Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for March 2012
30/03/2012
A pioneering new system that saves the waste of natural gas as it is transported via pipeline and transforms it into electricity that can be put back into the grid, was crowned the overall winner of the Sustainable Energy Innovation Award. EGPT Ltd, who picked up the Award at the second day of the
30/03/2012
Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor attraction, has been completed on time and within budget. Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster today said that considering the scale and complexity of the project this was a remarkable achievement. Other key features of the new building include: •A
30/03/2012
SIPTU has categorically dismissed a claim by the management of Lagan Brick that it offered redundancy payments which equated to around two years net pay to most of the 25 workers involved in the dispute at the company's Kingscourt Brick manufacturing plant, Co. Cavan. SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, s
30/03/2012
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D, today 30 March 2012, outlined his support for Earth Hour 2012. The Minister said: "Earth Hour is a unique worldwide initiative that allows people to express their support for the protection and improvement of our
30/03/2012
CITB-ConstructionSkills NI and the Chartered Institute of Building recently held two free seminars designed to provide an overview of all the new environmental and sustainable construction developments which are affecting the industry at the minute and which will change the way we build in the futur
30/03/2012
A pioneering new system that saves the waste of natural gas as it is transported via pipeline and transforms it into electricity that can be put back into the grid, was crowned the overall winner of the Sustainable Energy Innovation Award. EGPT Ltd, who picked up the Award at the second day of the S
30/03/2012
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has condemned those responsible for stealing lead from the roof of Long Tower Primary School in Derry this week, and is calling for changes in the law regarding scrap metal merchants in order to make it more difficult for thieves to profit from the crime. Mr Durkan wants t
30/03/2012
Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland and Health Minister, Edwin Poots have officially opened a new residential unit in Londonderry for adults with a learning disability. The £3.3 million Ralphs Close scheme provides purpose built accommodation for 16 Western Trust patients who previously
30/03/2012
Ulster Unionist Environment Spokesperson, Danny Kinahan, has said that the Northern Ireland Executive should set specific targets for each different source of renewable energy to ensure that they are all being fully exploited. The South Antrim representative said: "Northern Ireland is 99 per cent d
29/03/2012
Laois-Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has welcomed the announcement that Tullamore Dew is to re-open a distillery in Tullamore, near the original site. The move will create 100 jobs during construction and 15 permanent full and part-time jobs. "This is fantastic news for Tullamore for a variety
29/03/2012
A new €30 million fund for important sports capital projects has been launched today by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD. This is the first round of sports capital funding for four years and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to encourage more people to take part in spo
29/03/2012
Northern Ireland can’t ignore alternative financing methods as a way of helping fill its widening infrastructure investment gap, the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) says today. Speaking following an RICS Northern Ireland briefing for property and construction professionals on the s
29/03/2012
Fianna Fáil has published a Bill to ban clauses within business leases which provide exclusively for upward only rent reviews. Spokesperson on Justice Dara Calleary moved the Landlord and Tenant (Business Leases Rent Review) Bill 2012 in the Dáil and is has now been submitted for selection to the C
29/03/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community & local government Brian Stanley TD has announced that he intends to introduce a bill that will reverse the Household Charge. Speaking ahead of the launch of the bill, Deputy Stanley said: "The bill, entitled Local Government (Household Charge) (Repe
29/03/2012
Leading Cork-based timber frame manufacturer Cygnum is launching a pioneering closed low embodied carbon panelised building system that integrates cellulose insulation. The Precision system has been developed by the company to drive down the costs of a building system that’s becoming increasingly po
29/03/2012
The HSE has announced ce the relocation of St. Patrick's Day Care Centre in Tralee into the newly refurbished Day Care Centre in Dean's Lane, Moyderwell. The move forms part of the major reinvestment and regeneration project taking place in the Mitchels / Boherbee area of the town which is led by t
29/03/2012
Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, welcomes the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on offshore renewable energy research cooperation with the United States Department of Energy. The memorandum was signed on his behalf in Washington last week during the Taoiseach's visit to the US. Dr Peter
29/03/2012
Sinn Féin MLA Willie Clarke has welcomed the publication of the Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan that will guide the creation of renewable projects until 2020. Mr Clarke said: "It is important that we move our energy needs towards renewable sources in the years ahead and this report
28/03/2012
Analysis by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) of the economic and enterprise benefits of the sustainable energy sector, states that over 20,000 jobs can be created within the sector over the next eight years to 2020. The figures were announced today by SEAI at its annual Energy Sho
28/03/2012
An oil laundering plant has been discovered in County Cavan. Local Gardai and officers found it in a yard behind a house in Whitegate, Virginia. It is believed the plant could launder 10 million litres of fuel every year. Two vans, bleaching earth, a compressor, a large quantity of laundered fuel
28/03/2012
Mr Phil Hogan TD Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government during the debate in the Dail on the recently published Mahon report outlined his plans for a speedy response to the report and the finalisation of the promised planning review initiated by the previous Minister for the Envi
28/03/2012
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy launched an event today to mark the renaming of the Bridge End Station in Belfast which will now be known as Titanic Quarter Station. Mr Kennedy said: "Work on the station has just been completed. The improvements are part of an overall £7million project to extend p
28/03/2012
Ulster Unionist MLA Michael Copeland is seeking clarification as to whether or not the Army will be called in to deliver fuel supplies in the event of a yes vote for strike action by fuel tanker drivers. The East Belfast MLA said: "I recently questioned the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Investme
28/03/2012
Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed Down District Council formally writing to the Minister for Regional Development Danny Kennedy about the urgent need for a pedestrian crossing along Main Street Dundrum. Approval was given at the monthly meeting of full Council after a propo
