Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for January 2015
30/01/2015
Documents released to Fianna Fáil show there was 'not a lot of planning' put into the implementation of the Water Conservation Grant. Spokesperson on Environment Barry Cowen said what the correspondence reveals is how little thought or preparation went into the policy from Government. He said: "A
30/01/2015
The Central Bank's new mortgage regulations will slow down the recovery in housing supply and have a strong impact on the building of new homes in urban areas, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). The CIF also said that the measures will have a knock on impact on rent prices i
30/01/2015
Work on a new road surface is to begin in Larne from 2 February. The £200,000 resurfacing project, on the C73 Ballysnod Road, will provide 2.4km of new road surface from the Browndod Road to the Carrickfergus Road. To protect the safety of the travelling public and contractors during the scheme, i
30/01/2015
Sinn Féin is calling for the interim report on fracking to be made available to the Transport and Communications Committee. Deputy Michael Colreavy, spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, said many people have continuing serious concerns that the scope of the research being d
30/01/2015
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment has confirmed that Firmus Energy intends to work with the Utility Regulator to reach agreement on an economically viable proposal for the Ballykelly and Greysteel areas. SDLP East Derry Assembly Member, John Dallat, has expressed his optimism for pl
30/01/2015
Staff from Helm Housing Association have met with the Department for Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, during his visit to Hemsworth Court on Shankill Road in Belfast. Hemsworth Court is a supported living scheme for people with dementia in Belfast, which was developed through a partn
30/01/2015
The Minister for Energy has confirmed he will publish a consultation paper to address energy poverty. Mr Alex White said the paper will also seek public comment on whether energy markets are working for consumers. Mr White TD, this week met the chief executives and other senior representatives of A
30/01/2015
A £205,000 road improvement scheme in Clough, Northern Ireland, is to begin on 4 February. The project, on the A25 Castlewellan Road, involves the resurfacing of a 1.1km stretch of the road between the Aghlisnafin Road and Dromara Road junctions. It is expected to be complete by Friday 13 March. T
29/01/2015
Ireland's largest green technology research and development and training facility in Enniskillen has officially opened. The £1.5 million Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies (CREST), opened by South West College (SWC), provides specialist education, training and R&D support to h
29/01/2015
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is encouraging business owners to consider buying registered sustainable energy products which qualify for tax relief under the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme. Tom Halpin, SEAI's Head of Information, explained that there are two ways th
29/01/2015
Hundreds of families living in County Mayo will be "trapped" in their homes following the Central Banks new rules on mortgage lending, according to Fianna Fáil. Under the new regulations non-first time buyers will have to save a 20% deposit in order to secure a home loan. TD for Mayo Dara Calleary
29/01/2015
The Central Bank has confirmed that first-time buyers will be required to provide a 10% deposit when buying their first home. Fine Gael TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Pat Deering, said the announcement is a "common sense" approach to the issue of mortgage deposits. Mr Deering said: "The rumours of 20% de
29/01/2015
Transport NI is to begin building a new riverfront wall along the Culmore Point in L'Derry. SDLP Derry Councillor Angela Dobbins welcomed the news and said the work is scheduled to start in June. She added: "The wall was damaged years ago and railings were erected as a temporary measure. At high t
29/01/2015
A national housing charity has launched a new service for Cork tenants facing housing difficulties. Threshold has introduced The Tenancy Protection Service, which is aimed at people living in the private rented sector, who are facing problems that may put them at risk of homelessness. This could in
29/01/2015
A public inquiry is expected to be held by the end of this year on the development of the A5 Western Transport Corridor. Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin has welcomed the announcement and said the next stage will see the publication of the draft vesting orders, together with the environmental stateme
29/01/2015
£400,000 has been secured for two road improvement projects to commence in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. A £350,000 resurfacing scheme at the A0020, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, between Finlays Road and north of Cunningburn Road, commenced on Wednesday 28 January. Work is expected to be substanti
28/01/2015
Ireland's largest construction and quarrying machinery show (CQMS '15), which will exhibit over €50 million of construction and quarrying equipment, is to take place at Molloy's Quarry in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on 17th and 18th April. Indications are that 2015 will see economic growth of between 4%
28/01/2015
A proposed homeless hostel in Dublin's Georgian district has been approved by Dublin City Council. The council gave the go-ahead to the project, despite 63 submissions made in opposition to the proposed 30-bed hostel on the site of the former Longfields Hotel on Fitzwilliam Street. It is understoo
28/01/2015
Labour is calling for a rent regulation to be introduced urgently to prevent the Government from intervening in the rental market. Labour Senator Aideen Hayden said rules need to be introduced immediately to curb rising rents. She said: "The Central Bank's announcement today shows that they have
28/01/2015
