Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for February 2015
27/02/2015
The Green Party has welcomed figures indicating that house prices in Ireland have dropped. The figures, from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), showed property prices fell by 1.4% nationwide in January, and by 1.9% in Dublin. However, residential property prices in the capital are still 21.6% h
27/02/2015
A planning proposal is to be submitted to develop a retirement village at the former Thornhill College site in L'Derry. SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins welcomed the plans. She said: "The proposed plans to incorporate a palliative care facility with assisted and independent units for retired residen
27/02/2015
A Strabane man has received a three months sentence, suspended for one year, for waste offences. At Strabane Magistrates' Court, Mr Colm Rafferty, was found guilty of three environmental offences in relation to the burning of waste. Strabane man given suspended sentence for waste offences On 23rd
27/02/2015
Transport NI is to begin a £135,000 resurfacing project in L'Derry on Monday 9th March. The project, on Madams Bank Road will extend for around 1,025 metres on the eastbound carriageway from the Foyle Bridge to Caw Roundabout. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "The scheme will greatly improve
27/02/2015
Hospitality firm, Airbnb, has confirmed a lease for 'The Warehouse', a planned 40,000 square foot contemporary office space at Hanover Quay in Dublin. The 19th century derelict warehouse will restored for Airbnb. The company has also taken additional space at its existing office location, The Water
27/02/2015
More than £400,000 funding has been announced to improve St Columb's Park in L'Derry. The funding, from the Department for Social Development, will go towards new lighting, signs, seats and bins along the main avenue to St Columb's Park House. The paths throughout the park will also be upgraded an
27/02/2015
The Government has admitted that home repossession cases in the Circuit Court cannot be heard by judges because there are too many cases. Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne has hit out over the admission and said it is wrong on many levels. Senator Byrne commented: "Of the 8164 repossessions applied
26/02/2015
Construction firm BAM has completed work on a new bridge in Dublin. The work on Reilly's Bridge included the construction of 500 metres of road, a bridge over the railway and canal and a junction with the Ballyboggan Road. The project links the Ratoath Road from a point approximately 300 metres s
26/02/2015
Planning permission is expected to be approved for over 1,600 new homes to be built across L'Derry. Eight planning applications for housing projects will be presented to Planning Committee of Derry City Council on 3rd with an opinion to approve. The largest proposal is an outline application for
26/02/2015
A group of masked men threatened staff from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) in L'Derry on Wednesday night. The gang also set fire to an NIE van in the Linsfort Drive area. Sinn Féin councillor Campbell condemned the threats and said local residents have been left "very angry". Mr Campbell said
26/02/2015
The Department for Social Development (DSD) has announced a £2.5 million investment to build seven new sports pitches across Northern Ireland. Four of the new pitches will be built at four Orange Lodge grounds and three at GAA grounds. The investment includes: • Maguiresbridge Loyal Orange Lodge
26/02/2015
Construction jobs in Ireland are continuing to rise, according to the latest CSO survey. The Construction Industry Federation welcomed the news and said the increase of over 13,000 construction jobs is a "clear signal of growth in the industry". CIF Director General Tom Parlon said: "It is great t
26/02/2015
The Minister for Housing is being urged to review the building rules in respect of one-off houses. Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Patrick Donovan, believed the current system is placing an unnecessary cost on people trying to build homes. Mr Donovan said: "The new regulations were introduced by the De
26/02/2015
500,000 working hours have been spent on the £50 million Shore Road Greenisland scheme in Northern Ireland. The investment involves upgrading a 3.5kilometre stretch of the carriageway between Jordanstown Road and Seapark to dual carriageway standard. Improvements will also include four new roundabo
26/02/2015
Transport NI is making significant progress on the road improvement projects being carried out on the B10 in Northern Ireland. The schemes due to be complete by the end of March. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "TransportNI have been able to progress three road improvement schemes on the B1
25/02/2015
225 construction jobs are expected to be created during the expansion of the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre in Dublin. 450 full and part-time jobs in the retail sector have also been announced as soon as the expansion has been completed. Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash TD, welcomed t
25/02/2015
The Irish government has given the green light to restore the Ulster Canal from the Shannon-Erne waterway to the International Scout Centre at Castle Saunderson in County Cavan. The project, which is expected to cost in the region of €2m, will be undertaken by Waterways Ireland, which is a North-So
25/02/2015
A planning application is to be submitted later this year for the new co-located National Maternity Hospital on the campus of St Vincent's University Hospital, in Dublin. The Master of the National Maternity Hospital, Dr Rhona Mahony, welcomed the "fantastic" proposals. She said: "We look forward
25/02/2015
A £1.9m project to transform the Castle Basin area in Enniskillen has been launched. The scheme will provide an extensive riverside walkway, an events area and a new Castle Promenade along the River Erne's shoreline. The Enniskillen Castle Basin project involves a significant upgrade to the pathw
25/02/2015
Firmus Energy has confirmed it is to install new gas lines in L'Derry. The firm said a number of schemes in L'Derry have been given the green light. SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan welcomed the news. He said: "The first works will take place in April at Cypress Grove, Danesfort Crescent, Greenhaw Man
25/02/2015
Transport NI is to start work on an £85,000 resurfacing project on the Gilford Road in Portadown. The firm will also resurface the roundabout and approaches at Gilford Road/Killycomain Road/Carrickblacker Road in Portadown. Work at this site will be carried out over two weekends. Phase One of th
25/02/2015
Northern Ireland's Transport Minister has announced public exhibitions on the planned A5 Western Transport Corridor will take place within the consultation period on the draft orders. Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA, Declan Mc Aleer, welcomed the news from Minster Danny Kennedy and confirmed that subject
25/02/2015
Fianna Fáil has slammed the Environment Minister after it was revealed the Irish taxpayer will be hit with another €40m this year because of errors on the Irish Water policy. Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform, Sean Fleming, said Minister Alan Kelly is failing the state and incurring a b
24/02/2015
A Garda station in Athlone is to be upgraded. Fine Gael for Longford-Westmeath TD, Gabrielle McFadden is planning to meet with the Minister of State for the OPW, Simon Harris TD, and the Minister for Justice, Francis Fitzgerald, to discuss the need to have the project pushed up the priority list.
