Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for May 2015
29/05/2015
McAleer & Rushe has has announced two major student housing schemes, which will deliver over 1200 rooms, in Belfast. Planning applications have been submitted to develop an 804-room scheme in a 240,000 sq ft building on College Avenue, and a 476-room scheme, in a 135,000 sq ft building, on McClint
29/05/2015
Labour TD Joe Costello has welcomed the €91 million investment in housing. Environment Minister, Alan Kelly, made the announcement on Thursday, and said the funding will be used to make more social housing available, improve housing for older people and people with disabilities and retrofit homes t
29/05/2015
Transport NI has started on a resurfacing scheme on the C227 Dundalk Road, Crossmaglen. The scheme involves the resurfacing and associated works of a 0.9kilometre stretch of the C227 Dundalk Road between the U5470 Lissaraw Road junction and the U5602 Lismore Road junction. Where necessary the drain
29/05/2015
Using our indigenous renewable energy resources to meet renewable energy targets could boost Ireland's GDP and support thousands of new jobs, according to reports published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). A Macroeconomic Analysis of Bioenergy Use to 2020 and a Macroeconomic A
29/05/2015
Over 600 construction jobs are expected to be created after planning permission was approved to the Cork Port Community to expand the existing facilities in Ringaskiddy. Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ní Riada said: "I was glad to have the opportunity to meet a delegation from the port authority in Brussels r
29/05/2015
Construction Information Services (CIS) has announced the National Construction Summit 2015 will be taking place in the RDS, Dublin on 16 June. The major event will be jointly chaired by Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and Tom Moloney, Managing Director of
28/05/2015
Vayu Energy is to supply Monaghan Mushrooms with 100% green electricity, generated from a 10-turbine wind farm in west Cork, in a deal worth approximately €2.8m annually. As part of a direct Power Purchase Agreement, the electricity generated will be used to supply the company's six sites across co
28/05/2015
Construction work has started on two new schools in L'Derry. The new Foyle College and Ebrington Primary School will be built using a phased approach. The first phase is the primary school and energy centre which is due to be completed by September 2016. The proposed new school build is for a 14
28/05/2015
The Comber Masterplan, aimed at redeveloping the town centre, has been launched. Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, introduced the plan which sets out a range of proposals for re-developing the town centre over a period of 15-20 years. The plans include: • Extending the Comber Greenw
28/05/2015
Refurbishment work has started on a primary school in Carrickfergus. The £1m project at Acorn Integrated Primary School will provide a three-classroom extension which will replace the temporary accommodation with a permanent building structure. In addition, a hard play area for the children is a
28/05/2015
Ireland's largest solar PV system by SALIIS Renewables has been completed at Bombardier's wing facility in Belfast. The 3.6-megawatt system, featuring 14,000 solar PV panels, is housed on the roof of Bombardier's 50,000 sq m wing facility and is equivalent to the size of 10 football pitches. The sy
28/05/2015
Concerns have been raised about the conditions of the roads in south Armagh. Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon challenged Roads Minister Danny Kennedy over the condition of roads in the area and handed him a list of 33 roads across the area which are in urgent need of repair. Ms Fearon said: "The poor s
27/05/2015
€6 million is to be invested in the dredging project at Dunmore East Pier in Waterford. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed the contract has been awarded and the work will start in early June and is expected to be complete by September. Waterford Sinn Fein Senator David Cul
27/05/2015
Work is to start on a £220,000 resurfacing project in Ballynahinch. The scheme, which will start in Monday 8 June, will involve the resurfacing of a 1.6km stretch the B175 Spa Road between the A24 Newcastle Road junction and the B180 Dunmore Road junction. To facilitate the resurfacing works the r
27/05/2015
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has allocated funding to carry out a study for the section of coastline from Deadman's Point to Rosses Point (Lower) to include the Sand Spit in Sligo. The single coastal erosion and flood risk study has been welcomed by Fine Gael TD for Sligo/Leitrim, Tony McLoughl
27/05/2015
Development work has started on a new £9.5m Environmental Resource Park at Giant's Park in Belfast. The site, which is owned by the Belfast City Council, aims to attract local, national and international investors. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathon Bell, said: "Bringing together
27/05/2015
Sinn Féin is urging the Environment Minister to further the progression of the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill through the Dáil. The party's spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Michael Colreavy, said Irish communities want strict regulations to be introduced regarding
27/05/2015
The Agricultural Minister is being called to address thousands of farmers concerns over their GLAS applications. Fianna Fáil Candidate for Sligo-North Leitrim Cllr Eamon Scanlon made the call after a sudden change in the eligibility criteria for the scheme. Cllr Scanlon commented: "There are a lot
26/05/2015
Irish energy firm, Energia, has signed a deal to provide 100% 'green' energy to power Brown Bag Films' Irish studios in Smithfield Market. Energia's operational windfarm portfolio currently supplies 795MWs of green power. This will increase by a further 300MWs of 'green' power by a number of wind
26/05/2015
Fine Gael is calling for variable mortgage rates to be monitored. MEP Brian Hayes said this will ensure rates do not become as excessive as they are today. Mr Hayes said: "This is an issue that affects thousands of people every day and the expected cuts in July will give people much-needed relief.
