Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Ireland Construction News Archive for September 2019
30/09/2019
The number of people living in emergency accommodation in Ireland has risen to 10,338, new figures show. According to the Department of Housing's official numbers, 6,490 adults and 3,848 children are registered homeless. The number of children living in emergency accommodation was up by 70 in the
30/09/2019
A €5 million pedestrian and cycle bridge has been officially opened in Cork City. Named after aid worker Mary Elmes, the bridge connects Merchants Quay and St Patrick's Bridge. It is expected to be used by up to 11,000 people each day. Opening the new structure, Lord Mayor, Cllr John Sheehan said
30/09/2019
A number of consultation events have taken place to help shape plans for the Ulster Canal Greenway. Locals came out in Middletown, Smithborough and Tyholland to offer views and suggestions on the proposed route options for the project. Chairman of Monaghan County Council, Councillor Seamus Coyle
30/09/2019
The refurbished People's Park in Ballymena has officially been opened to the public. These £120,000 works saw the senior play area upgraded with new equipment. It forms part of the first phase of work at People's Park, which turns 150 years old in 2020. Mayor Maureen Morrow was joined by Mid and E
30/09/2019
Irish Water has come under fire over a decision to cordon off 15 acres of landscaped lands around the upgraded Stillorgan Reservoir. The utility is upgrading the facility to a covered reservoir, in line with best practise, to safeguard the supply of water for the 200,000 people it serves in South D
30/09/2019
Ballymena's Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall has been shortlisted for a 2019 Heritage Angels Award. The development will compete in the Best Heritage Research and Interpretation category. These annual awards celebrate unsung angels of local heritage- individuals or groups, who have rescued an h
30/09/2019
The government has launched a public consultation on the level of renewable energy in road transport fuels. This move forms part of the Climate Action Plan, which sets out over 180 actions to take in every Department and every sector to achieve 2030 targets, putting Ireland on a trajectory to meet
30/09/2019
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has teased what will be in the party's upcoming alternative budget as they look to address ongoing rent problems. The party will set aside €279 million for a refundable tax credit, given to all renters which would be equal to one month's rent. An emergency ren
30/09/2019
A series of energy-saving improvements have commenced at Luimnagh Water Treatment Plant in County Galway. High efficiency technology is being installed to save energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the environment. This will see an 84 tonne reduction in carbon emissions which is equivalent
30/09/2019
The Department for Infrastructure is moving forward with improvements on the Hospital Roundabout in Dungannon. This £67,000 scheme will see the surface of the County Tyrone roundabout strengthened. A full road closure will in place between 6.30 pm and 6.30 am from Monday 30 September 2019 to Sund
27/09/2019
Global manufacturer Terex has strengthened its offering in Northern Ireland with a new facility in Londonderry. The £14 million development was officially opened in Campsie today, 27 September, bringing the number of Terex sites in NI to nine. The new 105,000 square foot facility manufactures hea
27/09/2019
Construction companies across the country have been issued a reminder about new building regulations that will come into effect later this year. The new regulations, which aim to make all new residential dwellings 70% more energy efficient than the performance requirements in 2005, will apply to a
27/09/2019
The government has been criticised over its failure to deliver on an analysis of the impact of fuel poverty on vulnerable households. Recommended by the Committee in March 2019, the review was launched to delve into the extent of fuel poverty across Ireland. The Departments of Climate Action, Fin
27/09/2019
The pop-up bookshop is set to return for this year's RIAI Conference due to popular demand. It will feature an array of books, including signed books, RIAI contracts and the sale table. The 2019 RIAI Conference will take place on Friday 05 and Saturday 05 October in the RDS, Dublin. It will be h
27/09/2019
Sinn Féin has reiterated its call for a three-year emergency rent freeze along with a refundable tax credit for renters. This comes following the publication of the Residential Tenancies Board Q2 report for 2019, which shows an average annual state-wide rent rise of 7%. Commenting on the figures,
27/09/2019
Irish Water has deployed a team to repair a faulty water supply in Ballydesmond, County Cork. The incident on Wednesday, 25 September, saw customers lose water supply. The supply was restored yesterday, 26 September, following a series of works. Margaret Attridge, Irish Water Regional Operatio
27/09/2019
Carlow town is to be designated as a 'Rent Pressure Zone', Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has confirmed. This government intervention will see tenants benefit from a number of protective measures. Fine Gael TD Pat Deering, who has been working with Minister Murphy on the project, welcomed the con
27/09/2019
A key road in the County Down village of Kircubbin is set to close for improvement works, starting next week. Rubane Road will be subject to a £255,000 programme of work, which will see a 1,400-metre section upgraded. Work will begin on Monday 30 September and run until Friday 25 October. The
27/09/2019
The government's proposal for increased carbon tax has been met with heavy criticism from Sinn Féin. The party has reaffirmed its opposition to the proposal following a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action on Wednesday 25 September. The Department of Finance was required by
27/09/2019
Locals in the County Mayo village of Murrisk are set to benefit from a new water supply. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, announced the approval of the Murrisk Community Water Connection. This project will lead to 350 houses in the West Mayo village being included on t
26/09/2019
Leading firm HLM Architects has opened a new base in Dublin as part of its expansion plans. With studios in Belfast and across the UK, the new site will allow the company to access wider opportunities and develop activities across Ireland. The new Dublin base is located at Fitzwilliam Place. Com
26/09/2019
Plans have been submitted to develop a new pedestrian and cycle-bridge over the railway line in Donabate, Dublin. The proposals would see the bridge cross over the Dublin to Belfast Railway line south of Donabate Train Station. This would strengthen connections between the development lands at C
26/09/2019
