Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for March 2018
29/03/2018
The Department of Infrastructure (DfI) has appointed a contractor to start work on the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Dualling Scheme. Work on the project is expected to begin in the "coming weeks". The award is to a consortium of Sacyr, Wills Bros and Somague. Sinn Féin's Elisha McCallion MP welcomed t
29/03/2018
A total of £500,000 has been allocated by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to carry out remedial works in the North West in areas affected by flooding. The work will include redirecting watercourses back to the main river systems, erection of riparian fencing and
29/03/2018
Sinn Féin is calling on the Government to do more to prevent homelessness in Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD made the call after figures on the Dublin Region Local Authority Homelessness Financial Report End of Year 2017 revealed the majority of the funding for 2017 in the
29/03/2018
The Eriugena consortium, 100% owned by Macquarie Capital Group Ltd, has been awarded a contract to build two new buildings at the DIT campus in Grangegorman, Dublin. The two buildings, the Central Quad and East Quad, will provide academic space and cater for 10,000 students and 600 staff. The build
29/03/2018
Irish Water has invested €9.7 million to stop the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea in Rush, Dublin. Work has been completed on the Rush Wastewater Collection Network Project and the investment has stopped the equivalent of 8,300 wheelie bins of raw sewage per day running into the sea, ben
29/03/2018
A 'Do Not Drink' notice which was put in place in Fethard, Tipperary, on the weekend of the 03-04 March, has been lifted. The notice for the Fethard Water Supply Scheme affected 12,000 customers. It was put in place following a third party fuel spill in the River Anner. However, following the com
29/03/2018
The rate of child homelessness has risen by almost 50% in the past year in Ireland, according to new figures from the Department of Housing. Sinn Fein said this is the "single biggest increase in child homelessness on record". The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said a "shocking" 488
29/03/2018
The Green Party has described the latest homeless figures as "shocking" and accused Fine Gael of having no interest in solving the crisis throughout Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson, Ossian Smyth, said: "Month on month, year on year, the numbers of people homeless and in emergency accommod
28/03/2018
The Belfast Health & Social Care Trust has selected design and architecture firm, HLM, for Lot 4 of 'Framework for Consultancy Services in Connection with Minor Works Schemes'. The work will specifically be carried out at the Mater Hospital, Muckamore Abbey Hospital and North & West Community. Wit
28/03/2018
The SDLP has slammed the Department of Infrastructure over the "dangerous state of the rural road network" in Mid Ulster. The party's spokesperson, Patsy McGlone MLA, confirmed that he has written to the Permanent Secretary about the lack of investment over the years and rural roads being neglected
28/03/2018
Work to install a new water main in Trim, Meath has been completed. The scheme involved the replacement of the existing old and damaged public water main on the Lacknanash Road and replacing it with modern high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic pipes. The works also included the replacement of ol
28/03/2018
The Irish Government has been called to implement a deposit refund scheme on drinks containers. The Green Party made the call after the UK Government approved the plans. The Party called for the Government to support its Waste Reduction Bill 2017, which is currently at Committee Stage in the Oirea
28/03/2018
Two new Directors have been appointed to the Board of Coillte. Coillte is a commercial forestry business in Ireland owned by the State. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, announced Eamon King and Gerard Gray have been appointed for a five-year period effective fro
28/03/2018
Ward & Burke Construction is starting work to upgrade an ageing water main in Co Laois. The work, to replace 3.6kms of ageing water main prone to bursts in Castletown Village and on the R445 on the Mountrath Road, is to start on Monday, 09 April. The scheme is expected to take 12 weeks to complete.
28/03/2018
Fianna Fail has called on people living or working in West Cork to be vigilant to any acts of illegal dumping. TD Margaret O'Mahony also said the people who are dumping rubbish in the area should be shamed and be subjected to fines and potential imprisonment. She said: "One only has to take a walk
28/03/2018
A total of 44 households in Larkfield House in Clondalkin, Dublin, are facing eviction following a developer's decision to build and tenant apartments without planning permission or building compliance certificates. Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD raised serious concerns and called o
27/03/2018
Approximately €19 million is being invested to improve the water quality in the Mullaghanoe River and the River Moy in Co Mayo. Irish Water is working in conjunction with Mayo County Council to end the discharge of untreated wastewater into Killala Bay. In Killala, the project will include the con
27/03/2018
Fianna Fáil has called on the Minister for Skills, John Halligan, to review the options available to boost apprenticeship numbers. The party's housing spokesperson Barry Cowen TD made the call and also criticized the failure of the Government to roll out a shared apprenticeship scheme model in Irel
27/03/2018
EH Allingham Construction Ltd has been selected by Choice Housing to complete a major housing scheme in West Belfast. The Glen Road Heights development in Hannahstown will include 92 new homes that will accommodate more than 350 people and incorporate the very latest in energy saving, design and se
27/03/2018
Sinn Féin is urging the Government to deliver social homes quickly. The party's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin TD, raised concerns at the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and said it is not the best method to deliver homes efficiently and with value for money for the taxpayer. He said
27/03/2018
Labour is calling on the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport for Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to go back to the drawing board over plans for the new MetroLink. TD Joe Costello said the plan has now "morphed into a cross city metro line". The metro project is due to start in 2021 and
27/03/2018
A free workshop is being held by the European Solar Shading Organisation (ES-SO) next month in Northern Ireland. The event will take place from 4.30pm – 6.30pm at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, Co Down on 19 April. The workshop will examine key areas of interest relating to the design of lo
