Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for February 2016
29/02/2016
The SDLP has slammed the Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill after she refused to consider retrospective applications for access to the Flood Protection Grant Scheme. Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said he is "shocked" at the decision after businesses across Northern Ireland were abandoned du
29/02/2016
The Green Party has called on people to vote for the to secure a new clean energy economy. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan said he wants to return to the Dáil to represent the social and environmental values that Irish people "still hold dear". Mr Ryan was speaking at the opening of the Green School
29/02/2016
The Alliance Party is calling on the Belfast City Council to open up unused buildings throughout Northern Ireland for homeless people. Alliance Councillor Sian O'Neill made the call after she brought a petition to the council, with over 16,000 signatures. East Belfast Councillor Ms O'Neill said: "
29/02/2016
NI political leaders have received a lesson in how they can help people 'Beat the Freeze'. Representatives from NI Water visited the leaders at Stormont to educate them on how to always be prepared during the cold weather. NI Water's Chief Executive, Sara Venning, said: "Although this winter has l
29/02/2016
The AES Kilroot Advancion® Energy Storage Array in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, has launched. The Array is the largest advanced energy storage system in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The array represents a significant investment in the future of Northern Ireland's energy infrastructure and is the fi
29/02/2016
McGrath Engineering's has announced it is to create 12 new jobs at its factory in Coalisland. The company, a family business that trades as Ezystak Conveyors, designs and manufactures mobile and static conveyors. Invest Northern Ireland has offered £90,000 towards the company's total investment of
26/02/2016
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have confirmed they have decided to sell the Shackleton site, the former military base in Ballykelly, L'Derry, to the MJM Group. The firm plans to create over 100 jobs initially on the 621.5 acre site. First Minister Arlene Foster said: "I'm pleased to
26/02/2016
Bryson Energy has been awarded a contract extension to offer NI householders free energy advice. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is to invest £129,000 in the Bryson Energy Advice line based in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. The contract is to be extended for another year. Social Develop
26/02/2016
A new primary school has opened in Lurgan, Co Armagh. Education Minister John O'Dowd has officially opened St Teresa's Primary School, a seven class base school on Friday, 26 February. Minister O'Dowd said: "It is a pleasure to return to St Teresa's today to join in the celebrations of your new sc
26/02/2016
Construction work on new £2.8 million sports facilities in Co L'Derry. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is investing £2.5million, while Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is contributing £339,000, for the new facilities in Dungiven. The new facilities will include a pavilion with
26/02/2016
Energy firm SSE Airtricity is to cut its prices by over 10% in the Greater Belfast area. The 10.2% price cut will come into effect on 01 April 2016 and customers could save over £50 a year. Utility Regulator Chief Executive, Jenny Pyper, said: "This reduction comes on the back of Power NI’s 10.3%
26/02/2016
Glasgiven Contracts has started construction work on a new £6.8 million primary school development in Co Down. St Mary's Primary School in Banbridge will be a 14 class base with a single nursery unit and two Moderate Learning Difficulty classrooms. St Mary's School Principal Des O'Hagan said: "Th
26/02/2016
Serious concerns have been raised in relation to the exploratory drilling in Carrickfergus and East Antrim area. Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan is calling on the firm behind the drilling to meet with local representatives and residents to discuss their concerns. Mr McMullun said people are worried
26/02/2016
Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has contacted Social Development Minister Lord Morrow and Finance Minister Mervyn Storey to discuss how the NI Executive can deal with the homelessness problem in Northern Ireland. Mr Maskey said a joined-up approach is needed to deal with homelessness. He said: "First a
25/02/2016
A building contractor is to be appointed after Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council granted planning permission for a new headquarters to be developed for the Department for Agriculture and Regional Development (DARD). The new headquarters are to be built on the former Shackleton army barracks
25/02/2016
Fianna Fáil has been accused of attempting to "con the electorate" over the abolition of water charges. Sinn Féin said the party has "no intention" of scrapping the charges in response to Mr Barry Cowen's admission that the party would impose charges however he did not know how much they would be.
25/02/2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is to invest £860,000 to improve tenants homes in the Lisburn area in Northern Ireland. The NIHE recently piloted a project which involved the intallation of new bathrooms and kitchens as well as upgrading the electrics in tenant's homes in Hillhall Par
25/02/2016
Construction work has started to remove an interface structure in north Belfast. The eight foot wall built on the Crumlin Road is to be replace with railings and environmental improvements. Justice Minister David Ford said: "I acknowledge the considerable work done, over a long period, by communit
25/02/2016
The public is being urged to attend exhibitions where they can view and discuss the details of the A5 Western Transport Corridor dual carriageway scheme in Northern Ireland. Staff from the Department for Regional Development's Transport NI, Mouchel and the contractors will be attending the four exh
25/02/2016
Significant progress is being made on the £30 million Enniskillen Southern Bypass scheme. Transport NI are expected to select engineering consultants to take the project forward. Sinn Féin MLA Sean Lynch welcomed the progress and said an environmental statement will be delivered as well as draft s
25/02/2016
A farmer from Coagh in Co Tyrone has been fined for a pollution offence at Dungannon Magistrates' Court. Mr Trevor Irwin was fined £2,000 plus Court Costs and a £15 Offenders Levy for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 8 July 2014, Water Quality Inspectors, acting on behalf of the Nor
25/02/2016
Fianna Fáil has pledged to end the scandal of the variable interest rate rip-off by giving the Central Bank power to cap variable mortgage rates where clear evidence of a market failure exists, if the party is voted into government. Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath said it is the only party to
24/02/2016
Irish firm Vayu Energy has scooped a €2.4 million contract to supply national rail services provider, Iarnród Éireann, with natural gas for its facilities and operations in Ireland. The three year deal will see Vayu supply gas across 13 sites in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Kilkenny, Louth, Laois and W
24/02/2016
A new energy efficient scheme based on the use of smart technology is to be installed in 10,000 homes across Ireland. The Smart Technology Energy Scheme will see homes fitted with a climote remote control heating system which will enable families to take full control of the energy used in their hom
24/02/2016
JPK Fencing Systems based in Co Galway have been shortlisted for the Top Manufacturing Company award at the Small Firms Association Annual Awards which will be held in March 2016. The awards aim to recognise outstanding achievements by indigenous firms over a sustained period of time, many with lim
24/02/2016
Stage 2 of sewer improvement work in Co Tyrone is to start at the end of this month, February. The work which is being carried out by Geda Construction in the Strabane area, is part of NI Water's ongoing Sewerage Rehabilitation Programme. It is expected to be complete in approximately five weeks.
