Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for June 2009
30/06/2009
The planning appeals body is to rule on proposals for a new €40m Killarney medical development, after part of the scheme was rejected by town council officials. The overall plans for the primary care facility were approved by the council, which is to be built within St Finian's Hospital. However
30/06/2009
The first residents have moved into a new £1.1m housing scheme in Glenbryn Park, North Belfast, as the government renewed its pledge to provide 1,750 more homes this year. The development has been provided by Belfast Community Housing Association with the support of the Housing Executive. It comp
30/06/2009
Minor capital works are set to commence at 39 Co Clare primary and post-primary schools over the coming weeks. The 2009 Summer Works Scheme, which returns this year after a 12-month deferral period, covers school projects such as electrical and mechanical works, roof replacements and repairs, windo
30/06/2009
Over £21.5m is to be spent improving Derry's roads this year, the Transport Minister has said. Meeting with the city council, Conor Murphy announced works to dual 6.75km of the A2 between Maydown to City of Derry Airport had commenced. The contract was recently awarded to Lagan Construction Ltd.
30/06/2009
Cork Lord Mayor Dara Murphy has written to the Environment Minister John Gormley regarding what he considers to be a "serious imbalance against economic development in the planning application process". A Planning Authority must grant, refuse or seek further information on a planning application wi
30/06/2009
Fire chiefs are looking into possible foul play following a late night fire at a former college campus in Downpatrick. The former East Down Institute site, which is set to be demolished within weeks, houses several buildings. Yesterday evening a fire broke out within empty workshops, which the F
30/06/2009
The European Commission, local authorities and housing organisations have launched the new Structural Funds measure on energy efficiency and renewable energy in housing. The Committee of the Regions hosted a conference organised by CECODHAS, the European network of social and cooperative housing fe
30/06/2009
Newry-based O'Hare & McGovern has commenced construction on two 'Public Private Partnership' projects - worth £45m - with its facility's management partner Interserve. Three new school building will be built as part of the first contract. Our Lady's and St Patrick's Grammar, in Knock; St Joseph
29/06/2009
Rochestown's new eight-classroom €4.5m primary school will open in September, it has been revealed. Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe made the announcement when he officially handed the building over to the board of management last week. Speaking at the school, Minister O'Keeffe said: "I'm deli
29/06/2009
A Dungiven firm has been fined more than £35,000 following a Health and Safety breach at a landfill site which resulted in a worker losing a leg. PB Formwork Limited was fined a total of £35,000 plus £2,539 costs after pleading guilty at Belfast Crown Court to a breach of legislation, in a case br
29/06/2009
Over £4.2m will be spent on road works in Antrim this year, it has been revealed. However, on-site works at a new dualling scheme are not predicted to begin for at least another two years. Transport Minister Conor Murphy said visibility improvement works will be progressed at several locations
29/06/2009
Sixteen new homes are to be built in the Elmdale area of Ballyfermot by a charitable housing organisation. Not-for-profit Habitat for Humanity Ireland said the crisis housing would be its biggest building project in the country to date. Commenting on the Elmdale scheme, Kevin McGarry, the charity
29/06/2009
A Lisburn Assemblyman has slammed the Environment Minister's review of listed structures at Long Kesh as a 'publicity stunt'. Sinn Féin's Paul Butler accused Sammy Wilson of publicity seeking over moves to review the listed status of the buildings at the former Maze prison. Mr Wilson earlier said
29/06/2009
Details have been announced for the Construction Industry Federation's (CIF) mid year review. The event will take place this Wednesday (July 1) at Construction House, on Canal Road, Dublin. A CIF spokesman said the review will focus on the lack of investment in planned public infrastructure by the
29/06/2009
A Dungannon firm has become Northern Ireland's first window supplier to achieve a vigorous security standard. Dungannon Window Company Ltd was accredited with the BS:7950 for its PVC-U sash windows. "Security is of utmost importance to us," said Managing Director Tom Givans, "That is why we deci
29/06/2009
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has officially opened the new CyberSource offices in Belfast. Last year it was announced that the US firm, would develop a 56 person research and development (R&D) centre in Belfast, with support from Invest NI. Speaking as she opened the offices, the Minister sai
29/06/2009
MrMachinery.com, an auction portal for buying and selling all types of heavy equipment, has recently opened new offices in the UK. The firm said the move was made to cover all buyers and sales demands in the UK and Ireland. The new office are located at Countrywide House on Knights Way at Battlefi
26/06/2009
Plans to build a £100m harbour eco-village on the site of a derelict cement works and quarry near Larne have been given the go-ahead. The mixed use development on the site of Magheramorne Quarry will include 450 environmentally-friendly homes, restaurants, retail units, a community centre, a hotel
26/06/2009
Green technology will form the centre piece of the Irish economy, the Enterprise Minister has said. Mary Coughlan said the Green New Deal would establish the country as a leader in green energy. She said the government’s new 'smart economy' strategy has been designed to stimulate economic recove
26/06/2009
An international contractor has been fined £2000 for a breach in Health and Safety, which left an Ballymena employee seriously injured. Dickenson Legg Ltd received the fine, plus costs, after pleading guilty at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Tuesday (23 June). The firm breached Regulation 5 of the
26/06/2009
Plans for a new Drogheda business centre have been announced. The scheme, backed by the local council and chamber of commerce, will be located on Termonfeckin Road, and accessed off the Newtown link road. Construction works will see the development of a two-storey enterprise complex, with a total
26/06/2009
Over £1.6m is to be invested in roads in the Castlereagh area, it has been announced. Transport Minister Conor Murphy said traffic calming schemes at Glen Road, Manse Road and Merok Crescent would all be progressed. Cycle tracks between Forestside and Cairnshill, Brackenvale to Carryduff plus Ea
26/06/2009
An new safety consultancy firm has opened in the south east of Ireland, focusing on providing advice to contractors and builders. BusinessSafety.ie was founded by Emlyn Ó Troighthigh, who has over 15 years experience in the health and safety industry. He said the firm will cater for organisation
26/06/2009
A Co Down resident has become the first person to benefit from NI Water's £10m infrastructural investment. Belle Savage, from Gransha Road, often experienced flooding in her garden due to blockages in the communal septic tank. Now, following extensive upgrade work and her house becoming connect
