Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for September 2012
28/09/2012
Google is to open its new data centre in Clondalkin, west Dublin today. It will help run Google's online services, such as Google maps and Gmail. A year ago Google announced it was to invest €75m (£65m) in a new 11-acre data centre in Dublin. Google said Ireland's naturally cool climate contribut
28/09/2012
Green IFSC, in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Dublin City Council, has created the 'Greening the IFSC' initiative in a bid to ensure Ireland has one of the most resource efficient financial centres in the world. The first of a kind project has also been desi
28/09/2012
Seán Sherlock T.D., Minister for Research and Innovation, joined Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO, Dublin Web Summit and Margaret Colton, Head of Marketing , Electric Ireland, to announce the finalists of Ireland's most prestigious startup competition, The Electric Ireland Spark of Genius Competition
28/09/2012
Fine Gael Dublin South TD, Peter Mathews, has voiced his concern about what he described as the "escalating debacle" involving residents at the Laurels Apartment Block in Dundrum. Deputy Mathews was speaking after the receiver involved in the project admitted the safety issues may never be resolve
28/09/2012
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice and Equality Niall Collins has called for a statement from the Equality Minister Alan Shatter on the issue of Minister Hogan interfering in the housing allocation process in Kilkenny. Deputy Collins raised the matter on Order of Business in the Dáil and requested
28/09/2012
Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Simon Coveney, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine have announced the establishment of a Commission to carry out an extensive public consultation on the future economic potential of rural Ireland and how bes
28/09/2012
Figures published in the latest Quarterly Development Management Bulletin reveal that DOE Planning have seen some improvement in performance compared with the same time last year. In the first quarter of 2012/13, Planning processed major applications in an average of 26 weeks compared with an avera
28/09/2012
ESB and ElectricAid were delighted that President Michael D. Higgins opened an Exhibition marking the 25th Anniversary of ElectricAid. The exhibition covers the history and development of ElectricAid, the partnership with contributing members, the response to natural disasters, the relationship wi
28/09/2012
NI Water has announced that work has been completed four weeks ahead of schedule on the A2 Belfast to Bangor Road, having taken just over 15 weekends instead of 20 weekends as anticipated. Work on the A2 was a key part of the on-going £2million investment project to improve and upgrade the watermai
28/09/2012
Providence Resources, the Irish oil and gas exploration and development company, has announced that it has signed a binding Heads of Agreement with IGas Energy PLC in relation to the divestment of its onshore UK producing, development and exploration assets. Under the terms of the Heads of Agreem
27/09/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has granted planning permission to regenerate the former Scotts Mill site at Mountjoy Road, Omagh. The £25 million investment will see a new 6400 sq metre food supermarket, petrol filling station and onsite parking at the former mill site. Minister Attwood said:
27/09/2012
ESB Networks has launched its new 'PowerCheck' app and website which provide real time information to customers regarding planned and unplanned power supply interruptions, including projected restoration times. The free app, which is accessible through Smartphones (iPhones and Android), and the web
27/09/2012
SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has called on the Regional Development Minister to intervene on NI Water’s reclassification of 'test' water meters. Mr McGlone's call came after a number of households in the constituency received bills in excess of £3,000. Mr McGlone said: "Following NI Wate
27/09/2012
A ground breaking initiative designed to improve the environmental performance of the construction industry in Northern Ireland, was launched today by Environment Minister The initiative, called NVIR-O-CERT, is an environmental management system tailored to meet the needs of the construction secto
27/09/2012
SIPTU members at the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and Aer Lingus have agreed to defer their planned industrial action and to take part in talks at the Labour Relations Commission. At a meeting at Dublin Airport this morning, SIPTU members 'reluctantly' agreed to defer the industrial action planne
27/09/2012
Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson Sandra Overend has called for more to be done to tackle the increase in the number of empty shops in our high Streets. Speaking following the publication of research conducted by commercial property agency Lisney which found that 23 per cent of shops in Belfast
27/09/2012
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has called on the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, to examine whether energy companies are complying with the Commission for Energy Regulation's Code of Practice, which states that suppliers must offer customers facing
27/09/2012
Senator Thomas Byrne and Cllr Wayne Harding has attended a meeting between Minister Brian Hayes and senior Meath County Council officials in relation to the proposed playground at Oldbridge House. Senator Byrne and Cllr Harding jointly arranged the meeting and expressed their gratitude to the Min
27/09/2012
Speaking at the National Ploughing Championships, the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government Phil Hogan T.D. encouraged owners of septic tanks to avail of the reduced registration fee of €5, before the deadline of September 28th 2012. The Minister thanked the 113,000 householders
27/09/2012
Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has called on Minister Phil Hogan to apologise to the Traveller Community and to the family named in his letter to residents of Bonnettstown, Co Kilkenny. He made the call following Minister Hogan's admission that he lobbied Kilkenny County Council ag
26/09/2012
393 Housing Executive homes in Ballynahinch, Killyleagh, Newcastle, Dundrum, Ardglass, Killough and Drumaroad, Downpatrick are to benefit from new uPVC windows through schemes costing £1.1m. The scheme to replace the windows will be carried out in two phases. The first phase includes Ballynahinch a
26/09/2012
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has agreed a package of measures for the 600 farmers who will be affected by the proposed 5,000MW Energy-Bridge wind power project covering seven counties in the midlands. IFA President John Bryan said: "This agreement with Mainstream Renewable Power provides mar
26/09/2012
At Listowel District Court on Wednesday, 19th September, District Judge Mary Larkin imposed a fine of €1,000 on Daniel McAuliffe & Sons (Construction) Ltd of Listowel, Co. Kerry, for failing to comply with a Labour Court Order. The Labour Court Order was issued under Section 32 of the Industrial Re
26/09/2012
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, welcomed the announcement by his Cabinet colleague Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, that €20 million has been allocated to a re-opened Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS). The Agri-Environmental Opt
26/09/2012
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), will be attending a farm safety event in Ardstraw, County Tyrone on Monday 1 October, to highlight the dangers for farmers when working near electricity equipment. The event, organised by the National Farmers Union (NFU), will give farmers the opportunity to lear