24/02/2016
HMD Architects has been selected to oversee the rejuvenation of over 20 properties in L'Derry. The project is part of a Neighbourhood ReStore scheme in each of the four Neighbourhood Renewal Areas in L'Derry. The 22 properties are located in Rosemount Avenue, Bishop Street Without, Strabane Old Ro
24/02/2016
A total of 15 new renewable energy marine projects are currently underway this year thanks to a grant award of €4.3 million. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) made the announcement in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland at an "Ireland open for business" exhibition at the 6th Intern
24/02/2016
NI's construction industry has been given a boost after the £400 million L'Derry to Dungiven dualling scheme was given the go-ahead by Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen. The A6 is a key transport route between Belfast and the north-west and the construction of a new dual carriageway will help to
24/02/2016
Belfast based construction firm Gilbert-Ash has completed two major projects in London worth a combined total of more than £44 million. The Fetal Medicine Research Institute is a 5,255m² centre of excellence occupied by the Fetal Medicine Foundation of Harley Street and King’s College Hospital. T
23/02/2016
Work on a new wastewater treatment plant in Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, is now complete. Wicklow County Council teamed up with Irish Water to help invest €5.5 million in the new plant. The plant is now delivering a higher level of wastewater treatment, meeting all current environmental standards, and al
23/02/2016
NI manufacturing firm Creagh Concrete is to create 80 new jobs as part of expansion plans. The Toomebridge-based company will create 50 new jobs in Northern Ireland and 30 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The firm has secured a £27 million contract to supply ISO concrete containers for use in the decommiss
23/02/2016
Over 125 families in Dublin became homeless in January this year, according to figures from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive. Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams TD said the figures "make a mockery" of claims the government is tackling the crisis. Mr Adams said: "The number of such families in emer
23/02/2016
Work on a significant road improvement scheme to the A6 route in Co Antrim has been completed. Works on the £150,000 project, funded by the NI Executive, included the provision of a new bus lane that links directly from Dublin Road into Antrim town centre along with the upgrading of the traffic sig
23/02/2016
Discussions on plans to change the permitted development rights in two conservation areas in south Belfast are taking place. Belfast City Council is consulting on proposals in relation to Malone Park and Adelaide Park. Councillor Matt Garrett, Chair of the Council's Planning Committee, said: "Buil
23/02/2016
Tenders are being invited to develop a new roundabout in the Co Down area. The £1.2 million project to build a roundabout at the Temple crossroads on the A24 Carryduff Road is expected to begin in Spring this year. The work is expected to take up to six months to complete. The new roundabout will
23/02/2016
An improvement project worth over £200,000 is to begin in Portaferry, Co Down. Work on the £205,000 scheme, funded by the NI Executive, at Coach Road/Deerpark Road, is to start on Thursday, 25 February. The resurfacing scheme is expected to be substantially completed by the end of March. Transpor
23/02/2016
The Green Party has unveiled plans to amalgamate the Housing Agency and the Housing Finance Agency to create the National Housing Authority (NHA), to help solve the housing crisis throughout Ireland. The party claims the NHA would deliver 20,000 housing units per year. Glass Bottle Site and other
22/02/2016
The Environment Minister has been accused of "deliberately withholding" the most recent data on homeless levels in Dublin. Fianna Fáil candidate for Dublin North-West Cllr Paul McAuliffe also said Minister Alan Kelly belatedly released figures for November and December, which he clearly wanted to c
22/02/2016
A new flood protection scheme has been agreed by the Rivers Agency and people living in Co Tyrone following extensive consultations. In 2008 and 2011, Beragh experienced significant flooding after torrential rainfall. The completed £1.5million Beragh Flood Alleviation Scheme provides flood protecti
22/02/2016
Cookstown based firm Lagan Engineering to to create 16 new jobs. Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company assistance of £134,250. The firm designs and manufactures custom-built products for the sand, quarry, waste and recycling industries. Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonatha
22/02/2016
The Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has partnered with CITB NI to host an asbestos seminar in Templepatrick, Co Antrim. The seminar is for organisations who are involved in the planning, organisation or execution of the removal of asbestos material which requires a licensed c
22/02/2016
Finance Minister Mervyn Storey has given a keynote speech at the 100th meeting of the Construction Industry Group for Northern Ireland's Professionals Council. Mr Storey confirmed the government working in partnership with the construction industry will help to boost recovery, sustain jobs and deli
22/02/2016
Irish energy firm ESB has issued a warning to Donegal residents after reports of fraudulent calls to homes purporting to be employees from the company. ESB said all of its employees and contractors carry identification and are calling on residents to be vigilant. The firm said: "In the case of som