26/06/2009
An Irish flooring firm has become the official supplier to the body representing Irish leisure facilities. The Ultimate Floor Sanding Company signed the supplier deal with iLam, the independent professional representative body of the Irish leisure facility managers, this month. Ultimate Floor San
25/06/2009
A €500m government programme designed to bailout developers should be scrapped a TD has said, adding that any loans have yet to be released from the scheme. Fine Gael housing spokesman Terence Flanagan said the Home Choice Loan Scheme should be discontinued, after receiving information from the Ho
25/06/2009
Around 178 jobs are to go an electrical engineering plant in Waterford, it has been revealed. ABB is to discontinue local operations early next year, a move described as a devastating blow to the region by a local senator. Paudie Coffey said the ripple effect will impact severely on local contrac
25/06/2009
The first sod has been cut on the site of the new £3.5m accommodation at St Mary's primary school. The new building, which will meet the educational needs of over 200 pupils in Portglenone and surrounding areas, is due to open in May 2010. Speaking at the event, Education Minister Caitríona Ruane
25/06/2009
Environment Minister John Gormley has launched three new Codes of Practice to improve archaeological protection on major infrastructural projects. The codes were jointly developed between his department and Eirgrid, ESB Networks and the Irish Concrete Federation. Mr Gormley said the objective
25/06/2009
The newly-built Social Economy Village in west Belfast can help to stimulate economic growth in the local area, the Enterprise Minister has said. Arlene Foster welcomed the official opening of the new 13,200 square foot development in west Belfast today. The Social Economy Village was developed b
25/06/2009
Talks are underway to reopen a Drogheda sports stadium. New town mayor Michael O'Dowd has proposed the Lourdes athletics and sport stadium be opened swiftly. "The first call I made the morning after my election was to Joe Coyle who is one of the most respected individuals in the region when it c
25/06/2009
A Toomebridge trailer firm has secured major export orders in Europe, Australia and Africa. McCauley Trailers produces trailers for use in a range of sectors including construction, forestry and farming. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the news. "McCauley Trailers made valuable co
25/06/2009
John W Kennedy has been appointed a non-executive director at international building materials giant CRH. Mr Kennedy, 59, is chairman of Wellstream Holdings plc, a company in the energy services field, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange. In a 30 year career in a number of internationa
24/06/2009
Council plans to block a Cork development have been appealed. Fermoy council refused to pass plans for a multi-million euro scheme at a former timber yard site. However, an appeal has since been lodged with An Bord Pleanala against the decision. Developers Spinning Wheel had proposed to build a
24/06/2009
A new shared future housing scheme has been officially opened in Sion Mills. The first 'new build' scheme of its kind for families in the North West, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie described it as an "important route" to a shared future in Northern Ireland. She visited the families i
24/06/2009
Ailing developers have been thrown a lifeline by the State, which will allow a wider time frame for works to be progressed. Investors who have been granted planning approval, but lack the resources to push the project forward, will be eligible for an extension to the time attached to their successf
24/06/2009
A Cork-based engineering firm has been lauded for its shared knowledge by the country's foremost engineering organisation. Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems Solutions picked-up the the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Accredited Employer standard from Engineers Ireland. The accolade was
24/06/2009
Almost €1m has been spent to upgrade water supply at a Mallow business park and housing development. Castlelands Construction, who developed the schemes, footed the bill for the works at Mallow Business Park and 200 homes in Carrowkeal. Cork County Council has pledged some funding towards the up
24/06/2009
Grant aid has been approved for capital works at Ennistymon Vocational School, Co Clare. The Department of Education confirmed to North Clare TD Tony Killeen - who has made numerous representations on behalf of the school concerned - that grant aid has been sanctioned for the works. Outlining the
24/06/2009
A €30m transatlantic telecoms project - linking Ireland and North America - has got underway. A massive fibre-optic cable was brought ashore last week as part of the cross-border governments' Project Kevin. Hibernia Atlantic, the company appointed to deliver the Kelvin project, pulled the telecom
24/06/2009
Newcastle, Co Down, has been named Ireland's best kept town from hundreds of contenders. The seaside resort recently underwent a massive multi-million pound regeneration project, which has completely transformed its popular promenade and coastal walk. As part of the £3m public realm scheme roads
24/06/2009
After continuing success in the home renovation market, Advanz has revealed it will be showcasing its wide range of products at the Self Build Extend & Renovate Show. The event takes place on June 27 and 28 in Waterford Institute of Technology. A company specialist will be showcasing a new range
23/06/2009
A €40m Limerick mixed-use scheme halted by a single objector is still "viable" the developer has said. One objection against the commercial and retail development was lodged with An Bord Pleanala. The scheme was given the go-ahead by the planning appeals body last year, after an original decision
23/06/2009
Work on a massive roads scheme, running through the centre of Newtownards, will be completed this summer, the NI Transport Minister has said. Announcing a further £5.2m funding package for the Ards area, Conor Murphy said construction of the A20 Southern Distributor is progressing well. The road
23/06/2009
A radical new build at Dublin's developing docklands has been shortlisted for a prestigious design award. Plans for the Sean O'Casey Community Centre were put together by O'Donnell and Tuomey Architects, who will now vie for the Royal Institute of British Architects' (RIBA) Lubetkin Prize for arch
23/06/2009
Public views have been sought on a £3m public realm 'renaissance' scheme for Downpatrick. Works will take place on St Patrick's Square, Market Street, Scotch Street, Grove and St Patrick's Avenue areas of the town. Funding will be spent on upgrading footpaths, ensuring better use of space for civ
23/06/2009
Construction and agriculture are still the most dangerous industries to work in, according to the Irish government. Building accounted for the most work related fatalities in the Republic last year. A total of 25 people died while working within the industry in 2008, almost half of the 57 entire
23/06/2009
Belfast's landmark Victoria Square has been dubbed Ireland's best designed retail building. The £400m scheme was awarded the accolade by the Irish Architecture Awards, in a public vote. According to judges, the centre responded "to the existing urban grain, establishing new relationships between p
23/06/2009
