Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for July 2013
31/07/2013
The HSE has announced that the new Athenry Primary Care Centre has officially opened. The services will be provided by the doctors from "The Surgery", previously based at Caheroyn, Athenry. The Centre will also accommodate Public Health Nurses, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupation
31/07/2013
Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, has published a report into the future of Oil Refining in Ireland. He said that he had commissioned the report "as a proactive measure, well in advance of the expiry of Whitegate's refining obligation in 2016". The report – "Study of the Strategic Case for Oil Refi
31/07/2013
The Chief Executive of ESB, Pat O'Doherty, has announced the appointment of Jim Dollard to the position of Executive Director for Business Service Centre and Electric Ireland. An accountant, Jim is currently General Manager of Electric Ireland having taken up that role in January of this year. Jim
31/07/2013
SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone has urged the NIHE to consider the position of a number of window manufacturers who face job losses if contractual issues cannot be resolved. Mr McGlone who is the chair of the All Party Group on Construction has, along with a number of others, written to the NIHE to seek a r
31/07/2013
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, TD, has published a review of the social and affordable housing aspects of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The review follows on from a commitment in the Government's 2011 Housing Policy Statement to review the operation of the sc
31/07/2013
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, T.D has announced that he has instructed his officials to develop an overall policy and planning framework which will guide An Bord Pleanála when considering any proposals for wind energy export projects. The framework which will be based on a Strategic Enviro
31/07/2013
Alliance Regional Development spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA has welcomed the comments from the former Finance Minister Sammy Wilson, that there will be a looming financial black hole if we continue to oppose some form of water charging. The NI Executive provided a subsidy worth £275m to NI Water
31/07/2013
Fianna Fáil is seeking assurances that small local contractors will be used to install water meters in each community across the country. The party's Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen is also seeking clarification on the job security of the 4,200 local authority workers who are currently employe
31/07/2013
Alliance Enterprise spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has said that the Executive must do more to help grow the renewable energy sector. His comments follow the announcement by Evermore Renewable Energy that they have secured £81m to build a biomass fuelled power plant at the Londonderry Port and Harbo
31/07/2013
A resurfacing scheme on Massey Avenue, Belfast is due to commence on Monday 5 August 2013. The £337,000 scheme involves the resurfacing of the footways and carriageway in the street and is expected to take approximately seven weeks to complete. During the works, two-way traffic flow will be maint
30/07/2013
Minister of State, Brian Hayes TD, has described the efforts of the Courcey's Rural Development Committee as commendable and inspirational following a visit to the Old Head Signal Tower project at Kinsale with local Fine Gael Deputy, Jim Daly. Deputy Daly said: "The project to restore and renovate
30/07/2013
The rollout of the water meter programme by Irish Water will provide a strong boost to the construction sector providing employment opportunities for construction workers around the country, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Irish Water have announced the installation of ov
30/07/2013
Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson for communications, energy and natural resources has condemned the government's plan to sell off Bord Gáis Energy. Speaking following the publication of legislation by Minister Pat Rabbitte, Deputy Colreavy said: "The sale of Bord Gáis Energy is a ver
30/07/2013
Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Jim Daly, has said that Local Authorities must be compelled to call in the bonds pledged by developers and to use the cash held by them as security to ensure that new and unfinished housing estates are completed to an acceptable standard. Deputy Daly made the call as t
30/07/2013
Mr Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) has officially received the keys of the former Kilmainham Courthouse from Chief Justice of Ireland, Mrs Susan Denham. The former Kilmainham Courthouse occupies a site immediately adjacent to Kilma
30/07/2013
Element Power, the company behind the Greenwire wind energy export project, has outlined further details of its Community Benefit Programme. Element Power has met with numerous voluntary community groups, development associations, local enterprise bodies and sporting clubs and societies across the
30/07/2013
Fianna Fáil Deputy Charlie McConalogue has called for a clear commitment from Government for emergency funding to reinstate all services at Letterkenny General Hospital. The Donegal Deputy has said any delay in repairing unprecedented flooding damage and replacing essential equipment could have maj
30/07/2013
Plans for a bridge connecting Co Louth to Co Down have been dealt a major blow after the Government confirmed to Fianna Fáil that it will not provide any of the additional funding required for the project. In reply to a Parliamentary Question from Louth TD Seamus Kirk, the Transport Minister Leo Va
30/07/2013
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D., has announced the publication of the Gas Regulation Bill 2013 which was approved by Government at its most recent meeting. The Bill provides for the restructuring of Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) by establishing a gas netwo
30/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £47,000 strengthening scheme on the Antrim Road footbridge from its junction with the U6102 Antrim Road to Lisburn Road car park. The work is due to begin on Thursday 1 August 2013. The Minister said: "Benefits of the scheme are
30/07/2013
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has acted swiftly to prevent dumped fuel laundering waste in South Armagh polluting a local river. Two 1,000 litre containers were abandoned just off the Mullaghduff Road, Cullyhanna at the weekend. One had been burned and only the metal frame and some
29/07/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has welcomed the publication of the Forfás Construction Report, describing it as a "prescription for healing an ailing industry". Speaking following the publication of Ireland's Construction Sector: Outlook and Strategic Plan to 2015, the CIF said that t
29/07/2013
ESB Networks, in partnership with Intune Networks and TSSG (WIT), have secured €3.3m in EU funding under the FINESCE smart energy project to explore how future internet technologies can be applied to advance smart energy systems. The funding was awarded following a competitive process with other E
29/07/2013
Deputy John Lyons has welcomed the news that 10% of the 1,600 new Irish Water jobs will be reserved for the long-term unemployed – as a first step towards the widespread use of Social Clauses in State contracts. Deputy Lyons said: "Unfortunately, the longer a person is out of employment the more d
29/07/2013
A JCB worth around £50,000 has been found by police. The JCB Teleporter was stolen from a building site in Moy, County Tyrone. It was driven through a fence at the site at approximately 9.10pm on Sunday. It was recovered on the Ballymacauley Road. A 19-year-old has been arrested and is currently