22/02/2016
Representatives from Sinn Féin have met with members of the Narrow Water Bridge Community Network to discuss future projects in Warrenpoint. Sinn Féin MLA Caitríona Ruane and her colleague Michael Gray Sloan met with the members on Friday, 19 February. She said: "We discussed a number of key infra
22/02/2016
Fianna Fáil is being urged to "come clean" over how it plans to fund the development of the M20 and the DART Underground. Fine Gael General Election candidate for Dublin Central, Paschal Donohoe, is urging the party to explain commitments made in its manifesto. Minister Donohoe said: "Among the pr
19/02/2016
Real estate investment firm Starwood Capital has partnered with developer Chartered Land to invest €35 million in an office/residential project in Dublin. Starwood purchased the 750,000 sq ft Elm Park campus on Merrion Road in Dublin 4 for €190m in January. Plans are now in place to develop the si
19/02/2016
Education Minister John O'Dowd has announced he will consider plans to refurbish a school in south Belfast. The minister will examine proposals to renovate Cairnshill Primary School. Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir welcomed the announcement. He said: "I am cheered by news today that Minister O’
19/02/2016
Independent research on the likely economic impact of a Developer Contributions Scheme has been published by Lord Morrow and Mark H Durkan. The research was commissioned following a public consultation by the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Department of the Environment (DOE) on the
19/02/2016
Cavan County Council has offered assurances that essential work will be carried out a housing estate in Cavan Town. Fianna Fáil candidate for Cavan-Monaghan, Niamh Smyth, said that residents of Drumgola Woods have been waiting over eight years for the work to be completed. "I met with residents in
19/02/2016
The first allocation of severe weather regional and local road funding has been made available to allow local authorities to carry out works as quickly as possible. From a total of €106 million, announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, at the end of January, €85m
19/02/2016
The Agriculture Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has attended a community meeting in Greencastle, Co Tyrone, to listen to their concerns about a planned gold processing plant in the area. Minister O'Neill visited the area at the request of residents and local representatives to discuss how plans by Cana
19/02/2016
Plans to build a new Belfast-based Irish language facility have been welcomed by Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín. Raidió Fáilte has submitted the proposals to develop 'Líonra Uladh', a broadcast, recording, training and Irish language archive centre, on Divis Street. The Department of Culture, A
19/02/2016
The NI Housing Executive has invested £137,000 into housing upgrades in Newtownabbey. Building contractor Dixons has upgraded 89 homes in the Old Mossley area. Works involved installing double glazing windows at the properties, making them more energy efficient. Sharon Crooks, Area Manager, said:
18/02/2016
Irish Water and Galway County Council have announced an invest of €7 million in the rehabilitation and replacement of approximately 19km of watermains across County Galway. Work will being in March and is expected to be completed by autumn 2017. The contract was signed on Friday, 5 February with C
18/02/2016
The government's inaction on the issues of housing and homelessness has left thousands of people in a very vulnerable position, Fianna Fáil candidate in Dublin Central Mary Fitzpatrick has said. Speaking following a pre-election appeal by the Capuchin Day Centre, Ms Fitzpatrick said: "The current g
18/02/2016
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have adopted its new County Development Plan 2016-2022 at a meeting held on Wednesday evening. The Development Plan is the County's principal strategic planning policy document and its purpose is to protect and nurture the future growth of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdo
18/02/2016
Civil Engineering firm Farrans has begun developing a £4.9 million hydro scheme in Scotland. The NI-based company is underway with the Grudie Hydro Scheme in Kinlochewe. The development is being carried out on behalf of RWE Innology. The project includes building 1.8km of 1.2m diameter penstock p
18/02/2016
Work is progressing on a £3 million sewerage network improvement project in Armagh, NI Water has announced. The scheme is now underway along Mall West, with work at two crossings around the Mall West Shopping Centre now completed. As work progresses, the Mall West must be closed to South bound tra
18/02/2016
A NI Government procurement initiative for electrical workers has been shortlisted at the National Government Opportunities (GO) Excellence in Public Procurement Awards. The Central Procurement Directorate's (CPD) 'Licence to Practise' scheme has been put forward for the Innovation or Initiative of
18/02/2016
The housing market in Northern Ireland has shown steady price growth with continuing affordability, according to the latest Northern Ireland Residential Property Price Index (NI RPPI). Produced by the Department of Finance and Personnel's Land & Property Services (LPS), in conjunction with the Nort
18/02/2016
A €110,000 project to restore a historic mill water wheel in Co Clare is now complete. Ennis Civic Trust, in partnership with the council, completed the project at Ennis Corn Mill on Mill Road. Local contractors Lenihan's (Clonloum) Ltd carried out the restoration of the wood and iron water wheel.