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has come under pressure to address questions on his rental strategy following the publication of a new report. The Residential Tenancies Board has published its Q2 report for 2019, revealing an average annual state-wide rent rise of 7%. Other figures show rents hav
26/09/2019
A call has been issued for the assessment of the safety of timber-clad housing in Northern Ireland following recent fires in England. A number of timber-clad properties in England have been seriously damaged with fire safety experts issuing warnings about untreated timber. These events have prom
26/09/2019
Shelbourne Motors has brought 60 jobs to the Newry area with the launch of a new £5 million multi-franchise complex. The state-of-the-art showroom features a range of global brands including Renault, Dacia and Kia as well as a purpose-built Autoselect Used Car Supermarket. Various job roles came w
26/09/2019
A call has been issued for applications to the STEPS Young Engineers Award. Now in its second year, the award encourages third- and fourth-class pupils and their teachers to explore the world of engineering by developing an engineering project that would help to improve their local community. Eng
26/09/2019
Cork County Council has struck a deal with a contractor to deliver a €225,000 pathway scheme in Mallow. Glenville-based company Finucane & Sons Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Ltd has signed on to complete the work in Mallow Town Park. The works will include the extension of the existing concrete
26/09/2019
A new €2 billion strategy has been launched to boost renewable energy use across Ireland. Put forward by EirGrid Group, the initiative aims to more than double renewable energy in the country by 2030. This would see 70% of all electricity use be renewable. The five-year strategy was launched at
26/09/2019
Irish building materials firm CRH has announced two new senior appointments. Richard Boucher will replace Nicky Hartery as Chairman Designate on 01 January 2020. Nicky is set to retire from the role following a seven year stint. Mr Boucher joined the CRH Board in March 2018 and has been Chairman
26/09/2019
Irish Water and contractor Farrans are moving forward with water mains improvements across Donegal. The project is progressing at the Cashel reservoir in Gortahork, which will see 1.7 kilometres of ageing water pipes replaced with modern, high density plastic pipes. This will also include the repla
25/09/2019
The Miesian Plaza office development in London has secured a landmark certification for green building. Developer Remley was presented with the LEED Platinum v4 Certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most w
25/09/2019
A new Bill which aims to overturn mandatory planning policy requirements placed on local authorities has passed its first stage. Sinn Féin's Planning and Development (Excessive Ministerial Power Repeal) Bill 2019 reverses Housing Minister's Murphy’s mandatory guidelines for local authorities on ap
25/09/2019
SMEs across Ireland are set to benefit from a host of local tendering opportunities at a new Supplier Engagement event in the greater Dublin area. InterTradeIreland and The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) are collaborating on the upcoming event, which will be held at CityWest Hotel & Con
25/09/2019
Northern Ireland engineering firm McAuley Precision Limited has been issued a £30,000 fine after two people suffered serious injuries. Two people, one of which was an employee, sustained serious injuries after stainless steel tubes / pipes fell on them from an overloaded Cantilever racking system.
25/09/2019
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has hit out at the Irish government over its "lazy approach" to climate action. This comes after a recent increase in carbon taxes and follows a climate strike from students across Ireland last week. Calling for a "real and radical climate investment plan",
25/09/2019
Co Antrim bus manufacturer Wrightbus has entered administration today, Wednesday 25 September, it has emerged. A large number of employees face losing their jobs as the last UK-owned bus manufacturer begins the insolvency process. Around 1,400 staff are believed to be employed by the firm, which
25/09/2019
Four new secure bike storage facilities have opened in Belfast as part of an initiative to promote more active lifestyles. The new developments were completed as part of the Glider Cycle Shelter Programme. They are located along the Glider G1 route at Dundonald Park & Ride, Ulster Hospital (Moat Pa
25/09/2019
Resurfacing work is set to take place in the County Armagh village of Poyntzpass starting next week. This £135,000 scheme will see sections of Old Road and Aughan Park improved. It will include upgrades to footways in the area. Work will begin on Wednesday 02 October and run until Friday 15 Nove
25/09/2019
The government's Pyrite Remediation Scheme has come under heavy criticism for leaving many homes behind. So far the scheme has remediated over 1,000 homes, with Fianna Fáil now issuing a call for the government to expand the initiative. The party's representative Darragh O'Brien said: "I am plea
25/09/2019
Residents in the Skerries area of Fingal are set to find out more information about upcoming water supply works. An event will be held in Skerries Community Centre on Monday 30 September from 6-8pm, giving local people the opportunity to learn about the programme of works. Irish Water and contra
24/09/2019
National electricity company ESB has set out its vision for a low carbon electricity system of the future at a recent event in Dublin. The business joined forces with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) to host an international conference, 'Live Electric: Designing a Low Car
24/09/2019
A primary school in County Tyrone has become the new home of a £300,000 multi-sport training facility. The Department for Communities (DfC) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) worked to replace the previous grass surface at Augher Central Primary School with a new
24/09/2019
A special conference focusing on protecting and improving the environment via sustainability has begun in L'Derry today, 24 September. The event, hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council, is part of a European project entitled EMERGREEN aimed at helping remote communities become greener
24/09/2019
Sinn Féin has hit out at the government over its "highly dubious" decision to refuse to lift the €2 million social housing cap. An agreement was reached in Budget 2019 to increase the discretionary cap for Local Authority spending on social housing from €2m to €6m. Last week, it was confirmed the
24/09/2019
A cross-party meeting has took place with the Head of the Civil Service to discuss progress on a medical school for L'Derry. The plans will see a Postgraduate Medical School developed at Ulster University's Magee campus. Following the meeting, Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion issued a plea to the ci
24/09/2019