27/03/2018
A public consultation is to be held to discuss the A4 Enniskillen Bypass Southern Bypass scheme. The public and interested parties are being urged to attend a public information day on the 12 April from 10am to 9pm in the Waterways Ireland offices on Sligo Road. The purpose of the scheme is to pr
27/03/2018
Irish Water is to invest €10 million to upgrade the Courtmacsherry-Timoleague Sewerage Scheme in Cork. The project will bring significant benefits to the area in terms of health, development potential and improved water quality for all. By ensuring that all discharges meet the requirements as set
27/03/2018
Public money must not be squandered cleaning up the mess left by construction firm Carillion, Sinn Féin has said. Housing spokesperson Caral ni Chuilin made the call after it was revealed that PwC charged £20.4 million in fees during the first eight weeks of being appointed to manage the collapse o
26/03/2018
Irish Water is to invest €1.1 million to replace 3.5km of the ageing water main that was laid in 1978 and is prone to bursting on the Allenwood to Kilmeage Water Main Replacement Project. The firm is to hold a public information session about the scheme on Wednesday, 28 March from 4pm-8pm in the Ba
26/03/2018
Sinn Fein has hit out after it was revealed that the state has sold its 38% share of Ardmore Studios to Olcott Entertainment. John Brady TD said the situation is "totally unacceptable" after the sale of the state's shares was never made known. He said: "Ardmore Studios are internationally renowned
26/03/2018
A 'Do Not Drink' notice is in place in Fethard, Co Tipperary, after a third party fuel spill in the River Anner. An intensive clean has been complete at the Fethard Water Treatment Plant, however the notice will remain in place until further notice. Any decision to lift the restrictions will be ta
26/03/2018
Natural Power has announced an additional four new team members at its office in Dublin. Keara O'Shea has joined the team as a geotechnical engineer to support geotechnical investigation and consultancy services and Kathryn Oliver has joined as an environmental consultant to cope with the demand in
26/03/2018
The Metro North route is expected to progress in Dublin North, according to Fianna Fail. Councillor for Glasnevin and Ballymun Paul McAuliffe said this much needed infrastructure has been repeatedly announced and cancelled and even shelved by the Taoiseach when he was Minister for Transport. He sa
26/03/2018
We might as well start with a look at the Planning Process. My column over the next few weeks will bring you through the process of planning and the pit falls with same. I will be looking at case studies on projects from concept to completion in my articles, heritage projects, commercial, domestic a
26/03/2018
There is currently a great deal of concern regarding Indoor Air Quality in offices and other commercial premises. Occupants frequently complain of a stuffy feeling, irritated eyes, sore throats and other respiratory problems. Environmental Efficiency has many years of investigating these problems a
23/03/2018
The Government has been warned to protect Bord na Móna workers as the company enters a restructuring process. The firm announced it is to exit the coal business and cease production of convenient products such as fire packs and fire-logs in Kildare. Fianna Fáil TD Fiona O'Loughlin said: "I've been
23/03/2018
Sinn Fein has hit out after it was revealed taxpayers are most like to pay up to €200million to the operators of Limerick Tunnel. TD Maurice Quinlivan said it is a "wasteful shame of taxpayers money" after the number of people using the tunnel is lower than expected. A total of €34m has already be
23/03/2018
Funding for children's play and recreation facilities across Ireland has been allocated by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr Katherine Zappone TD. The purpose of the scheme is to support new and existing play and recreation amenities for children and young people. This includes the pro
23/03/2018
Construction work is continuing on a new shared footway and cycle path in Northern Ireland. The £290,000 Blaris Cycle Path will follow an existing 1.4km path between Blaris Road and Sprucefield Park & Ride and will enable walkers and cyclists to travel along the route and then connect with Union Lo
23/03/2018
Sinn Fein has raised concerns over the timeframe for the delivery of the Metrolink project. TD Louise O'Reilly welcomed the scheme, however she questioned the 2027 completion date. She said: "While we hope the MetroLink will address some of the congestion issues and offer a much needed public tran
23/03/2018
Fine Gael has hit out after a number of residents were not contacted in relation to the compulsory purchase order of their homes despite the launch of the Metrolink project on Thursday, 22 March. Fine Gael Dublin North West TD Noel Rock described the situation as "unacceptable". Deputy Rock reveal
23/03/2018
Fianna Fail has introduced a new Bill in upholding standards in homes and protecting tenants. The 'Residential Tenancies (Residential Tenancies Board) (Amendment) Bill 2018' gives the RTB the power to initiate its own investigations into rogue landlords or other issues in the rental sector. Fianna
23/03/2018
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been slammed for refusing to support a bill to amend the Constitution to ensure that water services remain in public ownership. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Water, Eoin Ó Broin TD,said: "This Bill provides for the holding of a referendum to enshrine ownership of water in
22/03/2018
Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has announced a 3.35% increase in water and sewerage charges for businesses effective from 01 April. It is understood that up to 80,000 businesses across NI will be affected by the increases, however NIW said the increase is below the current inflation and less than the
22/03/2018
Serious concerns have been raised over the "huge" rent increases in Co Meath. Sinn Fein TD Peadar Tóibín raised his concerns after figures from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) revealed an annual increases in rent of 10.6%. He said: "As was forecast, areas outside rent pressure zones are seei
22/03/2018
A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) has been submitted to An Bord Pleanála for the delivery of the Tuam Regional Water Supply Scheme in Galway which involves an extension to Loughrea. The CPO if confirmed is for lands relating to the construction of a new water storage reservoir and associated netw
22/03/2018
Irish energy firm Energia and Leinster Rugby have announced a ten year naming rights partnership. The partnership will see Donnybrook Stadium renamed Energia Park. Energia will be an official premium partner of Leinster Rugby including energy supply and efficiency and sustainability initiatives.
