Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for November 2014
28/11/2014
A new Construction Industry Federation (CIF) President has been elected. Michael Stone will serve as the head of the CIF and leader of the CIF's Executive Body for the next two years. Mr Stone is the founder and CEO of Designer Group, which operates extensively throughout Ireland and the UK. Some
28/11/2014
Part of the College Green in Dublin is to be transformed following approval from the Council. Cllr Ciarán Cuffe from the Green Party welcomed the news and said it is a "fantastic development" for the people who live in Dublin. Cllr Cuffe said: "The naysayers who argued against the 'Bus Gate' initi
28/11/2014
Construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar is to axe 140 jobs from its factories in Larne, Monkstown and west Belfast. Alliance East Antrim MLA, Stewart Dickson, said he is disappointed at the job losses and his thoughts are with the workers and their families. He said: "I hope that the job l
28/11/2014
Sinn Féin is calling for the installation of water meters to be banned. MLA Gerry Kelly has written to regional development minister Danny Kennedy asking for a meeting to allay the fears of householders over the installation of water meters at homes across the North. He said: "I will be asking th
28/11/2014
Works on a road improvement project for Duncrue Street in Belfast is to start on 2nd December, Tuesday. A section of carriageway between the mini roundabout on Duncrue Street and Duncrue Pass is to be resurfaced. Sign posted diversions will be in place via Duncrue St, Whitla St, Garmoyle St, Dock
28/11/2014
Fine Gael is calling for an end to the impasse that has happened in housing people in Fr. Scully House in Dublin. State funding had been provided for the construction of a facility to house the most vulnerable and due to the rent levels that are being sought by the agency in charge, the building re
28/11/2014
The Department for Social Development (DSD) has donated £150,000 to the Council for the Homeless (CHNI). Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey confirmed the DSD has given £33m to homeless related services this year. Minister Storey said: "The term homelessness is often thought to describe thos
27/11/2014
The increase in construction employment has been welcomed by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). According to the latest CSO Quarterly National Household Survey, employment in the construction sector grew by 6,100 in the last quarter. Total construction employment stands at 112,400, up fr
27/11/2014
Fine Gael has welcomed the Government's €2.2bn social housing investment, however it is calling on the Govt to prioritise the areas which need it most. Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, said he believes that it is of the utmost importance that the areas with the longest local authority
27/11/2014
A £400,000 supported living scheme on the Ormeau Road in Belfast has officially opened. The new scheme, for adults with learning difficulties, was delivered through the refurbishment of a three-storey, Victorian building named 'The Hearth'. It will support three people to live with a high degree of
27/11/2014
A new Chair has been appointed to the Board of Belfast Harbour Commissioners. Dr David Dobbin will be responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the Port of Belfast. He will take up this first appointment to the post of chair after having been a non-executive member of the Belfast Harbou
27/11/2014
The Government is being accused of failing to implement the Construction Contracts Act within the proposed timeframe. Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín has today written to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation outlining his concern. Mr Tóibín raised the Construction Contracts Act in the Dáil
27/11/2014
Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has been fined £300 for a pollution offence. The firm pleaded guilty to a charge of making a polluting discharge from the Ros-Na-Rig Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS), Mullaghboy, at Ballymena Magistrates Court. It was also ordered to pay £28 court costs. On 27 August
26/11/2014
Cork University Hospital (CUH) has scooped a 'Green Flag' for reducing its carbon footprint. The award, from the Foundation for Environmental Education and An Taisce, acknowledges CUH as a leading healthcare organisation in green initiatives. The green initiatives have saved the hospital €96,318 i
26/11/2014
Work has started on the design plans for a proposed development at St Mary's Health Campus in Cork. The building of a new Primary Care Centre for the northside of Cork will allow the transfer of HSE services and staff to work together with GPs in one setting, and will provide increased access to an
26/11/2014
The Environment Minister is being urged to explain if members of the Group Water Schemes have to pay water charges. The call follows the announcement of the new charging regime by the Government. TD for Galway East Michael P. Kitt said there is still a degree of "uncertainty" surrounding the issue
26/11/2014
Fianna Fáil is demanding changes to be made to the current rates system to lighten the burden on small and medium businesses in Donegal. Donegal North East Charlie McConalogue TD said Donegal towns have says borne the brunt of the recession but are failing to see many signs of recovery. Deputy M
26/11/2014
The Spatial NI team at Land Property Services (LPS) has paired up with Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) to give its consumers more access to information about the 11,000V (11kV) electricity network. The new interactive overhead line mapping tool shows the location of NIE's 11kV network, allowing
26/11/2014
Work has started on a £160,000 road improvement project in County Antrim. The improvements on the UR180 Inishgarry Park are expected to be completed by the end of January next year. Transport NI has programmed the works operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise any inconvenience,
26/11/2014
Sinn Féin is calling on the government to prioritise the building of new homes by local authorities. Housing spokesperson Deputy Ellis TD said we need to see plans for capital investment in housing which will deliver a large number of homes as quickly as possible and for them to be council owned ho
26/11/2014
Local authorities have been told to place more emphasis on street design considerations in the assessment of applications for planning permission in respect of new housing developments. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly TD, said it is very important that n
25/11/2014
A contractor based in Craigavon has scooped a £28m contract. JMC Mechanical and Construction Ltd has been appointed to provide full maintenance services to four Northern Ireland housing associations. The deal will see the firm service 4,600 homes managed by Clanmil Housing Association, Connswater
