Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for December 2016
22/12/2016
Improvement works are to be carried out at the Kilkit Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Co Monaghan. Irish Water has signed a deal with Coffey Water to upgrade of the Lough Egish Regional Water Supply. A total of €4.5 million is to be invested in the project. The work is to be undertaken by Irish Wa
22/12/2016
Legislation dealing with derelict and vacant sites throughout Ireland is to be brought before the Dáil in January next year. The Green Party said the move comes following the rejection of their amendments to the Government's Planning and Development Bill which would have seen idle development land
22/12/2016
Repairs to several burst water mains in Belfast has been completed, NI Water has confirmed. Part of Cromac Street in Belfast was closed due to emergency repairs being carried out and a number of businesses also reported problems with their water supplies. A spokesperson from NI Water said: "Unfort
22/12/2016
McHale Plant has appointed Simon Moynihan as its Parts and Service Sales Representative. Mr Moynihan, from Bweeng, near Mallow, will visit customers and dealers across the country to give advice and assistance where needed and to represent all of the manufacturers, products and services that McHale
22/12/2016
Energy firm ESB has been called to arrange an urgent meeting to discuss a management plan for the Gearagh in Cork. Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada said the Gearagh is an important ecological area which should be protected. She said: "As the major landowner in the area the ESB has a special, not to me
22/12/2016
Sinn Féin has described the approval of the construction of 299 pylons in Meath, Cavan and Monaghan as "devastating". The party's TDs Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Peadar Tóibín said they are bringing the issue to the Dáil floor in the New Year. Deputy Ó Caoláin said: "We are committed to continue with
21/12/2016
Kildare County Council has confirmed that a total of 48 acres of land has been acquired to provide community and recreational facilities in Sallins. The 48-acre package includes 33 acres of amenity lands which can be used for sporting purposes, playing fields, walking and running tracks and also an
21/12/2016
Planning permission has been approved for the construction of pylon supported high-voltage power lines as part of the north-south interconnector. An Bord Pleanála gave the green light for Eirgrid to carry out the project, however Sinn Fein said the decision is "deeply disappointing". MEP Matt Cart
21/12/2016
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has called on the First Minister to take responsibility for the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Mr Roy Beggs MLA has questioned why Arlene Foster did not seek to minimise the £400 million additional cost of the scheme when she was Finance Minister. He
21/12/2016
Serious concerns have been raised over the excessive call out charges from energy firm ESB. A number of householders have contacted Sinn Fein informing the party that they have received bills that are higher than normal. On Tuesday, 20 December, it was revealed that 27,000 ESB consumers had been i
21/12/2016
Work being carried out under the 2016 GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings scheme has been completed. A total of 49 participants under the scheme shared payments totalling €725,000. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, said: "This is a small but very important scheme whi
21/12/2016
Belfast City Airport has achieved 'Gold' status in the Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey for the third year in a row. The Business in the Community (BITC) survey, which is sponsored by Moy Park and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the No
20/12/2016
Over 80 new social houses are to be developed in Tallaght, Dublin. The project is to be delivered under the Department's Local Authority Housing Capital Programme. Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-West, Colm Brophy, welcomed the announcement. He said: "These new social housing units will be delivere
20/12/2016
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been slammed for "blocking" an anti-homeless measure in the Dáil. The Focus Ireland measure was an amendment to the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Bill. It was defeated by a combination of Fine Gael opposition and Fianna Fáil abstention
20/12/2016
The SDLP is calling on the British Government to publish all of the correspondence with the Executive in relation to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie also described the the First Minister's speech in the Assembly on Monday, 19 December, as "arrogant
20/12/2016
Approximately 15,000 families in Ireland may have been victims of the tracker mortgage scandal, new figures have revealed. Bank of Ireland has identified a further 602 mortgage customers were wrongly denied a tracker rate and 3,916 tracker customers were overcharged. A number of other banks have
20/12/2016
