Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for April 2016
29/04/2016
Electric Ireland is to reduce its prices for customers by 6 per cent from 01 June. The reduction will benefit Electric Ireland's residential electricity customers with a saving of 5.2 per cent every year on an average customer bill. Jim Dollard, Executive Director, Electric Ireland said: "This i
29/04/2016
A €360,000 community fund for Eirgrid's Mullingar Reinforcement electricity project has launched. The project is a 25km, 110 kV transmission line running between Mullingar, County Westmeath and Killaskillen, County Meath. It will be administered by The Community Foundation for Ireland, a not-for-p
29/04/2016
The approval of planning permission to develop a new children's hospital in Dublin has been welcomed by Sinn Féin. Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said the new National Children's Hospital on the St. James Hospital campus is "a great day for children's medical care". He said: "However considering this area i
29/04/2016
Construction work is to start to amalgamate three terraced buildings in Cork into a retail development, Savills has announced. The buildings, at 83-35 Patrick Street, will be retained, however they will be improved. Davy Real Estate secured the planning permission for improvement work to be carrie
29/04/2016
The Green Party is calling on the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) to divest Irish taxpayers' money from climate damaging and polluting projects overseas. The party made the call following a controversial majority decision to establish a Partnership with the National Treasury Management Agenc
29/04/2016
The huge number of unaffordable mortgages will pose a major challenge to any future government, according to Sinn Féin. TD Kathleen Funchion has called for any future government to prioritise the expansion of the mortgage to rent process to avoid more people getting into arrears. Deputy Funchion s
29/04/2016
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will soon receive Sinn Féin's terms of reference for a commission to establish the best public ownership model to replace Irish Water. TD David Cullinane said it is vitally important that any new body established to replace Irish Water has the full confidence of the public
29/04/2016
A commemorative event was held in Dublin on Thursday, 29 April, to remember the people killed and injured through workplace accidents, to mark Workers Memorial Day Ireland. The memorial ceremony took place at the Royal Hibernian Academy and attended by the Government, the Irish Congress of Trade Un
28/04/2016
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to develop a new children's hospital in Dublin. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James Reilly, welcomed the news and said it was a "great day for all the children of Ireland". He said: "The announcement means that we can look forward to worl
28/04/2016
Work to improve the sewer network in Kinvara, Co Galway, has started. Irish Water has teamed up with Galway County Council to end the discharge of water into the sea. As soon as the works are complete all the raw sewage in the town will be collected and directed to the new wastewater treatment pla
28/04/2016
Sinn Féin has called on the Government to stop the installation of water meters in properties throughout Ireland. TD for Wicklow and East Carlow John Brady made the comments after 14 people were arrested in Wicklow for peacefully protesting against the roll out of the water metering programme which
28/04/2016
Almost 200 primary and post primary schools throughout Ireland are to be improved and upgraded under the Summer Works Scheme for 2016 and 2017. A total of 197 schools will undergo improvement works, the Minister for Education, Jan O'Sullivan, has confirmed. She said: "Of the €80 million announced
28/04/2016
A boil water notice has been lifted for all customers on the Tír an Fhia/Leitir Mór Public Water Supply in Co Galway. The notice applies to consumers on the Tír an Fhia Public Water Supply and water supplies and group water schemes in Leitir Mór, Tír an Fhia, Leitir Caladh, Leitirmealláin Uimh 2, O
28/04/2016
Sinn Féin has written to the Social Development Minister ordering an urgent meeting to be held over the decision to scrap plans for the Northside development in Belfast. Carál Ní Chuilín said there has been "huge concern" about the development from the local community and businesses. She is callin
28/04/2016
Sinn Fein is once again calling for the water charges to be abolished and described the firm Irish Water as an "utter mess". TD for Dublin North West Dessie Ellis TD, hit out at the main parties over their refusal to recognise the "complete and indisputable rejection". Mr Ellis said: "Fianna Fáil
28/04/2016
The Green Party in Northern Ireland is calling for the oil drilling at the Woodburn Forest site near Carrickfergus to stop. The party said Part 16 of the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (NI) 2015 needs to be removed. Green Party leader Steven Agnew said: "It is an unfair and undemo
27/04/2016
A total of 14 homes in Co Clare have tested high for gas radon, according to new figures from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). High levels for the cancer causing gas radon were discovered at properties in Ennis, Clarecastle, Corofin, Ennistymon, Tulla and Quin. One home in Ennis had over
27/04/2016
The Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) is urging governments, businesses, consumer groups and NGOs to come together to create plans for how Ireland will cut emissions from existing buildings, in order to meet the Paris Agreement. The call also comes from its umbrella organisation, the World Green
27/04/2016
Work on an underground cable scheme has begun in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. A team at Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks is carrying out the work which involves installing high voltage underground electricity cables along the Brokerstown Road and Lough Road to connect around 25MW of solar
27/04/2016
Work on a £30,000 pedestrian and cycle Toucan Puffin crossing in Belfast has been completed. The crossing, located on the A2 Queens Bridge, will improve road safety for pedestrians and cyclists and will be of particular benefit for children, the elderly and for those with disabilities. It provides
27/04/2016