A newly developed garden has been opened at Sacred Heart National School in Clondalkin. The garden - called The Heart of Sruleen - was developed using donations from various local businesses including Clondalkin Credit Union, Clondalkin Builders Providers and Green Park Chemist. Vegetables, herbs
23/06/2009
Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has addressed the Built Heritage Forum (BHF) in Belfast. The Built Heritage Forum is the umbrella group for organisations working in and around Northern Ireland's historic environment and meets on a quarterly basis. During her address, the Minist
22/06/2009
Over £12m is to be invested in Ballymena's road network this year, it has been announced. Transport Minister Conor Murphy announced the commencement of works to connect the M2 Ballymena Bypass underneath the Larne Road Roundabout to the A26 Ballee Road East dual carriageway. Contractor FP McCann w
22/06/2009
A new building extension has been opened at St Colmcille's National School in Moone, Co Kildare. The school was awarded €534,000 to build two extra classrooms, a resource room and an extension to the computer room. Speaking at the school, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe said: "I'm delighted to be
22/06/2009
An SDLP assemblyman has called on the Finance Minister to increase the housing budget in order to meet housing need and help secure maintenance contracts. Thomas Burns, the SDLP's housing spokesman, said Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie does not have the power to increase her own alloca
22/06/2009
Support services firm Resource has been awarded security and cleaning contracts worth a combined value of £1.4m for shopping centres across the island of Ireland. In Northern Ireland Resource has been awarded a three-year contract by BTW Shiells to provide cleaning and waste management services at
22/06/2009
Resurfacing works are underway on a section of the M2 motorway. The improvement scheme is being carried out on the northbound section between Junction 5 Templepatrick and Junction 6 Rathbeg. Works began on Friday and will run until Wednesday. Mark McPeak, Roads Service's Project Manager said: "T
22/06/2009
A leading Irish cement manufacturer has been lauded for it carbon neutral properties. The CO2 footprint of Ecocem's GGBS cement has in five years gone from 60 kg/tonne to 30 kg/tonne to 25 kg/tonne and is now 0 kg/tonne. This is compared to a carbon footprint of ordinary cement of approximately 90
22/06/2009
Continuing investment by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has secured the organisation a considerable accolade. Thanks to generally keeping on top of repairs and maintenance, the Housing Executive homes are by far the best in the UK, an expert report has indicated. Savills property co
22/06/2009
Tom O'Mahony has been appointed Secretary General at the Department of Transport. Mr O'Mahony succeeds Julie O'Neill who has retired from the Civil Service following her seven-year posting as Secretary General. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said: "I thank Julie O'Neill for her commitment, drive
22/06/2009
Econstruction Products Ltd has announced a new partnership with NBT (Natural Building Technologies) Ltd, in a bid to promote their products Ireland-wide. NBT has developed sustainable building products for the UK market for many years. The firm specialises in low energy and low carbon solutions.
19/06/2009
The first sod has been turned at the site of a new eight-classroom school at Scoil Phádraig Naofa in Athy, Co Kildare. Scoil Phádraig Naofa will be located on a 15-acre site in Athy. The plan for the site will allow up to four primary schools to be located on the one campus. Phase One, a new eigh
19/06/2009
Larne is to benefit from a £2.5m roads investment scheme, it has been announced. Transport Minister Conor Murphy said the works will include improved visibility splays and junction radii at the Bridgend Road/Forthill Road, Ballycarry. This project is nearing completion. "It is also proposed to
19/06/2009
Public consultation is to be held on a proposed bypass for Co Sligo. The county council's Sligo and Environs Development Plan identified the need for a Western By-pass in Sligo city. At meetings of Sligo County Council in May 2008 and November 2008 it was resolved that a Western/City Bypass shou
19/06/2009
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has invited the general public to participate in Ireland's first Open Spaces Audit. The council said its findings would help determine how access and maintain of open spaces can be improved. Park and Landscape Services at the council currently manage over 2,2
19/06/2009
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland has invited members of the public to choose their favourite building completed last year, as part of the Irish Architecture Awards 2009. John Graby, Director of the RIAI, said the awards give everybody an opportunity to choose what they believe shoul
19/06/2009
Eleven housing areas across Northern Ireland have been unveiled as the latest participants in a major £1m initiative designed to support and encourage shared neighbourhoods. The project was launched by Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Social Development Minister Marg
19/06/2009
Stormont Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey has officially launched the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) 10 year insurance policy for new build homes and self builds. The policies, named 'New Home 10' and 'Self Build 10', are in addition to the two, six and 10 year insurance policies for renovat
19/06/2009
A new leaflet has been launched to raise awareness of cancer prevention among construction workers. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland pamphlet highlights the preventability of two out of three cancers, and discusses how in most cases early detection gives the best outcomes. An
18/06/2009
Plans have been approved for a new €250m Cork hospital scheme. An Bord Pleanala granted planning permission to Beacon Medical Group (BMG) to construct the co-located facility at Cork University Hospital. The €250m hi-tech, state-of-the-art hospital will comprise 175 single rooms with eight CCU b
18/06/2009
Over £6.8m is to be invested in Craigavon's roads this year. Transport Minister Conor Murphy said planned works include a major collision remedial scheme on the A3 Belfast Road, Dollingstown, at the junction with Cottage Road and Inn Road. He said it is expected the scheme will be completed by
18/06/2009
Planners will continue to deal with major economic investment proposals speedily and effectively - despite delays in bringing forward new area development plans - NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has said. In a statement to the Assembly, the Minister confirmed planners would only reject major a
18/06/2009
Up to 10,000 jobs will be lost in the road building industry over the next 12 months, it has been claimed. Civil Engineering Contractors Association President, Pat McCarthy, said the losses will be a direct consequence of the Irish government's failure to meet its commitments set out in its public
18/06/2009
A Fermanagh-based firm has announced plans to invest £1.3m in developing its environmentally friendly plastic roofing products. Erne Extrusions Ltd specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of moulded plastic products for the GB and European uPVC roofing markets. Invest NI has off
