Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for December 2014
19/12/2014
Fianna Fáil is calling for a strategic road plan for south Mayo to accommodate the high volumes of industrial traffic passing through the region. TD for Galway West Éamon Ó Cuív said he has been pressing Mayo County Council to invest further in the road network. He said: "Following consistent ca
19/12/2014
Contractor A.G Wilson Civil Engineering and NI Water are to start sewer upgrade works in north Belfast on 12th January. This project on Torrens Park will involve the laying of a new storm sewer, installation of new improved manholes and new sewer connections from the new housing development in Torr
19/12/2014
The Environment Minister is urging the public to give their opinions on plans to improve waterways in Northern Ireland. Mr Mark H Durkan has launched a six-month consultation on draft second cycle River Basin Management Plans for Northern Ireland. He said: "River Basin Planning is about taking an
19/12/2014
Belfast High Court has quashed the planning application for the redevelopment of Casement Park in west Belfast. Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast Paul Maskey is calling for a fresh application to be processed in order to see the site proceed. He said: "I welcome the fact the Minister for Culture, Arts
19/12/2014
Three new school building projects are to begin in County Meath next year. The new school developments include are for Gaelscoil Tulach na nÓg, Dunboyne and Ashbourne ETNS. Beaufort Community College on the Trim Road in Navan is also to get an extension. Fine Gael TD for Meath West, Ray Butler, s
19/12/2014
The European Council is to discuss a major road improvement project for the Naas area today, 19th December. Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor, has spoken to the Taoiseach about the importance of the Sallins Bypass/ Osberstown Interchange and the M7 widening for Kildare. Mr Lawlor sai
18/12/2014
70 major school projects across Ireland are scheduled for construction next year. The Minister for Eduction and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan, TD, launched a €2.2 billion five-year capital investment programme in March 2012. The announcement today 16 further school projects that will replace inadequate e
18/12/2014
German firm Nordex has been appointed to install a 65MW wind farm project in Ireland for Green Energy Supply Ltd. The 'Knockduff' project in Cork involves the delivery and installation of a total of 26 N90/2500 wind turbines, plus premium service for a minimum period of 15 years. The wind farm is
18/12/2014
Brookfield Renewable Ireland has chosen Brady Energy to supply its Irish business with an overall market settlement process system solution. Brookfield Renewable Ireland manages one of the largest renewable energy portfolios in Ireland. Its business comprises of 450 MW of operating wind capacity
18/12/2014
The potential growth in the construction industry is being exasperated by government failure, Sinn Féin has claimed. Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín questioned the Jobs Minister on the myriad of challenges facing the construction sector, all of which has an impact on Ireland's competitiveness. He sai
18/12/2014
Renewable energy applications in Northern Ireland have reduced further, according to a report published today (18 December). The number of applications received in the second quarter of 2014/15 fell by just over one fifth (21%) to 120 compared to the same period last year. This follows on from qu
18/12/2014
The Sports Minister of Northern Ireland is hoping a resolution can be found after the judge deferred a final decision of the redevelopment of Casement Park. On Monday Mr Justice Horner ruled that the Department of Environment had acted unlawfully in the decision making process and he gave all inter
17/12/2014
Living nearby to wind farms does not effect human health, according to a new study. The review, by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), took into consideration health effects such as stress, annoyance and sleep disturbance that have been raised in association with living close to wind t
17/12/2014
The Department of Social Protection is being called to deal directly with landlords to help curb rental increases. Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, said any blanket move to raise rent supplement payments risks causing further rent hikes across the board which could le
17/12/2014
The Education Minister has been slammed for scrapping the Essential Works Scheme for primary schools. Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith said hundreds of parents across Cavan and Monaghan will now be forced to pay for repair and upgrade works in their children's schools. Deputy Smith
17/12/2014
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is being urged to make a statement regarding the retail prices of petrol and diesel, following concerns of persistent high prices. Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Dara Calleary said customers are aware that crude oil pri
17/12/2014
Fáilte Ireland is to received an additional €850,000 to develop the web presence of the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) in west Cork. Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Noel Harrington welcomed the funding and said it would be great for tourism. Mr Harrington said: "The Government has already provided €8 milli
17/12/2014
A builder has been jailed for four months, suspended for three years, for stealing money from his customers. James Gordon from Killyleagh was also fined £250 for failing to complete work to a professional standard and ordered to pay a total of £2,350 in compensation, at Lisburn Magistrates Court.