26/09/2012
A Co Down tyre recycling business, OM Recycling Ltd, was today made the subject of a £120,000 Confiscation Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 at Newry Crown Court in relation to waste offences. Mr Gerard Farmer (45) of Fincairn Road, Londonderry and Mr Gerard O’Malley (46) of Ballintemple R
26/09/2012
SDLP Derry City Councillor John Boyle has appealed to householders throughout the city to make increased efforts to protect themselves and their property from burglars, following a recent spate of burglaries in the Northland district of Derry. Councillor Boyle said: "I don't wish to scaremonger, ho
26/09/2012
Arthur Spring T.D, for Kerry North-West Limerick, and member of the Oireachtas Finance Committee, says that exemptions from the property tax should be considered for people in financial difficulty. He said: "I am concerned for people, particularly young families in difficulty with repaying their mo
26/09/2012
The decision of Bank of Ireland and ICS Building Society to increase all variable mortgage rates by 0.5% is further evidence that the banks regard variable rate customers as an easy target to make up for losses incurred elsewhere, according to Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath. Deputy McGrath st
26/09/2012
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen has written to the Chairman of the Oireachtas Environment Committee Ciarán Lynch to demand an immediate hearing with Irish Water chief executive John Mullins. It follows confirmation that the company will not be able to meet the government's timetabl
25/09/2012
SDLP Derry City Councillor Angela Dobbins has made enquiries about an abandonment order on the former Avondale Nursing Home in Culmore, which has become a hotspot for anti-social behavior. Cllr Dobbins said she welcomes recent news that the site has been purchased by news owners and they have given
25/09/2012
NI Water has confirmed that work is progressing well on a watermain replacement on the Hillhall Road. It is expected that this work will be completed by the 9th November 2012. This work forms part of an overall £3.5m investment in the watermains infrastructure in the Lisburn area. The Hillhall Ro
25/09/2012
Sinn Fein TD Peadar Toibin responding to news that Bank of Ireland has hiked its interest rate by half a percentage point said the move is guaranteed to push some mortgage owners over the edge, potentially taking people who are just meeting their mortgages into the volatile mortgage distress categor
25/09/2012
AOL Global Operations Limited, a division of AOL Inc, today announced plans to hire 35 new software engineering jobs over the next 12 months at its Dublin Development Centre. The announcement comes as AOL continues to expand its reach as a leading provider of digital content, advertising solutions
25/09/2012
The Minister for Education has announced that more than 100 new schools are to be built over the next five years to cope in order to cope with a “massive rise” in the number of children who will need school places. Ruairí Quinn was addressing the annual conference of the Royal Institute of the Arch
25/09/2012
Sinn Féin Agriculture spokesperson Oliver McMullan is calling on Environment Minister Alex Attwood to extend the deadline for spreading slurry. Mr McMullan said: "This has been one of the wettest years on record with the result farmers have been unable to spread slurry over the fields. "It has bee
25/09/2012
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £100,000 junction improvement scheme at Vianstown Road / Ballydonnell / Ballykilbeg Roads crossroads, in Downpatrick. The scheme is due to begin on 15 October and is expected to take seven weeks to complete, subject to weather conditions. Minister Danny
25/09/2012
To celebrate its 120th Year Anniversary, Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade has announced it will host a very special Business Lunch, sponsored by firmus energy with guest of honour, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer Ed Balls MP. This high profile event will represent the Shadow Chancellors premier
25/09/2012
The Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht will discuss the difficulties obtaining home insurance in areas which have experienced extreme weather events, such as flooding, with Michael Kemp, chief executive of the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) at its meeting today, Tuesday, 25th Sept
25/09/2012
Environment Minister Phil Hogan's new plan to recalculate how severe cuts will be imposed on local authorities due to his disastrous handling of the Household Charge means there will be no let up in cuts to community services, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen
24/09/2012
Fine Gael TD for Mayo, Michelle Mulherin, has said that the €600m electricity interconnector between Ireland and Britain can help Ireland realise the massive potential to export wind generated energy. He said: "The construction of the €600 million interconnector is absolutely vital physical infrast
24/09/2012
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, has opened a new €825,000 academic block in Midleton College, Cork. The Colton Building consists of nine classrooms, a meeting room and associated student facilities. It is named in honour of the Chairperson of the Boards of the College, the
24/09/2012
SDLP Social development spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA is calling on the Assembly to support his bid to have the direct payment of Housing Benefit to landlords retained despite its proposed removal in the Welfare Reform Bill. Mr Durkan said: "Over the past year the SDLP have been meeting with thous
24/09/2012
The Ulster Unionist Party's Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy MLA today spoke of the importance of providing a first class service to commuters across Northern Ireland. The Minister was speaking as he visited the two train stations in Larne which are benefitting from the investment in the
24/09/2012
A Co Armagh farmer pleaded guilty and was fined £600 plus £25 court costs at Armagh Magistrates' Court. Richard Neil Frazer, of Drumgaw Road, Armagh, Co Armagh, was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 10 June 2011,a Water Quality Inspector acting on behalf of the Northern Irel
24/09/2012
A Newry-based chartered surveyor has added some prestigious letters and another important role to his already impressive CV. Michael Hannaway, who runs local chartered surveying practice Hannaway and Hannaway, has been appointed to one of the World Regional Boards of the RICS (Royal Institution of
24/09/2012
Sinn Fein's Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said Sinn Féin members will join workers at the Tipperary Water plant in Ballyfermot at a protest today against forced redundancies and pay cuts. He accused the company of using the current economic climate as an excuse to force down pay and conditions for w
24/09/2012
Home Extension Business Is On The Increase Drive down any street and you can see the number of home extension projects under way. Planning statistics for the first 2 months of 2012 show that more home extensions projects commenced than new self builds with 822 house extensions planning application
24/09/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has commented on the court decision to grant leave for a judicial review into the Athletic Stores planning decision. After an exhaustive assessment of all options from every angle, the Minister gave approval, with regret, on 20 April this year, for retail and resid
24/09/2012
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £200,000 major resurfacing scheme on B4 Drumlish Road. The work, between A32 Clanabogan Road and C665 Camderry Road, is due to begin today, 24 September 2012. The Minister said: "The works will improve the structural condition of
21/09/2012
