Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for September 2018
28/09/2018
A new €4 million primary school building has officially been opened at St Dymphna's National School, Kildalkey, in Co Meath today, 28 September. The two storey building was unveiled by the Minister for Education & Skills, Richard Bruton. Marking the official opening, Minister Bruton said: "I am
28/09/2018
A new tribute garden has been unveiled in honour of the legendary Irish road racers Dromara Destroyers last night, 27 September. The new tribute was built to commemorate the accomplishments of the quartet of Brian Reid, Ray McCullough, Trevor Steele and Ian McGregor. The new garden designed by To
28/09/2018
Work is underway to install new water mains in Crinkle, Co Offaly. The project will involve the replacement of approximately 3100 metres of aged water mains with high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes. The work will take approximately three months to complete. It is being delivered by Irish Wa
28/09/2018
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has been slammed for publishing "meaningless" homeless figures for August. The Minister told the Housing Committee that an additional 741 people have been removed from the official figures over the past few months. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin hit out
28/09/2018
The Minister for Education & Skills, Richard Bruton, has officially opened 24 new classrooms with a Special Needs Unit at Stepaside Educate Together National School in Sandyford, Dublin. The new building will cater for over 600 pupils. Over €8m was invested by the Government to provide these new st
28/09/2018
Killarney House and interpretative centre has been officially reopened following the completion of a €10 million refurbishment. The Interpretative Exhibition in Killarney House – Gateway to The National Park was formally opened today by Minister of State Brendan Griffin. The opening confirmed th
28/09/2018
A £7 million Wastewater Treatment project has been completed at Ballycastle. The scheme involved the construction of a new treatment works on the existing expanded site in order to meet the needs of the growing local population and economy. The new state-of-the-art Wastewater Treatment Works was
28/09/2018
The PSNI have launched a major Road Safe initiative across all districts today, Thursday, 27 September. Police will be focusing on road safe issues; seat belts, mobile phones, speeding, careless driving, tail gating etc. Drivers have been warned that if they are caught committing any of the offenc
27/09/2018
Walter Watson Limited has begun steelwork on the new £35 million leisure centre in Craigavon. The Co Down structural steel fabricator is currently on site erecting the steel, with the dry-side part of the steel structure due to finish in November and the wet-side due to be completed next year. Th
27/09/2018
Progress is to be made on refurbishments at Co Cork's Millstreet and Kanturk Community Hospitals in 2019, according to Fianna Fáil's Michael Moynihan. Deputy Moynihan, TD for Cork North West, commented on the progress after receiving an update from the HSE on the current status of both projects.
27/09/2018
Resurfacing work is to begin on the Ormeau Road in Belfast next week, 01 October. The £176,000 scheme will see a section of the road improved from its the junction with Annadale Avenue to its junction with Drumkeen Manor. Work will be carried out across five consecutive nights, with a one way la
27/09/2018
Kingspan Group has launched a new business aimed at helping architects enhance their designs. Kingspan Facades is a service-led business providing specifiers with a comprehensive portfolio of advanced building envelope systems suitable for a range of applications and architectural styles. This aes
27/09/2018
Three times more new build homes were in development in Q2 of 2018 than the same period last year. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy published the Quarter 2 2018 Social Housing Construction Projects Status Report today, 27 September, which sets out the continuing progress being made in advancing the
27/09/2018
The average rent increase in Ireland has went up by 0.7% in the last quarter according to the latest RTB rent index. The report for quarter 2 of 2018 shows the average annual rent increase was 7.6%, up from 6.9% in the previous quarter. Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said: "The lat
27/09/2018
Work is underway on a £250,000 water mains upgrade project in the Meigh area of Newry. New water mains will be installed in the area and some existing services will be transferred over to the new pipework. The majority of pipelaying will take place on the Carn Road. It will take place for approxi
27/09/2018
Funding of €560,000 has been secured to develop design plans for a new €7.85 million rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital. Senator Maura Hopkins made the announcement today, 26 September. She said: "I have been informed by the Manager of Roscommon University Hospital that funding
26/09/2018
Irish Water is to present plans to develop a new wastewater treatment plant for the Falcarragh Sewerage Scheme. The firm is hosting a public information evening at Ionad Acmhainne, Baila an Athá, Ballina Estate, Falcarragh, on Monday, 01 October from 5.30-7.30pm. In a statement Irish Water said: "
26/09/2018
A new housing plan has been launched to reduce and end rough sleeping and long-term homelessness nationwide. The Housing First Implementation Plan 2018-2021 underpins the Government's commitment to provide permanent and lasting solutions to address rough sleeping and long-term homelessness in Irel
26/09/2018
Construction work has started on the Drumahoe to Dungiven section of the A6 road upgrade. Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion welcomed the work on the A6 dualling scheme and said it is "vital for growing our economy and increasing connectivity between Derry, Belfast and a direct link to Dublin". She con
26/09/2018
Fine Gael has welcomed the launch of a new Apprenticeship App, which it said can "open up a world of possibility". Limerick TD, Tom Neville said: "I was very pleased to see this new initiative by the Mid-West Regional Skills forum in association with Limerick Clare Education and Training Board. "T
26/09/2018
The HSE has confirmed that the Design Team is currently putting together documentation for the planning applications to refurbish Millstreet and Kanturk Community Hospitals in Cork. Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West, Michael Moynihan, said the planning permission application for Kanturk Community
26/09/2018
Shanahan Engineering based in Dublin has been awarded a commissioning services contract by SEPCO-2, a large Chinese EPC Corporation, for the Jazan Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (JIGCC) Power Block project located in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest gasification plants in the world.