28/03/2012
Over the last year, NIE, the electricity network company, has seen around one incident per week where metal thieves or vandals have damaged electricity equipment. To combat this growing issue, the company has teamed up with Crimestoppers and other utility companies to raise awareness in local commu
28/03/2012
A Co Antrim farmer was fined £750 plus court costs of £24 at Ballymena Magistrates' Court yesterday. Mr Richard Millar of Drumfin Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 15 June 2011, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Irela
28/03/2012
Carrickfergus-based Luxury Planter Collection has lined up business in Lithuania which will give it a springboard for further growth in Baltic markets. The company, which is part of the biggest-ever Invest Northern Ireland trade mission to the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, has con
28/03/2012
The Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D., is leading an Enterprise Ireland trade mission of 25 companies to Turkey to boost trade between the two counties. The visit, which starts tomorrow, is being organised in cooperation with the Irish Embassy in Turkey. The participating compa
27/03/2012
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government Niall Collins has criticised plans to force local authority staff to go door to door checking on whether their neighbours have paid their household charge. He also criticised what he described as a growing sense of chaos surr
27/03/2012
Justice Minister David Ford has today launched a new Crimestoppers campaign to tackle metal theft in Northern Ireland. Figures show that in 2011 there were 669 recorded incidents of metal theft throughout Northern Ireland compared to 219 in 2007. The campaign leaflet ‘Crush metal theft in your c
27/03/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today responded to the customer satisfaction survey for DOE Planning. Mr Attwood said: "As planning minister I shall be judged and judge myself on simplifying planning, faster planning, more robust enforcement, more sustainable planning and protection and positive
27/03/2012
Energy Minister Arlene Foster today announced the publication of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s vision for developing Northern Ireland’s offshore renewable energy resources to 2020 and beyond. The Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan (ORESAP) has been developed foll
27/03/2012
North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has welcomed news that work is continuing to provide up to 55 new Social Housing units at West Green, Loughview Estate, Holywood. In response to a recent Assembly Question asked by East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle the Minister for Social Development
27/03/2012
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) says the DAFT’s Buyers’ Attitudes Survey is a very positive indication for the Irish housing market. The survey revealed that 60% of prospective buyers intend to purchase a property within the next two years or sooner. Speaking in reaction to the survey,
27/03/2012
SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has welcomed news that the Department of Social Development is exploring ways of accelerating development of the Portadown Gateway sites. Mrs Kelly was speaking after receiving a reply to a written question to DSD Minister Nelson McCausland, which said that, althou
27/03/2012
Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has said he is delighted that UPC is taking a proactive approach to concerns he has raised with the company about a pylon located at Mornington Heights in Trim. Deputy Butler met with the company recently as part of his on-going efforts to get the pylon removed
26/03/2012
Addressing the spring conference of the Irish Wind Energy Association in Dublin, Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, highlighted the increasing importance of wind power in Ireland’s energy future. In a wider European context Minister Rabbitte noted that the European Commission has publicly identified t
26/03/2012
Local Authority staff should not be asked to call to households in the state to register them or collect the household charge, according to The Green Party. It has severely criticised Environment Minister Phil Hogan for suggesting that Local Authorities would be called upon to clean up a mess of hi
26/03/2012
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) this morning, as part of a lease arrangement, handed over the keys of the former Finglas Garda Station to Finglas Childcare Ltd. He said at this morning's event: "With the downsizing of the public sec
26/03/2012
Labour T.D., Joanna Tuffy has called for an end to windfall gains from re-zonings. "The driving force behind corruption found by the Mahon Tribunal was that decisions by councillors to rezone land for residential and commercial development could make a handful of landowners and developers very rich
26/03/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood saw the potential in zero carbon homes when he visited a locally designed and constructed zero carbon home in Armagh. The 'Green Future House' has qualified for five years of free rates under the Zero and Low Carbon Homes scheme. The house was built by Green Futur
26/03/2012
Health Minister Edwin Poots will today visit Ballymena to view plans for a new state of the art £25million Health and Care Centre. The new Health and Care Centre will be built on the Braid Valley Hospital site and will provide a range of community services including GP services, diagnostic services
26/03/2012
Award-Winning Engineer and graduate of UL, Dr Pio Fitzgerald returned to Ireland from the US to deliver the first of the 2012 ULAA Alumni Public Lectures. The title of Dr Fitzgerald’s Lecture was ‘On The Shoulders of Giants - Being Part of the Team Which Designed the Next Generation 747’. An Honou
26/03/2012
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has called on Vita Cortex owner Jack Ronan to settle the dispute with workers who are on the eve of their one hundredth day of occupation of the Cork factory. Mr Adams sent solidarity greetings to the workers today. He said: "There is huge support for the Vita Corte
23/03/2012
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland lends a hand in sorting out the new decor in a £4.3million housing scheme at Springfarm in Antrim. Once home to military families, keys have been handed over to new residents following refurbishment and new build by Clanmil Housing. A total of 53 houses at Mull
23/03/2012
The Irish Planning Institute has noted the conclusions of the Mahon Report on irregularities in the planning process and is satisfied that at no stage in the process of the tribunal inquiry, has the integrity of professional planners been questioned. However, the Institute is of the view that the Re
23/03/2012
Hot on the heels of securing a £360K tender for a major lighting upgrade, Graham FM has been successful in securing a further contract for Translink. In a contract worth £1.1m, Graham FM will provide, install and commission replacement fire alarm systems for over 90 key sites in Northern Ireland in
23/03/2012
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced that RPS Consulting Engineers have been appointed for a major study in the North-West/Neagh Bann River Basin District (RBD) catchment
23/03/2012
