Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for March 2010
31/03/2010
A second foreign contract deal has just been signed by a Belfast-based construction business. Just weeks after Lagan Construction won a £105 million contract for the construction of the new Benazir Bhutto International Airport at Islamabad, Pakistan, the go-ahead firm has revealed that a two-year
31/03/2010
Around half of professional services firms in the Northern Ireland construction sector made redundancies in the last two years, according to a new report. The report details the effect of the downturn on workers in the building industry, including quantity surveyors, architects, civil engineers, th
31/03/2010
One of the beneficiaries of innovative funding from a rural development scheme is an Omagh-based manufacturing company, Colton Concrete. It received a grant of £50,000 from Assisting Rural Communities North West (ARC NW) to expand its product line. The NI Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gilde
31/03/2010
Democratic Unionist spin doctors last night scrambled to quash questions raised by the BBC over a land deal involving First Minister Peter Robinson. The report revealed Mr Robinson and his wife Iris, purchased a small parchment of land close to their home in 2006 from developer Fred Fraser, who is
31/03/2010
A furniture store boss, Paul O'Neill of Regal Furniture, Balmoral Road Belfast, has pleaded guilty at Laganside Magistrates' Court in relation to the erection of three unauthorised advertisements. Mr O'Neill was fined £50 for each advertisement displayed (£150 in total) at Regal Furniture, Balmora
31/03/2010
A Tipperary-based supplier of concrete and construction equipment has announced the launch of its new website. Baynard Group has over 25 years experience in the construction industry and claims it is "well positioned to provide expert professional advice on the equipment requirement of each project
31/03/2010
With plans now being formulated for the regeneration of Ballyclare Town Centre, local retailers and residents are being urged to have their say with regards to the future of the town centre. Substantial building construction contracts are expected to be created after the full consultation period an
31/03/2010
One of NI's top construction sector companies is urging other firms to get their boots on to help raise funds for a cancer charity. David Henry, Building Services Manager of Belfast-based contractor Farrans, who took part in last year's Ben Nevis Challenge (pictured) with a group of 14 colleagues s
31/03/2010
There has been a warning that both current and future vital research and development jobs at Crumlin-based Randox Laboratories will be being threatened over an application to build an incinerator plant at nearby Glenavy. SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns said: "I am not happy that fears raised by
31/03/2010
Three people have been fined at Laganside Magistrates' Court for non-compliance with Planning Service Enforcement Notices. Hugh O'Neill of Ingledale Park, Belfast was fined £200 and ordered to pay solicitor costs of £70 and court summons costs of £25, for the erection of an unauthorised dormer at I
30/03/2010
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) have launched a bid to use pension funds to invest in major civil engineering and infrastructure projects. In a joint statement released at the end of March, the Congress and the CIF said that with no major projects i
30/03/2010
Salaries for new employees within the Irish construction industry have fallen drastically, a new survey has found. According to the latest IrishJobs.ie salary survey, benchmark salaries for new employees in most jobs are down by between 5% and 20% since 2008. The average construction salary is dow
30/03/2010
Experts from the worlds of architecture and geology have joined forces to unveil the first-ever guide to detail the natural resources used to build some of Northern Ireland's best-known landmarks. 'Stone By Stone' was written as a collaborative project between Stone Conservation Services, Consarc
30/03/2010
A multi-million pound construction-based business that began in 1973 as a small gravel pit on the Quinn family farm in the border county of Fermanagh is in trouble. There is widespread shock and concern at news that the associated Quinn Insurance Group has been put into administration by the High C
30/03/2010
A massive half billion pounds has been pledged to beleaguered first-time buyers trying to get a foot on the rung for homeownership. Ulster Bank is to commit £500m of new mortgage lending to the Northern Ireland housing market over the next 12 months. In what will be a clear boost for the construct
30/03/2010
A major transport infrastructure project has been completed and offically re-opened. Senior building contractors watched as the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey opened phase one of the Western Rail Corridor yesterday, which is the longest section of track to be re-opened ever in the State. The
30/03/2010
Fifty new cycle racks are being installed throughout Belfast city centre as part of the £28million Belfast Streets Ahead project. NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie helped launch the new cycle racks, along with sustainable transport charity Sustrans and DRD Roads Service. The Minister
30/03/2010
There's to be a major change in the Irish infrastructure with news that car 'charge points' are to be installed. Irish Energy Minister Eamon Ryan and ESB Chief Executive, Padraig McManus, have launched the country's first Electric Vehicle charge points. The charge points were unveiled in Dublin ci
30/03/2010
Belfast's build heritage has just received a fillip with news of a new public art installation. NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, has announced the commissioning of new public art, the 'Magic Jug', for Fountain Street in Belfast City Centre. The Jug, which will stand five and a hal
30/03/2010
NI Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew has visited Boho in Co Fermanagh to meet with rural dwellers benefiting from the Dial A Lift (DAL) and pilot Assisted Rural Transport Scheme (ARTS). The initiatives, jointly supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Depart
29/03/2010
Students from Waterford Institute of Technology have won this year's Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Student Challenge 2010. The challenge required the students to act as consultants retained by a local authority to provide specialist advice on retrofitting pre 1920s, 1950-1960s and 1980-90s
29/03/2010
Building contracts worth millions of poundS are being anticipated with news of a major Co Fermanagh retail and business project. The development a multi-million pound retail business park in the heart of Enniskillen has been given the green light by planners. Station Green, will be the town's firs
29/03/2010
A major building trade fillip is on the way for Co Antrim. It has emerged that Carrickfergus Borough Council is to sell off a key publicly owned leisure and tourism asset to a private developer. Councillors in the seaside town believe that going ahead with the project during the current economic d
29/03/2010
Northern Ireland's Further Education colleges have come together to jointly unveil a major 'green' training initiative to support job opportunities in the fast-growing renewable energy sector. Supported by industry heavyweights NIE, Bombardier and B9 Energy and funded by the Department for Employme
29/03/2010
Last week's City of Quarters Conference has been hailed a success in promoting a better infrastructure for Belfast. Pictured are the NI Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy with international experts on city regeneration and economic renewal (left to right) Thomas A. Dunne from Fordham Un
