Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for January 2016
29/01/2016
Vayu Energy has announced it is to create 20 new jobs over the next three years as part of its plans to extend into Northern Ireland. The firm will supply natural gas, electricity and renewables to large scale energy users across the industrial and commercial sector. Vayu will provide businesses i
29/01/2016
Irish energy firm has been named the greenest home electricity supplier in the Republic of Ireland, for the second year. The ranking is derived from the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) report on fuel-mix and CO2 emissions for individual electricity suppliers licensed in Ireland. The report
29/01/2016
The Alliance Party is calling for a meeting with the Regional Development Minister after the suspended sale of Cairn Wood in North Down. Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir welcomed the news and said he was "delighted" the sale of Ballysallagh Upper reservoir and the adjacent land at Cairn Wood forest
29/01/2016
A man has been fined for three breaches of waste management legislation. Peter Antony Burke, who lives in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, was fined £225 plus court costs of £148 and a £15 offenders' levy at Antrim Magistrates' court. Officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) visited
29/01/2016
A new £1.3 million school in Crumlin, Co Antrim. The new Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach was funded through the Department's Accommodation Fund. Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "In this purpose built environment this generation of pupils and indeed future generations have an excellent facility to co
29/01/2016
Over 2,600 jobs have been supported through the Better Energy programme, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). €47 million of government support through the Better Energy programme secured €113 million of building energy efficiency upgrades. SEAI also provided substanti
29/01/2016
The Minister for Energy has published a draft framework to assist public authorities and citizens to help develop renewable energy and reduce energy-based carbon emissions. Minister Alex White, TD, said the areas indicated in the document include land owned by state companies. Minister White said:
29/01/2016
Roads in Co Clare, damaged by the recent flooding, are to be repaired after the announcement of a €106 million national fund. Fine Gael TD for Clare, Joe Carey, welcomed the news. He said: "Recent storms have resulted in massive damage to local and secondary roads, as well as to many bridges acros
28/01/2016
The Inis Oirr pier in Galway is to be extended by 90 metres to improve access and increase safety on the island. The Government recently allocated €8 million for development works on the pier, under the Capital Investment Plan 2016- 2021. Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Sean Kyne, welcomed the news
28/01/2016
There has been a significant increase in home building in Northern Ireland, new figures have revealed. A total of 3,223 new homes were registered in 2015, compared to 2,487 in 2014, according to the National House Building Council (NHBC). Overall, the number of new homes registered to be built in
28/01/2016
The Government has allocated €106 million to help address the damage to the transport infrastructure in Ireland following recent storms and severe flooding. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe TD, said: "The most extensive impact of the recent severe weather on the transpo
28/01/2016
Kingspan Insulation and energy firm ESB have announced a joint venture (JV) to deliver funded rooftop solar PV systems. Kingspan, located in Castleblayney, is using its roof space to generate renewable electricity resulting in savings for the business without any upfront capital costs. The 300kW so
28/01/2016
Over 30 new social housing units are to be developed in Ballincog, Co Cork. Funding of €7.4 million will be used to build the 34 units to help alleviate the demand for social housing in the area. Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Áine Collins, said: "While it must be acknowledged that this funding
28/01/2016
A £1.98 million grant has been announced to restore and improve Armagh City's built heritage. Allocated by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the five-year project will see the repair and reuse of up to 30 buildings within the City's conservation area and 3,000 square meters of historic floor space b
28/01/2016
There is a 330% rise in social housing waiting lists in Deublin, according to Fianna Fáil. The party also hit out at the Govt for refusing to increase rent allowance for families at risk of losing their homes. General Election candidate for Dublin Central Mary Fitzpatrick said the refusal comes a
28/01/2016
The Government has been slammed for failing to address the ongoing water supply problems in Kilkenny. Fianna Fáil TD for Kilkenny Bobby Aylward previously called on the Government to suspend water charges for people affected by water service interruptions. The Kilkenny TD attempted to follow up on
27/01/2016
Six nursing homes are to undergo upgrade and refurbishment work in Co Mayo, it has been announced. A total of €15 million has been allocated, and six nursing homes will receive €15,070,000 in funding. • The Sacred Heart Home in Castlebar will receive €13,480,000, • St. Agustine's Community Nurs
27/01/2016
The Causeway Coast and Glens Council has given the go-ahead for a new art leisure centre to be developed in Dungiven, Co L'Derry. Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín has welcomed the announcement. She said: "I recently hosted representatives of the local sports clubs who were involved in the campaign at
27/01/2016
Further funding has been allocated by the Government to deliver 1,000 additional social housing units in Ireland. €182 million has been secured across 22 local authorities. Environment Minister Alan Kelly said he has also actively pursued options for fast delivery, such as turnkey developments and
27/01/2016
Over £620,000 is to be invested to raise roads in Co Fermnagh to prevent flooding. Many people in Fermangh have been forced to make diversions of up to 50 miles because roads were closed due to severe flooding Sinn Féin MLA Sean Lynch welcomed the investment. Mr Lynch said: "In particular, I welc
27/01/2016
Northern Ireland's onshore wind industry could become cheaper than gas, according to Meabh Cormacain from the the Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group (NIRIG). Northern Ireland benefitted from £32 million in 2014 through the local onshore wind industry, according to a report released by NIRIG
27/01/2016
Significant progress is being made on a new £6 million primary school development in Co Armagh. Construction work is well underway at Tannaghmore Primary School in Craigavon, and has two-storey classroom block has been completed. Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "Tannaghmore Primary School has
27/01/2016
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government over its refusal to consider increasing rent allowance for families at risk of losing their homes. General Election candidate for Cavan-Monaghan Cllr Niamh Smyth the Govt has "completely failed" to take charge of the housing crisis issue. She said: "The pr
