Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for September 2017
29/09/2017
SSE Airtricity has confirmed a 5.6% rise in electricity prices. The increase will come into effect on 01 November. The firm said the change is as a result of recently announced increases in regulated networks charges combined with an extended period of rising wholesale energy costs. David Manning
29/09/2017
Conwell Contracts is to start sewer laying works in south Belfast. NI Water appointed the contractor to carry out the works which will take place in the University Street area and begin on Monday, 02 October. The proposed construction works involve laying approximately 210 metres of 150mm storm se
29/09/2017
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have rejected the Wind Turbine Bill put forward by Sinn Fein. The bill proposed a ten to one minimum setback distance for wind turbines. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Community and Rural Development Carol Nolan TD hit out at the two parties for voting against the bill. Teach
29/09/2017
Sinn Fein has slammed the Government after new figures revealed a rise in homelessness throughout Ireland in August. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD accused the government of losing control of the crisis. He said: "We now officially have over 3,000 children sleeping in emergency accommodation
29/09/2017
Repair work to a burst main within the Lagan Valley Hospital Estate in Lisburn has been completed. NI Water confirmed the supply has been fully restored to the site. Steps were taken to minimise the impact on hospital services while the repair was carried out. NI Water said: "We are grateful to a
29/09/2017
The former MSD plant in Rathdrum Co Wicklow has been sold. Fianna Fail TD Stephen Donnelly welcomed the announcement and said he is looking forward to working with IDA and the new owners. He said: "I am delighted to see that the site has been sold. In the four years that the site has been closed,
29/09/2017
The closing date for the slurry-spreading deadline needs to be extended, according to Sinn Fein. Agricultural spokesperson Martin Kenny TD called for the deadline to be extended to allow farmers to get their slurry out. Deputy Kenny said: "The weather forecast for the coming period is bad, and we
29/09/2017
Sinn Fein has called on the Department of Infrastructure to reverse its decision to develop an incinerator plant in Hightown in Co Antrim. The party has proposed the establishment of an all-party working group to pursue all legal avenues to reverse the decision. South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney sai
28/09/2017
Work is to start to improve the Loughrea sewer network in Galway. The work, which will begin this month, aims to reduce out of sewer flooding and also the frequency and quantity of storm water overflow spills to the St Clerans River which will help improve water quality. Irish Water is investing €
28/09/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at the government over the housing crisis in Ireland. TD for Dublin Bay North, Denise Mitchell, said the response of the government has been "atrocious". She said: "We have 3,000 homeless children living in emergency accommodation. These children have no certainty when it com
28/09/2017
Fianna Fáil has called on the government to take urgent action over the potential flooding in Co Mayo. TD for Mayo Dara Calleary raised the issue with the Minister with responsibility for the OPW Kevin Boxer Moran in the Dáil, but he was unable to give any real assurances that flood prevention or r
28/09/2017
Construction work is to start on a carriageway resurfacing project in Lurgan. The work, which will begin on Wednesday 04 October, is to take place on the A3, Lake Road, at Roundabout 2. It is expected to be completed by Saturday, 07 October. A road closure will be necessary during the duration of
28/09/2017
The Department of Communities has announced it is to carry out a consultation and equality impact assessment on the allocation of social housing. Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín welcomed the announcement. She said: "There are huge issues in the process of allocating homes and there
28/09/2017
Fianna Fáil has introduced a new bill which aims to refurbish thousands of vacant properties and commercial buildings to bring them back into use. The Vacant Housing Refurbishment Bill 2017 establishes a special planning and building control approval process in each planning authority. It will enab
28/09/2017
Repair work is being carried out on a burst water main in Lisburn. Workers from NI Water are currently at the scene on the grounds of the Lagan Valley Hospital estate. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and NI Water employees worked through the night to minimise and prevent further damag
28/09/2017
The SDLP and Sinn Fein have welcomed the announcement that €23.5million has been awarded to develop the Waterside Transport Hub in Co L'Derry. SDLP Cllr Martin Reilly said the funding package by the INTERREG programme is "critical to make the project happen". He said: "This site has incredible pot
27/09/2017
The M17/M18 Gort to Tuam scheme has officially opened two months ahead of schedule. The Gort-Tuam Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme is one of three road PPP projects included in the Government's Financial Stimulus Package 2012. Transport Minister Shane Ross said: "This is my first major roa
27/09/2017
Work is to begin to reduce infiltration in the Loughrea sewer network in Galway and reduce out of sewer flooding. Irish Water is investing €200,000 to deliver the Loughrea Town Main Drainage - Gort Road Sewer and Manhole Rehabilitation Contract. Work is expected to be completed by January 2018. T
27/09/2017
Sinn Fein is calling on the Government to establish a redress scheme for the thousands of families affected by mica defective concrete blocks in their properties. Donegal Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn raised the matter again in the Seanad with the Minister of State for Housing Damien English today,
27/09/2017
Labour has hit out after the government failed to advance a referendum to ensure Ireland's water infrastructure remains in public ownership. Spokesperson on Water, Jan O'Sullivan, said the party will now move to reintroduce its Bill which was first proposed in July 2016. She said: "A key recommend
27/09/2017
iCare Housing has announced it intends to make the Government's recently reformed Mortgage to Rent scheme work for a large number of households in mortgage arrears around country. The firm confirmed that it will also work with a number of specific lenders. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy welcomed t
27/09/2017
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has pledged to help protect homeowners from rises in property tax rates. Fine Gael TD Josepha Madigan welcomed the announcement and said it is a major issue for homeowners in Dublin and Rathdown. Deputy Madigan said: "Local Property Tax has been a priority of mine throughout
27/09/2017
JRPH Ltd has started work on a mains rehabilitation project in Co Mayo. Irish Water has teamed up with Mayo County council and has invested €0.6million in the project which will ensure a more secure supply of water to businesses and residents in the Claremorris and Crossboyne areas. The work is ex
27/09/2017