26/05/2015
Toxic waste has been dumped at the River Ness in L'Derry. Eight Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) holding oily waste were reported to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has said it is "totally irresponsible". Mr Durkan said: "I have been keeping a
26/05/2015
A consultation over the weight and speed limits for agricultural tractors to increase has been launched. The Department for Transport in Britain introduced legislation which increased the speed limits for tractors in March. Previously restricted to 20 miles per hour, agricultural tractors can now
26/05/2015
A student from Dublin is to represent the all-island electricity sector at European level, with the chance of winning a prestigious European award in Berlin. Killian McKenna, 25, from Glenageary, has been named as the Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI) entrant for this year's EURELECTRIC Stud
26/05/2015
Over 70 families have been referred to homelessness services in April, according to figures from Focus Ireland. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, is calling on the government to be honest with the public and themselves by admitting the homeless crisis requires strong action and not m
22/05/2015
The Minister for Finance has told senior management of Ireland's six main lenders that Standard Variable Rates being charged are too high. Michael Noonan TD has concluded a constructive series of meetings with the management which focused on the mortgage market and specifically the comparatively hi
22/05/2015
The Alliance Party has slammed plans to demolish the Robinson Centre in east Belfast. Subject to the outcome of an ongoing judicial review, Belfast City Council has confirmed a report has highlighted that extensive work would be required to deal with significant levels of asbestos and legionella pr
22/05/2015
The Royal Irish Academy (RIA) has been allocated €13,000 in funding for archaeological research on existing World Heritage Sites and sites on Ireland's Tentative List for future World Heritage accreditation by UNESCO. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, said it
22/05/2015
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is being called to take on board recommendations from the Criminal Justice Inspectorate (CJI) report, after it revealed some failings about prosecutions. Alliance Environment spokesperson, Anna Lo MLA, said taking tough action on environmental polluti
22/05/2015
A farmer from L'Derry has been fined over £1,000 for a pollution offence. John Allingham, Whitehill Road, Eglinton pleaded guilty and was fined £1,200 for causing a discharge of agricultural effluent to enter a waterway. He was also ordered to pay court costs of £15. On 3 June 2014, a Water Quali
22/05/2015
Organisations taking part in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) annual Sustainable Energy Awards have saved almost €1bn in energy. Now in its 12th year, the awards reward individuals, businesses or communities who adapt their energy management practices to deliver cost savings and
22/05/2015
The deadline for GLAS applications for farmers and their advisors has been extended until 26 May. Over 34,000 applications have been logged to date and 18,000 applications have already been submitted. Another 10,000 have selected actions and begun the process of drawing up farm plans, suggesting th
22/05/2015
Representatives from the Heritage Lottery Fund, placement provider organisations, the training network, construction companies along with trainees gathered at CITB NI to celebrate the success of the 'Sustaining Traditional Building Skills in Northern Ireland' project last week. The project ma
21/05/2015
Kilkenny County Council and Irish Water is to pump €21 million to upgrade the wastewater infrastructure in Kilkenny. It is estimated €5m will be invested in upgrading the Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme, which serves a population in excess of 27,000 people, including the associated businesses
21/05/2015
Trojan Battery Co., is to expand its research and development (R&D) capabilities and open a new R&D centre in Sligo, Ireland. Known as Trojan Battery Ireland Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Trojan Battery Co., LLC, the facility is located on the campus of the Institute of Technology, Sligo at i
21/05/2015
A new community hall has officially opened in Castlewellan, County Down. Annsborough Community Forum completed the £270,000 project to design and develop a community space to cater for the needs of the rural community. Grant funding from DARD's Rural Development Programme (RDP) and Ulster Wildlif
21/05/2015
Refurbishment work has started on a primary school in L'Derry. The £1.9m project at Newbuildings Primary School involves the restructuring of the existing school building, the extension of the multi-purpose hall and other refurbishment work. Mr Chris Scholes, Principal of Newbuildings Primary Sch
21/05/2015
The Minister for Children and Youth Affair has sanctioned payments of €250,000 for new play and recreation projects and improvements to the existing facilities in Ireland. Minister James Reilly said: "The projects funded by my Department this year include the upgrade and redevelopment of older play
21/05/2015
Construction work has started on a new £1.4m housing scheme for young people in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland. The development will be available to young people leaving care, and is being provided by OakleeTrinity Housing Association with support of £835,000 from the Department for Social Developme
