Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for July 2009
31/07/2009
One of Ireland's largest building employers' groups had said it will put the draft NAMA legislation to its members for full consultation. The Construction Industry Federation earlier said it supports the major restructuring, of which NAMA is an important part, of the Republic's banking system and
31/07/2009
Space for 20,000 new Belfast homes is currently laying vacant and in public ownership, according to a city think tank. More than two square kilometres of land in Belfast could be used to regenerate and reconnect communities within the inner and central city, according to the newly-launched Forum f
31/07/2009
Northern Ireland's Roads Service has announced a £400,000 resurfacing scheme on the A24 Saintfield Road, to strengthen the carriageway and improve its skidding resistance. Work is due to commence on 3 August and is expected to last seven weeks. The main section of road involved is a 1km stretch b
31/07/2009
Two international quality standards have been awarded to a Limerick sub-contract precision engineering company, enabling it to expand into the overseas aerospace and medical markets. Raheen-based Takumi Precision Engineering was established in 1998, during which time it has grown its workforce to 4
31/07/2009
P&O Irish Sea has received a refurbished European Highlander from Harland and Wolff, as part of its ongoing relationship with the Belfast shipyard for the maintenance of its Irish Sea fleet. This relationship has seen P&O Irish Sea spending nearly £1m with H&W on the dry docking refitting of its
31/07/2009
A new state-of-the-art regional play facility will be officially opened by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council next week. In designing the facility, the council said it had worked closely with representatives from the Irish Wheelchair Association and representatives who sit on the Council’s Disa
31/07/2009
Balmoral Sinn Féin member Vincent Parker has requested a meeting with a representative of NI Water to discuss a sewage overspill occurring at the back of homes in Orchardville Crescent. This is an ongoing problem which, most recently, has occurred three times in the last two weeks. Mr Parker said:
31/07/2009
National Roads Authority chief Peter Malone has said road works between Ballinasloe and East Galway, part of the M6 scheme, is on schedule for completion early next year. Speaking at the official opening of the M6 Athlone to Ballinasloe national road project, Mr Malone described the works "another
30/07/2009
Calls have been made for the Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenihan to ensure the domestic banking sector adopts a pro-enterprise policy towards small and medium-sized businesses towards economic recovery. Fine Gael Innovation Spokeswoman Deirdre Clune questioned representatives of Chambers Ireland,
30/07/2009
A new community hall has been officially opened in Maghaberry following an investment of £550,000. The state-of-the-art community facility is located on land made available by housing developers Lewis and Coulter, with the necessary funding being provided by Lisburn City Council, Rural Development
30/07/2009
The new Warm Homes Scheme in Northern Ireland has been officially launched. Dubbed the government's primary took in tackling fuel poverty, the scheme has been refocused and will target people on low incomes who need help to improve energy efficiency in their homes. In particular, the scheme will
30/07/2009
A Northern Ireland assemblyman has warned the latest Quarterly Housing Bulletin once again highlights the serious problems faced in the provision of social housing. Sinn Fein's Fra McCann said the bulletin shows a serious lack of social housing being built and the large amounts of people still decl
30/07/2009
Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn has branded the Government's failure to maximise the potential of the Maze site a "disgrace". The Alliance assemblyman said that current speculation about stadium sites shows Long Kesh was the best option for a shared stadium. Mr Lunn said: "We are going to get lost i
30/07/2009
A new £1.5m community centre in Donaghadee has been officially opened by the Mayor of Ards. The new building houses a series of seminar and meetings rooms, as well as a main hall and a minor hall for smaller events, which also has safety surfacing suitable for children's play. Its design also allo
30/07/2009
Mayor of Ards Billy Montgomery has cut the first sod on the site of the new £1m community centre in Carrowdore, Co Down. The new centre, which will amount to some 5,070 square feet of space for local residents, will provide meeting and seminar rooms, as well as a main hall for larger events. Its de
30/07/2009
Ballymoney Museum has reopened following a £400,000 gallery re-fit, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The museum offers a wide range of displays, with the museum's archaeological collection which is now recognised as 'of national importance'. Visitors can now also discover the story behi
30/07/2009
Action Renewables has offered free renewable energy advice visits to 25 micro-businesses across Northern Ireland. The organisation said it aims to promote renewable energy in Northern Ireland and is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to deliver this programme. As an org
30/07/2009
P&O Irish Sea has just taken delivery of a refurbished European Highlander from Harland and Wolff, highlighting its ongoing relationship with the Belfast shipyard for the maintenance of its Irish Sea fleet. This relationship has seen P&O Irish Sea spending nearly £1m with H&W on the dry docking re
29/07/2009
