Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for October 2015
30/10/2015
Holiday resort firm Center Parcs has submitted a planning application for a €233m development near Ballymahon, Co Longford. 750 construction jobs are expected to created and 1,000 permanent jobs as soon as it is fully operational. Fianna Fáil TD for Longford – Westmeath Robert Troy welcomed the ne
30/10/2015
The new extension to Ennistymon Community Nursing Unit in Co Clare has officially opened. The 'Oak Suite' was opened at a cost of over €1.2m with €400,000 contributed by the Friends of Ennistymon Hospital. The Oak Suite is a single storey extension that comprises four two-bedded rooms, all with en
30/10/2015
Fianna Fáil has raised concerns over the planning of modular homes in Dublin. Leader Cllr Paul McAuliffe said the principles of good planning "must be applied" in each development. He said: "Having represented Ballymun for almost a decade, I have seen how planning mistakes made in a housing crisis
30/10/2015
Further development in the Galway and Roscommon section of the Galway to Dublin Greenway has been stalled. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, made the announcement and said the focus will now be on completing the section of the Greenway from Maynooth to Westmeath through
30/10/2015
Electric Ireland has announced the launch of its Smarter Pay As You Go electricity. Electric Ireland customers will now be able to monitor their electricity costs and usage on a free in-home monitor. The new portable monitor, available for Smarter Pay As You Go customers, shows how much electricit
30/10/2015
The first rail tracks have been welded for the Luas Cross City (LCC) project in Dublin. The excavation and preparation for rail tracks works started in the College Green area, Westmoreland Street and O'Connell Street in August 2015. Over the coming weeks rail tracks will be delivered, laid and we
30/10/2015
Labour is calling on the trade unions involved in the Right to Water campaign to explain what would happen if Irish Water was abolished. Labour TD Roberts Dowds also said the campaign is "playing in to the hands of Sinn Féin, a party with so many skeletons in its cupboard that it is in a scramble t
30/10/2015
The High Courts decision to support an application from An Taisce to stop the extended operation of Edenderry peat-powered power plant has been welcomed by the Green Party. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan said the Government has made a shameful decision to extend the life of peat fired power stations
29/10/2015
Fianna Fáil is once again urging the government to abolish Irish Water and scrap the water charges. The party made the call after the "false promise" of a €5.5bn investment up to 2021. Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen TD said the 25-year plan offers no real vision for t
29/10/2015
Sinn Fein has raised serious concerns over the site for modular homes in Finglas, Dublin. The party is concerned that is not suitable to provide as many units as planned and wants assurances over the Poppintree site that co-op housing already planned will be guaranteed and funding put in place. Ho
29/10/2015
Improvement works are continuing on a £195,000 scheme on the B8 Newry Road at Mayobridge. The works which started in September will improve the quality of about one kilometre of the road surface and also improve the footways and drainage on this stretch of road. The completed scheme will also inc
29/10/2015
NI Water is expected to prepare the tunnel crossing of the A2 in County Antrim this weekend, 30 October to the 02 November. In agreement with Transport NI the work will involve the excavation of a trial hole to locate the position of existing services located within the hard shoulder. A lane closur
29/10/2015
A total of €6.5 million is to be invested in a project to reduce leakage and inprove customers water supply in Limerick. The Limerick City Water Mains Rehabilitation Project carried out by Irish Water will also provide increased protection to human health. The works will see the replacement of 11.
29/10/2015
A programme to upgrade and improve the electricity infrastructure in Co Roscommon is now in its final stages. ESB Networks said the €1.4 investment programme in the Cloonfad and Ballinlough areas will benefir the communities and held local firms grow. Taking place between 2 and 20 November, the wo
29/10/2015
Fine Gael is calling for discussions to take place about renewable energy and future plans for energy security. Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has urged the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to invite the International Energy Agency (IEA
29/10/2015
The housing crisis is making it impossible for some people to find private rented accommodation in Cork, according to Sinn Féin. The party said changes in the mortgage regulations have also made it difficult and is calling for the maximum income levels for applicants for social housing to be review
28/10/2015
A total of €50,000 funding has been secured to renovate the St Vincent de Paul Society centre in Listowel, Co Kerry. Fine Gael TD for Kerry and Minister of State, Jimmy Deenihan, said the work is necessary to make the centre functional again. Minister Deenihan said: "Nationally over 70 healthcare
28/10/2015
Fine Gael has welcomed the purchase of the Dominican Church and grounds in Athy, Co Kildare. Kildare County Council and the Department of Environment bought the property and intend to convert the church into a library. Sheltered housing is also expected to be developed on the site. Martin Heydon,
28/10/2015
Work has started to improve the footway at the railway bridge on Island Road Lower in Ballycarry. The £120,000 footway project is expected to be complete by 18 December. The improvements will provide a link the existing footways on both sides of the bridge and giving uninterrupted pedestrian acces
28/10/2015
Members of the public are being called to voice their opinions on the future regeneration of six pilot areas in Ballymena and Belfast. The pilot areas, through the 'Building Successful Communities Programme', have established Regeneration Forums which have been pivotal in developing housing-led act
28/10/2015
Castle Park in Bangor could soon receive a Green Flag status, according to the Alliance Party. The Green Flag award scheme recognises and rewards the best green spaces across the country. Cllr Andrew Muir said he is delighted that it has finally been recognised by yhe Ards and North Down Council.