29/03/2010
The £250m development of a college campus in the heart of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter will boost the provinces "beleaguered" construction industry, a UUP Assemblyman has said. David McClarty welcomed Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey's £16m Government commitment to the projects at the University o
29/03/2010
A Northern Ireland energy company has achieved more than £34 million savings and slashed 80,000 tonnes of C02 emissions from the Northern Ireland business sector following a simple grant spend of £837,000. The reduction in customers' energy bills and emissions was achieved by Belfast-based Energia
29/03/2010
An auction portal for buying and selling all types of heavy equipment is offering people the opportunity to find out what their machine is actually worth. Mr Machinery offers free expert valuations of machinery. These valuations are based on extensive and current market reviews and provide people a
26/03/2010
There's a degree of success ahead for the beleaguered construction sector. In what is being billed as the biggest building project since Victoria Square was undertaken, a £250m development by the University of Ulster in York Street has been given the go-ahead. The Employment and Learning Minister,
26/03/2010
Although there is no official NI initiative to add a fillip to the plumbing sector by providing an inefficient boiler scappage scheme, a commercial one has been welcomed. The Ulster Unionist Party's Social Development spokesman Billy Armstrong has welcomed the news that the Energy Savings Trust and
26/03/2010
Although builders will enjoy a boost as the contract gets underway, planning approval for a 33-strong development of properties on the Ballymoney Road in Ballymena has provoked dismay. It was approved by planners despite 105 letters of objection with councillors at a recent Public Sector Liaison Co
26/03/2010
Plans for the construction of a major food superstore on land off a busy Co Antrim arterial road are looking shaky. The proposed store at Lisburn's North Feeder Road would be the biggest ever built in Lisburn. While the final decision will be made by Environment Minister Edwin Poots soon, it is un
26/03/2010
Tenants will benefit from Northern Ireland's most eco friendly social homes. That's according to the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie who officially launched construction of a new £2million eco-friendly housing scheme in east Belfast. The development of 17, two and three-bedroom tow
26/03/2010
Construction work has begun on a new £830,000 business and community facility. NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie visited north Belfast to see the project to build a state-of-the-art project for the benefit of local people in the Upper Ardoyne area of the city. Builders are now on si
26/03/2010
NI Transport Minister, Conor Murphy has announced the preferred route for the proposed A2 Ballykelly Bypass - even though it will be years before work begins. It will be 2018 before it is built as the project is not planned until the end of the Investment Strategy period and it is not planned to co
26/03/2010
An Antrim mechanical and electrical firm is on target to secure external sales of £20 million by 2014, thanks to support from Invest Northern Ireland. Blackbourne Integrated M & E offers integrated services including contracting maintenance and environmental / sustainable solutions, delivering proj
26/03/2010
The closing stages of a £1.5 million contract to complete the Newtownabbey Way footpath later this year has been marked. The environmental construction project will finish later in 2010 and will run from Loughshore to Corr's Corner. This month, dozens of walkers and cyclists of all ages gathered i
25/03/2010
Problems over the proposed development of a bridge across Carlingford Lough at Narrow Water outside the city of Newry need addressing. There are concerns that the massive construction project could be shelved to be replaced by a much less physical cross-border link - a ferry service. That's accord
25/03/2010
Construction work to extend Northern Ireland's first purpose-built, multi-purpose community resource centre kicked-off this week. NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie marked the launch at Newry's Ballybot House by inviting the contractors on site. A proposed £1.3m three-storey extension
25/03/2010
A two-day conference launched by NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie is this week bringing together local and international business, community and political leaders. In a bid to develop a new vision for a revitalised Belfast, the event, 'Belfast: City of Quarters' Conference includes
25/03/2010
Prominent banker Stephen Kirkpatrick has joined Northern Ireland property group Corbo as its new Chief Executive, the company has announced. Mr Kirkpatrick is moving from his role as head of retail credit at Bank of Ireland, where until last year he was in charge of the bank's Northern Ireland busi
25/03/2010
Irish construction output is set to decline significantly over coming 12-18 months as investment in transportation, education, health, water and waste water falls. Reearch carried out by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) points to a significant decline in construction output over the next
25/03/2010
Local construction firms may have to wait a little longer for work as plans to build hundreds of homes at Knock Golf Club in east Belfast has proved not be "a done deal". Senior planning officials originally revealed that the controversial bid to build around 250 homes at the Dundonald site was app
25/03/2010
The Government is investing €4 million in the development of 'green routes' in and around Limerick City. Mid West TD and newly appointed Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen has confirmed that Limerick is one of four regional cities in Ireland to benefit under a €14 million investment programme, whic
25/03/2010
A 200-year-old Church in Cappagh has joined the official list of top historic buildings in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) added the previously unlisted, Cappagh Parish Church, Church of Ireland, in Co Tyrone. It has been made a grade B+ Listed building and is ther
24/03/2010
The formal contract has been signed for €35m critical care unit in Limerick. The firm, John Sisk & Son Ltd, will design and build the new unit. Brian Gilroy, of the Health Service Executive, (HSE) said: "This is one of the largest capital projects being undertaken by the HSE this year and will pro
24/03/2010
People who rent out their properties will have to provide details for a Northern Ireland register for the first time, under new government plans just proposed. There's an event being organised tonight to detail the scheme as part of an education programme to ensure landlords and tenants are aware o
24/03/2010
An Antrim mechanical and electrical firm is on target to secure external sales of £20 million by 2014, thanks to support from Invest Northern Ireland. Blackbourne Integrated M & E offers integrated services including contracting maintenance and environmental / sustainable solutions, delivering proj
24/03/2010
A major dual carriageway to bypass Ballymena, Co Antrim, is being delayed after the discovery of neolithic remains at the site. Archaeologists have uncovered a rare late-neolithic ring fort, one of just four such forts found in Ireland. Initial excavations took place over an eight-week period betw
24/03/2010
Fresh legislation is set to enhance renewable electricity generation across NI. Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the Northern Ireland Assembly's support for changes to the Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order (NI). It was passed by the Assembly in late March and will come
