Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for April 2013
30/04/2013
Labour T.D. for Dublin Mid-West, Robert Dowds has welcomed news today that the Government has signed the contract for the upgrade of the Newlands Cross interchange. After many delays, construction will begin on the project in 4 to 6 weeks, and be completed in less than two years. The project is be
30/04/2013
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and Clontarf-based renewable energy company RED-T (Renewable Energy Dynamics Technology Ltd.) are involved in a three-year €6m European research project on solar energy. RED-T's application process was assisted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SE
30/04/2013
Energy Ministers met in Dublin over two days to discuss the way forward for European energy policy. The deliberations commenced with the unique occasion of a joint discussion with Environment Ministers to help identify key priority issues which will be needed to ensure a coherent post 2020 energy a
30/04/2013
HSE Cavan Monaghan has announced that a major capital development will be commencing on the Monaghan Hospital site. The development will include a Primary Care Centre to deliver health and social care services to the people of the North Monaghan area. The site was selected following a recent revie
30/04/2013
West Tyrone MLA Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a recommendation from Planning Service to approve the application to develop the Lisanelly Shared Educational campus. Mr McAleer said: "The recommendation by Planning Service for outline permission, which is subject to ratification by Omagh District Coun
30/04/2013
Fianna Fáil MEPs have welcomed the breakthrough, after months of negotiations, on the Mortgage Credit Directive and the protections it entails for consumers. Currently two-thirds of the loans in portfolios are mortgages. The Directive will ensure that the mortgage credit providers meet new profess
30/04/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has welcomed the introduction of a unique planting programme to 'green' up the roof on NI Water's new £8 million extension to the wastewater treatment works at Newcastle harbour. Using a special process known as hydroseeding, the top of the new 50m-long c
30/04/2013
SDLP Foyle MLA, Colum Eastwood, has reiterated the proposition that the Irish government should be asked to forward L'Derry's application to become a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mr Eastwood was speaking during an Assembly debate which marked the 400th anniversary of the commissioning of Derry’s wal
30/04/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £180,000 resurfacing scheme on the Cornagrade Road, one of the main roads leading into Enniskillen this week. The work will commence at the Cherrymount Roundabout continuing for a distance of 800 metres to Factory Road. It wil
30/04/2013
The Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG) and ERP Ireland, who operate national compliance schemes for farm plastics and WEEE/waste batteries, respectively, have come together, as part of a pilot scheme, to organise an extensive network of temporary bring collection sites throughout the County dur
29/04/2013
Dublin based CRH plc, the international building materials group, has announced that it has reached agreement to acquire Lafarge-owned Mykolaiv Cement for an upfront cash consideration, including debt assumed, of €96 million. Completion of the transaction is subject to the granting of the required
29/04/2013
SMart Wind, the joint venture between Ireland based Mainstream Renewable Power and Siemens Financial Services, today announced the signing of Agreement for Leases (AfL) with The Crown Estate for Optimus Wind and Breesea, which together comprise the second phase of projects within the Hornsea Zone.
29/04/2013
Cork City Council announces details of its Painting Grant Scheme 2013 being run by its Strategic Planning and Economic Development Directorate. The grant scheme is focussed on Cork's historic City Centre this year, with the Painting Grant Scheme aimed at some of Cork’s finest historical areas, & it
29/04/2013
Labour Senator Aidenn Hayden is calling for new rules to deal with slum landlords. She said: "The revelation that over 90% of flats inspected by Dublin City Council do not meet even the most basic of standards is no surprise. Some of these flats are in buildings that are more reminiscent of what yo
29/04/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced additional funding of £233,000 to assist with the revitalisation of Enniskillen town centre. The allocated funding will be used for a painting and signage scheme as well as retailer training. The grant has been made to Fermanagh District C
29/04/2013
A Co Tyrone firm, P & F Construction, Aghaboy Road, Omagh, pleaded guilty and was fined £1,000, with court costs of £31, to making a polluting discharge to a waterway at Omagh Magistrates' court. On 7 November 2011, a Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Age
26/04/2013
Speaking about the upcoming Housing Conference to be held in Cork at the Clarion Hotel on Saturday April 27th, Phil Prendergast MEP has outlined her passion for the conference. She said: "The economic crisis that we have been living through has brought about many changes and challenges, and we as a
26/04/2013
Leitrim Senator Paschal Mooney has raised concerns about the inflated insurance costs for rebuilding properties in Co Leitrim and across the North West. The Fianna Fáil Senator Mooney told the Seanad this week that insurance costs for rebuilds in Leitrim are particularly disproportionate, as there
26/04/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has welcomed the initiative by the Department of Education to clamp down on non-compliance in construction work by organising random audits of school building projects. The CIF believes that this model should be examined by other Government Departments and
26/04/2013
Low carbon concrete provider Ecocem is to brief the Government on how it can reduce carbon emissions from concrete by 70pc by 2020. Donal O'Riain, Chief Executive of Ecocem, told a conference on the built environment this week that the environmental and health damage caused by cement plants since 2
26/04/2013