29/07/2013
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has officially open the Cush Interpretive Centre in Ballinvreena, Kilfinane, County Limerick. Cush is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Ireland, similar in archaeological importance to Lough Gur and the Hill of Tara. It w
29/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £115,000 major resurfacing scheme on Killycomain Road, Portadown this week. The resurfacing is from the roundabout on the Gilford Road up to and including the roundabout at Princess Way and will last for two weeks starting on
29/07/2013
Responding to the temporary closure of Bohernabreena Reservoir, a Sinn Féin TD has described the move as an over the top response to the recent anti-social behaviour taking place there. The reservoir has now been closed until further notice. Deputy Crowe said the move is unacceptable and the only
29/07/2013
East Belfast DUP MLA and Policing Board member Robin Newton has welcomed the latest operation against fuel-laundering gangs in Co Antrim, but said that action is necessary to not just disrupt these operations but to put those responsible behind bars. Robin Newton MLA Mr Newton said: "There have be
26/07/2013
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson this week met staff and Board representatives from Co-Ownership Housing at its headquarters in Belfast. The Minister was invited to meet the organisation to hear about its future plans following the allocation of a further £10m of funding from the June monitoring round
26/07/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer and Padraig MacLochlainn TD have welcomed the continued commitment from Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the A5 project. Mr McAleer said: "A cross party, cross border delegation travelled to Dublin to discuss the future construction of the A5 with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Transp
26/07/2013
The Government has welcomed the publication of the Forfás report on Ireland's construction sector and announced a plan to improve the levels of activity and employment in the sector. A sustainable construction sector supports development across the economy but evidence suggests that there has been
26/07/2013
Google is building a new 'digital innovation centre' in Dublin that will bring up to 15,000 extra overseas business visitors to the city each year. The 15,000sq ft premises, called the Foundry, is Google's first such investment outside of the US and will be officially unveiled by the Taoiseach in
26/07/2013
East Belfast MP Naomi Long has suggested the new bridge in Victoria Park in her constituency be named after the Royal baby. Alliance MP Mrs Long said the bridge, which is being constructed in the park as part of the Connswater Community Greenway Project, would be the perfect way to commemorate the
26/07/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced an agreement has been signed which will allow the construction of the North West Regional Science Park at Fort George. The North West Regional Science Park will be a satellite of the highly successful Northern Ireland Science Park, based a
26/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £60,000 resurfacing scheme on B62 Old Ballymena Road roundabout, Ballymoney. The work is due to begin on 8 August 2013. The Minister said: "This scheme will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of the carriageway on t
26/07/2013
Tegral Building Products Ltd has announced it is to invest over €7 million in its Athy plant in County Kildare. €2.1m will be used for new machinery while the rest of the money will be invested in upgrading existing machinery and improving infrastructure. The investment will also create 30 new job
25/07/2013
International real estate investment and services firm Kennedy Wilson has announced that the company and its partner completed the purchase of a portfolio of 14 properties for €306m. The company and its partner each contributed €60m of equity in the transaction, and Bank of Ireland provided €199m
25/07/2013
Sinn Féin Senator Trevor O'Clochartaigh described the admission by Minister Hogan that the government proposes to start charging for water from October 2014 as "cynical and unfair". Senator O'Clochartaigh said: "Minister Hogan admitted today that the water charges will commence in October 2014. Fam
25/07/2013
A major step towards creating a single Sustainable Energy Strategy for the Mid-West took place recently when senior public sector personnel from the Region and beyond participated in a workshop at the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) campus in Thurles. The event focusing on encouraging reduct
25/07/2013
SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins has raised her concerns regarding existing traffic problems at the Glengalliagh Road/Bradley Pass junction in Shantallow. Whilst welcoming the construction of seventy new social houses at Bradley Pass, she has highlighted the need for DRD to currently address the road
25/07/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) described the passage of the Construction Contracts Bill as a landmark achievement which will help construction companies and thousands of construction workers. The CIF were speaking ahead of the final debate on the Bill which is scheduled to take place
25/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £175,000 major resurfacing scheme on Bishop Street, Londonderry, this week. The work is due to begin on Monday 29 July 2013 between the junction at Abercorn Road and the junction with Foyle Road and will last for five weeks. The
25/07/2013
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that work on a £290,000 resurfacing scheme in Downpatrick is now set to begin. Resurfacing of a 700m stretch of the B176 Killough Road between the junction at Ardglass Road and the area adjacent to St. Colmcille's Church will begin on 29 July with work
25/07/2013
The locations of Irish Water's regional offices have been announced. Irish Water will have three regions for operational purposes, regions aligned with those proposed in the Government's local government reform plan, Putting People First. The regional offices are being established to support the p
24/07/2013
Pat the Cope Gallagher has confirmed that Donegal County Council has applied to the Department of Environment for funding to allow both schemes to commence now that the consultants have recommended a contractor. The total cost of both schemes is expected of the order of €7 million. He said: "The
24/07/2013
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has condemned the move by the Minister for Environment to cut Housing Adaptation funding for Dublin City by 40% in the midst of the greatest housing need the state has ever seen. Deputy Ellis made his comments following an announcement by Dublin City C
24/07/2013
Chair of the Cross-Party Moore Street Committee, Sandra McLellan TD, has called on the Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht to ensure that the wider Moore Street/O'Connell Street area is preserved. Speaking following a meeting between the Cross-Party Committee and Minister Jimmy Deenihan in
24/07/2013
The number of new houses being built in most urban areas around the country continues to grow, according to statistics released by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). According to the latest CIF Housing Statistics Bulletin, there has been a further increase in new house starts in Dublin,
24/07/2013
New legislation that will significantly strengthen income protection for thousands of workers in the construction industry countrywide who find themselves financially squeezed, including carpenters, painters, plumbers and electricians, has been enacted by the Oireachtas. The Construction Contracts