21/05/2015
More effort will be needed for Ireland to meet its EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, according to new figures released by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Ireland's EU target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, transport, the built environment, waste and non
21/05/2015
Planning permission has been approved to develop a new 100,000 sq ft office building in a £24.7m deal with McAleer and Rushe. Belfast City Council has agreed to acquire Clarendon House on Adelaide Street. The scheme, designed by Todd Architects, received planning permission at the council's Planni
20/05/2015
Planning permission has been approved for a new boutique hotel to be developed in Belfast's Titanic Quarter. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee today gave the go-ahead to the application from Titanic Foundation Ltd and Titanic Quarter Ltd, for the conversion and refurbishment of the Harland
20/05/2015
300 construction jobs are expected to be created after a biopharmaceutical firm in west Dublin announced it is developing a new facility. Mallinckrodt is to develop a €45m plant in Blanchardstown. 45 permanent jobs are to be created at the plant, which includes a two-storey manufacturing building,
20/05/2015
25,000 homes have now been bought in Northern Ireland through the Co-Ownership affordable homes scheme. The 25,000th Co-Ownership home is in Newtownards and belongs to Allan McEvoy and Sarah Daly who welcomed the Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA. Minister Storey said: "It is a grea
20/05/2015
Contractor Connolly & Fee has been appointed by Helm Housing to build a £2.8m development in Dungannon. The Coalisland-based contractor recently began work on the scheme at Sloan Street which is due for completion in December 2016. The development will provide 21 two-bedroom general needs apartment
20/05/2015
The Criminal Justice Inspectorate (CJI) has undertook an independent review into the operation of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's (NIEA) Environmental Crime Unit (ECU). While CJI did not report any significant concerns, it recommended ways in which enforcement and regulation could be enha
20/05/2015
Road and sewerage works in Armagh are to be complete by early June, the Transport Minister has confirmed. The works, at the Friary Road/Newry Road junction and sewerage works at The Mall, are almost two months past their completion date. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said: "I asked the Roads Ministe
20/05/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Environment Minister and the Labour Party for failing to bring forward plans on rent certainty. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis said no proposals have been discussed at Cabinet and no legislation is planned. Deputy Ellis said: "We have an emergency on our hands, and
20/05/2015
An Electrical Installation apprentice from L'Derry has won Apprentice of the Year 2015. Gavin Boyle received the award from Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry today, 20 May. Gavin, 19, is completing his Electrotechnical apprenticeship at North West Regional College. He is employed b
19/05/2015
Use of renewable energy is Ireland increased by 10% in 2014, according to new data published by the Sustainable Energy Authority in Ireland (SEAI). The data also revealed that primary energy use fell as the economy grew, continuing the process of decoupling. Wind accounted for 18% of electricity g
19/05/2015
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) has been given the go-ahead to proceed with plans for a floating swimming pool and urban beach at the East Pier of the Harbour. Permission was granted in late 2014 by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, but had been appealed. It has since been approved by An
19/05/2015
Councillors from Dublin City Council are expected to consider an offer of €1.8 million for a site on Ballymun Main Street. A new retail complex is to be developed on the site, however Fianna Fáil has called for the plans to be amended to include residential units. The site is part of a brownfield
19/05/2015
Refurbishment work at Valeo Foods' Cabra manufacturing facility in Dublin is now complete. The firm invested €7m to upgrade the facility and the project marks the biggest single investment in the site since it was established 70 years ago. The latest phase of the investment has seen the creation o
19/05/2015
The Finance Minister is being urged to deliever a strong message to the banks over the standard variable mortgage rates they are charging customers in Ireland. Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath said it is past time the Minister called a halt to the 'rip-off' of variable rate mortgage
19/05/2015
Irish firm ESB Networks has issued a warning to the public over the dangers of interfering with overhead wires and electricity poles. The firm is aware of a number of incidences recently where a live conductor was cut and removed and electricity poles damaged by third parties. In a statement the
19/05/2015
A fireplace fitter has been fined after pleading guilty to carrying out illegal gas work. He was ordered to pay €500 to Crumlin Hospital at Dublin District Court. Counsel for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) informed the court that the gas work was carried out in February 2014 in a home
19/05/2015
