Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for February 2013
28/02/2013
Ecocem Ireland announced today its plans to create 61 jobs as part of a new three year, €19m investment programme coinciding with the official opening of its new facility at Dublin Port. The plant will be used to bag Ecocem's eco-friendly cement, which among other things reduces the carbon footprin
28/02/2013
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, has called on Dublin City Council to begin an immediate and focused campaign of house inspections. This follows news that 483 out of 589 flats inspected on the North Circular Road were found to be in breach of regulations. Deputy Ellis continued: "U
28/02/2013
Labour T.D. John Lyons, has welcomed the imminent handover of the first 60 units in the Sillogue 4 Ballymun Regeneration housing scheme, after €10.5 million works to remove pyrite from these homes. Mr Lyons said: "The completion of the Sillogue 4 scheme – which has 122 homes overall - was held up a
28/02/2013
Following the Assembly Statement by the Education Minister regarding Area Planning, the Ulster Unionist Party's Education Spokesperson, Danny Kinahan MLA, has expressed his disappointment that John O'Dowd is continuing to press forward unilaterally with his area planning proposals despite the fact t
28/02/2013
NI Water will begin pipelaying work on the Old Park Road on Monday 1st April 2013 as part of a £1 million capital investment programme to improve the sewerage infrastructure and reduce the risk of flooding in the area. The first phase of this essential Sewer Improvement Programme will get underway
28/02/2013
Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced that he has given sanction to West Cork Development Partnership to approve funding of €199,290 to Clondrohid Community Recreational Facility Ltd. to develop a recreational facility consisting of a community
27/02/2013
EPS Group are set to benefit from the renewal of an additional electricity supply deal with leading independent energy provider Energia. The deal which is worth approximately €3 million will see Energia supply over 17 gigawatt hours of electricity to 180 EPS sites and includes the renewal of existi
27/02/2013
Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced that he has given sanction to West Limerick Resources to approve funding of €195,101.47 to Shanagolden Community Council to develop the local community park. The project consists of two elements: an off-
27/02/2013
An east Belfast central heating maintenance company has announced a planned expansion, financed by Danske Bank, that will lead to the creation of three new jobs. Solv Group, which provides the installation and maintenance of central heating systems to the public and local businesses, has invested £
27/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £175,000 major resurfacing scheme on Plantation Road, Craigavon this week. The Minister said: "This scheme will deliver important improvements to the road surface, strengthening and increasing the life of the road." Preparatory w
27/02/2013
SDLP Social Development spokesperson Mark H Durkan has responded to a statement form Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland in the Assembly today on social housing reform. The Foyle MLA said: "While I welcome the fact that Nelson McCausland has seen fit to bring this latest statement on the
27/02/2013
Following Government approval, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., has released outline Heads of a Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill 2013 for consideration by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht
27/02/2013
Sinn Féin MLA, Maeve McLaughlin (Foyle) has called on the Magee Campus administration to produce its development plan for the University expansion including the Foyle College lands. Maeve McLaughlin said: "I understand that to date, no business plan for the expansion of Magee Campus, incorporating
27/02/2013
Local companies are being helped by Invest Northern Ireland to identify potential funding mechanisms for renewable energy projects designed to help reduce the cost of energy consumption. Invest NI is holding a series of Renewable Energy Funding seminars to help companies understand financing and fu
27/02/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has invited investors to bring forward proposals for mixed-use development within the Northside of Belfast city centre. The Department is seeking proposals from potential private sector partners to work in partnership to develop commercial/business, le
26/02/2013
Construction has begun on Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children’s new £3m state-of-the-art therapeutic respite centre. The demand for respite accommodation in Northern Ireland is significant. Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC) has been providing this vital service to families at
26/02/2013
Ecotricity this week celebrated the completion of its first wind park in Northern Ireland, two windmills now generating electricity for Michelin at their tyre factory in Ballymena, Co Antrim. The project, which has a capacity of 4.6MW, is Ecotricity's second wind park for Michelin following the ins
26/02/2013
The Environmental Protaction Agency has launched a new iPhone App, See it? Say it!, to help people to report environmental pollution in their towns and villages. The new App makes it easy for people to report a pollution incident the moment they see it. Using the App users can now take a photograph
26/02/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has said the publication of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs 2013 underlines the need to have a representative for the construction sector in the Government. The CIF believes that the sector needs a voice in Government fighting for the industry if t
26/02/2013
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £65k scheme to replace street lighting at Cliftonville Road, Belfast. The scheme, running between Antrim Road and Ciftonville Circus, is due to start on 1 March 2013 and will be fully operational within six weeks. The Minister said: "This investment wil
26/02/2013
Conservation Technology is presenting a seminar on Remmers Damp Proofing Technology on Thursday 28th February 2013 and would like to invite you to attend. Remmers Resgional Sales Manager Ireland, Adrian Pierce, will be a speaker at the seminar. Details of the seminar are: 9.30 Presentation on Da
26/02/2013
OBE Waste & Agri Engineering based in Donacloney has recently completed an order to Nigeria worth £250,000 following marketing assistance from Invest Northern Ireland. OBE Waste & Agri Engineering manufactures a wide range of incinerators and agricultural equipment. This order for 44 incinerators w
26/02/2013
Labour T.D. for Cork South West, Michael McCarthy, has welcomed news that 400 of the jobs created by Irish Water’s metering programme will go to people who are unemployed, graduates or in small business. Deputy McCarthy, who is Chair of the Environment Committee said: "This is a huge project and I
26/02/2013
An Bord Pleanala's granting planning permission for a petrol station to be built on a floodplain in Carrick on Shannon will risk contamination of the River Shannon, according to the Green Party. An Bord Pleanala have granted the planning permission to land owned by local Fine Gael Councillor, Gerry