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has said the release of €90 million in LEADER funding by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD, will now provide the financial impetus for many important community projects in Roscommon, Leitrim and across the country. Mr Feighan sa
26/04/2013
NI Water will shortly begin work on a major programme of Sewer Improvement Work in Hillsborough. The work will involve laying a sewerage pumping main along the Culcavy Road from the Hillsborough Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) to the Magherageery sewage pumping station. Construction of the pump
25/04/2013
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) eighth annual two-day business to business event, The Energy Show 2013, excelled expectations this year with 3,300 visitors – an increase of 18% on last year's event. The event, which took place at the RDS in Dublin, hosted 170 exhibitors along
25/04/2013
Energy Ministers met in Dublin over two days to discuss the way forward for European energy policy. The deliberations commenced with the unique occasion of a joint discussion with Environment Ministers to help identify key priority issues, which will be needed to ensure a coherent post 2020 energy,
25/04/2013
Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement today by Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn T.D., of the plan to protect workers’ rights by conducting random audits in school building projects across Ireland. Senator Moran said: "Minister Quinn is keen to ensure that building contracto
25/04/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is calling on the Government to avoid targeting the capital budget as they seek to bridge the gap in Exchequer finances following the collapse of the Croke Park II deal. Last year the Government admitted that capital spending allocations may be used to "
25/04/2013
Energy Minister Arlene Foster has highlighted the support available for domestic energy users wishing to switch to innovative renewable heating technologies. The Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme has been in place since May 2012 and already over 800 people have begun the process of intr
25/04/2013
Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath has said the decision of AIB and EBS to increase variable mortgages rates is another hammer blow for distressed mortgage holders, which will damage the economy and push more families into mortgage arrears. Deputy McGrath said: "The news that AIB and
25/04/2013
Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy met with representatives of the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) on the A5 scheme. The Minister said: "During the meeting, the UFU wanted a commitment from my Department to ensure that all those landowners and farmers affected by the court ruling, are dealt wi
25/04/2013
Mr Phil Hogan, TD, Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government has published the report of the Independent Review by Mr Seamus Woulfe SC of the Compulsory Acquisition of land at Charlesland, County Wicklow, by Wicklow County Council. Minister Hogan had commissioned the review follo
24/04/2013
Completion of the Grid25 programme to update the national electricity grid will deliver significant benefits to Ireland, including helping attract and retain high tech inward investment, it was stated at the launch of the EirGrid Annual Report in Cork. At the launch of the 2012 EirGrid Annual Repor
24/04/2013
The Lord Mayor Naoise Ó Muirí announced the winner of the Imagine Energy Design Competition at the launch of the competition exhibition in the Atrium of the Civic Offices at Wood Quay. Declan Scullion, an Architect from Co. Tyrone, created the winning design a Smart Energy Cube. The Smart Energy Cu
24/04/2013
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar, has officially opened a new entrance to Pearse Street station, bringing people directly from Pearse Street through the Trinity Bio Sciences Building. Funded by the National Transport Authority, who identified this project as a priority for the G
24/04/2013
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is inviting proposals from business and public sector organisations located in Ireland and carrying out projects in Ireland with the intention of adding to SEAI's portfolio of sustainable energy RD&D projects to be delivered in 2013. The Programme
24/04/2013
Sinn Féin finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty TD, has said a new EU Agreement on Mortgage Credit is "irrelevant" to the one in four Irish households with mortgages in distress. Deputy Doherty said: "Ireland is experiencing a mortgage arrears crisis which is causing huge hardship for tens of thousa
24/04/2013
Alliance South Down spokesperson, Councillor Patrick Clarke, has welcomed the announcement by the Environment Minister that schools, businesses and farm buildings will no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to micro generation equipment, including solar panels, whic
24/04/2013
SDLP social development spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has responded to comments made by the new chairman of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), Donald Hoodless regarding proposals for its break-up. Mr Durkan said: "The latest comments from the Chairman of the Housing Executive are somew
24/04/2013
The Minister for Education & Skills is introducing random audits on school and Department of Education funded third level building projects in a proactive move to verify pay and conditions compliance on such sites. All public works contracts include a clause specifying the payment of the appropriat
23/04/2013
Gary O'Halloran is the winner of the EirGrid Award for high achievement in the area of sustainable energy engineering. Mr O'Halloran, from Mallow, Co. Cork, completed his M.Eng.Sc (Masters in Sustainable Energy) from University College Cork (UCC). He visited the EirGrid National Control Centre wh
23/04/2013
Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy has met with representatives of the construction industry to discuss the recent court ruling on the A5 scheme. The Minister said: "I asked to meet with those contractors who are involved in the A5 scheme to discuss the impact of the Court ruling on their
23/04/2013