22/03/2018
The Housing Minister is being urged to develop more social and affordable homes in Ireland. Sinn Fein TD Emelda Meath made the call after figures revealed that rent prices are continuing to rise in Ireland. She called on Minister Eoghan Murphy to take "real action" to improve the lives of people l
22/03/2018
A Construction Employment Academy (CEA) is to be established to build a workforce for Belfast. Translink and Belfast City Council have teamed up to deliver the 'Buy Social' clauses during the construction and engineering phase of the new station and associated infrastructure at Weavers Cross. The
22/03/2018
Sinn Fein has once again hit out at the government for "not grasping the scale" of the housing affordability crisis. The party's spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin slammed the government after Morning Ireland reporter Louise Byrne revealed that the Department of Finance had raised concerns about the Departm
22/03/2018
Fianna Fail is calling for funding raised under the Carbon Tax to be reinvested in renewable energy technology. TD Barry Cowen made the call after Bord na Móna announced it is to to exit the coal business and cease production of convenient products such as fire packs and fire-logs at its facility i
21/03/2018
A number of new housing developments are to be built in L'Derry and Strabane. Derry City and Strabane District Council have given full planning permission for over 50 new social homes to be built in the Caw area of the city. A total of 14 new houses will be developed at Lismore Park in Sion Mills
21/03/2018
Work to restore two derelict properties in Portaferry has been completed. The scheme on Ferry Street was carried out as part of the 'Heritage in Housing' scheme. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) teamed up with Portaferry Regeneration Ltd, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Ards and North D
21/03/2018
Coffey Northumbrian is to start work to improve the water network in Kilkenny. The scheme is part of Irish Water's Leakage Reduction programme. The project will begin over the next few weeks and is expected to take eight weeks to complete. The work will involve the replacement of old and damaged
21/03/2018
A temporary road closure is scheduled to take place in Bangor due to works being carried out to improve the sewerage infrastructure in the area. The closure will be in place from 7pm on Friday, 23 March until 7am on Monday, 26 March. The A21 Newtownards Road will be closed between its junction wit
21/03/2018
Fáilte Ireland is to provide grants of up to €200,000 to help deliver new tourist attractions and facilities as part of the Visitor Experience Development Plan in Donegal. The plan, in conjunction with the Wild Atlantic Way, will increase tourism numbers on the peninsula. Fianna Fail TD Charlie Mc
21/03/2018
The introduction of rent pressure zones are not stopping rent increases, Sinn Fein has said. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD made the comment after an RTB report revealed the annual increase in rents across the State is 6.4%. Mr Ó Broin also called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murph
21/03/2018
Owners and operators of renewable electricity generating facilities across Northern Ireland gathered recently to learn more about the impact of the Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM), the new wholesale electricity market arrangement for Ireland and Northern Ireland, on their Power Purchase
21/03/2018
Construction work on a £187,000 road scheme is to start in Ballynahicnh in Co Down on Monday, 26 March, and is expected to be completed by Friday, 27 April. The work will take place on the B175 Edendarriff Road. It involves drainage works and the resurfacing of a 1.7km stretch of the road from its
20/03/2018
Significant progress has been made to upgrade the Galgorm Wastewater Pumping Station in Co Antrim. A total of £1.2million is being invested in the project and Graham Construction is currently working on site. Children from the Gracehill & Galgorm Community playgroup also recently visited the site
20/03/2018
The Housing Minister is being urged to appoint an independent planning expert to investigate the Taoiseach's comments in relation to his intervention in the planning process in Doonbeg. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Planning and Local Government Eoin Ó Broin TD also called on Minister Eoghan Murphy to
20/03/2018
No homeowners have benefited from the promised re-location scheme for flooding victims, Fianna Fail has revealed. The party's spokesperson on OPW and Flood Relief Eugene Murphy TD said it is "extremely disappointing to see that no real action has happened". The scheme was announced for victims of
20/03/2018
Irish Water has invested €100,000 to install 500 metres of new watermain to its customers in Redcross, Co Wicklow. The project also included upgrading the service connections that link properties to the public main and upgrading fire hydrants. The new water main has cut down leakage in the networ
20/03/2018
ESB Networks has won two major international awards. The awards recognise Ireland's electricity network as being among the most progressive in the world and leaders in smart-grid research. The first award was the Leadership in Infrastructure Transformation award at the Oracle Open World Conference
20/03/2018
The SDLP has hit out over the six-year delay in opening the new Critical Care building at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast. Councillor Tim Attwood said the delay is a "disgrace". He said: "Over 30 years ago, Belfast City Hospital opened after major budget overruns and years late. "Now
16/03/2018
NI Water is continuing to work on a sewer improvement project in Co Down. A total of £220,000 is being invested in the scheme in Groomsport which will cut down the risk of out of sewer flooding and environmental pollution. The work started in January on the Donaghadee Road and the project is expec
16/03/2018
