Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for September 2009
30/09/2009
Work will start shortly on the £8m Lurgan and Portadown public realm works, following the appointment of SIAC Construction Ltd. The public realm works in both towns, which has taken three years in the planning, and will transform the town centres, helping to re-establish them as modern contemporary
30/09/2009
A Dublin youth club has reopened after undergoing refurbishment works worth €1.6m. The Bru Crumlin Youth Club was officially relaunched by Dublin Lord Mayor Emer Costello on St. Agnes Road, in Crumlin Dublin last week. Lord Mayor Costello said the provision of community and leisure facilities is a
30/09/2009
Calls to regenerate the Ulster Canal have been backed by senior Stormont representatives. Rural Affairs Minister Michelle Gildernew, Environment Minister Edwin Poots and DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson all gave their support to plans by Blackwater Regional Partnership to restore the waterway to its forme
30/09/2009
Funding has been made available to support the creation of a single representative organisation for all rural and local development companies in Ireland, it has been confirmed. Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív and junior minister John Curran said the move was first proposed in late 2008. It is
30/09/2009
The Mayor of Castlereagh, Lawrence Walker, has welcomed plans for a new Sainsbury’s supermarket in Dundonald. The deal will see a brand new 60,000 square foot store built at the disused Rolls Royce Factory on the Upper Newtownards Road in Dundonald. The store is subject to planning and it is prop
30/09/2009
A positive outlook for Ireland's 'green business' sector has been forecast. BVP Investments - which itself is an investor in green enterprises, such as Wavebob and Biomass Heating Solutions - said its prediction is based on analysis of projected growth in the sector throughout 2010. The current p
30/09/2009
Dublin-based on-line specialist product distributor Upkeepers has announced the recent launch of Owatrol Oil rust treatment. Managing Director of the company Brendan C Igoe said: "Owatrol Oil was originally discovered by a painting contractor who found that it stopped rust on a moored steel hulled
30/09/2009
Northern Ireland's Social Development Minister has joined a team of volunteers to help spruce up the Trojan Mobile at the New Model Farm, in Downpatrick. The team, from the Department for Social Development, painted the building and tidied the grounds around the mobile, which is used by over 300 lo
29/09/2009
A €500m investment into developing Ireland's green energy sector has been announced. The European Investment Bank is to lend the funds to help Ireland secure its sustainable electricity supplies and support Europe's economic recovery. Two loan contracts were signed in Dublin by EIB Vice Presiden
29/09/2009
Three Northern Ireland health care buildings have been internationally recognised for their design merits. Design teams behind the projects picked-up their accolades at the Design & Health International Academy Awards in Singapore. Knockbreda Health & Care Centre, Belfast and Altnagelvin Area Hos
29/09/2009
A new €3m visual arts centre has been officially opened in Carlow. Culture Minister Martin Cullen welcomed the completion of the scheme at Carlow College. The George Bernard Shaw Theatre redevelopment also formed part of the overall investment project. The new arts venue comprises a main link g
29/09/2009
A Northern Ireland district council is facing legal proceedings following an alleged breach of health and safety, which led to an employee's death. The digger driver was working for Fermanagh council at an Enniskillen landfill when he was killed. Ronnie Marshall's vehicle is believed to have fal
29/09/2009
One of Ireland's largest concrete producers has secured 120 jobs through a €30m investment, it has been confirmed. Kilsaran Group said the move will create 50 new jobs as well ensuring the retention of current staff. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey officially opened the firm's new 14-acre Co Meat
29/09/2009
Northern Ireland's Finance Minister has highlighted the huge growth in capital investment overseen by the Executive. Sammy Wilson was speaking after meeting with representatives from the Construction Industry Group for Northern Ireland (CIGNI). The discussions come as the latest in a series of me
29/09/2009
Public consultation has opened on the draft South Dublin County Development Plan The county council has prepared a draft plan for the period 2010-2016, which will replace the current Development Plan, which was adopted in 2004. The development plan seeks to shape the development of the south Dubl
29/09/2009
An assemblyman has said reformed rural planning legislation has highlighted the "draconian, knee-jerk" nature of its predecessor. Ulster Unionist Tom Elliott used his constituency Fermanagh as an example of the "disservice" PPS14 did for countryside communities. However, he said the new PPS21 sh
28/09/2009
House prices in Ireland will fall further, a top economist at one of the country's most prominent financial services group has said. Jim Power of Friends First suggested the Irish housing market is still "fundamentally in deep trouble". He said: "It will be a long, long time before any recovery a
28/09/2009
A major educational construction project is taking shape in Co Antrim. The project, to build an expanded Northern Regional College (NRC) in Newtownabbey, is a sign of the NI Executive's continued investment in young people, which Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said is paramount. He was speaking
28/09/2009
WYG Ireland has been awarded Engineers Ireland 'CPD Accredited Employer' status for a further three years - having first been awarded it over seven years ago in 2002. The accredited employer status recognises good organisational practice in the area of professional development for engineers and tec
28/09/2009
A new piece of public art has been installed in Belfast city centre. The Spirit of Belfast sculpture was unveiled at Cornmarket, in Arthur Square. New York artist Dan George's design was chosen in a public vote and replaces the old bandstand in the area. Unveiling the seven meter high sculpture
28/09/2009
Dublin-based Corcoran Products Limited has celebrated 40 years of importing and distributing STYROFOAMTM insulation to the Irish construction market. Corcoran sold its first load of STYROFOAM to developers of a mushroom farm in the 1960s, where a controlled, regular temperature was required. "Si
28/09/2009
Calls have been made to the Irish Environment Minister to "take the market out of housing". Irish Council of Social Housing director Donal McManus said the current situation provided an opportunity for John Gormley to reform the housing system. ICSH suggested a number of measures to reform, what
28/09/2009
A versatile and durable concept that could have applications for all types of building construction has taken top billing to win a major award. The Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) CONNECT's search for 'the next big thing' has concluded – and a team from the University of Ulster has walked away
28/09/2009
Plans for a new Asda supermarket in Belfast have been broadly welcomed. The store will be located on the Crumlin Road in the north of the city. Local assembly member Fred Cobain said the scheme could create up to 200 new jobs. "This news is a big boost to people in north Belfast and the jobs a
28/09/2009
The University of Ulster has won funding to set up a partnership with colleges in one of Africa's poorest countries - Malawi - to help educate and train students for jobs in urban and regional planning. The Education Partnerships in Africa (EPA) scheme, sponsored by the Department for Employment an
28/09/2009
BusinessSafety.ie has called on contractors and builders 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 legislation.