Eight people are currently under active criminal investigation over the sale of the National Asset Management Agency's (NAMA) northern loan book. Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said the public is entitled to get to the full truth behind the NAMA sale. Mr Murphy said: "Quite clearly this is an ongoing
26/09/2017
Murphy Processing Engineering Limited has signed a deal with Irish Water to upgrade and enhance two water treatment plants in Co Louth. The work on the Staleen Water Treatment Plant and the Cavanhill Water Treatment Plant is to start soon and is expected to take 18 months to complete. Irish Water
26/09/2017
A water restriction put in place in Inis Oirr, Galway, has been lifted. The notice was put in place over the summer and following recent heavy rainfall and a reduction in demand the water has now been restocked. Irish Water tankered 80 boat loads of water to the island to keep up with demand when
26/09/2017
Sinn Fein has described the housing system in Ireland as "dysfunctional". The party said decades of under investment has left thousands of families on social housing waiting lists and left others trapped in unsuitable accommodation in the private rented sector. However, Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó
26/09/2017
A man has been sentenced to 200 hours community service for breaching waste management legislation at Antrim Crown Court. Ian Thompson had been directed to safely remove hazardous waste from his yard, which was the result of his illegal fuel laundering plant. On 28 May 2013 NIEA officers were pas
26/09/2017
Strabane firm Frylite has launched an initiative which aims to encourage the public to consider their waste management. The firm chose the theme 'What Goes Around Comes Around' during Recycle Week, which runs from Monday 25 September until Sunday 01 October. The food oil and waste specialists are
26/09/2017
Fianna Fail is urging the government to do more to tackle the flooding issue in Donegal. The party also said the Govt also needs to address national flooding issues. TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue said: "Families, farmers, businesses and sport clubs were all affected by the devastating floodin
26/09/2017
The Green Party is calling on the government to invest in water services throughout Ireland. The party made the call after the Govt approved a referendum to ensure the public ownership of water services. Senator Grace O'Sullivan said: "It's long past time that Fine Gael recognised the legitimate f
26/09/2017
Stafford Fuels has opened a new €3 million facility in New Ross, Co Wexford. The new development will initially produce 50,000 tonnes of smokeless fuels each year and has the capacity to double the output to over 100,000 tonnes each year. Stafford Fuels is also developing a new fuel at the plant
26/09/2017
Work on a new Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) in Co Fermanagh has been completed. The Castle Archdale site is the second ICW to be developed by NI Water. The wetland will now be available for the public to be at one with nature, enjoying the flora and fauna as part of the beautiful surroundin
26/09/2017
Birdhill in Co Tipperary has scooped gold at the SuperValu National TidyTowns competition. Birdhill was named Irleland's Tidiest Town 2017 at the awards ceremony at The Helix in Dublin. Other winners included Clonakilty, Co Cork which received the award for Ireland's Tidiest Small Town. Westport,
25/09/2017
Work has been completed on almost 80 new social homes and a range of community amenities in Dublin. The first phase of the Charlemont Street Regeneration Project has been completed which has been progressed through a partnership between McGarrell Reilly and Dublin City Council. Phase one has seen
25/09/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at Fianna Fail after the party rejected its Wind Turbine Bill. MEP Matt Carthy accused Fianna Fail of "rank hypocrisy". He said: "The Wind Turbine Bill brought forward by my colleague Brian Stanley TD aimed to ensure that community consultation was central to the development
25/09/2017
2017 represents a milestone for Construction Information Services (CIS) as it celebrates 45 years since the first issue of the CIS Report was produced. Since then it has become the cornerstone of the Construction and Related Industries, providing comprehensive, reliable, timely and verified business
25/09/2017
Funding has been approved for renovation work to be carried out on a car park in Donegal. Joe McHugh T.D., Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, approved a grant of €38,760 for Coiste Forbartha Chnoc Fola to enable them to renovate the ca
25/09/2017
New laws to ensure Ireland remains an attractive investment option for multinationals seeking to build data centres are being examined by the Government. Current legislation has led to a lengthy delay for a proposed data centre project and Minister of State with special responsibility for Trade, Em
25/09/2017
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is carrying out a full investigation into odourless gas in the network in Mayo and Galway. Fine Gael Minister for Rural and Community Development and Mayo TD, Michael Ring welcomed the announcement. He said: "This investigation should be carried out and i
25/09/2017
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has confirmed it is to maintain the 15% reduction in Local Property Tax (LPT). Fianna Fail Cllr Cormac Devlin welcomed the decision and said: "I am pleased that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has agreed to maintain a 15% reduction of the Local Property T
22/09/2017
Work to replace approximately 25km of ageing water mains across 16 locations in County Meath is to start in October and is expected to last for around 18 months. he project will replace ageing water mains in Kells, Oldcastle, Athboy, Piercetown, Navan, Slane, Trim, Gaulstown, Ratoath, Sutherland L
22/09/2017
Sinn Fein has introduced a Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2016 which aims to protect rural communities and ensure that the development of wind energy is achieived. Spokesperson for Communications, Climate Change and the Environment Brian Stanley TD hopes that all parties will vote for the Bill next T
22/09/2017
Construction work on the largest Irish-Medium post primary school in Ireland has been completed. Education Minister Richard Bruton officially opened the Coláiste na Coiribe in Knocknacarra today, 22 September. The Minister also opened over 20 classrooms, spread out over four other local Galway sch
22/09/2017
Work to install new kitchens and bathrooms in social homes in Lisburn has been completed. A total of 157 properties in the Old Warren area have had new fitted kitchens and bathroom upgrades. The houses are owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). The work, carried out in two phases
22/09/2017
The delivery plan to rollout smart meters in Ireland has been announced. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) confirmed it will be a phased rollout, around 2.3 million electricity smart meters will be installed in homes and businesses nationwide, replacing old mechanical meters. The rollou
22/09/2017
Alliance is calling on the Department of Infrastructure to plan ahead to meet essential public safety requirements. MLA Kellie Armstrong made the call after it was revealed that the £43million allocated to resurface and maintain roads has almost ran out, months before the end of the financial year.
