Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for January 2014
31/01/2014
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin TD, has marked the completion of a significant energy retrofit project in Wexford including upgrades to 64 local authority homes around the county and two community centres in Clonard and Murrintown. The project received €80,000 funding th
31/01/2014
SDLP South Down MP, Margaret Ritchie has reiterated her call for the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria on the West coast of Britain to be fully decommissioned and closed after the latest in a long line of safety breaches at the nuclear base. Sellafield is currently being operated at
31/01/2014
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed the news that the construction project to build the €4 million Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon County Hospital (RCH) is set to formally go out to tender. "Tenders will now go out to a number of builders who have been selected from th
31/01/2014
MJM Group Chairman Brian McConville has announced he has bought Mivan out of administration. Established in 1983 by the McConville family, MJM Group is a world leader in the refurbishment of Cruise Liners, Ferries, Super Yachts, luxury hotel and leisure facilities, office and retail and private re
31/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, has called for clarity on whether the North-South interconnector will be included in the Government’s review of high voltage electricity cables. Conflicting statements from Minister Pat Rabbitte and the T
31/01/2014
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has accused the Government of slashing funds to local government in order to pay for the burgeoning costs of Irish Water. The Laois/Offaly TD was commenting on figures provided by Minister Phil Hogan which revealed th
31/01/2014
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has reinforced the message that Northern Ireland has much to gain from a robust and cost effective renewable energy sector. Speaking at the Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group (NIRIG) annual conference in Belfast, the Minister said: "Re
31/01/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has released a report on the disposal of radioactive material to two landfill sites in Northern Ireland. Concerns were raised last month following reports based on a parliamentary question from 1983 which detailed disposal of radioactive waste at Duncrue Street in
30/01/2014
Vice Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, Anne Ferris T.D., has welcomed the establishment of an expert panel to study the EirGrid Grid25 proposal. She said: "I welcome this proposal by Minister Rabbitte. The committee that the Minister has selected is in my view beyond reproach, and I look f
30/01/2014
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has welcomed a commitment from the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Brian Hayes, that €348,000 is to be reinvested in heritage sites. Minister Hayes made his comments at a meeting of the Select Sub Committee on Public Expenditure and Refor
30/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Public Expenditure and Reform Spokesperson Sean Fleming has described the decision by Ulster Bank to transfer its mortgage arrears unit from Dublin to Edinburgh as bad for Ireland. Deputy Fleming is asking the Central Bank, as regulator, to examine whether this announcement will affect
30/01/2014
Clare Fine Gael TD, Joe Carey, has suggested old car tyres should be used in port, coastal and river areas, to help prevent flooding and erosion. Deputy Carey added that the move could help to prevent the sort of damage caused by the recent storms in coastal areas around the country. Mr Carey sai
30/01/2014
Sinn Féin MLA and Vice Chair of the Social Development Committee Mickey Brady has welcomed the issuing of a Section 44 notice calling on the Housing Executive (HE) to produce the Campbell-Tickell report into the alleged over-payments of £18m to various contractors. Mr Brady stated: "During the cour
30/01/2014
Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, has said that more scrutiny is needed of the environmental impact of the work that will be carried out to create a gas storage facility under Larne Lough. Mr Stewart was speaking after BP announced they were pulling out of the project. The project will s
30/01/2014
Mortgage Brain, one of Ireland's leading mortgage technology solutions provider, has announced the launch of a new web-based 'Business to Consumer' mortgage sourcing system for Irish brokers’ websites. The new Mortgage Brain B2C sourcing system harnesses some of the latest Microsoft technology to f
30/01/2014
Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, has welcomed the announcement that Caterpillar intends to invest £5.4million in its Northern Ireland truck parts manufacturing operation in Larne. It will help secure around 100 jobs on the site. Mr Dickson MLA said: "This is fantastic news for Larne and i
29/01/2014
Labour TD Jack Wall today welcomed comments by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore that the government is to target the creation of 12,000 extra jobs in the construction sector over the next three years. Mr Wall said: "I am delighted that the construction sector is to be targeted to help former plasters, carpen
29/01/2014
First Minister the Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MLA, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have welcomed US firm Caterpillar's decision to expand its Northern Ireland manufacturing operation in Larne. The company has announced an investment of £5.4million in the production of articulated truck axl
29/01/2014
ESB today launched the ‘Energy for Generations’ fund, a new corporate responsibility investment which will see over €2m per year disbursed across a range of community and issues-based initiatives. Approximately €1m per year will be dedicated to addressing issues relating to education, suicide prev
29/01/2014
Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has welcomed the announcement of a €10 million investment by the Teeling Whiskey Company in a new distillery and visitor centre at Newmarket Square in Dublin's Liberties. The distillery will create over 30 new jobs as well as 50 jobs in the const
29/01/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced £125,000 funding to help conserve a hugely important listed building in L'Derry. The funding boost will be given to Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin to help them purchase The Glassworks, formerly Great James’ Street Presbyterian Church. A grant scheme, run by
29/01/2014
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has said the outsourcing of mortgages to unregulated third parties must end. Deputy Doherty was commenting after, in a series of replies to parliamentary questions, Minister Michael Noonan accepted that the sale of mortgages to 'debt factoring' compa
29/01/2014
Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte TD has announced that he is establishing an expert panel, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Catherine McGuinness, to oversee the preparation of reports on the best underground route options to compare with the Grid Link and Grid West high voltage power lines c
29/01/2014
The Department of Environment (DoE) has published Northern Ireland's first ever Climate Change Adaptation Programme. The Programme provides a cross departmental response to the potential risks and opportunities from our changing climate. The Climate Change Risk Assessment for Northern Ireland, whic
28/01/2014
An announcement by the EU Commission of new climate and energy goals for 2030 reinforces the case for continuing investment in Ireland renewable energy capacity, according to Dr Brian Motherway, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). "Speculation that resolve would be weakened i
28/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom McNamara says reductions in the annual Regional and Local Roads Allocation received by Clare County Council from Government is seriously impacting on the roads network, particularly in rural parts of County Clare. The Ennis Municipal District based Councillor was respond
28/01/2014
Chair of the Stormont Enterprise Committee Patsy McGlone has said that construction firms across the North have approached him with deep concerns about the future of the industry. This comes as further evidence shows that the Executive's Capital Works Projects are progressing at a snail’s pace and
28/01/2014
Alliance South Antrim representatives David Ford MLA, Councillor Neil Kelly and Councillor Alan Lawther have expressed their sadness following the announcement that building firm Mivan has ceased trading. A further 144 employees have been made redundant, after 98 employees were let go last week. On
28/01/2014
Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, to conduct a review of the storage of toxic materials in residential areas following the fire at the Oxigen
28/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD has responded to the analysis from the ESRI which suggests that decisions taken by the Government around the structure of Irish Water will lead to an additional €2 Billion costs. Deputy Cowen commented: "As each week passes, the mess at the core o
28/01/2014
Sinn Féin councillor Steven Corr has welcomed the announcement that the Department of the Environment has approved a further £220,000 to deal with derelict buildings in Belfast. The West Belfast councillor and Chair of the Heath & Environmental Services Committee at the City Hall said: "The council
28/01/2014
Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, has welcomed the announcement that the Desertcreat Training College project is to begin this summer, but shares the disappointment of the people of Mid-Ulster regarding the delays, and the increased cost to the taxpayer. Mrs Overend sa
27/01/2014
Dublin's National Basketball Arena in Tallaght, which hosted the National Cup Finals at the weekend, has reduced its electricity costs by a third after it carried out a significant retrofit of the Arena last year, led by FutureFit. Basketball Ireland invested in new LED 'Lux Level' floodlights and
27/01/2014
NI Water is set to begin an extensive programme of improvements at Seacourt Pumping Station in Bangor on 3rd February as part of its ongoing £3m Wastewater Pumping Stations project. The pumping station, which is located just off the coastal path in the town, will be converted from a 'dry well' to '
27/01/2014
Fine Gael Chairman and Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, has said that stud farms and racehorse training facilities should be designated as 'noise sensitive properties' when planning applications are being considered for wind farm developments. Deputy Flanagan has put forward the proposal in his s
27/01/2014
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 Cliffoney for community use. The Minister said: "I'm pleased to be back in County Sligo today, to once again hand over a former
27/01/2014
East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson has said that Sinn Fein proposals for a local referendum in Fermanagh on hydraulic fracturing to release shale gas is not the appropriate way to decide such an issue and is simply being put up by Sinn Fein as another attempt to block economic development. Mr Wilson said:
27/01/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced a £14million investment package of work to improve the security of the water supply infrastructure for customers in Belfast and Lisburn. The Castor Bay to Belfast Water Trunk Main, which will get underway in February 2014 will involve laying
27/01/2014
Sinn Féin EU candidate for Ireland South, Liadh Ní Riada, has said that the news that 29 staff at Irish Water are earning over €100,000, with further opportunities for bonuses, "smacks of a Celtic Tiger type culture". Ní Riada said: "I think most ordinary people will hear these figures and find the
27/01/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy and Environment Minister Mark H Durkan have launched DRIVESHOW, a series of electric vehicle information and test-drive event to be held at venues across Northern Ireland. DRIVESHOW is a joint initiative between the Department for Regional Development and