25/02/2013
SDLP MLA for Mid-Ulster Patsy McGlone and Chair of the Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee has criticised the decision by gas supplier Airtricity to raise gas prices by 8.7%. Mr McGlone said: "The announcement by Airtricity that its natural gas prices will increase by 8.7% from 1 April this y
25/02/2013
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has urged local authorities to fully explore the possible usage of thousands of properties being made available by NAMA for social housing provision. Mr Feighan said: "More than 4,000 properties are being made available nationwide by NAMA for
25/02/2013
Guaranteed jobs for small local businesses, graduates and long term unemployed Mr Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, has announced that at least 25% of the 1,600 jobs created directly by Irish Water's domestic water metering programme will be given to peopl
25/02/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed the news that the new Derrybeg Community Building in Newry has been completed and is open for use. The £220,000 project, which has been funded through the Department's Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, involved the provision of a bespo
25/02/2013
Belfast based BTWShiells Investment Division have been instructed to market for sale the London 2012 Olympic Basketball Arena. One of the most iconic buildings of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Basketball Arena, has been made available for sale for £2.5 million by venue owners, Barr Con
25/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £350,000 resurfacing scheme on New Line, Carrickfergus. The work is due to begin on Monday 25 February 2013 between Upper Road and Liberty Road. The Minister said: "This scheme will deliver important improvements to the road netw
25/02/2013
A Government plan to make local authority tenants pay additional rent to meet the liability of Councils for the Family Home Tax (Local Property Tax) is being opposed by Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillors. They have tabled a motion to the City Council under Section 140 of the Local Government Act 20
25/02/2013
NI Water will begin pipelaying work on the A23 Moneyreagh Road on Monday 4th March as part of a £1 million capital investment programme to improve the sewerage infrastructure and reduce the risk of flooding in the area. The first phase of the scheme will involve the laying of approximately 5km of p
22/02/2013
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), was in Ennis, Co. Clare for the contract signing of Phase II of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme. Minister Hayes said: "Ennis has a long history of flooding and I am very pleased to be able to formally
22/02/2013
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has provided further details of its plans to develop new commercial and residential projects as part of its €2 billion investment programme in Ireland in response to emerging demand in key markets. The Agency's Chairman said that these plans include the
22/02/2013
The EPA has published the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems 2013. The EPA also welcomes the announcement by the European Commission that Ireland has now adopted all the measures necessary to ensure compliance with the Court of Justice judgment in Case C‑188/
22/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £160,000 major resurfacing scheme on C99 Toberdoney and C99 Carnbore Road, Liscolman, in the Moyle area in early March. The work is due to begin on 4 March 2013, from Coleman Avenue on Toberdoney Road to Straidbilly Primary School
22/02/2013
Speaking in the Dáil on Sinn Féin’s Private Members' Motion on social housing and mortgage distress Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín unmanageable mortgages are costing the state money. He said the personal insolvency bill will not make a significant impact and Labour and Fine Gael are providing words b
22/02/2013
Fianna Fáil’s Representative for the Naas area, James Lawless, has this week written to the Minister for Housing seeking exemptions against the property tax for up to 85 Kildare states in line with maintenance records he received last year under the Freedom Of Information acts. Mr Lawless said: "As
22/02/2013
Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O'Sullivan set 2016 as the target for ending long-term homelessness. Minister O'Sullivan was speaking at the launch of the Government's Homelessness Policy Statement at the Custom House in Dublin. Minister O'Sullivan said: "Homelessness is an affront to every
22/02/2013
Final discussions were held with European Parliament to reach agreement on the proposal on safety of offshore oil and gas prospection, exploration and production activities. The Offshore Safety Directive proposes a new area of competence for the EU in the respect of the regulation of offshore oil
22/02/2013
Mechanical and electrical contractor Blackbourne Integrated M&E has partnered with TomTom in Northern Ireland in a bid to improve the efficiency and eco ranking of its business. The company services a range of mechanical and electrical maintenance contracts throughout Northern Ireland and England a
22/02/2013
Minister Michelle O'Neill, has approved flood prevention works at the Drumbee Bog area of Armagh. This work was necessary following an increased level of flooding, created by a supply culvert to a, now disused, reservoir. The Minister, who has responsibility for the Rivers Agency, said: "My staff
22/02/2013
Local councillors for the Ardress area recently had the opportunity to view a new wastewater scheme for the area. The project at Ardress involved replacing the old Wastewater Treatment Works with a new Works on the existing site on the Summerisland Road, Ardress. The councillors also had the oppor
21/02/2013
Justice Minister David Ford today opened the new 120 cell Quoile House prisoner accommodation block at Maghaberry Prison. The modern facility, which was built at a cost of £12m, is the first accommodation block to be built at the prison in five years. It can hold up to 160 prisoners and has been oc
21/02/2013
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis closed a debate on his party's private members' motion on social housing and mortgage distress by calling on the government to revisit the personal insolvency act and remove the final say from lenders and to embark on a building programme to deliver 9,000
21/02/2013
SDLP Councillor Declan O'Loan has strongly criticised Roads Service for its handling of an upcoming closure for the purpose of resurfacing of the vital bridge crossing of the River Bann at Portglenone, and for failing to notify Ballymena Borough Council. He said: "This has turned into a shambles. I
21/02/2013
Sinn Féin MLA for South Belfast Alex Maskey has welcomed the next step in the advancement of the Stadia projects for Windsor Park, Ravenhill and Casement Park. This follows the announcement that planning permission has now been granted for the development at Windsor Park. Speaking from Windsor Par
21/02/2013