Energy firm ESB has issued letters to 27,000 of its customers in relation to the installation of faulty meters. Sinn Fein has raised serious concerns as it is not known how many of the meters are faulty. TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady said: "It is believed that a batch of 27,000 meters were
20/12/2016
An Bord Pleanála has upheld a decision to refuse planning permission for the Union Café development in Mount Merrion, Dublin. Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, Josepha Madigan, welcomed the decision. He said: "The proposed development, a mixed retail and residential apartment scheme, was considere
20/12/2016
A building worker has been attacked at a social housing site in Dublin. The incident happened in Cherry Orchard on Monday, 19 December. Sinn Fein Councillor condemned the attack and said it was luck it was not fatal. He said: "A totally innocent man going about his work to provide social housing
20/12/2016
MP Colman Ltd have been appointed to start work on a new play area in Co L'Derry. The project is Strathfoyle is being funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from the Department for Communities. work is expected to begin over the next few weeks. Minister for Communities Pa
19/12/2016
Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster will face a vote of no confidence on Monday, 19 December, over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The SDLP is bringing the motion before the Assembly and Sinn Fein is calling for Mrs Foster to step aside. Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness said:
19/12/2016
An electricity supplier in Northern Ireland has gone into administration. Open Electric had around 1,100 customers and they have now been moved to Power NI. Customers who pay by direct debit or pay when they receive a bill do not need to do anything further. However they will need to contact Powe
19/12/2016
The Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has finalised the purchase of 4,900 acres of the Dublin Uplands, in the area known as the Featherbeds at a cost of €800,000. The land will be added to the Wicklow Mountains National Park, expanding the total size of this Nation
19/12/2016
A £475,000 junction improvement project in Co L'Derry has been welcomked by Sinn Fein. MLA Caoimhe Archibald has been calling for the junction at the Broad Road and Greystone Road in Limavady to be addressed. She said: She said: "The scheme will also include resurfacing works on the A37 extendin
19/12/2016
Fianna Fail has hit out at the Government for withholding over €200million in farm payments under the Rural Development Programme (RDP). Deputy McConalogue said farmers are becoming increasingly frustrated as many are already under financial strain. He said: "I have questioned Minister for Agricu
19/12/2016
The Governor of the Central Bank, Philip Lane, is due to appear before the Oireachtas Finance Committee on Tuesday, 20 December, after the Bank of Ireland identified a further 602 mortgage customers were wrongly denied a tracker rate and 3,916 tracker customers were overcharged. Fianna Fail Deputy
19/12/2016
Housing campaigners from the 'Home Sweet Home' group have occupied a NAMA controlled building in Dublin City centre in order to use the empty development to house the homeless. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD commended the campaigners and said it is an indication of the extent of the homelessnes
19/12/2016
The state is sitting on over 500 vacant properties throughout Ireland, Sinn Fein has revealed. Mr Peadar Tóibín described the figures as "shocking" He said: "There is also 4,000 acres of land lying unused all over Ireland in possession of the state – with much of it in Dublin, where the worst effe
16/12/2016
Construction work to develop a new roundabout in Limavady, L'Derry, is to begin. The work is part of a £475,000 project to upgrade the junction at Broad Road and Greystone Road. The scheme also includes resurfacing works on the A37 extending from its junction with Drumsurn Road for a distance of a
16/12/2016
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has doubled its Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) fund for next year to €2 million. The fund is open to Irish researchers in industry and academia to support sustainable energy research into new market solutions which overcome
16/12/2016
A boil water notice for over 330 residents living in Kiltyclogher, Co Leitrim, has been lifted. The notice was put in place for Irish Water customers on the Kiltyclogher Public Water Supply in August last year as the source was vulnerable to contamination. Ward and Burke Construction Ltd were appo
16/12/2016
Sinn Fein is calling for an urgent independent investigation to be carried out over the controversial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme in Northern Ireland. Mr Conor Murphy MLA said all information, including internal departmental papers, records, and email trails should be fully disclosed by a
16/12/2016