24/01/2014
Construction work has started on a £58m wind farm in Dunbeg, Co Derry. The 42MW development will generate enough renewable energy power to meet the demand of 24,000 homes, the developers, Gaelectric, has said. The wind farm will be located at Dunbeg, Co Derry, near the A37 which is mid-way betwe
24/01/2014
Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock TD, has launched a new €30m Irish Photonic Integration Centre (IPIC). The centre is led by Tyndall National Institute in collaboration with University College Cork (UCC), Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and Dublin City University (DCU). The n
24/01/2014
Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry has said he is "confident" that the planning permission for the South Eastern Regional College's (SERC) new performing arts centre is valid. Earlier this week, an investigation was launched into the development after concerns were voiced by Bangor res
24/01/2014
Some 32 industrial and warehousing building projects are currently active around the country, despite the high vacancy levels in these type of properties. The work totalling almost €600 million is significantly lower than the same period last year, when 167 projects were completed worth an estimate
24/01/2014
Up to 65 construction jobs are to be created in Cork following the announcement that American pharmaceutical firm Biomarin are to establish a new plant in Ringaskiddy. Taking over a facility previously owned by Pfizer, it marks the first time the company has invested outside the US. Biomarin are i
24/01/2014
Property prices rose nationally by 6.4% in the year to December 2013, latest figures from the CSO have revealed. This compares with an increase of 5.6% in November and a decrease of 4.5% recorded in the twelve months to December 2012. Residential property prices grew by 0.3% in the month of Dec
24/01/2014
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council plans to temporarily close the Breffni Road between its junction with Castlepark Road and Harbour Road next month. The closure would be in place to through traffic from Monday 3 February to Friday 7 March inclusive of both dates. The purpose of the closure i
24/01/2014
Fine Gael Chairman and Laois/Offaly TD, Charlie Flanagan, has said that stud farms and racehorse training facilities should be designated as "noise sensitive properties" when planning applications are being considered for wind farm developments. Deputy Flanagan put forward the proposal in his subm
23/01/2014
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has announced details of the €332.9 million investment programme for 2014 for regional and local roads. The package will allow approximately 1,910 kms of regional and local road to be maintained, 2,156 kms to be strengthened, 245 low cost safety
23/01/2014
The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., has urged schools to complete contracts aimed at significantly reducing their energy costs as soon as possible. Some 1,700 schools across the country have been included in this new drive to cut electricity costs by between 10-15% per school.
23/01/2014
Clare County Council is to commence emergency flood defence works along the County Clare coastline near Quilty over fears that up to 15 homes could experience flooding. Recent storms caused significant coastal erosion at Cloughaninchy leaving private residential properties exposed to flooding by se
23/01/2014
Rapid price growth in Dublin's residential property market is likely to continue until more supply comes on-stream to meet the demand for new housing units, according to Savills Ireland. The comments came in response to the CSO's Residential Property Price Index for the year to December. It showed
23/01/2014
Schools across the north will benefit from almost £6million investment under the Department of Education's minor works scheme. Speaking about the investment, Education Minister, John O'Dowd said: “In 2013, over £48million was allocated to minor works contracts with £6million being invested in 62 co
23/01/2014
Labour TD Gerald Nash has welcomed the report by a review group set up to assess apprenticeship training systems in Ireland, stating the provisions in the report should be implemented without delay. Mr Nash said: "This is an area that hasn't been examined in any comprehensive way in over 20 years.
23/01/2014
Fine Gael Waterford TD, Paudie Coffey, has said he is very pleased that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, has accepted legislation put forward by Deputy Coffey which will prevent businesses from being forced to pay rates arrears when they have taken ove
23/01/2014
Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has welcomed the bringing of the ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Bill before the Dáil. Deputy Colreavy said: "Broadband has become an almost essential utility for every household. There are many
23/01/2014
Sinn Féin's Housing spokesperson has called on the Fine Gael and Labour government to take swift action on a number of small issues contributing to rising homelessness. Deputy Ellis said: "Every statistic released over the last 12 months has shown a dramatic rise in people experiencing homelessness
23/01/2014
Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan, has accused the European Commission of delivering an unambitious and uncertain Climate and Energy plan for 2030. He said: "We now need a real debate on our own national energy plans. By proposing to switch to a 'bottom up approach', the Commission is putting the oblig
22/01/2014
Irish energy supplier Vayu has signed arenewable electricity supply deal with UPC, Ireland's leading TV, broadband and communications innovator. Under the three-year agreement, Vayu will provide UPC with 100% green electricity to meet the year-round requirements for its 96 metered sites across Irela
22/01/2014