The Supreme Court will not hear an appeal against the A6 road scheme in Co Antrim. Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan welcomed the decision and described the road upgrade as a "key infrastructure project" in Northern Ireland. He said: "The A6 project is key to enhancing connectivity, improving journey
16/03/2018
Improvement work is continuing to upgrade the water treatment plants at Ballyhilty and Lake Cross in Cork. Irish Water has partnered with Cork County Council to improve the Skibbereen Regional Water Supply Scheme (RWSS). The firm has submitted an application for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) t
16/03/2018
Work is to start on a reconstruction scheme in L'Derry. Construction is to begin on the £106,000 improvement project on the Belt Road on Monday, 19 March. It involves resurfacing a section of the road heading south westwards from Irish Street to Church Road. A diversion will be clearly signposted
16/03/2018
Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein have hit out at the Taoiseach after he admitted making private representations on behalf of Donald Trump over a wind farm application in the same week that his government issued a circular seeking to ban councillors from discussing planning applications. Fianna Fail Counci
16/03/2018
Fine Gael has welcomed the announcement that retailer Lidl is to develop a new store in Dublin. The firm plans to open a new store in Fortunestown. TD Colm Brophy said: "This is a terrific endorsement of their relationship with the local community which has been fostered over many years. "The dec
16/03/2018
Plans to introduces charges for green bins in Ireland will increase illegal dumping, according to Sinn Fein. TD for Louth and East Meath Imelda Munster described it as a "lazy policy". She said: "We have already witnessed an increase in illegal dumping both in rural and urban areas, and in some ca
16/03/2018
Work has started on a resurfacing project in Co L'Derry. The £245,000 project is taking place on the Racecourse Road and is expected to be complted by April. The work includes the resurfacing of a section of the road heading northwards from Ballyarnett Roundabout to Alder Road. A lane closure has
15/03/2018
Retailer Lidl is to develop a new store on Fortunestown Lane in Dublin. The firm was forced to close its store earlier this month after the building was significantly damaged during looting. Fianna Fail TD John Lahart welcomed the announcement and said it will be a "massive boost" to the local com
15/03/2018
A major archaeological excavation at the front of Carrickfergus Castle is to start on Thursday, 15 March. The excavation will investigate the ground at the entrance to the castle, where earlier investigations revealed buried structures and artefacts. Carrickfergus Castle has been in State Care sin
15/03/2018
Plans to build apartments in north Belfast have been refused. South Ulster Housing Association submitted proposals to the council to develop a four storey apartment block adjacent to a listed building and incorporating 15 apartments with provision only of cycle parking. Plans were refused over the
15/03/2018
H&A Mechanical has completed refurbishment work on a sheltered housing scheme in Larne, Co Antrim. The £200,000 project was direct led by Choice Housing Association's Assets Department. The renovation project, designed to improve quality of living at the 20-year-old scheme, included replacement ki
15/03/2018
Irish Water has started work to increase water pressure in parts of Crossmolina in Mayo. Some customers are currently experiencing low water pressure in the Boreen Road and Knockalegan areas due to the recent bad weather. A planned programme of works, which was agreed prior to Storm Emma, is curr
15/03/2018
The Labour Party is once again calling for more social homes to be developed in Ireland after a report by the Simons Communities revealed only seven per cent of the estimated 3,150 properties available to rent fall within HAP limits. Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan said: "With only about 9,500
15/03/2018
The Labour Party has hit out at the government over the new apartment regulations. Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan said they will "squeeze out families" and builders and developers will gain from the guidleines. She said: "By allowing up to 50 per cent of new developments be made of one bed or
15/03/2018
Over 500 metres of new water main has been installed in Redcross, Co Wicklow. The water main will reduce leakage in the network and will also provide improved water pressure to homes and businesses in the area. The €100,000 project also included upgrading the service connections that link properti
14/03/2018
Improvement work has been completed on the Oughterard Wastewater Treatment Plant in Galway. The work included the development of a new treatment plant on a green field site, as part of a €4.2 million investment by Irish Water. The works will ensure wastewater is treated and discharged in complianc
14/03/2018
Irish consumers may be penalised if charges for recycling bins are introduced. The Green Party said it would be like "taking a step backwards" and called on the Government to scrap the plans. Party spokesperson David Healy said: "It makes very little sense. Recyclable materials are valuable. Waste
14/03/2018
Significant progress has been made on sewer improvement works in Groomsport, Co Down. NI Water has invested £220,000 in the scheme to upgrade the existing infrastructure on the Donaghadee Road. The work is expected to be completed in June this year. NI Water will continue to liaise with the Depar
14/03/2018
Sinn Fein is calling for social homes to be developed on a site in north Belfast. A BBC Spotlight programme revealed unlawful activity at the Hillview site. MLA Caral Ni Chuilin said the allegations underline the controversy which has surrounded the site. She said: "Sinn Féin has long supported c
14/03/2018
A public consultation on a tax system for single-use plastics has been announced by the Chancellor. Mr Phillip Hammond said a nine-week consultation will look at the supply chain for single-use plastics and has pledged to set aside £20 milllion for an innovation fund to help discover new solutions.
