Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for March 2011
31/03/2011
The Irish Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has announced a €41.2m Summer building works scheme. he said that 453 primary and post-primary schools were listed as successful applicants. Speaking about the scheme, Minister Quinn said: "The works in question cover projects in school buildings such as ga
31/03/2011
A third party appeal has been submitted against a decision by An Bord Pleanala to approve a plan by the Sisters of Mercy Western Province in for the construction of a new convent. The proposal is for land to the south of Taylors Hill Road and to the east of Rosary Lane, Townland of Pollnarooma East
31/03/2011
Ireland is to be awarded an EU grant of €1.5m to introduce electro-mobility. The funding will be mainly used to install 3,500 charging posts around the country. Gerry Wardell of the CODEMA Energy Agency said: "It could also go to developing the systems for payment etc that will go with those, and
31/03/2011
Northern Ireland based foodservice business Henderson Foodservice has completed an investment of approximately £14m in new warehousing and office accommodation on the company's 23.5 acre site at Hightown Avenue, Mallusk. The development work was undertaken by Patton Construction, Ballymena, and has
31/03/2011
Translink NI Railways has reopened the Coleraine – Portrush railway line following essential engineering work. The overall railway line upgrade project is now progressing ahead of schedule and due for completion on April 8. Magherafelt construction company FP McCann worked alongside Dutch rail con
31/03/2011
Although detail plans were approved by Limerick Council to Croom Community Development Association earlier this month for the construction of a new two-storey 625 square metres Civic Centre at St Mary's Park, Croom, Co Limerick, a third party appeal has now been submitted against the decision to An
30/03/2011
The regeneration company Ilex is set to take a lead role in a £10m investment in vital venues, community infrastructure and physical enhancement in Londonderry. Ilex will take the initiative in preparation for the UK City of Culture Events in 2013. The outgoing Stormont Social Development Minister
30/03/2011
Detailed plans have just been submitted to Fingal Council by Scoil Bhride Boys and Scoil Bhride Girls National Schools. The project will involve the demolition of two existing one to two-storey school buildings and link, dismantling and removal of eight existing single-storey prefabricated units at
30/03/2011
A £1m project to regenerate Shambles Yard, Armagh, has been given the go ahead. An extensive consultation in 2007 received huge support towards investigating funding opportunities to develop the Shambles Yard, and when the final joint application from Armagh City and District Council and Armagh Chu
30/03/2011
A statue commemorating the legendary motorcyclist Robert Dunlop has been unveiled in his hometown of Ballymoney. The bronze sculpture of Robert in his racing leathers stands in a dedicated remembrance garden beside the garden and statue of his brother Joey. Robert, a distinguished Honorary Freeman
30/03/2011
Some of the biggest cruise liner companies in the world may soon include the planned new Galway Port on their travel itinerary. A proposed €200m port redevelopment is progressing rapidly with a recent cruise ship convention in Florida prompting representatives of 'The World' - the biggest residenti
30/03/2011
The site of the former B3 cables company in Longford has been put on the market with an asking price of €2.25m. The facility at Aughafad went into receivership in July, 2010. The site includes around 11,665 square metres of industrial premises and a two-storey office block and is located on 2.17 he
29/03/2011
A Co Londonderry born civil engineer has been honoured for her success in the engineering world. Michelle McDowell, 48, was nominated for the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year Award 2011 and was yesterday recognised for 'inspiring women who are high achievers'. Ms McDowell - who comes from
29/03/2011
Detailed plans were submitted to Templemore Town Council by North Tipperary County Council during March for the construction of a two-storey extension to the existing fire station located at Church Road, Templemore. The website
29/03/2011
A series of lunchtime talks are set to enable the public to learn more about Northern Ireland’s most striking historical sites and monuments this month. The talks, organized by The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), are free to the public and will focus on the conservation an
29/03/2011