Irish Water has launched a pilot study to address the build up of Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG) in the wastewater network in Galway. It is working with Food Service Establishments in Galway. The initial study will cover the areas between Bohermore to Sea Road and Salthill. The locations have the hi
18/05/2015
Plans to modify St John's Point Lighthouse in Dundrum have been suspended for two years. Sinn Féin MLA Chris Hazzard received confirmation from the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL). Mr Hazzard said: "I am delighted that the CIL has decided to take two years to explore alternative engineering so
18/05/2015
A 5,000-year-old burial cairn on Slieve Gullion in south Armagh has been repaired. Volunteers and archeologists carried out the repair work over the weekend. Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon said it is one of the great archaeological treasures of Ireland. She said: "Unfortunately in recent years it had
18/05/2015
A social housing development is to be built in the Skeoge area of Ballyarnett. SDLP Councillor Angela Dobbins said the development is a "step in the right direction to tackle the social housing shortage". Councillor Dobbins said: "Both Apex and Foyle Fold Housing Associations are renowned for thei
18/05/2015
Almost two-thirds of Irish households are unaware of how energy efficient their home is, according to a new survey. The survey, carried out by Energia, shows 67% of respondents have also seriously considered improving their home's energy efficiency. 75% of insulation jobs cost less than €3,000, wi
18/05/2015
An electricity firm has been accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for its Engineering Professional Development Scheme. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) joins 124 accredited schemes in the UK to receive the accolade which is awarded following a rigorous assessment and
18/05/2015
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is being accused of "botching" the applications process for the Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2015. Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, Éamon Ó Cuív, has criticised Minister Simon Coveney and said a series of delays in the
18/05/2015
A £170,000 road resurfacing project is to begin in Ballyronan, Northern Ireland. The resurfacing works extend a distance of approximately 1.5km from Ballyronan village to the junction with the Oaklea Road. The work also includes the resurfacing of approximately 0.6kms of footway along the Ballyrona
18/05/2015
A £650,000 sewerage improvement works programme is to start in Rostrevor, Northern Ireland. The major storm separation and improvement scheme, which will accommodate future development in the area, will benefit those living in the St Jude's Gardens, St Coleman's Gardens, St Rita's Park and Rostrevo
15/05/2015
Labour has hit out at Sinn Féin over its housing policy. It is understood Sinn Féin plans to protest outside the office of Galway West TD Derek Nolan today, 15 May. Mr Nolan has claimed Sinn Féin's housing policy is "wafer thin". Mr Nolan said: "In their pre-budget submission, Sinn Fein allocated
15/05/2015
A £135,000 road improvement project in Garvagh is to start on Monday 18 May. The scheme includes resurfacing between Hillside Road and Lisnacreghog Road and is expected to be substantially completed by Friday 12 June. The majority of the work will be carried out using traffic control, however, a r
15/05/2015
The Finance Minister is being urged to publish the Central Bank's research in relation to why variable mortgage rates are so high in Ireland. Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath said Minister Michael Noonan should publish the report so that everyone can see the Central Bank's logic for
15/05/2015
Over £570,000 in funding has been secured for a scheme to upgrade pedestrian and cycling facilities at the A2 in Bangor. The £575,000 project at Gransha Road Roundabout is scheduled to begin in June 2015. The scheme includes the provision of full traffic signal control on the roundabout with spira
15/05/2015
Sinn Féin has slammed the Irish Football Association (IFA) over reports it intends to withhold information in relation to the collapse of a stand at Windsor Park in south Belfast. Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney said he intends to table an urgent oral question to the DCAL Minister on Monday. Mr Mc
15/05/2015
200 construction jobs are expected to be created after SIRO, the new brand of ESB and Vodafone Ireland's fibre broadband joint venture company, announced it is investing €450m in building Ireland's first 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network. It is expected to offer speeds from 200Mbps to 1,
15/05/2015
The Agriculture Minister is being accused of being in denial over the new agri-environment scheme GLAS. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, said the number of completed applications to the scheme has fallen far short of the mark despite the fact that the May 22 deadline is fas
15/05/2015
The UUP has welcomed the announcement that a contractor has been selected to develop the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dualling scheme in Northern Ireland. Graham/Farrans Joint Venture (JV) has been chosen to carry out the work and Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster, Sandra Overend, said the appointme
14/05/2015