25/09/2009
A three-year energy initiative could create up to 1,000 new jobs, the Irish Rural Affairs Minister has said. The Western Development Commission’s Wood Energy Initiative could also generate an additional €15m per annum for rural area. Funded under the EU INTERREG Northern Periphery Programme, Éam
25/09/2009
Staff on short-time working at a local engineering company are to get back to normal hours. The FG Wilson employees will have their working hours increased from next month, it has been confirmed. The news follows months of reduced staffing within the engineering firm. A return to full-time shifts
25/09/2009
The Irish Architecture Foundation has announced the return of Open House Dublin for its fourth annual architectural outing. Over one weekend - from 8 to 11 October - buildings selected for their architectural quality and interest will open their doors to the public. "Open House Dublin has become
25/09/2009
The Stormont Executive is providing new buildings for over 100 local schools, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said Mr Wilson was speaking during a visit to the construction site at Banbridge Academy. He stressed the importance of investing in new school buildings. "The Executive is committed t
25/09/2009
An action plan aimed at enhancing the performance of the Land & Property Services Agency (LPS) has been unveiled by the Northern Ireland Environment Minister. Welcoming the document, Sammy Wilson recognised departmental backlogs had reduced. The action plan details how LPS will take forward reco
25/09/2009
An Ulster provider of aluminium and steel coatings has moved to larger premises in Co Down. Advanced Industrial Coatings (AIC) Ltd said its decision to relocate was prompted by continued growth in its architectural powder finishes sector. The new four acre greenfield site on the Hillsborough Roa
25/09/2009
Greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland have fallen by 13% since 1990, a new report has revealed. According to the latest figures in AEA Technology's, 'Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland', carbon dioxide emissions also decreased in that time by 9
25/09/2009
A new housing scheme has been launched to help homeless young people in Londonderry. The Francis Street Project provides accommodation as well as individual support packages tailored to meet the needs of people aged between 16 and 25. The accommodation is an innovative development offering furn
24/09/2009
Ireland's ability to achieve sustainable use of water is under long-term threat unless immediate action is taken, an environmental expert has warned. According to the latest industry trends, the country's water and wastewater infrastructure will fall short of needs without continued government inv
24/09/2009
A further £3.1m is to be invested in west Belfast as part of the Stewartstown Road regeneration project. It is hoped the planned environmental improvement scheme will enhance the area's physical character. Road, street lighting, footpaths, and street furniture will all be upgraded as part of the
24/09/2009
Sporting legends could soon be stepping out on newly created pitches constructed by a Co Armagh company at the new Aviva Stadium. Clive Richardson Ltd has secured a multi-million pound contract to construct a natural turf pitch and a synthetic pitch for the state-of-the-art Aviva Stadium, which wi
24/09/2009
Lisburn city's first hotel opening has been unanimously welcomed. The new Premier Inn will be the city's sole hotel offering. Constructed close to the Sprucefield shopping development, the local mayor said he hoped many more schemes would be attracted to the city. Allen Ewart said: "We'll not
24/09/2009
Dublin's Lord Mayor Emer Costello will officially open the city's newest play complexes tomorrow. The all weather playing facility at Redmonds Court, in Kilbarrack is the latest in a serious of investments backed by the council. The new open air facility boasts a synthetic grass surface and suit
24/09/2009
No decision has been made on the future introduction of water charges for Northern Ireland, the minister responsible has confirmed. Earlier media reports had suggested the new charge could be imposed upon householders by 2011. Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy dismissed the claims, insis
24/09/2009
A new online TV channel has been launched, aimed at improving safety within construction. Dublin-based Circle Safety officially unveiled Safety-TV, which offers over 400 titles. The firm has been involved in the provision of training materials to Irish safety professionals, using localised v
24/09/2009
Northern Ireland's Waste Management Strategy will be delivered in an effective and timely manner, Environment Minister Edwin Poots has said. The 2006-2020 strategy, together with the three sub-regional plans, provides the framework for establishing an integrated network of waste management facilit
23/09/2009
Proposals have been brought forward to build a new national hazardous waste facility in north Dublin. If the planning application is approve the plant will will treat ash from incinerators and then bury it on-site. Murphy Environmental, the firm behind the plans, hope to construct the facility at
23/09/2009
Over £225,000 is to be invested in external improvements at 130 Housing Executive properties in Downpatrick, it has been announced. Welcoming the start of the scheme, local district housing manager Aidan Brannigan said: "The Housing Executive continues to invest significantly in all parts of Down
23/09/2009
The Republic's Rural Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has sanctioned €11,434 to Coiste Halla Éinne to carry out maintenance work on Halla Éinne, An Cheathrú Rua, in Co Galway. This maintenance will involve health and safety works. Announcing the grant, Minister Ó Cuív said that great work is being
23/09/2009
Northern Ireland Roads Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the findings of the feasibility study into the Newry Southern Relief Road. Minister Murphy said he recognised the transport benefits that a new road link, between the A2 Warrenpoint Road dual carriageway and the A1 Belfast / Dublin Key Trans
23/09/2009
Ireland's Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) has said "serious consideration" should be given to a taxation report on stamp duty. SCS said it backed the concept of an annual property tax in lieu of stamp duty for purchasers of principal private residences. "It is of concern that any methodol
23/09/2009
Public spending cuts will affect Wexford's roads "very badly", the county manager has claimed. Eddie Breen said his views were supported by local councillors, following a €5m cut in repair funds this year. Central government's decision to slash the budget from €17m to €12m could be repeated agai
23/09/2009
The Chairman of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority is to appear before the Oireachtas Environment Committee. Niamh Brennan is set to face questions from TDs over developments within the docklands, including a glass processing plant. The meeting, which is expected to take place over the co
23/09/2009
Industrial cleaning firm AMTL has moved to new Dublin premises. The company was previously located in Tallaght, but management have said the move to Greenogue Business Park, in Rathcoole supports recent expansion. "Due to the continuing expansion of our various cleaning services the move has giv
22/09/2009
Proposals for a new hotel in the heart of Belfast city centre have been submitted to the planning service. The 26-storey £50m scheme, brought forward by developer Sun Explorer would be built in the Castle Street/King Street area. Featuring 144 services apartments, the developer said the Vetro b
22/09/2009
Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has sanctioned €422,100 to Coiste Halla na Feothanaí, Baile na nGall, in Co Kerry, to carry out restoration work on their community hall. Extensive restoration work needs to be carried out, including repairs to the roof, new floors and a new heating system, said
22/09/2009
Mid-Ulster assemblyman Billy Armstrong has highlighted the plight of the local construction sector, following the publication of the latest unemployment data. The Ulster Unionist MLA said a heavy toll has been paid by the building industry, particularly small building firms and associated trades.