28/10/2015
Sinn Fein has raised concerns over the proposed housing development in Bettystown, Co Meath. A total of 370 homes are expected to be built in the Cois na Mara area in Bettystown. Leader Gerry Adams said residents living in the Northlands and Brabazon Bay have had to deal with numerous flooding inc
28/10/2015
The High Court's decision to quash an extension of a peat extraction license for a power plant in Offaly could lead to a greater dependence on controversial windfarm developments, according to Fianna Fáil. Kildare South TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl pointed out that the decision puts jobs in the peat harves
28/10/2015
Kingspan Insulated Panels has scooped the prestigious 'Best Technology' category at the Architects' Choice Awards which were held at the 2015 RIAI Architecture Expo at RDS, Dublin. IPN-QuadCore, the firms revolutionary new core material for insulated panels, has been commended for its quality and i
27/10/2015
€1.39 million in funding has been allocated to acquire the Dominican church and grounds in Athy, Co Kildare from the Dominican Order. Kildare County Council and the Department of Environment provided the funding and it is anticipated the Dominican church will be converted into a library. Social ho
27/10/2015
Contractor Esmonde Developments has handed over the keys of the new Primary Health Care Centre in Co Wicklow. The Wicklow Primary Healthcare Centre has been equipped at a cost of €274,757 and provides a wide range of health services to patients in Wicklow town, Rathnew and Ashford area including th
27/10/2015
O'Brien Construction has started phase one of the new building development at Raheen Community Nursing Unit in Co Clare. Designed by DK Architects, the first phase of the development forms part of an overall plan to upgrade resident accommodation at the Community Nursing Unit. The project includes
27/10/2015
The Green Party has hit out at the Environment Minister after he admitted Ireland would not meet its 2020 emission reduction targets. The party said the Government has "no interest" in addressing the climate change challenge in Ireland. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: "How can a Government who
27/10/2015
Irish Water has announced it is to start work on its Cork Water Mains Rehabilitation project in early November. The project will improve reliability of supply and reduce leakage in the city by approximately 18 million litres per week. The first phase will replace old leaking pipes with new heavy
27/10/2015
Sinn Féin is calling for the refurbishment of the Brandywell Stadium in L'Derry to proceed as planned. Mr Raymond McCartney MLA said that while he is confident it will go ahead within the agreed time frame he believes plans in relation to the greyhound track can be put in place. Mr McCartney said:
27/10/2015
The newly redeveloped Portadown People's Park has officially opened. The redevelopment of the park includes the construction an amphitheatre, new play areas, pavilion building, synthetic pitches, themed gardens, an upgrade to existing pitches and enhancement to the park through new planting. The wo
27/10/2015
Work on a wastewater treatment works (WwTW) in Co Armagh in cow complete. The work at Mountainview WwTW was carried out by by BSG Civil Engineering (Maghera) and Williams Industrial Services (Mallusk). The project is part of an ongoing £1 million package being invested by NI Water in upgrading was
26/10/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the Government to invest in building social housing in Dublin. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD said not enough housing is being built to meet the demand and the rate of construction is slowing down. Deputy Ellis said: "In Dublin just over 2000 homes have been built so
26/10/2015
The newly refurbished Carrickmore Youth Centre in Northern Ireland has officially opened. The £500,000 funding from the Youth Capital budget was used to upgrade the sports hall and create a viewing gallery, as well as improving the front facade of the building and providing a pedestrian bridge whic
26/10/2015
A competition aimed at primary schools has been launched to design a logo for the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC). The competition is being run in conjunction with An Taisce. Environment Minister Alan Kelly set up the CCAC on 10 June, on an interim basis, pending enactment of the Climate Ac
26/10/2015
Ten buildings and structures have been listed in L'Derry. Craigavon Bridge, the only two-tiered bridge in Northern Ireland, has been listed. Also confirmed as new listings are a Cross of Sacrifice located at the City Cemetery, a vernacular dwelling at Cumber Road outside Claudy, Faughanvale Presby
26/10/2015
A scheme to help first time buyers purchase their first home has been described as a "flop" by Fianna Fáil. The scheme, which was introduced a year ago, has benefitted only 74 applicants and a total of 118 applications from first time buyers for a refund of DIRT paid over the previous four years ha
26/10/2015
NI firm Karl Developments has been selected as the preferred developer to redevelop a vacant site in Co Antrim. Subject to planning and other statutory approvals, the Ulster Bar Corner site in the town centre will see a significant investment in the town, which will result in a mixed used developme
26/10/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government for removing Westport House loan book from the Project Arrow portfolio. Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath said according to reports the loans were pulled in recent days and will now be bought back in a State backed deal. Mr McGrath is calling on the Tao
26/10/2015
Housing activists and academics are calling on Dublin City Council to take a lead role to end homelessness in the city. The SIPTU Dublin District Council hosted a seminar on the housing crisis and activists and Dublin city councillors attended the event. SIPTU Dublin District Council vice-chair, D
23/10/2015
The Environment Minister has been accused of neglecting road conditions in Galway. Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Galway East Cllr Anne Rabbitte said Minister Alan Kelly is securing road improvements in his own county and the N65 Galway-Rosslare route is continuously being overlooked.