25/09/2018
A project is being launched to help protect properties at The Burrow Portrane in Fingal against the risk of erosion. The Interim emergency measures, costing in the region of €500,000, involves the installation of 380 "SeaBee" reinforced concrete units along the beach in Portrane above the Mean Hig
25/09/2018
A number of Water Conservation Orders have been lifted across Ireland in counties like Meath, Kerry, Dublin, Cork and Waterford. Orders have also been lifted in other counties including Limerick, Tipperary, Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow, Westmeath and Louth. The Irish Water B
25/09/2018
Construction work is to begin to resurface the Moss Road in Londonderry, starting on Monday 08 October. The £122,000 scheme involves resurfacing and reconstructing a 670-metre section from Glengalliagh Road to Galliagh Roundabout. Work is expected to be completed by 20 October, subject to favoura
25/09/2018
Sinn Féin has urged the Housing Executive to address the "emerging crisis" and "deep-rooted inequality" in the housing system. Speaking at Mid Ulster Council's Rural Housing Seminar in Cookstown on Friday, 21 September, MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said: "Most rural families rely on private home ownership
25/09/2018
Plans have been proposed to build a link road in Edenderry, Co Offaly, from Granary Court to Fairgreen. The project would involve the construction of 190 metres of single carriageway, 7.0m wide, along with 190 linear metres of a 2m wide footpath with pedestrian crossings, associated kerbing, drain
25/09/2018
Around €380,000 has been secured to develop a number of play facilities in Co Wexford. The funding will help support the development of ten new playgrounds, one multi user games area and two outdoor gyms. Thirteen different community groups have obtained the fund under the current LEADER Program
24/09/2018
The newly refurbished Loughbrickland play park has been officially opened by Lord Mayor Councillor Julie Flaherty. The project involved the installation of new state of the art play equipment for children of all ages. It is part of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council's multi-phase
24/09/2018
Dungannon-based construction company Western Building Systems has been appointed to Fusion21's £400 million Modular Building Framework. Those eligible for the framework will now be able to utilise Western's significant experience in the delivery of both temporary or permanent buildings within the h
24/09/2018
Resurfacing work is to begin on the B175 Ballynahinch Road in Drumaroad next week, Monday 01 October. The £350,000 scheme involves extending the road 2.5km from its junction with Drumaroad Hill to a point 100 m east of the Carnreagh Road junction. Improvements will also be made to road drainage.
24/09/2018
A new borehole has been proposed in Bennettsbridge due to the increasing demand for water in the area. The current water demand is exceeding the available raw water in the existing sources. Irish Water is working with Kilkenny County Council to address the issue. Contracts have also been signed
24/09/2018
Significant progress has been made on the £4 million Flood Alleviation Project in the Greystown/Malone area of South Belfast, with work expected to commence on the Upper Malone Road shortly. The NI Water scheme involves upgrading the existing combined sewers and the DfI Rivers culvert from Upper M
24/09/2018
Emergency repairs are to be carried out on the R-465 road between Bodyke and Broadford at Ballydonaghan in Co Clare. The road surface suffered damages during the drought period this summer where excessive settlement occurred. Work will commence on the repairs tomorrow, 25 September, and will be c
21/09/2018
A consultation has been launched on plans for future development work in Belfast. On Thursday developers, architects and planning industry stakeholders attended an event at City Hall to share feedback on the Belfast Local Development Plan draft Plan Strategy and Developer Contributions Framework.