A school in Killarney is to be expanded with plans for an extension to existing school building. This will also see elevational changes and all associated siteworks at the Co Kerry facility. According to the website,
29/03/2011
Builders are to get a fast-food boost soon with a plan to construct a drive-through take away and fast food restaurant in Galway. The planned development will involve the change of use of part of an existing commercial building to use as a take away and for the construction of a mezzanine and for t
28/03/2011
Not everyone has welcomed news that the supermarket giant, Tesco has been given the go-ahead to build a large store at the Bridgewater Retail Park, Banbridge. Even though it will be part of a development which will include retail warehouses and create hundreds of jobs, smaller traders are worried
28/03/2011
There's a multi-modal improvement scheme set to get underway at Bothar Na dTreabh on Galway's N6. A proposed ground investigation contract is to include the excavation of 63 slit trenches on roads, footways, cycle ways, verges, green areas and roundabout central islands along approximately 6.2 km o
28/03/2011
A local building sector business, Sisk, has been recognised after the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) offices in Armagh won a top UK environmental assessment award. The NSMC office project received a prestigious BREEAM Award at the Ecobuild 2011 event in London for achieving the highest BREE
28/03/2011
Civil engineers are to carry out the construction of new pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure in Co Louth. The Dundalk Walk & Cycle to Schools Project-pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure is moving ahead this week with news that Dundalk Town Council has invited tenders from suitably qualified and
28/03/2011
Around 30 people had to be evacuated from their homes in Cork today after a water main burst in the area of the Fever Hospital Steps. A total of 14 houses are currently affected with Cork City Council being initially notified at 2.48am this morning. Emergency services responded immediately, with
28/03/2011
The organistaion that owns a derelict 150-year-old church in Duncairn, has been awarded £1m to help with vital restoration work. 174 Trust were awarded the funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund to transform Duncairn Presbyterian Church into a community arts centre. Situated on the Antrim Road, the
25/03/2011
Plans to regenerate the riverside area between Strabane and Lifford have received a €1 million funding boost. The ‘Reconciliation Through the Riverine Project’ aims to totally transform the border area and is now one step closer following the funding announcement. According to
25/03/2011
The Portlick lakeside area could receive a tourist-friendly revamp if a proposed public amenity improvement plan gets the go ahead. Three Westmeath County Councillors were nominated as members of a new Working Group which will join forces with interested people or groups, such as the scouts, fishe
25/03/2011
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has published new criteria for the listing of buildings. The new criteria provides more detailed guidance on the approach followed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and for the first time provides an in depth explanation of the criteria referred to o
25/03/2011
New sports facilities are on the way for three of Strabane district’s rural towns after over £350,000 was awarded to Strabane District Council. According to
25/03/2011
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has introduced changes to planning fees to make them simpler and fairer. The new structure addresses current imbalances which see smaller development proposals attract disproportionately higher planning fees compared with much larger, more complex applications which
25/03/2011
Social Development Minister Alex Attwood announced today that he has signed off a major programme of capital spending for urban regeneration worth some £137million over the next 4 years. As well as a £10 million contribution to the Derry/Londonderry City of Culture efforts, the Minister has decided
24/03/2011
Some of the biggest cruise liner companies in the world, which carry hundreds of thousands of passengers each year, want to include the planned new Galway Port on their travel itinerary. At a cruise ship convention in Florida last week, representatives of ‘The World’ – the biggest residential cruis
24/03/2011
According to the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA), investment in the wind energy sector has dropped 58%, or €265m, due to instability of the renewable energy sector. The IWEA highlighted that red tape and uncertainty is contributing to job creation and investment in the renewable energy sector.