Carryduff is to enter a new phase of development with the demolition of the existing Carryduff Shopping Centre and the creation of a modern town centre. The up to date shopping centre will include a strong focus for town centre living. Environment Minister Alex Attwood revealed the plans when he a
21/09/2012
Dr Stephen Farry, Employment and Learning Minister today officially opened the new state-of-the art Belfast Metropolitan Colleg 'e3' (enterprise, employability and economic development) building in West Belfast. Funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and the International Fund f
21/09/2012
SIPTU is to spend up to €300,000 in upgrading its premises in Tralee, county Kerry. The landmark premises at Upper Rock Street, Tralee was opened in 1959 and has since served as the Tralee branch office of the Union and its predecessor the ITGWU. The major refurbishment of the premises will transf
21/09/2012
Belfast City Council has pledged its support for engineering firm FG Wilson staff affected by the recent job losses announcement and emphasised its desire that remaining posts are protected. At the council's Development Committee, the current situation with FG Wilson Ltd where 760 redundancies coul
21/09/2012
Speaking in response to the Moody Mortgage report which predicts that mortgage distress will peak at 20% in 2013, Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has called for "urgent action by Government to assist those in mortgage distress". Deputy Doherty said: "This report on the mortgage crisis
21/09/2012
Labour TD for Meath East, Dominic Hannigan has welcomed the €600 million East-West Interconnector as a significant day for trade relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom. He said: "I believe the launch of this interconnector is important in developing and furthering trade relations between
21/09/2012
The government's intention to wait until the first week of December to announce any details whatsoever of the property tax it intends to introduce in 2013 will damage the economy during the critical period leading up to Christmas, according to Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath. Depu
21/09/2012
Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has told the Dáil that the department is refusing to make the first scheduled payment of fuel allowance to thousands of people in October due to an error that it made last April. He asked the government to intervene urgently and direct
21/09/2012
SDLP Derry City Councillor Angela Dobbins has called for DRD Road Service to reignite plans for a bypass at Culmore that would ease traffic congestion that has led to disgraceful scenes against parents leaving their children off at Culmore Primary School. Ms Dobbins was speaking after a mother clai
21/09/2012
Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster has welcomed reports that a contract for Ballymena-based Wrightbus to build 600 new London buses looks likely to be announced in the coming weeks. The Minister said: "The Transport for London Board today approved an order for 600 new buses for London and while we
20/09/2012
The Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) was greatly encouraged with the response to its call for Northern Ireland's gas engineers to get behind national Gas Safety Week, which ran from 10th to 16th September. Gas Safety Week, which sought to ramp up local awareness of gas safety
20/09/2012
Sinn Féin MEP and Environment Committee member, Martina Anderson has voted in the European Parliament against the exploration and extraction of shale gas. Speaking from Brussels she welcomed the outcome of the vote. "Among the encouraging proposals voted by the Environment Committee are; mandatory
20/09/2012
Local Authorities have no right to block payments of third level grants to students whose parents have failed to pay the household charge, according to the Green Paty. "The combination of the Anti Household Tax Campaign and Minister Hogan’s mishandling of the Household Charge has led to Local Autho
20/09/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced a range of improvements that will speed up the planning process and reduce costs for applicants. The improvements will mean: •many small shop and office owners will no longer need to apply for planning permission to extend their properties •document
20/09/2012
SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has meet with a cross-party delegation from Banbridge council and Stephen Moutray during the regional development committee at Stormont. She said: "Last June I pressed the Minister for Regional Development on what economic appraisals were being undertaken to put in
20/09/2012
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has addressed the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament to outline progress made in the protection of 53 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation in Ireland. In its presentation, the Department outlined the complex background to the issue,
20/09/2012
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, TD, has stated that the successful regeneration of Ballymun creates a legacy that will be of benefit to communities throughout Ireland. Minister O'Sullivan was speaking after meeting today with the board of Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. She said: "The
20/09/2012
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of £50,000 resurfacing works on the A35 Kesh Road at Rehall near Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh. The work is due to begin on Monday 24 September from the Moynaghan North Road for a distance of 700 metres. The Minister said: "The benefit of the schem
20/09/2012
Regional Development Minister Kennedy has announced the A55 Knock Road widening scheme in Belfast is to proceed, subject to future available funding. The Minister's announcement follows a public inquiry held into the proposals to widen 1.3km of the Knock Road between the Glen Road and Kings Road ju
20/09/2012
Mid Ulster Sinn Féin MLA Francie Molloy has welcomed the decision of the Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA to begin the process of transferring the whole site of the O’Neill Inauguration seat at Tullaghogue from DARD to NIEA. The decision follows a series of discussions concluding in a mee
19/09/2012
All eyes will be on Ireland this Autumn as the 4th International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) comes to Convention Centre Dublin from Wednesday 17th to Friday 19th October 2012, hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The conference is in association with the European Ocea
19/09/2012
Speaking in the Dáil, the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government Phil Hogan T.D. encouraged owners of septic tanks to avail of the reduced registration fee of €5, before the deadline of September 28th 2012. He thanked the 76,000 householders who have already registered and are
19/09/2012
Domestic electricity bills could increase by more than €50 a year as Bord Gáis announce a 5% price hike. The price increase, which will come into effect from 15 October, will see customers paying over 15% more for their electricity than 12 months ago. The company said the price increase was being
19/09/2012
Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Timmy Dooley, has called on the Minister for the Environment to clarify whether he supports a decision by Clare County Council to ask college applicants for the student grant to prove their parents have paid the household charge. Deputy Dooley was responding to confirmation
19/09/2012
Sinn Féin's spokesperson on the Environment, Community & Local Government Brian Stanley TD, has today claimed that the actions of Clare County Council "are punitive, discriminatory and illegal". Speaking in the Dáil during Question Time, Deputy Stanley demanded that the Minister for Environment Ph