As European Energy Ministers started their meeting in Dublin Castle this Minister Rabbitte put the agenda in context: "All the Minister gathered here today are essentially focussed on a single issue – how to keep energy prices down. This is essential to boost Europe’s competitiveness and to minimise
23/04/2013
79 jobs are to be lost at Diamond Innovations as the firm is to close its plant in Dublin. The firm, which is a subsidiary of Sandvik AB which produces tools for the mining and construction industries, is to end production at the plant in Clonshaugh business park by the end of September. Managemen
23/04/2013
Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs, Dominic Hannigan, has today welcomed the agreement on the new Mortgage Credit Directive between the Irish EU Presidency, the European Parliament and the European Council. The directive is set to come into force in 2015 for all EU m
23/04/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced changes to the planning system that will boost mobile phone and internet coverage in Northern Ireland. The changes, which take effect from 30 April 2013, will speed up the planning process as planning applications will no longer be needed to replac
23/04/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, who is also the Chair of the Social Development Committee in the Assembly, has stated that there can be no predetermined outcomes on the future of the social housing sector. Speaking following comments by the new Housing Executive chairperson Donald Hoodless, Mr Maskey sa
23/04/2013
Plans to regenerate the Corrody Park area of the Top of the Hill took a step forward with the recent appointment of specialist design teams locally based RPP Architects will develop the Community Centre and the area Masterplan will be developed by Landscape Architects MWA Partnership Ltd. The schem
22/04/2013
SDLP Northland Councillor John Boyle has expressed relief that no-one was killed or injured after the collapse of a three-storey building in the Fountain estate of L'Derry. The building in Kennedy place which was once a synagogue and is the former headquarters of the Ulster Unionist Party in the Ci
22/04/2013
Kosmos Energy has announced that it has entered into two farm-in agreements, whereby Kosmos is acquiring an interest in multiple blocks in the prospective Porcupine Basin, offshore the west coast of Ireland. The farm-in agreements were executed with Antrim Energy covering Licensing Option 11/5 and
22/04/2013
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath TD has said the Central Bank must intervene to remove the dramatic differences in the split mortgage offers being made by different banks to borrowers. At present, a Bank of Ireland split mortgage customer will pay tens of thousands of euro more
22/04/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced changes to regeneration plans for Belfast city centre. Minister McCausland said: "Since the publication of the Public Realm Masterplan for Belfast city centre in 2006, a number of significant changes have occurred and this has required me
22/04/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed the appointment of Brian Delaney as independent chair to the newly formed Development Trust Board for the Paisley Park sports facility in the greater Shankill area of west Belfast. The Paisley Park complex has been in public ownership since
22/04/2013
Cork County Council is carrying out repairs to a major leak on a 6" water main on the N71 between Clonakilty & Rosscarbery. The areas affected are: • Kilruane Bridge (west-wards) • Newmills • Ballyhoulahan • Burgatia • Bohonagh • Cahermore • Froe Supply should be returned by 6pm this eveni
19/04/2013
Wexford firm Kent Stainless have won two prestigious awards – thanks to their booming export contracts. The plant at Ardcavan, picked up the 'Manufacturing Exporter of the Year' and overall 'Exporter of the Year 2012' awards at a recent event hosted by The Irish Exporters Association. Established
19/04/2013
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, says the latest profits announced by Bord Gáis continue a worrying trend in the regulation of the energy industry. Deputy Moynihan commented: "While no one will argue with Bord Gáis being profitable, a 29
19/04/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the Conflict Resolution Centre at Long Kesh being given planning permission. Mr McCartney said: "This is a decisive step forward for the transformation of the Long Kesh site. The site has already seen many thousands of visitors since it closed as a priso
19/04/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced that schools, businesses and farm buildings would no longer need planning permission for solar panels. The change relates to microgeneration equipment, including solar panels, which generate electricity or heat from sunlight. The improvements will
19/04/2013
Draft Orders in relation to the impact of Louth County Council's Narrow Water Bridge project on the tidal navigable waters of Newry River are due to be published next week. The draft Orders are being prepared under Articles 4, 5 and 6 of the Roads Order and will be the subject of a public consultat
19/04/2013
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan T.D. has outlined details of the housing authorities involved in pilot projects to support people with disabilities moving from institutional care to community based living during 2013. Minister O'Sullivan was speaking at the opening of the Lord May
19/04/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today launched a consultation on proposed changes to planning fees. The proposed amendments are designed to reshape elements of the fee structure, with a view to alleviating the financial burden on individuals, developers and others affected by the economic downtur
19/04/2013
CEF attended a workshop for all stakeholders who responded to the consultation on the draft Housing Strategy that was published in October 2012. The stakeholder event was organised by the Assembly’s Committee for Social Development. CEF emphasised to the Committee the vital role that housing plays
19/04/2013
A joint ministerial visit by the Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, and the Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy, marked the completion of a major upgrade in Carrickfergus Town centre. The public realms scheme works commenced just over a year ago in February 2012 and incorporat
19/04/2013