18/06/2009
A €3.5m building project has been officially opened at Scoil Santain gaelscoil in Tallaght, Dublin. The project comprises a mainstream classroom, library and storage room. Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe said the project was a "fine example" of the government’s ongoing school building programme,
18/06/2009
The NI Housing Executive's Gordon Reilly has been awarded an MBE for services to social housing. Mr Reilly has worked at the Housing Executive for 39 years and has been District Manager in the Shankill area for the past 21 years. During his long career Mr Reilly has also worked in West and North Be
18/06/2009
Sinn Féin’s Dublin housing spokesperson has called on the capital's city council to review its maintenance policy, and ensure that tenants are not forced to live in substandard conditions. Discussing the local authority's new housing maintenance policy, Aengus Ó Snodaigh said: "There are a number o
17/06/2009
Junior Energy Minister Conor Lenihan has launched a nationwide scheme expected to generate thousands of new jobs in the clean-tech sector over the next six to 12 months. The main focus of the Greenloan Home Energy Savers Scheme is to create employment opportunities in local communities throughout I
17/06/2009
Plans to redevelop a former quarry and concrete plant in the North West have been given the go-ahead. Farrans Homes has secured planning permission to build an £80m scheme on the site of Spital Hill quarry and concrete batching plant in Coleraine. Around 450 residential units will be built on the
17/06/2009
A new €2.8m extension has been opened at Cloghroe National School, in Blarney, Co Cork. The extension has provided the school with eight new classrooms, ancillary facilities and a general purpose room. Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe said the project came about through the "dedication and hard w
17/06/2009
Contractors Graham has received an award from Action Renewables for the Most Sustainable Building Project Ireland, sponsored by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Action Renewables is the leading organisation in NI in the promotion and development of renewable energy. The award was in recogni
17/06/2009
Talks have been held to examine the possibility of developing a regulatory framework for geothermal energy in Ireland, it has been revealed. Junior Energy Minister Conor Lenihan said his department and the Geothermal Association of Ireland co-hosted a workshop yesterday to look at options for the
17/06/2009
A new community resource centre has been officially opened on Rathlin Island, signaling the start of government plans to regenerate the small community. Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy said a partnership has been developed with the islanders, which has seen the formation of a central go
17/06/2009
Over £2.3m worth of road improvements have been sanctioned for the Cookstown area this year. Roads Minister Conor Murphy said design work on the proposed Cookstown bypass is progressing well. Public consultation was held in January, with a further public information event to announce the preferr
17/06/2009
Works to restore Ballynahinch homes destroyed in a blaze last year have been completed. Twelve residents living in the Loughside Drive block of flats were relocated by the Housing Executive while the fire damage was repaired. Many of the residents had been living in temporary accommodation whils
16/06/2009
Over €16m of government funding is to be made available for insulation grants across Ireland. Work will be carried out on around 12,000 homes, generating almost 2,000 jobs for construction workers and trades people. Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said it comes as little surprise that there has been s
16/06/2009
Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has officially opened a new £1m building in Lisburn, in a bid to bolster local small businesses. The new development, which could potentially create 15 new jobs, includes a head office, workspaces and conference facilities. It is located at Lisbu
16/06/2009
Plans to build on Ireland's most expensive piece of real estate have been given the go-ahead. Work on the monumental Ballsbridge scheme could begin within the next two years, the developer has said. Ray Grehan has reportedly said progression has been deterred by the economic slump, but he will pu
16/06/2009
The £20m Belfast M2 improvements scheme has been officially opened. Roads Minister Conor Murphy said the improvements the strategic route would deliver huge benefits for the local economy. "The M2 improvements scheme represents a significant investment in the strategic road network, which I am su
16/06/2009
Westmeath's new County Buildings have been officially opened in Mullingar, following a two year construction project. The council sought an energy efficient building that would provide comfortable working conditions, while working within its strict capital and operational budgets. The 74,900 squa
16/06/2009
The second phased of a Co Donegal urban renewal project has got underway. Works will be carried out in the harbour town of Killybegs, which the council said will make the area a "better place to live, shop, visit and do business". Following the completion of Phase I urban renewal works in 1998 at
16/06/2009
There was a double boost for a local school recently with both a high profile visitor praising pupils amid news that construction is due to begin soon on the refurbishment and rebuild of the facility. Stormont First Minister, Peter Robinson, the East Belfast MP and MLA visited Strandtown Primary Sc
16/06/2009
Building consultant WYG Ireland has been awarded a contract by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide groundwater quality data that will assist in the national assessment of Ireland's groundwater. The monitoring programme has been established to meet the EPA’s requirement under the E
16/06/2009
Plans to overhaul the Northern Ireland private rental sector have been outlined by Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie. The government has never addressed the issue until now, but Ms Ritchie said she is confident private rented sector can play a greater role in meeting housing need. She said tackli
15/06/2009
A further €400,000 is needed to complete works on an €8.5m Carlow Visual Arts centre, the town and county councils have been told. Town Clerk Joe Watters has described the development as the "dawning of a new future" in the town. He told local authority representatives a further €400,000, from b
15/06/2009
Over £1m will be invested in improving roads in and around Carrickfergus this year, it has been announced. Roads Minister Conor Murphy said remedial works had been sanctioned following a fire on the embankment at Barnhalt road bridge. Drainage works at Dalwaysbawn Road and the A2 Larne Road tow
15/06/2009
A commemorative new road has been opened in Carlow in memory of a late councillor. Cathaoirleach of Carlow Town Council Tom O'Neill opened the €6.9m scheme, which was named after Paddy Carpenter. Mr Carpenter was co-opted onto Carlow Urban District Council in January 1964, serving as a member for
15/06/2009
The green economy should be at the heart of government programmes, according to Sinn Féin's Bairbre de Brún, who said energy efficiency schemes could create much-needed jobs for the ailing construction sector. The newly re-elected MEP appeared before the Climate Change Inquiry held by the Assembly