24/07/2013
SDLP Environment spokesperson Dolores Kelly has urged Councils to heed advice issued by former Environment Minister Alex Attwood to dye any excess water in local quarries to act as a disincentive for swimming. The SDLP MLA for Upper Bann was speaking after the deaths of four young people in the la
24/07/2013
East Belfast MP Naomi Long has met with executives at Northern Ireland Water (NIW) to seek updates on the progress being made regarding sewerage improvements to address the issue of ongoing serious flooding in her constituency. Mrs Long spoke to NIW Chief Executive Trevor Haslett and Director of En
24/07/2013
Northern Ireland's construction market downturn is easing, but the sector locally is still lagging behind the rest of the UK, according to the latest RICS Construction Market Survey. In the three months to the end of June, the balance for workloads in Northern Ireland improved to -4, its best level
23/07/2013
Deputy Michael Conaghan has welcomed the allocation of €1.5m to Dublin City Council to insulate local authority homes with very poor energy ratings. Deputy Conaghan said: "Last month, the Minister for Housing, Jan O'Sullivan, announced a €50 million energy efficiency investment programme to insulat
23/07/2013
20,776 Limerick householders have registered their septic tanks representing 85% of owners, new figures reveal. The high compliance rate has been welcomed by Limerick City and County Manager Conn Murray who has also welcomed the Government's decision to provide grant assistance for householders who
23/07/2013
The increase in house prices reflects the decreasing levels of supply in the housing market, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Over recent years, the number of new housing being built has reached record low levels and that is now starting to impact on the housing market. Th
23/07/2013
Labour TD Sean Kenny has welcomed the announcement of the first €10m of a €50m energy efficiency programme for local authority homes. Mr Kenny said: "€10m will be invested this year to improve the energy efficiency of some 5,000 local authority homes. Energy efficiency programmes result in lower en
23/07/2013
Energy Minister Arlene Foster has today launched a public consultation on proposals to expand and extend a scheme that provides financial support for consumers installing and utilising renewable heat technologies. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) has been in place in Northern Ireland since Novem
23/07/2013
Phase 1 of the Connswater Community Greenway is getting underway, according to Belfast City Council. Park users have been informed that work started in Victoria and Orangefield Parks on Monday 22 July as part of the first phase of the Connswater Community Greenway scheme. BSG Civil Engineering Ltd
23/07/2013
Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the positive trend indicated in the latest unemployment statistics, but has said that much work is still required, especially to support the struggling construction industry. The Mid Ulster MLA said: "Whilst the latest labour market
23/07/2013
Second-hand Dublin house prices have increased by €37,500 since June 2012, according to the latest DNG Property Price Gauge (www.dng.ie). According to the nationwide estate agency, the 7.7% increase since the beginning of the year is being driven by a number of factors including an improvement in co
22/07/2013
Ireland's independent energy provider, Energia, has emerged as the Greenest Energy Supplier on the island of Ireland. The top all-island ranking comes in the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) report on fuel-mix and CO2 emissions for individual electricity suppliers licensed in Ireland. 'Fuel-
22/07/2013
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the allocation of almost €275,000 in funding to Roscommon and Leitrim County Councils under a €50m energy efficiency programme aimed at improving local authority homes. Roscommon County Council has been allocated €146,603, while
22/07/2013
Mr Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), has officially handed over the keys of the former Garda Station in Dromahair for community use. The Minister said: "It is my pleasure to be here today to hand over the keys of this former Garda S
22/07/2013
The Green Party is calling on the Government to reinvest €2 billion from sale of state assets back into the clean energy economy. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan said: "The Government says it is fighting the Trokia to introduce a stimulus into the upcoming budget but it is at the same time handing ov
22/07/2013
Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O'Sullivan, TD, has announced the first funding allocation under the €50m energy efficiency programme for local authority homes. €10m will be invested this year improving the energy efficiency of some 5,000 local authority homes. Speaking about initiative, Mi
22/07/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Ian Milne has called on people daubing graffiti on buildings in Bellaghy village to stop immediately as it is damaging the image of the area. Mr Milne said: "The last fortnight has seen graffiti painted at the local GAA club, commercial premises and now for a second time on the Orange
22/07/2013
The Government has announced it is to proceed with the transfer of responsibility for recipients of rent supplement with a long-term housing need, from the Department of Social Protection to housing authorities using a new Housing Assistance Payment. This joint proposal by the Minister for the Envi
22/07/2013
Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed news that the cleaning of the granite footpaths and walkways in Newcastle will be carried out on a maintenance contract as opposed to an annual clean. This should allow for the walkways to be cleaned after events rather than waiting for the
19/07/2013
EirGrid is seeking feedback on a key new report on the proposed north south interconnector, a cross-border scheme that will improve the all-island electricity system. The scheme links Woodland, County Meath with Turleenan in County Tyrone and will provide a second high-capacity electricity transmis
19/07/2013
Labour minister Kevin Humphreys has called for an urgent need for a strategic water reserve for the region, to safeguard investment and domestic supply in Dublin. Mr Humphreys said: "Bord Na Móna have proposed such a project at Garryhinch in Co. Laois and this, along with many previous water shorta
19/07/2013
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a road improvement scheme costing £220,000 at Main Street, Lisnaskea. The scheme involves resurfacing the carriageway along with drainage and footway improvements from the roundabout at Drumhaw to the mini-roundabout at the junction with B
19/07/2013
Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has urged the new Environment Minister, SDLP's Mark H Durkan, to scrap the flawed Planning Bill. The DUP and Sinn Fein submitted amendments that would give OFMDFM more powers over planning laws and limited the ability to seek a judicial review on plann
19/07/2013
The Green Party has delivered playground rubbish to NAMA and called for greater transparency on who is responsible for managing unfinished estates. Joe O'Brien, the Green Party representative for the Balbriggan Ward, delivered a bag of refuse from the Moylaragh estate in Balbriggan to the office o
19/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that work is set to start a £50,000 scheme to upgrade two pedestrian crossings in Ballymena. Work will begin at North Road and Linenhall Street in Ballymena to upgrade the existing crossings to Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent (Puffin) C
19/07/2013