Construction firm RoanKabin has been awarded a €2m contract to design and build a new Department of Education project in Dublin. The Kidare contractor will oversee the entire 16-classroom scheme, which will be named the Educate Together primary school. Located in Grangegorman, the 25,000 square-f
29/07/2009
Draft rural planning legislation PPS 21 has seen a 98% approval of applications submitted since its inception last year. The new countryside planning guidelines, launched in November 2008, replaced the controversial Draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 14, which imposed significant restrictions o
29/07/2009
Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has approved a grant of €39,995 for Coiste Tithíochta Uí Laoghaire, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh to assist in the development of a playground in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh. "A need for such a facility has been recognised in this area and the people in the community will
29/07/2009
Local representatives in Strabane have highlighted a number of necessary remedial works in the town, as part of an overall regeneration strategy. Councillors met with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Roads Service and Planning and others on a walkabout, which started at Abercorn Square,
29/07/2009
Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey has congratulated the Irish WorldSkills team prior to their departure for the 40th WorldSkills competition in Canada. Every two years, hundreds of the best young professionals from trades, service and technical programmes around the world gather to dis
29/07/2009
Proposals to develop new play provision at Bishops Field, in Creggan, Co Londonderry have been endorsed by the city council's environmental committee, as part of a wider green space regeneration plan for the area. A funding package was also considered at the committee meeting with a view to phasing
29/07/2009
Newtownabbey Alliance Councillor Billy Webb has welcomed the progress on plans for a new Whitehouse Primary School following an arson attack earlier this month. Mr Webb said: "I am very pleased that the Minister and education authorities have acted quickly on this issue. "They have put alternativ
29/07/2009
Foyle assemblywomen Martina Anderson has welcomed the latest moves towards the establishment of a science park in Derry in partnership with Magee University. The Sinn Féin MLA said: "I welcome confirmation by Dean of Academic Development at Magee, Prof Deirdre Heenan that the Science Park is now ac
28/07/2009
A much-mooted Dublin regeneration scheme will reportedly go ahead, despite suggestions the development agency behind the project should be disbanded. Works at the Grangegorman site is expected to created around 4,500 building jobs, however, a report published yesterday recommended the agency propo
28/07/2009
A series of new measures aimed at improving the way public sector construction contracts will be procured have been unveiled. Finance Minister Sammy Wilson set-out the 25 proposed actions, designed by the Construction Industry Forum for Northern Ireland (CIFNI) Procurement Task Group Report, during
28/07/2009
Plans for a new water treatment facility have been announced by Sligo County Council. The council said it intends to construct a plant for the Lough Talt Regional Water Supply Scheme at Gortersluin, in Tubbercurry. "The works are being progressed in order to address water quality issues. The Loug
28/07/2009
Further redevelopment - worth over £5m - is to take place at Omagh leisure centre, the local council has said. The decision follows a completed project to extend the complex, and refurbish the main entrance and cafe. Omagh District Council now says it is committed to continue with further refurb
28/07/2009
Comber Leisure Centre is to get a £1.5m refit, following a decision by Ards Council to completely revamp the facility. The refurbishment proposals include plans to create a much larger Momentum gym in the space currently occupied by the centre's minor hall, increasing the amount of fitness equipmen
28/07/2009
Upgrade works on Bishop's Field synthetic pitch have recently been completed by Derry City Council. The area has been transformed from sand-filled carpet to a state-of-the-art 3G facility, with replacement internal and external fencing. Over the past few months the facility has undergone signifi
28/07/2009
MEP Bairbre de Brún has called on the Stormont Executive to set energy efficiency measures among its top priorities, as the new Swedish EU Presidency moves the issue up the political agenda. Sweden, which took over the EU Presidency last month, hosted an informal meeting of energy and environment m
28/07/2009
NI Water has appealed to the public to stop the unauthorised use of its hydrants to access the watermains network. The water authority said it is essential it has controlled access in order to maintain the safety, reliability and quality of water delivered to customers. In order to combat unautho
27/07/2009
An official investigation has been launched into recent strike action by Irish electricians. The move has been sanction by Trade Minister Mary Coughlan, however, it is still unclear what format the investigation will take. A more detailed announcement is expected on the plans soon. A dispute be
27/07/2009
Armagh Gaol gates swing open recently giving local people the chance to see first hand how the former jail currently looks, and to view plans by a developer. The Trevor Osbourne Property Group has put forward plans for a hotel at the facility. Member of the public were provided with the opportuni
27/07/2009
The Irish Finance Minister has raised concerns over the increase in Permanent TSB's variable mortgage interest rates. Brian Lenihan said: "I am disappointed by Permanent TSB’s decision to increase their variable interest rates but unfortunately this increase reflects commercial market realities inc