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, has challenged Minister Phil Hogan on the misuse of the Local Property Tax (LPT) to pay for the establishment of Irish Water. Questioning the Minister at the Environment Committee meeting, the Laois/Offaly Deputy claimed that this con
22/01/2014
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, TD, has secured Cabinet approval for progressive changes in the private rented sector. The Cabinet approved the Minister's plans for a deposit protection scheme, which will see an independent operator holding and returning tenant deposits. The Ca
22/01/2014
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, has welcomed the fact that Dublin City Manager Owen Keegan is to appear before the Environment Committee to answer questions regarding the proposed incinerator at Poolbeg. Deputy Stanley said: "I welcome the fact that Mr Keegan is to appe
22/01/2014
Work began this week to return thousands of tonnes of illegally deposited waste in County Fermanagh to the Republic of Ireland. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and authorities in the Republic of Ireland are working on returning approximately 2,000 tonnes of waste from a site near to
22/01/2014
Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast and Housing spokesperson Fra McCann has said the continuous inability of the Housing Executive to spend allocated budget monies is an indictment on the leadership at the Housing Executive. Mr McCann said: "At a time when waiting lists are growing and ho
22/01/2014
As part of the Government's decision in February 2013 to appoint Special Liquidators to IBRC, it was decided that the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) would acquire any commercial and residential loans which were unsold after the Special Liquidators had completed a loan valuation and sales pr
22/01/2014
A series of public information days are being held across Belfast to show designs for the proposed new foot/cycle bridge over the River Lagan. Following a recent feasibility study into constructing a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Lagan between the Gasworks and Ormeau Park, nine des
22/01/2014
SDLP MLA Alex Attwood has called "a significant and timely intervention" regarding the comments of the DETI minister in the Assembly on the future development of the Visteon site. Mr Attwood said: "During DETI Oral Questions in the Assembly, I asked Arlene Foster a 'yes or no' question - did the Mi
22/01/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £106,000 major resurfacing scheme on Drumsurn Road (C 529), Limavady this week. Resurfacing work is expected to start at the end of January near Drummond Cricket Club and preparatory works are currently underway. The Minister sai
21/01/2014
Dublin second hand house prices increased by 17.7% last year as a lack of property coming to the market and improved buyer sentiment lead to the 6th consecutive quarter of growth, according to the DNG Annual Property Review. Cash buyers continued to dominate the market, accounting for around 54% of
21/01/2014
Over £20million has been allocated to roads maintenance as part of the January monitoring round. In addition, some £3 million funding will be used to help deliver improvements to bus stations and workshops, for constructing crash barriers and for cycling. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "My
21/01/2014
As part of the Louth Water Conservation Project Louth County Council on behalf of Irish Water are to implement rehabilitation works on priority water distribution mains in the Dundalk area. This will involve the laying of new water mains and transfer of existing services onto the new water main. W
21/01/2014
The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in partnership with Enterprise Ireland is running an information and networking event connecting local suppliers to opportunities in the construction sector under the Schools Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme. The event takes place on Friday 31
21/01/2014
The Green Party has welcomed reports that the Poolbeg Incinerator project is likely to be dropped and calls on the Public Accounts Committee to formally investigate the actions of Dublin City Council in the mismanagement of this project. Green Party Environment Spokesperson, Malcolm Noonan, said: "
21/01/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan today announced planning approval for new and redeveloped leisure facilities in Portadown. The application site is located on lands at The People's Park Portadown and Northway Tunnel between Woodhouse Street and Obin's Street, Co Armagh. The application includes
21/01/2014
Ronald McKeegan, the Ulster Unionist Party's Foyle Constituency Chairman, has welcomed the recent investment by the Department of Regional Development in the Tullyally area of L'Derry. Mr McKeegan said: "I am delighted to finally see some much needed investment in Tullyally. For too many years Tull
21/01/2014
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has called on the government to prioritise the building of new social housing in the last two years of its term. He made his call amid rising housing need, soaring rent prices and serious concerns over conditions in the private rental market. Mr Elli
21/01/2014
Alliance Environment spokesperson, Anna Lo MLA, has voiced her opposition to an Assembly motion from Sinn Fein which said that PPS21, the rural planning policy for sustainable development in the countryside, should be revised to allow for greater development. The debate is due to take place in the
21/01/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced that a £300,000 improvement and resurfacing scheme at Prospect Road in Carrickfergus is scheduled to begin on Monday 27 January 2014. The scheme is expected to be completed by 2 April 2014. Mr Kennedy said: "This is a very significant investmen
20/01/2014
Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has called for the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Minister Pat Rabbitte and the British government to be suspended. This comes in light of reports that the European Commission is to signific
20/01/2014
The Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte T.D. has published Ireland's National Energy Services Framework (NESF), which will support the rollout of energy performance contracting (EPC) to public and commercial facilities across the country. The key aim of the Framewo
20/01/2014
The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) has announced that the 80:20 Deferred Payment Initiative will be closed to new entrants with effect from 31 May 2014. Purchasers who have already bought houses in the scheme, together with those who contract to buy a qualifying property before the end of
20/01/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £275,000 road improvement scheme on B6 Station Road and B6 Killyleagh Road, Saintfield next month. Resurfacing of a 1,000metre stretch of the B6 Killyleagh Road and an 820metre stretch of the B6 Station Road, Saintfield from the Lough Ro
20/01/2014
Labour Senator John Kelly has said that the eagerly awaited renewable energy target proposals post-2020 by the European Commission are, by all accounts, going to be hugely significant for this country. The proposals are expected to see the Commission significantly scaling back on its mandatory ener
20/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen has provided evidence to the Dáil that the Environment Minister Phil Hogan misled the Oireachtas about the set-up costs of Irish Water. Deputy Cowen has provided a transcript from the Oireachtas Environment Committee in November 2012, showing Ministe
20/01/2014
Alliance Leader David Ford and Antrim Councillor Neil Kelly have expressed sadness at the news 100 workers have been made redundant at Mivan. The firm announced it had entered administration last Friday and it is believed the 100 job losses announced have come from across the company. David Ford,
20/01/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of advanced works on the £65million A26 Glarryford to Drones Road dualling scheme. These advanced works, which start on Monday 27 January 2014, include site clearance, the removal of vegetation, the erection of the site boundary fence and ar
20/01/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has said that non-farming rural dwellers must have greater opportunities to build a home in their own townland. Speaking ahead of a proposed motion, which Sinn Féin is tabling in the Assembly tomorrow, Mr McElduff said: "Under the present planning policy PPS 21, it is a
20/01/2014
A County L'Derry man was fined £7,500 at Londonderry Magistrates' Court today for non-compliance with a DOE Planning Enforcement notice. Mr Jason Hamilton of Kildoag Road, Killaloo was fined for the non- compliance of an enforcement notice seeking the removal of an unauthorised wooden dwelling to t
17/01/2014
Mr Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) was in County Laois to view new developments at Emo Court and Heywood Gardens, two of the OPW's premier historic properties. The Minister inspected the construction works underway on the new circ
17/01/2014
Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, has signed a €35m contract with PJ Hegarty and Sons for the construction of a new prison in Cork. Construction of the new prison will commence on Monday 20 January 2014 and will take approximately 18 months to complete. When commissioned
17/01/2014
The value of construction activity in Ireland is expected to grow by just over €1 billion to approximately €11 billion in 2014 and create up to 10,000 additional jobs. That's according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), who point to the strong level of work that is expected to take place
17/01/2014
Labour Senator Denis Landy said that a common sense response is required from Irish Water to ensure a continuous supply of good quality water to all citizens across the country. Speaking at the Environment Oireachtas Committee hearing with Irish Water, Senator Landy made a number of key points conc
17/01/2014
Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has called on the OPW to take necessary action to slow the alarming scale of coastal erosion at Rossbeigh in Kerry, and to salvage what is left of the dunes. Senator Coghlan made his call during an Adjournment Debate in the Seanad this wee
17/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen has provided evidence to the Dáil that the Environment Minister Phil Hogan misled the Oireachtas about the set-up costs of Irish Water. Deputy Cowen has provided a transcript from the Oireachtas Environment Committee in November 2012, showing Ministe
17/01/2014
Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, TD, has suggested that the scope of the independent financial advice offered to borrowers under the Mortgage Arrears Information and Advice Service should be broadened to become a two stage process. The Minister was addressing a Stakeholder Seminar to d
17/01/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £150,000 road improvement scheme in Portadown. Resurfacing work on 500 metres of West Street, Portadown between Corcrain Road and Brownstown Road will start on Monday 20 January. The scheme will also include the resurfacing of Loughgall
17/01/2014
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan and SDLP Derry City Councillor Shauna Cusack have congratulated those involved in upgrade works at an ancient L'Derry walkway which they say has been 'completely transformed'. The SDLP politicians were speaking about the "greatly anticipated and hard fought for" re-developmen
17/01/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £172,000 major resurfacing scheme on Donegall Park Avenue in north Belfast. Work is due to begin on Monday 27 January 2014 between the Shore Road and the Antrim Road. The Minister said: "Road users will benefit from the overall strength
16/01/2014
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Brendan Howlin TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, have visited the National Gallery of Ireland at the commencement of a €26 million refurbishment projec
16/01/2014
Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams TD raised the issue of pylons in the Dáil with the Taoiseach. Speaking afterwards, Mr Adams accused the Taoiseach of "failing to deal with the questions he raised regarding the undergrounding of high powered electricity lines." The Sinn Féin leader challenged the Taois