A route running into L'Derry city is set to close for resurfacing work next week. The Trench Road will be improved from near the Curryfree Road junction south westwards for a distance of approximately 800 metres. This £171,000 scheme will get underway on Monday 30 September and run until Monday
24/09/2019
Limerick City and County councillors have voted to increase the Local Property Tax by 7.5 percent for 2020. This increase will create an additional €1.15 million, which has been ring fenced for new plant machinery, and urban and rural renewal across the county. The funds will be spent on new plan
24/09/2019
Leitrim County Council has stepped up its efforts to secure support from the strategic investment program. During a Council meeting yesterday, 23 September, the local authority moved forward with plans to secure €276 million funding. The investment will see the focused and targeted delivery of p
24/09/2019
Residents in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council area are set to benefit from a new home energy improvements seminar. The local authority is hosting the event next month, Sunday 13 October, in the LexIcon Studio from noon to 2pm and 2pm-4pm. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland will giv
24/09/2019
Water mains improvement works are moving forward across County Kildare. Due to the ongoing work, Irish Water customers in Straffan Road, Maynooth, may experience a disruption to their water supply on Wednesday 25 September from 9pm-1am. The areas impacted are Maynooth Town; Leixlip Road to Tesco
23/09/2019
Twenty young women have been welcomed to an Enterprise Ireland event to address the skills gap and lack of awareness currently challenging the UK construction sector. Held at the Embassy of Ireland, 'She Built That' was created to break the stereotypes in today's construction industry and to showc
23/09/2019
St Columb's Park in L'Derry has been successfully upgraded with a new Walled Garden area. The development, located to the rear of St Columb's Park House, will serve as a shared space for the community. Contractor Willie Doherty Construction completed the restoration project under the PEACE IV Prog
23/09/2019
The Fine Gael government has come under fire after backtracking on plans to cut through social housing red tape. An agreement was reached in Budget 2019 to increase the discretionary cap for Local Authority spending on social housing from €2m to €6m. This would have allowed for councils to build u
23/09/2019
The Royal Institute of Architects Ireland is set to bring Danish architect Jan Gehl to Dublin for a public lecture. The event is scheduled for Friday 04 October at 4.30pm at the RIAI Conference. It also serves as the RIAI's contribution to #Architober. Ireland's architecture organisations have jo
23/09/2019
Taoiseach Varadkar has revealed the government's carbon tax proposal. This tax will then be ring-fenced for climate action. Sinn Féin has criticised the proposal, labelling it a levy on ordinary households stuck with no alternatives in transport and home heating. The party's spokesperson for cli
23/09/2019
The government has been called to clarify the lack of progress on a new primary school in Kanturk, County Cork. Despite claims the OPW had given approval to put the school project out to tender last month, the tender documents have yet to be issued. Local Fianna Fáil representative Michael Moyni
23/09/2019
A wetlands area has been found destroyed in Sean Walsh Park in Dublin. Local conservationists in Tallaght discovered the destruction on Friday, 20 September, while hundreds of students were out protesting for climate action. Over the last few days thousands of creatures have been killed, during w
23/09/2019
Water supply has been restored to homes and businesses following a lightning strike yesterday, 22 September. A pumping station in the area was reportedly struck by lightning, resulting in an electrical fault that caused the water outage. This affected Irish Water customers in Blanchardstown, Bal
23/09/2019
Irish Cement has been granted a licence to incinerate tyres and other toxic waste in the Mungret cement factory in County Limerick. The decision was made by the EPA. Local Green Party spokesperson Breandán Anraoi MacGabhann has expressed concern over the decision. "The cement factory in Mungre
23/09/2019
A water main has burst on the Curragha-Ratoath line in County Meath. The incident occurred yesterday, 22 September, affecting the following locations: Ratoath; Ashbourne Road; Fairyhouse Road; Kilbride Road; Dunshaughlin Road; Kilbride and surrounding areas. Irish Water deployed a repair team qui
20/09/2019
Thousands of people across Ireland are set to make their voices heard in a Global Climate Strike today, 20 September. Rallies and demonstrations will be held over 50 towns in 18 counties over the country as part of a landmark international initiative on the climate crisis. This global campaign of
20/09/2019
A host of new details and images have been released giving a better look at the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme (LLFRS) in Cork. The scheme, which represents the largest State investment in flood defence ever undertaken in Ireland, extends over approximately 15 Km from west of Ballincollig to the ea
20/09/2019
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has come under criticism following the publication of the latest social housing delivery figures for 2019. The new Quarter 2 Social Housing Delivery Output report shows the Department is 75% behind schedule as of June. The 2019 social housing targets consist of 10,00
20/09/2019
Ireland's major electricity company ESB has celebrated a great start to 2019 with an increasing profit so far this year. In the first six months of 2019 the firm has reported an operating profit of €294 million, profit after interest and tax of €132 million and capital investment of €396 million i
20/09/2019
A number of engineers were on hand to spark conversation around the future of transport at a recent event in Sligo. Members of the public, students, engineers and business leaders were welcomed to the Engineers Ireland event yesterday, 19 September, in Sligo IT's Aurivo Theatre. The 'Driving For
20/09/2019
Mayo County Council has unveiled a host of new features for its innovative Vacant Homes website. The site, which launched in 2017, works as a tool to identify and bring back long-term homes into use. The latest statistics indicate that 3,150 properties have been registered to date on vacanthomes.i
20/09/2019
Members of the public have been invited to shape plans for a coastal walking trail from Portally Cove to Ballymacaw Cove in County Waterford. The project aims to deliver a 4.8km recreational coastal walking trail within the townlands of Portally, Rathmoylan and Ballymacaw. This will include the dev
20/09/2019
Northern Ireland-based contractor GRAHAM has been recognised with three nominations at the 2019 Building Innovation Awards. The Awards aim to celebrate those who have embraced the cultural change, swapping traditional for digital and who continue to introduce innovative approaches into workflows.