The NI Affairs Committee is to investigate how Northern Ireland will meet its energy renewable target of 4% by 2020. Member of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Danny Kinahan, has welcomed his committee colleagues' support for his call for an in-depth review of Northern Ireland's energy polic
27/04/2016
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been accused of "acting together" to block TDs debating and voting over water charges. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said the parties had reduced the Dáil to "an echo chamber". Mr Adams said: "Last week, thirty nine TDs submitted a motion for debate and vote to
27/04/2016
The Green Party in Northern Ireland has announced it is committed to sustainable development in the North West. Green Party Foyle candidate Mary Hassan supports the development of road links throughout the city and the upgrading of the A5 and A6. She said: "This is an essential link to the North W
26/04/2016
Offaly County Council has teamed up with Irish Water to launch a programme which will examine trade effluent discharged from business premises to the Birr wastewater network and treatment plant. The programme will be rolled out through community engagement in May. Information gathered from the prog
26/04/2016
Three diggers and a lorry have been stolen from commercial premises in Co Tyrone. The incident happened at premises on the Omagh Road in Dromore at around 2am on Monday. Police are appealing for people who witnesses a flatbed lorry moving the diggers in the early hours of Monday morning to contact
26/04/2016
The approval of an incinerator at Cork Harbour would be damaging to the strategic potential of the area, according to Sinn Fein. Mr Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD made the comments as part of his oral submission to An Bord Pleanála. He said: "Such worthwhile developments include the ongoing development
26/04/2016
Sinn Féin has said the issue over water charges could be dealt with today, 26 April. The party said if Fianna Fail and Fine Gael would allow the water charges motion signed by 39 TDs to be debated and voted on, they could go back to government negotiations in the knowledge that the issue of water c
26/04/2016
School patron bodies are being urged to apply for patronage of nine new post-primary schools due to be developed in September 2017 and 2018. The Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan, T.D., said it follows on from the November 2015 announcement of a major programme of capital investment
26/04/2016
NI water has confirmed that the exploratory drilling oil work being carried out by Infrastrata at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus poses "no threat to the water supply to the public". The firm made the admission at a meeting with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. NI Water officials told c
26/04/2016
The newly refurbished Military Archives Building at Cathal Brugha Barracks in Dublin has officially opened. The building is the fourth of nine Permanent Reminders to open as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. The Military Archives is the place of deposit for archival records of the Defe
26/04/2016
H&J Martin Asset Management Services have installed new air conditioning systems at Vodafone in Dundonald, Co Down. The new Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioning R410A Systems replaced the existing direct online R22 systems. The systems will provide Vodafone with an energy efficient economical solu
25/04/2016
Planning permission has been approved to build Northern Ireland's largest solar farm. Hadstone Energy, who develop, build, operate and invest in solar parks across the UK, put forward the planning applcation. The 46MW 79 hectare solar farm in Country Antrim will be able to supply energy to 9,500 h
25/04/2016
Construction work on a new £9.1 million Innovation Factory in Belfast is on track and the development it is expected to officially open in October. The factory is located off the Springfield Road in west Belfast and will open for business in Autumn this year, the Belfast City Council has confirmed.
25/04/2016
Sinn Féin is to propose that the work of the inquiry into the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) continues. Mr Daithí McKay MLA said those involved in corruption, dodgy deals and political interference are to be held to account. Mr McKay said: "Michael Noonan clearly knew that the sale of th
25/04/2016
Ratepayers who pay their rate bill before Friday, 06 May, will receive a 4% discount. The discount is available to ratepayers of occupied or vacant domestic properties. A spokesperson for Land & Property Services (LPS) said: "If LPS receives payment in full, in a single payment by the discount da
25/04/2016
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have been called to "explain in detail" where the funding to improve Ireland's water infrastructure will come form. The Green Party has welcomed the positive developments by the two parties that Irish Water is to remain on the state's balance sheet. Green Party Leader an
25/04/2016
The Paris Agreement on climate change has been signed by the Environment Minister on behalf of Ireland. Minister Alan Kelly signed the agreement at a special ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Paris Agreement was adopted by all 196 Parties to the United Nations Framework
25/04/2016
CIS has released a new Self Build service. The online service offers the viewing of project details on all single dwelling or residential extensions across All Ireland at Plans Submitted, Plans Granted and Commencement Stages. The public can look at how the Self Build Dashboard will look
25/04/2016
Sinn Fein is once again calling for all water charges in Ireland to be abolished. The party is also asking for a "meaningful independent commission" to be established which will see Irish Water replaced by a new public ownership model. Sinn Féin Fingal TD Louise O' Reilly has challenged Fianna Fái
22/04/2016
A new water treatment plant is to be developed in Portarlington, Co Laois. Irish Water has teamed up with Laois County Council and is to invest €2.7 million in the development of the new plant. The investment is part of the Portarlington Water Supply Scheme and the new treatment plant will be cons
22/04/2016
The DUP has criticised UUP MLA Adrian Cochrane Watson for stalling the biggest infrastructure project in Northern Ireland's history. DUP candidate in South Antrim Trevor Clarke said the A5 scheme is a vital project for the construction sector. Mr Clarke said: "During a debate about infrastructure