A new signage scheme, highlighting places of interest along the Titanic and Maritime Heritage Trails, has been unveiled in Belfast. Jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, under the Tourism Development Scheme, and Belfast City Council, the white on brown road signage and colourful ped
23/03/2012
"The Finance Minister must reduce the tax rate the government takes on every litre of fuel in order to sustain employment and to promote growth in the economy," according to Sinn Féin Senator, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. The senator was speaking during the course of the debate on the Finance Bill in the
23/03/2012
An innovative pilot scheme to help homeowners budget for oil fills is being tested in Northern Ireland. The never seen before technology developed by local companies Kingspan Environmental and Carillion Energy Services will be installed on 20 oil tanks in homes in the Dungannon, Camlough and Newcas
23/03/2012
Jimmy Deenihan, T.D Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has announced the award of €500,000 under the Structures at Risk Fund to assist with works to safeguard protected structures, in private and civic ownership, under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and in certain cas
23/03/2012
Sinn Féin’s justice spokesperson, Jonathan O’Brien TD, in an initial reaction to publication of the final report of the Mahon Tribunal into certain planning matters and payments, welcomed its publication. Deputy O’Brien said that Sinn Féin is aware that many working class communities and particular
23/03/2012
Addressing the spring conference of the Irish Wind Energy Association in Dublin, Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, highlighted the increasing importance of wind power in Ireland's energy future. In a wider European context Minister Rabbitte noted that the European Commission has publicly identified t
23/03/2012
A report into the Republic's planning process has found that Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern is guilty of not properly recording financial transactions however Mr Ahern has not been charged with corruption. The report has rejected evidence about the sources of money in Mr Ahern's bank acco
23/03/2012
All Clear Drains in Northern Ireland is a family run business with 10 years of experience. All Clear Drains ONLY use fully qualified engineers and is a firm approved by the CSR and the EUSR. It also holds High Risk Work and Waste Carrier licenses. Frequently Asked Questions
22/03/2012
The Merchant Hotel, situated in one of Northern Ireland's most recognised and oldest established buildings dating back to 1857, has announced that it is making the switch to renewable energy as part of its commitment to put long term sustainability practices at the core of its business. The electri
22/03/2012
Newry and Mourne District Council and Warrenpoint Harbour Authority have announced that the application has been submitted by the two authorities in partnership with the Loughs Agency. Louth County Council, and Dumfries and Galloway Council to the Interreg IVA Programme for the proposed Warrenpoint
22/03/2012
Brett Martin, a leading manufacturer of plumbing and drainage systems, has made a significant investment to enhance its service to builders merchants across Northern Ireland. The Mallusk-based company has purchased five new Mercedes Benz Atego trucks from Mercedes Benz Truck and Van (NI) Ltd in a
22/03/2012
Fianna Fáil TD for Longford/Westmeath, Robert Troy, has demanded that Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, outline what site in Westmeath will locate the reserve defence forces in Mullingar. Deputy Troy asked the Minister for Defence about the progress that he has made, through
22/03/2012
Energy Minister, Arlene Foster presented utility badges to scout groups from across Belfast who have been leading the way in energy efficiency and water conservation, following a pilot project between the Utility Regulator and the Scout Association. The scheme, which also involved Power NI, NI Wate
22/03/2012
Following the budget statement SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has criticised the Chancellor for refusing to take action to lower fuel prices. Ms Ritchie has said that rather than prioritising lower tax rates for high earners the Chancellor should have focused on growing the real economy, start
22/03/2012
Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed a commitment given to him from DRD Roads Service in a written response to resurface Main Street Dundrum. The written assurance was issued following Councillor Clarke making representations to DRD Roads Service following the main road showin
22/03/2012
Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, today reminded landowners that it is illegal to burn vegetation on land at this time of year. The Minister was speaking in response to recent reports of illegal burning takin
22/03/2012
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins has today published a Bill to amend the Household Charge legislation, extending the deadline for payment until the end of September and addressing some of other flaws in the initial legislation. Deputy Collins has published the legislation followin
22/03/2012
Speaking on the Second Stage of the Finance Bill 2012, Senator Aideen Hayden called on the Minister today to give serious consideration to the position of those who are in what she called a "rent to rent" situation. This group includes those who bought during the boom but for various reasons have be
22/03/2012
A County Tyrone man has pleaded guilty and was fined a total of £1,500 plus £88 costs at Omagh Magistrates' Court for non-compliance with a Department of the Environment (DOE) Planning Enforcement Notice. Mr Patrick Canavan, Camlough Road Carrickmore, was issued with an Operational Notice seeking t
22/03/2012
The planning process is set to be made easier with new plans and regulations coming into operation today. Environment Minister Alex Attwood said he will introduce the regulations to make the process easier for people to understand and to use. He said: "These new regulations represent a significant
21/03/2012
Nualight, a leading specialist in lighting for food retail, has announced a $100 million opportunity with Hussmann, a global manufacturer of refrigerated display merchandisers and refrigeration systems. The announcement was made during an Enterprise Ireland business event during the Taoiseach’s St
21/03/2012
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has produced a free guide offering social landlords free advice on data sharing and tenancy fraud. The CIH currently hosts the Making Best Use of Stock team, a five-strong team of expert advisers, funded by the Communities and Local Government department, wh
21/03/2012
Firmus Energy have announced they are among the top businesses in Northern Ireland to be shortlisted for the 'Excellence in Marketing' award at this year's Belfast Telegraph Business Awards. The 2012 Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Business Awards in association with bmi will take place on Tuesd
21/03/2012
Clare County Council has announced it will host an additional public information meeting in relation to the Limerick Northern Distributor Road on Tuesday, 27th March 2012 from 3 pm. until 8 p.m. in the Raddison Hotel, Ennis Road. The meeting follows on from the decision to extend the closing date f