20/09/2019
National housing charity Threshold has identified the increased roll out and provision of affordable cost rental as a key factor in its pre-budget recommendations. The organisation published its pre-budget proposals, calling for a number of measures to be implemented by government to improve the r
20/09/2019
A warning has been issued to customers living near the Osberstown Wastewater Treatment Plant in County Kildare. Work ongoing at the plant will result in a risk of intermittent odours, Irish Water has confirmed. The works at the plant will take place each Friday until 25 October. Irish Water ha
19/09/2019
A £60 million project which will see a section of Bangor's seafront redeveloped has taken another step forward. AECOM has joined the Bangor Waterfront scheme as consultant to develop the vision for the town's seafront. The project will include the development of a new public realm along the 2.2
19/09/2019
Work has begun to build a host of new homes for elderly people in Belfast. The £2.2 million project on Barnetts Road in the east of the city will see the development of 14 properties for independent, older tenants. Alpha Housing and Dunrich Properties are collaborating on the scheme, incorporati
19/09/2019
Northern Ireland's train line in L'Derry is set to close next month as work progresses on the new North-West Transport Hub. The project at L'Derry's Waterside Train Station will result in a scheduled line closure in the north-west from Tuesday 08 October until Sunday 20 October. Bus substitutions
19/09/2019
The average cost to rebuild homes across Ireland has increased by 6% over the last year. The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) released its Guide to House Rebuilding Costs at the Property Insight 2019 conference in Kildare. Rebuilding costs were up by 8% in Limerick, Cork and Galway,
19/09/2019
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has stepped up its efforts to promote Diversity and Inclusion in the industry. The firm's president Pat Lucey launched a Diversity and Inclusion pledge, with companies across the country committing to improving D&I in their organisations. At the launch e
19/09/2019
Health provision across Strabane has been boosted with the launch of a new community health building. The new modular build was officially opened on Tuesday, 17 September, in the County Tyrone town. It provides offices, a meeting room, counselling room, kitchen and toilet areas and large communal
19/09/2019
The Green Party has moved one step closer to setting up a Just Transition Commission with the launch of a Bill. The new Just Transition Bill will put in place a framework that aims to prepare those affected by the switch to a low emission future. It will also create a Commission, bringing togethe
19/09/2019
A scaffolding firm reportedly abandoned work at a site in north Belfast on Tuesday morning due to intimidating threats, it has been claimed. DUP MLA William Humphrey hit out after the incident in Ardoyne, during which a business owner received a phone call warning him that his scaffolding workers s
19/09/2019
A series of upgrades to improve the sewer network in Armagh City are set to recommence later this month. Part of a £1.4 million NI Water scheme, this project will see work delivered in the Killylea Road/Umgola Road of the city. The entire scheme includes the construction of a new Wastewater Pumping
19/09/2019
Irish Water is continuing work on the Tallanstown Public Water Supply (PWS) in County Louth. This project is being delivered to improve and safeguard the supply for the people served by the Tallanstown PWS. The utility has announced the Boil Water Notice will remain in place until further notice
18/09/2019
Residents of Northern Ireland have been urged to make their voice heard regarding the new Environment Strategy for the region. Consultation has been launched on the newly-shaped strategy, allowing locals to express views on what the environment should look like in the future, what the nation's envi
18/09/2019
Northern Ireland-based contractor McLaughlin & Harvey has secured a key contract to develop the Liverpool2 deep-water container terminal. Liverpool2 is a £400m investment that provides a state-of-the-art ocean gateway for international trade to and from the UK. The deep-water facility is capable o
18/09/2019
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) has partnered with the Public Health Agency to install a number of outdoor gyms across the region. Four new facilities have been opened in Lisburn and Carryduff Park, Killynure Park and Billy Neill MBE Country Park in Castlereagh. This brings the number of
18/09/2019
A company has been selected for the second phase of Limerick's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) challenge, which will deliver innovative ways to address Fire Safety in Historic Buildings. Building Intelligence company Safecility was named the winner of the challenge, meaning they will now
18/09/2019
County Mayo's largest water treatment plant, Lough Mask is set to become more environmentally friendly with the installation of new high efficiency technology. The upgrades at the plant will save energy and reduce carbon emissions by 71 tonnes. Commenting on the project Flint Walter, Irish Water
18/09/2019
A resurfacing scheme is set to take place along Broughshane Street in Ballymena starting next week. The £78,000 works will involve the reconstruction of the road and footways from the mini-roundabout at Suffolk Street to the roundabout at Parkway. Work will begin on Monday 23 September and run un
17/09/2019
The Ballina Innovation Quarter project in Mayo has taken a major step forward with new funding. Approximately €3.2 million was awarded to the scheme under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund 2018. This project will see the redevelopment of Ballina's military barracks, creating 210 jobs wit
17/09/2019
Locals in the Glendown Park area of Dublin are set to benefit from a new playspace. The Glendown facility was opened last week as part of the 2014-2019 Playspace Programme. This programme is responsible for delivering play facilities to children close to where they live across the county. As with
17/09/2019
Contractors are set to begin initial works on site to deliver a £3.4 million public realm scheme in Coalisland. The project will see the provision of new footways, parking and loading bays, stone kerbing, street furniture and tree planting, as well as improved lighting and drainage. It will also
17/09/2019