21/09/2018
Construction work is continuing on the £160 million A6 Dualling scheme. The project is being delivered by Graham Farrans JV and will see 14.7kms of the A6 North Western Transport Corridor upgraded between Randalstown and Castledawson. The development will strengthen transport links and will bring
21/09/2018
Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin has hit out at the Tánaiste Simon Coveney after he wouldn't confirm or deny plans to bring in special tax cuts for developers. Deputy Howlin said Labour would oppose the Capital Gains tax break, which would see developers charged less than half of the regular amou
21/09/2018
Upgrade works have been completed at a Park and Ride facility in Portadown. The £2.4 million scheme was delivered by contractor Gibson Bros ahead of schedule at the junction of Corcrain Road and Northway. The facility now boasts an additional 347 car parking spaces, alongside CCTV systems and exte
21/09/2018
Up to £1.8 million is being invested by Belfast City Council towards refurbishing the Strand Arts Centre in the city. Plans have been developed by architects Hall Black Douglas to redevelop the 83-year-old building, which is physically deteriorating, has limited disabled access and inadequate facil
21/09/2018
Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion has hailed a recent meeting with NIO officials over possible City Deals for L'Derry and Belfast as "constructive and positive". In July, Chancellor Philip Hammond invited bids for a Derry-Londonderry City Deal to drive forward economic growth and "build an economy that
21/09/2018
A new 152-space Park and Ride facility has been built at the Drumderg roundabout in Toome, Co Antrim. The site, which includes five dedicated disabled spaces and two electric car charging points, has 50 more spaces than the previous facility. In addition, a new pedestrian footbridge has also been c
21/09/2018
Dublin-based independent martech agency, IPX, has revealed plans to launch a new digital sales tool this October to help small businesses save time and get more work online. The Tradebot service can be deployed on websites, text, email and other messaging services where it can automatically chat wi
20/09/2018
More than 50 new social homes are to be built at St. Teresa's Gardens in Dublin. The 54-home scheme will get underway in the coming months after Housing Minister Damien English launched the St Teresa's Gardens Regeneration Board Strategic Plan 2018-2021 today, 20 September. Commissioned in 2017, t
20/09/2018
Only five out of 11 local councils in Northern Ireland are meeting their planning decision targets, according to new figures from the Department of Infrastructure. During the first three months of 2018, six local authorities did not meet their 15-week target. The shortest average processing time fo
20/09/2018
Plans have been submitted for a wastewater sludge scheme across Co Carlow. The €900,000 investment Irish Water investment involves installing eight innovative and environmentally friendly reed beds to provide a sustainable solution for the long term treatment of wastewater sludge. The reed bed act
20/09/2018
Farrans has completed work to upgrade two play parks in Co Down. A total of £175,000 was invested to improve both Dollingstown and Magheralin play parks. The refurbishments involved installing a mixture of new equipment including and senior swings, an inclusive roundabout, basket and cradle swing,
20/09/2018
An NI Water contractor has been killed after a tree fell on him during Storm Ali. It is understood the man, who was in his 20s, died on Tuesday after a tree fell on him as he worked at Slieve Gullion Park in Co Armagh. Another man in his 40s was injured. Both men were doing work for NI Water at t
20/09/2018
An 'affordable' housing scheme is the only alternative for families removed from the housing waiting list. Fianna Fáil raised the issue after it was revealed that up to 100 families in the Dublin City region have been removed from the public housing waiting list this year for earning more than the
20/09/2018
FP McCann has been appointed to deliver a new flood alleviation project near Lisburn. The Lissue Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme is designed to reduce the risk of flooding from the existing watercourse, to a predominately industrial/commercial area with a history of flooding. Key features will inc
20/09/2018
Up to 9,500 homes in Northern Ireland are still without power following Storm Ali, according to NIE Networks. The company said since yesterday morning, over 80,000 properties have had their power restored. "Emergency teams are still dealing with hundreds of faults and Local Incident Centres will b
20/09/2018
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has helped deliver a new Dementia Friendly Hub in Learmount, Coleraine. Over £3,000 was awarded towards the scheme, which involved creating a communal space where people with dementia and their families can come to relax, socialise and be signposted to
20/09/2018
Interior by Design Group have revealed how you can make your home more accessible with easy to use and easy to install wheelchair ramps. The company can adapt your home for safer living with mobility bathrooms and accessibility ramps, helping the disabled elderly and those with special needs. Whee
19/09/2018
Construction work has started on a £7 million mixed-use community hub project in west Belfast. The scheme involves transforming the former St Comgall's school on Divis Street to feature a multi-purpose function/conference hall, opening out onto a restored central courtyard with a glass pyramid roof
19/09/2018
Doubts have been raised over the future of the €1 billion National Broadband Plan after a major component of the bidding consortium, John Laing plc, withdrew from the process. Sinn Féin's Communications spokesperson, Brian Stanley TD, described the tender for the project as "chaotic". "The Granhan
19/09/2018
Up to €22 million is to be invested in redeveloping Ireland's National Archives. Preparations are now underway at the National Archives premises in Bishop Street, Dublin to create a new facility which will ensure ensure that archives are stored in a fit for purpose buildingm wuth the potential to d
19/09/2018