22/09/2009
A review of Wicklow's county development plan could see a easing in rural planning restrictions, it has been revealed. The six year draft plan is set to be unveiled to the public next month. Local councillors have suggested loosening planning guidelines for those hoping to build in rural village
22/09/2009
A final regeneration masterplan aimed at transforming the westside of Belfast city centre has been published. It comes the same week proposals were put forward for a new £50m hotel in the area. Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the masterplan "holds the prospect of promoting new ho
22/09/2009
The Irish construction industry's tender prices now match 1999 levels, it has been revealed. Figures published by the Society of Chartered Surveyors show prices have fallen to those last seen a decade ago. According to the data, not only have building prices continued to drop since the last half
22/09/2009
Northern Ireland's Transport Minister Conor Murphy has addressed concerns raised by landowners affected by the A5 Western Transport Corridor scheme. Speaking during a meeting with local representatives Tom Elliott and Jim Nicholson, the Minister also discussed developments on the preferred route a
22/09/2009
Clare Council has confirmed it was awaiting approval from the government to carry out a range of accessibility works in 17 towns and villages throughout the county. Finance totalling €371,000 has been allocated for the proposed works under the Disability Strategy Funding for 2009. The prioritised
21/09/2009
Full planning permission has been granted for an £800m regeneration project in the north Dublin town of Ballymun. Treasury Holdings' Spring Cross development is Ireland's largest mixed-use town centre scheme. Treasury has said it expects to create 2,000 building jobs over the three-year project.
21/09/2009
Northern Ireland Transport Minister Conor Murphy has approved a new £2.6m road scheme designed to remove a bottleneck on the A29 route between Dungannon and Cookstown. The Minister was speaking during a site visit to the A29 Carland Bridge Realignment Scheme to view progress on this major construc
21/09/2009
The Green Party has announced new guidelines to prevent the over-zoning of land. Speaking from the party’s annual Think-In in Athlone, Environment Minister John Gormley revealed the level of over-rezoning carried out across Irish towns and villages in the past number of years. "In some areas enou
21/09/2009
Works have started on a new £160,000 play facility in south Down. Preforming the sod cutting ceremony, Social Development Minister, and local MLA, Margaret Ritchie said the park would provide a much-needed resource to the children of Downpatrick. "This new play park will not only provide a muc
21/09/2009
Ireland's Environment Minister has stressed the importance of a resurgence in professional architects when the economy recovers. Addressing the European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE), John Gormley praised the industry for its focus on training and continual improvements despite th
21/09/2009
The Junior Education Minister, Seán Haughey, has officially handed over Dublin 7 Educate Together National School to the board of management. The building project is a temporary two-storey 16-classroom primary school with special needs and ancillary accommodation. Speaking at the school, Minister
21/09/2009
The Construction Industry Federation has renewed its calls for all sectors of the trade to support the Lisbon Treaty. CIF president Andy O'Gorman said a 'Yes' vote would support economic recovery and provide the basis for "sustainable growth into the future". "It is clear that we will best positi
21/09/2009
A new mixed-use business plant has opened in Letterkenny. The CoLab centre, part of 20 nation-wide incubation campuses, will provide new office space to the local business community. Enterprise Minister Mary Coughlan officially opened the new facility. She said: "Just like the other 20 incubat
18/09/2009
Londonderry' Waterside Theatre has reopened following a massive refurbishment programme. Works were undertaken as part of a £4m redevelopment scheme for the north west region. Allocation of funding for the threatre project was first announced in late 2005. Significant progress has been made at
18/09/2009
Proposals have been published for a new wastewater treatment plant in South Tipperary. Local authorities have sought views on the plans, which would see a new facility constructed in the village of Golden. The nature and extent of the proposed development will include the building of a plant in
18/09/2009
A project designed to regenerate the streets of Ballyclare town centre has been completed. The £676,000 public realm scheme was unveiled by NI Social Development Minister Margaret Richie. Works involved the replacement of the existing street surfaces and street lighting, aimed at enhancing the o
18/09/2009
Wicklow County Council has invited annual quotations for construction services. The authority will seek suppliers of plant and tool hire, and haulage services. According to the council, the quotation remit will include concrete products, drainage pipes, ducts and fittings, and well as electrica
18/09/2009
Engineering firm TES has opened a new manufacturing facility in Cookstown. The 15,000 square foot building at Kilcronagh Industrial Estate is part of the major £4.4m investment by the wastewater treatment specialist. Invest NI has offered £345,000 towards TES's expansion plans. The firm has ju
18/09/2009
Refurbishment works have commenced at Ballyfermot Public Library in Dublin. Essential roof repairs will be undertaken as part of the scheme. The city council approved the access works under grant aid from the DOEHLG National Disability Strategy 2009. "Roof repairs were conducted as required ove
18/09/2009