25/11/2014
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government following revelations that the cost of installing water meters will be at least €108m more than was initially estimated. Environment Spokesperson, Barry Cowen TD, said the public are "angry" and "frustrated" after the news was uncovered by RTÉ’s 'This Week'
25/11/2014
A Minor Works Grant, which includes improvements to school buildings and grounds, has been announced by the Minister for Education and Skills. Jan O'Sullivan declared €28m in funding to focus on improving the physical infrastructure of schools and investment in equipment and furniture. "The Minor
25/11/2014
A new sports facility has officially opened at Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The new pitch will provide training facilities for Ulster Rugby, as well as health and fitness benefits to pupils and the wider community. A joint project between Aquinas and Ulster Rugby,
25/11/2014
A road improvement project in Craigantlet, Belfast, is to start on Monday 1 December. The scheme will extend for a distance of around 900 metres on the Ballmiscaw Road, from approximately 150 metres beyond its junction with the Moss Road, to a point approximately 700 metres before its junction with
25/11/2014
Electricity supplier, ESB, has demonstrated ocean energy technology to school children in County Clare, during a visit to five schools in Doonbeg. The firm also discussed its Westwave project with pupils, an energy project which aims to be the first wave farm in the world to generate renewable elec
25/11/2014
The SDLP is calling for construction to start on the new bridge across the Finn at the Strabane/Lifford crossing. Joe Byrne said it will show Minister Danny Kennedy's commitment to the A5 scheme. Mr Byrne said: "The time has come for DRD and the Department of Transport in the Republic to start con
24/11/2014
Union SIPTU has pledged to work with those involved in the Right2Water campaign. Sinn Féin has welcomed the decision and said it reflected widespread support within the union. Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe added that it was a positive boost for those involved in the campaign to abolish water cha
24/11/2014
Iberdrola USA has opened its first offshore wind farm, a 389 MW facility located in the Irish Sea. The firms sister company ScottishPower Renewables, in conjunction with Dong Energy of Denmark, opened the wind farm, which is about 12.5 miles off the seaport of Barrow-in-Furness in North West Englan
24/11/2014
The number of people sleeping on the streets increased by 20%, according to figures by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. 168 people were found to be sleeping rough compared to 139 in November last year. There was also a 60% increase between winter 2012 and winter 2013 figures. A further 152 e
24/11/2014
£4.5 million is to be invested to improve the sewerage infrastructure in the Holywood/Kinnegar area in Northern Ireland. The NI Water project involves a programme of sewer laying, tunnelling work and the construction of a pumping station in the Holywood/Kinnegar area. The majority of the work will
24/11/2014
The amount of waste exported for use as a fuel rose by 197% between 2012 and 2013, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2013 figures revealed that Ireland is sending less residual waste to landfill and more to energy recovery. Dr Jonathan Derham, EPA Programme Manager, said: "Th
24/11/2014
The Bridge House Education Centre at Glenveagh National Park, Co Donegal, has officially opened. The Bridge House is an old cottage in the park, dating back to 1859 which has been used for a variety of purposes over the years both before and since the estate became a National Park. The house will
24/11/2014
Work on a road resurfacing scheme in County Fermanagh has started today, Monday 24 November. The scheme on the A47 Boa Island Road is due to be complete by Saturday 6 December. Due to health and safety restrictions, the road will be closed from 8am to 6pm daily but will be open to traffic overnigh
21/11/2014
A new €25m development is underway in Limerick. It is being referred to as the first major office development in the area since the property boom. According to reports, Brookvale Trust are behind the project. It is the third phase of its successful Hamilton House development at the National Tech
21/11/2014
An apartment block consisting of 14 properties has been put on the market by Savills. The move has been instructed by Declan Taite, Receiver, of Duff & Phelps. It is understood the guide price for The Granary block is €3.5m. The building was originally used as a whiskey distillery, but it is al
21/11/2014
Construction work is due to begin on a new whiskey distillery in Co Carlow. Walsh Whiskey Distillery has awarded the contract to Kilkenny-based firm Duggan Lynch. The work will see a world-class, craft Irish whiskey distillery built at Royal Oak, Carlow, on the bank of the River Barrow. It is
21/11/2014
Football facilities across Ireland are to be upgraded following the announcement of a €1.2m funding package. Six projects have been chosen by the Football Association of Ireland to benefit from the funds and will receive €200,000. The money will go towards updating, refurbishing and completing fac
21/11/2014
Cork University Hospital (CUH) is the first teaching hospital to have achieved a Green-Campus award from An Taisce, it has been announced. The Eco Schools Programme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Commenting on the accolade, Ka
21/11/2014
A total of £3.9m has been invested in road improvement schemes in Omagh this year. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy made the announcement ahead of a meeting between TransportNI and Omagh District Council on Thursday evening. Minister Kennedy commented: "A wide range of maintenance and
20/11/2014
The Newlands Cross flyover junction has opened to traffic four months ahead of schedule. The new flyover, constructed by BAM Group Ireland, facilitates nationwide travel from the North to the South of Ireland without any traffic lights. It was officially opened today, 20th November, by Minister fo
20/11/2014
The Government has been blamed for threatening the future of Mayo's island, because of a lack of development. Fianna Fáil made the accusation ahead of the termination of the Local Development Programme, which is to stop at the end of the year. The programme provides funding for essential services
20/11/2014
Sinn Féin has slammed the Government after plans were revealed allowing landlords to use tenants deposits to pay for water charges. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis said this is a major blow against the rights of tenants but also put landlords in a very difficult position. Deputy Ellis said: "Sec
20/11/2014