Energy firm ESB has confirmed it is to maintain a supply agreement with Bord na Móna for peat to fuel its power stations. The stations are located in Shannonbridge, County Offaly, and Lough Ree, County Longford. The decision was announced to Bord na Mona staff in a letter from the semi-state compa
14/05/2015
Irish firm Schwungrad Energie has announced that the first Hybrid flywheel energy storage plant is to be developed in Ireland. It is being developed in collaboration with the Department of Physics & Energy at University of Limerick and will be based in Rhode, County Offaly. It has received the sup
14/05/2015
In 2014 there was a continued growth in the construction sector, according to a report published by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. Growth was particularly evident for electricians, plumbers and carpenters. The increase was in line with an overall growth of 8% in the number of vacancies b
14/05/2015
Over 40 public water supplies in Ireland had lead levels which exceeded safety thresholds, according to tests carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Labour is calling for a grant-aided scheme to be put in place to aid the removal of harmful piping. Deputy Kenny confirmed 42 supp
14/05/2015
Irish Water is to invest over €7m to help resolve inadequacies in the wastewater treatment infrastructure in Clifden, County Galway. The firm confirmed €7.75m has been secured for the project. The Clifden sewerage network has already been upgraded and the construction of a new Wastewater Treatment
14/05/2015
Fianna Fáil has slammed the government over its measures to deal with the mortgage arrears crisis. Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath said the government has continued to deny the problem over how banks are permitted to dictate the nature of how mortgages are restructured. Deputy McGrath said: "
14/05/2015
Almost €14m has been secured for group water and sewerage projects. The allocations are being provided under the Department's Rural Water Programme. The funding is aimed at improving water quality in group water schemes, and at upgrading and water conservation works in group water scheme distributi
14/05/2015
A County Armagh based firm has been assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to develop technologies in order to reduce heat loss from traditional wooden sliding-sash windows. The Glass Shutter Company, which is owned and managed by Tommy McClimond, recently applied the new frameless glass shutters to w
13/05/2015
€50,000 funding has been secured for renovation works to be carried out at Athlone Foróige in County Westmeath. The funding will be used or the provision of multi-purpose rooms, the renovation of backstage areas and the upgrade of windows at its centre in Athlone. Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmea
13/05/2015
Northern Ireland construction apprentices have tested their skills in 11 different construction trades at Skillbuild NI 2015. Skillbuild NI, run and governed by CITB NI, is held annually each spring with construction apprentices competing to win titles in skills areas ranging from brickwork to wall
13/05/2015
The Irish Government and the Executive remains committed to the upgrade of the A5 Western Transport Corridor, the Transport Minister has confirmed. Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer said Minister Danny Kennedy also intends to circulate a paper to his Executive colleagues on the A5 in the coming weeks.
13/05/2015
The UK and Ireland's Caterpillar dealer, Finning, is exhibiting its new range of equipment at the Balmoral Show, Balmoral Park, which begins today, 13 May. The Finning stand at 'A3-Showgrounds' will feature the new Cat 313F L GC, the 13-tonne Hydraulic Excavator recently launched by Cat at its Euro
13/05/2015
A firm based in Newry has been fined £500 for exporting contaminated plastic waste. Regen Waste Ltd pleaded guilty at Belfast Magistrates' Court and intended to export the plastic waste to China. On 7 February 2014 officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) conducted an inspectio
13/05/2015
A college in Cork has won the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) One Good Idea competition. St. Aloysius College won for their 'Saving Energy at Home – Back 2 Basics' project. Entrants of the SEAI competition, sponsored by AIB, are challenged to run awareness campaigns for their scho
13/05/2015
A CFA Piling project in Bradford for Triton Construction has been completed by FK Lowry Piling, part of the Lagan Construction Group. The scheme consists of the construction a new gamma ray radiation unit for Synergy Health UK. It also includes the partial demolition of existing buildings and the e
13/05/2015
€7 million in grants have been announced for schools to help in planning the Design and Communication Graphics (DCG) curriculum. DCG, introduced in 2007, is one of the main Leaving Certificate subjects where information technology is a central requirement in assessment methodology. Following a pu
13/05/2015
Sinn Féin is calling for an independent planning regulator to be established as recommended by the Mahon Report. Spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, launched the party's private members motion which and described the Government's proposal for a regulator to be contained in promised l
13/05/2015
Central Bank is reportedly supporting banks and not 300,000 mortgage holders paying variable mortgage rates, which are double the euro zone average. Media reports revealed that the Central Bank's analysis of variable mortgage rates has concluded that variable rate mortgage holders are not being tre
