Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for June 2012
29/06/2012
Cork County Council has recently acquired 3 new velocity patchers. These machines specialise in filling potholes and repairing damage to the road surface. Recognised both nationally and internationally as the best method of repairing damage to a road surface, these 3 new velocity patchers will b
29/06/2012
SIPTU has welcomed a Labour Court decision to proceed to a full hearing of the issues involved in the long running dispute at the Lagan Brick manufacturing plant, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, on Wednesday, 18th July at 10.00 a.m. The dispute, which is in its seventh month, was referred to the Labour Cou
29/06/2012
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D. has announced that a contract has been awarded for the disposal of the electronic voting equipment. A contract, worth €70,267, was today signed with KMK Metals Recycling Ltd., who are based in Tullamore County Offal
29/06/2012
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said that the Environmental Committee was briefed today on the Department of Environment response to the flash floods that occurred yesterday. Mr Boylan stated: "The committee was briefed today on the response by the DOE to the flash floods that occurred yesterday.
29/06/2012
SDLP Moyle SDLP Councillors Catherine McCambridge and Dónal Cunningham are calling for urgent effective action to be taken by DARD, Rivers Agency, and DRD Roads Service in Cushendall and the Glens of Antrim to address the recurring flooding issue. "Since 2007 we have had various DRD and DARD Minist
29/06/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has opened a new £2.7million family housing scheme at Ardilea Close in Downpatrick. The development of 13 houses and six apartments by Clanmil Housing has been allocated to families from the housing waiting list. The two and three bedroom properties hav
29/06/2012
Following research and after sourcing opinion from many areas both inside and outside Kingspan Insulated Panels we hope you will find our new style website easier to navigate and quick to find all the information you need, as well as providing a little more background on our whole range of products
29/06/2012
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins TD has responded to the sentencing of former Fine Gael Councillor Fred Forsey to 6 years for corruption. Deputy Collins has called on Minister Phil Hogan to revisit his decision to close down a series of independent planning inquiries into local au
28/06/2012
Fianna Fáil TD for Laois Offaly, Barry Cowen, has welcomed the new wind energy hub in Offaly, which has the potential to create over 50,000 jobs in the midlands. The new 'Energy Bridge' wind park will export power to the UK through wind turbines. Deputy Cowen commented: "The 'Energy Bridge' project
28/06/2012
The Board of ESB has confirmed the appointment of Paddy Hayes as Executive Director, Generation and Wholesale Markets and Pat Naughton as Executive Director, Group People and Sustainability. A Chartered Engineer, Paddy joined ESB in 1999 having previously worked with British Steel. Paddy has held s
28/06/2012
Health Minister Edwin Poots has formally opened the new Health Care Village in Clough. The Health Village accommodates a Pharmacy, a GP branch surgery, an opticians, physiotherapy and podiatry units as well as a range of health and community services including health visiting, district nursing, diab
28/06/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community and local government Brian Stanley TD has accused Minister Phil Hogan of failing to give a commitment on financial assistance for households who must upgrade their septic tanks. Responding to the publication of septic tank guidelines by the Depar
28/06/2012
SDLP South Belfast MLA Conall McDevitt has said Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has failed in their commitment to support residents in the Finaghy area of his constituency. Speaking from the area, Mr McDevitt said: "Although we have exceptionally rainy conditions tonight, the fact is that NI Water has
28/06/2012
Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has visited Castle Tower School in Ballymena two days after announcing plans for a new building for the school. Castle Tower, which caters for children with special needs up to 19 years of age, will see plans proceed for a £21.8million new build. Mr O’Dowd said: "T
28/06/2012
In the first quarter of 2012, planning permissions were granted for 1,355 dwelling units, compared with 3,667 units for the same period in 2011, a decrease of 63%, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Planning Permissions were granted for 1,263 houses in the first quarter of 2012 and 3
27/06/2012
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy welcomed additional funding of £37.5 million for road maintenance and transport services in the Executive's June monitoring round. The funding is reallocated from the Executive's in-year monitoring of public expenditure, which provides an opportunity to a
27/06/2012
Families from all over Northern Ireland gathered to celebrate Global Wind Week 2012 at Northern Ireland's newest wind farm, Slieve Kirk in County Derry / Londonderry. Airtricity, the energy supply arm of SSE Ireland, hosted a free Family Fun Day at the Belfray Country Inn on the Glenshane Road near
27/06/2012
The Court hearing on the National Trust challenge to the decision to approve the Bushmills Dunes golf resort planning application will be held on 27 November. Environment Minister Alex Attwood had asked for the full hearing to be expedited. He has been successful in his request as this is the earli