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has officially opened new £1.8million premises for St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School in Forkhill, County Armagh. The school was announced for a new build in August 2010, with construction work completed in November 2012. The building can cater for up to 145 pupils
18/04/2013
Fianna Fáil Senator Mary White has expressed her delight following the erection of signage on the M7 motorway signifying the ancestral village of 44th US President Barack Obama at Moneygall, County Offaly. Senator White began campaigning for appropriate signage to be erected in 2012 after visiting
18/04/2013
The Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley T.D., has announced that he has sanctioned a grant of €16,110 for Comhar Chuigéil Teo. The grant will help continue with the necessary preparatory work for renovations to the co-op's sewage system. Part of
18/04/2013
In its Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2012, Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) demonstrated continued growth as revenue, EBITDA and total assets increased. The company delivered a solid business performance and paid a dividend of €23.8 million to the Exchequer for this period, bringing the total
18/04/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today granted planning permission for a Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Centre at the Maze. The decision of the Maze/ Long Kesh redevelopment follows the recent approval for the relocation of the Balmoral show to the site. World-renowned architect Daniel Lib
18/04/2013
Local Wexford T.D and Government Chief Whip, Minister Paul Kehoe has welcomed €116,250 funding for coastal work in County Wexford under the 2013 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Programme. Minister Kehoe said: "Last year Minister Simon Coveney requested that all coastal local auth
18/04/2013
Fine Gael TD for Donegal North East, Joe McHugh, has called on Sinn Féin to step up and ensure that the A5 carriageway project is top of the Northern Ireland Executive's agenda. Deputy McHugh was speaking after receiving confirmation from the Minister for Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, that the Irish Gov
18/04/2013
Work on the second phase of the Belfast on the Move continued this week with the introduction of new traffic management arrangements. Following the resurfacing of Grosvenor Road between Durham Street and Fisherwick Place, only one lane will be available for traffic turning left into Fisherwick Pla
18/04/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland today visited the Kilcooley Estate in Bangor to view some of the regeneration projects. The projects were funded by his Department through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, which has, to date, delivered projects to a value of £3.25million in th
18/04/2013
Sinn Féin spokesperson on environment, community and local government, Brian Stanley TD has accused the government of, "abandoning vulnerable communities to climate change in Ireland and in Africa". Speaking at the Dáil Environment Committee following presentations from the Pan African Climate Just
18/04/2013
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., has announced five appointments to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), including the appointment of Ms. Catriona Walsh, Partner, and Ensor O'Connor Solicitors, as Chairperson. The Board is an independ
17/04/2013
Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, that he will be allocating funding for the upgrade of the slip at Dunmore East Harbour. Deputy Coffey received the news by way of a Parliamentary Question to the Minis
17/04/2013
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has announced plans to provide funding of £9 million to build a new 95-unit housing development in Millmount, Dundonald, close to Belfast. The Agency will provide funding to develop the site through an agreement between the court-appointed administrator a
17/04/2013
EirGrid is seeking feedback on a new key report on the proposed north-south interconnector, which will improve the all-island electricity system. EirGrid will apply for planning approval for the development later this year or early next year. The proposal will be for overhead lines however the sub-
17/04/2013
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Housing Dessie Ellis TD has called on the Minister to work to develop a binding code of conduct to avoid rental tenants be evicted in the event of repossessions. He made his comments during a debate requested by him in the Dáil. Deputy Ellis continued: "Across the state
17/04/2013
Fianna Fáil Senator Denis O'Donovan says the introduction of the Carbon Tax at the start of May will cause undue hardship to thousands of elderly and vulnerable people as they struggle to cope financially with the exceptionally cold temperatures over the past couple of months. Over the next 12 mont
17/04/2013
Dublin Bay North Labour T.D. Seán Kenny, has warmly welcomed the instruction issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instructing Dublin City Council to withdraw its Dumping At Sea application. Mr Kenny said: "This application by Dublin City Council concerned the dumping of 824,000 tonne
17/04/2013
Fantech Ventilation, the manufacturer and supplier of ventilation products throughout the whole of Ireland, has provided five heat recovery units (HRUs), to the Kingscourt Primary Care Centre in County Cavan. The facility is one of a number of purpose-built primary care centres in the North East HS
17/04/2013
Councillor Brian Heading is supporting Mount Eagles ratepayers Association and Action Group in their campaign to improve on the sub-standard cavity insulation in their homes. Concerns have been raised due to a study including Bangor, Rathfriland and Mount Eagles that significant problems have occur
17/04/2013
A team of Coleraine based 'live line' engineers from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), recently took delivery of a specialised vehicle, which is used to work on overhead lines when they are still live. The three-man team drove away with their new Unimog U400 Insulated Aerial Device (IAD), a vehic
17/04/2013