24/02/2015
Bann Ltd has started to install new double glazing windows on Northern Ireland Housing Executives (NIHE) homes in Tandragee, Poyntzpass and Armagh. Work is underway at over 125 homes in the three areas, with an investment of over £203k. John McAleavey, the Local Office Manager in Armagh, said: "
24/02/2015
Cork County Council has launched a new 'Planning Viewer Cork' app. The app was launched to simplify the inspection of planning notices and is free to download. It ca be used by all all members of the public which will enable them to search an array of planning applications and associated documents
24/02/2015
Fianna Fáil is demanding for the government to reveal how much of Dublin motorists' car tax is being pumped into Irish Water. Spokesperson on Dublin, Senator Darragh O'Brien, confirmed that the Government has handed over hundreds of millions worth of motor taxes to Irish Water, instead of investing
24/02/2015
Labour has welcomed the announcement that ESB is to recruit 300 apprentices over the next five years. Labour TD Sean Kenny said apprenticeships ensure that companies are able to develop and retain skilled members of staff that are essential to maintain a successful business. Mr Kenny said: "I supp
24/02/2015
A £200,000 resurfacing project is to start in Portadown. Transport NI will resurface part of Obin Street, Portadown, from Park Road to approx number 128. Preparatory works for the associated footways are already underway and in order to facilitate the work, traffic will be controlled using tempora
24/02/2015
A £280,000 improvement project is set to begin between Ballyclare and Ballymena. The resurfacing scheme is to take place on the B94 Collin Road on Monday 16th March. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This additional surfacing scheme for the Ballymena Borough should be completed within two we
24/02/2015
Sinn Féin is confident a project to expand the Magee Campus in L'Derry will go-ahead in the "near future". MLA Raymond McCartney said that the project to expand the campus can be delivered through collective support across the party divide. Mr McCartney commented: "The project to increase the numb
23/02/2015
ESB has announced it will recruit 300 apprentices over the next five years as part of a large scale recruitment and development programme. The announcement took place at the ESB Networks Training Centre in Portlaoise where Network Technician apprentices complete 23 weeks of training during their f
23/02/2015
Sinn Féin is calling for the "immediate release" of jailed water protestors. Dublin TD Dessie Ellis said the detention of water protestors is wrong and they have been jailed for peaceful protest and for exercising their democratic rights as citizens. Mr Ellis said: "This jail where we gather today
23/02/2015
Two planning offices are to be created for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. In preparation for the transfer of planning to councils on 1 April 2015, the DOE has been increasing the number of its planning offices over the past number of months. The offices are at County Buildings, Enniskillen
23/02/2015
Apple has announced it is to develop a €850 million European Data Centre in Galway. The development will also create 300 new jobs and will be one of of Apple's largest data centre project in Europe. The company also plan to build another centre in Denmark. Taoiseach Enda Kenny welcomed the announ
23/02/2015
Northern Ireland Water Limited (NIW) has been fined £2,000 plus court costs and an offenders levy of £15 at Armagh Magistrates' Court. The charge related to a polluting discharge from the Annvale Wastewater Pumping Station (WWPS), Keady, Co Armagh. On 22 August 2013, Water Quality Inspectors, acti
23/02/2015
Electric Ireland has announced it is to cut its gas prices by 2.5%. The price reduction will come into effect from 1 April 2015. Minister for Energy, Alex White TD, welcomed the price drop which follows recent announcements by BGE and SSE in January. Minister White said: "This is a welcome sign o
23/02/2015
Water rescue charities across Northern Ireland have been praised for their work. DCAL Minister Carál Ní Chuilí said water rescue charities work tirelessly around the clock to save lives and keep people from harm on our waterways. She said: "They do so thanks to the willingness of volunteers, who
23/02/2015
Over €480m is to be invested in forestry in Ireland. The Government has secured €482m State Aid approval for the new Forestry Programme, covering the period 2014 – 2020. The new programme introduces a number of important structural and design changes. Minister of State at the Department of Agric
20/02/2015
A debate has been held to discuss the current housing crisis in Ireland. Among the options presented for consideration to an audience of local union SIPTU members, county councillors and members of the public was the introduction of rent controls, repair of local authority housing stock and direct
20/02/2015
Four water protestors have been jailed for contempt of court. Two of the protesters were given 28-day sentences and another two were jailed for 56 days on Thursday. Dublin Sinn Féin councillor for the Raheny/Clontarf ward, Ciarán O'Moore, is calling for their immediate release. Councillor O'Moore
20/02/2015
Irish Water has been slammed for failing to get serious about the first leak scheme. Dublin Sinn Féin city councillor Cathleen Carney Boud said she had been contacted by a local couple with two children who have had a dramatic decrease in the supply of water to their home following works done by Ir
20/02/2015