27/06/2012
Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government has announced the details of the performance standards for septic tanks at the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Community and Local Government. Homeowners who have a septic tank or waste-water treatment system need to
27/06/2012
DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds has welcomed the announcement by the Government that the 3pence per lite fuel price increase has been abandoned. However, the North Belfast MP called upon the Government to go further and actually move to cut the price of fuel for motorists. Mr Dodds said: "On the b
27/06/2012
The government continues to hide behind the banks instead of directly confronting the mortgage arrears crisis with a coordinated policy response, according to Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath. Deputy McGrath stated: "The press conference by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste today confirmed
27/06/2012
SDLP Oldpark Councillor Nichola Mallon said she is delighted at the announcement that Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin is to receive a capital investment of £2.5m for a new school building. She said: "This is wonderful news especially for the parents and pupils who have shown such unswerving loyalty to th
27/06/2012
Asset Skills, working with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), has appointed Stroma Certification to deliver Green Deal Advisor training as part of the £1 million funded ‘go early’ one-off project to support the training and qualification of Green Deal Advisors. On the 8th March DEC
26/06/2012
Ballymena construction company, Patton has placed itself firmly on the international stage with its latest industry award - the Global RLI (Retail and Leisure International) title of Contractor of the Year. Given in recognition of the most visionary and innovative retail and leisure concepts from a
26/06/2012
In the year to May, residential property prices at a national level, fell by 15.3%, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This compares with an annual rate of decline of 16.4% in April and a decline of 12.2% recorded in the twelve months to May 2011. Residential property prices grew b
26/06/2012
Sinn Féin Welfare Rights Spokesperson Fra McCann MLA said plans to withdraw housing benefit for under 25s will have a disastrous impact on young people. The West Belfast MLA said the announcement by the British Prime Minister on welfare cuts had more to do with Tory ideology than improving the syst
26/06/2012
Simple Power, a wind energy company that is pioneering the medium scale wind energy sector in the UK, is supporting RenewableUK's Energy Awards 2012, taking place in London on Wednesday 27th June 2012. The Energy Awards recognise, celebrate and reward achievement and excellence in the wind and mari
26/06/2012
T. J. O'Connor & Associates are pleased to announce the launch of our new website coinciding with our 75th year of providing civil and structural engineering design services for major national infrastructural projects and major iconic developments. We are an independent professional organisation pr
26/06/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has convened an enforcement summit to tackle how best the protection of our built and natural environment can be enforced. The aim of the Summit is to examine: •what measures are currently deployed in dealing with enforcement •what resources are needed to escalat
26/06/2012
Aisling Cooney, one of Ireland's best known Olympians, has teamed up with Ireland’s leading wood pellet manufacturer Balcas to demonstrate the growing popularity of its premium quality brites fuel. Since its launch in 2005, enough brites have been delivered in Ireland and the UK to fill over 280 Ol
26/06/2012
SDLP West Belfast Cllr Tim Attwood has welcomed the announcement by the DE Minister that Colaiste Feirste will get £11.9m for a new building on the Falls Road in Belfast. He said: "The decision by the Minister of Education to allocate £11.9m for a new building at Coláiste Feirste is very welcome ne
25/06/2012
NI Water is reminding customers that work is now underway on a £2 million investment to improve and upgrade the watermains network in the North Down area. Works along the A2 Bangor/Belfast Road will commence at the Old Quay Road and will be completed in sections, finishing at the Ballyrobert Road.
25/06/2012
Fine Gael Cork East TD, Tom Barry, has today welcomed reports that 'split' mortgages are set to be introduced for struggling homeowners, saying the solution is very similar to a proposal he made to the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, last year. "I am delighted that 'split' mortgages look set
25/06/2012
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said that David Cameron’s proposal to remove housing benefit from under 25’s further highlights that the Tories’ direction of travel in everything they do is putting a squeeze on people on benefits and the most vulnerable in society. Mr Durkan has said the Prime Minist
25/06/2012
Eighteen schools across the north will receive new facilities as part of a £173m investment in the schools estate. Education Minister, John O’Dowd, made the announcement today as he addressed the Assembly on the future of his capital programme. Speaking, after unveiling the list of new builds, Mr
25/06/2012
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy today presented Environmental Awards to the teams leading the development of three major road improvement projects in Northern Ireland. The Civil Engineering Environmental Quality, (CEEQUAL) Awards recognise environmental excellence in civil engineering.