27/01/2016
The Government has been accused of "directly contributing" to the housing crisis in Ireland. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD said not enough has been done to deliver social housing or help renters. He said: "Delivering housing for this government is slang for more subsidisation of
26/01/2016
Fianna Fáil has accused the Government of ignoring the concerns of rural Ireland. The party said the issue of industrial wind farming is a perfect example of how they have attempted to force this policy on rural communities. General Election Candidate Cllr Pat Casey said he will continue to oppos
26/01/2016
Farrans Construction and NI Water have started work on a £10.9 million improvement programme in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. The work, which is expected to be completed in nine months, will take place on Ballyfore Road, Knockview Road and the Woodford Road. New watermains will be installed to improve
26/01/2016
Energy efficiency measures by public bodies reduced energy spend by €120 million last year, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Annual Report 2015. The public sector is approximately halfway towards its 33% energy efficiency target for 2020, against a backdrop of increas
26/01/2016
The Minister for Finance is being urged to Minister sign a Ministerial order requesting NAMA to provide 10,000 units to the state for social housing. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen said this week's Dáil Private Members Business represents the last chance f
26/01/2016
Sinn Fein has asked Louth County Council to develop Woodland Park as an emergency halting site after recent evictions of Traveller families. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD urged the council to apply for funding from the Government so the measures couls be put in place. Mr Adams said: "The Coun
26/01/2016
The Government is being called to take responsibility for their "appalling" legacy on housing. Fianna Fáil General Election Candidate Cllr Pat Casey said the housing and homelessness crisis needs an immediate response by all levels of Government. Mr Casey said: "Watching the documentary on RTE on
26/01/2016
A contractor has been given the go-ahead to develop Gaelscoil Bharra in Cabra, Dublin. Sinn Féin welcomed the news and hopes construction work will begin as soon as possible. Dublin Central TD Mary Lou McDonald said: "This is fantastic and long overdue news and a victory for Cabra. A massive congr
26/01/2016
Construction firm Sisk has been called on by union SIPTU to arrange an urgent meeting to discuss the pay dispute at its West Pharmaceutical Services site, Knockhouse, Co Waterford. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Martin Meere, said: "In recent weeks our members working at the West Pharmaceutical Services s
26/01/2016
Over £435,000 funding has been announced to improve Ballyclare town centre. The scheme will focus on Lower Main Street and around its junctions with the Ballynure Road and Mill Road. The improvements include repaving the footpaths in high quality natural stone, installing new street furniture, enha
26/01/2016
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has announced a flood relief scheme for Skibbereen, Co Cork. The Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme has been welcomed by residents and local businesses. Fine Gael TD for Cork South West, Jim Daly,said: "The River Ilen Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme has be
25/01/2016
Facebook has announced it is to build its new data centre in Clonee, County Meath. Tom Furlong, VP, Infrastructure, said it will be packed full of cutting-edge technology. He said: "All the racks, servers, and other components have been designed and built from scratch as part of the Open Compute P
25/01/2016
Refurbishment work at the former Wicklow Garda Station is now complete. Simon Harris, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) officially opened the station. He said: "I am delighted to be here in Wicklow today, to officially open this wonderfully restored
25/01/2016
Homeowners in mortgage arrears or insolvent can now access independent expert financial and legal advice. The scheme, funded by the Government, will involve a number of agencies including the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), the Legal Aid Board, the Insolvency Service and the Citizens’ I
25/01/2016
A site in the heart of Bray, Co Wicklow, has reached the planning application stage. The Florentine Centre site has moved a stage closer to seeing development take place with designs beginning for a €24m 13,000 square metres retail and cinema scheme. The site has a long history and has been the su
25/01/2016
A road improvement scheme in north Belfast is to start this Saturday, 30 January. The scheme is between Mount Vernon and Donegall Park Avenue on the Shore Road. Funded by the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE) the project will strengthen road structure and improve the carriageway surface. Transport
25/01/2016
The SDLP has hit out at Transport NI after it failed to being forward plans to improve roads in Newry, Northern Ireland. SDLP MLA Karen McKevitt met with the Minister for Regional Development, Michelle McIlveen, to show her the the need for traffic calming measures to be introduced. Mrs McKevitt s
25/01/2016
Over 2,600 jobs were supported following works in almost 22,000 homes and community buildings, according to the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI has published a statement for 2015 which shows how €47 million government support through the Better Energy programme secured €113 mi
25/01/2016
"A vote for Sinn Féin is a vote for scrapping domestic water charges," according to party leader Gerry Adams. Mr Adams made the statement during a Right2Water march and rally in Dundalk. Mr Adams said: "Sinn Féin stopped the imposition of Water Charges in the North and in government in this state
25/01/2016
The Royal Institute of Architects (RIAI) has raised concerns over measures put in place to reduce minimum size standards in housing. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD us calling on the Minister for Environment Alan Kelly to scrap the measures call them an "unworkable mess". Deputy Ell
25/01/2016
Contractors are being called to pay agreed construction rates to workers on the West Pharma site in Waterford. Over 200 construction workers are refusing to carry out their duties as discussions with the main contractor, Sisk, have broken down. Waterford Sinn Féin Senator and Workers' Rights spok
22/01/2016
Irish Water has awarded Veolia a design, build and operation contract which includes an €18.4 million upgrade in waste water infrastructure in Co. Donegal. The 20 year deal also includes the upgrading of the facility at Convoy and building three new facilities at Killybegs, Bundoran, and Glencolumb
22/01/2016
Building work has started on a new school extension in Banbridge, Co Down. The work begun following a £1.18million investment under the School Enhancement Programme. The work at Donard School includes a permanent four-classroom extension to replace the temporary accommodation currently in use. Ed
22/01/2016