17/12/2014
The newly refurbished facilities at St Oliver Plunkett Primary School in Beragh have officially opened. Education Minister John O'Dowd today opened the new facilities, funded from the minor works scheme. He said: "The refurbished amenities and the addition of a quiet room will benefit the young ch
17/12/2014
A new Chair has been appointed to the Board of Northern Ireland Water. Dr Leonard J. P. O'Hagan CBE will begin his role on 1 April 2015 until 31 March 2019. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "I congratulate Dr Leonard O'Hagan on his appointment to this important post. "Dr O'Hagan
16/12/2014
The SDLP is "extremely concerned" after it was announced that Dale Farm's £40 million investment in Cookstown has been put on hold due to an insufficient gas and electricity supply. MLA for Mid Ulster and Chair of the Assembly Enterprise Committee, Patsy McGlone, said the investment would bring job
16/12/2014
Grants Electrical Services NI Ltd (GES Group), located in Ballymena and Mallusk, is to invest over £300,000 in marketing and job creation. The firm is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland, which has offered £47,800 of support. GES provides power and energy solutions for small businesses and
16/12/2014
Sinn Féin is urging Senators to dismiss the Water Services Bill when it comes before the House. Leader in the Seanad, David Cullinane, said the Water Services Bill gives Senators an opportunity to "reject the further imposition of austerity on ordinary people". He said: "The Bill is expected in t
16/12/2014
Significant progress is being made on the refurbishment of the Loyal Orange Institution's Schomberg House on the Cregagh Road, Belfast. The refurbishment is part of the Reaching out through Education and Cultural Heritage (REACH) project, funded through the European PEACE III Programme, which aims
16/12/2014
A national housing charity is urging the Government to introduce a strategy on private rented housing "urgently". According to Threshold, which launched its Annual Report for 2013 today, the private rented sector is not fit for purpose because of poor regulation and loopholes in existing legislatio
16/12/2014
Over £500,000 is to be invested in road improvements for the Armagh and Portadown area. Resurfacing will take place on the B114 Shanecracken and Tannyoky Roads Poyntzpass and at B131 Teagy Road in Portadown. Preparatory works are currently underway at Shanecracken and Tannyoky Roads. Final resu
16/12/2014
Sinn Féin is calling for urgent moves to introduce rent control to ease the housing crisis in Dublin. Housing spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, said the party has always believed that something as important as housing could not be left purely to the private market, and that regulation and fairness was
16/12/2014
Antrim Energy has rejected an offer from Sound Oil to acquire the entire issued share capital of Antrim for shares of Sound Oil. The firm believes it is not in the best interests of Antrim shareholders. The Board of Directors concluded that the Intended Offer did not meet the criteria established
15/12/2014
144 employees formerly recruited by Antrim based construction firm Mivan Limited have won a payout following a successful industrial tribunal hearing, it was announced on Friday December 12th. The workers including many members of the union UCATT were made redundant without warning when the compan
15/12/2014
Irish building materials firm CRH has sold its clay and concrete businesses in the United Kingdom and its clay business in the United States to funds managed by Bain Capital Europe LLP for an Enterprise Value (EV) of £414 million. The amount excludes real estate assets with an estimated market valu
15/12/2014
A campaign has taken place for Moore Street in Dublin to be preserved. Sinn Féin held a vigil to highlight its proposals for the preservation of Moore Street. The campaigners will launch a broad-based campaign in January aimed at urging the government to retain and conserve Moore Street and its e
15/12/2014
A new £27,000 outdoor play area for a nursery unit in Newry has officially opened. Education Minster, John O'Dowd, opened the facility at St Patrick's Primary School. The Minister said: "This new play area at St Patrick's Primary School is covered so that the children can enjoy it in all weathers,
15/12/2014
A £40m investment to Dale Farm's Cookstown facility is being held back because of the lack of energy supply. Sinn Féin is seeking an urgent meeting with Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to discuss the current situation. Mid Ulster MP Francie Molloy said: "I was astounded to hear David Dobbin, chi
15/12/2014
Transport NI and an SDLP Councillor have held a meeting to discuss the recurring flood problems in Cushendall. Councillor Margaret Anne McKillop met with engineers from the firm to solve the problem on the Knocknacarry Road and Ballybrack Road. She said: "The problem will be monitored on a regular
15/12/2014
The Government is being urged to show detailed figures on the costs in relation to the administration of water charges. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment, Barry Cowen, said the Government is engaged in a "sham debate in the Dáil over water charges because information on costs is still not kno
15/12/2014