Work is now complete at Killeen Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW). It is part of a £1m package being invested by NI Water in upgrading wastewater treatment works in rural County Armagh. The investment, which forms part of NI Water's Rural Wastewater Investment Programme, has also allowed extensive
20/11/2014
A Northern Ireland construction firm has won the Heartlands Development contract. Oil States UK awarded Lagan Building Contractors the Heartlands development in Whitburn. The development is on a 27-acre site on the North side of the B7066, within the Business Park Zone. The works will comprise of
20/11/2014
A £200,000 resurfacing project is Pomeroy has started. The project, on the Tandragee Road, extends a distance of approximately 1.4 kilometres from the junction with the Edendoit Road to the junction with the Slatequarry Road. The work also includes the resurfacing of approximately 0.8 kilometres
20/11/2014
A new £30 million support scheme to keep rates bills down is to be introduced when the councils are formed next year. The scheme delivers direct support to both domestic and non-domestic ratepayers who would otherwise have faced sudden and excessive increases in their rate bills because of the diff
20/11/2014
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Engineers are to carry out helicopter patrols to identify areas of the power network which need maintenance. The patrols will identify any signs of damage on the lines and equipment that carry electricity. Alister Fenton, overhead line engineer at NIE, said: "The
20/11/2014
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has launched a new carbon monoxide information booklet, to help people recognise the symptoms of CO2 poisoning. Local councils and the HSENI launched the booklet to mark Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. A new poster has also been produce
20/11/2014
A £190,000 footway improvement scheme is to start in Lisburn on Monday 24 November. The project will extend from Thornleigh Drive from Laurelhill Road to Antrim Road. Work on the scheme will take place daily, Monday to Friday, from around 8am to 6pm. Work is expected to be complete by Thursday 5
19/11/2014
A new 100-bed nursing unit is to be developed to replace the existing Woodlands and Silver Birch Centres in Dublin. Funding from the HSE Capital Plan is to be used to design the unit, which will be constructed on the grounds of Connolly Hospital. Tánaiste Joan Burton welcomed the development and s
19/11/2014
Dangerously high levels of radon gas have been discovered in County Mayo, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced. The EPA's Office of Radiological Protection has launched a dedicated communications campaign to generate awareness. The EPA is urging householders across Mayo to order
19/11/2014
The establishment of the new Apprenticeship Council has been welcomed by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). The CIF believes the new council will help shape the future of the apprenticeships system in Ireland, which will have a significant impact on the construction sector. The constructi
19/11/2014
The Department of An Gaeltacht and Department of Environment, Community and Local Government have agreed funding is essential for the continued developments on the Gaeltacht islands. Minister McHugh welcomed the positive discussions and confirmed that funding will continue to the end of March 2015.
19/11/2014
A Bill has been moved in the Dáil, which if passed, would ensure the water service is not privatised. Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, who moved the Bill, said he was told that such an amendment was not required and was given verbal undertakings that there would be no pr
19/11/2014
A total of £8.4m is to be invested to develop a purpose-built centre of excellence at Daisy Hill Hospital in Northern Ireland. A further £6.9m has also been announced to upgrade the paediatric services at Craigavon Area Hospital. Health Minister Jim Wells approved the two development programmes an
19/11/2014
The Minister for Social Development has launched the draft 'South West Gateway Masterplan'. Minister Mervyn Storey confirmed the plan sets out a new vision to regenerate the Boucher Road and Andersonstown Road areas of south and west Belfast. The Masterplan aims to identify a range of actions that
19/11/2014
Nine new listed buildings are being proposed in L'Derry. Derry County Council and the Department of Environment (DOE) have met to discuss the plans, which have seen surveyors examining and researching the built heritage of L'Derry since June. The buildings are the first results of the Northern Ire
19/11/2014
There is an increase in demand for new bungalows for older and disabled people in Northern Ireland, according to the SDLP. Pat Ramsey MLA said he had already outlined the case to the Minister for Social Development. Mr Ramsey said: "Local housing lists have increased by some 30% in four years, des
19/11/2014
Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly, has announced new capped water charges, and stated that the "absolute maximum net cost is now just €3 per week … Much less than one per cent of most people’s incomes or benefits and puts water bills among the lowest in Europe". The minister confirmed charge
18/11/2014
Ireland's energy provider, Energia, has announced it has signed a deal with Egis Projects Ireland. The renewed deal will see Energia provide 8 GWhrs of electricity to the Group's tolling operations on the M1 Dundalk Western By-pass PPP Project, M25 Waterford By-Pass PPP Project and the M7/8Portlaoi
18/11/2014
Sinn Fein has hit out at the rising rents not only in Dublin, but across Ireland. Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe made his comments as new figures from the online housing agency Daft.ie revealed, that rents are rising right across the state, with the number of actual properties available for rent a
18/11/2014
Sinn Féin is to approach the Assembly demanding the Warm Home Discount Scheme should be applied to Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan said pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales can apply for a discount from their energy suppliers however the scheme has not been extended to the Nort
18/11/2014
Labour is calling on the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin to ensure the new accommodation for Fr Scully House paid for by the taxpayer is fully occupied by Christmas. Joe Costello TD said the behaviour of the Catholic Housing Aid Society (CHAS) towards its tenants from Fr Scully House on Gardiner Stre
18/11/2014
Retailers in Ireland are being called to pass on oil price reductions to customers. Labour Senator Lorraine Higgins said customers must "reap the benefit" of the price of oil, which is at its lowest level. Senator Higgins said: :As it stands, Irish motorists face some of the highest petrol prices
18/11/2014
Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe is to officially open the Newlands Cross flyover on the N7 today, Tuesday. The road will open to traffic on Thursday. The flyover has been built at the junction between Naas Road and the Fonthill and Belgard roads. It will provide a continuous free-flowing r
18/11/2014
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is to invest over £250,000 for Coleraine tenants to receive new kitchens. The tenants, in the Harpur's Hill area, will also be involved in the selection of their units, worktops and tiles. Plumbing and electrics will be upgraded and smoke and heat dete
18/11/2014
The Rivers Agency has been heavily criticised after refusing to invest in flood defences in Newtownards. Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong said there was "clear evidence" of thousands of pounds of flood damage at the Ards Peninsula. However, the Rivers Agency has confirmed not enough properties
18/11/2014
The Environment Minister is disappointed at the continued delay in the widening of the Buncrana Road in L'Derry. Minister Mark H Durkan said he has lobbied with the Roads Service on several occasions, however he is frustrated by the lack of progress. Mr Durkan said: "Given that this is a main rout
18/11/2014
Significant progress is being made regarding plans for a new leisure facility in Dungiven, L'Derry. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín has welcomed the progress, with the plans now moving to the design stage. The East Derry MLA said: "Now that has happened we can look forward to drawing down the £2.5m
17/11/2014
The Senator of Fine Gael has met with the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement to discuss the provision of the Narrow Water Bridge. Senator Jim D'Arcy said everyone involved in the project knows it would be a fantastic development. He said: "We met with Louth Cou
17/11/2014
The Social Development Minister has visited newly refurbished social homes in the Ballysally area of Coleraine. In total, 25 properties will be refurbished by OakleeTrinity Housing Association; 15 in Mossvale Park and 10 in Glenvara Drive. Previously, only five of the properties were inhabited, bu
17/11/2014
£600,000 of road improvements are to be carried out over the next few weeks in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Resurfacing of a total of almost 4km will bring improvements to the A51 Hamiltonsbawn Road, Armagh, B133 Main Street, Mountnorris, B77 Ballygassey Road, Loughgall and B132 St Patricks Street, Ke
17/11/2014
A Sustainability Report on the Dublin Port Company, which provides an account of the firm's sustainable development responsibilities, challenges and achievements from the previous year has been launched. The Report, to be published every year, provides an account of Dublin Port Company's with regar
17/11/2014
South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is being urged to bring forward plans for a new housing development on council-owned lands between the New Nangor Road and Corkagh Park, adjacent to Old Church and Kilcarberry. Sinn Féin Clondalkin Councillor Eoin Ó Broin said the housing and homeless crisis has
17/11/2014
Over 75,000 people participated in the European Heritage Open Day events which were held across Northern Ireland this year. 75,610 people attended the events, an increase of 11% compared to last year. The weekend saw more than 400 buildings and events participating. This year, the event saw the f
17/11/2014
Work is currently being carried out to conserve the remains of Enagh Church in L'Derry. Stone masons from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) are conserving scheduled monuments in the Foyle Valley. Situated in an overgrown graveyard to the side of Enagh Lough, the building once looked a
17/11/2014
The Agriculture and Rural Development Minster has visited residents in Newry affected by recent flooding. Minister Michelle O'Neill reassured local communities that engineers in Rivers Agency have been working tirelessly to mitigate the risk to homes and businesses. She said: "I can only imagine t
14/11/2014
Gaelectric has opened its £58 million Dunbeg Wind Farm, which is located between Limavady and Coleraine in Northern Ireland. Dunbeg is Gaelectric's is one of the largest wind farms constructed on the island of Ireland. Gaelectric is progressing a programme to construct and commission a near term po
14/11/2014
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is to build a new biologics manufacturing facility in Cruiserath, Dublin. The facility will produce multiple therapies for the company's growing biologics portfolio. Once completed, the new facility will significantly increase Bristol-Myers Squibb's biologics manufactur
14/11/2014
Aran Islands Renewable Energy Ltd has been named the overall winner of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2014. The firm was chosen for its range of energy projects to develop the islands as energy self-sustaining and carbon neutral. The 11th Sustainable Energy Awards gala event in Dublin, hosted by t
14/11/2014
The Minister for European Affairs has been asked to request that the European Commission (EC) puts forward plans for more action on climate change. Sinn Féin Senator Kathryn Reilly said it is vital that the Irish Government takes the necessary steps to demonstrate leadership for an ambitious global
14/11/2014
Sinn Féin has slammed the Regional Development Minister after many areas in Newry and Armagh were affected by flooding on Thursday following heavy rain. Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady said the flooding has caused serious hardship to people. He said: "The regional development minister Danny Kenn
14/11/2014
The Tánaiste has been accused of "washing her hands" of problems after it was revealed that mortgage holders are being forced to pay extortionate interest rates. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance, Michael McGrath, said thousands of customers are being charged standard variable rates of up to 4.5%
14/11/2014
Seven new wind turbines have been launched in Counties Tyrone, Antrim, Down and L'Derry this week. The 250kW single turbines, based in Clogher, Moira, Dungannon, Fivemiletown, Castlerock, Drumbo and Ballygawley, were launched by Simple Power Chief Executive Philip Rainey. He said: "We are delighte
14/11/2014
The Department for Social Development has announced £100,000 funding towards the construction costs of a new community centre in Coleraine. Coleraine Borough Council is also contributing £149,000 towards the replacement of Harpur's Hill Community Centre. The aims of the project include provision o
13/11/2014
Sinn Féin is calling on all parties to support a fracking ban in Ireland. Deputy Michael Colreavy said fracking is an issue of real concern to the people of the North-West. He said: "Fracking is an unsafe means of extracting shale gas that could potentially have a serious impact on people's health
13/11/2014