22/04/2016
The Minister for Finance has been slammed for missing a "unique opportunity" to direct the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) to deliver social housing. Fianna Fáil TD for Waterford Mary Butler said her party advised Minister Michael Noonan to include social housing in the remit of the fund,
22/04/2016
Garda Síochána are appealing for information after thieves attempted to steel copper wire from an ESB substation in Inchicore. The incident caused a fire to a transformer at the 220kV substation and over 120,000 ESB customers were left without power which has now been restored. In a statement ESB
22/04/2016
NI firm FK Lowry Piling has completed work on a wind farm development at Twin Rivers for I&H Brown. The £325,000 Energy Sector Scheme, Twin Rivers Wind Farm, contains 14 wind turbines on a 630-acre site at Pasture Farm. The Group also intends to open up footpaths on its land, creating a public acc
22/04/2016
The SDLP has been accused of lying over the Lurgan train station upgrade. Sinn Féin candidate Catherine Seeley said the upgrade including a flyover to lessen traffic congestion has not been secured. She said: "This is not true as the only reference to Lurgan Railway station in the document is as f
22/04/2016
The boil water notice imposed on the Dowra PWS in Leitrim has been lifted. Customers can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking and food preparation following advice from the Health Service Executive. The boil water notice was imposed on 18 December. A spokesperson for Irish Water
22/04/2016
OPKO Health has announced it is expanding the EirGen Pharma facility in Westside Business Park in Waterford. The firm is also establishing a new Product Development Centre in the Waterford Business and Technology Park. The company is locating in the IDA's newly built Advance Technology Building (AT
21/04/2016
Over 200 construction jobs have been created after work started on Belfast's newest film studio at Giant's Park. The £20 million project, which will include over 120,000 sq ft of studios, workshops and offices, is being developed by Belfast Harbour. Designed in conjunction with Northern Ireland Sc
21/04/2016
Work to install new kitchens in over 60 social homes in Strabane, Co Tyrone, has been completed. Contractors Lowry Brothers carried out the work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). A total of 64 households in the Ballycolman estate benefited from the kitchen replace
21/04/2016
The increase in greenhouse gas emissions has been described as "disappointing" by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Emissions of greenhouse gases from Irish firms in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in 2015 increased by 5.5 per cent overall compared to 2014. Laura Burke, Director General, E
21/04/2016
New air conditioning systems have been installed within the Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency at Centre House in Belfast. Workers at H&J Martin Asset Management Services, part of the Lagan Construction Group, completed the installation, including all of the mechanical, electrical and buildi
21/04/2016
Sinn Féin has hit out at Fianna Fáil over the party's water deal with Fine Gael. Pearse Doherty TD said the deal reported in the Irish Times is a "major u-turn" and shows the party's "true colours". He said: "What limited detail is reported this morning in regard to the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil p
21/04/2016
Significant progress is being made on the National Indoor Arena in Dublin. Heron Bros has started painting and M&E engineering on East and West blocks, while work on the Sports Hall structural floor is planned to begin in mid May. Meanwhile at the National Indoor Athletics Training Centre (NIATC),
21/04/2016
The European Commission (EC) has been accused of blocking funding for social housing in Dublin. The claim was made at the European Capitals Mayors conference in Amsterdam. Cllr Daithí Doolan, Chair of Dublin City Council's housing committee, said the EC is working on limiting the ability of cities
21/04/2016
The new Dáil Housing and Homeless Committee have scheduled a meeting on 26 April to discuss the homeless crisis in Ireland. The Environment Minister Alan Kelly has also been invited to the meeting. Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó Broin, who is one the Committee, said: "I am very pleased th
20/04/2016
Fianna Fáil has called on the Environment Minister to release the funding for a community centre in Drumillard, Co Monaghan. TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth hit out at Minister Alan Kelly and said his latest move by the Department is preventing potential residents from moving into housing. Deput
20/04/2016
Northern Ireland's construction sector was lagging behind the rest of the UK, according to the latest RICS and Tughans Construction Market Survey. NI saw an overall increase in activity in the first quarter of 2015 however there was a substantial fall in the amount of public sector work being done.
20/04/2016
Irish Water is being urged to publish its figures for the first quarter of this year "without any further delay". Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin said he sees no reason for a delay after the firm published figures for the last quarter of 2015 by 14 January. He said: "I sincerely hope that the delay has
20/04/2016
A Sinn Féin TD has been appointed to the new Dáil committee on Housing and Homelessness, which aims to look at solutions to the current housing crisis affecting Ireland. Dublin Mid-West TD Eoin Ó Broin has been appointed to the new 14 member committee which will present an interim report to the Dái
20/04/2016
Construction work to expand Shire's global biotechnology manufacturing campus at Piercetown in Co Meath is to start in mid-2016. The firm plans to invest US$400 million in Ireland over the next four years. The site is expected to be operational by mid-2019. The roles at the new campus will consi
20/04/2016
The Green New Deal home energy efficiency scheme would create up to 15,000 jobs, reduce fuel bills and cut carbon emissions, according to the Green Party in Northern Ireland. Party leader Steven Agnew said it is unacceptable that over 40% of people in Northern Ireland are living in fuel poverty.