The SIPTU Community Sector has launched a petition calling on the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, to meet with the representatives of workers who will be affected by his plans to "align" Local Development Companies (LDC) with Local Authorities. SIPTU Commun
19/07/2013
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has expressed concern that many of the recommendations contained in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht's report on Registration of the title of Architect, seem to have little or no basis in the report's wel
18/07/2013
Alliance North Down Mayor Andrew Muir has said he will vigorously fight NI Water plans to sell Portavo Reservoir near Groomsport during 2014-15. Mr Muir was previously successful in halting plans for a similar sale of this reservoir and has now written as Mayor to arrange an urgent meeting with the
18/07/2013
Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said that the construction of the new Waterford City Fire Station will begin in the coming weeks. Deputy Coffey received confirmation of the development from the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, by way of a Pa
18/07/2013
Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (Oaktree), Irish based property and construction group Bennett (Bennett Group) and NAMA will combine their respective ownership of land with a development potential of up to 50,000 sq metres in Dublin's South Docks. The parties have invested in a new Qualifying Inve
18/07/2013
The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) which represents nearly 300 non-profit housing associations has welcomed the publication of a new code of regulation for the sector. At the event, Mr Donal McManus stated that "the regulation code launched by Minister O'Sullivan is one of a number of crit
18/07/2013
Deputy Michael McCarthy has called on Minister Hogan to consider the inclusion of a typical, self- extinguishing 'grandfather' clause in defining the term of Architect in the Building Control Act 2007. His comments come on foot of a report he launched yesterday as Chair of the Oireachtas Environmen
18/07/2013
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has called on the Minister of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan TD to incorporate the laneways of history into a comprehensive plan for the battlefield site that covers that part of Dublin. Teachta Adams said: "I was shocked by the state of the buildings
18/07/2013
Sinn Féin housing spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD said the government is allowing the housing crisis to rage on with wholly inadequate numbers of homes being added to the social housing stock. This week, through parliamentary questions 33780/13 and 33777/13, Deputy Ellis uncovered that in Dublin city
18/07/2013
Fine Gael Meath West TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Jobs Committee, Damien English, has welcomed the latest figures from the IDA, which show that an increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) over the last 12 months has provided a much needed boost to the construction sector. Mr English said: "The
18/07/2013
Mr Gabriel O'Kane of Village Oaks, Ballykelly, pleaded guilty and was fined £300 for failing to comply with a DOE Planning Enforcement Notice at Limavady Magistrates' Court. The enforcement notice related to the unauthorised erection of a wooden structure (decking) at 16 Village Oaks, Ballykelly.
18/07/2013
Alliance Newtownabbey Councillor Tom Campbell has called on the University of Ulster to rethink proposals for 600 houses in the Jordanstown area. His comments follow a meeting between local Newtownabbey Councillors and senior planners to discuss controversial plans by the University of Ulster to b
17/07/2013
Galway East Fianna Fáil TD Michael Kitt, has expressed his disappointment at the continued delay in the N17/N18 Gort to Tuam road improvement scheme. Responding to news that the construction period of the scheme is estimated to be approximately 3.5 years, Deputy Kitt has said: "This is all the more
17/07/2013
In Leinster House on Tuesday Minister of State Brian Hayes delivered on the Programme for Government commitment to legislate to protect small building subcontractors. This legislation will bring clarity to contract payment obligations, and improve the speed and lower the cost of dispute resolution
17/07/2013
Cllr Declan Breathnach, Cathaoirleach, Louth County Council has welcomed the decision of Mr. Danny Kennedy MLA, Minister for Regional Development (Northern Ireland) to proceed with a Bridge Order for the Narrow Water Bridge connecting counties Louth and Down. Cllr Breathnach said the decision by Mi
17/07/2013
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has signed an order of consent for works at the Moore Street National Monument. The order of consent signed by the Minister approves the creation of a commemorative centre at the national monument at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, involvin
17/07/2013
A £100,000 resurfacing scheme on A26 Frosses Road, Ballymoney, is due to begin on 29 July. The work is at the Old Ballymena Road junction heading north for approximately 0.6kilometres. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly improve the strength and surface qual
17/07/2013
The total volume of construction output in Northern Ireland in the first quarter of 2013 decreased by 1.1% compared to Q4 2012 and was 12.1% lower compared to the same quarter in 2012, according to the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin. The overall level of construction output has remained bro
17/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a scheme costing £56,000 to provide a footway on the B39 Seven Mile Straight at Ballymather Lower, approx five miles south east of Antrim town. It will extend from the existing footway south of the Loanends Primary School to connect
17/07/2013
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, TD, has launched a new voluntary regulation code for approved housing bodies. Speaking at the launch Minister O'Sullivan said: "The launch of this voluntary code marks a new era for the not-for-profit housing sector in Ireland. For the first time a
17/07/2013
Mr Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) has officially handed over the keys of the Rocket House, Baltimore to the local Tidy Town Committee for community use. The Minister said: "It is my pleasure to be here today to hand over the keys
17/07/2013
The Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte T.D has announced that the Government has approved the appointment of Mr Mark Griffin to the post of Secretary General of the Department of Communications Energy & Natural Resources with effect from 1st September 2013 on the retirement of Mr Aidan Dunnin
16/07/2013
Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), was in Clonakilty to launch the public exhibition stage of the Clonakilty Draft Flood Maps and Preferred Flood Risk Management Options. Speaking in Clonakilty this afternoon, Minister Hayes said: "We
16/07/2013
EirGrid's Grid25 infrastructure investment programme will sustain nearly 3,000 jobs a year up to 2025, according to a new study by Indecon International Economic Consultants. The study examines the wider economic benefits of the Grid25 programme, which involves an estimated €3.2bn of investment exp
16/07/2013
There was good news for Strabane as funding of £200,000 for local derelict buildings was announced by SDLP Minister for the Environment, Alex Attwood according to local party Councillor Patsy Kelly. She said: "I am delighted that in this round of funding that £200,000 has been allocated by Minister
16/07/2013