23/10/2015
Sinn Fein has written to the Environment Minister urging him to approve the construction of 69 new homes in Galway. The tender contract for Phase One of the Ballymoneen Road Housing Development is currently being finalised, however the tender to cover the full scheme has not been given the go ahead
23/10/2015
Sinn Fein has hit out at Irish Water after the firm published figures claiming 90% of customers who paid their first water charge bill had also paid their second bill. Spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, claimed the figures were "dubious". Deputy Stanley said: "It is also the case
23/10/2015
Five schools in Co Fermanagh are to share funding of £11,750 to be used for environmental work. The money is from the Department of Environment's (DOE's) Challenge Fund. St. Comhghall's College in Lisnaskea, has been offered £4,000 to complete their 'School Farm & Allotments' project. This will en
23/10/2015
Irish energy firm ESB has agreed to mitigate the loss of a quantity of elvers at its Cathaleen's Fall Hydro Electric Plant on the River Erne. Minister for Natural Resources Joe Mc Hugh TD and the NI Minister for Arts Culture and Leisure, Caral Ni Chuilin welcomed the agreement. Minister Mc Hugh sa
23/10/2015
Quinn Building Products, based in Fermanagh, has been fined after previously pleading guilty to two health and safety breaches that resulted in the death of an employee in 2012. The firm was fined £100,000 and ordered to pay costs of over £7,700 at Omagh Crown Court. The case arose following an in
23/10/2015
Plans in the Finance Bill for a new tax regime for offshore oil and gas exploration have been welcomed by the Labour Party TD for Dublin South-West Pat Rabbitte. Minister Rabbitte said: "The proposals keep faith with a government decision that I sponsored in May 2014 when Energy Minister, and deriv
23/10/2015
DATUM Monitoring Ireland in Moira, Co Down, is managing monitoring works at the primary train station in Cork to ensure ongoing construction works adjacent to Kent Station will not affect the stability of the city's superstructure or railway lines. The ongoing €3.5million project at Kent Station by
23/10/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the public to attend candlelit vigil to intervene in the NAMA sale of a portion of the Moore Street battlefield site in Dublin. The vigil will be held at the GPO at 7.30pm tonight, 23 October. Mr Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD is also urging the government to declare the complete bat
23/10/2015
A farmer has been fined for making polluting discharges to a waterway at Newtownards Magistrates' Court. Mr Paul Maxwell from Co Down was fined a total of £22,500 plus Offenders Levy of £15. On 14 February 2014, 20 February 2014 and 6 March 2014 Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the No
22/10/2015
The N77 Ballynaslee Realignment Scheme in Kilkenny has officially opened. The project provides for an improved, realigned 2km section of the N77, which removes a significantly sub-standard section of the existing road and allows for safer overtaking. The road was part of a Government stimulus prog
22/10/2015
Over 50% of Irish Water customers have paid water charges at the end of the second cycle compared to 44% at the end of the first cycle. 745,000 households paid during the second billing cycle, compared to 675,000 in the first. Irish Water has today confirmed that 55% of customers had paid water c
22/10/2015
NI Water has been awarded the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Gold Medal for occupational health and safety performance and continual improvement in the workplace. NI Water's Head of Safety, Dymphna Gallagher, was delighted to have scooped the award. He said: "This is a tre
22/10/2015
Labour TD for Dublin Central Joe Costello has welcomed the announcement that the Bridewell Garda Station in Dublin is to undergo a major refurbishment. The work is part of the new Garda Siochana Building & Refurbishment Programme 2016 – 2021. Mr Costello said: "The refurbishment will enhance th
22/10/2015
The SDLP has slammed the British Government after it confirmed that China Nuclear Energy Power Group (CGN) is to invest in the nuclear facility at Hinkley Point. South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the latest development marks a retrograde step in the UK's energy and diplomatic strategy. She said
22/10/2015
Rathin Energy has withdrawn its application to carry out drilling works in County Antrim. The works, associated with fracking, were expected to be carried out in Ballinea, Ballycastle, if approved. Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the withdrawal of the application and said it is a victory f
22/10/2015
A new foreshore licence to allow dredging works at Fenit Harbour in Tralee has been signed. The Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Paudie Coffey, signed the licence on Tuesday, 20 October. Fine Gael TD for Kerry and Minister of State, Jimmy Deenihan, welcomed the signing and s
22/10/2015
Significant progress is being made on the new Clinical Education and Research Centre (CERC) development in Limerick. Construction work started on the new centre at the University Hospital Limerick (UHL) in June this year. The CERC development is a partnership project between UL Hospitals and the U
22/10/2015
A total of €2 million is to be invested to help repair and conserve historic structures in Ireland. The funding is also expected to create new jobs in the construction and conservation industries. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ms Heather Humphreys, TD, said the money will enco
22/10/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Environment Minister after he said only 22 modular homes would be available by the end of December, despite there being over 700 homeless families in Ireland. Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen TD said there is "no guarantee his target will b
21/10/2015
A number of Garda stations throughout Ireland are to receive extensive refurbishment works, the Government has announced. As part An Garda Síochána's Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016 a total of 30 locations around the county will benefit from new projects. The programme includes: • A Pu
21/10/2015
Planning permission has been approved to convert one of Belfast's tallest buildings into a four-star luxury hotel. Windsor House in Bedford Street is to be refurbished into a 200-bedroom hotel with restaurant and bar facilities for the Hastings Hotel Group. The Belfast Grand Central Hotel will al
21/10/2015
500 modular home units are to be delivered to help homeless families in Dublin. The aim is to have an initial 22 units in place by December with a further 128 units to follow through a fast-tracked procurement. 350 units will be provided through a national procurement framework overseen by the of
21/10/2015
Over 30 schools are to receive more than £90,000 to help improve their local environment. A total of 32 schools received the money from the DOE's Challenge Fund for environmental projects. Announcing the projects at Thornhill College in Derry, Mark H Durkan said: "It is fantastic to see the passio
21/10/2015