14/03/2018
The Government is being urged to "up its game" to revitalise vacant properties to help alleviate the housing crisis in Ireland. Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Aindrias Moynihan also slammed the government for failing to put in place the necessary supports and infrastructure to help revitalise s
14/03/2018
The Department of Housing has been slammed over its revised building standards for apartments. The Green Party claims the standards will do o nothing to reduce house prices, will stall the building of new homes, and may engineer future slums. Spokesperson on Housing, Councillor Ossian Smyth said r
14/03/2018
SIPTU the union has been called to consider acquiring the former Emmet Hall in Inchicore after it was revealed the owner is currently seeking planning permission to substantially alter its historic fabric. Sinn Fein TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said it would be appropriate given its strong links to the
13/03/2018
Firmus Energy has announced a rise in gas prices starting from next month. The increase will affect customers in the Ten Towns and Greater Belfast areas. The firm said the decision was "unavoidable". From the 05 April, Firmus Energy customers in the Ten Towns network area will see a price increas
13/03/2018
The Housing Minister is being urged to improve the current Tenant Purchase Scheme to allow people receiving social welfare payments and pensioners to buy their council home. Fianna Fail TD Brendan Smith made the call as the current scheme does not permit people entitled to welfare payments or pensi
13/03/2018
Fianna Fail has hit out over the delay in improvement works at Cardonagh Community Hospital in Donegal. The work was due to begin in 2017, however it has now been pushed back until 2019. TD Charlie McConalogue said the improvement plans for the 46-bed hospital are "much needed" and expressed disap
13/03/2018
Concerns have been raised over government plans to curtail the judicial review process over planning consent for infrastructure projects. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoin Ó Broin TD, confirmed that Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy sent the Housing Committee a let
13/03/2018
Out of 532 properties available to rent in Ireland, 493 of them were above the HAP/Rent Supplement limits with only 39 available within the limits of the four categories of household, according to a study by a homeless charity. The Simon Communities' 'Locked Out of the Market X' reports revealed ju
13/03/2018
Sinn Féin is calling for the needs of residents to be considered following a decision by the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Infrastructure to approve the North South Interconnector. Spokesperson on Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Cathal Boylan, recently met with him to discuss his
13/03/2018
The Green Party has hit out after it was revealed that 69% of rental homes inspected in Fingal last year failed to meet the required standards. Councillor David Healy said: "While we welcome the fact that Fingal has dramatically increased the amount of inspections of private rented tenancy units it
13/03/2018
Fianna Fail is calling for a redress scheme to be introduced for homeowners affected by MICA. TD for Donegal, Charlie McConalogue, accused the government of "dragging its heels" on the issue. He said: "Families are living in homes that are crumbling around them. Many have been forced to leave thei
12/03/2018
The total electricity consumption generated from renewable sources in Northern Ireland has increased by 10% in the last year, according to new data from the Department of Economy. A total of 34.8% was generated from renewable sources, however the figures released also show that NI are still over re
12/03/2018
Work on a £75,000 road scheme in Portadown is to start on Tuesday, 20 March. The scheme, which is expected to be completed in six weeks, will improve forward visibility and horizontal alignment including localised road widening in the vicinity of Knocknamuckly Lane. The road will be closed fully
12/03/2018
Irish Water is to appoint a contractor for the a Demonstration Project in Gweedore in Donegal. Significant progress has been made on plans to develop a sewerage scheme for Gweedore which will provide for residential and economic development in the area by developing an essential wastewater network
12/03/2018
A formal consultation is taking place over plans to introduce a Residents Parking Scheme in L'Derry. The plans for the Rossville Street in the Bogside area involves over 600 residential properties mainly in the Rossville Street, Fahan Street, Little Diamond, Creggan Street and Chamberlain Street ar
12/03/2018
Coffey Water Limited has started work to improve and upgrade the Manorhamilton and Mohill Wastewater Treatment Plants in Leitrim. The work is part of a €3.5 million investment by Irish Water. The project being carried out will ensure environmental compliance and protection of the receiving waters
12/03/2018
The Government has been called to ensure all charities that work with homeless people on the frontline are provided with the resources required to continue to provide emergency accommodation and support Fianna Fáil made the call after a number of charities provided beds to homeless people during St
12/03/2018
The Government has been slammed after it was revealed that money paid for motor tax is not used to repair and upgrade roads throughout Ireland. The money was previously paid into the Local Government Fund and distributed to Local Authorities, however this was stopped by the Government on 01 January
12/03/2018
The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase scheme has been described as a "complete failure" by Fianna Fáil. TD for Galway West, Éamon Ó Cuív, called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to stop delaying the reform of the scheme and urged him to make it "less restrictive". He said: "Like so many reviews carri
09/03/2018