19/09/2012
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD has said Minister Pat Rabbitte has failed the workers of Bord na Mona as 105 seasonal workers are not having their contracts renewed and over 90 full-time staff are being put on short-time or redeployed. He said: "Minister Rabbitte has refused to
19/09/2012
Mr Jackie Tate of Moira Road, Lisburn was fined £5,000 plus £103 court costs at Lisburn Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to non compliance with a DOE Planning Enforcement Notice. Mr Tate was charged with the unauthorised use of land at 262 Moira Road, Lisburn as a scrapyard and for the dep
19/09/2012
Freddie Luke has been appointed as Chair of RICS Northern Ireland Construction Group. Turner & Townsend Director Freddie Luke, has been elected Chair of the RICS Northern Ireland Construction Group. The RICS Northern Ireland Construction Group plays a key role in RICS policy development activity i
19/09/2012
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to complete a pre-feasibility study for the development, financing, construction and operation of a 5,000MW electricity transmission system which will export large-scale renewable energy generated from wind, from Ireland to the UK starting from 2017. Th
19/09/2012
Minister Alex Attwood recently joined volunteers from the Millisle and District Community Association, to help clean up the shoreline around Millisle. Commenting on the beach clean-up Minister Attwood said: "Marine litter is widespread, unsightly and harmful to marine life and the environment. I am
18/09/2012
Kedco, the renewable energy group focusing on the production of clean energy in the UK and Ireland, has announced that the Company's plant in Newry, Northern Ireland, which will produce a total of 4MW, has commenced the exportation of power to the grid from its biomass electricity and heat generatio
18/09/2012
Sinn Féin MLA Francie Molloy has called on the Environment Minister to speed up the planning process as the delay is holding back the creation of much-needed jobs. The Mid-Ulster MLA said: "The planning process is far too long drawn out and it is stifling the creation of new jobs in the Mid Ulster
18/09/2012
Green Future NI Ltd has won the top Energy & Environment Innovation Award 2012 for its 'Carbon Zero' House at the annual Sustainable Ireland Awards. The company was presented with the much coveted award, sponsored by Invest NI, at a glittering ceremony at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast. Green Future'
18/09/2012
EirGrid has been shortlisted for the prestigious European Business Awards, based on its achievements in the Smart Grid, Infrastructure Development and Renewable Integration fields. This year, for the first time ever, organisers of the European Business Awards have introduced a new video element to
18/09/2012
With sustainability at the forefront, Dublin City Council is pleased to announce the launch of the Dublin City Council ecar Pooling Scheme at the Mansion House, Dublin, today, 18th September. The Lord Mayor, Naoise Ó Muirí, will launch the scheme with Dublin City Manager, John Tierney in attendanc
18/09/2012
SDLP Limavady Councillor Orla Beattie has said the recent announcement that the Department of Agriculture is to transfer its administration headquarters to the former Shackleton Army Barracks at Ballykelly makes it inevitable that there is a new railway halt established to facilitate civil servants
18/09/2012
Fianna Fáil South Dublin County Cllr Trevor Gilligan has responded to the Labour Party's stout defence of the Government's plan to introduce further new Property Taxes. Responding to comments from Deputy Robert Dowds, Cllr Gilligan, who was participating in the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeti
18/09/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced a £125,000 Challenge Fund towards assisting environmental projects across Northern Ireland.The Fund is a great opportunity for community and voluntary organisations to carry out environmental projects. Projects to protect our wildlife and their natura
18/09/2012
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) has officially opened the new Tearooms at Doneraile Court, Doneraile Park, County Cork. Speaking in Doneraile Court this afternoon the Minister said
18/09/2012
Belfast based architectural façade specialist Spanwall, has provided the louvers and doors on the huge offshore wind farm substations designed and built jointly by Siemens and Harland & Wolff which are being floated out to Gwynt y Môr wind farm off the North Wales coast. Manufactured in Spanwall's
17/09/2012
With the Olympic Games and Paralympics now consigned to the history books filed under 'unforgettable' - the next major world athletics event on our doorstep will be the 2013 World Police and Fire Games in Belfast. Work on the £3 million upgrade of the Mary Peters Track, including the Mondo running
17/09/2012
Labour TD for Dublin North Central, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has spoken of the growing problem of rogue workmen targeting elderly people, and this issue being complicated further by their victims' reluctance in reporting their experience. He said: "Residents at one of my Community Policing Forum meetings
17/09/2012
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has warmly welcomed the first formal meeting of the design team which is tasked with the planning and design work for the €3m Endoscopy Suite to be built at Roscommon Hospital. "I had the great pleasure of meeting members of the Endoscopy Pro
17/09/2012
Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine opened new facilities at Carnew Livestock Mart. The Minister congratulated the Quinn family for having the foresight and commitment in creating this modern facility. The mart can accommodate over 1,000 cattle
17/09/2012
The Good Friday Agreement Implementation Committee heard from representatives of Monaghan, Derry, Donegal, Dungannon and Omagh and Strabane Councils regarding the funding for the A5 Motorway connecting Monaghan to Donegal. Speaking after the meeting Michelle Gildernew, MP for Fermanagh and South Ty
17/09/2012
The Ulster Unionist Agriculture spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA has raised concerns about DARD's preparations surrounding its proposals to move its headquarters to Ballykelly. Mrs Dobson made her comments after she questioned DARD officials at this week’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee
17/09/2012
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, TD, has announced the proposed appointment of Mr. Hendrik van der Kamp as the independent planning expert to evaluate the Planning Review Report (June 2012) assessing the application of planning legislation, policy and guidance within the developmen
17/09/2012
Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, has welcomed confirmation that a new tourist office is to be installed in the town’s County Hall. It is hoped the new office will be opened next spring. She said: "I am delighted to receive confirmation that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Cou
17/09/2012
Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long has highlighted the lack of transparency on fuel pricing at Westminster. Speaking during a debate on Fuel Prices, Mrs Long raised concerns that supermarkets across Northern Ireland charge different prices at their forecourts, basing prices on the level of local c
17/09/2012
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (the Department) has accepted disqualification undertakings for eight years from two directors of an Omagh building and civil engineering company. Martin Colton (61) and Declan Colton (33), both of Aughadulla Road, Omagh, were disqualified in respe
14/09/2012