Refurbishment work has begun to upgrade and improve Methodist college in Belfast. The McArthur Hall, which is a listed building, is to undergo repair and remedial works. Once completed, the £4 million scheme will provide new educational spaces to include an ICT Suite, Business Information Systems,
16/12/2016
Work on a £178,000 eco-garden and outdoor play space project at a primary school in Belfast has been completed. Springhill Primary School caters for 180 pupils and previously had no outdoor play space, particularly for its play group and pre-school children. However, the Department of Communities
16/12/2016
The Green Party claims the new rent certainty measures "don't go far enough" to overhaul the rental market in Ireland. Leader Eamon Ryan said while limiting rent increases to 4% per annum is better he would have liked to see the limits linked to the Consumer Price Index. Mr Ryan said: "Similarly,
16/12/2016
Repair works to the East-West Interconnector (EWIC) are ahead of schedule, according to Eirgrid. The EWIC is a high-voltage direct current submarine and subsoil power cable which connects the British and Irish electricity markets. The EWIC was unable to return to service following the annual main
15/12/2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is to invest £1.2million in Newry to carry out improvement works in the Carnagat area. The work in Ardcarne Park will include enhanced pedestrian access, the replacement of street lighting, altering road layouts and construction of new roads to help facilitate
15/12/2016
A boil water notice affecting approximately 20 premises in Co Clare has now ended. The notice was put in place in the Carron area in May this year after the detection of low levels of Cryptosporidium in the water supply. The works carried out at the treatment plant involved the installation of an
15/12/2016
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has slammed Justice Minister Claire Sugden over her "silence" in relation to the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme. An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which will cost the public purse over £400million. UUP Justice spokesp
15/12/2016
The Government has been slammed for failing to address flood prevention and insurance. Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary said dredging and river cleaning must form part of the Government's plan to deal with flooding in Crossmolina. He said: "One of the measures that has been approved is the
15/12/2016
Improvement works in Comber town centre have been completed. The public realm scheme was funded by the NI Executive, through the Department for Communities and Ards and North Down Borough Council. The works included upgrading footpaths with a new natural stone paving, improved lighting provision
15/12/2016
Over €14 million funding has been allocated for a cross-border greenway project in the North West. The North West greenway has secured €14.86m for 46.5kms of routes to connect L'Derry and Strabane with Donegal through development of traffic free routes for walkers, runners and cyclists. Overall, €
15/12/2016
Irish Water is to submit a planning application to develop a new wastewater treatment plant (WwTP)in Arklow, Co Wicklow. The firm recently completed a series of investigative surveys along the North and South Quays in Arklow and is expected to submit an application to An Bord Pleanála in 2017. The
15/12/2016
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been accused of "playing cynical political games" while people renting are stuck in the middle. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said struggling renters desperately need relief from Government. He said: "The best way to achieve this is to link rent review
14/12/2016
Planning permission has been approved to refurbish and extend an office block in Belfast city centre. Belfast City Council's Planning committee gave the go-ahead to refurbish Oyster House and Roystone House on the corner of Wellington Place and Upper Queen Street. The proposal will add an extra 2,
14/12/2016
BSG Civil Engineering has completed construction work on the £6million Ballydougan to Newry Trunk Main and overall Water Improvement Scheme for NI Water. The overall programme included extensive upgrade work at Crieve Service Reservoir, located off the Fort Hill Road, where the existing 0.4 mega li
14/12/2016
Sinn Féin has hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney over plans to permit landlords to increase rent prices by 4% every year for the next three years. Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Maurice Quinlivan TD said the proposals will do nothing for struggling renters in Limerick. Depu
14/12/2016
Sinn Fein is calling for more to be done to tackle flooding throughout Ireland. Cork South-Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire also urged the Government to expedite capital investment in flood defences including suburban areas of Cork. He said: "Significant floods has been a fact of life in Cork for yea
14/12/2016
A new modular building at a nursery school in Co Down has opened. The £175,000 accommodation at Holywood Nursery School was provided through the minor works scheme. It includes a main nursery classroom with adjoining toilets, stores and a quiet room. Enhancement works were also carried out to form