20/04/2016
A Co Antrim concrete firm has been fined for fraudulently lending an identity disc to TST Transport Ltd at Ballymena Magistrates' Court. Creagh Concrete Products, based in Toome, was fined £500 following an inspection by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). TST Transport, based in Cloughmills, was f
20/04/2016
Residents living in Bennettsbridge Village in Kilkenny have been warned there will be a disruption to their water supply. Kilkenny County Council said that due to essential maintenance work there will be interruption to the water supply on Wednesday, 20 April, and Thursday, 21 April. Irish Water a
19/04/2016
An Irish dairy and animal feed co-op has signed a deal, worth over €2 million annually, with Vayu Energy. Arrabawn Group signed the agreement which will see Vayu supply the firm with natural gas to meet the year-round energy requirements for its dairy ingredients manufacturing facility in Nenagh, C
19/04/2016
A planning application has been submitted to develop a new wastewater treatment plant (WwTP) on the site of the existing plant in Vartry, Co Wicklow. Irish Water said the treatment plant will secure the water supply for the long-term and ensure the scheme continues to meet all drinking water standa
19/04/2016
Dublin City Council (DCC) has admitted it built only 19 homes in the city last year. Sinn Féin's Dessie Ellis described the news as "outrageous". The council also admitted that only 700 new units will be available through leases, refurbishment, acquisition or construction. Deputy Ellis said: "It
19/04/2016
Graham Construction and BAM have been selected to develop a new £95 million Acute Services Block at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, Northern Ireland. Appointed by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust the Acute Services Block is part of the Trust's wider redevelopment plan for the Belfas
19/04/2016
Fianna Fáil has called on the Acting Education Minister to sign off on applications under the Summer Works Scheme. TD for Longford - Westmeath Robert Troy also accused the Department of Education of "withholding information" for schools which have applied for funding. The scheme provides funding f
19/04/2016
A large number of homes in Co Wexford have a poor energy rating, according to new figures. Data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) revealed that many homes in Wexford are missing out on valuable savings because their houses are poorly insulated and lack modern heating systems. Fianna Fail TD
19/04/2016
The Brooke Centre Leisure Centre car park in Co L'Derry is to close due to ongoing regeneration work. A car parking provision will be provided at the rear of the new Contact Sports Centre. Contractors Woodvale Construction require more time to carry out the works. Parks Development Manager with D
19/04/2016
A boil water notice has been lifted for all Irish Water customers on the Ahascragh Public Water Supply in Galway. The Health and Safety Executive has now lifted the ban with immediate effect. Customers can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.
18/04/2016
Underground System and Sewer Repair Limited have been appointed to upgrade the sewer network in Roscommon on behalf of Irish Water. The firm is to invest €2.9 million in the scheme and the work will start this month and are expected to last for one year. The benefits of the works for Roscommon Tow
18/04/2016
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive's (NIHE) solar panel installation scheme has won 'Most Successful Renewable Electricity Installation' at the Action Renewable Awards. The awards recognised the value of its solar photovoltaic (PV) installation at 1,000 tenants' homes located across Northern Ir
18/04/2016
A all-party Dáil Committee on Housing and Homelessness has been established. The committee was set up following a proposal initiated by Sinn Féin. Leader of the party, Gerry Adams, welcomed the approval and confirmed the Committee will produce a report on solutions to the unprecedented housing cri
18/04/2016
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is calling on the Government to reduce the VAT rate on construction at 9% up to the point where Ireland is building the agreed sustainable level of 25,000 homes per year. The CIF estimates at this level of activity the Government would generate €1.85b on t
18/04/2016
Cork County Council has been slammed over a deal with waste management firm Indaver to landfill 40,000 tonnes of ash every year from the proposed Ringaskiddy Incinerator. The Green Party has expressed serious concerns and said the news has taken the residents by surprise. Green Party representativ
18/04/2016
The overall winner in the Octabuild Builders Merchant Awards Northern Ireland 2016 is Haldane Fisher, Coleraine. Other builders merchants to win awards are; JP Corry branches in Springfield Road, Belfast, Castlereagh and Bangor; Murdock Builders Merchants, Derry; Newry Building Supplies; NG Bell, B
18/04/2016
Siptu union members for the fuel transportation firm, Hoyer Ireland, based in Dublin and Cork have served notice of industrial action, up to and including strike action, in a dispute concerning redundancy entitlements. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Teresa Hannick, said: "These workers are facing the loss
18/04/2016
Thieves attempted to steal fertiliser in the Mayobridge area in Co Down on Sunday night. The SDLP is urging farming families and local people to exercise extra vigilance and to safeguard their properties. SDLP Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said: "I would also appeal to people to look out for thei
15/04/2016
The details of a €3 million investment in the Sligo & Environs Water Supply Project have been announced by Irish Water. The Sligo & Environs Water Supply Scheme is currently served from three water treatment plants namely: • The Foxes Den Water Treatment Plant • The Cairns Hill Water Treatment P
15/04/2016
The housing crisis is affecting children's mental health, according to Sinn Féin TD Kathleen Funchion. Deputy Funchion raised her concerns and said it is not acceptable for families to refer to a hotel or Bed & Breakfast as their "normal" home. She said: "There is obviously a huge amount of worry
15/04/2016
NI Water is to host a 'drop in' information session for residents living in Ballycastle to discuss new Wastewater Treatment works (WwTW) in the rea. The project is due to begin in Spring this year. Members of the NI Water project team will be available to discuss the scheme in further detail and
15/04/2016
The Government has been accused of "dragging its heels" over the approval of flood relief programmes. Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Dara Calleary said out of the four projects which were lodged by Mayo County Council with the Office of Public Works (OPW) since the beginning of this year, only one has bee
15/04/2016