A Co Down man has been found guilty of breaching waste management legislation and damaging the environment at Newry Crown Court. Patrick McComiskey, 55, of Ballynahatten Road, Kilkeel was found guilty by a jury on two counts of breaching the Waste and Contaminated Land Order (NI) 1997. On several
18/09/2009
Trade Mouldings has launched a new range of curved doors and matching curved accessories. Eighteen different stock doors now available with curved door options and accessories, the firm said. "Some of the curved door designs are unique to Trade Mouldings and are not currently available from any o
17/09/2009
A new £32m water treatment system has been officially opened at Dunore Point, in Antrim. The plant forms part of the wider Project Alpha, a £110m upgrade scheme of the existing water treatment facilities at Dunore Point, Ballinrees, in Coleraine; Castor Bay, in Craigavon; and Moyola, in Magherafel
17/09/2009
An independent review of the Irish government's housing strategy has recommended more funds be directed to filling unoccupied properties rather than building new homes. Housing Minister Michael Finneran launched the report into capital funding for the voluntary and co-operative housing sectors, wh
17/09/2009
A south Antrim Assembly man has claimed Northern Ireland's "invaluable" international airport is marred by poor transport links. Ulster Unionist Danny Kinahan said the Regional Development Minister was aware of the inadequacies in links into the city, to the M2 and M1. "While the International Ai
17/09/2009
A Monaghan-based furniture firm has completed the fit-out for a new student library at Cavan Institute, one of Ireland's largest colleges of further education. Recently established Vermilion beat off stiff competition from other contract furniture companies to provide a modern furniture fit-out at
17/09/2009
Construction consultant WYG Ireland has announced plan to roll out a number of Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) courses to construction workers throughout Northern Ireland. WYG delivers the CIOB’s Experienced Practitioners Assessed Programme and is now the province's only training provider ac
17/09/2009
Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney has unveiled a 'Threshold Stone' at the site of Belfast's new Lyric Theatre. Its installation marks the commencement of works at the Ridgeway Street state-of-the-art development. Standing on the recently-laid foundations of the new building, Mr Heaney said: "The renov
17/09/2009
Essential Skills initiative students in the Building Services Engineering (BSE) sector have been lauded by the Employment Minister. Hosting a reception at Stormont, Sir Reg Empey brought together some of Northern Ireland’s leading employers in the sector, as well as representatives from employer fe
17/09/2009
An new-look Clara library has been opened in Co Offaly. The newly refurbished facility now offers extended services to library users. A new dedicated children's section has been designation, as has a new teen space for teenage members. The library has a stock of over 10,000 items including book
17/09/2009
The countdown to a £25,000 commerce and business accolade and the announcement of the innovative 'next big thing' is underway today. In a collaboration between academia and business next week's NI Science Park Connect £25K awards dinner will conclude the search for the 'next big thing' in NI's busi
16/09/2009
Restoration works at Belfast's historic city hall have been completed. Main contractor Graham officially handed the building back to council officials this week, after undertaking the landmark £11m refurbishment scheme. The two-year project involved the replacement of heating, mechanical and elec
16/09/2009
Environment Minister John Gormley has officially opened an event celebrating Irish architecture and building design. He encouraged citizens to avail of the unique opportunity Open House provides to visit a wide range of buildings of architectural merit. The Minister highlighted that Galway is the
16/09/2009
All parties at Stormont should unite to ensure housing is a priority, an SDLP MLA has said. Thomas Burns called on all Assembly members to put pressure on Finance Minister Sammy Wilson to release more funds. Speaking after an SDLP amendment asking the Social Development Minister to review rather
16/09/2009
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has sanctioned works to revamp 56 homes in the Waterside area of Derry. Kitchens in various locations such as Drumgesh, Esker and Farlow are being updated and brought up to current day standards at a cost of £250,000. Avril McAllister, Housing Executive Di
16/09/2009
Northern Ireland electricity prices are 12% lower than prices across the Irish border, according to reports seen by Fine Gael Energy Spokesman Simon Coveney. The TD said consumers have a right to ask if they are "being ripped off". "ESB consumers have long felt that the rates they are paying are f
16/09/2009
Councillor Gerry Gallagher has been appointed chair of the Northern Ireland Housing Council for the next year. Mr Gallagher replaces Larne Mayor Bobby McKee who has chaired the body for the last twelve months. Councillor James Brown from Carrickfergus Borough Council was elected to the position
16/09/2009
Castledawson-based MOYOLA Precision Engineering is set to implement a £400,000 employee training initiative to enhance its operations, it has been announced. The move has been backed by Invest NI. MOYOLA supplies a range of high specification complex components and tools for use in the aerospace,
16/09/2009
A seminar explaining a new timber quality standard will be held in Dublin next week. Delegates from the construction industry are invited to attend the 'A New Standard for Timber Frame - IS440 Explained' event at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Dublin Airport on Wednesday 23 September. IS440, a new Irish
15/09/2009
Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has opened a new extension at Ballybay Central National School, in Athlone, Co Roscommon. Minister O'Keeffe awarded the school €764,000 to build four classrooms and two ancillary rooms, as well as installing a new sewerage and drainage system and upgrading mechanic
15/09/2009
Plans for a community building project in Dún Laoghaire have been revised to allow for extra parking spaces. The local authority has already been granted permission to demolish around 70 maisonettes in Mounttown to make way for the development. A new three storey community facility, including cr
15/09/2009
Around £1m a day is being used to help 'build' business for the ailing NI construction industry. That's according to Finance Minister Sammy Wilson who said that the Stormont Executive has committed record levels of capital investment in recent years. During a visit to John Graham Holdings Ltd - a
15/09/2009
Ireland's Construction Safety Partnership (CSP) has been lauded for reaching the mid point of its three year plan. Congratulating the CSP, Minster for Labour Affairs Dara Calleary called on the industry to give its continued support to the partnership's work. The Minister warned against safety a
15/09/2009
Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots has updated the Assembly on the proposals for reform of the planning system. The Minister said that the proposals for reform represent the most far-reaching changes to the planning system in Northern Ireland in over 30 years. He said: "It is import
15/09/2009
A Co Armagh man has been fined £400 plus £75 legal costs and £25 court costs at Craigavon Magistrates' Court for failing to comply with planning regulations. Dean Douglas of 29 Harcourts Hill, Portadown pleaded guilty to non-compliance with a Planning Enforcement Notice seeking the removal of a wor
15/09/2009
North Down Council has agreed to withdraw the sale of three areas of land in the district. The three main political parties jointly recommended sites at Clandeboye Road, Bangor; Fort Road, Helen's Bay and Old Quay Road, Holywood be removed from the market. The decision to test the market value o
15/09/2009
Electricity generated from landfill gas will be provided with a higher level of financial assistance, the Northern Ireland Energy Minister has said. Arlene Foster's announcement follows approval from the European Commission to the enhanced support under its State Aid rules. Welcoming the Commis
14/09/2009
Residents in a Co Antrim housing area have celebrated the completion of their estate's new entrance feature. Designed to mark the 50th anniversary of Ballyclare's Ollardale estate, it was praised by Newtownabbey Mayor, Alderman John Scott. He was joined by NI Housing Executive Chief Executive, Pad
14/09/2009
Although the building trade continues to be hardest hit, overall economic activity is increasing. Ulster Bank has reported that over one in four firms have seen a rise in business activity in August, a figure not seen since October 2007. The bank's authoritative Purchase Managers Index survey foun
14/09/2009
A high school student has finished as runner-up in a competition to name Newry and Mourne's new waste management project. Upon completion the project will create new waste management facilities that will allow the district council to meet landfill reduction targets set by central government and th
14/09/2009
Craigavon Borough Council has offered Lurgan high street businesses the chance to enhance their exterior through a new Shop Front Improvement Scheme. The innovative scheme, which offers grants towards external improvements to shop premises, is available to all independent retailers in the town.
14/09/2009
Dáil Environment Minister John Gormley has come under fire for his handling of the Dublin Development Docklands Authority (DDDA). Fine Gael environment spokesman Phil Hogan accused Mr Gormley of engaging in "classic Fianna Fáil tactics" by refusing to order the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
14/09/2009
Ireland's Energy Minister has opened public consultation on the design of the government’s Energy Demand Reduction Target Programme (EDRT), focused on promoting energy services by Irish energy companies and creating new jobs. Eamon Ryan said the EDRT programme offers the potential to significantly
14/09/2009
Wicklow County Council has appointed G. Kelly Site Development Ltd to carry out a €1.84m pipeline project in Arklow. Works will involved the construction of collection and distribution mains to augment the existing water supply to the town, under the Arklow Water Supply Scheme. Approving the fun
14/09/2009
New life has been given to old buildings at Limerick's Institute of Technology. Refurbished buildings now house the Institute's new School of Art and Design. Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe said the finished building project has retained links to the past, while pointing to a new era of creativi
11/09/2009
Longford County Council has appointed ShareRidge Ltd to carry out mains rehabilitation works under its water conservation programme. The €1.73m works have been approved for funding under his Department of Environment's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. The approved project involves t
11/09/2009
A Fine Gael TD has raised further concerns over the proposed NAMA scheme following a high court ruling on the case of a troubled developer. Enterprise Spokesman Leo Varadkar said the Zoe ruling exposed "the conspiracy of silence at the heart of the Government's bailout of bankers and developers".
11/09/2009
Ireland's Construction Industry Federation has put its weight behind a 'yes' vote on the Lisbon Treaty. It has called on all sectors of construction industry to support the referendum, which it says will bolster economic recovery, jobs and provide the basis for sustainable growth into the future.