QMAC Construction has installed new kitchens for Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) tenants in west Belfast. The kitchen replacement scheme began mainly in the Bearnagh and Bingnian areas of Andersonstown in September 2014. The scheme is currently ahead of schedule, and is expected to be com
28/01/2015
Fianna Fáil has been accused of having no policies to tackle the housing crisis. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD accused the party of being "incapable of grasping the reality of the housing crisis". Mr Ellis said: "They are incapable of talking about real solutions because like the
28/01/2015
The people of Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk have been commended by Sinn Féin for continuing to block Irish Water from entering their estates to install water meters. Fingal Sinn Féin councillor Malachy Quinn, said: "I know that many of them come out as early as 6am every day. Many have spoken
28/01/2015
Fianna Fáil has announced it is "gravely concerned" over the impact the new Central Bank regulations on mortgage lending will have on non-first time buyers. Spokesperson Michael McGrath said the rules could potentially trap non-first time buyers as they do not take account of the complex housing ne
28/01/2015
The Alliance Party has voiced its support for a moratorium on fracking. East Belfast MP, Naomi Long, said she made her decision due to the mixed evidence of the impact on the environment of the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. MPs in the House of Commons discussed the controversial i
28/01/2015
A flue is basically a tube which takes smoke and gas away from a fire, often through a chimney stack. Flues may be made from many materials including steel, stainless steel, cast iron, clay and concrete. Usually flues for oil-fired boilers are made from steel. They are available in a variety of diam
27/01/2015
The Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) is being urged to clarify information regarding funding for the A5 Western Transport Corridor. Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal, Charlie McConalogue, has written to the NIE following December's Budget Agreement between the NIE and the British Government. According t
27/01/2015
Full planning permission has been approved to develop a visitor centre in County Galway. The development of Cultúrlann Chonamara, adjacent to Teach an Phiarsaigh in Ros Muc, was given the green light by Galway County Council. The visitor centre is one of seven major projects being developed as par
27/01/2015
Airtricity has confirmed it is to cut its energy prices. It will reduce prices by 4% for gas and 2% for electricity. Minister for Energy, Alex White TD, welcomed the announcement. Minister White said: "I welcome the Airtricity price cuts, just as I welcomed last week's decision by Bord Gais Ener
27/01/2015
Bord Gáis Networks is to be rebranded as Gas Networks Ireland at a cost of €2.9m, according to Sinn Féin. The rebranding is due to the privatisation of the energy section of Bord Gáis Éireann. Spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Michael Colreavy, said: "The brand o
27/01/2015
Planning permission has been approved for a new 3G synthetic football pitch and allotments to be developed in Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland. The development, which includes access paths, lighting and environmental facilities, as well as associated parking, will occupy land between Hillcrest Drive
27/01/2015
The Formal Consultation process for the new road interchange at York Street in Belfast has been launched. The project represents a potential investment in the range of £125million to £165million. The announcement refers to the publication of the Draft Statutory Orders which will pave the way for
27/01/2015
A £280,000 road improvement project is to start in Omagh. The resurfacing scheme, on the A5 Doogary Road, between the junction of Dublin Road and Tattykeel Road, is expected to begin on Monday 2 February. Work is scheduled to be complete by Tuesday 10 February. Preparatory work will be carried out
27/01/2015
The SDLP is supporting a moratorium on fracking, which is due to be voted on in Westminster today. SDLP Fermanagh Councillor John Coyle welcomed the potential amendment that would see a secession of fracking across the UK. He said: "It is very encouraging to see that moves are being made at the hi
26/01/2015
Dublin City Council's Think Energy campaign was among the winners at this year's LAMA Community & Council Awards which took place on Saturday, 24th January at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry. The campaign scooped the top prize in the 'Best Energy Smart Initiative by a Local Authority' category for t
26/01/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling for a multi-agency approach, involving agencies North and South, to tackle fuel smuggling. Louth TD Seamus Kirk said he is majorly concerned over the smuggling by criminals, as the dumping of toxic waste is affecting water quality in the region. Deputy Kirk said: "The issue
26/01/2015
Geda Construction has started work on a £2m scheme to improve wastewater treatment in County Down. NI Water is converting the existing wastewater treatment works (WwTW) in Kilmore to a pumping station (PS), laying a new pumping main to take flows from the new Kilmore PS to Annacloy WwTW and carryin
26/01/2015
Work to convert two buildings into boutique hotels in L'Derry has begun. The former Northern Counties Club on Bishop Street is being converted into a 31 bed hotel, encompassing a restaurant, cookery school and two retail units, while a former bank building in Shipquay Street will be transformed int
26/01/2015
Sinn Féin is once again calling on the government to scrap the unfair water charges. At the Right2Water protest in Ballymun today, Monday, Councillor Noeleen Reilly said: "The taxes have not led to improved services, they have each been unfair and have targeted those on lower incomes disproportion
26/01/2015