Transport NI has planned night time works to refurbish water mains and sewer relaying at Cherry Island and Johnstons Bridge South on the Cornagrade Road. The work is scheduled to start on Monday 25 April. The advance works, which are expected to last for three weeks, will be carried out ahead of
15/04/2016
Farrans Construction is currently undertaking Phase 2 construction works of the Connswater Community Gateway in east Belfast. Works are also continuing at major sections including the C.S. Lewis Square at Holywood Arches, Avoniel, The Hollow at Elmgrove, Mersey Street, and many other sites across e
15/04/2016
Sinn Fein has identified a €2.2 billion investment in housing that could provide 36,500 new homes over five years. Party Leader Gerry Adams said their goal is to bring forward a report with practical recommendations and solutions that the next government will implement. Mr Adams said: "The constru
15/04/2016
A three-day Smart Home Hackathon has been announced by the Sustanable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The event will be hosted in conjunction with DCU Alpha Innovation Campus on 13th – 15th May, 2016. There is a total prize fund of €10,000 on offer and the opportunity of free start up office
15/04/2016
A document which sets out over 30 actions taken across the housing spectrum in Ireland has been published. 'Laying the Foundations: Housing Actions Report' was published today, 15 April, by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Alan Kelly. The achievements in the report
15/04/2016
Only one social housing unit has been developed in Waterford between 2011 and 2015, Sinn Féin has revealed. Mr David Cullinane blamed the government for the housing crisis in Ireland and said the buck stops with Minister Alan Kelly. Mr Cullinane said: "If we are to genuinely address this crisis, t
14/04/2016
Irish Water has teamed up with Wicklow County Council and contractors Arup to progress with the surveys needed to develop the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP). The project will end the current practice of discharging untreated wastewater into the Avoca River. The project represents an inves
14/04/2016
The signing of the Construction Contracts Act will benefit the entire supply chain by bringing more certainty and dispute resolution in the industry, according to the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) President Michael Stone. Tom Parlon, Director General of the CIF, also welcomed the signing b
14/04/2016
A road improvement scheme has been announced by TransportNI for Lurganure Road in Lisburn. The £215,000 project is due to begin on Wednesday, 20 April. The resurfacing and reconstruction scheme will take around eight weeks and is expected to be completed before the end of June. The project will i
14/04/2016
Solar Electric Ireland has won a prestigious award at The Energy Show 2016 at the RDS in Dublin. The firm scooped the 'Product of Show Award' for High Tech Energy Storage Solution at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) annual two-day event. The product combines a solar photovoltai
14/04/2016
A waste management firm based in Portadown, Co Armagh, has been fined for a number of waste offences at Antrim Court. Portadown Recycling and Skip Hire Ltd was fined a total of £5,000 and ordered to pay court costs of £1150.20. The firm pleaded guilty to a failure to prevent another person committ
14/04/2016
Fine Gael is calling for a new Incremental Purchase Scheme to be extended to include residents living in homes that have been acquired by the council. The new scheme will allow social housing tenants to buy their first home, however it does not include people who are in houses acquired by the counc
14/04/2016
A Planning Appeals Commission is to be appointed by the Department of Regional Development (DRD) to hold public enquiries on the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) scheme proposals. The consultation period on the draft statutory Orders and Environmental Statement for the A5WTC scheme closed on 4
14/04/2016
Sinn Fein has hit out at the European Union (EU) over its failure to recognise that the rise in poverty is a direct consequence of its austerity policies. Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan was speaking in Strasbourg today, 14 April, after a report - Meeting anti-poverty targets in light of increasin
13/04/2016
Environment Minister Alan Kelly has been slammed after an RTE report revealed that Dublin City Council (DCC) sought an additional €500,000 on top of an initial €4,700,000 to pay for an order of 22 modular housing units that were supposed to be completed in January this year. Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Br
13/04/2016
Contractors Bann Ltd have completed over 80 new kitchen installations for residents living in Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) homes in Craigavon, Co Armagh. A total of 81 new kitchens were installed at homes in the Westacres area at a cost of almost £364,000. Denise McNally, NIHE's Area
13/04/2016
Sinn Féin has hit out over a fine received by Irish Water after it was prosecuted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to ensure sewage waste from a water treatment plant in Co Louth did not cause pollution. TD Imelda Munster said the company has "only been fined €3,500 combined
13/04/2016
Irish company Actavo | Network & In-Home Solutions has won 'Boiler and Heating Installer of the Year' at Scotland's annual Energy Efficiency and Retrofit Awards 2016. The award recognises the efforts of fully-qualified boiler and heating installers that provide excellent customer service and demons
13/04/2016
Dublin City Council (DCC) has approved planning permission for THE EXO, a 224,500 square foot office building at the Point Village in Dublin's Dockland's. Joint Receivers Stephen Tennant & Paul McCann of Grant Thornton made the announcement. 'THE EXO' will become Dublin's tallest commercial office
13/04/2016
NI Water is to host a 'drop in' information session for the local community and businesses to discuss the second phase of a Sewer Rehabilitation Programme in Donaghadee, Co Down. The event will be held in Donaghadee Community Centre on Thursday 21 April from 4pm to 7pm. Work is expected to start o
13/04/2016
The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) is calling on businesses, public bodies and communities to enter the prestigious awards this year. Sponsored by Enprova, the Sustainable Energy Awards aim to highlight energy saving achievements. The awards are open to large and small projects from t
13/04/2016
A haulier based in Crumlin, Co Antrim, has been given a suspended sentence and fined for waste offences. Mr Nigel Irwin of Cameron Contracts was fined £4,500 and given a three month suspended jail sentence at Antrim Crown Court. Mr Irwin pleaded guilty to a failure to comply with a Notice to provi
13/04/2016
Two primary schools in Donegal have taken part in the Green-Schools 'Walk for Water' event in Glenveagh National Park. Irish Water teamed up with Green Schools to deliver the Water theme of the Green-Schools programme. The event is aimed at raising awareness about the plight of many people across