22/09/2017
The government has allocated around €108,000 to relocate a crèche in Ennistymon, Co Clare, to an alternative site. The Little Deers crèche is a community based childcare facility managed by the North West Clare Family Resource Centre. Fine Gael Clare Senator Martin Conway said: "This facility has
22/09/2017
Over half of primary across Ireland that applied for funding to carry out fire safety works have been turned down. Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow John Brady has raised concerns over the Department of Education & Skills decision. He said: "It is extremely concerning that over half of all applications mad
22/09/2017
The Housing Minister has been called to provide dedicated emergency beds for homeless individuals and families in Wicklow. Sinn Fein TD made the call to Minister Eoghan Murphy after a homeless man died in a tent that he had been sleeping in Bray in the early hours of Saturday morning, 16 September.
22/09/2017
The Minister for Education is being urged to develop a new post-primary school in Dublin. Fianna Fail TD, Jim O'Callaghan, also called for the development to be built on the Harold's Cross site. He said: "Some years ago the Dept of Education approved the construction of a new post-primary school,
21/09/2017
Work is continuing to replace an aging water main in Swords. Irish Water is working with Fingal County Council on the Swords Water Main Rehabilitation project. The scheme is taking place between Cooks Road and Forest Road south of Swords, and along Forest Road to the junction with Dublin Road / Ma
21/09/2017
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called for an urgent expansion in the local authority house building programme. Labour spokesperson on Housing, Jan O'Sullivan TD, supported the call and said the Government needs to accelerate plans by local authorities to deliver a social housing buil
21/09/2017
A €10 million programme has been launched to support the improvement of non-public rural roads in 2017 in Ireland. The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports improvement works on private/non-public roads. Often the roads lead to multiple residences, parcels of land that support agricultural activi
21/09/2017
A construction firm in Co Tyrone is to develop almost 60 new eco-friendly homes just outside Dungannon. Western Homes will invest around £6 million on the new scheme at Derrywinnen Heights, off Bush Road. The new timber framed homes will come in a variety of three and four bedroom semi-detached an
21/09/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at the Conservatives after being told there is no more money being invested in structural maintenance between now and the end of the financial year in Northern Ireland. Infrastructure spokesperson Philip McGuigan said maintenance of NI's road network and infrastructure is comi
21/09/2017
Greystones in Co Wicklow has been declared a rent pressure zone. The move will see rent increases frozen at a maximum of 4% per year for the coming years. Fianna Fail TD Stephen welcomed the announcement. He said: "When these zones were first announced, the omission of Greystones due to a techni
21/09/2017
The DUP has been called to reject a "clear attempt at sectarian discrimination" after a residents group said a new social housing development in Dunmurry should be "filled up with people from the loyalist/unionist community". Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín was speaking after The Se
20/09/2017
Almost 30 new homes are to be developed in Ballymena. The £4million Frys Meadow project, announced by housebuilders Hagan Homes, is the firm's third development in Ballymena in the last three years. Construction on the 27 new houses has started at the 2.9 acre site and will take up to two years to
20/09/2017
Refurbishment work at two Health Service Executive (HSE) centres in Cavan and Monaghan has been completed. The Residential Care Services at Virginia Community Health Centre, Cavan and St Mary's Residential Care Centre Castleblaney, Monaghan, have now officially opened. The residential unit at Virg
20/09/2017
Sinn Fein is to bring a Wind Turbine Regulation Bill before the Dáil on Thursday, 21 September. The Bill aims to ensure that the industry develops with community engagement and legal protection for rural communities. The party's Environment Spokesperson Brian Stanley TD said: "Six Ministers and tw
20/09/2017
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has agreed the adoption of Article 4 Directions to give added protection to the character of properties in Conservation Areas. The decision, which relates to the Adelaide Park and Malone Park Conservation Areas in south Belfast, will now be submitted to the
20/09/2017
Solar Pump Solutions has been announced as the overall winner of the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards 2017 at the National Ploughing Championships. From a solar powered water pumping system to a water treatment machine that reduces the need for antibiotics in poultry flocks, the most inno
20/09/2017
LinkedIn has officially opened a new building in Dublin. The new 17,650 sq m Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Headquarters is the first that LinkedIn has built outside the USA following an €85 million investment. The development was undertaken in order to meet the needs of LinkedIn's growi
20/09/2017
There are currently 8,000 people living in emergency homeless accommodation, including 3,000 children, throughout Ireland, according to new figures. The data has been released by The Department of Housing and the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive. During an Oireachtas Housing Committee hearing on
20/09/2017
Sinn Féin will oppose any attempt to reintroduce water charges through the back door. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD made the statement after he revealed the party has not yet seen the new water legislation. He said: "Sinn Féin will judge the legislation when we see it; however we will oppos
20/09/2017
The SDLP has welcomed a court judgement supporting the A6 L'Derry to Belfast Road project. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said it is a "critical infrastructure" scheme for the North West. He said: "Communities here have been waiting for far too long for investment in tired infrastructure which d
20/09/2017
Sinn Fein has called government to do more to deal with the rent crisis in Co Louth. Leader of the party Gerry Adams made the call and also cautiously welcomed the announcement that Drogheda has been designated as a rent pressure zone. Mr adams said: "While I welcome Drogheda's designation as a re
19/09/2017
Fianna Fail has been accused of being "completely out of touch" over the housing crisis in Ireland. Dublin Bay North TD Denise Mitchell was speaking following the launch of a pre-Budget submission by the Simon Communities. She also urged the Government to develop more social and affordable housing
19/09/2017
Belfast City Council is being urged to plant more trees to support National Tree Week in November. Green Party Councillor Georgina Milne made the call and praised the "knowledgeable and dedicated team who tend to trees within the city". She said: "There are more than 60,000 park trees and 12,500 s
19/09/2017
Sinn Fein has called for a "radical approach" to housing costs in Northern Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín made the call after figures released revealed a 3.7 percent increase in rent within the private rental sector in NI. She said: "Disproportionate housing costs as co
19/09/2017
Waterford City & County Council has teamed up with Irish Water to ensure there is a safe and secure drinking water supply in the Ring Helvick area. The new Water Supply Scheme will also facilitate the removal of the scheme from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL).