Cahalane Bros Ltd has started construction work on a social housing development in Rosscarbery in Cork. A total of nine homes are being built at Celm Hill for Rosscarbery Social Housing Association Cork County Council is the sanctioning authority for the project and assisted in securing funding to
09/03/2018
Gas prices in the greater Belfast area are to increase, SSE Airtricity has confirmed. The 7.8% rise, which comes into effect on 01 April, is to affect approximately 150,000 customers. Richard Williams, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council, said that while it is "unwelcome news" consumers are pay
09/03/2018
Improvement works are to start on the A28 Armagh to Newry Road. The work will take place on the B3 Tandragee Road junction (Markethill) and is beginning Monday, 12 March. The scheme is expected to be completed in six to eight weeks. The project will involve the provision of a dedicated right turn
09/03/2018
Boil Water Notices that had been issued in Waterford have been lifted. A total of eight public water supplies were affected by the notice which was put in place as a precautionary measure after Storm Emma. The areas the notices have been lifted are: • Ballyknock • Ballyguiry • Carrigeen • Come
09/03/2018
The Minister of State has been slammed for failing to include towns in Meath west as rent pressure zones. Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín hit out after Navan and Trim were revealed to have seen the highest increases in rents in the country. He said: "Rents in Meath jumped by nearly 12% last year – the
09/03/2018
Construction work is to start on a major road resurfacing scheme in L'Derry. The £293,000 project is to take place on the A6 Dungiven Road. The work includes resurfacing a section of the road heading eastwards from Rossdowney Road to Altnagelvin Roundabout. A diversion via A514 Crescent Link and
09/03/2018
The tracker mortgage scandal is far from over, according to Sinn Féin. Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD was speaking after evidence from Padraic Kissane revealed there may be another 5,000 victims affected by the scandal. He said: "I am also very concerned at Mr Kissane's evidence about the
09/03/2018
Sinn Féin has hit out at Irish Water after the firm issued a series of 12-hour water restrictions in the greater Dublin area. TD Dessie Ellis confirmed he has been contacted by a number of people who are without water. He described the situation in the Tolka Estate as "scandalous" and called for a
08/03/2018
Around 300 construction jobs are to be created after Radius Housing was granted planning approval for the regeneration of the former Visteon site in Dunmurry. The £35 million development will see the development of 244 private and social homes and access to community and workspace facilities, all s
08/03/2018
Building work has started on a new facility for bin lorries to empty their waste before it is collected and taken to processing plants in Dungannon. The £1.8 million waste transfer station is being developed at the back of the existing recycling centre at Drumcoo. Woodvale Construction was selecte
08/03/2018
Irish Water has announced it is to start work to replace old and ageing watermains in Leitrim. The firm is decommissioning and replacing over two kilometres of old and damaged cast iron water mains which will significantly improve the network and water supply. The work, which will begin next week,
08/03/2018
NI Water has issued an appeal to the public to be aware of any leaks or burst pipes they may see and to report them as soon as possible. An online form that can be accessed from any device at
08/03/2018
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has announced plans to build a new, purpose-built manufacturing facility in the Mid-West of Ireland in 2020. The firm, which is headquartered in California, is to hire approximately 60 people this year in various functions, such as production staff, engineering and
08/03/2018
The rise in the number of homeless expectant and new mothers has been described as "shocking", by the Labour Party. The party's spokesperson on housing Jan O'Sullivan called for the issue to be urgently addressed following the report on 'Morning Ireland'. She said: "The significant rise in the num
08/03/2018
Sinn Fein has called on the government to "get real" about climate change and take appropriate steps to stop its "disastrous effects" on the planet. The party's environment spokesperson, Cathal Boylan, made the call after new data revealed that sea levels have hit an all time low for this time of y
08/03/2018
Construction work has started to reduce flooding near Clady Village in Co Tyrone. The first phase of the £470,000 flood alleviation scheme is taking place in the Stephenstown area. Approximately 100 metres of new pipeline will be installed with associated outlet structure and flood protection to t
07/03/2018
Construction work has started to develop over 100 new park and share spaces in Newry. A total of £220,000 is being invested in the project at Sheepbridge and the work is expected to be completed in approximately eight weeks. There are currently 63 spaces at Sheepbridge, however the additional spac
07/03/2018
Essential safety works on a road between Larne and Ballymena are to start on Monday, 12 March. The A36 Church Road will be closed for eight weeks during the works. Safety-related structural works will take place on the embankment supporting the road at Lynn's Bridge. The work also includes drivi
07/03/2018
The Labour Party has once again called on the government to address the lack of housing in Ireland. The party's housing spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan, supported a motion by the Green Party to use the 700 publicly owned sites already identified around the country for social and affordable housing. D
07/03/2018
Bord na Mona has reportedly halted proceedings to develop a €60 million biomass plant in the United States. Sinn Féin's Spokesperson on Climate Action and Environment, Brian Stanley, welcomed the announcement and said the proposal of importing large quantities of biomass to use in power stations in
07/03/2018