Sinn Féin is calling for a resolution to be found in relation to the redevelopment of Casement Park in west Belfast. MP Paul Maskey said the opportunity for this massive investment in west Belfast must not be lost. Mr Maskey said: "I am disappointed that the environment minister's handling of this
12/12/2014
An Irish energy supplier has signed a gas and renewable electricity deal with AB Group Packaging. The agreement, valued at €250,000 per annum, will see Vayu supply AB Group with gas and 100% green electricity for its production facility in Blessington, Co. Wicklow. The energy deal allows AB Group
12/12/2014
US Ambassador to Ireland, Kevin O'Malley, in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the American Chamber of Commerce, hosted a CEO Summit on Sustainable Energy today, 12 December. The business gathering explored connections between global climate issues and local
12/12/2014
Northern Ireland's Minister for Regional Development has confirmed that no part of the Comber Greenway is to be sold off. Danny Kennedy made the commitment in response to an Assembly question and also reiterated this in a response to Alliance MLA, Kieran McCarthy. Judith Cochrane MLA said: "I had
12/12/2014
Work to realign the N71 between Kenmare and Glengarrif has been approved by the Minister for Transport, Paul Donohoe. The work is to on the N71 at Releagh is due to begin in January 2015. The 1.6km stretch will be widened and resurfaced making the route safer and improving travel times. The work
12/12/2014
Irish Water has been accused of being "arrogant" after a report by the Irish Times revealed the firm sought to force the handover of personal details from the Department of Social Protection, including PPS numbers. Environment spokesperson Barry Cowen said: "What is equally clear from the tone and
12/12/2014
Construction work has started on a new primary school in Newry, Northern Ireland. Education Minister, John O'Dowd cut the first sod at the site of St Clare's Abbey Primary School. £5.2 million is to be invested in the project, which will provide a new 15 classroom school with modern facilities for
12/12/2014
Work to widen a bridge in Sligo is to be completed by July 2015. The work, which has already begun, will ease traffic congestion in the area. Fine Gael TD John Perry welcomed the work and said it will be good for businesses in the town. Mr Perry said: "The bridge widening project will mean a redu
12/12/2014
Many international banks are withdrawing from the Irish mortgage market, Fine Gael has revealed. The party claims this is one of the negative consequences of the collapse in property prices. Speaking at a public meeting in Carpenterstown, Dublin, organised by Senator Catherine Noone, Brian Hayes M
11/12/2014
The government is being slammed for failing to fund schools which need vital improvement work. Fianna Fáil said schools across the country will now be forced to find the money to pay for essential upgrade works. Spokesperson on Education, Charlie McConalogue TD, said Minister Jan O'Sullivan is rea
11/12/2014
A County Tyrone firm, which specialises in the manufacture of waste separation machinery, is to build new manufacturing facilities in Omagh. Waste Systems Ltd, supported by Invest NI, is to develop the facilities on a seven acre site in Doogary Industrial Estate. The company also plans to create 3
11/12/2014
Fianna Fail is calling for flood insurance to be reinstated following the planned Cork flood relief scheme. Deputy McGrath raised the issue at a meeting with the OPW and said that based on the plans they had seen for the Cork flood relief scheme, the proposed works would not reduce the risk of floo
11/12/2014
The Minister for Energy has announced that a Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill is to be published this month. Addressing the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Lima, Peru, Minister Alex White said the Bill will provide the statutory framework for transition to a competitive, l
11/12/2014
Planning permission has been approved for a £10m hotel in L'Derry. The hotel, which is to be built on the former Tillie and Henderson site at Abercorn Road, Tillie's Brae and Foyle Road, is to have 139 bedrooms. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said it will enhance choice for tourists, business
11/12/2014
A new specialist care unit in Downpatrick has officially opened. The Slieve Patrick Suite is located within Lecale Lodge Care Home. The scheme is a partnership project with the South Eastern Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust and is designed to facilitate the discharge of long stay patients to a c
11/12/2014
An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to develop a northbound stop on Dawson Street as part of Luas Cross City. The new Luas line will run from the Green Line terminus at St. Stephen's Green through the city centre, Phibsborough and Cabra to Broombridge. Mini
11/12/2014
Over 7,000 people are waiting to be housed in Dublin South Central, Sinn Féin has revealed. Dublin City Councillor Daithi Doolan said 3,147 of those people have been waiting for homes for more than five years. Councillor Doolan said: "These are shocking figures. They were released to me yesterday
10/12/2014
The preferred bidder for the N25 scheme in Ireland has been announced. The BAM PPP PGGM and Iridium consortium is expected to carry out the €217 million project. The scheme involves the DBFMO of 13.6 km of dual carriageway (N25 and N30 routes) and 1.2 km of single carriageway (New Ross N30 route).