19/09/2017
A plan has been published on the future development of Shaftesbury Square in Belfast city centre. Published by the Department for Communities, the Shaftesbury Square Development Framework sets out a vision for the area's development potential and proposes a number of recommendations to improve the
19/09/2017
The Alliance Party has hit out at a residents association in Lisburn over controversial comments calling for the allocation of new social housing to those from the 'loyalist/unionist community'. The party has also called on the DUP to clarify its position after comments appeared in a Facebook post
19/09/2017
Sinn Fein has welcomed a court ruling supporting the A6 L'Derry to Belfast Road project. MLA Ian Milne said the upgrade is a "key infrastructural project". He said: "Today's court ruling clears the way for the work to commence on the Toome to Moyola River section of the scheme. "The A6 scheme is
19/09/2017
Irish energy firm Gaelectric has chosen Brady's I-SEM Cloud solution to support its electricity trading and management needs. It will also provide energy logistics support for Great Britain, the Single Electricity Market (SEM) and the new Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM) for Ireland and
19/09/2017
The delay in the start of construction of Apple's €850m data centre in Athenry is due to an ongoing legal case which has been taken by three objectors. However, Apple confirmed to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that it is still committed to the site. An Taoiseach has also confirmed to Minister Cannon that
19/09/2017
Sinn Fein has told the Permanent Secrretary for the Department for Infrastructure that his decision to approve the Hightown Incinerator near Glengormley in Co Antrim was "wrong". MLA Declan Kearney led a party delegation in a meeting with Peter May on Monday, 18 September. He also raised concerns
18/09/2017
A waste management firm has announced it is to invest £2 million to expand its plant in Newry. Re-Gen Waste Ltd also confirmed 30 new jobs will be recruited during the construction phase and 12 full time positions will be created to support the recovery of the highest grades of recycled paper, taki
18/09/2017
The announcement that the Staleen Water Plant in Louth is to be upgraded has been welcomed by Sinn Fein. TD Imelda Munster said it is good news after 200,000 people were left without water for six days in July. She said: "It should have been invested in and upgraded over the years instead of waiti
18/09/2017
Work is to start on a £170,000 road improvement project in Hillsborough, Co Down. The work on the Dromara Road will begin on Monday, 25 September. The scheme will improve the strength and surface quality of a 1,300 metre section of carriageway between Drumlough Road and Edenticullo Road. It is e
18/09/2017
EirGrid's Director of External Affairs has been nominated for a Women Mean Business Award. Rosemary Steen was nominated ahead of the annual WMB Awards event in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin on 02 October. A native of Co Meath, she is an experienced commercial and communications professional who has
18/09/2017
Work has started on a £95,000 road improvement project in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. The scheme, which extends from Reilly's Cross for a distance 350 metres towards Belcoo, is scheduled to be completed at the beginning of October. Preparatory drainage and kerbing works using localised traffic cont
18/09/2017
Just Energy has launched operations in Ireland under the Just Energy brand. The latest expansion into the European energy market brings electricity and gas supply to residential and commercial customers, which will be sold through a variety of sales channels. As a global company with 20 years of e
18/09/2017
The Government has been slammed over it's lack of urgency in addressing water quality in Ireland. The Green Party made the comments after a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed that 700,000 people are at risk of contamination. Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: "While Irish Water hav
18/09/2017
The completion date of a shared education campus in Omagh has been pushed back to 2021. Sinn Féin MP Barry McElduff has raised concerns about the delay to finishing the project. He said: "This is indisputably an iconic project which will help to meet the best educational interests of many young pe
18/09/2017
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government and said that the announcement about NAMA being used to help provide housing in Ireland lacks any specific detail. Deputy Cowen stated that using NAMA was a core part of the Fianna Fáil election manifesto but it must be focused on delivering affordable home
18/09/2017
The regulation of wind farms to ensure the industry develops with community engagement and legal protections for rural people is essential, according to Sinn Fein. Spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and Environment Brian Stanley TD said that Sinn Féin are the first party to put forward
15/09/2017
The SDLP has called on the Department of Infrastructure (DFI) to install traffic lights at the Caw Roundabout in Co L'Derry. Councillor Martin Reilly also called for the lanes to be aligned at the roundabout while work is being carried out to develop a new dual carriageway. While Cllr Reilly welco
15/09/2017
The Alliance Party has slammed plans to develop a waste incinerator in Glengormley, Co Antrim. The Department of Infrastructure recently gave the go-ahead to build the ARC 21 waste incinerator at Mallush. South Antrim MLA David Ford said the decision was "disappointing". Mr Ford said: "The locati
15/09/2017
Irish Water is currently working to resolve an issue of a bad odour coming from a wastewater treatment plant in Barnageeragh, Fingal. The firm is working with its contractor and Fingal County Council to resolve the issue. Irish Water said: "There was a fault with an airline valve on one of the tre
15/09/2017
AIB has confirmed it is to cut its variable and fixed mortgage rates for householders. Fianna Fail welcomed the announcement however the prty's Finance spokesperson Michael McGrath called on other lenders to "follow suit". Deputy McGrath said: "The announcement by AIB of variable and fixed rate cu
15/09/2017
Water in Inis Meáin is safe to drink, Irish Water has confirmed. Following microbiological tests it has been confirmed that the water is fine to drink, however there are still sporadic Trihalomethanes (THM) issues with the supply on the island. Irish Water is currently working to find a permanent
15/09/2017