The University of Ulster has won a top energy efficiency award at the annual Sustainable Ireland Awards. BBC broadcaster Noel Thompson presented Ulster's Sustainability Manager, Adrian Davis and Energy Officer, James Waide, with the much-coveted award, sponsored by ROL Testing Ltd and Socomec UPS,
14/09/2012
SIPTU members at the Lagan Brick manufacturing plant in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, voted to accept proposals agreed between management and worker representatives which provide for an equitable conclusion to the long running dispute. SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, said: "The workers ended their strike act
14/09/2012
Three major construction firms from Northern Ireland have collaborated to deliver a series of schools in a contract worth £70m in the Scottish Western Isles. Farrans, H&J Martin and Patton, working under the joint-venture name of FMP, beat off stiff competition to win the construction contract for
14/09/2012
Northern Ireland's oldest creamery, Ballyrashane, today officially opened a £3.5m ground breaking 'green energy' facility that uses organic dairy waste to generate electricity. According to the Coleraine-based creamery the Anaerobic Digestor plant, which is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland
14/09/2012
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD has announced that SumUp, a company dedicated to helping small businesses overcome issues with accepting credit and debit card payments, is to establish a customer, technical support and development centre in Dublin, creating 40 new, hi
14/09/2012
A Co Tyrone farmer pleaded guilty and was fined £1,500 plus court costs of £22 at Strabane Magistrates' Court today. Mr Ross Miller, of Dublin Street, Newtownstewart, was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 28 October 2011, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the No
14/09/2012
Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has called on people to make sure they have their say during the consultation on proposed changes to planning fees. The Newry & Armagh MLA and member of the Assembly’s Environment Committee said: "I would encourage all interested parties to contribute their opinions duri
14/09/2012
Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has called for a major investment package to help the construction industry deal with the biggest slump in many years. The west Belfast MLA said if finance was made available to bring empty houses back into play and resources made available for home owners to bring their ho
14/09/2012
Planning permission has been granted for a £50 million extension to the Ards Shopping Centre in Newtownards. It is believed the major development will create 500 construction jobs and 1000 new jobs post construction. The overall development will reinvigorate and breathe new life into one of the o
14/09/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited Bangor to announce funding towards an innovative revitalisation project in Queens Parade, Bangor. Speaking from the proposed location of the project Nelson McCausland said: "This Revitalisation project will capitalise on Bangor's vibrant art
13/09/2012
A seminar which will examine the key issues around the future of oil and gas in Ireland is to take place at Chartered Accountants House, Dublin, on Wednesday 17th October. 'Oil & Gas prospects: Ireland's energy opportunity' will look into issues both in the global and Irish context, with a focus on
13/09/2012
The decision by NAMA to report to the Gardai and the Data Protection Commissioner the removal of confidential information from the agency by a former executive should have happened as soon as it emerged that the person had purchased a property from the agency's portfolio which was not for sale on th
13/09/2012
Glens of Antrim SDLP Councillor Catherine Mc Cambridge has welcomed confirmation that Housing Executive homes at Moyle View in Cushendall are now scheduled for rear kitchen extensions. Councillor McCambridge said: "This is good news for the NIHE residents in Moyle View some of whom are long term re
13/09/2012
Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland has visited Lurgan and Portadown to view regeneration projects funded by DSD. His first visit was to Lurgan Town Centre to view the effects of the recently completed Restore and Retail Capacity Building Projects and see progress on the Methodist Churc
13/09/2012
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has expressed his shock and sadness at news engineering firm FG Wilson is to make almost 800 workers redundant. With premises across Larne, Monkstown, Belfast and Springvale, the firm is among the largest employers in Northern Ireland and only in July confirmed plans to
13/09/2012
Electricity and gas consumers in Northern Ireland will now benefit from a range of additional consumer protection measures as a result of new European legislation. The legislation, referred to as EU Third Internal Energy Package Directives or IME3, is being implemented by the Utility Regulator and
13/09/2012
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has officially opened Pugin at NUI Maynooth, a conference, exhibition and book launch which celebrates the bicentenary of the birth of A.W.N. Pugin. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1st March 1812 – 14th September 1852) was one of the
13/09/2012
Junior Minister Jonathan Bell has attended an event to showcase the finalists for the Construction Excellence Awards 2012. Launched in 1999 by the Construction Employers Federation, the Awards have become an important event in the Northern Ireland construction calendar giving the industry an opport
13/09/2012
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £60,000 resurfacing scheme at the Diamond and Church Street Roundabouts Kilrea next week. The work is due to begin on Monday 17th September at the Diamond and Church Street roundabouts. The Minister said: "The scheme will imp
13/09/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has recognised the role of volunteers in bringing the iconic Grey Point Fort back to life. The Fort, in Crawfordsburn is thought to be the best preserved 20th century coastal battery in the British Isles. Built between 1904 and 1907, it was integral to defending Be
12/09/2012
Alliance East Belfast representatives have called for the Executive to take action now, ensuring the level of flooding that took place in June doesn't happen again. In an Assembly Debate Judith Cochrane MLA and Chris Lyttle MLA highlighted the continued problems facing their constituents following
12/09/2012
A report published in 2011 showed the budget for school bus transport increased by 245% since 1997 but that the number of students taking the bus had fallen 20%. Some 125,000 now avail of the service with the typical student costing the state some €1,000 to get to school. The Green Party has sai
12/09/2012
Fine Gael Cork East TD, Tom Barry, has urged the Minister for the Environment to consider extending the time period allowed for the spreading of fertiliser and slurry in an effort to give farmers a chance to recover from one of the worst years for agriculture in recent times. It is prohibited to sp
12/09/2012
Over 1,000 Irish schools are switching to Energia after the leading independent energy provider won a major public tender for electricity supply. Energia expects to supply over 32 Gigawatt hours of electricity to power the schools in the coming year. The value of the contract is estimated to be in
12/09/2012
Health Minister Edwin Poots has acknowledged the impact Action Mental Health (AMH) has had on the rehabilitation and training of people with mental health problems. Speaking at the official opening of AMH's new offices in the Fisherwick Building, Belfast, the Minister said: "This new modern facilit
12/09/2012