Sinn Féin is urging the public to show their support in the next Right2Water protest. The protest will be held in Fairgreen, Dundalk at 2pm on Saturday, 23 January. Leader Gerry Adams said our water supply must be kept in public ownership. Mr Adams said: "Water is a human right and while water se
22/01/2016
Construction work has started on three new cycle routes in Belfast. The routes are at Alfred Street from Ormeau Avenue to Chichester Street; Durham Street and College Street North from Grosvenor Road to College Avenue and College Street and Queen Street from College Avenue to Castle Street. Transp
22/01/2016
Sinn Féin has slammed Louth County Council over its decision to evict 15 Traveller families from a second site in Dundalk. Leader Gerry Adams said it is outrageous that families who are already traumatised by being evicted last week, are being evicted again as a consequence of a bad decision by the
22/01/2016
Electric Ireland has launched a new app to help consumers understand their energy usage and control costs. My Energy Pal app comes on the back of a week where the people of Ireland have been intrigued and entertained through social media by 'Iron Mike', Ireland’s first ever 'iron-trepreneur' and th
22/01/2016
Labour Senator John Whelan has hit out at Sinn Fein over its failure to permanently abolish water charges in government in Northern Ireland. Mr Whelan said from 2007 to 2011, then Sinn Fein Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, had the opportunity to reverse water metering but made no attemp
22/01/2016
Pepper Asset Management has announced it is to offer mortgages to the Irish market. However, Fianna Fáil Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said Pepper has been one of the more aggressive firms in pursuing repossessions cases against borrowers who have fallen in to arrears. Deputy McGrath said:
22/01/2016
The public hearing sessions about the North-South Interconnector planning process is to begin next March, An Bord Pleanála has confirmed. Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne is against the project and says he will be making a submission to the hearing to outline the serious concerns that residents in
22/01/2016
Communities in Ireland are being urged to apply for funding for energy efficiency upgrades to homes, businesses and other buildings to be carried out this year. €20 million in grant support has been made available under the Government's Better Energy Communities programme, administered by the Susta
21/01/2016
SSE and Coilite have completed a €176 million finance deal to develop the second stage of a wind farm in Galway. The 169MW Galway Wind Park project is located south-west of Oughterard. Phase one of the scheme began construction in February 2015 and is owned by SSE, while the 105MW Phase two consis
21/01/2016
The Lord Mayor of Cork Chris O'Leary has welcomed €5 million of European grant funding for the city. The cash boost will be put towards 'sustainable urban development' under the city's Designated Urban Centres Grants Scheme. Approximately €3.5m is to be provided for the development of Marina Park
21/01/2016
First Data has announced it is to establish a Research and Development (R&D) centre in Co Tipperary. The facility will employ up to 300 highly-skilled employees and centralise work on a number of the firm's technology platforms. It will be located in Nenagh, Co Tipperary and is being supported by
21/01/2016
Plans have been announced to extend the Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme to small non-domestic properties in Northern Ireland. Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill made the announcement today, 21 January. In addition, the NI Executive also pledged to commit £1.3 million towards flood prote
21/01/2016
Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald TD has stated that only a Sinn Féin government would halt water charges in Ireland. Speaking ahead of Right2Water demonstrations this Saturday, Deputy McDonald said only her party would ensure the country's water supply is kept within public ownership. Sh
21/01/2016
A total of €40 million in European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant assistance is to be made available to local councils in Ireland for designated gateway and hub towns. It is understood the scheme will allow for investments in sustainable transport and urban regeneration measures in urban c
21/01/2016
Bernard Durkan, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North has welcomed the news that the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme is to briefly reopen. The programme, which is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, provides grant aid to local councils towards the cost of construction or re
21/01/2016
Northern Ireland's Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has visited a £1.29 million extension project at Acorn Integrated Primary School. The extension has provided the school, which is located in Carrickfergus, with three new classrooms as well as a new play area. It has been funded through the Schoo
20/01/2016
Petroleum firm Infratstrata has secured funding to drill for oil in Co Antrim. The firm intends to drill near Woodburn Forest, in the vicinity of Woodburn Reservior, however the Green Party has raised serious concerns. Green Party East Belfast Councillor Ross Brown said he doesn't believe "suffici
20/01/2016
Planning permission has been approved to develop two more hotels in Belfast city centre. Belfast City Council gave the go-ahead for two new developments to be built in Hope Street and the extension of the Ten Square Hotel on the corner of Linenhall Street and Donegall Square South. A 179-bedroom n
20/01/2016
Sinn Féin has accused the Government of refusing to build social and affordable homes in Ireland. Leader Gerry Adams also said the Govt does not acknowledge homelessness as a priority. Mr Adams TD said: "The most up to date figures provided by the Department of Environment show that a grand total
20/01/2016
A Craigavon based firm has announced it has completed building its 400,000th Yale forklift truck. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell, congratulated the the Hyster-Yale plant and said for many years it has been a "world leading" brand. Minister Bell said: "To be here to see th
20/01/2016
Over 30 politicians have signed the SIPTU and TEEU Water Guarantee, it has been announced. The contract commits politicians to a constitutional referendum to keep water services in public ownership and for the re-designation of Irish Water as a non-commercial state agency. TDs from the Labour Part
20/01/2016
Ms Noreen Wright has officially been re-appointed to the Board of energy firm ESB for a second term of office. She will will be reappointed as a Ministerial nominee to the Board with effect from 28 June 2016. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Alex White, said: "I am pl
20/01/2016
A number of infrastructural projects have been included in the NI Assembly's 2016-2017 budget. Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer welcomed the investment and said it is important for both economic development and supporting the construction sector. Mr McAleer said: "The budget contains funding for a num
20/01/2016