14/12/2016
The latest revelations over the controversial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme in Northern Ireland have been described as "shocking" by the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said the revelations on the BBC's Nolan Show plunge the Executive into further disrepute. Mr Nesbitt
14/12/2016
SuperValu is to sponsor the Tidytowns Competition from 2017 to 2021, it has been confirmed. The firm has been the sole sponsor of the competition for the past 25 years. Minister for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring, welcomed the announcement. He said: "This competition has been running
14/12/2016
Housing Associations are being urged to let tenants know that the bedroom tax will not apply in Northern Ireland as it will be cancelled out by Stormont's welfare mitigation package. Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann fought for mitigation measures that made bedroom tax redundant and the measures have been p
14/12/2016
The Department for Infrastructure has installed an additional Electric Car Charging Bay in Bangor, Co Down. North Down Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has been campaigning for the additional bay at Quay Street for over a year. Mr Muir said: "Despite the request being initially denied, I continued
14/12/2016
Richard Nolan Civil Engineering has scooped a contract to carry out major leak repairs in Wicklow Town, Greystones, Kilcoole, Kilmacanague, Baltinglass and surrounding areas over the coming weeks. Irish Water is to invest €60,000 in the programme and the work is expected to begin before Christmas a
13/12/2016
Funding has been approved to develop a new community centre in Newry. A total of £335,000 has been secured for the new centre which will be on a site adjacent to Quayside Close sports pitches at the Albert Basin. It will provide modern community facilities for people living in the area, includin
13/12/2016
A new €140million flood relief scheme to help protect over 2,000 properties in Cork has been welcomed by Fine Gael. Cork Senator, Jerry Buttimer, said he is "delighted" to see the details of the project. He said: "I am very happy to hear that construction of flood barriers is due to begin next yea
13/12/2016
The number of families and individuals experiencing homelessness has increased by 50% compared to 2015, according to the Nova West Cork Homeless report. Cork South West TD, Margaret Murphy O'Mahony described the figures as "shocking". Deputy O'Mahony said: "The constant refrain in the media over t
13/12/2016
Government departments and public bodies avoided a €154 million energy spend through increased energy efficiency, according to a report by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI published the third annual report on the energy efficiency performance of public bodies which revea
13/12/2016
The SDLP is calling on First Minister Arlene Foster to appear before the Public Accounts Committee to answer questions over her involvement in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal. Party Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said that if she is unwilling to provide answers, her position as First Minister
13/12/2016
The CLÁR Programme which provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged and rural areas in Ireland has reopened. Deputy Thomas Byrne welcomed the announcement and said the re-introduction of the programme was a key demand of the Fianna Fáil party. He said: "Although the
13/12/2016
A functioning private rented sector needs landlords, according to Sinn Féin. The party's Housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin TD, made the call ahead of the launch of the Government's strategy for the private rented sector. He also said Minister Simon Coveney has a "unique opportunity to bring forwa
13/12/2016
The Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Environment has been slammed for issuing a Ministerial directive removing a condition in relation to wind turbines. Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady said his actions will have grave repercussions for the people of Wicklow. Teachta
12/12/2016
The Government is being urged to stop the sale of its stake in Ardmore Studios in Co Wicklow. Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow Pat Casey made the call after it was revealed that the prospectus for the sale places a heavy emphasis on its development potential for property developers. Deputy Casey said:
12/12/2016
Concerns have been raised over plans for a gold mine in Co Tyrone. A public inquiry is to be held after residents raised concerns about the plans which is to be located only 1,200 meters from the local primary school and GAA ground. Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer said: "In order to address those co
12/12/2016
Work has started on a £100,000 road resurfacing project in Crossgar, Co Down. The scheme, on the Ballywillan Road, involves the resurfacing of a 1.0 km stretch of the C277 Ballywillan Road from the B6 Manse Road to the Jericho Road junction. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "This £100,