11/09/2009
Fermanagh-based electrical engineering firm G R White & Son Ltd has secured an export contract worth £1.3m. The family-run company, an Invest Northern Ireland client, provides electrical installation services to the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors and has recently diversified into elect
11/09/2009
Funding has been granted for the upgrade of a wastewater treatment facility in Ardmore, Co Waterford. The contract has been awarded to P Elliot & Co, who will undertake works on the collection network in Cappoquin and provide an interim wastewater treatment system. The project forms part of the
11/09/2009
There will be two temporary weekend closures of the Westlink /York Street Junction to allow resurfacing work to take place, the Road Service has announced. The M2 / M3 bound carriageway of Westlink, between Divis Street and York Street, and York Street Junction will be closed from 9pm on Saturday
11/09/2009
More than 300 people took part in a street protest in Ennis, Co Clare, this afternoon in opposition to a proposal by An Bord Snip Nua to end the Rural Transport Programme. Members and supporters of Clare Accessible Transport (CAT), who were participating in a nationwide day of action against the pr
11/09/2009
Time is running out for landlords and agents who want to benefit from a reduction on their rates bills, the government has said. The Land & Property Services reminded landlords and agents that their rates should be paid in full by 30 September 2009 in order to receive an allowance on the total amo
10/09/2009
Road works have commenced at a congested Derry roundabout system. Launching the first phase of the scheme, Transport Minister Conor Murphy revealed significant funding for the upgrade came from local developers. The existing Culmore Road / Madam’s Bank Road Roundabout was constructed in the ear
10/09/2009
Irish transport firm Iarnród Éireann has said it intends to repair a collapsed railway bridge in November. However, the company said a full report into the Malahide incident may not be published for another six months. TDs have visited the site, where they were reassured by rail officials works
10/09/2009
Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has announced details of support prices for new categories of renewable energy generated in Ireland. The Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) is a Government scheme designed to stimulate the growth of the renewable energy industry in Ireland, and prices are paya
10/09/2009
Around €10m has been allocated to Dublin City Council to extend cycling routes. The investment will see a premium, largely off-road, continuous cycle route constructed to link Rathmines on the southside and Fairview Park on the northside. Announcing the investment, Transport Minister Noel Dempsey
10/09/2009
Over 80 homes on the Meadowbrook Estate in Craigavon are to undergo improvement works, the NI Housing Executive has announced. The £500,000 scheme is part of the agency's programme to improve housing stock in addition to the normal planned maintenance programme and repair service. District Manag
10/09/2009
Northern Ireland's public transport provider, Translink, has launched its first ever Biodiversity Action Plan. The plan, which is a key element of Translink’s environmental strategy, will guide the conservation of the natural heritage found in and around Translink’s property, within the context of
10/09/2009
Irish Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív has announced conversions of an electrical supply from Single Phase to Three Phase may be eligible for funding under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The Department previously had run a very successful programme under the CLÁR scheme which funded t
10/09/2009
Dublin-based home improvement product distributor Igoe International Ltd has announced the launch of Thermilate Eco Insulating Plaster in Ireland. Managing Director Brendan Igoe said Thermilate as an offshoot from technology discovered initially during the NASA space programme, where the reflective
10/09/2009
Hampshire-based heavy haulage transport specialist Andover Trailers has been appointed sole UK and Ireland distributor for Trailer System Engineering (TSE), a German company which manufactures specialist trailer components ranging from sliding roofs to body kits for commercial vehicles and trailers.
09/09/2009
Building projects in four third-level institutions - delivered under the Irish Government's public-private partnership (PPP) plan - will create hundreds of jobs in construction, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has said. Minister O'Keeffe was speaking in the University of Limerick at the market lau
09/09/2009
Queries have been raised with the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) regarding the future of a former police station in east Belfast. The Mountpottinger barracks was closed last month and remains in the ownership of the Policing Board. However, Sinn Féin representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has contacted t
09/09/2009
Carlow councillors have attacked the planning appeals board, claiming it has "something against" the Bagenalstown area. Councillor Paddy Kiely raised concerns over the level of planning objections, with colleague David O'Brien suggesting Bord Pleanala is "answerable to no-one". Mr O'Brien said th
09/09/2009
Trevor Woods, a joinery apprentice from Co Fermanagh, has won a coveted bronze medal at the WorldSkills competition in Calgary. Trevor, a City and Guilds qualified apprentice employed by McAleer and Teague, Dromore, beat some of the best young skilled people in the world to win the medal at the big
09/09/2009
A housing experts has predicted a further slump in the South-East's property market. Citing Carlow as the worst affected, independent adviser Eamonn Long said he expects mortgage lending to become increasingly tight. Thousands of home owners in the area have already fallen in to negative equity.
09/09/2009
Alliance's sports spokesperson has slammed the IFA's decision to back a redevelopment scheme at Windsor Park. Kieran McCarthy said the move has damaged the chances of a shared all-sports stadium being built. The Strangford MLA said: "Sprucing up dilapidated facilities is not the way forward - a n
09/09/2009
Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has met with southern counterpart Brian Lenihan to discuss the emerging proposals for a National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) in Ireland. At the meeting Mr Wilson outlined his concerns about the importance of managing carefully the disposal of any stressed b
09/09/2009
Stormont Energy Minister Arlene Foster has met Lord Mogg, President of the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) in Brussels as part of her work to secure a sustainable energy future for Northern Ireland. The minister discussed the role of the council in meeting the European Union’s (EU) goa
09/09/2009
The Ark, an inspiring building on the outskirts of Wexford in Southern Ireland has won the prize for best Architect designed and Specified Project at the 2009 Icynene annual awards. The 24,000 sq ft building, designed by Stephen Carr Architects, is recognised as a model for energy efficient constru
08/09/2009
Work has begun on a new Belfast office park, aimed at bolstering economic recovery. The scheme, located on the bank of the River Lagan, is being developed by Graham. Expected to offer 39 offices and 260 parking spaces, Ravenhill Reach Office Park will also boast views of Ormeau Park. According
08/09/2009
A public poll is further "proof" the Government's NAMA plans should be "ditched", Fine Gael's financial spokesman has said. A survey conducted by the Irish Times/MRBI found just one in four voters supported the Government's approach. "It is crystal clear that the public share Fine Gael’s belief th
08/09/2009
Plans to invest in Belfast's Windsor Park have been backed by the Irish Football Association. The IFA said it "agreed in principle" with redevelopment proposals for the stadium, which comes just months after the government officially axed plans for a national sporting complex. A much mooted schem
08/09/2009
Sligo's O'Connell Street will reopened in early December, a local councillor has confirmed. Fine Gael's Matt Lyons said traffic flow in the area would recommence on 9 December, after the borough council was given proposals detailing the street's redevelopment. Final plans and costings for the sc
08/09/2009
The NI Housing Executive has commenced a £151,000 kitchen improvement scheme in Magherafelt. The 35 homes benefiting from the project are located in Parkview, Riverside North and South in Castledawson. District Manager Eddie Doherty said investment in this type of work helps to make a difference