15/06/2009
Some 10,000 Irish road builders may be facing the dole queues. According to the Civil Engineering Contractors Association, the Government is abandoning commitments made in its public capital programme and the National Development Plan. Speaking on Monday, the association's President Pat McCarthy s
15/06/2009
Over €300,000 worth of refurbishment works have been completed at a Bagenalstown sports facility. Improvements at the McGrath Memorial Park were officially unveiled by Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Denis Foley. The entrance to the park has been upgraded, with parking, fencing, lighting
15/06/2009
A Northern Ireland energy systems firm has announced plans to invest £800,000 in expanding it operations in the Republic. Saintfield-based Hughes Energy Systems Ltd will receive some support from Invest NI. The firm provides products and services to increase the efficiency of its customers' energ
15/06/2009
Plans for the future development of Carlow town centre have been passed by local representatives, placing greater emphasis on business expansion. The proposals had been on public display for ten weeks. Several planning submissions were forwarded to the local authority during that time. These rela
15/06/2009
A peer-nominated working group of wood fuel suppliers met in Athlone recently to develop a wood fuel quality assurance scheme for Ireland. This scheme applies to logs, chips, pellets and briquettes formed from clean wood. This QA scheme will provide customers with confidence that they are purc
15/06/2009
Gildernew Environmental Ltd, the sole Irish distributor of Red Rhino Crushers, has announced its association with the new owners of the RRC brand, Winfield Engineering. A spokesman for Gildernew said: "We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you all to the new 2000 Series Multiform, 3 P
12/06/2009
Walls construction has said works are progressing well on the €70m Trinity Biosciences Development, located on Pearse Street, in Dublin city centre. Following completion of the excavation of the triple level basement in April of this year progress continues on the 40 week concrete superstructure el
12/06/2009
Over £6.3m is to be invested in road improvements for the Down area this year, it has been announced. Transport Minister Conor Murphy said works would be progressed ob A24 Shore Road, Kilclief, Strangford, which will improve forward visibility on this stretch of carriageway. Junction improvements
12/06/2009
WYG Ireland, part of the WYG Group, has called on the government to provide the waste industry with leadership, and work to harness the potential of waste-to-energy. WYG Ireland has claimed extracting energy from waste is one obvious solution to resolving two of the critical issues facing Ireland a
12/06/2009
External maintenance work is being carried out on 207 Housing Executive properties in Cookstown, in a project valued at £424,000. The homes in Stewartstown, Pomeroy and a number of other locations, will be repainted and new double glazed window units will be provided, where required. Any defectiv
12/06/2009
Éamon Ó Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, has sanctioned a grant of €134,125 to Coiste Pháirc Imeartha Mhaigh Cuilinn. This grant will enable the committee to construct an all-weather pitch near their clubhouse in Maigh Cuilinn, Co Galway. The Minister said this pitch wi
12/06/2009
A purpose built education and residential facility has opened in Cork city. Located on Douglas Street, the Education Services Centre and Residential Facility is a joint investment between Cork City Council and the City of Cork VEC. The development has been designed for adults returning to educati
12/06/2009
A Co Armagh man has been fined £1,000 plus £22 court costs and £78 legal costs at Craigavon Magistrates' Court for a planning offence. Raymond Pedlow of Annesborough Road, Lurgan, was fined for failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice to demolish a large shed and area of hardstanding at lands
12/06/2009
The UUP has called on Finance Minister Nigel Dodds to sacrifice "that sacred cow - the Programme for Government", and make economic recovery and house building a priority. David McNarry, the party's finance spokesperson said the current package was "going nowhere", and "letting people down". Descr
11/06/2009
Construction work has commenced on the new €15m Interdisciplinary Research Building at NUI Maynooth. Walls Construction was awarded the contract to build the state-of-the-art unit, which will result in 150 new construction jobs. The sod-turning event marks the beginning of NUI Maynooth's ten-year
11/06/2009
John Graham Ltd has begun construction work on the new Banbridge Academy, in a project that is paving the way for health and safety excellence. Completion of the project, which includes a new science, CDT and home economics wing, a new assembly hall, as well as a new gym and dining hall, is due by
11/06/2009
An Irish firm - specialising in solar hot water panelling - has agreed a €20m deal to have its product distributed throughout the country. Mayo-based Surface Power Solar will supply The Moritz Group with its SP501 Solar Hot Water Collector over a five-year period. The Moritz Group, a leading Irish
11/06/2009
A series of road works are to be carried out on the province's motorway network, and across the greater Belfast area, this summer, the Transport Minister has said. The Minister said: "The timing of this work, to coincide with the reduced traffic volumes using the network during the summer, will h
11/06/2009
Six Ulster firms have 'gone Dutch' in a bid to secure sales for their products and services in the Netherlands. Among them is Lisnaskea-based Erneplas, which supplies pvc beading for the building industry. The trade mission has been supported by Invest NI and features extensive and highly practi
11/06/2009
Almost €188,000 has been committed to pushing forward the second stage of development works at Coiste Forbartha Pháirc Phobail Acla, Co Donegal. Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív said a grant of €156,651 is being sanctioned under the Gaeltacht Improvements Scheme and a grant of €31,330 under the C
11/06/2009
A Co Fermanagh man has been fined a total of £400 plus £41 court costs, at Enniskillen Magistrates court, for breaches of waste management legislation. Property developer Gary Winterson, 32, of Main Street, Derrylin, pleaded guilty to two charges of depositing waste and was fined £200 on each charg
11/06/2009
Junior Energy Minister Conor Lenihan has welcomed an oil exploration off the west coast of Ireland. Commenting on Serica Energy plc's drilling operations, Minister Lenihan said that he was encouraged to see that a new exploration play has been identified west of Ireland with the discovery of oil f
10/06/2009
Multi-million pound plans to transform one of Co Down's premier marinas will go on public display today. Over 1,000 construction jobs are set to be created by the £100m proposals, which could see Bangor's waterfront developed into a massive mixed-use site. Under the scheme 60 new retail units wou
10/06/2009
The Irish government has approved the Department of Environment's latest policy on architecture, aimed at bolstering jobs. Environment Minister John Gormley said he believed 2009-2015 policy - 'Towards a Sustainable Future: Delivering Quality within the Built Environment' - provides an appropriate