24/03/2010
A major visitor attraction in Belfast that recently completed a major architectural refurbishment contract is now up for a prestigious accolade. South Belfast MP Dr Alasdair McDonnell has congratulated the Ulster Museum on being long-listed for the 2010 Art Fund Prize for Museums and Galleries. Th
24/03/2010
The award-winning design of a new Co Armagh medical centre has been praised. The accolade for 'Best Future Design Concept' at the Rewarding Excellence in Healthcare Design Awards went to the new Portadown Health and Care Centre, which has just been opened by Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimps
24/03/2010
House prices will fall further in 2010, economists have predicted, with further job cuts and continuing credit problems to hit the Irish economy this year. Property values have fallen by half since 2007, and another 10% decline is forecast before prices bottom out in 2011. The Friends First Quarte
23/03/2010
Almost two years after the idea first emerged, the business behind a huge undersea gas storage facility off the coast of Northern Ireland is seeking planning permission. The application, by Islandmagee Storage Limited (IMSL), relates to the creation of a 500 million cubic metres natural gas storage
23/03/2010
A new plan to protect and safeguard building workers and to foster a positive culture of safety, health and welfare in all the Irish Republic's workplaces has been launched. The Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary, speaking at the launch of the Health and Safety Authority's new three year st
23/03/2010
A new 'Activation Fund' totalling €20 million has been introduced to support innovative proposals aimed at progressing the unemployed into work. It is also aimed at improving education attainment: "The Activation Fund will target the low skilled, the under 35s and those formerly employed in the con
23/03/2010
There has been a €1m boost for cancer care in Co Cork. Construction jobs are now assured as the long-established Cork Charity which runs Saint Luke's Home for Older People is throwing its weight behind the new Marymount Hospice construction project with a donation of €1 million Saint Luke's Home,
23/03/2010
A top Co Londonderry businessman has agreed to step down from his kitchen manufacturing business. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has accepted a disqualification undertaking for eight years from Michael Thomas Logue of Urbalshinny Road, Maghera, in respect of his conduct as a dir
23/03/2010
A Co Armagh engineering firm has managed to rescue many of the company's jobs after it was bought out of administration. Redrock Engineering Ltd in Markethill, which makes agricultural and construction equipment, has been bought by Fermanagh-based Steel Solutions. Administrator Des Kelly of Cavana
23/03/2010
A major Tipperary-based international construction and engineering firm has reported increased revenue. Kentz Corporation Limited, which has a major facility at Gurtnafleur, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Ireland supplies equipment to some of the world's largest mining projects, and said profit rose as dem
23/03/2010
Irish mining explorer Circle Oil is to undertake a seismic survey in Oman in an effort to gain resources in the Middle East. The company - which is based at O'Connell Avenue in Limerick - has hired a unit of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp to conduct a 3D study of Block 49 in western Oman, said Chi
22/03/2010
There's to be a significant European contribution to a huge Dublin infrastructure project. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed in principle to pay up to €500m to the Dublin Metro project. The planned Metro would provide a 19-kilometre link from Dublin city centre, via Dublin airport, to
22/03/2010
An anticipated 9,000 jobs will be created through the installation of domestic meter boxes in advance of water charges being introduced. A further 1,200 construction jobs will be generated as part of a simultaneous three-year nationwide investment in pipe replacement, say Department of Environment
22/03/2010
The €1.4m redevelopment of a swimming and leisure facility in Shannon, Co Clare, will result in the creation of 18 new jobs. Work has commenced on the redevelopment of the facility, which will include a 25 metre swimming pool, gymnasium, skateboard park, climbing wall, two sports halls, dance studi
22/03/2010
The proposed new visitors' centre at the Giants Causeway is to receive a £9.25m grant from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). The funding represents half the cost of the project, the BBC reports. The Heritage Lottery Fund had already pledged £3m, while the National Trust is to invest £4m.
22/03/2010
A new 24km section of the M9 motorway is to open Co Kilkenny today. The section of motorway was completed six months later than expected due to difficult weather conditions during construction. The new section aims to reduce travel times between Dublin and Waterford by 30 minutes, bypassing the vi
22/03/2010
NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has welcomed the establishment of a new 'Shared Future' scheme in Lisburn. Minister Ritchie today visited the 112-home scheme at Pond Park which has been transformed from former military housing into a new Shared Future neighbourhood, home to families
22/03/2010
The next nine months will prove make or break time for the Irish energy sector. National targets of delivering 40% of electricity from renewable resources by 2020 hinge on the Government eliminating unnecessary red-tape and providing a stable framework for investors in 2010, Ireland's largest renew
22/03/2010
A prominent Co Antrim holiday resort is in line for a major overhaul, it has been reported. In the first of three major contracts, Portrush's East Strand area is to undergo a £1.1m refurbishment, according to the News Letter. The reconstruction of the harbour area and a major refurbishment of the
22/03/2010
Cops left red-faced last year as criminal gangs repeatedly hit isolated bank cash machines have hit back. ATM ram-raids - which totalled more than a dozen last year - have dropped to just one so far in 2010, and all because of 'secret' security measures agreed with the banks, the cash-handling sect
22/03/2010
A new nationwide service has been set up to assist landlords, developers and letting agents. Landlord Support Services (LSS) is a Cork-based advice centre headed up by Joanne Kiely and Catherine O’Shea. "Owning property is no longer the preserve of wealthy individuals and we are very aware of the
19/03/2010
An Irish provider of professional services in engineering, architecture and project management worldwide has announced it has been awarded EU-funded consultancy projects worth €10m in the Balkan region. Headquartered in Ireland, PM Group's 1,700 multi-disciplinary teams deliver complex, capital pro
19/03/2010
Donegal County Council is set to build just 16 houses under the voluntary housing scheme in 2010, compared with 161 in 2009. Grants towards improvements and extensions will also be reduced. In 2010, it is proposed to spend €8 million on social housing and policy changes are on the way to try and
19/03/2010
A border county council has been heavily fined for its role in a fatal accident involving a digger driver. Fermanagh District Council was fined a total of £45,000 in March after pleading guilty at a previous hearing at Omagh Crown Court to two breaches of health and safety legislation. The case aga
19/03/2010