21/03/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has refused planning permission for a mixed use development on the site of Andrews Mill at Percy Street in Belfast. The application, which proposed 395 apartments along with retail and office uses and a nursing home and crèche, has been the subject of significant i
21/03/2012
Minister for Housing & Planning Ms Jan O'Sullivan TD has announced details of housing capital allocations to local authorities worth some €251.5 million for 2012. The allocations will support investment under the national regeneration programme, works to improve the standard and energy efficiency
21/03/2012
Fianna Fáil has called for an extension on the Household Charge deadline in light of serious inadequacies with legislation, the lack of a proper information campaign and inequalities with payment procedures. The party's Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins commented: "The Government has made a
21/03/2012
The Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has confirmed that the regional rate will remain frozen in real terms for the 2012/13 rating year. Following the Assembly's approval of the Rates (Regional Rates) Order (Northern Ireland) 2012. He said: "In the 2012/13 rating year, there will be a modest increase
20/03/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced that work has started on trial excavations at the Mound of Down, a monument on the edge of the Quoile marshes on the outskirts of Downpatrick. The Mound is a huge earthwork with a massive bank and ditch enclosing an area of over three acres. Within th
20/03/2012
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has given the go ahead for a pilot project to target empty homes. The Minister said: "The wastefulness of empty homes is an issue I hear raised time and time again. I recognise the opportunity to bring these homes back to use both in terms of providing housing, en
20/03/2012
Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called on the Minister for Environment to move quickly to reassure the public about an apparent loophole in his Household Charge legislation. It follows confirmation from Minister Hogan to Deputy Troy that 'the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides for
20/03/2012
Mr Fergus O Dowd, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has welcomed the announcement by Providence Resources that testing of their Barryroe oil appraisal well, 48/24-10z, has been successful. The flow rates achieved are the highest so far for a
20/03/2012
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill has announced new appointments and re-appointments to the Drainage Council. The independent advisory body oversees the programme of publicly funded flood defence and drainage projects in the Northern Ireland. The Council is made up of ten
20/03/2012
Northern Ireland wind energy company Simple Power today announced an exclusive agreement with global manufacturer Vergnet SA to deliver the company's wind turbines throughout the province. The distribution agreement French based Vergnet is valued at over £50million. Founded by CEO, Marc Vergnet,
20/03/2012
Dromad Hire has been successfully shortlisted to the final three for the European Hire Company Of The Year award, by HAE (Hire association Europe). The winner in this category will demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism within the Tool, Equipment and Plant sector. They will possess a
20/03/2012
One hundred and sixty eight homes in Down, Newry and Mourne will have new boilers fitted as part of a pilot replacement scheme funded by the Northern Ireland Executive. The £2 million pilot scheme, launched in June last year is designed to help older people who don't qualify for other energy effici
16/03/2012
Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív has criticised the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan for his total disregard for promises, procedures and for the public. Deputy Ó Cuív explained: "In reply to a Parliamentary Question from me on 08 March 2012, Minister Hogan confirmed that he intends signing a Com
16/03/2012
The High Court has granted permission for a challenge to the implementation of the Household Charge as the legislation has not yet been published in Irish. The matter is due before court in two weeks. This is an application for leave to apply for judicial review – which is the first step in legal pr
16/03/2012
Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O’Donovan, has called on the Office of Public Works (OPW) to consider turning public buildings green next year for St Patrick's Day. Deputy O'Donovan said turning Leinster House and other major buildings green could be used as part of a tourism marketing drive. "Som
16/03/2012
A Ballynahinch man has been fined £1,200 at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court for unauthorised waste offences. Seamus Branniff (28) of Drumkeeragh Road, Ballynahinch pleaded guilty to unauthorised waste storage and disposal at lands he was responsible for at his family home
16/03/2012
South Dublin County Council has announced an Explore Architecture event with workshops, talks, exhibitions and learning for all ages. The impact of our built environment is a two-week programme organised by South Dublin County Council that focuses on engaging people of all ages in sharing experienc
16/03/2012
The US Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Mr Dan Rooney, visited the site of a proposed new bridge across Carlingford Lough linking counties Louth and Down. With huge potential to unlock the region's tourism potential and to connect communities on both sides of the border, the proposed bridge wi
16/03/2012
Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed the opening of enhanced tourist facilities at Silent Valley Mountain Park outside Newcastle. Tourism Minister Arlene Foster attended the opening of the tourist redevelopment scheme at the Silent Valley Reservoir situated in the Mournes Area
16/03/2012
Speaking at Order of Business in the Dáil, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Deputy Jonathan O’Brien called on the Government to introduce legislation to prevent a situation similar to the events surrounding the Vita Cortex workers happening again. Deputy O’Brien condemned Minister Ruairi Quinn’
16/03/2012
Adam Douglas, the Green Party Spokesperson for Transport, Tourism and Sport has called on the Minister for Transport to make the proposed consultation on the future of the Irish rail network as wide as possible. He said that any potential changes as a result of Tuesday's cabinet decision need to b
16/03/2012
SIPTU members at Lagan Brick, Kingscourt, co. Cavan, have been in dispute with the brick manufacturing company for more than 90 days. The dispute began on the 15th December when workers at the Kingscourt plant were informed that the facility was closing only hours before it ceased operation. The co
16/03/2012
"The Government is deliberately preparing the ground to abandon support for Shannon Airport in favour of bolstering Knock without a genuine economic case for doing so and threatening future investment and employment in the Midwest," Fianna Fáil's Transport Spokesperson Timmy Dooley has said. Deput
15/03/2012
Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, has announced the launch of a capital fund to support sustainable energy investments in 2012 in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors. The fund will make available €7.5 million for projects that support energy performance contracting; a key element
15/03/2012