24/03/2011
Proposals for one of the biggest shake-ups of the Housing Executive in its 40-year-history have been announced. Housing Minister, Alex Attwood said the number of housing associations could be cut by 23 to 10 when he outlined the areas in need of reform, including internal costs, oversight by the De
24/03/2011
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has cut the first sod on a £14million new-build project for Bangor Grammar School. The school has been on its current site in Bangor town centre for over 100 years. The new school will have capacity for around 850 pupils in purpose-built facilities on a site in
24/03/2011
The site of the former B3 cables company in Longford has been put on the market with an asking price of €2.25 million. The facility at Aughafad went into receivership in July, 2010. The site which includes around 11,665 square metres of industrial premises and a two-story office block is locate
24/03/2011
Glengormley-based design company Off The Wall Creations has secured a major contract in Dublin with Generator Hostels with support from Invest Northern Ireland. Off The Wall Creations specialises in the design and installation of bespoke wallpaper and wall graphics for domestic and commercial premi
23/03/2011
Plans for a new radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry have been postponed. The Health Minister Michael McGimpsey made the announcement to the Assembly in a statement on his capital priorities for the next four years. He said he was committed to the future development of the unit
23/03/2011
JJ Rhatigan and Company Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor for the €600,000 extension to Cappataggle National School at Cappatagle, Co. Galway. The extension will accommodate a general purpose room and ancillary accommodation, a library, remedial teaching room, a staff room and a a mul
23/03/2011
Two Belfast businesses have been ordered by a court to take action to secure dangerous properties. City centre-based Hylaw Property Ltd was prosecuted by Belfast City Council after it failed to secure or repair dangerous brickwork at one of its premises at Salisbury Avenue. The council had issued t
23/03/2011
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has announced his intention to change the law so that empty shop fronts can be used for non-commercial purposes without incurring full rates. The aim is to prevent businesses being penalised for making alternative use of empty premises, something which can prevent empt
22/03/2011
Derry City Council has revealed a masterplan that will see at least £9m spent developing the former Culmore landfill site. Most of the cost will go towards making the site safe and extracting methane gas, which will be used for electricity generation. The works will also include landscaping and th
22/03/2011
Newry town centre is to benefit from a £1.8million public realm scheme. Social Security Agency Financial Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, made the announcement. Attwood commented: "This investment is good news for the people of Newry and the many residents and visitors who will come to t
22/03/2011
The main contractor has now been appointed for the construction of a two-storey extension at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Lough Egish, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. The extension is to be built to the north elevation of the building to house a new public entrance, new toilets, sacristy, plant roo
22/03/2011
Work is to begin in October, 2011 on the construction of three new footbridges across the canal in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. At the March monthly meeting of Tullamore Town Council, Town Engineer, Paul Devaney said funding has been obtained for the work and he recommended that it proceed with the work
22/03/2011
Two Executive Ministers were treading the same path when they visited the historic Gobbins Cliff Path in Islandmagee, which is to be refurbished. DUP colleagues, the Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster and the NI Finance Minister Sammy Wilson toured the site of the multi-million project. It
22/03/2011
It is to be much easier for householders to undertake renovations and extensions to their homes. The Stormont Environment Minister Edwin has announced new arrangements that mean many people will no longer need to apply for planning permission to extend their homes. These new planning rules - that
21/03/2011
The countdown has started with a preview of the new Lyric Theatre prior to the official opening in May by Stormont Arts Minister Nelson McCausland. The new Theatre, built on the Lyric's existing site at Ridgeway Street, Stranmillis, includes a 389 seat main auditorium, a new studio with flexible pe
21/03/2011
South Down pupils are in for a boost with the NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, last week cutting the first sod to start construction of the new building at Carrick Primary School, Warrenpoint. Speaking at the event the Sinn Fein Minister said: "A school is not just a collection of buildings
