Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for June 2013
28/06/2013
Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne has expressed his outrage at the refusal of the Minister for Transport to come before the Seanad to answer questions on the delayed N2 Slane bypass. This week, Senator Byrne sought to raise the stalled project as part of a special debate in the Seanad but was inform
28/06/2013
Ecocem Ireland ltd., specialist producer of eco-friendly cement and low carbon concrete, announced today the appointment of Mr Martin Groome to the Board of Ecocem Ireland and Sales Director. Mr Groome, who has almost 20 years of experience in the building materials sector, joined Ecocem in 2011 an
28/06/2013
Woodside has had two separate offers accepted to farm-in to offshore blocks located in the prospective Porcupine Basin off Ireland. Petrel Resources plc has accepted Woodside's offer to acquire 85% participating interest in Licensing Option 11/6. Bluestack Energy Limited has accepted Woodside's of
28/06/2013
The Green Party has welcomed the Cabinet decision that it will not proceed with the sale of Coillte harvesting rights. However, the proposed merger between Coillte and Bord na Mona to make a bio-energy company could lock our forestry into a outdated, clear-felling forest model. The Green Party's f
28/06/2013
NI Water is about to commence a process of improving and upgrading the water supply infrastructure in the East Antrim area. Once complete, this project will be good news for the local area as the upgraded water mains will improve the reliability and security of the local water supply, drinking wat
28/06/2013
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of two road resurfacing schemes totalling £260,000 on the A509 Enniskillen to Derrylin Road. The first scheme costing £130,000 at Drumgallon starts from the roundabout on A4 Sligo Road and extends to the junction of Old Rossorry Road. The prepara
28/06/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced the release of additional land for housing development in Antrim town. This will ensure an ongoing supply of housing land for the foreseeable future to meet continuing demand. The opportunity for development will assist the growth and prosperity of
28/06/2013
Energy Minister Arlene Foster has launched important research on consumer experiences of switching energy supplier in Northern Ireland. Welcoming the publication of the Consumer Council Northern Ireland report, 'Power to Switch', Arlene Foster said: "In recent weeks, there have been a series of ann
27/06/2013
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has welcomed the announcement that almost €200,000 is being provided for the restoration of St. John's Church in Nobber. The Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD, has given sanction for Meath Partnership to approve funding of €196,934 to St John's Old
27/06/2013
Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has said that the Planning Bill should be scrapped. Her comments were made after the Assembly passed a number of amendments from the DUP and Sinn Fein that could give OFMDFM extra powers to approve development in certain areas. There were also amendmen
27/06/2013
In the first quarter of 2013, planning permissions were granted for 2,308 houses, compared with 1,851 units for the fourth quarter of 2012, an increase of 24.7%, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The first quarter figures also show that: • Planning Permissions were granted for 1,86
27/06/2013
Phil Hogan, T.D. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced that he has given approval to Mayo County Council's proposal to include the Mayo Water Conservation – Stage 3 Rehabilitation Works – Package No. 4, in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013. H
27/06/2013
Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced that he has given approval to Kildare County Council to seek tenders for the upgrade and expansion of the wastewater treatment plant at Osberstown. The contract is being funded under his Department's Water
27/06/2013
Airtricity, Ireland's greenest and second-largest energy provider, has been announced as the new title sponsor of the Dublin Marathon. The partnership also includes the Race Series, which will take place in Swords and the Phoenix Park in June, July, August and September 2013 in preparation for the
26/06/2013
Construction work is to begin shortly on 25 new homes as Drogheda Borough Council becomes the first local authority in the country to use the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government's 'Build to Lease' programme to provide social housing. A sod-turning ceremony was held on Monday
26/06/2013
Initial works on the Luas Cross City project in Dublin will begin this week. The works are in preparation for the utility diversion works which will start later in the year. These cellar works do not require significant traffic changes and access to premises and car parks will be maintained through
26/06/2013
Mr Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Ms Jan O'Sullivan T.D., Minister for Housing and Planning, have announced the publication of the first set of statutory guidelines on the preparation of local authority local area plans. Minister O'Sullivan welcome
26/06/2013
Construction workers on the new £12.3m main Theatres 1-4 refurbishment project at Craigavon Area Hospital are taking off their hard hats and attending Men's Health and Wellbeing Awareness sessions as part of a specially tailored programme to improve their health and wellbeing. The Men's Health and
26/06/2013
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has travelled to Brussels to take part in EU Sustainable Energy Week and to showcase the significant progress being made in Northern Ireland in the development of sustainable transport solutions. The Minister will join experts and opinion formers from across the Eur
26/06/2013
SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has sought assurances from the Minister for Health regarding the proper facilitation of payments to contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers through the adoption of Project Bank Accounts as good practice within the Department. Speaking as Chairperson of the
25/06/2013
A detailed study into how an offshore electricity grid between Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland could be introduced has now been commissioned after being awarded European funding. The second part of the Irish-Scottish Links on Energy Study (ISLES) has now been given £1 million to examine how