16/01/2014
Funding of €32.5m for almost 200 sustainable transport projects in the Dublin region from the National Transport Authority, including the further development of 47 cycle routes, has been announced by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar and Minster of State for Commuter Transport Ala
16/01/2014
Minister Jan O'Sullivan has allocated €38.4m to local authorities for a range of private housing grants in 2014. The increased funding supports home adaptations for older people, people with a disability and people with mobility issues. Commenting on the allocation, the Minister said: "Last year t
16/01/2014
Published by Construction Information Services (CIS) the 'Construction Opportunities' 2014 Report is a ‘Special Report’ on the largest, active and ready to go Construction Projects in Ireland both North and South for the year ahead. The Report is designed to assist companies that are preparing to ta
16/01/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the completion of a £55,000 pedestrian and cycle toucan puffin crossing on East Link Road, Dundonald. Mr Kennedy said: "This crossing will improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly vulnerable road users such as children,
16/01/2014
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited the new CLIC Sargent 'Home from Home' on the Falls Road, Belfast. The Northern Ireland Executive committed £70,000 of funding towards this newly constructed accommodation, through the Department for Social Development's Urban Development Gr
16/01/2014
Alliance East Belfast MP Naomi Long, Judith Cochrane MLA and Belfast City Council Group Leader Maire Hendron have welcomed the start of major works aimed at eliminating the threat of floods in East Belfast. Agriculture Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill has confirmed the £2.7 million flood
16/01/2014
Fianna Fáil's Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen has said the Environment Minister's credibility is in tatters as he continues to claim he had no idea what Irish Water’s €180 million budget was being spent on. He said: "It is extremely difficult to believe that Minister Hogan had no idea that Iri
16/01/2014
Rural cottage dwellers are taking part in an energy efficiency pilot scheme in Coleraine which could save up to £500 on their annual energy bills. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) have launched pilot scheme at three of its pre-1919 rural cottages; two at Bog Hill Road and another at Ba
15/01/2014
SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Joe Byrne has reiterated his call for progression of the A5 road in the wake of fatal crashes in recent weeks. Mr Byrne said: "If anything needs to be highlighted in the New Year period it is the fact the continuing issue of a new A5 road is literally an issue of life and d
15/01/2014
Fine Gael TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim, Frank Feighan, has welcomed Roscommon County Council's decision to give the planning go-ahead to develop an ambulance base at the former Garda Station in Loughglynn, Co Roscommon. Mr Feighan said: "I welcome the news that the HSE has now got formal planning
15/01/2014
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment Brian Stanley TD has called on Minister Phil Hogan to make a public statement regarding his knowledge of the budget allocated to the establishment of Irish Water. Deputy Stanley was speaking after a Dáil Committee meeting which was informed by Irish Wat
15/01/2014
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, has launched the report of Peter Bacon Economic Consultants: An assessment of Possible Fiscal Incentives in Relation to the Built Heritage in Irish Towns. The Heritage Council, which is funded by the Department of Arts Heritage and t
15/01/2014
The Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte TD, has committed to respond to the Dáil by the end of January setting out his reaction to recent consultations on Grid Development. He said: "Following conclusion of the first public consultations on January 7th on the €5
15/01/2014
Alliance North Down MLA Stephen Farry and Holywood Councillor Andrew Muir have stressed their continued commitment to secure a new build of Priory Integrated College, after the Education Minister again missed an opportunity to give certainty on the future of the school during his latest Assembly sta
15/01/2014
Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, has welcomed almost €3.5m in funding which is being allocated to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council by the National Transport Authority as part of the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) programme. She said: "This money will be used to
15/01/2014
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has announced that works to the value of £2.7m will begin this month on the next stage of a planned flood alleviation scheme in East Belfast. The Minister also confirmed that further flood alleviation works, which includes upgrading of t
15/01/2014
The South Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA Michael McGimpsey has welcomed the confirmation by the Sports Minister that funding is now in place for the re-development of Windsor Park , that work is due to commence within a matter of months and that the completion date in September of next year. Mr McG
15/01/2014
The Lord Mayor, Oisín Quinn and Managing Director of ESB Networks, Jerry O'Sullivan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which sets out the procedures to deal with dumping and graffiti at unmanned ESB Networks sub-stations in Dublin City. Among the key features are: • ESB Networks will remo
14/01/2014
Labour TD Eamon Maloney has welcomed the news that the home renovation tax break introduced in the Budget has driven a recent rise in construction activity in Ireland. Mr Maloney said: "This is an example of a Budget measure that is already working well for homeowners and builders at local level.