21/03/2011
Fox Contracts have been appointed as the preferred bidder (subject to confirmation) for the construction of a playing field at Ellistrin Little and Coolboy Little, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The plans include 3m high fencing and the provision of floodlighting. According to
21/03/2011
The main contractor has been appointed for the works involved in the construction of the R680 Green Routes Phase 1a, Waterford. The works consist of the following:
21/03/2011
An exhibition of photographs of Dublin social housing flats complexes has been officially opened in the Irish Architectural Archive by the Dutch Ambassador, Robert Engels, in the presence of Cllr Ruairí McGinley representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Taken by a young Dutch photographer, Willem Hee
21/03/2011
The award of a presitigious international certificate for sustainable design has been recognised. The NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots has congratulated Graham Construction after it was awarded the accolade for its new headquarters building. On a visit to the firm's new state-of-the-art HQ in H
18/03/2011
Plans to build hundreds of homes on a north Belfast former military base, at Girdwood have seemingly hit a wall, just days after being announced, writes
18/03/2011
Plans by Roscommon County Council to move Boyle town library into the ground floor of the restored Georgian mansion, King House, have been branded "ludicrous." The organisers of the Boyle Arts Festival said the council was to accommodate just six staff in the existing library space of over 400sq m
18/03/2011
A stretch of road on the outskirts of Tullamore, Co. Offaly, will finally get a long overdue upgrade. The road at Adams Villas, which is under the control of Offaly County Council, will undergo an improvement costing €100,000. The solution to the problems on the road, which include drainage, is cu
18/03/2011
A leading energy generation company has won a €35m contract to build energy plants in Ireland. FLI Energy, part of the FLI Group, will construct a number of anaerobic digestion plants, which use food, agricultural and other organic waste to generate gas, electricity and heat. Under the terms of t
18/03/2011
The unemployment rate has gone up once more. Driven by continuing job losses in the construction and the service sectors, it has been estimated at 8.0% for the period November 2010 - January 2011. As measured by the UK-wide Labour Force Survey (LFS), this seasonally adjusted figure from the nation
18/03/2011
One of the world's largest supermarket groups has abandoned plans to open a second store in the north Belfast area - because it has been refused permission to sell alcohol. Asda has pulled out of plans for a branch at the old Hillview Retail Park on the Crumlin Road because "none of their branches
16/03/2011
Around £1.5 million worth of sales are being targeted in the Republic of Ireland construction market by a Newtownabbey-based firm that produces high quality mortar, concrete, plaster and screed. RTU Limited's move follows an investment supported by Invest Northern Ireland which aims to exploit wha
16/03/2011
Proposed plans for the construction of a telecommunications structure in Clonard, Co Meath have been refused. According to unearthore, (See:
16/03/2011
A £31m capital contract has been signed for the provision of new and upgraded buildings for two schools. The contract for the Lagan College and Tor Bank School project will provide an extended and refurbished school for Lagan College and new purpose-built accommodation for Tor Bank Special School,
16/03/2011
Mizen Head footbridge is set to reopen to the public on St Patrick's Day after extensive repairs were carried out. The €1.8m contract was jointly funded by Fáilte Ireland, Cork County Council and The Commissioners of Irish Lights. The contractor for the project was Carillion Irishenco and the b
16/03/2011
Arrangements for passing on the ownership of former military sites identified under the Hillsborough Agreement to the NI Executive have been confirmed. The 'gifting' deal, reached by Stormont First Minister, Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, provided for the
16/03/2011
The very first Sainsbury's to open in Northern Ireland, the Ballymena store, which in 1996 became the first to carry the name locally, is to receive a £5m investment The Braidwater Retail Park store will benefit from a new café, pizza bar, food-to-go counter as well as a new deli, bakery and meat a
15/03/2011
A controversial plan to build a multi-million euro motorway from Adare to Abbeyfeale has been scrapped due to a lack of funding. The decision to axe the plans was confirmed by Limerick County Council. Subsequently, a planning embargo, which has affected much of West Limerick for almost three year
15/03/2011