Work on a junction signalisation scheme in Lurgan has been completed. The £120,000 works, at Kiln Road / Silverwood Road, forms part of the motorway diversion route. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "The introduction of traffic signals will help to improve traffic safety and progression as w
26/01/2015
Landlords are being reminded to sign up to the Landlord Registration Scheme by 25th February or they may face a fine of up to £2,500. The Landlord Registration Scheme seeks to establish a list of all landlords in Northern Ireland. Once registered, landlords are provided with up-to-date information
26/01/2015
The Chairman of the NI Water is being urged to answer outstanding questions regarding his role during the recent water crisis. SDLP spokesperson on Regional Development, John Dallat, said Sean Hogan needs to explain why he refused to make himself available to answer any questions that could clarify
23/01/2015
Bord Gais Energy is to cut its prices by 3.5% for gas and 2.5% for electricity. Minister for Energy, Alex White TD, welcomed the move and said he hopes to see other energy suppliers follow suit. Minister White said: "I will be meeting with the energy suppliers next week to hear what they have to s
23/01/2015
Irish building materials firm, CRH, has confirmed it is in discussions to acquire "certain assets" of Lafarge and Holcim in advance of their proposed merger. In a statement CRH said: "While there can be no certainty that these discussions will result in a transaction, if an acquisition was to proce
23/01/2015
An £83,000 resurfacing scheme for Bridge End in Belfast is to begin on Sunday 25 January. The road improvement project on a section of Bridge End will extend from the area around Dalton Street to Queens Bridge, in addition to the carriageway improvements, work will extend to some localised footway
23/01/2015
Proposals from Central Bank asking house buyers to provide a 20% deposit have been slammed by Fine Gael. Cork North West TD, Áine Collins, said a workable solution must be found as a 20% deposit is "completely unrealistic". She said: "One possible solution could be for the mortgage lender to take
23/01/2015
Sinn Féin is demanding Irish Water provide consumers with locations of where their water supply could be at risk from lead contamination. Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan said she was "appalled" to hear that in some cases the pollution levels were found to be ten times above the safe limit. Ms Boy
23/01/2015
Government figures that show most of the housing promised this year will be sought through the private market has been condemned by Sinn Féin. Housing spokesperson, Dessie Ellis, said the government plans to provide access to 5,000 private homes through long-term leasing or shorter-term arrangement
23/01/2015
A Co Tyrone has been fined £1,000, plus £15 offenders levy for a pollution offence at Dungannon Magistrates' Court today, Friday. Mr William Potter, Annaghquin Road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, pleaded guilty and was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 3 December 2013, Water Qualit
23/01/2015
Local firms working in the construction sector are being urged to attend a business event at the City Hall in Belfast this month. The Procurement Workshop on 29 January will focus on the topic of businesses joining together to form a consortia to bid for public sector contracts. It will provide SM
22/01/2015
A union is calling on the Central Bank to scrap proposals for homebuyers to have a 20% deposit before being approved for a mortgage. SIPTU GEneral President, Jack O'Connor, said if the plan is implemented it would put home ownership beyond the reach of thousands of individuals and couples. Accordi
22/01/2015
€13.2 million funding is to be invested in the Better Energy Communities Scheme this year, the Minister for Energy has announced. Minister Alex White also confirmed that almost one-sixth of Irish homes had benefited from Government-funded energy efficiency upgrades, supporting an average of 3,500 j
22/01/2015
Road Service engineers have completed repair work to street lights in L'Derry. The defective street lights surrounded the Whitehouse Park area in Foyleside. SDLP Cllr John Boyle said he is pleased that the issue has been dealt with. Mr Boyle said: "The problem had been a lot worse than a few brok
22/01/2015
A £90,000 footway upgrade scheme in Strabane is to begin on 28th Januray. The improvement project incorporates a shared cycling path at Upper Main Street and Townsend Street. The investment will result in the construction of 280 metres of shared footway and cycleway to connect a footbridge, curren
22/01/2015
Traffic signals are to be installed on a busy road in Belfast as part of a £150,000 improvement project. The scheme, which is to start on 26 January, will provide traffic signals around the junction at Boucher Road and Boucher Crescent. Transport Minister, Danny Kennedy, said: "The works to provid
22/01/2015
An Bord Pleanála has rejected an application to redevelop "Ireland's most expensive house". The proposal for Walford, on Shrewsbury Road in Dublin, had sought permission to extend the existing property to almost double its size and add four additional houses in the back garden. Refusing the planni
22/01/2015
Proposals for new senior citizen homes in Dunmanus Housing Complex, Cabra, have been welcomed. Sinn Féin Cllr McGrattan has asked that local labour from the Cabra area is used in the building of the development. Dublin Central TD Mary Lou McDonald also welcomed the announcement. She said: "I would
22/01/2015
The European Committee of Social Rights has found that Ireland is in breach of the European Social Charter covering labour rights. According to a report by RTÉ, the committee found that Ireland had breached the charter of labour rights in 10 of 22 situations – including working hours, the minimum w
22/01/2015
Two new "urban village" projects have been announced for Belfast and Londonderry. Part of the 'Together: Building a United Community Strategy', first announced in 2013, the Markets, Sandy Row and Donegall Pass areas of Belfast are to be transformed along with the Bogside and Fountain area of Derry.