12/12/2016
A new 3G pitch at a college in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, has officially opened. The 3G pitch at Integrated college was provided through the School Enhancement Programme and is part of an overall investment of approximately £3.5million. When complete, the project will also deliver a new two-storey spor
12/12/2016
A bathing notice has been lifted after Irish Water completed operational upgrade works at the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment plant in Dublin. 'Do Not Swim' notices have now been lifted at Dollymount Strand, Merrion Strand, Sandymount Beach, Shelleybanks and Half Moon. The works at the Ringsend Plan
12/12/2016
Plans are being prepared to design and implement flood alleviation works in Celbridge, Co Kildare. The Office of Public Works (OPW) and Kildare County Council are puting together a proposal for the work on the Hazelhatch Road. Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O'Rourke said: "Flooding along t
12/12/2016
The Ministers involved in the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme in Northern Ireland are being called to make themselves available to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to provide information about the controversial project. An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which wi
12/12/2016
Euro Auctions, the UK's leading auctioneers of used industrial plant, construction machinery and agricultural equipment, in late November conducted another fantastic three-day auction in Leeds; where 3750 lots realised a total hammer price of over £24m. During 2016 euro Auctions delivered six main
09/12/2016
A Chinese firm has agreed to buy 14 wind farms from Irish renewable energy firm Gaelectric. Seven of the wind farms are in Northern Ireland and seven are in Ireland. Gaelectric will continue to provide asset management and power-offtake services to CGN Europe Energy S.A.S. (CGNEE), the renewable e
09/12/2016
Fianna Fáil has published the Flood Insurance Bill aimed at helping homeowners and business who are unable to secure flood insurance. If the Bill is passed by the Oireachtas, insurance providers will not be allowed to deny insurance cover to homes and businesses in areas that have undergone flood d
09/12/2016
Antrim manufacturing firm Springfarm Architectural Mouldings (SAM) has bought Lincolnshire based Select Timber Products. SAM manufactures high quality MDF mouldings, including skirting and architrave, for use across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Select Timber, based in Spalding, has been supplying
09/12/2016
A number of construction jobs are to be created after the First Minister and deputy First Minister announced plans to develop new office accommodation in Ebrington, Co L'Derry. The Department of Finance approved the Executive Office business case for the development of modern, high quality, high sp
09/12/2016
Sinn Fein has claimed the Planning and Development Bill is "weak" and is calling on the government to recognise that rent certainty is key to alleviating pressure on households. Deputy Dessie Ellis called the Bill a "wasted opportunity". He said: "I have couples and families coming into my office
09/12/2016
Ireland could be hit with a bill of up to €610 million for breaching its 2020 renewable energy and emissions targets, according to Sinn Fein. Spokesperson on Climate Change Mr Brian Stanley TD said the party is concerned with the "inadequate approach" the government has taken towards tackling clima
09/12/2016
The Government has failed to submit its appeal against the High Court judgement on Moore Street in Dublin. The High Court granted approval for essential works to be carried out to preserve the National Monument, Numbers 14-17 Moore Street. However, the government failed to meet the deadline, despi
09/12/2016
Work has started on a £600,000 flood alleviation scheme which aims to provide a piled foundation for the Newbridge Road in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh. Funding from the Fermanagh Flooding Task Force provided a short-term solution for the flooding which occurred in 2009, 2010 and 2015. Infrastructure M
08/12/2016
Funding of €17.9 million has been secured for the delivery of 56 new social homes as part of the Regeneration Scheme of O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin. The announcement was made by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government, Simon Coveney TD, and the Minister for Public Expenditu
08/12/2016
A planning application is to be submitted to improve and expand the Ballyhilty Water Treatment Plant in Cork. Irish Water has teamed up with Cork County Council to upgrade the Skibbereen Regional Water Supply Scheme to ensure customers are provided with a safe, secure and reliable supply of drinkin
08/12/2016
Waste firms in Cork are being urged to "hold their hands up" and refund customers who have been overcharged. Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West, Aindrias Moynihan, made the call following the decision by the Government to scrap pay by weight charging for waste companies. He said: "Householders fro
