construc
06/05/2009
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has said it is 'surprised and disappointed' by criticism pointed at the department from the President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA). Responding to comments from Michael O'Boyle, the OPW said it has always had an 'excellent working relationship' with
06/05/2009
Northern Ireland faces a number of economic and environmental challenges when dealing with waste, a conference has been told. Department of Environment Permanent Secretary Stephen Peover told the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) Conference the province faced a number of key challen
06/05/2009
Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new €4m extension at Jesus and Mary Secondary School in Crossmolina, Co Mayo. The new extension houses six new classrooms, architectural technology room, science lab, technology room, multi-media room, music suite, a computer aided design room and a new
06/05/2009
A substantial investment has been announced for Belfast International Airport at Aldergrove. The Co Antrim facility will see major construction work get underway to update and improve facilities throughout the terminal. NI First Minister Peter D Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinnes
06/05/2009
Fine Gael Innovation spokesperson Deirdre Clune has described the Government's latest move on Mortgage Interest Relief as a 'mistake'. The TD claimed it will put 'unnecessary pressure on families' during a month she said they face increased taxation levies due set to reduce their income. "Familie
06/05/2009
Westmeath County Council, in partnership with Longford County Council, will hold a third public consultation on the preferred route corridor for the N4 National Primary Route next week. The council wish to obtain public views on the proposed Mullingar and Roosky link road. An event will be held
06/05/2009
A regional NI college has this week unveiled a major new initiative providing businesses with technological 'know-how' to help reverse economic decline and power a new period of growth in the region. Funded by the Department for Employment and Learning, the InnoTech Centre at the South West College
06/05/2009
An exhibition celebrating the work of the Irish-born man who designed the White House has opened in Dublin. The 'James Hoban, Architect of the White House' exhibition has been prepared by the White House Historical Association. Dublin City Public Libraries arranged for the collection to go on di
06/05/2009
A south Dublin school has raised its second green flag for energy efficiency. Local deputy Mayor Guss O'Connell was on-hand at St. Josephs Boys National School on Boot road in Clondalkin to officially raise the flag. Mr O'Connell congratulated the staff and pupils for their hard work and dedicat
05/05/2009
The main structure of Dublin's newest bridge has left Rotterdam and is expected to arrive in the capital on Thursday. The Samuel Beckett bridge will link the northside and southside of the city over the River Liffey in the Docklands area. The bridge has been designed by the internationally acclai
05/05/2009
The construction of a new research building at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth in County Clare is set to create over 150 industry jobs. The scheme to build the new state-of-the-art facility has secured an investment of around €15m. The construction jobs created by the project are lik
05/05/2009
Dublin-based retailer Primark has signed a deal with Irish property investment group Quinlan Private to open a 3,000 sq m store in the Diagonal Mar Shopping Centre (DM Shopping Centre) in Barcelona. Primark launched in Spain in 2006 and now has 11 stores in the country, but this will be its first
05/05/2009
A new £1m housing development was officially launched today in west Belfast. The NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie cut the first sod to begin work on eight new family homes in the St Gall's area. The development by Oaklee Housing Association - costing just over £1million - will inco
05/05/2009
High hopes that the housing slump in Northern Ireland was coming to an end have been dashed this week. A property expert has dismissed claims by economists that the housing market downturn is over. On foot of news that the Centre for Economics and Business Research had identified "improved conditi
05/05/2009
The percentage of Ireland's electricity supply coming from renewable energy has now risen to an impressive 12.2% in 2008, up from 9.4% in 2007. This increase underlines the enormous business potential that now exists in Ireland's 'Green Economy' as indigenous producers of renewable energy begin to
05/05/2009
An area of Co Down that has seen waiting lists for housing increasing recently was in focus this week as NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie visited Downpatrick to see at first hand potential sites for social housing. In an area where sites for housing have proved hard to find, the Mi
05/05/2009
Work has started on a new 'gateway sculpture' at one of Belfast's most prominent roundabouts. The landmark art piece, at Carlisle Circus, will reflect the area's historical significance as a centre of the linen industry. Designed by renowned Scottish artist, Iain McColl, the sculpture consists of
01/05/2009
Irish Trade Minister Mary Coughlan has left Saudi Arabia, following a business mission aimed at bolstering the construction industry. The Enterprise Ireland-backed visit included meetings in Qatar, and saw the opening of the new Kentz Group Qatar Head Office. A series of high level meetings at
01/05/2009
International multi-disciplinary consultant WYG has been awarded won the contract to manage the design and building programme of a new 800-cell prison at the existing Magilligan site in Co Londonderry. The group said it would provide comprehensive programme management services over the period of a
01/05/2009
Eager 'wanabee' homeowners have queued overnight in Belfast to submit their applications for a limited offer co-ownership scheme. Around two dozen people sat outside the Co-Ownership office in a bid to secure one of this month's limited number of 55 spaces. It is believed the line began to snake a
01/05/2009
Mortgage lending in Ireland grew by €20m in March, according to figures released by the Central Bank. The bank said home buyer business accounted for €428m during the first quarter of 2009. This is a fraction of the €2.6bn lent during the same period last year. Central Bank officials describe
01/05/2009
The Northern Ireland Assembly has heard of plans to increased planning application fees by 20%. Proposals brought forward to the Environment Committee are believed to be aimed at saving jobs within the Planning Service. Officials told MLAs the move was essential following a substantial drop in pl
01/05/2009
Junior Fisheries Minister Tony Killeen has announced an investment of €6.9m towards the provision of pontoons at Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre, County Galway. This funding is being provided under the Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2009 and is bein
01/05/2009
Mallusk-based flood specialists McCloy Consulting has announced plans to maximise Irish and UK sales, following a £315,000 investment. The firm, which specialises in carrying out flood risk assessments, has recieved support from Invest NI. McCloy also designs sustainable drainage systems, which u
01/05/2009
Irish Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new €103,000 IT and library room in Knock National School, Co Mayo. Speaking at the school, Minister O'Keeffe said: "This project came about through the dedication and hard work of the school staff supported by Government. "This new room will be
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