Applications for funding to conserve Northern Ireland's historic built heritage have opened. The Repair Stream of the Historic Environment Fund, managed by the Department for Communities (DfC), is focused on supporting scheduled monuments and priority categories of listed buildings such as those th
15/09/2017
Enterprise Ireland has hosted its Technology Gateways Innovation in Construction conference in Dublin. Around 60 firms attended the event which focused on the importance of innovation in this pre-Brexit era. The conference brought together two clusters of Technology Gateways - A-IoT and EMD Irela
15/09/2017
The SDLP has claimed welfare cuts are forcing people into homelessness. The number of families presenting as homeless have risen by 60% since 2010, an increase that the National Audit Office attributes to Welfare Reform. Cllr Paul McCusker said in north Belfast alone, there are just under 2000 ho
14/09/2017
Sinn Fein and the SDLP have slammed a decision by the Department of Infrastructure after plans were approved to develop the ARC21 incinerator in Glengormley. Both parties said the decision was a "disgrace". SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon said: "The SDLP opposed these plans from the outset and b
14/09/2017
NI Water has announced it is to host an annual Supplier Day in Antrim. Service providers are being urged to attend the event which will be held at the firm's training centre on Thursday, 02 November. The event is an opportunity for all current and potential suppliers to learn more about NI Water's
14/09/2017
Fianna Fail is urging the Government to "step up" and start investing in more social homes. Cork North West TD, Aindrias Moynihan, made the call after he raised concerns over the "slow" delivery of social housing in the Ballincollig area. Deputy Moynihan was commenting after it became clear that t
14/09/2017
The SDLP is calling for fire regulations to be reviewed after an investigation by the BBC revealed that only two per cent of tower blocks have sprinklers. Cllr Tim Attwood called for sprinklers to be made compulsory in all tower block across Northern Ireland. He proposed a motion in June at Belfas
14/09/2017
Funding of €12 million has been approved to help improve the housing conditions for disabled people. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy TD has given the go-ahead to the funding for the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme. Minister Murphy said: "I am very pleased today to allocate funding of €12million unde
14/09/2017
A farmer from Fermanagh has been convicted of a pollution offence. Victor Armstrong received a conditional discharge after he was found guilty of allowing slurry to enter a waterway causing a major fish kill. He was also ordered to pay costs totalling £2,642. On 05 May 2016, Water Quality Inspect
14/09/2017
NI Water customers living in Coleraine are being urged to be aware of bogus callers after a number of telephone calls over the weekend falsely informing customers that their water supply had been contaminated. Criminals posing as NI Water staff are seeking to gain entry to check the water supply i
14/09/2017
Labour has hit out at plans by the Housing Minister to restore bedsits as units of accommodation. The party's spokesperson on Urban Regeneration Joe Costello said the proposals are "regressive and wrong". He said: "The bedsit is not a healthy option for accommodation and thousands of people were c
13/09/2017
Graham Construction is to start work to upgrade the Galgorm Wastewater Pumping Station (WwPS) in Co Antrim. The scheme is part of a £1.2million NI Water investment that will significantly improve the wastewater pumping stations serving the villages of Galgorm and Cullybackey. The project will prov
13/09/2017
Work has started on a Sewer Rehabilitation project in Newtownards, Co Down. Stage two of the NI Water project is underway after a stage one investigation found a number of sections of the existing sewers are in very poor condition and need repaired to avoid potential future collapse or flooding iss
13/09/2017
The Government has been slammed over its "lack of urgency" in addressing water quality and environmental issues. The Green Party hit out after a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that water supplies serving 700,000 people are at risk of contamination. Green Party Leader
13/09/2017
A boil water notice affecting around 100 Irish Water customers in Tipperary has been lifted. The notice in Cappawhite has been in place since October 2016. Irish Water invested €600,000 to replace 2.7km of old cast iron water main which was impacting upon the quality of the water supplied. As a re
13/09/2017
Plans have been approved to build several new homes in L'Derry and Strabane. Derry City and Strabane District Council gave the go-ahead to a number of developments which included nine detached dwellings at former sites 16-29 Glenview Manor by Strabane Developments Limited. Councillors approved the
13/09/2017
Sinn Fein is to meet with representatives from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to discuss fire safety in tower blocks. Carál Ní Chuilín said there can be no room for complacency when it comes to protecting people's lives. She said: "I will be seeking assurances about the adequacy of
13/09/2017
The return of bedsit type accommodation would be a retrograde step by Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, according to Sinn Fein. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said "the reality is that this type of accommodation is predominantly used by vulnerable families and individuals". He sai
13/09/2017
Sinn Fein has welcomed the start of construction work on the £2million Transport Hub in west Belfast. The work on the Colin Town Centre Transport Hub and Civic Square started on Tuesday, 12 September. MLA Órlaithí Flynn said it will provide a significant economic boost to the Colin area. She said
13/09/2017
A Tesco Extra foodstore in Newry has been sold for over £27million. Savills in Northern Ireland confirmed the sale of the 93,788 sq ft store which is situated on Downshire Road. It was sold by Aberdeen Standard Investments to a private investor. The property is on the main route between the city
13/09/2017
House price inflation is accelerating, according to the CSO's Residential Property Price Index. New data revealed there has been a 12.6% rise in house prices across Dublin in the 12 months to July. Fianna Fáil Seanad Group Leader, Senator Catherine Ardagh, has warned that the property tax revaluat
12/09/2017
Murphy Design Build has scooped a €23 million deal to upgrade the Staleen Water Treatment Plant in Co Meath. Customers in parts of Rathoath, Kilbride and higher areas in Ashbourne, may have experienced water outages or low pressure as a result of a fault at the plant. However the problem has been
12/09/2017