The Government has allocated €3.5 million to three Irish marine energy firms. The funding from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will be used to develop and test new ocean energy technologies. The three firms to receive funding are Ocean Energy, SeaPower and GKinetic. Ocean Ener
21/10/2015
Housing Association Choice has appointed Michael McDonnell as its new Chief Executive. Mr McDonnell is currently Chief Executive of Helm Housing. In a statement the firm said: "Helm Housing would like to thank Michael for his contribution to Helm and is pleased that he will remain within the Hous
21/10/2015
A Community Fire Station in Co Tyrone has won a Construction Excellence Award. The new Fire Station and District Headquarters at Killybrack Road, Omagh, won the award in the Social / Community Construction Category at the recent Construction Employers Federation Awards. Ian Lowry from Castlederg f
21/10/2015
Electric Ireland has announced it is to sponser Team Ireland at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The sponsorship will provide a significant boost in preparing potential Team Ireland athletes for the challenging journey towards the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. ESB Chief Executive Pat O'Doherty said: "The Ele
21/10/2015
Over £2 million additional funding has been announced for local councils for Rates Support and Emergency Planning. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan confirmed £2.1m has been allocated for Rates Supprort and £0.5m for Eergency Planning. Mr Durkan said: "I recognise the valuable contribution Counci
21/10/2015
Linden Foods/Linergy in Dungannon has made groundbreaking improvements in major carbon reduction throughout Northern Ireland. The world's first Prosperity Agreement between the Department of the Environment (DOE) and Linden Foods/Linergy plants in Dungannon has seen over £1 million invested by the
20/10/2015
Irish energy firm, ESB Networks, has upgraded over 200 kilometres of medium voltage lines in Cork. The work involved the upgrading or replacement of 460 transformers and was completed on Friday 16 October. Townlands that will benefit are Carrigaline, Kinsale, Ballinhassig, Bawnleigh, Fivemile, Bal
20/10/2015
A new Scrap Metal Dealers Bill has been introduced in the Assembly designed to increase the traceability of metal received by scrap metal dealers. Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs, who introduced the bill, said metal theft has resulted in huge costs for local businesses in Northern Ireland. The East
20/10/2015
The Department for Regional Development (DRD) has announced that a resurfacing project in County Tyrone has started. The £120,000 scheme on the Ardboe Road in Moortown includes the resurfacing of approximately 0.2km of footway. A spokesperson for DRD said: "This significant investment will greatly
20/10/2015
Northern Ireland firm Lagan Construction Group has won the Civil Engineering Project of the Year at the British Construction Industry Awards 2015 for its Suffolk Energy from Waste project. The award recognises civil engineering projects valued at between £10 million and £50 million. The project S
20/10/2015
The Taoiseach has officially opened the Midlands Greenway in Westmeath. A total of €4 million was secured last year to develop the greenway. Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, Gabrielle McFadden, said the greenway will undoubtedly open up the region to more tourists and have spin-offs for local econ
20/10/2015
SSE Airtricity has donated almost €1,000,000 to community projects in Cork. The firm presented more than €116,000 to community groups in the area of its Coomacheo and Curragh Wind Farms in North Cork and over €10,000 to those close to its Coomatallin Wind Farm in the west of the county. Through i
20/10/2015
Scarva in County Down has been named 'Northern Ireland's Best Kept' Town, Village or City. The Village will now go on to compete in the final of the All-Ireland Tidy Towns competition. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "I wish to commend Scarva on the fantastic achievement of being named as
20/10/2015
Budget 2016 does not go far enough for the construction sector, the Director General of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has claimed. Mr Tom Parlon said that while there were a number of positives there were no proposals to address the issue of costs of providing new homes. Mr Parlon sai
20/10/2015
Cork County Council has been selected as Lead Authority for Waste Enforcement in the Southern Region in Ireland. The Southern Region extends from Counties Kerry and Clare on the west coast to County Wexford on the east coast, and includes the Counties of Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow
20/10/2015
Solearth Architecture in Dublin has been selected to prepare a Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan for Holy Island in Lough Derg by Clare County Council. The plans are in relation to improving access to the island and the provision of tourism facilities on or near the island
19/10/2015
HSE has selected Electric Ireland to supply electricity to a number of its facilities. The two year deal is worth approximately €85 million. The work includes 1,900 meter points in hospitals, nursing homes, regional health boards, charities, HSE offices and rehabilitation centres across the Republ
19/10/2015
Restoration work on Rathfarnham Castle in Dublin has been completed. The extensive work was carried out by the Office of Public Work (OPW) and the castle is now officially opened. The original castle at Rathfarnham dates back to the Elizabethan period (1583) and was built for Archbishop Adam Loftu
19/10/2015
Firmus Energy has announced plans to develop a network of pipes transporting gas energy to Culmore in L'Derry. The firm is currently drawing up plans to feed a pipeline under the River Foyle towards Thornhill. They will be submitted to the Utility Commission for approval. SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins
19/10/2015
Construction work on a new Divisional Garda Headquarters has started in Galway. Work on the new Galway Regional and Divisional Garda Headquarters at Murrough is expected to take approximately two years to complete. Garda Commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan welcomed the investment by Government in the
19/10/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Environment Minister for failing to issue policy directions to Local Authorities over the use of housing funds collected through development levies. Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen TD made the comments following a series of Freedom of Info
19/10/2015
Construction work on the new M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy PPP scheme has started. The scheme, which was initiated under the Government's Infrastructural Stimulus Programme, will be developed over three years and is scheduled for completion in 2019. The €400 million scheme will involve the constructio
19/10/2015
A recycling firm has been fined for breaches of waste management legislation at Newtownards Magistrates' Court. Wright Recycling Limited was fined £6,000 and the company director, Mr David Wright was also fined a total of £3,000 for the same offences. The Company with a registered office at Movill
19/10/2015
CCB Leasing International (CCBLI) has announced it is to establish its international headquarters in Ireland. The firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Construction Bank (CCB), one of the world's largest companies. It plans to grow its aircraft leasing business from 17 to 200 aircraft over th