27/07/2009
The Ulster Unionist spokesman on the environment, Roy Beggs has welcomed the launch of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's 'Managing Stormwater' document. However, he also slammed the Stormont Executive for its 'slow' response to flooding matters. The consultation document seeks to increas
27/07/2009
Rural Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has approval of a grant of €57,900 under the Small Quays Scheme 2009, to provide three more ladders on the new quay in An Spidéal. The proposal is part-funded by Galway County Council who will provide another €19,300. Minister Ó Cuív said: "I am delighted to
27/07/2009
A new £6.7 million research centre focusing on environmental change has been opened at Queen's University in Belfast. The CHRONO Centre for Climate, the Environment and Chronology - the first of its kind in Ireland - was officially launched by world-famous geoscientist Professor Minze Stuiver. He
27/07/2009
Plans for the new N25 Waterford to Glenmore scheme have gone on public display. The route options were revealed at an event in Kilkenny last week. Progress on the scheme is a major objective for Kilkenny County Council and the National Roads Authority. Route selection studies have commenced to
27/07/2009
Wood workers from the Ards are are going 'against the grain', following the success of an exhibition in Portaferry. Featuring work by talented local craftsmen, including Owen Crawford, Mark Hanvey, Eric McKillen, Mike Miall and John Piekaar, the exhibition showcased contemporary design produced fro
24/07/2009
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has met with European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Plutarchos Sakellaris, at EIB headquarters in Luxembourg, to discuss the Irish Government's transport investment programme, and possible future support from the EIB. Minister Dempsey used the opportunity to s
24/07/2009
Upgrade works are to commence soon on the £80m Water Mains Rehabilitation Programme in Belfast city centre, NI Water has said. This investment is required to protect public health, meet European standards on water quality and respond to increasing demand. Paul Bryce, NI Water Project Manager, sai
24/07/2009
Phase Two of remediation works at the Gortmore Tailings Management Facility, Silvermines, in Co Tipperary, has got underway, with the contract being undertaken by Cork-based SIAC Construction Ltd. Natural Resources Minister Conor Lenihan formally launched the project at the Gortmore site along with
24/07/2009
A Sinn Féin assemblyman has slammed recommendations for a new Belfast sports stadium at Ormeau Park. Alex Maskey said his party will continue to support local residents in the Ballynafeigh area in their campaign to oppose the building of a stadium. He was speaking after consultants hired by Belfa
24/07/2009
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has officially opened the new N6 Athlone to Ballinasloe. He described the motorway as "important new link in Ireland's road network". The major project - part of the overall upgrade of the Galway to Dublin route - was delivered five weeks ahead of time and below budget. "T
24/07/2009
A new €6m road layout has been officially opened on the Sandyford to Drummartin link. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said the scheme will benefit workers in the Sandyford Business Estate and local commuters. The road opened two months ahead of schedule and now offers an extra entry/exit r
24/07/2009
Competition among construction trainees is growing, according to SkillBuild. A report by ConstructionSkills found a 19% increase in entrant numbers vying for industry accolades. The organisation said this shows employers are identifying the benefits of skilled trainees - particularly in the curre
24/07/2009
Omagh-based Renewable Building Technologies Ltd has been commissioned by Gorey Courtown Forest Park Ltd to act as renewable energy and building services consultants. The firm has also been tasked with devising a concept design for a National Sustainable Energy Centre in Courtown Harbour, Co Wexford
23/07/2009
Plans have been unveiled for a new multi-million euro hospital in Kinnegad, Co Meath. Proposals from developers Jepp Ltd have been lodged with the county council, and encompass a 17,000 square metre Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) patients' rehabilitation centre. It is hoped the scheme will be built
23/07/2009
The first sod has been cut at the £3.9m Ballymote extension project in Downpatrick. The project involves an expansion to the existing Ballymote complex and the construction of a separate multi use sports hall. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "This new development will leave a la
23/07/2009
Seven new 'zero carbon' housing developments are to be built across Ireland in a €20m government-backed programme. Environment Minister made the announcement at the sod turning of the country's most energy efficient property project ever. The Emerald Project in Ballymun will consist of two and t
23/07/2009
Proposals for a new £15m four-star hotel in Rostrevor have been submitted to the planning service. Provisions have been made for 100-bedrooms, along with a spa, gym, pool and 130-space car park. The man behind the scheme, developer Miceal Tinnelly, hopes to build the hotel complex on a 35-acre s
23/07/2009
National Electrical Contractors of Ireland (NECI) has welcomed the decision by the members of AECI to reject the 4.9% pay increase. The move, worth around €1.05, was proposed in a non-binding recommendation from the Labour Court for the electricians working in the electrical contracting industry.