08/12/2016
TES Ltd has been scooped a deal to upgrade and enhance two wastewater plants in Co Mayo. Irish Water is to invest a total of €1.2 million to improve the plants in elcarra and Lahardaun. The works will see an improvement in the quality of the final effluent being discharged from both wastewater tre
08/12/2016
Sinn Féin has claimed the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme in Northern Ireland was flawed from the beginning. An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which will cost the public purse over £400million. Mr Conor Murphy MLA said the scheme has been flawed from the out
08/12/2016
A man from Northern Ireland has been convicted for breaches of waste management legislation. James Henry Green from Millisle, was sentenced to 180 hours' community service at Downpatrick Crown Court. On various dates between June 2013 and February 2015, officers from the Northern Ireland Environme
08/12/2016
Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, has been slammed over his intention ton lower Ireland's transport emission targets. Labour Transport spokesperson, Brendan Ryan, said Ireland's Climate Change targets should supersede short term financial constraints. Deputy Ryan said: "Minister Ross described t
08/12/2016
The public are being urged to put forward their views on the permitted development rights for mineral exploration. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard made the call after previously pledging to ensure that exploration for oil and gas will require full planning permission. Minister Hazzard: "I h
07/12/2016
An additional €10 million has been allocated in grant supports for community energy projects next year by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). A total of €30 million is on offer, a 50% rise in funding from the 2016 grants. SEAI's Better Energy Communities programme supports new appr
07/12/2016
The SDLP has hit out at First Minster Arlene Foster over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme in Northern Ireland. Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone was speaking after a Spotlight investigation into the scandal was broadcast detailing the flaws in the scheme along with the heavy cost it carried for
07/12/2016
The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is being urged to reverse her decision not to implement a climate change bill in Northern Ireland. Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle made the call to Minister Michelle McIlveen after expressing his disappointment that a climate change bill has not
07/12/2016
Refurbishment and upgrade work carried out on the Manor House in Rathlin Island, Co Antrim, has been completed. The Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) was awarded £734,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund, in addition to £250,000 from DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Iso
07/12/2016
A new planning application for Doonbeg sea wall in Co Clare is to be reassessed by the Green Party. Doonbeg is now seeking to install a modified proposal, involving protection measures at either end of the beach. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: "We're glad President-Elect Trump has abandon
07/12/2016
Work on a £270,000 road resurfacing project in L'Derry is to begin on Monday, 12 December. The works will extend a 1,000 metre distance from the junction of the Circular Road to Lonemoor Road. The scheme is expected to be completed in mid-January 2017. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said:
07/12/2016
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is being urged to "reassess its priorities" after it was revealed it spent 79.6% of total operating costs in administration in 2015/16. There was over £31.6m spent on administration costs compared to £8.1m on programme costs. Ulster Unionist Environme
07/12/2016
Fianna Fáil is calling for a new secondary school to be developed in Co Kildare. TD for Kildare South, Fiona O'Loughlin, said the the demand has "never been greater" and is needed to alleviate the growing pressure on school places in south Kildare. She said: "The failure to develop a new secondary
06/12/2016
The Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) report on fracking fails to take into account the implications of tackling climate change and the implementation of the Paris Agreement, according to the Green Party. Green Party Spokesperson on Climate Change, Cllr David Healy said the report "entirely mis
06/12/2016
Rents across Meath in Ireland have risen by 15.8% in the last year. Cathaoirleach of the Meath Housing Campaign Peadar Tóibín TD hit out at Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil over their "wholly inadequate" response to the rents crisis. He said: "The speed of rent increases is pricing many working families
06/12/2016
BSG Civil Engineering has been appointed to refurbish and upgrade the water infrastructure in Belleek, Co Fermanagh. The work will involve laying approximately 5km of new water mains along part of the Lough Shore Road, Brollagh Road and Cornahaltie Road, up to Gortnalee Service Reservoir, as well a