16/10/2015
A new €33 million Woodhouse Wind Farm in Co Waterford has officially opened. The wind farm is part of ESB's Wind Development Programme. Woodhouse is one of 15 wind farms ESB has in operation in Ireland, north and south, and its completion increases the company's total installed wind generation cap
16/10/2015
A total of 100 new social homes are to be developed in Clondalkin, Dublin. The Corkagh Grange houses will be part of a public private partnership (PPP) programme which is part of the Government's Housing Strategy. Dublin Mid-West Labour Party Joanna Tuffy TD welcomed the announcement. Deputy Tuff
16/10/2015
A group of Sinn Féin councillors are to take part in a sleep out tonight, 16 October, to raise awareness about the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland. The Cork councillors will be sleeping outside the County Hall from 6pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday and they are calling on supporters to participate
16/10/2015
Bord na Móna has announced it is to put forward plans to develop a smokeless coal plant at Foynes, Co Limerick. The firm is expected to invest €25million in The Foynes project which will create 140 construction jobs and 60 new jobs when the facility becomes operational. Bord na Móna, also wel
16/10/2015
A total of €3 million has been invested across 140 building energy upgrades in Waterford through the Better Energy Initiative programme. Waterford City and County Council and EcoMerit, together with SEAI, held an event to showcase the range of works being done to 140 local buildings and highlight
16/10/2015
A newly built primary school in Co Longford has officially opened. St Mary's National School in Edgeworthstown is the largest primary school in the midlands. Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, James Bannon, said he is delighted that the new school has arrived. Mr Bannon said: "As the local TD, I am
16/10/2015
A Sinn Féin MLA said the real reason behind the sale of NAMA's northern portfolio is possible "corruption". Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said the more details that emerge on the events leading up to the sale, more questions arise. He said: "The real questions around the sale are about the fixers fees; how
16/10/2015
A man from Crossmaglen in Co Armagh has pleaded guilty to 24 waste offences at Newry Magistrates' Court. Mr Martin Conlon (53) Loughross Road, Crossmaglen, pleaded guilty under the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997. Between June 2014 and March 2015, officers from the Northern Ireland Env
15/10/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the government over its housing strategy. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis said it is an "exercise in spin" and the "cost of homelessness in both financial and human terms will only grow as tenants struggle to pay ever increasing rates". Mr Ellis said: "€3.8 billion was p
15/10/2015
A new £12 million SPACE campus at South East Regional College in Bangor, Co Down, has officially opened. The new 3,650 m² facility, funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), provides high specification accommodation for the Schools of Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Comp
15/10/2015
Construction firm McLaughlin & Harvey has been appointed main contractor of two major education construction projects, with a combined value of £10.8 million. McLaughlin & Harvey has been appointed to develop the £6.6m Bilston Primary in Midlothian and the £4.2m Levenmouth Campus Development in F
15/10/2015
NIE Networks has announced is to continue working on an underground cable scheme in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. The project involves installing over 18km of high voltage underground electricity cable and 8km of overhead lines to connect Ora More Windfarm in Belcoo to a major substation in Enniskille
15/10/2015
The final fixtures have been put in place on the £29.5 million Belfast Waterfront extension. A 'topping out' ceremony was held inside the venue on today, 14 October, and representatives from the Belfast City Council and Tourism NI attended. "I'm blown away by what we've been shown today and firmly
15/10/2015
Significant progress is being made on a new £3.8 million modular building at Ballymoney High School, Co Antrim. The improvement project includes a new two-storey modular building which will provide specialist accommodation, including provision for science, Home Economics and ICT in addition to eigh
15/10/2015
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has removed four water supplies served by the Stillorgan Reservoir in Dublin from their Remedial Action List (RAL) of water supply schemes at risk of contamination. Since 2008 the supplies have been at risk of contamination by Cryptosporidium due to inadeq
15/10/2015
It is one year since About Your Garden officially opened its doors in Kilcock. To celebrate the firm has invited The Holistic Gardener back to sign copies of his latest book; Beauty Treatments From The Garden. Fiann has a very different and really interesting approach to the garden. The feedback b
14/10/2015
Major development plans at Croke Park in Dublin have been agreed. Dublin City Council and Croke Park agreed a plan for new social housing to be built and for Croke Villas to be redeveloped. Sinn Féin's Dublin Central TD Mary Lou McDonald welcomed the agreement. She said: "This investment is long
14/10/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government for failing to introduce new measures to address the rising rents in Ireland. Spokesperson on Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen TD said the explosion in the cost of renting is a result of the inability of the Government to take any policy action
14/10/2015
Site locations for over 500 new social housing units to be developed in Ireland have been approved. The new units are to be delivered through a public private partnership (PPP) programme. The social housing is being developed at six sites in co-operation with the local authorities in each area, wi
14/10/2015
Construction work on a £40,000 road improvement project in Co Armagh is to start on Monday, 19 October. The scheme, on the B78 Mullurg Road, at its junction with the A51 Armagh to Tandragee Road, aims to improve forward visibility on the approach to this junction. Work is due to be carried out ove
14/10/2015
GEM Utilities located in Limerick has won Energia's 'Kickstart Your Business' competition. GEM Utilities specialises in providing proven and commercially viable technology and services to reduce carbon emissions and energy usage for private and public organisations. The competition features on The
14/10/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the Government to take more action on helping people who are living in fuel poverty. Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources said more needs to be done to help the fuel poor. Deputy Colreavy said: "While it is welcome
14/10/2015
A total of €68 million in funding has been secured for energy efficiency and renewable energy in Ireland in 2016. In addition, €4.5 million will be made available for ocean energy research activities. An increased allocation will see the Better Energy Programme support an estimated 2,750 jobs, and