23/07/2009
It was predicted this week that around 100 jobs will be created during a major construction project in Co Antrim. The Northern Regional College (NRC) facility is to get an extension housing a new Skills Centre - appropriately for construction industry trades - as well as for heavy motor vehicle tra
23/07/2009
Ballymaguigan Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) on the outskirts of Toome has been given a major overhaul by NI Water as part of its £10m Rural Wastewater Investment Programme. The programme is an extensive body of work designed to upgrade the treatment systems in villages and hamlets where the po
23/07/2009
The Irish government has published a ten point guide to helping authorities understand public contracts. Launched by the Department of Enterprise, the document has been dubbed a step-by-step aid to dealing with procurement matters. Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan said the guide was aimed at of
23/07/2009
Hibernia Atlantic has said it will build Project Kelvin's Telehouse at Fort George, in Londonderry. The company is constructing a new direct telecommunications link to North America, and ILEX, the urban regeneration company in Londonderry. The new Telehouse forms part of the €30m joint Department
22/07/2009
A redeveloped Kylemore Park officially opened in Dublin today, marking the completion of a nine-month refurbishment programme. Lord Mayor Emer Costello officiated at the opening ceremony, which was attended by residents from Ballyfermot. The project management team and officials from Dublin City
22/07/2009
A new new £3m Huguenot Drive Wastewater Pumping Station has been unveiled in Lisburn. The new NI Water station, which supplements the original station, has been welcomed by Lisburn City Council as complimenting its regeneration of the Lagan corridor. John Water, Project Manager NI Water, said the
22/07/2009
Westmeath County Council has appointed a joint venture, comprising Jennings O’Donovan & Partners and JB Barry & Partners Consulting Engineers, to undertake the detailed design and construction of Athlone main drainage improvement scheme. The estimated cost of the project is €80m, of which €56m wil
22/07/2009
The site of the Luas docklands extension has been mobilised, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has said. According to the RPA, the crews in charge of implementing the power and communications network for the future Luas Red Line - Docklands Extension (Line C1) have progressed on site during rec
22/07/2009
Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has published details of the Government's €614m school building plan on the Department's website. He said the move will allow the progress of projects to be tracked through all stages in the programme. Minister O'Keeffe said publishing the details online will sign
22/07/2009
The first ever independent study of Northern Ireland Housing Executive homes has found that they are in better condition than anywhere else in the United Kingdom. Savills, an international firm of property consultants, has completed a major stock condition survey of Housing Executive homes and has
22/07/2009
A draft development framework for the Naas Road area has been published by South Dublin County Council. The framework, prepared by McGarry Nanaigh Architects, KCAP Architects & Planners and JMP Consultants, stretches from Newlands Cross eastwards towards the Dublin City Council boundary near the Ky
22/07/2009
Environment Minister John Gormley has outlined progress on the Review of Archaeological Policy and Practice and the proposed National Monuments Bill 2009. Mr Gormley said, since assuming office in 2007, he has attempted to deal with the legacy of previous decisions relating to the M3, and the possi
21/07/2009
St Patrick's College in Drumcondra, Co Dublin, is to undergo a major revamp, it has been revealed. Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe announced that a major campus development project can now go to tender. The project, on which building work should begin next year, includes new lecture theatres, lib
21/07/2009
A multi-million pound road development along the border has been boosted today with news of a decision on the route to be taken. NI Transport Minister Conor Murphy and his southern counterpart Minister Noel Dempsey announced the preferred route for the A5 Western Transport Corridor. This is the pr
21/07/2009
Bord na Móna has announced the creation of 300 new green jobs across Ireland. The news comes on the back of the publication of strong financial figures for the past year. New jobs will be created in green energy, resource recovery and environmental solutions using Bord na Móna’s green technologies
21/07/2009
Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has stressed the current economic significance of energy performance certificates. Speaking one year on from the introduction of the legislation attached to properties for sale or rent on the open market, Mr Wilson said: "These certificates depict an energy r
21/07/2009
Ireland's Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has declared that a total of 294km of national roads are to be new motorway sections. In accordance with Section 8 of the Roads Act 2007, a public consultation process was undertaken following the receipt of applications from the National Roads Authority (
21/07/2009
Serica Energy (UK) Ltd has been awarded the Frontier Exploration Licence in Ireland, under the Rockall Licensing Round. Making the announcement, Natural Resources Minister Conor Lenihan said: "I am pleased to offer my congratulations to Serica on their successful application for a Frontier Explorat
21/07/2009
The Ultimate Floor Sanding Company has announced high like for like, double digit growth for the second quarter of 2009. In particular, June of this year has been an exceptionally busy month, a spokesman said. Commenting on the trading results, Managing Director Terry Guilford said: "Given the c
21/07/2009