The Housing Supply Forum has put together an independent report to identify ways of increasing the amount of homes in Northern Ireland. Chaired by John Armstrong of the Construction Employers Federation, the report makes a number of recommendations that will now be considered by the Social Developm
20/01/2016
A total of €13 million in the budget for flood relief works last year was never used, it has been revealed. Furthermore, the Office of Public Work's (OPW) budget for flood relief works this year has been cut by 14%, according to figures released in the Dáil. Fianna Fáil Finance Spokesperson Michae
20/01/2016
The Government is being urged to carry out an early review of its capital spending plan to help Ireland meet its energy efficiency targets. Speaking at the Dublin launch of the 2016 Better Energy Communities grant scheme, Energy Minister Alex White said better-than-expected public finances will all
19/01/2016
An executive development platform has been put together to manage the Boland's Quay project in Dublin's Docklands. Joint receivers Mark Reynolds and Glenn Cran of Savills have been named and Michael Cleary of Cleary McCabe & Associates has been appointed Development Director of the 'Boland's Quay D
19/01/2016
New legislation has been introduced to allow improved rate relief for struggling amateur sports clubs. The new enabling powers, announced by Finance Minister Mervyn Storey, will allow the Department to put community sports on the same footing as community halls by granting 100% rate relief to unlic
19/01/2016
New customers who sign up to Bord Gáis Energy will get 10% off electricity as well as €100 cash back. New Bord Gáis Energy customers for gas will get 8% off and a free boiler service, while new dual fuel customers will receive discounts of 12% off electricity, 10% off gas, a free boiler service and
19/01/2016
Sinn Féin has made an urgent call to Louth County Council to reconsider its decision to go ahead with tomorrow's, 20 January, plan to evict Travellers from Woodlands Park. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams made the call after a planned meeting between Travellers and Louth County Officials did not go
19/01/2016
An Bord Pleanála has apologised to a Fine Gael TD after reports suggested he had objected to the Lucan United proposed development at Airlie Heights. TD for Dublin Mid-West, Derek Keating, said: "I have recently received a letter which confirms I neither made a submission to the County Council nor
19/01/2016
The design and construction phases for the €8 million expansion works at the National Archives of Ireland in Dublin has launched. The work, which are to start at Bishop Street, will transform the building into a state-of-the-art archival storage facility. The building development will improve the
19/01/2016
Belfast City Council has issued a reminder to green technology investors, developers and occupiers to express their interest in Northern Ireland's first Cleantech Hub at Giant's Park as the deadline is approaches. The deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 27 January. Since early December, firms have been i
19/01/2016
KCC Architectural are getting closer to being chosen to represent Ireland at the European Business Awards. The firm would very much appreciate if you could help us to reach the next stage of this competition by voting for them. Please click
19/01/2016
Labour has accused an Irish Socialist Party politician of continuing to "play political football" over the homelessness and housing issues in Ireland. Labour TD Eric Byrne said Ruth Coppinger prefers "perpetual protest" to actually delivering homes and solutions for families affected by the crisis.
19/01/2016
Global professional services firm, Accenture, has teamed up with Electric Ireland to introduce a series of trials on Smart Controls for Connected Homes. The pilot program is the latest initiative which will see 600 Electric Ireland Smarter Living Panel members trial the latest technology available
18/01/2016
A €1 million energy upgrade at Saint John of God Hospital in Stillorgan, Dublin, has been completed. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) gave €25,000 to support the project. The works included the installation of high efficiency lighting, heating and glazing. Under the Energy Perfo
18/01/2016
Funding has been secured for a school canteen in Co Antrim to be upgraded. £1 million has been allocated to refurbish the canteen at St Louis's in Ballymena. Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay welcomed the announcement. He said: "I am absolutely delighted that our work to secure capital improvements to S
18/01/2016
The Climate Change Advisory Council has been established on a statutory bases after the the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government signed the establishment day order. The Council will now continue, on a statutory basis, the work they commenced in June 2015, when the Council wa
18/01/2016
NI Water and Farrans Construction have started work on a water mains improvement programme in south Belfast. Work is now underway in the Mountmerrion area of South-East Belfast and it is expected to take approximately five months to complete. Affected streets include; Burren Way, Mount Merrion Av
18/01/2016
Mr Marcus Patton has been re-appointed as Chair of the Historic Buildings Council (HBC). The appointment, which is for a three-year term, is effective from 13 September 2016. The Historic Buildings Council, a statutory advisory council to the Department of the Environment, plays an important role
18/01/2016
A faster process of funding approvals for social housing construction projects has launched in Ireland. Minister for Housing, Planning and Co-ordination of Construction 2020, Paudie Coffey TD, said: "Since the launch of the Social Housing Strategy, we have worked with local authorities to drive the
18/01/2016
The provisions in the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 which will provide free mediation services by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) has commenced. The PRTB was established as an independent body under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to operate a national tenancy registr
18/01/2016
Sinn Féin is urging the public to protest as loudly as possible during the next Right2Water demonstration on Saturday, 23 January. The party is continuing its call to abolish Irish Water and said only a change of government will see the scrapping of water charges. General Election candidate for Co
18/01/2016
Fianna Fáil has accused the Environment Minister and the Minister for Children of abdicating their responsibility after it was revealed over 1,500 children in Ireland are living in emergency accommodation. The party's Spokesperson for Children described the figures as "appalling" and said it will h
18/01/2016
Louth County Council is to evict 17 families from the travelling community from Woodland Park in Dundalk. Sinn Féin TD Gerry Adams has said he is "deeply concerned" over the council's decision and asked the council to use "dialogue and arbitration" to resolve the issue. He said: "I understand that
15/01/2016
Electric Ireland has confirmed it is to provide University College Cork (UCC) with 100% renewable energy over the next two years. The announcement is part of ESB's recent €150 million contract win for Central Government and Third Level under the Office of Government Procurement Framework Agreement.