17/02/2016
Bord na Móna and Coillte have agreed terms on a joint venture to develop a 64MW windfarm, with a total investment of €90million, at Sliabh Bawn, Co Roscommon. The 20 turbine windfarm which is currently in construction, is expected to become operational in early 2017 and will supply renewable energ
17/02/2016
People living in Bangor, Co Down, have been invited to attend a 'drop-in' information session hosted by NI Water to discuss improvements to the sewerage infrastructure in the area. The session will take place at Grange Primary School, Grange Park, BT20 3QG on Wednesday, 02 March from 6.30pm to 9pm.
17/02/2016
Mid Ulster District Council has approved planning permission for a new £27 million suite of school building's in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. The scheme for St Patrick's Academy is being funded by the Department of Education. St Patrick's Academy Principal, Mr Fintan Donnelly welcomed the news. He said:
17/02/2016
The RTÉ Leaders' Debate has been slammed after they failed to discuss climate change and long term planning. The Green Party said it was "extremely disappointing" after a debate on climate change was not included. Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan said: "We fought to be included in the seven Leaders'
17/02/2016
Representatives opposed to the development of a gold processing plant in Greencastle, Co Tyrone, gathered at Stormont on Tuesday, 16 February. Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer said the views of the local community "need to be listened to". Mr McAleer said: "On Monday, I raised the issue during Enviro
17/02/2016
Contractors are to be appointed to restore the old Cultra Railway Station in Co Down. Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir and Conservation Architect Larry Thompson were disappointed the work was delayed following lack of timely responses from Translink regarding the access path. However, it is underst
17/02/2016
Work on a new £1 million bus facility in Co Down is almost complete. The project, at Townsend Street and Kenlis Street in Banbridge, has been funded by the Northern Ireland Executive. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "This is a major investment and it will provide the Banbridge and wider
16/02/2016
Campbell Contracts and NI Water are to start work on a new storm sewer in Co Antrim at the end of February. The work on the Mill Road/Nutt's Corner Road in Crumlin is expected to take approximately eight weeks. The work will involve the laying of approximately 136m of pipe and associated manholes
16/02/2016
Bam Ireland has started construction work to develop a €50 million Event Centre in Cork. The firm previously bought the former Beamish and Crawford Brewery site from Heineken. The 6,000 capacity multi-purpose venue is expected to be completed in 2018 and at peak construction will employ around 400
16/02/2016
The newly refurbished Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre is to re-open next month, the RSPB NI has announced. The centre, which will open to the public on 24 March, is home to one of the UK's largest seabird colonies. The work has been made possible by a significant investment from the Commissioner
16/02/2016
Fianna Fáil has included the A5 development in its general election manifesto. The A5 scheme has been delayed following financial issues and planning problems. Candidate for Donegal Charlie McConalogue welcomed the news and said people living in the North West have been frustrated by the delays.
16/02/2016
Sinn Féin has described the way the Government has treated the Moore Street site in Dublin as "unforgivable". Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald was speaking at the High Court today, 16 February, ahead of the Moore Street case being heard. She said: "Moore Street is one of the most historic sites on
16/02/2016
Irish energy firm ESB has issued a warning to metal thieves who stole nine spans of overhead line in Kilkenny and Ballyhale on Wednesday. Around 3.6km of copper was stolen and ESB said the thieves were putting their own lives at risk. The firm said: "At least three serious injuries and one fatalit
16/02/2016
Irish Water has apologised to around 300 customers after they received multiple identical emails from the firm following a mistake in the process for issuing automated notification emails. The issue has now been investigated and rectified and no further customers have been affected. In a stateme
16/02/2016
The DUP has welcomed the announcement that 12 schools in Northern Ireland are to be upgraded as part of a £35 million investment in the School Enhancement Programme (SEP). Education Spokesman Peter Weir said it is very good news for the schools which will lead to better facilities for their pupils.
16/02/2016
An Bord Pleanála has confirmed the oral hearing in relation to the North-South Interconnector is to take place in March. A team from Sinn Féin will be attending the hearing to argue the case for undergrounding. Sinn Féin's Kathryn Reilly is calling on communities and those presenting or attending
16/02/2016
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment after the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) ran "seriously over budget". Mr Conor Murphy also said all schemes to meet the Executive's targets on renewable energy must be sustainable. He said: "I am glad, however, that follo
15/02/2016
A boil water notice has been issued to Irish Water customers on the Whitegate Regional Water Supply Scheme in Co Cork. The notice was put on due to high turbidity in the Dower spring source serving the area of east Cork. The public water supply serves a population of approximately 10,000 and the
15/02/2016
A £340,000 road improvement project is to start in Omagh. The scheme on the A32 Clanabogan Road is to begin on Monday 22 February. The resurfacing scheme will extend for over 1.3miles and work is expected to be finished on Friday 11 March. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "This is a sig
15/02/2016
Kerry County Council has partnered with Irish Water to invest €3.5 million to upgrade the water distribution network in mid Kerry. The work includes the replacement of almost 20km of water mains that have been subject to frequent bursts. The water mains replacement work will benefit customers acros
15/02/2016
The £4 million fund announced to improve and upgrade St Louis' school in Ballymena has been welcomed. The funding is part of the School Enhancement Programme. Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay said: "Indeed the £4million that St Louis' will receive is the maximum that any school can receive from this fun
15/02/2016
A new pumping station is to be developed in Ballymartin, Northern Ireland. The station, in the Blackrock area, is part of a £1.5m investment to provide new wastewater infrastructure for the local community. A new station will be built adjacent to the Annalong Road/Valley Road junction and the layi
15/02/2016
Work has started on a £230,000 road resurfacing project in Crossgar, Co Down. The project starts from a point 150 metres south of the Glasswater Road junction to a point 400 metres south of the B6 Manse Road junction. To facilitate the resurfacing work, the Derryboye Road will be closed from Mond
15/02/2016
Fianna Fáil has outlined an extensive action plan in relation to rip-off mortgage rates. The measures also include the ongoing problem of mortgage arrears and repossessions. Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath commented: "Across a range of issues, Fine Gael and Labour have failed to take the nece
15/02/2016
An additional £100,000 is to be invested in a road improvement scheme in Co Armagh. Construction work, on the A29 Armagh Keady road, is to atrt today, 15 February. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "This latest infrastructure scheme will improve road safety and enhance the road network.