THERMOZYKLUS has unveiled a new means of reducing heating bills and improving the performance of heating system within both new or existing buildings. THERMOZYKLUS can be installed without the need for re-plumbing or re-wiring and immediately starts learning the heating requirements of the buildin
21/07/2009
Shorcontrol Safety, a leading safety company, has been accredited by the Road Safety Authority to act as the Training Centre for drivers who wish to acquire or maintain their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence qualification. The Shorcontrol training centre in Naas is also FAS registere
20/07/2009
A €50m national competition aimed at funding and delivering innovative examples of sustainable travel in urban and rural areas across Ireland has been launched. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the purpose of the competition is to help people to 'leave their cars at home', and instead opt to wa
20/07/2009
The Department of Education has approved funding for small capital works to be undertaken at Killaloe Girls Convent Primary School, in Co Clare. Local TD Tony Killeen received confirmation of the grant aid approval. He said: "The primary school will benefit from the provision of a new 25 meters sq
20/07/2009
University of Ulster academic Paddy Gray has been elected Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Housing. A senior lecturer in the School of the Built Environment at Magee, Mr Gray is the first person from Northern Ireland to hold the prestigious post. The Chartered Institute of Housing is
20/07/2009
Bodyke National School, in Co Clare, has been approved funding to undertake a number of small-scale works. The Department of Education and Science grant aid will allow for the replacement of windows and doors, works to external walls and external works to existing rooms. "In excess of 40 students
20/07/2009
A new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Dublin has been officially opened by the Health Minister Mary Harney . It which will house one of Japan's largest pharmaceutical firms. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited's Active Pharmaceuticals Ingredient (API) manufacturing facility at Grange Ca
20/07/2009
Four further Co Clare schools have received funds enabling them to undertake small-scale capital works. The Department of Education has decided to approve grant aid for the works at St. John Bosco Community College in Kildysart, Ennistymon Vocational School, Scoil na Mainistreach in Quin and Lissyc
20/07/2009
Concerns have been raised over the number of Clare homes recording excess levels of the cancer causing radioactive gas radon. Local TD Tony Killeen discussed the matter following the publication of a report by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) indicating that 346 or 11% of the
20/07/2009
A trio of government ministers has launched the Science Foundation Ireland 'Energy Strategy'. Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan was joined by Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and Innovation Minister Conor Lenihan as they also announced that applications for the first SFI Strategic Research Cluster (SRC)
20/07/2009
Irish plastics manufacturer Freefoam Plastics has reported increased sales of its coloured roofline products across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. This growth reflects the fact that 78% of the market now believes offering a colour range is important (up from 70% in 2008), according to the f
10/07/2009
A €30m bridge scheme in Sligo has been given planning permission. The proposed Eastern Garvoge River Bridge will provide an eastern relief road which will reduce traffic congestion in the city centre. It will provide a vital link with Sligo General Hospital and the city's educational hub at the In
10/07/2009
Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, has praised the local construction industry's continued commitment to quality as he revealed the shortlisted finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2009. The competition, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, received a record numbe
10/07/2009
The total number of new residential and commercial buildings recorded across Ireland in the first six months of 2009 was 13,545 according to new figures released today by GeoDirectory. The figures represent a year on year decrease of 49% compared to the first six months of 2008, when 26,289 new bui
10/07/2009
Three buildings commissioned by Dublin City Council have won awards at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) annual Irish Architecture Awards ceremony. The awards recognise excellence in architectural design and are made both to the designers and to the commissioning clients. Se
10/07/2009
Construction contractor Graham has picked up a top employment award. The firm was highly commended at the Irish News' workplace awards, in the 'Right Place to Work' category. Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey congratulated all the winners for their success in placing a strong emphasis on individ
10/07/2009
Works have commenced at the site of Pelican House, Dublin Aiport Logistics Park. Plans to construct a warehouse and office facilities at Unit 8 are underway, Walls Construction said in a statement. The scheme is being built for Rohan Holdings Ltd within its Dublin Airport Logistics Park developme
10/07/2009
Sinn Féin's spokesperson on planning issues has welcomed Environment Minister Edwin Poots's proposals for planning reform. Cathal Boylan, Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, said: "Sinn Féin broadly welcomes the proposals being put forward, but I would encourage all interested stake holders to
10/07/2009
Irish Communications Minister Eamon Ryan has appointed e|net to manage and operate phase II of the Metropolitan Area Networks, (MANs), Programme. MANs are State owned, telecommunications networks located in towns and cities throughout the whole country. The state-of-the-art optic fibre, open acce
10/07/2009
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has spoke of the importance of Northern Ireland's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Minister was speaking as he opened the 11th Conference of the National Association of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which carried the theme 'Valuing our Environment: Di