10/12/2014
Over 10,000 people from all parts of the country are gathering at Leinster House to protest against the water charges today, 10 December. Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, said that a huge number of people remain opposed to water charges despite the Government having been
10/12/2014
The North Lotts and Grand Canal planning scheme has been officially launched by Dublin City Council. The scheme was approved by An Bord Pleanala on 16 May 2014. Councillor Paddy Bourke, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin, officially launched the scheme. The publication marks the beginning of a
10/12/2014
Graham Construction is to begin work on a £350,000 flood alleviation scheme in the Castlereagh area of Northern Ireland. Appointed by NI Water, the project will get underway in the Roddens Crescent and Roddens Park area in January 2015 for approximately twelve weeks. The work will reduce the risk o
10/12/2014
The Government has introduced a 20-point Action Plan to tackle homelessness throughout Ireland. Labour TD Sean Kenny said the plan will make a difference. Mr Kenny said: "This Action Plan commits €20 million and more if needs be to provide 260 beds immediately, with the assistance of the Civil Def
10/12/2014
A new £4.4 million multi-stoery car park is to be developed at Altnagelvin Hospital in Northern Ireland. The car park will form part of the North Wing development. Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin welcomed the announcement. She said: "The North Wing will be built in an area currently being used as a
10/12/2014
The SDLP is becoming increasingly concerned over broken street lights in Strabane. Councillor Patsy Kelly said he will push DRD Road Service on why it is not fixing the problem when departmental representatives appear before Strabane District Council today, 10 December. Cllr Kelly said: "Instead o
10/12/2014
Energy provider Energia has announced that many of its customers are opting for online billing. John King, Key Account Manager, Energia, commented: "Online billing offers customers the fastest and most secure way of receiving their energy bills. We received a huge response to our recent competition
09/12/2014
A newly extended and refurbished hospital in County Mayo has officially opened. Ballina District Hospital was finished at a cost of over €1 million of which €250,000 was provided by the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. The building works involved an upgrade of the entire building along with an e
09/12/2014
Applications are now open for the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (RHI). The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) provides long term financial support for people wanting to switch non-domestic or domestic properties from conventional heating to renewable heating solutions, such as biomass; heat
09/12/2014
Last year, Ireland's primary energy and related CO2 emissions fell by 1.2% and 3.8% respectively, according to a new report Energy in Ireland 1990-2013. The report, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), provides further evidence of the effect of ambitious energy policy on
09/12/2014
The Irish government is being urged to review its decision to withdraw its decision to withdraw £400m funding for A5 road expansion. Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness said he believes progress can be made on the issue following a discussion at last week's North South Ministerial Council meeting. Mr
09/12/2014
The Bord Na Móna Group of Unions is calling for an urgent meeting with management to discuss a reported plan to sell its subsidiary waste collection company, AES. The news of the sale was revealed which was disclosed in a newspaper report on Sunday 7 December. SIPTU Organiser and Bord Na Móna Grou
09/12/2014
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, is to address the United Climate Change Conference on Wednesday 10 December. Almost 200 countries will be represented at the event, which is being held in Lima, Peru. The aim of the event is to continue to work towards an effec
09/12/2014
The SDLP has slammed the UK Government for approving funding for NuGen to build three new reactors at Moorside, near Sellafield. SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie said the government is "wrong" to commit to the project and the nearby Sellafield plant should be a reminder of the "true cost" of nuclear power.