13/04/2016
The 'Construction Contracts Act 2013 (Appointed Day) Order 2016' has been signed by the Minister for Business and Employment. The Order will give legal effect to the provisions of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013. Minister Ged Nash said: "This is a significant day in the calendar of events lea
12/04/2016
Fine Gael is calling for funding to be urgently spent to repair roads in north Meath. TD for Meath East, Helen McEntee, said she wants 50% of the roads funding to be spent in north Meath to "bring them up to standard with the rest of the country". She said: "At present North Meath receives 34% of
12/04/2016
A new wastewater treatment plant is be Belmullet, Co Mayo. Irish Water is to invest €9 million in the new plant and Roadbridge and EPS have been appointed to carry out the work. Works on the new plant, which will be located on the Toorglass Road, are to begin this summer and are expected to take 1
12/04/2016
A Belfast property firm has been fined after its employees were exposed to asbestos fibres during refurbishment work on a complex on Finaghy Road North in Belfast. JDM Property Limited was fined £9,000 and court costs of £1,700 after pleading guilty to three breaches of health and safety legislatio
12/04/2016
Emergency repairs works are to be carried out on a sea wall in Warrenpoint, Co Down. The work on the A2 Rostrevor Road will begin on Wednesday, 13 April, until Friday, 13 May. The Rostrevor Road near St Leonards will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians during the closure to allow the install
12/04/2016
NI construction firm Farrans has won a £10 million contract been to build a new academy in Bromley-by-Bow in Stratford. The new East London Arts and Music Academy (ELAM) is to be located on a restricted site directly adjacent to the A12 approach to the Blackwall Tunnel. The design and build projec
12/04/2016
The DUP has launched a campaign aimed at reducing public littering in Northern Ireland. The 'Don't Mess with NI' campaign hopes to change the public's attitude towards littering and lift a major financial burden from local councils. DUP East Belfast candidate Joanne Bunting said: "The DUP wants to
12/04/2016
Businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland have been commended for their efforts for a 'green future at the annual Action Renewable Awards. The awards were attended by over 170 guests at the Titanic Belfast. Praised for their work in furthering the renewables industry locally and displaying
12/04/2016
A newly refurbished recital room at the National Concert Hall in Leinster, Ireland, has officially opened. The restoration of the Kevin Barry Rooms at the National Concert Hall is one of the nine key 'Permanent Reminders' being developed at historically significant locations as part of the Governme
12/04/2016
A new Traditional Farm Buildings Grants scheme to help preserve and restore traditional farm buildings for GLAS farmers has been welcomed by Fine Gael. TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, said the scheme for Irish farmers will help restore the buildings which are of significant heritage value. Mr Doyle
12/04/2016
Environment Minister Alan Kelly is being urged to appear before the new all party sub committee on housing and homelessness to his explain his belief that the constitution has blocked him from interfering in the private housing market to stop evictions. Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin is calling on the c
11/04/2016
Kildare County Council has been urged to prioritise the development of a new Clane Link Road. The road, which connects the Dublin Road with the Kilcock Road, needs to be developed without "undue delay", according to Fianna Fáil. TD for Kildare North Frank O Rourke said the plans must be resurrecte
11/04/2016
Around 500 jobs are expected to be created after plans to develop 1,000 new homes in Newtownards, Co Down, were unveiled by property developers. Fraser Houses (NI) Ltd announced plans for the £200 million Riverwood Scheme. The project on a 107-acre site includes bungalows, semi-detached and detach
11/04/2016
Improvements are to be made on the Lough Talt Regional Water Supply Scheme in Sligo following a €1.9 million investment, it has been announced. Irish Water said the project will deliver significant improvements in network performance and customer service in terms of supply pressure, security of sup
11/04/2016
The ongoing housing crisis is having a "serious and detrimental impact" on the lives of citizens, according to Sinn Fein. Sublin Fingal TD Louise Reilly said over the course of the recent election the situation has worsened. She said: "The housing crisis has not gone into stasis as the political c
11/04/2016
Irish Water workers are to have a greater input over the future of the public utility. The Group of Unions Ervia welcomed the call by the Environment Minister, Alan Kelly, and said the overall meeting was "very positive". Group of Unions at Irish Water secretary, Adrian Kane, said: "Following a po
11/04/2016
An application for planning permission has been submitted for almost 50 co-op houses to be developed in Poppintree, Dublin. The 49 new houses will include two, three and four bed units. Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly welcomed the news. She said: "O'Cualann Co-housing Alliance has worked ti
11/04/2016
Discussions to demolish four blocks at O'Devaney Gardens in Dublin are to take place tomorrow, 12 April. The site needs to be cleared following prposed development plans on the land. Sinn Féin Cllr Janice Boylan welcomed the proposals and said there are currently 10 families waiting on offers in t
11/04/2016
The annual tax-free forestry premium payments for 2016 should reach bank accounts this week beginning today, 11 April, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with Special Responsibility for Forestry, has confirmed. Minister Tom Hayes said the payments currently
08/04/2016
Political parties are being urged to meet with the Irish Water employees after they voiced concerns about their future with the firm. Following a meeting with the Ervia group of trade unions which took place in the Custom House the Minister for Environment confirmed he will be writing to the leader
08/04/2016
A new energy efficient social housing development in Carryduff, south Belfast, has scooped an Action Renewable award. The Choice Housing development, named Killynure Green, won the award for best planning for a renewable energy project. Killynure Green is the first housing scheme in Northern Irela
08/04/2016
The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), which was established in 2014, has not found any investable projects for social housing, according to Sinn Féin. The party's Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said it is "beyond belief" that almost a year and a half in which a State Investment Fund
08/04/2016