Ward and Burke Construction are to begin work on a €14 million water main and sewer network upgrade project in Bandon, Co Cork. The scheme will lead to big improvements in the quality and reliability of the town's water supply by replacing old water mains which have a history of frequent bursts and
19/09/2018
Radius Housing has teamed up with CITB NI to launch the new Apprenticeship Endeavour Award. The programme is designed ti support craft construction apprentices who have overcome considerable adversity in their lives as they work towards completing their training and achieving a construction qualifi
19/09/2018
More than 140,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power as gale force winds as a result of Storm Ali move across Ireland. ESB Networks has said that the damage is mainly attributable to fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds. ESB crews have been dispatched to the most
19/09/2018
A cross-party motion on housing is to be debated in the Dáil next month. The Private Members Motion will be discussed at 12.30pm on 03 October, coinciding with the ICTU led 'Raise the Roof: Homes for All' rally taking place outside the Dáil at the same time. The motion contains four specific deman
19/09/2018
Irish specialist Actavo | Hire & Sales has helped deliver a £2.9 million housing development in Warrington, Cheshire. The company teamed up with Bardsley Construction to provide a fall prevention solution for the project, which involved transforming and converting an early 20th century hospital sit
19/09/2018
Construction work is to begin on a £146,000 road resurfacing scheme in Co Tyrone. The project involves repairing the B80 Cullion / B107 Clabby Road outside Tempo. Work will get underway on 24 September and completion is set for 05 October. To carry out the works safely, the scheme will require a f
19/09/2018
NI Water has been prosecuted following three pollution incidents at treatment works in Killinchy and Annsborough in Co Down. The company received fines totalling £80,000; £60,000 for two incidents at Killinchy and £20,000 for one incident at Annsborough. In a statement following the court's verdic
18/09/2018
Farrans has been appointed to deliver a new £27 million North-West Multi-Modal Transport Hub in L'Derry. Working alongside railway engineers Rhomberg Sersa, the new Hub will bring a further step change in the city’s public transport development enhancing connectivity between train, bus and cycling
18/09/2018
A new €5.4 million project has been launched to develop advanced marine monitoring systems in the Irish Sea. The Sensor Technologies for Remote Environmental Aquatic Monitoring (STREAM) project is supported through the EU's Ireland-Wales Co-operation Programme and led by the Waterford Institute of
18/09/2018
Lowry Building and Civil Engineering has completed work on a £275,000 flood alleviation scheme in Whiteabbey, Belfast. The project involved reducing the risk of flooding to 29 properties in the area by replacing an existing inadequate and structurally defective masonry culvert. In addition, a new
18/09/2018
A heritage regeneration event is set to take place this week in Armagh. The event has been organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to lay out its strategic vision and plans for the borough. The author of 'Heritage Works', Leonie Oliva, will speak at the event and highligh
18/09/2018
British and Irish wood products supplier, Balcas Timber, has acquired the trading assets of wood pellet distributor, Forever Fuels. The deal will strengthen Balcas' position as a principal supplier in the UK and Ireland wood pellet industry. All employees of Forever Fuels have now transferred over
18/09/2018
More than 600 social and 'affordable' homes could be built on a former John Player cigarette site in Dublin, according to Fianna Fáil Seanad Group Leader, Senator Catherine Ardagh. Calling for the site not to be sold on the open market, Senator Ardagh said severe housing shortages in the area "are
18/09/2018
Construction work is to begin on a £134,000 road improvement scheme in L'Derry. The project aims to upgrade the strength and surface quality of the carriageway at the Foyleside Roundabout and Foyle Street. Phase one of the scheme will take place between 23–25 September, while phase two will opera
18/09/2018
Up to 400 jobs are at risk at British Steel, it has been announced. The company revealed the proposed reduction of managerial, professional and administrative roles will take place at its operations throughout the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands due to its ongoing streamlining process. Rol
18/09/2018
More than 100 homes owned by Radius Housing have received energy efficiency upgrades. Funding secured from the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) has helped the Association carry out upgrades to 108 properties, with additional insulation improvements carried out to 10 of the home
18/09/2018
Sinn Féin has hit out at both the Housing Executive and Department for Communities (DfC) for failing to do more to address the growing inequalities in rural housing provision. Speaking ahead of her address at Friday's Rural Housing Seminar in Cookstown, Housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín said ru
17/09/2018
Construction work is continuing on the £14 million Erskine House redevelopment project in Belfast. Graham Construction is delivering a new Grade A office accommodation development on the site and handover is scheduled for February 2019. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has signed an agreement to lease
17/09/2018
The Department for Communities (DfC) is seeking expressions of interest from parties interested in developing the Fort George site in L'Derry. The 15-acre site has received outline planning permission for over 885,000 sq ft of gross floor space for mixed-use facilities. Property consultants Lisney
17/09/2018
Work to build and upgrade four new wastewater treatment plants in Co Donegal is now complete. The facilities were officially opened by Tony McLoughlin TD and Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Seamus O'Domhnaill, on Friday 14 September. The project was delivered by Veolia Water Ireland
17/09/2018
Almost £500,000 has been secured for a major regeneration project in L'Derry. The Executive Office's Urban Villages initiative has awarded funding towards the Abercorn Road initiative, which will see the upgrade and improvement to commercial and residential properties along the street. The project