The Enterprise Minister has been accused of not responding quickly enough to ensure the reduction in wholesale gas prices is passed on to consumers. In a written Assembly Question, Arlene Foster confirmed that the Utility Regulator was working to review gas tariffs with Firmus and Airtricity, with
20/02/2015
The introduction of the new EU accreditation rules will ruin the steel fabrication and welding industry, Fianna Fáil has claimed. Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Dara Calleary TD is calling on the government to provide extra support through the network of Local Enterprise Offices. D
20/02/2015
The Chief Executive of NI Water has confirmed a drop in water levels at the Killea reservoir in L'Derry should not adversely affect local wildlife in the area. Under a 'Dam Inspections regime', a contractor was required to drain the reservoir to carry out essential maintenance and safety work. SDL
20/02/2015
Concerns have been raised after pedestrians are being forced to walk on a busy road in L'Derry due to maintenance work being carried out by Transport NI and NI Water. SDLP Derry Councillor Angela Dobbins said she has been "inundated" with calls from parents voicing "grave concerns" about the inabil
20/02/2015
A £120,000 improvement project is to begin on Monday 23 February in south Belfast. The scheme includes work on a section of Sharman Road in the Stranmillis area. The work is expected to be completed by the middle of March. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "Residents in the area will benefit
19/02/2015
The announcement that an additional 2,000 units will be delivered in Ireland over the next three years has been welcomed by the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH). CEO of the ICSH, Donal McManus, said access to low cost, long term finance is a key component for housing associations to increase
19/02/2015
DTA Architects has won a prestigious award for its work on a social housing scheme built in Santry Demesne, Dublin. The firm, headed by architects Derek Tynan and Niall Rowan, has scooped the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland's (RIAI) award, the Silver Medal. The award is for schemes comple
19/02/2015
Clare County Council has announced it is to take part in ESB's National Tree Week on Monday 2 March. The council will be hosting a tree planting ceremony at Millennium Park in Kilrush at 2pm. Councillor John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council will join representatives from Kilrush Commun
19/02/2015
A £1 million high-end caravan and camping facility is to be established at Glenariff Forest Park in Northern Ireland. The new facility, which will include provision for nine 'glamping' pods and the capacity for 36 caravans and campervans, will be open to campers this autumn. Agriculture Minister M
19/02/2015
Nearly €200,000 has been donated to community groups close to SSE Airtricity's wind farms in west Limerick. It is SSE Airtricity's largest ever Community Fund payout in Ireland. A total of 30 local groups will benefit from the funding of over €197,000, including schools, sports clubs and communit
19/02/2015
A new community hall in Clonmore, County Armagh, funded by the Rural Development Programme (RDP) has officially opened. Clonmore Regeneration Group developed the new community facility with the support of £225,728 capital investment from South West Action for Rural Development (SWARD) under Axis 3
19/02/2015
Irish Water will not make enough money in the future to be able to maintain the water services, new figures have revealed. Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley, said domestic and commercial water charges will not be enough to cover the increasing costs of Irish Water. Deputy St
19/02/2015
A public consultation has been launched on the possible tax measures to encourage the development of zoned and serviced land. Fine Gael Kerry Senator, Paul Coghlan, is urging the public to get involved and contribute to the process. He said: "There is no doubt that changes need to be made to put D
19/02/2015
Demolition work at the former British Army site in Ballykelly, Northern Ireland, has begun. Bulldozers have started to demolish the former buildings in Shackleton Barracks. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal O hOisín said: "The Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill stated she hoped the first occupants in the ne
19/02/2015
The Government will prohibit discrimination against tenants in receipt of rent supplement. The Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin made the announcement said it is a common practice for advertisements in relation to rental accommodation to say that rent supplement is not accepted. He said: "This
18/02/2015
Clúid Housing Association has launched the St Mary's Mansions regeneration project in Dublin. Clúid will refurbish over 50 social housing units using a mixture of government and European Investment Bank (EIB) funding in conjunction with the Housing Finance Agency. Cllr Críona Ní Dhálaigh, deputisi
18/02/2015
BAM Ireland has started building work on a new community school at Gortnacloughy, in Skibbereen. The new school will house 900 pupils providing modern classrooms, several science laboratories, technology and multimedia rooms, arts and graphics areas over the 9,800m2 building. Extensive sports facil
18/02/2015
A new €300m fund is to be invested in social housing throughout Ireland, it has been announced. The new investment programme jointly backed by the Housing Finance Agency and the European Investment Bank will target an additional 2,000 social housing units to be developed over the next three years.