08/09/2009
Bank of Ireland is to restore its branch in the Kilkenny town of Graiguenamanagh. The bank was badly structurally damaged following a ram-raid in June. It was left practically demolished when robbers ripped an ATM machine from the building. Repair works are expected to being within the next fortn
08/09/2009
Intelligent use of energy at schools will create a new generation of engineers and scientists, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has said. 'The Intelligent Use Of Energy At School' project - led by the Clean Technology Centre in CIT - encourages students to consider small adjustments that have an i
08/09/2009
A new one-way system is to be built in the Park Lane area of Bray, Wicklow County Council has said. Plans have also been announced for a new pedestrian crossing on Mill Road. The council has made the proposals available for inspection at its area office on Mill Road. The construction of a new fo
07/09/2009
Plans for a new boutique hotel in the heart of Belfast's emerging Titanic Quarter have been welcomed by a local MLA. The themed five-star complex will be developed at Harland & Wolff headquarters, where original plans were drafted for the doomed liner. Boasting 90-bedrooms, the proposed hotel, lo
07/09/2009
John Fitzgerald has been appointed Chairperson of the soon to be established Dublin Transport Authority. Transport Minister Noel Dempsey also announced that Gerry Murphy will be appointed Chief Executive Officer designate of the Authority, arising from a competition held by the Public Appointments
07/09/2009
A Fermanagh Assemblyman has hit out at the Department of Social Development, after learning a review of housing provision in rural areas has not resulted in the necessary work being undertaken. Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, said a survey was carried out by Rural Community Network following disc
07/09/2009
Stablising Ireland's public finances could be achieved by introducing a new property tax, a report has suggested. A 550-page document published by the Commission on Taxation has recommended 230 potential moves to bolster the public purse. One mooted idea is an annual property tax on all resident
07/09/2009
A £20,000 refurbishment project has commenced at Annacurra Community Centre in Co Wicklow. Works have been undertaken to restore and improve the building, which will allow it to house more local community activities. Locals have been central in raising funds to carry out to scheme, with the hall
07/09/2009
Ireland's Minister for Lifelong Learning, Seán Haughey, has opened new facilities at the Institute of Business and Technology, in Swords village, north Co Dublin. The Institute is a private college, established in 2004, which provides a range of full-time and part-time accredited academic programme
07/09/2009
A seminar has been held in Bray, Co Wicklow, to advise first time buyers planning on entering the property market. The free event took place at the Grand Hotel and was backed by EBS. Talks centred on choosing the right property, mortgage lender and legal team. Both Clive Quinn and Audrey Cluskey
07/09/2009
Ireland's Environment has approved new regulations strengthening the law against waste disposal by uncontrolled burning, so-called yard burning. John Gormley said the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 makes more explicit the offence of disposal of waste by
04/09/2009
Northern Ireland's first Olympic sized swimming pool is to be built in Bangor, Co Down, it has been confirmed. Stormont Sports Minister Nelson McCausland said approval has now been given for the full business case for the 50 metre pool, which will be built by North Down Borough Council. The gover
04/09/2009
Job losses at two firms in Portlaoise has been described as a "hammer blow" for the region by one local TD. Fine Gael's Olwyn Enright expressed her sympathy at the news both Banagher Concrete and Morrison Utility Services in the town would be making cutbacks. It is believed over 60 jobs in total a
04/09/2009
The developer behind luxury apartments at an iconic former south Belfast bakery is heading for court. However, it is the buyers who snapped up the first homes made available in the Belfast development who are the target. Prospective buyers of apartments at 'The Bakery' on the Ormeau Road claim the
04/09/2009
A new masterplan aimed at regenerating Carrickfergus town centre has been published. Social Development Minister Margaret Richie called on local people to express their views on the proposals. The draft plan identifies key town centre sites for redevelopment and regeneration along with the most a
04/09/2009
Clare TD Tony Killeen has welcomed news that local households and businesses are to benefit from a significant cut in their gas bills next month. The Commission for Energy Regulation has ruled that gas prices are to decrease by 9.8% while electricity prices are to be reduced by 0.2%. Mr Killeen sa
04/09/2009
An award-winning European design group has been selected to create the new interpretive centre at Northern Ireland's foremost world heritage site - the Giant's Causeway. Event Communications, which has offices in Dublin and London, will formulate the interiors for the new building. The overall bui
04/09/2009
Thirty kitchens are to be upgraded in the Sullenboy Park area of Cookstown as part of a £123,000 investment by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). Cookstown District Manager Ivan Armstrong said the scheme is good news for tenants and underscores NIHE's commitment to improve housing cond
04/09/2009
Sainsbury's has opened its largest supermarket in Northern Ireland with the launch of the new 69,000 sq ft store at the Kennedy Centre in west Belfast. The opening brings to an end months of construction and fit out work at the Kennedy Centre site. David Davidson, Sainsbury’s regional operations m
04/09/2009
Stormont's Environment Minister Edwin Poots has urged Northern Ireland householders hit by the recent floods to contact their local councils in order to access Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme. The Minister, speaking from an affected area in Castlereagh, said funds will be made available to lo
03/09/2009
Around 100 construction jobs at to be created at a Belfast housing development, it has been revealed. The McGinnis Group is set to construct the scheme on a site bought from the administrators of the bankrupt Taggart Holdings. The Saintfield Road development is expected to take up to two years to
03/09/2009
The move by Anglo Irish Bank to advance Liam Carroll's Zoe Group €68m to finish building the bank's new HQ in the Dublin Docklands would be a "totally inappropriate use of taxpayers' money", TD Phil Hogan has said. Fine Gael front bencher Mr Hogan said it would be a "gross misuse" of taxpayers' mon
03/09/2009
Urban designer and highway contractor, Emtek, has developed a new construction devision, which the Lurgan firm hopes will help it secure more industrial, commercial and residential work. Emtek was established by Eddie McKee in 1994, employing three members of staff. Today the firm, which has been
03/09/2009
Businesses and organisations in Co Clare planning to upgrade their electrical supply may be eligible for funding under the Rural Development Programme, a local TD has said. The funding applies to conversions of an electrical supply from Single Phase to Three Phase. Three Phase supply is required f
03/09/2009
Lisburn council is being forced to pick up the tab for sub-standard recreational amenities in housing developments, a city councillor has claimed. The SDLP's Brian Heading cited the a playground on the Mount Eagles estate in Lagmore, which he described as "poor quality". Mr Heading said this has
03/09/2009
Plans to start resurfacing work on a section of the M1 Motorway, have been announced. Road Service said the resurfacing works will take place on the westbound section between Junction 9 Moira and Junction 10 Lurgan. Works will run from 5 to 7 September, having previously been scheduled for 22 to
03/09/2009
Work injuries have fallen by 12% in the last year, the Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland has revealed. During the period April 2008 to March 2009, reported accidents fell by 12% on the previous year. Injuries have dropped by 30% since the Executive was established 10 years ago, acco
03/09/2009
Wind energy could form the bedrock for achieving Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets, the Environment Minister has said. Speaker at the Irish Wind Energy Association Workshop in Belfast, Edwin Poots reaffirmed his support for the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies.