14/01/2014
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has called on the Irish government to make Irish Water compliant with the Freedom of Information Act and to move speedily to ensure that all relevant information about the establishment of Irish Water is accessible and available to the public. The Sinn Féin Louth
14/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, has called on Minister Pat Rabbitte to immediately publish any evidence he may have about the possible health effects of high voltage cables in overhead pylons. Deputy Moynihan was speaking after weekend
14/01/2014
Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), has congratulated the eight heritage sites, all managed by the OPW, on their Silver Merit Award of Excellence 2013. The coveted 'Visit Merit' Awards are presented annually by CIE Tours Internationa
14/01/2014
Bord Gáis Group of Unions representatives met with Bord Gáis Energy at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC), to discuss the details of the transfer of workers when the company moves into private ownership. SIPTU Organiser and Secretary of the Bord Gáis Group of Unions, Oliver McDonagh, said: "Work
14/01/2014
Alliance representatives in Antrim have said they are shocked and saddened at the news Mivan has been placed into administration. One of Northern Ireland's best known construction companies, the Antrim-based firm currently employs 289 people. South Antrim MLA David Ford said: "This news is a major
14/01/2014
Figures provided by the Department of Finance show that almost 17% of Irish residential mortgages are in arrears, with a total of 11.5% in arrears for greater than 90 days. According to the Green Party, the pace of restructuring is painfully slow and demonstrates a failure on the part of the banks
14/01/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the start of a £240,000 right turning lane and resurfacing scheme at B43 Mullaghmore Road/C637 Tullydraw Road junction. The scheme, beginning this week, at B43 Mullaghmore Road/C637 Tullydraw Road junction is expected to be completed by 1 Ap
14/01/2014
SDLP Housing spokesperson Dolores Kelly has expressed her shock and deep disappointment at news that the Social Development Minister is to return more than £17m of unspent funds from three months alone which had been earmarked for Housing. The Upper Bann MLA was speaking on the eve of the 50th Anni
14/01/2014
One of the province's best-known marketing and branding experts has launched a new design consultancy. Ian Bennington, who for 31 years was the public face and Managing Director of Belfast-based Triplicate, has opened PART TWO Design. The business, created following the demerger of Triplicate whic
13/01/2014
Senator John Kelly has welcomed the call by Senator John Whelan, for the Government to establish an Energy Policy Forum modelled on the Constitutional Convention. Senator Kelly said: "Senator John Whelan is correct to when he says that the National Energy Policy, drawn up in 2006, should be revisi
13/01/2014
Labour Youth has welcomed calls by Minister Jan O'Sullivan and Senator Aideen Hayden for the introduction of a rent cap in the rental housing market. Labour Youth notes with concern the alarming rise in rental costs, which increased nationally by 4.8% last year. It views the rise in Dublin rents by
13/01/2014
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD, has called on the government "to make Irish Water compliant with Freedom of Information". Mr Stanley said: "Irish Water has existed under a shroud of secrecy. This is totally unacceptable. Irish Water must be c
13/01/2014
South Down SDLP MP, Margaret Ritchie has demanded an independent inquiry into the cost and delay into decommissioning some parts of the Sellafield Nuclear Reprocessing Plant in Cumbria. Ms Ritchie said: "The British Government must now intervene and launch an independent inquiry into the delay and
13/01/2014
The first phase of redevelopment works to the ancient Tullaghoge Fort, near Cookstown has started. This is one of Ireland's most important historical sites. It was the crowning place of the kings of Ulster, including Hugh O'Neill's inauguration in the 1590s. Archaeological testing will take place
13/01/2014
Fine Gael Clare Senator, Martin Conway, has reiterated his call for an urgent response to the unprecedented damage caused to coastal communities around the country. His comments come after Clare County Council estimated that in excess of €23m worth of damage has been caused to the Clare coastline
13/01/2014
Fine Gael Carlow/Kilkenny TD, Pat Deering, has welcomed the fact that just under €59,000 in funding has been awarded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to allow Carlow County Council to provide a new skateboard park in Tullow Town. "A lot of work has already gone into this project at
13/01/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy announced the start of a £100,000 major resurfacing scheme in Coolreaghs Road, Cookstown on the week beginning 20 January 2014. Work will take place on Coolreaghs Road between Claggan Lane and the town limits. The Minister said: "This significant investm
10/01/2014
The latest edition of the National Housing Construction Index has outlined the continued decline in housing construction activity across the country. The research, compiled by Link2Plans, did however indicate a slowdown in the rate of decline nationally from the same period of 2012, where every pr
10/01/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that work is set to start on a £25,000 scheme to provide a pedestrian crossing at William Street, Castlederg. Work to provide a new Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent (PUFFIN) Crossing will begin on Thursday 16 January and is expected to be completed
10/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection and Social Equality, Willie O'Dea TD, says the latest secret cuts to housing grants for older people and those with disabilities is further evidence of the Government's sustained attack on the elderly. The changes to three grants - the Housing Adaption
10/01/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced improvements to speed up the planning process in Northern Ireland. In October 2013, the Minister decided not to move the Planning Bill to a further consideration stage, but emphasised his commitment to driving forward reform in order to speed up the
10/01/2014
Sinn Féin spokesperson on energy, Michael Colreavy TD, has said that electricity generated from wind must not become another valuable resource to be exported at long term loss. He was responding to newspaper reports that Eirgrid is to conduct a survey with a view of having an interconnector with F
10/01/2014
Rapid International Ltd will be exhibiting at the UK's largest specialist concrete event, The UK Concrete Show, on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham. The exhibition promises to be bigger and better than ever, occupying the largest show hall in Europe and featuring for
09/01/2014
A County Antrim firm has just completed an ambitious interior fit-out of a new permanent exhibition at Belfast Harbour offices which commemorates the city's 400 year old maritime history. Marcon Fit-Out, in partnership with local design company Tandem, has brought the vision of the exhibition 'A Po
09/01/2014
The Mayors of Ennis and Clare have welcomed the announcement by Phil Hogan, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, regarding the approval of the Clonroadmore elements of the Preliminary Report Addendum for the Ennis/Clarecastle Sewerage Scheme. Clare County Council has receiv
09/01/2014
Sinn Féin's EU candidate for the constituency of Ireland South, Liadh Ní Riada, has called on the government to take the health concerns surrounding the EirGrid Grid Link project seriously. Ní Riada stated that the Government's messaging regarding such health concerns has been mixed, flippant and s
09/01/2014
Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has said that SDLP MLA Joe Byrne is attempting to ride two horses over the allocation of money to the Rural Development Programme. Mr McAleer said: "Before Christmas Joe Byrne stated that the SDLP preferred option was that Rural Development Programme money was wholly di
09/01/2014
DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds has called on Prime Minister David Cameron to extend his commitment to pensioners from not just the 'triple lock' on pensions but to commit to retaining the Winter Fuel Allowance as a universal benefit and with its current eligibility thresholds in the next parliament.