J P Corry, Lisburn is the overall winner in the second Octabuild Northern Ireland Builders Merchant Awards. The award was presented in the Stormont Hotel before an audience of almost 200 people representing the merchant and building industry. The judges were lavish in their praise not just for JP
15/03/2012
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on energy Martin Ferris TD has said that the oil find off the Cork coast will be of little benefit to the country under the current licensing and revenue structure. The Kerry North/Limerick West TD was commenting on the announcement by Providence Resources that a well in
15/03/2012
East Galway Labour Senator, Lorraine Higgins, today warned the Central Bank against increasing the number of days per month which a mortgage lender can contact its customers who are in arrears. "I am concerned at reports that the Central Bank is seeking to review its code of conduct, and increase t
15/03/2012
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has approved the Capital Expenditure Programme of €165 million for the 4 Year period 2012 to 2015. Approximately €113m of the total expenditure of €165 will be funded from the Council’s own resources, with the balance of €52m coming from non-Council sources -
15/03/2012
NAMA has confirmed it will intervene to help tenants struggling with high rents if landlords under the agency's remit are refusing to engage on the issue. The commitment was made by NAMA's chief executive Brendan McDonagh following questioning from Fianna Fáil’s Finance Spokesperson Michael McGra
15/03/2012
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster, has attended the opening of an impressive tourism re-development scheme at Silent Valley, Newcastle. The Silent Valley is one of the largest single areas of land within the Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the reservoir is recognised as one of Northern
15/03/2012
A delegation of fifteen senior gas industry officials from Brazil this week jetted into Belfast as part of a best practice visit based around reviewing the network and operations of Phoenix Natural Gas. The underground natural gas network in the North remains one of the most modern of its kind in t
15/03/2012
Topaz, Ireland's largest fuels and convenience retailer has been announced as an official sponsor of the 2012 Irish Paralympic Team. The company confirmed a five-figure sponsorship deal with Paralympics Ireland in the lead-up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games this August. As "Official Fuel and Co
15/03/2012
Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín has called on the government to withdraw their plans to levy the household charge on the 31st of March. His call comes as the High Court gives leave for a challenge to the charge on the grounds that the legislation and the statutory instruments, as well as Gaeltacht place
15/03/2012
Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has visited St Patrick’s Primary School, Gortin where he officially opened the new extension to the school. During the visit the Minister also had the opportunity to meet with pupils, staff and representatives from the Board of Governors. He said: “It has been a p
14/03/2012
Fine Gael Tipperary North TD, Noel Coonan, has said that the Government has made "real progress" in the last 12 months on addressing the concerns of turf cutters, following years of inaction by the previous Fianna Fáil Government and the Independent TDs who supported it. "This is yet another diffic
14/03/2012
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson is giving businesses parity with their UK counterparts by introducing a rates concession when they install equipment such as solar panels and wind turbines. The Rates (Microgeneration) Order (Northern Ireland) 2012 puts Northern Ireland on an equal footing to the rest
14/03/2012
Local residents from Ballymorran Bay, Killinchy, have been successful in getting a planning application to develop a commercial tourist amenity block, picnic area and car parking in a field opposite the existing slipway and key withdrawn. Alliance councillor Deborah Girvan explained: "I was contact
14/03/2012
A Fianna Fáil motion calling on the Government to use all means possible to bring about a reduction in the standard variable interest rate charged by State-owned Permanent TSB on mortgages will be debated in the Dáil. The party’s private members’ motion also addresses the issue of credit availabil
14/03/2012
Alliance Castlereagh Councillor Carole Howard has said the incident in which a car crashed into a house was a lucky escape for the home owner. A car crashed into the house on Whincroft Road on Tuesday afternoon after the driver lost control of his vehicle. The elderly driver was taken to hospital
14/03/2012
Revelations that 165,000 homes will be targeted for septic tank inspections have exposed Minister Hogan's gross understatement about the impact of his controversial Septic Tank Bill, according to Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins. Deputy Collins said: "Minister Hogan and his Gover
14/03/2012
The Chief Whip to the Government and Minister of State Mr. Paul Kehoe TD has officially opened "Tús Nua", the HSE's new residential centre for mental health service users built on the grounds of St. John’s Hospital in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Speaking at the Ceremony, Minister Kehoe said: "I'm p
14/03/2012
Work has commenced on the new Primary Care Network Centre following the official turning of the sod by Deputy Nicky McFadden TD. The sod turning of the new building marks a significant milestone for the continued development of health services for the people of Athlone and the surrounding areas. T
14/03/2012
SIPTU representatives met with the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in Dublin. The Commission briefed SIPTU on its contacts with all the parties to the dispute over the last number of weeks. The SIPTU representatives set out the union’s position to the Commission as to its views regarding the re
14/03/2012
SDLP Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee Alban Maginness has welcomed the Executive's Economic Strategy but has expressed concern that it does not do enough to develop the Green New Deal. The North Belfast MLA said: "We very much welcome that the final Economic Strategy document
14/03/2012
House prices in Northern Ireland are continuing to plummet at an unprecedented rate according to recent figures. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have revealed that NI house prices are down as much as 65%- 70% since the 2007 property market boom. Meanwhile RICS have said that the
14/03/2012
Fine Gael Kerry TD, Brendan Griffin, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly, that two new mental health units have been given the go-ahead for Kerry. A new 40-bed unit will be constructed on the Cherryfield site in Killarney, while a 4-bed high intensity unit will
13/03/2012
Alliance Coleraine Councillor Barney Fitzpatrick has welcomed the £405,000 funding from the Department of the Environment to deal with derelict buildings in Portstewart and Portrush. Funding will be given to Coleraine Borough Council to carry out the work that is aimed to be completed before the I
13/03/2012
Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill has announced the commencement of the public consultation on new Reservoir Safety Policy proposals. The policy proposals will be used to establish a legal and administrative regime for the management and regulation of reservoir safety.