18/02/2015
Building work has started on a new development at the Hydebank Wood site for women prisoners in Belfast. The step-down facility is being built for women prisoners close to the end of their sentence. The two storey house will include six bedrooms, communal living, dining and kitchen areas, as well
18/02/2015
The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors Ireland (APHCI) is calling for an independent public inquiry after it emerged 100,000 illegal boilers have been installed in family homes. The APHCI, have tried to engage in ongoing discussions with the regulator for some time about the ineffectiv
18/02/2015
A £190,000 carriageway resurfacing project is to begin in Ballyhalbert, Northern Ireland. Preparation work for the scheme, between Harbour Road and Portavogie Road, is expected to start on 23 February. Work is expected to be substantially completed by the end of March. Local access will be mainta
18/02/2015
The Minister for Employment and Learning has announced his intentions to bid for funding for the expansion of Magee campus in L'Derry in the next Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). Sinn Féin's Maeve McLaughlin MLA (Foyle) welcomed the statement made by Minister Stephen Farry and was very encourag
18/02/2015
Four new play facilities are to be developed in L'Derry. The new facilities, launched as part of the L'Derry Social Investment Fund's Steering Group's 'Invest in Play' project, will be located at Ballymagroarty Play Park, Kilfennan Valley Park, Ballyarnett Country Park and Daisyfield. The facilitie
18/02/2015
Thousands of homeowners in Ireland face major increases in their property tax due to house prices rising by up to 50% since the initial evaluation in 2013. Fianna Fáil has said the rising property market is storing up a 'timebomb' for homeowners based on the current property tax law, unless the Gov
18/02/2015
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is being urged to investigate the Orange Order after a BBC programme revealed it was involved in setting up financial firms to purchase land and property to stop it from being sold to Catholics. SDLP MLA for East Derry John Dallat described the disclosures on
17/02/2015
TIMco has announced it has appointed two new area sales managers in Ireland. John Kennedy joins the company as a Regional Sales Manager covering from Dublin to Dundalk. He will be responsible for maintaining and developing business in the area, servicing the demand for TIMco's fasteners and fixing
17/02/2015
The derelict Harland and Wolff Drawing offices in Belfast, where the RMS Titanic was designed, are to be restored. A £4.9 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will be used to develop a 4 star hotel in the shipbuilder's former headquarters building. The restoration of the B+ listed bu
17/02/2015
Dublin City Council has confirmed it is to restart construction of the cycle path in Clontarf. The Dublin Bay cycle path is to run from the Wooden Bridge to Causeway Road. Dublin Sinn Féin Councillor Ciarán O'Moore welcomed the plans. Mr O'Moore said: "The new route will comply with environmental
17/02/2015
Significant progress is being made on the Kilmainham Gaol and Courthouse refurbishment scheme in Dublin. The Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Simon Harris TD, visited the site today (17 February), to view the ongoing work, which started in 2013. M
17/02/2015
Fianna Fáil is urging the Tánaiste to extend the tenancy protection scheme to the suburbs adjoining Cork city. Cork South Central Michael McGrath TD confirmed it was recently extended to Cork City, however it does not cover Cork County. The tenancy protection scheme, which is operated by the hous
17/02/2015
Electric Ireland has signed a deal, worth over €1m, with Smyths Toys Superstores. The 12-month contract, to supply electricity to 28 of the firms outlets, also includes Electric Ireland providing energy efficiency audit support to stores based in the ROI and Northern Ireland. Electric Ireland's Cu
17/02/2015
The number of private rental properties in Dublin has dropped by 40% since 2011, according to a report by Daft.ie. The figures also revealed increases in rent last year which is making many families homeless. Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly said: "This has had a huge impact on rents over that
17/02/2015
The names of councillors voting for, against or abstaining a planning decision will be revealed from 1st April, the Alliance Party has announced. The powers on how planning applications will be dealt with are to be transferred to the new council. The local Council will put an end to anonymous voti
17/02/2015
An urban village project is to be established in two areas of north Belfast. The project, in Ardoyne and Ballysillan, aims improve good relations throughout Northern Ireland through its 'Together: Building a United Community' strategy. First Minister Peter Robinson said: "The creation of a further
17/02/2015
A group of delegates from the Energy Institute's Northern Ireland branch recently visited Kingspan Environmental's state-of-the-art manufacturing plant on Portadown’s Gilford Road, where they were informed how they can benefit from existing grants for commercial businesses. Eamon Clarke from Kings
16/02/2015
The restored wing at Townley Hall in County Louth has officially opened. Townley Hall is considered to be one of the most important houses of the period nationally. Townley Hall, and in particular the dramatic domed cylindrical stair hall, is widely considered to be designer Francis Johnston's mast
16/02/2015
Up to 150 construction jobs are to be created during the redevelopment of the East Jetty for Ireland's largest bulk port company. €38m is to be invested by Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), which currently helps to facilitate international trade valued at over €6bn yearly through the six port fac
16/02/2015
A major international anti-fracking conference is to be held in County Fermanagh on Friday 20 February. Sinn Féin is urging the public to register and attend the event at the Lough Erne hotel. MP Michelle Gildernew confirmed expert Andy Gheorghiu, author of the Friends of the Earth 'Fracking Frenz
16/02/2015
£75,000 funding has been secured for a public realm scheme in L'Derry. The project, in the Limavady Road area, will include upgrades to paving and street lighting from the junction at Glendermott Road to the entrance at Foyle Fold residential accommodation. Transport NI has already started the wor
16/02/2015
£130,000 additional funding has been secured to revitalise Glengormley town centre in Northern Ireland. Social Development Minister, Mervun Storey MLA, said it capitalises on the success of a revitalisation scheme back in 2013 which saw traders in Glengormley use an initial grant of £150,000 to gre
16/02/2015