Plans for a new Urban Quarter have been announced in Cork. HQ Developments Limited, a joint venture between BAM Ireland and the Clarendon Group, said the six-acre prime City Centre site at Horgan's adjoins Kent Railway Station and benefits from 160 metres frontage on to the River Lee. A €160 milli
12/09/2017
Construction work has started on a new £2 million Transport Hub and Civic Square in west Belfast. The new Transport Hub forms a vital part of the Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT). The new facility also includes an integrated community space and a civic square that will accommodate public events alongsi
12/09/2017
Following an agreement with IDA, Fine Grain Property Ireland has launched a new office development in Galway. Ready for occupation by mid-2018 and designed by architects Arthur Gibney & Partners, it will meet the needs of Galway's growing international and domestic businesses. The modern, sustaina
12/09/2017
Tynagh Energy in Dublin has chosen ZE PowerGroup to deploy the ZEMA platform to ensure a smooth transition into the Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM). ZEMA will play a pivotal role in Tynagh's transition to the new wholesale I-SEM for Ireland and Northern Ireland. ZEMA provides a strea
12/09/2017
Concerns have been raised that the rising property prices in south Dublin will lead to homeowners being hit disproportionately with the Local Property Tax (LPT). Fine Gael has called for property tax to be a priority for discussion at this week's Think In. Chair of the Budgetary Oversight Committe
12/09/2017
The Housing Minister has been asked to make a number of changes to the water charging system to make it fairer to those on group water schemes and business owners with multiple connections to the water network. Fianna Fail TD, Jackie Cahill, has said that changes are required in order to ensure tha
12/09/2017
Marks & Spencer has announced they have acquired the former B&Q store in Craigavon. Upper Bann UUP MLA Jonathan Buckley welcomed the announcement. He said: "On the 50th anniversary of Marks & Spencer opening in Northern Ireland this is very welcome news for the Craigavon area. It is a further boos
11/09/2017
Construction work has started on the €233 million development at Center Parcs Longford Forest, Ballymahon, County Longford. The development on a 400-acre site will create approximately 750 jobs during the construction phase, and is due to open in the summer of 2019. Once open, the forest holiday
11/09/2017
Improvement work on the Portarlington Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Laois has been completed. Irish Water invested €1.96 million to upgrade the plant which has now officially opened. The upgrade works were carried out over eight months and included; installation of standby screen and grit remov
11/09/2017
Councillors are being urged to support plans to develop 540 homes in Shanganagh in Dublin. A cross chamber proposal is to be put forward to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council today, 11 September. The proposal was presented to the Chief Executive, Ms Philomena Poole, and her management team by a
11/09/2017
The Government has been called to declare an "emergency" over the homeless crisis in Ireland. The Green Party made the call after homeless figures revealed a further significant rise. Party Spokesperson on Local Government, Cllr Malcolm Noonan called on the Government to introduce emergency legisl
11/09/2017
The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) said it is "crucial" that the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland are recognised in the Brexit deal. Chief Executive Ben Collins said housing is a fundamental need for everyone. He also said housing is a key economic driver for t
11/09/2017
Labour is calling for urgent measures to be taken to address the ongoing homeless crisis in Ireland. Senator Kevin Humphreys made the call after figures revealed that over 8,000 people are homeless, inclusive of almost 3,000 children. He said: "It has been estimated than anywhere between 2,500 and
11/09/2017
Councils in Ireland have only accepted just over 240 homes and apartments repossessed by banks and other financial institutions, despite over 1,800 being offered to the Housing Agency. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Dublin John Lahart called for a review to be carried out by the Housing Department, an
11/09/2017
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) is being urged to update residents from the Upper Long Streets in north Belfast on when the homes currently under construction will be available. Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said they also need to confirm who will be allocated homes and if any of the
11/09/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at the Housing Minister for not grasping the gravity of the homeless crisis. The party's housing spokesperson Deputy Ó Broin said Minister Eoghan Murphy's housing summit was "nothing more than a PR exercise". He said: "It is clear that the Minister has not grasped the gravity
08/09/2017
Work to develop new luxury student residencies for Global student Accommodation (GSA) in Dublin has been completed. Contractors BAM completed GSA's 400-bed student residence in Uninest New Mill. Situated in The Liberties, the seven storey, energy efficient development offers students a variety of
08/09/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at the government for only investing €700 million on social housing this year. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said the government needs to spend at least €2 billion to meet the need required. He also said additional funding is "desperately required" to roll out afforda
08/09/2017
The Labour party is calling for urgent measures to be taken to bring vacant properties back into use in Ireland. Senator Kevin Humphreys made the call after figures revealed over 8,000 people as homeless inclusive of almost 3,000 children. He said: "With the level of homelessness continuing to ris
08/09/2017
Construction work has been completed on a new build development in Twinbrook, Belfast. The building, owned by social housing provider Radius Housing, is located in Broom Park and Broom Drive. The development will provide accommodation for families and couples. The housing mix includes one bedroom
08/09/2017
Households who do not agree with water charge refunds are being urged to make a donation to environmental groups dedicated to protecting their water supplies. The Green Party made the call and said people are sick of substandard water services putting people’s health and livelihoods at risk. Senat
08/09/2017