12/05/2015
Councillors are being urged to support proposals to protect two old cinemas in Dublin. Dublin City Cllrs are to vote if the cinemas in Cabra and Whitehall can be included on the Record of Protected Structures. It would ensure that the buildings' façade, the entrance, main lobby and ticket desk wo
12/05/2015
Fine Gael has welcomed the news of Alexion Pharmaceuticals' expansion plans in Ireland and the creation of over 800 construction jobs. Fine Gael Senator Catherine Noone said it is a vote of confidence in Ireland's capacity in the skilled sector. She said: "This is a welcome shot in the arm for the
12/05/2015
The Government has rejected proposals for the Cork-Limerick motorway to proceed to the planning stage. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport Timmy Dooley is "extremely disappointed" at the decision and said the motorway would improve safety. He said: "The fact is it is in the long-term economic i
12/05/2015
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources intends to appoint Ms Julie O'Neill as chairperson for the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) for five years. Ms O'Neill was Secretary General at the Department of Transport from 2002 to 2009 and was a SEAI board member between
12/05/2015
The Employment and Learning Minister has announced he is applying for additional funding for the expansion of the university at Magee in L'Derry. Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin welcomed the news said she was pleased Minister John O'Dowd reiterated his commitment to bid for extra money from the Exec
12/05/2015
Ireland needs to build 25,000 housing units every year to meet its demographic needs, according to Government, the Central Bank and the ESRI. In 2014 only 11,016 housing units were built throughout the Republic of Ireland. This Construction Industry Fedeartion (CIF) infographic shows that most c
12/05/2015
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment has attended the launch of Kingspan Energy and ESB's 'Funded Solar' initiative. Minister Jonathan Bell MLA urged firms to explore the advantages of solar technology. The initiative aims to help the business and commercial sectors use their roof spa
12/05/2015
A Graham/Farrens joint venture (JV) has won a contract to develop the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dualling scheme in Northern Ireland. The contract will be carried out in two phases. The first phase is to assist TransportNI with completion of the design and have the scheme at a 'shovel ready' st
12/05/2015
Irish Water and Galway County Council are being urged to "step up" and identify the properties that urgently need their lead pipes replaced. Sinn Féin Senator, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, said it is "outrageous" that many houses in Galway have contaminated water, and is calling on Irish Water to scrap i
12/05/2015
The European Commission has launched a campaign against a proposed review of the birds and habitats directives. The umbrella organisation, Northern Ireland Environment Link, has spoken out against the consultation on the environmental laws, with a decision being taken next year on any possible chan
11/05/2015
Sinn Féin is urging the government to create a system of fair rent regulation. Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD said it needs to implement a suite of measures to help rental tenants as figures show rent rates continue to rise. He said that Labour in government had failed tenants completely and
11/05/2015
Significant progress is being made on the redevelopment of the old Waterside railway station in L'Derry. Translink have now issued a pre-qualification questionnaire for design services, Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin confirmed. The Foyle MLA said: "Translink will also issue an invitation to tende
11/05/2015
A £155,000 improvement scheme is to begin on the Dublin Road in Belfast. The scheme, which begins on 16 May, will resurface a stretch of carriageway between Bruce Street and Bradbury Place. It will be carried out in three phases: • Saturday 16 May to Sunday 17 May – drainage and kerbline preparat
11/05/2015
800 construction jobs are expected to be created after Alexion Pharmaceuticals announced expansion plans in Ireland. The €450m, four-year project, which will be constructed at Alexion's College Park site in Blanchardstown, is expected to create approximately 200 additional full-time jobs on complet
11/05/2015
A Steering Group has been set up to protect the future of historic houses in Ireland. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, said she hopes to be in a position to gradually increase support for the upkeep and preservation of heritage buildings. She said: "Irish histor
11/05/2015
An Irish construction firm has announced an investor-backed management buyout (MBO). Walls Construction has been acquired by a new holding company controlled by the existing management team and private investors. The acquisition includes the company's headquarters building in Dublin and Munster r
11/05/2015
Over 1,000 children are homeless and living on the streets in Ireland. Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children Affairs, Sandra McLellan TD, was commenting on new figures published by the Department of the Environment, which revealed an increase of over one fifth since the beginning of the year. She sai
11/05/2015