Sinn Fein has expressed disappointment after Eurostat dictated that Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) should be classified in the government sector. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD accused the goverment of "sitting on its hands" despite urgings from the AHB sector and opposition parti
07/03/2018
Fianna Fail is urging the government to establish a permanent scheme for farmers affected by adverse weather events. The party's spokesperson on Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, made the call after a number of farmers were affected by Storm Emma and heavy snowfall last week in Ireland. He said: "
07/03/2018
Consumers who receive help with their mortgage costs are being urged to take action before the start of April. The 'Support for Mortgage Interest' (SMI) is to change from a benefit to a loan from 06 April. SMI helps claimants on income based benefits by paying towards the interest on their mortgag
07/03/2018
Sinn Féin is calling for "action to be taken" to address the lack of housing for the Traveller community. A total of 13 systematic concerns around Traveller accommodation were found by the Human Rights Commission report and 45 recommendations were made for change. The party's housing spokesperson,
06/03/2018
Refurbishment work has been completed on the Portadown Pump House, Co Armagh. Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council and the Department for Communities invested almost £2.5million in the Portadown Linkages Public Realm Scheme. The Linkages scheme has revitalised several key areas within Por
06/03/2018
A boil water notice has been issued for customers on the Enniscorthy Public Water Supply in County Wexford. The notice has been put in place as a precautionary measure as Irish Water cannot guarantee that the water entering the scheme is fully disinfected. Customers supplied by the scheme should b
06/03/2018
Construction work is continuing on a new boulevard in Belfast. The road will lead from the Boucher Road to the newly refurbished Olympia Leisure Centre and is part of the £21.75million being invested in the project. Belfast City Council is also urging the public to suggest a new name for the boule
06/03/2018
Lagan Products, part of the Lagan Group owned by Kevin Lagan, has been recognised as one of Ireland's Best Workplaces 2018. Lagan Products is not connected in any way to Lagan Construction Group, owned by Michael Lagan. Lagan Products was recognised at the annual Great Place to Work Best Workpl
06/03/2018
Around 3,000 new homes could be developed on State lands at Cathal Brugha barracks in Rathmines and the Dublin Bus Depot at Broadstone, according to the Green Party. Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said the housing crisis in Ireland is continuing to spiral out of control and said the proposal for the go
06/03/2018
Irish Water customers in Cavan are being urged to conserve water after consumption levels have increased dramtically. The firm is also monitoring usage levels to ensure supply does not outstrip demand. Leak detection and repair crews are working across the county to fix burst water pipes. The burs
06/03/2018
Over £1million is to be invested to develop a new floodlight 3rd generation pitch in south Belfast. The new pitch will be located at the Ulidia Playing Fields on the Ormeau Road. Sinn Féin Belfast City Councillor Deirdre Hargey welcomed the announcement. She said: "This is excellent news for loca
06/03/2018
Sinn Féin has hit out at the government over its failure to address water shortages after freezing weather conditions throughout Ireland. The party's spokesperson on Water, Eoin Ó Broin TD, said Sinn Féin proposed to increase capital investment in water and sanitation by €100 million in 2018, howev
06/03/2018
Sinn Féin is urging the Department of Transport to establish plans to repair damaged roads throughout Northern Ireland following recent heavy snowfall and Storm Emma. The party's spokesperson for Transport, Imelda Munster TD, said the plans should include details of additional funding. She said: "
06/03/2018
The Government has been urgently called to address "massive underspend" that has been allowed to accumulate over the past seven years to deal with flooding issues throughout Ireland. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on OPW and Flood Relief, Eugene Murphy, said the government must ensure all necessary resou
06/03/2018
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has launched a quicker service which allows solicitors and vendors to access copies of a Water Discharge Consent online. David Small, NIEA Chief Executive, said the creation of the online Water Order Domestic Consents Public Register welcomed the annou
05/03/2018
The Green Party has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of a lighthouse in Co Down. The party's representative for Bangor East & Donaghadee, Hannah McNamara, has called for the lighthouse on Mew Island to be preserved. She has discussed the condition of the lighthouse with Captain Rob
05/03/2018
Sinn Fein is calling for technical specifications for the Targeted Agricultural Modernisaton Scheme (TAMS) to be updated after some sheds were not able to withstand the recent snow storms in Ireland. The party's spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Kenny TD, said the roof collapsed on some sheds bui
05/03/2018
A new courthouse has opened in Limerick. The development on Mulgrave Street includes largest courtroom in Ireland. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, said: "I am delighted to be in Limerick for the official opening of a new purpose built state of the art courthouse. This i
05/03/2018
The Government has pledged to develop 3,500 additional social homes between 2016-2021 across the mid-west region. The plans are part of the Government's new big vision plan, Project Ireland 2040. Limerick Senator, Maria Byrne, welcomed the announcement and said the plan will support families and s
05/03/2018
The Government has been called to provide additional funding for road maintenance. Sinn Féin TD for Sligo, Leitrim, North Roscommon, and South Donegal, Martin Kenny, made the call after the freezing temperatures left many roads is a "desperate state of disrepair". He said: "While I commend the cou