Antrim Energy, a Canada-based international exploration and production company, has announced approval has been received from the Irish Government for the conversion of Licensing Option 11/5 (Antrim 25%) in the Porcupine Basin offshore Ireland's west coast to a Frontier Exploration Licence ("FEL"),
16/07/2013
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the announcement by leading biopharmaceutical company, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, a global specialty biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Ireland, that it is to locate its manufacturing facility in Monksland in County Roscommon, subject to pla
16/07/2013
The Better Energy Financing (BEF) Project will recommend a design for an energy efficiency improvement scheme which focuses on quality assurance relating to assessments, installations, workmanship and products and incorporates a financing solution most appropriate for consumers wanting to upgrade th
16/07/2013
Energia, Ireland's leading independent energy supplier, has made a donation of £20,000 to one of the country's most valued charitable organisations. Having had a target to raise £10,000 it has been an outstanding effort to raise £20,000. Staff in Energia's offices across Ireland raised £20,000 for
16/07/2013
A resurfacing scheme on the Glen Road, Belfast, is due to begin on Monday 22 July. The scheme involves the resurfacing of the footways and carriageway between Suffolk Road and Shaws Road and is expected to take six weeks to complete. In order to provide a safe working environment and ensure the
16/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £170,000 major resurfacing scheme on B16 Garryduff Road, Ballymoney. The work is due to begin on 23 July 2013, between Burnquarter Road and Glenlough Road. The length of the scheme is approximately 1.4 kilometres. The Ministe
16/07/2013
SDLP Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell has announced that Mark H Durkan will replace the outgoing SDLP Environment Minister Alex Attwood MLA. Mr McDonnell said: "I am delighted to announce that the new SDLP Environment Minister is Mark H Durkan who will replace the outgoing minister Alex Attwood MLA. "
15/07/2013
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has officially turned the sod on the €6 million Ballinamore Community Hospital and Primary Care Centre. This significant project involves the building of a modern purpose built Primary Care Centre and interconnected 20-bed Community Hospital
15/07/2013
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £290,000 resurfacing scheme on the M2 Ballymena bypass, Ballymena. A significant resurfacing scheme is planned for the M2 Ballymena By-Pass for one kilometre in a northbound direction from the A42 Broughshane Road off slip. The works are due to begi
15/07/2013
Labour T.D. for Waterford Ciara Conway says the publication of an inspection into the relationship between Waterford I.T. and a group of companies that provided its services means that the institute can draw a line under the episode and move forward. She is welcoming an allocation of 10 million e
15/07/2013
The Ulster Unionist Party's Environment Spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA, has welcomed the news that increasing permitted development rights will come into being from August 2013, describing the arrival as a "massive boost for the agricultural community". The legislative changes, which were announced
15/07/2013
South Down SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie and South Down MLA Seán Rogers along with Louth Fine Gael TD Peter Fitzpatrick today met with the Irish Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan TD to express their concern about the future of the Narrow Water Bridge and to urge the Irish Government to do all they
15/07/2013
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan TD, has made his comments on the publication of the latest Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review (LGER) Implementation Group. The County and City Managers' Association, in its input to the Report, has confir
15/07/2013
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy announced a £250,000 resurfacing scheme on the A43 Glenravel Road north of Cargan Village, Co Antrim The works are due to commence on Monday 22 July 2013 and will be completed by Friday 2 August 2013. The Minister said: "This significant resurfacing scheme on the main
15/07/2013
Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed the announcement that Pfizer is investing €23 million in its facility at Ringaskiddy in Co Cork. The investment will be focussed on developing specialist new capabilities to manufacture some of Pfizer’s newest medicines in cancer and ot
11/07/2013
Pfizer has announced that $130 million is being invested in two of its Irish manufacturing sites. $100 million is being invested in the Grange Castle site in Dublin and $30 million is being invested in the Ringaskiddy site in Cork. The investments, which are supported by the Department of Jobs, Ent
11/07/2013
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West, Michael Moynihan, says there must be a definite commitment by the Government to ensure the long awaited construction of an amalgamated primary school in Kanturk. Deputy Moynihan was speaking after raising a special Dáil debate on the need for a new building for t
11/07/2013
EirGrid has taken formal acceptance of the East West Interconnector from contractor ABB following a series of successful system tests. The interconnector was developed by EirGrid and the contract to design, manufacture and install it was awarded to the Swiss/Swedish engineering firm ABB. The cable
11/07/2013
Drogheda Borough Council is inviting submissions or observations regarding the Draft Urban Design Framework Plan for Drogheda Heritage Quarter. The period of consultation will take place from Thursday 11th July to Thursday 8th August 2013. A draft document has been prepared and will be available
11/07/2013
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Architects Department and Bucholz McEvoy Architects have received two awards for the Councils new Operations Centre in Ballyogan at the 2013 Irish Architecture Awards, which took place at the Wood Quay Venue in Dublin. The categories in which awards were receiv
11/07/2013
Westmeath County Council Manager, Barry Kehoe has expressed his gratitude to the 11,047 septic tank registrations that have been received in county Westmeath, representing 90% of owners. Mr Kehoe welcomed the announcement by Mr Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Go
11/07/2013
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has said the government must stand up to the banks on mortgage arrears. Speaking in the Dáil Deputy Doherty said: "The number in arrears has nearly doubled under this government like it did in the last 18 months of Fianna Fáil. Nearly one in four mor
11/07/2013
South Down SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie demands a meeting with the Taoiseach over the fact that Louth County Council has placed the Narrow Water Bridge project on hold due to high tendering costs. Ritchie wants both the British and Irish Governments to provide alternative resources to ensure the deliv
11/07/2013
The Social Development Minister has announced proposals to transfer some 2,000 Housing Executive homes to the housing association movement. The houses have been chosen as they require major improvement work and there is no certainty that finance will be available to fund the necessary work. A spok
11/07/2013
As part of NI Water's on-going work under the Water Mains Rehabilitation Framework in the North Belfast area, work will shortly commence on the Westland Road to replace a section of water main which supplies the Cavehill Fire Station. The scheme will commence on Monday 15th July 2013 and will cont
10/07/2013
Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams has welcomed the decision by Minister Kennedy to approve the Narrow Water Bridge order. However, he has also expressed his disappointment at the news that Louth County Council has put construction of the Narrow Water Bridge on hold because construction c
10/07/2013
Speaking from the European Parliament in Brussels, Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson, has pledged her support for anti-Fracking campaigners in Ireland. Martina Anderson commented: "The Environment Committee, on which I sit, voted on an update to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive. One
10/07/2013
Tom Hayes T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, has today reminded forest owners and managers, turf cutters and the general public that there is a high risk of wildfires during the current spell of hot weather. The Minister s
10/07/2013
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has officially opened NexusUCD, a new industry partnership centre at University College Dublin, as part of the ongoing evolution of the University's innovation ecosystem. NexusUCD, which contains more than 100 offices, is set to house up to 300 highly-skilled research and innov
10/07/2013
Taoiseach Enda Kenny today attended the official Ground Breaking Ceremony at the Millennium Business Park site in Naas for the Kerry Global Technology & Innovation Centre. Located on a 28-acre site in the Millennium Business Park, Naas; as announced in October 2012, Kerry Group will invest €100m in
10/07/2013
Fianna Fáil is calling for changes to be made to the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears which have removed key protections for borrowers and given unjustified additional power to the banks. Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin and Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath launched the party's Private Memb
10/07/2013
Schools in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from approximately £4.4m investment in the coming months under the Minor Works Scheme. Education Minister, John O'Dowd said: "Since January this year, £23.8million has been allocated to minor works contracts with £4.4million being invested in 42 contr
10/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £45,000 pedestrian crossing on Purdysburn Road, Castlereagh. The works are being carried out to improve pedestrian facilities, and are due to begin on Monday 22 July. This will involve provision of a toucan crossing. Mr Ken
10/07/2013
Overall builders' workloads across Britain have begun to improve for the first time since the economic downturn began in 2007, with the picture in Northern Ireland being particularly encouraging, according to the latest research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The FMB's State of Trade
10/07/2013
North Down Councillor Andrew Muir has welcomed the provision of new cycle stands in Bangor and Holywood. The new cycle stands have been erected in both town centres following lobbying by Councillor Muir and a number of other dedicated individuals. The Roads Service has also confirmed they are curre
09/07/2013
The Environment Committee continues its crucial series of comprehensive hearings on the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2013. Michael McCarthy T.D, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, said: "We are working with key groups, organisations a
09/07/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has confirmed planning permission for an Energy from Waste (EfW) gasification plant in Lisburn. The site, at the former Burn House Rendering facility to the west of Lisburn, will convert 80,000 tonnes of mixed waste each year into electricity and heat. This is thr
09/07/2013
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has advised its members that an Interim Agreement has been reached between FAS and CITB (UK) for the exchange of FAS CSCS and CPCS Plant Operations Cards. The agreement puts in place a process allowing personnel who hold the relevant cards in one jurisdi
09/07/2013
Construction has started on a new social housing development at West Green, Holywood. The new scheme will consist of 31 two and three bedroom family homes, plus six apartments designed specifically to meet the needs of independent older people. It will be built by Clanmil Housing with part funding
09/07/2013
Ireland's current measure of economic performance, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), can and should be developed into a Green Net National Product, which takes the environment into account. These are the findings of new research by the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI), published by the Env
09/07/2013
The government have been urged to include specific emission reduction targets within its climate change legislation. An Taisce told Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Culture and Gaeltacht that without specific targets, it is impossible to track the intention of legislation through to i
09/07/2013
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has issued a strong safety warning to communities to build bonfires a safe distance from overhead lines and substations. An NIE spokesperson said: "We have had reports of bonfires being erected under or close to high voltage electricity lines. This is a very dan
09/07/2013
The Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) has approved Cairn's farm-in as Operator with a 38% working interest (WI) in two exploration licences (FEL 2/04 and FEL 4/08) and one licensing option covering 2,753 km2 in the Porcupine Basin offshore We
09/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £121,000 major resurfacing scheme on the Springfield Road. This carriageway work is due to begin on Monday 22 July 2013 between West Circular Road and Watermouth Crescent. The Minister said: "The benefits of this scheme is the ov
09/07/2013
The Irish Georgian Society & South Dublin County Council, in association with the Office of Public Works presents the Period Building Show: a weekend of traditional building skills demonstrations & conservation talks at Rathfarnham Castle on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July 2013 (10am to 5pm daily)
08/07/2013
Ryanair has announced it has appointed John Paul Construction as its chosen contractors to fit out its new Dublin office building in Airside Business Park in Swords, which will become Ryanair's new Dublin office. The 100,000 sq ft building will house all of Ryanair's Irish operations, including it
08/07/2013
A further decline in activity was recorded by Irish construction firms in June, according to The Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) report. New business also decreased, albeit marginally. Lower new work led to further sharp reductions in purchasing activity and employment, bu
08/07/2013
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Mr. Leo Varadkar T.D. today officially opened Hansfield Station in Dublin. The station was originally built by developers as part of the M3 Parkway Rail Commuter project development which opened in 2010. The station was built as part of the Hansfield strategi
08/07/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Caitríona Ruane has written to Department of Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy over the delay to a Bridge Order for the Narrow Water Bridge. Ms Ruane said: "The Narrow Water Bridge is good to proceed as soon as DRD Minister Danny Kennedy grants a Bridge Order, as every other
08/07/2013
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that a £370,000 road junction improvement scheme on Northland Road and Springtown Road in L'Derry will begin in July 2013. Work is scheduled to start on Wednesday 24 July and is expected to be completed by Sunday 1 September 2013. Mr Kennedy said: "The in