Waterford City Council has approved improvement works to fendering at the Frank Cassin, North and Forde Wharves. This will involve piling works, fabrication and erection of structural steel, the removal of some existing timber fendering - greenheart or equivalent, repairs to fendering, and the pro
15/03/2011
A range of new powers that will regulate the private rented sector in Northern Ireland as well as helping to address antisocial behaviour and tackle fuel poverty in social housing has been passed into legislation. The Housing (Amendment) (No.2) Bill successfully completed its Final Stage in the Ass
15/03/2011
A new interpretative and historical centre was officially opened in Armagh as part of the city's St Patrick’s Festival celebrations. The centre, dubbed 'No 5', is housed in the city’s former Registry on Vicars' Hill and was opened by the Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster. The 18th ce
15/03/2011
Northern Ireland must act now to develop 'green' skills and resources or risk losing out on thousands of potential jobs, a major conference will be told at the Waterfront Hall on 29th March. The one-day Skills Development for the Sustainable Sector event will bring together more than 150 specialist
15/03/2011
£2m is to go towards a pilot boiler replacement scheme that is being introduced in NI. It aims to benefit hundreds struggling to heat their homes and will also involve a reduced price for gas and electric that will also help fight fuel poverty. More than 44% of people live in fuel poverty here, a
14/03/2011
There's a new project underway to build a warehouse in Co Louth. The development will have an attached office block and is to be located in Dundalk. McParland Bros Ltd has submitted detailed plans for approval to Louth County Council. Their bid got underway earlier this month for the construction
14/03/2011
According to an unpublished Government brief, further delays to Metro North in Dublin are "not an option" and could undermine the State's ability to seek investors for other major infrastructure projects. Officials at the Department of Transport have said the Government need to either scrap the pr
14/03/2011
Plans to build hundreds of homes on the Girdwood former military base have been announced. The Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood, unveiled plans for 200 homes on the site beside the Crumlin Road gaol in north Belfast. The £20m investment will be one of the biggest new social an
14/03/2011
Westmeath County Council approved plans for the construction of a housing development at Ardmore Hills, Marlinstown, Mullingar. The development will comprise of 11 three-bedroom, detached dwellings, 37 four-bedroom, detached dwellings and nine five-bedroom, detached dwellings. All the associated
14/03/2011
The first meeting of a group established to deliver improved services in the Knocknagoney/Garnerville area of East Belfast has been welcomed. The group has been set up further to a Belfast City Council funded East Belfast Community Development Agency community audit of the area, and a draft action
14/03/2011
The decision to build the new national children's hospital at the Mater site in Dublin has been referred to as "a political decision." The former chairman of the board set up to build it, Philip Lynch, told The Irish Times last week that he had been "lured" into taking on the job as chairman of th
11/03/2011
There has been mixed reactions to news of a massive post-budget injection of cash into NI's sporting facilities - although the news is very positive for the troubled construction sector. The Stormont Sports Minister, DUP MLA, Nelson McCausland announced that both soccer and Gaelic games would both
11/03/2011
Detailed plans were approved this week by Dunlaoghaire/Rathdown Council for the construction of a housing development at Eaton Brae House, Eaton Brae, Shankill, Dublin 18. The development will include 14 new houses comprising of six two-storey three-bedroom terrace houses, six two-storey four-bedro
11/03/2011
The main contractor has been appointed for a £15m construction project that will see extra buildings erected to service an expanding fleet of trains across Northern Ireland. John Graham (Dromore) Ltd is to enjoy a modest boost as its staff get to work on the new centre which is to be used for the m
11/03/2011
A new control room and quality assurance laboratory is to provide a modest boost for the building trade in Co Dublin. Diageo Ireland Holdings have appointed a contractor privately for the works involved with the construction of a new control room and quality assurance laboratory on the site known a
11/03/2011
In March of last year, the €106 million route from Ennis to Athenry - connecting Galway to Limerick by rail - was opened after years of lobbying in the west. Despite initial demand for it however, figures provided by the Department of Transport in response to a Freedom of Information request show p
11/03/2011