17/09/2018
Work on a £150,000 leisure centre refurbishment project in Strabane is now complete. The scheme at Riversdale Leisure Centre was carried out during the summer holidays and involved upgrading changing facilities in the men's, women's and family areas, including the installation of new lockers and cu
17/09/2018
An industry supply-chain 'Meet the Buyer' event is scheduled to take place next month in Belfast. Some of NI's top firms will join Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and Bank of Ireland UK at the event in Belfast's Crowne Plaza Hotel on 07 November. Businesses will have
14/09/2018
A new €1.25 billion Land Development Agency has been launched by the Government. The Agency aims to deliver 150,000 new homes over the next 20 years, as part of the next step of Project Ireland 2040. With an immediate focus on managing State-owned lands to develop new homes and regenerate under-ut
14/09/2018
Ward and Burke Construction is to begin work on a water supply upgrade project in the Greater Dublin Area. Over €35 million is being invested by Irish Water to link the Lexlip Water Treatment Plant with the Saggart Reservoirs. The scheme involves building a 6.8km pipeline and pumping station to in
14/09/2018
Older residents in Belfast are being encouraged to make use of a free home safety check and accident prevention service by multi-agency partnership, Age-friendly Belfast. The Belfast Safer Homes initiative is aimed at vulnerable adults or people aged over 65 and helps protect older residents from a
14/09/2018
An initiative which teaches school children important lessons on energy efficiency has been nominated for an accolade in the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Awards. The Energy Detectives programme, developed by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Cou
14/09/2018
Fianna Fáil has called for Credit Unions to become a major investor in developing social and 'affordable' housing across Ireland. The party's Spokesperson on Finance, Michael McGrath TD, said collectively, Credit Union's have around €8.5 billion held investments, yet their returns are not substanti
14/09/2018
Nearly €50,000 of grant funding has been awarded to the Naomh Muire GAA Club to carry out upgrade works to its clubhouse. The €49,940 grant, sanctioned by Minister of State Joe McHugh, will help the club carry out construction work and to upgrade the building as it prepares to host the Comórtas Pei
13/09/2018
Plans to build more than 530 homes in Dublin have been refused by An Bord Pleanala. Permission had previously been granted earlier this year to develop 432 apartments and 104 houses at St Paul's College, Sybil Hill Road, Raheny. However, residents had protested against the decision as the facility
13/09/2018
The Government has appointed Dave Walsh as the new Chair of An Bord Pleanála. Mr Walsh, who is currently an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, will replace Dr Mary Kelly whose term of office expired at the end of last month. Currently, Mr Walsh leads t
13/09/2018
Farrans Construction is to begin work on a water mains replacement project in Ballina, Co Mayo. The scheme will see around 1.7km of old problematic water mains replaced with high density polyethylene (plastic) pipe material to improve security of supply, boost water quality and reduce high levels o
13/09/2018
Work is underway on a multi-million pound redevelopment project at Dunadry Hotel in Co Antrim. McKeever Hotel Group is carrying out the refurbishment scheme, which is expected to be completed by June 2019 in time for the British Open. Invest Northern Ireland has offered £740,000 towards the redeve
13/09/2018
Nearly £550,000 is to be invested in upgrading the Waterside area of L'Derry. The Kilfennan Valley Park Greenway will be improved to include the installation of new pathways, lighting, crossing points and seating. The project will complement the new Clooney Greenway and create a sustainable travel
13/09/2018
Interior by Design Group is an innovative and agile company which can complete individual or large-scale projects for a range of clients. In addition to delivering home and commercial environments that are responsive, adaptive, inviting and exciting, the Group believes that the worlds of creative e
12/09/2018
Six people have been arrested by gardaí after housing activists were removed from a Dublin city centre property. The demonstrators, who had been occupying the property at 34 North Frederick Street for the last three weeks, were evicted from the property on Tuesday evening following an order from th
12/09/2018
Fianna Fáil has called for a timeline to be established on the construction of a new Garda Station in Macroom, Co Cork. A motion on Macroom Garda Station, presented by the party's TD for Cork North West, Aindrias Moynihan, was recently debated and passed at a meeting of the Joint Policing Committee
12/09/2018
The Irish Labour party has hit out at proposals by Fianna Fáil for the Government to spend an additional €200 million on 'affordable' housing. It is understood the party are asking the Government to invest the money in Budget 2019 on new housing, claiming the funding will provide 4,000 new homes.
12/09/2018
Applications are now open for the Heat Pump Installation Grants under the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, Environment Minister Denis Naughten has announced. The scheme will financially support the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and
12/09/2018
The former Crumlin Road Courthouse in Belfast is to be transformed into a new hotel. Planning permission has been granted for Liverpool-based developer Lawrence Kenwright to build its third hotel in the city. Belfast City Council's planning committee approved the plans, which include a new roof e
12/09/2018
Work is to begin on a £319,000 road resurfacing scheme in Ballymena. The project on the A26 Seven Towers Roundabout will deliver significant improvements to both the structural integrity and surface of the junction and its approach roads. The scheme will begin on Monday, 17 September and finish by
11/09/2018
The McAvoy Group has won a £4.7 million contract to deliver Northern Ireland's first offsite housing scheme. Designed by Knox Clayton Architects, the Joymount development in Carrickfergus will provide 40 new homes and marks McAovoy's first contract in the residential sector following the announceme