High levels of air pollution (particulate matter) are currently being monitored in the Newry area, with MODERATE levels being monitored in the Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Lisburn and North Down areas. MODERATE levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are being monitored in the Derry/Londo
21/02/2013
Fianna Fáil is calling on the government to use its position as owner of AIB to prevent hundreds of thousands of AIB customers being hit with a hike in variable interest rates. Senator Thomas Byrne commented: "With thousands of mortgage holders in arrears and under financial strain every day the go
21/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy this week announced £200,000 of major resurfacing on Armagh Road, Portadown. Road works are due to start on Saturday 2 March in preparation for the resurfacing of a 600metres length of the Armagh Road Portadown, from the Armagh Road roundabout at Northway
21/02/2013
Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte TD, that the Cabinet has approved a €70 million investment to establish an Energy Efficiency Fund, which will provide project lending for energy eff
21/02/2013
Enterprise Ireland announced three important sales contracts by client companies responding to opportunities in the French Cleantech and Construction sectors. The announcement was made at a prestigious business event in Paris attended by President Michael D. Higgins as part of his official visit t
21/02/2013
A Co Down farmer pleaded guilty to causing water pollution and was fined £750 plus £25 court costs at Lisburn Magistrates' Court. Mr William Wilson of Edentrillick Road, Hillsborough, Co. Down was convicted for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 27 January 2012, a Water Quality Inspect
20/02/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today granted planning permission for a new stadium at Windsor Park. As a result the Irish Football Association (Irish FA) can now build an 18,000 capacity stadium and two new stands to the south and east of the ground. The north and west stands will also be exten
20/02/2013
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte TD announced the Government has approved his proposal to establish a €70 million Energy Efficiency Fund which will provide project lending for energy efficiency works in the public and commercial sectors. The Energy Efficien
20/02/2013
Sperrin Metal Storage Solutions, the Draperstown-based specialist in storage systems, signed a contract worth around £300,000 during its participation with Invest Northern Ireland at the recent Arab Health, which was held in Dubai from 28-31 January. The contract will see Sperrin Metal installing a
20/02/2013
The Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D., has welcomed the publication of the National Inspection Plan for domestic waste water treatment systems. Minister Hogan stated: "I welcome the National Inspection Plan, which has been drawn up to best international st
20/02/2013
Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has called for a tightening up of the legislation and regulations governing sub-prime mortgage lenders. The Kerry North/Limerick West deputy was speaking during a debate on a Sinn Féin private members' motion on housing and mortgages. Deputy Ferris said: "I have previou
20/02/2013
Around 900 customers in Crossmaglen village and surrounding areas were left without electricity following damage to a high voltage underground cable. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has once again warned all contractors working in the vicinity of underground electricity cables to follow strict
20/02/2013
East Derry SDLP MLA John Dallat has called on the Roads Minister Danny Kennedy to address the issue of oil spillages on roads before the problem gets out of control and to ensure that sufficient deterrents are put in place to reduce the incidence of this occurring. Mr Dallat said: "The volume of oi
20/02/2013
Alliance East Antrim MLA and Regional Development spokesperson, Stewart Dickson, has said that the public must prepare for the beginning of road works on the A2 at Greenisland. Work to widen the 2.2 miles stretch of road will be undertaken from April 2013 until the summer of 2015. Mr Dickson said:
20/02/2013
SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has emphasised the need to grow the green economy. He was speaking during an Assembly Debate on the importance of supporting the growth in the Sustainable Energy Sector. Mr McGlone who is the Chair of the ETI Committee at Stormont said: "The Committee is very encouraged abo
20/02/2013
Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O'Donovan, has urged the Government to considering 'greening' as many buildings are possible at home for St Patrick’s Day, when so many famous landmarks overseas are going green for our national holiday. Deputy O'Donovan raised the issue in a Parliamentary Question t
19/02/2013
Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Noel Harrington, has welcomed the announcement of €2,632,000 in funding which is being made available for the maintenance and upgrade of a number of Cork harbours. The funding is part of a broader package of €7.4 million which is being made available for safety and
19/02/2013
The latest University of Ulster Quarterly House Price Index for the final quarter of 2012, produced in partnership with Bank of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, has recorded an increase in the number of house sales, with signs of greater stability in prices. The overall average p
19/02/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Phil Flanagan said a motion he has proposed that will be debated at the Assembly will call on the Executive to encourage and support further growth in sustainable energy. The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA and Deputy Chair of the Enterprise, Trade & Investment Committee said: "Despite t
19/02/2013
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has met with Keith Morrison, who has recently been appointed Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI). The Minister said: "A healthy workforce is integral to Northern Ireland’s social and economic wellbeing and the work of HSE
19/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced there will be a series of public meetings in February and March as part a DRD consultation on future railway investment. The Minister said: "Railways investment involves significant capital expenditure, with lengthy planning and construction
19/02/2013
Belfast Harbour has handed over its new £50m offshore wind terminal to DONG Energy and ScottishPower Renewables. The terminal, the first purpose-built offshore wind installation and pre-assembly harbour in the UK or Ireland, will be used as a hub to help service a market valued in excess of £100b
19/02/2013
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the network company, has issued a safety warning after three electricity poles were deliberately cut down over the weekend in the Aghyoule area of Fermanagh. Kevin McDowell, Head of Health, Safety and Environment at NIE, said: "Deliberate damage to NIE equipme
19/02/2013
Government Departments, public sector bodies and 3rd Level Institutions are saving on their electricity costs having moved to independent energy provider Energia. Energia continues to win public tenders to supply metered electricity to Central Government Offices and non-commercial public bodies.