Ambitious growth plans for Belfast Harbour are set to create over 10,000 jobs, it has been revealed. The Port has committed to invest £254 million to deliver new marine and estate infrastructure and contribute towards making Belfast Harbour the best regional port in the world. Around 7,000 jobs wi
17/09/2019
Plans to build six new homes on a brownfield site in Kilkenny have been stalled as the council shifts its focus to a different project. The Executive requested Kilkenny County councillors not to approve the proposal for homes at Smithsland South to allow the taking in charge of the existing Parcna
17/09/2019
A seven-week programme of sewer works in Newtownards has been extended due to difficult ground conditions. The project will see the network on the Movilla Road upgraded to serve a new housing development. It will involve laying 254m of foul sewer and associated manholes. Work will take approximat
16/09/2019
A £20 million scheme which will see Newry city centre transformed through a host of new developments has been boosted with further funding. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has secured an additional £8 million from the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) to support the project. This funding wil
16/09/2019
Work is underway in Tymon Park, Dublin, to reconstruct one of the football pitches. Pitch Number 148 will be upgraded in the project with work phased over two stages. Phase one of the project began today, 16 September, and will be completed by November 2019. The second phase will commence in M
16/09/2019
A series of assessments and upgrades have been completed at water treatment plants across county Donegal. The works, which form part of Irish Water's National Disinfection Programme, have seen improvements delivered to 15 plants. They have ensured the plants will continue to comply with the require
16/09/2019
Northern Ireland-based construction firm GRAHAM has agreed a deal to deliver the first phase of development at Merseyway Shopping Centre in Stockport. Work is set to begin on the project early next year, which will include £3.5 million worth of work to Adlington Walk, the covered area next to the
16/09/2019
The Department of Rural and Community Development is calling on the expertise of the Economic and Social Policy Research Institute (ESRI) to help shape future policy. ESRI has signed a joint research agreement with the Department which will see research and analysis undertaken to help inform policy
16/09/2019
A road in south Belfast has closed for improvements today, 16 September. The Department for Infrastructure is moving forward with a £150,000 scheme to upgrade Old Coach Road. Work is expected to be complete on the road by late October. A full weekday road closure will be in place between 8am a
13/09/2019
The development of Clare's new Civil Defence Headquarters has taken a major step forward with a key appointment. A Jada Kelly RAC Joint Venture secured a €2.7 million contract to upgrade and refurbish a building in the Quin Road Industrial Estate in Ennis to make way for the development. When com
13/09/2019
The viability of under threat Belfast shipyard Harland and Wolff has been strengthened by a new contract to build Royal Navy frigates. A consortium which includes the company has won a £1.25bn contract to build the warships, it has emerged. Harland and Wolff entered administration last month under
13/09/2019
The proposed new community centre in Glenview, L'Derry, has been given a boost following progressive discussions during a council meeting. Derry City and Strabane District Council's Health and Community Committee met in the Guildhall this week, delivering updates on the scheduled development in Gle
13/09/2019
The Fine Gael government has been urged to value their funding commitment to build a major civic centre in Shannon. The Shannon Venue project has been in development for a number of years, with a voluntary group pulling out over funding issues last year. In 2017, the government committed €5m to
13/09/2019
Northern Ireland contractor Farrans has been recognised for its 'people' agenda with a gold Investors in People award. The firm was handed the prestigious accreditation in people management in recognition of its positive and progressive approach in recent years. The company, which operates throu
13/09/2019
A series of traffic restrictions are set to be introduced in Larne over the next few weeks to support road improvement works. The A8 Ballymena Road from Pound Street junction (Belfast bound lane) for 1.1km will be resurfaced in a £237,000 scheme. Work will begin on Friday 20 September and run un
12/09/2019
The Smart Sandyford Business District in Dublin has become the new home of a landmark smart bench. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has installed the world's first solar powered smart bench which includes cycling equipment in the Dublin suburb. This new product forms part of the County Develo
12/09/2019
Renewed rhetoric about building a bridge linking Northern Ireland to Scotland has been slammed as a "pathetic distraction" tactic by the SDLP. Reports surfaced just this week that the UK Government is considering the project, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson requesting information on the possible
12/09/2019
A new playground chosen and voted on by local people has opened in Palmerstown, Dublin. Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Vicky Casserly visited the site at Waterstown Park earlier this month to launch the playspace. Speaking at the event Mayor Cllr Casserly said: "The new playgro
12/09/2019
Fianna Fáil has come under serious pressure to unveil its priorities for the 2020 housing budget. Sinn Féin representative Eoin Ó Broin TD hit out at the party's spokesperson Darragh O'Brien over his failure to publish the proposals and detail their costs. Deputy Ó Broin said: "There are a lot of
12/09/2019
A conference is set to be held in Dublin next month regarding the future of engineering education. Hosted by national body Engineers Ireland, the event will address future engineering skills, academic standards and graduate mobility. A number of esteemed speakers will be in attendance to share ide
12/09/2019
A series of improvements are set to be delivered on the Redrock Road in Armagh, starting later this month. This £460,000 scheme will see a 2.4km section of the road resurfaced from its junction with the Newry Road to the junction with the Seagahan Road. Work will get underway on Monday 23 Septem