09/07/2009
A new working groups will be tasked with developing plans for the former Irish Steel/Ispat site at Haulbowline, Co Cork, it has been revealed. The group, which is to be chaired by the Office of Public Works, is being charged with determining the optimum use for the site, and how legacy issues rela
09/07/2009
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has launched proposals for the most sweeping reform of Northern Ireland's planning system for over 30 years. The Minister said the proposed reforms were aimed at delivering a more effective and responsive planning system. Mr Poots said: "I believe these proposals w
09/07/2009
Talks aimed at luring thousands of Irish electricians from the picket line resumed today, after yesterday's discussions ran into the early hours of this morning. Over 10,000 sparks are demanding a pay increase which they say was promised almost two years ago. Industrial action was taken at the beg
09/07/2009
Local engineering company FG Wilson will retain a full working week for its employees, following an order boost. The firm said productions levels have remained high enough to stave off a programme of selective lay-offs. A spokesman for the Caterpillar Corp-owned firm said: "FG Wilson is continua
09/07/2009
Bord na Móna has unveiled proposals for a new wind farm at at Mountlucas, in Co Offaly, which could create up to 30 construction jobs. The firm said the project was part of a strategy to expand on its traditional peat-based energy production. Bord na Móna said it aims to develop a portfolio of el
09/07/2009
Final consultation is underway on new building legislation due to be implemented in Ireland next year. Environment Minister John Gormley officially launched the final consultation process on proposals for the review of Part M of the Building Regulations. Part M regulations are related to access i
09/07/2009
East Belfast residents have raised concerns over the flow of traffic using Bryson Street in the Short Strand. Sinn Féin representative Niall Ó Donnghaile said he has made initial contact with the Roads Service regarding the matter. "The issue of traffic calming is one of major concern within the
09/07/2009
The Ultimate Floor Sanding Company has been selected by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to refinish the wooden floors of City Hall. Local South Dublin Branch Manager, Fergal Dignam said: "We were especially pleased to be selected for such a high profile, public building renovation project. Ou
09/07/2009
Grass verges along the N4 at Palmerstown will be cut by South Dublin County Council, following wrangling among councillors. Fine Gael councillor for Lucan and Palmerstown, William Lavelle, said: "In response to representations from the Palmerstown Environmental Group, I have tabled a priority que
08/07/2009
Talks between Irish electricians and employers are to recommence today, as industrial action by workers rumbles on into its third day. Union members have insisted they will continue their picket until a pay dispute is settled. A meeting between both sides will be held at the Labour Relations Agen
08/07/2009
A key document on the future of sustainable energy in Northern Ireland is to be released for consultation, it has been announced. The Stormont Executive's decision to publish the Strategic Energy Framework for Northern Ireland 2009 was welcomed by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster. Ms Foster said
08/07/2009
Isotron Ireland's €8.5m Electron Beam Sterilisation Facility has been officially opened in Tullamore, Co Offaly. The Electron Beam Sterilisation Facility provides an alternative to the Ethylene Oxide Gas and Gamma Irradiation processes currently provided by Isotron in Ireland. This expansion allo
08/07/2009
The founder of one of Northern Ireland's most prominent property development and construction firms has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Ulster. John McGinnis founded the McGinnis Group in 1978. The firm has been pivotal in accelerating the region’s economic and cultural grow
08/07/2009
Cork-based consulting engineering company, Fehily Timoney & Company, has presented the final part of a €50,000 corporate donation to UCC's heritage fund, made over a period of five years. The fund has supported the restoration of UCC's Aula Maxima, the Ogham Stones collection and the Crawford Obs
08/07/2009
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has visited three town centre areas in Craigavon, Lurgan and Portadown earmarked for regeneration. The Minister met an advisory group established by her department to oversee the creation of an Integrated Development Framework for Lurgan, Craigavon and P
08/07/2009
Over €1.2m is to be invested in a new cycling and walking network for Carrigaline, in Co Cork. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the aim of the project is to encourage greater use of more sustainable forms of transport. Following the recent National Bike Week, which highlighted cycling as a fun
08/07/2009
A delegation of Irish ministers met in Dublin today to discuss further cross-border cooperation on infrastructural projects. Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy, along with Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, held talks with Republic counterpart Tánaiste Mary Coughlan at Dublin Castle. The meeting
07/07/2009
Electricians across Ireland have staged a second day of industrial action following a long-running pay dispute. Over 10,000 sparks downed tools yesterday after talks between employers and their union failed to reach an agreement. The Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) actioned th
07/07/2009
Stormont Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie has welcomed an additional allocation of £20m towards her social housing budget from the Executive. The announcement, made by Finance Minister Sammy Wilson in the assembly today, will allow Minister Ritchie to address a range of pressures in her housing bu
07/07/2009