19/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £130,000 major resurfacing scheme on Clarendon Street, L'Derry this week. The work is due to begin on 26 February 2013 between the junctions at Strand Road and Northland Road and will last for four days. The Minister said: "Follo
19/02/2013
Sinn Féin Energy Spokesperson Phil Flanagan MLA has called on representative bodies for the Tourism and agriculture sectors to set out their position on the controversial method of gas extraction known as 'Fracking' and to make submissions to the ongoing all-Ireland draft terms of reference consulta
18/02/2013
Business in the Community’s ARENA Network have awarded Farrans Platinum status for the second year running at the 14th Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey Results Launch. The survey, carried out by ARENA Network and supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, annually asses
18/02/2013
A public consultation has been launched on proposals to introduce experimental changes to the urban clearway restrictions on three main roads in South Belfast. Developed in cooperation with Lisburn Road Business Association, the proposals affect areas including Upper Lisburn Road/Lisburn Road from
18/02/2013
Demands have been made for the immediate release of funding by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to upgrade Bandon Community Hospital to a 40-bed unit. The commitment of the HSE has been called into question by Friends of Bandon Community Hospital as delays and new requirements now threaten the c
18/02/2013
The public are being encouraged to have their say in an all Ireland Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) Consultation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the public consultation on the draft Terms of Reference on behalf of the programme’s Steering Committee. Minister Attwood said: "
18/02/2013
Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O’Sullivan has announced she will be intervening over the Midleton Town Development Plan 2013, which was adopted by councillors on 21 January 2013. The direction issued by the Minister concerns the Town Council’s decision to zone certain lands in Mogeesha for t
18/02/2013
A business merger of Lagan Cement and Quinn Building Products will now not go ahead, it has been confirmed. A spokesman for Lagan Cement Group said: "In late December of last year, Lagan Cement Group Ltd and Quinn Building Products Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the possibility
18/02/2013
Sinn Féin’s Phil Flanagan says a motion he has proposed to be debated today at the Northern Irish Assembly will call on the Executive to encourage and support further growth in sustainable energy. The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA and Deputy Chair of the Enterprise, Trade & Investment Committee said
18/02/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has backed a call for savings from the promissory note deal to go towards infrastructure projects to help reduce the number of unemployed. The comments were made by Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton TD during an interview on RTÉ Radio 1. Minister
15/02/2013
Northern Regional College (NRC) in partnership with CITB-ConstructionSkills NI are to host Northern Ireland's construction apprentices and trainees as they compete in the Skillbuild NI 2013 National Finals at NRC's Newtownabbey Campus in March. Welcoming the news NRC Principal and Chief Executive T
15/02/2013
An Armagh construction company is paving its way to success after news it has been shortlisted as a finalist for a national award. Green Future NI, based in Middletown, Co Armagh, has been shortlisted for the 'Sustainable Development of the Year' award at this year's Housing Awards following the c
15/02/2013
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated Ballymena-based bus builders Wrightbus on securing an order for 179 buses from FirstGroup, the UK’s leading bus and rail operator. Wrightbus has been chosen by FirstGroup to provide its StreetLite range of lightweight buses as part of the transpor
15/02/2013
Green Party Environment Spokesperson Cllr Malcolm Noonan today criticised the decision by Minister Phil Hogan to abandon the Strategic Planning Guidelines. Mr Noonan said: "This reversion to planning deregulation will warm the hearts of many Fine Gael Councillors who have been complicit in some of
15/02/2013
The Self Build & Improve Your Home Show kicked off today, Friday 15th February, at the King's Hall Complex, Belfast. The show will run for two days, until Sunday 17th February. The 2013 Belfast show is packed full of features, whether you are looking to build your own home, simply improve your cur
15/02/2013
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has slated the government’s handling of the Promissory Note issue and accused it of having 'surrendered to the ECB'. Speaking during the Dáil debate on the Promissory Note the Louth TD contrasted the treatment of Big Bankers and ordinary citizens in mortgage distr
15/02/2013
NI Water has reached agreement with the Utility Regulator with regard to acceptance of Price Control 13 (PC13) which sets out our funding and business delivery plan for the two years to 31 March 2015. Trevor Haslett, Chief Executive of NI Water commented: "Following a detailed review of the Regulat
15/02/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has officially launched the Masterplan for South East Coast. The Masterplan provides the strategic vision and guidance for the regeneration and development of the three towns of Newcastle, Kilkeel and Warrenpoint over the next 15 years Minister McCausl
15/02/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and Education Minister John O'Dowd have announced a £880,000 refurbishment project for St Mary's Youth Club in Portadown. On a visit to the club to mark the start of the project, Ministers heard about plans to create a new fit for purpose centre. Speak
15/02/2013
Ballymena SDLP Councillor Declan O'Loan MLA has welcomed the minimal rate increase by Ballymena Council, a motion which he seconded, and which is due to come into action on 1 April of this year. Speaking after the meeting, Cllr O'Loan said: "I am very pleased to support the proposal for a 1.65% inc
14/02/2013
Mr. Phil Hogan, T. D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced that he has approved funding to enable Galway County Council accept the tender of €2.49 million submitted by MEIC Ltd. to carry out works involved on the Network Contract of the Costelloe Regional Wate