25/06/2013
Businesses from the North and South have gathered in County Armagh to discuss collaboration in order to sustain growth within the renewable construction sector. The event, hosted by Smart ECO Hub, took place at Northern Ireland's first zero carbon house to be accredited by the Government, where key
25/06/2013
Letterkenny General Hospital has announced the refurbishment of the former Emergency Department, Medical 1 and Medical 2 areas. The refurbishment will provide an additional Out Patient Treatment Area and space for the relocation of Pharmacy services. The approved capital budget for this project i
25/06/2013
DUP Assembly Member for North Down, Alex Easton MLA has urged businesses in Northern Ireland who are struggling with energy costs to avail of the assistance made available by the Northern Ireland government. Mr Easton was speaking after he received a response to an Assembly Question regarding help
25/06/2013
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £118,000 resurfacing scheme for the B18 Roguery Road in Toome. Work began on Monday 24th June and will be carried out over 17 days between Brecart Road and Cloghogue Road. Mr Kennedy said: "The improvements will result in the overall streng
25/06/2013
Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly says de-listing Black Castle Bog as a Natural Heritage Area (NHA) would provide the local economy with a significant boost. Deputy Barry Cowen recently led a delegation from Black Castle bog for a meeting held in Clara with a representative from the Department of Art
24/06/2013
Invest NI, Oaklee Homes Group, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, OFGEM, Belfast City Council, and UCIT were among one hundred public and private sector organisations who were in attendance last week at the Action Renewables Conference, which addressed concerns and promoted the benefits of the Rene
24/06/2013
Deputy Michael Colreavy attended the EUFORES inter-parliamentary meeting on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Deputy Colreavy said: "Sinn Féin is fully committed to the development of renewable energy. However, Ireland has much work to do to achieve its renewable energy target of 20% of all e
24/06/2013
Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed the opening by Minister for Sport, Michael Ring TD, of the new running track at the Regional Sports Campus (RSC) in Waterford City. Deputy Coffey said he was pleased to be able to intervene at a critical stage last year with the Minister to e
24/06/2013
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, accompanied by Seamus Boland, Chair of the Peatlands Council, has visited Killeranny Bog near Clara in County Offaly. Killeranny is a relocation bog which is now being used by turf cutters who were previously cutting on Clara Bog. Cl
24/06/2013
Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Public Expenditure Thomas Byrne has described the latest mortgage arrears statistics as "truly shocking". Senator Byrne commented: "These figures confirm the true extent of this Government’s failure to tackle the mortgage crisis. With more than 12% of residential
24/06/2013
SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has congratulated Hollybush Primary School in L'Derry, who beat off competition from schools throughout the UK to land the prestigious Ashden Award. The award recognises ground-breaking green energy champions in the UK and the developing world. The Foyle MP joined staff a
24/06/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced a planning application has been lodged to redevelop the Mall West site in Armagh City centre. Next to the historic Mall in the City, the development site consists of part of the multi-storey car park, adjacent land towards McCrum's Court a
24/06/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £110,000 road improvement scheme to provide 700m of new footway on the C369 Manse Road, Castlereagh. The Minister said: "This long-awaited scheme will provide a new footway on the Manse Road, Castlereagh between Lagan College and Church Ro
21/06/2013
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has officially opened a new manufacturing facility at CDEnviro, following a £2.7m expansion by the Cookstown firm. CDEnviro manufactures a range of equipment for the sewage and waste water treatment industries. The company recently trebled its manufacturing capacit
21/06/2013
Limerick City Council is continuing to investigate an incident on the Abbey/Shannon Rivers where it appears that a storm water pipe has been contaminated with fuel oil. The Council's Environment Department is dealing with the spill by re-locating the oil absorbent booms that were deployed yesterday
21/06/2013
Ireland's Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, has welcomed the agreement on a new Environment Action Programme (EAP), the flagship legislative priority for the Irish Presidency. The new EAP sets out the priority objectives for EU environment policy to 2020, g
21/06/2013
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is currently preparing plans to improve the pedestrian and cycle facilities on Stillorgan Park Road from the N11 to Carysfort Avenue, Blackrock. Copies of the proposals will be available for inspection during normal office hours until Wednesday 17th July 2013 a
21/06/2013
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central, Micheál Martin, says the proposed wind farm at Ardglass in East Cork has caused considerable anxiety for communities from Lisgoold to Castlelyons. Deputy Martin raised this issue with the Taoiseach during Leaders' Questions. He informed the Taoiseach that th
21/06/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has opened a new £7.4million social housing scheme in North Belfast. The new development in Sunningdale Gardens funded by the Northern Ireland Executive and Clanmil Housing Association, provides 46 new family homes and apartments. Minister McCausland s
20/06/2013
Labour Senator John Whelan has called for a radical reassessment and review of Ireland's renewable energy policy, in particular wind energy. Mr Whelan said: "While wind energy may have a role to play in our renewable energy strategy, the current proposals for the proliferation of over 2,500 giant 1