11/09/2018
Up to 90 new jobs are to be created at an electrical engineering firm in Burnfoot, Co Donegal. E+I Engineering Ltd, a global leader in the critical power distribution sector, is creating the new roles at its headquarters, as well as extending its 215,000 sq ft manufacturing facility. The new jobs,
11/09/2018
A motion of no confidence has been submitted by Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, against Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. The motion, which will be debated in the Dáil on 25 September, states how homelessness has increased to unprecedented levels while house prices and rents have spir
11/09/2018
Greencoat Renewables has purchased Coillte's operating wind farm assets for an enterprise value of €281 million. The asset sale comprises Coillte's 50% stake in each of its joint venture wind farms at Raheenleagh, Cloosh Valley and Castlepook and a 25% stake in Sliabh Bawn. In total the assets repr
11/09/2018
Work on a new housing development at Enniscorthy, Co Wexford is now complete. A total of eight homes have been built by local contractor Kilcavan Property Developments at Cherryorchard. Designed in-house by the Wexford County Council Housing Department, the scheme was supported with just over €1.6
11/09/2018
Conwell Contracts and NI Water are to begin work on a £60,000 storm sewer project in Newry. The scheme involves laying around 165 metres of storm sewer and associated manholes on New Street and Canal Street to serve a new social housing development. The first stage of the project will begin on New
11/09/2018
Work is continuing on a multi-million euro water mains upgrade project across Galway. On Monday, Irish Water and Galway City Council water services staff updated Councillors on the progress of works taking place across the city. The briefing focused on leakage reduction works, which are targeting
11/09/2018
Funding applications are now open for the National and Regional Greenways programme. Up to €53 million is available for Greenway projects between 2019 – 2021, with funding likely to be awarded in the first half of next year. Announcing that applications are open, Transport Minister Shane Ross said
11/09/2018
Work is to begin on a £110,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme in Belfast. The scheme on Millfield will see city bound lanes from Carrick Hill to Francis Street repaired. Work is due to begin on Tuesday, 18 September with completion set for 28 September. For safety reasons, road closures will be in
11/09/2018
A 12-week heritage course is set to begin in Co Clare. The joint initiative of Clare County Council, Clare Museum and the Limerick and Clare Education & Training Board (LCETB) commences with an introductory workshop at the LCETB FET Centre in Miltown Malbay on Wednesday, 19 September. The programm
10/09/2018
Strong increases in housing and commercial activity during August saw Ireland achieve five consecutive years of construction growth, according to new figures. The latest Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) posted 58.3 in August, down from 60.7 in July but still pointing to a s
10/09/2018
Work is continuing on a £50 million build-to-rent scheme in Salford. NI-based contractor Graham has reached the topping out stage of the Erie Basin project, a 220,000 sq ft development which will accommodate 270 new apartments once finished in summer next year. Acquired from the Peel Group, the si
10/09/2018
Millions of euros are to be invested in more than 40 innovative energy projects across Ireland. Environment Minister Denis Naughten has announced €8 million in Government funding to support 45 schemes in companies and research institutions across Ireland. Key schemes include a project led by Dr Mi
10/09/2018
Work on a £750,000 apartment refurbishment project in Armagh is now complete. The scheme at Patrick's Fold was carried out by Radius Housing as part of its £11.8 million investment programme across Northern Ireland. Patrick's Fold includes 35 apartments and in addition to improvements at this site
10/09/2018
A new play park has been built in Mayobridge, Newry. The new facility was officially declared open by Councillor Mark Murnin on Tuesday, 04 September. Cllr Murnin said: "I am delighted to see children enjoy the new state of the art play park right in the heart of Mayobridge. The play park is fille
10/09/2018
Design work is being carried out to develop new wastewater infrastructure in Moville, Co Donegal. Irish Water said it is carrying out the scheme to stop the discharge of untreated wastewater into Lough Foyle and the Bredagh River. A technical review of the project is now underway with engineers ap
10/09/2018
NI Water has revealed plans to expand a pilot SMART water metering project to customers across the country. The trial was introduced on Rathlin Island last year and allows 13 revenue meters to automatically report back to a base in mainland Northern Ireland, with the information being used to read
10/09/2018
FP McCann has been chosen to carry out improvement works on the UB190 Bann Bridge in Coleraine. The Bearing Replacement project will be delivered on the structure, which carries a single track around 240 metres over the River Bann on the Coleraine to Derry ~ L'Derry railway line. Works will includ
10/09/2018
Sinn Féin have hit back at comments by Taoiseach Leo Varadker claiming that Sinn Féin-led councils in Dublin are responsible for the slow pace of social and affordable housing delivery. The party's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, described the claims as "completely false", stating the Taoiseach
10/09/2018
Work to refurbish public toilet facilities in Whitehead, Co Antrim is now complete. The new block is based at Castleview Pavilion and includes provision for those with disabilities, as well as baby-changing facilities. The previous facility was closed due to the deterioration of the building, anti
07/09/2018
The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) has rebuffed calls for the façade of the fire-damaged Bank Buildings in Belfast to be demolished. The 115-year-old building, home to the city's Primark store, was gutted by a major blaze last week. Local traders reacted with anger following news that a
07/09/2018