Staff at Irish Water and its parent company Ervia can earn an extra bonus payment of up to 3% of their salary, it has been revealed. Fianna Fáil is urging the Environment Minister to urgently respond to the revelations despite Minister Alan Kelly saying last December that he does not want to see th
16/02/2015
Flogas is now the official energy partner of Cricket Ireland. The agreement was signed at the Flogas Head Office in Drogheda. John Rooney, Managing Director of Flogas Ireland, said: "Flogas Ireland is delighted to be teaming up with Cricket Ireland and becoming their official energy partner. As Ir
16/02/2015
£130,000 road resurfacing project in Omagh is to begin on 23rd February. The scheme, on the B50 between C680 Drumlegagh Church Road and U121 Largy Road, is to strengthen the carriageway between Omagh and Castlederg. Work will be carried out daily between 9am and 5pm from the 23 February until the
16/02/2015
Castlereagh Borough Council is being urged to hold a meeting over the closure of an east Belfast Leisure Centre following the discovery of asbestos. The move comes after the centre was closed due to the discovery of a number of unidentified areas of asbestos highlighted in a survey in a previously
16/02/2015
Less than 10,000 Irish households took advantage of grants under the Better Homes Scheme, new figures supplied to Fianna Fáil have revealed. The scheme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in 2014, has been described as "entirely short sighted" by the party's spokesperson on
13/02/2015
Sinn Féin has slammed the Government over the "inadequacy" of the Climate Action Bill. Environment spokesperson, Brian Stanley, claims it fails to meet the requirements necessary to address climate change in the Irish context. Deputy Stanley said: "It also broadly ignores the recommendations of th
13/02/2015
Dublin is a good location to produce solar energy, according to the findings of an IBM Smarter Cities Challenge report. The findings, published by Dublin City Council, said because of the amount of daylight in the city, it is a good place to produce solar energy. Other key findings include: • Sol
13/02/2015
The DUP has hit out at the Regional Development Minister for being excluded from the opening of the new Ballynure bypass in Northern Ireland. South Antrim DUP MP William Mc Crea, who was against the project from the start, said other roads of "strategic importance" still remain unrepaired. Mr McCr
13/02/2015
The HSE is being urged to do more to ensure that disruption caused during the construction of the new National Forensics Mental Health Services Hospital is minimised. Residents from the Donabate and Portrane area have contacted Dublin Fingal Senator Darragh O'Brien to raise concerns surrounding the
13/02/2015
Tánaiste and Labour TD for Dublin West Joan Burton has turned the sod on a secondary school in Hansfield, Dublin. The Educate Together school opened in interim accommodation in September 2014, and work commenced on a new three-storey school building in November. The Tánaiste said: "This is a reall
13/02/2015
The Alliance Party has welcomed Power NI's announcement to reduce prices by 9.2%. Mr Stewart Dickson MLA said that after years of eye-watering price rises, this is "excellent" news for consumers. Mr Dickson said: The public are seeing cuts in prices at the petrol pump, and I am sure that they will
13/02/2015
A notice stating an intention to permit the erection of gates at the Madam's Bank Road underpass in L'Derry has been supported by the Council. SDLP Shantallow Councillor Brian Tierney welcomed the support and is calling on local housing associations to do the same, "sooner rather than later". Cllr
13/02/2015
Over £200,000 funding has been secured to refurbish Ballymac Friendship Centre in east Belfast. The £202,000 investment will include the replacement of windows and doors, internal finishes, kitchen replacements and minor roof repairs needed to stop ongoing leaks. Department for Social Development
13/02/2015
A dangerous overhanging fence on Spencer road in L'Derry is to be repaired. SDLP Waterside Councillor Martin Reilly welcomed prompt action from Derry City Council, who have cordoned off the area. Councillor Reilly said: "This fence – which blocks off vacant land – unfortunately had become boasted
13/02/2015
Irish Water has been accused of failing to repair the "massive' level of leaks within the water system. Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment Brian Stanley TD was responding to reports that show 40% of water is expected to be lost through leaks in in 2015. Deputy Stanley said: "Once again, the
12/02/2015
Solar energy panels are to be installed on four libraries in Dublin. Ballymun, Coolock, Cabra and Raheny libraries will be fitted with the panels as part of a new energy efficiency programme. Dublin City Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly welcomed the announcement. She said: "In April this year
12/02/2015
McGuigan Construction has completed an £85,000 scheme to install new roofs on homes and garages in Culcavy. The new roofs, installed on properties owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, were fitted on 23 homes in Grove Park and Dunbeg Park. Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey said:
12/02/2015
An Bord Pleanála has turned down a planning application for the proposed Finglas Primary Care Centre in Dublin. Sinn Féin is calling for a new location for the centre to be found as soon as possible. Dublin North West TD Dessie Ellis said the decision by An Bord Pleanála should not be allowed to j
12/02/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the government to take climate change "seriously". Deputy Michael Colreavy said every policy and every decision made by Government in relation to energy "must be proofed against our target to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring that people are fairly treated". He said: "
12/02/2015
Fine Gael is calling on the An Taisce to withdraw its request for a judicial review to be carried out on the upgrade of the N86 Tralee to Dingle Road, County Kerry. Senator for Kerry, Paul Coglan, has also made a request for the "much-needed" development to go-ahead. He said: "An Bord Pleanála mak
12/02/2015
Fianna Fail claims the new Central Bank rules will make life extremely difficult for first-time buyers. Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath TD said that while the bank has "softened" its approach the new rules may leave first-time buyers "trapped in homes that are unsuitable for their needs". Th
12/02/2015
The Minister for the Environment is being urged to listen to the concerns of frontline people dealing with the housing crisis in Ireland. Cllr Paul McAuliffe said commended Minister Alan Kelly for providing short term measures, however he has concerns as the demand in the need for accommodation has
12/02/2015