Work is now underway on NI Water's essential Sewer Improvement Scheme in the Circular Road and Southway Area of L'Derry. The work will involve the installation of a new storm sewer and associated manholes, and it is anticipated that this programme of work will be completed by mid-August. The essen
16/04/2013
Meath based Kells Stainless Limited and Turkish Engineering Company UMDE have announced that they have signed a strategic alliance agreement. The agreement covers the development of a Bio Mass system to convert bio degradable waste to high grade fertiliser, and nutrients for power generation. A
16/04/2013
Element Power, the global renewable energy developer has announced that it had sold two of its Irish wind projects to a fund managed by BlackRock, one of the world's largest asset managers. The sale of the 9.2MW Garranereagh wind farm in Co. Cork and the 36MW Monaincha wind farm in Co. Tipperary re
16/04/2013
The Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley T.D., has announced that he is sanctioning an allocation of €435,226 or 80% of the cost, whichever is lower, to Comharchumann Mhic Dara to enable them to carry out renovations on an old factory building in order to make it suitable for use as a
16/04/2013
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), was in Skibbereen, Co. Cork to launch the public exhibition stage of the Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme. Speaking in Skibbereen Town Council offices, Minister Hayes said: "Skibbereen has a long histo
16/04/2013
Sinn Féin MLA for West Tyrone and member of the Regional Development Minister, Declan McAleer, has stated that the decision not to appeal the A5 court ruling is a costly mistake. Mr McAleer said: "The decision not appeal the ruling on the A5 is a costly mistake but will not be the end of this proje
16/04/2013
The end of the first quarter of 2013 saw an acceleration in the rate of decline in the Irish construction sector, with activity, new orders and employment all decreasing at faster rates. Firms cut their purchasing activity at a substantial pace, but reduced stock holdings at suppliers led to the s
16/04/2013
Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Sandra Overend, has called for the prioritisation of other road projects to boost the struggling construction industry following the news that there will be no appeal of the Court decision which means the A5 cannot go ahead at this time. The Mid Ulster MLA said
16/04/2013
Mr Stanley McBride, Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff was fined £6,000 plus £1,800 legal costs and £24 court costs at Newtownards Magistrates' Court after being found guilty to non compliance with a DOE Planning Enforcement Notice. The Enforcement Notice required him to remove walls, gates, driveway and
16/04/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed tenants to a recently completed housing scheme in Monkstown. The new £1.1million development of 12 family homes at Ards Drive has been developed by Connswater Homes with part funding from the Northern Ireland Executive. All homes have been
16/04/2013
A Lisburn scrap dealer was today given a six months' prison sentence, suspended for three years, at Craigavon Crown Court after pleading guilty to a number of illegal waste offences. Mr Edwin John Tate (53) of Moira Road, Lisburn (trading as Tate Scrap Metal) was found guilty on four charges under
15/04/2013
Enterprise and Energy Minister Arlene Foster has launched the MATRIX Horizon Panel report into Sustainable Energy. The report sets out the current capability of the Sustainable Energy technology sector in Northern Ireland and outlines future global market opportunities for local companies to exploi
15/04/2013
Around 200 Green Party delegates and members of the general public attended a debate on wind energy chaired by Duncan Stewart at Salthill Hotel Galway. The meeting, entitled 'Getting Your Wind Up?' attracted interested parties from both sides of the wind energy debate and covered issues including
15/04/2013
Fianna Fáil has published the party's submission to the Central Bank on the Review of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears and has called on the Central Bank not to implement some of the proposed changes which the party believes will alter the balance of power in favour of the banks at the expens
15/04/2013
The Government and the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice will host a major international conference today and tomorrow 15th - 16th April to explore the links between climate change, hunger and poor nutrition and their impact on the world's most vulnerable communities. The conference, which
15/04/2013
The all-new Canter Eco Hybrid from FUSO Trucks was crowned Best Energy Efficient Product at the SEAI Energy Show 2013, an event which showcases leading suppliers of sustainable energy products and services from Ireland and Europe. The awards were established to recognise, reward and encourage the d
15/04/2013
The three-month period to the end of March 2013 was the first since the summer of 2007 in which Northern Ireland house prices didn’t fall, according to the latest RICS and Ulster Bank Housing Market Survey. A net balance of nine percent of surveyors said that prices were up in the three months (61
15/04/2013
Airtricity, Ireland's third largest energy provider and the country's largest renewables generator, presented over €40,000 in funding to community groups in the vicinity of its Kingsmountain and Dunneill Wind Farms. The presentation was held at the Templeboy Pastoral Council Centre, Templeboy, Co. S
15/04/2013
SDLP Belfast City Cllr Colin Keenan has hailed the Launch of a new lighting scheme at Belfast City Hall. Cllr Keenan, who was at the launch, said: "This investment of over £300,000 from Europe and the Council as part of the ILLUMINATE project, has truly brought to life Belfast City Hall. I watched
12/04/2013
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), was in Skibbereen, Co Cork to launch the public exhibition stage of the Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme. Speaking in Skibbereen Town Council offices, Minister Hayes said: "Skibbereen has a long histor
12/04/2013
The European Court of Justice has delivered a landmark judgment in the long-running Galway bypass case brought by environmentalist Peter Sweetman. The road scheme would have resulted in the permanent loss of approximately 1.47 hectares of protected limestone pavement within a distinct sub-area of 8