15/01/2016
Sinn Féin is once again calling for the North-South Interconnector to be put underground. The party has also drafted the North-South Interconnector Bill 2016 and put it before the Dáil on Thursday, 14 January. Sinn Féin Senator Kathryn Reilly said the concerns of the community are "very real". Se
15/01/2016
NI property owners are being advised to protect internal water pipes and fittings to prevent them from bursting. NI Water is reminding owners to 'Beat the Freeze' as the winter weather begins. In a statement NI Water said: "There are simple procedures the general public can carry out in order to '
15/01/2016
The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin, has praised the Government's €42 billion framework for infrastructure investment in Ireland over the period 2016 to 2021. The plan is also expected to support approximately 45,000 construction jobs. Minister Howlin attended an event in
15/01/2016
The SDLP has said the "lights have finally been switched on" in the Sinn Féin ministerial offices after the Agricultural Minister backed the Environment Minister's plan to extend some of the flood relief to businesses. SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said Agricultural Minister Michelle O'Neill ha
15/01/2016
Youths in Ballymoney, Co Antrim, have painted a colourful mural on an electricity substation. The substation in the Seymour Drive area has been transformed after a community grant from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). The mural features an image taken from a photograph of Castle Stre
15/01/2016
A new EU funded community hub has launched in north Belfast. Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said the community complex at Girdwood is good for the whole community. He said: "At last the day has arrived when we finally realise the vision set out for this former British army Barracks for the good of the
15/01/2016
NI firm Lagan Construction Group have started building work on Viridor's £205 million Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) in Beddington, South London. The facility will transform 300,000 tonnes of non-recycled waste each year from Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton into 26 MW of electricity. A leadin
15/01/2016
Refurbishment work on a swimming pool at a school in Co Tyrone is now complete. Graham Structural Solutions carried out the work on the pool at Fivemiletown College and it was officially opened by Dame Mary Peters. The pool was originally opened in 1976 by Dame Mary Peters and was built by sixth f
15/01/2016
The Oireachtas Environment Committee report from July 2012 should be considered in decisions made to deal with climate change, according to Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy. She said the recent flooding is alerting Ireland to the fact that "climate change is real". She sai
14/01/2016
Construction work has started on a new National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) hospital in Dublin. The hospital, which is being developed on the site of St Ita's Hospital in Protrane, is being built to replace the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum. The construction of the new hospital is
14/01/2016
Ards and North Down Council has joined with the Alliance Party to campaign against the sale of Cairn Wood Forest in Northern Ireland. Councillors are urging Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen to instruct NI Water to halt the sale of Cairn Wood. The Council meeting comes after Alliance
14/01/2016
Fianna Fáil is calling on the Government to review its decision that funding for flooding is only available for businesses that are located within an area that pays local authority rates. TD for Longford – Westmeath Robert Troy made the call after more business owners reported that they are unable
14/01/2016
Dublin City Council has confirmed it has renewed the Scheme of Special Planning Control for the O'Connell street area. SIPTU activists and former Clerys workers have welcomed the decision. They have also welcomed the inclusion in the scheme of an objective that 'workers are assured fair working co
14/01/2016
Over 60% of Irish Water customers are currently paying their water charges at the end of the third billing cycle, it has been revealed. 55% paid at the end of the second cycle and 44% at the end of the first billing cycle. 928,000 customers have now paid part or all of their bills, an increase of
14/01/2016
Labour has slammed insurance firms for refusing to provide flood cover in areas where remedial defence works have proved effective. Labour TD Joe Costello said because certain areas of Dublin flooded in the past they remain no-go areas as far as the insurance companies are concerned. Mr Costello s
14/01/2016
Sinn Féin has announced it is to hold a referendum to "enshrine public ownership of Ireland's water services in the Constitution". Senator David Cullinane also said that only Sinn Féin in government can be trusted to abolish water charges. He said: "The introduction of water charges for households
14/01/2016
Ireland imported 85% of its energy at a cost of €5.7 billion last year, according to the 'Energy Security in Ireland' report. The report, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), revealed that in 2014, 97% of imports were fossil fuels; oil (56%), natural gas (31%), and coal
14/01/2016
Sinn Féin is urging the Government to ensure that the historic quarter at Moore Street in Dublin is redeveloped in a "respectful and dignified manner". Leader Gerry Adams said the Moore Street area is one of the most historical and locations in Ireland. He said: "The National Museum has described
14/01/2016
ESB Novusmodus, the €200 million cleantech and renewable energy investment fund established by Irish energy firm ESB, has welcomed a €23m equity investment by Goldman Sachs & Co. in Ten K Solar. The company has already strong investment backing from ESB Novusmodus and Oaktree Capital, a leading US
13/01/2016
There has been an increase Ireland's construction sector in 2015, according to the Ulster Bank purchasing managers' index. It rose to 58.6 in December from 55.5 in November. Activity in Ireland's construction sector has continued to rise over the last 28 months. Ulster Bank's Chief Economist said