22/01/2015
Sinn Féin has slammed Fianna Fáil for "pretending to be concerned" about government plans for investment in the water network. Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh said the government's handling of the water metering programme is "shambolic". He said: "But the much maligned water meter was the brainchil
21/01/2015
Contractors O'Hare and McGovern have started construction work on the new Olympia Centre in south Belfast. The new facility, which forms part of a £19 million sporting and community hub, will be built at the West Stand of the redeveloped Windsor Park. In association with the Irish Football Associ
21/01/2015
Funding for the Development Offices on non-Gaeltacht islands has been confirmed for the remainder of 2015. Fine Gael Cork South West TD, Noel Harrington, has welcomed the news. He said: "The Minister for the Gaeltacht, Joe McHugh, has informed me that funding for the non-Gaeltacht islands is secu
21/01/2015
The Central Bank is being called to urgently release the new mortgage rules and set a date of when they will come into effect. Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said the introduction of the new rules is already three weeks late, which is causing people to worry. Deputy Doherty said:
21/01/2015
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has turned down a meeting with a Sinn Féin MEP to discuss the control of the invasive weed Rhododendron ponticum in the oakwoods of Killarney National Park. The woods lie within a Special Area of Conservation under Annex 1 of the EU Habitats Directi
21/01/2015
Funding has been announced for a revitalisation scheme in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. £50,000 is being use to improve West Street in the town centre. Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey, welcomed the scheme. He said: "Over the past two years my Department has invested some £2million
21/01/2015
The Government has approved five appointments to the Ervia Board. Energy provider Ervia made four appointments, which are to last for five years. Mr Sean Hogan, Mr James Martin, Ms Celine Fitzgerald and Mr Peter Cross were selected for the Ervia Board. Mr Joe O'Flynn has been reappointed for a pe
21/01/2015
The Alliance Party has slammed the delays in introducing the Regeneration Bill. The legislation, which had its second stage in the Assembly on Tuesday, will transfer regeneration functions from central government to the new Councils. However, due to the delays, this will not happen until 2016, a ye
21/01/2015
More than £7m in funding has been allocated to expand the computer science teaching facilities at Queen's University Belfast. Some £7.49m has been given for the redevelopment work, which is taking place on the site of the Bernard Crossland building on the Malone Road. The Department for Employment
20/01/2015
Irish firm Ardale Property acquired Weslin Construction for in excess of €500,000. The company is being brought into the Ardale Property Group, maintaining the 15 jobs within Weslin Construction. Weslin, which was founded in 2000 and has experience in residential, retail, commercial new build and
20/01/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the government's climate change bill claiming it has failed to set out long-term targets for cutting down Irish greenhouse gas emissions. Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan accused Minister Kelly of 'picking up from where Phil Hogan left off' when it comes to climate change.
20/01/2015
Construction firm, Gibson Brothers Banbridge, is to start work on a £45,000 traffic calming project in Donaghcloney, Northern Ireland. The improvement scheme, which will begin towards the end of this month, will include the introduction of ramps, speed cushions and a pedestrian island. Transport M
20/01/2015
Concerns have been raised at Northern Ireland Electricity's (NIE) approach to infrastructure and investment West of the Bann. Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MP, Francie Molloy, and party colleague Ian Milne MLA, have met with senior managers of NIE after it was revealed NIE was unable to provide an adequate
20/01/2015
Fine Gael is urging the Central Bank to consider rent being paid by young people when they are applying for a new mortgage. Longford/Westmeath TD, Gabrielle Mc Fadden, is concerned about plans forcing young people to produce a 20% deposit before they can be considered. She said: "How can we expect
20/01/2015
The UUP is accusing the DUP of "blatant hypocrisy" after the Finance Minister allocated £50m for the arc21 incinerator at Mallusk, which the party claims to be against. UUP MLA for South Antrim, Danny Kinahan, confirmed around 3,000 objections have been formally lodged against planning permission f
20/01/2015
Fine Gael is calling for a drop in the price of fertiliser for farmers following a fall in oil and gas prices for consumers. TD For Meath East, Helen McEntee, said she will be raising the matter with the Competition Commission. She said: "The cost of crude oil has fallen by more than 45% since Jun
20/01/2015
Minister for Rural Affairs Ann Phelan is to meet with Commissioner Phil Hogan and his officials in Brussels tomorrow, Wednesday, to discuss the challenges and issues that currently arise for rural Ireland. Minister Phelan will emphasise the importance of rural Ireland to the Irish economy and how
19/01/2015
The regeneration of the Brandywell site in L'Derry is to begin on 28th May. Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney welcomed the news. He said: "The news that the demolition of the Glentoran Stand on May 28th will mark the beginning of the transformation of the Brandywell area is to be welcomed. "Not onl
19/01/2015
Dublin City Council is merging with The Digital Hub Development Agency to keep the identity and branding that has been an important development of digital entrepreneurship in Ireland. Minister for Communications, Alex White, said the Digital Hub planned a significant expansion of office capacity th
19/01/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to test the water in Fane River for toxins after the 'Sunday Independent' revealed toxic substances are being dumped into it. The river is the main reservoir for Dundalk and TD Seamus Kirk said the reports are "extremely worrying". Depu
19/01/2015
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is being criticised following the failure of energy firms to pass on the positive effect of falling oil, coal and wholesale gas prices. Fianna Fáil Energy Spokesperson, Michael Moynihan TD, has called for a fundamental review of the role and powers of the
19/01/2015