20/06/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has said that it is important to have the A5 monies secured for projects that are shovel ready rather than lose it back to the British Treasury. Speaking at the debate in Stormont Mr McAleer said: "Sinn Féin introduced an amendment to ensure that monies freed up from th
20/06/2013
Phoenix Natural Gas, has won the national Big Tick award for corporate social responsibility more times than any other business throughout the whole of the United Kingdom. Belfast based Phoenix Natural Gas, a Terra Firma company, have now won the highly prized award for nine years consecutively. J
20/06/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has welcomed Ballymena Borough Council’s backing for a new budget hotel and petrol station in Ballymena. The council ratified the Environment Minister's recommendation for planning approval for the development of a 60-bed quality budget hotel and restaurant, park a
20/06/2013
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has welcomed the announcement that NAMA are providing £15m funding to complete a landmark office development in Belfast. Mr Wilson said: "This is a very welcome announcement by NAMA and is evidence once again of the positive role being played by the Agency in Northern
20/06/2013
Fine Gael Cork North West Deputy, Áine Collins, has said the development of a new prison for Cork will enhance the living conditions of prisoners and will help to meet national and international obligations to detainees, many of whom are currently residing in substandard conditions. She said: "The
20/06/2013
Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy, Derek Keating, has welcomed the announcement that almost €0.5 million has been approved, under the Rural Development Programme, for the development of St. Catherine's Park, at Lucan, Co. Dublin. The funding, which must now go back to the Fingal LEADER Partnership
20/06/2013
SDLP South Belfast MLA Conall McDevitt has welcomed Minister Danny Kennedy's decision to commission a feasibility study into a new cycling and pedestrian bridge over the Lagan at the Gasworks. Mr McDevitt said: "This is tremendous news for South Belfast. The local community has been campaigning for
19/06/2013
Local Government TD, Frank Feighan, has warmly welcomed the granting of planning permission for the €3m Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon County Hospital. Mr Feighan said: "I would like to pay tribute to all the members of the Endoscopy Capital Project Team and Roscommon County Council officials who have
19/06/2013
Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte T.D. today announced the first tranche of exemplar energy efficiency projects to be supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the Action Plan for Jobs. Collectively the Exemplars will invest up to €55m in energy saving measures, resulting in
19/06/2013
Labour TD Ciaran Lynch has welcomed news that IBRC will not charge interest on the warehoused portion of home loans for people with split mortgages. Mr Lynch said: "This is a matter that I have been pursuing with the banks since the introduction of split mortgages. As Chair of the Oireachtas Financ
19/06/2013
Dublin Fine Gael Senator, Catherine Noone, has called for the introduction of a more robust site card system for construction workers and operators to improve compliance and safety in the building industry. She said: "The construction industry has been struggling to cope with the aftermath of the h
19/06/2013
Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh has said there is an urgent need for a return to direct provision of social housing by the state. Senator Ó Clochartaigh was speaking in the Seanad on the Housing Amendment Bill 2013. He said: "Social housing is in crisis. Central and local government fundin
19/06/2013
SDLP Regional Development spokesman John Dallat speaking in the debate on Funding for A5 Western Transport Corridor insists money from A5 would be better spent in the North West on A6 and on the Dungiven bypass. Mr Dallat said: "The funds intended for the A5 is more than just simple money. The avai
19/06/2013
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £270,000 resurfacing scheme on the A8 Harbour Highway, Larne. This latest scheme on the strategic trunk road to Larne will provide 1km of new asphalt road surface between Pound Street and Redlands Roundabout on the Belfast Bound carriageway. The wor
19/06/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has welcomed the completion of a £51,000 environmental improvement scheme in Mourneview Estate, Newry. The scheme, which was financed from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, centred on the restoration of the historic Linenhall Arch, one of the o
18/06/2013
A ceremony to mark the commencement of a new 50-bed acute adult mental health in-patient unit on the Cork University Hospital (CUH) campus took place on Monday 17th June. The sod turning ceremony, performed by Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for
18/06/2013
Dublin City Council marked National Bike Week by launching the Tolka Valley Greenway yesterday, Monday 17th June. The Greenway is a 4km off-road cycling and walking route which links Glasnevin, Cabra, Finglas and Ashtown. It is part of a €4.1 million, 18.2 hectare extension to Tolka Valley Park. I
18/06/2013
More than 100 participants convened in Dublin yesterday, Monday 17th June, to build Plan C – a plan for a new, low carbon, digital economy. The workshop is the second Climate Gathering event, following on from an initial international gathering in the Burren in February. Co-convenor of the Dublin
18/06/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced a new initiative between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Carrickfergus Borough Council regarding the ongoing management of Carrickfergus Castle. The two year Innovation Trial is the first of its kind for any major heritage site in N
18/06/2013
Sinn Féin Fra McCann MLA has called on the Department Social Development Minister to explain to workers why they are going to lose their jobs over the Housing Executive contract fiasco. The West Belfast MLA said he had asked the minister last week to explain how the overpayment of £18 million could
18/06/2013
Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Jim Daly, has said the provision of €60,000 in total for the development of a cycle greenway from Cork to Kinsale is great news for the area in terms of tourism and the knock-on benefits for local business. Mr Daly said: "The development of the Westport to Achill G
18/06/2013