13/01/2016
Dawson-WAM has scooped a £750,000 deal to carry out improvement works at the Strangford Lough off-shore moorings and ferry slipway in Co Down. The firm, located in Saintfield, is to begin work over the next few months. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "I want to congratulate local firm D
13/01/2016
An NI construction firm has started work on a £160 million biomass plant at Port Clarence in Teeside. Lagan Construction in partnership with Eco2 were appointed to build The Port Clarence Renewable Energy Plant. The plant will have capacity to treat an estimated 325,000 tonnes of waste wood per ye
13/01/2016
A new school, in partnership between Educate Together and City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB), is to be established in Dublin. The new second-level school in the Whitehall area is to be named the Clonturk College, which will be co-located in the building currently occupied by Plunke
13/01/2016
The Department for Regional Development has confirmed it is to tackle ongoing flooding issues on the Portaferry Road in Strangford, Co Down. Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong said the announcement is "long overdue". A survey is to be carried out to assess the current weaknesses in the A20 Porta
13/01/2016
The GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership has won the Building Award at the recent Concrete Society Awards. The award was for "for outstanding merit in the use of concrete", following the extensive use of concrete and the partnership approach adopted by the project team at the new Generic Inpatient War
13/01/2016
Belfast City Council is urging the public to put forward their opinions about the the future development of the Linen Quarter area in Belfast. The Council is holding a public consultation exercise which will run from this month until Friday 11 March. The Linen Quarter lies to the south of City Hal
13/01/2016
Labour has reportedly decided to include a referendum on the public ownership of water in their manifesto. The Green Party welcomed the decision, however leader Eamon Ryan said it may be just an "election promise" which will not lead to any change. Mr Ryan claims Labour had "ample opportunity" to
13/01/2016
The Science Foundation Ireland has allocated €1.4 million funding to develop an I-Lofar station in Birr, Co Offaly. Head of the I-Lofar Consortium, Professor Peter Gallagher, said Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has "worked tirelessly" to highlight the importance of the pr
13/01/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for houses to be developed on the site of a PSNI station in Cushendall, Co Antrim. The party made the call after the PSNI's Causeway Coast and Glens district commander John Magill confirmed the station is to close down. Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan said the site would be the
12/01/2016
John Cradock Ltd has secured a contract to improve the sewerage scheme in Co Kildare, Irish Water has confirmed. Around €2.7 million is to be invested in the Kildare Town Sewerage Scheme and the work, which started on 11 January, includes the development of wastewater pumping stations at Dunmurry R
12/01/2016
Demolition work on Moore Street in Dublin is to be halted, a court has decided. A full hearing is expected to take place on 02 Februry. Sinn Féin Dublin Central TD Mary Lou McDonald welcomed the decision and congratulated the 1916 Relatives Group who took the case to court. She said: "The Governm
12/01/2016
Glan Agua has scooped a deal to develop a new €6.1 million water treatment plant for the North East Roscommon & Ballyleague Regional Water Supply Scheme. The contract is part of an overall €26.8 million investment by Irish Water in Roscommon. Construction work is expected to start this year and is
12/01/2016
The NI Executive's decision to spend £1.3 million of additional funding on flood prevention measures has been welcomed by Sinn Féin. Sinn Féin councillor Catherine Seeley recently visited some of the people affected by the recent flooding and said she knows the challenges they face. She said: "It
12/01/2016
The SDLP is calling for money to be invested in infrastructure improvements in West Tyrone. The party has continued to lobby for new roads and infrastructure over the last number of years including the A5. SDLP West Tyrone representative Daniel McCrossan said the announcement about the A5 "smacks
12/01/2016
The Taoiseach has been slammed for delaying the sale of Siteserv until at least April 2016. Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD said the failure to get any answers is "deeply troubling" and "fits entirely with the Taoiseach's agenda". Deputy Martin said: "From day one, the Government has sought t
12/01/2016
Labour TD for Dublin Central Joe Costello has hit out at insurance firms after they refused to include flooding on insurance premiums. Mr Costello said the companies "can't have it both ways". He said: "Parts of my constituency of Dublin Central were prone to flooding in the past. East Wall, North
12/01/2016
Dublin City Council has proposed plans which could deliver over 1,340 homes in the area. Sinn Féin has ensured the home building proposal could deliver 448 social houses as well as private, cost rental and start up homes. The plans are to develop homes at St. Michaels in Inchicore, Oscar Traynor
12/01/2016
The Government has been criticised for preventing the Ombudsman from investigating complaints against Irish Water. Fianna Fáil Environment Spokesperson Barry Cowen said it is "alarming" that the Govt are continuing to stop a proper oversight of the firm. Deputy Cowen says the policy decision means
12/01/2016
The SDLP has hit out at NI Executive Ministers over its decision to form another working group to address the major flooding issues. Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said that beyond the relief funds released by the Environment Minister, the first help that flood victims will get from their Executive w
11/01/2016
Irish Water customers are unable to make complaints after it has been claimed by the Ombudsman that the Government excluded Irish Water from its remit. Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, said most basic queries in relation to the firm meets with a "stone wall". Deputy Sta