12/02/2016
Energy firm Power NI is to cut its prices by 10.3% from 01 April. Electricity bills are to reduce by more than £50 a year on average for the 528,000 Power NI supplied homes and by around £200 for the 31,000 regulated business customers supplied. Stephen McCully, Managing Director of Power NI, sai
12/02/2016
Fianna Fáil has been slammed by Sinn Féin over its "massive u-turn" on water charges. Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said despite Fianna Fáil pledging to scrap the charges the party is to suspend them for five years. She said: "Despite having come up with the plan to introduce water charges Fiann
12/02/2016
The Regional Development Minister's announcement that work could begin on the A5 development next year is "all talk and no teeth", according to the SDLP. The party's Infrastructure Spokesperson and West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said Minister Michelle McIlveen's reference to her limited plans bei
12/02/2016
Belfast based Arup and Partners Ltd has been selected to bring forward a Development Scheme in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. The scheme proposes to redevelop the Laganbank Quarter area over the next 20 years. Social Development Minister, Lord Morrow MLA, welcomed the appointment and said the project
12/02/2016
Construction work has started to extend an Irish school in Co Antrim. The £15.5 million capital works project at Coláiste Feirste includes new teaching facilities as well as a Sports Hall, changing rooms, a gym, synthetic training area, 3G Gaelic Pitch and five courts. Education Minister John O;Do
12/02/2016
A total of 14 new Licensing Options in the Irish offshore are to be offered after the conclusion of the first phase of awards in the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round. Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Joe McHugh, said this phase of awards
12/02/2016
An environmental improvement project aimed at upgrading the Armagh area is to begin soon. The £24,000 project involves removal of the steps at the Amelia Terrace entry point to the underpass and the installation of a new fenced area. Design work and contract management is being carried out by Tran
12/02/2016
The announcement that the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes will open until 29 February before they close has been welcomed by Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy. Mr Murphy said: "The Enterprise, Trade and Investment minister had initially planned to close the scheme earlier, which would have caused t
11/02/2016
A new €5 million water treatment plant has opened in Arklow, Co Wicklow. Irish Water partnered with Wicklow County Council to develop the new facility which will provide a new safe and secure water supply for Arklow Town and its environs. Sean Laffey, Asset Programmes Manager at Irish Water said:
11/02/2016
Graham Construction and Aecom have started work to develop a new wastewater pumping station in Fivemiletown. In partnership with NI Water the scheme involves replacing the existing pumping station on the Clabby Road to increase capacity and allow for future development in the area. The project is
11/02/2016
Sinn Féin has promised to restore the historic buildings on Moore Street in Dublin if elected to government. MLA and Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said it needs to be preserved for future generations. She said: "As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising it is fitting we ensu
11/02/2016
Labour has launched a new 'Save to Buy' scheme. The new scheme, which involves setting up a savings account which wil run through the post office network, pledges to help turn homeowners aspirations into reality. Environment Minister Aland Kelly and Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan launched the p
11/02/2016
NI firm Saliis has installed almost 600 Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) homes with solar panels. The £5 million contract, between the NIHE and Saliis Ltd, is based on the 'rent a roof' model and has resulted in tenants saving money. Noel Rice, NIHE's Energy Conservation Manager, said: "W
11/02/2016
Galway County Council is being urged to ensure work on digging a channel between Kinvara and Cahermore gets underway immediately. Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Galway East Cllr. Anne Rabbitte accused the council of "stalling" over the work and said ongoing delayes will push the scheme
11/02/2016
A new school building has officially opened in north Belfast. The new school, unscoil Bheann Mhadagáin, is located on the site of the former Cliftonville Cricket Grounds. As well as the new school, a new floodlit 3G pitch is being created as well as upgraded changing rooms funded by the Belfast Ci
11/02/2016
The SDLP has slammed the Enterprise Ministers decision to scrap the Renewable Heat Incentive and said it could cost 2,000 jobs. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said it makes "devastating reading" for many businesses. Mr McCrossan said: "One company based in Omagh have £650,000 worth of orders tak
10/02/2016
The SDLP has hit out at the Enterprise Minister over his decision to axe the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in Northern Ireland. The scheme funds renewable heating projects in both the domestic and non-domestic sectors. SDLP spokesperson Patsy McGlone said it is "devastating news" for local busine
10/02/2016
Fianna Fáil has slammed the Government for failing to deal with the ongoing housing crisis affecting Ireland. Spokesperson on Environment Barry Cowen said the new figures reveal that housing supply hit its lowest level at the beginning of this month. The report from Daft.ie also highlighted the fa
10/02/2016
Homelessness in County Cavan has risen by 500% in two years, it has been revealed. The revelation was made at a Sinn Féin public meeting 'Making Homes a Priority – Tackling the Housing Crisis in Ireland', held in the Farnham Arms Hotel on Monday. The meeting was hosted by Senator Kathryn Reilly an
10/02/2016
Sinn Fein has described the way the Government is treating the historic Moore Street site in Dublin is a "disgrace". President Gerry Adams also said nowhere else in the world would treat such an iconic site so disgracefully. Mr Adams said: "It is scandalous that in this centenary year of the Risin