08/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced some road closures in relation to a £132,000 reconstruction scheme on B50 Omagh Road, Drumquin, Co Tyrone. The Minister said: "The works will address a longstanding drainage problem, improve the structural condition of this stretch of carria
08/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £395,000 Bridge parapet replacement scheme on Sandelford Bridge on the A29 Ring Road in Coleraine. The work is due to begin on Sunday 21 July 2013 on the bridge which is located between the Strand Road and Lodge Road roundabouts a
08/07/2013
NI Water is about to commence work on the construction of the new Drumbeg Drive Wastewater Pumping Station (WwPS) and associated pipelines. The work is scheduled to commence on the 22nd July 2013 with estimated completion by the end of June 2014. Some disruption to traffic shall occur during the
08/07/2013
Excavations at Dundrum Castle have unearthed impressive remains of what is believed to be a medieval lime kiln. The dig, organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork at Queens University Belfast, is shedding much light on the story of Dundr
08/07/2013
For the past three years, Energia boss Tom Gillen has stood at trackside and marvelled at the efforts of the ultra runners going to hell and back to chalk up the miles that will take them past the magical '100' and into a very exclusive club at the 24-Hour race. As title sponsor, it's been the Grou
05/07/2013
Power NI has secured a contract to supply twenty local councils across Northern Ireland with renewable energy for the next 12 months. The £6 million contract was secured following an innovative and competitive tender, which saw 20 councils come together to maximise their spending power and secure t
05/07/2013
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has officially opened a newly upgraded section of the main road to Dingle, one of Ireland's leading tourism towns. Minister Varadkar opened the new section of the N86 road outside Annascaul which lies on the main Tralee to Dingle route, and which
05/07/2013
The Garda Divisional Crime Task Force and Bord Gáis Networks are warning people not to tamper with their gas meters. A scam has been uncovered where the gas meter is by-passed, and it involves criminal damage to the meter and poses a potential safety risk. A man in his 30's was arrested on Tuesda
05/07/2013
Fine Gael Roscommon/South Leitrim TD, Frank Feighan, has said he will work closely with the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, to secure funding for a rehabilitation unit planned for Roscommon Hospital. Mr Feighan said: "Proposals for capital funding for this project are currently being prepared
05/07/2013
Engineering student Jordan Davis had reason for celebration when, in the space of just a few weeks, he received three Northern Ireland wide awards for an innovative engineering solution he developed during his studies. Jordan, a Manufacturing Engineering student at South Eastern Regional College (S
05/07/2013
Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced significant financial investment to support a crucial NI Hospice capital project. £2.7m will assist the NI Hospice in providing a replacement adult hospice for the provision of palliative and end of life care on the Somerton Road in Belfast. The new hospic
05/07/2013
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that work on a £146,000 resurfacing scheme for Longrig Road in Antrim will begin on 15 July 2013. The work between Kilcross Road and Boltnaconnell Road is expected to continue until 19 July 2013. Mr Kennedy said: "The improvements will result in the overa
05/07/2013
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, Tom Hayes, TD, presented the Third Level Student Wood Awards for 2013 at a ceremony in the National Botanic Gardens. The Awards, organised by the Wood Marketing Federation in conjunction with W
05/07/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced the easing of planning rules for farmers. The new rights, known as permitted development rights, will come in to operation in August 2013. They will increase the range of agricultural development that no longer needs planning permission. Farmers wi
05/07/2013
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., has announced that an international design competition for Irish primary school buildings is to be launched in September. Speaking at the annual awards ceremony of the Royal Institutes of Architects of Ireland, the Minister said: "The 2013 P
04/07/2013
Fianna Fáil TD for Limerick, Niall Collins, has welcomed the funding announcement for the refurbishment of the facilities at Copsewood Pool and Sports Company in Pallaskenry. Deputy Collins said: "The announcement that almost €200,000 in capital funding has been granted for Copsewood Pool and Sport
04/07/2013
Energy Minister, Pat Rabbitte, has brought a motion to the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, the aim of which is to increase electrical safety in domestic property. It follows on from the Minister's approval to draft regulations on Restricted Electrical Works, which the Commission f
04/07/2013
Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South West, Cáit Keane, has welcomed the news that an additional €10m in housing capital funding for people with a disability is to be allocated this year by the Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan TD. Mr Keane said: "I welcome this announcement by Ministe
04/07/2013
Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has announced a number of initiatives whereby local communities will benefit from the transfer of surplus lands currently in council ownership. To help local communities, Alex Attwood has stepped in to ensure that they benefit from these areas much more quickly w
04/07/2013
Dublin City Council's New Bye-Laws regulating the storage, presentation and collection of household and commercial waste came in to force on Monday 1 July 2013. The Bye-Laws will regulate the collection of approx 440,000 tonnes of waste from around 150,000 homes and businesses in the capital. A c
04/07/2013
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has officially re-opened Portadown Railway Station following the successful completion of a £3.6m redevelopment programme. The project was part funded by the European Commission and was delivered ahead of schedule. Mr Kennedy said: "Visitors to the new Portadown R
04/07/2013
SDLP Down District Councillor Gareth Sharvin has praised the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on the high volume of work they have recently carried out and continue to work on, in the Killough area. The work which has been delivered and continues to be carried out on the homes, come from the back
04/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £250,000 scheme to replace a bridge in Fermanagh. The Minister said work will start on the Derrylaney Bridge deck replacement on the C431 Teemore Road, Tee more, Derrylin, on Monday 15 July 2013. The work is expected to be complet
04/07/2013
Environment Minister, Alex Attwood has welcomed improvements in performance across all of the main categories of planning application over the last year. A statistical report published today reported that, over the last year: • the average processing times for Major, Intermediate and Minor categor
04/07/2013
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy travelled to Rathlin Island to mark the completion of the Island's new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment works (WwTW). Representing an investment of approximately £500,000, the new Rathlin Island WwTW and associated pumping station were constructed as
03/07/2013