NI Water and its contractor Quinn's Automatic Ltd will shortly commence work to repair an existing foul sewer pipeline at the junction of Shipquay Street and Bank Place in L/Derry. Pipelaying operations will also take place on both Shipquay Street and Bank Place. The work is due to commence on Mond
12/09/2012
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen TD has extended his congratulations to all the winners in this year's Tidy Towns competition. Deputy Cowen was speaking after this year's winners of the various categories in Tidy Towns competition were announced today, Abbeyshrule in Longford wo
12/09/2012
The Environment Minister has congratulated Queens Elms on their European Waste Reduction Week award-winning initiatives which have significantly reduced the waste produced by the 1,800-strong student residents. The Minister visited the south Belfast university residence along with Councillor Pat Mc
12/09/2012
Some of Europe's top experts in the field of brownfield regeneration are in Belfast to formulate possible proposals for a number of key sites throughout the city. The Brownfield Policy Improvement Task Force – or 'B-Team' – is an INTERREG IVC project, funded under the European Regional Development
12/09/2012
An SDLP OFMDFM spokesperson has said that the real judgment of the newly appointed Maze/Long Kesh Corporation Board will be based on the success of development and delivery on the 347 acre site. Mr Colum Eastwood said that the only way the perception that the board's appointment was not a continuat
11/09/2012
Global renewable energy company Mainstream Renewable Power has announced the successful signing of a corporate facility for up to €60 million provided by Macquarie Group. Under the terms of the transaction Mainstream will receive an initial €40 million corporate-level facility, with provision for
11/09/2012
Finance Minister Michael Noonan has rejected an International Monetary Proposal Fund (IMF) that the household property tax be levied at 0.5%. Mr Noonan said: I don't intend making a proposal to government at that level, I think it's too high. "It's simply advice from the IMF. We're not taking that
11/09/2012
SDLP Clogher Valley Councillor Anthony McGonnell has welcomed the Community Places Free Planning Advice clinic initiative. The drop-in session will take place at the Community Relations Council in Dungannon on the 20 September from 12noon until 4pm. Mr McGonnell said: "I welcome this initiative by
11/09/2012
Sinn Féin MLA Phil Flanagan has officially launched the consultation on his Bill on the Numbering of Individual Properties within Townlands. Speaking from Stormont, where the official launch took place, Mr Flanagan said: "This proposed legislation would give each District Council, if it so wished,
11/09/2012
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has visited the Magilligan area in the North West where NI Water is carrying out an extensive £8m programme of work to rationalise and upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in this popular tourist region. At the heart of the huge investment is the constru
11/09/2012
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) this week announced a £2.5million investment programme to upgrade the high voltage electricity network, which runs from Kells to Coleraine. Nastasha Nicholl, NIE Customer Relations Manager, says the investment is part of NIE's ongoing programme to improve the sec
11/09/2012
Sinn Féin Assembly member Francie Molloy has called on the Environment Minister Alex Attwood to "make it crystal clear that he will not impose National Parks on communities without proper consultation and importantly agreement". The Mid-Ulster MLA said: "Over the summer months we have had a series
11/09/2012
Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has officially opened a new purpose built outdoor sports facility in the rural west Tyrone area of Aghyaran. Aghyaran Development Association received funding from the Rural Development Programme (RDP) amounting to £136,500 to build the facility to serve
11/09/2012
Abbeyshrule has been announced the winner of the SuperValu TidyTowns Award for 2012, from among a record level of 855 entries. The announcement was greeted by huge celebration, as the Co. Longford village, stood on the winner's podium for the first time in the history of the competition. On hand
11/09/2012
With over 100 years experience in manufacturing, Dunnes Workshop Ltd, will be exhibiting its bespoke range of products at The SelfBuild Extend And Renovate Show from 14th - 16th September at Stand D22. Products on display include: •Sliding Sash timber windows Certified for Air-Tightness • Stairca
10/09/2012
Local people and public representatives have this week been supporting national Gas Safety Week from 10th - 16th September. Gas Safety Week is organised by Gas Safe Register, the organisation that oversees the official list of Gas Safe registered installers and engineers. Over 170,000 people acros
10/09/2012
Electric Ireland has announced that its electricity prices will increase by 5.9% from 1st October 2012. This will result in an average increase of €1.22 per week on the average residential electricity bill. Two thirds of this increase (3.6%) represents the cost increases applicable to all energy
10/09/2012
The EU co-financed Biomass Processing Challenge Fund (BPCF) has been re-opened. The BPCF aims to encourage agricultural and forestry businesses to install biomass fuelled technologies primarily to aid agricultural activities at farm level. The Fund can provide capital grant assistance of up to 40%
10/09/2012
Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs Jnr has welcomed track and station improvements on the Larne to Belfast railway line. In addition to improvements which have already taken place, Translink have announced several new projects including the replacement of 5 miles of jointed track with continuous welded
10/09/2012
Land & Property Services (LPS) is reminding landlords who have an Article 20 or Article 21 account that their rates should be paid in full by 28 September 2012 in order to receive the respective allowance of their bill. A rating allowance is currently awarded when a landlord accepts rates liability
10/09/2012
Louth Fianna Fáil TD Seamus Kirk has called for a crack down on fuel laundering, after 20,000 litres of toxic diesel sludge was found dumped in Co Louth. "This is just the latest incident of toxic sludge being abandoned near the border by gangs involved in illegal diesel laundering. It again emphas
10/09/2012
Home Extension Business Is On The Increase Drive down any street and you can see the number of home extension projects under way. Planning statistics for the first 2 months of 2012 show that more home extensions projects commenced than new self builds with 822 house extensions planning application
10/09/2012
Responding to reports that the proposed property tax could be anything from €250 to €400, the Sinn Féin spokesperson on local government Brian Stanley said he is opposed to the tax in principle as it does not take into account ability to pay. He said: "The Taoiseach's assurance that the tax could b
10/09/2012
Mr Patrick Joseph McComiskey (58) of Ballynahatton Road, Kilkeel was today made the subject of a £20,000 confiscation order at Craigavon Crown Court. In September 2009, Mr McComiskey was found guilty by a jury on two counts of breaching the Waste and Contaminated Land Order (NI) 1997. During sev
10/09/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced that consultants have been appointed to assist with the potential redevelopment of a site in and around Marlborough House in Craigavon. Marlborough House is owned by the Department for Finance & Personnel and is currently occupied by staf
07/09/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited Dromore to hear about progress on the revitalisation project based in the town centre. The aims of the Dromore revitalisation project are to enhance and complement work already completed in the town and improve the visual appearance of board