A proposal is to be considered by planners for a third road bridge across the Foyle. The plan is part of a 10-year road transport strategy being drawn up for Derry City by urban regeneration company, ILEX. Politicians and business people on both sides of the border have already given their backing
19/03/2010
NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, this week met with the New York Housing Commissioner to discuss best practice. During her meeting with Commissioner Rafael E. Cestro from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Margaret Ritchie heard how the US departm
19/03/2010
The Interiors Association has announced that it now represents in excess of 100 members. The professional association, which was founded in 2006, is a "multi-faceted support network" open to design professionals working within the Irish interior architecture and design community. The main object
19/03/2010
Ulster Unionist MLA Fred Cobain has welcomed the news that a public enquiry is going to be held into an extension to Belfast City Airport's runway. Commenting on the announcement by NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots, Mr Cobain said: "This is a hugely positive step for the local residents many of
19/03/2010
NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has praised the new Assessment and Resource Centre, which opened in Lisburn, Co Antrim yesterday. The £3.5million purpose-built centre offers an accessible, safe and secure environment for 120 adult trainees who have learning, physical and sensory disabilities a
19/03/2010
NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has the importance of investing in the country’s school estate to help to improve the standard of education. The Minister was speaking after visiting the construction site for the new building at Grosvenor Grammar School, where he used to teach, and the recently com
19/03/2010
NI Transport Minister, Conor Murphy has announced a new contract for the supply of 48 'Solar Rural' Translink Ulsterbuses between Translink, local manufacturer Wrightbus and supplier Scania. Announcing the contract the Minister said: "This contract will bring new and improved buses to rural areas t
18/03/2010
An Bord Pleanála has approved planning permission for a proposed power station in Co Offaly. Lumcloon Energy has said the €350m gas-fired, electricity-generating plant will create 500 construction jobs and 50 permanent positions when it is completed in 2013. However, the company has claimed the Co
18/03/2010
Irish construction services firm PM Group has bought a 50% stake in an Indian company and has dispatched some of its senior management to Bangalore, according to a newspaper report. While the deal has yet to be formally unveiled, company boss Pat McGrath has said that "40 or 50 people" are already
18/03/2010
The SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, is seeking an urgent meeting with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Roads Service to discuss the pedestrian bridge built alongside the existing Ballinderry Bridge in Cookstown. Mr McGlone said: "Having seen what Roads Service have constructed al
18/03/2010
High-street pharmaceutical giant Boots is to open at least five new stores in Ireland this year, according to a newspaper report. The expansion will help create more than 150 jobs, says the Irish Independent. Building workers will also benefit as new shops are constructed and fitted out. "We have
18/03/2010
There has been a modest drop in local unemployment figures, but this has been offset by a decrease in the number of people finding work - especially in the building sector. As measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS), the numbers out of work in NI was estimated at 6.3% for the period November 2009
18/03/2010
A Belfast man has been fined £250 plus £70 solicitor costs and £28 court costs for a planning offence. Eugene Hughes of Andersonstown Road, Belfast was found guilty at Laganside Magistrates' Court. Enforcement action was taken against Mr Hughes, who is the proprietor of McEnaneys Bar, Glen Road, B
18/03/2010
Thirty people are facing the prospect of losing their jobs at a Co Fermanagh construction company. Staff at the Clarke Group in Lisnaskea have been put on protective notice, according to a BBC report. Individuals placed on such a notice are in danger of losing their jobs after a period of time. T
18/03/2010
NI Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has announced a £500,000 funding boost for the St Patrick Signature Project. The project aims to bring to life the story of Saint Patrick and develop Christian heritage tourism in Armagh. The three initiatives, which will receive funding through the Northern Irelan
18/03/2010
A major new centre for adults with learning disabilities is to open in Co Antrim today. The Lisburn Assessment and Resource Centre will support adults with complex and intensive care needs, the BBC reports. The facility has been under construction for the last two years and features an indoor gard
18/03/2010
NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots is to ask the Planning Appeals Commission to hold a public inquiry to consider the application from George Best Belfast City Airport to extend its runway. Minister Poots said: "Having given the application significant consideration, I have decided that the best w
16/03/2010
A top construction trade supply company has won an important accolade. J P Corry - which is based on the Springfield Road, in west Belfast - was crowned as the overall winner in the inaugural Octabuild Northern Ireland Builders Merchant Awards. It came tops in the award having being judged alongsi
16/03/2010
Construction output will decline drastically over the next 12 months due to a slowdown in the Irish Government's capital investment plan, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has claimed. The CIF has expressed concern over the length of time between the short-listing of projects and the actua
16/03/2010
Contracts handed out by the board of NI Water were discussed this week as the future of further board members was brought sharply into focus. Conor Murphy, Minister for Regional Development has met with the Regional Development Committee on the Independent Review Team's Report on procurement govern
16/03/2010
NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots has paid a visit to Belfast’s Titanic Quarter to view progress being made on the 185-acre redevelopment site. Minister Poots said: "This is a very exciting development. An estimated £7billion is to be invested in the area over the next 25 years. So far planning
16/03/2010
A campaign is underway to raise awareness among property owners and buyers about their legal obligations to hold an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC is an indicator of how energy efficient your property is. It uses the A-G scale, similar to that marked on household appliances such as fr
16/03/2010
Skilled young people in Northern Ireland should sign up for this season's WorldSkills UK competitions. NI Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey is calling for local entries to the competitions that are designed to find the best skilled people and annually attract up to 4,000 skilled parti
16/03/2010
A Co Down man has been forced to hand over £204,500 and given a suspended jail sentence after he was convicted of serious waste offences. Patrick Joseph Murphy (57) of Hilltown Road, Mayobridge, Co Down, a Director of Mourne Compost, pleaded guilty to two charges of keeping controlled waste without
16/03/2010
Building work on a Co Armagh £5.3m public realm scheme is causing disruption across a busy town centre. While Portadown remains 'open for business', until the work is completed in the autumn, there are long delays in the town centre in the morning and evening rush hours. The problem is being blame