Power NI has announced it is to drop its prices by 9.2% from 1 April. This marks the largest price decrease by an energy firm in Northern Ireland. SDLP Spokesperson for Enterprise, Trade & Investment Patsy McGlone MLA, said: "This significant decrease from Power NI marks the biggest decrease of an
11/02/2015
Fianna Fáil is urging the government to work with Dublin City Council to provide structural funding to the City, as many parts of it are in "desperate" need of regeneration. Cllr Paul McAuliffe was responding to the government’s recently published 'Planning Policy Statement 2015'. Cllr McAuliffe s
11/02/2015
Only four properties in South County Dublin have been bought under the Mortgage-to-Rent scheme which was introduced in 2012, it has been revealed. The figures were revealed following a Parliamentary Question submitted by Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty. Sinn Féin councillor Ca
11/02/2015
Sinn Féin is calling on the Regional Development Minister to "ring fence" money to ensure street light repairs in Northern Ireland are carried out on a regular basis. Mr Danny Kennedy confirmed that all broken street lighting will be repaired as soon as possible. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said:
11/02/2015
The procurement process to appoint a civil contractor to the Bandon Flood Relief Scheme has been legally challenged at the pre-qualifying first stage by a contractor who has not been placed on the list. Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Jim Daly, has met with the Minister for the Office of Public W
11/02/2015
75 new housing units are to be made available at Fr. Scully House in Dublin. Fr. Scully House is a 99-housing unit development that had been funded by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government under the Capital Assistance Scheme and overseen by Dublin City Council and the Cathol
11/02/2015
Ulster University has teamed up with leading construction firms in Northern Ireland to offer over 150 graduate positions and work placement opportunities in the construction sector. Farrans Construction, Gilbert Ash Ltd and O'Hare McGovern along with 39 other companies have joined forces with the
11/02/2015
Budget Energy is to reduce its prices for consumers by 5%. SDLP Spokesperson for Enterprise, Trade & Investment Patsy McGlone MLA welcomed the news and confirmed it is the first power firm in Northern Ireland to announce a price reduction. However, he is urging all energy companies to follow the
11/02/2015
Transport NI is to begin a £210,000 road improvement scheme in Annahilt, Northern Ireland. The project, on the Magheraconluce Road, is to start on 23 February and is expected to be complete by 27 March. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This scheme will greatly improve the strength and surfa
10/02/2015
Over €620,000 funding has been announced to protect and upgrade heritage buildings in Ireland under the Structures at Risk Fund 2015. The €624,000 fund is being used to safeguard structures in private and civic ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, and can also apply to
10/02/2015
A bypass section of the £130 million A8 Belfast to Larne Dual Carriageway project has officially opened. The opening of the Ballynure Bypass section represents a significant milestone in the overall works. Other elements of the major A8 scheme include a new roundabout at Shane's Hill Road, as well
10/02/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out over the continued delay in the development of the site at Stormanstown in Dublin. The site, located on the Ballymun Road, has now been put on the market for €2.5m after planning permission was approved in August. Sinn Féin Councillor Noleen Reilly said: "We could have a situ
10/02/2015
The Irish League of Credit Unions has confirmed it is in discussions to provide home loans to its members. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance, Michael McGrath, said the credit union is well placed to provide mortgages to customers seeking to buy new homes. He said: "In doing so, Credit Unions wou
10/02/2015
Electricity utility firm ESB is urging students to start a career in engineering. The firm is to host 'ESB Engineering Brighter Futures' exhibition in Dublin and Cork to mark Engineers Week 2015. The exhibition will give senior cycle secondary students an insight into the way that engineering can
10/02/2015
The Alliance Party in Northern Ireland has slammed the Minister for Finance for failing to invest in the water infrastructure for health and environmental protection throughout the region. The party's Regional Development Spokesperson, Chris Lyttle MLA, said it is time political parties were honest
10/02/2015
Residents living in Copperthorpe in L'Derry are once again calling on Transport NI to take over their housing development. SDLP Derry City Councillor Martin Reilly has supported the residents and has been in consistent correspondence with Transport NI on the matter. Mr Reilly said: "Copperthorpe w
10/02/2015
An £130,000 improvement project on Great Victoria Street in Belfast is to start on Saturday 14 February. The resurfacing of a stretch of carriageway between Bradbury Place and Hope Street is expected to be completed by Tuesday 3 March. Diversions will be put in place. TransportNI has planned the
10/02/2015
The Catholic Housing Aid Society (CHAS) and Dublin City Council have agreed to let the previous 24 tenants of the newly refurbished Fr. Scully House move back in immediately. Fr. Scully House in Dublin is a €17m housing development, funded by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Gover
10/02/2015
Construction firm FP McCann, located in Northern Ireland, has confirmed it is to exhibit at the 2015 Self Build & Improve Your Home Show in the Kings Hall, Belfast. FP McCann will be showcasing its range of driveway surfacing and ready mix concrete products and services. FP McCann will be exhibiti
09/02/2015
180 construction jobs are to be created following expansion plans announced by Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society in Co Cavan. The investment has been supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland. Construction will start immediately and the Minister
09/02/2015
2014 was a record year for Building Energy Ratings (BER), according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Energy upgrades worth €118m saw 24,600 homes and 900 public and commercial buildings improved, and 2,400 jobs maintained through the Department of Communications, Energy and Na
09/02/2015
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny has welcomed the announcement that 200 new jobs will be created over the next five years by Combilift as part of its expansion plans. €40 million is to be invested by the company over the next two years in building a new, greenfield manufacturing site. The majority of the 20
09/02/2015