10/06/2009
Closure has been reached on two PPP school building contracts worth more than £80m. Interserve, in consortium with partner O'Hare & McGovern, will design and construct four buildings as part of the Down & Connor and De La Salle Schools projects. The Down and Connor project is for St MacNissi's
10/06/2009
A new pedestrian bridge is to be built over the Ennis-Galway railway line on the Quin Road in Ennis, it has been announced. Clare TD Tony Killeen revealed the county council was presently in discussions with CIE regarding the proposed development. Mr Killeen said he had received confirmation of t
10/06/2009
Fifty-four homes in Limavady are having kitchen refitted as part of a £262,000 scheme by the Housing Executive. Work will be also be carried out in Dungiven, Feeny and Bonnanboigh to bring kitchens in tenants' homes up to modern standards. Eddie Doherty, Housing Executive District Manager for Lim
10/06/2009
Work on extending the LUAS line in the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown area got underway this week. The county council made an order to temporarily close the junction of Ballyogan Avenue West and Ballyogan Road to facilitate the installation. The work is part of the proposed extension of the green line fr
10/06/2009
A South Down property firm has vowed to expand on its social responsibility by undertaking a series of specialist training programmes. Best Property Services joined the Business in the Community movement as part of its commitment to excellence within the workplace and commitment to local community.
10/06/2009
Over €40,000 is to be spent on developing a car park ag Réalt na Mara graveyard in Na Forbacha. Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív announced a grant of €20,000 under the Village Enhancement Scheme. The project is joint-funded by Galway County Council, which will provide another €20,000. Announcin
09/06/2009
Planning appeals board An Bord Pleanála is expected to give its verdict on proposals for a new Cork hospital this week. The plans have accommodated for a 175-bed private facility located at the Cork University Hospital. Planning officials recently green-lighted a similar development in Limerick.
09/06/2009
Over £1m-worth of external improvements are to be carried out on 314 Housing Executive homes in Belfast's Shankill area. Built between 1980 and 1991, the properties are a mixture of houses, flats and bungalows. The work will be carried out as part of the Housing Executive's Planned Maintenance P
09/06/2009
Over €11,500 has been allocated to three Co Clare voluntary organisations to carry out improvements under the Government's Scheme of Community Support for Older People. The allocations to the West Clare based Ibrickane Network (€8,809), Newmarket on Fergus Senior Citizens (€2,060) and Ballyvaughan
09/06/2009
A series of physical improvement projects have been completed on several Armagh housing estates. Works comprised of the greater provision of additional car parking spaces and improved vehicular access at Callan Crescent and Drumbreda Avenue. Alley gates were also installed at Callan Street, as we
09/06/2009
MacGen Power Generation Ltd has secured a further order to extend the generator hire fleet of plant, tool, and equipment hire company, Balloo Hire Centres Ltd. Following on from a major order placed in October 2008, and a number of smaller orders placed in early 2009, Balloo Hire Centres Ltd has a
09/06/2009
Eight Northern Ireland firms have just returned from a trade fair in South America. Invest NI supported the visit to the Mining and Construction Equipment Trade Fair, which was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The trade fair, now in its seventh year, features over 350 exhibitors from 25 countries and ar
09/06/2009
Safety training firm Shorcontrol Safety has recently been accredited by Engineers Ireland to deliver CPD training seminars in the area of safety training, equipment and consultancy. A spokesman for Shorcontrol said training would target important safety areas. "To enable companies to understand
09/06/2009
Construction training specialist John Donnelly Purchasing Consultant Ltd has announced a series of Irish seminars, due to take place this month. The firm provides knowledge on best practice in areas such as purchasing, site cost control, construction waste and negotiation skills. As well as off
08/06/2009
Over €7.8m is to be spent on providing new social housing in Dublin, as part of a wider regeneration scheme on a disadvantaged estates. This investment will form the first phase of a planned three-phased development project on St Michael's Estate, which was recently green-lighted by the Irish Exch
08/06/2009
Building more social housing plays a major factor in bolstering a faltering economy, according to a leading Northern Ireland university economist. Mike Smyth, from the University of Ulster, has produced significant evidence that investing in social house building can make a significant difference
08/06/2009
Over €5m is to be spent extending cycling infrastructure in Dublin, it has been announced. The Sutton to Sandycove (S2S) cycleway is expected to benefit most from the investment, which is targeted at developing, improving and repairing cycle ways and cycle lanes. The Department of the Environment
08/06/2009
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today officially cut the first sod to launch a new housing scheme at Seymour Street, Lisburn. The development, by Clanmil Housing, will provide 48 three-person two-bedroom apartments for active older people. The properties will be built to Level 3 of th
08/06/2009
Ireland's Communities Minister has provided a €40,000 funding boost for developments in a Co Galway rural village. Éamon Ó Cuív said the finance would go towards Foscadh, Letterfrack, Connemara. Foscadh is a subsidiary of Connemara West and it is involved in a comprehensive development in Letterf
08/06/2009
Plans have been announced for a new road junction and bridge in Hillsborough, Co Down. The works will be progressed as part of a £3.8m investment in infrastructure in the Lisburn area, unveiled by Roads Minister Conor Murphy. Improvements will also be carried out on the A1 Hillborough roundabout
08/06/2009
Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe has raised the third Green Flag at eco-friendly Presentation National School in Bandon, Co Cork. Speaking at the school, Minister O'Keeffe praised the school's commitment to the Green Schools Programme. "The programme is an international education initiative in
08/06/2009
New kitchens are to be installed in 120 Ardoyne homes, in north Belfast, as part of £500,000 investment by the Housing Executive. Tenants will be able to select their new kitchen units and work tops from a range of colours and finishes and as part of the scheme electrical and plumbing installation
05/06/2009
Ireland's Office of Public Works has won a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award for the design of Wexford Opera House. Junior Public Works Minister Martin Mansergh described the accolade as a "tremendous honour". He congratulated Keith Williams Architects for its contrib
05/06/2009
Over £7.4m is to be spent on improving Armagh roads this year, it has been announced. Roads Minister Conor Murphy said works on the B3, Castleblaney Road with the Derrynoose Road, Keady - which will provide a right turning lane and improved visibility - is to be progressed as part of the funding.