Renewable energy supplier Airtricity has announced plans to create 200 jobs in the Irish market to support the development of the electricity supply business. The new positions will encompass sales, customer support, billing and support services. Fifty new positions will be created at the firm'
07/07/2009
Stormont Roads Minister Conor Murphy has visited the site of the £6m A26 Ballee Road East to Ballymena bypass scheme. During a tour of the site, the Minister met with officials from both Roads Service and the contractor FP McCann Ltd to discuss progress to date. Mr Murphy said: "The construction o
07/07/2009
Funding has been approved for small capital works to be undertaken at St Joseph's Community College in Kilkee, a local TD has confirmed. Tony Killeen said the secondary school will benefit from small works including the replacement of boilers. "The Building Unit of the Department of Education ha
07/07/2009
A new £2.2million 'Shared Future' housing scheme has been officially opened at Gowanvale in Banbridge. The scheme, Phase III at Gowanvale Drive, Banbridge is owned and managed by the South Ulster Housing Association (SUHA), working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Fift
07/07/2009
Trade Minister Billy Kelleher has met with businesses in Athlone to discuss issues on accessing bank credit. This is the seventh of eight regional meetings Minister Kelleher has undertaken in the last number of days with the objective of examining the difficulties experienced by business in accessi
07/07/2009
Sinn Fein's housing spokesperson has called on the Housing Executive to carry out an urgent review of its decision to halt grants to houses in a dangerous condition. West Belfast MLA Fra McCann said he has received a number of queries from Sinn Fein representatives in rural areas. Mr McCann said
06/07/2009
Work is expected to start next year on a major new centre for research and innovation in University College Dublin (UCD). Announcing the move to detailed design stage, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe said the project is a major cornerstone of the government's plan to build the 'smart economy'. "
06/07/2009
An Assemblyman has lauded the Department of Environment's pledge to promote equality in the planning reform agenda. Sinn Fein's Cathal Boylan said he welcomed the release of the draft consultation paper on Planning Reform, accompanied by a full draft Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA). The MLA said
06/07/2009
A pay dispute could see thousands of electricians down tools across Ireland today. Some construction projects are expected to be ground to a halt, after last ditch talks between unions and bosses failed to reach agreement at the weekend. It is believed around 11,000 sparks could take industrial a
06/07/2009
The railway line between Ballymena and Coleraine has been reopened to passengers following a 13 week closure to facilitate track relay work. Translink said the works conclude the next phase of a £12.5m Londonderry Railway Line Upgrade Project. Translink Infrastructure Executive Clive Bradberry b
06/07/2009
Irish builders merchant, the Grafton Group is experiencing the most challenging trading conditions in decades, the group has said. However, according to the firm's latest financial figures, it predicts fortunes for the construction industry will turnaround soon. In its report, Grafton said the o
06/07/2009
Additional pontoons were officially opened at Dingle Fishery Harbour Centre today. The building of the pontoons was funded under the Agriculture Department's Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. In 2008 funding of €612,000 was provided and a further €150,000 was provi
06/07/2009
A new book has been published recording the condition of Northern Ireland's historic monuments. Results from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's 'The Condition and Management Survey of Archaeological Resource in Northern Ireland (CAMSAR)' report, are the first scientifically based findings of
06/07/2009
Richmond Building Products, one of Ireland's leading roofing and accessories specialists, has developed an innovative package that together can help optimise attainment of the Government's Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities policy, improve lifetime costs and contribute towards the overall ener
03/07/2009
The number of new homes approved by Irish planning authorities fell by more than 27% during the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2008. In total, around 14,000 homes were given the go-ahead during the first three months of 2009. According to the Central Statistics Office
03/07/2009
An approved regeneration scheme at a former Larne quarry will include a world cycling centre and all-Ireland scuba diving facility, it has been revealed. Permission was granted for the ambitious redevelopment of the Works and Quarry site at Magheramorne last month. Developer Lafarge Cement UK's
03/07/2009
A new government report has detailed the Environment Protection Agency's efforts to promote the Irish 'green economy' through innovation. Launching 'STRIVE - Innovation for a Green Economy - Environment and Technology: A Win-Win Story', Minister John Gormley acknowledged EPA's positive commitment
03/07/2009
A proposed Olympic-sized swimming pool in Co Down may not be finished in time for the London 2012 games, a local councillor has claimed. North Down deputy mayor Ian Parsley said it seemed "unlikely" the £40m facility near Bangor leisure centre would be ready in time for the international sporting e
03/07/2009
Limerick County Council has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all of its 45 waste water installations comply with the requirements of the EU urban waste water treatment directive. The local authority was responding to the publication of an Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 'Urban Waste Wa
03/07/2009
Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots has launched a new website and guide to the planning system. These new resources were created by Community Places, who are a voluntary organisation that provide independent advice and information on planning to both local communities and individuals. The