Nearly 300 new homes are to be built near Lisburn. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Planning Committee have unanimously backed plans for 297 dwellings, comprising of mixed house types, landscaping, parking and associated site and access works at Brokerstown Village, as part of phase 2 of LD1:
07/09/2018
Plans have been approved to repair and restore the Royal Bastion and Plinth on the historic City Walls in L'Derry. Up to £155,000 will be invested in the project and works are scheduled to get underway in Spring 2019. Plans include focusing primarily on the Plinth itself and will include repairs t
07/09/2018
Work on a £1 million social housing investment programme in Glengormley, Co Antrim is now complete. The scheme was part of Radius Housing's overall £11.8m investment in maintenance and improvements at Ardrigh Fold. Features included refurbishing the facility, as well as full redecoration, improved
07/09/2018
Work is to begin on a £240,000 road improvement scheme in Newtownabbey. Around 1.2km of the Doagh Road between Houston's Corner Roundabout and Carntall Road will undergo resurfacing from Monday, 10 September. Completion is scheduled for mid-October. To facilitate the work, a full road closure will
07/09/2018
Environment Minister Denis Naughten has unveiled Keara Robins as the latest Board member to join the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) for a five-year period. Having qualified as a civil engineer, Ms Robins has worked in a variety of energy-related roles, both in industry and in the regulatory ar
07/09/2018
Work is continuing on a £5 million sewer infrastructure upgrade project in the Ormeau area of Belfast. The scheme is being carried out around Ormeau Avenue, Dublin Road, Bruce Street, Sandy Row and sections of the lower Ormeau Road. Once finished, the investment will significantly reduce the risk o
07/09/2018
Construction work is to start on a £319,000 road resurfacing project between Ballymena and Ballymoney in Co Antrim. The scheme will eider 600 metres of carriageway along the A26 Frosses Road, as well as resurfacing a 1,200-metre stretch of the route in the vicinity of the Knockahollet Road Junction
06/09/2018
Pharmaceutical company Chanelle Group has opened a new €10 million manufacturing facility in Loughrea, Co Galway. The 30,000 ft facility is Europe's first dedicated Spot On manufacturing facility built to European and US quality standards. As part of its plans to invest some €86 million in its ope
06/09/2018
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has welcomed plans by Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley to bring forward legislation which would allow civil servants to make decisions in the absence of a devolved government at Stormont. Northern Ireland has been without an Executive sinc
06/09/2018
Northern Ireland energy supplier, Firmus, has revealed it is raising its prices by 12% over 01 October – 04 October. All 87,0000 customers will be hit with the hike, which is set to add around £70 per year to householders' bills. Firmus said: "For customers in the Ten Towns area, the typical house
06/09/2018
Dublin-based engineering consultant, PM Group, has announced the acquisition of Belgian engineer, Magnet Group. The purchase will enable PM Group to diversify and grow in the region, delivering more projects locally for its Pharma and Data Centre clients, while also providing a range of services to
06/09/2018
The Department for Communities (DfC) has announced a number of appointments to the Historic Monuments Council (HMC). The second term of appointment of the Chair of the Historic Monuments Council (HMC) has been extended, with Professor Gabriel Cooney serving from 01 August 2018 until 31 January 2019
06/09/2018
Work is continuing on a water mains renewal project in Bagenalstown, Co Carlow. Irish Water has nearly finished replacing 2.5km of old water mains on the Royal Oak Road to improve the security of supply, improve water quality and reduce high levels of leakage. With this phase of the project nearin
06/09/2018
Sinn Féin's Housing spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín, has called for social housing targets to be revised after a senior Housing Executive official admitted enough social homes are being built to meet demand in the North West. Calling on the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive to rev
06/09/2018
The fourth Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) conference is now underway in Dublin. Over 80 international academics and researchers will attend the event on sustainable design, which is being hosted by Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) in the city's newest urban quarte
06/09/2018
Plans by Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) to create a series of Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants across Ireland have been criticised by the Green Party. GNI is planning to produce 20% of gas through renewables by 2030, which would be supported by AD with separate initiatives for the agriculture sector and
06/09/2018
Construction and agricultural machinery that's between two- and five-years-old and in top condition was trading at a premium at the recent three-day used equipment auction organised by Euro Auctions, Europe's leading plant auctioneers, at its poplar Leeds auction in August. Jonnie Keyes, Euro Auct
05/09/2018
Irish Water has published plans to build a new wastewater treatment plant in Arklow as part of a €60 million investment. The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant (WwTP) project involves building a new facility to treat 36,000 population equivalent (PE), two interceptor sewer pipelines (along North and
05/09/2018
Offsite construction specialist the McAvoy Group has revealed plans to expand into the residential sector. Following extensive product development and collaboration with Queen's University Belfast, the company has produced a steel-framed offsite housing solution for multi-storey apartments, detache
05/09/2018
Nearly £30 million is to be invested in upgrading and maintaining Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) properties in the Derry City & Strabane District Council region this year. NIHE staff recently met with Derry City & Strabane District Council to give a presentation to members on its Housing
05/09/2018