14/02/2013
Work is due to start on a £300,000 essential improvement scheme on Dee Street bridge over the Sydenham By-Pass and Bangor railway lines. The existing brick walls (parapets) on the bridge have to be replaced for safety reasons. A new traditional metal parapet and high kerbs will be provided, along w
14/02/2013
Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has approved the commitment of the necessary capital funding to enable Limerick County Council accept the tender of €0.829 million from Jimmy O'Regan Plant Hire to carry out extensive watermain rehabilitation works u
14/02/2013
Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has welcomed the halting of the oil exploration project by Providence Resources in Dublin Bay. Deputy Colreavy said: "I raised the issue of the Dublin Bay project on a number of occasions with Minister
14/02/2013
Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news of a regeneration initiative in Waterford City that will take place as a result of the Finance Bill. Deputy Coffey said an initiative such as this, which should act as a boost to the local economy, is long overdue. Mr Coffey said: "This
14/02/2013
Energy Minister Arlene Foster has announced the beginning of an eight week consultation on new energy legislation for the offshore energy sector. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment proposes to ask the Northern Ireland Assembly to make new primary legislation, to introduce new powers
14/02/2013
Fianna Fáil has described the local property tax amendment bill published today as "a missed opportunity". Senator Thomas Byrne commented: "Overall the amendment bill is very disappointing. Despite the concerns being expressed by Dublin and commuter-belt based TDs on the government backbenches the
14/02/2013
SDLP Local representative for Lisburn Nicola Turtle has raised concerns about reports of a number of oil thefts in the Lagan Valley area. Ms Turtle said: "It has been brought to my attention that a number of people living in the Lisburn area have been subject to oil thefts at their homes. "Given
14/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has officially opened the A32 Shannaragh Road scheme, following the successful completion of a £7.3m investment programme. The works included replacing the Shannaragh Bridge over the Owenreagh River and the realignment of some local roads to improve acces
14/02/2013
ESB has welcomed the announcement by Standard & Poor's (S&P's) Rating Services that it has revised ESB's credit rating to BBB+ (Stable Outlook) from BBB+ (Negative Outlook). The change follows S&P's announcement that it has upgraded its outlook on the Republic of Ireland. S&P has also revised its
13/02/2013
Environmental charity TIDY Northern Ireland have announced the launch of its new Eco-Home programme with support from Belfast City Council and the Department of the Environment's Rethink Waste Campaign. Eco-Home is a new environmental programme created to promote waste prevention and sustainable li
13/02/2013
West Belfast SDLP MLA Alex Attwood has welcomed the announcement that 200 new jobs are to be created by Caterpillar in west Belfast. Mr Attwood said: "This is welcome and good news for west Belfast, and is a boost to the local economy. It further shows that the North and west Belfast can compete on
13/02/2013
Providence Resources, the London (AIM) and Dublin (ESM) listed oil and gas exploration and appraisal company, has announced that it has surrendered the Foreshore Licence granted over an area in the Kish Bank Basin, offshore Dublin. The Licence was awarded by the Foreshore Unit of the Irish Departm
13/02/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced additional funding of £150,000 to support the continued restoration of Ardaluin House, Co. Down. On a visit to mark the completion of Phase One restoration works to this outdoor activity centre, the Minister praised the project. Minister
13/02/2013
Business In The Community UK has announced that a Northern Ireland company has won the organisation's Big Tick award for corporate social responsibility more times than any other business throughout the whole of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Belfast based Phoenix Natural Gas have won the highly p
13/02/2013
Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on environment, community & local government, Brian Stanley TD, has accused Minister Hogan of "sleepwalking Ireland over the carbon cliff". Following questions to An Taoiseach in the Dáil, Mr Stanley said: "I have continued to raise this issue and I will continue raise this
13/02/2013
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Simon Harris, is seeking immediate clarity from the Department of the Environment about Wicklow County Council's attempt to charge residents of Brook Meadow in Avoca, Wicklow, for development levies, which should have been settled by the developer of the housing estate some
13/02/2013
As part of Northern Ireland Water's study into the upgrade of the sewerage infrastructure in East Belfast, an essential programme of Sewer Investigation Work will get underway on the 18th February in the Mount Merrion area and will continue for approximately 3 weeks. This investigation work is ess
12/02/2013
The EPA today published five new research studies which explore diverse issues within climate change, ranging from economy wide mitigation options to regional and local adaptation needs. The reports were launched by Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government
12/02/2013
SDLP Waterside Councillor Martin Reilly has welcomed confirmation from Roads Service of progress on the provision of a new footway/cycleway on the Woodside Road between Gobnascale and New Buildings. Cllr Reilly said: "I welcome Road Service's commitment to examine the proposal for a footpath and cy
12/02/2013
North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has welcomed plans to upgrade the gym at Queen's Leisure Complex, Holywood. Councillors were updated on plans at the Council meeting on Tuesday where it was detailed that a new area will be created for free weights. Commenting on the development, Councill
12/02/2013
NI Water is holding an information day on Thursday 28 February 2013 at Antrim Training Centre for all contractors interested in bidding for a £100 million water and sewerage networks service contract. The information day will enable companies to find out more about the scope of the contract and mee
12/02/2013