Plans are being put together to develop a new community centre and school sports hall at Adamstown Community College in Dublin. The Department of Education, the Education and Training Board, South Dublin County Council and Castlehorn Developments have agreed to work on new plans for the college. S
08/04/2016
Planning consultant, The Paul Hogwart Company, is to host a drop-in event on the redevelopment of the St Patrick's Barracks site in Ballymena, Co Antrim. Members of the public are being urged to attend the event to discuss what will help shape the sites redevelopment on Thursday, 14 April. A works
08/04/2016
The High Court has granted approval for essential works to be carried out to preserve the National Monument, Numbers 14-17 Moore Street, in Dublin. The works will include installing a permanent roof on the buildings, works to windows and doors and underpinning works to better stabilise the building
08/04/2016
Sinn Féin is calling for all water charges to be abolished, after three people were arrested during a peaceful protest at Greystones in Co Wicklow. TD for Wicklow John Brady said a complete halt is needed to the "unnecessary waste of money and resources". Deputy Brady said: "Sinn Fein have publish
08/04/2016
Residents have raised concerns over the development of another runway at Dublin Airport. Sinn Fein TD said residents are worried it may effect their quality of life and is said a consultation is needed between the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to allay residents fears. TD Louise O'Reilly said: "P
07/04/2016
Concerns have been raised over the exploratory drilling site in Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. The site is near the Woodburn Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to Larne, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and North Belfast. Two Sinn Féin representatives met with Infrastrata
07/04/2016
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been slammed for failing to address the ongoing housing crisis in Fingal, Dublin. Sinn Féin said there are no real policy differences between these two parties and together they command a majority. Cllr Malachy Quinn said: "It is remarkable that on Fingal County Coun
07/04/2016
Fianna Fáil is calling for "steps to be taken" after it was revealed a flood prevention committee failed to meet over a four year period. Longford – Westmeath Robert Troy TD described the revelation as "shocking" and a "disgrace". He said: "It's nothing short of a disgrace that the Government app
07/04/2016
Brookfield Renewable Energy is to supply 100% renewable wind energy to Facebook's European data center in Clonee, Co Meath, which is currently under construction, and its international headquarters in Dublin. The supply contract, which will be for a period of at least 10 years, will see Brookfield
07/04/2016
Contractor BSG Engineering is working in partnership with NI Water to start work on a new storm sewer project in Co L'Derry. The work, to provide a storm sewer for a new housing development in the Limavady Road area, will begin on 18 April and is expected to take around eight weeks to complete. It
07/04/2016
A boil water notice remains in place for many residents living in Ahascragh in Galway. Irish Water has launched an investigation after there was a sudden change in the raw water quality that occurred in the springs which supply the Water Water Treatment Plant in Ahascragh. The Water Treatment Plan
07/04/2016
A Dunmurry based construction firm has been fined for a pollution offence at Limavady Magistrates' Court. Northstone (NI) Ltd was fined £15,000 for making a polluting discharge and for making a discharge in contravention of the Department's consent conditions. The firm was also ordered to pay cour
07/04/2016
A new scheme to grant-aid the conservation of traditional farm buildings on GLAS farms in Ireland has launched. GLAS is the new agri-environment scheme for Irish farmers to help ensure that small traditional farm buildings and other structures, which are of significant cultural and heritage value,
06/04/2016
A membership of an expert panel to look into problems in the concrete blockwork of certain dwellings in Donegal and Mayo has been set up. Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Mr Paudie Coffey, has appointed Dr Denis McCarthy to chair the expert panel. Mr Coffey said: "My Department
06/04/2016
A bill to abolish water charges in Ireland has been produced by Sinn Féin. The party also accused Fianna Fáil of using the scrapping of Irish Water as a "smokescreen to deflect attention from their intention to only suspend water charges". Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley said in the absence of a Sinn F
06/04/2016
A new report which highlights the importance of reducing Ireland's energy demand in order to make renewable energy targets achievable has been launched by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The report, 'Ireland's Energy Targets - Progress, Ambition and Impacts', said the number of
06/04/2016
A Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2016-2035 has been approved. The Strategy, prepared by the National Transport Authority (NTA), will guide decisions on transport throughout the region and will contribute to the economic, social and cultural progress of the GDA by providing for
06/04/2016
The Marine Institute has submitted an application for a foreshore lease for the Galway Bay Marine and Renewable Energy Test site where prototype marine renewable energy technology can be tested at reduced scale to determine viability in an ocean environment. The Institute is not seeking permission
06/04/2016
A steering group set up to oversee a national programme for flood risk assessment did not meet during a four year period before November 2014, a report has revealed. According to the Strategic for Planning and Flood Risk report the steering group was one of three groups established to address speci
06/04/2016
The 2016 SuperValu TidyTowns competition is now open for entries. The competition is administered by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and is a catalyst for voluntary activity and community participation across the country. Minister for the Environment, Community an
06/04/2016
The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has been accused of wrongly asserting that the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) was blocking dredging of rivers that were flooded earlier in the year. Green Party spokesperson for Environment Cllr Micheal Noonan said the EU has stated quite clearly that
05/04/2016
Energy firm Gaelectric is to officially open its £16.8 million wind farm at Monnaboy on Loughermore Mountain in L'Derry today, 05 April. The company is progressing through a programme to construct and commission a near term portfolio of approximately 400MWs of consented wind energy projects on the
05/04/2016
The government has been slammed for "sitting on its hands for long enough" after it was revealed there are over 4,500 people on the housing waiting list in Co Meath. Sinn Féin TD and Cathaoirleach of the Meath Housing Campaign Peadar Tóibín made the statement after a Meath family occupied a Local A