05/03/2018
A motion has been approved in the future development of Greenway routes across Ireland. The Green Party recently approved a motion from the Clare Greens which proposes to place the farming community at the centre of the decision making process. Green Party Spokesperson on Agriculture, Pippa Hacket
05/03/2018
NIE Networks is launching a new advice service for people considering developing a new home or extending business premises. Specialist engineers have developed the 'Ask the Expert' service by introducing one-to-one sessions for customers who are looking for technical advice about their electrical c
05/03/2018
Work on the first phase of Radius Housing's development in Bangor, Co Down, has been completed. The Fort Green properties are situated in a cul-de-sac within Radius Housing's larger social housing scheme at Rathgill. The three-bedroom semi-detached homes represent a fusion of heritage style and c
05/03/2018
The Government is being urged to publish its plans for Airbnb regulation. Fianna Fail TD, Barry Cowen, made the call after Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy delayed taking regulatory action pending the report of a working group established under the Re-Building Ireland programme. New information
05/03/2018
Around 5,000 customers remain without water in Wexford. Irish Water workers are continuing work to repair a burst watermain to restore the supply as soon as possible. Alternative water supplies will be available at the following locations: • Cois Carrige Estate • Coolcotts Community Centre • Mo
02/03/2018
A new public poll has found engineers and doctors are the most trusted professionals in Ireland. The study, commissioned as part of Engineers Ireland's 'Engineering 2018' report, has revealed 90% of adults trust engineers to tell the truth and, of the 10 possible professions listed, only doctors ar
02/03/2018
Work to create Northern Ireland's only 'Dark Sky Observatory' is to get underway later this month at Davagh Forest near Cookstown. Mid Ulster District Council is investing over £1 million to develop the 'Davagh Dark Skies' project close to the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles, at the foot of the Spe
02/03/2018
A Co. Down-based company has been prosecuted after a train struck an excavator bucket left on a railway track. Northern Excavators Ltd, of Culcavy Road, Hillsborough, have been fined £8,000 with £1,092 in costs after being found guilty of breaching Article 5(1) of the Health and Safety at Work (Nor
02/03/2018
Around 26,000 homes, farms and businesses across Ireland are without power following Storm Emma, ESB Networks have revealed. The utility said at the storm's peak, 101,000 homes, farms and businesses were without power at 1.30am this morning, Friday 02 March. ESB said as a result of current weather
02/03/2018
Property owners are being warned by NI Water to be extra vigilant and secure their premises due to the current cold weather period. The company has provided the following tips in order to cope with the recent bad weather; • Wrap up pipes and water tanks with lagging • Fix dripping taps – even a s
02/03/2018
Stronger measures and enforcement are required to tackle illegal landfill dumping, Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Cathal Boylan has said. The Newry and Armagh MLA was commenting after new figures show that up to 750,000 tonnes of waste were illegally dumped in the North over the last ten years
01/03/2018
A pharmaceutical firm is to invest €25million to develop a new regenerative medicine facility at its site in Grange Castle, Dublin. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced plans to build a new standalone modular cell therapy facility dedicated to manufacturing a novel stem cell therapy. The
01/03/2018
Sinn Fein has raised serious concerns over the rise in homelessness in Co Louth. TD for Louth and East Meath Gerry Adams hit out at the government after figures revealed a dramatic rise in homelessness in the area. He said: "There are now 155 adults accessing emergency accommodation. Of these, 147
01/03/2018
Construction work on a £250,000 improvement project is Banbridge, Co Down, is to begin on Sunday, 04 March, and is expected to be completed in three to four weeks. The scheme on the A1 has been designed to improve safety for motorists. It involves the erection of a central reserve safety barrier be
01/03/2018
Developers involved in the proposed Laburnum Leisure Village in east Belfast are being urged to provide more information about the development. Green Party representative Brian Smyth made the call after a public consultation took place over the development, which is planned for the former Laburnum
01/03/2018
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has partnered with Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) to tackle environmental crime. People who process and dispose of rubbish illegally are not only breaking the law, they are putting the environment at serious risk. The organisations have sign
01/03/2018
Concerns have been raised over the rise in the number of homeless adults and children in Ireland. The total number of people officially homeless is 9,104, up almost 30% on January 2017, according to new figures from the Department of Housing. Sinn Fein housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said "Re
01/03/2018
Sinn Fein has hit out over Ireland's "complete lack of vision" of renewable energy sources. The party's spokesperson on Climate Action, Brian Stanley TD, said that the State is "way behind" in terms of developing a wide portfolio of renewable energy sources. He said: "An EU Commission report high
01/03/2018
Engineers from Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) are running aerial patrols over the electricity network to establish areas of the power network that need to be improved and refurbished. The trained observers will record any signs of damage or wear and tear on the lines and equip