06/12/2016
Social housing residents saved over £225,000 on their electric bills after Saliis Ltd, based in south Belfast, installed solar photo voltaic (PV) systems in homes owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). On average, households involved in the scheme have made potential savings of £20
06/12/2016
Irish Water has announced plans to replace a water treatment facility in Cork. The facility, based on Lee, road, provides almost 70% of Cork City's total water supply. The proposed works provide for a 40,000 cubic metres per day capacity water treatment facility. This involves the upgrading of exi
06/12/2016
A decision by the Infrastructure Minister to stop the installation of water meters in domestic properties has been welcomed by Sinn Féin. Minister Chris Hazzard brought forward regulations which have been approved by the NI Assembly. Minister Hazzard said:"Installing meters currently costs the pub
06/12/2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is being called to reverse its decision to not refurbish tower blocks in west Belfast. Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann said the failure to decide on the future of Divis Tower is short sighted. Many residents are living in freezing conditions with poor heating
06/12/2016
The Government has been called to use the 198,000 vacant properties throughout Ireland to help solve the housing crisis. Labour's spokesperson on Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, said existing vacant dwellings can, and must, be a quick win and a real solution for those families who have no hom
05/12/2016
A new water main in North Quay, Drogheda, has been connected. The €500,000 project involved the replacement of 300 metres of aging water mains along the North Quay, which will improve the security of the water supply for residents in North East Drogheda, Baltry and Termonfeckin. MEIC Ltd carried
05/12/2016
Concerns have been raised after the recent rise in air pollution throughout Ireland. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) published a report which revealed that towns where significant quantities of smoky fuels are burnt, exceeding air pollution limits for particulates. Green Party Spokesperso
05/12/2016
Construction work has been completed on two water treatment plants in Galway. Irish Water invested €5.6 million in the new plants at Milltown and Claregalway, which have been officially opened. Prior to the construction of the plants, neither Claregalway nor Milltown had municipal wastewater treat
05/12/2016
A new centre for independent living has opened in Co Galway. The Galway Centre for Independent Living has been described as a "forerunner" in providing professional services to facilitate a person's choice to live independently. Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities, Finian McGrat
05/12/2016
Irish energy firm ESB has opened a new footpath in Kilmurray, Cork. Following a schools amalgamation two years ago which led to additional space constraints, Physical Education lessons have taken place in the local community centre. There was no footpath between the two venues and pupils have had t
05/12/2016
Sinn Féin has hit out at Minister for State, Sean Canney, after he accused the party of wanting to discriminate against people in group water schemes. Minister Canney made the comments on Morning Ireland. However, Sinn Féin's spokesman on agriculture, Martin Kenny TD, said "nothing could be furthe
05/12/2016
Over £9,000 in funding has been secured for a new Men's Shed in Ballyclare, Co Antrim. The funding has been awarded to Grange Youth and Community Group, under the Department's Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, for the procurement of tools and equipment for the new Men's Shed in the town centre. A Me
05/12/2016
The Government has been called to explain its position on water charge refunds. Labour spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan TD after it was Exchequer figures revealed there is enough extra tax revenue to repay those who paid. Deputy O'Sullivan said: "The Taoiseach should show leadership now, rather than pr
02/12/2016
Contractor Glan Agua has been appointed to upgrade and enhance the Ardfert Wastewater Treatment Plant, Co Kerry. Irish Water is to invest €3.5 million in the project, in partnership with Kerry County Council. The scheme will involve the replacement of the existing treatment plant, which was design
02/12/2016
Two contractors have been selected to carry out work at the Altagelvin Area Hospital in Co L'Derry. Northstone (NI) has been appointed to develop a new North Wing building and TAL Ltd is to provide new Day Surgery Theatres. The project is part of a £73.5million project at the Altnagelvin site whic
02/12/2016
Contractors Dawson WAM and Ovivo have completed work to upgrade and extend Newcastle Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) in Co Down. A total of £8 million was invested in the plant, which will deliver an improved standard of discharge to local bathing waters in line with future European Directives.