05/04/2016
Over 800 residents in Dublin have promised to help turn empty buildings into safe homes to aid homeless people. A total of 834 have pledged to help Dublin City Council (DCC) turn vacant buildings into safe homes. Housing campaigner, Erica Fleming, who is also homeless, presented a petition to the
05/04/2016
Dawson Wam in partnership with NI Water has started work on a sewer rehabilitation programme in Dundrum, Co Down. The work in Dundrum is part of NI Water’s ongoing Sewerage Rehabilitation Programme and is expected to take approximate six months. The work may include localised repairs, the installa
05/04/2016
Sinn Féin has once again called for Irish Water charges to be scrapped. MEP Lynn Boylanmade the announcement in Rome, Italy, to address a debate on the human right to water organised by the Italian Government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. She said the Irish governmen
05/04/2016
Sinn Fein is calling on the Energy Minister to pull the Eirgrid application from the An Bord Pleanála oral hearings immediately. Mr Peadar Tóibín TD has criticised Minister Alex White for proceeding with the over grounding of the North South Interconnector. The party made the call after a majority
05/04/2016
There has been significant improvements in the ratings for bathing water in Ireland, according to the EPA Bathing Water Quality Report 2015. By the end of 2016, Irish Water will have invested approximately €650 million in upgrading wastewater infrastructure. The report shows that of the seven bath
05/04/2016
Irish energy firm ESB's clean tech fun, ESB NovusModus, has announced it is to invest €3.3 million in Endeco Technologies. The investment and ongoing partnership will enable ESB's Smart Energy Services division to leverage from Endeco's cutting-edge technology, as part of an overall portfolio of en
04/04/2016
Applications are now open on NI's Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme to provide £1,000 for properties and small businesses affected by the recent flooding. The scheme is for properties affected for the period 07 November 2015 to 31 January 2016. The scheme also includes farm businesse, recreati
04/04/2016
Construction work has started to provide a right turn lane on the A29 Armagh Dungannon Road at Lislasly Road junction. Works is expected to be completed in four to six weeks subject to weather conditions. A one way road closure will be necessary to complete the works safely. The road will be close
04/04/2016
A small grants initiative to develop greenway projects in Northern Ireland has been launched. The scheme is aimed at providing support for councils to work up projects that will be able to deliver a step change in greenway provision. Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "As a user of the Com
04/04/2016
Gas Networks Ireland, formerly Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE), has been found guilty of breaching a number of the conditions of its Natural Gas Transmission Licence, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has announced. On 26 October 2014, the CER received an email from a former employee o
04/04/2016
Dundrum in County Down does not have the road safety infrastructure to meet its needs, according to the SDLP. Mr Seán Rogers said the lack of pedestrian road crossing is an "accident waiting to happen". Mr Rogers said the more than mile long road through the centre of the village also increased ro
04/04/2016
Significant progress is being made on the new development of the Rivers Agency headquarters in Cookstown, Co Tyrone. The site has been cleared and the steel frame for the new building has been erected. Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill visited the site with Peter Quinn of QMac, the
04/04/2016
An avenue of trees has been planted to mark the 63 year reign of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, at a park on the Holywood Road in Belfast. The avenue, at Knocknagoney Linear Park, is an 18ft tall red twigged lime trees. It was officially opened by Alderman Christopher Stalford. He said: "I am gl
04/04/2016
Serious concerns have been raised over residents living conditions in Constitution Hill, Dublin. Sinn Féin Dublin City Cllr Janice Boylan is calling on Dublin City Council (DCC) management to heed the reasonable requests from residents of the flat complex. Cllr Boylan said: "A very active and arti
01/04/2016
The next stage of the A5 road scheme in Northern Ireland is to begin in the autumn, it has been confirmed. Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer said the Regional Development Minister confirmed the public inquiry process into the development is being planned for autumn 2016. Following a successful complet
01/04/2016
Sinn Fein has admitted it did not seek planning permission for an Easter Rising concrete structure to be unveiled in east Antrim. The illegal memorial was unveiled at Hurry Head on Saturday. Alliance East Antrim representative Danny Donnelly hit out at Sinn Fein. He said: "This memorial commemora
01/04/2016
Businesses and home owners in Northern Ireland will receive their rate bill for 2016-2017 this month. Land & Property Services (LPS) is responsible for issuing rate bills and collecting monies on behalf of the NI Executive and local councils. The bill outlines the amount due for the billing period
01/04/2016
Preliminary work has started on a £150,000 road improvement scheme in Moira, Co Down. Construction work on the priject at Moira roundabout is to start this month. Work on the resurfacing scheme will take place over eight evenings and is expected to be complete in early May. Transport Minister Mic
01/04/2016
FP McCann has made significant progress on the North Foreshore Regeneration Project at Giant's Park in Belfast. Over 2,400m of kerbs have been installed, 33 wooden street lighting columns have been erected and approximately 14,500 m² of tar has been laid. All materials used in previous operations
01/04/2016
A boil water notice has been issued to over 850 people on the Ahascragh Public Water Supply Scheme in Galway. Irish Water and Galway County Council made the announcement following advice from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Elevated turbidity has been detected in the water supply. The notice
01/04/2016
Almost £3 million is to be invested to upgrade linkages in Portadown town centre. The works will see finishes to the main key gateways into the town centre, including Castle Street, Wilson Street, Bridge Street, Woodhouse Street, Meadow Lane, Obins Street/Park Road and Craigwell Avenue. The works
01/04/2016
Women in non-traditional skills trading have attended the annual WOMEN'STEC awards which took place at Belfast City Hall. In the past year, 140 students have participated in the Supporting People - Empowering Communities (SPEC) programme run in partnership with Clanmil Housing Group and part funded