07/09/2012
Fine Gael Senator for Sligo and Leitrim, Michael Comiskey, has urged septic tank owners to avail of the reduced €5 registration fee before the 28th September deadline. A €50 charge will apply thereafter and all registrations must be completed by 1st February 2013. He said: "I would like to encour
07/09/2012
The Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has announced the provision of free independent professional financial advice to borrowers in mortgage distress. The Minister said: "I am pleased to announce that independent financial advice will be available to mortgage holders who are being offered
07/09/2012
Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed news that Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has completed work on Main Street, Dundrum. The company had been working to replace a number of damaged electricity cables to buildings along Main Street, following a number of site inspections ov
07/09/2012
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon, Frank Feighan, has said that the €640,000 in Government compensation paid to date to Roscommon Turfcutters is testament to the clear co-operation and goodwill on all sides in efforts to adequately recompense those affected by the EU Habitats Directive. "This €640,000 rep
07/09/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland lent a hand on the brickwork at a new £1 million family housing scheme at Springhill Park, in Newry. The development of six new homes adjacent to Springhill Drive is being developed by Ulidia Housing Association with part funding from the Northern Irela
07/09/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has opened a new £3 million shared housing scheme at Woodside Park in Loughbrickland. The development of 24 new homes has been developed by Ulidia Housing Association with part funding from the Northern Ireland Executive. The two, three and four bedroom
07/09/2012
Fine Gael Dublin Central Deputy, Paschal Donohoe TD, has welcomed the Census count which has identified, for the first time, the extent of the problem of homelessness in Ireland. He said: "For the first time ever, a count of those who were either sleeping rough or housed in homeless accommodation w
07/09/2012
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited Newry to launch the public realm scheme in Monaghan Street and Hill Street. During his visit to the city centre Minister McCausland walked around the city and said: "During my last visit to Newry in October the city centre streets looked tir
07/09/2012
Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann said an urgent review into the workings of the Housing Selection Scheme must be forthcoming in order to deal with a system which works against people in areas high demand. The West Belfast MLA said: "Due to the high level of demand for housing in some areas the point system
06/09/2012
Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced that he has now given effect to new consolidating 'smoky coal ban' regulations. The Regulations were prepared following a public consultation process earlier this year. The Regulations provide for expansio
06/09/2012
Minister Attwood today visited Queens Elms village to view their European Waste Reduction Week award-winning initiatives which have significantly reduced the normal levels of waste produced by the 1,800 strong student residents. Commenting on this award winning initiative Environment Minister, Alex
06/09/2012
Irish Cement Ltd is seeking to implement 48 redundancies at the plant and retain only a skeleton staff of 20 to maintain the facility’s operational capacity. Irish Cement Group of Unions secretary (Castlemungret), Davey Keane, said: "The management's proposals are unacceptable to the workers. The a
06/09/2012
Councillor Yvonne Boyle has welcomed the decision by the Environment Minister to place an urgent work notice on Coleraine's former workhouse and hospital building which is a listed building. The building dates from 1841, but there has been several instances of vandalism in recent years. Yvonne's A
06/09/2012
Dublin's Lord Mayor Naoise Ó Muirí will present certificates to the winners and participants of the North Central Area City Neighbourhood Awards on 6th September 2012 at 5.30pm in St. Brigid's Resource Centre, Howth Road, Killester, Dublin 5. "The North Central Area City Neighbourhood Awards are no
06/09/2012
Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) call for information into the UK petrol and diesel sector as an opportunity to highlight the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland. The Mid Ulster MLA said: "Northern Ireland has some of the h
06/09/2012
SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that, whatever the outworking of allegations which indicate that the Department of Social Development intends to take oversight for the Fort George site in Derry away from regeneration firm Ilex, the people of Derry must reap the rewards of
06/09/2012
Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has said the decision by The Commission for Energy Regulation to approve an 8.5 per cent increase in Bord Gáis Energy’s domestic gas prices will mean further hardship for thousands of families. Deputy Crowe was commenting on the announcement by the energy r
06/09/2012
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan, has welcomed the first round results of the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) 2012 Litter League. He said: "I am delighted that the cleanliness rating for the country as a whole is the highest since IBAL began mo
06/09/2012
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has congratulated participants who have achieved their NVQ Level 2 through participation in the Department’s Programme-Led Apprenticeship provision. Project 220 takes its name from Springvale Learning’s purchase of a derelict house at 220 Springfiel
05/09/2012
Minister Alex Attwood has announced his decision to grant planning permission for Royal Exchange, a £360million development that will revitalise Belfast City Centre. This is one of the biggest planning applications ever dealt with in Northern Ireland, and follows on from Castle Court and Victoria S
05/09/2012
Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) has announced a significant stimulus for the Limerick and Mid-West region's economy with the unveiling of its €200m plus 'Campus 2030 Masterplan'. The Masterplan, launched by Minister Jan O'Sullivan at LIT's Limerick School of Art & Design (LSAD) city centre c
05/09/2012
Health Minister Edwin Poots today officially opened Blair House Nursing Home in Newtownards. Blair House caters for 81 frail elderly and dementia nursing residents. Speaking at the opening, Minister Poots said: "Blair House is an example of the type of facilities we want to see more of – tailored t
05/09/2012
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Energy, Michael Moynihan TD, says the announcement that Bord Gáis has been granted a 8.5% price hike calls into question the performance of the energy regulator and Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Bord Gáis energy applied to the Commission for
05/09/2012
SDLP Lisburn Councillor Brian Heading has called on Road Service to adopt private roads in the Mount Eagles estate where residents have been left high and dry after the developer went bust and surfaces remain uneven and unfinished. Mr Heading said many residents had contacted him with concerns abou
05/09/2012
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Housing Fra McCann said he welcomes the report by the Audit Office into Housing Executive maintenance contracts. Sinn Féin had initially brought the concerns of Housing Executive tenants to the attention of the Audit Office. The West Belfast MLA said: "People in West Belf