25/06/2012
SDLP Leader and South Belfast MP Dr Alasdair McDonnell has said there is growing anger and frustration among residents at the failure of Northern Ireland Water (NIW) to bring forward agreed protocols to protect residents from flash flooding. Dr McDonnell said: "Conall McDevitt and I met with a Dire
25/06/2012
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has reiterated his call to turf-cutters affected by the cessation of turf cutting on 53 raised bogs to work within the law – and the existing compensation package – to move forward on this issue, and has said that Irish and European laws on environme
25/06/2012
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., has officially opened the €670,000 extension at Scoil Bhríde in Ranelagh,Dublin6. Scoil Bhríde has 390 pupils and is projecting an increase to 417 pupils this September. The extension consists of five additional classes and was completed i
22/06/2012
Ulster Unionist Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy today announced his decision to hold a Public Inquiry into the proposed 30km, A6 Londonderry to Dungiven dualling project. The recent formal consultation period associated with the project, which ran from 14 December 2011 until 2 March 201
22/06/2012
SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat has called for an independent inquiry into all appointments and dismissals by Northern Ireland Water during Conor Murphy's time as Minister for Regional Development. His call comes after an Industrial Tribunal ruled that religious discrimination was used in the appo
22/06/2012
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is warning its members to check steel products being used in construction after products of insufficient quality were possibly imported into Ireland. The CIF issued their alert after the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government contacted
22/06/2012
Gyproc Ireland, supplier of plaster and plasterboard to the Irish construction industry, is delighted to announce that two Irish entrants were awarded prestigious accolades at The 8th Saint-Gobain Gypsum International Trophy ceremony held in the National Maritime Museum, London. Gyproc’s entrant i
22/06/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Dessie Ellis TD has called on the government and local authorities to stop their offensive against social housing and to make serious efforts to develop a fit for purpose public housing system. He made his comments in light of the practice of Dublin City Council o
22/06/2012
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has congratulated Roads Service and its contractors for the successful completion of a record number of road resurfacing schemes in 2011/2012 which accounted for £6.4million expenditure in Dungannon. The Minister said: "Last year's budget for structural maintenance
22/06/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and Tourism Minister Arlene Foster unveiled the £2.3 million Station Square public realm scheme in Portrush. The regeneration project has created a high quality, modern urban environment, in the heart of Portrush town centre. The public realm improvemen
22/06/2012
Minister for Employment & Learning, Dr Stephen Farry has launched a project to upskill the construction workforce. The 'Qualifying the Existing Workforce' project will train 500 currently unqualified, experienced, employed construction workers to NVQ Level 2, helping to increase productivity and me
21/06/2012
Irish Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, met with his UK counterpart Minister Charles Hendry in London. Both Ministers discussed the development of renewable energy trading between the two countries and plans to enhance gas market planning procedures. The Ministers agreed a process to develop a formal
21/06/2012
This year's round of consultations with local councils is now underway. Over the next month or so the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) will present every council in Northern Ireland with their District Housing Plan which outlines their priorities for the coming year in their district. Th
21/06/2012
Ulster Unionist Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced his decision to hold a Public Inquiry into the proposed 8km, A26 dualling project. The proposed project, between Glarryford and the A44 Drones Road Junction, consists of upgrading the existing single carriageway to create a n
21/06/2012
The Irish Property Buyers' Handbook has just been published and it deals with buying property at this uncertain time, navigating the current economic fallout and understanding the new opportunities in a dramatically changed marketplace. The author, Carol Tallon says that "Buyers need to learn abou
21/06/2012
Following consultation with Mr Michael Noonan TD, Minister for Finance, and Mr Sammy Wilson MLA, Minister for Finance and Personnel, NAMA has reappointed Mr Frank Cushnahan and Mr Brian Rowntree to its Northern Ireland Advisory Committee (NIAC) for a further period of two years to 15 April 2014. M
21/06/2012
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed the news that the Regional Development Minister is to launch an inquiry into the proposed dualling of the A6 which would bypass Dungiven. However he has warned that the Minister must not hope that a Public Inquiry is an end in itself and hopes that the work
21/06/2012
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín said he is disappointed that there is no consideration for those people on benefits when applying for the Rural Borewell Scheme. Mr. Ó hOisín said: "While I welcome the scheme as a means of connecting people with a clean and reliable source of water I am disappointed t
21/06/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has stepped in to protect Navigation House, a historic manager’s house associated with the Lagan Canal in Lisburn. The Minister has put a Building Preservation Notice on Navigation House, adjacent to the Scheduled Union Locks the only flight of four locks in Irelan
20/06/2012
Energy Minister, Arlene Foster has announced the beginning of a 12 week consultation on new energy legislation. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment proposes to ask the Northern Ireland Assembly to make new primary legislation, to allow for greater powers for sustainable energy and ad
20/06/2012
43 residents of the Dinish & Loher wards in Kerry General (KGH) have today, 20th June 2012, moved to their new home in Tralee Community Nursing Unit (CNU). Situated at Teile Carraig, Killerisk Road, Tralee, the CNU which was built at a cost of €9.4 million provides enhanced residential care for peo