09/12/2014
More than 50% of all council rents in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown county council area are in rent arrears. Sinn Féin Councillor Chris Curran said he was shocked by the extent of arrears. Over 86% (€3.2m) of the rent amounts due is four months or over. Councillor Curran said: "The figures show clea
08/12/2014
Activity in Ireland's construction sector remained strong in November, according to data from Markit Economics. The Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index dropped to 63.5 in November from 64.9 in October. Commercial schemes are on the increase as well as housing. Simon Berry, Chief
08/12/2014
The newly refurbished swimming pool in Crumlin, Dublin, has officially opened today, 8 December. Crumlin Sinn Féin Councillor Ray McHugh along with members of the 'Save our Pool' campaign won a movement aimed at keeping the pool open. Dublin City Council closed the pool for a year to complete the
08/12/2014
Irish Design 2015 (ID2015), a programme aimed at driving job-creation, growing exports and increasing competitiveness, has launched today as part of the Action Plan for Jobs. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, and Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash TD, anno
08/12/2014
Restoration work on a derelict building in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, is now complete. Speaking at the official opening of Anne Shiels Jewellers in the centre of Ballymoney Minister Storey said: "I would like to pay tribute to all those involved in restoring this landmark building which sits at
08/12/2014
A £270,000 resurfacing scheme is to begin in Ballymena. The project, on the B93 Dunminning Road, Cullybackey, will provide 2.7km of new road surface from the B64 Station Road, Glarryford to the C58 Duneoin Road, Cullybackey. TransportNI officials and contractors have programmed these works operati
08/12/2014
Sinn Féin is urging union SIPTU to join the water charge demonstration outside the Dáil on Wednesday. Spokesperson for Social Protection, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, said the campaign is a coalition of forces made up of trade unions along with political parties including Sinn Féin and community groups and c
08/12/2014
Significant progress is being made on plans to develop a Technological University in Dublin. Labour TD, Joanna Tuffy, welcomed the positive assessment given by an international independent panel on the plans. She said: "This new University would play an instrumental role in building on the great w
08/12/2014
A network of oil buying clubs are to be set up across Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has selected Bryson Energy to establish a network of clubs and will work on behalf of the club members by negotiating the best price for a bulk order and arranging delivery. With t
05/12/2014
Cork County Council has started developing a new playground on the former Gunpowder Mills site in Ballincollig. The development, costing in the region of €340,000, is expected to be complete in April 2015. Councillor Deirdre Forde, chair of the Ballincollig Carrigaline District, said: "This multi
05/12/2014
The new Integrated Development Framework, which outlines key regeneration concepts for the future development in Castlereagh, Northern Ireland, has launched. Speaking following a visit to Castlereagh Council Offices to meet those involved in the development of the framework, Social Development Mini
05/12/2014
NAMA is continuing to sell property and has currently paid €16.1 billion in bonds to repay debt. Fine Gael welcomed the news and said the housing body is proving to be a great success. Senator for Kerry and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, said NAMA is expected to have paid off all bonds by 2018,
05/12/2014
Sinn Féin is repeating its call to the Government to scrap water charges and dismantle Irish Water. Spokesperson for Justice Pádraig Mac Lochlainn confirmed next Wednesday, 10 December, larger protests will be taking place opposing the charges. He said: "Water is a right for all our citizens, the
05/12/2014
NI Water is to invest £1.5m to improve the watermains in the Dunmurry and Lisburn area. The upgraded water mains will improve the quality, reliability and security of the local water supply, while reducing leakage and improving pressure in the area. The programme of work will get underway this mon
05/12/2014
Fianna Fail is urging the Environment Minister to set up an expert panel to deal with homeowners affected by Mica. Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue affected homes need to be examined to make recommendations to the Government as to how the situation should be addressed. Deputy McConalogue comment
05/12/2014