05/09/2012
Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Jim Daly, has called for an insurance scheme to be established for victims of flooding who are being refused cover due to repeated flooding. The scheme which would be based on the national solidarity principle, along the lines of that which is used by Motor Insure
05/09/2012
Land & Property Services (LPS), the agency responsible for collecting rates, is urging householders to be on their guard against bogus callers. The warning follows two reported incidents in recent days in the Belfast and Lisburn areas when callers have tried to obtain bank details from householders
05/09/2012
A Co Armagh farmer pleaded guilty and was fined £500 plus court costs at Craigavon Magistrates' Court. Mr John Charles Weir,of Banbridge Road, Waringstown, Co Armagh was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 9 August 2011, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Nort
05/09/2012
Ireland's electricity utility, ESB, has successfully priced a €600m bond with a 5 year maturity, at a rate of 6.25%. Investors in the bond are mainly European institutional investors. The bond issue will support ESB in funding its ongoing capital investment programme. The proceeds from the bond
04/09/2012
Some €2.6 million worth of new investment in two key tourism projects has been announced by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar in Waterford and Co. Offaly. Minister Varadkar confirmed that the capital funding will be used to further develop the Viking Triangle project in Waterford
04/09/2012
Sports Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, has welcomed the GAA's announcement of their appointment of the stadium designers for the new Casement Park. The Minister commenting on the appointment of designers Mott McDonald and professional consultants the Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT) said: "This repres
04/09/2012
A Fianna Fáil TD has refused to pay the septic tank charge. Only 30,000 of the country's 500,000 septic tank and other waste treatment owners have registered their tanks. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Eamon O'Cuiv, said that he hasn't paid the charge because it is a fundamental issue in
04/09/2012
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy MLA has announced details of the third and final phase of resurfacing work on the A1 Dual Carriageway between Dromore and Banbridge. Work has been ongoing over the past two weekends and the final scheme will be completed over the weekend 7 -10 September 2
04/09/2012
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced a £100,000 pot up for grabs, for groups improving water quality in their area. The new competitive grant scheme is aimed at voluntary and community groups, local councils and other not- for- profit organisations. The pilot scheme, which has a pot o
04/09/2012
Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan has called on householders to ensure that their oil tanks are secure as we move into the winter. Mr McMullan said: "Last year we seen a huge rise in the number of thefts of home heating oil from domestic properties as the increasing price of oil has made it an attracti
04/09/2012
Building materials firm CRH is to axe 55 jobs at its Irish Cement plant in Limerick. The company said the restructuring follows five years of decline in the Irish construction industry, with activity down 80 per cent from a peak in 2007. It is believed the plan will be discussed with employees and
04/09/2012
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill has announced that the former military site at Ballykelly will be the location for the new DARD headquarters. The Minister said: "The Relocation Programme is an important first step to relocate a significant share of public sector jobs to
04/09/2012
SDLP Social Development spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has urged members of the public, particularly the elderly and disabled, to see if they are eligible for the government's Boiler Replacement Scheme. The scheme offers owner occupiers a grant of up to £1,000 to replace inefficient boilers, with e
04/09/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD said: "Minister Hogan's plans to put a water meter into every home in Ireland is an expensive and useless exercise." Deputy Stanley was responding to reports that the pilot surveys are proving that Hogan’s plan
03/09/2012
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has announced Blackrock Baths are to be demolished. Following a recent inspection by senior Council staff, it emerged that the structures have suffered from extensive weather damage and from the ravages of the sea, making the structures and adjoining land dange
03/09/2012
Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland, has launched a new £12 million boiler replacement scheme for homeowners across Northern Ireland. The scheme, provided by funding from the Northern Ireland Executive, offers owner occupiers a grant of up to £1,000 to replace inefficient boilers, wi
03/09/2012
An Ulster Unionist Party delegation led by MEP Jim Nicholson and East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs Jnr has met with senior management at the Port of Larne to discuss future developments at the harbour. East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs said: "We were pleased to welcome Jim Nicholson MEP back to Larne this week an
03/09/2012
Solar 21 Renewable Energy Ireland, a Dublin-based fund, has purchased six Italian solar parks from AEG Power Solutions BV for €25 million. The grid-connected farms in southern Italy will help Solar 21 deliver its pension and regular investors annual returns of 8.5 percent, according to a company st
03/09/2012
A report has issued to the members of Dublin City Council updating them on the Waste to Energy project. The report will be discussed at the Council Meeting to be held on today, 3rd September. Members are being updated on the recently announced waste management policy 'A Resource Opportunity: Wast
03/09/2012
A seminar which will examine both the economic opportunities and environmental, and other challenges around developing Northern Ireland's renewable energy resources, is to take place at the Titanic Belfast on Thursday 6th September. It will seek to explore the way forward to ensure that, as a regio
03/09/2012
The Minister of State for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock, TD, welcomed the opening of a new school building for Rushbrooke National School. The Minister said: "The increase in the school-going population here in Cobh meant that the old building was outgrown and was no longer fit for purpose
03/09/2012
Fianna Fáil Senator, Marc Mac Sharry, has called on the Government to intervene amid fears that services on the Dublin Sligo train are to be cut. Senator Mac Sharry was responding to reports that cuts to the Dublin-Sligo rail service are imminent. He said: "I find it deeply worrying that there see
03/09/2012
SDLP Northland Councillor John Boyle has welcomed as "encouraging" news that work will shortly begin on the development of a new private housing development in the Foyle Springs area. Councillor Boyle said: "I spoke with the developer of the site last week as work began on clearing and preparing it
03/09/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD said: "Minister Hogan's plans to put a water meter into every home in Ireland is an expensive and useless exercise." Deputy Stanley was responding to reports that the pilot surveys are proving that Hogan’s plan
03/09/2012
Sinn Féin spokesperson on housing Dessie Ellis TD has condemned as scandalous that 230,000 homes lie vacant across the state despite the fact that nearly 100,000 people are on housing waiting lists and 5,000 people are homeless. He made his comments following the release of new figures on vacant ho