20/06/2012
An SDLP Member of the Regional Development Committee has been told that Translink intend to hold a public consultation event in Derry so that suitable steps can be taken to protect any identified preferred site for a new railway station. John Dallat tabled a written question to the Minister Danny K
20/06/2012
Local Hardware store, and local business Tom Currans Hardware, in Dungarven will be providing a demo day for the local tradesmen! Keeping the local tradesmen and those from surrounding areas, stocked up on necessary tools and supplies for the job, will be stepping the services up on Tuesday 26th J
20/06/2012
Green Party MLA Steven Agnew has hit out at DETI MInister Arlene Foster's letter of complaint to the Co-Op after it sponsored a showing of the documentary Gasland followed by a panel debate on Fracking in Belfast recently. It has emerged that the Minister wrote a critical letter of complaint accusi
20/06/2012
Over 1200 homes and businesses in the Cavanacaw to Ballynahone areas of Armagh were left without electricity on Friday (15 June) following contractor damage to high voltage underground cables. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, responded immediately and customers had electri
20/06/2012
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has announced that Concrete Batching Systems in Armagh has won a £500,000 contract to supply machinery to a precast concrete manufacturer in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Minister announced the contract for Concrete Batching Systems, a specialist
20/06/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment, Community & Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has outlined how Sinn Féin will scrap the household charge and how local government can be fully funded without any hidden charges or double taxation. Speaking at a Sinn Féin press conference in Dublin Deputy Sta
19/06/2012
Grants to upgrade your home's energy efficiency and lower your energy bills, are available through the Better Energy Homes scheme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Homeowners can join the 125,000 others who have already improved the comfort levels in their home a
19/06/2012
Cork County Council welcomes the announcement by Minister Jan O'Sullivan, T.D. that the conclusion of the planning review found no substance in the complaints made by An Taisce against Cork County Council. In a statement the Council said: "The Planning System is one of the most transparent services
19/06/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced his legislation plans to introduce a statutory 60% recycling target for local authority collected municipal waste. The target goes beyond the 50% household waste recycling rate requirement set out by Europe and will have to be achieved by 2020. Comme
19/06/2012
The Irish Infrastructure Fund has acquired a controlling stake in a portfolio of wind farms in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The portfolio, previously wholly owned by the Irish energy firm Viridian Group, consists of 104 megawatt (MW) of capacity generated by 10 wind farms, eight of
19/06/2012
In its Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2011, Bord Gáis Eireann (BGE) demonstrated continued growth as turnover, EBITDA and total assets increased. The company delivered a solid financial performance and paid a dividend of €33.1 million to the exchequer for this period, an increase of 10
19/06/2012
Martin Evans from Cork Institute of Technology has won first prize in the Engineers Ireland Level 8 Innovative Student Engineer of the Year Awards 2012, sponsored by Siemens, for design and development of a scrum machine, it has been announced. In the Level 7 category, Nigel Morris from IT Carlow,
19/06/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced the next steps for the regeneration of the North East Quarter of Belfast City Centre, the location of the proposed Royal Exchange Scheme. Mr McCausland said: "My department announced in October 2010 that it had concluded that it would be p
19/06/2012
Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson has acknowledged the significant finance being made available by the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) for the development and purchase of sites in Northern Ireland. The Minister was speaking following a meeting he had with NAMA Chairman, Frank Daly and senior
18/06/2012
Bord Gáis Energy has partnered with the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) to run 'KidWind' – a four day renewable energy training course for secondary school teachers. The course is designed to provide teachers with an insight into the role and on the importance and value of wind energy in Irel
18/06/2012
A Scottish energy company has agreed to buy four Irish power stations and other assets for a total of more than £390m. Perth-based SSE plans to buy the assets from Spanish company Endesa, part of the Enel group. Enel is selling the assets to offset weak power demand in its Italian and Spanish mark
18/06/2012
Portrush property company, Cloughorr Investments, was fined a total of £2,000 plus £37 costs at North Antrim Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to three counts of unauthorised waste offences. Cloughorr Investments own the Golf Links holiday homes park and the Kellys night club complex on the B
18/06/2012
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has questioned Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster's ability to take an objective view on any further licence applications relating to fracking, following comments in a letter she sent to the Co-op regarding the screening of a film about hydraulic fracturing. Mr Elliot
18/06/2012
As part of the A32 Cherrymount Link Road Scheme, a section of the B80 Tempo Road will be closed on Saturday 23rd June and Sunday 24th June 2012 in order to facilitate the completion of the new roundabout. The B80 Tempo Road will be closed in the vicinity of the works, however local access will be a
18/06/2012
SIPTU has called on the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Burton, to directly intervene in the long running dispute at the Lagan Brick production plant in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan. At a press conference in Kingscourt on Friday (15th June) SIPTU Utilities and Construction Division
18/06/2012