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), held a seminar on 10th March at the Hilton Hotel Templepatrick, in an effort to improve industry standards when dealing with asbestos. Asbestos remains the most serious occupational health issue in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK
10/03/2011
Work has now started on the long-awaited new 120 cell block at Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim - with a considerable fillip resulting from the multi-million pound contract at a time of recession. Partly in response to last year's prison protests over segregation and prison conditions, the Stormont J
10/03/2011
The planned construction and completion of the N86 Annascaul to Gortbreagoge Road Improvement Scheme in Co Kerry has moved on a stage. The scope of works required by Kerry County Council consists of all construction activities associated with the construction and completion of the N86 Annascaul to
10/03/2011
The next steps in the proposed regeneration of the Westside area of Belfast city centre have been revealed. These include a new promotional campaign and website for developers to declare their interest in delivering the regeneration masterplan for the Greater Castle Street area; and submission of t
10/03/2011
There's news this week that a proposed new crematorium and cemetery in Co Dublin has been refused planning permission. Fingal Council rejected the planned development at Balleally West, Lusk on the grounds that it is a 'High Amenity' zone. They said the subject site, the proposed design, the scale
10/03/2011
Environment Minister Edwin Poots announced further funding today to boost recycling, bringing the total made available this year to over £6million. This third round of funding of £2million is in addition to the £4.5million capital funding that was allocated in rounds one and two through his Departm
10/03/2011
Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood, today announced plans to invest £3.6m for the redevelopment of housing in the West Winds and Scrabo estates in Newtownards. The redevelopment will see the vacant flats at Lysander Park and Rathmullan Drive demolished, as well as five commercial units to be
09/03/2011
Ireland's Department of Justice has implemented an order to assist apartment owners so as to provide for a "timely transfer of common areas into the hands of the owners' management companies". Published by the former Minister, Brendan Smith last week it will begin to operate in April as the Multi-U
09/03/2011
A new, two-storey 12-classroom National School, costing €2.3m is to be built at Kenmare, Co Kerry. The website,
09/03/2011
DUP MEP Diane Dodds has met with European Commissioner for Competition, Joaquín Almunia, to brief him on the devastating impact on the Northern Ireland quarry industry as a result of the suspension of the aggregates credit levy scheme. Mrs. Dodds urged the Commission to bring a new scheme into ope
09/03/2011
A Co Antrim-based firm that provides aluminium window, door and curtain walling solutions for fabricators, developers and architects, Metal Technology, has secured sales of £2m in the Republic of Ireland. Supported by Invest Northern Ireland, this success - that also includes extra sales in Great B
09/03/2011
House prices in Northern Ireland are still falling, according to the latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Ulster Bank. RICS housing spokesman Tom McClelland said keenly priced new-build homes and repossessed properties priced at 2003/2004 levels were selling, but
09/03/2011
Leading used plant and equipment auction portal
08/03/2011
The Union of Student in Ireland (USI) has welcomed the presence of a new Deposit Retention Scheme in the new Programme for Government. Approximately half of cases brought to Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) relate to deposit retention and can take up to a year to be processed. In more t
08/03/2011
Planning has been approved for a £1.2m landscape remediation in Co Waterford. The project involves the creation of a high quality country park with an ecological focus for passive recreation for Waterford. According to the website, unearthore.com, the main contractor, Grangemore Landscapes, has no
08/03/2011
The completion of a major building project to develop an Irish hospital has been welcomed. Funded under the National Development Plan at a cost of €150m and providing almost 1,000 jobs, the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore was declared open by the outgoing Taoiseach, Brian Cowen. He said tha
08/03/2011
The Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has welcomed a publication from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) challenging politicians to focus on the needs of the construction industry. The Minister was guest speaker at the launch of FMB's policy document 'Building for Success in Northern Irel
08/03/2011