16/03/2010
Northern Ireland Water Ltd (NI Water) has been fined £3,000 plus £31 court costs at Newry Magistrates’ Court for pollution offences. On 28 July 2008, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, (formerly the Environment and Heritage Service) observed a di
16/03/2010
A Co Down man has been fined a total of £350 plus £70 fees and £18 court costs for a planning offence. Peter McEvoy of Rathfriland Road, Dromara pleaded guilty at Newry Magistrates’ Court for the breach of an enforcement notice. The enforcement notice required the removal of an unauthorised mobil
15/03/2010
Professor Greg Lloyd, Head of the School of Built Environment at the University of Ulster, has been awarded distinguished professorial membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH). Professor Lloyd is only the second person in Northern Ireland to be honoured with the accolade. CIH North
15/03/2010
Donegal County Council has announced the commencement of a further phase of urban renewal works in the town of Milford. This scheme represents an investment in Urban Renewal in Milford Town of over €1.3 million. Following the completion of urban renewal works in 1998, a public consultation proce
15/03/2010
Over £500 million has been invested in major infrastructure work in schools across Northern Ireland. NI Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, said: "Since the return of the devolved institutions in May 2007, over half a billion pounds have been invested in new schools. "In reality that means 55 maj
15/03/2010
SDLP Councillor Brian Heading has called on the NI Housing Executive to release information regarding a delay in the development of social housing in West Belfast. He said: "I would urge the Housing Executive to explain why the development of 37 new social houses has been delayed. "A court case in
15/03/2010
There has been a call for a radical overhaul of the Stormont Executive, including the setting up of a department with responsibility for planning, town centre regeneration and transport. The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIRTA) proposals come in a detailed policy document,
15/03/2010
Planning permission to build a marina in Youghal, Co Cork has been granted. The 56-berth marina will be located beside Buttimers Dock in the heart of the town. Although still in the planning stages, it is hoped that the building of the marina will commence in the coming months and completion is exp
15/03/2010
The Grand Canal Theatre and Criminal Courts of Justice, both in Dublin and a Belfast film set have been selected to represent Ireland in the Saint Gobain Gyproc International Trophy, which will be held in Amsterdam in June. The Irish entries were announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin last week
15/03/2010
NI Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has pledged her support for Londonderry's bid to become the UK's City of Culture. Derry is one of the four shortlisted cities vying for the 2013 title along with Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield. The Minister said: "A successful bid could bring any number of soci
15/03/2010
Mr Machinery, an Irish auction portal for the buying and selling of heavy equipment, has announced Adolfo San Martin and José Luis as territory partners for the company’s new Spanish subsidiary. Both partners have vast experience within the machinery industry, according to the company, with contact
15/03/2010
A Pay As You Save (PAYS) scheme designed to energy upgrade virtually every building in Ireland over the next decade was officially recognised at the recent 2010 Green Awards in Dublin. Green building magazine Construct Ireland editor Jeff Colley, who developed the financing model, received the Gree
12/03/2010
Northern Ireland's Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has been accused of misleading governors, teachers and parents when she said £17m would be available for new school capital builds. Speaking in a Stormont debate on new school builds, Assemblyman Dominic Bradley said the Department of Education’
12/03/2010
The Northern Ireland Assembly is to examine the planning process regarding the development of Knock Golf Club in east Belfast. The environment committee at the assembly voted in favour of the move yesterday, the BBC reports. The result of the vote overturns last month’s decision to close down an i
12/03/2010
The planned construction of a dual carriageway from Larne to the M2 has been hailed as a "triumph" for co-operation politics. SDLP East Antrim candidate Justin McCamphill said his party had "practised and preached since" its formation. Mr McCamphill said Larne Port is the single greatest economic
12/03/2010
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan has launched a call for proposals to be funded under the new €20 million Labour Market Activation Fund. The Tánaiste has put the €20 million fund in place to stimulate innovation in the provision of training and activati
12/03/2010
While it may not be blocking out spring sunlight, the dimensions of a new petrol forecourt under construction in Co Antrim are causing residents and planners concerns. The NI Planning Service is now 'monitoring' the Greenisland construction site where local people have claimed the new petrol statio
12/03/2010
NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has officially opened the new Lifeline regional headquarters in north Belfast. The site also includes a new therapy centre for the counselling organisation The Minister said: "Lifeline is not just a telephone helpline. As well as providing a 24 hour, seven days
12/03/2010
Some of Ireland's carbon emissions could be buried off the coast of Kinsale or in Strangford Lough a major conference was told in Dublin Castle yesterday. Organised by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), the two
12/03/2010
Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy has dismissed the Chairman and a number of non-executive Directors of the Board of NI Water (NIW). In making the announcement, the Minister said: "I have today, in light of the findings of the recently completed Review of Procurement Governance in NIW, di
12/03/2010
Bray Town Council has approved a proposal to construct a bus corridor in the town. The plans were passed with only one councillor rejecting the scheme, according to the Bray People. The project is proposed for Main Street and Castle Street as well as Florence Road, Quinsboro Road, and Killarney Ro
12/03/2010
The iconic Tyrone Crystal factory has closed today with the loss of 31 jobs. The company, which was founded in 1971, has conceded defeat and ceased operations after failing to attract a new buyer. In a statement, the firm said it would be entering "an orderly winding down period of its factory pro
11/03/2010
The director of Irish building materials firm, Kingspan has sold almost his entire remaining stake in the company, a newspaper report has said. Brendan Murtagh told the High Court last month he is "insolvent", said the Irish Independent. According to documents filed with the court, Mr Murtagh – wh
11/03/2010
A NI firm is celebrating after a project to build flagship Primark store it was involved in scooped a prestigious design award. The new Bristol store has been awarded with The Land Securities Store Design of the Year at the recent 2010 Retail award. Magherafelt-based electrical contractor Premier
11/03/2010
The role of local aeronautical apprentices has been praised. During a visit to Bombardier Aerospace, the Stormont Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey was updated on the progress of the company's new CSeries aircraft programme, for which Belfast is designing and manufacturing the wing.