14/10/2015
Work on a £121,000 road improvement project in Camlough village, Newry, is expected to be complete by mid December. The scheme includes resurfacing 0.5km of the road surface between A25 Newry Road to the Carrickcroppan Road. Improvements to footways, drainage upgrades and also some adjustments to
13/10/2015
Electric Ireland, part of ESB, has entered into the Northern Ireland electricity market, and has also pledged to create 45 new jobs. A total of 30 new jobs are already in place, and the firm plans to create another 15 in early 2016. The plans are part of a £5 million investment. Jim Dollard, Exec
13/10/2015
Many energy efficiency upgrades in Clonakility, County Cork, are nearing completion. Sustainable Clonakilty, the charitable organisation driving the low-carbon vision for the environs of Clonakilty, recently hosted an event highlighting the benefits to the local community from the projects being co
13/10/2015
Work is expected to start on a major resurfacing project in Omagh, Co Tyrone. The £180,000 scheme on the B48 Glenpark Road, Gortnagarn Road and Lisnaharney Road, is to begin on Monday 19 October. Preparation work has already started and the scheme is expected to be completed on 30 October. A full
13/10/2015
The Environment Minister, Dublin City Council and homeless agencies are being called to urgently address the growing housing crisis in the city. Sinn Féin Cllr Daithí Doolan made the call following reports that a homeless man was found dead on Westmoreland Street over the weekend. Cllr Doolan said
13/10/2015
Newly developed handball courts in west Belfast have been officially opened by the Sports Minister. Located on the site of Coláiste Feirste in the city’s Gaeltacht Quarter the Béal na Carraige Handball Courts consist of two indoor handball courts, an outdoor facility, changing rooms and viewing gal
13/10/2015
Demolition work has started on a derelict building in Cookstown. As soon as the development has been demolished, construction work will start for the new Rivers Agency headquarters at the Loughry Campus. Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill said: "It is in an ideal location with good access
13/10/2015
Small farmers in Co Mayo are to receive lower payments than those available in the first round of GLAS applications. The programme which is an agri-environmental scheme, aims at applying farming practices in unison with sustainable land use. Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary said some farmers could sta
13/10/2015
The SDLP has hit out at the British Treasury and the Assembly over their "ongoing failure" to address the transport infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The party's Spokesperson on Regional Development John Dallat said it is critical to existing businesses that need to reduce transport costs, remain
13/10/2015
Kilwaughter Chemical Co. Ltd supplied 400 tonne of Quarry Red Stone to N.I’s newest tourist attraction, 'The Gobbins' spectacular new pathway adventure along the Causeway Coastal Route. The towering giants cling to the edge of Islandmagee some 20 miles north of Belfast where the £7.5m project to re
12/10/2015
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has signed an energy deal with broadcaster RTÉ. The deal is expected to adopt cost saving and efficiency measures to ensure RTÉ's energy consumption is reduced in line with the 2020 public sector energy efficiency target of 33%. With the support
12/10/2015
Bord na Móna has announced it plans develop new products including a biomass briquette and high quality, smokeless coal and bio-mass enhanced 'ovoids' to bring in the coming fuel seasons. The firm's fuels business is to develop a new lower Carbon and low smoke fuels. CEO Mike Quinn said "The move
12/10/2015
Serious concerns have been raised following a third fish kill in Northern Ireland over the past two months. A number of fish died in the Glenavy River in south Antrim. Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney said: Mr Kearney said: "The fish kill at the Glenavy River is the third major fish
12/10/2015
Plans for a new agri-environment scheme for the Burren in Co Clare are to come into operation from next year. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD, said he was delighted to note the progress being made on the development of a new Burren Scheme, which will offer new f
12/10/2015
The Government has been slammed for continuing to cut Local Authority Funding despite claiming that it's protecting road maintenance spending. Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Galway East Cllr. Anne Rabbitte said major safety issues are arising in housing estates across Co. Galway because
12/10/2015
Eirgrid's plans to scrap the proposed over-head power line from Cork To Kildare have been welcomed by Labour. Senator Denis Landy said the proposed plans were "unnecessary, unsightly, uneconomical, and inevitably unviable". Senator Landy said: "We said it all along and now we have been proven righ
12/10/2015
The SDLP is calling on the British Government to abandon plans to develop a nuclear plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset. South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the plans are in "chaos" and urged the government to reinvest in renewable technologies. She said: "More and more voices are joining the growi
12/10/2015
Renewable energy firm Gaelectric has appointed of Mr Shane Doherty as Group Chief Financial Officer and member of its Senior Leadership Team. Mr. Doherty’s appointment follows the appointment of Barry Gavin, who previously held the CFO role, as Group Chief Operating Officer. Brendan McGrath CEO of
09/10/2015
The deadline for Water Conservation Grant applications has been extended until Thursday, 22 October. The extension was made due to the high volume of calls and applications, and issues that arose concerning the postal delays earlier this week. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Gove
09/10/2015
The Minister for Energy has welcomed an announcement by Eirgrid that it will not be deploying overhead lines in its Grid Link project. Eirgrid made the announcement following the presentation to Minister Alex White and the publication of an Independent Expert Panel review. Minister White said: "Th
09/10/2015
Sinn Féin has pledged to increase homeless funding if it is voted into government. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD made the comments following the launch of the Sinn Féin Alternative Budget document, 'Delivering A Fair Recovery', which sets out alternative measures for the government to consid
09/10/2015
Car tax payments for motorists in County Kildare are being pumped into Irish Water, Fianna Fáil has revealed. The Government is said to have paid out hundreds of millions of pounds of motor taxes into Irish Water instead of investing it to improve roads and transport infrastructure. Fianna Fáil TD
09/10/2015
The Green Party has warned that Government inaction on climate change will make the transition to a low-carbon economy more difficult. The party also said the Government will be judged on their actions, not words. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: "We are glad to see the climate bill being pass
09/10/2015