12/04/2013
SDLP Councillor for Shantallow, Angela Dobbins has welcomed new street lighting in the Ballynagard and Woodlands area of Culmore. Ms Dobbins said: "I am delighted that Roads Service in Derry has erected new street lamps at Ballynagard and in the Woodlands area of Culmore. "The decision to supply m
12/04/2013
The Bord Gáis Energy Index rose 11% in March as unseasonably high demand, coupled with gas supply constraints, pushed wholesale gas prices to record highs in the UK. Despite negative market reaction to Cyprus's bailout and weak economic numbers from Europe and China, Brent crude oil prices in euro
12/04/2013
Fine Gael Dublin Central Deputy, Paschal Donohoe, has said news that the Private Residential Tenancy Board (PRTB) has obtained 22 criminal convictions against landlords for non-registration of tenancies since the beginning of the year will send a strong message to other who feel they can get away wi
12/04/2013
South Dublin County Council (SDCC) intends to carry out a review of the Adamstown SDZ Planning Scheme, 2003 and to prepare a proposed amended Planning Scheme. An Environmental Report will be prepared as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the proposed amended Planning Scheme. The amende
12/04/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has opened the £379,000 Conway Street environmental improvement scheme. The project has helped to regenerate and improve the visual appearance of Conway Street, which is within the Falls/Clonard Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The scheme included: • the i
12/04/2013
High levels of air pollution are currently being monitored in the Belfast, Newry, Lisburn, Armagh and Derry/Londonderry areas. In addition, there are moderate levels of pollution being monitored in the North Down, Ballymena, Strabane and Lough Navar areas. The pollution is the result of easterly a
12/04/2013
At the Oireachtas committee meeting on the Implementation of the Good Friday agreement, Senator Mary Moran commented on the urgency for the contributory funding by the department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) in the North to be pledged for the building of the Narrow Water Bridge Project, without de
12/04/2013
Wicklow County Council is inviting applications under the Structures at Risk Fund, as operated by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The fund is intended to assist with works to safeguard structures into the future that are protected structures under the Planning and Development Ac
11/04/2013
Clarke Energy has signed a contract with Bord na Móna to deliver a landfill gas power plant at the Drehid Landfill site in the Republic of Ireland. This power plant will help to stimulate the economy utilising landfill gas that originates from household waste to produce renewable power and create
11/04/2013
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has highlighted some €11m worth of funding for energy schemes promoting energy efficiency retrofits in local communities at the Energy Show in the RDS, Dublin. The eighth annual Energy Show for business energy solutions was opened by the Ministe
11/04/2013
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen has called on the Government to clear up confusion over property tax valuations as the deadline of May 1st rapidly approaches. Mr Cowen said: "With the valuation deadline just three weeks away, thousands of homeowners are left in a state of total con
11/04/2013
ESB International, the global engineering consultancy, has announced two major achievements for its international business. The company has won its first contract in Turkey and has also completed a major stage in the Energy Project it is managing in Tanzania, with the official switching in of a ne
11/04/2013
Ecocem Ireland has welcomed Eimear Carlin back to Ireland after her recent expedition to Antarctica with 2041. Ecocem Ireland sponsored Eimear on the unique expedition to the Antarctic region which highlighted the impact our environmental choices are having on the Antarctica ecosystem. As a result
11/04/2013
Minister Paul Kehoe TD has welcomed an announcement from Minister of Education, Ruairi Quinn TD who has approved the construction of four new classrooms and a woodwork room at Bunclody Vocational College. Minister Kehoe said: "I am delighted that the Department of Education has approved additional
11/04/2013
Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue has said there is an onus on political leaders on both sides of the border to ensure that the crucial A5 upgrade goes ahead. The Fianna Fáil Deputy has said the project must not be jeopardised by yesterday’s High Court ruling. The court quashed permission to proce
11/04/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Phil Flanagan said the latest study published in the Journal of Marine and Petroleum Geology, which claims that fracking is 'not a significant cause of earthquakes that can be felt on the surface' is irrelevant. The Fermanagh/South Tyrone MLA who is Deputy Chair of the Assembly's Ente
11/04/2013
Alliance continued its push for better accommodation and services for older people in Antrim last week, at a meeting with Northern Trust representatives to encourage a collaborative approach to the project. South Antrim MLA David Ford and Antrim Councillor Neil Kelly organised the meeting designed
11/04/2013
As part of the Housing Executive's ongoing commitment to improve its housing stock, tenants living in the Upper New Lodge area of North Belfast are getting new windows and improvements to the outside of their home at a total cost of over £400,000. Many of the 144 tenants involved have also recently
10/04/2013
The creation of 150 construction jobs for the building of a new Hewlett Packard facility in Galway will be a major benefit to construction in that region, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). CIF Director General Tom Parlon said: "This will provide a strong boost to constructio
10/04/2013
Ireland recently reached a record level of wind power output according to the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) has revealed. A new record of 1,540 megawatts (MW), enough to power more than 1,000,000 homes was recorded. A new all-island record was also set at the same time for energy generatio
10/04/2013