11/09/2019
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has cemented its position at the forefront of energy generation by joining the all-island advocacy network, Smart Grid Ireland. The network's mission is to facilitate the delivery of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy infrastructure, positioning Ireland
11/09/2019
The Chartered Institute of Housing has named the successor to Paddy Gray as national director for Northern Ireland. Justin Cartwright will take on the role after serving as CIH policy manager for the last five years in Belfast. The Australian-born is a CIH certified practitioner and holds a Bachel
11/09/2019
Three villages in Mid Ulster have boosted play provision for children through a series of upgrades. Glenone, Swatragh and the Loup each received an investment of £37,000 from the EU Rural Development 'LEADER' Programme for the works. A new playpark was delivered in Glenone, while a a new kick ab
11/09/2019
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has come under severe criticism after failing to respond to new reports on latent defect cases. A series of new cases, as reported by the Irish Times, were found in Blackrock, Dublin and in Oak Grove, Kildare. Sinn Féin representative Eoin Ó Broin TD has hit out at
11/09/2019
The Woodstock Road in east Belfast is set to close later this month for resurfacing work. A section of the road, between Halcombe Street and Tildarg Street, will be improved via a £350,000 investment. Work will begin on Monday 16 September and run until Friday 04 October. Overnight road closur
11/09/2019
The development of the Ebrington site in Londonderry is progressing ahead of schedule. Updates on phase two of the shared space were delivered in a meeting between Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion and Ebrington Holdings. It was also confirmed that major outdoor events will continue at Ebrington alo
10/09/2019
Belfast City Council has lifted the lid on plans to support smaller businesses in tendering for contracts. This tendering support programme will allow eligible small businesses and social enterprises to benefit from tailored workshops and hands-on support on live tenders from bid specialists. Th
10/09/2019
Businesses in Antrim town centre are set to benefit from upgraded shop frontages following a new investment. Funding of £100,000 has been announced to support businesses in the Fountain Street/Bridge Street area. Successful applicants will use the funds to make improvements including to their faça
10/09/2019
Donegal Airport has been recognised for its commitment to continuous environmental improvement with a prestigious accolade. The facility has been granted the €coMerit Environmental Certification after impressing with improvements to the use of water and energy and in waste management. Breandán Ó
10/09/2019
Fingal County Councillors have voted in favour of retaining a 10 per cent reduction in the Local Property Tax for 2020. The decision was made at a monthly meeting last night, 09 September, where elected members voted by 31 votes to seven to accept the motion. Each year councillors have the option
10/09/2019
Northern Ireland contractor GRAHAM has completed a new short-term accommodation centre in London. The firm delivered the project at no cost on behalf of London City Mission to provide housing and support to rough sleepers. The Corner House centre is located above London City Mission's Webber Stree
10/09/2019
Northern Ireland-based manufacturer and distributor, FP McCann is demonstrating its range of landscaping products at this year's Garden, Leisure, Equipment, Exhibition (Glee) in Birmingham. Taking place from 10-12 September at the NEC Birmingham, Glee is the UK's most valuable garden and outdoor l
10/09/2019
The R706 in Tipperary is set to close next month to allow repairs to take place at Kilsheelan Bridge. The route at Kilsheelan Bridge will be closed from its junction with the N24 to its junction with the R680. This will be in place from 7.30am on Monday 07 October until 6.30pm on Friday 08 Novemb
10/09/2019
A €1.5 million protection scheme installed in North Mayo 15 years ago has now been fully tested following heavy rainfall in the county late last month. Kinetic Fencing, a highly durable wire mesh made with steel upright poles and horizontal tensioning wires, was installed on Dooncarton mountain in
10/09/2019
Continuing water mains improvement works on the Skehard Road in Cork may result in disruption to local supply, Irish Water has warned. Those in the Mahon, Ballintemple, Blackrock, Beaumont and the Monahan Road/Centre Park Road/Marina areas could potentially be affected from 11.30pm on Wednesday 11
10/09/2019
A key road in the County Down village of Ballykinler is set to close for resurfacing work later this month. The Commons Road will be improved from its junction with Shore Road to immediately beyond the football ground. This scheme will also include upgrades to road drainage in the area. These £1
09/09/2019
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has stepped up its efforts to tackle climate change with the publication of its Climate Change Action Plan 2019-2024. The Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) identifies the main climate risks facing the Council and includes both the Councils' and the current lev
09/09/2019
A call has been issued for a new approach to the housing and homelessness crisis at the Labour Party's national Think-in Cork. The party's housing spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan delivered a speech at the event, in which she condemned the government for not building enough social and affordable homes
09/09/2019
NI Water has launched the first of two sewer projects which will transform underground infrastructure in Belfast. Two schemes will be delivered by contractors A G Wilson Civil Engineering & Conwell Contracts in the Abetta Parade/Beersbridge Road Areas to serve new social housing developments. Work
09/09/2019
Work has commenced on a new housing development at Bun Daire in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath. This project will see T.H. Contractors Ltd deliver 12 two-storey homes under Rebuilding Ireland. They will consist of 11 new three-bedroom family homes, together with a four-bedroom home for a family with speci
09/09/2019
An all-party climate change working group is set to be established by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council after a motion was passed. This group follows on from the success of a similar model from Belfast City Council, which looks to investigate what actions the council can take to help to mitigate