10/02/2016
Improvement work to the sewerage infrastructure in Co L'Derry is to begin next Monday, 15 February. NI Water will start Phase 1 of the work on London Street which involves replacing the existing sewer. The work is expected to continue until 16 March and diversions will be put in place. Any final
10/02/2016
Construction work on a play park at a primary school in Co Armagh is now complete. The new park, at St Patrick's Primary School in Crossmaglen, provides a play area for children attending the school and the housing estates in the area. The £82,000 facility was part funded by the Department for Soc
10/02/2016
GM Design Associates have been selected to assist the Department for Social Development (DSD) to identify a developer to deliver the Queen's Parade Redevelopment Scheme in Bangor, Co Down. A development brief will be drawn up which will be put to the market to identify a private sector partner who
10/02/2016
Vayu Energy has announced it is supporting the 8th Annual Action Renewables Awards for a second year. The event will take place at Titanic Belfast on Thursday 31 March 2016, and Vayu will sponsor a new category, 'Best Energy Saving Large Organisation'. The addition of this accolade emphasises the
09/02/2016
A number of Irish Water customers in Co Galway are continuing to experience a disruption in their water supply as a result of a boil water notice. Irish Water has apologised to its customers in the Loughrea area and said the treatment plants producing drinking water for the area are not sufficientl
09/02/2016
A £460,000 road improvement project is Lisburn is to start next week. Work will start on the Hillhall Road scheme, at the junction with Glen Road, on Monday, 15 February. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "I am very pleased to announce the start of this major improvement scheme, which wil
09/02/2016
The Environment Minister has been slammed by Sinn Fein over his failure to deal with the housing prices. The party made the comments after a report from Dsft.ie showed the increasing prices in the rental housing market and the lack of houses in Ireland. Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said: "Alan
09/02/2016
Sinn Fein has hit out at the Department for Social Protection after "forcing" long term housing applicants who received rent supplement onto the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Sinn Féin Councillor Eoin Ó Broin said it is "disgraceful" and also accused the Government of "massaging housing list fi
09/02/2016
The Northern Ireland Assembly has given its final approval to the Environmental Better Regulation Bill - to strengthen environmental protection. The legislation will also help protect the environment and give a boost to environmentally responsible businesses. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan sai
09/02/2016
With all building materials, transport is the biggest contributor of carbon emissions, something that effects us more and more. Ecolcel cellulose insulation is manufactured in Cork city at the Marina Commercial Park, which is a ten minute walk from the city centre. As Ecocel Cellulose is manufactu
09/02/2016
NI firm Farrans has won two new contracts to carry out renewable energy projects in Scotland. The firm has started construction work on the Harbunhead Wind Farm project, where Farrans was selected to carry out the construction of 22 Enercon turbines with a generating capacity of 62MW. Enabling work
09/02/2016
Energy firm Electric Ireland has opened new offices in Belfast. The offices, based in Cromac Quay, were officially opened by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Jonathan Bell. Pat O'Doherty Chief Executive ESB said: "This is a very special day and one that I am particularly proud
08/02/2016
Queen's University has entered into a deal with developers McAleer & Rushe to develop 1,200 student bedrooms on two of their city centre sites. McAleer & Rushe has agreed with Queen's University to deliver the completed buildings, by the summer of 2018, in a deal estimated to be worth just over £
08/02/2016
Sinn Féin is once again calling for all water charges to be abolished as it is an "unfair tax" on people living in Ireland. Sinn Féin candidate for Dublin Bay North, Councillor MacDonncha, also said that his priority for this election is to tackle the charges and the housing crisis. Councillor Mac
08/02/2016
Irish Water has announced it is investing €15 million to upgrade the Burncourt and Fethard water supply schemes in the county. In March 2016 Irish Water will transition the new supply of drinking water to properties in the Burncourt and Fethard areas from the new Water Treatment Plants. The upgrad
08/02/2016
Labour has accused Sinn Fein of being a "populist party with irresponsible economic policies" in relation to its plans to abolish the property tax. Labour TD Eric Byrne said the plans will be welcome news to millionaire property owners, however it will not benefit low and middle income workers. Mr
08/02/2016
Contractor BAM has reached financial close with the National Roads Authority (NRA) for the €230 million N25 New Ross Bypass PPP project. All project and financing agreements have now been signed and the project implementation work can get underway. The project will support up to 2,100 jobs locall
08/02/2016
Over £125,000 additional funding has been allocated to protect landscape, habitats and species in Northern Ireland. Ten not-for-profit organisations and councils will share the £125,600 Natural Environment Fund for varied projects ranging from raptor studies for the region's birds of prey to wildfi
08/02/2016
The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is proposing to shut down the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) schemes in Northern Ireland. RHI was launched to the non-domestic sector in November 2012 and extended to the domestic sector in December 2014. Minister Jonathan Bell said the closing of t
08/02/2016
The Portaferry Hotel in Northern Ireland is to re-open its doors. The hotel closed last year, however it is set to to open later this month. Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong welcomed the news. She said: "With the couple opening the hotel already business owners in the area, they have the driv
05/02/2016