Lakeland Dairies has officially opened a new facility in Bailieborough, Co Cavan. The development is one the most advanced milk powder plants in the world and one of the largest such plants in Europe. The investment was supported by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation through Ent
08/09/2017
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the Government over its failure to tackle the housing crisis throughout Ireland. Party leader Micheál Martin said it is a "national scandal". His comments follow the recent deaths of four homeless people and confirmation that 2,973 of the country's children are now hom
08/09/2017
The Government has been slammed over its housing policy following the rise in the number of homeless people in Co Louth. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams was commenting after a report from the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government revealed a near 12% increase, on the previous month, in
07/09/2017
Work to upgrade and enhance Enniskerry Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Wicklow has started. Irish Water is investing €880,000 in the project and it includes new inlet works, a new aeration system, new equipment which will reduce noise at the plant and a new odour control system. The investment w
07/09/2017
Applications for Co-ownership Housing in Northern Ireland has risen by 7% in the past financial year, according to the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA). Throughout the organisation's almost 40-year history, it has successfully supported over 26,000 households to purchase
07/09/2017
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called for a €1billion home-building fund. It also urged the government to end the reduced VAT rate for the Tourism sector that has cost some €2.2 billion in lost revenue and invest in key services such as Education, Health and Childcare to lower living
07/09/2017
Sinn Féin has called for over 800 jobs at a manufacturing plantin Kilkeel to be secured. Mr Chris Hazzard made the call after it was announced that Rockwell Collins' manufacturing plant is to be acquired by American firm United Technologies Corporation. He said certainty for workers and their fami
07/09/2017
Connswater Community Greenway in east Belfast is to officially open on Friday, 08 September. Belfast City Council is hosting 10 days of free events to encourage the community and visitors to enjoy its many environmental and health attractions. Walks, runs, a teddy bear picnic, storytelling, crafts
07/09/2017
Fianna Fáil has hit out at both the Housing and Finance Ministers for failing to properly consider plans for developing more houses in Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson Barry Cowen TD has questioned the refusal of Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and his colleague Housing Minister Eoghan Mu
07/09/2017
Permanent TSB has confirmed it is to write off residual mortgage debt where the borrower does not have the capacity to repay. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath TD welcomed the announcement and called on other banks to follow suit rather than selling loan portfolios to vulture fund
07/09/2017
Irish Water customers who paid their bills are to be refunded before Christmas, according to Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Housing and Local Government Eoin Ó Broin TD, welcomed the announcement and said it marks another victory of the Right2Water movement which sought
06/09/2017
Ward & Burke Contractors has made significant progress on a water mains and sewer rehabilitation scheme in Sligo. Over 35 per cent of the project is now complete and the pipe laying works are expected to be finished in May 2018. The works represent a €6.8 million investment by Irish Water in Sligo
06/09/2017
Mid Ulster District Council has approved plans to develop an international motorsport racetrack in Coalisland, Co Tyrone. Lake Torrent, a 57-acre site formerly known as the 'clay pits', is to become a venue for regional, national and international competitions, aiming to host events such as the Wor
06/09/2017
A new play area and recreation space has officially opened in west Belfast. The development was delivered in partnership with the Department of Communities, Radius Housing, Belfast City Council and Sliabh Dubh residents. Located in the Springfield Road area, the park provides a community space and
06/09/2017
The Green Party has called on the government to implement a deposit refund scheme on drinks containers in Ireland. The party made the call after the scheme was put in place in Scotland. The party also called for the Government to support its Waste Reduction Bill 2017, which passed second stage in
06/09/2017
The government has approved works on the River Fealge (Clonakilty) Flood Relief Scheme. Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, Kevin Moran, said: "I recently visited a number of areas in Cork, including Clonakilty, where I met with Minister of S
06/09/2017
Fine Gael has hit out at Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams comments over the flood crisis which has affected hundreds of families in Donegal. Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh described Mr Adam's comments as "insulting and wrong". He said: "Where was Deputy Adams as people were forced from their homes by the sto
06/09/2017
Lagan Electrical Solutions has announced it is now an approved NICEIC Contractor. NICEIC is the UK's leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry. It has been assessing the electrical competence of electricians for nearly 60 years and currently maintains a roll of over
06/09/2017
Real estate advisory firm Savills has announced it has appointed Ebba Mowat to its development land team. Ms Mowat previously worked as an undergraduate with the Edinburgh land team before moving to the firm's Glasgow office to work with the investments team. She originally joined Savills as an un
05/09/2017
Teagasc's Talking Timber event has officially opened in Tipperary today, 05 September. The event is one of two Talking Timber days organised by the Forestry Development Department of Teagasc. Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr Andrew Doyle, TD, said: "It is
05/09/2017
Preparation work on a road improvement project in Ballygowan is to start on Monday, 11 September. The £185,000 scheme on the Belfast Road will improve the strength and surface quality of a 700m section of carriageway on this important A class road between Ballygowan and Belfast. Carriageway resurf
05/09/2017
Repair work to a pump at the Listowel Regional Water Treatment Plant in Co Kerry has been completed. Reservoirs are now refilling and water is gradually returning to homes and businesses in Listowel, Tarbert, Moyvane, Knockanure, Lisselton, Finuge, Lixnaw and surrounding areas. As the water return