09/09/2019
The development of the N3 Virginia Bypass Scheme in County Cavan has taken a major step forward with a key appointment. Cavan County Council agreed a deal with JB Barry Transportation Ltd to serve as Technical Advisors on the scheme. This will involve providing all engineering, environmental, econo
09/09/2019
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has come under serious criticism after further delays to the tenant purchase scheme report were revealed. The 2016 Tenant Purchase scheme enables local authority housing tenants to buy their own homes at a discounted price subject to significant conditions. A report
09/09/2019
Work has begun to resurface a key road connecting to the seaside town of Ballycastle in County Antrim. The Department of Infrastructure launched the scheme today, 09 September, which will see the Magheramourne Road improved between Armoy and Ballycastle. These £230,000 works will run 2.5 kilomet
09/09/2019
Irish Water has announced plans to carry out essential cleaning works at Dunshaughlin Water Tower in County Meath. These works will be carried out from 8am on Wednesday 11 September until 7am on Thursday 12 September. During the project, the water supply to homes and businesses will be maintained
09/09/2019
Leading mixing technology expert Rapid International Ltd has celebrated 50 years of business. The Country Armagh firm was established in 1969 at a period in Northern Ireland's history when political and sectarian violence were commonplace. Founders Robert (Bertie) Pickering and Jim Lappin intended
06/09/2019
Energia has scooped a £34 million deal to acquire more renewable energy. NI Water awarded the contract to the firm which will also help address environmental concerns. Through the contract, 43% of NI Water's electricity will come from certified renewable sources, meeting both the company and NI As
06/09/2019
Plans to develop a specialised housing development in Strabane, Co L'Derry, have been given the go-ahead. Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee approved the proposals that will allow people with learning difficulties to live independently. A full planning permission applica
06/09/2019
Mid Ulster Council is urging eligible businesses to apply for funding to improve properties through the 'spruce up' scheme. The scheme will incorporate minor internal and external improvements to eligible properties, including external windows, doors, guttering and redecoration, internal walls, cei
06/09/2019
Farrans Construction is to start work to replace water mains in Falcarragh and Gortahork in Donegal to cut the high levels of leakage. Irish Water is working in partnership with Donegal County Council to ensure a more secure supply of drinking water for local residents and businesses who have been
06/09/2019
The Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh T.D. and the Minister for Finance and Public Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D. recently visited Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) for the topping-out ceremony of the Central Quad on the TU Dublin flagship campus at Grangegorman. From September
06/09/2019
Fine Gael is calling for a Junior Cycle short course for young teenagers on Climate Action to begin "sooner rather than later". Mayo Senator Michelle Mulherin made the call after confirming a new short course is to be developed for the junior cycle curriculum. The new course has been introduced to
06/09/2019
Fianna Fáil has said the development of the old N11 between Blackstoops and Scarawalsh is a 'game-changer' for Enniscorthy. TD for Wexford James Browne is calling for the development to serve as a new industrial zone for the area. He said: "Steps should be taken to ensure that a new industrial are
06/09/2019
The Minister of Communications, Climate Action & Environment has hosted his 7th Climate Action Plan in Limerick. The plan is expected to deliver warmer homes, better-connected communities, smart farming and a more sustainable economy. The recently published Climate Action Plan sets out over 180 ac
05/09/2019
Northern Ireland has met its target for 40% of electricity consumption from renewables sources by 2020 ahead of schedule. The statistical report 'Electricity Consumption and Renewable Generation in Northern Ireland: Year Ending June 2019', published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research A
05/09/2019
Upgrade works at Athea Wastewater Treatment Plant have been completed by Irish Water in partnership with Limerick City and County Council. The works will improve the performance of the plant, protect the local environment and support ongoing growth and development in the Athea area. The upgrade ha
05/09/2019
The Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, has visited Waterford City to see the progress made so far and the exciting future plans for the city and the South East under Project Ireland 2040. Project Ireland 2040 plans for the compact and sustainable expansion of
05/09/2019
The government has launched a new campaign to highlight practical steps Irish businesses must take to prepare for the UK's departure from the EU. Launched by Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Ministers Heather Humphreys and Helen McEntee the Getting Your Business Brexit Ready – Practical Steps campaign in
05/09/2019
The Bioeconomy Implementation Group's First Progress Report to Government has been published by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton. The Bioeconomy Implementation Group, which is jointly chaired by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Envi
05/09/2019
Remaining at the forefront of the industry, Newtownabbey based Sleator Plant are thrilled to officially announce their brand new SANY dealership. The Sleator Plant team are delighted to be adding the SANY range of tracked excavators to their existing portfolio. With a current line up featuring othe
04/09/2019
Dublin City Council has given the go-ahead to redevelop Lower Liffey Street into a plaza space. The council also supported plans to pedestrianise the street. Sinn Féin spokesperson for Dublin Denise Mitchell TD said it is a welcome boost to the north inner city. She said: "The case for this redev
04/09/2019
Irish Water has upgraded in fleet of vehicles in Co Tipperary. The provision of the new vehicles will help ensure water services staff continue to deliver an efficient and reliable service to its customers throughout the county. Duane O'Brien, Irish Water's Operations Lead for Tipperary, commented