11/01/2016
Planning permission has been approved to regenerate a former Ministry of Defence (MOD) site in L'Derry. The plan sets out a blueprint for the 10.5 hectare site in Ebrington and provides for 83,000 square metres of gross floor space. This is for a range of uses including museum and heritage, creativ
11/01/2016
NI engineering firm Water Tecnik has scooped a £150,000 contract in England. The firm, based in Banbridge, secured the deal with specialist plastic recycling facility, PlasRecycle. Water Tecnik has benefited from over £50,000 of Invest NI support for a range of assistance including R&D support and
11/01/2016
The Government has been accused of being "far too slow" at helping the victims of flooding in Ireland. Fianna Fáil TD for Longford-Westmeath Robert Troy has said his party will lobby officials to grant EU Solidarity Funding. He said: "Flooding has caused serious hardship to families and businesses
11/01/2016
The SDLP has hit out at the people responsible for dumping a number of tyres at a lough in Fermanagh. Up to 80 tyres were dumped at Keenaghan Lough sometime between Wednesday and Thursday last week. SDLP Fermanagh Councillor John Coyle has arranged with the council for the tyres to be removed, how
11/01/2016
The Heritage Minister is being urged to immediately intervene to stop the current works on the historic Moore Street 1916 terrace in Dublin. The work involves the destruction of Number 18 and the potential demolition of the remaining building on the terrace. Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donn
11/01/2016
Motorists are being urged to expect delays after a £140,000 improvement scheme in Donaghadee has been given the go-ahead. TransportNI is to begin preparatory drainage work on the Killaughey Road and resurfacing work is to begin on Monday, 18 January 2016. The resurfacing scheme is expected to be s
11/01/2016
Construction work on the upgrade of the A6 between Randalstown and Castledawson roundabout is to start this year, it has been confirmed. The funding for the scheme was secured in the recent 2016/17 NI Executive budget as part of an investment in key infrastructural projects, which will also see the
08/01/2016
The Kilroot Advancion Energy Storage Array, located in Kilroot Power Station in Carrickfergus, has been completed, AES UK & Ireland has announced. The Array provides 10 megawatts (MW) of interconnected energy storage, equivalent to 20 MW of flexible resource, and is the largest advanced energy stor
08/01/2016
Concerns have been raised after Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council signalled its intention to remove the roof off Glenalbyn Swimming Pool in Dublin to infill the pool, instead of carrying out refurbishment work. Green Party Deputy Leader Catherine Martin said it is further proof that it is the
08/01/2016
The Government has been slammed over its planning failures in relation to the ongoing flood crisis in Ireland. Sinn Féin TD and Environment Spokesperson Brian Stanley TD said it could have been prevented if the Govt has not slashed public budgets. Deputy Stanley is calling for National and Local p
08/01/2016
Irish Water has signed a deal with Veolia Water Ireland for an €18.4 million investment in wastewater infrastructure in Donegal. The towns included in the contract are Killybegs, Bundoran, Glencolumbkille and Convoy. Killybegs and Bundoran are two of forty-five towns in Ireland where untreated sew
08/01/2016
Unionists are being urged to give the go-ahead to develop a new sports in Dungiven, Co L'Derry. SDLP Councillor Gerry Mullan who called for a recorded vote on the matter is appealing to the 17 councillors who voted against the project to "pull back from the brink". Mr Mullun said: "It is very diff
08/01/2016
Newry Biomass Ltd (NBL), a 50.01% subsidiary of energy developer REACT, which owns a Biomass Gasification project located in Newry has entered into an agreement with Spanish MAB-listed EBIOSS Energy AD. NBL has acquired its EQTEC Integrated Biomass Gasification Power Plant, with a power output of 4
08/01/2016
Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill has pledged to seek resources to use to improve Northern Ireland's flood protections where necessary. At a meeting, held at the Loughry Campus in Cookstown on Thursday, she also said details of a new grant scheme to help people protect their homes from flooding
08/01/2016
XL Catlin has confirmed it has made promotions within its UK & Ireland energy team. Stephen Hawkins has been promoted to Global Product Head for Upstream Energy and Luis Prato takes on the role of Regional Product Leader for the UK and Ireland. Additionally Peter Welton has been promoted to Senior
07/01/2016
The SDLP calling for more support on climate change if Britain and Northern Ireland are to remain world leaders. South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said support is urgently needed for carbon reductions, particularly in rural and low income communities. She said: "We greatly welcome the commitments tha
07/01/2016
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Environment Minister after he confirmed the issue of water has "gone off" his agenda. General Election candidate Cllr Maurice Quinlivan described his comments as "utterly detached and arrogant". Cllr Quinlivan said: "Once again, his remarks have highlighted just how ou
07/01/2016
An urgent meeting is to be held later today, 07 January, to discuss the ongoing flooding issues in Northern Ireland. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan and Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill will also attend the meeting. Mr Durkan said: "There is now no excuse for the Exec
07/01/2016
The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and construction firm BAM has reached financial close to develop and refurbish seven courthouses across Ireland. The Court Bundle Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project has now entered the design phase and construction is expected to be completed i
07/01/2016