Ireland's environmentally responsible integrated utility service provider, Bord na Móna, has appointed a new Managing Director. Mr Mike Quinn joins Bord na Móna from Precision Castparts (PCC), where he has worked for the last 10 years as Vice President of a worldwide group of 5 companies. Welcomin
13/11/2014
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine has visited Mainstream's office in Cape Town to receive a briefing on the firm's operations in South Africa. Minister Tom Hayes TD was accompanied by Tony McCullagh, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland, South Africa. Mainstream, which was founde
13/11/2014
A £12.2m refurbishment scheme for the cross-border Enterprise Rail service has begun. A series of timetable and service changes will also start on 16 November to enable the work to be carried out. The service overhaul aims to improve the rail travel experience for passengers between Belfast and Du
13/11/2014
Irish Water has confirmed an emergency upgrade for the water supply in Carraroe, Co Galway. Sinn Fein's Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh said he met with senior management from the firm following media reports Carraroe had failed the last five EPA tests due to an extremely high level of Trihalomethane
13/11/2014
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has visited Irish Water's customer call centre in Cork. Minister Kelly said the establishment of the customer call centre was a vital part of standardising operations and service provision for Ireland’s first ever national water utili
13/11/2014
Sinn Féin has branded the latest homeless figures for Northern Ireland "totally unacceptable" Sinn Féin MLA and Housing Spokesperson Fra McCann has said the latest figures make for difficult reading. Mr McCann said: "Between April and June 2014, 4,623 people are listed as being homeless, which is
13/11/2014
The repeated delays over introducing the Housing and Regeneration Bill have been slammed by the Alliance Party. Alliance Social Development spokesperson, Stewart Dickson MLA, said he is shocked over the repeated delays in introducing this legislation to the Assembly. He was speaking after the Soc
13/11/2014
A £1 million improvement scheme is to begin in Desertmartin, Northern Ireland. Construction work is due to start in mid November on the A29 Tobermore Road and is expected to take 18 weeks to complete. The scheme will see the reconstruction of some 1,150metres of carriageway, widened to 9.3metres b
13/11/2014
The River Agency's new Western Regional Office has officially opened in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new building at St Julian's Road represents a £2m investment in the Omagh area. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "The opening of this new state of the art office will
12/11/2014
The One Good Idea Project has been launched by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI). Partnering with AIB bank, the scheme will help reach more students and is being expanded to primary schools for the first time. The aim of the project is to increase students' understanding of energy ef
12/11/2014
An additional €4m has been secured to keep homelessness services in Dublin open until the end of the year, Minister for the Environment, Alan Kelly, has announced. It is understood the money will be given to Dublin City Council, which oversees homelessness services across all four local authorities
12/11/2014
The decision to delay the transfer of regeneration powers to Council until April 2016 has been slammed by the SDLP. The Regeneration Bill would have for the extension of powers to councils such as the power to address social need and carry out regeneration schemes. Councillor Tim Attwood said it
12/11/2014
The Education Minister said encouraging children and young people to learn about the environment is very important. Minister John O'Dowd made the announcement today as he visited the environmental education programme of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) at the CAFRE Greenmount Ca
12/11/2014
An SDLP MLA has written to the Transport Minister asking him to urgently address the issue of street lighting in Northern Ireland. Joe Byrne MLA said it is important that people feel safe when they are going about their everyday business. He said: "The street lighting outside St Patrick's Church i
12/11/2014
GEDA Construction has started building a new visitor centre in east Belfast, Northern Ireland. The new visitor centre is part financed by the EU Sustainable Competitiveness Programme, administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The project is also funded by Belfast City Council, through its
12/11/2014
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is being called to outline the Government's position regarding householders being refused insurance cover for water leaks from Irish Water pipes. Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams TD has also asked the Taoiseach to rule out the threat of the Revenue Commissioners taking money from p
12/11/2014
A design team has been selected for the new national children's hospital in Ireland. The development board is also expected to apply for planning permission next year. Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, welcomed the commitment by the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform Brendan Howlin to full
12/11/2014
The Minister for the Environment and Local Government is being urged to provide funding to refurbish the new library in Portlaoise. Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming raised the issue with Minister Alan Kelly in the Dáil on 5 November, and the Minister replied by saying that funding under the Libraries Ca
12/11/2014
Homelessness in Northern Ireland has increased according to a report published by the Department for Social Development (DSD) today. The 'Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin April' said in total, 4,895 households presented themselves as homeless to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) during
11/11/2014
Eirgrid is to carry out a review of the Grid25 strategy. The firm expects it to be published early next year. The Grid25 strategy was launched in 2008 and is EirGrid's plan to develop and upgrade the electricity transmission network from now until 2025. It will put in place a safe, secure and aff
11/11/2014
A bridge in Dublin has been voted Engineering Project of the Year by the Irish public. The Rosie Hackett Bridge, which links the north and south banks of the River Liffey, scooped the title in an online vote in the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards. The bridge by Dublin City Council, Roughan & O
11/11/2014
EFT Energy has chosen ITW Mima to provide real-time monitoring of its production and utilities at its two sites in Ireland. The software will log energy consumption data of different lines and ancillary services at its sites in Waterford and Gorey to track and manage real time energy consumption.