A man has been fined for breaching waste management legislation at Ballymena Magistrates' Court. David Murphy was fined a total of £900 for a breach of waste management legislation involving waste tyres. On 17 June 2014, officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency visited a site on the
09/10/2015
An Bord Pleanála have extended their decision time over the Maighne Wind Farm application in Co Kildare. General election candidate Councillor James Lawless said the vast number of submissions in objection to Maighne Wind Farm show how passionate and angry the residents of Kildare North are towards
08/10/2015
Electric Ireland is to cut its electricity prices for residential consumers by an average of 2 per cent. The price cut will take effect from 16 November 2015. The reduction will benefit the average customer with a saving of €24.11 per year. Minister for Energy Alex White welcomed the announceme
08/10/2015
Northern Ireland house prices are continuing to rise according to the latest RICS and Ulster Bank Residential Market Survey. They are also expected to increase again in the next three months. RICS Northern Ireland Residential Property Spokesman, Samuel Dickey, said: "Activity appears to have been
08/10/2015
Irish Water's seven-year business plan has been described as "wishful thinking and arrogance rolled into one". Sinn Fein's David Cullinane made the comments after the firm announced a range of measures it hopes to implement in the coming years. He said the plan is based on the assumption that 80%
08/10/2015
Sinn Fein, DUP and UUP members of the council's planning committee have rejected plans to develop a new social housing scheme in L'Derry. A total of 54 residential units including a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes and apartments were planned to be built on the Springtown Road above Sheriff
08/10/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on Dublin City Council to release a statement about the safety of an apartment block in Prospect Hill, Finglas. 62 units have been left unoccupied for six or seven years following serious health and safety concerns. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD is also callin
08/10/2015
Members of the McHale Plant Sales and Metso management teams are to address the Institute of Quarrying at a meeting of the institute being held in the Dunadry Hotel and Country Club outside Belfast on Monday, 07 December. At the event, which commences at 8pm, Institute members will receive a presen
08/10/2015
The deadline to apply for the €100 Water Conservation Grant is tonight, 08 October. The Department of Social Protection is providing an additional phone lines for people to contact with enquiries regarding their applications for the grant. The helpline will remain open until midnight. Over 726,0
08/10/2015
EirGrid has welcomed the statement issued by the Independent Expert Panel over a report suggesting alternative options to meet the need of the Grid Link project. The report considered both overhead and underground solutions in respect of environmental, technological and economic criteria. In addit
07/10/2015
Irish Water is to axe 1,200 jobs between now and 2021. The utility firm confirmed the news in a business plan launched by its parent company Ervia. Ervia's Chief Executive Michael McNicholas said: "Our water and wastewater services are not fit for purpose to meet the needs of a modern society and
07/10/2015
An Irish gas and electricity supplier has launched a national energy efficiency programme. Vayu Energy said the programme for businesses will target total energy savings of 350 GWh by the end of 2020 and a reduction of 242,000 tonnes in CO2. The launch follows the successful completion of an initi
07/10/2015
Almost 900 residents living in the Longboat Quay are in Dublin face eviction if they don't pay the money to carry out fire safety works. Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald is accused the Taoiseach of being "unwilling" to intervene directly. Speaking during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil to
07/10/2015
The £1.9 million design contract for the development of three new campuses in Northern Ireland has been signed by the Employment and Learning Minister. The new campuses are to be developed at Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon. The Armagh and Banbridge projects will see new campuses being developed
07/10/2015
The Irish Bio Energy Association's Wood Energy conference officially opened in Laois today, 07 October. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for forestry, Tom Hayes TD, highlighted the increasing importance of the use of wood fuel f
07/10/2015
A Bill has been proposed by Sinn Féin to set up an office of Planning Regulator to appraise key planning proposals, and to conduct investigations into controversial projects. Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment Brian Stanley TD pointed out that the appointment of an independent regulator was
07/10/2015
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that temporary centres are to open in Ireland to enable farmers to dispose of their hazardous farm waste. The centres, which will open in Ireland during October and November, will be operated by a cross-government team comprising of the EPA, T
07/10/2015
Environment groups in Northern Ireland are being urged to apply for a share of £35 million EU funding to be used to help protect the environment. The funding is to be allocated through the INTERREG cross-border co-operation programme for the Border Region of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Sc
06/10/2015
Significant progress is being made on the €6m dredging works at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre in Waterford. The works, which involve removing approx 27,000 metres cubed of material located in the harbour basin and in the approach channel to the port, commenced in June and are substantially co
06/10/2015
House prices outside Dublin have increased by 13 % over the past year, according to a report by property website Daft.ie. Home buyers are now typically paying €205,000, compared to €190,000 this time last year. Prices in urban areas of Cork, Galway and Limerick are rising at a rate of almost 20% a
06/10/2015
A farmer from L'Derry has been fined for a pollution offence at Magherafelt Magistrates' Court on Monday. Mr John Purvis was fined a total of £400 and an offenders levy of £15 for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 19 February 2014, Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs), acting on behalf of
06/10/2015
Construction of the new Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Headquarters is expected to commence as soon as possible at the former British Army site in Ballykelly, Co L'Derry. The demolition phase on the site has been completed and there has also been up to seven expressions in i
06/10/2015
The shortage of housing in Ireland, which has been described as a "humanitarian crisis", is having a negative effect on citizens throughout the state, according to Sinn Féin. Mr Peadar Tóibín TD said hundreds of thousands of families are either seeking accommodation or are caught up in the accommod
06/10/2015
Work on a £140,000 road improvement project in Newtownards is to start on Saturday, 10 October. Work on carriageway resurfacing at A20/A21 Portaferry Road/New Road junction, A20 Castle Street/Portaferry Road and U9020 Court Street/Old Cross Street is expected to be substantially completed by the en