Insurance mediation and property repairs specialists insuranceworks.ie has unveiled plans that will create up to 200 new jobs throughout Ireland on both sides of the border, 80% of these new positions will be created in the highly depressed construction sector. This plan will represent a much neede
08/03/2011
Northern Ireland Water Ltd (NIW) was fined £1,000 plus court costs of £28 at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court today for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 13 January 2009, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, observed extensive sewage fun
08/03/2011
Houses being built to low carbon standards in NI will be given another year's grace in order to qualify for a rates holiday. The Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has announced the news while addressing the Federation of Master Builders and explaining his decision. He said: "I have listened
08/03/2011
Twenty jobs are to be created with the completion of a new hotel in Portrush this month. The Atlantis Hotel, Bar and Grill, which has 16 bedrooms and suites and three bars, will also help secure 10 existing jobs. The £4m boutique-style hotel, bar and grill is on the site originally occupied by the
07/03/2011
A planning application to transform a former retail unit into a funeral home on Main Street, Leixlip, Co Kildare has been refused. The location of the proposed development was Mill House, in the small shop unit beside French Estates, formally John Paul's Menswear. The Council turned down the p
07/03/2011
The former headquarters of beleaguered Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has cost the taxpayer well over £30,000 in the last five months - just to maintain an empty building. The news comes just a week after it emerged that NIW had paid out more than £3m in legal fees since 2007 with its former HQ now i
07/03/2011
A brave and radical new approach, and greater government leadership, are needed to tackle the present housing crisis, according to University of Ulster Professor of Housing and current President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, Professor Paddy Gray. Addressing the CIH Presidential Dinner in
07/03/2011
Strong tenant demand and falling supply pushes prices higher according to the latest RICS Residential Lettings Survey for November 2010 - January 2011. Rents rose at a rapid pace in the three months to the end of January, as falling supply of rental properties and strong tenant demand continued to
07/03/2011
Industrial cleaning company AMTL who specialise in Dry Ice (Co2) Blasting, Bead Blasting and Ultrasonic Cleaning have recently opened a UK office to provide the BUSE range of Dry Ice (Co2) Blasting equipment to UK customers. AMTL new sales office is now open in The Gasworks area of Belfast city on
04/03/2011
Portadown-based company, Kingspan Renewables, has just been announced as the winner of the Green-Tech category in the InterTrade Ireland All-island Innovation Awards. Their Varisol light has been designed to revolutionise the world of solar thermal technology, thanks to its unique features. Usin
04/03/2011
Plans for the construction of a micro-brewery with bar, tasting and retail area at Main Street, Redcross, Co. Wicklow, have been withdrawn. The planning application consisted of demolition of the existing single-story buildings to the rear of the shop which consists of workshop, shower, utility an
04/03/2011
A community facility in Brownlow, Craigavon, is set to receive a £300,000 funding boost. The project will include refurbishment of the existing St Anthony's Centre and the addition of a new annex providing conference facilities and modern accommodation for youth groups. Funding for the scheme is b
04/03/2011
An exploration company has started drilling at its Clontibret gold prospect in County Monaghan. Conroy Diamonds & Gold said the decision follows a study completed by Wardrop Engineering, which produced positive results on both technical and financial grounds. More than 3,500 metres of infill drill
04/03/2011
A training course in the Irish Republic which is proving to be particularly popular with those who previously worked in the construction sector has been a success. The Water Meter Installer course, delivered by Chevron Training, ensures that learners possess the knowledge and skills to competently
04/03/2011
A major conference is taking place in Belfast this month which will address climate change and sustainable development. The 'Sustainable Communities Conference – Making the Global Local' is being organised by Belfast City Council in partnership with a range of statutory and voluntary agencies inclu
03/03/2011
A major regeneration project has been unveiled today with news of a £3m town centre public realm scheme in Lurgan. The NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood said that the project created a high quality, modern urban environment in the heart of the Co Armagh town centre. He said the public r
03/03/2011