Following recent flooding in residential areas across South Belfast, Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has been in contact with NI Water following heavy consistent rain in the area. "Earlier this week many residents in the constituency experienced flooding in their streets causing severe disruption and in
18/06/2012
Labour TD for Waterford, Ciara Conway, is welcoming assurances from Minister for Housing Jan O'Sullivan that the current guidelines for social housing provision are under review in a light of difficulties being experienced by new applicants and those who already approved for housing. This follows r
15/06/2012
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, welcomed today's agreement of a new EU Directive designed to boost energy efficiency throughout Europe. Today's agreement will lead to greater investment by both public and private sectors so as to make both homes and public buildings warmer and more efficien
15/06/2012
NUI Galway has been shortlisted for a major architectural award from the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, in both the 'Best Educational Building' and 'Public Choice' categories, for the recently completed Engineering Building. Providing facilities for research and development, educating fu
15/06/2012
Eason & Son, Northern Ireland's largest retailer of books, stationery, news and magazines is delighted to announce it will open a new flagship store in the heart of Belfast city centre in June as part of an £8million investment programme in Northern Ireland. The new Eason store at 40-46 Donegall
15/06/2012
North Down Alliance Councillors Larry Thompson and Andrew Muir are continuing the campaign to save Cultra Station House after a recent meeting with senior government officials. Cultra Station House was designed by renowned architect Charles Lanyon, built in circa 1863 and listed in 2007 when threa
15/06/2012
The Lagan Brick workers will announce a major escalation of their campaign to secure adequate redundancy payments at a press conference at the company’s production plant in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, at 10.30 a.m. on Friday (15th June). The press conference marks 185 days since the start of the disput
15/06/2012
T. J. O'Connor & Associates are pleased to announce the launch of our new website coinciding with our 75th year of providing civil and structural engineering design services for major national infrastructural projects and major iconic developments. We are an independent professional organisation pr
15/06/2012
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has called on the British government to take the lead in uniting governments throughout the world in the transition to a fair and green economy – not least by slashing greenhouse gas emissions at home and in the process creating jobs and opportunities for people and busines
15/06/2012
Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone has stated that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Arlene Foster's actions with regards to the Co-Operative's sponsorship of the film 'Gaslands' was inappropriate and an effort to stifle debate on fracking. Speaking today Mr Flanagan said
15/06/2012
A Co Tyrone farmer pleaded guilty and was fined £1000 plus court costs of £28 at Strabane Magistrates Court. Mr Gareth McKelvey, of Munie Road, Killen, Castlederg, Co Tyrone was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 27 June 2011, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of th
14/06/2012
Cork County Council has appointed Mott MacDonald Ireland as Consultants to deliver the infrastructure package to drive the Cork Science and Innovation Park (CSIP) project forward. Since 2003, Cork County Council has promoted the development of a Regional Science Park at the western fringe of Cork
14/06/2012
Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has welcomed the completion of a £450,000 Public Realm Scheme at Queen's Quay, Londonderry The Minister viewed the completed works which includes a cycle path, pedestrian walkway, street furniture, planting and lighting during a visit to Londonderry a
14/06/2012
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture Michael Moynihan has called on the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney to withdraw his hamfisted cuts to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS). Deputy Moynihan says the news this week that Brussels has put a halt to Simon Coveney's proposed changes to DAS
14/06/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced approval for the development of a masterplan for Holywood Town Centre. The Minister was outlining his Department's plans for the future regeneration of Holywood during his address to the Annual General Meeting of the Holywood Residents Ass
14/06/2012
Following a Government decision to finally ratify the Aarhus Convention on behalf of the State, the Green Party is calling on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to initiate a public awareness campaign to highlight the benefits to communities of the Convention. The Par
14/06/2012
An innovative pilot housing scheme has just been completed at Lisnahull Terrace in Dungannon. The small development of five energy efficient family homes has been built by Oaklee Homes Group and is the first social housing scheme in Northern Ireland to be built to 'passive house' standard. The sche
14/06/2012
Ulster Unionist Environment spokesperson Tom Elliott has warned of the potential for massive rate hikes for many ratepayers if the DUP and Sinn Fein proposals for 11 local councils are implemented. Mr Elliott said: "The Ulster Unionist Party supported a 15 Council model based on the 18 Parliamentar
14/06/2012
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on the environment, community and local government Brian Stanley TD has said that: "government whitewash will not cover up the need for reform of the planning process". Stanley was responding to the Department of the Environment's report on allegations of planning irregul
13/06/2012
The contract to design Ireland's first large scale urban wetlands and park surrounding a modern sports stadium, which it is hoped will act as a catalyst project for the redevelopment of Cork Docklands, has been awarded by Cork City Council. Speaking at the announcement, Pat Ledwidge, Director of S
13/06/2012
SDLP Derry City Cllr Angela Dobbins has voiced her support for Apex Housing’s planning application for 76 social houses in the Racecourse Road area of Derry. The Shantallow Cllr said: "There is a very real need for social housing in the Shantallow area and throughout Derry with many people in housi