11/03/2010
UK fashion retailer Republic is ready to enter the Northern Ireland retail market, with construction on a new a 10,000 sq ft store underway. Much needed jobs in the building sector have been created as the two-level store is currently being built on Royal Avenue in Belfast, in a space previously us
11/03/2010
NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots has announced planning approval to extend Northern Ireland's famous salt mine ensuring enough supply to grit our roads for the next three decades. The major application will extend the mine by almost 279 hectares, the equivalent of 340 international football pitc
11/03/2010
NI Enterprise Minster Arlene Foster has called on those with influence to join with Government in meeting the targets and ambitious goals for the province's energy future. Speaking at the Energy Institute annual dinner in the Culloden Hotel, the Minister said: "I greatly appreciate the contribution
11/03/2010
A Belfast company has been fined a total of £200 plus costs of £70 solicitors costs and £27 summons costs at Laganside Magistrates' Court for a planning offence. Carmichaels (NI) Limited of Bedford Street, Belfast was found guilty of having unauthorised awnings with advertisements on a Listed Build
11/03/2010
Extra cash has 'flown-in' to an iconic wildfowl facility in Co Down. NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots visited the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre at Castle Espie to inspect the restoration project that his Department has co-funded. Mr Poots praised staff at the complex for a unique and innovative
11/03/2010
NI Roads Minister Conor Murphy has visited the completed road schemes at A4 Annaghilla and A5 Tullyvar roads, which are part of a £134million package of major road improvements in the Dungannon area. The Minister, who made a site visit to the two road improvement schemes near Ballygawley to mark co
11/03/2010
NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has underlined the need for the Stormont Executive to make economic growth its top priority. Projecting ahead to better economic times - where the construction sector can begin to recover from the recession - he told an All Island Infrastructure Investment Conferenc
10/03/2010
The building trade will be among the first to be benefit from a large retail and leisure development being planned for a Co Tyrone border town. The investment for Strabane includes a Local Employment Partnership agreement that stipulates that material and workers must be sourced locally and that up
10/03/2010
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has today unveiled a five-year strategic plan with a mission of transforming Ireland into a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices. The plan also aims to make Ireland a "recognised global leader in sustainable e
10/03/2010
There has been a call to 'build' on opportunities for the local construction industry. SDLP East Derry candidate Cllr Thomas Conway said a Stormont Executive-led effort to boost the economy in general and the building trades in particular should start at once. He said: "Sinn Fein and the DUP are t
10/03/2010
A planned road construction project in Co Antrim will be a "triumph for co-operation politics", according to a local politician. With employment on the building project looming, the SDLP's East Antrim candidate Justin McCamphill has said the construction of a dual carriageway from Larne to the M2 o
10/03/2010
One of Europe's leading clay brick manufacturers, Wienerberger, is to open its first dedicated sales and distribution centre in Ireland this month. In line with the company's other European centres, the new operation will also incorporate a state-of-the-art showroom, to be located in Newtownabbey,
10/03/2010
NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has cut the first sod on the site of a new school building for Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche in Castlewellan. The first phase of the new building, which can accommodate up to 85 pupils, is due to be completed by September. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister s
10/03/2010
A Co Armagh estate agent has been fined £300 at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court, for misrepresenting properties offered for sale in Lurgan. In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Williams Estate Agents (N.I.) Ltd was convicted of one c
10/03/2010
Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen has rejected any suggestions that the Attorney General is delaying the publication of the report into the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny asked Mr Cowen when the report would be published. Mr Kenny also asked if the Attorney General
10/03/2010
The Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced two investments, totalling £39million, aimed at benefiting local dairy processing industry. The projects were announced as the Minister visited Dale Farm's facility at Dunmanbridge near Cookstown, where she officially opened a £5million s
10/03/2010
A pub in Limerick, dubbed the cheapest in Ireland, has gone on to the market. Smithy's Door pub in Limerick City is available for €149,999, according to the Irish Independent. Estate agent Pat Kearney of Rooneys (Limerick) said he is hopeful of getting that price for the freehold property, with th
09/03/2010
House prices are continuing to fall across Northern Ireland, new figures have revealed. The latest survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) showed that house sales are increasing but are still some distance from reaching "normal levels". "The housing market, like the economy
09/03/2010
Ireland's longest-standing construction consultancy firm celebrates its 150th anniversary today. Davis Langdon PKS marked the occasion with a reception for over 300 people including current and former staff as well as clients in the soon-to-open Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin – a project on which th
09/03/2010
Irish Minister of State Tony Killeen has confirmed the allocation of €99,500 to Clare County Council under the Local Authorities Conservation Grants Scheme. The Clare Deputy noted the funding, which represents a slight increase on the 2009 allocation, will support the conservation of protected stru
09/03/2010
Retain giant Sainsbury's has submitted a planning application to build a new store in Co. Down. The company said the proposed 60,000 sq feet store in Dundonald on the outskirts of east Belfast would create approximately 500 jobs upon completion and around 250 during construction. "We are delighted
09/03/2010
SDLP Regional Development Spokesperson Tommy Gallagher has called for the independent investigation into procurement practices within NI Water to be made available to the Assembly's DRD Committee. He said: "The Minister’s indication that he will consider amending the procurement framework is a step
09/03/2010
NI moved closer to leading the fast-growing clean energy sector this week. It happened when experts from industry heavyweights such as NIE, Bombardier and B9 Energy joined forces to ensure that the skills urgently needed to underpin growth and jobs are secured. NI's biggest companies were represen
09/03/2010
A Co Tyrone man has been fined a total of £3,000 plus £31 court costs at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court for four breaches of waste management legislation. Barry McKeever of Ballynakilly Road, Coalisland, pleaded guilty to the charges brought under The Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Or
09/03/2010
Hundreds of building jobs could be about to land in east Belfast as a decision on the controversial application to extend the runway at the George Best Belfast City Airport may be just days away. The South Antrim MLA, Danny Kinahan, has told the Environment Minister that "it's still not to late to
09/03/2010
Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) has been fined £1,500 plus £25 court costs at Dungannon Magistrates' Court for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 7 May 2008, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (formerly the Environment and Heritage S
09/03/2010
A Co Tyrone man has been fined at Dungannon Magistrates' Court for continued non-compliance with a Planning Service Breach of Conditions Notice. Francis McGurk of Flo Road, Cookstown, was fined £1,200 plus Departmental Court Costs. The Breach of Conditions Notice was for a sand and gravel pit locat