Labour TD For Dublin South East Kevin Humphreys has welcomed the increased funding for disability housing. Minister Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan announced a boost of €10 million in capital funding that will provide people with homes in their communities. Mr Humphreys said: "Th
03/07/2013
Leitrim County Council has announced it proposes to carry out works on the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre site. The main features and objectives of the project are: • To re-locate and re-develop the Sliabh an Iarainn visitor centre (currently located on the top floor of the old Market House in D
03/07/2013
The Laois Grouped Towns Sewerage Scheme 'Design-Build-Operate' (DBO) contract has been signed. The contract was awarded by Laois County Council to the Response Engineering / Ward & Burke joint venture. The scheme involves the construction of five new wastewater treatment plants to cater for the n
03/07/2013
Minister McCausland has announced that GM Design Associates Limited have been appointed to start work on a Development Framework for Shaftesbury Square. The framework will set out a shared vision of the area's physical development potential that can be used by statutory bodies and private developer
03/07/2013
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced his decision to grant planning permission for a new boutique hotel development in L'Derry. The 17-bed boutique hotel and bar facilities will be developed in the former Bank building on Shipquay Street, L'Derry. The building, located within the histo
03/07/2013
Castlecoote, County Roscommon, is the overall winner of Ireland's Best Kept Town competition, 2013. The results were announced today (2nd July 2013) at an awards ceremony in Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Castlecoote also won the Best Kept Village category. Straffan, County Kildare won th
03/07/2013
SDLP Councillor Brian Heading has called for more information on plans for a waste transfer station in west Belfast. Councillor Heading said: "I understand that Whitemountain Quarries have applied to bring forward a waste transfer station to treat hazardous waste. "There needs to be clarification
03/07/2013
Fine Gael Limerick TD, Patrick O'Donovan, has called for the Construction Contracts Bill to be passed into law as quickly as possible, in light of a number of Government investment announcements which will result in significant contracts for the construction industry. Mr O'Donovan said: "The Constr
03/07/2013
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has announced an improvement programme that could see the refurbishment of around 2,000 social homes over the next three years. The Stock Transfer Programme, which is part of the Minister's recently announced housing strategy 'Facing the Future', will have three p
03/07/2013
Speaking after participating in a meeting between Dublin City Council's Moore Street Advisory Committee (MSAC) and Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan, Dublin Sinn Féin City Councillor and MSAC member Mícheál Mac Donncha, said that according to the Minister, a Government decision on the Chartered Land
02/07/2013
Dublin Airport is investing €4 million to upgrade the Terminal 1 multi-storey car park and offer customers a much improved product. Block A of the T1 multi-storey car park was constructed 1991, Block B was delivered in 1993 and Block C completed in 1996. The multi-storey car park is now in need of
02/07/2013
Cllr Barbara Murray has signed a contract appointing RPS Consulting Engineers, Ballincollig, Co. Cork to carry out pre-construction structural surveys for the €22 million Youghal Main Drainage Scheme. The surveys, of approximately 800 properties in Youghal, are the final works to be completed to
02/07/2013
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has expressed his gratitude to the almost 446,000 householders who have registered their septic tanks as he announced that he has signed regulations to provide for grant assistance for householders whose septic tanks are deemed to require
02/07/2013
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has said that alternatives to the Slane bypass must be fully explored before an application is resubmitted to An Bord Pleanála. Deputy Doherty added that a rushed re-submission would be risky and counterproductive, and it would be much wiser to exhaust othe
02/07/2013
Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has set out his plan to deliver decent, affordable and sustainable homes in his action plan for housing in Northern Ireland. The plan puts into effect his Department's Housing Strategy which was the subject of a wide consultation last year. The public were encoura
02/07/2013
Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the commitment from Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson to the committee of the Office of First and Deputy First Minister that monies will be ring fenced for the completion of the A5 project. Mr McCartney said: "At the committee meeting of the OFMDFM, F
02/07/2013
A new Product Guide for 2013 is available from Fantech Ventilation containing a comprehensive range of ventilation products, many of which are compliant with the new Energy related Products (ErP) Directive, the first tier of which came into force on 1 January, 2013. Fantech are part of the intern
02/07/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced the completion of work to improve the local public realm and community safety along a walkway and cycle path at Ballymacarrett. The £181,000 improvement scheme between Ballymacarrett Road, Titanic Rail Halt and Bridge End was funded by the
02/07/2013
Roads Minister Danny Kennedy has taken action to ensure that road works and utility services in a Larne housing development left unfinished by a developer will be completed using Road Bond funding. Following the financial collapse of 'Eassda' a private Development Company, many of the roads and fo
02/07/2013
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced that FP McCann has been awarded the contract to deliver the £3m streetscape renewal of Bank Square in Belfast City Centre and its surrounding streets. The work will begin in July and is due for completion by November 2014. Mr McCausland
01/07/2013
Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy has announced that the Executive has agreed to around £40m funding to support a scheme to construct a bypass in Magherafelt. The Executive's support for the scheme was announced by the Finance Minister in the Assembly today. The A31 Magherafelt Bypass will compris
01/07/2013
Mr Phil Hogan TD Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has thanked the vast majority who have registered their properties and paid the household charge. To date 1,286,802 properties have been registered and this includes 23,626 waivers. Almost €135m has been collected and re
01/07/2013
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
01/07/2013
The Minister for Health Dr James Reilly TD today (Thursday 27th June 2013) turned the sod on the new extension to the Services for Older People Residential Unit at Virginia Community Heath Centre. The project involves the construction of a new two story extension to the front and sides of the exist
01/07/2013
DUP MLA and Policing Board member Robin Newton, said in welcoming the disruption of the illegal fuel laundering plant in Crossmaglen he is sure this plant will soon be back in operation. Mr Newton said: "It is not enough for the PSNI and Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) simply to disrupt thes
01/07/2013
Nine young apprentices from Northern Ireland are set to take on the world at WorldSkills Leipzig 2013. WorldSkills is the world's largest international vocational skills competition which takes place from 3-6 July 2013 in Leipzig, Germany. The nine local competitors on Team UK will take part in fou