The Ulster Unionist Party's Councillors' Association has unanimously passed a resolution against the proposed Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Centre (PbCRC) being sited at the Maze. Chairman of the Ulster Unionist Councillors' Association, Mr Trevor Wilson said: "The motion passed at the Ul
18/06/2013
The Environment Minister has stepped in to protect 64-68 Dundrum Road, Tassagh, Co. Armagh, a historic mill workers terrace with an unusual vernacular interior. Mr Alex Attwood has put three Building Preservation Notices on the terrace which temporarily protects each house as a listed building for
18/06/2013
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has attended the official opening of the new extension at Scoil Naoimh Pio, in Knockcommon, Beauparc, Co Meath. The extension was officially opened by the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD. She said: "I was delighted to attend the official opening of
18/06/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy welcomed the commencement of a £90,000 resurfacing scheme on the B96 Townhill Road, Rasharkin. The work began on Monday, 17th June, and will extend from the junction with Dreen Road northwards for a distance of approximately one kilometre. The Minister s
17/06/2013
Fianna Fáil Senator Paschal Mooney, has called on the Department of Transport to increase funding for the maintenance of regional and local roads. Senator Mooney, who is a member of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, has also called on the Government to facilitate negotiations between local authori
17/06/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of £165,000 major resurfacing schemes in Brook Street and Bannfield Road Coleraine this week. Work at Bannfield Road, between Beresford Place near Tesco's store and Hanover Place, is due to begin on Thursday 20 June with work at Br
17/06/2013
The second phase of the Innovation hub to address Ireland's water infrastructure has been launched in the Nimbus Centre, Cork Institute of Technology. The Water Systems and Services Innovation Centre (WSSIC) is a joint venture between Cork City Council, Cork County Council and the Nimbus Centre at
17/06/2013
Kenmare Community Hospital residents have moved to their new home. The new 40 bed hospital, built at a cost of €8 million replaces the existing 24 bed facility providing a much enhanced environment for residents, staff and visitors. The new hospital is designed to provide residential care for peopl
17/06/2013
Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick, Niall Collins, has welcomed the announcement that CPL is to create 142 jobs at its plant in Foynes. Deputy Collins commented: "This announcement by CPL is a significant boost to Limerick and coming on the same day of the launch of the Limerick 2030 initiative, it gives
17/06/2013
The volume of output in building and construction was 4.4% higher in the first quarter of 2013 when compared with the preceding period, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This reflects increases of 6.8% and 1.2% respectively in residential building and non-residential building. There
17/06/2013
A group of business savvy students from South Eastern Regional College have recently set up their own student recycling company. The young entrepreneurs business Wood Turned Good involves recycling waste wood from the College and local businesses. This provides a much needed material for animal s
17/06/2013
The Consumer Council has said it is frustrated that Budget Energy, the third domestic electricity supplier in Northern Ireland, has announced it too will be increasing its prices by up to 17.96 per cent from 1 July 2013. Consumer Council Chief Executive, Antoinette McKeown said: "It is very poor t
17/06/2013
Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, that he has approved €2.8 million of funding for the construction of the Cheekpoint Sewerage Scheme, Sewerage Network Upgrade and Wastewater Treatment
17/06/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced new funding of £150,000 for an additional Revitalisation scheme in Carrickfergus. Announcing the new funding, the Minister said: "Today's investment of £150,000 will complement the recently completed public realm scheme in the historic tow
14/06/2013
The 4.4% increase in building and construction output recorded by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) during the first quarter of 2013 has been described as a positive signal for the construction industry. That's the view of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) who says that optimism is sta
14/06/2013
Over 20 teenagers from Dublin’s Pearse Street and Ringsend neighbourhoods descended on Lisheen wind farm, County Tipperary yesterday, 13 June, where Bord Gáis Energy hosted an event to celebrate Global Wind Day. Global Wind Day is a worldwide event that occurs annually on 15 June. It is a day for
14/06/2013
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has officially opened a new £2.69million facilities for St Columba's Primary School in Straw, Draperstown, County Derry. The new six class-base school can cater for a long-term enrolment of up to 175 pupils and includes state-of-the-art learning and developmental ai
14/06/2013
Fianna Fáil Senator Averil Power has hit out at Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin after he walked-out of the Seanad this evening when faced with questions about a cost-benefit analysis of the planned monster sewerage plant for Clonshaugh. A specific Seanad debate was scheduled for this eve
14/06/2013
Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Catherine Noone, has said that we need to step up our efforts to reduce energy consumption in the public service. Senator Noone has expressed her concern on the progress being made after her colleague Deputy Simon Harris submitted a Parliamentary Question on the issue req
14/06/2013
Health Minister Edwin Poots and Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland have jointly opened Cedar Court sheltered housing development in Downpatrick. Cedar Court caters for frail older people and older people with mild to moderate dementia, and has been built in partnership between South East
14/06/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £495,000 major resurfacing scheme at Clooney Road, Ballykelly, near Limavady. The work is due to begin on 20 June at Wallworth between Riverview and Ballykelly Forest. The Minister said: "The scheme will include the provision
14/06/2013