04/09/2019
Louth County Council in partnership with Irish Water has carried out surveys to improve the sewer network in the area. The surveys, in Dundalk and Blackrock, involved using CCTV to survey over 6 kilometres of sewers, mapping and inspecting pumping stations, an estimated 285 manholes, and monitoring
04/09/2019
A new development of social homes at Cuan Barra, Kilmore, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh by the housing body Coiste Tithe Uibh Laoire Teo has officially opened. The development comprises of three houses providing long-term accommodation for older people. Cork County Council is the sanctioning authority f
04/09/2019
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has confirmed it plans to invest over £33million in upgrading and maintaining properties throughout L'Derry and Strabane. Through its Landlord and Regional Services last year, the NIHE invested £92.19m in the Derry City & Strabane District Council area,
04/09/2019
Work has been completed on a nature themed play park in Co Fermanagh. The park at Gortin Glen Forest Park is part of a £1 million investment project led by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to transform the forest park. The Council and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affair
04/09/2019
Antrim Castle Gardens has won 'Fields in Trust Best Park Northern Ireland' 2019 as part of UK's Best Park 2019. Fields in Trust is a UK-wide charity that legally protects parks and green spaces in perpetuity. Antrim Castle Gardens has now been shortlisted for the 'UK's Best Park' 2019. Other no
04/09/2019
At least €13 million is needed to carry out essential structural repairs to the Iveagh Markets in Dublin. Labour is urging Dublin City Council develop the site and bring it back into use as a fully functional market in line with the history of the area. However, Cllr Rebecca Moynihan, also said th
03/09/2019
A hotel in Newcastle, Co Down, has switched to natural gas to help reduce its carbon footprint. The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, which is owned by Hastings Hotels, made the move to Phoenix Natural Gas following a £1.1million investment which also included a new kitchen, a redesign of the Drawing R
03/09/2019
Almost 40 new social homes for people aged over 55 are expected to open in Ballyclare. The new £5.2 million scheme on The Square includes 39 new homes as well as a ground floor space for a social enterprise. The scheme is being funded by an investment of £3.2 million from the Northern Ireland Exec
03/09/2019
Improvement works are being carried out to improve the water supply in Co Laois. Houses and businesses may experience some disruption during the works which are taking place in Rathdowney today, 03 September, from 1pm to 5pm. The works are part of Irish Water's national Leakage Reduction Programme
03/09/2019
Bann Construction has completed refurbishment work on cottages in Carrickfergus. Owned by Radius Housing Barn Halt Cottages is a supported living scheme for over-55s. Radius Housing invested more than £60,000 to redecorate the communal areas of the scheme. The cottages have communal facilities fo
03/09/2019
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is inviting submissions in relation to a draft masterplan developed based on a comprehensive analysis of Shanganagh Park & Cemetery and extensive pre-consultation with many of its stakeholders. The deadline for submissions and observations is 15 September. Sh
03/09/2019
A new £5million Shared Neighbourhood in Banbridge, Co Down, has officially opened. Clanmil Housing Group conducted a welcome event for new residents and the wider community. The Hawthorne Gardens development which is one of 10 shared neighbourhoods being delivered under the Northern Ireland Execut
03/09/2019
Sinn Fein is calling on the government to increase its investment in public housing after figures from the Department of Housing revealed a rise in the number of children living in emergency accommodation. The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said: "The latest figures from the Departmen
03/09/2019
A total of 57 applicants are to receive the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Communities grant scheme. The scheme will support the communities to deliver energy upgrades to nearly 700 homes and 570 community and commercial buildings in their local area, eliminating 34,676 tonnes of CO
02/09/2019
Construction work is expected to start on a new Decathlon store in Dublin. The work is expected to begin on Wednesday, 04 September. Mannings has been appointed to develop the new store and it is part of plans to open other outlets in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Waterford. A spokesperson from the De
02/09/2019
Work is to start on a £110,000 resurfacing scheme in Bangor, Co Down. The resurfacing work on Lynnes Road will begin on Wednesday, 04 September, and is expected to be complete by 23 October this year. The work will extend a distance of approximately 300 metres from the junction of Rathmore Road to
02/09/2019
Irish consumers are being encouraged to support Guaranteed Irish construction businesses to safeguard jobs in their local communities. With 10 weeks to go to the Brexit deadline on 31 October, business membership organisation Guaranteed Irish is reminding business members across various sectors nat
02/09/2019
A public enquiry is to be carried out over the A5 upgrade, the road from the border at Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, to L'Derry to a dual carriageway. Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley said any delay in the start of the A5 road upgrade is disappointing. She said: "Any further delay in this project is deeply
02/09/2019
Funding to support the roll-out of up to up to 1,000 on-street public charge points for electric vehicles over the next five years has been welcomed by Fine Gael. The new scheme will support the widespread roll out of electric vehicles. Senator Tom Lombard said: "The Minister launched the Climate
02/09/2019
The SDLP has hit out following the announcement that the three largest electricity suppliers are to increase their prices by up to 8 per cent. The party's Economy Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan MLA said it will have a serious impact on consumers struggling with the cost of living. He said: "Wholesa