05/06/2009
State Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new €540,000 extension in Kilbonane National School, in Aherla, Co Cork. The extension has four classrooms, a learning support room, a resource room, and an office. Speaking at the school, Minister O'Keeffe said: "This project came about through
05/06/2009
Over £5,500 is to be invested in improving the Loughview Community House in Dungannon, it has been announced. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the money will go towards refurbishment works and new furniture for the facility. The funding will increase the floor space available in
05/06/2009
Donegal County Council has announced changes to it planning application system. "As a result of the Electoral Area Boundary Committee Report 2008 there will be changes to the Electoral Divisions in Donegal with a reduction from six to five," said a spokeswoman. It is believed this may have conse
05/06/2009
Theoretical plans for a €100,000 eco-friendly sustainable home have been brought forward by architects Mario Cucinella. Discussing the 'Casa 100k' prototype, the firm said: "The project is an attempt to find an effective solution to the issues of affordable costs, low pollutant emissions and genui
05/06/2009
Plans for Dublin's latest rapid tram line are to unveiled to the public next week. The city centre Luas Line will go on display prior to the planning application for the scheme being lodged. Proposed works will extend the BXD line from St Stephen's Green through the city centre to Broombridge an
05/06/2009
Junior Labour Minister Dara Calleary has lauded the range of initiatives proposed by the European Commission to maintain and create jobs, to upgrade skills and to increase access to employment in the construction sector. The Minister welcomed the facility to accelerate the drawdown of the European
04/06/2009
Walls Construction has commenced the construction of the new Research and Innovation Centre for Network Embeded Systems (NEMBES). The building comprises 1,705 square metres over two floors, including accommodation for 90 researchers and 10 support staff, hardware development laboratories and teach
04/06/2009
A Cork school has inspired the government's decision to build permanent classrooms instead of purchasing temporary accommodation, the Education Minister has said. According to Batt O'Keeffe, Millstreet Convent National School prompted the shift in policy. "The school came to me last year to sugg
04/06/2009
Around £6.8m is to be invested in Belfast's roads this year, the Transport Minister has said. Conor Murphy said major improvements on the M2 are still to be completed, with a widening programme on the A12 Westlink also planned. "The major improvement works on the M2 which, included the replacem
04/06/2009
Sligo County Council is seeking proposals from developers interested in building social housing in the city. Expressions of interest are sought from experienced housing developers or contractors for the supply of turnkey developments. Small schemes, consisting of a mix of house types of two, thre
04/06/2009
Building work commenced at St Patrick's post-primary school in Downpatrick this week. The NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, cut the first sod on Wednesday and said that building a new school is always an exciting time. "This new £15million school building will serve the educational interest
04/06/2009
Proposals have been put forward to extend a popular sector of Dublin's main cycle path. The Sutton to Sandycove cycleway has been identified by the Department of Transports as a key route. It is now hope the Bullwall to Causeway section along the track can be extended. The department's Nationa
04/06/2009
Art Glass, a specialist in stained glass design, restoration and conservation, is strengthening its position in Ireland with help from Invest NI. Based at Skeoge Business Park, Art Glass, Artists in Glass are working on a substantial contract at Enniscronne in Co Mayo for a complex of new stained g
04/06/2009
A Clare school has received funding to enhance its outdoor play facilities. The announcement has been welcomed by local TD Tony Killeen, who said around €8,527 worth of works will be carried out at Ogonnelloe National School. Meanwhile, Derrybrien NS has received funding of €3,949 allowing for w
04/06/2009
Public Works Minister Martin Mansergh has said his department will revealed the preferred bidder for the Fermoy North Flood Relief Scheme works next week. The Junior Minister welcomed the issuing of 'letters of intent' as part of the tending process. He said: "Following on from a public tender co
03/06/2009
A new state-of-the-art leisure facility has opened in Ballinteer, Co Dublin, after receiving almost €5m in government funding. The Meadowbrook sports and leisure complex includes a 25 metre swimming pool, astro turf pitches, gym, tennis court and basket ball court. Sports Minister Martin Cullen
03/06/2009
Margaret Ritchie has opened a new £1.3m housing scheme in Lisburn, specially designed for people suffering from dementia. Catering for those suffering from moderate to severe dementia, people will receive facilities and help which are at the cutting edge of dementia care. The home offers self co
03/06/2009
Local representatives in Sligo have welcomed the completion one of the county's largest ever infrastructural projects. Mayor Veronica Cawley was joined by Urban Renewal Minister Michael Finneran to officially open the new Sligo Main Drainage Waste Water Treatment Plant. The new facility will elim
03/06/2009
Stormont Transport Minister Conor Murphy has visited the site of the £12.5m Derry railway line works. During the visit to Ballymoney Railway Station, which is the operational site of the work underway on the section between Ballymena and Coleraine, the Minister met with Translink officials and pro
03/06/2009
Ireland's Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened a €180,000 extension to Castletownshend National School, in Skibbereen, Co Cork. Speaking at the school, Minister O'Keeffe announced additional funding of €40,000 towards the cost of the building project. A permanent classroom, entrance foyer a