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis has called for immediate action by the state to deal with the rising numbers of homeless people across Ireland. He made his comments in light of figures from Dublin City Council Central Placement Service which stated that over the four local authorities
13/06/2013
Fianna Fáil Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice has called on the government to ensure that the water network in Roscommon is fit for purpose before water charges are introduced. The Roscommon Councillor has hit out at the Environment Minister Phil Hogan following reports that the government will wait until a
13/06/2013
Ecocem Ireland have announced the official launch of its eco-friendly general purpose cement in a new 25kg bag. The launch means that Ecocem's eco-friendly cement is now available for consumers to buy in local builder's merchants and suppliers. The cement, which among other things reduces the carb
13/06/2013
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Mr. Alan Shatter T.D. has welcomed the support given to him by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for the decision on the development of a new prison in Cork. Speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee debate on the draft r
13/06/2013
Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Áine Collins, has welcomed the announcement of more than €6.5 million to be spent on the upkeep and repair of local and regional roads across Cork. The announcement was made by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, as part of an overall p
13/06/2013
Irish based Mainstream Renewable Power have announced a joint venture with the global pan-emerging market investor Actis to deliver 600 megawatts of wind and solar projects into construction and operation in Chile by early 2016. The joint venture company which is 40% owned by Mainstream and 60% by
13/06/2013
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, has expressed his disappointment at the fact that the Minister for Communications has refused to review the role of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) despite the escalating number of families that
13/06/2013
Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has said that Minister Pat Rabbitte is speaking from both sides of his mouth in relation to Ireland's offshore oil and gas potential. Speaking on the issue Deputy Colreavy said: "In the Dáil chamber, Mi
13/06/2013
The Social Development Minister has welcomed the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin which were published today. The Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin is produced each quarter by the Analytical Services Unit of the Department for Social Development and today's figures cover th
13/06/2013
SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said full details of the exact amount overpaid by the Housing Executive, how it occurred and how it went unnoticed for so long need to be established and made public as soon as possible. The Foyle Assembly Member has written to the DSD Minister
13/06/2013
Fianna Fáil has rubbished claims from Taoiseach that the Environment Minister Phil Hogan has 'no role' in the development of the country's largest ever sewage treatment plant in north Dublin. Dublin Senator Darragh O'Brien has hit out at the outrageous attempt by the Taoiseach to shirk responsibili
12/06/2013
Following the recent announcement by Government of an additional €50m for regional and local roads expenditure in 2013 some €3,027,053 has been allocated to Donegal County Council towards road maintenance in the county. This additional allocation is to be directed primarily to surface restoration w
12/06/2013
To mark the designation as World Environment Day by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and reflecting the Air Quality theme of EU Green Week 2013 which ran from 4-7 June, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan announced that the Government has approved
12/06/2013
The largest housing development to be completed in Northern Ireland this year has been officially opened with a summer party. The new development of 165 units, launched by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and singer/songwriter Brian Kennedy, has been built on the former Bass Brewery si
12/06/2013
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD, has welcomed the recovery of the carved fifteenth century limestone window removed from the gable of a medieval church on Church Island, Lake Garadice, Co. Leitrim. Following a report from a member of the local community who disco
12/06/2013
A Killyleagh builder was today given 240 hours community service at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for offences involving fraud and theft in connection with loft conversions he agreed to carry out. In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment,
12/06/2013
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has welcomed the approval of €200,000 in funding for the development of the Irish Military War Museum at Starinagh in Collon, saying it will make a huge difference to the local tourist attraction. The funding is being made available under the Rural Developme
12/06/2013
Sinn Féin Energy spokesperson, Phil Flanagan has called for the Utilities Regulator to take a tougher stand against increased energy prices. Mr Flanagan MLA said: "While this latest price increase by Budget Energy will be a bitter blow to their consumers and reflects the increases by the other prov
12/06/2013
Health Minister Edwin Poots today cut the first sod at the new £232million capital development at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald. The sod cutting marked the start of the next stage of redevelopment of the Ulster Hospital. In this latest investment, a new generic ward block will be constructed along
12/06/2013
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has warmly welcomed an additional €2.84 million in total funding for the repair and restoration of regional and local roads in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim. Mr Feighan said: "I welcome this total allocation of €1,727,943 to Roscommon County
12/06/2013
Fianna Fail Senator Averil Power has described as outrageous Fingal County Council's announcement that Clonshaugh has been chosen as the location of a new monster sewage plant. "I campaigned strongly against the selection of Clonshaugh as it is an entirely inappropriate location for a plant of this
11/06/2013