08/03/2010
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors Limited’s (NFRC) annual Excellence in Roofing Awards has this year been widened to include 'The Roofing Awards'. The awards are designed to recognise and reward outstanding roofing projects in all major roofing disciplines. The finalists have been sel
08/03/2010
Planners have been criticised over permission to build a complex of houses and apartments in Dublin. The Green Party has said An Bord Pleanala's decision to grant permission for 438 houses and apartments in Diswellstown, Dublin was "deeply disappointing". "I'm hugely disappointed by the decision o
08/03/2010
A Mid-Ulster company has announced plans to build a new hotel in Co Antrim. Genmark Developments has acquired a 1.5-acre site at George Street in Ballymena and said it was confident the site should get the green light from planners. A spokesman for the company confirmed it was in "exploratory disc
08/03/2010
National supermarket, Sainsbury's has submitted plans for a 60,000 sq ft store in east Belfast. It is to be located at the disused Rolls Royce Factory on the Upper Newtownards Road in Dundonald, Co Antrim. If successful, the store will create in the region of 500 full and part time jobs on opening
08/03/2010
Claims regarding a €600,000 travel bill run up by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) have been described as "an orgy of spending". A report in the Irish Independent has accused the DDDA of spending large sums on luxury travel, expensive means and fine wines. The head of the Oireacht
08/03/2010
The rate of decline in activity within the construction sector slowed for a second consecutive month in February, While construction activity declined sharply, the pace of contraction was the slowest in 27 months, according the latest figures from the Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing The inde
08/03/2010
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has announced that the results of the 2009/ 2010 Architecture Association of Ireland (AAI) Student Competition will be announced at the CHQ Building on 25th March. The event will coincide with a joint lecture given by Shih-Fu Peng of Heneghan.Peng.Architec
08/03/2010
Irish Minister of State, Tony Killeen has said the Government remains committed to assisting older people or people with a disability to remain in their own homes. His comment follows the allocation of €3,125,000 to Clare County Council under the Housing Adaptation Grants Schemes for Older People a
08/03/2010
A new waste prevention website has gone live, marking the first step in a major new 'Rethink Waste' campaign. The Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland has launched the campaign to raise awareness, encourage best practice and achieve behavioural change among households, and the busines
08/03/2010
Iarnród Éireann has chosen Energia, one of Ireland's leading independent energy firm as its electricity supplier in a major new €25 million three-year deal. The new deal will see Energia supplying Iarnród Éireann with 186 Gigawatt Hours (GwH) of electricity. This electricity will be used to power
05/03/2010
An iconic 'gate lodge' in Co Down has just benefited from a substantial refurbishment. The project at the Cultra Inn - which is part of the prestigious Culloden Hotel & Spa complex - was, according to Alan Irwin of Mi Architects - after a clear brief by the client. Hasting Hotels' Managing Directo
05/03/2010
Much needed employment in the construction industry will follow an £8 million investment in Lisburn. It was announced by the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Nelson McCausland, who said that a new basketball facility at Laurelhill College, Lisburn will mean it gets an elite sporting faciliti
05/03/2010
Sinn Féin Assembly member Martina Anderson has revealed a £600 million investment with potential to create 3,000 jobs is being planned for Derry. Ms Anderson has confirmed that she has been working with the international investors behind the project for the past three years and is hopeful that it i
05/03/2010
Irish Environment Minister John Gormley has announced an independent report on the controversial Poolbeg incinerator plan. The announcement comes after the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) stood by its report, which supports the construction of the waste facility in Dublin. The Enviro
05/03/2010
Some 345,000 houses and apartments in Ireland are currently vacant, according to a new report. This figure represents 17% of all housing in the country. The report, published by University College Dublin, says that the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) could delay the normal market recovery
05/03/2010
The first-ever guide to detail the history and use of stone in some of Northern Ireland's most important landmarks has been released. 'Stone by Stone', which identifies the various stone types used in iconic buildings, such as the Albert Clock in Belfast, was launched by NI Environment Minister Edw
05/03/2010
There has been a call for a proper development plan to be put in place for a former rural police station. SDLP East Derry candidate Cllr Thomas Conway has asked for the site of Claudy police station to be redeveloped in consultation with the community. "The station closed more than a year ago as
05/03/2010
The old Woodsides building in the centre of Ballyclare could be demolished and replaced with a multi-million pound retail and housing development soon. Creating work for the local construction trade, the Planning Service this week gave the go-ahead for the demolition of the former Main Street depar
05/03/2010
Twenty-seven local companies and organisations including a number of further education colleges are visiting Europe’s biggest exhibition for green energy and energy efficiency with Invest Northern Ireland. The companies have signed up for an Invest NI sectoral mission to Energiesparmesse/expo Energ
05/03/2010
The Stormont Junior Minister Gerry Kelly, has visited An Chultúrlann to congratulate the project promoters on completing the funding package for the new extension to the Irish language and cultural centre on Belfast's Falls Road. Speaking at the event Minister Kelly described An Chultúrlann as a w
04/03/2010
Profits at building materials group, Grafton plummeted by 79% in 2009, the firm has announced. The group posted pre-tax profits of €13.6m for the year ending December 2009 – a substantial drop from the €64m reported in 2008. The company’s revenues fell 26% to €1.98bn from €2.67bn while basic earni
04/03/2010
Teri Hayes has been announced as President of the Irish Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH Irish Group), the organisation that promotes and develops the science and engineering of groundwater. Teri, also an Environmental Services Director at WYG Ireland, said: "I am honoured to be elected as Presi
04/03/2010
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan has announced that leading Australian healthcare company Probiotec Limited is to establish its European manufacturing headquarters in Dundalk, Co Louth. The investment is expected to create 70 new jobs and generate sales o
04/03/2010
The future of a Co Cork building company is under thread after the Supreme Court overruled a High Court decision to approve a survival plan for the firm. The Fleming Group has collective debts of €1bn. Last year, the High Court appointed an examiner to attempt to devise a plan to secure the future
04/03/2010
One of Northern Ireland's largest housing associations has been presented with its Customer Service Excellence Standard. Helm Housing (previously BIH Housing) is the first housing association in Northern Ireland to achieve this accolade, which was presented by Minister for Social Development, Marga
04/03/2010
The Northern Ireland Planning Service has refused to respond to claims it failed to contact a hospital for almost two years before approving a planning application that included its land. According to reports, the service gave the green light for houses to be built at the grounds of Knock Golf Club
04/03/2010
NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has confirmed that a new rates deferment option will be made available for owner-occupier pensioners. The Minister was speaking following a debate in which Members of the Assembly approved the legislation to give effect to the scheme from 1 April 2010. Welcoming th
04/03/2010
NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has turned down a Development Proposal for the establishment of an additional nursery unit at St Anne’s Primary School, Kingsway. Explaining the reasons for her decision, Ms Ruane commented: "My views on the value of pre-school provision for young children ar
04/03/2010
NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie has confirmed funding for the refurbishment of An Culturlann in West Belfast. The funding is part of a combined £1.7m investment package, which will greatly enhance the heart of the Gaeltacht Quarter in West Belfast. Doubts were cast about some eleme
04/03/2010
People throughout Tyrone will now have greater access to health service dentistry as three new practices open their doors. The practices in Dungannon, Strabane and Omagh are being delivered as part of a £17million health service dentistry contract that NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey awarded t
03/03/2010
One of Ireland's biggest building companies has reported a 55% drop in pre-tax profits for 2009. However, the results posted by building materials group, CRH were still ahead of many analyst expectations. Profits for the year stood at €732m for the firm, compared to €1.6bn for 2008. Revenues fell
03/03/2010
There has been a recommendation to close three Co Armagh leisure centres - and replace them with a single 'super centre' Hundreds of construction jobs will result from the plan in Craigavon if it proceeds, with the possibility that it would also pave the way for councils across Northern Ireland to
03/03/2010
Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland (CEni) has confirmed Piers Williamson as the keynote speaker at its upcoming 'Sustainable Refurbishment of Housing' conference. Mr Williamson is the Chief Executive of The Housing Funding Corporation (THFC), which has invested £30m in social housing in No
03/03/2010
A Trillick man has been made the subject of a confiscation order at Omagh Crown Court in relation to illegal waste offences. Mr Bernard Barrett of Moneygar Road, Trillick, Co. Tyrone, pleaded guilty to one charge of keeping controlled waste without a licence. The court made a confiscation order un
03/03/2010
A new maternity unit will open at a Co Down hospital later this month. The midwife-led facility at Downe Hospital in Downpatrick will be open 24 hours a day, according to a BBC report. Plans exist to extend these hours to the weekend in the near future. Women with normal pregnancies and no medica
03/03/2010
A Belfast-based specialist in architectural lighting, has won its first export business, assisted by an Invest Northern Ireland trade mission. AM Light, a developer and manufacturer of cold cathode lighting solutions for private and public buildings, has won significant contracts in Kuwait and Duba
03/03/2010
NI Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew has announced four interim appointments to the Drainage Council. The Drainage Council is an independent advisory body that oversees the programme of publicly funded flood defence and drainage projects in the north of Ireland. The fol
03/03/2010
A Sinn Féin MLA has called for stronger legislation to deal with Government departments and Utility companies who are destroying Belfast’s streets and roads. Fra Mc Cann was speaking after last weeks Social Development committee at which the response to the committee’s enquiry into town centre rege
02/03/2010
Sinn Féin has submitted its concerns to the Planning Service on the application by NIE for a 400kv North South Electricity Interconnector. "As a Party, Sinn Féin has been consistent in our approach to recognising the need for an all island electricity network, but we oppose this proposed Interconne
02/03/2010
NI Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie has launched for public consultation a draft Regeneration and Housing Bill. The draft bill puts forward policy proposals for the transfer of three areas of operational delivery from the Department for Social Development (DSD) and four from the No
02/03/2010
A man has paid the price for alleged criminal waste activities. Turlough Breslan of Maghery Road, Portadown, Co Armagh was this week made the subject of a confiscation order of £166,696.65 at Omagh Crown Court under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. During a site visit in August 2006, officers from
02/03/2010
Campaigners have again called for the rejection of a controversial runway extension plan submitted by George Best Belfast City Airport. In the light of a scathing official report on the proposal, Belfast City Airport Watch (BCAW), which represents residents in east and south Belfast, and in north D
02/03/2010
Local manufacturers are being encouraged by Invest Northern Ireland to cut the costs of import duties by taking advantage of an EU scheme promoted by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in London. NI firms that are unable to source the materials they need to manufacture their p
02/03/2010
NI Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced a decision to hold a public inquiry into a road-widening scheme on the A55 Knock Road, Belfast. Following publication of the statutory orders for the scheme in November 2009, Roads Service received over 110 objections, mostly from local re
02/03/2010
Irish Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe was on hand yesterday to open two new science laboratories in St Fanahan’s College, Mitchelstown, Co Cork. The new laboratories are the result of an investment of more than €260,000 under the Department’s Summer Works Scheme. He said the labo
02/03/2010
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has officially opened a new PPD contract research facility in Athlone, Co Westmeath. The centre will include an analytical testing laboratory. PPD is a leading global contract research organisation providing discovery and development services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology
01/03/2010
New statistics compiled by InsolvencyJournal.ie have revealed a significant increase in insolvencies in February – with the construction sector the worst affected. The number of companies that went out of business last month was up by 33% from 110 in January to 146 in February with approximately fi
01/03/2010
NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced a £377,000 investment by an Enniskillen-based renewable energy firm, supported by Invest Northern Ireland. Future Renewables, which designs, supplies and installs domestic renewable energy solutions, is one of the first businesses to get support fr
01/03/2010
A design competition that will challenge entrants to build 70 of Northern Ireland's most energy efficient homes has been launched. NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie, said the groundbreaking development of social and affordable homes, in Killynure near Carryduff, is being built to the
01/03/2010
Irish President Mary McAleese will visit the 2012 Olympics site in London during a two-day trip to England this week. Members of the Olympic Delivery Authority will greet the President before giving her a tour of the 2.5 sq km park, the Press Association reports. During the visit, Ms McAleese is d
01/03/2010
NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie and Irish Housing Minister Michael Finneran, were on hand recently to present Oaklee Housing Group with the inaugural Cross Border Housing Award. The event marked the first time the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have organised an awards ceremo
01/03/2010
NI Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie recently visited a Downpatrick home to see at first hand the benefits of the Warm Homes Scheme. The home was recently made 43% more energy efficient by replacing its Petroleum Gas system with a new oil central heating system installed through the War
01/03/2010
A beauty spot in Co Donegal has been destroyed after household and industrial waste was dumped on the side of the mountain, it has been claimed. Fly-tippers have been accused of turning Sliabh Sneacht, near Carndonagh, into an "eyesore", according to a BBC report. "It is going to pollute the water
01/03/2010
Innovation and resilience by the housing sector in the face of the economic downturn has been celebrated by the professional body for housing at a glittering awards ceremony in Belfast. The achievements and success of housing professionals across Northern Ireland were recognised by the Chartered In