02/09/2009
More than 500 new houses are needed in Londonderry immediately to tackle homelessness, a city councillor has claimed. Sinn Féin's Tony Hassan also said that a further 600 hundred new dwellings will be necessary over the next three years to combat demand. Mr Hassan, the Housing Spokesperson on De
02/09/2009
Cavan County Council has been accredited by Engineers Ireland in recognition of its commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) systems, and practices for engineering and technical staff. "We are very pleased to have received this prestigious award for a maximum of three years," said a
02/09/2009
Work is set to commence soon on the next stage of the Ballycastle-Drainage Area Plan Project, NI Water has said. The work, which is expected to commence early this month and last for 12 weeks, will involve laying a new combined sewer from the football pitches at Quay Road to the Diamond. Tim Gill
02/09/2009
Suggestions by the Dublin government that the Irish property market has "rebounded" have been refuted by opposition party Fine Gael. The party has also said the country's taxpayers should be 'fearful' of the NAMA, which it claims is a bailout for developers and banks. "The main party in governm
02/09/2009
Stormont Minister Sir Reg Empey has joined other UK skills ministers at the WorldSkills competition in Calgary to cheer on Team UK. Sir Reg will be spending three days at the competition before visiting Bombardier in Montreal as part of his North American trip. The WorldSkills competition, which r
02/09/2009
Final consultation has been opened on revised building legislation. Launching the process, Daíl Environment Minister John Gormley said the review of Part M of the building regulations relates to the access of facilities in new buildings. The regulations will also stretch to existing buildings whe
02/09/2009
A new European qualification for all professional lorry drivers has been launched in Northern Ireland. From 10 September, new drivers entering the industry will need to pass the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) Initial Qualification, as well as holding a relevant vocational driv
02/09/2009
The Rental Accommodation Scheme has been expanded in Kilkenny. The county authority is currently seeking one bedroom dwellings to rent under the scheme in Kilkenny city and environs area. Landlords will have their rents guaranteed for the duration of contract. Contracts are for a minimum period of
01/09/2009
A Dublin deputy called on Sean Dunne’s hotel group to "stop flouting the planning regulations," after a shop and off-licence opened in his Ballsbridge Hotel without planning permission. Fine Gael's Lucinda Creighton said the shop should be shut "down right now". "Sean Dunne cannot be allowed to d
01/09/2009
There has been a major drop in sales of public housing across NI. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has seen a £92m fall in revenue generated from house and land sales in the last three years. Acknowledging a challenging year ahead, Chairman Brian Rowntree said his organisation would continu
01/09/2009
Piling and anchoring contractor Trench Control has installed its first water inflated coffer dam in Co Meath. The barrier was installed across the River Boyne to provide a safe working environment for Siac Construction, which is installing a diffuser pipe from the new Wastewater Treatment Plant in
01/09/2009
Calls made two years ago in the Irish Seanad for more service and rest stations to be built on national primary routes have been "blatantly ignored," according to a Fine Gael Senator. Paudie Coffey said Ireland now has 300km of national roads re-designated as motorways with not a single rest or ref
01/09/2009
Water and sewerage infrastructure works on North Road in Newtownards has been completed ahead of schedule, NI Water had said. The work, which represents an investment of £230,000 by the body, involved upgrading the existing water main and laying a new sewer. Senior Project Manager Keith Haslett
01/09/2009
Resurfacing works have commenced in Ballybrack, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has said. The council has closed Old Wyattville Road from its junction with the Wyattville Dual Carriageway to its junction with Shanganagh Road/Military Road in order to facilitate the road works. The overall sc
01/09/2009
Further works as part of the Strandhill waste water treatment project and subsequent coastal protection scheme have been proposed by Sligo County Council. The works at Killaspugbrone will involved the construction of 260 linear metres of augmented storm beach essentially comprising 1.5 - 2 tonne ro
01/09/2009
More finance has been made available for community capital projects in rural areas of Ireland. The European Commission's move to relax Axes 3 & 4 (LEADER Axes) of the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013 has been welcomed by Communities Minister Éamon Ó Cuív. The programme represents an
01/09/2009
Kevin Kelly has been appointed chair of Project Management Holdings (PM Group). Mr Kelly has served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board for seven years. Since 2007 he has chaired the PM board's Audit, Risk & Finance Committee, in addition to operating as a Senior Independent Director since t
01/09/2009
A Co Antrim company specialising in woodworking equipment is about to go 'on show'. Following the success of its previous in-house exhibitions, M.J. Woodworking in Antrim has announced that this year's woodworking machinery show will again be held at their main showroom in Antrim. A spokesman said