A new North West Executive subgroup has been established. SDLP Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan MLA has welcomed the news and said the dire economic predicament of the North–West is something that has been crying out for intervention for years and an issue he has raised since joining the Executi
19/01/2015
Work to bring a community centre back into use in L'Derry has started. Refurbishment work is underway at the Tullyally Community Centre following a grant of £198,656 from the Department of Social Devleopment (DSD). Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, visited the Tullyally Community Cen
19/01/2015
6,500 properties are without water due to NI Water workers taking industrial action over pensions. More properties may also be disrupted, NI Water has warned. The areas affected include: Areas that may be affected include: Ederney, Kesh, Lack, Castlederg, Killen, Killeter, Spamount, Irvinestown,
19/01/2015
Dublin City Council has estimated an annual cost of €669,676.42 to remove the disposal of illegal dumping. Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly has expressed alarm at the huge costs and said it is a pity to see the city's resources being used to clear up illegally dumped waste. She said: "There
19/01/2015
Legislation to protect mortgage holders has been branded a 'cop out' by Fianna Fáil. Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath said the Consumer Protection (Regulation of Credit Servicing Firms) Bill 2015 leaves the key decisions relating to mortgages in distress in the hands of unregulated vulture f
19/01/2015
Visitor numbers to heritage sites in Ireland are rising. Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Simon Harris, confirmed the top fee paying sites continued to do extremely well with Kilmainham Gaol recording nearly 330,000 visitors, while the Rock of Cash
16/01/2015
Fine Gael is calling for the M7/M9 in Kiladare to be upgraded urgently. Martin Heydon and Anthony Lawlor, Fine Gael TDs for Kildare South and North, were speaking ahead of their joint Topical Issues Debate on the proposed road upgrade, with Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe, in the Dáil. The
16/01/2015
The redevelopment of Windsor Park is Northern Ireland is progressing well, the Sports Minister has confirmed. South Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA Michael McGimpsey welcomed the news and said the construction notice for the Olympia leisure centre programme has been secured. The project is to be launc
16/01/2015
Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Foreign Affairs has met with the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning to discuss plans for the post-2015 development framework. Seán Crowe TD and Amina J. Mohammad of Nigeria said while progress has been made on the Millennium Development
16/01/2015
The Environment Minister is being urged to visit O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin to look at the "appalling conditions" the remaining tenants are being forced to live in. Dublin Sinn Féin Councillor Janice Boylan is calling on Minister Alan Kelly to make regeneration plans for the area. She said: "Thes
16/01/2015
The Minister for Social Development has welcomed the ongoing refurbishment works at Tullyally Community Centre in L'Derry. Mervyn Storey MLA, visited the centre today, 16 January, to view the revitalised premises. The centre, which had fallen into disrepair, received a grant of £198,656 from the D
16/01/2015
The General Scheme of the Planning and Development (No. 2) Bill 2014 has now been published. The General Scheme, which has been approved by Government, is primarily being progressed to support the implementation of the planning-related recommendations of the Final Report of the Mahon Tribunal. It
16/01/2015
A Sinn Fein councillor is working with Dublin Council management on any potential upgrade of Dalymount Park. Councillor Séamas McGrattan has given a cautious welcome to the prospective purchase of Dalymount Park by Dublin City Council. Mr McGrattan played a leading role in the protection of the p
16/01/2015
A housing association has put forward plans to build new properties in Banbridge. Clanmil Housing said the proposed development would involve building 33 new homes on Dromore Street. The homes will include special provisions for pensioners and disabled people. SDLP For Upper Bann Dolores Kelly sa
15/01/2015
A total of 19 Eco friendly homes are currently being developed in Ballymun, Dublin. Clúid Housing Association took over the development from Emerald Housing in 2011 after the company went into liquidation. The homes are to be become available in April of this year. Ballymun Sinn Féin Councillor,
15/01/2015
Energy firm ESB is helping GAA Clubs save an estimated average of €9,000 per year on their energy bills. As the official energy partner to the GAA, the firm teamed up with Mayo Footballer Aidan O'Shea and Cork Hurler Aidan Walsh to reveal the results of the ESB 'EnergyFit' programme, in association
15/01/2015
A DUP MLA is urging the Prime Minister to reduce oil prices for consumers. DUP spokesman on International Development and Culture, Media & Sport, Gregory Campbell, said that while prices have gone down for consumers, the oil prices are dipping below $50 a barrel for the first time since 2009. He s
15/01/2015
Thousands of homes across the State are without power following a night of strong winds and heavy rain. The stormy weather has continued today, with Dublin Airport reporting that 20 planes have had to be diverted over safety fears. A status orange warning for wind remains in place for most of Irel
15/01/2015
The first series of consultations has launched to improve the way social housing is delivered throughout Northern Ireland. The 'Tenant Participation Strategy Consultation', which is part of the Social Housing Reform Programme, calls on social housing tenants across Northern Ireland to air their vie
15/01/2015
Sinn Féin has slammed plans by the Environment Minister to give tax breaks to landlords. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis said the proposals will not help renters who are at risk of losing their homes. Mr Ellis said: "The problem with rents is caused by the very high demand for rented accommodati
15/01/2015
Over 10,000 people have been on Dublin City Council's housing list for more than four years, it has been revealed. Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Daithí Doolan said he was "shocked" at the 10,303 people waiting on the housing list, adding that the council has effectively abandoned responsibility
15/01/2015
Fine Gael is urging the Central Bank to ensure mortgages remain accessible for first time buyers. Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, said first-time buyers are currently being asked for 20% of the value of their mortgage. He said this will prevent young families from getting on the prope