03/07/2009
The Ultimate Floor Sanding Company has become sole importers to Ireland of a revolutionary floor sealing product which utilises the latest in NANO technology. Managing Director Terry Guilford said: "The application of NANO production technology to the latest floor sealing products creates a super p
03/07/2009
BusinessSafety.ie has called on stage and design project supervisors to ensure they are fully aware of construction regulations. The firm, which provides a full range of safety management services for the construction sector, assists developers, builder and sub-contractors in the implementation of
03/07/2009
A new service has been launched to help building firms formulate 'terms and conditions' into their contracts. Terms4Business said it can help contractors receive the cash they are owed on time. The services is designed to aid builders, electricians, plumbers and other allied services. Terms4Bus
02/07/2009
Beacon Medical Group has said its commitment to build three new Irish hospitals has not wavered. The developer's pledge to progress the schemes in Limerick, Cork and at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin comes as reports suggest the projects could be in doubt. It is believed the group is still in talks
02/07/2009
A Co Tyrone farmer has been fined £17,500 following a fatal accident involving a telescopic handler. Roy Kelso pleaded guilty to two breaches of health and safety legislation at Dungannon Crown Court on 6 June. The case, brought by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, related to
02/07/2009
An Irish company has signed a multi-million euro distribution deal for its range of solar hot water, heating and cooling systems across New Zealand. Under the terms of the five-year deal, New Zealand Solar Distribution will distribute Mayo developer and manufacturer Surface Power's range of systems
02/07/2009
A significant £350,000 restoration project has been completed at Belfast's Woodvale Park. Upgrade works involved the improvement of Victorian railings and gate pillars which are listed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency for preservation purposes. Welcoming the end product, Regeneration Mi
02/07/2009
The N4 Lucan bypass upgrade scheme will be officially opened next week, it has been confirmed. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey will preside over the event on Monday 6 July, along with South Dublin Mayor Mick Duff Works have provided an online improvement and a widening of the existing N4 dual carr
02/07/2009
The UUP has moved to defend its Executive Minister's apprenticeship policy, following criticism from the incoming Junior Minister Robin Newton. Describing the attack on Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey as "spiteful", Ulster Unionist MLA David McClarty said Mr Newton should "be taking a more respon
02/07/2009
Irish property group Treasury Holdings has appointed Peter Byers as its new finance director. Mr Byers will also oversee strategic and business planning at the group. A former group finance director of Heiton Holdings, Mr Byers has vast experience in financial strategy and control, investor relati
02/07/2009
A Fermanagh apprentice has been selected to represent the UK at the Worldskills event in Canada later this year. Joiner Trevor Woods, from the town of Lack, is currently studying at Omagh's South West Regional College. He has been chosen, along with 25 other young apprentices from across the Unit
01/07/2009
The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has announced details of the two tenderers selected to proceed to the final stage of the Metro North PPP procurement competition - an eventual scheme that will generate 4,000 construction jobs. The successful firm are Celtic Metro Group, made up of Barclays P
01/07/2009
The Irish Arts Minister Martin Mansergh has travelled to Northern Ireland to officially open the newly refurbished Dún Uladh Cultural and Heritage Centre in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Refurbishment works included the installation of a new lift and balcony, recording studio, new sound and lighting systems a
01/07/2009
The new Luas bridge at Spencer Dock in Dublin has been officially opened. Spencer Dock Bridge is the principal structure along the LUAS Red Line C1 extension to the Point Depot which is scheduled to open this winter. It will carry the LUAS across the Royal Canal and along Mayor Street. Designs
01/07/2009
Over £2.3m worth of improvement works have been carried out on 65 flats at Duncairn Gardens in north Belfast. The flats, owned by the Housing Executive, are located at the junction of the Antrim Road and Duncairn Gardens in the city. Improvements were made to the internal layout of the individ
01/07/2009
A radical shake-up of the planning system has been announced today, with the launch of an online application process. According to Irish Environment Minister John Gormley, the ePlanning policy will improve the process for developers, and make it more efficient for both individuals and planning a
01/07/2009
Road works totalling £4.5m are to be carried out in the Dungannon and south Tyrone area this year, it has been announced. Speaking on the investment, Transport Minister Conor Murphy said the ongoing construction of the Dungannon to Ballygawley dual carriageway is progressing well, with completion
01/07/2009
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has moved to reassure Killiney residents of the adequate water pressure in the area, following a fire at a local pub. The council said a recent fire at the Graduate Pub had generated some misleading comment on the adequacy of public water supply. A spokesman
01/07/2009
Around 150 Northern Ireland companies have met with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) to discuss business opportunities emerging from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games at an Invest NI seminar. Invest NI said the meeting was organised to encourage and assist more Northern Ireland compa
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