Labour Councillors have welcomed the announcement by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore that water charges will not be introduced next year. Chairperson of the Labour Councillors Association, Niall McNeilus said: "Labour councillors met in Gorey last week, and at that meeting, we made the point that thanks to
10/04/2013
Fine Gael TD for Donegal North East, Joe McHugh, has said that the Irish Government's commitment to investing £50m in the A5 road carriageway in 2015 and 2016 remains firmly in place. Mr McHugh said: "I have received assurances from the Department of Transport that the Irish Government's commitment
10/04/2013
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has commended the Glen Dimplex Group’s continued investment in research and development which has led to the creation of 37 jobs. Glen Dimplex is a world leader in the development of electrical heating products. The Minister was speaking at the launch of the compan
10/04/2013
Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said news that, subject to outstanding issues being resolved, Carrickpherish School Campus will commence to construction phase in the latter half of this year, saying that the move is a step in the right direction. Deputy Coffey, who has been working
10/04/2013
Dessie Ellis Sinn Fein Housing spokesperson has called on local authorities and the Department of Environment to ensure that tenants under the Rental Accommodation Scheme are not allowed to go homeless because of financial difficulties faced by their landlords. Deputy Ellis continued: "RAS has prov
10/04/2013
The Tower Museum in L'Derry has received a major facilities upgrade thanks to funding from Ilex through the Department for Social Development's UK City of Culture Capital Infrastructure Fund. To mark the completion of this £157,750 makeover, a family fun day of events is being scheduled in the muse
10/04/2013
OCP Ireland, the Lisburn based project management company responsible for managing the relocation of the Balmoral Show to Balmoral Park, anticipates the ongoing construction at the former Maze prison site will inject tens of millions into the beleaguered local construction industry. The local compa
10/04/2013
The body of the mineworker killed in an underground rockfall on Thursday (4th April) in the Lisheen Mine, Co. Tipperary, will be repatriated to his native Philippines this week. The body of Mario Francis (49) was finally recovered on Saturday night. SIPTU members at the Lisheen Mine have expressed
09/04/2013
Mothercare has moved its electricity supply to green renewable energy with Energia in a renewed supply deal. Under the terms of the renewed deal, Energia will supply electricity to 22 Mothercare sites including St. Stephen’s Green, Carrickmines, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Eyre Square, Crescent
09/04/2013
The new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Facility at Cherry Orchard Hospital, design team - Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, has won the 'Best Building Project' at the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards at a gala dinner at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire. The facility provides enhanced modern men
09/04/2013
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD has responded to Tánaiste Éamon Gilmore’s comments that water charges will be delayed until mid-2015. Deputy Cowen commented: "The more we hear from individual Ministers on the issue of water reform, the clearer it becomes that the Government is
09/04/2013
IDA Ireland has welcomed the decision by Novartis to establish a business services centre in Dublin. Barry O'Leary, CEO at IDA Ireland said: "We welcome the decision by Novartis, a key strategic IDA client, to establish a Business Services Centre at their Novartis Beech Hill Campus in Dublin." Nov
09/04/2013
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for a Bord na Móna Mechanical Biological Treatment Facility at Drehid. The Bord na Móna facility will accept and process up to 250,000 tonnes of residual (black bin) municipal solid waste per year. The mechanical process will extract biodegradable m
09/04/2013
Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Jim Daly, has slammed the opportunistic and populist approach taken by Fianna Fáil in proposing an independent Mortgage Resolution Office to act as an arbiter between banks and borrowers in coming to mortgage and debt resolution agreements. Mr Daly said: "The showb
09/04/2013
President of Ireland's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) John Bruton has announced a series of events across the US, targeting asset managers, private equity and venture capitalists, and promoting Ireland as a key location for green investment. Making the announcement in New York City,
09/04/2013
71 Housing Executive homes in Lurgan are getting brand new kitchens courtesy of a £400,000 scheme. Tenants will be able to select their units, worktop and tiles from a range of options – and to finish off the look, a new cooker hood and floor covering will be supplied. Electrical and plumbing insta
09/04/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has attended a dedication service to mark the handover of 10 new homes to tenants in the Village and Monarch Redevelopment Area of South Belfast. These first 10 houses are part of 132 new and refurbished homes for the area at a cost of approximately £13
09/04/2013
Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty said that after the court decision on the A5, all necessary steps need taken to get the building of this new road up and running. Pat Doherty said: "After the decision by the court it is incumbent on all concerned that the necessary steps are taken to get the bu
08/04/2013
Green Party Dublin North Representative, Joe O'Brien has described the recent decision by An Bord Pleanála to allow a 103 unit development in Hacketstown, Skerries as "outrageous, old style and bizarre". Mr O'Brien today stated: "I was quite shocked when I heard that An Bord Pleanála allowed this d
08/04/2013
The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA), the national body representing the wind energy sector in Ireland has strongly welcomed an opinion poll conducted on its behalf by Ipsos MRBI which revealed that 80% of the Irish public support wind power. This opinion poll was taken from 916 respondents.