The SuperValu Diversity Award which recognises the benefits that embracing diversity and working across the generations brings to communities has officially launched. Environment Minister Alan Kelly said: "It rewards the intergenerational and intercultural aspects of TidyTowns committees. The stren
08/05/2015
An Irish energy firm has won a three year contract, worth €5 million, with the C&C Group. The deal with Vayu Energy represents a milestone for European energy deregulation by enabling, for the first time, a multinational company with operations in the UK and Ireland to procure natural gas centrally
08/05/2015
Significant progress is being made with ongoing restoration works at Altamont Gardens in County Carlow. The gardens were bequeathed to the State in 1999 upon the death of Mrs Corona North and restoration and maintenance continues under the stewardship of the Office of Public Works (OPW). A focal
08/05/2015
The Minister for the Environment has met with representatives from the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) to discuss new arrangements for managing waste tyres. Minister Alan Kelly said he was aware Producer Responsibility Initiatives (PRI) in other Member States have been very successful. Min
08/05/2015
Plans for future development at the Braun site in Carlow have been discussed by IDA Ireland and the private developer who purchased the site, the Minister for Jobs, Enetrprise and Innovation has confirmed. Fine Gael Carlow TD, Pat Deering, welcomed the news from Minister Richard Bruton. Mr Deering
08/05/2015
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Government over plans to take money from people's wages to pay for water charges. Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald told Tánaiste Joan Burton in the Dáil that the proposals were "low, sneaky and cowardly". Deputy McDonald said: "Tánaiste, for several months now, I have b
08/05/2015
Lagan Construction Group has announced it has been shortlisted for a Responsible Business Award in Northern Ireland. The winners will be announced at an event at the Belfast Waterfront Hall on 5 June. Chair of Business in the Community NI, Roy Adair, said: "These are exciting times for business. D
08/05/2015
The best local construction apprentices from across Northern Ireland tested their skills in 11 different construction trades at Skillbuild NI 2015, held at Belfast Metropolitan College's Castlereagh campus on 29 & 30 April. Skillbuild NI, run and governed by CITB NI, is held annually each spring wi
08/05/2015
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and Pieta House have launched the 'Mind Our Workers' campaign, aimed at raising awareness of suicide and mental health throughout the construction industry. An estimated 1,039 men from a construction or production background died by suicide between 2008 an
07/05/2015
'Exploring Our Energy', an energy education resource for primary schools throughout Ireland, has officially launched. The programme was developed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in collaboration with St Patrick's College of Education. It explores energy and climate change in
07/05/2015
Currently 1,192 households with mortgages from Dublin City Council are in arrears, according to a new report. Sinn Fein TD Aengus O' Snodaigh said the figures are "startling and shocking". The council report, 'Addressing & Resolving Mortgage Arrears in Dublin City Council', also revealed that more
07/05/2015
New powers to deduct water charges from people's salaries, pensions and social welfare payments have been slammed by Sinn Féin. The party's leader, Gerry Adams TD, raised the issue directly with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in the Dáil. Mr Adams said: "The sorry saga of your efforts to impose an additiona
07/05/2015
Construction work has started to upgrade the Wastewater Treatment Plant at Lismore. €1.7 million has been invested by Irish Water and Waterford City & County Council to carry out the work, which is due to be completed by November 2015. As soon as the work is complete, the improved treatment of was
07/05/2015
Sinn Féin is questioning whether businessman Denis O'Brien has statutory permission for work to be carried out at Connemara Castle. Work has started on the Ballynahinch lake and residents have raised concerns that the medieval castle and local habitat may be damaged as a result. Senator Trevor Ó C
07/05/2015
A new Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme has opened to replace the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme under the Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020. The scheme is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). €195 million will be paid to farmers supplying aid to tho
07/05/2015
An Taisce Green-Schools' National Walk to School Week is to start on Monday 11 May. The scheme is a country-wide initiative which will result in thousands of pupils, their parents and teachers walking to and from school, to celebrate the environmental, health, social and financial benefits of activ
07/05/2015
Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) has announced it is setting up ORPC Ireland in County Donegal. The firm will be established at the Co-Lab Business Centre at the Letterkenny Institute of Technology. County Donegal is home to Killybegs, the largest fishing port in Ireland, and boasts more mainl
06/05/2015