03/06/2009
SAS International, a leading manufacturers of interior fit out products, has announced plans to expand its operations in Ireland. The company, which opened a dedicated Irish office in August 2006, has now moved to a larger unit situated at Blanchardstown Corporate Park, Dublin. A spokesman for SAS
03/06/2009
Tenants renting local authority apartments will now be able to purchase their homes under new government legislation. The amendment to the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, due to be introduced at Dail Committee Stage of the Bill, has been broadly welcomed by Clare TD Tony Killeen. Lo
03/06/2009
One of mid-Ulster's biggest employers has announced that it has been forced to close, resulting in the loss of 70 jobs. As well as the jobs being lost directly at Cookstown-based company, Meteor Electrical, Derry City Football Club has lost one of its main sponsors as well. The resulting loss of r
03/06/2009
Collier Kitchen Supplies has marked its 25th year of trading with the opening of a new Dublin showroom. Based at the Airways Industrial Estate, on Old Airport Road, the firm now offers exclusive ranges of kitchen and bedroom furniture, including those designed by Lube, Gatto, Faer and the Sheer.
02/06/2009
Roads in Newtownabbey are to benefit from £2.3m investment, the Transport Minister has announced. Conor Murphy said works are planned for the second phase of carriageway widening and footway provision plus bridge and culvert replacement at Park Road in Mallusk. Around 700 metres of footway will b
02/06/2009
The redevelopment Waterstown Park in Liffey Valley has been officially opened by Deputy Mayor of South Dublin Gus OConnell. Works have provided a greater level of accessibility to the Liffey Valley to people across the county. Along with a new carpark there are now over 5km of paths through the s
02/06/2009
An initiative aimed at regenerating the Smithfield and Library areas of Belfast city centre is to be extended, it has been announced. NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said 'reStore'- targeted at boosting business performance in the rundown areas - would receive an additional £150,00
02/06/2009
Phase two of the Forthill development has been officially opened in Sligo. The park has extensive recreation areas and associated pathways, a new access road and car and coach parking areas. Later this year, the next phase of the programme will see the completion of a natural grass sand-carpet p
02/06/2009
Representatives of the University of Ulster's Real Estate Initiative have met with First Minister Peter Robinson to discuss the planning system. The Titanic Quarter event was hosted by Professor Mike Smith, CEO Titanic Quarter Ltd, UUREI Founding Board Member and Visiting Professor at Ulster. Th
02/06/2009
A new play facility has been officially opened in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, following an investment by the local council. As part of its Playground Provision Scheme, the council has sought to ensure an equitable distribution of playground facilities throughout the county. The Relic Road playgroun
02/06/2009
Cork's latest landmark development has installed an innovative sound attenuated drainage system. The Elysian building has implemented Durapipe UK's Friaphon as part of the overall scheme. At 71 metres high, the 17 storey mixed use development is the tallest building in Cork and consists of 212 apa
01/06/2009
Ireland's reformed planning code will promote "transparency, openness, and democratic involvement", the Environment Minister has said. John Gormley, announcing the approved Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, said the government is committed to its framework for sustainable economic renewal
01/06/2009
It has been described as a new era for Belfast architecture, and one year on since the first foundation stone was laid, the Obel Tower is already a recognisable feature on the city's skyline. Touted as one of Ireland's tallest buildings, the obelisk-shaped structure is rapidly taking form. Contr
01/06/2009
The Irish Greyhound Board has appointed Allied Irish Bank to provide the financial back up for the new Limerick Greyhound Stadium. The appointment is the latest in a series of tender conclusions as the project gains momentum. The new Limerick Stadium on the Dock Road in Limerick will be one of th
01/06/2009
A new multi-million pound hospital is to open at the end of this month in Co Down. The Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has visited the new £64m Downe Hospital, in Downpatrick, to launch a public awareness campaign about the new facility. It will offer a range of services including a 24
01/06/2009
One of the Mid West Region's largest community crèches has been officially opened in Ennis, Co Clare. Operated by the Clare Family Resource Centre, the €1.5m state-of-the-art facility provides part/full time day care and sessional places for up to 85 children aged 4 months to 9 years. Maureen Kean
01/06/2009
More than £4.2m is to be invested in Coleraine's roads, the Transport Minister has announced. Conor Murphy also revealed details of a proposed realignment to the bend on the Atlantic Road south of its junction with Islandtasserty Road, to improve the forward sight distance. Plans have also been p
01/06/2009
Ireland's Sports Minister Martin Cullen has officially opened the new purpose built, state-of-the-art Tallaght Stadium. The stadium, now home to Shamrock Rovers FC, was described as a "magnificent and modern sports facility" by the Minister. He said it is a beacon the community of Tallaght can
01/06/2009
Over €380,000 has been allocated to a Co Galway community hall to carry out necessary up-grade works. Announcing the investment, Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív said the funding would go towards a series of improvement works at the Coiste Pobail Chill Chiaráin. In total a grant of €319,760 has b