Planning permission for wind farms to be developed in County Meath have been rejected. Sinn Fein candidate for East Meath, Darren O'Rourke, welcomed Bord Pleanála's decision. He said: "This is of course a welcome decision. The people in the area have expressed their disdain at these proposals for
05/02/2016
A L'Derry firm, which designs manufactures and erects high quality park homes and log cabins, has announced it is to create 15 new jobs. Oak Grove Cabins' also confirmed it is to invest almost £900,000 to boost its sales in Great Britain. Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £94,740 tow
05/02/2016
The Labour Party has slammed the Leader of the Green Party over his comments about climate change. Labour TD Kevin Humphreys described Eamon Ryan's comments as "unbelievable". Mr Humphrey's said: "In contrast to Eamon Ryan and his colleagues, Labour in government delivered climate change legislati
05/02/2016
NIE Networks has announced it is attending the Self Build Show at the Titanic TEC in Belfast. The show takes place from 12 to the 14 February. Edel Creery, Connections Manager at NIE Networks, said: "At NIE Networks, we aim to make the connections process as easy as possible for our customers. We
05/02/2016
A renewed co-operation agreement has been signed in respect of land compulsorily acquired or to be acquired for the development of the national road network. The agreements was made between the Department for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (DTII) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA). The Mini
05/02/2016
A Dunmurry-based firm has announced it has created a new heat recovery ventilation product. Brookvent developed the product - aircycle 3.1 - with support from Invest Northern Ireland. Declan Gormley, Brookvent Managing Director, said: "Brookvent has developed a best in class product with unrivalle
05/02/2016
Further expansion plans have been announced for the Roddensvale School in Larne, Co Antrim. Construction work has started to develop a new hydrotherapy pool in the school. Education Minister John O'Dowd officially opened new classrooms, a dining area, a hygiene room and other new facilities. The
05/02/2016
Charging for green bins will lead to more illegal dumping, according to Fianna Fail. Candidate for Dublin Fingal Senator Darragh O'Brien said it is a "retrograde step" that will discourage recycling. Senator O'Brien said: "In government, Fianna Fáil doubled the percentage of municipal waste that i
04/02/2016
SSE Airtricity has signed a deal with Aviva Stadium in Dublin to supply all of its energy through 100% renewable power. Under the deal SSE Airtricity is supplying 100% green electricity as well as gas to the home of Irish rugby and soccer in Ireland. Martin Murphy, Stadium Director at Aviva Stadi
04/02/2016
Residential rents in Dublin increased by 9.3% in 2015, a Sinn Fein councillor has confirmed. General election candidate for Dublin Bay North Councillor Denise Mitchell said house rents in Dublin are almost double that the rest of the country. She said: "Many families have ended up homeless as they
04/02/2016
Sinn Féin has hit out at Fine Gael over its continued support for fracking. SF MEP Lynn Boylan said the support was "disappointing but not surprising". She said: "This time, they tried to remove wording which called for EU countries to not authorise any new fracking operations given the risks for
04/02/2016
A train has struck a piece of construction equipment on the railway line in Lisburn, Translink has confirmed. The incident happened at around 6.45am on Thursday and disruption was caused to some train services. No-one was injured in the incident. A spokesperson for Translink said: "Safety is our
04/02/2016
The Minister for Regional Development has been slammed for failing to put money aside for essential improvement works on the A1 in Northern Ireland. Four people have been killed on the road in recent months and the SDLP has continued to call for improvements to be made to its safety. SDLP MLA for
04/02/2016
There is no evidence the water quality or drinking water in L'Derry has been effected after waste was illegally dumped in Mobouy, the Department of Environment has confirmed. Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said there had been speculation that the dump was polluting water in the area. Minister
04/02/2016
A new £670,000 full size 3G pitch has officially opened in Markethill, Co Armagh. The project was part financed by the Department for Social Development through the Regional Shared Sports Facility pilot programme. The work included the extension of an existing training pitch to provide a full size
04/02/2016
Irish energy firm ESB and the Government have been called to propose a management plan in relation to the hydro-electric scheme built at Gearagh in the upper Lee Valley, Co Cork. Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada made the call after meeting with representatives from campaign group 'Free the Lee' and con
03/02/2016
Over 20 senior citizen apartments have received energy upgrades in Coolock, Dublin. The apartments, located in the Lismeen Court area, received €360,000 in funding from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) as part of the Better Energy Communities project. The project was led by Retro
03/02/2016
Finning is to host a European Unreserved Public Auction which will include quality used Cat equipment. The auction will take place on Wednesday 20 April at Rockingham Motor Speedway, Northamptonshire. The event will be the first in a series of quarterly unreserved auction events across locations i
03/02/2016
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Government for doing the "bare minimum" to help protect Moore Street in Dublin. Spokesperson for Heritage Sandra McLellan said it is "insulting" to the memories of those who fought and died to strive for a united Ireland. She said: "Moore Street, the surrounding areas,
03/02/2016
Sinn Fein and the Green Party have hit out at the Environment Minister over the new charging structure for waste collection. Both parties claim Minister Alan Kelly's decision will have a negative impact on recycling. Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Councillor Malcolm Noonan, said: "I
03/02/2016