There's a new €3.2m Day Care Centre underway in Co Mayo. The contract will see the provision of a centre of single storey design to include health care, social and catering facilities at Achill, Co Mayo. The website unerathore.com said that the mechanical and electrical sub-contractors have now be
03/03/2011
Two high-tech replacement operating theatres in Lagan Valley Hospital have already proved their worth. Since October, more than 700 patients have had their operations carried out in the new £4.1m theatres, with the NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey noting: "These new theatres will ensure that pa
03/03/2011
There's a €150,000 school extension on the way for Dublin with three resource rooms and one after school room being built at Saint Joseph's Boys' National School, Terenure Road, East, Terenure, Dublin 6. The main contractor has now been appointed for the works involved with the construction of a ne
03/03/2011
Building work on a new primary school in County Fermanagh is now underway, with the NI Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane welcoming the development. Being both a fillip for the parish of Aghadrumsee and for the local construction sector, the building of the new school opposite St Macartan's Church
03/03/2011
Stormont Employment and Learning minister, Danny Kennedy, has visited Bombardier's new wing manufacturing and assembly factory in Belfast. The Ulster Unionist Minister met with management at the company and was shown around the aircraft fuselage assembly facility, before being given a tour of the f
02/03/2011
Plans for a new housing estate in Doolargy have been given the green light. Outline plans were approved by Louth County Council to Philip Marks on Monday. According to website, unearthore.com, the 14 detached houses in Ravensdale, Dundalk, will be served by an already permitted road layout (plan
02/03/2011
The first ever comprehensive, all-Ireland research into wood supply has been published today. The research, launched by Minister Sean Connick, was commissioned by the Programme of Competitive Forestry Research for Development (COFORD). The overview, carried out by a team convened under COFORD, has
02/03/2011
Stonework repairs to the façade of one of Belfast's best-known and most historic buildings - the Central Library - have been officially completed. And while its unwise to 'judge a book by it's cover', the Stormont Minister responsible for Libraries, the DUP's North Belfast MLA, Nelson McCausland is
02/03/2011
The NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood visited Creggan in Londonderry this week to meet residents who have voted to take part in the first large scale housing stock transfer of its kind in Northern Ireland. The transfer proposal was based on the ownership and management of 55 existing Hous
02/03/2011
One of the world's largest supermarkets is hoping that it won't be facing a fight to win planning permission for a new Co Down store. Asda has carried out a poll during a recent two-day open exhibition of its Newry Road plans for Banbridge. Overall 250 people attended the exhibition where they wer
02/03/2011
A modest development of 15 family homes are to replace a former inner-city police station. The Stormont Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood has welcomed the acquisition of the former site of Mountpottinger police station in the nationalist Short Stand area for social housing. Currently there
01/03/2011
Belfast's riverside is in for a major boost with news that a regeneration master plan for the Queen's Quay site on the east bank of the River Lagan in Belfast has been commissioned. The NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood was at Queen's Quay - which stretches from the Odyssey to the Bridge
01/03/2011
Detailed plans have been approved by Galway Council for Íarnród Éireann to construct a railway station as part of the Limerick to Galway Railway project at Garraun South in Oranmore. The plans include a new 174m platform, 150-bay car park, equipment room, platform shelter and associated infrastruct
01/03/2011
Employment and Learning Minister Danny Kennedy has urged everyone to 'have a go' at a new skill as part of the countdown to WorldSkills 2011. WorldSkills is the largest international skills competition where young people from across the globe compete to become the best of the best in their chosen s
01/03/2011
A highly controversial document of consent has been signed on the last day of the term in office of the last Minister for Energy. The now former Minister Pat Carey, who lost his seat in Friday's General Election announced on Monday that he was granting permission to an application received 10 month
01/03/2011
Detailed plans were submitted to Galway City Council by the Health Service Executive last week for the construction of a two-storey, 50 bed Acute Adult Mental Health Unit at University Hospital, Galway. The unit will incorporate an Out-Patients department to accommodate the relocated Adult Acute
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