Dublin Bay North Labour TD, Seán Kenny has strongly re-stated his opposition to the decision by the Fingal County Manager to select Clonshaugh as the location for the new North Dublin Sewage Treatment Plant. Mr Kenny said: "There are more than 2500 residential buildings within 0.5 to 1.0 km of the
11/06/2013
Senator Mary Moran has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn, that €15 million has been allocated for 2013/2014, to replace 115 prefab classrooms in forty six schools, and will provide permanent resource rooms and classrooms for some 2,650 students throughout t
11/06/2013
Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe TD has welcomed an announcement from the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD that three Wexford schools and Wexford's road network are included in a €160 million of Government capital investme
11/06/2013
A Northern Ireland company today revealed details of a lucrative contract with one of the world’s best known hotels, The Savoy in London. McCue Fit-Out, which employs more than 120 people, was appointed main contractor for overhaul of the luxury venue’s new art deco inspired restaurant, Kaspar’s Se
11/06/2013
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson and member of the Social Development Committee, Fra McCann MLA, has said that the revelations of an £18 million overspend to contractors by the Housing Executive needs to be investigated and answers provided urgently. Mr McCann said: "Sinn Féin have been publicly on t
11/06/2013
A public viewing of the design and layout of the proposed Skate Park at Glasslyn Road, Bandon will take place in Bandon Town Hall, Co Cork. It can be viewed on Wednesday June 12th from 3pm - 7pm. The chosen contractor, Spraoi Linn Ltd. will have a member of their design team on hand on the day to
11/06/2013
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen has said the latest twist in the water charges saga raises further concerns about the viability of Minister Phil Hogan's plan. Deputy Cowen was commenting on reports that the Government will wait until after water charges are imposed in 2015 before r
11/06/2013
SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has spoken of the adverse impact of rising energy hikes for families and businesses following price hikes by Power NI and Airtricity. Mr McGlone who is the Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Development Committee said: "The recent electricity price hikes by t
11/06/2013
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £146,000 resurfacing scheme for Longrig Road in Antrim. Work will begin on Tuesday 11 June and continue for two weeks between Kilcross Road and Boltnaconnell Road. Mr Kennedy said: "The improvements will result in the overall strengthening
11/06/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced funding of £250,000 for a Revitalisation scheme in Ballycastle. The scheme will focus on Castle Street and Clare Street which is part of the designated conservation area of the town centre. Its aims are to restore many of the historic buil
10/06/2013
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has today (Thursday) welcomed and expressed his delight at the commencement of construction works on the N11 upgrade between Rathnew and Arklow. Deputy Doyle was speaking after the turning of the first sod on the road upgrade and bypass in which he took part
10/06/2013
Alliance Social Development spokesperson Judith Cochrane has expressed her disappointment that the Social Development Minister has not sought to improve the housing proposal at the Girdwood site in North Belfast. Her comments follow the ending of a legal challenge to the scheme, which means it can
10/06/2013
Following approval by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the Dublin Region Water mains Rehabilitation Project will commence another major improvement contract in Dublin City to replace old leaking Victorian water mains today. This next phase of water mains improvements w
10/06/2013
The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins has officially open the new Activities Room at St. Columba's Hospital in Thomastown, which will give space for the residents to further develop the activities they currently enjoy. The Activities Room is available for use by residents of St. Columba's for
10/06/2013
Ireland's Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, has welcomed the agreement on amendments to the Batteries Directive, heralding it as an important step in the development of safer, more energy efficient batteries that will benefit both human health and the envir
10/06/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced planning decisions on two major retail applications in County Down. The Minister has granted planning permission for Sainsbury's on the former Rolls Royce factory site in Dundonald. He has refused planning permission for an Asda store at the former
10/06/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has welcomed the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland. Emissions fell by over 5% in 2011 compared to the previous year. This brings the overall reduction to over 17% since 1990. The latest emission figures in the Greenhouse Gas Inventories for
10/06/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann has said Minister Nelson McCausland needs to explain what he is doing to deal with the serious problems, which exist in maintenance contracts issued by the Housing Executive. The West Belfast MLA and party Housing Spokesperson said: "Several years ago the minister said he w
10/06/2013
Dublin Fingal Senator Darragh O'Brien has said he is extremely disappointed that all public objections and concerns have been ignored by Fingal County Council and the Government as the location for a new monster sewerage plant is to be announced next week. Senator O'Brien said: "Minister Phil Hogan
10/06/2013
The Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has said the sale of Ireland's only oil refinery, Whitegate in East Cork, has potentially serious consequences for energy supply in Ireland. Deputy Martin has called for a statement from the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte
07/06/2013
Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has welcomed confirmation from the Government that two schools in Meath are set to benefit under a €100 million investment in the school building programme. The funding has been announced as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" Package.