Housing Executive tenants can now use a free online service to look for suitable homes that are available for exchange. HomeSwapper is the UK's largest and most successful home swap service. It's now free to all Housing Executive tenants and most Northern Ireland housing association tenants and i
12/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £110,000 major resurfacing scheme on the C84 Coolkeeran Road, Loughgiel. The work is due to begin on 21 February between Lough Road and Pharis Road. The Minister said: "This scheme will greatly improve the strength and surfac
12/02/2013
Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy has announced that the upgrade for Coleraine to L'Derry is expected to be finished ahead of schedule. This project and related works costing around £30 million will enable rail services to resume between Coleraine and L'Derry. Mr Kennedy said: "The rail
12/02/2013
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan is calling for public support for action on climate change in advance of a Cabinet meeting on climate legislation and the National and Economic and Social Council paper on climate policy. Mr Ryan said: "The paper from the National Economic and Social Council shows that
12/02/2013
Limerick City Council is leading a multi-agency 'on-street' investigation into the sale and distribution of household coal in the city. Over the past few nights, a number of 'bellmen' distributing coal have been interviewed by staff from Limerick City Council and other local authorities as well as
12/02/2013
Responding to "the aggressive actions of Tara Mines management in their dispute with workers" Sinn Féin TD, Peadar Tóibín, said: "Firstly management break a wage agreement, that is not nine months old, which was to run until 2014. "Then they unilaterally put the workers on protective notice before
11/02/2013
Dublin businesses have been finding out about the latest ways to cut their energy costs at a special energy efficiency briefing held by Ireland's independent energy provider Energia. The briefing held with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce was designed to educate businesses about ISO 50001, the Energy
11/02/2013
Energy Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed The Northern Ireland Executive's approval of the final policies for inclusion in the new Northern Ireland Energy Bill. The Minister said: "I am glad that the policies for the new Northern Ireland Energy Bill have been able to garner widespread support from
11/02/2013
The Irish Presidency should be deeply embarrassed that there were no red lines when it comes to protecting investment in a sustainable, green economy, according to the Green Party. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan responded to leaked details of the new EU budget. He said: "It is a shame that under ou
11/02/2013
David Ford MLA and Cllr Neil Kelly met with the Director of Development for Fold Housing to discuss future plans for older persons housing in Antrim Town. This included a discussion to monitor progress on the proposed project for the old Northern Regional College site. Mr Ford said: "I was please
11/02/2013
Belfast City Council has welcomed the Environment Minster's announcement that £300,000 is to be given to council to help tackle derelict buildings. The number of these buildings has risen substantially in recent years due to the downturn in the economy and the collapse of the property market. The c
11/02/2013
Minister Phil Hogan, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government has announced a public call for submissions to The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA). Minister Hogan has encouraged people in rural areas to fully participate in this process by making submiss
11/02/2013
Seanad spokesperson on Social Protection, Senator Marie Moloney, has proposed saving taxpayers millions of Euros by introducing a housing deposit protection scheme. Addressing Minister for Housing, Jan O'Sullivan T.D., in the Seanad Senator Moloney outlined her cost saving initiative. She said: "
11/02/2013
Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community and local government, Brian Stanley TD, has called on the government to "avoid the carbon cliff and environmental bankruptcy by introducing a target based Climate Change Bill". Speaking during the Dáil debate, Deputy Stanley said: "Our society faces
08/02/2013
County Antrim-based construction group Patton has had its former headquarters put up for sale for £800,000. Patton’s administrator has put the building on sale following the firm’s collapse in November 2012, which cost creditors over £60m. Patton’s headquarters were situated at the Woodside indust
08/02/2013
ESB International, the global engineering consultancy owned by ESB, plans to recruit 80 new engineering and technical professionals over the next five years in response to growing demand for engineering services from the international energy sector. Ollie Brogan, Managing Director ESB International
08/02/2013
The Board of Bord Gáis Éireann has today appointed Michael McNicholas as the Chief Executive Officer of Bord Gáis. Michael joins Bord Gáis from NTR plc, where he is currently the Chief Executive Officer. A native of Co Mayo, Michael has over twenty five years' experience in the Irish and internatio
08/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £130,000 road improvement scheme on Middle Road, Carrickfergus. The works are being carried out to improve safety and aid traffic progression on Middle Road at Meadow Hill and are due to begin on Monday 25 February 2013. They will
08/02/2013
Mr John Neill (53) of English Street, Downpatrick, was fined a total of £200 (plus £10 costs) at Downpatrick Magistrates' Court for breaches of waste management legislation. On 20 May 2009, officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency visited a site adjacent to 40 Ballintogher Road, Downpa
08/02/2013
Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced that he has given sanction for County Wicklow Community Partnership to approve funding of €288,552.00 to Dunlavin District Forum for the development of a Community Playground, an Outdoor Gymnasium, multi-use
08/02/2013
Mr Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, has announced that he has approved the necessary funding to allow Waterford County Council accept the tender of just over €2.6m submitted by McGinty & O'Shea Ltd to upgrade the sewerage collection network in Dunmore Eas
08/02/2013