The Government's housing plan has been slammed by Fianna Fáil. The party believes it is "just a rehash of plans launched in November" and said it will make "absolutely no difference" to the 90,000 families who need a home. Environment spokesperson Barry Cowen said: "Not a single dent has been made
06/05/2015
Crivens Properties has announced proposals to develop a mixed-use Business Park at a former school in Castlederg. The plans have been welcomed by SDLP MLA for west Tyrone, Joe Byrne. He said: "It is good to see a local development company, Crivens Properties, wanting to turn the former secondary
06/05/2015
The new viewing point at Mooghaun Hillfort in County Clare has opened. An older viewing platform was removed after it fell into disrepair. Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) said: "This is the largest fort of its type in Ireland and
06/05/2015
The Minister of Finance has officially launched the Living City Initiative, a scheme of property tax incentives which applies in certain 'Special Regeneration Areas' (SRAs) in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Kilkenny. The areas have been designated for the purposes of the scheme by M
06/05/2015
Dangerous levels of lead are showing in parts of the water system in Dublin, according to a new report. Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment Brian Stanley TD said instead of spending huge amounts of money on water meters it would be better spent on addressing the problems of leaks and outdated
06/05/2015
The rate at which homes are being repossessed has increased by more than 500 per cent since last year, according to figures from the court Service. Sinn Féin MEP, Matt Carthy said that around 586 repossession orders were granted by the circuit court in the first three months of this year, compared
05/05/2015
60 new homes are to be developed in Dublin. Labour TD Joe Costello welcomed the announcement. 30 new homes are to be built at North King Street, Dublin 7, and a further 30 new homes at Infirmary Road/Montpelier Hill, Dublin 7. €6.4 million will be invested to build the 30 homes at North King St
05/05/2015
The Alliance Party has criticised the financial mismanagement of the Department of the Environment (DoE). Spokesperson Anna Lo MLA said she is concerned over the Minister for Environment, Mark H Durkan's, calculations. She said: "Different figures available cited by the minister ranged from £750,0
05/05/2015
Sinn Féin has announced it is against the building of an incinerator in Hightown, Mallusk. Residents in the Mallusk area have raised concern at the lack of decisive action on the part of the Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan regarding the proposal to site an incinerator in their midst. Cllr Decl
05/05/2015
AIB and EBS banks have confirmed they are to reduce their variable interest rates. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath welcomed the announcement and said it will benefit both the owner and occupier and buy-to-let mortgage holders. Deputy McGrath said: "Over the past month, since Fi
05/05/2015
11 housing schemes are to start in Carlow and Kilkenny. The projects are part of of over €25 million of the Government's Social Housing Strategy. Fine Gael Bye-Election Candidate Cllr David Fitzgerald welcomed the news. He said: "Last month the Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly and the Mini
05/05/2015
The IDA is being urged to build an 'advance unit' in Kilkenny to increase the cities potential to attract foreign direct investment. Fianna Fáil bye-election candidate for Carlow-Kilkenny Bobby Aylward confirmed the agency has supported the construction of similar units in Athlone, Letterkenny and
01/05/2015
Irish energy firm ESB is to start essential maintenance work to protect the Poolbeg Chimneys in Dublin. While electricity generation continues at Poolbeg, the chimneys which are over 40 years old, have not been in operation since 2010. The work will protect the chimneys while more extensive works,
01/05/2015
The Minister for Environment is being slammed over his social housing targets for Dublin as "fantasy over reliance on the private sector". Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD was responding to figures from the city council which reveal that more than half of the planned housing for Dubli
01/05/2015
Sinn Féin has welcomed the plans for the new £20 million Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Headquarters in Ballykelly. Sinn Féin Candidate for East Derry in the Westminster Election 2015 Caoimhe Archibald said: "This state-of-the-art building will be an asset to the local area
01/05/2015
A £213,000 road improvement project in Glengormley is to begin on Monday 11 May. The scheme at the A6 Antrim Road is to extend from Sandyknowes Roundabout to Jubilee Way. To assist with traffic management at Sandyknowes Roundabout, during the preparatory stage of the work, a one-way road closure w
01/05/2015
Refurbishment works on the €4million upgrade of the Emergency department at the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar is to begin on 6 May. The existing A&E services will relocate to a temporary building at the hospital. Fine Gael TD Gabrielle McFadden said: "The A&E upgrade will mean a better la
01/05/2015
Fine Gael is calling for unused upper floor commercial space in Dublin to be used for emergency accommodation for the homeless. Senator for Dublin South-West, Cáit Keane, made the call after gigres released by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive revealed the number of people in emergency accommoda
01/05/2015
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