07/06/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has welcomed the Government's announcement that they are to provide an additional €150m in Exchequer capital spending along with a new PPP pipeline valued up to €250m. The CIF has said the investment will create additional construction work, benefitting
07/06/2013
A €282 million road improvement project gets underway with works on the N7 and N11 being officially started by transport minister, Leo Varadker. On the N7 a bottleneck at Newlands Cross will be removed, while the N11 between Arklow and Rathnew will be upgraded to four-lanes. The work on the N7 wil
07/06/2013
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has called on the government to allow for the passage of his Interest Rates Approval Bill through the Dáil after AIB increase its variable interest rates by 0.4%. Deputy Doherty said his bill would prevent banks from increasing their rates without the a
07/06/2013
Fine Gael Meath TDs have welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, that €50 million is being made available to repair regional and local road surfaces across the country. The package has been announced as part of the Government’s Investing in Infr
07/06/2013
Labour Party T.D. for Dublin North West, John Lyons, has said the increased limits on Rent Supplement payments will help families and individuals who are having difficulty in accessing affordable rental accommodation in Dublin. Mr Lyons said: "According to the property website Daft.ie, rents in Dub
06/06/2013
The number of new housing being built has increased by almost one fifth during the first three months of 2013, according to new figures released by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). A total of 965 units were started around Ireland in the first quarter of 2013, up 159 units or 19.7% from th
06/06/2013
The Parnell Square Cultural Quarter (PSCQ) will be a landmark destination, which will complete the Civic Spine of Dublin at its northern end. Following on from the public launch of this major project, Dublin City Council is now seeking an outstanding Design Team to deliver that landmark. The Civi
06/06/2013
Deputy Arthur J Spring has welcomed the news that the number of people seeking deferral on their property tax has been far below the number that had been projected, and is calling for the savings to be used to reduce the budget adjustment for next year. The statement comes as Revenue Commissioners
06/06/2013
Fine Gael Kerry TD, Brendan Griffin, has welcomed the announcement by Minister of State for Natural Resources, Fergus O'Dowd TD, that the Government has given the go-ahead for a seismic survey which will help to establish the true level of oil and gas exploration off the Irish coast. Mr Griffin sai
06/06/2013
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, has responded to the alarming rise in electricity and gas disconnections, questioning the role and performance of the energy regulator. Deputy Moynihan commented: "Many people will have been shocked this
06/06/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has opened a new £5 million housing scheme in North Belfast. Demolition of some of the non-historic structures within Brookfield Mill, a former linen mill, has made way for 40 two bedroom family apartments over five stories. Flax Housing Association pro
06/06/2013
Sinn Féin’s Martina Anderson MEP has expressed concern over the future of rural development funding for the north following the circulation of draft EU budget proposals. Martina Anderson said: "Once again the British Government has accepted a reduction in its rural development payments "Draft figu
06/06/2013
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, T.D., has announced an additional €50 million investment in new school building projects as part of the Government's "Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs" Package. The new funding will enable 28 new school building projects to go ahead. The Depar
06/06/2013
Minister Jan O'Sullivan has announced a €50m three year energy efficiency investment programme for local authority homes. It is a key part of the Government's additional €150m capital investment in the economy over 2013-2014. Beginning this year the energy insulation measures will target the 25,
06/06/2013
A €50 million boost to repair regional and local road surfaces has been announced today by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar as part of the Government’s Investing in Infrastructure & Jobs plan. He said: "I am allocating a further €50 million for repairs and restoration of regiona
05/06/2013
63% of construction companies are currently engaged in onsite construction activity, according to a new survey by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). The CIF's Construction Confidence Index also recorded an increase in activity amongst 26% of construction companies over the last three mon
05/06/2013
The two national Transmission System Operators, EirGrid in Ireland and its French counterpart, RTE (Réseau de transport d’électricité), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to commission further preliminary studies on the feasibility of building a submarine electricity interconnector between I
05/06/2013
Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson for communications, energy and natural resources, has responded to Minister Rabbitt'’s comments on fracking, saying that the government should not be considering the use of fracking at this time. Deputy Colreavy said: "I understand that Minister Rabbi
05/06/2013
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has officially opened the A32 Cherrymount Link Road scheme. The scheme provides a strategic link between the approaches to Enniskillen, from Omagh and Belfast. Comprising two kilometres of trunk road, the scheme connects the existing Cherrymount roundabout on the A32 t
05/06/2013
An East L'Derry SDLP Assembly Memeber has expressed outrage after ir emerged households who run out of heating oil and cannot afford to refill in bulk will fork out £19.99 for a 20-litre drum, which works out at £1 a litre. Mr John Dallat has described the practice of hiking the price of heating o
05/06/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has called on housing professionals to work together to deliver affordable and social housing for future generations. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Conference – Risk and Resilience The Future for Housing Finance and Investment, Mi