A public consultation is to be held to discuss plans for a one-way traffic system in Armagh. The opportunity for everyone in the area to have their say on the scheme around the Mall and on Victoria Street, College Hill and Tower Hill, will be held on Thursday 12 February in the Marketplace. Transp
09/02/2015
€25 million is being allocated to fund sustainable transport projects in Dublin, it has been announced. Labour TD Sean Kenny welcomed the news and said the projects would be of great benefit to bus users, cyclists and pedestrians. He said: "All of this will help to reduce the congestion that is a
09/02/2015
Fianna Fáil has slammed the Government for diverting funds from motor tax and property tax to pay for a subvention for Irish Water. Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen TD said his colleague Seán Fleming uncovered that the Government is now diverting money from other tax sources to prop up this sup
09/02/2015
A £650,000 road improvement project is to begin in Armagh. The investment, at the Friary Road/Newry Road junction, is expected to be complete before Easter. The investment will see the existing layout at Friary Road improved to allow two lanes of traffic to enter and exit the city and will include
09/02/2015
Cricket Ireland has teamed up with Flogas in an official partnership. The agreement, which begins with immediate effect, will see Flogas become the official energy partner to Cricket Ireland. The agreement was signed today at the Flogas Head Office in Drogheda. John Rooney, Managing Director, Flo
06/02/2015
200 jobs are to be created in Monaghan by heavy loader builder Combilift. The company employs 300 people at its current facilities in Monaghan town and Clontibret. The news comes as a result of the company's investment of €40m in a new facility. The jobs are being supported by Enterprise Ireland.
06/02/2015
The pyrite remediation scheme has been extended after a small number of homes in south Dublin and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown were found to be affected by pyrite damage. Olivia Mitchell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, welcomed the announcement and said there are no other practicable financial options av
06/02/2015
Seven new primary schools are to be developed across Ireland within the next two years. Four of the schools will open in 2015 with the other three opening in 2016. The schools are to be established in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Wicklow. One school will be in Cork, four in Dublin, one in Galway and
06/02/2015
A resurfacing project is to begin in Moira on Tuesday 10 February. Resurfacing and other improvement works will take place on Meadow Road and Laney Road between 8am and 6pm daily, including some weekend working. Work is expected to be complete by Monday 23 March. To help ensure the safety of road
06/02/2015
A £265,000 improvement project in north Tyrone is to begin on Monday 9 February. The resurfacing scheme will be on the B48 Lisnarragh Road between Donemana and Plumbridge. It will start close to the junction of the Loughash Road and will extend for around 2km towards Donemana. Work is expected to
06/02/2015
Construction work has started on a €59m upgrade to the Coillte Panel Products SmartPly manufacturing facility in Co Kilkenny. The development, in Waterford Port, will include a new Coillte Panel Products Innovation Centre and will create over 300 jobs during construction. SmartPly, a Coillte compa
06/02/2015
€290m from motor taxation was given as subvention to Irish Water last year, Fianna Fáil has revealed at a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting. Fianna Fáil committee member and Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform, Sean Fleming, unveiled the information while questioning senior official
06/02/2015
What is the difference between kerosene, gas oil and diesel and can my oil-fired burner use all three?
05/02/2015
50 schools throughout Ireland have been shortlisted to take part in a competition which aims to inspire people to make small lifestyle changes to use energy more efficiently and help tackle climate change. The schools have been asked to put their campaigns into action as part of the One Good Id
05/02/2015
The second phase of construction is underway on a multi-million pound refurbishment scheme at the National Gallery of Ireland (NGI). The total cost of the project, which is being funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the OPW and the NGI, is expected to be in excess of €30m.
05/02/2015
An international conference on fracking is to take place in Fermanagh on 20 February. A panel of international speakers, who have successfully campaigned against fracking, will also be attending the event at the Lough Erne Resort. Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson is urging people to register for the
05/02/2015
The SDLP is calling on the Department for Social Development (DSD) to introduce plans to develop 500 new homes in west Tyrone immediately. West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan welcomed news that it plans to build 45 new social housing residences in Strabane. However, Mr McCrossan said
05/02/2015
Significant progress is being made on the development of supportive living units at Rathmoyle Day Centre in Ballycastle. Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan congratulated the Northern Trust for getting the project to the point where planning permission will now be taken forward by Apex housing associati
05/02/2015
A major resurfacing project in Omagh is to start this week. Work on the £120,000 scheme on the A5 Curr Road is to begin on 11 February and is due to be completed by 20 February. A 30mph speed limit will be in place throughout the works for the duration of the scheme. Work will be carried out dail
05/02/2015
A total of €2m has been allocated to install speed ramps in housing estates and residential areas in Ireland. Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, said it will make a huge difference to young families in Dundalk, Drogheda and other towns and villages in County Louth. He said: "Following on f
05/02/2015
The Minister for Environment has given the go-ahead for 200 extra housing staff to be employed by local authorities. Labour TD Brendan Ryan welcomed the announcement by Minister Alan Kelly and commended his actions at tackling the housing crisis with "great vigour". Mr Ryan said: "Over half of the
04/02/2015
Energy suppliers are being urged to drop their electricity prices. SDLP Spokesperson for Enterprise, Trade & Investment MLA said that while heating fuel prices have fallen, no similar decrease in price has been seen in the price of electricity. Mr McGlone said: "It seems that when market prices ar
04/02/2015