11/11/2014
The winner of the 2014 ESB Spark of Genius Award has been announced. Love & Robots has scooped the coveted award which is recognised as Ireland's most prominent start-up competition. Love & Robots began their journey with 30 other start-ups ranging from consumer sentiment apps, online fashion reta
11/11/2014
Labour has voted in favour of holding a referendum reagrding the public ownership of Ireland's water. The Green Party has welcomed the vote and is calling on the Taoiseach to reconsider the approach he suggested against a referendum. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan said: "It is clear from the vote i
11/11/2014
Construction work is to start on a resurfacing project A7 Belfast Road Downpatrick at Cotterhill in Northern Ireland. The work, which is being carried out by TransportNI, is due to start on Monday 17th November. It will involve the resurfacing of a 300 metre stretch of the A7 Belfast Road, Downpa
11/11/2014
A farmer has been found guilty for making a polluting discharge to a waterway at Dungannon Magistrates' Court. Brian Harkness from Coagh was fined £1,000 with an additional £15 Offenders Levy. On 7 February 2014, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) inspected a waterway near Coagh, and f
11/11/2014
An Ulster University graduate has scooped the title of Northern Ireland's top architecture student. Roger Bonnar received the recognition from the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) for his work in creating a new vision for Glenarm Village. He was commended for his transformation of a forme
11/11/2014
A CFA Piling contract for Clancy Construction at Grangegorman in Dublin has been completed by FK Lowry Piling. FK Lowry Piling mobilised their Soilmec CM-50 Rig to install 450mm Diameter Bearing Piles for safe working loads of up to 1,100kN for a new car park on the development. Grangegorman is a
11/11/2014
Transport NI has made significant progress on £16.5m road improvement and maintenance projects in Larne this year, it has been announced. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy confirmed work on the £130m A8 Belfast to Larne carriageway is progressing well, with 75% of the construction now com
10/11/2014
The Government is to publish legislation to protect customers whose mortgages are sold to unrelated entities before the end of this year. Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, welcomed the news and said the legislation will rectify the "unacceptable situation" where mortgages are sold to ent
10/11/2014
A study, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has found improving resource efficiency and productivity could save Irish firms €7 billion. Launching the report Dr Jonathan Derham, EPA said: "The report shows that resource efficiency can be achieved - with potential for economic benefits and
10/11/2014
South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has announced ESB has started works along the Grand Canal Way-Green Route. The works will be from Davitt Road to 12th Lock, Lucan –Newcastle Road. There will be a temporary closure of parts of the Route for a period of time to facilitate the works. ESB have been
10/11/2014
The AES Corporation has scooped a contract to provide additional electricity generation capacity. The System Operator Northern Ireland (SONI) chose AES for the three-year contract. Under the agreement AES will provide an extra 250 megawatts (MW) of capacity, enough electricity to power 160,000 hom
10/11/2014
A new partnership between Electric Ireland and Nest has been announced. The partnership aims to bring the Nest Learning Thermostat™ to its customers throughout Ireland. The offer is intended to bring in technology to both new and existing customers that will provide convenience and control in mana
10/11/2014
The building of the new Adare Bypass in Limerick must push ahead as soon as the funding becomes available, according to Fine Gael. Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Dan Neville, said the road into Adare has been named by AA Roadwatch as one of the worst in the country in terms of traffic tailbacks and app
10/11/2014
BAM Contractors and its joint venture partner FP McCann have been selected for the A26 dual carriageway contract in Northern Ireland. The design and build contract has a value of approximately €48 million, which will be split between the JV partners. The eight kilometre scheme involves improvemen
10/11/2014
Work has started today, 10 November, to build a new footpath at Quin Bridge, Co Clare. The work by Clare County Council is on the R469 Regional Road in Quin Village. It is expected to last four weeks. The new footpath will be constructed adjacent to the northern bridge parapet (Abbey side of bridg
10/11/2014
Sinn Féin is calling for water charges to be "completely scrapped". Deputy Leader, Mary Lou McDonald TD, said the response to the protests, from the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton, has been absolutely "mind-boggling". She said: "They say that they have listened to the people. Well,
10/11/2014
A £5.5m scheme in Ebrington, L'Derry, is now complete. The project includes a 214-space car park, new access to the Belfast and Dublin roads at the King Street roundabout, a 'development platform' which will establish a new investment opportunity, and a new link extending the Waterside Greenway and
07/11/2014
Fold Ireland has bought 13 apartments in County Meath. This is the first social housing development project the firm has undertaken outside Dublin. The apartments, located in Dunboyne, will provide housing for older people, and the development is a result of Fold Ireland's work with Meath County C
07/11/2014
€10 million has been secured to carry out extension works to the library in the University of Limerick. Fine Gael TD for Limerick and Party Chairman, Dan Neville TD, has welcomed the commitment. He said: "In recent times I had been contacted by numerous students of the University of Limerick regar
07/11/2014
NI Water is being called to announce no preparations are being made to charge for water. Letters were sent to homes in the Beechmount area asking for "customer details" such as bank information and preferred payment options, according to Sinn Féin. MP Paul Maskey said residents in several areas of
07/11/2014
Two Northern Ireland firms have been awarded a £100m Joint Venture (JV) contract at the Green Port Hull site on Alexandra Dock. The work was awarded to the Graham Lagan Construction Group JV by Associated British Ports (ABP) and will run for approximately two years. The Graham Lagan Construction G
07/11/2014