05/09/2017
Sinn Fein is supporting residents living in the Market area in south Belfast following a decision by Belfast City council to transfer land on the Gasworks site to developers. MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said the decision by the council will be a setback to all who believe in a shared city with homes an
05/09/2017
Central Bank has claimed that 95% of the identified mortgage accounts affected by the tracker scandal have now been put on the correct rate. However, Fianna Fail spokesperson on Finance, Michael McGrath TD, has challenged the claim and said he has been contacted by several different mortgage holder
05/09/2017
Farmers affected by storm damage are being urged to take part in an ongoing survey. Teagasc staff have been asked by the Department of Agriculture to assess the damage from the storm in Inishowen and east Donegal. Animal losses and damage to land and infrastructure are also being assessed as part
05/09/2017
The housing and homeless crisis throughout Ireland needs actions, not words, according to Sinn Fein. TD and Justice Spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire made the call following the deaths of three homeless people. He said: "This week, three people who were homeless have lost their lives. My sinceres
05/09/2017
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has been slammed for refusing to vest land for social housing at a site in north Belfast. Belfast City Council recently approved plans for a retail only development to be built at the site. However, Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín wrote to the Housing E
04/09/2017
Fianna Fail have been accused of making their housing policy up as they go along. Sinn Fein made the accusations after Fianna Fail's housing spokesperson Barry Cowen outlined a number of proposals which he said would help tackle the housing crisis. Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD ca
04/09/2017
Five newly built schools in Dublin, Wicklow and Mullingar have been found to be in breach of fire safety standards. The Fire safety audits had been commissioned by the Department of Education and Skills. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform, Dara Calleary, said that any contra
04/09/2017
Homes involved in the Oil Buying Scheme, funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, have received five million litres of home heating oil. The scheme managed by Bryson Energy aims to reduce fuel costs by encouraging bulk buying and lowering the carbon footprint through fewer oil tanker movem
04/09/2017
Fianna Fail remains the "developer's party", according to Sinn Fein. The party said Fianna Fáil's call for massive tax breaks for developers is "breathtakingly stupid". Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD said: "There is nothing radical in these proposals at all. These are old-school Fianna Fái
04/09/2017
Irish Water has confirmed it is working to repair a pump which supplies water to the Listowel Regional Water Treatment Plant in Co Kerry. The water supply to customers in Listowel, Moyvane, Knockanure, Lisselton, Finuge, Lixnaw and surrounding areas has been disrupted and water tankers have been ma
04/09/2017
Transport Minister Shane Ross is being urged to take "all action possible" to ensure the Metro North and DART Extension projects are delivered. Fine Gael Dublin TD Alan Farrell made the call after the 'Census 2016: Commuting in Ireland' figures published highlighted the importance of on-going inves
04/09/2017
Google has confirmed it plans to expand its Irish operations in Sandyford. The firm plans to move to offices in the Sandyford Business District. Fine Gael Senator, Neale Richmond, welcomed the news. He said: "Sandyford is a brilliant place to live, work and do business; I was fortunate to represe
04/09/2017
Sinn Fein has hit out at Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy after three homeless people died last week. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has said that "the housing crisis needs action not words". His comments were made as Minister Eoghan Murphy announced yet another high-level summit to discuss t
01/09/2017
Sinn Féin has hit out at Fine Gael over its failure to properly deal with the housing and homeless crisis throughout Ireland. Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD accused the party of slashing capital spending on social housing and failing to introduce any form of affordable housing. Deputy Ó Broi
01/09/2017
Significant progress is being made to renovate the Cultra Railway Station in Co Down. Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir said it was "fantastic" to see the much-loved location restored to its former glory. Councillor Muir said: "Since 2011, my colleague, former Councillor and now Chair of Holywood Co
01/09/2017
A farmer in Strabane, Co Tyrone, has been fined for a pollution offence. Stephen Carson was convicted of making a polluting discharge to a waterway at Strabane Magistrates' Court. He pleaded guilty and was fined £1,000 plus £15 Offenders Levy. On 13 October 2016, Water Quality Inspectors (WQIs),
01/09/2017
Irish energy firm ESB has extended the deadline for its Spark of Genius Award. The deadline for entries is now Sunday, 17 September. The ESB Spark of Genius Award, which will be presented in November at Web Summit in Lisbon, will see one Irish company win €25,000 and the opportunity to exhibit at
01/09/2017
The Green Party in Northern Ireland has raised serious concerns that drinking water could be contaminated by the illegal landfill site in Mobuoy, Co L'Derry. Party leader Steven Agnew made the admission following the recent flooding in the North West last week. He said: "The River Faughan now flow
01/09/2017
The Green Party is calling for a new national land use plan to be established after a report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed an ongoing decline of pristine water quality in areas throughout Ireland. Figures showed that the number of river locations with pure clean water has fa
01/09/2017
Sinn Fein has called on the Minister to make a statement on the latest homeless figures in Dublin. Data released by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive revealed an increase of 150 children in emergency accommodation in July from the month previous. Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin sa
01/09/2017
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy is reportedly considering establishing a new semi-state agency to oversee the delivery of social homes. However, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said "it is not a good idea". The Dublin Mid-West TD also said that he "doubted the Minister would be foolish