08/04/2013
Dublin City Council has announced the development of a new Dublin Cultural Quarter centred on Parnell Square. The development will involve the relocation of the Dublin City Library from the Ilac Centre to the site of Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square. Minister Joe Costello said: "I welcome the an
08/04/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has welcomed the publication of the new building regulations saying they will help ensure the work of builders who maintain higher standards is recognised and rewarded. The CIF also praised the Government for implementing measures aimed at improving conf
08/04/2013
Eight out of ten people agree with the introduction of the controversial water charge, according to a new survey. The Government is set to introduce a water tax for residential properties after local authorities commence the installation of metres in households across the country. Although the w
08/04/2013
SDLP Social Development spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has welcomed research by the NI Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) which suggest that the so called bedroom tax changes would cost £21 million but reduce the benefits bill by just £17 million.
05/04/2013
Renewable energy generation and energy storage group, Gaelectric, has raised $84 million in funding for its portfolio of on-shore wind energy projects on the island of Ireland. The portfolio comprises 164 MW of generation capacity across 13 projects which the Group plans to develop out by 2017, re
05/04/2013
From Monday 8th April to Saturday 20th July inclusive, Dublin City Council is closing Londonbridge Road and Bath Avenue to facilitate essential flood alleviation works to Londonbridge. The works will significantly help to reduce the possibility of local tidal and river flooding from the Dodder Est
05/04/2013
Fine Gael Dublin North East Deputy, Terence Flanagan, has welcomed the announcement of new building regulation guidelines from the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD, which he said will ensure that a situation such as the one that occurred at Priory Hall will never be seen again. Mr Flanag
05/04/2013
Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today announced details of the new website www.waterlevel.ie created by his office, the Office of Public Works (OPW). The OPW operates surface water monitoring stations at over 380 river, lake an
05/04/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced planning approval for the £4.5million OASIS (Omagh Accessible Shared Inclusive Space) project that will transform Omagh town centre. The European Unions Peace 111 funded project will open up a part of Omagh that was previously segregated and inaccessi
05/04/2013
Sinn Féin Phil Flanagan MLA said the flippant response by the NI Oil Federation to the recent report by the Consumer Council of a 60% increase in home heating oil prices in three years amounts to the Federation burying its head in the sand. The Fermanagh/South Tyrone MLA and party Energy Spokespers
04/04/2013
Increased demand for starter semi-detached houses, strong sales of southside properties and solid performance of houses in the €250,000 to €350,000 price range all helped to increase second hand house prices in Dublin by 3.3% since the beginning of the year, according to the latest DNG Property Pric
04/04/2013
Applications submitted to Strabane District Council's Building Control Service on or after the 8 April 2013 will attract a new fee. A spokesperson explained: "After fifteen years of remaining static, Local Government Building Control Services find it necessary to implement an increase. "The 'Plan
04/04/2013
Fianna Fail Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen has said water charges cannot be introduced until Minister Phil Hogan can guarantee that the water supply system is fit for purpose. Deputy Cowen has questioned why Irish Water still has not carried out a full nationwide audit of the water supply as
04/04/2013
Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Sandra Overend, has met with the Utility Regulator following a report which showed that the largest 30% of companies in Northern Ireland are paying some of the highest electricity prices in Europe. The Mid Ulster MLA said: "This was a constructive meeting and I
04/04/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy welcomed the good progress made to date on the £340,000 bridge widening works in Beragh, Co Tyrone. The Minister said that when complete the widened bridge will provide a footway between McFarland Terrace on the Cooley Road to the east of Beragh and the t
04/04/2013
World renowned Rapid International Ltd will officially unveil its new look corporate branding at Bauma International Trade Fair, Munich, on 15-21 April 2013. Customers new and existing can expect the same high levels of expertise and quality they've come to know over the last forty years, with a f
03/04/2013
Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) has announced details of two new Programmes to support energy efficiency in communities. Better Energy Communities will provide funding for innovative and pioneering partnerships to achieve energy efficiency within Irish communities. Better Energy Warmer
03/04/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced a £500,000 funding boost for projects that will divert waste from landfill and called for eligible applicants to apply. £500,000 in total has been set aside with £250,000 allocated in 2013/14 and a further £250,000 in 2014/15. The Rethink Waste rev
03/04/2013
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a new research report shows that there has been a dramatic loss of waterbodies in pristine condition due to relatively low intensity activities such as field drainage and one-off housing, as well as pollution. This new research, funded by th
03/04/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £125,000 major resurfacing scheme on Mahon Road, Portadown. The resurfacing is from Armagh Road junction to approximately 200m past Mahon Industrial Estate. Work is due to begin on Monday 8 April and finish on Tuesday 30 April
03/04/2013
The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) have launched an extension to the 'Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Energy Industry' with the publication of its 'Best Practice Principles in Community Engagement & Community Commitment' document which sets out a number of clear of guidelines that
03/04/2013
Dublin Bay North Labour TD, Seán Kenny, has welcomed the provision of funding for accommodation and remedial works for schools across the Dublin Bay North area in the past number of months. Mr Kenny said: "Scoil Aine in Raheny and Gaelcholaiste Reachrann in Donaghmede need this funding for mainstre