The Gridlink scheme is being questioned following an ESB submission on national energy policy. Fine Gael TD for Kildare South, Martin Heydon, said the recent submission shows that the latest demand projections from Eirgrid suggest an approximate increase in demand of just 5% for the period for 2008
07/11/2014
Saint-Gobain has announced a new construction skills academy for Dublin. The academy is expected to train 25,000 new construction workers over the next five years. Brian Dolan, Managing Director for the Saint-Gobain building materials businesses in Ireland, said: "This is a red letter day for cons
07/11/2014
New social housing tenants in Rathlin Island reported they are 100% satisfied with their new homes. The properties are located at Gort Beag and were delivered by Apex Housing Association. Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, recently visited the site. He said: "The investment from my D
07/11/2014
C&D Foods has opened a new manufacturing facility in Edgeworthstown, County Longford. The new facility is an extension to the plant that was built in 2007 following a major fire. C&D has invested over €55m in Edgeworthstown since 2007. The opening will result in 70 new jobs over the next three yea
06/11/2014
More than €240 million has been secured for housing in Dublin city over the next three years, it has been revealed. Last May, Dublin City Council announced that €45m had been secured for local authority housing construction in 2015. However, it has now been announced that an additional €63m has bee
06/11/2014
The Finance Committee is to examine the funding structure of Irish Water. The decision follows a motion proposed by Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD at a meeting of the Oireachtas committee. Deputy Doherty feels it is "crucial" for the committee to look at the facts and figures rat
06/11/2014
Further funding has been announced to finish the fit-out of the West Corks Arts Centre. €212,000 has been granted by the Government to complete the project. Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Noel Harrington, said: "I have been working for a long time now to secure this remaining funding for the Centre
06/11/2014
Two newly refurbished schools have officially opened in Dungarven and Waterford, Ireland. Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan, TD, has officially opened Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside, Dungarvan and the Newtown Junior Quaker national school. Speaking in Waterford, Minister O'Sullivan said:
06/11/2014
Construction work has started on a £300,000 project to upgrade the basement area at May Street Presbyterian Church in Belfast. Improvements are also being made to an adjoining entrance lobby. The aim is to transform an underused hall into a modern amenity which will be fit for purpose, easily acce
06/11/2014
A review to enhance the private rented sector in Northern Ireland is to be carried out. The review will examine the effectiveness of current regulation and what improvements can be made to help make the private rented sector a more attractive and viable housing option. Social Development Minister
06/11/2014
NI contractor Lagan Construction is preparing to carry out pipelaying works in the Lurgan Road area for NI Water. The works, which commence on Monday 10 November, are part of a scheme that will safeguard water quality and improve the security of supply for customers in the area. Lagan Construction
06/11/2014
ESB Networks is urging its customers to download its PowerCheck app. The free app provides updates for customers regarding planned and unplanned power supply interruptions. The PowerCheck App provides information on: • Local Area: The nearest substation to the location of the interruption • Cus
06/11/2014
A Masterplan, which sets out a new vision for Holywood in Northern Ireland has bee launched. The Masterplan focuses on many core regeneration objectives including: • Improving physical linkages. • Creating shared space. • Working together. • Reconnecting with history. • Enhancing first impress
06/11/2014
An area of derelict land in Lurgan has been converted into a new golf academy. The Lurgan Golf Club, which officially opened today, Thursday, features a golfing academy and driving range, which was developed through a partnership involving Lurgan Golf Club, Lurgan Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership
05/11/2014
Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams has branded the Water Tax a "fiasco" and is once again calling for the charges to be scrapped. Mr Adams asked the Taoiseach to clear up the contradiction between a statement made by Tánaiste Joan Burton when she quoted specific figures in the Dáil for water tax bills o
05/11/2014
Harvey Group Plc have recently been awarded the contract for the Mechanical and Electrical services at the new £30m conference facility at Belfast Waterfront Hall. Brian Harvey, Managing Director of Harvey Group Plc, said: "Having played a major role in the original Waterfront Hall complex back i
05/11/2014
Labour has slammed Cork City Council for failing to choose a site for the development of a new convention centre. This means funding for the project will have to wait until next year. Labour TD Ciaran Lynch said the Government remained committed to providing €10m towards the scheme, however the mo
05/11/2014
Preliminary work for a traffic calming scheme in Culmore is to begin on Monday 10th November. SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins has welcomed the project on the Ardan Road. She said: "I have been given assurances that work will be completed before Christmas and while there may be delays and inconvenience fo
05/11/2014
Fianna Fáil has accused Sinn Féin of being unable to make decisions relating to the current housing crisis. Fianna Fáil Councillor David Costello slammed the party for trying to delay the construction of new homes in Dublin. Councillor Costello said: "Five months ago, Sinn Féin pushed a proposal b
05/11/2014
A conference to help householders facing repossession is being held in Belfast today, Wednesday 5th November. The conference, organised by the Department for Social Development's Housing Repossessions Taskforce, will see advice providers, mortgage lenders and Government officials come together to c
05/11/2014
The pupils of a primary school in Cready have been praised on registering with the Eco-Schools environmental initiative. Environment Minister Mark H. Durkan presented Clea Primary School its second Green Flag award today. The initiative funded by the Department of the Environment encourages enviro
05/11/2014