A BAM/McCann consortium has been appointed to carry out improvement and maintenance works in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. The consortium is due to start work on the A26 dualling scheme between Glarryford and the A44 Drones Road junction. The 8km scheme represents an investment of £55m, including la
05/12/2014
Fine Gael has welcomed the funding allocated to improve the N86 Tralee to Dingle Road, Rosslare. The funding is part of a €60 million national funding package for minor works announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD. Fine Gael TD for Kerry and Member of the Oi
04/12/2014
€60 million has been allocated by the National Roads Authority (NRA) for minor works to be carried out on Ireland's roads. Construction is to commence next year and will continue over a three-year period. The roads include:
04/12/2014
€7 million that has been approved for harbour repair projects is being held back because of Government constraints, Fianna Fáil has confirmed. Spokesperson on Agriculture Éamon Ó Cuív TD said the constraints could risk the completion of certain projects. The Department of Agriculture and the Mari
04/12/2014
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over plans to build the Arc 21 energy from waste plant at a site in Mallusk, Northern Ireland. David Ford MLA said new housing developments in the Mayfield and Hightown area would also be badly affected by the proposal. He said: "I do have concerns over the p
04/12/2014
€990,000 funding has been announced for improvement work to be carried out at Derrygimlagh, Connemara, Co, Galway. The funding, allocated from Fáilte Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way capital programme, will enhance the site which was the setting for two technological achievements of the 20th century: th
04/12/2014
The second phase of the environmental improvement project is now underway in south Belfast. Trees have been planted at Collingwood Avenue as part of Belfast City Council's wider environmental improvement project for the Holyland area. The environmental improvement project is being delivered by the
04/12/2014
The Labour party is calling on Dublin City Council to use St. Bricin's Military Hospital in Arbour Hill as temporary accommodation for the homeless. The hospital is currently empty and unused. Robert Dowds TD said: "If the facility was opened up, it might help avert another tragedy like the one t
04/12/2014
The DUP has slammed proposed incinerator plans at the site of the old Hightown Quarry and stated it is "not safe". DUP South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron led an Assembly debate on the proposed incinerator and was disappointed Environment Minister Mark Durkan cancelled at the eleventh hour. 3,000 local r
04/12/2014
Sinn Féin has raised serious concerns over the issue of lead piping. Deputy Martin Ferris said the water infrastructure needs serious attention. He said: "There are leaks, which are a waste of what is a precious resource, which have not received any attention over the years. "The lack of attentio
03/12/2014
Northern Ireland firm FK Lowry Piling, part of the Lagan Construction Group, has started piling works for a new waste-to-energy scheme in Dublin, Ireland. The scheme is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Dublin City Council and Covanta to provide a thermal treatment plant to treat munici
03/12/2014
A new Energy Efficient Design Management standard, I.S. 399, developed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has been launched. The I.S. 399 is designed to save businesses millions on investment projects. The standard embeds c
03/12/2014
Planning has been approved by the Environment Minister to redevelop an existing open space in L'Derry. The plans include a new children's play area and landscaping at Rose Court close to the junctions of Strabane Old Road and Trench Road. Mr Durkan said: "This is welcome news for the ‘top of the h
03/12/2014
Labour is urging Archbishop Martin to "put pressure" on the Catholic Housing Aid Society (CHAS) to make available the 99 new units of accommodation in Fr. Scully House, Dublin. The housing complex on Gardiner Street has been empty for over six months. Joe Costello TD said if the units were opened,
03/12/2014
Fine Gael is calling for a review of the Local Property Tax (LPT) rates. The party said the review is needed to address homeowners' concerns who are living in areas where there has been a rise in house prices. Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, said the house prices in her own
03/12/2014
Fuel poverty in Northern Ireland is continuing to increase. The SDLP said it is concerned over how the problem is being tackled by the Minister for Social Development, Mervyn Storey, and is urging him to reassess his approach. Spokesperson for Housing, Dolores Kelly MLA, said fuel poverty is a bli
03/12/2014