13/03/2012
Fine Gael Cork East TD, Tom Barry, is calling on local community groups in Cork to get involved in a new initiative from the Office of Public Works (OPW) aimed at getting volunteers more involved in how we present and promote our heritage. "The busy summer tourist season is just a few months away,
13/03/2012
The Department of the Environment has served an Urgent Works Notice on the owner of Corrstown House, 155 Hopefield Road, Portrush. This property is a good example of a pre-1830 Georgian farmhouse with its original vernacular outbuildings. Despite repeated attempts by the Northern Ireland Environmen
13/03/2012
Revelations today that 165,000 homes will be targeted for septic tank inspections have exposed Minister Hogan's gross understatement about the impact of his controversial Septic Tank Bill, according to Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins. Deputy Collins said: "Minister Hogan and his
13/03/2012
Brian Hayes, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works was in Cork to sign the contract for Phase II of the Fermoy Flood Relief Scheme and to switch on the new exterior lighting at Charles Fort in Kinsale. Speakin
13/03/2012
SIPTU has called for the immediate withdrawal of legal threats made against the union and its members participating in industrial action at Lagan Brick, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan. SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: "SIPTU members in Lagan Brick voted to take strike action at the company's premises in Ki
13/03/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said that new legislation designed to resolve disputes over high hedges, will become law on 31 March. The Northern Ireland High Hedges Act is designed to help people who are adversely affected by high hedges bordering their domestic property. The Act deals specifi
13/03/2012
Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, has announced that 9 energy companies have signed Voluntary Agreements with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to deliver energy savings to consumers. The Minister has approved the finalisation of Voluntary Agreements between the Sustainable Energy Authority
13/03/2012
A Newtownards skip company owner was fined £20,000 at Ards Magistrates Court today for operating an unlicensed waste transfer station. A waste transfer station acts as a collection point for individual collections of waste, where the waste is sorted and bulked up before being moved or transported f
13/03/2012
Sinn Féin’s Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe has given a qualified welcome to the announcement by Minister Ruairí Quinn of 275 major school projects to be completed over the next five years. Deputy Crowe said: "In Sinn Féin’s pre-budget submission we put forward proposals for a comprehensive schoo
12/03/2012
Minister Nelson Mc Causland paid a visit to Belfast couple John and Lillian Tooke to see their new kitchen replacement. The Tooke's home is one of the 196 homes involved in a £750,000 kitchen replacement scheme in the Ballysillan/ Silverstream area. During the visit the minister said: "I was reall
12/03/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced a £405,000 funding package to tackle dereliction in Portrush and Portstewart. The money will be given to Coleraine Borough Council to demolish buildings, repair, secure and paint buildings and landscape a number of gap sites to create urban parks. W
12/03/2012
Power NI, the new name for NIE Energy, is providing help and support to customers to save money and energy in 2012 through its Combat Winter initiative. With expectations of colder and frosty weather in the coming weeks, the Power NI Combat Winter campaign provides customers with practical energy s
12/03/2012
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed a £745,000 investment by Teemore Engineering aimed at expanding the company’s market presence in Great Britain. The Fermanagh-based firm is a leading manufacturer and supplier of livestock housing equipment. It also distributes complementary housing p
12/03/2012
SDLP Ballycastle Councillor Dónal Cunningham has said that Moyle District Council should consider a period of reduced rates if this could progress the sale of the Marine Hotel and Country Club leisure facility in Ballycastle. He said: “The Marine Hotel has been closed since December 2010 and was on
12/03/2012
Sinn Fein's spokesperson on environment, community and local government, Brian Stanley TD, says that "the government is losing the argument for its household charge". Deputy Stanley was responding to the revelations that the government will use utility companies’ records to track down people who ha
12/03/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood believes that much more money can be secured for the environment in Northern Ireland. The Minister was speaking from Brussels today where he became the first Northern Ireland Environment Minister to attend the EU Environment Council meeting. The Minister wants muc
12/03/2012
Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has welcomed the news that seven schools in Meath West will be built or extended, as part of a major new school building programme announced by the Government. A total of 275 projects will be completed between 2012 and 2016, creating 18,000 jobs nationally. "Thi
12/03/2012
WindowMaster is supplying its automated window control system to deliver a natural ventilation solution for the new Pope John Paul II library at the National University of Ireland at Maynooth. The project is being delivered by a design team led by architects Scott Tallon Walker and M&E design engi
09/03/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has urged the government to avoid any further conflict with rural Ireland and provide full funding for the upgrade of septic tanks. While questioning the Minister in the Dáil, Stanley said: "Sinn Féin welcomes
09/03/2012
SIPTU has agreed to attend discussions at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) in Dublin on Tuesday 13th March in a renewed effort to resolve the long running dispute over redundancy payments at the Vita Cortex foam manufacturing plant in Cork. The Vita Cortex workers occupying the plant on the Ki
09/03/2012
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has approved a key physical and community regeneration scheme for Bishop Street, Derry. DOE Planning officials sought the views of Derry City Council who unanimously supported the proposals. The proposal involves the redevelopment of two non-listed building
09/03/2012