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltact has expressed disappointment after Dublin City Council rejected a proposed land swap deal for Moore Street. Heather Humphreys said the plan would have released NAMA funding for the development of an appropriate commemorative centre to the leaders of the
05/11/2014
Planning has been approved for the redevelopment of an existing open space in Strathfoyle, Northern Ireland. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan welcomed the news and said it will involve the redevelopment of existing open space adjacent to the existing Strathfoyle Pitches. Mr Durkan said: "This is
05/11/2014
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, visited the State's largest sewerage works on Tuesday, 4th November. Mr Alan Kelly said the Ringsend Wasterwater treatment plant is to receive a €180 million upgrade, down from the original €350 million cost, with €70 million plus to
04/11/2014
Dublin City Council has rejected a proposed land swap deal which would have seen most of Moore Street demolished. Sinn Féin is now calling for a full independent battlefield site survey to be carried out. Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha said: "It is also essential that Minister Heather
04/11/2014
Following planned protest marches against water charges, Fianna Fáil said the government's set-up of Irish Water has been a disaster. The party's spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen, accused the firm of causing considerable public anger. Mr Cowen said: "Every time a Government representative
04/11/2014
The contract for phase II of the upgrade of the Coleraine-L'Derry section of the Belfast-L'Derry railway will have to go out for re-tendering because current prices are too high, it has been revealed. The SDLP described the announcement as a "slap in the face" for the North West. John Dallat MLA d
04/11/2014
Irish wholesale gas prices have dropped 26% since the beginning of the year, according to energy supplier Vayu. The natural gas supply deal reached between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in significant downward pressure on wholesale gas prices being traded today. When markets closed on Friday, wh
04/11/2014
Other mortgage lenders in Ireland are being urged to follow AIB and reduce variable mortgage interest rate. Fianna Fáil Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said there is simply no justification for variable mortgage rates being charged by banks in Ireland. He said: "AIB's move last week was a ste
04/11/2014
UP to 1,000 jobs are at risk if the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) gives the go ahead to reduce the Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROCs) incentive which has been driving the solar PV sector forwards, says the Northern Ireland Solar Trade Association (NISTA). NISTA members
04/11/2014
A Northern Ireland fit-out specialist has announced two new refurbishment contracts with Thomson Cruises. The deals, secured with McCue Crafted Fit, will see the refurbishment of the Thomson Celebration in Cyprus and the Thomson Dream in Gibraltar and are the first secured by the company since ente
04/11/2014
A total of £7.3m has been invested on road maintenance works in the Armagh City and District Council area this year. Many of the improvement schemes planned have already been completed by Transport NI. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "The autumn round of Council meetings is a tim
04/11/2014
A new joint training college to be developed at a site in Cookstown should be honoured, according to Sinn Féin. A report has recommended the police, fire and prison service training college for Desertcreat should not proceed. MP Francie Molloy said: "A joint training facility was one of the Patten
04/11/2014
A Northern Ireland-based construction firm has been fined over £1,000 for waste offences. Castle Construction NI Ltd, based in Castlewellan, admitted four waste offences in relation to, and adjacent to, 5 Carnreagh Road, Ballynahinch, where approximately 900 tonnes of waste concrete, brick, plastic
03/11/2014
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is being urged to act immediately after it was revealed Ireland has the highest energy prices in Europe. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Energy, Michael Moynihan TD, said there has been no relief for consumers, despite wholesale gas prices in Ireland being 23%
03/11/2014
The ESB and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a loan facility for €100 million to enable continued investment in the electricity network in the south west region. This is the second part of a total loan facility of €200m agreed by ESB Networks with the EIB. The first tranche was signed
03/11/2014
The UK Government is being called to urgently intervene after pictures of the Sellafield Nuclear site revealed a crumbling infrastructure around hundreds of tonnes of radioactive material. The SDLP has already called on the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency to accelerate its programme of work at the S
03/11/2014
A £140,000 major resurfacing project is to start in Culmore, Northern Ireland. Preliminary work on the resurfacing and traffic calming project on the U1119 Ardan Road is to begin on Monday 10th November. The work on the Ardan Road will be from its junction with the Culmore Road to its junction wit
03/11/2014
A Sinn Féin Deputy Leader is refusing to pay the water charges. Mary Lou McDonald announced her decision during an appearance on RTE's 'The Week in Politics' programme on Sunday (2 November). Deputy McDonald said: "Sinn Féin have always said that each individual person and family must make up thei
03/11/2014
The Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government is calling on the public to do everything in their power to curb Ireland's climate change emissions. The call follows the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) by the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The fi
03/11/2014
With the start of water charges in Ireland everybody is concerned about how it's going to affect their budget. To reduce costs it is vital to save water where we can. Follow these ten tips to reduce your water consumption. Not only will this save you money, it's better for the environment too.
03/11/2014
Winston Churchill once said that success is going from failure to failure without the loss of enthusiasm. There has been much thinking down through the ages around the whole notion of failure and how to use the experience positively. We won't go into the hours of research & development, design, tes