The Alliance Party is calling on the Minister for Regional Development to halt the sale of Cairn Wood Forest in Northern Ireland. Over 1,600 people have signed a petition to prevent the sale from going ahead and North Down Alliance Cllr Andrew Muir welcomed the support. He said: "Over the Christma
07/01/2016
A planning application to develop a new leisure centre in Co L'Derry has been rejected. Sinn Féin said the decision by unionists to oppose the development is "extremely disappointing". Councillor Sean McGlinchey: "This is despite the fact that the money for this leisure centre has been secured fro
06/01/2016
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has allocated €3.8 million to upgrade the N86 in west Kerry. A new cycleway, road widening and improved pedestrian facilities will be included in the work to take place on the N86 Dingle to Annascaul and Gortbreagoge to Camp sections. Fine Gael TD for Kerry a
06/01/2016
Average house prices in County Cavan increased by 18 per cent last year, according to figures released by Daft.ie. Sinn Féin Senator Kathryn Reilly described the increase as a "worrying statistic". Senator Reilly said: "The rapid rise in house prices will only serve to price people out of the mark
06/01/2016
The Government has been slammed over its planning failures on how to deal with the flooding crisis in Ireland. Sinn Féin TD and Environment Spokesperson Brian Stanley TD is calling for national and local plans to be put in place to deal with flooding. He also asked why the Government have not dec
06/01/2016
Contractor Northstone (NI) is to begin construction work on the final phase of Public Realm improvements to Lurgan's town centre streets, Co Armagh. The total cost of the Lurgan Public Realm Scheme Phase 3 is approximately £700,000. It includes £153,000 from the Department for Social Development (D
06/01/2016
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill has met with farmers and communities in Co Fermanagh to discuss the major effects of flooding in the area. The Minister heard first-hand accounts from residents including Gary McManus who had to take time off from work to care for his elde
06/01/2016
Flogas Ireland has made a donation of €1,500 towards the St. Vincent de Paul's Annual Christmas Appeal. Eoin O'Flynn, Ian Barry and Michael Keogh of Flogas Ireland presented cheques to the charity's representatives in Drogheda, Cork and Ballyhaunis in early December 2015 as the communities are loc
05/01/2016
Energy provider Energia has renewed a contract with M50 Concession to supply power to the M50 Motorways road lighting which has a load of over one Megawatt. The deal is worth €600,000 annually. M50 Concession operate and maintain the M50 motorway from the Junction 3 M50/M1 to the Junction 14 M50,
05/01/2016
The SDLP is calling for action to be taken over the Narrow Water Bridge development after the project was shelved following the withdrawal of EU funding. South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the scheme could have a transformative effect on the local economy. She said: "This is a project which could
05/01/2016
The government has been called to make a long term, strategic plan to manage flood risk and defences. Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy made the call after Met Éireann issued another status yellow warning of up to 40mm of rain to fall in Cork and Kerry on Monday, 04 January. Mr Carthy said: "Unfortunately
05/01/2016
Sinn Féin has accused Fine Gael and Labour of "failing" to help individuals and families in mortgage distress. The party has now pledged to cap the interest rates that banks can charge on mortgages, if elected to government. Junior spokesperson on Finance, Peadar Tóibín, said four family homes a d
05/01/2016
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is calling for applicants to apply for the Chief Executive Officer's post within the firm. The Chief Executive Officer will report to the Board of Directors and is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation. The person will
05/01/2016
Cork City Council has started electricity generation at Tramore Valley Park. The council consumes approximately 30 million units of energy per annum of electricity, fuel and gas. As part of the National Climate Change policy, Cork City Council is required to reduce its energy consumption by 33% by
04/01/2016
Over €6 million has been allocated to upgrade Punchestown Racecourse in Co Kildare. The major works are expected to begin in May and completed by 2018. Fine Gael TD for Kildare South Martin Heydon, welcomed the news. He said: "Having myself worked at Punchestown Racecourse for four years, I know
04/01/2016
Over 13,000 ESB customers were left without electricity after networks in Ireland were damaged by Storm Frank. Crews from the firm worked to repair the damage and the main areas affected were Wicklow, New Ross and Athlone. Other areas with smaller outages include Enniscorthy, Bandon, Portlaoise, W
04/01/2016
Sinn Féin is once again calling for water charges to be abolished. The party is also seeking a mandate from the people to enact the government and scrap water charges once and for all. TD and Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty said "it is clear that the government does not have the support of the
04/01/2016
The Environment Minister has been slammed over a generation to tenement living in shoebox apartments. The Green Party said planning standards should not be set by the construction industry and branded the measures as just the latest in a series of concessions to developers. Councillor Roderic O'Go
04/01/2016
A public consultation is to begin today, 04 January, after energy firm Eirgrid submitted an application to develop a new electricity substation in Dublin, Ireland. The application will see the removal of almost three kilometres of overhead lines and 13 pylons at Adamstown. The consultation is to c
04/01/2016
Over €8 million has been allocated for road improvement and maintenance works on counties Longford and Westmeath. Fine Gael TD for Longford/ Westmeath Gabrielle McFadden welcomed the €8.3m granted in the two counties. She said: "Westmeath County Council will be allocated €5,120,258 for road improv
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