14/01/2015
Harland and Wolff has been awarded a rig contract. The work includes the dry docking and Renewal/Special Periodic Survey of the Byford Dolphin Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) by Aberdeen-based Dolphin Drilling Limited. The project is to commence early in 2015. Harland and Wolff and Dolphin
14/01/2015
A new Garda Station is to be developed in Bailieborough as soon as a new site has been acquired. Fine Gael TD Minister Heather Humphreys said: "This news will be greeted warmly by the people of Bailieborough, who have been in need of a new Garda station for some time. I am very pleased to learn tha
14/01/2015
The North Down and Ards District Council has rejected plans to explore saving redundant reservoirs. An Alliance Councillor, who is on the Council, has said they are very "disappointed" with the decision. The Council has only chosen to acquire Portavo Reservoir in principal, with an economic apprai
14/01/2015
FK Lowry Piling have completed a CFA Piling Project at the Waterfont Hall in Belfast. The new £29.5 million extension to the Waterfront Hall is underway and the new extension will more than double the event space to 7,000m2. FK Lowry Piling was appointed by the main contractor, McLaughlin & Harv
14/01/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling for new Landlord and Tenant Laws as tenants in Dublin have a limited knowledge of their rights under Irish law. Dublin City Councillor, Jim O'Callaghan, said new laws will bring them in line with other European States. Mr O'Callaghan said: "Because the market in Dublin is n
14/01/2015
The SDLP has slammed Sinn Féin for allowing 32,000 water meters to be installed in Northern Ireland. South Down MLA Sean Rogers discovered that during Conor Murphy's tenure as Regional Development Minister, his department installed over 32,000 domestic and non-domestic water meters across NI. Mr R
14/01/2015
Northern Ireland Water has been fined £1,500 after pleading guilty to making a polluting discharge from the Dromore Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), Dromore, Co Down. On 9 January 2014, a Senior Water Quality Inspector, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, carried out a ro
14/01/2015
Adare Machinery in Limerick has been appointed by Doosan Construction Equipment as a new Authorised Dealer for Doosan Heavy and Bobcat products in Ireland. Under the new agreement, Adare Machinery has exclusivity for sales and service in Munster and Connacht for Doosan crawler and wheeled excavato
14/01/2015
LBS Products have recently supplied Blue Bangor Slates for the partial re-roofing of 'Vernon Mount' villa located in Cork. Constructed c.1795 the building is regarded as one of the most original and architecturally intriguing structures in Ireland. It has also been reported it was once the former h
14/01/2015
If you have ever desired one of the high-end bathrooms that are often showcased in your favourite home-improvement magazines, you're certainly not alone. However, the reality is that many home owners have quite small bathrooms and it may seem that the luxury of a high-end bathroom is beyond their re
13/01/2015
IDA is being urged to build an 'advance unit' in Ballina, Co Mayo, to attract foreign investment. Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary said the agency has supported the construction of similar units in Athlone, Letterkenny and Waterford, however the western region has been left out of all plans to
13/01/2015
A local Sinn Féin Councillor is calling for more residential housing units to be built on the Boland's Mill site in Dublin. Chris Andrews supports the redevelopment plans in principle, however he said building 42 units is "totally inadequate" and "doesn't come close" to addressing the housing crisi
13/01/2015
The Social Development Minister has released the 'Development Brief' for the Ulster Bar Corner site in Antrim. Mervyn Storey MLA is calling on interested parties and to put forward their ideas for the regeneration of the sites. He said he was glad to be able to help realise a way forward for the si
13/01/2015
Sinn Féin has predicted that Irish water charges will be "defeated". MEP Matt Carthy said Irish people have suffered enough hardship and has pledged to continue to oppose the charges. Mr Carthy said: "In order to force the Irish people to pay 43% of the cost of the European banking crisis Dublin g
13/01/2015
Energy firms are being urged to reduce their electricity prices. SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan said electricity price increases in the past have been explained by energy companies on the basis of wholesale oil price rises. He said people are "puzzled and aggrieved" when reductions in wholesale oil pri
13/01/2015
A £140,000 road improvement project on the B8 Hilltown to Newry Road in County Down is almost complete. Known locally as 'Murphy's Corner' the improvements began in October last year. The improvements include realignment with bend and drainage improvements on around a 240m stretch of the carriagew
13/01/2015
Sinn Féin activists have began a weekly protest against water charges at the Clondalkin Civic Offices. The first protest took place on Saturday 11 January and will continue every Saturday at the same venue from 12 to 1pm. The purpose of the protest is to keep the issue of water charges on the age
13/01/2015
£293,000 has been invested to improve heating in Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) homes in the Ballynahinch area. The NIHE worked in partnership with HEAT Ltd to ensure 48 homes had their heating upgraded from a 15-year old boiler to a more energy efficient system. Niall Fitzpatrick, fr
12/01/2015
€352 million was invested in Irish wind energy projects last year. This is enough clean electricity generation capacity to power an additional 144,000 homes nationally, according to figures compiled by the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA). Wind energy output also hit a new record peak of 1967M
12/01/2015
The number of new construction apprentices has risen, according to figures published by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF). Apprenticeships increased by 660 in 2014, with over 2,100 new apprenticeship registrations taking place last year. The CIF has described the latest statistics as a po
12/01/2015
A new classroom is to be developed at Killygarry National School in Co Cavan. The contract for the construction of the classroom is going out to tender. This will also provide employment for construction workers in the area. Fine Gael TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Joe O'Reilly welcomed the announcement.