06/10/2015
A rapid increase in Dublin's population has profound implications for the city's housing shortage, according to Savills Ireland. Until recently official statistics indicated that Dublin was edging up by less than one percent a year. However, new CSO data shows that population growth is running two
05/10/2015
Energia has announced a new dual fuel deal with Rhino Rugby. Rhino Ireland is the Official Ball and Equipment Supplier to Leinster and Connacht Rugby. Jason Cassidy, Energia, commented: "Energia is delighted to get this deal over the line. Rhino Rugby is a globally recognised brand in rugby footb
05/10/2015
Refurbishment work on a hostel for homeless men in Belfast has been completed. Funded by Habinteg Housing Association, it is the first major re-fit since the current building opened more than 30 years ago. The hostel, located at Utility Street off the Donegall Road, was initially funded by the Dep
05/10/2015
A newly redeveloped £450,000 facility for Ballyhornan Scout Centre in County Down has officially re-opened. The £450,000 investment, provided by the Department of Education, has allowed a new purpose hall to be built and linked to the existing four huts, new modern kitchen facilities to be installe
05/10/2015
€130 million has been allocated for new energy efficiency programmes under the Government's Capital Investment Plan. Minister for Energy Alex White confirmed the additional funding means €440 million is to be spent on the programmes over the coming years. Minister White said: "Our intention is to
05/10/2015
Water meters installed by Irish Water over six months identified 50,000 leaks on customers' properties throughout Ireland it has been revealed. The 'First Fix Free' scheme has helped save an estimated 18 million litres of water every day. Irish Water has written to over 35,000 of those customers
05/10/2015
The Ulster Unionist Party has condemned a fish kill following a pollution incident in the Three Mile Water River in Newtownabbey. Adrian Cochrane-Watson MLA said there is clearly a "serious issue" over waterway pollution in south Antrim. He said: "Aside from the major ecological problems pollution
05/10/2015
Fianna Fáil has announced plans to introduce a new Right to Buy scheme for over 125,000 families in Ireland. The new Right to Buy local tenant purchase scheme will allow people living in local authority houses buy their homes at a discounted price. A 3% discount would be applied on the value of the
02/10/2015
Funding has been secured, from the Government's Capital Investment Programme, to develop a new State Forensic Science Laboratory, in Celbridge, Co Kildare. The new laboratory is to be established at the Backweston site and construction will commence in 2019. Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony
02/10/2015
A bill to create a 1916 historical quarter in Dublin has been introduced by Fianna Fáil. The 1916 Quarter Area will include the General Post Office, its surrounding streets and Moore Street as well as all other 1916 related sites. Deputy Ó Cuív commented: "We are proposing to establish an urban de
02/10/2015
Over 30 local authorities in Ireland refused 4,500 units of accommodation for social housing since 2011, Nama has revealed. The statement made by Nama at the Public Accounts Committee has been described as "scandalous" by the Labour party. Labour TD Joe Costello said: "These were houses and apartm
02/10/2015
NI Water employees have been forced to stop working on the Waterford Watermains Rehabilitation Project after protestors gathered on a site at Cannon Street. The site had to be closed for health and safety reasons in order to protect both residents in the area and the workers on site. The works are
02/10/2015
Construction work has started on a £195,000 resurfacing project in Newry. The scheme, on the B8 Newry road, through Mayobridge village, is expected to be completed in eight weeks. The work includes the replacement and addition of red textured surfacing and improved road markings highlighting the s
02/10/2015
Firms are being urged to establish smart technology solutions to help make Building Energy Ratings (BER) more informative for homeowners. Funding of up to €150,000 is available under the competition titled Small Business Innovation Research, by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), in
02/10/2015
SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has announced she is "appalled" that Northern Ireland is being included in consideration for locating a geological disposal facility. Ms Ritchie has also raised concerns about early moves to identify NI as a spot for dumping Britain's Nuclear Waste. Radioactive
01/10/2015
Fianna Fáil has expressed concern over the lack of detail about the development of a new Family Law Courthouse in Dublin. Fianna Fáil candidate and family law solicitor Lorraine Clifford-Lee said she is extremely disappointed that the Capital Expenditure Plan includes only a vague one line referenc
01/10/2015
Sinn Féin is calling for funds to be released "immediately" to local authorities to enable them to build social homes. Leader Gerry Adams said Government policy is at the root of the housing crisis. Mr Adams said: "With the obscenity of 130 citizens sleeping rough on the streets of our capital cit
01/10/2015
Funding under the Capital Investment Plan has been secured for work to start on the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road. Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, welcomed the announcement and said it will make a major difference for communities across Cork city and county. Mr Buttimer said: "
01/10/2015
Fianna Fail is calling of the Environment Minister to refund property tax paid by residents at Longboat Quay in Dublin. Dublin City Councillor Jim O'Callaghan has also proposed the establishment of a National Buildings Inspectorate to ensure a better oversight of safety standards in new residential
01/10/2015
The SDLP has accused Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of having "inside information" over the development of the A5 in west Tyrone. SDLP Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood: "Martin McGuinness clearly has some inside information on the development of the A5 and if we're going to see action, then that's
01/10/2015
Funding has been secured to develop the Seamus Heaney Arts and Literary Centre in Bellaghy, L'Derry. £980,000 is to be invested in the project and Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín made the announcement. She said: "Mid Ulster District Council, and previously Magherafelt District Council, have sho
01/10/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government for failing to clarify where modular homes will be based over the coming months. Minister for Environment Alan Kelly recently confirmed the government planned to use modular homes to tackle the housing crisis in Ireland. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environ
01/10/2015
Sinn Féin is calling for all building in the Docklands area in Dublin to be audited to establish what buildings need to be repaired. Councillor for the Pembroke-South Dock area Chris Andrews said the buildings need to be protected to protect their value. He said: "The Gallery Quay apartments are s