The Irish Planning Institute (IPI), the body which represents professional planners, has called for the inclusion of a planner on the Expert Review Group on the National Children's Hospital appointed by the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly. "We are very concerned that a professional planner may
09/03/2012
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is calling for innovative entries for the ninth annual all-island Sustainable Energy Awards. The 2011 Awards saw nominations for 105 pioneering projects, representing cumulative energy savings of over €23 million. Last year also saw a big jump in t
09/03/2012
Omagh-based company, Waste Systems Ltd, has picked up the prestigious all-island accolade for Best Green Tech Innovation at the final of the third annual Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards, in Dublin. In recognition of their award, the local firm will receive a communications and adv
09/03/2012
Twistfix are one of the leading suppliers for a range of
09/03/2012
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams visited the Vita Cortex workers sit-in on the Kinsale Road, Cork, yesterday to express his solidarity with their campaign to secure agreed redundancy payments. A delegation of the workers discussed their campaign with the Sinn Féin president. The workers welcomed his
08/03/2012
Arup has been commissioned to design what will be one of Europe's largest hospitals in Vienna, Austria. The Krankenhaus Nord Wein hospital win marks another milestone in the international recognition of the firm’s expertise in the field of healthcare. Construction work has just started on the 800-
08/03/2012
Health Minister Edwin Poots today marked a new era for Antrim Area hospital when he cut the first sod on the site of the new £9million emergency department. The new state-of-the-art emergency department will provide services for up to 90,000 patients annually. It will include patient resuscitation
08/03/2012
The public are being encouraged to come along to a free event concerning Belfast town centre and residential planning systems which will involve high profile speakers and an opportunity for an open discussion. Entitled "Planning our Future" the event will be held on Thursday 15 March 2012, 7.30pm
08/03/2012
Currently only 10% of the engineering workforce in Ireland, and just 20% of engineering undergraduates, are women. DIT aims to change those statistics. Last week, DIT invited more than 200 girls from secondary schools across Ireland to a unique, 'Girls Only' event - Women in Engineering - A Role M
08/03/2012
Health Minister Edwin Poots today highlighted how joint working with the voluntary sector can deliver benefits for patients. Mr Poots officially opened the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital, the first specialist palliative care unit to be built in collaboration between a trust and voluntary se
08/03/2012
A new Visitor Centre and Exhibition will be constructed at the ancestral home of John F. Kennedy in Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford. Speaking at the announcement Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, said: "It gives me great pleasure to be in
08/03/2012
The Vita Cortex workers have acknowledged an acceptance by the company's owners to finally engage in meaningful talks aimed a reaching a just conclusion to the long running dispute. Responding to a press statement released by a public relations company on behalf of the Vita Cortex owners, SIPTU Org
08/03/2012
Fianna Fail is calling on Meath County Council and the National Roads Authority (NRA) to seek a judicial review after planning permission was refused to construct a bypass of the N2 at Slane village. FF councillor Thomas Byrne said: "It seems to me that An Bord Pleanála chose to ignore certain sec
08/03/2012
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community and local government Brian Stanley TD has urged the government to show leadership and compromise in dealing with protecting the state’s bogs. Speaking in the Dáil Deputy Stanley said: “Sinn Féin supports conserving and protecting our bogs and pea
07/03/2012
Fine Gael Cork East TD, Tom Barry, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, that a new primary school will be opened in Mallow next year. The new school will be run under the patronage of Cork County VEC. "It's great news for prospective pupils and parents alike that
07/03/2012
Fianna Fáil Justice Spokesperson Dara Calleary has called on the Government to reconsider the Fianna Fáil Family Home Bill to ensure that the protection of the family home is a top priority in new insolvency arrangements. Deputy Calleary is a member of the Oireachtas Justice Committee that publishe
07/03/2012
Northern Ireland Water Ltd (NIW) pleaded guilty and was fined £500 plus court costs of £25 at Craigavon Magistrates' Court for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 13 March 2009, a Water Quality Inspector acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency observed a white polluta
07/03/2012
McKeon Group (www.mckeon.ie) is to officially launch its new mechanical services division today. With over 30 years experience, the McKeon Group based in Swords, Dublin is highly respected amongst Irish construction industry professionals. The new division has resulted in two new full time positio
07/03/2012
DS Supplies Ltd has extended our range of entrance matting called the ‘Ultimat’. Our entrance mats are designed to stop dirt, dust, and moisture from entering a building. The ‘Ultimat’ is available in various colours and sizes from 40x60cm up to 120x180cm. The Dirt Stops Here Entrance matting
07/03/2012
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne has sought confirmation from the Health Minister that the new Enhanced Hospital in Omagh would, as envisaged in the business plan, have a mental health facility. He made the enquiry during questions to the Minister. Minister Poots said that the department is looking a
07/03/2012
One of Northern Ireland’s largest property firms has had to drop the value of its assets by a staggering £100m as a direct result of the property crash. William Ewart Properties has saw its net asset value decline from £211m in 2009 to £105m in 2010, this is according to the company’s 2010 accounts
07/03/2012
Two Irish farmers have generously donated land to the Irish Government for the construction of a brand new children's hospital, reports the Irish Independent. Brothers, Frank and Fergus Connon who inherited a 200-acre site from their grandfather are offering part of their lands free to the State as
06/03/2012
One of Northern Ireland’s largest property firms has had to drop the value of its assets by a staggering £100m as a direct result of the property crash. William Ewart Properties has saw its net asset value decline from £211m in 2009 to £105m in 2010, this is according to the company’s 2010 accounts