13/06/2012
Cork County Council welcomes the announcement by Minister Jan O'Sullivan, T.D. that the conclusion of the planning review found no substance in the complaints made by An Taisce against Cork County Council. The Planning System is one of the most transparent services provided across the public servic
13/06/2012
Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has attended the official opening of a new £500,000 refurbishment at Ballyoran Primary School in Portadown. During the event Minister O'Dowd unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion and a blessing was carried out by Parish Priest, Fr Michael O’Dwyer. The works which c
13/06/2012
Clanmil Housing's Curzon apartments on the Ormeau Road in Belfast has been recognised for their positive community impact by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the leading professional body for standards in property and construction, at it’s annual awards. Zach, a young resident at the C
13/06/2012
East Londonderry MLA George Robinson has called upon the Justice Minister to abandon proposed plans to close Magilligan prison within his Constituency. The DUP MLA today proposed an Assembly debate on the issue. Speaking from Stormont Mr Robinson said: "The loss of Magilligan Prison would impact u
13/06/2012
On 28 March 2012, the British Board of Agrément (BBA) granted an Agrément Certificate to Redi-Rock International for Redi-Rock Gravity Retaining Wall and Free Standing Wall Systems. The Redi-Rock Gravity Retaining Wall System utilizes massive, 1134 kg concrete modular blocks that allow tall retaini
13/06/2012
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan, TD, published the findings and recommendations of the planning review report. The report sets out 12 actions that will address current deficiencies in the planning system and the Minister has given a commitment to implement all 12 actions. In addit
12/06/2012
After achieving gold, silver and bronze medals at WorldSkills 2011, the search for the top construction apprentices started again with one hundred competitors from all over the Province testing their skills at Skillbuild 2012 at North West Regional College, Greystone campus, Limavady. Sixteen top c
12/06/2012
Irish Wind Energy Association's (IWEA) Health & Safety Event will take place on Thursday 14th June 2012. It will be held in the Hilton Dublin Hotel, Charlemont Place, Dublin 2. IWEA set up a strategy group for health and safety in 2010. The group, consisting of over 30 people from various organis
12/06/2012
Following Government designation of Monard as Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) in 2010, Cork County Council has now published a Draft Planning Scheme for a new town at Monard. The Draft Scheme will be on public display from 15 June until 31 July 2012. Any member of the public can make observations
12/06/2012
SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has said the closure of Magilligan Prison could have devastating consequences for the local economy. Speaking ahead of an Assembly debate on the issue, Mr Dallat said: "The economic benefit of Magilligan Prison to East Derry cannot be overstated with many local busin
12/06/2012
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has congratulated Roads Service’s planned investment totalling £2.2million for maintenance schemes and operations in the Ards Borough Council area. Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Ards Borough Council, the Minister said: "Last year
12/06/2012
Ahead of an Alliance debate in the Assembly on Tuesday, Alliance Social Development spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has called for a high level review of mixed housing. She has stated that the recent proposal by the DUP and Sinn Fein over segregated housing at Girdwood shows that they are not genui
12/06/2012
All-weather wireless security camera with intruder detection doesn't require electricity or broadband. A Northern Ireland security company has come up with a solution to cut down the growing problem of theft and vandalism at vacant properties across the country. Metal theft in particular is a rapi
12/06/2012
A Co Tyrone farmer who pleaded guilty to waterway pollution was fined a total of £300 plus court costs at Dungannon Magistrate's Court. Mr Patrick Taggart, of Albany Road, Killycolpy, Dungannon, was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 15 September 2011 and 22 November 2011, a
11/06/2012
The Green Party has welcomed the announcement by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) in the UK that the reprocessing of oxide fuel is to cease and that the THORP plant is to be decommissioned in 2018. Cllr Mark Dearey, who in 1994 as one of 4 plaintiffs sought to injunct the opening of the
11/06/2012
A home in Lisburn is heating up thanks to the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) SMART Programme. Simon Bamford has recently installed a new ground source heat pump which will provide his home with efficient heating and hot water. Simon says installing the ground source heat pump was an opportunit
11/06/2012
NI Water will shortly commence work on a £2 Million investment to improve and upgrade the watermains network in the North Down area. The work will commence on Friday 8th June 2012. Works along the A2 Bangor/Belfast Road will commence at the Old Quay Road and will be completed in sections, finishi
11/06/2012
The Government has appointed Mr. Ciaran O’Connor Dip. Arch.; B. Arch Sc.; FRIAI as the new Principal Architect in the Office of Public Works/State Architect. Mr. O’Connor succeeds Mr. Patrick Cooney, who retired from this role in February 2012. A graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology and a Fel
11/06/2012
Fine Gael Louth Deputy, Peter Fitzpatrick, has welcomed €687,000 in funding which was announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, as part of an overall €7 million which is being provided for cycle routes nationally. Deputy Fitzpatrick went on to say that with the incre
11/06/2012
Newry and Mourne District Council has announced the introduction of Crossmaglen Household Recycling Centre. After much planning and development, the new state of the art facility is underway and will soon be open to the residents of Newry and Mourne by the end of 2012. The Household Recycling Centr
11/06/2012