Fianna Fáil has slammed the government for continuing to mishandle the water policy. Spokesperson for the Environment Barry Cowen said that the water policy continues to be a complete "omnishambles". He said: "The Dáil is due to debate the new water services bill this Thursday. The legislation was
03/12/2014
To burn precious kerosene oil more efficiently, you need to use a modern oil burner and keep it well-maintained. If your burner is more than 15 years old, you should replace it. Even if it is running well, it will not be as energy efficient as a new burner from the Riello range. Any burner will bec
02/12/2014
A planning application for the redevelopment of Boland's Mill in Dublin is to be submitted to Dublin City Council tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd December. The plans are being proposed by receivers Mark Reynolds and Glen Crann of Savills. The application is being funded by NAMA. Boland's Mill is the fir
02/12/2014
270 construction jobs are to be created during the redevelopment of Windsor Park in Northern Ireland. Ulster Unionist MLA Michael McGimpsey welocomed the news and said it will provide a boost to the local area. Mr McGimpsey said: "Clauses in the contract for the re-development of Windsor Park requ
02/12/2014
Westport in Co Mayo has scooped the title of Ireland's Tidiest Large Town 2014, at this year's SuperValu TidyTowns awards. The awards, for the West & North West region, were presented on Monday 1 December, at a ceremony in the Knockranny House Hotel, Westport. Minister of State at The Department o
02/12/2014
Fianna Fáil has expressed serious concerns over the homeless crisis in Dublin. Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen is to raise the issue with Minister Alan Kelly today, following the death of a homeless man on Molesworth Street yesterday, 1 December. Mr Cowen said: "I want to express my sympathy
02/12/2014
Construction work is progressing well on the new £14m forensics laboratory in Carrickfergus. Justice Minster David Ford visited the Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) site today, Tuesday, which is due to be complete in September next year. The laboratory is expected to be fitted out and full
02/12/2014
A £340,000 resurfacing project is to begin in Banbridge, Northern Ireland. Preparatory work on two sections, totalling almost one mile of the B10 Banbridge to Scarva Road, will get underway this week with the substantive resurfacing element of work expected to be completed by mid-February. The tw
02/12/2014
Plans for the development of an offshore wind farm in Northern Ireland have been pulled. The developers, First Flight Wind, decided to cease the plans, after deciding the project could not be built in the timeframes likely to be required under the new market rules. The firm said: "First Flight Wi
02/12/2014
Sinn Féin is calling for all councillors to stay away from a meeting with Irish Water this Friday. Dublin City Councillor Daithí Doolan said the meeting with Irish Water at the City Hall is a "propaganda stunt". He said: "Irish Water is toxic. It should be scrapped along with the government's wate
01/12/2014
The Government is being urged to start focusing on the housing crisis in Dublin. Sinn Fein Dublin City Councillor Janice Boylan, reiterated the desperate need for more quality, affordable housing to be made available. Councillor Boylan said she is constantly being contacted by people who are in de
01/12/2014
The Single Electricity Market Committee has announced it is to reform the European Union's drive for an integrated electricity market across Europe. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the wholesale electricity market across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Enterprise, Trade a
01/12/2014
A £175,000 resurfacing scheme on the B49 Longland Road, Ballyarton, Claudy, is to begin. The scheme will run from its junction with the Ballyarton Road to its junction with C513 Longland Road. Preliminary work on the 900metres scheme will start on Monday 8 December, with the main resurfacing being
01/12/2014
Plans have been approved to further develop a primary school in Lisburn. The plans will see Rowandale Integrated Primary School in Moira expand to two class entry from September 2015, with an intake of 57. Alliance Lisburn Councillor Brian Dornan welcomed the Education Minister's decision. Counci
01/12/2014
A charity is offering people free planning advice according to SDLP Councillor Shauna Cusack. Community Places is opening the event to people who are unable to pay for a planning consultant. It is to take place 10 to 14 Bishop Street on Wednesday 3rd December. The SDLP Councillor said: "The Planni
01/12/2014
The Government is being accused of "ignoring" people as it goes ahead with its decision to introduce water charges. Sinn Féin Deputy Leader, Mary Lou McDonald, was speaking as protests against water charges took place across the state. Teachta McDonald also repeated her party leader's call for a