A boil water notice has been put in place to protect customers on the Loughrea Public Water Supply in Co Galway. The notice was issued following advice from the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Galway County Council. The notice only applies to consumers on the Loughrea Public Water Supply
03/02/2016
The Government has published a strategy which aims to improve energy efficiency in the homes of people with acute health conditions, as well as help people in energy poverty achieve lower bills. Minister for Energy, Alex White, published A Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty, which includes a €20 mil
03/02/2016
Sinn Féin MEPs and the GUE/NGL group have voted in favour for all EU countries not to not authorise any new hydraulic fracturing operations. Martina Anderson has today spoke after the vote was taken in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She said: "Taking into account the risks and the negative
03/02/2016
Two Co Armagh farmers have been fined for a pollution offence at Armagh Magistrates' Court. Mr Samuel Gilmore and Mr Brian Gilmore, from Shanecracken Road, Tandragee, were fined £750 for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 25 June 2014 Water Quality Inspectors acting on behalf of the No
02/02/2016
NI power firm Open Electric has announced it is to cut its electricity prices by 8.6% with immediate effect. The company, which launched last year, confirmed that the discount also applies to keypad and credit bill customers. Open Electric said that from 01 February, its new tariff rate would be 1
02/02/2016
A €5 million fund for small businesses which suffered property damage in the recent flooding in Ireland has been extended. The Minister for Defence, Mr Simon Coveney T.D., announced the expansion of the criteria for eligibility for small businesses to make a claim under the temporary emergency huma
02/02/2016
Belfast City Council has voted in favour of the Save Moore Street Campaign. Sinn Féin Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile welcomed the vote and said the historic, cultural and political significance of Moore Street is "truly massive". He said: "Firstly I am very proud that Belfast as a city has added ou
02/02/2016
Contractor GMC Sierra has signed a deal with Irish Water to rehabilitate and replace 6.7km of watermains in Edenderry and Kilcormac, Co Offaly. Irish Water is investing €2.4 million in the scheme and the work is expected to start in March this year. The watermains rehabilitation project will resul
02/02/2016
A new primary school is to be developed in Cabra, Co Dublin. Pupils at Gaelscoil Bharra have been studying in dilapidated prefabs and the Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan confirmed the new school is to be built immediately. Local TD Joe Costello said: "I have campaigned with the parents, teac
02/02/2016
Over €55 million has been announced for housing adaptions for older people and people living with a disability in private properties. A total of €56.25m has been made available which will allow extensions to be built for people with a disability, as well as housing adaptations to improve mobility a
02/02/2016
The Environment Minister is being urged to induce a scheme where households could apply for grants of up to €4,000 to replace septic tanks used in on-site waste water treatment systems (OSWWTS). Sinn Fein MLA Ian Milne said many residential developments and individual homes which are not connected
02/02/2016
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed the news that a £1.98 million grant has been allocated to improve and enhance Armagh City's built heritage. Armagh Ulster Unionist Councillor Sam Nicholson welcomed the announcement from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and it is an exciting opportunity to invo
01/02/2016
A construction firm, based in Antrim, has announced it is to create 50 new jobs. Thornton Roofing said the move is part of an £8 million expansion. The firm, which operates throughout Ireland from its Toomebridge HQ, has recently won a series of high profile contracts within the health, education,
01/02/2016
The Labour party has been slammed for failing to deal with the increase in rents throughout Ireland. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD said a report by the Chartered Surveyors Ireland forecast rent increases between 5% and 7% in 2016. Deputy Ellis said: "Renters needed the Labour part
01/02/2016
Over 25 fire stations in Ireland are to be developed or upgraded. A total of 26 fire stations will undergo work as part of a €40m programme for the five year period, between 2016 - 2020. The programme will see 16 new fire station construction projects initiated between now and 2020, along with 10
01/02/2016
The development of greenways in North Antrim will attract "activity tourist markets", according to Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay. Speaking after attending the launch of the Sustrans election manifesto, Mr McKay said: "I am glad to see Sustrans have made the development of greenways in rural areas a pr
01/02/2016
The Irish Government has been called to preserve the Moore Street area in Dublin as a national monument. Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has also called for it to be developed as a revolutionary quarter in memory of the men and women who took part in the 1916 Rising. She said: "I want to extend my
01/02/2016
A chairperson has been selected to the expert panel to investigate the problems in concrete blocks in Donegal and Mayo. Mr. Paudie Coffey TD, Minister of State for Housing, Planning and Co-ordination of Construction 2020 Strategy, has appointed Mr. Dennis McCarthy to chair the expert panel. He sai
01/02/2016
Environment Minister Alan Kelly has been slammed for refusing to increase the supply of new build homes. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Environment and Local Government Barry Cowen said the housing policies will exacerbate the housing emergency in the months ahead. Deputy Cowen said: "72% of the new
01/02/2016
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) has issued warning of a possibility of damage to the electricity network following severe weather forecast for severe gales with gusts of 70mph today, 01 February. NIW Networks has initiated an escalation plan and has emergency crews, engineers a