SDLP Leader and South Belfast MP Dr Alasdair McDonnell has called for an urgent meeting with NI Water following heavy and destructive flooding in the Upper Malone Road area of South Belfast. He said: "Flooding during heavy rainfall has been a consistent problem in parts of South Belfast. Greystone
11/06/2012
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), was in Bandon, Co. Cork today to launch the public exhibition stage of the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme. Speaking in Bandon Town Hall this afternoon, Minister Hayes said: "Bandon has a long history of
08/06/2012
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today turned the sod on a €6.65 million project to provide a new 32-classroom school for Ennis National School, in County Clare. The new two-storey school will feature a large hall, changing rooms, a playing pitch, and ancillary accommodatio
08/06/2012
Over 100 primary school children descended on Knockawarriga wind farm near Mountcollins, County Limerick, at the invitation of Bord Gáis Energy which was hosting an event to celebrate Global Wind Day. Children from Mountcollins, Toornafulla, Dromtrasna and Meenkilly National Schools all took part i
08/06/2012
Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath TD has welcomed the Government decision to seek a meeting with the banks following the report of the Credit Review Office that banks are not lending appropriately to small businesses as well as the worsening mortgage crisis. Deputy McGrath said: "I r
08/06/2012
Firmus energy launched an exciting initiative today offering almost £2million worth of grants to qualifying households across Northern Ireland to switch their existing heating system to natural gas. The scheme is open to households in the firmus energy network area namely Londonderry~Derry (Newbui
08/06/2012
Mr Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, welcomed the delegates from the Foundation for Environmental Education, the international umbrella organisation that promotes environmental education for sustainable development. It is currently holding its general ass
08/06/2012
Kilbarry Nature Park has been officially opened by Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland. This exciting new nature park is located just south of Waterford city on the former Kilbarry landfill site. With an ecological focus, the park will provide an aesthetically pleasing and stimulating enviro
08/06/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD has claimed the government's attempts to introduce water charges is ill thought out and doomed to failure. Responding to the launch of the Report on Water Provision by the Joint Committee on Environment, Deputy
08/06/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Community & Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has urged all TDs to vote yes on June 20th. Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin's Back the Bill campaign, Stanley explained: "Sinn Féin opposes the Household Charge. On June 19 we will introduce a bill, the L
08/06/2012
Brendan Ryan, Labour Party TD for Dublin North, has called for a full debate in the Dáil on the Draft Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012 before Minister Hogan signs the statutory instrument into law. Speaking in a private members debate on a motion put forward by the ULA, Deputy Ryan rec
07/06/2012
An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D., accompanied by the Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., and Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, have published Our Sustainable Future, a Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland. The green economy and sustainable devel
07/06/2012
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has announced the opening of a grant scheme to help isolated rural homes in the north not served by a mains water supply. The Rural Borewells Scheme aims to provide access to affordable safe drinking water in rural homes, built before 2000
07/06/2012
NI Water will be commencing an essential upgrade to the sewerage infrastructure on the Rashee Road, Ballyclare in July and August 2012. T he work will necessitate the closure of the Rashee Road between Charles Drive and Ross’s Avenue. The purpose of this work is to serve new housing developments wi
07/06/2012
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Niall Collins has asked the Environment Minister Phil Hogan to commit to introducing grants for domestic rain water harvesting ahead of the introduction of water charges. Questioning the Minister at the Oireachtas Environment Committee today, Deputy Collins said
07/06/2012
Northern Ireland businesses are being urged to participate in an international study involving the University of Ulster into how natural materials like straw bales, wool, wood and stone can enhance energy efficiency. The University is one of the main partners in the Northern Natural Energy Efficie
07/06/2012
Chinese design and business strategist Cathy Huang today addressed Irish designers and members of the wider business community in the Chester Beatty Library on what is happening within the China design scene at a seminar chaired by City Architect Ali Grehan. Guest panelists included, Andrew Montagu
07/06/2012
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has opened a new Park and Ride (P&R) facility at Millbrook, near Larne. The Minister said: "The Millbrook Park and Ride site, provided by the Department, provides the local community in Larne and East Antrim the opportunity to park their cars safely and make their o
07/06/2012
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has welcomed the news that Niche Drinks is to invest £10m in a new build whiskey distillery in Derry which will create a number of construction and indigenous manufacturing jobs in the city. He said: "This is a very welcome investment by a local company of proven performan
06/06/2012
Wood Quay Venue, the Lir Academy and the Dublin Dental Hospital are among the 34 projects shortlisted for this year's Irish Architecture Awards which were announced today by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). The list also includes the Ard na Sidhe Hotel in Kerry, Fota Island
06/06/2012
Airtricity, Northern Ireland's greenest energy generator is hosting a Wind Farm Open Day at its new Slieve Kirk Wind Farm near Derry/Londonderry, on Saturday 16th June from 11am to 3pm. Airtricity's Wind Farm Open Day is a fun free event for all the family and is all part of Global Wind Week 2012.