02/12/2016
Vulnerable people are being urged to join NI Water's customer care register. Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer made the call after attending a briefing from the NI Water's Chief Executive Sara Venning and Director of Customer Services Sean McAleese. There are over 2,700 entries currently on the registe
02/12/2016
A liquidator has been appointed to Mayo Renewable Power. The court has appointed Michael McAteer of Grant Thornton. Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary expressed disappointment and said it is a "major set-back" for north Mayo. He said: "This Government has failed to grasp the seriousness of the
02/12/2016
Improvement works at the Arvagh Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Cavan have been completed. The plant will now reduce the environmental impact on the final effluent being discharged to the receiving waters. Niall O'Donnell from Irish Water's Minor Programmes section said: "Irish Water is working w
02/12/2016
Contractors are to begin work on a £125,000 road improvement project in Hillsborough, Co Down. The work on the Moira Road is to start on Monday, 05 December, and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2017. The scheme involves extensive reconstruction and resurfacing of a 1.7 km section
02/12/2016
A man from Belfast has been convicted for serious breaches of Waste Management Legislation. Hugh Corey, 70, from Hannahstown was given suspended sentences at Laganside Crown Court on Thursday, 01 December. Between August 2011 to February 2014, officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency
01/12/2016
An unconditional sale of Ardmore Studios in Co Wicklow will not be acceptable, according to Sinn Féin. TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady made the call following a protest outside Leinster House on Wednesday, 30 November. A petition with over 2,500 signatures was handed in to the Minister for J
01/12/2016
Developers are being urged to submit plans to regenerate the Queen's Parade in Bangor, Co Down. Plans for the 5.26 hectare site, which has not been in use for almost 20 years, include a mixed retail, office, leisure and residential development. Communities Minister Paul Givan said it presents a ma
01/12/2016
Work on a £150,000 resurfacing project in Portadown is now complete. The work on the A4 Dungannon Road started on 02 November. Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "This is a main link road between M1 Birches roundabout into Portadown, so completion of these works is welcome news for betwee
01/12/2016
A total of £2.6million from the revenue raised by the carrier bag levy has been secured for environmental projects in Northern Ireland. The funding will be used to help sustain and improve NI's natural environment. A total of 36 projects across 33 organisations have received grants of between £6,2
01/12/2016
Health Minister Michelle O'Neill has pledge to work with the Ulster University and the Department for the Economy over plans to develop a new medical school in Co L'Derry. However, Minister O'Neill confirmed there would be challenges ahead in ensuring the feasibility of the school. Sinn Féín MLA C
01/12/2016
A business case for the York Street interchange project in Belfast has not been finalised, an Alliance MLA has revealed. Kellie Armstrong is now calling on the Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to clarify the status of the project. She said: "The Minister is on record as stating if the money i
01/12/2016
Sinn Féin claims more schools could be developed in Ireland if the Government availed of the flexibility within the fiscal rules for capital spend. Spokesperson on Education and Skills, Carol Nolan, welcomed the additional €100 million being invested in school building projects for 2016. However, s
01/12/2016
Refurbishment work at a play park in Lisburn has been completed. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council invested £76,000 for the work to be carried out at Barbour Play Park which has now been officially re-opened. Chairman of Leisure & Community Development Committee, Councillor Tim Morrow, said: "Thi
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