08/01/2014
Clare County Council has been allocated €121,000 under a newly announced Government scheme aimed at the repair and conservation of protected structures and generating employment in the local construction sector. The funding is being provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht und
08/01/2014
Clare County Council has signed a contract worth €1.02M with Glan Agua Ltd., of Creagh Road, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway as part of the overall Shannon Sewerage Scheme project. The contract relates to the upgrade of four Pump Stations and will contribute to the safe and reliable operation of the sewera
08/01/2014
West Tyrone SDLP MLA Joe Byrne has called on the Department of Regional Development to make the completion of the new A5 Western Transport Corridor a priority following a tragic start to New Year. Mr Byrne said: "It is unfortunate that last year we lost a number of lives on this road and that in 20
08/01/2014
Following the worst coastal storms and tidal surges in many years, the Green Party is urging Government to lead a process with Local Authorities to develop Local Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies to help future-proof at-risk communities and assist in their efforts to adapt to chang
08/01/2014
Mr Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) officially handed over Elizabeth Fort to Cork City Council. Elizabeth Fort is located on Barrack Street, just outside the ancient city walls and was first built in 1601 by Sir George Carew. Cork
08/01/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that a £200,000 major improvement scheme for the B50 Drumquin Road four kilometres south of Castlederg is scheduled to begin on Monday 20 January. Resurfacing of 1,150 metres of the main Castlederg to Drumquin to Omagh road will take place f
07/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs and Enterprise Dara Calleary has accused the Government of engaging in an arrogant and highly misleading campaign on Pylons. Mr Calleary said: "The comments from the Taoiseach and the Minister Pat Rabbitte over the past 24 hours show just out of touch this Governmen
07/01/2014
Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD has called on Ministers to show a much greater sense of urgency in addressing the needs of people impacted by the recent storms and floods. He also called on Government to prioritise an application for emergency relief funding from the EU Solida
07/01/2014
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that work on a £162,000 improvement scheme on the A24 Belfast Road in Ballynahinch, north of the A21 Saintfield Road junction is set to start on Monday 13 January. Resurfacing of a 600-metre stretch of road from the junction, towards Belfast
07/01/2014
Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane has welcomed the granting of planning approval for an energy plant to power the Bombardier site in East Belfast. The energy from the waste gasification plant will convert 120,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste into electricity each year. Some 13
07/01/2014
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, has said the transfer of statutory responsibility for water and wastewater services to Irish Water from local authorities marks "a momentous event for water services delivery in Ireland". Irish Water has become the nation
07/01/2014
Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane has slammed the Taoiseach's use of emigration to justify the EirGrid project. Senator Cullinane said: "To justify a project, that is seriously lacking in credibility, by linking it to emigration and unemployment is a cynical means of distracting from the issues sur
06/01/2014
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan today announced planning permission for an £85m Energy from Waste (EfW) gasification plant at Bombardier Aerospace. In a business world of fierce competition, the proposal will secure more competitive and sustainable energy for Bombardier and help ensure it contin
06/01/2014
Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that work will begin on a £150,000 street lighting scheme on the Saintfield Road, Belfast. The installation of replacement street lighting will be done in two sections; Cairnshill Road to Knockbracken Road South and at the Carryduff Roundabout. It is d
06/01/2014
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Brian Stanley TD has confirmed that householders will be financially punished for a leaking water system. Responding to reports that households will have to identify water leaks, Deputy Stanley said: "Up to 40% of water is leaki
06/01/2014
More than 2,600 students in primary and second level schools around the country will move into permanent accommodation from prefabs in 2014 under the Prefab Replacement Scheme. The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, launched the biggest initiative ever undertaken to replace rented
06/01/2014
Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has announced the imminent commencement of the final phase of restoration, refurbishment and new works for Killarney House. The works will commence next week following the formal signing of the works contract by the Minister today.
06/01/2014
Spokesperson for the Environment, Barry Cowen, has described the Government's response to the recent bad weather and flooding as woeful. Thousands of people have been affected with heavy rain and high tides taking their toll on counties Cork, Kerry, Dublin, Limerick, Clare, Waterford, Galway, May
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