06/03/2012
Dublin’s principal shopping street, Grafton Street, has been given the green light for repaving by the City Council. The project, due to get underway in January 2013, will see the badly deteriorated, mid 1980s surface, ripped up and totally replaced with pink and grey granite, at a cost of €2.5 mil
06/03/2012
Building products manufacturer, Steadmans, has supplied materials including roof and wall cladding for a key redevelopment project at Glenavon Football Club’s stadium in Lurgan, Co Armagh. The company supplied 186 linear metres of ocean blue 0.7 plastisol-coated AS34 single-skin cladding for the r
06/03/2012
A mutli-million pound science park development at Belfast Harbour has been revealed. Northern Ireland's Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed the news of a £6m development at the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP). The development, Concourse II has had an overwhelming reception with all
06/03/2012
Northern Ireland Water has unveiled an £8m programme of improvements planned for the Benone/Magilligan sewerage network. NI Water's Head of Wastewater Capital Procurement, Dermott McCurdy revealed the 18-month scheme will commence at the end of March, involving the construction of an all new state-
06/03/2012
A Cork jobs expo has cancelled ticket sales after demand outstrips supply, preventing hopeful construction workers from securing work abroad, according to The Irish Examiner. The Working Abroad Expo has announced they have had to cancel online ticket sales after receiving unprecedented demand for t
06/03/2012
Energy Ireland are to host the Future of Natural Gas Seminar at the Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk. The half-day seminar welcomes attendance by any organisation or individual and will feature speakers from the Energy Institute and Friends of the Earth providing their unique perspectives and views
06/03/2012
Irish construction workers have been supposedly blacklisted by a UK Intelligence service report. The discovery of a database has led to accusations that UK security forces made data on Irish workers available so that construction companies would know not to recruit them. In a report by The Observ
02/03/2012
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has put forward an opinion to approve a new 62 bed hotel in William Street, Derry, as part of a mixed used development at Prince Arthur Street / William Street. DOE Planning officials will seek the views of Derry City Council at a meeting on Tuesday 6 March 2
02/03/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community & local government, Brian Stanley TD has demanded that the government, "wake up and respond the housing repossession crisis facing families". Deputy Stanley, speaking in the Dáil, said: "One in nine housing mortgages in the private sector is in distr
02/03/2012
WindowMaster is supplying its automated window control system to deliver a natural ventilation solution for the new Pope John Paul II library at the National University of Ireland at Maynooth. The project is being delivered by a design team led by architects Scott Tallon Walker and M&E design engi
02/03/2012
A €35 million plan to replace rented prefabs in 200 primary schools with proper classrooms, has been welcomed by Meath East TD Dominic Hannigan. The announcement by Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn will benefit 6,000 primary school children currently being educated in prefab buildings. "Many o
02/03/2012
Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, today , published the draft performance standards for septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems. "I gave a commitment in the Dáil, during the debates on the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012,
02/03/2012
Ireland is well advanced in achieving most of the EU waste recovery and recycling targets, with the exception of end of life vehicle targets, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Waste Report 2010 released. The economic downturn is having a marked influence on municipal
02/03/2012
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy today announced the award of a contract for construction of the A32 Shannaragh Road Realignment scheme, on the A32 between Omagh and Enniskillen. The Minister said construction work on the £7.3 million road scheme will start on 5 March 2012. "This extre
02/03/2012
Over 50 participants attended best practice seminar "Resource Efficiencies: win business, save costs" at the South West College (SWC)'s Omagh Campus. Designed to help support small construction firms with supply chain development through improved energy, environmental and waste management, it showe
01/03/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced the start of a six week public consultation on a draft Masterplan for Enniskillen town centre. The purpose of the Masterplan, which was commissioned by the Department for Social Development and Fermanagh District Council, is to provide str
01/03/2012
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O’Brien has today welcomed the publication of a report on Cork Prison by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) in which a range of proposals are put forward to end overcrowding. The Cork North Central TD said: "I welcome the report from the Irish Prison Servi
01/03/2012
Dublin North East Labour TD and and member of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment Seán Kenny today expressed his deep concerns around the payment method of the household charge. "My sincere belief is that the majority of homeowners want to pay the household charge but are either confused or
01/03/2012
Cllr Deirdre Heney has expressed serious concern at the Plan launched which sets out a plan to expand Dublin Port through the infilling of portions of Dublin Bay. Cllr Heney has called on local TD’s Bruton and Ó Riordáin to express publicly whether they endorse the Masterplan launched by their col
01/03/2012
Energy Minister, Arlene Foster today outlined the ambitious plans for Northern Ireland’s energy future over the next decade. Speaking at the annual CBI Northern Ireland Energy Forum, the Minister said that the implementation of the Strategic Energy Framework (SEF 2012) for Northern Ireland was well
01/03/2012
Complete Training are happy to announce there networking/advertising event will take place today, 1 March, at the Red Cow Hotel, between 9am-5pm. Complete Training offers superior training right across all sectors/industries from construction to security and much more. So for your companies/emplo