SDLP Councillor Tim Attwood has welcomed the publication by Ulster GAA of the new design concept for the 38,000 seated Casement Park stadium. Cllr Tim Attwood said: "I warmly welcome the publication of the new design concept for the redevelopment of Casement Stadium. This is a unique opportunity to
08/02/2013
Sinn Féin housing spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, has called on the Minister for Finance and Financial Regulator to work with the financial institutions to develop a code of conduct for receivers of buy-to-let properties. He made his comments during a topical issue debate in the Dáil referring to t
07/02/2013
Jimmy Deenihan, TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, accompanied by Dr Olive Braiden, Chair of the Board of the National Gallery of Ireland, has announced that a multi-million euro refurbishment of the National Gallery of Ireland will be completed over the next three years. The announ
07/02/2013
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has described progress on social housing from NAMA properties as very disappointing. He made his comments in response to a parliamentary question which found that just 179 homes have been delivered for social housing despite NAMA being in existence si
07/02/2013
NI Water, Woodland Trust and Kelda Water Services (Alpha) are jointly promoting woodland creation and helping to improve biodiversity at Dunore Point Water Treatment Works in Antrim and Castor Bay Water Treatment Works in Lurgan. The Woodland Creation Project is aimed at offsetting the carbon footp
07/02/2013
An Garda Síochána has today published a Garda Metal Theft Crime Prevention and Reduction Plan, drawn up in conjunction with a range of stakeholders on a Metal Theft Forum, and designed to provide for an effective and multi-agency response to this type of crime. The phenomenon of metal theft has bec
07/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that a £196,000 resurfacing scheme is set to begin on the Dungonnell Road in Antrim before the end of February. The improvements will take place between the Antrim Road and Dunore Road on the C24. Mr Kennedy said: "Once complete, the scheme
07/02/2013
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has opened a £300,000 extension to the Park and Ride facility at Drumahoe near L'Derry, which more than doubles the number of car park spaces available. Originally the site at Drumahoe served Belfast bound customers and provided 150 car park spaces. Complementing th
07/02/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland visited residents following an £800,000 kitchen replacement scheme in Belfast. Minister McCausland dropped in for tea with Tyndale resident Maureen Allen. Maureen has had a new kitchen installed as part of a £800,000 Housing Executive kitchen replaceme
07/02/2013
Speaking in the Seanad, long-time campaigner for tenant rights, Senator Aideen Hayden, has welcomed the end of the existence of bedsits. Senator Hayden said: "As from February 1st, the traditional bedsit is no longer permitted under Irish Law. This change did not come about overnight and was long o
06/02/2013
The Preliminary Report for the upgrade of Cavan Town Sewerage Scheme has been approved by Phil Hogan Minister of Environment, Community and Local Government. The existing Cavan Town Sewage Treatment Works is situated at Keadue Townland, to the east of the town with a design population capacity of 2
06/02/2013
Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes TD, that Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, will remain open throughout the busy summer tourist season. Senator Coghlan r
06/02/2013
Ulster Unionist Social Development spokesperson, Michael Copeland MLA, has criticised Minister Nelson McCausland for failing to smoothly introduce the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The Scheme is due to come into operation over the next number of months, however significant concerns have developed as to
06/02/2013
Eco-Schools has celebrated the registration of its 900th school in Northern Ireland. The programme, which is run by Tidy NI and sponsored by Airtricity, reached the milestone when the Queen Elizabeth II Primary School in Omagh registered earlier this month. The sustainable schools programme encou
06/02/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the Government to give a specific commitment for when they will enact the Construction Contracts Bill, ahead of its 1,000th day in the Oireachtas today. The legislation, which aims to ease the process of payments to construction contractors
06/02/2013
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD has today demanded that Minister Hogan misleading the Dáil on climate change. Deputy Stanley said: "Minister Hogan continues to mislead the Dáil on his commitment to introducing a Climate Change Bill, which both
06/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £295k major resurfacing scheme on a section of Ligford Road, the main Strabane to Plumbridge road in Co Tyrone this week. Resurfacing work is to start on 11 February 2013 from the Ligford Road/Knockiniller Road junction for a dist
06/02/2013
SDLP MLA for South Down Sean Rogers has said that the Department of the Environment and the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development must restore Strangford Lough. Mr Rogers was speaking today ahead of an Assembly debate on the future of the Strangford Lough Fishery. He said: "Strangford Lo
05/02/2013
Ogilvie Fleet is planning to triple the size of its business in Northern Ireland with a £2.5 million investment that has already seen the creation of new jobs. The vehicle leasing and fleet management company has to-date invested about £1m as a result of the opening of its business in the province
05/02/2013
A total of 8,488 houses were built in Ireland during 2012, according to new figures published by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). This represents a drop of 1,992 or 19% on the figure for 2011 when a total of 10,480 houses were completed. Despite the 2011 and 2012 each having set a low
05/02/2013
Under direction from the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar, the National Roads Authority has been asked to assist in the delivery of the nation’s first cycleway between Dublin and Galway. The National Roads Authority has established the National Cycle Network Advisory Committee (
05/02/2013
Brendan O'Flaherty of Right Price Tiles in Athlone, who has been a customer of Energia for over six years, was presented with tickets to Ireland v's England Six Nations match by John King from Energia. Brendan won the tickets following a recent competition by Energia to promote paperless billing.