The search is underway for tenants to occupy a new €18 million office building in Dublin. The 'Lumen' building on Upper Baggot Street will take around 15 months to build. Developed by Burlington Real Estate, the 19,200 sq ft office block will be five storeys and feature views over Baggot Street, i
05/09/2018
SSE Airtricity has revealed its standard household energy prices are to increase in Northern Ireland from 01 October. Regulated natural gas prices will increase for homes and small businesses by 10.9%, representing a £1.08 rise per week for households. household electricity prices will increase by
05/09/2018
NI-based construction firm, Graham, is continuing work to deliver a new community facility in Barnet, North London. Having achieved the topping out stage, the Tarling Road Community Centre is on schedule to open its doors in East Finchley later this year. Once finished, the facility will include a
05/09/2018
Resurfacing work is set to begin on Great Georges Street in Belfast. Up to £75,000 is being invested to repair Nelson Street to York Street and work is scheduled to start on Saturday, 08 September. Completion is set for Sunday, 16 September. For safety reasons, works will be carried out from 9pm o
05/09/2018
Fianna Fáil has been criticised for its plans to give landlords a tax break in exchange for letting tenants sign longer leases. It is understood the proposal, which is still being negotiated as part of Budget 2019, would give landlords a rebate for providing tenants with long-term leases. However
04/09/2018
Plans have been approved for a £140 million regeneration project at Belfast's North Foreshore Giant's Park. The scheme will see a new commercial leisure and mixed-use development created on a 250-acre portion of the site. A £93m visitor attraction, made up of four distinct zones or ‘hubs' - a wel
04/09/2018
More than 30 new social homes are to be built in Clonbrusk, Athlone. Housing Minister Damien English turned the sod on the €6.8 million project at Arcadia today, 04 September. Overall, a total of 33 new homes will be developed. Minister English said the scheme, which provides high quality two, thr
04/09/2018
Plans have been revealed to undertake a major repair and restoration programme on Cork's iconic Daly's Bridge. The 50.9-metre structure is the only one of its kind in Ireland as it is the only surviving pedestrian suspension bridge of its type and age. Cork City Council is seeking Part 8 planning
04/09/2018
Quinn Automatic has completed work to restore and upgrade facilities at Warrenpoint's Edwardian Park in Co Down. The scheme was backed by £850,000 of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund's (HLF) Parks for People Programme, with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council also providing significant fu
04/09/2018
Irish Water has confirmed that water from the Naas Public Water Supply is safe to drink. Samples taken last week at a number of locations in Naas including Radharc an Chaislean are compliant with all drinking water regulations, while it has also been confirmed a source of an illness from campylobac
04/09/2018
Work is to start later this month on a £320,000 resurfacing scheme on the B30 Silverbridge Road in Mullaghbawn, Co Antrim. Around 1.9km from the Glenmore Road/Cashel Road junction will be repaired to a point 120 metres north of the Tullymacrieve Road Junction. The scheme will deliver significant im
04/09/2018
Work to refurbish a Danske Bank branch at Donegall Square West in Belfast city centre is now complete. The facility has been redesigned with a new look, a new layout and improved services that Danske Bank believes will better meet the needs and expectations of personal and business customers. Aisl
04/09/2018
Work is to begin on a £300,000 road repairs project in Newtownabbey. Around 800 metres of carriageway will be resurfaced on the Antrim Road, while iron work will be replaced between Bellevue Bridge and Church Way. Overnight road closures will be in place between 7pm – 6am from 10 September until 1
04/09/2018
Civil engineering company ShareRidge is to begin work to replace 1.7km of old water mains in Killaloe and Bridgetown, Co Clare. High density polyethylene (plastic) pipes will be installed by the company to provide a more secure, reliable and efficient water supply to customers. In addition, the pro
04/09/2018
Belfast-based window specialist, Glassmarque, is continuing restoration work at the Queen's University Belfast Lanyon Building. The building, named after architect Charles Lanyon, was completed in 1849 and as the years have passed, serious deterioration of the façade has taken place. An extensive
03/09/2018
Approximately 32 social homes have been delivered in Athboy, Co Meath. The Connaught Grove development was officially opened on Friday, 31 August. It consists of a mix of 10 two-bed, 20 three-bed and 2 four-bed houses with a high spec finish, energy efficient heating and an A2-rated BER. The nee
03/09/2018
Transport Minister Shane Ross has been urged to outline his Department's plan to address the "shocking" state of Irish roads. Dáil Eireann passed a Fianna Fáil motion six months ago setting out the requirement for a plan on national roads. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport
03/09/2018
Design and planning works are progressing on the proposed wastewater infrastructure upgrades in the Donegal towns of Rathmullan, Milford and Ramelton. The towns currently have no or substandard wastewater treatment and are discharging untreated or partially treated wastewater into the environment.
03/09/2018
Enabling works have begun on the Carrickfergus Keep Roof Project to reopen a Victorian tunnel into Carrickfergus Castle. The works are being undertaken at the Harbour end of the tunnel to re-establish a second point of entry into the castle that will facilitate access to the Keep by the specialist
03/09/2018
Bio-pharmaceutical company BioMarin is to expand its plant in Shanbally, Co Cork, creating more than 50 jobs. The €37 million expansion will bring the total employment at the plant to over 400. BioMarin manufactures drugs and therapies to treat rare genetic diseases which mostly affect children.
03/09/2018
Fianna Fáil has hit out at the government over its failure to outline clear guidelines of eligibility for affordable housing. The party's General Election Candidate in Dublin North West, Cllr Paul McAuliffe, has urged Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to address the issue in order to determine the le