05/06/2013
The Green Party has raised serious concerns over the imminent demolition of what the Party believes is a possible National Monument in Kilkenny City. The buildings in Vicar Street in the historic Irishtown area of the city are believed to contain substantial medieval fabric and a 'base batter' indic
05/06/2013
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has commended Roads Service and its contractors for the successful completion of road schemes during 2012/2013. Mr Kennedy said: "Throughout Roads Service my Department invested over £100million in structural maintenance, improving the road infrastructure across Nor
05/06/2013
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has reacted to information that almost 800 residential properties are empty in the L'Derry City Council area, by calling on the Minister for Social Development to instigate a process to investigate how properties can be utilised to address the housing crisis. Mr Ramsey sai
05/06/2013
Seán Kenny, the Dublin Bay North Labour T.D., and member of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, today called on the NRA to rethink its proposals to introduce extra tolling points on the M50 motorway between Ballymun and Finglas; the current point at Blanchardstown; at Parkwest between the N4 and
04/06/2013
The largest residential development to finish in the country this year, as well as being the largest single housing co-operative in Ireland, has been officially opened in Mulhuddart, West Dublin. The €53m development by NABCO, developed in partnership with Fingal County Council and the Department
04/06/2013
In the wake of the Japanese earthquake disaster, a number of Pacific Rim countries have shifted their focus to the sustainability sector to provide solutions for some of the most densely populated areas of the planet. To help, some of the world's most forward-thinkers have been devising possible sol
04/06/2013
Work has recently begun on the renewal of the yellow gravel surface along the walkway in front of the Pavillion in Dun Laoghaire. This work involves the removal and relaying of the existing surface and will improve the appearance of the Metals Area for the summer season. The first stage is comp
04/06/2013
Kildare County Council has announced that it is to carry out improvement works at Kill Village. The proposed works involves removing the mini roundabout and modifying the junction in order to control the speed of vehicles at the junction, as per drawing No. (E 3564). The works are necessary to impr
04/06/2013
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has commended Roads Service and its contractors for the successful completion of road schemes in 2012/2013 which accounted for £9m investment in the roads infrastructure in the Lisburn Area. Speaking ahead of the meeting between Roads Service and Lisburn City Counci
04/06/2013
Cllr Finnan McCoy, Cathaoirleach, Louth County Council has welcomed confirmation from the Northern Ireland Minister for Finance & Personnel, Sammy Wilson, of approval for the Narrow Water Bridge that will link Omeath, Co Louth with Warrenpoint, Co Down. The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) previo
04/06/2013
Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley has questioned "if the DRD Minister has a plan for dealing with the A5 shambles as it appears that he is flapping around directionless." Lord Morrow has called on the DRD Minister to make a statement to the Assembly and also come to Co Tyrone to meet with landowners.
04/06/2013
The Irish Banking Federation (IBF) Housing Market Monitor published by the IBF, points to a 14% increase nationally in the number of residential property transactions during the first three months of the year, as well as to signs of continued stabilisation in prices. And in his commentary accompany
04/06/2013
Councillors from Newry and Mourne District Council visited Northern Ireland Electricity's (NIE) Control Centre recently to understand how the company deals with power cuts and plans for emergencies. During the visit Councillors saw NIE's call centre and the IT systems which control Northern Ireland
04/06/2013
Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn MLA has stated his support for the redistribution of winter fuel payments to those who are struggling to pay their fuel bills. In 2009, Trevor launched an initiative where he encouraged those who did not need their winter fuel payment to have it donated to cha
03/06/2013
Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams TD, has called on the minister for arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, to intervene urgently to save the Moore Street National Monument. Speaking in Leinster House today, Teachta Adams said: "The terrace in Moore Street is in a state of serious deteriorat
03/06/2013
Minister for Natural Resources, Fergus O'Dowd, has granted approval for the conducting of a major 2D seismic survey that will go a long way towards revealing the true oil and gas exploration potential of Ireland's Atlantic Margin. He said: "At a cost of €20 million this is is by far the largest reg
03/06/2013
Portview has once again proved its fit-out credentials by winning two categories in this year's National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) Design Partnership awards. The Northern Ireland fit-out specialist won the Retail award for its work on The Whisky Shop in London and the Leisure award for its r
03/06/2013
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD, has condemned the removals of a carved fifteenth century limestone window from the gable of a medieval church on Church Island, Lake Garadice, Co. Leitrim and of an outer facing stone from a gun loop in the tower of a bawn on neigh
03/06/2013
SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Mark Durkan has welcomed a hint from Minister Nelson McCausland that the welfare package he intends to bring forward will satisfy concerns, but said it is time people had a positive announcement. The Social Development, in response to an Assembly Question by Pat
03/06/2013
Sinn Féin Energy Spokesperson Phil Flanagan MLA has said that there is no surprise at the announcement that Airtricity is to follow Power NI and raise their electricity prices by 17.8%. Mr Flanagan said: "This announcement does not come as any surprise to me. "Once again, we see the notion that c