Construction firm, BAM Ireland, is to design and develop a new €30m facility for NUI Galway. The new 8,200 m2 Human Biology building facility will be located on the south campus, sitting over four-storeys and will comprise of teaching and research laboratories, lecture theatres, anatomy and mortuar
04/02/2015
Over €290m has been allocated by the government to maintain local and regional roads in Ireland. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, said the €294m will allow approximately 2,000km of regional and local roads to be maintained and strengthened this year. He said: "Ensurin
04/02/2015
Fianna Fáil is calling on the Central Bank to make sure banks focus on solutions that work when dealing with long term mortgage arrears cases. Finance spokesperson, Michael McGrath, was speaking after the Central Bank Governor Patrick Honohan confirmed to him in correspondence that he "continues to
04/02/2015
Two major international agreements on global development and climate change are to be signed later this year, according to the Minister for Development, Trade Promotion, and North South Co-operation, Seán Sherlock, TD. The agreements, to be signed in September and December, are aimed at eradicating
04/02/2015
Planning permission has been approved for 197 new homes to be developed in L'Derry. The plans, approved by the council, are for social housing units with landscaping and associated site works, on lands at Galliagh, south of Skeoge Link Road and adjacent to the Lower Galliagh Road. The scheme inclu
04/02/2015
A £350,000 resurfacing project near Cookstown in Northern Ireland is to start on 16 February. The work will take place at the junctions of Annagh Road, Desertcreat Road and Tullyard road and includes the provision of right turn lanes and carriageway resurfacing. The work is due to be completed by
04/02/2015
A construction firm based in Northern Ireland has been found guilty of three charges of unauthorised waste offending. Down Developments Ltd was fined £1,500 at Craigavon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (3 February). The company was also ordered to pay court costs of £10, an offenders' levy of £15 a
03/02/2015
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is calling on the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) to support the construction sector by ensuring announced projects go-ahead. Results from the FMB's latest State of Trade Survey for Q4 2014 show that out of the four home nations, Northern Ireland's net balan
03/02/2015
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government for "confusing" people over the Irish Water deadline registration. Irish Water was forced to issue a clarification after Labour Senator Lorraine Higgins claimed that people would be penalised for not registering before the midnight deadline. Spokesperson f
03/02/2015
A design competition has been launched for a new primary school in an urban setting in Dublin. The winning entry will be awarded an actual commission for the site at Harcourt Terrace, Dublin 2, and includes the former Garda Station and Irish Film Censor Building. The brief is for a 24-classroom p
03/02/2015
Fine Gael is urging oil suppliers to pass on the lower oil prices to customers. Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Central, Catherine Byrne, welcomed the drop in oil prices, however she is calling for the lower prices to be passed on to all consumers, especially pensioners. She said: "This Government h
03/02/2015
Expanding its offering to provide its portfolio of quality slates throughout the four provinces of Ireland, SSQ Slate has teamed up with Killoran Slate & Tile and Blue Bangor Slate Company, to ensure swift, professional delivery regardless of location. As SSQ appointed distributors, Killoran Slate
03/02/2015
The Department for Regional Development is to retain ownership of the land along the Comber Greenway in east Belfast, that has been partially fenced off by adjoining properties, the Alliance Party confirmed. Judith Cochrane MLA had written to the Minister after concerns were raised that the fences
03/02/2015
Northern Ireland is making significant progress on its target of 40% electricity from renewables by 2020, according to the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA). 19.5% of the entire electricity requirement for Northern Ireland came from renewable sources in 2014, 18.3% of which was from wind energy.
03/02/2015
The SDLP is calling on the Minister for Social Development to step up over the "complete inadequacy" of social housing in west Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Daniel McCrossan, the party's West Tyrone Westminster candidate, has described the situation as a "shocking indictment" of the Department of Socia
03/02/2015
Plans for 197 new homes to be developed in L'Derry are to go before the Council today. The proposal is for social housing units with landscaping and associated site works, on lands at Galliagh, south of Skeoge Link Road and adjacent to the Lower Galliagh Road. The mix of housing types includes one
02/02/2015
The Minister of State with responsibility for Housing is being called to re-instate an affordable housing provision for the Dublin area in newly proposed planning legislation. Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South-West, Cáit Keane, was speaking after the presentation of various Irish planning stakehol
02/02/2015
Progress made under 'Construction 2020' will create new jobs in the sector in 2015, the Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government has confirmed. Minister Alan Kelly said: "The main priority for this Government is job creation. We need to get people back to work and we need to build hom
02/02/2015
A public consultation for a national overarching policy on local and community development has started. The policy will reflect the shared commitment of national and local government to engage with communities in the planning and delivery of local and community development programmes. Minister for
02/02/2015
A new Critical Care Unit at the Mid-West Regional Hospital has opened. Labour TD for Limerick City and Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan TD, welcomed the opening and said it is an important addition to the Regional Hospital. She said: "I know that during today's visit Minister Vara
02/02/2015
A £220,000 improvement project has begun on the Bells Bridge roundabout in Belfast. The scheme includes resurfacing, upgrading the zebra crossing and replacing streetlights. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "This is a very significant investment which will deliver benefits for all road users
02/02/2015
Almost 500 families were made homeless in Dublin last year, according to new figures released by Focus Ireland. Dublin City Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly said she is "not surprised" at the increase in the number of families becoming homeless. She said: "There is a complete shortage in privat