06/06/2012
NI Water would like to remind customers that we will shortly commence work on a £2 Million investment to improve and upgrade the watermains network in the North Down area. The work will commence on Friday 8th June 2012. Works along the A2 Bangor / Belfast Road will commence at the Old Quay Road a
06/06/2012
A Co Antrim farmer was fined £400 plus £25 court costs at Coleraine Magistrates' Court. Mr Jonathan Gamble, of Drumlee Road, Finvoy, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 23 May 2011, Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland
06/06/2012
The Executive agreed on the proposals to continue with the existing rates support scheme for an interim period, and to making up the funding shortfall that will occur due to reductions in Treasury Funding. The UK Government will abolish the existing council tax benefit in April 2013 under welfare
06/06/2012
An independent mediation process aimed at finding a resolution to the long running dispute at the Lagan Brick production plant in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, has failed due to the intransigence of the company’s owners. SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: "The mediation process began last month and despit
06/06/2012
President Michael D. Higgins was in Dun Laoghaire yesterday to officially open the newly refurbished National Maritime Museum of Ireland. The Museum is housed in the Mariners' Church on Haigh Terrace and has been carefully conserved and refurbished to act as a state-of-the-art maritime museum, libr
06/06/2012
Minister of State Brian Hayes TD has welcomed today's opening, by President Higgins, of Nenagh Castle in County Tipperary. Minister Hayes, who is Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works today gave some backgroun
05/06/2012
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., announced a second round of approvals for schools in a €40.5 million initiative aimed at replacing rented prefabs with high quality classrooms. 91 schools around the country have been given the green light to proceed with the construction of
05/06/2012
The number of houses being built is beginning to ease according to the National Housing Construction Index survey, published by Link2Plans. The survey found that overall planning applications dropped 20%, compared to a drop of 23% from January To April last year. Donegal, Longford and Leitrim had
05/06/2012
East Belfast MP Naomi Long has announced her backing for a campaign aiming to see an upcoming 3p rise in fuel duty scrapped. The Alliance MP made the call by declaring support for Fair Fuel UK, a movement designed to get the proposed increase by the Government cancelled. Chancellor George Osborne u
05/06/2012
Speaking in Dublin today Public Accounts Committee member and Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform Mary Lou McDonald TD said following the Comptroller and Auditor General's report into the Dublin Docklands Development Authority there can be no-where to hide for those responsible f
05/06/2012
Patton and the Ulster Orchestra recently held a reception at Cultra Manor for volunteers from 10 Ballymena based charitable organisations. Celebrating 100 years in business, the Ballymena based firm wanted to celebrate its roots in the Ballymena community and recognise the work that many volunteers
01/06/2012
Mr Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced that the Government has decided that the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) is to be wound up, taking account of its precarious financial outlook as well as the findings of the C&AG’s special r
01/06/2012
The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) has welcomed the Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020 published this week by Ireland's Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, and applauds the Government’s commitment to reaching Ireland’s 2020 renewable targets. The R
01/06/2012
SDLP Social Development spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed legislation which will provide more protections to landlords and tenants but has expressed concern that it will not be robust enough. The Foyle MLA said: "The mandatory registration of landlords is something that is to be welcomed. The
01/06/2012
Roads Service have announced plans to start four kilometres of resurfacing work on the M1 Westbound between Junction 12 The Birches and Junction 13 Beattie’s Corner near Portadown. The road works will run from Friday 8 June to Monday 11 June 2012. Mark McPeak, Roads Service’s Project Manager said
01/06/2012
SDLP Foyle MLA and Social Development spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed the completion of the public realm scheme on the riverside in Derry City. Funding for the work was committed when the SDLP’s Alex Attwood was Social Development minister. Mr Durkan said: "It is fantastic to see this proj
01/06/2012
Education Minister, John O’Dowd, has officially opened a new school for St Joseph’s Primary School, Madden. Speaking at St Joseph’s the Minister said: "I welcome the opportunity to officially open this fantastic new school. My Department invested £1.7million funding in the new building, which will