12/01/2015
Plans for a new shopping centre at Ballynagard in Culmore have been given the go-ahead. SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins welcomed the new development and said it will provide a much needed shopping experience for the Culmore area and beyond. She said: "Local people are keen to see the all the features of
12/01/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister and the Utility Regulator to examine the high cost of electricity in Northern Ireland. Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh South Tyrone Mr Flanagan said the debate currently surrounding attracting inward investment and increasing business
12/01/2015
A new planning office is to open for Lisburn and Castlereagh Council in County Antrim. From Monday 19 January, the new Local Area Planning Office will relocate to Lagan Valley Island, the headquarters building for Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. Experienced Planners from DOE Area Planning Te
12/01/2015
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has said it is concerned about local construction jobs after retailer Tesco announced it has scrapped plans to open a new store in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Newry & Armagh Ulster Unionist MLA, Danny Kennedy, said development work has already started on the site and h
12/01/2015
A £314,000 improvement works scheme is to begin in L'Derry. The junction of the Craigavon Bridge, and along the Foyle Road, will see work which will include making the junction more pedestrian-friendly and improving the lighting. Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey said: "The junction at the
09/01/2015
The Utility Regulator has confirmed it is to begin to review Power NI's regulated electricity tariffs and the regulated gas tariffs of Airtricity Gas Supply and Firmus. Sinn Féin MLA Phil Flanagan welcomed the announcement however he said the review should have been carried out sooner. Mr Flanagan
09/01/2015
Work has started on the second phase of the £40 million Connswater Community Greenway and East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme in east Belfast. Farrans Construction, will be on site at multiple locations from mid January. The first sections to begin main works are Orangefield Park to Knock Dual Ca
09/01/2015
Northern Ireland Electricity has issued a warning of possible damage to the electricity network following the severe weather forecast. Gusts of wind of over 60mph are expected at around 9pm this evening, Friday. NIE has initiated an escalation plan and has emergency crews, engineers and call handl
09/01/2015
An interim Executive Board has been appointed to the Dublin Docklands Development Authority to replace the existing Board. The new Executive Board comprises three current board members who are being re-appointed and five new members, all senior officials from Dublin City Council. The latter appoint
09/01/2015
A skip hire firm in County Antrim and two former Directors have been found guilty of waste crime. Ace Bates Skip Hire Limited and Gary Samuel Bates and Thomas Andrew Bates pleaded guilty to the unlawful deposit of waste, today at Belfast Crown Court. Ace Bates Skip Hire Limited also pleaded guilty
09/01/2015
Twelve new listed buildings have been designated in Belfast. The new listings include the Martyr's Memorial Free Presbyterian Church and McQuiston Presbyterian Church, the Rock Bar in west Belfast, the former Ligoniel public baths, the former Ligoniel Branch library and a number of cast iron bounda
09/01/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at Irish Water for leaving Clondalkin residents in limbo for two months following flood damage to their properties The burst water mains close to Ashwood estate on November 4 caused significant damage to property affecting ten homes. Cllr Eoin Ó Broin said: "On November 4th l
08/01/2015
Over £700,000 has been granted from the Coastal Communities Fund to refurbish The Manor House on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland. £734,642 is being given to the Rathlin Development Community Association (RDCA), to enable the redevelopment. The National Trust property on the island is currently op
08/01/2015
Irish wind energy output reached a record high on of 1,942MW on Wednesday. The output is enough to power over 1.26 million Irish homes according to figures published by EirGrid, who monitor electricity generation and usage nationally. The new record is the second such record to be established alre
08/01/2015
Building has started on four new post-primary schools in Ireland. The new schools are being developed under Schools Bundle 4 of the Government's Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme. An estimated 720 jobs will be generated during the construction phase of the schools which will range in size
08/01/2015
The Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme generated 175 jobs last year, with a total of €15m invested in 540 projects across the country. Fine Gael for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden welcomed the news and said protecting local heritage sites is good for jobs in the Midlands. Early last year
08/01/2015
The SDLP is accusing Transport NI of giving greater consideration to developers who abandon sites, leaving residents to deal with the consequences. MLA and member of the Regional Development Committee, John Dallat, said residents are left with "estates of dereliction". He said: "Delaying action a
08/01/2015
A farmer from County Tyrone has been found guilty for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. Mr Charles Irwin from Castlederg was and £750, plus £28 in court costs, at Strabane Magistrates' Court today. On 24 October 2013, Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland En