05/02/2013
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Irish Water Programme at Bord Gáis Éireann have announced that every home in the country is to receive an information leaflet on the transformation of water services in Ireland – A guide to the establishment of Irish Water – m
05/02/2013
Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland has approved a rent increase of around £2.12 per week for Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants. The 3.6% increase, effective from 1 April 2013, brings average rents to £60.90 a week excluding rates. Housing Executive rents are around £20 a week
05/02/2013
SDLP Social Development spokesperson MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed confirmation from the Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland that the Tenancy Deposit Scheme will be introduced. Mr Durkan who has been calling for the scheme to be introduced for some time said: "The Tenancy Deposit Scheme
05/02/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £150,000 major resurfacing scheme on the B96 Moneyleck Road, Rasharkin. The work is due to begin on 14 February 2013 between Main Street, Rasharkin and B64 Bann Road. The planned dates are subject to favourable weather cond
05/02/2013
Northern Ireland Water (NIW) was fined £2,500 plus court costs of £28 at Downpatrick Magistrates Court. NIW pleaded guilty to making a polluting discharge to a waterway from Burren Sewage Pumping Station (SPS), Newcastle, Co Down. On 24 May 2011, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of th
04/02/2013
The Board of Bord Gáis Éireann has today confirmed the appointment of John Tierney as the Managing Director of Irish Water, the new public water utility which is being established within Bord Gáis. John will join Irish Water from Dublin City Council where he has been City Manager for over 6 years.
04/02/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard has called on the British Government to close the Sellafield Nuclear power plant claiming it is obvious that there no strategy to manage it safely after it was announced that over £67bn has been spent dealing with nuclear waste yet serious contamination remains. Mr Hazza
04/02/2013
Ireland-based renewable energy developer Mainstream Renewable Power has successfully completed financial close and has started constructing its 33MW Negrete Cuel Wind Farm in southern Chile. The wind farm, which is 100% owned by Mainstream, is expected to be fully operational by September this yea
04/02/2013
Leading Public Accounts Committee Member and SDLP MLA for East Derry, John Dallat, hascriticised the DUP First Minister's decision to try to have the major John Lewis planning application at Sprucefield decided by the Executive rather than the planning Minister Alex Attwood. Mr Dallat said: "We are
04/02/2013
Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community and local government, Brian Stanley TD has today called on Minister Hogan to stop spinning yarns and. misinformation about water charges. Stanley was responding to the announcement by Minister Hogan that the government will be distributing two millio
04/02/2013
Almost 400,000 households had registered their septic tanks and domestic waste water treatment systems by the deadline of 1st February last, which means that almost 80% of liable households registered by the deadline. Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Phil Hogan, TD thanke
04/02/2013
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry, visited the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Training Centre at Campsie to tour the facility and meet with NIE Apprentices. Speaking during the visit, Dr Farry said: "It is important to remember that without the involvement of employers there wo
04/02/2013
Illegal laundering of the fuel is costing us in lives, lost revenue and pollution, according to the Green Party. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan today called on the Government to end the system of marking diesel for particular end users. He said: "It is time we end the use of Green diesel in the Sout
01/02/2013
Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring has officially opened the much anticipated N5 Longford Bypass which is set to make a hugely significant difference to the road network in the North West. Minister Ring said: "The road which I have the pleasure of opening today, is the final link in
01/02/2013
The significant contribution and key needs of the renewable energy industry to the economic and environmental future of Northern Ireland topped the agenda at today’s annual Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group (NIRIG) conference in Belfast. The 'NI wind energy – the scale of the opportunity'
01/02/2013
Minister for Housing Jan O'Sullivan, TD, has announced that she expected a significant increase in the number of NAMA properties selected and delivered for social housing in 2013. NAMA has been working in partnership with the Department to identify properties that may be suitable for social housi
01/02/2013
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has welcomed the news that work on the North West Regional Science Park at the Fort George site in Derry is expected to get underway within weeks. Mr Durkan said: "I am delighted that work on this key regional project is to start within a matter of weeks. "Many have been
01/02/2013
Muldoon Bros LLP was fined £10,000 plus costs of £1,400 at Omagh Crown Court after pleading guilty to three breaches of health and safety regulations. The case arose from an incident on a construction site at Cookstown on 26th July 2010 when a dumper, being used to transfer soil and clay across the
01/02/2013
Minister Danny Kennedy has confirmed the appointment of Graham Construction as contractors for the A2 Shore Road Greenisland improvement scheme. The procurement process began in March 2012 following a Ministerial announcement that funding had been secured for the scheme. Mr Kennedy said: "The awar
01/02/2013
Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community and local government, Brian Stanley TD has today formally introduced Sinn Féin's climate change bill in the Dáil. Deputy Stanley said: "This government gave a commitment to introducing a climate change bill in its Programme for Government, but two ye