07/01/2015
Eleven new schools are to be built in Cork this year, the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan TD has confirmed. Labour TD Ciarán Lynch welcomed the news and said four of the schools are in Carrigaline, including a new Solas Special School, a new Gaelscoil and a new Carrigaline post-pr
07/01/2015
Planning permission has been approved for St Columb's College in L'Derry. The plans will see a new drama suite, plus sports and fitness facilities created at the college. It is understood a number of existing single-storey buildings will be demolished, with temporary buildings being removed on t
07/01/2015
Plans for a new foot and cycle bridge over the River Lagan in Belfast have moved forward. A preferred option has been announced for the 141-metre long cable stayed bridge designed for use by pedestrians and cyclists. The proposed bridge will have a steel deck and 40 metre high steel towers which w
07/01/2015
Sinn Féin is calling for more to be done for homeless families. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis said that over the Christmas period, the number of people being placed in emergency accommodation increased considerably. Deputy Ellis said: "This is due to an increase across the year of the amount o
07/01/2015
A £215,000 resurfacing scheme in Newry is set to begin. The scheme, on the Tandragee Road, is due to begin on 12 January, between Carnbane Rd and Sheepbridge Road. To help minimise any inconvenience to the travelling public and local businesses, all preparatory work is programmed to be completed u
07/01/2015
The Green Party has congratulated Kilkenny on winning the Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL) awards. Councillor Malcolm Noonan, Green Party Environment Spokesperson and candidate for the Carlow-Kilkenny by-election, commended Kilkenny County Council, the local Tidy Towns committee, residents an
06/01/2015
An Irish energy supplier has signed a deal valued at €3m per annum with retailer Debenhams Ireland. Vayu Energy will supply Debenhams with gas and 100% green electricity for its eleven stores in the Republic of Ireland and five stores in Northern Ireland. The deal provides Debenhams with direct ac
06/01/2015
Civil Engineering contractor Gibson (Banbridge) Ltd is to begin road improvement works in Upper Balinderry, Northern Ireland. The £1m scheme is expected to take up to five months to complete. Works have been programmed to minimise traffic delays on the busy A26, which links the M1 at Moira to Glen
06/01/2015
Transport access in Ballyclare's Grange Estate is to be improved. A £209,000 funding package has been announced to provide 30 car parking spaces in the Grahamstown area and much needed access to many homes in the area. Residents currently have difficulty accessing transport including the access f
06/01/2015
Litter and dumping remains endemic in Dublin's North Inner City, according to the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey. Labour TD Joe Costello confirmed Ireland's worst blackspot is Sheriff Street. Mr Costello said: "The two most littered areas in the country are right in the heart of the c
06/01/2015
Permanent TSB and the Bank of Ireland are being accused of being "deeply unfair" in relation to the mortgage interest rate reductions for new borrowers. Fianna Fáil Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said they are doing "absolutely nothing" to address the continuing unfair treatment of their exis
06/01/2015
Work is to start on a £190,000 resurfacing scheme in Greencastle, Northern Ireland. The work is due to begin on 8 January between Greencastle Village and Rousky on the B46 Crockanboy Road. A full closure of the B46 Crockanboy Road will be in place between 8am on 8 January and 6pm on 23 January.
05/01/2015
Energy performance has improved by 27% according to a report by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The report, based on Ireland's largest energy users on the Large Industry Energy Network (LIEN), shows that the 166 member companies who have a combined annual energy spend of €1.1bn,
05/01/2015
An investigation is underway after a wind turbine, worth over £2m, collapsed in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland on Friday evening. It is located on the Screggagh wind farm between Fintona and Fivemiletown. No injuries were reported and the rest of the turbines have been shut down while the investi
05/01/2015
Over £290,000 is to be invested for an upgrade of Public Realm works for Strand Road in L'Derry. The investment between Sackville Street and Great James Street will see the installation of high quality granite paving, new and improved street and feature lighting, new granite benches, bins and plant
05/01/2015
Planning permission applications increased by 52% in 2014. Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, has welcomed the news and said there is a big demand for housing but very few new builds. She commented: "According to the CSO, in the third quarter of 2014, planning permissions were granted fo
05/01/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling on NAMA to step up the delivery of social housing units this year. Recent figures show only 2% of housing units - identified by NAMA as suitable for social housing purposes - have actually been delivered to date. At the end of September 2014, NAMA had identified 5,482 units
05/01/2015
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Narrow Water Bridge project. Sinn Féin Leader and Louth TD, Gerry Adams, has welcomed the news and called for words to be turned into action so the project can begin. Mr Adams said: "Sinn Féin has pursued this issue for some considerable time now
